IndiaPost_08-10-2012 by Ghanshyam Bisht

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Olympians unveil statue of Sri Chinmoy Details on page 6

Blackout earns India a dubious distinction Details on page 21

US starts $20 mn clean energy plan in India

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TEAM ANNA TO JOIN POLITICS

India Post News Service

VOL 18, No. 934

August 10, 2012

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Talking about the funds required for the purpose, Anna said that it was yet to be figured out. He said, "We will have to see where the funds will come from in case we plan to give a political alternative." Anna, however, clarified that he was not willing to contest an election. He said, "I will not enter politics. Choosing the right candidate is important. Candidates will be scanned. Need to have the spirit of service, must be patriotic, and non corrupt."

Sonu Sood Grand Marshal for Festival of India Details on page 36

Indian cuisine among top 10 across globe Details on page 6

NDTV sues Nielsen for viewership data Details on page 6

Details on page 5

Details on page 20

Sahara buys stake in New York hotel Details on page 6

See pages 26-38

New York apartment listed for $ 100 mn

CONTENTS Bollywood ---------------------- 22-23 Classifieds ------------------------- 50

Details on page 7

Community Post -------------- 10-19 Date Book -------------------------- 49

INDIA POST SURVEY

Edit Page --------------------------- 52

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HealthScience Post --------- 42-43

This week’s question

Horoscope ------------------------- 48

Will Team Anna find clean candidates?

Immigration Post ------------- 39-41 Life Style --------------------------- 24

Last week’s result

Philosophy ------------------------- 51

Pranab will be a more political President? YES 76%

NO 24

Publisher’s Diary ------------------ 4

SMILES OF BONDAGE: Women tie Rakhi to BSF jawans on Raksha Bandhan festival in Chopra, Uttar Dinajpur, West Bengal

TechBiz Post ------------------- 20-21 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 44-45

Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”

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Publisher’s Diary

ot too often, but as a member of the Fourth Estate, I am sometimes faced with the dilemma when dealing with a popular people's movement, questioning my role as the passive observer and reigning in my civic and social responsibility as a citizen. But then I take the easy way out and play the typical journalist by remaining a skeptic. Such is the dilemma that the Indian media in general seems to be facing with the national anti-corruption movement launched by social activist Anna Hazare and his team. Last year, what started as a small campaign backed by social media, grew into a movement similar to the pre-Independence freedom struggle - propped as it was by a tipsy mainstream media high on the scale of the story - almost fizzled, as the very same media started questioning the integrity of the movement's leaders. Fed by the powerful government propaganda machinery, the Indian media did not hesitate to meticulously tear down the movement by criticizing and questioning its very basis rather than critiquing it. The irony is that the cause - as righteous as it might be - is valid and justified and the media had a moral obligation to make it its own. Over the last few weeks, as Hazare's team regrouped and came back with renewed vigor and has steadfastly stuck to its agenda of ridding the government of corrupt ministers, the media is now trying to take a step back and analyze the merits and demerits with the intent to further the movement rather than to dismantle it. In contemporary times where people that can be judged in black or white are a rarity, and one sees only deeper shades of grey, the media's dilemmas are understandable in defining their roles as objective reporters in a people-vs-state conflict. As for Anna Hazare, who in his 80s is still going strong even after days of fasting in protest, I doubt if he needs the media to buttress his resolve. As a phenomenon, he makes sense, even in the ultra cynical and apathetic milieu that we live in.

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HIGHLIGHTS Bollywood: Fame before debut! She is not even one film old, but the halfIndian half-German Evelyn Sharma is getting a good grip on Bollywood.

Cover Story: Anna politics Anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare has finally said that he is ready to give a political alternative to the country.

Community: Hindu unity meet Dr. Subramanian Swamy says, "Hindutva (Hindu-ness) is an antidote to widespread corruption in India."

Immigration: Indian jailed An Indian student, who submitted bogus university documents in a bid to extend his stay in the UK, has been jailed.

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Life Style: Salman in wax Famed Bollywood actor Salman Khan has joined the collection of wax figures at Madame Tussauds in New York.

Techbiz: Clean energy The US has launched a USD 20 million clean energy deployment program (PACE-D) to help in India's transition.

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Travel: Athirappally Waterfalls Affording one of the most bewitching sights, Athirappally Falls joins the Chalakkudy River after plummeting 80 feet.

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Team Anna to join politics India Post News Service

NEW DELHI: Anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare has finally said that he is ready to give a political alternative to the country. Making the announcement at Jantar Mantar, Anna has asked public for ideas on a political roadmap. Making the announcement, Anna said, "Political alternative will be found, we will travel across the country for the next two years." Talking about the funds required for the purpose, Anna said that it was yet to be figured out. He said, "We will have to see where the funds will come from in case we plan to give a political alternative." Anna, however, clarified that he was not willing to contest an election. He said, "I will not enter politics. Choosing the right candidate is important. Candidates will be scanned. Need to have the spirit of service, must be patriotic,

be part of the same system they abuse always. "If they call off their fast, it's a good thing. Don't hold government to ransom. They have made their point and accusing the government of not bringing Lokpal is not true. It's passed in Lok Sabha and its now with Select Committee," she said. Union HRD Minister Kapil Sibal also welcomed the decision of Team Anna saying they are entitled to be a part of the democratic process. Sibal said, "I am happy that Team Anna is giving up their fast. They are entitled to be part of democratic process, good luck to them. Fast is a doubtful strategy when it comes to parliamentary processes." However, Team Anna defended the decision with key member and Supreme Court lawyer Prashant Bhushan saying that the only option left with them is to bring revolution. "When the government is

Does Team Anna have candidates who can win elections? Will the 'clean' and 'honest' people supporting Team Anna would be willing to contest elections? Say, for example, Gen (Retd) VK Singh, JM Lyngdoh etc. and non corrupt." Following the announcement by the veteran social activist, Kejriwal addressed the gathering at Jantar Mantar saying the country needs people's alternative to the government. "Our movement is for the change of system and not change of government. Our movement is for decentralization of power, power in the hands of the common man, power to people," said Kejriwal. Hitting out at the government for not accepting the demands of Team Anna, Kejriwal said the government was not willing to pass the Lokpal Bill. He said, "This government is deaf and mute. They do not want to pass the Lokpal Bill. All parties are corrupt." Reacting to the big announcement, the Congress hit out at Team Anna saying it always knew that they had political ambitions behind their movement. Congress leader Ambika Soni said that it's good that Team Anna's political intentions are out in open." We were saying this from first day that Team Anna is inspired by politics. It's good that their intentions are out in the open. It's best they come out and

showing arrogance of power, the only option left is to bring revolution," he said. Bhushan further said, "Existing political parties are corrupt beyond repair, so we need an alternative politics." Leaders from other political parties such as Sitaram Yechury of the Left Front also welcomed the decision of Team Anna to enter politics. The decision by Team Anna came after around 22 eminent citizens, including former army chief V K Singh, appealed them to end their fast. The latest round of indefinite fast at Jantar Mantar in the heart of national capital had made some points amply clear. First, the government is in no mood to talk to them any further. Second, the hunger strike was not going to bring in a Lokpal or for that matter an SIT against corrupt ministers despite some of the fasting members being close to being hospitalized without the fast yielding any result. Could Team Anna have gone ahead with the fast for some more days? No! And that is why, 23 eminent personalities including

Social activist Anna Hazare speaks during the Team Annaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s agitation against corruption at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi

former Army chief Gen (Retd) VK Singh and ex-CEC JM Lyngdoh wrote a letter to Team Anna, appealing to them to call off their fast and provide a political alternative. Clearly, the letter was a carefully calibrated exit route for Team Anna, which was meant to save them from the ignominy of losing the high-stake battle without any gains. Unlike previous agitations, no government representative contacted them for public or back channel talks during the last nine days. It is the same government which, in the words of Team Anna, has ditched them on its promise

of bringing a strong Lokpal and tackling corruption. In fact, even the Opposition is not supporting them explicitly now following the team's tirade against the political class in general. For them, the hope of giving shape to Lokpal with the help of the current political establishment had become nil. The only two options left for the anti-corruption group were - end the movement and fade away or shift gears and join politics. Embracing politics is what Team Anna seems to have chosen, for now. And this appears to be the most logical next step forward.

Probably, Team Anna was using the latest protest as a stepping stone towards politics, after initially rejecting the move categorically. In a democracy like India, if the government is not willing to listen to people, then the best way forward is to make oneself heard is through elections - either by voting for alternative candidates or contesting elections. Team Anna is believed to have the mass support to form a national political party and fight elections, but do they have the resources needed to run a political campaign? But the bigger question is: Will the support turn into votes in elections? Anna Hazare himself has said that voters in India get easily swayed by money and liquor. Does Team Anna have candidates who can win elections? Will the 'clean' and 'honest' people supporting Team Anna would be willing to contest elections? Say, for example, Gen (Retd) VK Singh, JM Lyngdoh etc. Lyngdoh has already said that he has no intention of jumping into politics. After having failed to make the government bring in long-pending Lokpal through non-violent protests, Team Anna is planning to provide an alternative to voters most of whom appear to be angry with the current lot but are helpless in bringing about change. A new political group with possibly clean candidates can provide to voters an alternative that aims to root out corruption and bring about change.

Supporters of Anna Hazare taking out a rally against corruption in Bhopal on August 1

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Olympians, peace leaders unveil statue of Sri Chinmoy India Post News Service

LONDON: Nine-time Olympic gold medallist Carl Lewis and other Olympians came together to unveil the "World Peace Dreamer" statue, a bronze sculpture depicting India-born Sri Chinmoy, who

the highest ideals of the Olympic Games - peace and friendship between all nations.Sri Chinmoy was my mentor for more than thirty years, and the most peaceful person I have ever known." Lewis said. Lewis announced that the

Carl Lewis unveiling the statue of Sri Chinmoy

dedicated his life to spreading India's spiritual message of peace and universal brotherhood around the world. The statue features Sri Chinmoy holding an Olympic-style peace torch, beckoning the world to join him in offering their prayers for peace. "This statue will remind us of

statue will be offered as a gift to the city of London. Joining Lewis on stage were fellow Olympians Tegla Loroupe, former marathon world record holder and Bob Beamon, CEO of Art of the Olympians. "This statue embodies the same spirit of oneness, brother-

hood and friendship which has infused the origins and traditions of the Olympics, both ancient and modern, and which to this day gives the Games their unique appeal," Loroupe said. The event was organized by the World Harmony Run, a 140nation torch relay founded by Sri Chinmoy in 1987 to foster peace, harmony and friendship among the peoples of the world. Among the illustrious visionaries who spoke about the inspiration from Sri Chinmoy and their dreams for a more peaceful world were the daughter of Martin Luther King, Jr. and CEO of The King Center, Dr. Bernice A. King; the daughter of Archbishop Desmond Tutu and founder/executive director of the Tutu Institute for Prayer and Pilgrimage, Reverend Mpho Tutu; the daughter of Muhammad Ali and respected philanthropist, Khaliah Ali; and former President of the General Conference of UNESCO, Dr. Davidson Hepburn. For the spirit of connecting art and the Olympics, the "World Harmony Art Exhibition," featuring paintings by Sri Chinmoy, opened at the University College London.

Sahara buys stake in New York's Plaza Hotel NEW YORK: Sahara Group has agreed to buy a controlling stake in the city's iconic Plaza Hotel for USD 570 million from the Israeli-owned real estate company Elad Properties. Israeli businessman Yitzhak Tshuva, who controls the Elad Group, has sold his 60 per cent stake in the Plaza Hotel, a report in the Israeli daily newspaper Haaretz said. The Elad Group, which is Tshuva's private real estate arm in North America, signed the deal to sell its share in the hotel and commercial center to Subroto Roy-led Sahara Group for USD 570 million, it added. Tshuva had bought the 105year-old Plaza in 2004 from a group of investors headed by Saudi prince Alwaleed bin Talal for USD 675 million, the newspaper said. He invested a total of a billion dollars in the renovation of the Plaza, which has 182 luxury apartments, a hotel, condominiums and commercial space.

Elad would see a free cash flow of USD 220 million from the deal, which will help it pay off the more than USD 500 million it owes to bondholders in Israel as well as allowing it to make new investments.

The hotel, which overlooks New York's Central Park, is jointly owned by Elad Properties and Saudi-based Kingdom Holdings. Elad would receive 1.6 billion shekels for its 60 per cent stake, while Kingdom will receive the rest.

Kingdom, the investment vehicle owned by Talal, will hold a 25 per cent stake in the hotel once the deal is complete. Udi Erez, the chief executive of the Elad Group and the chairman of Elad Canada, had said in an interview to the New York Times early last month that the group was close to sealing a deal with Sahara for the Plaza Hotel. He had said the deal will be valued at about USD 575 million dollars. Erez had said it was his recommendation to sell Elad's stake in the Plaza since the return on investment for the hotel and the condo hotel was low. "It's fine to sit on a property like that. And I'm sure it's going only one way - up - because of the hotel, the location, the name and the history. But still for me we're going to have more than USD 200 million net cash flow from this deal. We can use that money in this economy," he had said in the interview. -PTI

Indian cuisine among top 10 across globe: Study MUMBAI: Indian cuisine is among the top 10 most preferred food by global travelers while on holidays, according to a new worldwide food survey by Hotels.com. About five per cent of international travelers preferred Indian cuisine when on holiday, the survey that covered over 27,000 travelers said. The survey shows there is a

Tapas' could have contributed to Spain clinching fifth place (11 per cent) on the list, while those who love burger and fries have helped the US to secure sixth place (10 per cent) in the table. Meanwhile, Indian travelers feel the world's best local food is found in India (38 per cent) followed by the US (31 per cent) and China (17 per cent). Within India, travelers voted for the capital city of New Delhi (33 per cent) as having the best

tough competition for more traditional favorites such as Italian and French cuisine. International travelers favor mostly Italian (32 per cent) and French (24 per cent) cuisine while traveling or on holidays, whereas the dishes from the 'Land of the Rising Sun' Japan are gaining popularity among more cosmopolitan palates with 18 per cent, it said. Several other Asian countries and regions appear in the top 10 list, including mainland China (13 per cent), Thailand (8 per cent) and Taiwan (5 per cent). The popularity of 'Paella and

local food, followed by Mumbai (20 per cent) at second place and Kolkata at a close 18 per cent, it added. Since Indians are known to be family oriented, they voted London, New York and Paris as the best cities in the world for family dining, it said. Hotels.com is a leading online accommodation booking website with over 150,000 properties around the world, ranging from international chains and all-inclusive resorts to local favorites and bed & breakfasts, together with all information needed to book the perfect stay. -PTI

NDTV sues Nielsen for viewership data manipulation NEW YORK: NDTV has sued the global TV rating agency Nielsen for billions of dollars for allegedly manipulating viewership data, a media report said here. In a 194-page lawsuit filed in a New York court, NDTV accused Nielsen of violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act by manipulating viewership data in favor of channels that are willing to provide bribes to its officials. NDTV says rampant manipulation of viewership data has been going on for eight years, and when presented with evidence earlier this year, top executives at Nielsen pledged to make changes. But NDTV says these promises have been false ones, The Hollywood reporter said. NDTV is now demanding significant damages: at least USD 810

million for fraud, at least USD 580 million for negligence and hundreds of millions more for a range of causes of action including tortuous interference and breach of fiduciary duty. Reacting to the case, a Nielsen spokesperson said the company "has a longstanding policy of not commenting on pending legal matters." NDTV is also looking to punish Nielsen's top corporate officers and demanding that the company essentially be kicked out of the country. "The lawsuit contains merely allegations against the venerable ratings research company that operates in more than 100 countries, earns more than USD 5 billion a year and has been around since 1923. But if proved, they could be very serious," the report said. -PTI

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Ekal student ran with London New York apartment listed for USD 100 million Olympic Torch PROF MANJUSHREE

eventeen year old Pinki Torch in Nottingham Square. Both Karmakar is a student of class her parents were extremely happy Xth standard in Barbarauah Tea when I visited her house and met State High School of Dibrugarh dis- with the family on July 3. I spoke trict, Assam. Pinki started her journey from Ekal Vidyalaya in Barburuah Tea village of Dibrugarh. "It was the only running school in my village then," she said. Pinki's father Rajan Karmakar is a painter in a factory and mother Leela Rajvar plucks tea leaves. Among five sisters and one brother, Pinki is the Pinki Karmakar with Prof Manjushree brightest. She is good in sports and studies, her father proudly said. to Pinki and her parents at her vilPinki practices sports under the lage house. In conversation with project "Sports for Development" me she expressed her ambitions of UNICEF. She was selected on and future plans. her merit to run with Olympic I was amazed to hear her de-

sires to serve the nation and the community through her sports skill and education. In spite of her family constraints, she teaches village women to read and write in the evening and sports to children. She wants to work with Ekal Vidyalaya Abhiyan, she said. Shri Radheshyam of Dibrugarh region also accompanied me. He assured Pinki he will help her to pursue her education without any hesitation. The organization will help her. Pinki felt extremely happy. Pinki is proud of her country. The whole village is proud of her. Pinki Karmakar was also honored with Phulam Gamcha (the traditional Assamese symbol of honor) in the public function of inauguration of Ekal Mahila Varg in Dibrugarh on July 1. Pinki told the media, "I am elated. It is due to the Ekal Viidyalaya I have reached here."

Lawmakers cite India power crisis in cyber law WASHINGTON: The US needs to learn lessons from the massive blackouts in India, top US lawmakers have said, pushing for the passage of a law on cyber security even though the Indian power crisis is not the result of any cyberattack. "All one needs to do is look at what is going on in India today. There are no cyber problems there that I am aware of, but one-half of the country of India is without electricity," Senator Harry Reid, the Senate Majority Leader, said. "Transportation has been shut down, financial networks in India, which are significant, are down, and it is a chaotic place. There are 600 million people in India who are without electricity," Reid said. "As we have been told time and time again, the most important issue we have facing this country today for security is cyber," Reid said on the Senate floor urging his Senate colleagues to pass the White House-backed cyber security bill. "We have been told that by the Joint Chiefs of Staff and by the head of the CIA. We have been told that by Democrats and Republicans. It is an issue that is important, and we have been told

it is something we can prevent," he said. "If we don't do this bill, it is not a question of if there will be a cyber-attack that will be devastating to our country, it is only a question of when. It can be stopped," he added. India this week experienced one

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Just imagine for a moment if that was not the result of a weather event but of a cyber-attack. Cyber systems are controlling the electric power grid, and I believe they are vulnerableâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; of its worst power failures with major electricity grids collapsing twice. Senator Joe Lieberman too referred to the Indian power crisis during his debate on the cyber security bill. "....I think it may help to look at

something very difficult to look at, which is what is happening in India today where the power system has collapsed for hundreds of millions of people," he said. "That is a breakdown, as far as we know, and I believe that is what is the fact, that is a breakdown in parts of the electric grid," Lieberman said. "Just imagine for a moment if that was not the result of a weather event but of a cyber-attack. Cyber systems are controlling the electric power grid, and I believe they are vulnerable. I think the same of a lot of the other cyber systems that control critical infrastructure in our financial system," Lieberman added. "What would happen to our country if those systems were knocked out or what would happen if Wall Street and the stock exchanges were knocked out?" the Senator said. "Think about the real nightmare situation, which is that a dam controlled by a cyber system is penetrated by an enemy who opens the dam and unleashes water, and torrents of water knock out communities in the path of that water and kill a lot of people," Lieberman said. -PTI

NEW YORK: Manhattan's long been one of the world's most expensive bits of real estate, but the USD 100 million tag on a penthouse apartment has even jaded New Yorkers' jaws dropping. The apartment, entered on the 72nd floor of the City Spire skyscraper on West 56th Street, is described by brokers Prudential Douglas Elliman as "the crown jewel" in the condominium.

