IndiaPost_08-12-2011 by Ghanshyam Bisht

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Hazare team burns copies of Govt Lokpal bill Details on page 5

US, India in State-to-State engagement Details on page 7

VOL 17, No. 883

August 12, 2011

50¢

Periodical Postage

19 INDIAN AMERICANS INDICTED IN FRAUD

India Post News Service

for their participation in a large-scale health care fraud and drug distribution scheme. The 34-count indictment alleges that Babubhai Patel, 49, a Canton pharmacist, owner of some 26 pharmacies statewide concealed his ownership and control over many of the Patel Pharmacies through the use of straw owners.

Sonia Gandhi undergoes surgery in US Details on page 5

Community petitions IRS for relief on accts Details on page 46

Details on page 58

Harvard told not to act against Swamy Details on page 7 See pages 20-38

Suffolk University partners for ties with India

CONTENTS Bollywood ---------------------- 48-49 Classifieds ------------------------- 63 Community Post -------------- 10-17

Details on page 7

Date Book -------------------------- 62 Edit Page --------------------------- 65

INDIA POST SURVEY

HealthScience Post --------- 58-61

survey@indiapost.com

Horoscope ------------------------- 39

This week’s question

Immigration Post ------------- 54-57

Is burning Lokpal bill acceptable?

Life Style ----------------------- 50-53 Philosophy ------------------------- 64

Last week’s result

First Muslim judge an honor for Indian Americans? YES 91%

NO 9%

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

FAREWELL CALL: Among the last engagements of outgoing Indian Ambassador Meera Shankar was to call on US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at a meeting at the Department of State in Washington. (Details on page 8)

Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”

Real Estate ------------------------ 40 TechBiz Post ------------------- 46-47 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 41-43

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August 12, 2011

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Publisher’s Diary

fter a histrionics-filled, edge-of-seat kind of thriller drama on Capitol Hill last week, Congress arrived at a compromise with the Obama Administration to raise the country's debt ceiling, avoiding by the breadth of a hair, a default that would have led to the derailment of the US economy faster than it is headed towards anyway. The 'compromise' sanctions an increase in public debt limit between $2.1 trillion and $2.4 trillion for spending over the next ten years, and is expected to reduce more than $2 trillion in deficit. "It's an important first step to ensuring that as a nation we live within our means," President Obama said after signing the contentious bill. Now that piece of rhetoric, I find, is rib-tickling. A few days ago, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin called the US a parasite on the global economy, living beyond its means. And last week, the Chinese downgraded the US credit rating from A+ to A with a negative outlook. It is not surprising that it was China that should have begun the ominous scrawl which the United States would do well to read as the writing on the wall boding the decline of its almost century-old run as the most powerful economy in the world. After all, China has the most to lose if the US were to declare bankruptcy! Theories apart, what I find ironically funny is the President expecting the American people to live within their means. Here's an Administration that has just allowed itself to print $2.4 trillion worth of IOUs with a maxed out credit card in its wallet and the President expects a people saturated with a culture of spending more than they earn, in a system which encourages, seduces, manipulates and even forces people to spend against their means, where people believe it to be their Constitutional right to make only minimum payments on their credit card bills, where living in debt almost finds religious sanction, how in the name of the Supreme Being will they ever learn to live within their means? I don't, but perhaps the President believes in miracles. God Bless America.

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Big daddy fight Sanjay Dutt, who still does hero roles, got angry when Salman asked him to play the role of his father.

Cover Story: Healthcare fraud 19 Indian Americans have been charged and indicted in a massive health care fraud bust masterminded by one Babubhai 'Bob' Patel.

Community: India Day Parade

Bharaat Jagdeo, President of the Republic of Guyana will be the chief guest at this year’s India Day Parade in New York.

Immigration: 10 years after 9/11 Over 70 community members gathered for a hearing called ‘South Asians in New Jersey: Ten Years After 9/11’.

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Travel: Shillong Shillong is often referred to as the "Scotland of the East" due to its striking similarity with the Scottish highlands.

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August 12, 2011

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Libya, Peacekeeping on India's Security Council agenda India Post News Service

NEW YORK: India, on August 1, took over the Presidency of the UN Security Council for a month. Last October, India made history by winning an almost unanimous vote, making it a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. The spotlight is back on India as it gets set to take up the Presidency of the council after 19 years India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Hardeep Singh Puri says India aims to focus on peacekeeping and intends to urge the warring sides in Libya to call a ceasefire. India, as a non-permanent member of the Council has not held the rotating Presidency for 19 years. In an interview on UN Radio on the occasion of India's Presidency of the UN Security Council this month, Hardeep Singh Puri the Indian Ambassador to the UN said he won't be using the month-long stint to further the country's bid for permanent membership. Interviewer for UN Radio Daniel Dickinson asked him if he was disappointed that India is holding the Presidency during August, when the diplomatic community typically leaves UN headquarters in New York. Ambassador Puri responded saying: There is a history that things do happen in the month of August - a time of the year when normally people are away. Insofar as India is concerned, clearly we are looking forward to our Presidency; we are on the Council after a gap of 19 years which means we haven't had the Presidency of the Council for that period of time. And we would like to utilize our Presidency not only on the theme of peacekeeping, on which we will have an open debate on the 26th of August. I am particularly worried, if I may say so, about the situation in Libya. With the month of Ramadan, the month of prayer and fasting starting on the 1st of August, we would be happy if there could be cessation of

UN Ambassador Hardeep Singh Puri. Pic Mohammed Jaffer-SnapsIndia

hostilities for the month of Ramadan in Libya.

Excerpts from the rest of the interview UN Radio: It's quite incredible isn't it that a country of

With the month of Ramadan, the month of prayer and fasting starting on the 1st of August, we would be happy if there could be cessation of hostilities for the month of Ramadan in Libya India's importance hasn't been on the Security Council for 19 years. Puri: I could agree with that assessment. Specific reasons for India not having been on the Council have something to do with the manner in which the Council is presently structured. Normally countries tend to embark on to the Council as nonpermanent members after a gap of

say 5 to 8 years. But as I mentioned, we took a little longer. And this has been a subject of some comment but we are hoping to utilize our stay on the Council not only to re-establish our credentials but also to see what can be done for us to have a more enduring presence which, of course, will come through the issue of Security Council reforms. It does not take place in Council but takes place in the Assembly, the General Assembly. UN Radio: How much will you be pushing the agenda of India becoming a permanent member during this month of August? Puri: I don't think the process of Security Council reform can be pushed through India's Presidency of the Security Council. That is done separately. What we can do is to conduct our Presidency in a manner which provides a clear message to all that India is a country which not only has the credentials but the political maturity to supervise the work of the Council and which in turn re-establishes the message that we have the credentials to be a permanent member. UN Radio: To what extent do

Narendra Modi wishes Sonia Gandhi speedy recovery NEW DELHI: Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi has wished ailing Congress President Sonia Gandhi a speedy recovery. Modi has conveyed his best wishes for speedy recovery to Gandhi who is under treatment abroad, a Gujarat Government statement said. In his message, Modi said he prayed to the almighty for her

speedy recovery and return to best of her health, it said. Gandhi, who has been ailing for some time, is scheduled to undergo a surgery in the US. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati too wished speedy recovery to Gandhi. "I hope that Gandhi will recover soon and start her routine work," Mayawati said in a statement in Lucknow. -PTI

Narendra Modi

countries that have the Presidency of the Security Council use that Presidency to further their own agenda rather than for the common international good? Puri: This is a difficult one to

I do not think that our Presidency will provide a boost to the process of Security Council reform and India's claim for permanent membership answer. Every country, which has the Presidency, naturally pursues its own favorite themes or priorities. We are going to deal with peacekeeping. I found, over the

years, the Security Council has now started dealing with a large number of thematic issues, those relating to children, women, issues relating to sexual violence, HIV/AIDS etc. Now each time a case is made out, saying that well there is a security dimension to that. Now climate change is a case in point. So I think there has been a steady expansion in the work of the Security Council; an expansion by the inclusion of these subjects which more rightfully belong elsewhere. So countries will pursue those in terms of their national priorities. I am not entirely sure whether it helps their credentials for permanent membership. That's the point, the limited point that I am making. And I am candid enough to admit to you that I do not think that our Presidency will provide a boost to the process of Security Council reform and India's claim for permanent membership. That has to be done through the General Assembly process. UN Radio: Do the people of India know that you have the Presidency in August? Puri: That's a difficult question to answer. People in India know that we are a member of the Security Council and those who are familiar with the working of the Security Council know that Presidency comes by rotation. But this idea to sink in at a popular level will come hopefully through interviews like this, the one that you are conducting just now and when issues come before the Security Council and they see the Indian flag during the Presidency. [This is an edited version of the interview which was conducted on July 28 at the Permanent Mission of India in New York}

Sonia Gandhi undergoes surgery in US NEW DELHI: Congress president Sonia Gandhi underwent surgery in the US on August 4, the details of which are still not available. She is expected to be away for nearly three weeks. Making a bare announcement, Congress General Secretary Janardhan Dwivedi, told reporters in Parliament House that the 64-year-old leader was recently diagnosed with a medical condition and has been advised surgery. "On the advice of her doctors, she has traveled abroad and she is likely to be away for two-three

weeks," he said. He announced that Gandhi has decided that in her absence a group comprising Rahul Gandhi and senior leaders A K Antony, Ahmed Patel and Janardhan Dwivedi will look after party affairs. Party sources had said on July 31 that Gandhi is down with viral fever. Because of her illness, Gandhi could not attend meeting of the Congress Core Group as also that of the Parliamentary Strategy Committee, they had said. -PTI

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Lokpal Bill introduced; BJP opposes exclusion of PM NEW DELHI: The Lokpal Bill, which excludes the office of the Prime Minister, higher judiciary and conduct of MPs inside Parliament from the purview of the anti-corruption watchdog, was introduced in Lok Sabha amid objections by BJP and its NDA partners. The Lokpal Bill, 2011 introduced by Minister of State for Personnel V Narayanasamy, seeks to keep the office of the Prime Minister outside the purview of the ombudsman during his term in office. The institution would inquire into allegations of corruption in respect of the Prime Minister only after he demits office. Government has maintained that the conduct of judiciary will be covered by the Judicial Standards and Accountability Bill pending with a Parliamentary Standing Committee. Similarly, the conduct of MPs has also been excluded from the ambit of Lokpal as under Article 105 (2) "no member of Parliament shall be liable to any proceedings in any court in respect of anything said or any vote given by him in Parliament..." Just before introduction of the bill, Speaker Meira Kumar gave permission to Leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj to ex-

press her views as a special case. Swaraj asked when the Prime Minister does not enjoy immunity from prosecution under the criminal law and Prevention of Corruption Act, why he was being kept out of the ambit of the Lokpal. She maintained that as per the Constitution, everybody was equal and there is no immunity

Swaraj asked when the Prime Minister does not enjoy immunity from prosecution under the criminal law and Prevention of Corruption Act, why he was being kept out of the ambit of the Lokpal from IPC, CrPC or the Prevention of Corruption Act. . "It is for the first time that under Clause 2 of the Lokpal Bill, all Union ministers are included except the Prime Minister. I don't understand why. How can anybody occupying any position be a holy cow. Why is the Prime Minister being kept out of its pur-

view?" Swaraj posed. She said as chairperson of the then Standing Committee on Home, Pranab Mukherjee had accepted that the Prime Minister should be within the purview of the Lokpal. "The Prime Minister (Manmohan Singh) has himself said he wants to be within its ambit. Why is the Cabinet not paying heed to his views?" she asked. Mukherjee told the House that Swaraj's contention that he gave his nod to the NDA Lokpal Bill is true. "On February 16, 2002 as Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Home, I had placed that bill on the table of the House. NDA had two full years after that. Why did they not bring the bill," Mukherjee wondered. Under the provisions of the Bill, the Lokpal will presume that a public servant has acquired assets through corrupt means if he or she fails to declare them or gives any misleading information. The Lokpal can also recommend transfer or suspension of public servants connected with allegations of corruption. The anti-corruption watchdog would take up corruption matters involving ministers, MPs, Group 'A' officers and others equivalent to this grade in any body, board, authority, corporation, trust, so-

ciety or autonomous body set up by an Act of Parliament. . The Lokpal, consisting of Chairperson and eight members, half of them judicial, will have its own prosecution and investigation wing with officers and staff necessary to carry out its functions. Persons with impeccable integ-

The Lokpal, consisting of Chairperson and eight members, half of them judicial, will have its own prosecution and investigation wing with officers and staff necessary to carry out its functions rity, with 25 years of experience in administration who have dealt with corruption and vigilance, would also form part of the Lokpal. According to one of the provisions of the bill, the Lokpal cannot look into complaints against any of its members or the Chairman. Such complaints would be referred to the Chief Justice of In-

dia by the President. The Lokpal would not require sanction or approval under Section 197 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, or Section 19 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, in cases where prosecution is proposed. The Lokpal will also have powers to attach the property of corrupt public servants acquired through corrupt means. At the same time, the bill provides for prosecution for false complaint. The punishment term would not be less than two years in jail. The prison term can extend up to five years. A penalty ranging from Rs 25,000 to Rs 2 lakh is also proposed on people found guilty of making false complaints. The public servant is also entitled to compensation. The anti-corruption watchdog can also seek the assistance of the Centre and the state government in conducting inquiries. It provides for a time limitation period of seven years from the date of taking cognizance of an offence. In the case of the Prime Minister, the limitation period will apply after he or she demits office. The measure does not provide for constitution of Lokayukta as in states. -PTI

Hazare team burns copies of Govt Lokpal bill RALEGAON SIDDHI/ GHAZIABAD:As government introduced the Lokpal Bill in Parliament, Anna Hazare and his team members burnt copies of the "anti-poor, antiDalit" law with the Gandhian asserting that he would go ahead with his fast beginning August 16 till a strong law is brought in. Hazare and his supporters burnt copies of the Bill introduced in Parliament this afternoon in Maharashtra's Ralegaon Siddhi while his supporters Arvind Kejriwal, Prashant Bhushan and Kiran Bedi led the protest in Uttar Pradesh's Kaushambi area in Ghaziabad. Amidst sloganeering against government, Hazare said it was the last chance to eradicate corruption from the country and that the protest should be organized all over to ensure that a strong Lokpal Bill is brought in. "This is a bad and weak Bill which is introduced in Parliament. We need a new and strong Bill. I trusted them when they said they will bring a strong law and ended my fast in April. They cheated me. "But at the protest starting from

August 16, I am not going to withdraw from my fast on some assurances. What we need is a strong bill," he said. He claimed the government would have fallen if he had continued his fast then for another three days. The government does not fear fast or protests but they fear the voice of people, he said, adding that people should acquire this power to overthrow governments. However, he said, his protest is not to change the government but system. Alleging that it was an insult to Parliament and people, Kejriwal described the bill as "antipoor and anti- Dalit" which does not help the poor in fighting corruption. By bringing a "weak" Lokpal Bill, Kejriwal alleged the government was challenging the countrymen. He said they expected the government will come out with a stronger version of the bill but they were cheated. Countering suggestions that the bill can be further debated in the Standing Committee, Kejriwal said the panel cannot alter or change the provisions as it can only give suggestions.-PTI

Civil society members Arvind Kejriwal, Kiran Bedi and supporters of anti-corruption activist Anna Hazare burn copies of the Lokpal Bill during a protest on the outskirts of New Delhi on August 4

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US-India State-to-State engagement begins India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Special Representative for Global Intergovernmental Affairs Reta Jo Lewis landed in New Delhi July 30 to begin a trip throughout India as part of a plan for US-India stateto-state partnerships. This initiative engages Indian state and local leaders throughout the country in a discussion of topics of mutual interest and partnership with their counterparts in the United States, such as trade and investment, infrastructure, education, science, and technology. Special Representative Lewis will travel to several cities within the Indian states of Assam, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Maharashtra to meet with chief ministers, mayors, and panchayat leaders, as well as with leaders in the business and academic communities. The US Department of State sees this two-week engagement tour throughout India as one of the many steps taken to continue to broaden and deepen the USIndia global strategic partnership since President Obama's historic visit to India in November 2010.

Special Representative Lewis explained that her goal for the trip is "to listen and to learn how state and local leaders in India hope to engage their US counterparts. I'm very excited about this state-tostate engagement, but I need

The US Department of State sees this twoweek engagement tour throughout India as one of the many steps taken to continue to broaden and deepen the US-India global strategic partnership since President Obama's historic visit to India in November 2010 (their) vision for linking together regional leaders." The initiative also follows the momentum for bilateral engagement built by Secretary Clinton, who returned from the second round of the US-India Strategic Dialogue just a few weeks ago.

Since the inaugural Strategic Dialogue in 2010, the US-India partnership has flourished, resulting in advances in nearly every area of human endeavor. As Secretary Clinton and India's Minister for External Affairs S.M. Krishna expressed in a joint statement during her visit to India, "through this dialogue, we have expanded our strategic consultations and witnessed an expansion of the already robust people-to-people ties; scientific, space, and technology collaboration; clean energy cooperation; and connections among entrepreneurs and social innovators." Special Representative Lewis has worked on similar state-tostate initiatives in Brazil, South Africa, Nigeria, and most recently China; however, this is her first visit to India, where she hopes to establish similar state-to-state collaborations as her office carries out Secretary Clinton's vision of 21st Century Statecraft utilizing state leaders as sources of innovation, talent, resources, and knowledge towards a new era of global engagement that takes an imaginative look at how we conduct our foreign policy.

Harvard cautioned on acting against Subramanian Swamy India Post News Service

fered strongly-worded ideas on how to "negate the political goals NEW YORK: Foundation for of Islamic terrorism in India." Among his ideas were that InIndividual Rights in Education (FIRE), a civil liberties group fo- dia should enact a national law cusing on higher education, has prohibiting conversion from Hincautioned the Harvard University duism to any other religion; readministration on taking any ac- move the masjid in Kashi tion against Dr. Subramanian Vishwanath temple and the 300 masjids at Swamy, the seother temple nior Indian polisites; and detician who clare India a teaches ecoHindu Rashtra nomics at the (nation) in prestigious inwhich nonstitution. Hindus can FIRE has vote only if written to they proudly Harvard Uniacknowledge versity Presithat their andent Drew cestors were Gilpin Faust afHindus. ter learning Students at from The Harvard began Harvard Crimcirculating a son that the Subramanian Swamy petition calling university was for Swamy's giving "serious attention" to student calls to fire ouster, demanding that the Swamy because of a column he Harvard administration repudiate Swamy's remarks and terminate wrote for a newspaper in India. On July 16, in the Indian news- his association with the Univerpaper Daily News & Analysis, sity." According to FIRE, the right to Swamy, in a column written in response to a terrorist bombing a free speech includes the right to few days earlier in Mumbai, of- advocate for reduced free speech rights for those with which one disagrees. When it comes to actually punishing individuals for their expression, however, Harvard has enshrined strong commitments to free speech in its policies, and Harvard may not accede to demands to violate its own and the strong group of campuses policies and highest principles. will strengthen the educational ties Harvard's "Free Speech Guidebetween our two nations and pave lines," adopted in 1990, state, for the way for students from both example, that "Curtailment of free countries to gain important inter- speech undercuts the intellectual national perspective. We aim to freedom that defines our purpose. support the Obama-Singh goal to It also deprives some individuals advance the US-India global part- of the right to express unpopular nership for the benefit of their views and others of the right to countries, for peace, stability and listen to unpopular views." If Harvard has opened a disciprosperity in Asia, and for the betplinary investigation, it must end terment of the world." Students at Suffolk University it immediately, says FIRE. In their hail from more than 100 countries, letter, FIRE wrote: If members of and the institution has a campus the Harvard community are given in Madrid in addition to its home to understand that Harvard might campus in Boston. Students at the begin an investigation-with posUniversity's Law School, the Saw- sible disciplinary consequencesyer Business School, and the Col- of the views they express, they lege of Arts and Sciences study likely will self-censor. This is preand make connections globally cisely the result that a university through international educational dedicated to intellectual freedom agreements and partnerships must seek to avoid. "We also hope that those who maintained by the institution. are calling for Swamy to be punSuffolk University is one of 10 ished will realize that in a free soUS institutions chosen to particiciety or at free university, we hear pate in the 2012 program, an inione another's ideas and, if we are tiative developed with support by the U.S. Department of so inclined, argue against them, Education's Fund for the Improve- rather than silencing them comment of Postsecondary Education. pletely," the FIRE statement said.

Suffolk University partners for educational ties with India India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Suffolk University, Boston has been selected to participate in the 2012 India Initiative of the International Academic Partnership Program, which aims to increase higher education connections between the US and Indian institutions. The University was chosen for the partnership initiative based on "demonstrated support from both administration and faculty, commitment to increasing internationalization on campus, and stalwart desire to foster a partnership with an Indian institution," according to Allan E. Goodman, president and CEO of the Institute of International Education, which oversees the program. The program offers a series of training activities focused on implementing and sustaining partnerships with institutions in India. Suffolk University officials will meet with potential partner campuses to investigate student exchanges or faculty linkages for collaborative research and teaching.

"We are excited at the prospect of pursuing additional collaborations with colleagues in India through participation in the 2012 International Academic Partnership Program," said Suffolk University Acting President and Provost Barry Brown. "Our students and faculty will welcome opportunities to engage with their Indian counterparts. We have much

this year, to follow up on the Obama-Singh Summit of 2009. The event will bring hundreds of educational institutes together from both countries to discuss a number of topics, including increasing the number of US students who study in India and the number of Indians studying in the United States. "Higher education is an impor-

The program offers a series of training activities focused on implementing and sustaining partnerships with institutions in India. Suffolk University officials will meet with potential partner campuses to investigate student exchanges or faculty linkages for collaborative research and teaching to learn from one another." Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was recently in Delhi for the second US-India Strategic Dialogue, and the two governments are working on plans for a US-India Higher Education Summit to be held in Washington later

tant area of the strategic partnership between the United States and India because of its impact on fostering collaboration on critical issues that we face today," said IIE President Allan E. Goodman. "This new phase of the International Academic Partnership Program

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Washington DC bids adieu to Ambassador Meera Shankar India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Ambassador Meera Shankar completed her assignment as Ambassador of India to the United States July 31. The US Department of State hosted a reception to bid her farewell on July 26, which was attended by senior members of the US Administration and other key Ambassadors. Ambassador Shankar also called on the Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in her office. The Secretary of State said, "On behalf of the American people and the Obama Administration, I extend my best wishes to you as your celebrated tenure as the Ambassador of India comes to an end. I thank you for your service and remain deeply grateful to you for helping to strengthen the important partnership between our two countries." The Indian Community of the Greater Washington Area hosted a reception for the Ambassador on July 24, at which Ambassador Robert Blake, Jr., Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Bureau was the keynote speaker. Ambassador Blake highlighted the immense contribution made by his friend, Ambassador Shankar, in serving India's interests in Washington in an energetic and innovative manner. He and

his colleagues in the State Department worked closely and cohesively with Ambassador Shankar and her team in advancing IndiaUS ties through this period of intense and broad-based engagement, which covered two state visits, two rounds of the Strategic Dialogue, and many other

Ambassador Blake highlighted the immense contribution made by his friend, Ambassador Shankar, in serving India's interests in Washington in an energetic and innovative manner. He found Ambassador Shankar's outreach in Washington striking Ministerial visits and dialogues. He found Ambassador Shankar's outreach in Washington striking. Ambassador Shankar hosted two receptions on July 25 and 28 for the Indian American community and her American interlocutors respectively. The Indian American community was represented by all the leading associations in the Greater Washington Area and from across the coun-

try. The Governors of Maryland and Alabama also sent special citations to Ambassador Shankar for promoting ties between India and their states. The reception on July 28 was attended by over 200 guests including Deputy Secretary of Energy Daniel Poneman, Deputy Secretary of State for Political Affairs William Burns, Director of National Intelligence, Michael Clapper, Under Secretary of State for Economic, Energy and Agricultural Affairs Robert Hormats, Congressman John Larson, Administrator of USAID Rajiv Shah, and other senior representatives from the US Government, US Congress, business organizations, universities and think tanks. Ambassador Shankar thanked the guests for all their support and cooperation in advancing the India-US Strategic Partnership. She recalled the very successful visit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to the US in November 2009 and President Obama's visit to India in November 2010 and outlined the growth of the relationship between the two countries, which at its present level, touches all aspects of human endeavor. She recalled various incidents during her tenure as Ambassador in Washington, which not only added strength to the relationship between India and the United

Govt may bring Land Acquisition Bill in current session NEW DELHI: The muchawaited Land Acquisition Bill, aimed at protecting the interests of farmers, is likely to be introduced in Parliament during the current Monsoon session, the government has said. "The Bill is in public domain to get suggestions and comments. I am in touch with the chief ministers of states and also leaders of political parties... Hopefully we will bring the bill in this session only," Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh said in Lok Sabha. He said during Question Hour that there is a dilemma whether to implement the Land Acquisition and Rehabilitation and Resettlement Bill retrospectively or from prospective date. "Normally this is implemented from prospective date...I have received some suggestions saying it should be done retrospectively with cut-off date. We will consider all suggestions before taking a decision," he said. Replying to a volley of supplementaries, the minister said

the bill will not only protect the interests of farmers and owners of the land but also those whose livelihood is dependent on this land. The bill, however, does not stop private parties from buying land for private purposes.

On the controversy over acquiring land for public purpose but diverted for others, Ramesh said â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;...public purpose is very broad. In my opinion public purpose is development of infrastructure, railways, roads and highways and not malls and shopping complexesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; On the controversy over acquiring land for public purpose but diverted for others, Ramesh said "...public purpose is very broad. In my opinion public pur-

pose is development of infrastructure, railways, roads and highways and not malls and shopping complexes." Ramesh said the bill has been prepared after carefully reviewing the existing state laws and it has been made clear that multi-crop irrigated land cannot be acquired under any circumstances. Sharad Yadav (JD-U) demanded that government must take back the land given to various companies under the name of SEZs especially in cases where no progress has been made. To this Ramesh said there are as many as 18 laws for land acquisition and SEZ is one of them. What will happen to the existing laws after this bill, he wondered. "There is a provision in the bill that if the land is not used for the purpose for which it is acquired then that land will be returned," he said. Ramesh said a decision will be taken after getting suggestions from various quarters on whether this bill will be an overriding law or a facilitating law. -PTI

States, but also gave flavor to the life of a diplomat. Recollecting the contributions of friends from all walks of life political, diplomatic, cultural, literary, business, academic and others, Ambassador Shankar said that every step had added to the further strengthening of the rela-

Under Secretary Hormats said that representing India in the United States is a challenging task and that Ambassador Shankar had been very successful in doing so not only with all branches of the government but also with the Congress and Senate tionship and expressed her gratitude for all their encouragement and support. In his remarks, Deputy Secretary of Energy Daniel Poneman spoke highly of Ambassador Shankar. He said that in his long experience of dealing with foreign dignitaries, he had found her to be one of the most effective and influential diplomats that he had come across. She was always well-

prepared, eloquent and at the same time reasonable as she pursued her country's interests. During her tenure, India-US relations underwent a historic transformation. Her personal contribution to this was significant. She would be missed in Washington. Under Secretary Hormats said that representing India in the United States is a challenging task and that Ambassador Shankar had been very successful in doing so not only with all branches of the government but also with the Congress and Senate, the business community, think tanks and the media. She traveled extensively across the United States and projected India even to those who had very little knowledge of the country and its achievements, in a very clear, positive and convincing manner. He said that he personally admired and wished her well for the future. Ambassador Shankar was also presented with a flag of the United States of America, which was flown over the Capitol building specially for her in recognition of her achievements as Ambassador of India to the United States, along with a certificate confirming this by the Congress, sent by Congressman Ed Royce, the co-chair of the co-chair of the India Caucus in the House of Representatives.

