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Silicon Valley prepares for Modi visit Details on page 6

‘Sonia, Rahul can't digest 2014 defeat’ Details on page 5

VOL 21, No. 1090

August 14, 2015

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Periodical Postage

SUNDAR PICHAI NEW CEO OF GOOGLE

NEW YORK: India-born Sundar Pichai will be the new CEO of Google under a major restructuring at the technology giant, as co-founder Larry Page lauded the IIT alumnus' "progress and dedication" and said it is "time" for him to take over the company's reins.

In a surprise and significant re-organization, Page announced the formation of a new parent company Alphabet Inc which will replace Google as the publicly-traded entity and all shares of Google will automatically convert into the same number of shares of Alphabet, with all of the same rights.

Google will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Alphabet, which will have Page as CEO and co-founder Sergey Brin as President.

Pichai, 43, who was previously in-charge of product and engineering for Google's Internet businesses, will be the CEO of the "slightly slimmed down" Google.

He received a B.Tech. from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur and holds an M.S. in Engineering and Materials Science from Stanford University and an MBA from the Wharton School.

Asin to marry Micromax co-founder Details on page 59

Community gears up for I-Day events Details on page 22

Details on page 5

ED seeks Interpol notice on Lalit Modi Details on page 6 See pages 12-19 & 46-50

Foxconn to pump in $5 bn in FDI

CONTENTS Bollywood ---------------------- 20-21 Classifieds ------------------------- 56

Details on page 41

Community Post -------------- 22-31 Date Book -------------------------- 34

INDIA POST SURVEY

Edit Page --------------------------- 62

survey@indiapost.com

HealthScience Post --------- 51-53

This week’s question

Horoscope ------------------------- 61

Is culture behind growing number of Indian CEOs?

Immigration Post ------------- 44-45 Life Style ----------------------- 59-60

Last week’s result

Will Congress allow Modi govt to function?

YES 26%

NO 74%

Philosophy ------------------------- 57 Publisher’s Diary ------------------ 4

UNIQUE FESTIVAL: Festival of Globe Founder & Convener Dr Romesh Japra seen with the film delegation from Nepal

Real Estate ------------------------ 54

along with some members of FOG at the screening of a Festival film. (More pictures on pages 8-9)

TechBiz Post ------------------- 41-43 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 36-39

Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”

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August 14, 2015

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

Publisher’s Diary

T

his weekend marks India's Independence Day and as we celebrate, along with our counterparts in India, the many freedoms that the day bestowed upon us 68 years ago, I am also thinking of the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act being commemorated in the United States this month.

We often refer to India and the US as the largest and the oldest democracies in the world respectively. While the US does assume proprietary rights over democratic values and deems it its prerogative to preach them to the world in general, somewhere along the way, I think, India seems to have marched ahead in actually allowing democratic rights to percolate to all sections of its society, even as the US is today found to be sorely wanting in ensuring equal rights to all, especially the burgeoning minorities.

Only last year we saw how India managed the largest democratic exercise the world has ever seen in its general elections, which saw over 66% of the nearly 815 million eligible voters participate in the voting process. This massive voter turnout included 100 million new voters that were registered since the last general elections in India in 2009.

India has come a long way from the early decades since Independence when it was derogatorily called a Banana Republic by condescending political commentators in the West. But today the world saw how the massive government machinery has ensured that the last man waiting in the high reaches of LehLadakh also voted.

In the US meanwhile, as Presidential contenders of both the Republican and Democratic variety have already entered the primary phase, tens of thousands of potential voters are finding themselves disenfranchised thanks to discriminatory laws.

Lawmakers in many states are making all out efforts to legally disenfranchise many minorities including the Black and Mexican/Latina communities.

Exactly 150 years ago Abraham Lincoln fought to have the 13th amendment passed by Congress to formally abolish slavery. Fifty years ago Martin Luther King Jr. fought to get the Voting Rights Act passed. Unfortunately, their fight hasn't fully been won yet. And it won't be, at least not till the de facto white supremacy rules.