It has 360 degree views and is the highest terraced apartment in the city, with an interior decorated in a mixture of Roman and Versailles palace themes. The master suite is on the 75th floor. The sale, being brokered by Raphael De Niro, son of the actor Robert De Niro, would set a new record, which is currently reported at 88 million for another penthouse with views over Central Park. -AFP

India joins US, 15 other countries against EU's ETS WASHINGTON: India has "So I think you can get a pretty joined the US and 15 other major good flavor of where India stands, countries in opposing European looking at other things that Union's Emissions Trading they've said, but I'm not going to Scheme (ETS) which requires car- discuss what they said in this riers flying to or from Europe to meeting," the official said, noting offset their carbon emissions. that probably every country outThe two-day meeting was side of Europe has opposed the hosted by the United States to emission trading system on both chalk out a common strategy legal and policy grounds. against the EU's emission trading "But at the same time as we scheme. have opposed the application of "They (India) have been clear the ETS in that manner, we have both in that meeting and any num- been strongly supportive and ber of times thereafter that they are strongly opposed to the applica- The meeting was convened tion of the ETS and have in Washington with a group had quite strong and vigorous words con- of major aviation countries cerning the application for supporting the process of the ETS to foreign carriers," a senior ad- of making progress on ministration official said reducing emissions on condition of anonymity. Since the meeting was held many countries strongly supportunder what is called "Chatham ive of the objective of reducing House Rules" - which is to say emissions from aviation," the ofpeople are encouraged to speak ficial noted. freely and candidly because what The meeting was convened in they say isn't going to be reported Washington with a group of major afterwards. The senior administra- aviation countries for supporting tion official was not at the liberty the process of making progress on to divulge India's point of view reducing emissions in the Internaduring the meeting. tional Civil Aviation Organization India, in fact, has hosted meet- (ICAO), which is the multilateral ings against EU's ETS in New Delhi body charged with handling interin the past. national aviation. -PTI

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US India relationship is global in scope: Pentagon WASHINGTON: India is key part of efforts of Obama Administration to rebalance its Asia-Pacific posture to the broader security and prosperity of the 21st century, a top Pentagon official said, adding India-US relationship is global in scope. "India is also key part of our rebalance to the Asia-Pacific, and, we believe, to the broader security and prosperity of the 21st century. "The US-India relationship is global in scope, like the reach and influence of both countries," the Deputy Secretary of Defense, Ashton Carter, said in his address to the Asia Society in New York. "Our security interests converge: on maritime security, across the Indian Ocean region; in Afghanistan, where India has done so much for economic development and the Afghan security forces; and on broader re-

gional issues, where we share long-term interests," said Carter who returned last week from his 10-day Asia Pacific trip including India. "I went to India at the request

‘Our security interests converge: on maritime security, across the Indian Ocean region; in Afghanistan, where India has done so much for economic development’ of Secretary Panetta with a highlevel delegation of US technical and policy experts. Our purpose was to work with the Indians on

'Obama's mother descendant of first black slave' WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama's white mother has descended from America's first black slave, a new study has claimed. A study of the DNA analysis, marriage and property records suggested that Obama is the 11th great-grandchild of John Punch, the first black slave living in colonial Virginia nearly four centuries ago. While it was known that Obama's mother, Stanley Ann Dunham, had European ances-

he worked as a servant. The sentence, which came years before Virginia set laws condoning slavery, has led historians to regard him as America's first legally sanctioned slave. Without the specific date, historians deem Punch to be one of the first certain slaves. Records show Punch fathered children with a white woman, who passed on her free status to them and gave them a slightly different name Bunch. This name is in Dunham's family tree. As the Bunches married, they became The team traced two Bunch prominent landowners family branches - one that in Virginia and were known as white, acstayed in Virginia and one to the website that moved to the Carolinas. cording report. In Virginia, they were The team traced two Bunch family branches known as white, in North - one that stayed in VirCarolina they were ginia and one that moved to the Carolirecorded as 'mulatto nas. In Virginia, they were known as white, tors, researchers have now dis- in North Carolina they were recovered that she also had at least corded as 'mulatto'. this one African American foreDescendants of this mulatto bear, Ancestry.com reported. family - another term for mixed The study sheds further light race - are the president's cousins, on the American biography of records show. Obama, who last year released his "In reviewing Ancestry.com's birth certificate to prove he was conclusions, I weighed not only born in the country and not the actual findings but also Kenya, from where his black fa- Virginia's laws and social attitudes ther hails. when John Punch was living," John Punch was captured and said Elizabeth Shown Mills, a condemned to a life of slavery in former president of the American 1640 for escaping a home where Society of Genealogists.-PTI

developing a joint vision for USIndia defense cooperation," he said. "Through a series of meetings with Indian government and industry leaders, we agreed to create a continuing working mechanism, with the strategic engagement of National Security Advisor (Shiv Shankar) Menon and myself, to implement our vision," Carter said. "We believe that the only limit to our cooperation should be our independent strategic decisions as any two states can differ - not bureaucratic obstacles or inefficient procedures. "So we are deepening relationships between our defense organizations, from research to defense sales," the top Pentagon official said. "We are moving beyond purely defense trade, and towards technology sharing and co-produc-

tion. We are harnessing the potential of our private industries. On the US side, we will be ready to adapt our sometimes inscrutable practices to make a match with India. We see tremen-

‘We believe that the only limit to our cooperation should be our independent strategic decisions as any two states can differ - not bureaucratic obstacles or inefficient procedures dous opportunities for the future," Carter stressed. Reiterating that the United States has been a Pacific power

for hundreds of years, the top Pentagon official said the goal of the Obama Administration remains the same. "It is to ensure the security and stability of the Asia-Pacific region so that every state in the region may prosper. We in the Pentagon are investing to sustain peace, and are working with our partners every step of the way," he said. Explaining the new posture of the US in the Asia Pacific region, Carter said the logic of the rebalance is simple. "The Asia-Pacific region has enjoyed an environment of general peace and security for more than 60 years, allowing Japan to rise and prosper, then Korea to rise and prosper, next Southeast Asia to rise and prosper, and now China, and in a very different way India, to rise and prosper," he said. -PTI

‘Respond strongly to India's move in SCS’

Abhijeet Gupta wins Kavala International chess

BEIJING: China should give a "strong response" to India and Vietnam if they continue their joint oil and gas exploration in the South China Sea, the state media said as it alleged that New Delhi was trying to pin down the country by complicating maritime disputes in the region. Reacting sharply to ONGC's reported decision to accept Vietnam's proposal to continue with oil and gas exploration in blocks claimed by Hanoi in South China Sea, reversing earlier move to pull out, official media said the move marks a complete about-turn in India's policy on the issue. An article in the state-run Global Times titled 'India's sea oil push politically motivated' said the change of mind to return Block 128 after an earlier decision that exploration wasn't commercially feasible possibly related to China's decision to offer nine blocks including the same block in the South China Sea for joint exploration with foreign companies. "The strategic intention of India's renewed involvement in the South China Sea issue is obvious. New Delhi wants to further complicate the issue and seeks to pin down China in the area so it could gain dominance in affairs across the region," it said. "Under such circumstances, China must first insist on exerting political pressure over both India and Vietnam, warning them that their joint exploration activities in the South China Sea are illegal and violate China's sovereignty.-PTI

KAVALA, Greece: Grandmaster After showing some fantastic and national champion Abhijeet results earlier on, Grandmaster Gupta won the sixth Kavala Inter- Surya Shekhar Ganguly finished national chess tournament after the tournament on six points drawplaying out a quick draw with ing the last round game with Croat Shota Adaladze of Georgia in the Alojzije Jankovic. ninth and final round here. Among other Indians in the Gupta ended with a splendid fray, Akshayraj Kore was humbled 7.5 points out of a possible nine and will also cross the 2650 ratings barrier for the second time. Ahead of the chess Olympiad, this bodes well for the Indian team. The last round was devoid of any excitement for Gupta as his opponent was not keen on a battle. Gupta had gone into the last round a full point ahead and ended the tournament also the same way as top few boards did not More good news followed provide decisive results. for Indians as Grandmaster S More good news followed for Indians as Grand- P Sethuraman and Ashwin master S P Sethuraman and Jayaram joined the party. Ashwin Jayaram joined the party. Sethuraman defeated Sethuraman defeated GeorGeorgian Davit gian Davit Maghalashvili in Maghalashvili in his last round game while Ashwin his last round game while played out a draw with Ashwin played out a Alessio Valsecchi of Italy to match Sethuraman on draw with Alessio Valsecchi points. of Italy to match It was in fact, a six-way tie for the second spot Sethuraman on points that Sethuraman and Jayaram shared. As the tie was by Dimitros Mastrovasilis of resolved, Sethuraman finished Greece while S Nitin could not third while Jayaram ended sixth in match the skills of top seed the final standings. Tigran Petrosian of Armenia. -PTI

Desi News Documentary on plight of Hindu refugees from Pak India Post News Service

LPS convention & trade show a big success India Post News Service

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Rally to support Anna Hazare fast in India Details on page 19

August 10, 2012

Subramanian Swamy calls for 'Globalization of Hindu Unity' India Post News Service

NEW YORK: "Hindutva (Hindu-ness) is an antidote to widespread corruption in India." "Sanskrit is the most perfect language for computers." "Hindus must get united and take all necessary action to safeguard their future." "Hindus must become a formidable force on the global level for Vedic Dharma." "India is a secular country because Hindus are in the majority." "The DNA tests conducted in many universities in USA have conclusively established that all Indians from the North to the South have the same dominant DNA composition." "Send one million retired soldiers to Kashmir, settle them there and solve the Kashmir problem for ever." The above assertive statements were made by Dr. Subramanian Swamy who was the Keynote Speaker at the Eighteenth Annual Hindu Sangathan Divas (Hindu Unity Day) celebration in New York. The topic of his speech was "Globalization of Hindu Unity". The high profile annual event organized jointly by the Hindu Temple Society of North America and Indian American Intellectuals Forum was supported by many rich Hindus, highly placed professionals, several Hindu associations and temple managements in the area. The general mood of public and

the atmosphere in the auditorium was electrifying. The manner in which Hindus from India, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Trinidad, Guyana and different states of In-

the myth and debunked the obnoxious theories propounded by the prophets of doom that Hindus cannot be united. The Hindu Unity Day celebration by now has become a tradi-

Dr Swamy warned that Hindus should guard against the mischievous Aryan and Dravidian theory propagated by our enemies for the sole purpose of creating a rift within the Hindu society dia expressed their solidarity was highly stimulating. The energetic spirit of attendees who freely mingled with each other irrespective of the distinctions of caste, color and social status shattered

tion for Hindus of the tri-state area who eagerly await its arrival each summer. This extremely successful and ever popular event has boosted the morale of Hindus in America and created a sense of

confidence in them that they are second to none. That they are a power to reckon with. Addressing the large congregation of Hindus, some of whom traveled by cars over 100 miles and flew from Chicago and Canada to listen to the great statesman, Dr Swamy warned that Hindus should guard against the mischievous Aryan and Dravidian theory propagated by our enemies for the sole purpose of creating a rift within the Hindu society. "The DNA tests conducted in many universities in USA have conclusively established that all Indians from the North to the South have the same dominant DNA composition," asserted Dr Swamy. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 19

Oscar Fernandes outlines initiatives of UPA Govt India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Indian Diaspora's contributions are vital to improve the ties between India and the U.S and to take it to greater heights, said Oscar Fernandes, MP and General Secretary of All India Congress Committee. The senior Congress Party leader and a former Union Minister was addressing the IndianAmerican community after inaugurating the reorganized executive committee of the Indian National Overseas Congress (I) headed by

George Abraham at Hotel World Fair Marina in Queens July 25. Fernandes said the UPA-II Government headed by Dr. Manmohan Singh has brought in revolutionary measures to ensure India marched forward. The enactment of right to education as a law that makes school education compulsory for every kid is sure to remove illiteracy and poverty from the face of the nation, besides abolishing child labor. Also, the new legislation to provide 100 days of assured job to economically weaker sections

INOC (I) President George Abraham and Committee Member Mohinder Singh Gilzian present a plaque to visiting Congress leader Oscar Fernandes, center and his wife Blossom flanked by executive committee members.

of the society has been hailed a very progressive policy that is

bound to bring in prosperity and peace in the family. Over 50 mil-

lion people have so far registered and are benefiting from the program, he said. The Right to Information Act (RTA) boldly introduced by the Congress-led federal government has helped expose corruption and the wrongdoers were punished, however high and might they may have been. Under the food security program, the poor could buy the same quality rice sold in the market for Rs 30 a kilogram at a very nominal price of Rs 3 a kilogram. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 11

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Islamophobic insinuations by Members of Congress condemned India Post News Service

WASHINGTON, DC: Recently, several conservative Members of Congress have made unfounded insinuations that Secretary Clinton's Deputy Chief of Staff Huma Abedin and Congressman Keith Ellison (MN-5) are connected to the Muslim Brotherhood. Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) released the following statements denouncing these dishonest attempts to smear the reputations of distinguished public servants: Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-32), CAPAC Chair: "I am disappointed and disturbed by the unjustified attacks on Huma Abedin and Congressman Ellison simply because they are Muslim Americans. The fact that these insinuations were leveled by Members of Congress makes them that much more appalling and denigrates the office that we hold. National security is a priority for our country, but we must not resort to baseless racial or religious profiling. We should always remember the lessons of our past, when misguided hysteria and scapegoating led to the forced internment of over 120,000 Japanese Americans during World War II. I am glad to see that Members of both parties have come together to speak out against these unfounded claims and defend the reputations of dedicated American public servants." Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03), CAPAC Civil Rights Taskforce Chair: "The type of unfounded allegations directed at the deputy chief of staff for Secretary of State Clinton and other officials in our government have no place in our political discourse. These are honorable Americans devoted to service to their nation and the American people." Congressman Mike Honda (CA-15), CAPAC Chair Emeritus: "Representative Michele Bachmann's allegations that Ms. Huma Abedin, Representative Keith Ellison, and other upstanding patriotic Americans in government have ties to the Muslim Brotherhood are a baseless, irresponsible,

and dangerous McCarthyesque witch hunt. These allegations generalize and target an entire community through the creation of an "enemy within," and serve as a slippery slope that weakens our national security and promotes a culture of hatred. I was less than one year old, when this country's core mission-to live as one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all-derailed as it fell to 'war hysteria, racial prejudice, and a failure of political leadership,' and incarcerated 120,000 Japanese Americans, myself included. Today, millions of law-abiding and patriotic Muslim Americans have unjustly been marginalized, isolated, and violated by policies and actions that assume presumption of guilt and illustrate xenophobic hysteria. The great thing about humanity is that we have the opportunity to learn from our mistakes. We have

Huma Abedin and Congressman Keith Ellison - who serve their country well and who do not deserve such unfair treatment simply because of their religious faith. Muslim-Americans across this Nation contribute to their society every day. Yet, the fact that such ignorant claims directed towards our fellow Americans are present in our own national legislature is evidence that when it comes to educating the public about cultural diversity we still have a long way to go." Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-05): "Ms. Abedin and Congressman Ellison are dedicated Americans who have devoted their lives to public service. I am proud to call them friends and colleagues. Baseless personal attacks and character assassination have no place in our political discourse, and I strongly condemn those who use them to advance personal ideological agendas."

‘The fact that these insinuations were leveled by Members of Congress makes them that much more appalling and denigrates the office that we hold. National security is a priority for our country, but we must not resort to baseless racial or religious profiling. We should always remember the lessons of our past, when misguided hysteria and scapegoating led to the forced internment of over 120,000 Japanese Americans during World War II’ a moral obligation to be our brother's and sister's keepers, regardless of faith, ancestry, gender, or sexual orientation. As Chair Emeritus and an American, I will continue the fight to ensure civil rights and civil liberties for all individuals, and stand with inclusion and harmony." Congressman Eni Faleomavaega (AS): "I am deeply disappointed at Rep. Bachmann's xenophobic claims which have crossed the lines of civility in political discourse. As an advocate for the fair treatment of a religiously and ethnically diverse Asian Pacific American community, I stand in support of two loyal American citizens -

Congressman Joseph Crowley (NY-07): "Our country was founded on religious freedom, tolerance and acceptance. When anyone, let alone a member of Congress, makes such irresponsible comments, it undermines the heart of what our nation stands for. I urge Rep. Bachmann and others to put an end to their attacks on two of our nation's dedicated public servants: Congressman Ellison and Huma Abedin. The office of a member of Congress should be used to help build a stronger nation for all, not as a platform for propagating intolerance and discrimination." Congressman Adam Schiff (CA-29), Senior Member of the Intelligence Committee:

"The unfounded allegations made by some members of the Intelligence Committee against Huma Abedin are deeply disturbing - and damaging to the committee's work and its reputation. The authors discredit themselves and are deserving of no further comment." Congressman Pete Stark (CA-13): "The offensive and dishonest comments that were sent by five Members of Congress to several federal agencies are shocking examples of the prejudice that exists against Muslim Americans in this country. I am pleased to see that such thoughtlessness has been met with widespread condemnation. I hope Congress can turn this unfortunate incident into something positive by working in a bipartisan manner to approach national security and intelligence policy smartly - not through discrimination and racial, ethnic, or religious profiling, but with logic and adherence to our Constitutional values." Congressman Chris Van Hollen (MD08): "These insinuations are a disturbing reminder of the prejudices that many Muslim Americans face today. I join my colleagues in condemning this dangerous display of fear mongering, which has no place in our country, let alone the United States House of Representatives. The baseless accusations made by some of my colleagues simply do not reflect the core values of our nation." On June 13, Representatives Michele Bachmann, Trent Franks, Louie Gohmert, Thomas Rooney and Lynn Westmoreland wrote a letter to Deputy Inspector General Harold W. Geisel requesting an investigation into alleged ties between Secretary Clinton's Deputy Chief of Staff, Huma Abedin, and the Muslim Brotherhood. Their unsubstantiated claims alleged an unprecedented infiltration of the United States government by a foreign political entity. Congresswoman Bachmann later expanded on those charges unilaterally to include Congressman Keith Ellison (MN-5), the first Muslim American elected to the U.S. Congress.

Oscar Fernandes outlines initiatives of UPA Govt Cont’d from page 10

The young and dynamic leader Rahul Gandhi who is ready to take on more responsibilities has several progressive schemes up his sleeves to take the nation to the next century like his father late Rajiv Gandhi, who paved the way for globalization and modernization. Praising the new team under the leadership of George Abraham, the senior Congress leader said he was happy that the team is moving in the right direction by preparing the draft Constitution of the organization, financial plans and transparency statements and aggressive membership drive. George Abraham, President of INOC (I) in his address reiterated his commitment to make the or-

ganization dynamic, more transparent, people friendly with a solid constitution as a framework. He said INOC (I) as a public organization will be professionally managed and run. He presented the draft constitution to the chief guest of the evening. Fernandes is also Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on HRD and President of Forum of Parliamentarians on HIV-AIDS and was present with his wife Ms. Blossom after visiting the AIDS global meet in Washington. Shudh Parkash Singh, Senior Vice President welcomed the gathering. Among those who spoke were Rajesh Lilothia, MLA of Government of Delhi and president of Rajiv Gandhi Sports Foundation; Dr. Sudhir Parikh, chairman of Parikh Worldwide

Media; INOC (I) Executive Committee Members Mohinder Singh

Praising the new team under the leadership of George Abraham, the senior Congress leader said he was happy that the team is moving in the right direction by preparing the draft Constitution of the organization, financial plans and transparency statements Gilzian and Phuman Singh, National Treasurer Kanwal S. Sra,

President of Haryana Chapter Swaran Singh; President of Tamil Nadu chapter John Joseph, President of Kerala Chapter Kalathil Varughese and Harbachan Singh, Chair of Constitution Sub Committee and Budh Singh, Chair of Foreign Affairs and Investments/ NRI Cell of Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee. Chair of Public Relations Committee Prasad Kambhampaty proposed a vote of thanks. Malini Shah, chairperson of INOC (I) Diamond Council was the emcee of the evening. The Indian American Community was represented in large numbers and was drawn from every walk of life from academics to business, medical to law. Among those who attended the gala reception and dinner were

Mohinder S. Taneja, community leader from the Town of Hempstead; President of National Federation of Indian Association Lal Motwani; Global Organization of People of Indian Origin's Long Island President Darshan Bagga; Federation of Indian Association's Vice Chairman Yash Pal Soi; former FIA President Sudhir Vaishnav; India Association of Long Island (IALI) President Dr. Sukhvinder Ranu, Secretary of IALI Rekha Valliappan, Indian American Forum's Co-Chair Gobind Munjal and American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin of Queens and Long Island's President Dr. Sunil Mehra, Cofounders of INOC Zach Thomas. R Jayachandran and Stanley Kalathara and former AAPI President Dr. Dayan Nayak.

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Documentary on plight of Hindu refugees from Pak India Post News Service

NORTH BRUNSWICK, NJ: Overseas Friends of BJP (OFBJP)USA hosted an event to highlight the heart churning plight of Hindu refugees from Pakistan at the local Ramada Inn, North Brunswick, New Jersey on July 24. Over 200 Indian Americans attended this social educational event on a week day evening, to support the cause of these Hindu refugees who seeks immigration to India. During this event, a critically acclaimed documentary "The Human Boundaries" made by Indian Filmmaker Rahul Riji Nair was screened. The film depicts the systematic violence, rampant religious discrimination, and widespread restrictions on religious freedom perpetuated by the Pakistani society, and agents of Pakistan governmental agencies on the minority Hindus leading to their large scale exodus to seek refuge in India for the past few years. The Congress led UPA government in India has so far refused to recognize them as refugees or grant them asylum. The documentary "Human Boundaries", details the routine persecution and discrimination faced by these refugees in Pakistan, and their emotional appeal to stay in India. Throughout the film, several of the refugees mainly from the Pakistani province of Sindh, detailed the persistent socio-religious persecution and discrimination that they faced in Pakistan, and made emotional appeals to stay in India. They narrated tearfully, how minority Hindu girls have been abducted, raped, and converted to Islam routinely in the communalized Pakistan with the express purpose of ethnoreligious cleansing by the agents of

Pakistani agencies and Islamic religious institutions. They stalk, plan, and execute the persecution of minority Hindus in Pakistan. It was a harrowing experience to watch and tears swelled when an elderly Pakistani Hindu woman living in the Dera Dhuni Baba refugee camp in the Indian capital of New Delhi, cried out, "We won't go back. Even if you shoot us, we won't go back". Earlier, the meeting started with the traditional lamp lighting ceremony followed by paying floral tributes to the elders of Jan Sangh and BJP and the rendition of Vandemataram. Shri Jayesh Patel, OFBJP President, welcomed the guests and introduced the community leaders. He especially introduced the film maker, Rahul Riji Nair and briefly talked about the film. Shri Gavrang Vaishnav, VHP-A Vice President, in his speech demanded the government of India to grant immigration status to the Hindu refugees from Pakistan and vowed to fight for this humane cause. Shri Virender Labroo, a Kashmiri forum leader from the TriState area gave several examples of the plight of Kashmiri Hindu refugees who have been in a similar situation. He revealed that the

Hindu population in Islamic Bangladesh dropped from 33% to 8% and in Pakistan from 22% to 3% since India's division in 1947. He wondered what happened to those millions of Hindus and quoted widely reported stats that those Hindus were forcibly converted to Islam by coercion and

The documentary "Human Boundaries", details the routine persecution and discrimination faced by these refugees in Pakistan, and their emotional appeal to stay in India terror including using rape as an instrument. Shri Umesh Shukla, a leader of Ekal Vidyalay fervently appealed for help to these Hindu refugees. Shri Rakshpal Sood, a senior HSS leader and a senior advisory councilor of OFBJP-USA, in his emotional speech appealed to all Indian Americans to support the

cause of Pakistani Hindu refugees. He said that India has always had a unique and prominent place in the world since times immemorial. Hinduism is a tolerant spiritual entity that encouraged idea exchanges, scholarly discussions, and intellectual creations for the benefit of humanity and India was the first nation on this earth that proclaimed "whole world is one family" (Vasudaiva Kutumbakam in Sanskrit). Shri Sood continued that intolerant philosophies such as Islam have been creating human tragedies across the globe but it could not defeat the spirit of India and Hindus for the last 1000 years. He warned that an estimated 30 million Bangladeshi intruders are living in India as part of their well planned demographic terrorism and cited the recent clashes in Assam between the Bodo tribes and Bangladeshi intruders in India as a preview to the much worse situations in the future. He asked the Indian American community to watch this emerging situation very carefully and protect the nation from the evils from across the borders in particular. He concluded by saying that OFBJP-USA will support the cause of Pakistani Hindu refugees.