Thailand city to have Ganesh Festival India Post News Service

BANGKOK: There will be a Ganesh Festival for the city of Pattaya in Thailand after a meeting at the City Hall. This 10-day festival will begin on August 24 and end with immersion of Lord Ganesh statue into water on September two and will also include stage shows. A huge statue of Ganesh will be constructed for this festival and shall

be taken in procession through the town before immersion, reports suggest. Pattaya, about 165 kilometers from Bangkok in Chonburi province, is second most visited city of Thailand. It is known for its Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden, The Wat Khao Phra Bat temple with over 18 meters tall Buddha statue, and world-class golf courses.

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Russian cabinet approves easy visa deal with India MOSCOW: Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has approved an Indo-Russian deal easing issuance of business and tourist visas to their nationals. The Russian Cabinet, chaired by Putin, at a meeting gave its nod to the agreement and forwarded it to the Lower House of Parliament - the State Duma for ratification. The Inter-Governmental Agreement on simplification of requirements for mutual travels of certain categories of citizens was signed by India and Russia on December 21, 2010 in New Delhi. "The Agreement aims to consolidate the legal basis for Russia-India relations in the area of requirements for mutual travels of citizens and promote creation of favorable conditions for facilitation of mutual travels of certain categories of citizens of the two countries, first of all representatives of business structures, scientists, cultural workers, students and tourists," First Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Denisov said presenting the document at the Cabinet meeting. The citizens of the two countries holding valid passports can stay on the territory of the other country for up to 90 days within a period of 180 days, according to the Cabinet press service.

Currently, individual citizens and organizations need an invitation or a tourist voucher to travel to Russia or India, but if the deal is ratified by the parliament and signed into law by President Dmitry Medvedev, they will be able to directly apply for visas. For the first time, since the Soviet collapse, the two sides are

The Indian diplomatic missions in Moscow, St Petersburg and Vladivostok have streamlined issuance of business and tourist visas within three working days against 14 days in the past also considering the possibility of issuing multiple entry visas valid for up to five years to citizens of both the countries under the condition that they follow certain requirements, which are yet to be identified. Earlier in June, India took a lead in resolving the vexed visa issue

by liberalizing its rules for the Russian citizens visiting India on business and tourism. "To further encourage business contacts and promote tourism between India and Russia, we are now issuing multi-entry business visas valid for one year, against six months single or double entry in the past, and tourist visas valid for six months with multiple entries," Indian Ambassador Ajai Malhotra said. The Indian diplomatic missions in Moscow, St Petersburg and Vladivostok have streamlined issuance of business and tourist visas within three working days against 14 days in the past. According to Malhotra, the Indian missions in Russia had issued about 110,000 visas to Russian citizens during 2010. "I expect this number to increase by about 25 per cent this year." Tourist flows from Russia to India have picked up in recent years, with Goa, New DelhiAgra-Jaipur Golden Triangle, Mumbai and Kulu-Manali emerging as major attractions, while more Indian tourists can now be on Moscow's Red Square and St Petersburg's Palace Square, although their number is still small. -PTI

3 senior Pak military officials to face court martial ISLAMABAD: Three senior Pakistani Naval officers will face court martial for their alleged negligence during a terrorist attack on Mehran airbase in Karachi that left 10 security personnel dead and two surveillance aircraft destroyed. Commodore Raja Tahir, the former commander of PNS Mehran airbase, the naval aviation commander and the security officer of the airbase are to face trial in a court martial in connection with the May 22 attack, media reports said. The navy's internal inquiry into the attack, conducted by Rear Admiral Tehsinullah Khan, recommended the court martial of the three officers. The proceedings will be conducted at the airbase by a fivemember military court headed by an officer of the rank of commodore, media reports said. The navy is set to take "punitive action" against some officials

in the light of the recommendations of the Board of Inquiry ordered into the terrorist attack on PNS Mehran, a naval spokesman said. "Some action will be taken in the light of recommendations of the Board of Inquiry," he told the media. If convicted, the officers could face censure, dishonorable discharge from the navy or even imprisonment, depending on the nature of charges proven against them. The board of inquiry presented its recommendations to naval chief Admiral Noman Bashir, who authorized the court martial proceedings. News of the court martial proceedings has inculcated a "sense of fear" among the officer corps, with many officers fearing that they may be brought before the military court as well, The Express Tribune newspaper quoted its sources as saying. . "Other

names" are likely to crop up during the hearings, the daily reported. Other reports said several other officers could face court martial too. Javed Iqbal, a retired vice admiral, said the officers being prosecuted are too junior and that far too many senior officers - including admirals - were being let off the hook. "The attack was a colossal intelligence failure that resulted in losses to the tunes of billions. But have any senior ranking officials in the intelligence agencies or the Pakistan Navy been investigated?" he asked. Commodore Raja Tahir was removed as commander of PNS Mehran within three days of the attack. A former Pakistan Navy commando and his brother were arrested in Lahore in connection with the attack but they were released a few weeks later.-PTI

Gandhara art from Pakistan on display at Asia Society India Post News Service

amples of Gandharan art. Through this exhibition, Asia Society aims NEW YORK: The Asia Society to provide new contexts for lookMuseum, New York is presenting ing at the arts and culture of Pakian exhibition of spectacular Bud- stan today, in keeping with our dhist sculptures, architectural re- long history of programming liefs and works of gold and bronze about and engagement with the from the Gandhara region of Paki- region and following our 2009 exstan, most never exhibited before hibition Hanging Fire: Contemporary Art from Pakistan." in the United States. The Buddhist Heritage of PaThe exhibition of spectacular Buddhist sculptures, architectural kistan: Art of Gandhara is the first exhibition to bring works of reliefs and works Gandharan art from Paof gold and kistan to the United bronze from States since Asia t h e Society's Gandhara groundbreaking region of Paexhibition of kistan will be Gandharan on display sculpture in August 9 1960. The maOct 30. jority of works These in the exhibiartworks tion are on show the loan from the rich artistic National heritage of Museum in Gandhara Karachi and as a geothe Lahore graphical Museum in and historic Lahore. In region and as addition to a particular loans from style of art. Pakistan, The Budcomparative dhist Heritage works, both of Pakistan: Art eastern and of Gandhara rewestern, that veals the comilluminate the plex cultural inGreco-Roman fluences - from and ScythoS c y t h o Parthian influParthian to ences on Greco-Roman Gandharan art traditions are included from that fed the the Metropoliextraordinary tan Museum of artistic proArt, Asia Sociduction of this ety Museum, region from the and private colfirst century Standing Bodhisattva Maitreya. lections in the B.C.E. through Pakistan. 3rd単4th century CE. United States. the fifth century Gray schist. H. 39 3/8 x W. 15 3/ 16 x D. 5 1/2 in. (100 x 38.5 x 14 The display is C.E. cm). Lahore Museum, Lahore organized by "Against a Adriana Proser, backdrop of political turmoil and tensions in the US- Asia Society Museum's John H. Pakistan relationship, securing Foster Curator for Traditional these loans has been an extraor- Asian Art. At its height, Gandhara dinary achievement," says Melissa Chiu, Asia Society Museum whose center was situated in Director and Vice President, Glo- present-day Peshawar in northbal Art Programs. "We are ex- west Pakistan - encompassed tremely grateful to our colleagues Bamiyan in Afghanistan, Bactria, at the Lahore Museum in Lahore the Hindu Kush, and the Punjab and the National Museum of Pa- region of northwest India. The makistan in Karachi, and to count- jority of Gandharan art known toless individuals both in Pakistan day is Buddhist in origin. Budand the US for their efforts on be- dhism reached Gandhara as early half of the exhibition. Despite im- as the third century B.C.E., and ages of Pakistan as a place of vio- began to flourish in the first cenlent extremism, the region has an tury C.E. as Silk Road trade and ancient tradition of tolerance and cross-cultural connections from pluralism as evidenced by the sur- the Mediterranean to China fosvival of these spectacular ex- tered its spread.

Desi News Sankalp thriving with launches in Chicago, Dallas RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service

CHICAGO: With Guinness Book of World Record for largest Dosa under its belt and a recognition as Best South Indian Restaurant chain with Times Award, Sankalp of Ahmedabad is now set to carve out a place for itself in the burgeoning North American market. After successfully making its way at Edison and South Plainfield in New Jersey, Cincinnati in Ohio, Sugar land in Texas, Sankalp recently launched two of its specialty restaurants in the State of Illinois - one at Schaumburg and another in Mt. Prospect.

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA

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India Post News Service

Hindi Lovers Club honors Tabu SURESH SHAH

Details on page 12

August 12, 2011

President of Guyana to be chief guest at I-Day parade

Details on page 11

CHICAGO: Hindi Lovers Club of Illinois (HLC), a not for profit organization, recently honored Indian film star Tabu at Indo American Center in Chicago and presented her with an award recognizing her services to the Hindi art world. The ceremony took place after the keynote speech given by Raja Rajendran. This award was for her distinguished contribution to the Hindi language through her excellent, exceptional and unique acting in Hindi cinema in India and abroad. In response, Tabu said "as this is an HLC event, I will express my gratitude in the Hindi.

Yamuna is pure sewage at Vrindavan

Bharaat Jagdeo, President of the Republic of Guyana (West Indies)

NEW YORK: Bharaat Jagdeo, President of the Republic of Guyana (West Indies) will be the chief guest at this year's India Day Parade in New York to be held Aug 21. The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) of the tri-state area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut announced last week that President Jagdeo accepted the invitation to grace the 31st India Day Annual Parade as chief guest. This is the second year in a row that the head of another Caribbean nation, which boasts of a large population of Indian Diaspora, is joining the list of foreign dignitaries who have recognized the increasing power of India and the IndoAmerican community. President Jagdeo succeeded President Janet Jagan in the year 1999 and has since won presidential elections in 2001 and 2006. President Jagdeo has been awarded the Pushkin Medal by the Government of Russia, and the "Pravasi Bharatiya Samman" Award by the Government of India. He was also awarded the United Nations "Champion of the Earth" award

in 2010. Time Magazine and CNN also named the President as one of their "Heroes of the Environment" in 2008. In early 2010, the Secretary General of the United Nations asked President Jagdeo to serve on the Secretary General's High Level Ad-

This is the second year in a row that the head of another Caribbean nation, which boasts of a large population of Indian Diaspora, is joining the list of foreign dignitaries visory Group on Climate Finance. At the Parade and related celebrations this year, the President will join Grand Marshal Bollywood actress Rani Mukerji, renowned classical vocalist Pandit Jasraj, actor Gulshan Grover and many other dignitaries and diplomats.

OFBJP-USA meet in Chicago a big success India Post News Service

Pooja's Charming Bharatnatyam Arangetrum KANIKA MANCHANDA

CHICAGO: The BJP has a strong political will to change the destiny of India. They believe it is this strong will that is necessary for development tasks and not the capital. This view was reflected at the three-day conference of OFBJP National Council Meeting beginning July 21 at Holiday Inn in Rolling Meadows, a north side suburb of Chicago. There was enthusiastic participation by 50 plus guests and invitees and the conference was a big success going by the tenor of the discussions and the conclusion. The National Coordinator, Dr. Maheshbhai Mehta welcomed the delegates, office bearers and guests after the lighting of ceremonial lamp and chanting of Shanti mantra. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 17

Some of the guests, delegates and office bearers at the OFBJP meet in Chicago

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Sankalp thriving with launches in Chicago, Dallas

Sankalp in Mount Prospect

RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service

have about 15 facilities across USA by 2012 and a couple more in Canada. This is on top of the management decision to expand in UK and enter the Dubai market as well. Set up three decades ago by an enterprising cloth merchant from Jaffna, Shri Ram Avtar Goenka, at Ashram Road in Ahmedabad,

Goenkas - Ram Avtar and his sons - to cross the Gujarat borders and go to Mumbai, Rajasthan, New Delhi and Chandigarh. Its entry to the UK followed soon and it came to the US market in 2006. It can now boast of 90 Sankalp restaurants across the

Sankalp is synonymous for South Indian Food and the intent of this restaurant group is to make

with. "You simply can't beat the quality and taste of our Sambhar and chatnis and that is what we shall precisely serve to the people in this country, and that is my guarantee. For our patrons who were craving for authentic South Indian food, Sankalp is now at their doorsteps here. We have an innovative menu for the patrons in USA, but we have not excluded any of our signature dishes. "We shall be serving our regular Plain Dosa, Masala Dosa, Mysore Masala Dosa, Mix Uthhapa, Rava Dosa, Veg Pulao and Kesary Halwa but along with this get geared up for the new varieties of dosas, idli, uthappa, cur-

ries, rice and sweets. The Madurai Sandwhich Uthappa wherein special vegetables are stuffed between two thin layers of Uthappa is an ace for Sankalp Group. Then we have the Military Ghee Roast Dosa, Paneer Dosa, Chettinad Spicy Dosa, and for the health conscious people we have retained our Spring Dosas which have a lot of fresh vegetable filling." The Special idlis like the Crispy Cheese Idli, Masala Vegetable Idli, Chettinad Idli, Nilgiri Idli are also being introduced into the US market. A special menu has been designed and significance is given to non-veg food.

it equally popular over the globe Sujal Mody, Director for International Projects for the Group

Sankalp soon engulfed this premier Gujarat city by the taste and

Sankalp in Schaumburg

rant in the US at Plano in Dallas. In a talk to this paper, he said the Sankalp chain is set to spread its wings further and the plan is to

Sankalp in Edison

quality of its food mixed with courteous services. It set up six more Sankalps at different locations soon. Its name and fame induced

globe. It entered the USA in New Jersey and the rave reviews and the patronage that it received from members of the Indian community in general and people at large, it embarked upon a steady expansion and as pointed out by Sujal Modi "it is our Sankalp to take Sankalp across USA." He said that for people from Gujarat, Sankalp is synonymous for South Indian Food and the intent of this restaurant group is to make it equally popular over the globe. Sankalp has four trade names registered under its banner and each one of them has unique cuisine to offer: Sankalp - South Indian Food serving chain, Saffron - North Indian Barbeque Cuisine, Salt N Pepper - Traditional Indian Fast food and Uncle Sam's - a pizzeria serving unlimited soup, salads, breads and pizzas Sujal Mody pointed out that Sankalp is well known for its Sambhar and four different types of chatnis that are provided along

Sankalp in Houston

Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 12

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Hindi Lovers Club honors Tabu SURESH SHAH

Sankalp thriving with launches in Chicago, Dallas Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 11

liked the mission of this organization. The Indo-American Center screened a few video clips of Tabu's movies like Cheeni Kum, The Namesake, Fanna, Virasat, Chandni Bar and many more. Tabu has displayed a great depth and versatility in acting, expressions and delivery of dialogues in a unique style. Tabu is the first female recipient of this award from HLC. The directors and office bearers of the Club expressed their gratitude to Sher Rajput, Jay Luthra and staff of Indo American Center who helped the club to host this program and gave them an opportu-

nity to honor Tabu. Mukta Tomar, the Indian Consul General in Chicago had inaugurated HLC in January 2011 in Chicago. "Everyone at home speaks either English or language of their individual Indian states, but in the community gatherings we often feel strangers among us because of a lack of a common language to communicate. Hindi can link not only the first and third generations, but all Indians. During club meetings we encourage members to speak in Hindi," said Usha Kamaria, an HLC founding member. HLC meets monthly and hosts many activities throughout the year.

The innovative new dishes like the Southern Crispy Fish Fingers, Lamb Pepper Fry (A dry mutton preparation with an abundance of coconut) and Kozhi Sukka (Pepper tempered chicken) are the non veg starters that one would find on the menu of Sankalp at both Chicagoland restaurants. The Chennai Chicken Masala, Royyala Veppudu (A shrimp preparation) and Gosht Palak (Spinach & Mutton) form the formidable part in the non-veg curries section. These curries are served along with multi layered Indian bread called the Malabari Porotta. And the Birinji Gosht (Rice & Mutton), Hyderabadi Chicken Biryani (Chicken & Rice) & Malabari Prawns Biryani (shrimps and rice) are the winners in the Non-Veg Rice section. Sujal further said, "We want our presence in the American household too and for that we shall very shortly be introducing instant mixes and ready-to-eat gravies in the US. Efforts are being put in for the launch of the Instant Dosa Mix, Idli Mix, Uppama Mix, Rava Mix in the dry powder section and then gradually our ready to eat gravies and condiments." A student from the Institute of Hotel Management (1990), Sujal has been associated with the ho-

tel industry since then. He has worked his way up to the position of the Director for International Projects and has been associated with Sankalp Group since 2000. "After joining the group, the CMD Shri Goenka, understood my potential and entrusted me with many different kind of responsibilities

"We want our presence in the American household too and for that we shall very shortly be introducing instant mixes and ready-to-eat gravies in the US. Efforts are being put in for the launch of the Instant Dosa Mix, Idli Mix, Uppama Mix, Rava Mix in the dry powder section and helped me carve out a name for myself. The creative urge in me was satisfied to a great extent .I have always felt the urge of learning the nitty gritty of a new cuisine and creating new delicacies without compromising on the essentials," he said.

Gujarati Samaj picnic in St Louis ASHWIN PATEL

Playful adults and youth

Preparing food for the picnic participants

ST. LOUIS: Gujarati Samaj of St. Louis organized their annual picnic at McDonald Park on Saturday July 23. Close to 200 members, friends, and well-wishers participated. The food team was ready with Chat Papdi, Bhelpuri, water melons, Corn I Ice Snow cone as the participants started arriving at the

picnic site. The temperature was in 100 degrees F and enough water and drinks, with paper cups and paper towels were stacked to supply to the thirsty participants throughout the day. Throughout the event, many Indian games and sports, such as cricket, volleyball, water balloons and other enjoy-

able items were played. Finally, Indian food was served to all members included Khichadi, Vegetable Shaak, Indian popular Chhach (butter-milk), Athanu (Achar).The picnic was enjoyed by all the guests due to dedication and hard work by members, volunteers and officers of Gujarati Samaj of St. Louis.

Gujarati Samaj ladies at the picnic

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Pooja's mesmerizing Bharatnatyam Arangetrum KANIKA MANCHANDA

Pratham receives $250,000 Deloitte21 grant

L to R: Ashish Goel, Partner, Deloitte LLP, Punit Renjen, Chairman of Deloitte LLP, Sangita Karra, VP of Development, Pratham USA, Ainar Aijala, Chief Corporate Development Officer, DTTL India Post News Service

Pooja Avula

CHICAGO: Dancing itself is a very remarkable talent but dancers do not get enough credit for the beauty they portray. This is especially so when one picks up a classical Indian dance form like Bharatnatyam. Seventeen-year old Pooja Avula acquitted herself very creditably while doing her Arangetrum, or graduation, from this dance recently at her Morgan Park School Auditorium in Chicago. The high school auditorium was full of family and friends who were quite mesmerized by the easy and elegant way she performed. They were extremely proud of Pooja. The Arangetrum is composed of eight dances, some of which can be up to twenty minutes long. Therefore, the dancer needs to build endurance to do all eight items continuously with grace. Some dances tell stories of Hindu scriptures, while others are for pure enjoyment. Young Pooja started learning Bharatanatyum when she was just nine years old, and it took her eight years to learn all eight dances under her guru, or teacher, Rupal Parikh. Her stunning performance was full of expression and energy,

two key elements that a Bharatanatyam dancer needs in order to complete her graduation successfully. In addition, the dancer needs to practice every day in order to remember all of her steps and build stamina. Between doing home-

The Arangetrum is composed of eight dances, some of which can be up to twenty minutes long. Therefore, the dancer needs to build endurance to do all eight items continuously with grace work, being the president of her class, and playing tennis for her school MPA, there was hardly any time for Pooja to practice. Still, this dedicated student made time to practice and managed to graduate her high school as salutatorian.

WASHINGTON, DC: Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (DTTL) has announced Pratham USA as the recipient of a $250,000 grant as part of the Deloitte21 Challenge. Deloitte21 is a Deloitte organization-wide global initiative aimed at helping underserved young people acquire the education and skills needed to thrive in the 21st-century economy. Punit Renjen, Chairman of Deloitte LLP in the United States,

and Sangita Karra, VP of Development of Pratham USA, accepted a certificate on June 1 representing the $250,000 grant at

Ainar Aijala, Chief Corporate Development Officer of DTTL, commented, "It is said that if you educate a man you educate an indi-

Deloitte21 is aimed at helping underserved young people acquire the education and skills needed to thrive in the 21st-century economy the 2011 Deloitte World Meetings at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Washington, DC. Presiding at the ceremony,

vidual, but if you educate a woman you educate a nation" quoting Ghanaian scholar Dr. James Emmanuel Kwegyir Aggrey.

Aligarh Muslim University alumni Iftar party ABDUL SIDIQUI

CHICAGO: Aligarh Muslim University Alumni Association of Greater Chicago (AMUAA-GC), a non-profit secular organization, is hosting Iftar /Dinner and celebrating Sir Syed Day on August 13 at Milan Banquet in Waukegan, a north side suburb of Chicago. The admission is free. RSVP Required. Keynote Speaker for the Iftar dinner meet is Alauddin A. Alauddin. He will talk on "Beloved to the Almighty, Beneficial to Mankind" All donations and contributions collected at the Iftar / Dinner and Sir Syed Day celebration will go towards girls' education projects. Eighty Five percent (85%) of rural Muslim women in north India are illiterate. Since 2005, the AMUAA-GC has undertaken several girls' education projects in India including con-

struction of schools, establishing computer centers and science laboratories. In 2010, the AMUAA-GC supported the construction of Usman Ghani Computer Center, Patna, Bihar for

Nagar, the most backward district in eastern Uttar Pradesh in India. Sir Syed Ahmad Khan (18171898) pioneered modern education for the Muslim community in India by founding the Muhammedan

All donations and contributions collected at the Iftar / Dinner and Sir Syed Day celebration will go towards girls' education projects. Eighty Five percent (85%) of rural Muslim women in north India are illiterate women and completed construction of a new school, Amena Girls School in Bangla Bazar Lucknow, UP. Currently, the AMUAA-GC is supporting construction of Sir Syed Girls Academy in village Pokhar Bhitwa, District Siddharth

Anglo-Oriental College which later developed into the Aligarh Muslim University. His work gave rise to a new generation of Muslim intellectuals who composed the Aligarh Movement to secure the future of Muslims in India.

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Yamuna is pure sewage at Vrindavan VICTORIA TRUVER

he Yamuna River where Krishna played no longer exists. It is blocked at Yamunotri, reports Swami Ramesh Babaji Maharaj who has arrived from Vrindavan to give lectures in loca-

tions around Southern California about this disaster. What passes for the Yamuna is intercepted by the Haryana government, which removes the clean usable water and deposits sewage. When this arrives

Gayatri Mantra to open Interfaith Studies Program India Post News Service

in Delhi the water is treated and sewage once again is released. By the time it reaches Vrindavan it is pure sewage and not a drop of Yamuna remains. The pujaris use this contami-

nated liquid for puja. The water of the Yamuna, that once bathed Krishna, is now sewage that is poured for abhishekam on His murti in the 5,000 Mandirs in Vrindavan.

How can we save the Yamuna? There is a petition on SaveYamuna.org that will be sent to the Prime Minister of India, the President, the chief ministers and concerned authorities.

USBBF hosts IT seminar in Bangladesh consulate M ZAFAR ULLAH

SACRAMENTO: “Gayatri Mantra”, considered the most sacred mantra in Hinduism, will reportedly open the maiden yearlong “Interfaith Studies Program” at California’s capital Sacramento on October 15. Rajan Zed, President of Universal Society of Hinduism, will recite this inaugural mantra at this certificate program of The Sierra Center for Interfaith Studies being organized in association with Interfaith Council of Greater Sacramento. Reverend Bhavani Girard, Director of the Program, says that this project includes

“All religions should work together for a just and peaceful world. Dialogue will bring us mutual enrichment” outlines and discussions regarding major world religions like Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Judaism, Baha’ism, Confucianism, Daoism, etc., besides Native American Spirituality. She calls it a “full emersion” experience. Rajan Zed who will also teach Hinduism in this Program, stressed, “All religions should work together for a just and peaceful world. Dialogue will bring us mutual enrichment.” Girard, who is the author of book titled “We Are One”, points out, “Our goal is to contribute to a sense of unity among all people, to improve communication among diverse groups, and to celebrate the rich diversity of beliefs and practices found in different traditions.”