Romesh K Japra

rkjapra@indiapost.com

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HIGHLIGHTS Bollywood: Friends, not lovers Jacqueline Fernandez says she is single and it is absurd to link her with actor Arjun Kapoor.

Cover Story: Indian CEO India-born Sundar Pichai will be the new CEO of Google under a major restructuring at the technology giant

Community: Hectic activity There is hectic activity among Indian Americans as they gear up to celebrate the 69th Indian Independence day

GOP hopefuls The Republican Party's presidential hopefuls have demanded aggressive steps to curb illegal immigration

Life style: Getting married Popular Bollywood actress Asin is getting married to Micromax Mobiles' cofounder Rahul Sharma.

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Big investment Foxconn Technology has announced a $ 5-billion investment in Maharashtra, India over the next five years

Mahabalipuram Mahabalipuram, in the state of Tamil Nadu, is brimming with rock-cut caves and numerous temples.

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Sundar Pichai is new CEO of Google NEW YORK: India-born Sundar Pichai will be the new CEO of Google under a major restructuring at the technology giant, as co-founder Larry Page lauded the IIT alumnus' "progress and dedication" and said it is "time" for him to take over the company's reins.

In a surprise and significant reorganization, Page announced the formation of a new parent company Alphabet Inc which will replace Google as the publiclytraded entity and all shares of Google will automatically convert into the same number of shares of Alphabet, with all of the same

he took on product and engineering responsibility for our Internet businesses. Sergey and I have been super excited about his progress and dedication to the company. And it is clear to us and our board that it is time for Sundar to be CEO of Google," Page said.

Pichai joins a gradually growing list of Indian-origin technology and business executives working their way up to head multi-billion dollar worth American giants.

In February last year, Satya Nadella was named Microsoft CEO, becoming the tech giant's only third chief executive after

"Since joining Google in 2004, Sundar has led a number of key consumer products which are now used by hundreds of millions of people and, prior to his current role, served as Google's SVP of Android, Chrome and Apps," the company said rights.

Google will become a whollyowned subsidiary of Alphabet, which will have Page as CEO and co-founder Sergey Brin as President.

Pichai, 43, who was previously in-charge of product and engineering for Google's Internet businesses, will be the CEO of the "slightly slimmed down" Google.

He received a B.Tech. from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur and holds an M.S. in Engineering and Materials Science from Stanford University and an MBA from the Wharton School.

He had joined Google in 2004 as its vice president of product management, where he led the team working on Google's Chrome browser and operating system.

In a blog post, Page lauded Pichai for his work at the company and said he feels "very fortunate" to have someone as "talented" as Pichai to "run the slightly slimmed down Google and this frees up time for me to continue to scale our aspirations".

"This new structure will allow us to keep tremendous focus on the extraordinary opportunities we have inside of Google. A key part of this is Sundar Pichai," Page said.

Waxing eloquent about Pichai, Page said, "Sundar has been saying the things I would have said (and sometimes better!) for quite some time now, and I've been tremendously enjoying our work together."

"He has really stepped up since October of last year, when

Steve Ballmer and Bill Gates in its 40-year history.

PepsiCo's CEO is also Indiaborn Indra Nooyi and MasterCard is headed by Ajay Banga. Last year, New Delhi-born Rajeev Suri was made CEO of phone company Nokia. Anshu Jain was till recently the co-CEO of Deutsche Bank.

Congrats pour in Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated Sundar Pichai on being appointed Google's chief executive officer.

"Congratulations Sundar Pichai. My best wishes for the new role at Google." Modi tweeted.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Google's executive chairman Eric Schmidt and other technology executives congratulated Sundar Pichai on his "well deserved" elevation as the new CEO of the

search giant.

"Really excited about the vision and brilliance of Sundar... he's going to be a great CEO," said Eric Schmidt. Schmidt commented on Twitter as well as on Page's blog post announcing the surprise reorganization of the company and the formation of Google's new parent company Alphabet.