Filmmaker Rahul Riji Nair narrated how he made this film going from Kerala to Delhi, the difficulties he faced during the film making and how he overcame the problems. He said that the purpose of this film was to portray the traumatic daily events plaguing a population caught in a geo-political conundrum that is discriminated against purely on religious grounds. They are left virtually without a state that is capable of protecting their basic human liberties. He hoped that the American public will better understand their suffering after seeing the documentary. He sought community support for these abandoned Hindu refugees from Pakistan. The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) took the lead in announcing plans for the nationwide film tour with Nair, whose film was inspired by Hindu spiritual leader and Art of Living Founder, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. The documentary is scheduled to be showcased at several community events throughout the U.S. from July 12 August 5. It will include stops in New York City, Boston, Atlanta, Houston, Chicago, Detroit, and the San Francisco Bay Area. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 13

Manav Seva Mandir celebrates 19th Patotsav

Subramanium Swamy addressing the gathering Asian Media USA

Dr Bharat Barai being honored.

CHICAGO: Manav Seva Mandir, a Bensenville-based not for profit socio-religious organization, celebrated its 19th Patosav - a two-day affair on Saturday July 27 and on Sunday July 28 at its Mahalaxmi Hall.

The event was culmination of seven days Saptadev Katha and Gyan Yagya held from July 21 to July 27 at the same hall. Saptdev Katha and Gyan Yagya were organized under guidance of Pujya Giriraj Shastriji while Patotsav is a ritual ceremony celebrating the anniversary of the tithi when the murtis were first consecrated. Over 5000

devotees witnessed the special evening of Saptadev Katha and Patotsav. In essence, Patotsav is a re-consecration ceremony, reInvoking Paramatma. On Saturday, July 21, the program started with Shobha Yatra taking Pothi by Yajman Shri/Shrimati Chhotabhai Patel. This was followed by Pravchan by Shastriji on Hanumanji. Shastrji continued his mind boggling speech for a continuous seven days, picking gods in sequence as Suryanarayan Bhagwan on Sunday inclusive of a cultural program, Mahadeo Bhole on Monday, Ganpati Maharaj on Tuesday also inclusive of cultural program of dance, Mataji on Wednesday, and Radha Krishna on Thursday and Friday including cultural program. Prasad was made available on Saturday and Sunday. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 14

August 10, 2012

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KOJAIN Annual Sammelan a grand success Asian Media USA

CHICAGO: After seven months of careful planning, the Kutchhi Oswal Jain Association in North America (KOJAIN) pulled itself up by its bootstraps to host a successful 7th annual Sammelan in Chicago at the Holiday Inn Express from 27 to 29 July. Close to 700 people enjoyed the three-day Sammelan. Attendees participated in numerous educational seminars, panel discussions and lectures by renowned speakers. The convention also featured workshops, yoga for adults, meetings and entertainment by eminent artists. Current membership for KOJAIN is 1138 families in North America of which 65 families are in Illinois. The theme of the Convention centered around the Kutchhi heriitage, culture and the people with special focus on the colors of Kutch throughout the weekend. The rationale of this event was to keep that tradition alive and hand it over to the new generation. A range of exhibitions and artifacts provided further information on their proud heritage, traditions and culture. Chandrakant Gogri, Chairman,

Documentary on plight of Hindu refugees from Pak Cont’d from page 12

Nair's film will also be screened on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. The HAF has urged the Indian government to provide formal legal status to Pakistani Hindu refugees, who remain at risk of being deported. The Foundation also wrote directly to the United Nations High Commissioner on Refugees on World Refugee Day, to address the plight of these Pakistani Hindus. Leaders from neighboring states such as Sanjay Pande (Indian filmmaker), Chandrakant Trivedi (FIA), Harish Mehta, Jagdish Patel, Kishor Joshi, Dr. Sunil Parikh, Dr. Anurita Kapur, (Lions Club), Jadav Gajera, Jitu Amin, Arvind Modini, Subhash Dosi, Sita Sharma, Sunit Shukla, Nimesh Dixit, Pravin Tamboli, Arvind Modini, Nilesh Mehta, Yalloji Rao and many others attended the event and praised the work of Rahul Nair Jayesh Patel gave vote of thanks and said that this documentary will be screened by OFBJPUSA in all of its chapters across the nation. Shri Krishna Reddy and Shri Ramkamath talked about the organizational matters and a vibrant and spirited Q&A session was conducted followed by a sumptuous community dinner.

Inaugaration of KO Convention by Rajendra Gogri in Chicago

Aarti Industries Limited and Aarti Drugs Limited was Chief Guest of the KOJAIN Sammelan and he was honored by the Association. The opening ceremony was graced by the presence of Liladhar M. Gada, Founder Trustee of Bhojay Sarvoday Trust, Bhojay, Kutch, popularly known as 'Addha.' He was the keynote speaker on Saturday, July 28. Besides some of the favorites such as Garba, Raas and a statewide talent show , this year the new and fresh events like interactive Bollywood Nite and Kutch Utsav were received really well. The following Awards were given to recognize contributions made by Kutchhis: 1) Shree Liladhar Manek Gada (Addha) received 'Lifetime Achievement Award' for his significant contributions to the Kutchhi and people of Kutch by his selfless humanitarian work. 2) Mrs Rita K. Batheja received

an award for significant contribution in the field of science (healthcare). With the backdrop of beautiful Chicago, home to a vibrant Kutchhi and Jain community, ar-

The theme of the Convention centered around the Kutchhi heriitage, culture and the people with special focus on the colors of Kutch throughout the weekend rangements were made for a visit to the Jain temple in Bartlett and an exciting Kutchhi Race for youths / young adults through the bustling streets of downtown Chicago. Large attendance was ob-

Revellers enjoy at the start of the Convention.

served at the Entrepreneurship Workshop in addition to the workshops on Medicine and Financial Planning. Other workshops included Vegan Cooking, Spiritual and Religious and youth workshops. The most important feature of this convention was to allow people reconnect with family and friends and build new connections for the future in large numbers, ranging from kids to elders. Welcome speech was given by Mayur Ganger, Chairman of the host committee. He stated that the ultimate purpose of the Kojain Sammelan was to bring different generations from all over the nation under one roof to celebrate the Kutchhi culture. He thanked all his friends and family for helping him coordinate this event. He specially acknowledged the assistance given by Louis Shah, Shanti Chhadwa and Arvind Kotak who in turn

welcomed everyone to the Sammelan. They thanked all the donors and sponsors at the local, national and international level who helped organize this memorable Sammelan. Kutchhis, just as all Indians, love movies and music. And the concept of having a bash Bollywood style took birth with the quintessential Bollywood story of a man from a village in Kutch dreaming of making it big in Mumbai film industry. There were several music and dance performances based on folklore such as Bhavayee and Kutchhi song Gajiyo, qawwalis and Hindi film music, intertwined with the story - a creative way for the organizers to give in-state and out-of-state attendees a chance to perform. Also interspersed was the game of Antakshari that was played by the entire audience. Cont’d on page 15

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LPS convention & trade show a big success

L-R - Kirit Patidar, Nancy Patel & Hasu Patel India Post News Service

SAN ANTONIO, Texas: The Leuva Patidar Samaj of USA (LPS of USA) held its Annual Super Convention & Trade Show at the Crowne Plaza-Riverwalk in San Antonio, Texas. Convention Chair and Ex Offico Hasubhai Patel of Houston, Texas stated this was a very successful conference with 1000 plus attendees of all age groups and a large Leuva youth turnout. The convention theme of "Securing a legacy for Leuva Culture in the USA" was the core agenda which included prominent speakers such as Congressman Francisco "Quico" Canseco Texas District 23 and motivational speakers such as Devin C Hughes and Greg Blake with a message of hope for a hope-seeking world and a message of certainty for uncertain times. Patel said the purpose of the convention was to have the members' network in a forum where they could discuss and share ideas, promote Leuva culture and family values, and unite together as Asian Leuva Americans. "We strongly believe that the LPS conference provided an excellent opportunity for our members to meet and interact with our each other." Hasubhai said," The youth play the most important role in our samaj and therefore, it is essential that we preserve our heritage and cultural values." In addition to the speakers, the agenda appealed to an array of diversified age groups including youth, women & senior

LPS 2012 Board

citizens where seminars were filled with attendees. There were live interactive bhajan melodies, women's seminar on issues affecting the Leuva women and a very informative medicare seminar. The convention had some great educational seminars that were both informative and interactive. There was a "Bridging the Generation Gap" Panel discussion with some strong panelists on the current issues affecting our community as well as between the generations. These seminars provided a great opportunity

L-R - Ex Officio Hasu Patel and new President Kirit Patidar

the local surrounding Leuva members for the "Cultural Program" which showed true flair that "Leuvas Got Talent". The second night was Gala night where the food was enticing and delicious with a variety of cuisines nestled in the corners of the cocktail reception area as members mingled with each other enjoying the Mela Style stations such as Mexican, Chinese, Italian, and many other Indian stations catered by Raj Bhog. Entertainment was superb from"Sensations" that included Indian Idol Sandip Acharya

Some of the goals that Mr. Patidar wants to accomplish is creating a state of the art website, mentorship program to inspire and benefit the youth, implement a solid governance model to run the organization with structure and accountability, drive membership with solid participation, and complete the LPS Members Directory to network, experience and learn about strengthening and preserving the culture. The agenda goal was to promote the Leuva heritage and cultural values to the youth in the community and energize the already existing efforts to inspire a better way of life through humanitarian culture of love, service, purity, discipline, and dedication. Hasubhai Patel said, "It is important to utilize youth energy for social & economic development and for spiritual enlightenment." The first night had performances from

and Sa Re Ga Ma Fame Pratibha Singh. Hasubhai Patel, Ex Officio from Houston, Texas passed the torch to incoming President Kirit Patidar from Jacksonville, Florida to take on to leave a legacy during his term. Kirit Patidar as the current LPS President is a visionary leader who would like to harness all of the great values and beliefs that will help move the organization to the next level. Some of the goals that Mr. Patidar wants to accomplish is creating a state of the art website, mentorship program to inspire and benefit the youth, implement a

solid governance model to run the organization with structure and accountability, drive membership with solid participation, and complete the LPS Members Directory Project as well as continue the LPS Call Center project from Hasu Patel's term. The association is looking forward to a great change this year with a newly elected board and the passion of these board members will help take the organization to the next level. The success of this convention would not have been possible without the gracious, hard working and dedicated Texas Leuva Patidar members who proved this to be a much unified Leuva community. Hands down they came in groups of dozens to take on every aspect of the convention execution with a smile on their face each day and provided world class hospitality. LPS members migrated to the United States beginning in the early 1940s.There are over 40,000 families of Leuva Patidars throughout the United States. The majority of LPS members are multiple hotel and motel owners with both franchised and independent properties. A major characteristic of the members is to preserve family values and heritage. This is the primary reason that the convention attracts families from all over the United States. San Antonio has always attracted a large number of attendees due to the city's reputation as a tourist destination, the central location of the city and because several major airlines operates through it.

Manav Seva Mandir celebrates 19th Patotsav Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 12

The entire program was free for devotees. The Temple Hall remained filled to its capacity with devotees. Giriraj Shastriji kept the devotees captivated for more than three hours daily with excellent mix of shlokas and practical advice. The program ended with darshana of Pothi and Pradaxina. Octogenarian C.L. Shastri was honored for his long services to the temple and community as a whole with a shawl. Sumptuous Maha Prasad was served to all. Chairman Jairambhai briefed devotees about coming events and President Dahyabhai Prajapati pro-

posed a vote of thanks. The 19th Patotsav started with Mangla Aarti followed by Bhakti Sangeet, Shringar Aarti, welcome speech by and Vipra Varni, Kalash and Dhwaja Poojan, Kalash and Dhwaja Hoisting, Aarti, Falahar, Prasad and rest again started with Maruti Yagna, Pravchan by Shri Giriraj Shastriji, Sandhya Aarti and Maha Prasad. On Sunday, July 29, the start was with Mangla Aarti followed by Bhakti Sangeet, Shringar Aarti, Murti Darshan, Maha Abhishek, Pravchan by Shri Giriraj Shastriji, Maha Puja and Rajbhog Aarti, Falahar, Prasad and rest. Again started with Matajino Havan,

Annakut Puja, Bhakti Sangeet, vote of thanks, Vipra Viday. Chairman Jairambhai felicitated Dr. Bharat Barai, Past Chairman of

Octogenarian C.L. Shastri was honored for his long services to the temple and community as a whole with a shawl the Temple for his services. Dr. Barai, one of the most well known figures in the Indian community for his commitment and services

to various organizations, has 36 years of practices in Hematology and Medical Oncology. He is recipient of many professional and community-service based awards Dr. Bharat Barai acknowledged the felicitation and thanked all for their support. He took the opportunity to recognize Dr. Vaishal Bakim who has been working very sincerely on atrocities to Hindus. Dr. Subramanian Swamy, a front ranking Indian politician was present and in his speech narrated various incidents of atrocities on Hindus. He pointed out that it is only in India that with more than 85% of Hindu population paying hefty taxes but a good part of the

revenue goes giving subsidies to 15% so-called minorities. Hindus, to go to their pilgrimage, incur heavy expenses. We must awake and show the world that we are not weak. We do not want to harass or put anybody in trouble, but not at the cost of Hindus and we must not be ashamed of calling ourselves Hindu. Sandhya Aarti, Pradaxina and Maha Prasad was served after vote of thanks. Giriraj Shashtriji assured to teach Sanskrit to youth, thereby trying to foster Hinduism. He also gave Vipra Daxina for the development of Temple and expand its activities, setting an example for others to follow him.

August 10, 2012

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Gyan Vikas offers free health- IPAC teams win awards at Fogana competition improvement

India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Sri Sri Gyan Vikas Kendra, an India-based nonprofit organization, is currently conducting a series of programs aimed at improving health of Indian-Americans and others, who are keen on not only bolstering their physical health but also their mental abilities. The program, whose formal name is "Advance Plus Course," is being held under the guidance of Sri Sri Guru Sudershan Ji. The course is open to people of age 18 and above and is free of cost. Among others, the course is aimed at a stress-free life, controlling one's anger and irritation, eradicating misunderstanding in marital relationships, ensuring more capability and productivity at workplace, and (particularly for students and other youngsters) inculcating more discipline, concentration and better grasp on their studies. One such course was conducted at Asa Mai Temple, Hicksville, New York state, last month. The second and third are being held in Richmond Hill, New York City. The kendra itself is considered a university of sorts. It is a training institute where people, after undergoing the course, will develop their personality and will be on their way to attaining physical and material prosperity. The insti-

tute and its guruji preach no religion and after achieving the required knowledge one may practice one's religion. Sri Sri Guru Sudershan Ji, the founder of the institute, was born in Jalandhar, Punjab in 1962. Forced to stand on his own feet right from the beginning, he tried his hand at various things. After marriage at the age of 23 and hav-

The course is aimed at a stress-free life, controlling one's anger and irritation, eradicating misunderstanding in marital relationships, ensuring more capability and productivity at workplace, and (particularly for students and other youngsters) inculcating more discipline ing been blessed with two sons, Sri Sri Sudershanji met with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji in 1997. That meeting changed Sudershan Ji's life forever. The months and years that followed led to an experience that taught Sri Sri Sudershan Ji how to lead a materially prosper-

ous and mentally sound life. That made him try to replicate his success to people at large. He went into "Maun Samadhi" (period of silence) in 1998. His efforts bore fruit and in order to achieve his lifetime objective of showing the way to people how to lead a healthy and wealthy life, he set up the Sri Sri Gyan Vikas Kendra in 2002. His movement and the branches of his kendra began spreading. It is not only spreading within India but moving steadily into the US and Canada. Offers to set up branches elsewhere in the world are also being received. Guru Sudershan Ji has decided to visit abroad where Indian communities live in large numbers. With a view to spreading his message, Guru Sudershan Ji first visited the New York area. This is not his first visit to the area, but actually this is the fourth tour of the US. During his first visit to the area, he taught the same course, which was actually devised here in New York. It is aimed at people who are busier than their counterparts in India. His original 21-day course was condensed into a week-long one with the same effect and influence on the body and mind. The course includes physical and mental exercises, breathing techniques and lectures on various day-to-day issues that bother the mankind.

KOJAIN Annual Sammelan a grand success Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 13

They were divided into 4 teams - the Khans, Kapoors, Khannas and the Bachchans. The rounds included the traditional dhun round played live and video prelude, etc. Audience interaction also included impromptu dancing to Shammi Kapoor and Geeta Bali songs. The dance floor was then

opened to keep the party going late into the night. Bollywood Nite concept, planning, organization and execution of the event was done by Vidhya Gangar, Nirav Shah, Vipul Dedhia, Amit Shah, Vipuj Shah, Saloni Jain, Hemang Srikishan, Pooja Shah and Sajni Ganger. All food items which were give away in Souvenir bags were im-

ported from Kutch to give the flavor of Kutch. All dresses were ordered from Kutch to keep the colors and originality of India. KOJAIN includes all Kutchhi Oswal Jains originally coming from Kutch. 1400 households have made their homes in North America. The majority of KOJAIN community lives in North America.

India Post News Service

DEARBORN, Michigan: Founder & Instructor of India Performing Arts Center - IPAC, Mrs. Smita "Miki" Patel continuously strives to keep the passion of folk dancing alive in the girls of all ages. More recently IPAC's two dance teams - Adult team (above 30 yrs.) and senior team (between 16 & 26) - participated in the prestigious FOGANA Dance competition in Dearborn, MI. Teams from dance schools across the United States participated in this competition. Mrs. Patel, who is fondly called 'Miki aunty', choreographed dances for both the IPAC teams. The Adult team comprised professional women, who were also full time mothers, wives and daughters-inlaw. Their training started 8 weeks back with 8 hours of practice each day, every weekend till July 21st the competition day. Their hard work and persever-

ance paid off and they won the 1st prize. The senior team worked with same zeal and passion. All of them are bright full time students. Considering the tough competition they had in their group, they still managed to bag the 3rd place. The India Performing Arts Center (IPAC), a non-profit organization was founded in 1999 by Smita "Miki" Patel to advocate the importance of preserving and promoting rich India folk heritage while integrating American culture. IPAC's guiding principle is to provide our next generation with a solid cultural foundation, not only to hold on to our family values, but to help them to blossom into something even greater than before. With this win, IPAC also provided a forum for adult women to challenge themselves in their passion for folk dance, have fun while doing it and make lifelong friendships and memories. The trophy was the icing on the cake.

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Jalaram Charitra Katha at Jalaram Mandir YOGESH THAKKAR

HOFFMAN ESTATES: Shree Jalaram Mandir in Hoffman Estates, a northwest suburb of Chicago, added one more feather in its cap of achievements by organizing for the first time in USA a Jalaram Charitra Katha on the life of Jalaram Bapa, here. The Katha, a four day program (July 24-28), was narrated by well known guru Rajendraprasad Bhatt (Shastriji) of Bhavnagar. It was attended by hundreds of devotees every day and was accompanied with singing of melodious bhajans by talented music group. The Katha explained that God comes down on earth in the form of a human being or some other form of life, whenever evil elements prevail over good in the universe. According to Rajendraprasadji, Jalarambapa was one such angel, born in village Virpur in India on

November 14, 1799 and his nirvana was on February 23, 1881. Bapa's parents, Pradhan and Rajbai Thakkar, were poor but were very

The Katha, a four day program (July 24-28), was narrated by well known guru Rajendraprasad Bhatt (Shastriji) of Bhavnagar. It was attended by hundreds of devotees religious. Jalaram was their second child. Lots of signs such as divine lighting and happiness were felt before

the birth. Bapa was very religious and God worshipping from childhood. As he grew older, he was married to Virbaima. Both left their worldly attachments and started feeding and helping the poor and the needy. The free food is still served to everyone visiting Virpur. During his life, Bapa had personal blessings of Lord Rama enabling him to help and perform services impossible for a human being. During the Katha, Bapa's birth event was celebrated on July 26; wedding ceremony on July 27 and Sant Samagam on July 28. A stream of donations kept coming from the devotees throughout the Katha, primarily for the expansion of the Mandir. On Saturday, the concluding day of the Katha, several devotees wearing the traditional

Shastri Rajendraprasad Bhatt conducting Katha

dresses worn by Bapa and other saints presented a wonderful scene of holiness, bhakti and service to mankind. Shastriji provided several bhajan recitals in the pres-

New York, Boston Spell Bee winners announced

ence of the sant devotees and a devoted audience. Mahaprasad was provided by the Mandir every day to all the devotees attending the Katha.