LOS ANGELES, CA: On July 16, United States Bangladesh Business Forum (USBBF) a nonprofit Business organization in Los Angeles, conducted a joint business seminar hosted by the Bangladesh Consulate in Los Angeles. The seminar was conducted by Mr Shamim Ahmed, Consul, Bangladesh Consulate. Dr. Saiful Khandaker, CEO and Founder of Freebee Pay Inc was the keynote speaker and was assisted by Mr. Jeff Jarvis, Chief Operating Officer, Freebee Pay Inc. The purpose of the seminar was to analyze the current situation, challenges and opportunities in the IT field within the

US-Bangladesh business and investments context. The seminar session was an innovative mobile payment platform

collaboration between the Bangladesh Government and interested IT business people. He said that the IT business has

The seminar was conducted by Mr Shamim Ahmed, Consul, Bangladesh Consulate. Dr. Saiful Khandaker, CEO and Founder of Freebee Pay Inc was the keynote speaker and was assisted by Mr. Jeff Jarvis, Chief Operating Officer, Freebee Pay Inc which was recently released and is presently under the patent filing process. Dr. Khandaker emphasized the need of joint

a huge potential in both the US and Bangladesh. Cont’d on page 16

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The Gandhi at Parliament of Religions India Post News Service

LA MIRADA, CA: The World Parliament of Religions of Chicago of 1893 was made famous by the memorable performance of Swami Vivekananda. But it is not known that another patriot and orator Virchand Raghavji Gandhi, a Jain, had accompanied Swami Vivekananda. A charismatic personality he did not fear to stand up to defend Indian culture and its religions and his speaking skills received considerable respect from the attending delegates. To set this omission right, Dr Bipin Doshi and Priti Shah have embarked on writing their book "Gandhi Before Gandhi" on the life of Virchand on which the play with the same title has been created. The Hindi drama "Gandhi Before Gandhi" was presented at the La Mirada Performing Arts Theater on July 24 by the Jain Center of Southern California to make aware to the world and the Jain community the greatness of a son of Jainism, Virchand Gandhi. The other purpose was to raise funds for its humanitarian endeavors. The story of Virchand Gandhi (Rishab Joshi and Chetan Dhanani) is narrated in the manner of a flashback by the Mahatma (Mukund Panchal) to his private secretary Mahadevbhai Desai (Malhar Thakar) starting right from his boyhood when he had already started amazing his elders with his thirst for knowledge and his wisdom. The play is skillfully channeled to display his prolific capacity to capture and assimilate immense quantities of information through a scene involving an encounter with some of his college mates and his professor by which time he was supposed to have mastered several international languages and a deep understanding of the essence of the religions of the world. The play moves through many an interesting episode in his life covering his role in the abolishing of the Palitana tax on pilgrims and the closing down of an animal slaughter house near the holy Shri Sammet Shikarji in an intriguing courtroom argument with the opposing attorney. There are also very captivating moments on the meeting between Virchand and the Mahatma as also Virchand's

Dr Jay Shah with Dr Bipin Doshi

Ashok Parmar as Swami Vivekanand in the play

first encounter with Swami Vivekananda (Ashok Parmar) who is eager to meet Virchand when he is chosen by the Jain monk Acharya Atmaramji to represent Jainism at the World Religions Parliament in Chicago. The second half of the play is dominated

old Rishab Joshi whose ability to rattle off the Navkar Mantra and its explanation without a pause drew a huge round of applause from the large audience. The central character of the adult Virchand was remarkably portrayed by

The story of Virchand Gandhi (Rishab Joshi and Chetan Dhanani) is narrated in the manner of a flashback by the Mahatma (Mukund Panchal) to his private secretary Mahadevbhai Desai (Malhar Thakar) starting right from his boyhood when he had already started amazing his elders with his thirst for knowledge and his wisdom by a depiction of the Parliament at which the young Virchand is shown defending and silencing the many who attempted to denounce the people and the culture of India, with strong logical arguments and analysis. The end comes rather suddenly as in his real life, when he succumbs to a mysterious ailment at the young age of 37. The boy Gandhi is played by the 13 year

Chetan Dhanani who appeared submissive when the situation demanded to achieve a certain goal. At other times he displayed strength and firmness when standing up for his beliefs, religion and country. His scenes with his wife are touchingly tender, when he is drawn between family obligations and community service. Charul Bhavsaar as his uncomplaining

Ricky Gill 'a true political prodigy' India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: Media reports say Indian-American Ricky Gill may be the perfect GOP candidate for a district where non-whites are now 50 percent of all residents and Vietnamese and FilipinoAmericans are numerous. "To top it off, he is a fundraising dynamo: he took in $420,000 in his first quarter of raising money, the third-best total among non-incumbent Republicans running for the House." Ricky Gill is contesting for US Congress from 11th District, California. Ricky says he signed the Americans for Tax Reform pledge and supported a Balanced Bud-

get Amendment, both of which are measures that will improve the nation's fiscal health. He also says he would vote to repeal the Obama health care plan and re-

"To top it off, he is a fundraising dynamo: he took in $420,000 in his first quarter of raising moneyâ&#x20AC;? place it with a market-based solution that retains protections for those with pre-existing conditions, extends coverage for younger family members and prevents caps on medical payouts.

A report says Gill may be the closest thing the National Republican Congressional Committee has had to a true political prodigy since Rep. Aaron Schock of Illinois launched his campaign at age 26 in 2008. Also that his campaign offers a "compelling story" and is "uniquely well-suited" to succeed in the new, predominantly agricultural district. A recent graduate of Princeton's Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, Gill is fluent in both public policy and Spanish (the new district is likely to be close to 40 percent Hispanic). And at 24, his resume is already longer than those of most candidates twice his age.

The transition from boyhood (Rishab Joshi) to adulthood (Chetan Dhanani) of Virchand Gandhi

wife plays a difficult role well, supporting him with understanding and not for once revealing to him that the household is running short of money and she needs to pawn her jewelry to keep the kitchen fires burning. Mukund Panchal is a perfect replica of the Mahatma in every manner of action and speech whereas Ashok Parmar impressed with his dignified portrayal of the majestic Swami Vivekananda in full flow. Introducing the cast at the end of the show, author Bipin Doshi said it was the 188th time they were performing the play, and it was the 10th show in the USA. He added the play when done in India was performed by 42 artists but needed to be cut down to 13 on the US tour to economize on the cost. This drastic cut results in artists taking on multiple roles, having to do their own make up and handling the sets and props themselves. He also paid the high compliments to Ashok Parmar who not only played Swami Vivekananda and three others but was also responsible for rewriting the play to bring it on stage.

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Islamic month of fasting started August 1 India Post News Service

CHINO, CA: August 1 marks the beginning for Muslims in North America of another annual fast in the month of Ramadhan. Hundreds of millions of Muslims the world over will abstain for one lunar month from all food and drink from before sunrise until after sunset. The purpose, as explained by Imam Shamshad A. Nasir of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community's Baitul Hameed Mosque in Chino, is to promote righteousness, prayer, self-sacrifice and self-control, moral and spiritual purification, seeking forgiveness and the doing of good deeds such as feeding the poor and giving charity to the needy. A similar message was delivered at the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community's recent International convention held outside London this past July 22-24, where nearly 30,000 Ahmadi Muslims from 96 countries gathered to strengthen their spirituality and righteousness. While the convention goers were not fasting as they will be in Ramadhan, Imam Shamshad said the central theme and message conveyed to the attendees by the Community's spiritual leader, Khalifa-tul Masih V, Mirza Masroor Ahmad, was fundamen-

tally the same: safeguard and increase your righteousness in all that you do so that you may win the pleasure of God and serve His creation. These two objectives are what give a person moral focus and purpose, and what strengthens righteousness and creates goodness and love in the world. Imam Shamshad explained that "Muslims who are adults and physically able to fast look forward to this time every year to grow closer to God and better themselves as human beings so they can better worship God and serve Him and humanity." The Imam added that a Muslim should strive to promote and be the example of peace and humility qualities that all Muslims should embody not just for these 29-30 days of fasting in Ramadhan, but throughout the year. A Muslim's obligations to God during the month of Ramadhan include not only the regular fivetime daily prayers that Muslims perform each day, but the faithful are doubly encouraged to spend their time seeking forgiveness for their sins, spend time by themselves in private prayer after midnight seeking communion with God, and to read the entire Holy Quran at least once during the Holy month of Ramadhan.

Special congregational prayers are held after the last congregational prayer of the day during Ramadhan, where long sections of Islam's sacred scripture are recited aloud from memory

Special congregational prayers are held after the last congregational prayer of the day during Ramadhan, where long sections of Islam's sacred scripture are recited aloud from memory. Muslims are enjoined to keep away from idle talk, vain pursuits and quarrels, and to acquire at least one good habit and give up at least one bad habit to better oneself morally and spiritually. "It is a time for cultivating peace," Imam Shamshad said. "It is a chance for Muslims to reconnect themselves to their religion and to the service of God and humanity." The Imam added that "The month of fasting also

reminds us to seek peace with God, to spread peace in the world, and to take care of the poor and needy." Charity, already a requirement of the faith in Islam, is especially highlighted during Ramadhan. In fact, if someone is unable to fast for reasons of health or age, that person is required to feed a poor person for every day the fast is not kept. Imam Shamshad extended an open invitation to anyone who wishes to participate in Ramadhan, either in fasting, the nightly prayers and lectures on Islam, or attending the free dinner after the sunset prayer.

USBBF hosts IT seminar in Bangladesh consulate Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 14

He hoped by having a seminar on IT like this will bring in lots of business ideas. The new Commercial Consular of the Bangladesh Consulate, Mr. Moniruzamman Malek described the steps taken by the Bangladesh Government to support IT business. Amongst others who spoke were Mr. Firoz Fakhri, First PastPresident, USBBF, and Mr. Mason Yost, Vice President, USBBF. The seminar was also addressed by the Bangladesh Consul General in Los Angeles, Mr Enayet Hossain. He appreciated the efforts made by USBBF as an active business organization and the frequent business seminars put up by USBBF to acquaint the Bangladeshi community in Los Angeles. He thanked USBBF for

their relentless efforts to build a bridge between US and Bangladesh. Later, Mr. M Zafar Ullah, President, USBBF thanked the guests and the Bangladesh Consulate in jointly organizing this seminar. Mr. Mohammad Ahsan, Immediate Past President, USBBF along

with the Bangladesh Consul General, Mr Enayet Hossain then handed over the Plaques of Appreciation to the keynote speaker, Dr. Khandaker and Mr. Jeff Jarvis, of Freebee Pay Inc. The seminar was well attended by local businessmen and IT professionals.

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Ohlone College seeks leaders for Oversight Committee India Post News Service

FREMONT, CA: The Ohlone Community College District is seeking interested individuals to serve on the Citizens Bond Oversight Committee with other community leaders to oversee the implementation of the Measure G Bond program. Measure G is a $349 million bond measure, which authorizes funding for needed repairs, upgrades, and construction projects primarily on Ohlone College's Fremont campus, passed by voters in November 2010. All bond measures for educa-

tional facilities in the state are required to have an oversight committee comprising independent citizens that review and approve expenditures of bond funds to ensure that they are spent according to the provisions of the bond. The Citizen's Bond Oversight Committee is appointed by the Ohlone College Board of Trustees to work with the District to ensure that Measure G funds are expended only for school facilities. The committee's duties are to inform the public of District's expenditures of Measure G proceeds, review expenditure re-

ports by the District as well as present the Board of Trustees with reports outlining their activities and conclusions regarding the expenditure of Measure G bond proceeds. The composition of the committee must include representatives from a senior citizens organization, a taxpayers association, a student, a business person, and at least one general community member (at large). All appointments are made by the Board of Trustees. Interested individuals should fill out an application at http:// w w w. o h l o n e . e d u / o rg / b o n d / application.html.

OFBJP-USA meet in Chicago a big success Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 10

President, OFBJP National Council, Dr. Adapa Prasad introduced the distinguished guests from India, Vijay Jolly, Vice President-Delhi BJP, Convener of Overseas Affairs, Kishen Reddy, President of AP State BJP, Shanmuganathan, Additional Secretary of BJP Parliamentary Party, Mrs. Poonam Mahajan, National Vice President of Bhartiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) and Suresh Chavunke, chairman of Sudarshan TV and Sai channels. Vijay Jolly in his address observed that the "new generation has to work with seniors, respect their views, bring about changes

spiring. Kishan Reddy, young dynamic and popular BJP leader of Andhra Pradesh appealed to the audience to tap the influence of NRIs and bring back Indian values. The BJP's goal is to win the 2014 elections, he said. He moderated the session on Role of Information in Contemporary Politics. "Build strong BJP and super strong India. The role of OFBJP in USA is as important as BJP in India," he said. Mr. Reddy also addressed a separate session with Telugu community in Chicago and Bloomington, IL. Shanmuganathan has been in the service of India from the last 40 years. He moderated the ses-

Kishan Reddy, young dynamic and popular BJP leader of Andhra Pradesh appealed to the audience to tap the influence of NRIs and bring back Indian values. The BJP's goal is to win the 2014 elections, he said and build future leadership. BJP believes that politics is an instrument of socio-economic reform. Development of India requires: 1. Developmental approach 2. Constructive thinking 3. Fast-track decision making process 4. Transparency "Infrastructure is the fuel to economic growth. We must encourage everyone to be part of this and the role of women is very important." He praised National President-BJP Nitin Gadkari. The goal of OFBJP is to start various chapters in 40 countries. The live message from BJP leaders and video presentation was very in-

sion on BJP Matters - Indian American Perspective. "The BJP is fine tuning the policies. The stress has to be on selfless sacrifice and energizing the vision of BJP." Mrs. Poonam Mahajan moderated the Youth and Women track. Vashishta Doshi from Tampa, Florida, the youngest speaker at the event, gave gave an interesting presentation on Re-imaging the BJP. Neelima Madan, delegate from New York presented fascinating and energetic presentation on the women's role. "Youth are very critical in the success of the country. India is changing very fast. When the kid is born, the umbili-

cal cord is cut to separate the kid from the mother physically; however, people staying outside India have kept their umbilical cord connected. In 2025, India will be YuwaMaha Satta in the world," Mrs Mahajan said. Chavenke, the chairman of Sudarshan Channel explained the role of media in today's critical time. Representing the common people's thoughts appropriately is very important. Broadcasts should reflect common people's views fearlessly. On Saturday, July 23, more than 170 people attended the public event. The program started with prayer, local youth presented American and Indian National anthem, beautiful cultural program and inspirational song. Amar Upadhyay and Vemuri invited the guests. Mrs Yash Desai was the Master of Ceremony. Vijay Jolly, Chavunke and Shanmuganathan gave inspirational speeches. Local industrialist Shalli Kumar, CEO of AVG urged the audience to send letters to the Congress to stop giving aid to Pakistan by signing the petition drive. "We simply cannot continue to spend money we do not have (14.3 trillion in debt and increasing by $1.5 trillion per year) and give it to countries who use the money to kill our soldiers." Vijay Jolly touched upon innovative thinking for sustainable growth and importance of economic model in India. It is required to redesign government policies to ensure a massive flow of public and private investments into agriculture and rural infrastructure. He presented OFBJP memento to all youths. Dr. Prasad and key members presented plaques to the guests. Dr. Bharatbhai Barai gave vote of thanks to all present at the conference.

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Meat pastries & the Ganges

he decision to allow a group of Hindu residents to sue a restaurant for rendering them 'spiritually impure' by serving them meat-filled pastries is patently absurd. This decision sets up an appalling precedent and will only encourage others to file similar frivolous lawsuits crippling an overburdened legal system. To perpetuate the myth that bathing in the Ganges will somehow purify the soul is rooted in a false belief system. For some time now, this romantic view of the Ganges has collided with India's harsh realities. The river Ganges is the most polluted river in the world. The pollution has become so serious that bathing in and drinking its water has become extremely dangerous. The major polluting industry along the Ganges is the leather industry especially near Kanpur, dumping huge amounts of chromium and other chemicals into the river. Another major source of pollution is caused by untreated raw sewage. Inadequate cremation procedures result in partially burnt or unburnt corpses floating in the river, a custom which

should be discouraged. One section of the Yamuna River, the Ganges' main tributary, has been devoid of all aquatic life for at least a decade. In Varanasi, India's most revered city, the coliform bacterial count is at least 3,000 times higher than the safe limit. According to Suresh Babu, deputy coordinator of the River Pollution Campaign at the Center for Science and the Environment, a watchdog group in New Delhi "the polluted river water is the biggest cause of skin problems, disabilities and high infant mortality rates." Moghul Express may have erred in serving the offending meat filled pastries but the winners of the lawsuit lost a wonderful opportunity to offer the restaurant owners forgiveness instead of retribution. The plaintiffs may have earned a free passage to India but lost a wonderful spiritual opportunity in the bargain. If they venture into the Ganges for a ceremonial dip, they may suffer far worse health problems than the meat-infested pastries. Jagjit Singh Los Altos, CA

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Muslim blood donation drive

ccording to true Islamic teachings, saving lives not taking them - is the duty of every Muslim. That's why in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on 9-11, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community (AMC) is sponsoring a "Muslims for Life" nationwide blood drive campaign. Under this campaign, the AMC will hold blood drives across the U.S. in our mosques and prayer centers, and in association with local hospitals and civic organizations. Our goal is to collect 10,000 units of blood over the weekend of September 11th, which can save the lives of 30,000 of our fellow Americans. Terrorists not only caused death and destruction on 9/11 but they also hijacked the Islamic faith by painting an untrue, militant and violent picture of Islam and Muslims. Since 9-11 millions of Americans have come to believe that all Muslims are potential terrorists and that Islam as a religion hatred against the West and all non-Muslims. They created suspicion in the minds of

many American about Muslims. The truth is that so-called "Muslim" terrorists - who are not following the true teachings of Islam - - do not represent Islam or Muslims any more than Timothy McVeigh, David Koresh or the perpetrator of the Oslo, Norway massacre represents Christianity or Christians, though they may profess to be true Christians. The Holy Quran teaches that life is sacred and reaffirms Biblical teachings that whosoever unjustly kills a single person, it shall be as if he had killed all mankind; and whosoever saves the life of one, it shall be as if he had saved the life of all humanity (5:33). Terrorism and the killing of the innocent is strictly forbidden in Islam. God promises a severe punishment both in this life and the next for those who commit acts of evil in the name of God. Please join us at Bait-ul-Hameed Mosque in Chino on Sunday, Sept. 11th between 9am to 7pm for the "Muslims for Life" Blood Drive. Imam Shamshad A. Nasir Baitul Hameed Mosque, Chino, CA

Disclaimer :- India Post does not endorse opinions expressed in the letters.

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Corruption can again lead us to slavery RAMESH SOPARAWALA & SURENDRA ULLAL

CHICAGO: Studies conducted by Indologists reveal that the origin of corruption can be traced to as early as the first invasion of India a thousand years ago by Ghori Mohammad, when he was able to bribe Jaychand to open the Delhi fort to gain a foothold into India and subsequently subjugate it. The story is the same in the case of Ghajni Mahmud, who invaded India 18 times and plundered the riches of India. And it repeats continually until Robert Clive, a clerk in East India Company returned to London with fabulous wealth that he amassed by receiving bribes from the Rajahs and Nawabs of Bengal. The bottom line is that

decadence of Dharma which our scriptures uphold and rishis and righteous rulers sacrificed their lives for. Land administration and judiciary are tied at second place on the corruption index, followed by municipal bodies and the Income-Tax Department. Among the states, Bihar is rated the most corrupt and Kerala the least. The moral however is that the cancer of corruption could lead us to slavery of foreign domination again unless Hazare-Baba Ramdev and others like them get supported and achieve success In a survey conducted by India Post, questions were posed about the most vexing issues faced by the people of India, namely corruption and growing terrorism fanned by a small minority of religious fanatics and remedies to address them. The initial reaction of well known Indian American businessman and the president of Indo American Democratic Organization ‘Indians paid bribes amounting to (IADO), Harendra Magrolia struck the core when he US$4.8 billion (Rs 21,068 crore) in the quoted Navin Sarangpal of the Center for Media Studpast year. And no one would have ies (CMS), that conducted the survey, said that "Indiguessed it, but the biggest chunk of ans paid bribes amounting to US$4.8 billion (Rs 21,068 this money goes to schools till crore) in the past year. And no one would have guessed the Class XII level’ it, but the biggest chunk of this money goes to schools the greed and lure for wealth of Indian rul- till the Class XII level. "The money was ing class was responsible always. paid for either getting admission or cerFor a student of history who is taught tificates," he added. The police (crime/traffrom early childhood about Dharma fic) were second in terms of collecting (loosely transliterated as a code of con- bribe money, accounting for $886 million. duct guiding society to lead a virtuous life) Cont’d on page 22 this behavior strikes as an aberration and

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Corruption can again lead us to slavery Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 20

Dr. Kiran Patel, a former head of AAPI and an eminent physician from Florida, emphatically stated that it will not serve the interest of people and the country empowered with the most powerful weapon, weapon of ballot. They must exercise their constitutional power and vote them out. However as we have seen in recent years, for one reason or the other voters in Jayalalitha constituency voted her back to power, which does not augur well to democracy. At such instances the most useful and effective weapon to fight is media, provided it is honest and stands with the public. Unfortunately, very often media has also become supportive of a party or person. I hope on issues of national importance, media will support the truth. Without the presence of strong media and honest political leaders, nothing is going to change and corruption will continue to thrive. While global inflation, especially in the U.S. has corroded economic growth, fortunately India has not suffered much from it, as it retained an average growth rate of 8%. This means that inflationary trends do affect India also. Unless inflation is not controlled the average citizen will suffer from financial woes. I do not say India is ready for it, but in a worst case scenario, some kind of people's revolution cannot be ruled out. Regarding religious fanaticism, which has in one way or the other kept the interreligious clashes alive in India, my candid opinion is that historically the situation in India has been much better as religious peace prevailed most of the time because of so many common causes that bind es-

pecially Hindu and Muslim communities together. We have several instances of mutual help and protection during riots, occurrence of which had been seldom an evidence of mutual understanding. There has been religious harmony for centuries though during the British rule somehow their divide and rule policy caused death and bloodshed during and after the struggle for independence, keeping animosity alive among a small minority of people. And as far as I know it has been disappearing from the national scene gradually. India has

sometimes get better of their intrinsic nature. Dr Dayal Meshri, a scientist and a front ranking entrepreneur in Catoosa OK, said that terrorism in recent years was sparked by religious fanaticism largely triggered by Muslim mullas who want the entire globe to be converted to Islam and follow the Sharias. It is not only India but USA, Russia, Spain, some parts of Europe and now China are also beset with problems created by fundamentalists. Guided or misguided as they are they

ism is pervading the social thinking and behavior. If there is a sustained demand, there is small chance of a drop in economic or manufacturing activity. However, the surge in the interest rate could provide a small deterrent. It has to be seen how much impact it will have on the borrowing for consumer items. From the industry view point, it will be a big burden. Corporations all over the world more or less sail in the same boat - borrowing from the public and from the bank. The hike in prime rate would be a hindrance to

L-R: Niranjan Shah, Dr Dayal Meshri, Dinesh Gandhi and Dr Ram Gajjela

gone through multiple kinds of problems religious, political and social and it is to the credit of the people, they remained united most of the time. Now it is up to them to think themselves as human beings and honor humanity for the well being of their own and the posterity. The consensus of Indian American leaders with whom we talked seemed unanimous in that people belonging to all major religious persuasions as well as minor sects mostly lead a life of harmony and tolerance. If there are occasional flare ups of religious sentiments, they have absolutely nothing to do with the hatred to each other. In a country as vast as India and as many religious belief, it is not unusual that emotions

can perpetrate any crime in the name of religion. Since this is slowly becoming a global phenomenon, the world community as such needs to unite and fight this common menace. The fundamentalists need to be isolated from the mainstream society so that others who are not holding extreme views do not suffer. Mullas, not accepting the modern advancement in science, technology and many other areas of human activities, want the world to go back in time 1200 years ago and all of us should be resisting that. Dr Meshri said that the Indian economy would be booming since there has been a substantial increase in purchasing power of the people and the Western consumer-

their expansion plans or starting new projects. To that extent there would be a slowdown of economic activity. Hopefully, it will be a short term phenomenon. The government however, is keen to bring down inflationary pressure in the economy. If it succeeds, the consumers will have some more money to spend on items they like. Overall speaking, Indian economy would grow. May be not at the recent high rate. Dr. Bharat Barai, a leading oncologist and a former president of FIA, said that the best way to end terrorism in India is to kick out unwilling politicians who run vote bank politics and not issue-based politics. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 24

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Corruption can again lead us to slavery Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 22

"It is up to the people now to take a strong stand. Unless this is done those who are elected on Vote Bank politics will never show courage to act decisively and the fanatics in the name of religion will continue to have a field day," he said. Dr. Barai felt that corruption in India is a problem that is going out of control. However, somewhere a start has to be made and in his opinion a change in election funding system should be given a chance. In USA, candidates and political parties can legally get donations and money and they are required to account for its use. The illegal way of getting funds for winning elections, lead to seeking funds for personal use and consumption. "I do not think that this itself will solve the issue but somewhere a start has to be made to root out the evil of seeking money for election purposes," he said He felt that the Indian economy would slow down. Besides, inflation and gloomy picture across the globe, India would suffer a setback because of endemic corruption. One of the big hotel chains pulled out of India because it could not stand the widespread corruption. Many corporations are considering doing the same. Inflation is also eating out saving and investment surplus from the people. "What we need is a strong government at the Center so that many an issue could be dealt effectively," he said. Niranjan Shah, CEO Globetrotter Engi-

neering Corporation and a leading community activist in Chicago, said that India is enjoying tremendous economic growth, almost 8% or more. A great deal of good is happening, but the question is: "How strong is the foundation?" Is it based on solid values? Strong ethical values? Does it have the strength of democracy in all branches of the government - executive, legislature and judiciary? Does the government function in the best interest of all the citizens or rather for a select few? Indian politicians and government offi-

at a substantially reduced rate at an outstanding private hospital. And yet they fail to provide care, concern and attention for the health of the average Indian. India has one of the highest maternal and infant mortalities in the world. India has to address these issues in all earnestness. And this not only hinges around economic development or upswing but a strong moral foundation and strong ethical values. Naren Patel, president of Association of Indians in America (AIA) said that one of the practical ways of ending terrorism is

to get those who have huge ill-gotten wealth voluntarily declare and they should be given some "incentive" which would in the form of letting them retain a part of their wealth and going after them if they did not declare their income or wealth. They should be asked not to give it to the government but to a really charitable cause like building hospitals, schools, roads, etc that would create national wealth, employment and bring unaccounted money in the accounting system. Patel felt that the Indian economy would

L-R: Dr Bharat Barai, Mafatbhai Patel, Iiftekhar Shareef and Harendra Magrolia

cials like to brag about higher education system, outstanding scientists, doctors and engineers. And yet the benefits shared by the average Indian in the areas of public hospital system, transportation system, clean water and sanitation have a long way to go. For example, India's public hospitals are among the worst compared to China, Russia and Brazil, and other developing countries. Indian politicians speak of the increase in medical tourism. They want tourists and patients from USA, UK and other European countries to visit Taj Mahal and then have a medical procedure performed

to talk it out with the country from where the terrorism emanates or encouraged. If direct negotiations fail, try to have a mediator like USA involved. Failing that the only option would be the use of force. USA did that and many other countries would do that when they cannot have reason prevail. "Of course, the war would have an adverse impact on India and Indian economy, but the sovereignty and the safety of the country and its people should overshadow all other considerations," he said With regard to corruption, Naren Patel felt that one of the most practical ways is

continue to grow as it has huge potential for growth in terms of skilled labor and entrepreneur talent. Also, the American economy is faltering and at the global level it is only countries like India and China who could fill the void. "I do not think that the American economy would come out of the woods for the simple reason that there is no will on the part of the government to enforce any type of discipline on labor or management. Besides, the outsourcing of activities on the service sector is still going on at a fast pace. Many things need to be done for the American economy to bring it back to order," he felt. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 28

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India Post August 12, 2011

FIA Chicago plans grand India Independence Day Parade SURESH SHAH

CHICAGO: Federation of Indian Associations [FIA] Chicago, a three-decade old registered premier umbrella organization, has announced hosting three major celebratory events in commemoration of India's Independence this month. There will be a Gala Banquet & Reception on Sunday, August 14 at 5 p.m. at the Meadows Club in Rolling Meadows, a northwest side suburb of Chicago, which will be followed up with the hoisting of Indian Flag at Daley Plaza in Chicago downtown on Monday, August 15 at 11:45 a.m. The culmination will be the organizing of a Grand India Independence Day Parade & Pageantry on Saturday, August 20 that will kick-off at 11:30 a.m. from the corner of Devon Ave. & Western Ave in Chicago FIA President Satish 'Sunny' Gabhawala said in a statement that the Chairmen and the Conveners for the events will bring their rich experience, resources, knowledge and leadership in making these events successful and

memorable. Dinesh Gandhi will serve as the Parade Chairman while Dr. Harjinder Khaira will be the Chairman for the Gala Banquet. Ms. Vandana Walia will be Chair for the Flag Hoisting ceremonial program on the Daley

India Independence Day Parade will encompass marching bands, dance troupes, traditional costumes display, Bhangra dances groups, Malayalam drum beats and regional musical bands on decorated floats. The parade

President Sunny Gabhawala and Trustee Iftekhar Shareef

Plaza in downtown Chicago. Kanti Patel and Ajai Agnihotri will be the Parade Managers while Micky Kahlon, Sohan Joshi and Dr. Ram Gajjela will be co-chairs of the three events. Ms. Smita Shah has been appointed as Chief Convener of these events. Gabhawala said that the 2011

holds a tremendous promise with its breathtaking pageantry to be watched and enjoyed by the families not only of Indian origin but the families of other South Asian immigrants living in Chicago, added Gabhawala.