Schmidt said the new name for the parent company 'Alphabet' is "awesome".

Bret Taylor, co-creator of Google Maps, ex-CTO of Facebook and co-founder of technology Quip also congratulated Pichai, the first non-white CEO, on Twitter.

Among others to congratulate him were Apple CEO Tim Cook and LinkedIn CEO. In a filing with federal regulator Securities and Exchange Commission, Google informed about its organizational restructuring.

"Concurrently upon completion of the Alphabet Merger, Sundar Pichai, age 43, will become the new CEO of Google Inc. Sundar is currently the Senior Vice President of Products at Google and oversees product management, engineering, and research efforts for Google's products and platforms.

"Since joining Google in 2004, Sundar has led a number of key consumer products which are now used by hundreds of millions of people and, prior to his current role, served as Google's SVP of Android, Chrome and Apps," the company said in the filing in which it also noted that Pichai received a B.Tech from the IIT-

Kharagpur, a MS from Stanford University, and an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania.

Pichai aided his ascent by never trying to steal the limelight and advancing his agenda through quiet advocacy, accord-

"Google has politics like any other large company, and Sundar navigated those politics to make his team successful while inflicting the least possible damage on any other team," Beckmann wrote.

ing to former colleague Keval Desai.

He's a very very strong opinionated person who has clear point of views about where product and initiative might go, but he's very good at letting other peoples' opinions emerge before he gives his own," Desai, said.

Tony Zingale, the executive chairman of Jive Software, said Pichai was "incredibly insightful and direct", acting as "the quiet yet thoughtful outside director" when he served on the board of the collaboration software maker for several years until July 2013.

Pichai excels at managing relationships, wrote longtime Google product manager Chris Beckmann in a post last year on the question-site Quora.

Such diplomacy could come in handy as Pichai continues to oversee some big challenges for Google, including navigating an often difficult relationship with partners like South Korea's Samsung Electronics, the top Android smartphone maker.

He must also contend with Apple Inc, which has made bigger inroads with its music services and in wearable devices.

Wall Street appeared to recognize Pichai's talents, with the stock heading up as much as 7 percent in after-hours trading.

"He's a very capable operator, and he has a lot of buy-in from the business side as well as from the engineering side," said Morningstar analyst Rick Summer.-Agencies

Sonia, Rahul can't digest 2014 defeat: Jaitley NEW DELHI: As Congress stalled the GST Bill in Rajya Sabha, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley hit out at Sonia and Rahul Gandhi saying they had taken the defeat in 2014 elections badly and were creating obstacles in the path of national growth.

Congress whose policies continue to be a liability for the country stands isolated on the Bill that will lead to a national Goods and Service Tax replacing all indirect levies, boosting economic growth and cutting prices, he said.

"GDP will be boosted. That is the economic consensus, if GST

is introduced. But Congress for gress. some reason does not want that.

Jaitley said the party stands "Its policies were a liability on isolated with almost no political the economy of this country, when the Congress was in the government.

It continues to be a liability on the economy of this country even when it is in opposition," he told reporters minutes after Rajya Sabha adjourned Finance Minister Arun Jaitley for the day following ruckus by Con-

group supporting its disruptionist program.

"It is clear that its two leaders have taken their 2014 defeat very badly. And therefore they are unable to accept the fact that anybody outside the Gandhi family can also rule this country," he said, without naming Sonia or Rahul.

Before the Monsoon Session of Parliament ends, Jaitley introduced in Rajya Sabha the constitutional amendment bill after incorporating suggestion from the House panel.

Cont’d on page 6

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Silicon Valley prepares for Modi visit India Post News Service

SAN FRANCISCO: On Sunday, September 27, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi will address the technological hub of the world -the Silicon Valley - at the SAP Center in San Jose. The preparations for the momentous event are well underway by a coalition of organizations under the

There are three main prongs to Prime Minister Modi's overall goals: unity, security, and prosperity. He has been working night and day to ensure the presence of all three umbrella of a central organization, the Indo American Community of West Coast, USA (IACWC).