Apna Ghar 5k run/walk on Sept 30

India Post News Service

HARISH RAO

NEW YORK: The 2012 MetLife South Asian Spelling Bee concluded its 11 city tour with two events in the New York & Boston areas. With a huge turnout this year as well, the Bee attracted some top talent as well as young and new spellers that competed for the coveted prizes and titles. "It is very heartening to see that each year we get fresh faces and new talent which is a continuing testimony to our community's strength in this craft," said Rahul Walia, Founder - South Asian Spelling Bee. In New York, Sanjana Malla from Haverstraw, NY was the regional champ and Naman Shankari from East Meadow, NY was the first runner up while Isha Bhahmbhatt from Ardsley, NY was second runner up. In Boston, Arushi Kalpande from Billerica, MA was the regional champ and Surabhi Iyer from Franklin, MA was first

BOSTON WINNERS: (From L to R) Second Runner Up Pratima Rao of West Bloomfield, MI; Regional Champ Arushi Kalpande of Billerica, MA; First Runner Up Surabhi Iyer of Franklin, MA alongside Rahul Walia, Founder of the South Asian Spelling Bee.

runner up while Pratima Rao from West Bloomfield, MI was second runner up. "As the title sponsor of the Spelling Bee

NEW YORK WINNERS: (From L to R) Second Runner Up Isha Brahmbhatt of Ardsley, NY; Regional Champ Sanjana Malla of Haverstraw, NY; First Runner Up Naman Shankari of East Meadow, NY with Rahul Walia, Founder of the South Asian Spelling Bee.

for the fourth consecutive year, MetLife congratulates all of the families who participated in the competition. It was an honor to help families enjoy this fun event and to share information to help them prepare for the rising costs of college," said Anil Lamba, financial advisor with Metropolis Financial Group, an office of MetLife. The winners received cash prizes of $500, $300 and $200 respectively. Children up to 14 years of age are eligible to participate and the contest saw spellers of even 6 years of age compete and make it past a few rounds. The top two winners plus one parent each from every city will be given an all expenses paid trip to NJ on August 17 for the Finals. The contest will be telecast globally on Sony Entertainment Television-ASIA.

CHICAGO: Apna Ghar's annual 'Stride Against Violence' 5K Run/Walk is on September 30. Apna Ghar (Our Home) provides holistic services to survivors of domestic violence in the Chicago area - Stride Against is a celebration in support of its efforts. Stride Against Violence raises awareness and funds that save lives. Net proceeds support Apna Ghar's core services for domestic violence survivors.

Apna Ghar was the first transitional shelter and social agency in the country serving Asian victims of domestic violence Incorporated in December 1989, Apna Ghar was the first transitional shelter and social agency in the country serving Asian victims of domestic violence. It was founded to meet the expressed need for appropriate cultural social services for women and children victims of domestic violence who came from the Asian subcontinent countries of India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. Today, all services are free and open to families regardless of ethnic origins, socioeconomic status, and racial identity.

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Kathak Odyssey: an innovative program

Dr Birendra Sinha briefing the audience about Anila Sinha Foundation as Choreographer Ms Kiran Chauhan looks on

RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service

CHICAGO: Anila Sinha Foundation (ASF) recently organized a gala fund raising event themed Kathak Odyssey, at the Ashyana Banquette in Downers Grove, a south west suburb of Chicago. The event was attended by about 300 avid classical Indian dance art lovers and guests, many non-Indian. ASF presented a unique choreography based on the journey of Kathak from its inception in Hindu period to the current era. The emcees for this program were Anju Lal and Sejal Shah. The program started with a composition from the film "Ram Rajya" showing two sons of Lord Rama, Luv and Kush who were considered first Kathakars, performed by Sarin and Anika. This was followed by "Hari Darshan", a mythological item reciting ancient scriptures with hand gestures and facial expressions by Kamal Gupta, Asha Oroskar, Sarina Dhaon,

ASF artists performing a) Gurmeet Marhass b) Medha Bhargav c) Kamal Gupta

Vandana Jhingan and Deepa Devasena. The following dances, "Murli Manohar" by Gurmeet Marhas and Medha Bhargaw and "Rah Mei Bichhi hai Palke" by Laxmi Sarthi and Shivali Varshney had romantic flavor. At this time this art form shifted to the royal courts to provide source of enter-

tion known as the 'Tawaif' in the courts of the rich and aristocrats. The music was from movie "Umrao Jan". The presentation after this were dances based on Bollywood songs in outstanding movies, "Buzdil" by Asha Oroskar and "Kohinoor" by Kamal Gupta and Medha

ASF presented a unique choreography based on the journey of Kathak from its inception in Hindu period to the current era. The emcees for this program were Anju Lal and Sejal Shah. The program started with a composition from the film "Ram Rajya" tainment. Subsequently a unique dance was presented on the composition of Sufi saints Good Conscious Man, was presented by Nabeela Sherwani, Gurmeet Marhas and Medha Bhargaw. The next dance performed by Alekya Eyunni was based on an institu-

Bhargaw. The next performances were based on songs from "Dil to Pagal Hai" by Deepa Devsena and "Devdas" by Gurmeet Marhas, both choreographed by Kathak Guru Pandit Birju Maharaj. The program ended with a "Tarana" by all the artists on a very famous music composition of Pandit

Ravi Shankar. The dance presentation was followed by a formal dinner during which time a live auction was carried out by Sejal Shah. The program turned out to be unique and successful as a fundraising event. This will help ASF continue to fulfill its mission. The next dance and music program by ASF will be held on October 6. The activities of ASF are supported in part by Illinois Arts Council and the sponsors of the event. After a brief reception, the evening started with the introduction of the Anila Sinha Foundation (ASF) with its mission and objectives. Anila Sinha Foundation, a not for profit organization was established in 1998 in memory of Mrs. Anila Sinha who was a Kathak dancer herself and an ardent promoter of North Indian classical dance mainly Kathak with its associated music and stagecraft. Since its inception ASF has presented a number of programs of Indian classical music and dance of Kathak style.

Hundreds attend Kadva Patidar picnic HARISH RAO

KPS members enjoying picnic

CHICAGO: The Kadva Patidar Samaj (KPS) Chicago celebrated its annual picnic on July 22 at Carl R. Hansen woods, Cook county forest preserve in Hoffman Estates, a northwest suburb of Chicago. Over 700 KPS members and guests participated in the picnic from 10 am to 6 pm. It had a well thought out program which was enjoyed by all. The food team was prepared

and was ready to accept challenges. There were fresh gota (Bhagia), Kadi (special Indian Chatni) prepared along with fried green peppers, tea, Athanu, fresh onion, more than 800 pieces of corn and cooling ice-cream. The temperature was around 100 F. Ice-cream was a welcome relief at noon time. Throughout the day many Indian games such as Volley-ball, Kothda Dod, water balloons etc were played.

Kids playing Khothda Dod.

Prizes were given to winning members. Indian food was served to all members and four lines were formed to serve over 700 members to avoid delay. There was special Gujarati food such as Khichdi, vegetable Shaak, Indian popular sweet Mohan Thal, Bhakhri, Chhachh (butter-milk), and Athanu etc. There was lot of dedication and hard work by KPS Chicago executive committee members,

trustees, advisory committee members and out of state guests behind the success of the picnic. They all gave their time to serve this one of the largest Indian organizations in Chicago area. Some guests came from Georgia (Macon), Umiya Mataji Temple's Rashikbhai Patel, Dasbhai Patel and Babubhai Patel (Ganpat University Kherva, India) and active members of

Umiya Mataji Temple Unjha. KPS president Narendra Patel thanked invited guest from various organizations like Gujarati Samaj's President Suryakant Patel, Gujarati Cultural Association's Kanti Patel, Manav Seva Mandir's President Dahyabhai Prajapati, Mafatbhai Patel's Patel Brothers, Bhartiya Senior Citizen of Chicago's Manshukhbhai Patel and Jayanti Oza.

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Konkani Christians enjoy annual picnic STANY D'SOUZA

Adults and children enjoying outdoor games

CHICAGO: It was a bright sunny day with cool breeze flowing around the Katherine Peterson Park of Vernon Hills - perfect weather for outdoor picnic. The Mangalorean Konkan Christians Association members and guests flocked to the Park to have a memorable fun time at this annual event. The youth present enjoyed Indian sports and played cricket on the lush green lawn of the park. Others took part in playing volleyball and throw-ball, which attracted mostly youth to the court. Young and old enjoyed watching the acrobatic moves of the players in the court. Some of the participants raced against the wind in playing shuttle badminton. There was plenty of food prepared by the members and guests. There were Indian

dishes, sandwiches, pasta salad, Mexican style corn-on-cob and other items, which the participants enjoyed. Typical Indian desserts like Sheera and Maani were pro-

The youth present enjoyed Indian sports and played cricket on the lush green lawn of the park. Others took part in playing volleyball and throw-ball, which attracted mostly youth to the court vided while the participants relaxed and cracked jokes. There were a variety of sports and games organized by Dorothy Rego and Queenie Mendonca and the winners are as follows: Years 5 - 12: Musical Chairs - Winner:

Dallas TANA Convention dates announced India Post News Service

DALLAS, TX: The TANA Executive Committee and Board of Directors unanimously decided to hold the 19th TANA Convention during the Memorial Day Week-

TANA is concerned with the potential adverse impact on the community and on its mission of having two Telugu conferences in the same city on the same dates. TANA made extensive efforts exploring ways of avoiding inconvenience and unpleasantness end (May 24- 26, 2013) at the Dallas Convention Center, instead of the Independence Day weekend. TANA has been striving for the past 35 years to serve the Telugu community in North America in accordance with its mission state-

Serah Mathias; Runner-up: Karen Rodrigues. Lemon n Spoon Race - Winner: Samantha Concesso; Runner-up: Gisel D'Souza

ment. For well over a quarter century, TANA has been conducting its biennial conventions during the first week of July in alternate years. Since 2005, Telugu community of Dallas has been requesting to host the TANA conferences. Accordingly, the Board of Directors of TANA selected Dallas to host the 19th TANA Convention in July 2013 and TANA entered into contracts with Dallas Convention Center and Omni Dallas Hotel respectively on September 18 and 30, 2009. Since then, another Telugu Association has decided to hold its conference on the same days in Dallas area. TANA is concerned with the potential adverse impact on the community and on its mission of having two Telugu conferences in the same city on the same dates. TANA made extensive efforts exploring ways of avoiding inconvenience and unpleasantness of any kind to Telugu community members because of this. It is in this context that the dates of the TANA Convention, by putting the needs of the community first, were announced. "We are moving ahead with our Mission, leaving distractions aside," said Prasad Thotukara, TANA Presdient

Years 13 - 21: Freeze Dance: Winner Luella Mascarenhas. Sack Race - Winner: Shawn D'Souza; Runner-up - Jason Mendonca. Adults: Women - Sack Race - Winner: Vissia D'Souza; Runner-up: Atina D'Souza.

Men - Sack Race - Winner: Claret Carvalho; Runner-up: Savio Pais. To compliment this, there were popular games like dog-n-bone, water balloon throw and tug-of-war. It was interesting to see women beating men hands down in tug-ofwar showdown! Of course, organizers quickly realized that there were almost double the participants at the women's side than on men's. So they mix-matched them and it was fun to see them pulling the rope to crack open! The participants enjoyed the refreshing tea, watermelon and other soft drinks to cooldown their body. The winners of the games were informed that they will get their prizes during Monthi Fest celebrations on September 8, which will be held at Courtland Community Hall in Des Plaines, Illinois.

Bhartiya senior citizens enjoy picnic JAYANTI OZA

CHICAGO: Bhartiya Senior Citizens of Chicago celebrated picnic at Brama Parmanand Ashram in Elgin, a northwest suburb of Chicago, recently. Over 350 BSCC members, friends and well wishers participated in the picnic that ran from 9 am to 6 p.m. All BSCC commit-

Throughout the day, Indian games such as cherry eating contest, find money from rice bowls, Limbu Chamcha, musical chairs and water balloons were played. Prizes were given to the winning members tee members arrived 8 am to start preparing for the picnic. The food team was kept ready to meet the requirements. There were Faluda, Jalebi, Kadi (Indian Chatni), onion, tea and Gotta until noon. The temperature was 99 F and it was necessary to have enough water and cold drinks to face the

Senior citizens enjoying picnic and strawberry game.

heat for over seven hours. Throughout the day, Indian games such as cherry eating contest, find money from rice bowls, Limbu Chamcha, musical chairs and water balloons were played. Prizes were given to the winning members. Indian Khichadi, Vegetable Shaak, Indian popular sweet Mohan Thaal, Puri, Athanu and Chhach were enjoyed by one and all. The picnic was organized successfully and enjoyed by the BSCC members due to lots of dedication and hard work by Chairman Batukbhai Shukla, Manshukhbhai Patel, President Haribhai Patel, Secretary Parsottam Pandya, Food

committee's Ramshing Parmar, Rameshbhai Baxi, Game committee's Dr Pratimaben & Jashu Patel. Invited guests Mafatbhai Patel of Patel Brothers, Dhirubhai Shuhagia businessman, Dr Hemaliben Shah from Soul Care Services, Snehali Upadhyay, OD of The Eye Place, John Lawson (Running for State Representative) spent time talking to seniors and enjoyed Indian food at the event. BSCC President Haribhai Patel gave special thanks to Ma Divya (Madi), Shivabhai Patel of BSCC and also thanked all committee members who worked hard to make this picnic a success.

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August 10, 2012

India Post 19

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Rally to support Anna Hazare fast in India

Demonstrators chanting slogans, holding banners and placards India Post News Service

NORWALK, LA: "Corruption is a burning problem in India. It is like a termite in the economic system. If not taken care of it right now it will ruin the country and we shall have to repent for it," Said Prof. Keshav Patel, one of the organizer of the rally to support Anna Hazare team on indefinite fast at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, India. The rally was organized on July 28 on Pioneer Blvd, Norwalk, Los Angeles. Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and Gopal Rai have been on fast from July 25 and Anna Hazare joined them on 29, to awaken the Government. NRIs from abroad are supporting them whenever the movement starts in India. Demonstrators of Anna Hazare group of

Prof. Keshav Patel addressing the rally and giving message through TV Asia

Los Angeles and People for Loksatta, CA started gathering from 11am on parking plot, near State Bank of India, 183 Street & Pioneer Blvd, Norwalk City, Los Angeles. Last year more than 300 demonstrators gathered

Demonstrators chanting slogans at beginning of rally

demonstration," said Vaishali Doshi, reporter for TV Asia. During the gathering, demonstrators chanted slogans like: "Stop corruption & Save India," "Aek Dhakka or do ….

The demonstrators stopped at every intersection for several minutes to demonstrate and chant slogans. The rally ended at 2:15 pm on the same parking plot, with participants sitting down and praying for good health of all those who are on fast for the rally. This time there were fewer people but the presence of 30% women was significant. "The success of any movement gears up when women take part in the movement or

Bhrashtachar ko Tod do." "Bharat Mata ki Jay and Bring back black money." The PFL team who last year successfully completed Dandi March II & Rally has played a significant role this time. Hari Atluri and Varma

Poll shows Gill and McNerney in dead heat India Post News Service

LODI, CA: Congressional candidate Ricky Gill (R-Lodi) is in a statistical dead heat with incumbent Congressman Jerry McNerney (D-Pleasanton), according to a poll of likely voters conducted between July 24 and 26. Conducted by the Tarrance Group, the poll of 402 likely registered voters finds Gill earning 45 percent of the vote and McNerney earning 47 percent, while 9 percent of voters are undecided. The poll has a margin of error of 4.9 percent. Significantly, the poll finds Gill in a dead heat with McNerney despite his disadvantage in name identification. Among voters who know both candidates, Gill captures more than 50 percent of the vote and leads McNerney by double digits.

According to the Record, a wide range of evidence supports the conclusion that McNerney continues to live in the Bay Area, including property and tax records, vehicle registration, and neighbors' and reporters'

"Jerry McNerney's false residency claim is just one more insult to the people of Stockton and San Joaquin County, where I was born and raised. We deserve better than an outsourced Congressman”

Mcnerney voter fraud examined The Stockton Record has reported that incumbent Congressman Jerry McNerney may have violated state elections law by voting in Stockton while actually living in his longtime hometown of Pleasanton. Following a lengthy investigation, Record columnist Michael Fitzgerald concluded that "[t]he evidence suggests McNerney doesn't live in the Stockton home" he has rented since May of this year.

apparent violation of state law: "Jerry McNerney's false residency claim is just one more insult to the people of Stockton and San Joaquin County, where I was born and raised. We deserve better than an outsourced Congressman who believes he is above the law." Noting that McNerney's actions fly in

Ricky Gill

observations of his home. Despite his continuing residency in Pleasanton, McNerney registered to vote in Stockton and voted there in the June primary election. McNerney's opponent, San Joaquin County native Ricky Gill, issued the following statement in response to McNerney's

the face of recent, citizen-centered reforms in California elections, Gill consultant James Fisfis added the following: "Ten years ago, Sacramento politicians gave Stockton 'the finger' when it came to redistricting. Now Jerry McNerney is taking a turn. "Voter fraud is a serious matter. This case needs to be investigated thoroughly to give voters confidence that the same rules apply to everyone - even politicians like Jerry McNerney."

Dantuluri gave their messages to TV Asia. The rally with a banner of Annaji, placards of demands and chanting slogans started their march in formation of three in a row. When on walk way of Pioneer Blvd, it remained well organized and controlled, keeping enough care of pedestrians' safety and comfort. The demonstrators stopped at every intersection for several minutes to demonstrate and chant slogans. The rally ended at 2:15 pm on the same parking plot, with participants sitting down and praying for good health of all those who are on fast. A memorandum of demands addressed to the President of India and the Prime Minister of India was signed by the demonstrators. It will be sent through proper channels of ambassador of India in California.

Swamy calls for 'Globalization of Hindu Unity' Cont’d from page 10

Expressing pain and anguish at the plight of Hindu refugees from Kashmir, Dr. Swamy said that half a million Hindus driven by Kashmiri Muslims are still languishing in Indian refugee camps. This was very sad. The infuriating problems like these could actually be solved very quickly by sending one million retired Indian army-men in Kashmir and settle them in the state. The other distinguished speakers were: Dr. Uma Mysorekar, President, Hindu Temple Society of North America; Dr. Narinder Kukar, Director of Diabetes and Endocrinology in a major teaching hospital in New York; Pt. Jagdish Tripathi, disciple of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi; Pt. Swasti Narayan Dubey, President and Priest of the Maha Lakshmi Mandir; Ms. Sheetal Shah, Senior Director of Hindu American Foundation (HAF) and Badri Hiriyur, an engineer by profession. Earlier Indira Narasimharajan welcomed the audience. Priya Sahani Sood emceed the program brilliantly, Arish Sahani talked about the essay competition open to the students in the age group of 11-25 regarding Hindu Unity Day, and Narain Kataria thanked the audience for their participation, enthusiasm, support, vitality and vigor.

Tech News Nepal's telecom regulator asks UTL to stop services KATHMANDU: Nepal's telecom regulator has directed United Telecom Limited (UTL) Nepal, a joint venture between Indian and Nepalese firms, to immediately stop offering basic telecom services. According to officials at the Ministry of Information and Communication here, Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) has written to UTL to stop basic telecom services and inform the authority about it. The telecom regulator also instructed other telecom operators to discontinue the interconnection link with the UTL Nepal. NTA's directions come in the wake of UTL Nepal failing to clear tax liabilities. UTL Nepal has been asked to discontinue its basic services "after it has failed to respond to repeated calls from the Nepal Telecom Authority for clearing its royalty commitment which stands around Rs 1 billion as per fiscal year 2010-11," said an NTA official. Established in 2002, 80 per cent stake in UTL Nepal is owned by the Indian government with a major share held by MTNL while the balance 20 per cent is controlled by a private company of Nepal. UTL Nepal, the first private sector telecom service operator, has been providing international calls, STD and local calls as well as mobile phone services to 713,000 customers. Nepal's Minister for Information and Communication and senior Madhesi leader Raj Kishor Yadav said NTA should not issue such an order. -PTI

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August 10, 2012

RInfra completes Tamil Nadu road stretch MUMBAI: Reliance Infrastructure (RInfra) has said it has completed its seventh road project from Salem to Ulundurpet in Tamil Nadu and toll collection has started in the stretch. The project has been executed on build operate transfer (BOT) model by a special purpose vehicle called SU (Salem- Ulundurpet) Toll Road, under the aegis of National Highways Authority of India. RInfra has been awarded the contract to operate and maintain the road for a concession period of 25 years. Built at a cost of Rs 1,061 crore, the SU corridor connects major tourist destinations, industrial zones and the Chennai airport. -PTI

US launches $20 million clean energy program in India NEW DELHI: The US has launched a USD 20 million clean energy deployment program (PACE-D) to help in India's transition to a high performing, low emissions and energy secure economy. "I am proud of our long-standing partnership in the energy sector and I know that we have the potential to strengthen this partnership through the broader PACE-D effort," US Ambassador to India Nancy J Powell said while announcing the launch of the Indo-US Partnership to Advance Clean Energy - Deployment (PACE-D). The program, to be implemented in five years, is an outcome of bilateral energy dialogue created by President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in November 2009 and will help to improve energy efficiency, increase the supply of renewable energy and adopt and accelerate deployment of cleaner fossil fuel technology. PACE-D will work to create an environment that strengthens institutions, increases the availabil-

ity of innovative financing mechanisms and enhances local capacity to propagate clean energy solutions, said Ambassador Powell. It will also improve access to energy through renewable sources and will assist India promote grid

The program, to be implemented in five years, is an outcome of bilateral energy dialogue created by President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in November 2009 connected renewable energy, expand rural electrification through micro grids and develop off-grid applications, such as those for fossil fuel replacement, lighting and rooftop systems. The Ambassador said PACE-D has an "ambitious agenda" as it

will also improve access to renewable energy by engaging various state and local governments. "This decentralized engagement will increase access to financing, develop sustainable business models and improve access to re-

Nancy J Powell

newable energy," she said. She also announced the award of contract for implementing the program to American consulting firm Nexant Inc., which has organized a consortium of both US and Indian partners to provide a range of services and expertise.