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Corruption can again lead us to slavery Cont’d from page 24

Mafat Patel, a front ranking businessman often described as uncrowned king of Devon, deplored the widespread corruption at all levels of functioning in India. "We have a saying Yatha Raja Tatha Praja, What can you expect from the pubic at large when the rulers are corrupt and steal public money", he quipped. The government should put its house in order and take an objective view of the situation. "Don't try to find easy scapegoats and pick up a few lessons from the way the Gujarat government is functioning," he said. The economic

progress in India may not be that fast as was notched in recent years and two and the main reasons would be the inflationary pressure in the economy and hike in prime interest rate by Reserve Bank. Mafatbhai was also critical about the way government downplayed the terrorist threat. "This is not how a responsible government would function. The security and safety of the people should be deemed to be the primary responsibility of any government and if those in power could not ensure it then they have lost the right to govern. The people of India should wake up

‘Religion should be put in the second gear when the question of security and sovereignty of the country are involved. It is all funny and crazy’ and assert their right, not by resorting to violent means as we find in other countries, but in a demo-

cratic way," he observed Dinesh Gandhi, a prominent banker and a community activist, said that a stricter enforcement of law and spread of education among common people are the key to resolution of the problem created by terrorists. The police should also be on constant vigil besides any funding of political or religious organizations should be watched and accounted for. In the context of the current situation of rampant corruption and huge "black market" economy, one shudders to venture any easy solution to this vexed problem. The political system has gone very sick and having a fast recovery is out of sight like getting a sick person being restored to normal health. Corruption in India is endemic and has greatly weakened the political system. The most important first step would be to diagnose the sickness and then try to prescribe medicine for eradicating the disease. "We have corrupted the system and now the system is corrupting the uncorrupted in society. To me a quick first step would be to announce an amnesty program asking all those amassing black money - politicians, officials, black marketers and business groups - to come clean. They should be assured to keep a part of their ill-gotten wealth besides privacy. If they are caught after the amnesty is over, they need to be severely punished or even flogged in public. This will lead to recovery of black money and cleanse the system, " Gandhi observed. With regard to economic growth in India, Gandhi opined, that India is part of the global economic scene and it cannot be immune to effects of the developments world wide. For India, the key to sustain a good growth is to contain inflation but then there is a vicious circle. Controlling inflation would involve harsh economic measures which would stun the growth. "To me a long term solution is controlling the growth of population. Cut down demand to tailor the production and then optimize the use of available resources. India in the immediate near future would continue to grow. The question is long term," Gandhi added. Dr. Ram Gajjela, former head of Indo American Democratic Organization (IADO) was highly critical of the way the Indian government handled the issues of terrorism and corruption in the country. "Nobody seems to be accountable and for an outsider it looks there is no real government at all. In this country, if terrorists strike the gov-

ernment is not hesitant going to the country from where terrorism emanates. And look at the Indian government. There is enough evidence to point out the involvement of a foreign power in encouraging terrorist activities here. Even the so called Ambassador of free Kashmir turned out to be an ISI agent." "Religion should be put in the second gear when the question of security and sovereignty of the country are involved. It is all funny and crazy." The government also does not seem to be really concerned about rampant corruption in the country. And there is despondency among people and they seem to have resigned themselves to the corrupt practices at all levels. If the country has to march forward these two issues need to be tackled on a priority basis and without political or religious considerations, he said. The Indian economic situation

If one looks at history of so called terrorism within India it is all because of lack of proper education leads to fanatic acts irrespective of any religion or any particular sect looks good overall speaking. The RBI has been hiking prime rate to contain inflation and this may have an adverse impact on industrial development and the creation of jobs. However, the government is more concerned with the immediate task of curbing inflationary trend in the economy. The overall growth, Dr Ram felt, would however be maintained. Iiftekhar Shareef, the first dual citizen of India and Trustee of FIA, said that terrorism fanned by religious fanaticism is still hurting India as it does other countries: Terrorism should be rooted from its inception within India by providing right to free education up to High school as per Indian constitution to the deprived strata of society. If our kids are educated and could be guaranteed three times a day food and a shelter, then 90% of our problem is solved. If one looks at history of so called terrorism within India it is all because of lack of proper education leads to fanatic acts irrespective of any religion or any particular sect. Cont’d on page 37

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India Post August 12, 2011

Maharashtrians meet - an affair to remember RAMESH SOPARAWALA

CHICAGO: One rarely comes across a near flawless organization of a meeting of Indians here but the Maharashtra Mandal Chicago easily proved to be an exception while hosting a three-day Convention of

Medical Education (CME) conference on July 21 were very well attended. The business conference was organized to provide networking opportunities for the attendees. A Continued Medical Education (CME) conference was organized in parallel to the business conference for the medical professionals. Both these conferences received tremendous response. World-renowned speakers like Dr. Amar Bhide and Dr. Dilip Jeste were present at both of these events. The evening of July 21 was capped by a wonderful banquet dinner with food catered from Klay Oven of Chicago followed by the famous Hindi orchestra "Awaz Ki Duniya" at the Arie Crown Theater. Over 80 perConvention Opening: L-R: Revati Oak (MC), Niteen Joshi formers from India capti(Convener), Dr. Anil Kakodkar (Chief Guest), Madhuri Joshi (BMM President) vated the crowd with a memorable performance. Bruhan Maharashtra Mandal at the prestiThe convention had formal inauguragious McCormick Place in Chicago, begin- tion next day on July 22 and it was done by ning July 21. Padma Vibhushan Dr. Anil Kakodkar, former Though the overall attendance was rela- chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission tively low for the 15th Biennial Conven- of India. He addressed the audience outtion, all those who flocked from nearby and lining the current challenges for India in far away places like California, Canada and the fields of education and energy. He emIndia to attend the event had one thing to phasized the need for more research that say - "great and a most enjoyable affair." would induce and energies the post graduThe organizers planned the convention ate students to sharpen their skill for the details so meticulously that there was not benefit of the society at large. The Iowa a single day or rather a moment or for that State Senator of Indian origin Smt. Swati matter any event that could be dubbed dull Dandekar and Chicago's Consul General of or boring for over 3200 people coming to India Ms. Mukta Tomar also addressed the the meet. audience. Sen. Dandeker touched upon the Sujeet Vaidya, the head of the increasing role that women play in the country's politics of late. This was followed by a grand opening ceremony show with over 70 performers directed by Chicago's renowned director Anupama Dharkar. The opening ceremony was received by a standing ovation. Sanjay Savkur of Chicago was the main organizer of this show. Anupama Dharkar a versatile artist and a former film Performers of Dhoom Dhadaka: With 90 performers. Group from Detroit. Director: Smita Joshi heroine, has been doing stupendous work Maharashtra Mandal, did concede that the in promoting Indian art and culture in this attendance was below than that for the pre- part of the country for decades. vious Conventions but partly this was in Several dignitaries from India and North the context of unfavorable economic con- America graced the occasion. Music pheditions and partly due to the constraint of nomenon Shankar Mahadevan, Socialite the Convention site that could accommo- Shobhaa De, Author Mrs. Meena Prabhu, date not more than 4000 people. "We are Bollywood film stars Shreyas Talpade and happy at the response and all those at- Omi Vaidya were some of the notable tended were happy that they had their time, names who attended the convention. money and energy worth while being here Marathi playwright and Sangeet Natak three days," he told this paper. Academy award winner Ratnakar Matkari Easily, there were many highlights for was the keynote speaker. A play based on the three days Convention and its not easy P L Deshpande's "Mi ani maza Gotavala" to point out which could outshine the other. included stars Atul Parchure and Meena A business conference and a Continued Nerurkar. The play was very well received

Opening Ceremony: Anupama Dharkar (Director) addressing the audience

Haak Paavsachi: Troupe from Dallas performing at the Arie Crown Theater. Director: Nitin Karandikar

and artists were affectionately showered with kudos and compliments The convention also showcased talent from North America. There were a

variety of entertainment programs by performers from Dallas, Detroit, San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle and New Jersey. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 30

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India Post August 12, 2011

Maharashtrians meet - an affair to remember Cont’d from page 29

Reike master, found that he had a great number of followers here in Special interest programs like Chicago. A special program of seminars on Alcohol Abuse and Speed Dating and Sneha Bandhan Mental Health, lectures and dem- also attracted sizeable young onstrations on Yoga and Reiki re- crowd. ceived a great response from the One of the prime attractions audience. Acharya Telang, the of the convention was the iconic Broadway style musical "Marathi Bana" by renowned artist Ashok Hande. It featured 85 performers who had traveled from India. It was enjoyed immensely by the audience. A gigantic set specially made for this program was shipped from India in a container. The special effect light and sound Shankar Mahadevan performs at Chicago simply mesmerized the Convention

MH Expo and dining facility & MH EXPO

attendees. Food is one of the most important aspects of the convention. The menu featured a large variety of traditional Maharashtrian

dishes. Serving three meals daily for 3200 plus attendees would be a Herculean task but the Mandal volunteers rose to expectations and acquitted them well. The food arrangements were planned in great detail and the waiting time was less than 10 minutes per person at the serving stations. The food committee received rave reviews from all the convention

Complimentary onsite childcare facility was organized so that parents could enjoy the various performances without having to worry about their kids. The kids were entertained with specially planned kids programs during the convention, including a carnival. The convention also featured special programs for the second

Comm -9 Convention Executive Committee on set of Marathi Bana: Left to Right: Pankak Akolkar (Co-Convener), Niteen Joshi (Convener), Ashok Hande (Producer- Marathi Bana), Sujeet Vaidya (Co-Convener), Sucheta Akolkar (Convention Treasurer)

attendees. The food committee also made a commitment to "go green" and used 75 percent recycled and biodegradable products to serve the food. The catering services were provided by Rajbhog of New York.

generation born and raised in the North America. The keynote speeches were given by Chicago Alderman Ameya Pawar and the Bollywood actor Omi Vaidya. Cont’d on page 33

FIA Chicago plans grand India Independence Day Parade Cont’d from page 26

The FIA Trustee Chair Iftekhar Shareef said that invitations have been sent out and expectations are that several high ranking elected officials will join the parade to honor India's Independence. Among them would be Governor Pat Quinn who is invited to lead the parade as the Grand Marshal. Besides Governor Quinn, Shareef said, he was working hard to see that Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County President, Rahm Emanuel, Chicago Mayor, Mark Kirk, US Senator, Jan Schakowsky, U.S.Congresswoman and Debra Silverstein, Alderwoman of the 50th Ward and Ira Silverstein,

State Senator and Ward Committeeman, Dorothy Brown, Clerk of Circuit Court, Ameya Pawar, Alderman of 47th Ward and Joe Moore, Alderman of 49thWard would be participating in "our joyous events" Addressing the parallel attempt being made by disgruntled group of three former FIA members, President Satish Gabhawala said that he is contemplating legal action and is working closely with FIA's legal counsel to put in place stringent legal remedies to ensure the brand name of FIA is not violated and illegally exploited. He also said this matter has already been referred to the Office of the Illinois Attorney General.

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India Post August 12, 2011

Raj Mohan Gandhi, TV stars to attend India Day celebrations SURESH SHAH

Raj Mohan Gandhi

CHICAGO: Federation of Indian Associations, Chicago (FIA-Chicago) headed by Sunil Shah announced here that preparations for its grand celebration of India Day with banquet and parade are going on at full swing. For the first time in the history of FIA-Chicago, he said that the Chief Guest for the Gala Banquet would be the grandson of the Father of Nation, Prof Raj Mohan Gandhi. Sunil Shah said that as American citizens, "it is our duty to bring awareness of the sacrifices given and hardships suffered by our founding fathers of our country of

origin; to our youth and Americans in general and it was in this context that the FIA Board decided to invite Shri Raj Mohan Gandhi to our city to be part of the Independence Day festivities." Consul General of India in Chicago Smt. Mukta Dutta Tomar has confirmed her attendance as one of the Keynote Speakers. "We have invited the Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, Secretary of State Jesse White and Mayors of Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates and other neighboring villages; along with other state and city elected officials. We have confirmations from some of them and the Governor's office has indicated their interest to attend as well," Omar Sangha, executive vice president said. Sunil Shah pointed out that the Indian community and the guests will have lifetime opportunity to Radhika meet and greet

Radhika and Dev, stars of Choti Bahu, of one of the most popular Indian television series. They are traveling from India to attend the FIA Chicago Banquet on Friday, August 12 and the Independence Day Parade on Saturday, August 13 in Schaumburg and Hoffman Estates suburbs. FIA Chicago has urged community members to join the celebrations. It has pleaded with them to "purchase their tickets and also sponsor few remaining spots and floats for the parade for these extremely popular events of the year for the community," Omkar Sangha said. "By doing this, FIAChicago has cultivated a tradition of festivities be it the Republic Day or the Independence Day, that the Indian Independence Day Parade would be organized in Schaumburg

Dev of Choti Bahu

and Hoffman Estates, the most prominent suburbs of Chicago where approximately 20% of the population is of Indian origin" Sangha said. The Gala Banquet will lead into the popular cultural program Music Masti with Sa Re Ga Ma Pa & K for Kishore fame Apurva, Rupali and Gurukal fame Aavez. "Let us celebrate with dignity and unity our independence with dignitaries, celebrities, Indian cuisine and entertainment. As our caption reads, United We Stand, we invite you all to unite on this family oriented, diverse and fun occasion," said Shahid Rizvi, Secretary.

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India Post August 12, 2011

Maharashtrians meet - an affair to remember Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 30

The other attractions for the youth were boat tour of the city of Chicago, a fashion show by Shebani Kulkarni of Drishti, a comedy hour by Rajiv Satyal and a cultural show directed by Shalaka Kulkarni. Events like Speed Dating and "Sneha Bandhan" attracted sizeable numbers and were organized to allow the second generation to meet each other. Cricket crazy Indians too had their wish fulfilled at the Convention. A unique and special treat involved organizing of "Box Cricket" tournament. Many attendees played cricket bringing back the memories of their childhood in India. Hemant Chavan and Shirish Joshi successfully organized this event. The closing ceremony included skits and dances as well as introduction of all the volunteers. Sachin Mote was the writer and director of the closing ceremony. Several of the skits were directed by Shridhar Joshi and Sanjay Savkur. The convention was financially supported by many people and institutions including IRB & Mhaiskar Foundation, Jain Irrigation Group, Arch Pharma Labs, Symbiosis Institute of Management, Maharashtra Institute of Technology, Cosmos Bank all from India. Major personal donations were provided by Ashok Damre, Avinash Rachmale, Anil Deshpande, Sudhir Moravekar, Girish Gaitonde, Subhash Gaitonde, Sadanand Joshi, Shri Thanedar all from USA. The Convention had 50 plus stalls too. One of the stalls that was frequented by visitors was Jeevan Vidya Vidyapeeth that

was set up by SadGuru Wamanrao Pai. The message was how to live life peacefully and enjoy it despite stress. Another stall manned by community activist Shreedhar Damle furnished information about Ekal

Vidyapeeth with video presentation. Bedekars, one of the most popular manufactures of pickles for over seven decades had come from Mumbai and pleased those came to them with a taste of their different brands of pickle Ajit Gandhi, an

award winning financial planner, had a presence there too. Chief Convener Niteen Joshi, Co-Conveners Pankaj Akolkar, Sujeet Vaidya and Treasurer Mrs. Sucheta Akolkar with over 150 volunteers from various com-

mittees worked very hard to make this event successful. The entire Maharashtrian community in North America is unanimous in calling the Chicago convention one of the best in its 27 year history!

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India Post August 12, 2011

Pratham Chicago special programs in Aug, Oct SURI SWAMI

CHICAGO: The Pratham ChiOct. 14, 7:30 to 11 pm - Gala at cago chapter is the youngest Meadows Club, Golf Road, Pratham chapter formed about a Schaumburg, IL. year ago. The core team includes Its 2010 Gala event was held people with one thing in on September 19 at India House common...a desire to help children in Schaumburg. It was an Evening achieve their dreams through edu- of Gratitude where Pratham supcation. porters enjoyed delicious cuisine, The chapter is focused to: exquisite performances and com• Raise funds for Pratham pro- ments which both educated and grams • Increase awareness Pratham Chicago was the of literacy issues in India host to Pratham Co• Bring like minded Founder Dr. Madhav people in the community together and share Chavan and Pratham the joy of giving Ambassador Anupam Kher. It has organized variAs keynote speaker, Kher ous activities for the remaining period of the gave a riveting address current year starting with August 21: August 21, 8 am to noon - entertained. Sevathon 5-K walk at Harms Pratham Chicago was the host Woods Forest Preserve, Grove to Pratham Co-Founder Dr. No. 4, Skokie. Madhav Chavan and Pratham August 27, 7:30 to 10 pm - Ambassador Anupam Kher. As Sahaab play by Shekhar Sen at IIT keynote speaker, Kher gave a rivHermann Hall, 3241 S. State Street, eting, inspiring and comical adChicago, IL 60618. dress to the audience.

Naperville Indians to celebrate India Day AJIT GANDHI

NAPERVILLE: A small but vibrant Indian community in Naperville, a south west Chicago suburb, has decided to keep its recently established practice of celebrating Indian Independence day with enthusiasm. The community will have celebration on Sunday August 14 at Municipal Center with lot of

free parking from 9 am. The Naperville Mayor A. George Pradel will grace the occasion as the Chief Guest. Prem Lalvani, one of the organizers, said there will be a small cultural program after the flag hoisting ceremony. Indian Harvest will provide light refreshment to all present.

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India Post August 12, 2011

Supporting the community Because we’re part of the community PG&E proudly supports Federation of Indo Americans of Northern California and congratulates the FIA’s 19th Anniversary of India’s Independence Day celebrations.

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Corruption can again lead us to slavery Cont’d from page 28

As far as terrorism from across the border, it needs to be controlled by proper usage of latest technology available par with United States of America and other developed countries. Iftekhar observed that stopping corruption required active participation of all Indians as we are the ones who are part of promoting corruption. For example when someone leaves home in the morning on a motorbike or a car for work or some where we make sure we have some extra cash in pocket in case any police guy stops us for running a red light or driving without a license. We bribe him with Rs. 100 or so just to get by, which is very wrong. We should follow rules of the country and even if we get stopped for any violation, we should accept the negligence and pay the fine instead of a bribe. We must be part of eradication of corruption at all levels. Then the larger corruptions like 2G scams, accumulation of black wealth within India and outside

the country could be stopped. It will take time but it is possible. Touching upon the economic progress of the country, he felt very positive about the Indian economy for the next decade though inflation is on rise by a higher percentage but country is self-sufficient in producing its own products including in the agriculture sector. India's 70% population does not depend on world's gloomy economy. India's imports have dropped and exports have gone up. India is self sustainable for next several years as long as no more scandals of larger magnitude occur. I really wish that if the black money kept by corrupt business practices and corrupt politicians in overseas accounts is bought back to India, it will make a positive impact on our economy. India always got looted for years previously by Moghuls, British and others, yet we are a strong nation today and will stand strong for years to come. We are proud of our strong relationship with United States of America, Jai-Hind.

India Post August 12, 2011

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India Post August 12, 2011

Horoscope

August 12, 2011

India Post 39

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Your Weekly Future by Pandit Parashar

AUGUST 12TH - AUGUST 18TH ARIES (MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20)

TAURUS (APRIL 21 TO MAY 20)

ou will take a short trip to a nice place with family. Money wise things will start looking up. Extra money can come through a stocks transaction also. You will be working on a great plan and may call few trusted friends for their support. You may be asked to cut down on sugar by people close or your physician.

ou will sign some kind of loan documents. Money may go on upgrading your existing home. You should try to cut down on red meat or spicy food for some time. It is going to be a very favorable week for people in restaurant or real estate business. You will receive very good advice from a matured and learned person.

GEMINI (MAY 21 TO JUNE 20)

CANCER (JUNE 21 TO JULY 22)

ou may be seriously thinking of getting out of a venture not doing so well for past couple of months. You may call some one trusted for advice. Money wise things will be on the edge and you will be able to meet all your commitments on time. You may be thinking of going for a short trip for family reunion in near future.

ou will have to come up with some sound proof plan to beat the competition and then only the job is yours. You will gain friendship of a very useful and experienced person. You will need to do lots of juggling in order to meet your financial commitment. Try to forget past incidence and just move forward in life.

LEO (JULY 23 TO AUGUST 22)

ou will receive some valuable gifts from people close. Business will improve but you will need to draw money out of savings in order to meet your financial commitments. Some money could go towards legal bills also. You will be invited to couple of parties. Some one in family will need to go for minor surgery soon.

VIRGO (AUGUST 23 TO SEPTEMBER 22)

ou may invite few influential people at your place for dinner this week. Boss may assign additional work and also set a deadline. Out of panic you may accept a lower paying job. You may dispose off some stocks and pocket the profit. New relationship will cause lots of excitement in life and keep you busy.

LIBRA (SEPTEMBER 23 TO OCTOBER 22)

SCORPIO (OCTOBER 23 TO NOVEMBER 22)

ome one close will make a unreasonable demand. Ex pect few favorable developments in career this week. Stay away from the person trying to interfere in your personal life. Journeys and business trips will be fruitful. You will be just lucky in all money matters and may make big chunk of money through stocks.

bstacles will be followed by good solutions. Money wise things will start looking up as expenses will come down a lot and you will recover old dues also. Spouse can overcome health issues with the change of diet and little exercise only. If were waiting for any response from a government agency, it will come favorable.

SAGITTARIUS (NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 22)

CAPRICORN (DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 19)

unt will be over and you will find the dream job. Strong Venus in angle will bring some one beautiful close to you. You may purchase another vehicle or spend some money on upgrading your home this week. You will be generous in giving gifts to siblings. Some extra money may come through a stocks trade.

f you will act quick, you will make tons of money this week. Grab the offer made by other side and run. Handle all relationship issues with care and listen to other side complete before answering. Boss will call you to discuss an important project. You may plan a small party with some colleagues from work.

AQUARIUS (JANUARY 20 TO FEBRUARY 18)

PISCES (FEBRUARY 19 TO MARCH 20)

hances of hitting some kind of financial jackpot are very strong. Some one will move out making room for your promotion. You may travel long distance to meet a sibling this week. Kids will be working on another small family trip to a nice place. You may be still looking for an ideal place to move.

ery favorable week for people involved in any re search program. Opponents will accept the defeat. You will be traveling to another town or state for a family reunion this week. Money wise things will be steady. You will benefit from advice given by some one lot younger in age, provided you act quickly.

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

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

Realty Tidbits Govt scraps free FSI in Mumbai

Real Estate

n what is considered a blow to real estate developers, the Maharashtra Government in a notification said that spaces such as flower beds, lily ponds, parking decks and terraces would qualify for a levy of 100 per cent of the ready reckoner rate (guideline value) as premium. Earlier, these spaces were exempt from the floor space index, which the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation said were being sold by developers and later enclosed by buyers as part of their living area. For commercial development, the levy would be 200 per cent. The Municipal Corporation hopes to rake in about Rs 3,000 crore annually on this count alone. The Government has also decided to cap the maximum permissible floor space index (FSI) in buildings by allowing no more than 25 per cent extra FSI for residential and 15 per cent for commercial, which again would attract 100 per cent levy of the ready reckoner rate.

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August 12, 2011

Buildco's 125 acre township in Bangalore

uildco, the flagship company of the Bhartiya group in the real estate and infrastructure business, is going to launch Bhartiya City, a 125-acre integrated township in Bangalore, conceived along with global master planners and architects. The project spread will be a complete integrated township divided into eight precincts - residential, office space, IT, SEZ, retail, hotels, school and hospital. All the components will be organized within walking distance from each other.

Govt prepares draft bill on land acquisition

o take on the discontentment against land acquisition process, rural development minister Jairam Ramesh has cleared a draft bill for public comments The minister's land acquisition and rehabilitation bill will be up on the ministry website just a fortnight into his term at Krishi Bhawan. The Bill proposes a compensation of more than six times the circle rate of land, acquired for industrial and real estate projects. This is in line with the recommendations of the National Advisory Council but given the time constraint is unlikely to be cleared by Parliament in the monsoon session. The Bill sticks to the NAC script in its other major recom-

mendations which is mandatory consent for at least 80% of the affected people as a pre-requisite for commencing land acquisition. Since land is a concurrent subject, the Act will however have only an advisory status unless accepted by the state leg-

proposes compliance with all existing laws on tribal welfare. The bill has also suggested inflation linked annuity to those who had given up their land. The bill also suggests that if the acquired land belongs to a tribal person, then an additional

The bill also suggests that if the acquired land belongs to a tribal person, then an additional compensation would have to be worked out islatures. "It would be the state government who would decide on whether the private sector or the state government, who would initiate land acquisition drive," an official said. The new bill also

compensation would have to be worked out. Besides the Bill would also have separate norms for land acquired around urban and rural areas. After a final meeting with National Advisory Council (NAC) members and

other key ministry officials, Jairam gave the final touch to the bill which for the first time combines both land acquisition and rehabilitation under one law. This would be the second attempt by the UPA government to formulate a national policy on land acquisition after series of violent protests against forceful occupation of land for industries were reported from Uttar Pradesh, Orissa, West Bengal, Maharashtra and other states in the last few years. Earlier the National Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policy, 2007 were passed by the Lok Sabha in February 2009 and had been tabled in the Rajya Sabha subsequently. However, both bills lapsed with the dissolution of the 14th Lok Sabha.