In a meeting Sunday, August 9, almost 400 representatives from over 160 diverse organizations met to discuss the upcoming event and launch the registration process. The organizations in attendance spanned professional, cultural, and religious boundaries.

The registration launch meeting was attended by Mr Venkatesan Ashok, Consul General of India, San Francisco; Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu, the Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of India in Washington DC and Mr Ram Madhav, the National General Secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party, the current ruling party in India.

The Prime Minister's visit will mark the first visit to California by an Indian Head of State in 33 years. Leading up to and after the reception, high impact meetings and programs are being planned to promote the shared ideals of innovation and entrepreneurship that define both the Silicon Valley and a vibrant India under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi.

It is highly expected that his trip to the West Coast will allow Prime Minister Modi to further his mission of empowering the people of India through the use of technology. It would allow the Prime Minister to connect the world's hub of technology - the Silicon Valley - with the world's largest customer base - India.

At the start of the meeting, Consul General Ashok issued the mandate entrusting the IACWC with the task of uniting all organizations for the purpose of planning this historic event. In accepting the mandate, the event's con-

vener Khanderao Kand noted the diversity of organizations present at the inaugural event. "We understand that the IACWC is a platform through which we must bring together the entire community, regardless of language, culture,

prosperity. He has been working night and day to ensure the presence of all three. These community events all around the world not only help the Prime Minister communicate his objectives to a larger audience, but they also help

Ram Madhav inaugurated the registration website. In order to manage the high demand to hear Prime Minister Narendra Modi speak at the SAP Center, all partnering organizations shall register through the website. Majority of passes

religion or profession."

All three distinguished guests emphasized the importance of this event in creating unity in the community. Ram Madhav addressed the crowd, "There are three main prongs to Prime Minister Modi's overall goals: unity, security, and

create the unity he seeks."

Ambassador Sandhu further stressed the importance of this event in the eyes of the world. "With unity comes political strength, and with political strength, the future belongs to India."

At the conclusion of the event,

will be distributed through the partnering organizations.

For more information or to attend the event, please visit the website www.pmmodiinca.org. press@pmmodiinca.org twitter: @pmmodiincalifornia http:// pmmodiinca.org

Sonia, Rahul can't digest 2014 defeat: Jaitley Cont’d from page 5

But discussion on it could not take place due to yowls of protests from Congress.

Deputy Chairman P J Kurien said since it is a constitutional amendment bill, the House has to be in order for its passage and adjourned the proceedings.

"Unfortunately the Congress is in a self destruct mode.

We do not grudge that. But in the process, it wants not only to disrupt India's Parliament but also create obstacles in the path of national growth," Jaitley said.

Stating that disruptionist politics is dangerous both for the Congress and the country, he appealed to the principal opposition party to "see reason and come on the path of cooperation particularly in relation to policies they

themselves had at one stage proclaimed".

"We on behalf of the government, along with the support of all parties who are supporting the GST, are determined to pursue this and will take all correct measures politically and constitutionally to achieve this goal," he said. Jaitley said Congress had mooted GST in 2006 and introduced a bill on it in 2011, but failed to bring a consensus among states.

"In less than a year, it was NDA government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which brought about a consensus of all the states. And all the features of the GST Bill are a result of that consensus," he said.

He said the Standing Committee has cleared GST as also the Lok Sabha.

"The Congress wanted in the last session (the bill) sent to the Rajya Sabha Select Committee. It was an understanding that it would be cleared in the next session. Regrettably they have gone back on their words. And after the Select Committee report has come it has to be cleared in the present

session," he added.

Jaitley said GST will transform India into one uniform market for seamless transfer of goods and services. "It will help to eventually bring down prices because there will be no tax on tax.

Responding to questions, Jaitley said GST has been introduced already.