India's Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Giresh Pradhan and Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Power Jyoti Arora were also present on the occasion. Powell announced, "Since joining the PACE-D initiative in 2010, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation has approved or committed USD 741 million to clean energy projects in India." She said, the US Trade and Development Agency has formed the Energy Cooperation Program with India to promote the development of clean energy market. "Together with the Government of India, we hope to capitalize on these partnerships and opportunities and take these experiences to other parts of the world. Many other countries can benefit from India's experience in moving towards a low carbon economy," the US Ambassador said. It has been jointly developed by US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Indian Ministries of Power and New and Renewable Energy. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 21

Architect of dream budget Chidambaram back in FinMin NEW DELHI: Architect of "dream budget" and known for taking bold decisions, P Chidambaram is back at the helm in the Indian Finance Ministry after a gap of nearly four years and has a formidable task on hand to lift the country out of a economic slowdown. 67-year-old Chidambaram returns to the crucial portfolio at a time when India's economic growth has slipped to a nine-year low of 6.5 per cent in 2011-12 and restoring confidence among foreign and domestic investors needs urgent attention. He left the Finance Ministry to succeed Shivraj Patil as Home Minister, days after the November 2008 Mumbai terror attack in the western Indian state of Maharashtra.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has been holding charge of the Finance Ministry after Pranab Mukherjee quit on June 26 to contest Presidential elections. A Harvard educated lawyer, Chidambaram became the face of India's economic reforms when he took over as the Finance Minister in the United Front government in 1996 under H D Deve Gowda. He presented a budget that vastly slashed tax rates and contained a number of sops for the corporate sector which was hailed as a "dream budget". That the budget could not have its full run due to the fall of the government then, is a different story. Hailing from a small business community of prosperous Chettiars of Tamil Nadu, Chidambaram was in the forefront

Newly appointed Finance Minister P. Chidambaram

of the economic reforms unleashed during the P V Narasimha Rao government post-1991 and executed by Manmohan Singh as fi-

nance minister. He made his re-entry into the finance ministry after the UPA was voted to power in 2004 beating many other claimants to the post. As Home Minister, Chidambaram had moved swiftly setting up a mechanism to daily monitor the security situation with constant interaction with heads of para-military forces and intelligence. He was instrumental in gearing up the security and intelligence set-ups and brought in greater accountability to meet challenges of terrorism and insurgency. He had earlier quit the Congress and joined the Tamil Maanila Congress (TMC) of G K Moopanar, who had floated the regional outfit after falling out with

the Congress over aligning with AIADMK. Chidambaram, who lost Parliamentary elections only once in 1999 on a TMC ticket, parted ways with Moopanar in 2001 when the veteran Congressman decided to align with Jayalalithaa's AIAMDK for the 2001 Assembly elections and floated his own outfit Congress Jananayaga Peravai. In his early part of his life, Chidambaram practiced as an advocate in the Madras High Court and later in the Supreme Court and was an adviser to several multinational companies. Since 1984, he had been reelected to the Lok Sabha from the same Sivaganga constituency in 1989, 1991, 1996, 1998, and 2004 and in the last Parliamentary elections. -PTI

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August 10, 2012

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Blackout earns India a dubious distinction â&#x20AC;&#x201C; world's worst ever NEW DELHI: The massive failure of power transmission lines that affected more than 60 crore (600 million) people in 21 states across the country is the worstever in world history. The power collapse is worstever in terms of number of people affected. The other big power outage recorded include the 2005 power crisis in Indonesia that impacted at least 10 crore (100 million) people due to grid issues. Another major outage took place in 2009 when natural disaster devastated a hydel project on the border of Paraguay and Brazil, snapping power for about six crore (60 million) people. A major power failure hit China in early 2008 had left around 0.4 crore (4 million) people without electricity. The collapse in India was trig-

gered by failure of three grids serving India's Northern, Eastern and North Eastern regions. This happened less than 24

Interestingly, Eastern region has the biggest power infrastructure in the country having at least 25,000 MW generation capacity. Most of them are thermal plants hours after supplies from the Northern Grid was restored after an outage the earlier day that af-

fected over 30 crore (300 million). The collapse also hit the Talcher-Kolar HVDC (High Voltage Direct Current) transmission line, considered Asia's longest running from Orissa to Karnataka. A Power Ministry official said India has one of the largest electricity networks in the world and the generation capacity is over 2 lakh MW. The demand has been consistently growing and the peak hour deficiency is over 10 per cent, according to official data. Interestingly, Eastern region has the biggest power infrastructure in the country having at least 25,000 MW generation capacity. Most of them are thermal plants since the area is abundant in coal resources. Electricity generated from projects in this region caters to at least ten states in the country. -PTI

Will remove bottlenecks in power projects: Moily NEW DELHI: Minister of Corporate Affairs Veerappa Moily will take additional charge of the Power Ministry at a time when the sector is currently battling a major electricity crisis. Three transmission grids Northern, Eastern and North-eastern - had collapsed leaving half of the 1.2 billion population of the country paralyzed. This comes on top of a similar crisis in eight states on the previous day. Some of the states have been blamed for over drawing of electricity leading to grid collapse. "Cannot start with blame game on states. We will have to keep in touch with the development of the country," Moily said. He said he will speak to his predecessor Sushil Kumar Shinde and take stock of the current situation. "It is a very difficult and challenging situation, will have to take

Mr Veerappa Moily has taken over additional charge of the Power Ministry from Mr Sushilkumar Shinde who has been appointed the Home Minister.

stock of it, will always fulfill the responsibilities given to me and will give full attention to power portfolio," Moily said. "Will speak to Shinde about the current situation and will also meet with the Prime Minister and concerned people on the matter," he

said adding he will have to be fully ceased of the matter before commenting on the current situation. "Power is a very challenging sector and I always believe in reforms...will remove bottlenecks in implementing projects in sector," Moily said. -PTI

US launches $20 million clean energy program in India Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 20

Over the last 15 years, a USAID program has helped India avoid about 100 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions and also reduce coal consumption by 78 million tons, resulting in savings of approximately USD 1.5 billion. Listing climate change and energy security as two most critical

global challenges of the 21st century, Powell said with India's energy consumption growing at over 7 per cent annually, the country faces formidable challenges in meeting its energy demands. PACE has two primary, interlinked components - a research component, known as PACE-R, led by the US Department of Energy and a deployment component known as

PACE-D, led by USAID. PACE-R works to improve energy access and promote low-carbon growth through research and development. In May 2011, the US and India set up a joint Clean Energy Research and Development Centre that will focus on scientific and technological cooperation in building efficiency, solar energy and advanced biofuels. -PTI

India Post

TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

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August 10, 2012

he is not even one film old, but the half-Indian half-German Evelyn Sharma, who made news as Bollywood`s latest fashionista sometime ago, seems to be emerging the first foreigner after Katrina Kaif to get a good grip on Bollywood. The newbie hasn't even completed a year in the industry yet, but has just tucked her fifth film in her over-flowing kitty. Evelyn will be seen playing lead with 'Vicky Donor' star Ayushmann Khurrana, 'Delhi Belly' fame Kunal Roy Kapur and newcomer Pooja Salvi in Rohan Sippy's next! "Having shot for four movies, my acting and especially my Hindi diction, have improved a lot," quips the girl, who in spite of her half-foreign origins, dubs

nushka Sharma and John Abraham have topped the list of best bikini and beach body in India while Jessica Alba and David Beckham dominated internationally, according to a survey. The Band Baaja Baraat actress received 11 percent votes to top the list. Jism 2 star Sunny Leone and actress Deepika Padukone came in second with 9 percent votes each. Bipasha Basu and Priyanka Chopra shared the third spot by receiving 7 percent of the total votes while Kareena Kapoor, Katrina Kaif and Nargis Fakhri rounded off the best five list, said the survey by Hotels.com. In Indian male celebrities, John swept the poll with 20 per cent votes for the best beach body thanks to his body baring antics in Jism and Dostana. Hrithik Roshan came in second with 17 percent votes while Salman Khan came third with 7 per cent. The best five was rounded off by Ranvir Singh, Ranbir Kapoor and Arjun Rampal.

1 Tum Hi Ho Bandhu: Cocktail 2 Mukhtasar: Teri Meri Kahaani 3 Humse Pyaar Karle Tu: TMK 4 Second Hand Jawani: Cocktail 5 Daru Desi: Cocktail 6 Thats All I Really Wanna Do: TMK 7 Dhadang Dhang: Rowdy Rathore 8 Aa Re Pritam Pyaare: Rowdy Rathore 9 Chinta Ta Ta Chita Chita: Rowdy Rathore 10 Jiya Tu Bihar Ke Lala: Gangs Of Wasseypur for herself. Evelyn will be seen making her debut with a funky role in the comedy 'From Sydney With Love' releasing in August. Directed by veteran filmmaker Pramod Chakravorty's grandson Prateek Chakravorty, the film's songs and promos have already gained good popularity with the youth. The girl is also working hard towards her first full-length lead in T-Series' next tentatively titled 'Class of 2013'. She plays a glamorous dream girl in the movie, which happens to be the directorial debut of Super Cassettes icon Bhushan Kumar's enterprising wife Divya Khosla Kumar. That apart, Evelyn plays a very spiritual girl opposite Prateik Babbar in 'Issaq' and a sexy ditz in Ayan Mukerji's 'Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani'; the Ranbir Kapoor-Deepika Padukone starrer under Karan Johar's banner Dharma Productions.

August 10, 2012

Bollywood

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HIGH PRAISE F ilmmaker Shekhar Kapur, who has apparently been spotted several times with actor Ranbir Kapoor, has triggered off a series of speculations. Grapevine has it that the actor is being considered for the filmmaker's ambitious film Paani, whose lead actor apparently had been finalized as Hrithik Roshan. Several rumors are floating around: the filmmaker is perhaps planning another film with Ranbir, or speculation that the young actor is being added to the cast of Paani. While the filmmaker is known not to divulge anything about his films, he, probably did feel the need to clear the air around his meetings with the actor. "Press asking y I've been seen w/Ranbir Kapoor. I really enjoy listenin 2 him. Future of Indian Cinema safe in this breed of new stars," he tweeted on a social networking site on the weekend. While he's letting everyone know how highly he thinks of Ranbir and his generation of actors, there's no word on the status of Paani. Last heard, Shekhar was figuring out the details of the film. He had earlier made its formal announcement at the 63rd Cannes Film Festival in 2010, but it is yet to go on the floors.

S Deep proposal

he success of Cocktail has left Ms. Dee flying high and happy. And of course, her much talked about 'patch-up' with Ranbir Kapoor (on the sets of Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani) has her grinning from ear-to-ear. Recently, while chatting with Zoom, she made a candid confession about wanting Ranbir back. On screen that is. "If I were Imtiaz Ali, I'd cast Ranbir and Deepika for my next romantic film," she revealed. Wow Dee, is this just a wish or a proposal already? Whatever it is, we must say this is one helluva heady mix.

unny Leone may be in news for her steamy love-making scenes with co-stars Randeep Hooda and Arunoday Singh in her debut film Jism 2. But if you thought that the adult film star had no apprehensions about shooting such intimate scenes, well you are mistaken. Apparently Sunny (in spite of being a porn star) had certain reservations about shooting intimate scenes with Randeep and Arunoday without seeing their medical certificates. Sunny even shot an e-mail to her director Pooja Bhatt asking her to show the medical certificates of Randeep and Arunoday just to play safe. In return, Sunny even sent her own medical certificate. However Pooja explained to her in clear terms that she couldn't agree to her demands as it's not the norm in Bollywood to demand for medical certificates of co-actors. Finally, Sunny had no option but to go ahead with what her director said.

MEDICAL TEST

SUNNY LEONE OBSESSED WITH WASHING FEET

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August 10, 2012

he adult movie star who's making her Bollywood foray with Pooja Bhatt's Jism 2 surprised everyone on the sets of the film with her strange obsession. The hottie used to clean her feet every 15-20 minutes, reports Mid Day. "Sunny used to constantly clean her feet with water. At first it was surprising

TUSSAUDS NY UNVEILS

SALMAN KHAN

amed Bollywood actor Salman Khan has joined the collection of wax figures at Madame Tussauds on August 2. The celebrated actor now figures with such Bollywood stars as Shah Rukh Khan and Amitabh Bachchan, in the attraction's "Bollywood Zone" thru October. The brightly-colored, fully-interactive area includes a replica of the Taj Mahal, videos of authentic Indian dancers and a photo area where visitors can pose with Bollywood stars.

ourism in Kashmir is being promoted in a novel way through a first-ever golf tournament for women. More than 50 woman golfers from across India gathered at the picturesque Royal Springs Golf Course (RSGC) in Srinagar. Situated adjacent to the Chesmashahi (royal springs) gardens that were built by Mughal emperor Jehangir, the golf course was designed by Robert Trent of the United States. Overlooking Kashmir's iconic Dal Lake, RSGC is located on the foothills of the Zabarwan mountain range and boasts of four royal springs. Netu Bansal Agarwal of Golf Boutique, a Delhi based organization that seeks to promote women's golf, said, "The concept is to make RSGC a preferred holiday destination for golfers. Why go to Europe when you have such a beautiful golf course around and with all kinds of facilities," Apart from the obvious scenic beauty, the golf course has all the ingredients for a grand golf vacation, with two marshes, a club house, comfort stations, tea shelters, a heritage house as well as a maintenance yard. The 7089-yard area of the course was carved out of forest land.

WOMEN'S GOLF - A FIRST FOR SRINAGAR

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

Her film has also got embroiled in numerous controversies. While Sunny Leone's effigies were burnt in Amritsar, there are reports that the movie poster is copied

â&#x20AC;?

and we used to wonder what's wrong. Even while shooting indoor, she would keep washing her feet, sometimes every 15 to 20 minutes and in between every shot," a source from the film's crew told the tabloid. So every time Pooja Bhatt took a break, Sunny would wash her feet. Her film has also got embroiled in numerous controversies. While Sunny Leone's effigies were burnt in Amritsar, there are reports that the movie poster is copied. It is inspired from a Felix Bendish's visual for a fashion show in 2010. Designer Felix told missmalini.com, "I did this shoot with photographer Kenny Zaveri from Mumbai in 2008, which I only used two years later (as a promo poster) for my fashion show in Goa in December 2010. The collection was entitled 'skin'. Kenny came up with this concept and then we proceeded with our stlying and shows in 2010. Because my collection, was a based on racisim and female foeticide, we thought this image was perfect for the concept. Thankfully its on record with the Goa press."

August 10, 2012

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India Post August 10, 2012

August 10, 2012

The US, world or Indiaâ&#x20AC;Ś

Not a very hopeful picture SURENDRA ULLAL AND RAMESH SOPARAWALA

ndians in India and those who have settled across the world are celebrat ing the 66th year of Independence. Indian Americans in Chicago are continuing with their tradition of this celebration, as they remember the sacrifices of millions of Indians and pay their homage in grateful memory of their courage, endurance and success after 90 years of struggle, beginning with the first battle of independence in 1857, which the British historians called as "Sepoy Mutiny." At this juncture it seems appropriate to recall what the first Prime Minister of India, Jawahar Lal Nehru, said on the day, "Long years ago we made a tryst with des-

ment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends, and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance. It is fitting that at this solemn moment, we take the pledge of dedication to the service of India and her people." That was the occasion when Indians across the land rejoiced at the promise of liberty, but more importantly looked forward to the end not only of political slavery but also of the rampant poverty that had wrecked the Indian self-respect. They looked forward for the beginning of real social transformation. Today as India celebrates that day of promise, the cry for social justice, economic development of millions continues to be the same, if not worst. All the expectations of the poor and oppressed have been belied. Today as India celebrates that day of promise, Rather another form of oppression, a very the cry for social justice, economic developsophisitcated one - endemic corruption - has taken root. ment of millions continues to be the same, if not It has totally eclipsed their worst. All the expectations of the poor and hopes and aspirations, except that a small number of oppressed have been belied. Rather another people have indeed made some progress. form of oppression, a very sophisitcated However, there is hope as many leaders like Anna one - endemic corruption - has taken root Hazare, Baba Ramdev and many lesser fries still wedtiny, and now the time comes when we shall ded to moral values are fighting valiantly redeem our pledge. At the stroke of the as political leaders, aided by buraucrats midnight hour, when the world sleeps, In- are amassing wealth in billions. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 27 dia will awake to life and freedom. A mo-

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India Post August 10, 2012

Not a very hopeful picture Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 26

It appears people of India are still in slumber, as they have been for millennia, unfortunately being the prey of murder, loot and rape. India needs leadership to guide the nation to reclaim their destiny, to get rid of the present corrupt leaders and continue to progress as today's young and dynamic Indian Diaspora are doing, thus lead the nation to become the 9th prosperous country in the world. But we need to do more for unless we demolish the scourge of corruption we will continue to trail behind China and other European countries. On this day our thoughts go to the architect of this freedom, Mahatma Gandhi, who, embodied the spirit of India. It appears as if we are straying away from his message. Today let us make sure and remind ourselves and our children to remember that we shall never allow that torch of freedom to be blown out, however stormy the situation! For this special issue India Post sought the opinion of Indian Diaspora, especially leading com-

munity activists the views of and politically community leadsuave leaders to ers: have their insight Niranjan about the prevaShah, CEO, lent economic and Globetrotters political situation Group, Recipiin India combinent Pravasi ing it with their Bharatiya views on develSanman: opments in this The US ecocountry globally nomic downturn with main thrust is of course due on economy. to inept handling We sought but not by their views on Obama adminisNiranjan Shah handling of tration. He inhereconomy by US ited the crisis President Barack Obama and its from the Bush administration. impact on his reelection bid next During the time of Bush, we spent November. huge amount of money in fightA similar opinion was also ing wars. This country spent over sought about the Indian eco- 1 trillion dollars. That resulted in nomic scene, especially in the economic slowdown, rising unemcontext of politics superceding ployment and housing crisis, bank economic matters crisis and so on and so forth. The focus of the issue was the Slow down in India is combieconomic development achieved nation of slowdown in global in India after the economic boom economy along with slowdown in under the leadership of reforms. It is very difficult to get Manmohan Singh and causes of projects done. Leadership is old. economical decline under the same While India has made some leadership of late. Following are progress in overcoming corrup-

tion and unfriendly investment without blame, especially because environment, a lot needs to be his regime lamentably failed to done. show any job growth. As we settled the two wars, and Unemployment in the early focus on economic issues, United years definitely showed States will provide the leadership downslide. It looked as if he did in driving global economic engine. not enjoy the confidence of the Conflict will continue in the business leaders, especially small Middle East, Pakistan and Af- entrepreneurs, who were apparghanistan. We don't understand ently scared about his industrial many things in the universe. Why and business policies. In the cirdo certain conflicts/ tragedy/ natu- cumstances, I do advocate ral or man made events/disasters change. I would not venture to happen? We say that Mitt don't have all Romney would the answers be better, but but life always when the ship moves forward. is showing We will consigns of sinktinue to evolve ing, the best aland make ternative is to progress." find a substiDr. Bharat tute, so that Barai Oncolothere will be gist Indiana, change in the Chairman management Manav Seva hopefully creDr. Bharat Barai M a n d i r ating better enTrustee Board, leading physician vironment for growth, with a buand former FIA President: reaucracy that could work better I would not blame President for the country. Obama squarely for the economic Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 28 conditions, though he was not

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India Post August 10, 2012

Not a very hopeful picture Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 27

As far as the Indian economy is concerned, 90% of it is domestic, fueled by private enterprise. Recently Time Magazine observed that the real government in India is Mrs. Sonia Gandhi, and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is no more than a poodle in her hands. If Singh is really concerned about growth it is time for him to take initiative. He must seek a fresh mandate. Congress will definitely do everything to cling on to power. In order to stay in power they would not hesitate to use CBI and any other police power. But as an astute economist well grounded in the political issues of India, Manmohan Singh should harness the other political leaders, like Mayavati, Sharad Pawar, even the successful Bihar Chief minister who are in the opposite camp now. In order to appease the opponents allegedly Sonia paid 45,000 crore rupees to Mayavati and another 25000 crore rupees to Bihar CM with absolute disregard to the fact that the money so bribed are the money of the people and spending without proper authority is criminal.