Unitech working on quality of projects Builders, buyers hopeful in Noida case

ealty major Unitech Ltd is currently developing about 80 projects across the country covering 40 million sq ft of area and focusing on improving its execution capabilities, a top company official has said. "Going forward, the quality of execution will determine whether Unitech will move to the next level or not. And, this is where most of the company's attention is now centered," the company's Chairman Ramesh Chandra told shareholders in the annual report of the last fiscal. Chandra said that the company's operations have expanded manifold at a rapid pace and it has about 80 ongoing projects covering a total area of about 40 million sq ft. "These projects are spread over

different geographies in India further increasing the complexity in terms of project execution. However, with the internal initiatives undertaken on improving execution, we are confident of providing high quality housing to all our

tion. In 2010-11, Unitech launched projects covering 10.44 million sq ft area. It booked 9.16 million sq ft for Rs 4,323 crore and delivered 4.25 million sq ft of completed area. On telecom, Chandra said that he has full faith in the judiciary and

‘With the internal initiatives undertaken on improving execution, we are confident of providing high quality housing to all our customers’ customers," he said. Some of the initiatives taken by the company are product standardization, inhouse architectural and engineering design, expansion of contractor base and higher mechaniza-

expressed confidence that Unitech Wireless would be able to defend itself. Unitech has little over 30 per cent stake in Unitech Wireless, which operates under Uninor brand. The remaining stake is with Norway-based Telenor. Unitech Managing Director Sanjay Chandra was arrested in April this year and taken to judicial custody in relation to 2G telecom scam. "Unfortunately, with regard to the ongoing telecom issue, I will not be able to share any of my views or facts, as the matter is subjudice," he said. "However, it is important for me to convey to you that I have full faith in the Indian judiciary and I am confident that Unitech Wireless (Tamilnadu) Pvt Ltd will be able to defend itself in the Court of Law," he said.

ith the Allahabad High Court giving farmers an option of out-of-court settlement with GNDA, flat buyers and builders in Greater Noida have expressed hope that a solution will emerge before the August 12 deadline. "It's a positive development. From blame game, now we are moving towards solution," Confederation of Real Estate Developers' Association (CREDAI) president (NCR) Pankaj Bajaj, said. Echoing Bajaj's views, Noida Extension Flat Buyers Welfare Association president RP Tyagi said the court's decision was in the best interest of all the affected parties. Pointing out that interests of one lakh flat-buyers and several builders along with contractors and material suppliers were at stake, Bajaj said: "We are hopeful of settlement between farmers and the GNIDA." Amrapali's chairman Anil Sharma said, "We respect the court's decision. It is in the interest of all affected parties. We hope that a settlement would be reached between farmers and the authority." Hearing petitions of hundreds of farmers from a dozen villages near Greater Noida, challenging acquisition of more than 3,000 hectares of land by the Uttar Pradesh government, the Allahabad High Court referred the matter to the

Chief Justice and fixed August 17 as the next date of hearing. It also said that those petitioners who wished to approach the concerned authorities with their grievances and reach an out-of-court settlement could do so latest by August 12. However, the court said that those who choose to arrive at any agreement with the authorities

‘We respect the court's decision. It is in the interest of all affected parties. We hope that a settlement would be reached between farmers and the authority’ during this period would have to inform the court about the same on the next date of hearing with full details about the relief that they have agreed to. Earlier, in two separate orders, the court had quashed about 750 hectares of land acquisition in Noida Extension (a part of Greater Noida), affecting nearly 30,000 flat buyers of about 20 projects of builders such as Amrapali and Supertech.

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Lying in the cradle of the tall pine conifers and pineapple shrubs, Shillong's undulating terrain is a constant source of attraction for tourists

he romantic city of Shillong is one of the important tourist destinations in the northeast. It is often referred to as the "Scotland of the East" due to its striking similarity with the Scottish highlands. The city derives its name from "Leishyllong" - the Superpower or God who is believed to reside on the Shillong peak, overlooking the city. Lying in the cradle of the tall pine coni-

August 12, 2011

fers and pineapple shrubs, Shillong's undulating terrain is a constant source of attraction for tourists from both home and abroad. The Khasi, Jaintia and Garo tribes add color to this hilly city. The capital of Meghalaya, Shillong lies on the eastern part of the state. Perched at an altitude of 1,520 meters (4,990 feet) above sea level, the city stretches for about 6 km on an elevated tract. It is situated on a plateau bound on the north by the Umiam gorge, on the northwest by the great mass of the Diengiei Hills that rise up to a height of 1,823 meters (6077 ft.) above sea level, and on the northeast by the hills of the Assam valley. The Umshyrpi and the Umkhra rivers, which finally merge and form the Umiam River, water it. Shillong is at distance of 104 km from Guwahati, 295 km from Kaziranga, 578 km from Siliguri and 658 km from Darjeeling. The climate is hot and humid during summers. The monsoons arrive in June and it rains almost until the end of August. It is quite cold during winters. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 42

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August 12, 2011

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Shillong: The romantic 'Scotland of the East' Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 41

History: Shillong was a small village until 1864 when it became the new civil station of the Khasi and Jaintia hills. It remained the summer capital of Eastern Bengal and Assam for many years. In 1874, on the formation of Assam as a Chief Commissioner's Province, it was chosen as the capital of the new administration. An earthquake destroyed the city in 1897, necessitating its complete rebuilding. In January 1972, Shillong became the capital of the newly formed state of Meghalaya. Tourist attractions: Waterfalls The Crinoline Falls is about 1213 m in height and lies to the west of the Survey of India Office. There is a swimming pool at the base of the falls. The Gunner's Falls 1 is about 24-26 m in height and is near the military establishment on the Upper Shillong road. It is about 1.6 km from the GPO. The Gunner's Falls 2 lies a km away from the Happy Valley amidst picturesque locales. The Spread Eagle Falls or Sati Falls is located about a mile away from the Polo Ground. It is a famous picnic spot. The Sweet Falls (also called "Weitden," in the native dialect) is the most beautiful of all the waterfalls in Shillong. It lies about 5 km from the Happy Valley and is about 96 m in height. The Elephant Gait and the Elephant Falls are located near Upper Shillong. These are beautiful sights especially in the rainy season and are favorite picnic spots among the locals. Beyond the Elephant Falls, one can also view the Upper and Lower Elysium Falls. Peaks Shillong Peak, the highest point of Shillong, is located 5 km to the south of the city and is 1961 meters (6,433 feet) in altitude. Being the highest peak in the district, it is often surrounded with fog. The peak itself is not steep, but rather semi-circular like that of a crown placed on the flat and extensive top of the Shillong Hill. The peak is accessible via the Upper Shillong or Jowai Road. The Sohpetbneng Peak is 1343 m in altitude and is regarded as sacred by the Hynfiiewtrep tribe. It is a picturesque location. The Dingei Hill is situated near the Umiam stream. Two paths lead to this hill from Shillong. One is the narrow tract that leads straight to the gorge through Umiyangka village. For a height of 1,000 ft on either side of the stream, the gradient is very steep and precipitous and makes for excellent mountain

climbing. The second route begins at Barapani on the GS Road, about 16 km from Shillong. During the upward journey, one is provided a captivating view of the Bhoi district, which lies 300 ft below the summit of the Dingei Hill. The Dumpeep Peak is the highest in Swer and is 5100 feet above sea level. The Kyllang rock lies 78 km from Shillong. The rock is a steep bare cliff of granite, 200 m in height and rises abruptly from plain grassy downs. Lakes The Ward Lake is an important tourist site of Shillong. It is a horseshoe-shaped artificial lake lying beneath the Raj Bhavan (Governor's Residence) and the Accountant General's (AG) Office, with little isles and a bridge over it. The lake abounds in fish (grass carps) and feeding the fish from the bridge is a favorite pastime of the tourists. It is said that a Khasi prisoner, who requested for any kind of work to get him out of his cell, initiated its construction. The lake has a charming winding walka-way in the midst of rolling flowerbeds and fairyland lighting with gradually undulating

with balconies, a restaurant and bar. Other attractions: The State Museum is located at the State Central Library complex in Laichumiere and visitors can catch a glimpse of the heritage and lifestyle of the Khasi tribe here. The Butterfly Museum at Riatsamthiah holds a rare collection of butterflies and moths. The Botanical Garden near Ward Lake has some species of flora of the region. A better place is the Orchidarium of the Botanical Survey of India. It has a rare collection of orchids and is a treat to the nature lover. Near the Botanical Garden, one

churches. The most beautiful church is that of the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians. Directly below the hill is the Grotto Church. The All Saints Church opposite the State Central Library is an attractive structure made out of wood. Places around: About 56 km from Shillong is Cherrapunji village (East Khasi Hills district), now called Sohra. Located on the Shillong plateau about 55 km southwest of Shillong, Cherrapunji and Mausynram (another village nearby) are reputed to be the wettest places in the world. The heavy rains here often swell the waters of the Nohsngithiang waterfall. The town

Sixty-four kilometers from Shillong is Jakrem, a popular health resort having hot springs of sulphur water, believed to have curative medicinal properties

grounds, hemmed in by lush greens. Boats are also available, while the cafeteria provides refreshments. Seventeen kilometers before Shillong is situated Umiam or Barapani - a large lake formed after a hydroelectric dam was built across a stream. In recent years, this has become an increasingly popular place for outings and weekend visits. The Orchid Lake Resort, designed by the famous architect Charles Correa, and constructed amongst pinewood, overlooks the lake. There are facilities for water sports here: from kayaking and water skiing for the adventurous to water cycling and simple boating for the less brave. The Orchid Lake Resort, run by the Meghalaya Tourism Department, has pleasantly appointed rooms

can find the celebrated Golf Course, called the Gleneagles of the East. The Golf club retains the colonial touch and is the first 18hole golf course in Asia. Behind the Shillong Civil Hospital, near the Pine Mount School, is the Lady Hydari Park. It has a small museum, a small zoo, an aviary, and a deer park among tall cedars and pines. In front of St. Edmund's College, one can visit the fruit garden, maintained by the Department of Agriculture. During spring, one can see the trees in full bloom. There are many reservoirs filled with natural spring water that have the dual purpose of watering the gardens and functioning as a nursery known as "Fishdale" - for the raising and breeding of fish, notably hill-trout and carps. Shillong is also famous for its

is famous for its limestone caves and orange honey. It has the oldest Presbyterian Church. Krem Mawmluh is a 4.5-km-long cave near Cherrapunji. A little further down the road to limestone caves, there is a graveyard where British missionaries and their close relatives lie buried. The visitors are awed by a series of giant pillars or megaliths that have been erected near a stream. Such megaliths are to be seen in different parts of the Khasi and Jaintia Hills and are usually erected to commemorate great deeds or to honor dead chieftains. Accommodation is available at the Circuit House. The summer capital of the Jaintia kings, Nartiang, is about 65 km east of Shillong. There is a park of megaliths. A 500-year-old temple of Durga is another attraction at

Nartiang. En route Nartiang, 64 km from Shillong, is the small lake of Thadlaskein. It is a beautiful picnic spot. About 13 km from Shillong is the village of Nongkrem. It is the seat of the Syiem of Nongkrem, whose estate extends up to Shillong. The traditional Nongkrem Dance festival is held here around autumn and draws large crowds of visitors. Sixty-four kilometers from Shillong is Jakrem, a popular health resort having hot springs of sulphur water, believed to have curative medicinal properties. Dawki, a border town, 96 km from Shillong, provides a glimpse of Bangladesh. The colorful annual boat race during spring at the Umgot River is an added attraction. At a distance of 140 km from Shillong is Ranikor, an angler's paradise containing a huge population of carp and mahseers. Jowai is a popular and prosperous town situated on a beautiful plateau 1,500 m above sea level. Three sides of this plateau slope sharply down to the Hai River and contiguous areas are rich in coal deposits. It is also an important station on the route to Silchar and Agartala. Fairs & festivals: The festivals vary according to the tribes. Christmas, Easter, Good Friday and the New Year Day celebrations are the most important. Ka Pomblang Nongkrem, or the Nongkrem dance, is one of the most important Khasi festivals. Shad Sukmynsiem is another important festival of the Khasis. Behdiengkhlam, the festival of the Jaintias, is celebrated in July. Wangala is the festival of the Garos and is dedicated to the Sun God. How to reach Air - The nearest airport and railhead is Guwahati in Assam. Road - The Guwahati-Shillong Road connects the two cities. Pineapple plantations and pine trees on both sides line the road. There are buses every half an hour to Guwahati. Taxi services are also available. Best time to visit October-November and March-April.

August 12, 2011

Travel & Hospitality Post

India Post 43

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LA Zoo hosts Beer Festival India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: Since 1966, people of all ages have enjoyed creating memories at the Los Angeles Zoo while learning about animals from around the world and preservation of endangered species. This August, Zoo guests have the opportunity to enjoy everything they love about their daytime visits, but with an added twist of "21 and up" fun. More than twenty California craft breweries join the Zoo to launch its first-ever beer festival - "Brew at the Zoo" on August 12, 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. This new annual event features a unique 3-hour beer tasting experience. Upon arrival, "Brew at the Zoo" guests receive a five ounce collectible sampler glass and 12 tickets to taste the night away. Participants include Bayhawk Ales, Belmont Brewing Co., Bootlegger's Brewery, Brouwerij West, The Bruery, Cismontane Brewing Co., Eagle Rock Brewery, El Segundo Brewing Co., Hangar 24 Craft Brewery, Indian Wells Brewing Co., Inland Empire Brewing Co., Left Coast Brewing Co.,

Noble Ale Works, Skyscraper Brewing Co., So Cal Brewing Co., Stone Brewing Co. and Strand Brewing Co.. Also participating are Firestone Walker Brewing Co. and

Karl Strauss Brewing Co. who took home multiple awards from the "Los Angeles International Beer Competition" this past June. Hard cider fans may enjoy samples from Crispin' Cider Co. and Fox Barrel Cider. Aside from the array of craft

beer brands at hand, tantalizing pub-style foods will be available to fill guests' cravings. "Brew at the Zoo" wouldn't be complete without the sounds of toe-tapping music to fill the air. KROQ "Locals Only" presents five up-and-coming L.A. based rock bands performing in the Zoo throughout the evening: Heartstop, The Steelwells, The Fling, Tijuana Panther and Upstream. Beer festivals in zoos have become common throughout the nation and typically sell-out. "Brew at the Zoo" brings a new level of fun for guests twenty-one years of age and older. While attendees are enjoying their "hops-therapy," they have the opportunity to stroll through the Zoo to gaze at animals including the newest exhibit, Elephants of Asia. Guests can take confidence knowing their "Brew at the Zoo" ticket purchase is not only for a good time, but also a good cause. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association, supporting the Zoo in its mission to nurture wildlife and enrich the human experience.

South Korea getting a handle on medical tourism SEOUL: South Korea's popularity as a medical tourism destination has increased; the industry has grown exponentially over the past decade. Asia is a hot spot in this trend, particularly big players like Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and India. With such major competitors nearby, South Korea has boosted its efforts to join those ranks. South Korea falls well behind its neighbors in terms of visitors. Government statistics show Korea down for 81,789 medical tourism patients last year, compared to Thailand with 1.5 million, India with 7,30,000 and Singapore with 7,20,000. A global leader in biotechnology and home to some of the most highly trained medical personnel in the world, South Korea has been investing heavily in research and development in recent years. The figures have many in the industry questioning the need for

further investment. But what the statistics don't reflect is the role Korea could play in the rapidly evolving industry, and more so the

‘A significant improvement in this year's revised medical tourism guidelines is that hospitals can now sell drugs to foreign patients without need for a prescription’ speed at which the country is developing its medical expertise. The state-run Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) has been as-

signed to strengthen the country's overseas promotion of medical tourism. Making medical facilities more foreigner-friendly is of primary concern. "A significant improvement in this year's revised medical tourism guidelines is that hospitals can now sell drugs to foreign patients without need for a prescription," Jin Soo-nam, an executive director in charge of medical tourism at the KTO, said. This revision is a major step for South Korea's medical tourism industry. The government has stepped in, easing the issuance of visas for foreigners coming to South Korea for medical tourism. Furthermore, as part of the newly amended medical tourism guidelines, the Ministry of Health and Welfare announced earlier this year that foreign patients are entitled to full insurance packages in the event of an accident. -PTI

Militancy-hit Bangus may become tourist hub SRINAGAR: The militancy-hit Bangus valley in Jammu and Kashmir may soon become a tourist hot spot with the state government initiating various projects for development of tourism in the area. "Steps are being taken to develop Drangyari and Sat-Barryn as tourist spots. The step will boost the local economy and generate

employment opportunities for youths," a tourism department spokesman said here. "Lolab-Bangus-Drangyari Development Authority (LBDDA) has invested Rs one crore for the purpose," LBDDA Chief Executive Officer Mohammad Yassin said. In the last 20 years, Bangus valley has been a transit for mili-

tants infiltrating from across the LoC. However, with the militancy subsiding in the state, the administration is looking towards transforming Bangus into a tourist hub, the spokesperson said. There are nearly 50 rare animal species, including musk deer, antelope, snow leopard and red foxes, in the region. -PTI

Biggest water games in Tehri lake

LUCKNOW: Uttrakahand Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhariyal 'Nishank' has said that Tehri lake in the state would be developed for holding world's biggest water games ever and Rs five crore has been earmarked for this purpose. "We have decided to develop Tehri lake for holding world's biggest water games. The state government has earmarked Rs five crore for the purpose," Nishak said while talking to reporters on the sidelines of a function here. Highlighting his government's achievement, Nishank said that

holding of the Mahakumbh 2010 has attracted the attention of the University of Chicago, where top professors would study how the mega Indian fair was managed "so successfully." About wildlife and river Ganga, he said his government has roped in celebrities like India cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and actress Hema Malini to create awareness and soon the government would launch unique tourism packages, aimed at marketing the state among the foreigners.-PTI

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Tech News IT dept 'very lenient' to BCCI: Parl panel NEW DELHI: Accusing the Income Tax Department of being "very lenient" to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), a Parliamentary panel has said it allowed the cricketing body to "enrich its coffers at the expense of the exchequer". Headed by former Finance Minister and senior BJP leader Yashwant Sinha, the Standing Committee on Finance has asked the IT department, Reserve Bank of India and Corporate Affairs Ministry to expedite their investigations into the affairs of the BCCI and the Indian Premier League (IPL). The report of the Committee, which was tabled in Parliament, also regretted that the much-loved cricket - a gentleman's game - is getting "sullied and embroiled in transgressions of law off the field". -PTI

No HCL hand in email deletions at News International LONDON: Indian IT major HCL Technologies has informed UK's Home Affairs Committee that it was aware of the deletion of hundreds of thousands of emails at the request of Rupert Murdoch's News International between April 2010 and July 2011, but said it was not responsible for the deletion. In a letter to committee chairman Keith Vaz, the HCL revealed that it had been involved in nine separate episodes of email deletion, but added that it was not responsible for emails on the News International system that are older than a couple of weeks. It said that another unnamed vendor was responsible, but confirmed that it had co-operated with this vendor in deleting material, according to a report in The Guardian. -PTI

Vodafone to up 'pay per second' tariff in Punjab CHANDIGARH: After Airtel, Vodafone Essar users in the state would have to pay more with the cellular company deciding to raise its call rates by 20 per cent and SMS charges by 66 to 150 per cent. Announcing changes in the tariff plan for 'pay per second' in the public notice, the company has said local and STD call rates on 'Vodafone to Vodafone' and from 'Vodafone to others' network will be 1.2 paise per second from 1 paisa per second at present. Airtel had recently through a public notice hiked the per second rate to 1.2 paise from 1 paisa for the 'Advantage' plan subscribers. -PTI

TechBiz 46 India Post

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August 12, 2011

Rs 1.69 cr goods traded by J&K, POK POONCH: The Cross-LoC businessmen have traded goods worth over Rs 1.69 crores through 23 trucks between Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) along LoC at Chakan-Da-Bagh Crossing point in Poonch district, district officials said. As many as eight trucks rolled out from Trade Facilitation Centre (TFC) at Ranger in Poonch district of J&K to POK, they said adding these trucks carried bags of coconut, red chilli and embroidery items worth Rs 34,53,315. From POK, 15 trucks carrying bags of almonds, dry grapes, dates, peshawari sandals and Herbs crossed to this side and these were worth Rs 1,34,60,945.-PTI

Community petitions IRS for relief on declaring offshore accounts India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Major Indian American civic and professional organizations have joined together to campaign with the US administration seeking relief on penalties stipulated by US tax rules on foreign bank accounts. Following a letter from GOPIO (Global Organization of Persons of Indian Origin) delivered June 27, 2011to Timothy Geithner, Secretary of the US Department of Treasury, representatives of four major Indian American community groups including GOPIO, the National Federation of Indian American Association (NFIA), American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) and Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) under the aegis of a National Coordinating Council sent a letter on July 19 to US President Barack Obama seeking his assistance in the matter of concern to new US immigrants of Indian origin who are facing unfair and unprecedented penalties for failure to disclose and do tax filing of foreign bank accounts by August 31, 2011.

Copies of the letter were also sent to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner. The joint letter affirms the community's recognition of the necessity for the IRS to take needed actions and enact rules to track money flowing to terrorists, drug transaction and money laundering in safe havens outside the United States. The groups have

with their taxes. The new voluntary disclosure initiative will be available through August 31, 2011. The IRS decision to open a second special disclosure initiative follows continuing interest from taxpayers with foreign accounts. The first special voluntary disclosure program closed with 15,000 voluntary disclosures on Oct 15, 2009. Since that time, more than 3,000 taxpayers have come forward to the IRS with bank ac-

For the 2011 initiative, there is a new penalty framework that requires individuals to pay a penalty of 25 percent of the amount in the foreign bank accounts requested that the IRS review and reconsider the rules towards more practical and prudent application. The United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced on February 8, 2011 a special voluntary disclosure initiative designed to bring offshore money back into the US tax system and help people with undisclosed income from hidden offshore accounts get current

counts from around the world. These taxpayers will also be eligible to take advantage of the special provisions of the new initiative. For the 2011 initiative, there is a new penalty framework that requires individuals to pay a penalty of 25 percent of the amount in the foreign bank accounts in the year with the highest aggregate account balance covering the 2003

to 2010 time period. Participants also must pay back-taxes and interest for up to eight years as well as paying accuracy-related and/or delinquency penalties of 2 percent." (Ref IRS News Bulletin IR2011-14, Feb. 8, 2011). The community groups say that many in the Indian American community were not aware of the first voluntary disclosure program which ended in 2009. Many people holding foreign bank accounts were unaware of these rules simply because these rules were never publicized by the IRS to the general public. Even most accountants preparing and filing the annual individual tax returns did not inform or alert their clients about this requirement. It also appears that certain communities have been singled out for investigation which is highly damaging to the multi-ethnic ethos of our country, they say. The appeal, they said, was for universal application of the law on an equitable basis, on the principle of fairness and in good conscience without undue burden to the US taxpayer. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 47

Obama announces historic 54.5 mpg fuel efficiency standard India Post News Service

NEW YORK: President Obama last week announced a historic agreement with thirteen major automakers to pursue the next phase in the Administration's national vehicle program, increasing fuel economy to 54.5 miles per gallon for cars and light-duty trucks by Model Year 2025. The President was joined by Ford, GM, Chrysler, BMW, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar/Land Rover, Kia, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Toyota and Volvo - which together account for over 90% of all vehicles sold in the United States - as well as the United Auto Workers (UAW), and the

State of California, who were integral to developing this agreement. "This agreement on fuel standards represents the single most important step we've ever taken as a nation to reduce our dependence on foreign oil," said President Obama. "Most of the companies here today were part of an agreement we reached two years ago to raise the fuel efficiency of their cars over the next five years. We've set an aggressive target and the companies are stepping up to the plate. By 2025, the average fuel economy of their vehicles will nearly double to almost 55 miles per gallon." Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 47

President Barack Obama greets auto industry executives following his announcement of the 2025 fuel efficiency standards on July 29.

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August 12, 2011

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Singapore to channel China savings into India SINGAPORE: Singapore plans to act as a facilitator to bring in China's savings into the Indian economy and other South Asian countries. Similarly, it has evinced interest in promoting the concept and practices of real estate investment trust (REIT) in India. These were some of the immediate spinoff ideas that emerged during the South Asian Diaspora Convention (SADC), held recently. Hosting the first-ever global event under the SADC banner, Gopinath Pillai, chairman of the Singapore-based Institute of South Asian Studies (ISAS), said the conference was designed as a confluence of scholars, businessmen, thinkers and the doers. Speaking at the Diaspora meeting, Chong Siak Ching, president and chief executive officer of the Singapore-based Ascendas, said the adoption of a REIT model came into worldwide vogue as a doable business practice in early 2000. On the moves towards a REIT regime

in India, Chong said: "I think the Indian Government did look into the possibility of coming up with REIT regulations but I don't think

Gupta said, "China and India have tremendous sources of savings and will continue to have in the foreseeable future. For obvious reasons the flow of money does not work directly very well” that it has developed to a stage where it is ready. "We had given our suggestions to the Indian Government officials in terms of what would be some of

the critical success-factors for a good REIT regime to be in place. There has been no response, not yet. I believe China is now more advanced than India in terms of studying this possibility of adopting a REIT regime." On a macro-level, economic prospect on the China-India front, Piyush Gupta, Chief Executive Officer of Singapore's DBS Group Holdings and DBS Bank, said the City-State could play a "definite" role as a "conduit for [China's] RMB (Renminbi) flows into South Asia." Gupta said, "China and India have tremendous sources of savings and will continue to have in the foreseeable future. For obvious reasons the flow of money does not work directly very well. Working through Singapore, for that flow to be intermediated, is a savings management issue. Independent of this, China is now carefully pacing out the internationalization of RMB as a reserve currency".