"Technically it did not need the introduction because Select Committee directly reports to the House so it is a formal introduc-

Stating that disruptionist politics is dangerous both for the Congress and the country, he appealed to the principal opposition party to "see reason and come on the path of cooperation particularly in relation to policies they themselves had at one stage proclaimed" "Today tax paid at various stages gets added to the cost and thereafter including the tax component, the next tax is imposed," he said, adding that the new indirect tax regime would eliminate corruption and harassment of the trading community.

The GST will enlarge overall kitty of taxation, he said.

"And this will greatly be to the advantage of consuming state which are lesser developed states," he added.

tion and the Select Committee prepares the amended Bill. So, the amended Bill, not as prepared by the government but as prepared by the Select Committee, is already before the Rajya Sabha.

"That Bill is listed today. We will again request for its listing," the Finance Minister said. To an objection raised by Anand Sharma in the House, Jaitley said the 'Business Advisory Committee' in the last session had kept four hours for GST.-PTI

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ED seeks Interpol notice against Lalit Modi NEW DELHI: In fresh worry for former IPL chairman Lalit Modi, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has sought an Interpol notice against him in connection with its probe in a money laundering case relating to alleged financial irregularities in the operations of various editions of the T-20 cricket tournament.

Officials said the agency's Mumbai office officially moved for a 'Red Interpol notice' against Modi on the basis of a non-bailable warrant (NBW) issued recently by a special court in the western metropolis of the country.

The agency has sought the global notice, sources said, as domestic legal remedies to serve its earlier issued Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) notice on Modi had not met with any success even as the ED alleged that Modi did not cooperate with it in this probe till now.

The ED headquarters, sources said, later forwarded the legal request to the CBI head office here to get a notice issued through the latter's Interpol wing.

A CBI spokesperson said the request has been received from the ED and it will be processed after due verification.

CBI is the nodal agency for Interpol related affairs in India.

Modi is currently based in the

Sources said the agency is also mulling to seek extradition of Modi by sending a request in this regard to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) through the Home Ministry United Kingdom.

The ED, sources said, has sought a 'Red notice' which is issued "to seek the location and arrest of wanted persons with a view to extradition or similar lawful action" in a criminal case probe.

Once the Red notice is sounded, the Interpol seeks to arrest the person concerned in any

part of the world and notifies that country to take his or her custody for further action at their end.

ED had last month moved a special PMLA court in Mumbai seeking NBW against Modi after he did not respond to summons sent to him.

Sources said the agency is also mulling to seek extradition of Modi by sending a request in this regard to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) through the Home Ministry.

The agency is probing Modi, the Indian Premier League (IPL) and its executives under antimoney laundering laws under its criminal FIR registered in 2012 after taking cognizance of a cheating complaint filed by former BCCI chief N Srinivasan against Modi and half a dozen others with the Chennai police.

The ED subsequently invoked the PMLA along with section 420 (cheating) and 120-B (criminal conspiracy) of the IPC to probe if BCCI-IPL and the exchequer had been cheated in the award of telecast rights for the IPL in 2009.-PTI

NIA chief to quiz captured Pak militant JAMMU: NIA chief Sharad days.

Kumar will personally interrogate The special NIA judge was reLeT's Pakistani militant quested to open the court at 7 this Mohammed Naved Yakub, cap- morning to avoid any rush followtured after the attack on a BSF ing apprehensions that the terrorconvoy. Naved was remanded in ist, in his early 20s, could be elimithe custody of the anti-terror nated by Lashkar-e-Taiba to deagency by a stroy evidence of Jammu court.

Pakistani involveWhile refusing ment in the terror to share any deattack. tails of the probe The militant, a so far, Kumar told resident of PTI the purpose Faislabad in Pakiof his visit is to stan, was proascertain the duced before the progress made in court under tight the investigation. security.

"It's a very imSources in the portant case for agency, which us and the entire sought Naved's probe is being custody for deepMohammed Naved Yakub done in a scienening its probe, tific manner," said he could be Kumar, who will also visit the sent to Delhi for further questionscene of the encounter in ing.

Udhampur district that left two NIA has booked him under variBSF personnel and a terrorist ous sections of the Indian Penal dead, said.