Actually all those directly involved ghanistan. So, people of Pakistan are the should have been in prison now. worst sufferers. Religious extremists are Global economy is in great disarray useful in their game, so they are used because of the tarnished Eurodollar. Euopenly as pawns in their game. ropean countries will see slow growth, Dr Dayal Meshri, CEO Advance Rebecause they were living beyond their search Chemicals Tulsa OK, a front rankmeans with borrowed money. Now they ing Indian scientist with a number of gloare bound to be austere. bal recognitions: About Afghanistan, Middle East and The economic problems facing the Pakistan, both US and India must get out, country are not really of President Barack for they are neither helping the besieged Obama's making as he inherited many from nor themselves. The diplomatic sense of the previous administration headed by the leaders must be awakened. It is in the George Bush. However, the President had political as well economic interest of Pakia huge chance to get the house in order Dr Dayal Meshri stan to keep the US and the West occuand I should agree with a number of our pied, and it is truly unfortunate that the countrymen here that the Obama adminisUS cannot see the reality. Actually the ISI is the real gov- tration missed the chance to correct economic ills. In fact, ernment in Pakistan. It is too bad that India is in a bad the policies that the administration pursued rather made neighborhood. Pakistan is a terrorist country, controlled the situation worse. It is a case of inept handling of the by its own secret agents, not any more secret but openly economic machine. supporting terrorists in and out of Pakistan including AfObama spent, rather "wasted", trillions of dollars to revive the economy and he failed and main reason is his misplaced priority. Instead of helping small businesses, much of the money went to social programs. He should have helped the business to be more competitive and meet challenges from overseas suppliers not only in the US market but abroad too. China has been dumpling its products here and in other parts of the world and the US manufacturers could not meet the competition. While US could do little in overseas markets, but it could really have duties imposed on "dumped" goods from China. There should have been changes at the top to get the economic machine restarted in full steam. The global economic down turn could affect India also but not that much as Indian manufacturers have the cushion of huge domestic market. The middle class and upper middle class in India ensure huge pent up demand and the Indian industry is not in a position to meet this demand fully. However, the export oriented industries would get hurt and that would be adversely impacting on the overall growth The world situation presents a mixed picture. The Euro crisis is the making of the local governments who encouraged "overspending" on the part of consumers besides pushing up social welfare programs on vote consideration. The political crisis in the Middle East and AfghanistanPakistan create political uncertainty. Both these factors have impact on world economy. There is little to be sanguine about in the coming year. Mafat Patel, President national chain of Patel Brothers; often described as uncrowned King of Devon (Mini India): President Mafat Patel Barack Obama's administration has singularly failed in its job of resurrecting the US economy. All his policies were lop sided and anti business. For instance, extending unemployment benefits for nearly two years hurt the industries and business. The policy should be to encourage small and medium business that would create jobs rather than filling the pockets of the unemployed. Obama is surrounded by a coterie of advisors who could not acquit themselves as good business brains. Mitt Romney is a businessman and he understands how to create jobs and make people work. He would be my choice. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 29

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Not a very hopeful picture Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 28

There is much to be pessimistic about Indian economic growth as I have first hand experience of the ill-effects of corruption. My bid to invest Rs.450 million in Gujarat failed because of corrupt bureaucracy. The US corporations would rather prefer keeping out of India rather than investing with corrupt elements all around. The ministers or their cronies and now bureaucrats practically at all levels want to enrich themselves at the cost of investors and people. I am pessimistic unless a strong hand at the top puts an end to this sordid state of affairs. I am also not very optimistic about Euro zone crisis. The global economy has to reconcile to it for the next two to three years. Its impact on US economy could not but be negative. Add to the global misery is the continued political uncertainty in Middle East. Added to this is the persistent threat of militants endangering political stability in countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan. I am really not very sanguine about the turn of events for better in near future - on economic or political fronts," he said. Naren Patel, CEO MedStar Laboratories and Former AIA President, was quite abrasive in his replies which betrayed his dis-

Naren Patel

appointment with U.S. Administration and the state of economy: In the last three plus years, the policies of the current administration have not been right and so the US needs to have some better chief and a team to run this country to bring the economy back where it was. Indian leaders are mixing politics with economy for their own ends. The continued violence and killings in Pakistan and in MiddleEast and consequent lawlessness show that they have become a breeding ground for fanatical uprisings to overthrow the feeble governments. Such conditions cannot improve economic condition but rather it is creating huge economic loss in these countries,

Iftekhar Shareef

aggravating the already bad situation. Iftekhar Shareef, CEO National Bank Card Corporation and FIA Trustee: The economic downturn had already begun when President Bush relinquished office and President Obama took over in 2009. The budget was left by the previous President with more than a trillion deficit. In addition, there was also a huge burden of the ongoing military expenses in Iraq and Afghanistan both of which were not of the making of President Obama. As for the drop in the growth rate of Indian economy, he strongly felt it was a direct repercussion of the downturn of global economy. But India will come out soon from this crunch as it does not depend much on other countries compared to so many other developing nations. The crisis in global economy will have a very little impact on India. But because of the political crises in neighboring countries, India needs to tighten her borders for cross border terrorism and black money being dumped from Middle East and/or neighboring countries. At the same time within India we need to control black money and un-reported tax shelters, corruption within India and our money being floated and kept in tax havens like Swiss, Singapore, Dubai and many such smaller countries around India. We will then be in a better position

Thakar Basati

than many other troubled nations. Thakar Basati, prominent Sikh community leader: President Barack Obama is not to be blamed for the present mess. It is his predecessor, President George Bush who wrought political and economic havoc by his ill thought out policies and programs. President Obama is rather trying his best to stabilize not only US economy but also rendering wherever possible his help for fixing global economic woes. Full credit to him. The drop in growth rate of Indian economy is partly due to the global situation and partly of our making. Corrupt politicians still rule India. All agree that PM is not corrupt, but he finds it difficult to get out of the clutches of corrupt

elements and that is the crux of the problem. Till there is a change on this front, India would continue to stumble economically and politically. Europe and US suffered big time for their unwanted involvement in Arab world wars. That part of the world doesn't know any other way except trouble. Democracy cannot be achieved there overnight. Even in developed countries democracy still is not all that successful. Better to keep off from this troubled spot and let them mind their own business. Anil Shah, CEO World Money Exchange, a front ranking currency exchange firm accounting company: The current economic problems are not of President Obama's

Anil Shah

making and he is making sincere efforts to resolve the issues. He has not succeeded so far and it is a matter of opinion if a change at the top could swing the side for the better. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 30

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Not a very hopeful picture Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 29

The drop in economic growth rate in India is largely due to political considerations overtaking economic priorities. Endemic corruption is another reason. The drop in the growth rate is not due to the global slowdown as Indian

industries have the huge domestic market to fall back upon. The prospects of global turn around are very slim. The Euro zone crisis is not likely to get resolved soon while the political uncertainty triggered by instability in Middle East and South East regions would continue to impact

economic outlook and growth. Dr. Sudhirbhai Brahmbhatt, Community leader running Balvihar School, St Louis: The Barack Obama administration has nothing to do with the current economic woes. It is the previous administration's policies and handling of the economics and financial policies that have

Dr. Sudhirbhai Brahmbhatt

brought us to the present impasse. The effect of policy changes do not happen overnight. It is the previous administration that was testing the new loan policies to grow economy. After negative impact, the administration admitted that the testing has backfired. The US economic woes reverberated globally and impacted the world economies. The economic issues got complicated with unwanted war that was ignited for personal reasons. The money that the US government spent on the war could have been easily used for US jobs. President Clinton's effort in balancing budget and leaving office with healthy economy was totally destroyed and the generation to come will pay for it. Every voter should think many times before casting the vote and realize that it affects everybody's

economy. India is no exception. Politics gains upper hand in India and focusing on personal gain and relegating the national interest to second place has been displayed in Indian economy. If it were not for such stance, very well educated work force and middle class the size of US population can easily sustain and grow the Indian economy from within and minimize the impact of world adversity. I don't subscribe to the view that political developments in the Middle East are the cause of the crisis in the Euro Zone although it has had its influence. The major player is the policies of US financial institutions. This became so important that the Euro Zone and its liberal retirement policies were not prepared for such event. Spain and Italy are great examples of not having such measures in place to meet the challenge and as a result, the downfall of these countries was predictable. I sincerely hope that the new policies being implemented by the current administration and new measures to be approved by the Congress will turn the uptrend of our economic for better. We should work together. Our President has proven himself with his position and as a democratic country; we should keep color, caste,

India is no exception. Politics gains upper hand in India and focusing on personal gain and relegating the national interest to second place has been displayed in Indian economy. If it were not for such stance, very well educated work force and middle class the size of US population can easily sustain and grow the Indian economy life. The US economy is the world's largest economy and any changes will have a chain reaction globally. The financial institutions in US are well involved in world

and ethnicity out of the selection process. Our democracy is by the people, for the people and of the people. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 32

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Not a very hopeful picture Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 30

This country is made of all immigrants of the world. Innovative and novel ideas are developed by these creative and smart people. We should not forget that immigrants after 1950 were allowed in this country legally while previous settlers were not. Sunil Shah, Founder President FIA (new): One thing we all have to agree and admit that Obama administration inherited a major financial crisis and a looming recession. Measuring the first two years of his Presidency one can say that the legislative tonnage has been exemplary. For instance, health care reform, takeover and turn around of auto industry, biggest economic stimulus in history, and sweeping new regulation on Wall Street. His debut on foreign policy front is also worth taking note signing new START treaty with Russia, slow withdrawal from Iraq and Afghanistan, helping oust Mubarak and Gadaffi, tighten sanctions against Iran over nukes. The biggest of all these is the end of Osama bin Laden. However the negative factor is that we continue to have severe economic crisis. Home closures have blossomed in a huge way

Sunil Shah

after the new President took office and the main reason is the failure to act with speed and effectiveness needed as per the occasion. Businesses and legitimate first time home buyers are suffering as banks have tightened their lending requirements and right now we do perceive that the nation is in midst of recessionary trend with the weakest recovery on record. India has recently witnessed series of corruption related scandals by tainted leaders. The central government is weak because of coalition running the country. This is resulting in slow economic

growth as it has slumped to its lowest levels in recent years. India's currency - Rupee - is falling in value, investment is down, inflation is rising and deficit is eating away government coffers. Foreign corporate and individual investors and corporates are also pulling back. Interestingly, Non resident Indians have become not required Indians with their investment that ran over 30 billion last year has fallen to 16 billion in this fiscal year. Pranab Mukherjee as finance minister released a budget that proposed new taxes on foreign entities in India, including levies on past deals and restriction on duration of stay in India. There will be long period of volatility in global economy as Euro zone debt crisis escalates and has spread to bigger economies such as Spain and Italy. There is a big concern about their ability to repay their debts and this has put a serious dent in Asia which relies heavily on demand from the Euro zone for their exports. To make matters more complicated, growth in China, the world's 2nd largest economy, has also slowed. Thus countries like China, Brazil and Germany that drove global growth appear to be losing steam.

Ajit Gandhi

Ajit Gandhi, Financial adviser and community activist: The question about economic woes of the US is only partly true. The main thing to understand is that this has been in the making for 20-25 years. It had to burst out some time, so it will take its own time to recover. About India, I am not sure whether mixing politics with economy is the right way to put it. If you mean huge corruption by politicians and bureaucrats, then I agree.

Similar to the US, the happenings in Europe also have been in the making for the last 50 years or so in terms of the idea of welfare state with "free" benefits to all citizens. They conveniently forgot that nothing is free. Everyone must pay - today or tomorrow. So, they are paying now. Regarding the situation in Middle East and Pakistan, I am more pessimistic than optimistic simply because their history has been full of violence and religious extremism and it is very difficult to change it in a short period of time. About the fall of Euro-dollar, whatever had happened in Europe was definitely of their own making. It is a wonder how these economically robust countries collapsed at the height of their industrial and commercial development. I have no doubt it is the socialistic economic planning that went asunder because of 50 years of hand-outs without regard to the availability of resources. As more and more citizens joined the lines for free "food and services", naturally production suffered.

Dances of India T

he dances of India are of many varied forms and have a million different nuances attached to them. Yet there are some common underlying defining elements across all the forms of dance in India. The elements of the Dances of India are: Abhinaya: Abhinaya is one of the common elements of all the classical forms of the Indian dances. Abhinaya denotes two aspects of the dances of India. One of the aspects is expressional in nature, the other is composed of only pure dance. Unlike the expressional part of abhinaya, nritya involves striking aesthetic poses. However the aspect of nritya does not have any expressional meaning and symbolism. The element of Abhinaya can be categorised into four types: - Angika denotes the aspect of the physical movements. This involves the movements of every part of the body to convey meaning. These movements are conveyed through the gestures of the hand, postures and it is also conveyed in the walk of the dancer. - Vachikabhinaya is the verbal aspect of the dance. The members of the orchestra or the supporting members of the cast generally use this aspect of the Abhinaya element.

- Aharyabhinaya is the aspect of Abhinaya that is conveyed through the external expression of the mood through the background, costumes, make-up, accessories and the settings. - Satvikabhinaya is the psychological aspect of Abhinaya that is conveyed through the movement of the eyes in particular. On the whole, the entire being of the performer conveys it. The performer feels the mood, the

character and the emotion as emanating from the self, not as an act or practical presentation. In addition to the above mentioned elements of the dances of India, the navarasas, or nine emotions, give the dances of India a certain sense of completeness. It is the navrasas that allow the dancer and the audience to experience the full beauty and meaning of the movements they are being portrayed by the artist.

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Festival of India: Lot more youth activities this year India Post News Service

FREMONT, CA: The 20th Festival of India and Parade will be held here on Saturday August 18 and Sunday August 19. The Indian Flag Raising and Kick-Off event will be held on Thursday August 16 at San Jose City Hall. It will be presented by San Jose Council member Ash Kalra. As always, the event is organized by Federation of Indo Americans of Northern California. FIA Chairman and Convener of the event, Dr Romesh Japra said it will showcase our culture, heritage, arts and values to Mainstream Americans as well as the next generation born here. "We also cherish and thrive on nostalgic happenings around this Festival which recreates little India during that time." He said, "Our theme this year is 'Hindus Next Gen'. We want them to be proud of their identity, roots and heritage. This will be reflected in different ways at the Festival. There will be lot more

youth activities this year." He informed there is a dedicated group of 50 FIA members who are very passionate about Festival of India and Parade with Independence Day Celebrations. "Our budget runs over half a million. This

FIA Chairman Dr Romesh Japra

year the response has been excellent from vendors and sponsors. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 38

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India Post August 10, 2012

Sonu Sood to be Grand Marshal of Festival of India Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 36

We have cultural programs all day on both days. Over 50 dance schools and academies are participating with over 1000 participants." Bollywood star Sonu Sood will be the Grand Marshal this year. Dr Japra confided that Sonu Sood was picked by "our youths for his excellent physique, looks, acting and sociable nature. He is a lot more accessible than many other stars and is looking forward to enthralling Bay Area crowds."

Sonu Sood, pick of the youth Sonu Sood (born 30 July 1973, in Moga, Punjab) has acted in Hindi, Telugu and Tamil films. A participant in the

Mr. India pageant, he has appeared in commercials for Apollo Tyres, Airtel etc. In Tamil Nadu he is best known for his role as the antagonist, Pasupathi, in the film Arundhati. He made his debut in Kallazhagar 1999, along with Laila, opposite to Vijayakanth, which was a major hit. And as an antagonist in Telugu film Hands Up (2000), which was a box office dud. His first film in Tamil was Majnu (2001). The film too did not fetch him any recognition. He made his acting debut in Hindi films with Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh in 2002, which won critical acclaim for his performance. But he was better noticed as Abhishek Bachchan's brother in Mani Ratnam's Yuva (2004) and in Aashiq Banaya Aapne (2005). Sonu did some

Sonu Sood, FIA Grand Marshal 2012

steamy stuff in Sheesha (2005) and Siskiyaan (2005). In Tamil Nadu, with the release of Super in 2005, he received greater recognition for his work. In this film, his co-star was Nagarjuna as a high-tech thief. However, the film didn't perform as well as expected. His next film was Athadu, which was a super-hit, but didn't help in building his image. In 2006 he again portrayed the antagonist in Ashok. It was an average grosser, but by now he had become popular in Telugu films. It was Arundhati that took him to the greatest heights in a non-local industry. He played the role of Aghora. This

film turned out to be the biggest Telugu hit of that year. Following Arundhati, in February 2008, he played the role of Rajkumar Sujamal in the Indian epic film, Jodha Akbar. In 2009, he played the role of Gangster Bada in Anjaneyulu opposite Ravi Teja, but the role held less scope for his acting. In the latter half of 2009, he acted in another Telugu film, Ek Niranjan, in which he again played the antagonist. The film received mixed reviews, but Sood was critically praised for his portrayal of a sadistic villain. His histrionics and slang mixing English with Telugu in this film proved to be sensational. In 2010, he played the lead antagonist in Abhinav Kashyap's Dabangg, co-starring with Salman Khan. This shot up his popularity graph to the peak.

In Brief Arpaio aide: No more profiling safeguards needed PHOENIX: A top aide to Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio testified that the sheriff's office doesn't launch its signature immigration patrols based on citizen letters that complained about Hispanics and Spanish-speakers but didn't describe actual crimes. Arpaio aide Brian Sands said at a trial that he disregards such letters when selecting sites for the patrols. The sheriff's office is accused of basing some traffic stops in the patrols on the race of the people who were in vehicles. Arpaio denies the allegation. Those who filed the lawsuit are seeking a declaration that Arpaio's office racially profiles and an order requiring it to make policy changes. Sands says he doesn't believe the sheriff's office has a culture that leads to racial profiling and doesn't need additional changes to guard against it. -AP

2 Arizona men convicted of human smuggling TUCSON, Ariz.: Two men have been convicted of using a shuttle business to smuggle illegal immigrants into southern Arizona. A federal jury in Tucson also issued arrest warrants for 57-year-old Eusebio Arce-Padilla, of Rio Rico, and 62-year-old Miguel TorresOrganiz, of Tucson. They both absconded during trial. They're scheduled to be sentenced Oct. 1. Prosecutors say Arce-Padilla was the head of a Nogales, Ariz.based smuggling organization that moved thousands of illegal immigrants across the Mexican border for more than five years. -AP

DeKalb announces initiative aimed at immigrants DECATUR, Ga.: DeKalb County officials are announcing a new initiative aimed at the county's refugee and immigrant students. DeKalb is home to one of the state's most diverse school districts, and has nearly 17,000 students whose primary home language is not English. The county's PHLOTES to the Top project will increase accessibility to educational, social and workforce services for K-12 students and their families to increase literacy, graduation, job readiness and homeownership rates. The program will be implemented in the fall in the Clarkston school cluster and will be expanded in the future to include additional high school clusters. -AP

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August 10, 2012

Indian student jailed for six month for UK visa fraud LONDON: An Indian student, who submitted bogus university documents in a bid to illegally extend his stay in the UK, has been jailed for six months. Sanket Thaker, 27, admitted to a charge that he attempted to obtain leave to remain in the country by deception when he appeared at the Warwick Crown Court. Thaker had attended a UK Border Agency office in Solihull in the West Midlands on May 9 to try and extend his student visa. The officer he spoke to was suspicious of two certificates, purporting to be from the University of Hertfordshire and the City of London College, which he produced to support his application. Andy Byrne-Smith, from the UK Border Agency, said: "The poor print quality of the documents was a clear indication that they weren't the genuine article and enquiries

Byrne-Smith said: "This was a blatant and deliberate attempt to breach the UK's immigration controls. Thaker's intention was to

When he was arrested at his home address on June 28 he admitted he had produced the offending documents on his own computer with the university and the college confirmed the officer's suspicions." Enquiries revealed that while Thaker had been enrolled at the two educational establishments he had been expelled from the University of Hertfordshire in Decem-

ber 2007 and was suspended from the City of London College in March this year. When he was arrested at his home address on June 28 he admitted he had produced the offending documents on his own computer.

remain in the UK for as long as possible and take employment opportunities away from those legally entitled to work." His conviction "means he will get a longer stay in the UK, but not in the manner he was hoping." -PTI

Good Bill saddled with bad amendment MYRIAM JAIDI

(Continued from last week) o what does Senator Grassley's amendment do? The amendment changes, but does not clarify, the trigger for DOL review of an application from "only for completeness and obvious inaccuracies" to "for completeness, clear indicators of fraud or misrepresentation of material fact." The amendment does not define what might constitute "clear indicators of fraud or misrepresentation of material fact," although these may be similar to the ones some authors have observed that USCIS followed (and may still) as indicators of fraud in H-1B cases: companies grossing under $10 million per year, companies with less than 25 employees, companies established less than 10 years ago, etc. Grassley's amendment to the bill also changes the investigation process by removing the need for "reasonable cause" to conduct an investigation based upon a complaint, which continues to be the basis on which an investigation

may be commenced. Thus, any complaint, reasonable or not, received by the DOL about an employer could serve as the basis for an investigation. What does this mean for the process? It could bring the process of getting an LCA approved to a standstill and therefore limit

reached on or soon after that April 1 date, so there is great competition for these visas and having them ready to file on time is crucial. Currently, the process of getting an LCA approved takes about 7 business days. During this period, the DOL checks for obvious inaccuracies, checks the existence

For cases that are not cap subject, such as a company hiring an individual who already holds H-1B status, the risk is losing a highly-skilled prospective employee or even prove fatal to an employer's ability to hire a highly skilled foreign worker on an H-1B nonimmigrant visa. First, let us consider cap-subject cases. Each fiscal year, only 65,000 H-1B visas are available and time is usually of the essence because the H-1B cap "opens" on April 1, for an October 1 start date for cases subject to the cap, and in many years, the cap was often

of the employer, salary details, and whether the employer has made the appropriate attestations, among other details. This 7-day period is a built-in delay of the process. Under the current laws, an investigation may be conducted for a period of up to 60 days (see INA Â§ 212(n) (2) (G) (viii)). Under the proposed amendment, there appears to be no time limitation on the length of time an

investigation may continue. Without any sense of how long an investigation may take, and given the uncertainty of the trigger, an employer who is certain it wants to hire an individual for an October 1 start date, cannot build in more than 6 months of precautionary time for what could amount to a random investigation, because the current process does not allow an LCA to be prepared and submitted to the DOL for processing more than 6 months prior to the intended start date of the H-1B visa. For cases that are not cap subject, such as a company hiring an individual who already holds H1B status, the risk is losing a highly-skilled prospective employee who may be desperately needed because of uncertain delay in the very first step of the process. The portability process created by the American Competitiveness in the 21st Century Act ("AC21"), which allows a change to a new employer immediately after that Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 41

Immigration Post

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August 10, 2012

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USCIS provides information in 22 languages India Post News Service

WASHINGTON: US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) have launched its online Multilingual Resource Center, a new feature on www.uscis.gov. The center provides a central location for USCIS resources in a variety of languages, to include Haitian Creole, Polish and Vietnamese. Offering certain immigration application information in other languages helps ensure USCIS communicates across many cultures and reaches a broader audience, while also ensuring that customers obtain information directly from USCIS, and not from unofficial - and possibly unscrupulous sources. Materials are available in up to 22 languages, covering information on USCIS application processes as well as frequently asked questions. "Our Multilingual Resource Center is our most recent step in increasing customer access to important and accurate immigration information," said Director

Alejandro Mayorkas. "By providing immigration information to our customers in their native languages, we improve our customers' experience and enhance their ability to navigate our nation's legal immigration system."

Another feature of the new Multilingual Resource Center is the introduction of a collection of 13 newly translated How Do Iâ&#x20AC;Ś guides in Chinese. The English versions of these guides have been very useful One of the highlights of the Multilingual Resource Center is the inclusion of a new Spanish translation of The Handbook for Employers: Instructions for Completing Form I-9 (M-274). Over the past two decades, employers have been using this resource to better

understand the employment eligibility verification requirements and how to complete Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification. The Handbook provides step-by-step guidance, clarifies the law, and answers frequently asked questions on completion of this form. The Spanish translation of the M-274 also will be included on the I-9 Central and E-Verify websites. Another feature of the new Multilingual Resource Center is the introduction of a collection of 13 newly translated How Do Iâ&#x20AC;Ś guides in Chinese. The English versions of these guides have been very useful to those needing help understanding immigration requirements and USCIS services. Now, sponsors, family members and friends can print out and provide these materials to the native Chinese speaker they are helping. These guides, already available in English and Spanish, are very useful for people who need help understanding immigration requirements and USCIS services.