Govt probing Speak Asia Online's dealings NEW DELHI: Government, which has ordered an investigation against the controversial multi-level marketing company Speak Asia Online, informed Parliament that the preliminary inquiry revealed that it is not registered under the Companies Act. The Singapore-based company is alleged to have duped 12 lakh investors across India to the tune of Rs 1,300 crore, according to the Mumbai police which has arrested

Speak Asia's chief operating officer Tarak Bajpai, 'panelist' Deepankar Sarkar and others. Minister of State for Corporate Affairs RPN Singh told the Rajya Sabha in a written reply that his Ministry has ordered investigation into activities of Speak Asia. "As per preliminary inquiry, it is found that the company is not registered under the Companies Act. Besides, the company has also not registered its place of

business with the Registrar of Companies, Delhi, as required under Section 592 of the Companies Act, 1956," Singh said. Meanwhile, the Mumbai police also made enquiries from PR and lobbying firm Perfect Relations and its co-founder Dilip Cherian in the case. "They (police) came to our office. They wanted to know about our relationship with Speak Asia. -PTI

Obama announces historic 54.5 mpg fuel efficiency standard Cont’d from page 46

Building on the Obama administration's agreement for Model Years 2012-2016 vehicles, which will raise fuel efficiency to 35.5 mpg and begin saving families money at the pump this year, the next round of standards will require performance equivalent to 54.5 mpg or 163 grams/ mile of CO2 for cars and light-duty trucks by Model Year 2025. Achieving the goals of this historic agreement will rely on innovative technologies and manufacturing that will spur economic growth and create high-quality domestic jobs in cutting edge industries across America. These programs, combined with the model year 2011 light truck standard, represent the first meaningful update to fuel efficiency

standards in three decades and span Model Years 2011 to 2025. Together, they will save American families $1.7 trillion dollars in fuel

The standards also curb carbon pollution, cutting more than 6 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas over the life of the program costs, and by 2025 result in an average fuel savings of over $8,000 per vehicle. Additionally, these programs will dramatically

cut the oil we consume, saving a total of 12 billion barrels of oil, and by 2025 reduce oil consumption by 2.2 million barrels a day - as much as half of the oil we import from OPEC every day. The standards also curb carbon pollution, cutting more than 6 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas over the life of the program more than the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the United States last year. A national policy on fuel economy standards and greenhouse gas emissions provides regulatory certainty and flexibility that reduces the cost of compliance for auto manufacturers while addressing oil consumption and harmful air pollution. Consumers will continue to have access to a diverse fleet and can purchase the vehicle that best suits their needs.

Community petitions IRS for relief on declaring offshore accounts Cont’d from page 46

The request further stated that strict application of compliance with the law on hard working Americans who are not aware of the law can lead to undue and irreparable distress, as well as unforeseeable consequences for a large number of innocent citizens who did not consciously or knowingly violate the rules. The letter further states that the community is becoming aware of the new regulations on foreign accounts and is in full agreement that all citizens must be in compliance and pay all taxes due to the US government. The groups further said that in many cases, people had transferred money to have a retirement income or home in the foreign country, or to provide support for extended family in the foreign countries. There was no deliberate intent to avoid taxes on interest earned during the process of acquiring homes or supporting family or saving for children's education. It was not planned to be unjustifiable enrichment, they claim. Now that the groups have become aware of this IRS initiative, the impending deadlines, and potential consequences, they have offered to use their networks to inform and urge full compliance. However, the groups have requested that the remedies fully described in the July 19, 2011 letter to President Obama be considered and enacted. These include: • Request that penalties of 25% Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) penalty on assets of law abiding citizens be eliminated, that presumption of guilt is not a fair and equitable application of law; that penalty on the

highest value of the assets is immoral and unfair; that penalties on assets as stated in the rules on foreign accounts should not be levied on law abiding citizens who missed declarations or filing deadlines due to lack of information or timely notification. • Request that the IRS deadline be extended to December 31, 2012 to allow more persons who were not previously aware to fully comply. GOPIO is urging organizations, institutions and individuals to fully comply and pay any taxes due in an expeditious manner before the deadline. • Request that the 20% accuracy penalty on undeclared taxes be substantially reduced for those who did not knowingly miss the filing deadlines. • Request that the US Government should publicize the Voluntary Disclosure Amnesty Program in ethnic newspapers and other community media in multiple languages, as well as IRS representatives be interviewed by print, radio and television media to bring about more awareness resulting in compliance by more tax payers. The joint letter was sent by GOPIO Chairman Inder Singh, NFIA President Lal K. Motwani, AAPI President Dr. Sunita Kanumuri and AAHOA Chairman Hemant D. Patel. Since sending out the letter, Federation of Indian Community associations of Cleveland (FICA) and Federation of Indian American Associations (NY, NJ and CT) have joined the effort along with Lueva Patidar Samaj. The groups are reaching out to all Indian community groups to join this effort. The coordination group has appealed to the Indian American community to post note to the White House or write to respective Congressmen and Senators.

TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

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

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August 12, 2011

5 Aye Khuda : Murder 2 6 Haal-E-Dil :

alman Khan had his heart set on Sanjay Dutt to play his onscreen daddy in Bodyguard, as he wanted the presence of someone tough and macho for the role and someone whom he looks up to even in real life and Sanju fitted the bill. But Salman might not have dreamt in his wildest dreams that his friend Sanju baba would lose his cool when offered the father's role. Dutt, who still dons hero roles, got angry when Salman asked him to play the role of his father. After the fight they had at Maanyata Dutt's birthday bash, there were talks that Jackie Shroff would play Salman's dad but those were just speculations. Sallu remained adamant on having only Sanju to play his father in the film and felt that if Sanju doesn't do it, no one else should either. Sanjay Dutt even told the media that he was not old enough to play Salman's dad. Salman wasn't expecting such a negative reaction and was really hurt. He has now asked the makers of Bodyguard to remove the role of the father altogether.

Bbuddah Hoga Tera Baap 7 Saathiya : Singham 8 Jalebi Bai : Double Dhamaal 9 Bande : Men Will Be Men 10 Tai Tai Phish : Chillar Party

Ex-flames unite

ajal Aggarwal has turned a star overnight with 'Singham' becoming a hit. Ever since, the actress has been attracting a huge fan following. Recently one of Kajal's fans, calling himself a businessman, insisted Kajal on signing his forthcoming film, as he wanted to get into films, himself. Says a source, "Kajal got calls and smses from a man, who claimed to be a businessman wanting to get in to films. When they finally met, he narrated a script to Kajal, however, she turned it down and said that she was looking for something else. That's when he insisted on giving her the signing amount." "After much insistence, Kajal finally took the signing amount, since he told her that he would come up with another script. However, when the man did not turn up for the next 3-4 days, the manager called him. He simply said that he had no intention of making any film but just wanted to meet Kajal." "He apologized but said that he could not think of any other way to meet Kajal. When the actress' manager asked him to take his signing amount back, he refused and disconnected. Fortunately, Kajal had not cashed the Rs 3 lakh cheque."

anbir Kapoor will indeed get to romance his ex-flame Deepika Padukone again, but in reel life. 'Wake Up Sid' director Ayan Mukerji's next project under Karan Johar's banner Dharma Productions was supposed to have Katrina Kaif opposite Ranbir. Of late there has been change in plans; instead the female lead role has been bagged by Deepika, Kat's hot contender. Katrina had signed a Shahrukh Khan starrer film under Yashraj Productions, for which veteran filmmaker Yash Chopra takes the directorial reins after a long gap. This movie's dates clashed with those of Ayan's project. So Katrina has chosen Chopra's film. Now finally Ayan has roped in Deepika for his film. The tall, dimpled beauty had been keen to do a film with Ranbir and she had also sent feelers through media that she has no issues working with Ranbir. So let's wait for a good amount of gossip that these ex-lovers will bring.

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August 12, 2011

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t seems Sonam Kapoor is aiming for size zero. The already slim actress has now joined Bikram Yoga classes, where she is expected to sweat it out and burn oodles of calories. "Starting bikram yoga today or as everyone calls it hot yoga. It's my dad's secret for looking fab. (sic)," Sonam posted on her Twitter page. Bikram Yoga is a distinct style developed by yoga guru Bikram Choudhury who holds a US copyright on his yoga that comprises 26 'asanas' or postures and two breathing exercises. The actress says it is her dad Anil Kapoor's secret to looking fabulous In the West, celebrities like Madonna, Brooke Shields and Raquel Welch practice it. Sonam, who lost almost 30 kg before she made her film debut with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Saawariya in 2007, also loves munching.

Intimate scenes

ith films trying to be more realistic, the depiction of affection is also getting bolder, says actress Mahie Gill, who has done intimate scenes in her debut movie "Dev D" and also in her forthcoming "Not A Love Story" but finds them difficult and awkward. "I feel awkward doing these scenes and it's not very easy because the entire crew is there. But I feel that it's like any other emotion and one has to depict it. The kind of cinema I am doing is realistic and so this is also a part of it," Mahie said. Asked what goes on in her mind while doing intimate scenes, she said: "The only thing in your mind is that you have to deliver your best. It shouldn't look artificial at all." Next in line is the controversial "Not A Love Story", inspired by the murder of TV executive Neeraj Grover, who was killed by ex-naval officer Jerome Mathew for allegedly having a relationship with his fiancĂŠe Maria Susairaj. In the film, the 27-year-old had to do love-making scenes with Deepak Dobriyal. She says director Ram Gopal Varma sent her a "sorry" message for making her do the shot more than once.

Stylish couple

ndia's hottest and most contemporary couple - Akshay Kumar and Twinkle Khanna, now have another feather in their overflowing hat of accolades, and that is of India's most stylish couple. Akshay's wardrobe mostly consists of a cool and trendy vibe while wife, Twinkle, herself has an enviable collection of chic and sophisticated designer outfits herself. Both complement each other extremely well, even though they both have an individualistic unique style of carrying themselves.

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OAKLAND, CA: It was an interesting pairing - India's Bollywood singer Sunidhi Chauhan and Pakistani heart-throb actorsinger Atif Aslam. Together they had their audience on their feet during the three-hour performance July 24 at the Oracle Arena. It was the last stop on the performers' "Intense" tour through North America.

Together they had their audience on their feet during the three-hour performance July 24 at the Oracle Arena Sunidhi began with the hit "Krazy Kiya Re," from the movie Dhoom2. With the song, "Marjani, Marjani," the crowd got to its feet and danced along with the singer to the catchy tune. Among other songs she sang was "Aap Ka Kya Hoga," from movie "Housefull," the Bhangra-inspired "Tu To Aiwe Aiwe Lut Gaya" and Indian female favorite "Desi Girl." After acknowledgments to Mehta Entertainment, which organized the concert, Pakistani musician Atif Aslam got on stage and his audience of female fans whooped and screamed out "Atif." Aslam began with the classic, "Woh Bheegi Bheegi Raatein," and then performed another classic, "Doorie." He then went on to perform his newest hit, "Hona Tha Pyar," from Pakistani movie "Bol." Chauhan and Aslam then took the stage together, performing "Kaisi Paheli Zindagaani," from the film "Parineeta." See more pics on page 53

August 12, 2011

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Great comfort level working with Saif: Deepika

eepika Padukone talks about her latest film Aarakshan in the follow ing interview: Can you tell us about the film and the character you play? The film is based on one if the most controversial policies of caste-ism and reservation system in government and the educa-

tion system in India. Amitabh Bachchan plays the legendary and idealistic college principal and he has single-handedly turned his college into the state's best. I play the role of Amitabh Bachchan's daughter, Poorbi Anand, who is also Saif Ali Khan's love interest in the film. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 53

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Revisiting India's past over seven millennia India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Portraits of A Nation - History of Ancient India, Kamlesh Kapur's recent publication is a seminal work that traces India's seven millennia old history. Formatted as a text book, it provides a new perspective on landmark developments from 5th millennia BCE to 1000 C.E. Portraits of A Nation provides the global context for the significant events which led to the evolution of its culture, the rise of dynasties and urban/industrial complexes in not just one river valley, but several river basins. This work is recommended for all students, parents and teachers committed to discussing the earliest markers of Hindu civilization. Portraits of a Nation will be used internationally as a resource text by the students of history. More significantly, this book is already acclaimed as one of the most lauded attempts to create an authentic narrative of India's rich history, including epochal events, achievements, and contributions to modern society. Using evidence from multiple sources such as ecology, geology, archaeology, genetics and internal evidence from ancient texts of India, the book reclaims the accurate chronology of Ancient Indian history.

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NORWALK, CA: On Saturday, August 6, Virgelia Productions will host the 2nd Annual Beyond the Beauty Leadership Academy at the DoubleTree Hotel in Norwalk, California. This one-day work-shop will cover a variety of

has placed this monumental work on a pedestal that hitherto no compiler of Indian history has done. All of this material is taken from primary sources and from the research material prepared by his-

BOOK REVIEW Dr David Frawley commented, ‘Yes, this is a very important and well done publication, a model for other scholars to follow’ torians while evaluating multiple sources. Supplemented by numerous illustrations of ancient relics, inscriptions, maps and pictures, it makes an interesting reading." Dr. David Frawley commented, "Yes, this is a very important and well done publication, a model for

In the words of Dr. S. Kalyanaraman, "Presented in a non-invasionist model, this book attempts to reclaim the accurate chronology of Ancient Indian his-

BEYOND THE BEAUTY LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP

The Beyond the Beauty Leadership Academy workshop provides an enhanced training for the Delegates of the Miss Asia USA, Mrs. Asia USA and Miss & Teen Latina Global topics associated with social graces and etiquette, fitness & health, business & finances, enhancing confidence, personal and professional growth, pageant skills. The Beyond Beauty Leadership Academy is designed for

tory and is meant for students and general readers alike. For bringing all types of available evidence to knit the significant events of India's past, Mrs. Kapur

today's women desiring to develop and improve their powers of persuasion as well as sharpen their leadership skills and knowledge necessary to balance a successful career with a healthy and

fulfilling life. The Beyond the Beauty Leadership Academy workshop provides an enhanced training for the Delegates of the Miss Asia USA, Mrs. Asia USA and Miss & Teen Latina Global. Virgelia Productions, goes over, above and beyond the pageantry training of the Delegates. The Delegates experience and training, will provide them the tools to become successful in any fields of career they may choose to pursue. Who Should Attend: Women of all cultures, age and background, who have an interested in: • Enhancing the concepts for business and finances • Social skills and graces • Social & dining etiquette • Modeling and fashion.

other scholars to follow. The geographical and cultural continuity is a key point to emphasize, such as we noted in Hidden Horizons. India does not have a borrowed civilization from immigrants but reflects largely an indigenous development." Kamlesh Kapur has had a 20 year career as an educator. She has a Masters in Economics from Punjab University, and a Masters in Education from St. John's University. After completing a comprehensive review of the Indian history sections of existing textbooks, she found numerous inaccuracies and outdated theories. She spearheaded the movement for correcting the content and developing an appropriate program of study based on recent discoveries emanating from various fields of research. Portraits of a Nation- History of ancient India is available from Sterling Publishers, India, from the author directly and at Amazon.com.

More Bollywood programming on demand India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Fans of Bollywood can celebrate the expansion of Bollywood Hits On Demand as it has more than tripled in size, with now more than 150 hours of content available anytime on Xfinity TV from Comcast and on Time Warner Cable throughout New York/ New Jersey areas, announced International Media Distribution and Eros International. In addition, Comcast is offering Bollywood Hits On Demand subscribers: Free access to the current and prior month's Bollywood Hits On Demand content via xfinitytv.com in all markets nationwide; New release Bollywood titles via pay-perview in select Comcast markets, with many being prior to their DVD release; and Expanded Bollywood Hits On Demand service via Xfinity® TV from Comcast in select markets nationwide. Bollywood Hits On Demand is also now being offered on Time Warner Cable throughout their New York/New Jersey service area. "We are excited to expand our Bollywood Hits On Demand offering to our customers so that they can access a huge library at

their fingertips, anytime they want - whether it is on On Demand or online," said Ken Naz, President Americas, Eros International. "We're committed to meeting the needs of our loyal subscribers by offering more content with no increase in price. We hope this will help introduce Bollywood entertainment to a wide variety of audiences whether they are first time viewers or Bollywood enthusiasts."

Bollywood Hits On Demand is also now being offered on Time Warner Cable throughout their New York/New Jersey service area Bollywood Hits On Demand is a partnership between International Media Distribution, a leading provider of in-language and multi-ethnic programming in the US and Eros International, the largest international distributor of Indian films worldwide. Bollywood Hits On Demand features exciting new Bollywood blockbusters and allows unlimited access to subscribers.

August 12, 2011

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Mike Tyson up for Bigg Boss 5 Great comfort level working with the former heavyweight champion's agents. The 45-year-old heavyweight champion, who also made a special appearance in the Hollywood hit film Hangover, is likely to be in India in and around October, when the shoot for Bigg Boss 5 is slated to begin. A source tells us, "Mike Tyson felt that why not avail the opportunity to be on a large canvas like Bigg Boss? The channel

The 45-year-old heavyweight champion, who also made a special appearance in the Hollywood hit film Hangover, is likely to be in India in and around October

ast season Bigg Boss pro ducers got hold of the sexy Pamela Anderson to grace the primetime TV show. It was a huge hit in terms of ratings and specially the oomph factor. This year they have taken a step ahead and have managed to

get hold of the controversial boxing legend Mike Tyson. Yes, if all goes well Indians will be able to see boxing champion Tyson doing regular chores amidst the desi contestants in the BB house. The producers of Bigg Boss are in advanced talks

too is equally excited about having him on board. Tyson is an international celebrity, who will attract lot of male audience and kids to see the show. The channel is currently trying to work out the modalities." This is not the first time that Bigg Boss has opted for a controversial contestant. Previously, they managed to get Rahul Mahajan and Veena Malik. Meanwhile, last season's host Salman Khan is still contemplating on whether he should share the stage with his friend-turned-foe, thanks to their recent spat.

with Saif: Deepika Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 51

Poorbi's personality and persona are shaped by the relationships in her life - her daughter, a girlfriend, a friend and a student. In essence, the film is about the impact that the issue of reservation has on a multitude of relationships and how this tests each of them. What was it like working with Mr Bachchan for the first time? I have always been in absolute awe of him so to work with him first hand is a memory I will cherish for my entire life. It was incredibly nerve racking at first, but he is a very humble and kind human being and I got to learn so much from him. He is a true legend for me. And what about working with Saif Ali Khan for the second time? It is always a pleasure working with Saif. We have a great familiarity and a great comfort level when we are working which always help when you are starting new projects and especially on something as intense as this. What attracted you to the film? Everything really, from the subject matter of the film, my role and of course the opportunity to work with such a formidable cast and crew. When choosing a film, I always have to feel a connection with it, something I would like to

be part of and Aarakshan had all of this for me and more. Who will the film appeal to? The film is in essence a drama which will appeal to the masses you have the romance, youthfulness, intense (family) drama, entertainment and so forth. From an India perspective, every student and family member would be able

From an India perspective, every student and family member would be able to empathize with the characters and connect to the film either they or someone they know have experienced discrimination to empathize with the characters and connect to the film either they or someone they know have experienced discrimination. Having said that, I think there is a huge global appeal, especially in the Western part of the world, whether UK/USA as the common man wherever they may be has been exposed to the issue of reservation and discrimination.

Bay area danced as Sunidhi, Atif sang

In Brief Ala. immigration law won't keep kids out of school MONTGOMERY, Ala.: Officials say the state's tough new immigration law won't prevent any child including illegal immigrants from enrolling in Alabama's public schools. Tommy Bice of the Alabama Department of Education said that state officials are sending information to local schools about how to deal with enrolling students. It requires only that public schools determine students' immigration status for record-keeping. State officials had said previously that the measure, which became law in June, was not intended to keep illegal immigrants from enrolling. Children who enroll after Sept. 1 and don't have a birth certificate can still attend school. Parents will be able to obtain other documents to prove their children's immigration status. Opponents of the law are suing to block the measure from taking effect Sept. 1. -AP

Lawsuit filed to allow illegal immigrant tuition ANNAPOLIS, Md.: Maryland college students and an immigrant services group are going to court in defense of a state law that would grant in-state tuition to illegal immigrants. Opponents of the law have launched a petition drive that will put the law on the ballot in 2012 for voters to decide. Because the petition drive was certified by the state elections board, the law has yet to take effect. Attorneys for groups that favor the law filed a lawsuit that challenges the certification of the petition drive. Joe Sandler, an attorney for the plaintiffs, contended the legislation cannot be put to a referendum because it provides government funding for education. ``Maryland's constitution forbids subjecting that kind of law to a referendum, precisely to prevent the kind of disruption in government programs and operations that the filing of this petition has caused,'' Sandler said during a news conference outside Anne Arundel County Circuit Court. Sandler also argued that the board improperly validated thousands of signatures gathered online that he says are susceptible to fraud. Last month, the Maryland State Board of Elections validated 108,923 signatures collected in the petition drive. Opponents of the legislation needed 55,726 to put the measure on the ballot. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 56

Immigration 54

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Rights groups reflect on 10 years since 9/11 India Post News Service

NEW JERSEY: Over 70 community members gathered for a hearing called "South Asians in New Jersey: Ten Years After 9/11" to reflect on the decade since the 9/ 11 tragedy, and to provide recommendations for moving forward. The hearing, held on July 30 in Jersey City, New Jersey, was organized by South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT), a national nonprofit organization, as part of its campaign - An America for All of Us - to mark the 10-year anniversary of 9/11. Community members affected by the backlash after 9/11 as well as policymakers shared stories and examples of positive solutions. Notably, the hearing happened a day after the Board of Education in Passaic, NJ unanimously passed an anti-bullying resolution presented by SAALT. The resolution calls on the Board of Education to enforce the New Jersey Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights, institute a bullying prevention program; and train students and employees around cultural and religious practice sensitivity, among other require-

ments. Just a week earlier, the Township of Teaneck, New Jersey also passed an anti-bias resolution presented by SAALT. Divided into three panels, the New Jersey hearing addressed the ongoing struggles of communities impacted by discrimination, racial profiling, Islamophobia, immigration enforcement and hate crimes. A Sikh community member, Rajinder Singh Khalsa gave a disturbing account

America," said Khalsa. In response, the second panel of advocates provided recommendations on how communities can strengthen their voices and take action. James Yusuf Yee, of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ), suggested that a first step could involve replicating the resolutions in Teaneck and Passaic in other municipalities in New Jer-

The hearing happened a day after the Board of Education in Passaic, NJ unanimously passed an anti-bullying resolution presented by SAALT of how, following the 9/11 tragedy, he was accosted by individuals who insisted that he remove the "dirty curtain" on his head. After he reported the incident to the police, his attackers threatened to beat him to unconsciousness and threatened to kill him. Khalsa said that he had immigrated to the US in the hope of a better life. "We came to America thinking it's all cultures, living together with equal rights. But now we feel, this is a different

sey. He recommended that media outlets should cover the subject of intolerance and educate the public about religious practices. Engy Abdelkader from Muslim Women's Lawyers for Human Rights, urged demanding accountability from our elected officials. The third panel of policymakers stressed the importance of community involvement. Mayor of Teaneck, New Jersey, Mohammed Hameeduddin, spoke about the

importance of building strong partnerships with other communities to address these issues. He said, "Xenophobia is not just something that our community has to deal with. The Latino community... the African American community is always looked at as a scapegoat. We must understand... justice is not about 'just us', it has to be liberty and justice for all of us." City Council President of Hoboken, New Jersey, Ravi Bhalla also discussed the importance of getting involved at the local level, and urged community members to become civically engaged. Amardeep Singh, Commissioner from the White House Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, was present and heard complaints from the community regarding post-9/11 discrimination. Commissioner of the Board of Education in Passaic County, Salim Patel, asked parents to come forward to raise issues that their children face in schools. "If I don't have parents advocating... and saying... (that) bullying is an issue, and staying on top of board members and keeping us accountable, we won't see change." Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 56

Indian American seeks damages for arrest PHOENIX: A New York woman acting as a legal observer of the immigrant rights protest last year over Arizona's controversial immigration law has filed a complaint in federal court about her arrest and 15-hour jail detention. The woman, Sunita Patel, works for the New-York based Center for Constitutional Rights, which joined Patel in filing the lawsuit. The complaint says Patel was arrested along with protesters even though she clearly was a designated legal observer there to document the actions of the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office in policing the protest. ``The individual defendants' act and omissions ... were intentional, wanton, willful and malicious, and were performed with deliberate indifference and/or

reckless disregard of Patel's constitutional rights,'' the complaint said. The complaint also said Patel had to pay about $15,000 in attorney fees and for travel to Arizona for her court case. All charges against Patel were dis-

dozen immigrant rights advocates guilty of misdemeanor charges stemming from the protest last year over Arizona's controversial immigration law. Justice of the Peace Frank Conti has yet to issue a ruling on the fate of the advocates.

The complaint says Patel was arrested along with protesters even though she clearly was a designated legal observer there missed June 9. The complaint names Arpaio, former Chief Deputy David Hendershott and other top sheriff's officials, and seeks unspecified damages Meanwhile, a judge is considering whether to find more than a

The trial for six advocates finished last week. Other advocates have had their trials in the last couple of months. Conti is expected to rule on all the cases at the same time. The defendants were arrested July 29, 2010, when dozens of

protesters took to Phoenix streets on the day Arizona's new immigration law was set to take effect. The protesters also were speaking out against Maricopa County Sheriff Arpaio, who organized an immigration patrol the day the law took effect. The protesters massed outside one of Arpaio's jails, beating on a metal door and forcing sheriff's deputies to call for backup. Officers in riot gear opened the doors, waded into the crowd and hauled off those who didn't move. A judge put the most contentious parts of the law on hold, and the fight likely is headed to the Supreme Court. One of the protesters is the Rev. Peter Morales, president of the Boston-based Unitarian Universalist Association. -AP

Immigration Post

August 12, 2011

India Post

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Are there second chances in Immigration Law? MYRIAM JAIDI

econd Circuit Court Judge Denny Chin's decision in Lawson v. USCIS, 09 Civ. 10195 (DC) (issued July 7, 2011) provides a beacon of hope for individuals who have overcome a reprehensible past and wish to pursue U.S. citizenship, and serves as an exemplar to advocates and adjudicators not only on the legal question of good moral character but also on the way to analyze other cases such as waivers requiring a demonstration of extreme hardship. Like the issue of good moral character, which was the lynchpin in Lawson, extreme hardship waivers require the same care in preparation and in adjudication revealed by Judge Chin's searching legal analysis in Lawson. Judge Chin's scrutiny and weighing of all relevant facts and legal issues in the case provides a guide to adjudicators on how to conduct the required "case by case" legal analysis. Judge Chin expertly applies the appropriate legal standards with a keen awareness of relevant policies and priorities, and a judicious exercise of discretion that results in justice triumphing over petty posturing. Judge Chin's decision also makes clear that applying a set of government priorities in determining whether a legal standard has been met does not mean that individuals will have an easy time of making their cases. Advocates should review the decision and the laws at issue for a sobering overview of just how high the standard is, and how much work and client preparation need be done to succeed in arguing that someone has demonstrated good moral character in the context of naturalization, or merits a favorable decision on a waiver application in the admissibility context. Adjudicators should, in turn, review the case for guidance, in the absence of guidance from DHS/USCIS, on how to apply the law within the framework of agency priorities. Make no mistake: the road to showing someone merits a favorable finding of good moral character or a favorable exercise of discretion for a waiver, is a hard one and the bars in these case are nebulous and set quite high. Here we will explore the difficulties of establishing good moral character as a matter of law, but readers should keep in mind that the same principles for building and analyzing a case can readily apply in the waiver context as well.