Code for waging war against the Meanwhile, a special court in nation, besides provisions of UnJammu handed over Naved's cus- lawful Activities (Prevention) Act tody to the Central agency for 14 and Arms Act.-PTI

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Glimpses of Festival of Globe this week

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Teesta gets anticipatory bail in FCRA violation case MUMBAI: In a relief to Teesta Setalvad and her husband Javed Anand, the Bombay High Court has granted anticipatory bail to the activist couple in a Foreign Contribution Regulations Act violation case, saying it is unable to find any threat to national security or public interest if they remain free.

The court while granting bail to the duo also held that it does not find any possibility of the accused persons fleeing from justice and that their custodial interrogation was not required.

Justice Mridula Bhatkar, however, observed that prima facie Teesta and her husband have violated the provisions of FCRA) and directed them to cooperate with the investigations and not instigate anyone to protest against CBI and not indulge in any

criminal activity.

Justice Bhatkar was hearing the anticipatory bail applications filed

by Teesta and Javed in connection with a case registered by CBI alleging that her company received Rs 1.8 crore from abroad without mandatory approval from Centre.

"Prima facie this court holds that there has been violation under the FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act). But where is the threat to national security and public interest? You (CBI) have to show the court this," Justice Bhatkar said.

"After hearing the CBI's submissions and perusing the documents, this court is of the prima facie view that there may be misuse of the funds received for personal use by the applicant accused. However, I am unable to

Bobby Jindal invited for CNN event WASHINGTON: Indian-American Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, who could not make the cut for the first prime time Republican presidential debate, is among the 16 out of the 17 party hopefuls invited for a CNN debate.

The network announced that former First Lady Nancy Reagan has extended the invite for the CNN/Reagan Library event.

The CNN event on September 16 will be broken into two back-

Bobby Jindal

to-back debates with two groups of candidates, unlike the Fox debate in which the two segments were separated by several hours.

Jindal, 44, who could not make it to the prime time debate that featured the top 10 Republican contenders, had apparently fared really weell in the second tier debate that featured seven candidates.

Former Virginia Governor Jim

Gilmore, who participated in the debate of lower-tier candidates last week, has not yet been invited for the CNN event.

Candidates must achieve an average of at least 1 per cent of support in three recognized national polls before September 10 to be included in the debate, as well as meeting other criteria.

"Debates are a crucial part of the election process, and I'm thrilled that so many qualified candidates have the opportunity to be heard at the Reagan Presidential L i b r a r y, " Reagan, the widow of President R o n a l d Reagan, said.

Besides Jindal, the invited candidates inc l u d e D o n a l d Trump, Jeb Bush, Scott Walker, Mike Huckabee, Ben Carson, Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, Rand Paul, Chris Christie, John Kasich, Rick Perry, Rick Santorum, Carly Fiorina, Lindsey Graham and George Pataki.

Jindal, whose parents immigrated to the US from Punjab before he was born, is the first Indian-American to ever run for a US presidential elections.-PTI

find out any threat to the security, sovereignty and integrity of the nation or public interest," the court said.

It added that a citizen may conduct social activities and may have a different point of view which

may be against the policy of the state," the court said.

While granting the duo anticipatory bail, the court said if they are arrested then they shall be released immediately after furnishing surety of Rs 20,000.

"They (Teesta and Anand) just come and give vague answers. They do not tell us where the money has gone. They are not providing the account books of the trust.

Only the applicants can give CBI information about the trust and the money� may not be liked by the government.

"However, in a democratic state, a citizen can have his or her own point of view and it is the duty of the government to protect this view. A dissenting view cannot be said to be against the sovereignty of the government. It

The CBI while opposing the petitions argued that Teesta and her husband had committed an offence that amounted to a threat to national security and public interest and their custodial interrogation was required.

The High Court, however, was not satisfied with the investigat-

ing agency's arguments, and said the couple's custodial interrogation was not required.