Assam package will trigger illegal immigration: BJP RAJKOT, Gujarat: Expressing fear that the special package announced by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for Assam in the wake of an ethnic conflict will "encourage" influx of Bangladeshi immigrants, BJP has alleged that the UPA government at Centre is indulging in "vote bank politics" in the northeastern state. "Our Prime Minister Manmohan Singh recently visited the violence-hit Assam and announced financial aid of Rs 300 crore for relief and rehabilitation of the affected people but (he) did not speak a single word to stop infiltration which led to the riots in Assam," BJP MP Balbir Punj said.

BJP MP Balbir Punj

Punj, who is visiting the state, was speaking to reporters here. "The violence occurred in Assam because a large number of Bangladeshis having entered the

state and grabbed local people's properties, who resorted to rioting to save their properties," Punj said, adding the Centre must first put a check on illegal immigration if it wanted peace in Assam. Clarifying that the BJP is not opposed to providing financial assistance to the strife-torn state, Punj said awarding special aid was only a superficial measure while the real problem lies in illegal immigration which has to be checked. "UPA government at Centre is playing vote bank politics and creating social tension in Assam by not taking any step to stop infiltration but (instead) inviting infiltrators by announcing such a package," he said. -PTI

Indiana backs off defense of new immigration law INDIANAPOLIS: The state attorney general's office says that it no longer will defend most of the disputed portions of Indiana's new immigration law, as they were rendered invalid when the U.S. Supreme Court struck down similar parts of an Arizona law in June. The state said in documents filed in federal court in Indianapolis that it would recommend that Judge Sarah Evans Barker strike down most of the portions of the Indiana law that enable police to make warrantless arrests based on certain immigration documents, including common documents known as notices of action. ``The Attorney General will submit the issue to the Court with the recommendation that a warrantless arrest under those circumstances is unconstitutional. Warrantless arrests under those circumstances and justifications will not be defended and a ruling by this Court to that effect will be accepted,'' the court documents said. The state said it would seek to keep the power to arrest immigrants for whom a 48-hour detention order has been issued. Federal immigration officials said that applies only to people who already are in custody. ``A detainer notifies that law enforcement entity that we would like to take custody of that person when they are released from local custody,'' said Gail Montenegro, a spokeswoman for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Ken Falk, legal director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana, which challenged the Indiana law along with the National Immigration Law Center, said the state's decision meant police would not able to arrest immigrants on the street or during traffic stops unless they had a warrant. Linton Joaquin, general counsel for the law center, said Indiana's decision to back down was a ``positive development.'' ``The attorney general's decision to drop the defense of parts of the law should serve as a warning to other state legislatures that may consider enacting similar state immigration laws in the future,'' he said. The state also asked the judge to clarify the limits of its power to regulate immigrants' use of consular identification cards, which were not covered in the Supreme Court ruling. The Indiana law would have made it illegal for immigrants to use ID cards issued by foreign consulates as proof of identification. The attorney general's office said it would recommend that In-

diana should have the right to define what identification is acceptable for government purposes. ``We've never disputed that,'' Falk said. The state said it would leave it up to the judge to determine if the law applied in other situations,

Attorney General Greg Zoeller

such as acceptance of consular ID by private entities such as businesses. Barker last year threw out both portions of the extensive law that was passed by the 2011 Legislature. The attorney general's office said it would continue to contest a separate challenge to different sections of the law filed in federal court in northern Indiana. That case challenges a provision allowing the state to sue employers who employ illegal workers to recoup unemployment benefits and a requirement that those seeking day-

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The attorney general's decision to drop the defense of parts of the law should serve as a warning to other state legislatures that may consider enacting similar state immigration laws in the future,'' he said labor jobs complete proof of employment forms. Attorney General Greg Zoeller said the Supreme Court ruling on Arizona's law made it clear that enforcing immigration laws was up to the federal government, not states. But, he said, states were frustrated by lack of enforcement. ``Whatever its flaws, this Indiana legislation was not an `antiimmigrant' bill, it was an anti-illegal-immigration bill,'' Zoeller said in a statement. -AP

Immigration Post

August 10, 2012

India Post

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UK visa curbs putting off investors: Report LONDON: As Britain laid out the red carpet to woo foreign leaders and investors during the Olympics, a leaked official report reveals that immigration curbs on professionals from countries like India were the greatest concern of potential investors. Amidst worsening economic situation, Prime Minister David Cameron and his ministers have been appearing at a series of business meetings at a specially created 'British Business Embassy' at the Lancaster House to win at least 1 billion pounds of investment from investors during the Olympics. During the meetings, some international business leaders such as Cisco chairman John Chambers questioned government representatives on Britain's immigration rules. As Cameron tried to ally their apprehensions on the issue, an internal report of the UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) department leaked to The Independent said immigration of foreign professionals was the greatest concern of foreign companies. According to the report, immigration was cited as the most important concern by 50 per cent of potential investors, more than personal and company taxation (13 per cent), red tape (10 per cent), skills (9 per cent) and planning rules (5 per cent). The report said: "These 'front of mind' concerns are usually

Prime Minister David Cameron

Indian Commerce Minister Anand Sharma had also taken up the issue with the British government, particularly at a time when Indian IT companies were investing here and setting up offices for the UK and EU markets near-term and have the prospect of impacting adversely on companies' immediate business competitiveness and therefore the UK's ability to attract investment."

Concerns listed by UKTI in the report include problems obtaining visas for prospective UK workers, particularly those from India and the need for a higher level fluency in English for skilled employees. Indian Commerce Minister Anand Sharma had also taken up the issue with the British government, particularly at a time when Indian IT companies were investing here and setting up offices for the UK and EU markets. Companies also cited rules governing intra-company transfer (ICT) visa - which is widely used by Indian IT companies that allow them to bring in their own employees from abroad. These included having to keep reapplying for ICT visas and artificially inflating salaries to meet the threshold for them. A five-year limit for staff who transfer within firms "could have serious implications on business", it added. The report also suggested immigration rules threatened firms' ability to bring in scarce engineering technicians. UKTI said: "The maintenance of an internationally competitive domestic business environment is fundamental to Government being able to deliver the growth agenda. "The ability of the UK to attract high value foreign direct investment is central to the ability for growth in the UK." -PTI

Good Bill saddled with bad amendment Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 39

employer files an H-1B petition, cannot do anything for an employer looking to transfer someone's H-1B to their company if they cannot get the H-1B petition filed because the LCA process is held up by investigation. Viewed in this light, this amendment to a well-meaning bill would obstruct the flexibility promoted by AC21, the intent of which was to promote the United States' ability to compete in the 21st Century! Senator Grassley's amendment also allows the DOL to conduct "surveys of the degree to which employers comply" with Grassley's new LCA regime. Exactly how such surveys would be conducted, who would be involved, and how long they might take is unstated. Under Senator Grassley's amendment, the DOL may also conduct annual compli-

ance audits of any H-1B employer. Of course, compliance audits are already a part of the existing rules. However, the new twist is that the DOL must conduct such annual compliance audits of "each employer with more than 100 fulltime equivalent employees who are employed in the United States if more than 15 percent of the number of such full-time employees are H-1B nonimmigrants . . . ." Although there is a four-year period between allowed compliance audits for employers who pass muster, the amendment also provides for publication of the DOL's findings. Given the current anti-immigrant climate and the tendency of many people to blame foreign workers for the lack of available jobs, publishing results even of companies who are completely in compliance could lead to backlash against the companies, or could

lead companies to avoid hiring foreign workers in the United States, and perhaps moving operations overseas or to Blueseed to avoid exposure. Removing per-country limits on employment-based immigrant visas and increasing the limits on family-based immigrant visas are obviously laudable goals, but query what risks Senator Grassley's amendment poses. The reality appears to be that the amendment will not serve its stated ends but rather will serve to obstruct access to highlyskilled foreign workers and undermine U.S. businesses and their ability to compete in the global economy. Perhaps it would be best if H.R. 3012 were passed - without Senator Grassley's amendment. * Cyrus D Mehta, may be contacted at 212-425-0555 or info@cyrusmehta.com

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'Hospital closure to improve TB treatment' TALLAHASSEE, Fla.: Florida's top health official says closing the state's only tuberculosis sanitarium will improve treatment of the disease. Surgeon General John Armstrong also announced revised procedures that focus on community care and measuring performance. Armstrong said Florida's infection rate continues to decline despite a recent outbreak among homeless people in the Jacksonville area. The former Army doctor took over the state Department of Health in May. He said the procedural changes are not a response to that outbreak. -AP

Â&#x201E; Sebelius announces nursing grant in NC RALEIGH, N.C.: U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius is announcing a $200 million grant to train advanced practice registered nurses. Sebelius made the announcement at Duke University hospital in Durham, one of five selected to receive the grant. The funding will be spread over four years and is provided under the Affordable Care Act. The five hospitals will use the funding to train nurse practitioners, such as nurse specialists, nurse anesthetists and nurse midwives, who practice primary and preventative care. -AP

Â&#x201E; Mass: aerial spray reduced risk area of mosquitoes BOSTON: State health officials say aerial spraying in southeastern Massachusetts has reduced the mosquito population by about 60 percent, but risk for Eastern equine encephalitis remains. Health Commissioner John Auerbach said people in areas where EEE-infected mosquitoes have been discovered are advised to use repellent, wear protective clothing and avoid nighttime outdoor activities. The spraying took place July 20-22 over 21 communities where EEE was found. Seven communities are considered high risk and are advised to curtail evening activities. Those are Canton, Easton, Lakeville, Raynham, Rehoboth, Taunton and West Bridgewater. Since the spraying, EEE-bearing mosquitoes also have been found in Hanson. -AP

Health Science 42

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Idaho health care panel meets on court ruling BOISE, Idaho: The state will pass on its next opportunity to apply for federal grant money to develop an insurance exchange under the federal Affordable Care Act, an official said here. -AP

August 10, 2012

State increases scrutiny of some insurance rates TOPEKA, Kan.: State insurance regulators are complying with part of the federal health insurance reform law that requires more scrutiny of health insurance rate increases above 10 percent at a time when Gov. Sam Brownback's administration is strongly opposing other provisions of the law. The Kansas Department of Insurance has added more steps to increase scrutiny of requests for increases of 10 percent or more, which has been required by the federal Affordable Care Act since September. In the past, the state would conduct more stringent reviews of rate increase proposals of 12 percent or more. ``Kansas always looked very, very closely at rate increase filings,'' said Linda Sheppard, the state insurance department's director of the accident and health division and Affordable Care Act project manager. ``If we decide we don't think it's a reasonable rate, we will work with the company to try to get it adjusted down.'' The insurance department is led by an elected commissioner, Republican Sandy Praeger, who isn't part of the executive branch, The Topeka Capital-Journal reported.

Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback

The state tries to make it difficult for insurance companies to raise rates more than 10 percent, Sheppard said.

Coventry Health and Life Insurance Co. and Coventry Healthcare of Kansas were granted 10.9 percent rate in-

Brownback has said the state would wait until after the November election to determine if it must comply with a separate provision of the law requiring states to set up a statewide exchange for health insurance Since the insurance provision took effect in September, Kansas has received four health rate increase filings above 10 percent.

creases because of unexpected claim activity. Requests by John Alden Life Insurance Co. and Time Insurance Co. for 20 per-

cent increases were reduced to 9 percent. Anna Lambertson, executive director of the Kansas Health Consumer Coalition, said a strong review process is important to protect consumers. ``Transparency is crucial for consumers to know whether or not they are getting a fair deal from their insurers,'' she said. Brownback has said the state would wait until after the November election to determine if it must comply with a separate provision of the law requiring states to set up a statewide exchange to help consumers comparison shop for health insurance. Brownback also said the state should not expand Medicaid programs as part of the federal health insurance overhaul. He has said if President Barack Obama is not re-elected, all or part of the health care reform act could be repealed. Sheppard said the state insurance department was using part of a $1 million federal grant to assess Kansas' rate evaluation process. ``We're looking at practices in other states. We are doing a fullblown, very thorough look at our process,'' she said. -AP

Active parents raise active kids: Study WASHINGTON: Parents who want their kids to be active should first become more active themselves, a new study has claimed. Researchers from National Jewish Health found when parents increase their daily activity, as measured by a pedometer, their children increase theirs as well. "It has long been known that parent and child activity levels are correlated," Kristen Holm, Assistant Professor of Medicine at National Jewish Health said in a statement. "This is the first interventionbased study to prospectively demonstrate that when parents

increase their activity, children increase theirs as well. The effect was more pronounced on weekends," Holm said. In the study, 83 families were enrolled in a family-based inter-

cal activity by walking an additional 2,000 steps per day. Mothers in all 83 families participated in the program, while only 34 fathers participated. On days that mothers

Children and parents were encouraged to increase their physical activity by walking an additional 2,000 steps per day. Mothers in all 83 families participated in the program, while only 34 fathers participated vention designed to prevent excess weight gain among overweight and obese children ages 7 to 14. Children and parents were encouraged to increase their physi-

reached or exceeded their 2000step goal, children took an average of 2,117 additional steps, compared to 1,175 additional steps when mothers did not reach their goal.

The study was published in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health. Father-child activity showed a similar pattern. Overall, for each 1,000 additional steps a mother took, the child took 196 additional steps. The effect of parental activity was most pronounced on Saturdays and Sundays. The researchers speculate that this increased effect may occur because parents and children exercised together more frequently on weekends, and that weekends may be a particularly effective time for parents to foster additional activity by their children. -PTI

August 10, 2012

Health Science Post www.indiapost.com

High testosterone levels can speed up prostate cancer MELBOURNE: Higher levels of testosterone in elderly men can make existing prostate cancer cells to grow faster, a new study has warned. According to Researchers, men in their 70s and 80s with higher levels of testosterone, including those who undergo hormone replacement therapy (HRT), are at an increased risk of prostate cancer. However, low testosterone in older men can cause loss of muscle mass, decreased sexual function, fatigue, mood changes, depression and impaired cognition, according to a statement of the University of Western Australia. HRT may seem the best approach to relieve the symptoms, but scientists now believe more research is needed on this treatment to determine if it does help patients. The prostate is a small, walnut-sized structure that makes up part of a man's reproductive system. It wraps around the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. Symptoms of prostate cancer are: delayed or slowed start of urinary stream; dribbling or leakage of urine; slow urinary stream, straining when urinating, or not being able to empty out all of the urine; blood in the urine or semen, etc. The link was confirmed by the results from Australia's largest healthy aging study, The Health in Men Study (HIMS). Dr Zoe Hyde, from Western Australia's

Centre for Health and Aging who led the study, said while higher levels of testosterone were unlikely to cause cancer, they might make an existing cancer grow faster. "We need to conduct large-scale, longterm trials of testosterone therapy to see if this risk applies to men receiving testosterone," Hyde said.

Dr Zoe Hyde, from Western Australia's Centre for Health and Aging who led the study, said while higher levels of testosterone were unlikely to cause cancer, they might make an existing cancer grow faster. The research is timely because the use of testosterone therapy is growing, and prostate cancer is very common in old age, Hyde said. Scientists believe that the possibility that high levels of testosterone could make prostate cancer grow faster is concerning. A cancer that would have gone undetected and never caused any problems might now affect health. The findings are published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention reports. -PTI

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44 India Post

thirappally Waterfalls is a picturesque sight 78 kms from Kochi (Cochin) Kerala. Located at the entrance to Sholayar forest ranges, this waterfall is a popular picnic spot. Affording to the onlookers one of the most bewitching sights, Athirappally Falls joins the Chalakkudy River after plummeting a drop of 80 feet. Five kms apart there is another beautiful waterfall, Vazhachal (pronounced Vaazhachaal). The scenic attraction of Vazhachal is just a drive from Athirampally. Its cool, misty waters cascading down with the backdrop of thick green forest and rocky terrain are a scintillating experience for visitors. Perched high above in the Sholayar forest ranges on the fringes of Kerala's famed rain forests, the Vazhachal Falls is wild and beautiful, unspoilt by the passing of time. The water plunges and joins the Chalakudi River. The natural charm of the Athirampally

August 10, 2012

and Vazhachal Falls cannot be described in words. Starting calmly from the high ranges, and crashing through gorges overhung with trees, these waterfalls are one of the best places in India to re-capture a real sense of the classical idea of the 'Picturesque' not just calm and sweet, but something wild and natural. Combined with the greenery, these waterfalls infuse freshness into any tired soul. Both the waterfalls are a part of the Chalakudi River and five km apart on the road to hill station (Valparai) which has an excellent tea estate and is one of India's highest elephant density habitats. It is a crucial corridor between Parambikulam and Malayattur The riparian forests of the Chalakudy River reveal thick riparian vegetation of more than 10 meters width for a distance of 10.5 km downstream from Peringalkuth, covering an area of 58.5 hectares. Out of this, 26.4 hectares lie within the Vazachal area, including three large islands densely covered by riparian forests. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 45

August 10, 2012

Travel & Hospitality Post

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London tourism rates plunge during Olympics LONDON: The London 2012 Olympics appears to be deterring tourists from the capital's centre after warnings of travel chaos and overpriced hotel rooms, according to key industry figures. Many businesses complain they are being sidelined as tourists make a beeline for the Olympic Games and avoid the capital's other attractions and shopping destinations, while non-sports

alded as a key boost to the recession-hit British economy. But tourist numbers have fallen "dramatically" since the Games began, according to industry body the European Tour Operators Association. "London has approximately 300,000 foreign and 800,000 domestic visitors every day in August. These people have been told implicitly that they should stay

"Compared with the same period last year, bookings for London are very substantially down, whereas bookings for all other European cities are significantly up fans opt to stay at home or delay their trips. In the run-up to the Olympics, commuters and tourists alike were warned to avoid central London, with millions of athletes, support staff, media and spectators descending on the capital for the greatest show on earth. The Games have long been her-

away and they have done so," said ETOA chief executive Tom Jenkins. He argued that many were simply following official travel advice from Transport for London, which runs the capital's roads and railways. "The numbers are currently dramatically down on last year. How far down will be determined by

Many businesses complain they are being sidelined as tourists make a beeline for the Olympic Games

how long Transport for London maintains the 'don't come into London' campaign," added Jenkins. "But they have been replaced by approximately 500,000 Games ticket holders, many of whom are Londoners, all of whom are here because they've come to watch sport. "They are not necessarily interested in London as a tourist destination. They are not here to shop, sightsee or dine out," he said. Steve McNamara, general secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers

Athirappally Waterfalls: Wild and beautiful, unspoilt by time Cont’d from page 44

Out of the 319 species of flowering plants identified from the study area, 24 are endemic species of the Western Ghats and 10 are rare and endangered. The Chalakudy River is known for its diversity, as it contains 85 species of fresh water fishes out of the 152 species known from Kerala. Among these, 35 are endemic species of the Western Ghats and nine are considered to be endangered. Nearby Places of Interest Charpa Falls: To the east of Athirappilly is the enchanting but lesser known Charpa falls which plunges on to the road during monsoon. It is a sight to watch and enjoy. Anakkayam: About 20 km from Chalakudy on the Sholayar Peringalkuthu route, lies Anakkayam which means the "Elephant pit". It is noted for a lake with cool and placid waters. The place is a forest untouched by human encroachments and is a haven for those who wish to escape from concrete jungles. It attracts the visitor with its bubbling streams, natural rock formations and flora. Water Theme Parks: For those who want a little extra recreation

there are two water theme parks nearby with plenty of adventure games and water sports. Malakapara Tea Gardens: For the adventurous a family safari through the deep forest and high ranges (Western Ghats) complemented with lots of hairpin curves takes you to the fascinating sculp-

that generate hydroelectric power to the state. Entry to the dam site is with special permission. Vazhachal Forest Gardens: With the abundant flora and even herbal plantation maintained by the forest department, Vazhachal is a Botanist's treasure trove. How to reach: Both Athirapally

Association, agreed that too many tourists have heeded the official warnings, leading him to compare central London streets to a "ghost town". "Our business is down by about 20-40 percent depending on the time of day," McNamara said. "Normally about 90 percent of our customers are Londoners but they've all left the city and haven't been replaced by tourists. "I don't know where all these tourists are or how they're getting about, but London is like a ghost town." Many holidaymakers are meanwhile delaying their trips to Lon-

don until September, following the end of the Olympics and Paralympics. "Compared with the same period last year, bookings for London are very substantially down, whereas bookings for all other European cities are significantly up - as is London in September," said Angela Skelly, head of hotel room provider JacTravel. Despite the poor anecdotal evidence, tourism chiefs remain upbeat that London can prosper from the Olympics. "We have always recognized that the London 2012 Games would present challenges as well as opportunities," said Mark Di-Toro, spokesman for tourism body VisitBritain. "Host cities and countries usually experience a dip in tourism in the year of the Olympics and it is our ambition to buck that trend." He added: "Indications are that hotels in London are around 80percent full during Games time." The British government hopes to generate deals worth more than $1.0 billion (USD 1.54 billion, 1.2 billion euros) over the Olympics, with $13 billion more over the next two or three years. The Games are costing $9.3 billion to stage. -AFP

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tured beauty of Malakapara Tea Gardens. Along the route if you are lucky you may end up seeing some good wildlife. Thumpurmuzhi Gardens: Thumpurmuzhi is an ideal stopover with its garden, scenic splendor and a classic waterfall. Peringalkuthu & Sholayar Dams: Deep in the forest on the way to Valpara are the two dams

and Vazhachal are 90 kilometers from Cochin. The nearest airport is Cochin and tourists can get to Athirapally by road from here. Bus services are available from Chalakudy on the Cochin-Trichur highway. The Chalakudy Railway Station is around 30 kilometers from Athirapally and tourists can hire a cab or taxi from the station to Athirapally.

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Horoscope

48 India Post

August 10, 2012

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Your Weekly Future by Pandit Parashar

AUGUST 10TH - AUGUST 16TH (November 23 to December 22)

(March 21 to April 20)

ou may call a trustworthy person for some advice. Negotiations will continue in the right direction and deal will be finalized soon. Mind will be full of bright ideas and you will be looking for ideal partners to implement them. You will make some money through stocks also.

nother good week as far as the finances are concerned. Planets will especially help those associated with high tech or construction industry. Venus in seventh can get you closer to a beautiful person. You may take a short trip with family to meet an old friend. Bank balance will shot up all of a sudden.