Although courts have long espoused the notion that "[w]e do not require perfection in our new citizens," Klig v. United States, 296 F.2d 343, 346 (2d Cir. 1961), those who have committed significant crimes or have other grave negative incidents in their past face an uphill battle that can be won only if they do not fall within one of the bars to establishing good moral character and only if they have made exemplary efforts to redeem themselves. In Lawson, the court concluded that Vernon Lawson, a Vietnam War veteran honorably discharged from the Marines, established good moral character and

Judge Chin expertly applies the appropriate legal standards with a keen awareness of relevant policies and priorities, and a judicious exercise of discretion therefore was eligible to naturalize despite the fact that he was convicted of manslaughter for killing his wife in 1985 because he paid his debt to society serving 13 years in prison and while there "he overcame his drug and alcohol problems, earned three degrees (including two with honors), completed several training programs, and counseled and taught other inmates." Lawson at page 2. In addition, Mr. Lawson continued his efforts at reform after he left the confines of prison: Upon his release, he obtained gainful employment, and spent eight years as a drug abuse counselor, drawing on his own experience to help countless individuals deal with their addictions. He moved back home with his mother and took care of her as her health failed. He went to church every Sunday and regularly volunteered to help in church activities. He brought food to homeless veterans, played chess in a neighborhood chess club, and tended a neighborhood garden. Lawson, at page 3. As described by Judge Chin, Mr. Lawson made extensive, ongoing efforts to overcome his past and though, as the court noted, he committed an "unspeakable act", by the time of the court's decision

he had utterly reformed his life, had paid his debt to society, and therefore established that he met the legal standard for good moral character. Judge Chin also spent considerable effort in examining Mr. Lawson's life experiences and how these impacted him, to place Mr. Lawson's efforts at redemption and the changes he effected in his life in context. Judge Chin closely considered Mr. Lawson's horrific experiences in Vietnam, where he became a substance abuser as a result of the stress and suffered psychological damage. He did not get the necessary treatment until he was in prison more than 20 years after he returned from serving his country honorably. In Mr. Lawson's case, as in many cases, good moral character made the difference between deportation and US citizenship. That these two outcomes are alternatives in one case is astounding and underscores the importance of closely examining and mustering the positive efforts and achievements in an individual's past and present, even where a significant obstacle to a finding of good moral character may exist. Doing so (and making the determination of whether someone should risk applying for naturalization), however, requires an understanding of the nebulous concept of good moral character as well as a firm grasp of the government's policy goals. Although the relevant legislative and regulatory frameworks provide an idea of what precludes a finding of good moral character, no definition exists and the term has been called "incapable of exact definition." Posusta v. United States, 282 F.2d 533, 535 (2d Cir. 1961). The statutory and regulatory bars may be found in INA 101(f) and 8 CFR 316.10. These laws dictate a finding of a lack of good moral character for a person who has ever been convicted of murder, who has been convicted of an aggravated felony (defined in INA 101(a)(43)) after November 29, 1990, and who has at any time has engaged in conduct described in section 212(a)(3)(E) (relating to assistance in Nazi persecution, participation in genocide, or commission of acts of torture or extrajudicial killings) or 212(a)(2)(G) (relating to severe violations of religious freedom). Further, an applicant must be found to lack good moral character if during the relevant statutory period the applicant: Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 57

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

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Common misconceptions about wills MICHAEL T. SAWYIER

et's begin by clearing up some common misconceptions about wills. The first is the misconception that wills can affect the disposition of property that is jointly owned by the "testator," i.e., the person who makes the will, and one or more other persons at the time of the testator's death. The fact is that, regardless of the intentions of the deceased joint owner as expressed in his or her will, the will has no effect on such property. Property that is held in joint tenancy with right of survivorship ("JTWROS") passes to the surviving joint tenant(s) upon the deceased joint tenant's death, automatically, by operation of law. The same is true of property held in "tenancy by the entire-

ties," a special kind of joint tenancy between spouses. Only by converting joint tenancy into a "tenancy in common" prior to the death of the testator - something that can not be done without the consent of the other spouse in the case of property held in ten-

about wills is similar to the first; it is the belief that wills can affect contractual benefits covered by "third-party beneficiary designations" (such as benefits under insurance or annuity policies, retirement plans, bank or brokerage accounts, or indeed any contractual

Property that is held in joint tenancy with right of survivorship (‘JTWROS’) passes to the surviving joint tenant(s) upon the deceased joint tenant's death ancy by the entireties - can a testator subject his or her share of commonly held property to the terms of a will. Only in that way can commonly held property be "probate property" subject to a will A second common misconception

rights that provide for their benefits to go to another person upon the owner's death). All these beneficiary designations also result in the automatic transfer of ownership of those benefits to the designated beneficiary upon the prior owner's

Lawsuit filed to allow illegal immigrant tuition Cont’d from page 54

However, Sandler argued that more than 57,000 signatures should not have been validated. Of them, nearly 44,000 were written on forms in which information like name, date of birth and address were computer-generated. ``There's no safeguard to make sure that they're the person ... whose name is appearing on the form,'' Sandler said. Sandler, who is representing students, teachers and the immigrant service group Casa de Maryland, also said another 3,800 people signed forms that did not contain a summary or the text of the law, and more than 8,000 failed to meet other requirements under state law and regulations.

Opponents of the legislation described the lawsuit as frivolous. ``This is 2011, not 1911, and the Internet is used all over the country for various petition campaigns, including some supported by Casa,'' said Delegate Patrick McDonough, R-Baltimore County. Wendy Hercules, a 16-year-old Silver Spring student at Spring Brook High School, said she has been a student activist in support of the legislation because she has family and friends who have come to the United States looking for the American dream. ``We look forward to winning this lawsuit and getting youth into college,'' she said. The legislation was approved by the General Assembly this year

and would have taken effect July 1 if not for the petition drive. Now, it's on hold until voters weigh in next year or a judge issues a ruling. The measure would allow illegal immigrants to pay in-state tuition at public colleges under certain conditions. First, a student must have attended a secondary school in Maryland for at least three years and have graduated from a high school in the state. Students also would have to show that either they or their parents have filed Maryland income tax returns annually for three years while they attended a high school in Maryland during any period between graduation and registration at community college. -AP

Rights groups reflect on 10 years since 9/11 Cont’d from page 54

Additional speakers at the hearing included Sterling Waterman, Board of Education President for Jersey City, New Jersey; Hansdeep Singh from United Sikhs; Aparna Garg from Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF); and, community members, Hansdip Bhindra, Omar Mohammadi from Al Falah Center and Vineeta Kapahi from Manavi. The hearing closed with a robust Q&A session, giving community members the opportunity to discuss concerns and solutions. The hearing was held in conjunction with SAALT's An America for All of Us campaign.

SAALT will host another hearing in collaboration with the South Asian Network (SAN) in Los Angeles, California on August 20. The hearing was co-sponsored by Sodexo, Action 21, American Friends Service Committee, Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF), Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association of New Jersey (APALANJ), Citizens of Old Bridge (COB), Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ), Hindu American Seva Charities, Manavi, Muslim American Society (MAS), New Jersey, MAS Freedom, MAS Immigrant Justice Center, New Jersey Forum for Human Rights, New Jersey Muslim Lawyers Associa-

tion (NJMLA), New Jersey Independent South Asian Cinefest (NJISACF), North American South Asian Bar Association (NASABA), The Sikh Coalition, South Asian Bar Association New Jersey (SABANJ), South Asian Bar Association New York (SABANY), Subcontinent Peace Foundation, United Sikhs. An America for All of Us is an initiative of South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT) in partnership with members of the National Coalition of South Asian Organizations and ally organizations. The campaign marks the 10-year anniversary of September 11 through documentation, policy initiatives, and community mobilization.

death, regardless of the terms of the prior owner's will. All such property also is not considered to be probate property. A third common misconception about wills is that, at least in the case of the only kinds of property probate property to which they apply, they can operate to transfer title by themselves, without a probate court order. That is not the case except for estates in which the total value of the personal probate property is $100,000 or less, so that the Small Estate Affidavit procedure may be used. (This procedure is not available for the transfer of Illinois real estate.) A fourth common misconception about wills is that, if they nominate guardians for the minor children of the testators, those guardians will be empowered to act as

such upon the death of the testators (if neither parent is then alive). Again, wills do not have such effect. Instead, the nominated guardian must petition the probate court to be appointed by that court with those powers. There is, however, the possibility of the parents' appointing in advance a contingent short-term guardian for their children for a period of up to one year following both parents' death or incapacity. Such an appointment may take effect without any court order. Obviously, parents with minor children should at least consider establishing such contingent short-term guardianships in order to avoid any gap in the legal authority of the persons whom they want to take care of their children in case of their death or incapacity.

Feds work to help human trafficking victims in Pa. PHILADELPHIA: Federal immigration officials are working with authorities in Philadelphia and other cities around the U.S. to try to increase the use of a special visa to help victims of human trafficking, a visa that has been underutilized since its creation nearly a decade ago. At issue is the nonimmigrant ``T visa,'' which U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officials say is an underutilized tool that can be used to help victims of human trafficking who have been brought into the country _ using deception in many cases - and then used as sex slaves or forced into other types of involuntary servitude. There is a 5,000 yearly cap on the visa, which allows eligible victims and family members to stay in the country up to four years. But fewer than 5,000 have been approved in total since it was instated in 2002. ``We want them to know that we will protect them,'' Tony Bryson, the agency's Philadelphia district director, said of victims. ``We don't want them to stand in the shadow anymore.'' The special visa allows eligible victims to remain in the country for up to four years, and victims must show that they would suffer extreme hardship if they are removed. Federal officials visited Philadelphia this week to speak with law enforcement, community groups and others about the visa. The agency has conducted or plans similar awareness campaigns in Boston, Seattle, Dallas,

Miami, San Francisco, Los Angeles and other areas. ``We are definitely seeing that visa underutilized,'' said Lynn Boudreau, assistant center director for the agency's Vermont service center, which processes all such applications. ``This is a way for us to give these folks that are being trafficked a light at the end of the tunnel.''

There is a 5,000 yearly cap on the visa, which allows eligible victims and family members to stay in the country up to four years Immigration officials estimate that tens of thousands of people who enter the U.S. each year are victims of human trafficking, many of them unknowingly. Some are led to believe they are entering the country legally, only to be led into lives as sexual slaves or other forms of servitude. Last year, immigration officials said, they met the 10,000 limit for a different type of nonimmigrant visa, called a ``U visa,'' which applies to victims of many different types of crimes - including trafficking - who have provided certification that they have assisted or will assist in the investigation or prosecution of the criminal activity. -AP

Immigration Post

August 12, 2011

India Post

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US challenges tough Alabama immigration law MONTGOMERY, Alabama: The U.S. Justice Department is challenging a new Alabama immigration law that would let police detain people stopped for traffic offenses if they are suspected of being in the country illegally. The Alabama law is described as one of the toughest of its kind nationwide. Last year, the Justice Department obtained a preliminary injunction against a similarly stringent Arizona immigration law. The Justice Department filed a complaint in federal court in Birmingham stating that the Alabama law conflicts with federal law and undermines federal immigration priorities. The federal lawsuit argues that the state law also expands the opportunities for Alabama police to push immigrants toward incarceration for various new immigration crimes. The Alabama law, set to take effect Sept. 1, also makes it a crime to knowingly give a ride or provide shelter to an illegal immigrant. It requires schools to report the immigration status of students. Alabama employers also would

now be required to check a federal database to determine if new workers are in the country legally. The Justice Department, in its filing, says a state cannot set its own immigration policy and cannot pass laws that conflict with federal immigration laws.

The Justice Department, in its filing, says a state cannot set its own immigration policy and cannot pass laws that conflict with federal immigration laws Already the law is facing mounting opposition. A coalition of religious leaders in Alabama filed suit, challenging the law. The lawsuit by Roman Catholic, United Methodist and Episcopal bishops says the new law ``makes it a crime to follow God's command to be Good Samaritans.'' Last month, a coalition of civil

rights and immigrant rights groups also filed suit, seeking to bar the law from taking effect. The sponsor of the Alabama law, Republican state Rep. Micky Hammon, defended it. ``The Obama administration and the federal bureaucrats have turned a blind eye toward the immigration issue and refuse to fulfill their constitutional duty to enforce laws already on the books. Now, they want to block our efforts to secure Alabama's borders and prevent our jobs and taxpayer dollars from disappearing into the abyss that illegal immigration causes,'' Hammon said. ``Allowing hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants to run unchecked under the radar threatens our homeland security and insults those who come here legally,'' he added. Among its provisions, the new law requires the public schools to determine the immigration status of its students and whether they qualify for classes in English as a second language. Opponents contend that provision could have a chilling effect by potentially dis-

Are there second chances in Immigration Law? Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 55

(i) Committed one or more crimes involving moral turpitude, other than a purely political offense, for which the applicant was convicted, except as specified in section 212(a)(2)(ii)(II) of the Act; (ii) Committed two or more offenses for which the applicant was convicted and the aggregate sentence actually imposed was five years or more, provided that, if the offense was committed outside the United States, it was not a purely political offense; (iii) Violated any law of the United States, any State, or any foreign country relating to a controlled substance, provided that the violation was not a single offense for simple possession of 30 grams or less of marijuana; (iv) Admits committing any criminal act covered by paragraphs (b)(2) (i), (ii), or (iii) of this section for which there was never a formal charge, indictment, arrest, or conviction, whether committed in the United States or any other country; (v) Is or was confined to a penal institution for an aggregate of 180 days pursuant to a conviction or convictions (provided that such confinement was not outside the United States due to a convic-

tion outside the United States for a purely political offense); (vi) Has given false testimony to obtain any benefit from the Act, if the testimony was made under oath or affirmation and with an intent to obtain an immigration benefit; this prohibition applies regardless of whether the information provided in the false testimony was material, in the sense that if given truthfully it would have rendered ineligible for benefits either the applicant or the person on whose behalf the applicant sought the benefit; (vii) Is or was involved in prostitution or commercialized vice as described in section 212(a)(2)(D) of the Act; (viii) Is or was involved in the smuggling of a person or persons into the United States as described in section 212(a)(6)(E) of the Act; (ix) Has practiced or is practicing polygamy; (x) Committed two or more gambling offenses for which the applicant was convicted; (xi) Earns his or her income principally from illegal gambling activities; or (xii) Is or was a habitual drunkard. Finally, a third set of preclusions apply, which includes a catchall. Unless the applicant es-

tablishes extenuating circumstances, the applicant shall be found to lack good moral character if, during the statutory period, the applicant: (i) Willfully failed or refused to support dependents; (ii) Had an extramarital affair which tended to destroy an existing marriage; or (iii) Committed unlawful acts that adversely reflect upon the applicant's moral character, or was convicted or imprisoned for such acts, although the acts do not fall within the purview of Â§316.10(b) (1) or (2). (To be continued) * Cyrus D Mehta, may be contacted at 212-425-0555 or info@cyrusmehta.com

couraging parents in the U.S. illegally from enrolling children even if those youngsters are citizens. Officials counter that the state's tough new immigration law won't prohibit any child, illegal immigrant or not, from enrolling in

Alabama's public schools. The Justice Department's complaint quoted Birmingham police chief A.C. Roper as saying the law would divert scarce resources from local policing priorities to immigration enforcement. -AP

Health

Line

Waikiki Health Center to manage Kakaako shelter HONOLULU: One of Honolulu's largest homeless service providers is now operating one of the city's biggest emergency shelters. The Waikiki Health Center said in a statement its Care-A-Van program has taken over management of the Next Step Project in Kakaako. Care-A-Van has been providing intake, assessment and counseling services at Next Step since the shelter opened in 2006. The program will now oversee all aspects of the shelter, and contract H-5 to oversee the day-to-day operations of the facility. Care-A-Van offers services at a drop-in center in Kaimuki and across Oahu through outreach efforts. It offers primary medical care, behavioral health counseling, housing and job assistance, mail and message services, and additional services to help end homelessness. -AP

Health Dept. advises of possible viral infection SUMMIT, Miss.: The Mississippi Department of Health has advised patients of Rose Cancer Center in Summit to get checked out for a possible exposure to a viral infection. The Enterprise-Journal reports that the Health Department also says the clinic was closed July 20 for ``unsafe infection control practices.'' In letters sent out this past week, health officials say no cases of Hepatitis B or C or HIV have been reported, but advised patients to undergo screenings at the local health department. That includes anyone who has ever been a patient at the Summit clinic. -AP

Garden City youth report more diabetes GARDEN CITY, Kan: Diabetes cases have been rising among Garden City students, according to area health officials. Polly Witt, health services coordinator for Garden City schools, told The Garden City Telegram that there are four times as many office visits among students for diabetes as there were three years ago. Witt said there were 3,389 diabetes-related visits to the district's nurses or their associates in the 2010-11 school year. That compares with 1,993 in 2009-10 and 823 in 2008-09. There are more than 7,000 students in the district. -AP

Health Science 58

India Post

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August 12, 2011

19 Indian Americans indicted in massive health care fraud India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Nineteen Indian Americans have been charged and indicted by authorities in a massive health care fraud bust masterminded by one Babubhai 'Bob' Patel in Detroit announced US Attorney Barbara L. McQuade. An indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Detroit was unsealed Aug 2, charging twenty-six individuals for their participation in a large-scale health care fraud and drug distribution scheme. The 34-count indictment alleges that Babubhai Patel, 49, a Canton pharmacist, owner of some 26 pharmacies statewide concealed his ownership and control over many of the Patel Pharmacies through the use of straw owners. According to the indictment, the Patel Pharmacies billed the Medicare program not less than $37.7 million for medications purportedly provided to Medicare beneficiaries over the course of the scheme (since January 2006), and not less than $20.8 million for medications purportedly provided to Medicaid beneficiaries over the course of the scheme. The indictment further alleges that since January of 2009, the Patel Phar-

macies have dispensed not less than 250,000 doses of Oxycontin, not less than 4.6 million doses of Vicodin, not less than 1.5 million doses of Xanax, and not less than 6,100 pint bottles of codeine cough syrup. The indictment alleges that Babubhai Patel would offer and pay kickbacks, bribes, and other inducements to physicians, in order to induce those physicians to write prescriptions for patients

the patients to fill their prescriptions at one of the Patel Pharmacies. There, according to the indictment, Babubhai Patel and his pharmacists would bill insurers, including Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurers, for dispensing the medications, despite the fact that the medications were medically unnecessary and/or never provided. Patients were recruited into the scheme by patient recruiters, who

The Patel Pharmacies billed the Medicare program not less than $37.7 million for medications purportedly provided to Medicare beneficiaries with Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance, and to direct that those prescriptions be presented to one of the Patel Pharmacies for billing. In exchange for their kickbacks and inducements, the medical professionals would write prescriptions for the patients, and bill the relevant insurers for services supposedly provided to the patients, without regard to the medical necessity of those prescriptions and services. The physicians would direct

would pay kickbacks and bribes to patients in exchange for the patients' permitting the Patel Pharmacies (and the physicians associated with Patel) to bill their insurance for medications and services that were medically unnecessary and/or never provided. The indictment further alleges a conspiracy to distribute controlled substances at the Patel pharmacies, a purpose of which was to facilitate the submission of false and fraudulent claims to

Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurers in accordance with the scheme outlined above. According to the indictment, Babubhai Patel and his associates paid physicians and podiatrists associated with the scheme kickbacks and other inducements in exchange for the medical professionals writing prescriptions for controlled substances for their patients, and directing those patients to fill the prescriptions at a Patel Pharmacy. The controlled substances involved included the Schedule II drug OxyContin, the Schedule III drug Vicodin, the Schedule IV drug Xanax, and the Schedule V drug cough syrup with codeine. According to the indictment, prescriptions for these drugs were written outside the course of legitimate medical practice. Babubhai Patel and his pharmacists would then dispense the controlled drugs to patients without medical necessity. The distribution of controlled substances in this manner was intended, in part, as a kickback to the patients for agreeing to enable their insurance cards to be billed for medications purportedly dispensed at the Patel Pharmacies. Cont’d on page 61

Coverage with no copay extended to birth control WASHINGTON: A half-century after the advent of the pill, the Obama administration has ushered in a change in women's health care potentially as transformative: coverage of birth control as prevention, with no copays. Services ranging from breast pumps for new mothers to counseling on domestic violence were also included in the broad expansion of women's preventive care under President Barack Obama's health care overhaul. Since birth control is the most common drug prescribed to women, health plans should make sure it's readily available, said Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. ``Not doing it would be like not

covering flu shots,'' she said. Officials said the women's prevention package will be available Jan. 1, 2013, in most cases, resulting in a slight overall increase in

include the new coverage. Earlier requirements under the health care law improved preventive coverage generally for people of both sexes.

Officials said the women's prevention package will be available Jan. 1, 2013, in most cases, resulting in a slight overall increase in premiums premiums. Tens of millions of women are expected to benefit initially, a number that is likely to grow with time. At first, some plans may be exempt due to an arcane provision of the health care law known as the ``grandfather'' clause. But those plans could face pressure from their members to

Social and religious and religious conservatives objected to the birth control mandate, saying a conscience exception unveiled by the administration is insufficient. Sebelius acted after a nearunanimous recommendation last month from a panel of experts at the prestigious Institute of Medi-

cine, which advises the government. Panel chairwoman Linda Rosenstock, dean of public health at the University of California, Los Angeles, said that prevention of unintended pregnancies is essential for the psychological, emotional and physical health of women. ``Over a span of generations from grandmothers to granddaughters, we have come from birth control being a hope and a wish - and almost luck - to being recognized as a part of health care that improves women's health,'' said Cynthia Pearson of the National Women's Health Network, an advocacy group supporting the change. Cont’d on page 61

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August 12, 2011

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Md. health department revises abortion regulations ANNAPOLIS, Md.: Maryland's health department has drafted new regulations for clinics where surgical abortions are performed, after a woman required emergency surgery following an abortion performed by an unlicensed doctor at an Elkton clinic last year. The regulations, which were submitted for public comment, were developed in response to abortions performed in Elkton by a doctor whose license has since been suspended in New Jersey. Regulators found that Dr. Steven Brigham was starting late-term abortions in New Jersey and sending patients to Maryland to complete the procedures. ``These draft regulations are strictly aimed at patient safety, and rely on professional judgment,'' the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene said. ``We believe that these draft regulations reflect the right balance of preserving both safety and access.'' The draft regulations would require clinics to have a license from the state. A clinic staff member would have to be available 24 hours a day for emergencies. Anesthetics would have to be admin-

istered by appropriately trained staff and licensed health care providers. A surgical abortion facility also would have to have a procedure to transfer patients to a hospital when care is needed beyond the capabilities of the facility. Abortion procedures have been regulated in the state in the same way as other medical proce-

'We believe that these draft regulations reflect the right balance of preserving both safety and access' dures, the department said. Abortions have had to be performed by a licensed physician. The draft regulations will supplement the standards. ``The department is moving forward to strengthen oversight in light of rare cases of physicians who violated the standard of care with surgical abortions,'' the department said.

The draft regulations were developed after the state researched laws in other states, as well as public records of the Maryland Board of Physicians. ``We also spoke with advocacy groups, and interviewed clinical experts in the fields of gynecology, anesthesiology, obstetrics, and outpatient surgery,'' the department said. A review of the board's public orders from 1991 found that five physicians had been disciplined for violating the standards of care for surgical abortions, the department said. Women died or were seriously injured in each case, according to the disciplinary records. Women were harmed by improper administration or monitoring of general anesthesia under the care of three of the five physicians, the department said. The department also noted that the board directed charging documents to three additional physicians in August and September of last year at the Elkton site. ``Among other problems identified was lack of an appropriate transfer procedure for a patient needing emergency care,'' the

department said. ``The draft standards aim to address some of the deficiencies identified in these cases.'' The public comment period on the regulations runs through Aug. 18. The department will then review the comments and make any needed changes before the regulations are formally published in the Maryland Register. The public will have 30 days to

comment after the regulations are published. Brigham's practices first caught the attention of Maryland regulators last year after a patient was hospitalized with a ruptured uterus and small intestine. He was ordered to stop practicing without a license in the state. The later suspension of his New Jersey license left him without a valid medical license in any state. -AP

Service barriers for Nebraskans with brain injury LINCOLN, Neb.: A statewide survey of Nebraskans recovering from traumatic brain injuries found several barriers to them obtaining health and support services. The state Department of Health and Human Services says the survey conducted last year found lack of financial resources, access to services and professionals not educated about brain injury to be the greatest factors in obtaining services. The Nebraska TBI Advisory

Council will use the information to promote awareness about traumatic brain injury, offer training for professionals and make recommendations to the state. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than 36,500 Nebraskans suffer from traumatic brain injuries. Those injuries cost the state an estimated $413.5 million in medical expenses and lost productivity in 2009. -AP

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August 12, 2011

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Recognizing voices harder for people with dyslexia WASHINGTON: Pick up the phone and hear, ``Hey, what's up?'' Chances are, those few words are enough to recognize who's speaking perhaps unless you have dyslexia. In a surprise discovery, researchers found adults with that reading disorder also have a hard time recognizing voices. The work isn't just a curiosity. It fits with research to uncover the building blocks of literacy and

The volunteers correctly identified the Chinese speakers only about half the time, regardless of whether they had dyslexia how they can go wrong. The eventual goal: To spot at-risk youngsters even before they open ``Go, Dog, Go!'' in kindergarten instead of diagnosing dyslexia in a struggling second-grader. ``Everybody is interested in understanding the root cause of dyslexia, so we can intervene early and do something about it,'' says Massachusetts Institute of Technology cognitive neuroscientist John Gabrieli, senior author of the study published last week in the journal Science. Dyslexia is thought to affect 8 percent to 15 percent of Americans, who can have great difficulty reading and writing. It's not a problem with intelligence or vision. Instead, it's language-based. The brain struggles with what's called ``pho-

nological processing'' being able to distinguish and manipulate sounds, like ``bah'' and ``pah,'' that eventually have to be linked to written letters and words. A graduate student in Gabrieli's lab wondered if dyslexia would impair voice recognition as well. After all, subtle differences in pronunciation help distinguish people. How to test that? Previous studies have shown it's easier to recognize voices if they're speaking your own language. So the researchers recruited Englishspeaking college students and young adults, half with dyslexia, half without. They watched animated characters like a clown, a mechanic, a soccer player _ speaking either English or Chinese, to get familiar with how they sounded. Then came the test, to match a voice to its character. The volunteers correctly identified the Chinese speakers only about half the time, regardless of whether they had dyslexia. But when they heard English speakers, people with dyslexia still were right only half the time while the non-dyslexics did far better, identifying 70 percent of the voices correctly. That provides further evidence of dyslexia's strong link to phonological impairment. Perhaps more importantly, it's a cleverly designed project that begs the question of whether voice recognition is a problem in young children, too, says Florida State University psychology professor Richard Wagner, who studies how to identify dyslexia early. Gabrieli says he plans to test 5year-olds. -AP

Hawaii recycling fee held down for another year HONOLULU: Recycling fees paid on every drink container sold in Hawaii won't be raised for at least one more year, the state Department of Health announced. The higher charge had been considered as a way to stop the recycling program from losing money every year, but state officials said the program's savings account had enough reserves to support it for now. The Associated Press reported last month that the state's recycling program which pays consumers a nickel for each drink container redeemed began losing millions of dollars in the 2009 and 2010 fiscal years, leading state officials to contemplate increasing the fee it charges to run the program from 1 cent to 1.5 cents for each of the 900 million recyclable drink containers sold each year. A higher fee would have caused every can or bottle of soda, juice or beer to carry a 6.5 cent total fee, which includes the 5 cents that can be refunded for recycled containers. ``We would like to avoid increasing the nonrefundable portion, which is the container fee, for as long as possible,'' said Jennifer Tosaki, the department's recycling coordinator, in an interview. The state had $15.7 million saved in the Deposit Beverage Container Special Fund when the

2011 fiscal year ended June 30, which is sufficient to sustain the program through the current fiscal year, Tosaki said. The fund balance was projected to drop to $10.7 million by June 30, 2012. The program lost about $2 million last fiscal year, the third straight year in which its expenditures exceeded revenues. The program was $3 million in the red in

A higher fee would have caused every can or bottle of soda, juice or beer to carry a 6.5 cent total fee, which includes the 5 cents that can be refunded the 2010 fiscal year, and it had a $6 million gap the previous year, according to Department of Health documents. ``We will always seek ways to cut administration costs before choosing to implement container fee increases,'' said Gary Gill, the department's deputy director of environmental health, in a statement. ``To continue to increase Hawaii's excellent recycling rate, we must ensure that the program is adequately funded.'' About 76 percent of all bever-

age containers sold last fiscal year were recycled, the same rate as the previous year, according to the department. More than 686 million containers were recycled out of 907 million sold. The 2002 law creating the recycling program allowed the Department of Health to raise its per-drink fee when redemption rates exceeded 70 percent, which first happened in 2008. But health officials decided not to hike the fee because the program's savings could sustain it while they remained at high levels, which are now shrinking. Potential ways to reduce costs and stave off a fee increase include asking legislators to include wine bottles in the program or seeking an exemption from a state accounting charge on the program, Tosaki said. Exempting the recycling program from the charge would generate $2.7 million a year. A fee increase also could be prevented if the economy rebounds and drink sales increase, she said. ``The HI-5 program continues to be a great success,'' Gill said. ``The 5-cent redemption helps reduce litter at our parks and beaches and has kept billions of bottles and cans out of our garbage.'' Since the program started running in 2005, more than 4 billion containers have been recycled, according to the department. -AP

Device helps man withstand lung transplant LEXINGTON, Ky.: Aformer Pike County coalminer who suffered from black lung has successfully used a new device at the University of Kentucky Medical Center that helps patients with lung transplants. Ernie Gillispie, 68, was the first patient to undergo the treatment at the hospital, according to the Lexington Herald-Leader. Doctors had told Gillispie in February that he was too sick for a double-lung transplant and suggested he try the enhanced form of a long-used strategy called ECMO - extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. The device allowed him to walk and strengthen his body enough to allow a transplant, which was performed in April. At a checkup, he scored above normal on lung capacity. Gillispie said he thinks the device saved his life.

UK said the procedure has since been performed on three other patients. The technology increases lifesaving possibilities for residents of Kentucky, a state in which res-

His outlook without the device wasn't good. Hoopes told his patient he probably wouldn't make it to a transplant piratory disease is listed as the fourth leading cause of death by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Doctors diagnosed Gillispie with black lung in 2004. When he met UK transplant surgeon

Charles Hoopes in February, Gillispie could barely walk and was using a wheelchair. ``You lose every bit of your air,'' Gillispie said of the disease. ``It's like putting your hand over your mouth and trying to breathe through it.'' His outlook without the device wasn't good. Hoopes told his patient he probably wouldn't make it to a transplant. Gillispie had run out of other options, so he decided to give the mobile ECMO a try. Two hours later, he could ride a stationary bike, and he was able to get a transplant a few days later. Now, Gillispie said, he can look forward to spending time with his family, including his three children and three grandchildren. ``With all my heart, I think the ECMO machine saved my life to where I could get through to a transplant,'' he said. -AP

August 12, 2011

Health Science Post

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Coverage with no copay extended to birth control Cont’d from page 58

Some public health experts predicted the change will promote the use of costlier longacting contraceptives, such as hormonal implants. More reliable than the pill, they are gaining popularity in other economically advanced countries. As recently as the 1990s, many health insurance plans didn't even cover birth control. Protests, court cases, and new state laws led to dramatic changes. Today, almost all plans cover prescription contraceptives with varying copays. Medicaid, the health care program for low-income people, also covers birth control. A government study last summer found that birth control use is virtually universal in the United States. Still, about half of all pregnancies are unplanned. Many are among women using some form of contraception, and forgetting to take the pill is a major reason.

Preventing unwanted pregnancies is only health care law on religious and conscience one goal of the new requirement. grounds. Contraception can help make a woman's ``It's a step in the right direction, but it's next pregnancy healthier by spacing births not enough,'' said Jeanne Monahan, a policy far enough apart, generally expert for the conservative 18 months to two years. Family Research Council. As Research links closely About half of all it now stands, the conspaced births to a risk of pregnancies are science clause offers only a such problems as prematu- unplanned. Many ``fig leaf'' of protection, she rity, low birth weight, even added, because it may not autism. Other research has are among cover all faith-based organishown that even modest women using zations. copays for medical care can Although the new some form of discourage use. women's preventive serIn a nod to social and reli- contraception vices will be free of any adgious conservatives, the ditional charge to patients, rules issued by Sebelius include a provision somebody will have to pay. The cost will that would allow religious institutions to opt be spread among other people with health out of offering birth control coverage. How- insurance, resulting in slightly higher preever, many conservatives are supporting leg- miums. islation by Rep. Jeff Fortenberry, R-Neb., that That may be offset to some degree with would codify a range of exceptions to the new savings from diseases prevented, or pregnancies that are planned to minimize any potential ill effects to the mother and baby. The administration did allow insurers some leeway in determining what they will cover. For example, health plans will be able to charge copays for branded drugs in cases where a generic version is just as effective and safe for the patient. The requirement applies to all forms of "Health care fraud steals funds from pro- birth control approved by the Food and grams designed to benefit patients, and we Drug Administration. That includes the pill, all pay for it," US Attorney McQuade said. intrauterine devices, the so-called morning"Federal and state investigators have after pill, and newer forms of long-acting teamed up in recent months to detect and implantable hormonal contraceptives that prosecute those who commit health care fraud, and we hope that the strength of our efforts will have a deterrent effect." Robert L. Corso, Special Agent in Charge of DEA's Detroit Field Division stated, "Confronting the illegal diversion and abuse of controlled pharmaceuticals is a top priority of DEA and our law enforcement partners. (Today's) arrests and the allegations in the indictment bring to light one of the largest diversion conspiracies ever uncovered in the state of Michigan.

19 Indian Americans indicted in massive health care fraud Cont’d from page 58

The indictment also alleges that Babubhai Patel and his pharmacists dispensed controlled substances outside the scope of legitimate medical practice to patient recruiters, as a kickback for their efforts to recruit patients into the scheme. In addition to Babubhai Patel, those named in the 34-count indictment were physician Paul Petre, 43, of Rochester Hills; pharmacist Dineshkmar Patel, 33, of Canton; pharmacist Anish Bhavsar, 35, of Canton; pharmacist Ashwini Sharma, 33, of Novi; pharmacist Pinakeen Patel, 32, of Sterling Heights; pharmacist Kartik Shah, 34, of Canton, pharmacist Viral Thaker, 30, of Findlay, Ohio; pharmacist Hiren Patel, 31, of Novi; pharmacist Miteshkumar Patel, 37, of Troy; pharmacist Lokeh Tayal, 35, of Canton; pharmacist Narendera Cheraku, 33, of Farmington Hills; accountant Chetan Gujarathi, 38, of Canton; business associate Arpitkumar Patel, 26, of Romulus; business associate Sumanray Raval, 54, of Farmington Hills; business associate Harpreet Sachdeva, 38, of Canton; business associate Ramesh Patel, 50, of Canton; business associate Rana Naeem, 60, of Rochester Hills; podiatrist Anmy Tran, 40, of Macomb; physician Mark Greenbain, 69, of Farmington Hills; physician Mustak Vaid, 38, of Brownstown Township; psychologist and patient recruiter Sanyani Edwards, 32, of Ferndale; business associate Komal Acharya, 27, of Farmington Hills; patient recruiter Leodis Elliott, 41, of West Bloomfield; and patient recruiter LaVar Carter, 34, of Macomb. McQuade was joined in her announcement by Special Agent in Charge Robert L. Corso of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Special Agent in Charge Andrew G. Arena of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Lamont Pugh, Special Agent in Charge of the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services.

These individuals abused their positions of trust and endangered the lives of countless people by illegally distributing more than 6 million doses of opiate painkillers and depressants throughout southeast Michigan The allegations against these 26 individuals, particularly of the medical professionals, are significant. These individuals abused their positions of trust and endangered the lives of countless people by illegally distributing more than 6 million doses of opiate painkillers and depressants throughout southeast Michigan and beyond. This indictment makes it clear that the DEA and our partners in law enforcement will continue to investigate and bring to justice those individuals that are responsible for the illegal distribution of prescription medicines."

are becoming widely used in the rest of the industrialized world. Coverage with no copays for the morning-after pill is likely to become the most controversial part of the change. The FDA classifies Plan B and Ella as birth control, but some religious conservatives see the morning-after drugs as abortion drugs. The rules HHS issued do not require coverage of RU-486 and other drugs to chemically induce an abortion. Other preventive services covered include: • At least one ``well-woman'' preventive care visit annually. • Screening for diabetes during pregnancy. • Screening for the virus that causes cervical cancer for women 30 and older. • Annual HIV counseling and screening for sexually active women. • Screening for and counseling about domestic violence. • Annual counseling on sexually transmitted infections for sexually active women. • Support for breast feeding mothers, including the cost of renting pumps. • Aside from the conscience clause, the only other major exemption is for so-called "grandfathered'' plans, many of which are offered by large employers. With time, however, many currently grandfathered plans are likely to lose that designation as they make routine changes affecting their benefits. Consumers should check with their health insurance plan administrator. -AP

Datebook

India Post

August 12, 2011

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NEW YORK

ILLINOIS

Upcoming

NEW JERSEY

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Upcoming

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Upcoming

Sat Aug 20

Fri Aug 12

• Mata Ki Chowki

• JacQui in Concert: Celebrating the Journey of Life

Sat Aug 13

Fri Aug 12

• Jadavpur University Picnic 2011

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

Venue: Mercer County Park, 1638 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor, New Jersey Time: 6pm Contact: 609-785-1505

• Rang De Basanti A Night With Remix King Dj Akbar Sami

• "Brew at the Zoo" Beer Festival at L.A. Zoo Venue: Los Angeles Zoo, 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA. 90027 Time: 6pm to 9pm Contact: http://lazoo.org/brew/.

Sat Aug 13

Venue: Avalon, 777 Lawrence Expressway, Santa Clara, California Time: 9pm Contact: 408-368-6865

Sat Aug 27

• Veggie Fest 2011

• Asian American Fair 2011

Wed Aug 17

Fri Aug 12

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

Venue: Garden State Exhibit & convention center, 50 atrium Drive.somerset, New Jersey Time: 11am to 9pm Contact: 347-513-8526

Venue: Gujarati Samaj Hall, 173-14, Horace Harding Expressway, Fresh Meadows, NY Time: 5:30pm to 9pm Contact: 516-933-7590 Highlights: Bhajan Singer Shri Narinder Chanchal Ji will be performing at the Jaagran!

Sun Aug 28 • Vismayam 2011 Venue: Queens York College, 94-45 Guy R. Brewer Blvd, Jamaica, New York Time: 6pm to 9pm Contact: 347-526-2967

Sat Oct 8 • Rhythm For Relief Venue: Haven NYC, 244 East 51st St, NY Time: 6pm Contact: 347-307-1378

Tues Aug 30 • Sri Vinayaka Chaturthi Mahotsavam Venue: The Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago, 10915 Lemont Road, lemont, Illinois Time: 9am Contact: 630-972-0300

• "Why I am a Hindu" by a Dalit ("Untouchable") Leader from India

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

Sat Sep 3

Venue: The Meghani Residence, 37808 Fruitwood Ct., Fremont, CA Time: 6:30pm to 8:30pm Contact: 510-396-2745

• Indo America fair

Sat Aug 20

Sun Aug 21

• Awakening Prana By Swami

• Satinder Sartaaj Live In Concert

Satyadharma Saraswati

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

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

WASHINGTON DC

Upcoming Sun Aug 21 • India"s 65th Independence Day Celebration Venue: Centerville High School, 6001,Union Mill Rd, Clifton, WDC Time: 3pm to 9pm Contact: 571-451-5309

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

Mon Sep 5

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

Sat Aug 27

• Satinder Sartaaj Live In Concert

• 12 Th Annual India Independence Day Celebration

Venue: San Jose Center for Performing Arts, 255,Almaden Boulevard, San Jose, California Time: 8pm Contact: 510-565-9518

Venue: Birmingham Charter High School, 17000,Haynes St, Van Nuys, California Time: 3pm to 11pm Contact: 818-458-5595

Fri Sept 16 • IA Sargam Presents: Eighth Annual Mohd. Rafi Nite

Fri Sept 2

Venue: Venus Banquet Hall, 20825, Sherman Way, Winnetka, CA Time: 7:30pm Contact: 818-884-4770 Highlights: Featuring the scintillating voice of Avtar Chadda and others artists

Venue: Torch Restaurant & Bar, 7850 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, California Time: 9:30pm to 2am Contact: 714-523-8880

• Gopinath Muthukads Vismayam

Mon Sept 5

Venue: High Point High School, 3601,Powder Mill Road, Beltsville, DC Time: 5pm Contact: 703-506-0807

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

• Bollywood Bhangra Bash

Sun Sept 11 • Muslims for Life" Blood Drive Venue: Bait-ul-Hameed Mosque Chino, CA Time: 9am to 7pm Contact: 909-636-8332

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India Post 63

Philosophy

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August 12, 2011

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Page Sponsored by Sahanis SRI AUROBINDO

t is by Vidya, the Knowledge of the Oneness, that we know God; without it Avidya, the relative and multiple consciousness, is a night of darkness and a disorder of Ignorance. Yet if we exclude the field of that Ignorance, if we get rid of Avidya as if it were a thing non-existent and unreal, then Knowledge itself becomes a sort of obscurity and a source of imperfection. We become as men blinded by a light so that we can no longer see the field which that light illumines. Such is the teaching, calm, wise and clear, of our most ancient sages. They had the patience and the strength to find and to know; they had also the clarity and humility to admit the limitation of our knowledge. They perceived the borders where it has to pass into something beyond itself. It was a later impatience of heart and mind, vehement attraction to an ultimate bliss or high masterfulness of pure experience and trenchant intelligence which sought the One to deny the Many and because it had received the breath of the heights scorned or recoiled from the secret of the depths. But the steady eye of the ancient wisdom perceived that to know God really, it must know Him everywhere equally and without distinction, considering and valuing but not mastered by the oppo-

ARTHUR OSBORNE

amana Maharshi often reminded those who came to him that they were not the body. Now there are those who presume that he was the body and, no longer seeing his body at Tiruvannamalai, take it that he is not there. But not those who have felt in their hearts the power and subtlety of his guidance, the vibrant, allpervading peace of Arunachala, the sacred mountain at whose foot his Ashram is located. He used to say: "The purpose of the outer Guru is only to awaken the inner Guru in the heart." And shortly before leaving the body he told a group of devotees: "When the Guru has awakened the inner Guru in the heart of his devotees, he is free to leave the body." Yes, it may be said, that is all very well for those who were already his devotees when he shed the body, but what about those others who approach him now and feel the need for an outer Guru? It may be that in some cases he influences them indirectly through those older disciples in whom the inner Guru has been

sitions through which He shines. We will put aside then the trenchant distinctions of a partial logic which declares that because the One is the reality, the Many are an illusion, and because the Absolute is Sat, the one existence, the relative is Asat and non-existent. If in the Many we pursue insistently the One, it is to return with the benediction and the revelation of the One confirming itself in the Many.

dence of the senses and associating reality with corporeal fact, is either unaccustomed to use other means of knowledge or unable to extend the notion of reality to a supra-physical experience. In the other case the same mind, passing beyond to the overwhelming experience of an incorporeal reality, simply transfers the same inability and the same consequent sense of dream or hallucination to the experience

of Ignorance. Form and matter can be valid only as shape and substance of manifestation for the incorporeal and immaterial. They are in their nature an act of divine consciousness, in their aim the representation of a status of the Spirit. In other words, if Brahman has entered into form and represented Its being in material substance, it can only be to enjoy self-manifestation in the figures of relative and phenomenal consciousness.

Life exists in Brahman to discover Brahman in itself The steady eye of the ancient wisdom perceived that to know God really, it must know Him everywhere equally and without distinction

Sri Aurobindo

We will guard ourselves also against the excessive importance that the mind attaches to particular points of view at which it arrives in its more powerful expansions and transitions. The perception of the spiritualized mind that the universe is an unreal dream can have no more absolute a value to us than the perception of the materialized mind that God and the Beyond are an illusory idea. In the one case the mind, habituated only to the evi-

of the senses. But we perceive also the truth that these two conceptions disfigure. It is true that for this world of form in which we are set for our self-realization, nothing is entirely valid until it has possessed itself of our physical consciousness and manifested on the lowest levels in harmony with its manifestation on the highest summits. It is equally true that form and matter asserting themselves as a self-existent reality are an illusion

Brahman is in this world to represent Itself in the values of Life. Life exists in Brahman in order to discover Brahman in itself. Therefore man's importance in the world is that he gives to it that development of consciousness in which its transfiguration by a perfect self-discovery becomes possible. Excerpted from Life Divine The 139th birth anniversary of Sri Aurobindo will be observed on August 15

awakened. Certain it is that in many cases he influences them directly and powerfully. A visitor asked once whether the contact with the Guru would continue after the dissolution of his physical body and he replied: "The Guru is not the physical form, so contact will remain even after his physical form vanishes." If it be asked how he can guide

He himself told us that death makes no difference to the jnani. The only way of understanding how the jnani, who is universal, can perform an individual function is to become one. Therefore, when people asked him such questions he would usually reply: "Never mind about the jnani; first find out who you are." And when you have done that

finding adequate guidance within the forms of any religion; similarly, the invisible Guru may compensate for the modern difficulty in finding a fully potent living Guru on earth. Such explanations are for those who like to speculate; for those who are content to strive on the path, guidance is there. This invisible guidance also has an effect on the Ashram. If

Purpose of outer Guru is to awaken the inner Guru Arthur Osborne and Ramana Maharshi

individuals or perform any function after having become One with the Absolute, the answer is: in the first place, he has not become One with the Absolute but simply realized his preexisting and eternal Oneness. In the second place, he had already realized this Oneness while wearing the body and was universal then, as he is now.

This continued guidance after leaving the body is unusual! Yes, it is unusual; but who is to bind Divine Providence with regulations? fully you are the jnani. But surely this continued guidance after leaving the body is unusual! Yes, it is unusual; but who is to bind Divine Providence with regulations? The circumstances also are unusual. I have remarked how the formless path the Maharshi prescribed compensates for the modern difficulty in

you are a ritualist or strict formalist, if you crave material boons, if you seek visions or powers, there are other places better suited to you than Ramanashram. But if you have understood the ultimate spiritual goal of liberation and seek grace and guidance on the path, you will find it at Ramanashram.

If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough. -Meister Eckhart If I take death into my life, acknowledge it, and face it squarely, I will free myself from the anxiety of death and the pettiness of life - and only then will I be free to become myself. -Martin Heidegger The Sage all the time sees and hears no more than an infant sees and hears. -Lao-tzu Unless you turn round and become like little children you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. -Jesus The old man in his days will not hesitate to ask an infant of seven days about the place of life, and he will live. -Gospel of Thomas Everyone under heaven says that our Way is greatly like folly. But it is just because it is great that it seems like folly. As for the things that do not seem like folly - well, there can be no question about their smallness! -Lao-tzu God is not seen except by blindness, not known except by ignorance, nor understood except by fools. -Eckhart

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

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Chinese economy: inflation on rise, manufacturing on wane TESHU SINGH

hina has gradually become a manufacturing hub of the world by letting in capital and technologies and bringing its low cost advantages into full play. However, the growth of the manufacturing sector in China has slowed down in the past seven months with a rise in inflation. Any such development in the Chinese economy sends ripples across the globe. This slowdown in manufacturing has raised a few questions: Where is the Chinese economy heading? What are the likely implications of this slowdown? Manufacturing forms the backbone of the Chinese economy, and its six predominant industries, comprising petrochemical, metallurgy, forestry, medicine, food and machinery, have contributed separately to the overall growth of manufacturing in China. The manufacturing sector recorded its slowest expansion in 28 months in June 2011, with the Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) falling from 52 per to 50.9 per cent at a rate of 1.1 per cent per month, according to the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing (CFLP). The PMI index gives an image of overall activity in manufacturing, including output, order flows and pricing, with a figure above 50 indicating growth in activity and a figure below that level indicating a contraction. Inflation in China has become a major problem today. The Consumer Price Index (CPI), a main measure of inflation, jumped to its highest in three years surging to 6.4 per cent in June 2011. Inflation soared in China because of the rise in global commodities' prices, pressure for higher wages and also because of a severe drought this year. To control inflation, the government has implemented a set of measures. The People's Bank of China has lifted the reserve ratio of commercial banks to absorb excess liquidity in the system and curb inflation. In order to control the inflation rate, the banks have increased the reserve rate by 0.5 per cent since March for the fifth time. It is now 19.5 per cent for small banks and 21.5 per cent for big banks, which is the highest in China's history. However, the Chinese gov-

ernment has assured that it will try to maintain the inflation rate at around 4 per cent for the next five years. In addition to internal problems, external factors are also playing a key role in curbing the growth of the manufacturing sector. The country's imports are mostly half-processed goods and raw materials. The rising international prices of oil, coal, iron ore and agricultural products have

A Chinese factory

forced Chinese factories to pay more for importing these raw materials before processing them into finished products. Chinese exporters are finding it difficult to pass on rising costs to US buyers be-

The slowdown has been quite comprehensive, as apart from manufacturing even the automobile and housing sector have witnessed weaknesses in recent months. The value of land sales in Beijing this year has dropped 75 per cent as has the value of car sales owing to the withdrawal of incentives by the government cause as exporters of labor-intensive products, China is weak in bargaining for better prices. Export demands for Chinese goods have also gone down in major Chinese export destinations; partly because of the impact of the tsunami on Japan, high unemploy-

ment in the US and excessive debt in European nations. These nations are attempting massive cutbacks in expenditure, thus decelerating the demand for Chinese goods. It is worth highlighting that with so many global multinational companies looking to their China operations to drive growth, a material slowdown in China would have a negative impact on earnings and cash flows generated by these multinational companies from their operations. Moreover, the slowdown has been quite comprehensive, as apart from manufacturing even the automobile and housing sector have witnessed weaknesses in recent months. The value of land sales in Beijing this year has dropped 75 per cent as has the value of car sales owing to the withdrawal of incentives by the government. Retail sales have tapered off somewhat since the pre-holiday peak. This is an important indicator because domestic private consumption has become an increasingly important part of the Chinese economy. Contrary to the above developments, China is entering a decade of double-digit wage growth, which is a good thing for economic rebalancing. But its inflationary impact should not be discounted. If not handled well, it could lead to instability. In 1988, Zhao Ziyang was criticized by conservatives for managing price reforms (although the idea of price reform originally came from Deng Xiaoping). Hence, China's growth is likely to go down from the current 10 per cent to 5 per cent by 2020. Thus this slowdown in the manufacturing sector can be attributed partly to external factors and partly to state-engineering, as demonstrated by the Communist Party's ruling Politburo's indication that economic growth remains the top priority of the authorities. China is engaged in a tug of war, trying to encourage sustainable growth while struggling to control inflation. The writer is Research Officer, IPCS

India Post Hazare's quest

ahatma Gandhi did not have to look for a venue to launch his fasts. That is the predicament of Anna Hazare, the modern crusader against corruption, and his entourage. Wiser after the Swami Ramdev spectacle in Delhi's Ramlila Grounds, which it had to stop using some harsh measures, the Delhi Police has denied permission to Hazare's team for a month-long strike at Jantar Mantar on the grounds that they haven't specified the number of people who would be participating in the dharna. Nor has it accepted the demand to stage the protest for one month. At the most it is willing to give permission for a day as, the police argue, "there will be other protestors also," as the Parliament session is on and "we cannot let a single group take up all the space for such a long period." It is true that the Lokpal Bill developed by the government is flawed. And it is not certain even this watered down version would pass muster in Parliament which comprises MPs jealous to guard their vested interests. It may be possible to blackmail a government, but how do you blackmail Parliament? Even if the MPs are forced by party loyalty to vote in favor, nothing prevents them from delaying tactics. With hardly any MP with independent roots, the dynasty principle ensures that nothing will be done which could address the daily problems of corruption that a citizen has to face. The Hazare crusade is based on the belief that the government and Parliament can be coerced. In practice it is proving to be a waste of energy. Politicians and bureaucrats in high places strive to keep themselves safe from scrutiny and evade accountability. If this bill is going to look into their shady dealings, they would certainly see that it is not passed. It would be more effective if the Hazare and team choose to educate the voters across the country on how to reject, at least for the next General Election, politicians with vested interests. The latest strategy of holding referendums across constituencies and publicizing the results as in favor of their draft of the Lokpal Bill proves nothing. It is the MPs they need to educate for a more effective legislation. By going to opposition leaders and explaining to them their version of the Lokpal Bill the civil rights crusaders acknowledge that it is the Parliament's privilege to design and pass legislation. By fasting and other strike and dharna modes they can attract the TV cameras. How does it ensure that the people's interests, which they hold at heart, will be addressed? The Hazare team needs to work quietly, behind the scenes. They should not emulate Baba Ramdev who is bitten by the publicity bug. As for the government version of the bill, it does not have the PM under its scope, nor is the judiciary. During the talks with the Anna Hazare team, the government did not want military purchases to be investigated nor the Central Government employees or the corrupt conduct of MPs outside Parliament. The government's bill also keeps out the CBI and it won't be a surprise if they exclude the police also from it. So what has Anna Hazare gained by his tactics? He should come down from his "fasting" horse and deal with the difficult issues of dealing with the MPs. It is a good thing that he has written an open letter to the MPs appealing to them to reject the present bill framed by the government which remains anti-poor. Whether the MPs heed his call or not, is a different matter.

66 India Post

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August 12, 2011

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68 India Post

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August 12, 2011