(April 21 to May 20)

(December 22 to January 19)

ourney will be entertaining and instant success. Business meetings will go very well and rewards will be better then expected. Your guidance and good advice will help a needy person. Venus in the second will help you reap rich rewards for the past efforts and a property deal can also bring in extra money in your pocket this week.

ome of you will be tempted to make hasty decision about career but will change mind on spouse's advice. Hang in there some more and better opportunities are on their way in next few weeks. Money wise you will continue to be stable and may successfully recover some money from an insurance company this week. (January 20 to February 18)

(May 21 to June 20)

ou may face few roadblocks initially but will overcome all of them with the help of a powerful person. Some of you will be getting ready to move to another better and bigger place. You may visit a holy place with family and make a generous contribution to some charity. Some one going bald and honey color eyes will help.

ime spent on the phone and emails will get the desired result quickly. Things will once again start moving in right direction in life and money stuck in the past will also show up in your account. You may be able to get some kind of penalty waived or some tricky issue resolved with a government agency. Very favorable week for financial matters.

(February 19 to March 20)

(June 21 to July 22)

ou will be on the move this whole week and of course reap rich rewards for your hard work. Long awaited promotion can also take place this week. It will be better to seek second opinion before you invest in a big project launched by a close friend. You may take kids out to movie and dinner this week.

ou may finally lay your hands on a nice piece of property. Chances of making money through stocks or even lottery very strong for next few weeks. A relationship can also become permanent with the help of another common friend. Some of you may be in market to replace one of your vehicle. You may discard few of your ungrateful friends from your list. (July 23 to August 22)

aturn's transit in third from now and on is very favorable. You may finally lay your hands over large chunk of money that was long overdue. Positive developments will bring energy back in life and you may make plans with family to visit a nice and exciting place. People in business will experience better sales this week.

(August 23 to September 22)

ou may invest heavily in a nice project. You will receive valuable guidance and help from a female. Loan application will be accepted quickly and some of you may be getting ready to move to another location. You may be involved in some serious charity work also and may visit a holy place with family this week.

(September 23 to October 22)

ew positive developments will cause lots of excitement, you should think with a calm and rational mind and stick to your offer, the other party will agree quickly. You will also gain friendship of couple of influential people. You may travel to a nice place with family this week. Some one close will send nice gift for you. (October 23 to November 22)

ign all legal documents after careful examination and have expert opinion before you send them back. Tough stand will get many issues resolved. Relationship will continue to move in the right direction. Some of you may be finally promoted to next level. You may invite few old friends and close relatives at your place.

Excitement, adventure & more freedom for Abhay Deol

his is a year of major change in Abhay Deol's life. Horizons are expanding and growth is less impeded. Abhay is likely to make a number of new friends. This year has brought/will bring excitement, adventure and a good deal more freedom than Abhay Deol has experienced in recent years. Abhay Deol was born on March 15, 1976 in Chandigarh, Punjab. As a Pisces, Abhay is ruled by Number 6 (Venus), Number 3 (Jupiter - Pisces) and his destiny number adds up to 5 (Mercury). This will make sure that Abhay has a memorable 2012. On the personal front as well, he may take his relationship with model cum actress Preeti Desai a step further and they may even decide to get hitched soon. Wearing a cat's eye will help him from evil effects and safeguard his future. This is a time for feeling loose and free; for moving away from old routines in a constructive way. If Abhay Deol became bogged down during this past year, now is the time to seek out new directions. The problem with this year is the tendency to scatter energies in all directions. Abhay Deol's ability to do detailed work is limited now and it will make him feel very confined. In all, this a free-wheeling year that is liable to bring major changes to Abhay Deol's life; Abhay Deol's career; Abhay Deol's family situation; Abhay Deol's residence.

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Datebook

August 10, 2012

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NEW YORK

NEW JERSEY

Upcoming

Sun Aug 12

• India Fest 2012

• India’s Independence Day Parade 2012

Venue: Hyatt Regency Hotel, 1717 Motor Pkwy, Hauppauge, NY Time: 12pm Contact: 917-715-28833

Fri Aug 17 • 5th Edition of the IAAC Erasing Borders of Indian Dance Festival Venue: 2One New York Plaza (Water and Whitehall Streets) Time: 12pm to 2pm Highlights: Bageshree Vaze - Kathak (Toronto, Canada), Jaikishore & Padmavani Mosilikanti - Kuchipudi (Chennai, India), Mayuri Dance Group - Bhangra (Petrozavodsk, Russia), Sonali Skandan & Jiva Dance - Bharata Natyam (New York City), Chhau Dance Group - Chhau (New Delhi, India).

Venue: Oaktree Road, Wood Ave, Edison, NJ Time: 1:30pm Contact: 732-794-2768

Sun Aug 19 • Indepence Day Mela Venue: Garden State Expo Center, 50 Atrium Drive, Somerset, New Jersey Time: 11am Contact: 732-900-3136

Sun Sept 23 • Viva La Music Latina! Venue: Fire N Ice- NJ, 583 Ford Ave Fords, NJ Time: 8pm Contact: 732-417-1999

ILLINOIS

Upcoming Sun Aug 5 & Sun Aug 19 • Bhagat Puran Singh’s 20th Barsi Venue Aug 5: Illinois Sikh Community Center, 2131 Creekside Dr. Wheaton, IL Contact: 630-510-9700 Venue Aug 19: Sikh Religious Society, 1280 Winnetka St., Palatine IL Contact: 847-358-1117 Time: 9:30am Highlights: Celebration starts with Asa Di Vaar followed by Bhog Sdharan Paath, Kirtan and Tribute.

Sat Aug 11 • Sayanotsavam-Classical Hindustani Music Concert Venue: Temple Main Hall, Lord Balaji Sanidhi, IL Time: 6:45pm Contact: balajicultural.committee@gmail.com Highlights: Vocal and Harmonium by Mita ramani, Sunish Mittal, Muthuswamy Bharadwaj & Tabla Shridhar V. Andurkar.

WASHINGTON DC

Upcoming Thurs Aug 9 • Sri Krishna Janamasthami Venue: Atlanta Hare Krishna Temple. 1287 Ponce De Leon Ave, NE Atlanta, GA Time: 9am Contact: 404-377-8680

Sun Aug 19 • Festival of India Venue: IACA Grounds,. 1281 Cooper Lake Rd, SE, Smyrna, GA Time: 8am Contact: 678-485-7302

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA Upcoming Thrus Aug 9 • Sri Krishna Janamastami Venue: Sri Krishna Balarama Mandir, 1235 Reamwood Ave, Sunnyvale, CA

• Rudra Homam Venue: Ashland, 24-28 Concord St Ashland, MA Time: 8am Contact: 508-380-4516

Upcoming Sat Aug 11 • Indiafest 2012 W/DJ Akbar, India’s Independence Day Party Venue: The Belasco, 1050 S. Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA Time: 10pm Contact: 323-205-5594

Sat Aug 18 • 20th Annual pageant Miss India California 2012

Time: 10pm Contact: 408-657-8485

Sat Aug 11 • Gurdas Maan Live in Concert Venue: Center for the Performing Arts, 255, Almaden Blvd, San Jose, CA Time: 7pm Contact: 209-604-2543

Sun Aug 19 • India-Independence Day Celebration Venue: Sunnyvale Community Center, 550 E Remington Dr., Sunnyvale, CA Time: 11am Contact: 408-431-3524

Sat Aug 25 • Miss India America 2012 W/ Mr. & Mrs India America Venue: Crowne Plaza Hotel, 1221 Chess Dr., San Mateo, CA Time: 6pm Contact: 415-810-7450

Venue: Long Beach Hilton, 701 W. Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA Time: 6pm Contact: info@spiritofindia.com

Fri Sept 14 • Utsav- UCarnival Los Anglels Venue: Holiday Inn- La Mirada, 14299, Firestone blvd, La Mirada, CA Time: 2pm Contact: 510-578-8728

Thurs Sept 27 • Ballet Folklorico De Mexico Venue: Palace Theater, 61 Atlantic St. Stamford, CT 06901 Time: 8pm Contact: 203-325-4466

Fri Oct 19 • Royal Drummers and Dancers of Burundi Venue: Palace Theater, 61 Atlantic St. Stamford, CT 06901 Time: 8pm Contact: 203-325-4466

Fri Nov 2 • Spirituals to Funk

Sat Sept 1 Sat Sept 1

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

• Shri Krishna Vyjayanti Venue: Carrington Hall, 1201 Brewster Ave, Redwood City, CA Time: 7pm Contact: 510-364-6095

Venue: Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St. Stamford, CT 06901 Time: 8pm Contact: 203-322-9862 Highlights: Dr John And 5-time Grammy award winners Blind boys of Alabama.

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Philosophy

August 10, 2012

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n enlightened person who is free from the contamination of material desire does not consider himself to be the performer of bodily activities; rather, he knows that in all such activities it is only the senses, born of the modes of nature, that are contacting sense objects born of the same modes of nature. An unintelligent person situated within the body created by his previous fruitive activities thinks, "I am the performer of action." Bewildered by false ego, such a foolish person is therefore bound up by fruitive activities, which are in fact carried out by the modes of nature. An enlightened person fixed in detachment engages his body in lying down, sitting, walking, bathing, seeing, touching, smelling, eating, hearing and so on, but is never entangled by such activities. Indeed, remaining as a witness to all bodily functions, he merely engages his bodily senses with their objects and does not become entangled like an unintelligent person. Although the sky, or space, is the resting place of everything, the sky does not mix with anything, nor is it entangled. Similarly, the sun is not at all attached to the water in which it is reflected within innumerable reservoirs, and the mighty wind blowing everywhere is not affected by the innumerable aromas and atmospheres through which it passes.

In the same way, a self-realized soul is completely detached from the material body and the material world around it. He is like a person who has awakened and arisen from a dream. With expert vision sharpened by detachment, the self-realized soul cuts all doubts to pieces through knowledge of the self and completely withdraws his consciousness from the expansion of material variety.

A person is considered to be completely liberated from the gross and subtle material bodies when all the functions of his vital energy, senses, mind and intelligence are performed without material desire. Such a person, although situated within the body, is not entangled. Sometimes for no apparent reason one's body is attacked by cruel people or violent animals. At other times and in other places, one will suddenly be offered great respect or worship. One who becomes neither angry when at-

should not act, speak or contemplate in terms of material good or bad. Rather, he should be detached in all material circumstances, and taking pleasure in self-realization, he should wander about engaged in this liberated life-style, appearing like a retarded person to outsiders. If through meticulous study one becomes expert in reading Vedic literature but makes no endeavor to fix one's mind on the Supreme Personality of Godhead, then one's endeavor is certainly like that of a man who works very

right purpose. Similarly, one who studies Vedic knowledge devoid of My glories is also most miserable. My dear Uddhava, an intelligent person should never take to literatures that do not contain descriptions of My activities, which purify the whole universe. Indeed, I create, maintain and annihilate the entire material manifestation. Excerpted from Krishnavatara by K.M. Munshi Janmashtami, the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, will be celebrated on August 10.

SRI AUROBINDO

it to teach us the disinterested performance of duty as the highest and all-sufficient law. A little consideration of the situation with which the Gita deals will show us that this could not be its meaning. For the whole point of the teaching, that from which it arises, that which compels the disciple to seek the Teacher, is an inextricable

religious or moral principle. An inner situation may even arise, as with the Buddha, in which all duties have to be abandoned, trampled on, flung aside in order to follow the call of the Divine within. I cannot think that the Gita would solve such an inner situation by sending Buddha back to his wife

but the following of the divine life, the abandonment of all dharmas, sarvadharmÂŻan, to take refuge in the Supreme alone, and the divine activity of a Buddha, a Ramakrishna, a Vivekananda is perfectly in consonance with this teaching. Nay, although the Gita prefers action to inaction, it does not rule

he modern mind has exiled from its practical motivepower the two essential things, God or the Eternal and spirituality or the God-state, which are the master conceptions of the Gita. It lives in humanity only, and the Gita would have us live in God, though for the world in God; in its life, heart and intellect only, and the Gita would have us live in the spirit; in the mutable Being who is "all creatures", and the Gita would have us live also in the Immutable and the Supreme; in the changing march of Time, and the Gita would have us live in the Eternal. Or if these higher things are now beginning to be vaguely envisaged, it is only to make them subservient to man and society; but God and spirituality exist in their own right and not as adjuncts. And in practice the lower in us must learn to exist for the higher, in order that the higher also may in us consciously exist for the lower, to draw it nearer to its own altitudes. Therefore it is a mistake to interpret the Gita from the standpoint of the mentality of today and force

tacked nor satisfied when worshiped is actually intelligent. A saintly sage sees with equal vision and therefore is not affected by that which is materially good or bad. Indeed, although he observes others performing good and bad work and speaking properly and improperly, the sage does not praise or criticize anyone. For the purpose of maintaining his body, a liberated sage

hard to take care of a cow that gives no milk. In other words, the fruit of one's laborious study of Vedic knowledge will simply be the labor itself. There will be no other tangible result. My dear Uddhava, that man is certainly most miserable who takes care of a cow that gives no milk, an unchaste wife, a body totally dependent on others, useless children or wealth not utilized for the

The Enlightened know they aren't performers of action A self-realized soul is completely detached from the material body and the material world around it. He is like a person who has awakened and arisen from a dream

Lord Krishana

Gita doesn't teach duty, but following of divine life

Sri Aurobindo

clash of the various related conceptions of duty ending in the collapse of the whole useful intellectual and moral edifice erected by the human mind. In human life some sort of a clash arises fairly often, as for instance between domestic duties and the call of the country or the cause, or between the claim of the country and the good of humanity or some larger

It is a mistake to interpret the Gita from the standpoint of the mentality of today and force it to teach us the disinterested performance of duty as the highest and all-sufficient law and father and the government of the Sakya State, or would direct a Ramakrishna to become a Pundit in a vernacular school and disinterestedly teach little boys their lessons, or bind down a Vivekananda to support his family and for that to follow dispassionately the law or medicine or journalism. The Gita does not teach the disinterested performance of duties

out the renunciation of works, but accepts it as one of the ways to the Divine. If that can only be attained by renouncing works and life and all duties, then into the bonfire they must go. Excerpted from Essays on the Gita, Chapter IV The 140th birth anniversary of Sri Aurobindo will be observed on August 15

The leaf of a tree, the meanest insect on which we trample, are in themselves arguments more conclusive than any which can be adduced that some vast intellect animates Infinity. -Percy Bysshe Shelley Do what you will, this world's a fiction and is made up of contradiction. -William Blake Nature never did betray the heart that loved her. -William Wordsworth I have lived to thank God that all my prayers have not been answered. -Jean Ingelow Act well your part, there all the honor lies. -Alexander Pope In the long years liker they must grow; The man be more of woman, she of man. -Alfred Lord Tennyson Beauty is truth, truth beauty,' - that is all ye know on earth, and all ye need to know. -John Keats

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Hong Kong & China: Clashing visions of future NARAYANI BASU

n 1 July 2012 and the fif- for the next chief executive for the cial problems such as shrinkage teenth anniversary of the island in 2007. Further, it was an- in fundamental rights such as freeBritish handover, tens of nounced that the general public dom of speech, construction scanthousands of protesters took to would not be allowed to select dals, one of which has dented the streets of Hong Kong to pro- more than half of the available seats Leung's popularity, a yawning test the swearing in of Leung in the Legislative Council in the wealth gap, corruption and rising Chun-yin: a man widely seen to elections slated for 2008. Beijing's levels of pollution. be allied with Beijing. Are the pro- decision appeared to directly conBut there is more anger at democracy protests a threat to the tradict Basic Law, which allowed for China's handling of the situation, one-party rule on the mainland? a wide base of enfranchisement. It accelerated by the deep cleavages How have the issues behind citi- was only natural that protests fol- in political vision. Leung's speech zen anger changed? lowed on the island. - given in Mandarin, instead of the A Rocky Relationship For a time, it appeared that local Cantonese - has made many Relations between Hong Kong Hong Kong residents had won, uneasy, especially since it came and China have never been when it was confirmed by the then from a man who denies any ties to smooth. In 1982, when the some- Chief Executive that according to the mainland. what unwieldy vision of 'One Basic Law, universal suffrage was What Lies Ahead? Country, Two Systems' was pro- indeed a long-term goal. However, Beijing has insisted that Hong posed by Deng Xiaoping, the this appeared to be a sop to the Kong will be able to elect its own promise of limited autonomy was clamoring for democracy. The leader in 2017 and its legislators made with the caveat that Hong Green Paper on political reform, by 2020, but there clearly has not Kong would be governed by an issued in 2007, left many pro-de- been any serious movement toequally limited Constitution known as the Basic Law for the first 50 years after the transition. The result of this promise was a wave of emigration from Hong Kong. Sweeping political reforms proposed by the British five years before the handover were rejected by China. Since then, every chief executive of power has been handpicked (albeit behind the scenes) More than 100,000 residents took the streets to protest against Chinese rule on the 15th by the Chinese Comanniversary of the former British colonyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s return to Beijing munist Party (CCP). However, economically speak- mocracy advocates disappointed wards this goal. The status quo ing, there is no doubt that Hong despite its promises of universal remains intact and is likely to reKong has benefited immensely suffrage in 2012. To make matters main intact for a long time. It is in from ties with China. Its growth as worse, CCP officials lost no time China's best interests to keep it this an important global hub of finance in reminding voters that no matter way. What is worrying for the Chiwas accelerated by its position in what their decision; the final say nese Communist Party, however, Western eyes as a gateway into would rest with Beijing. is the presence of many mainlandChina. Yet, despite surges in the It came as no surprise then, ers in the protests - agitating for GDP in the years immediately fol- when protesters took to the streets their own issues in the one place lowing the Chinese takeover, Hong on 1 July this year. Not only is in China where it is legally allowed. Kong's economy began to lag and Leung a known ally of Beijing, but For many citizens of Hong unemployment shot up to nearly his campaign is backed solely by Kong, on the other hand, it is no 8 per cent. Ties between the is- most of the city's wealthy tycoons. longer clear what is meant by land and the mainland were in- The arrival of Hu Jintao to anoint "guaranteed freedom" in a place jected with a brief surge of adrena- the newly elected chief executive where they cannot vote for their line with the introduction of a mini only made matters worse, despite own leaders. Nor are they sure free trade agreement called the the raft of economic goodies that what "political and economic au"Closer Economic Partnership were promised to Hong Kong tonomy" is supposed to mean Agreement" in 2003. upon his arrival. given that every chief executive Diverging Political Visions Currently, nearly 20 per cent of sworn in, has distinct ties with Fears that Hong Kong's au- the city's population lives in pov- Beijing. What emerges from this tonomy would be undermined erty. Wealthy mainlanders have is that while the political visions sooner or later remained, as was pumped billions into local real es- of these two entities are on a colliproved by a Congressional analy- tate, making for a potential real sion course, the result of what that sis undertaken in 2003. These fears estate crisis and denying locals the collision would produce is not were confirmed when, in 2004, Chi- ability to buy or rent in their own entirely clear at the moment. nese leaders announced that they neighborhoods. Other issues stokThe writer is Research Intern, would not permit popular elections ing citizen anger are based on so- CRP, IPCS

India Post Anna-II

ick up any India news story on the Net and the long comments section shows how angry people are. Once that anger had manifested into the massive Anna Hazare led protest show at Ramlila Grounds in Delhi last year. Anna and his team are again on fast but this time very few people have joined them. It doesn't mean that people are no longer are angry or are satisfied with the performance of UPA-II. In fact they might be angrier. Only they have lost faith in the Anna circus also. By focusing on the demand for Lokpal or investigating corrupt ministers they don't seem to have achieved much for the common man who continues to suffer under multiple failures of essential services. The Anna team remained silent spectators even as a massive power failure engulfed the entire north and north eastern region of India. And it did not happen once. Twice in two days, the second collapse was even bigger, affecting 19 states. The irony of it was that the Minister responsible for complete blackout in these states was being rewarded with even more power, by being promoted the Home Minister of India. It is a pity that the Anna Hazare team is unable to tap into the people's anger even as UPA-II becomes even more vulnerable. The reason could be that the Anna team members are gloating in selfimportance and have forgotten the people, just like the government they are railing against. They have also compromised with Yoga guru Ramdev for his crowd pulling abilities disregarding his dubious politics. Soon after putting up a show with Anna Hazare in Delhi, the Yoga guru was seen embracing Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi in Ahmedabad. The Anna team have also lost the sympathies of the media and are now often in conflict with it. They need to remember that the Anna movement was lifted to unprecedented heights by the media. And now that the media support has been withdrawn, the movement is shown up in its true light. As is being critically analyzed, the Anna movement has no program and no organization to carry out any plan it might have. Even the JP movement of the 1970s fizzled out because of this reason. Also, the Anna team is being seen as focusing on the misdeeds of one political party only. It has not raised issues of corruption in BJP-ruled states. This creates doubts about its motives and loses for it its national focus. Fasting too often as the sole means of protest has blunted the weapon. It doesn't attract much notice from the people or the government. In fact, noticing the ineffectiveness of the Anna movement, the UPA government has become even more brazen. There are no apologies for the massive failure on the power front. The people are not taken into confidence as to the reason for the breakdown. Instead, without any concern over the image it paints about the government, the Prime Minister has appointed the failed power minister as the country's home minister. If it emboldens the terrorists to mount another attack, one can be certain that the new Home Minister will be as clueless as he was in the power ministry. Chidambaram had at least brought a seriousness to the Home Ministry. He had done a great deal to ensure that another Mumbai-like terrorist attack doesn't take place. If one takes place now, you can't blame the new incumbent Sushil Kumar Shinde, because he was never in the picture. He is only a proxy for the Congress supremo Sonia Gandhi. If you are in her good books, it is enough to earn you any ministry.

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