The court further queried if Teesta and her husband had followed its earlier order of July 24 when the HC had, while granting them interim protection from arrest, directed them to appear before the CBI on four days for recording their statement.

CBI counsel Anil Singh told the court that the duo had attended CBI office, but were not cooperating with the investigation.

"They (Teesta and Anand) just come and give vague answers.

They do not tell us where the money has gone. They are not providing the account books of the trust. Only the applicants can give CBI information about the trust and the money. CBI cannot take this information from a third party and hence custodial interrogation is required," Singh said.-PTI

India Post

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August 14, 2015

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Survey of Nation

Done well, but not enough!

SURENDRA ULLAL & RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service

CHICAGO: India struck a date with destiny 68 years ago and is now celebrating its Independence with great hope and fortitude after a change in government at the Center. Expectations entertained by the people were high and India Post touched base with the Indian Americans for its survey of the achievements and failures of the government headed by Narendra Modi. The survey also wanted to gauge the opinion of the community members as to what direction they would want the government to move in coming years.

The consensus was that the government has done really well in enhancing the country's standing in the international field and that India has once again emerged

as a moral force in the comity of nations. There is a better perception of India as a sound proposition for investment and it is expected that a flow of investment from abroad should pick up in coming years There is general disenchantment that much talk about unearthing black money, bringing unaccounted money stacked abroad and booking scam perpetrators has not been translated into practice. The government has also not addressed the violence against women nor ensured dependable law and order system.

The consensus emerged that the government should concentrate on steady economic growth thru business friendly environment, improving infrastructure, the spread of education and healthcare reforms. The Modi government has done Ok but needs to do much better in coming years to justify the confidence that was placed in it.

Education and healthcare need attention

N

iranjan Shah, a front ranking community activist and CEO Globetrotters Engineering Corporation, observed that the biggest achievement of the Modi Government centers around navigating deftly India's foreign policy. As a sequel to this, the visibility not only with its neighbors to the East and West, but also in Central Asia and West has notched huge improvement. For years, the only focus has been on Pakistan. The Prime Minister is opening a lot of doors and building bridges. He is also building better relationships with the United States, European nations, and Russia on the basis of equality and mutual respect.

Shah feels that everyone was hoping and expecting that there would be a faster economic development and that the conditions of the poor people would improve more rapidly than what we have seen in the past.

Things have not moved up that fast. "I can't say with huge certainty that it is a failure because while the government is putting forth effort, it has also to deal with the neglect of the past and

Niranjan Shah

must catch up. It is a work in progress," he observed.

According to Niranjan Shah, the focus should be not only on industrial areas but also the development of rural areas to improve the quality of life.

Improved educational opportunities are also critical. The quality of a primary and secondary school education is as important as having more schools.

Health care sector needs also to get more attention, he added.

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Survey of Nation on 69th Independence Day

Growth rate still low

D

r Bharat Barai, a noted Indian Oncologist and community leader, said that the Modi Government can take pride in the fact that it has instilled new sense of confidence among people that there is a "Government Now " and that "the Government is corruption free" . There is a slow but a definite streamlining of bureaucracy which has become more responsible and more responsive.

Sushma Swaraj case is a small red herring but there is "no corruption involved. It can be at its worst faulted as error of judgment", he said. Overall, the government at the Center is not plagued with scandals or corruption charges as had been the case in the past.

"The biggest failure that I can think about" Dr Barai said, "relates to the economic area. Much

was expected but the growth rate is relatively low." However, the entire blame cannot be laid at the government door. The lack of majority in Rajya Sabha and myopic, short sighted focus of the oppo-

Dr Bharat Barai

sition, especially the Congress, is also to be blamed. A lack of majority in Rajya Sabha impedes passing of certain laws crucial for

upping the economic growth rate.

The land bill is an example. A leading Korean investor backed out setting up a project in Orissa because of land problem.

The government in coming years should concentrate on people oriented projects and in the process should be prepared to withstand unwelcome criticism or diatribes from opposition. This is part of democratic process, one can say, a necessary evil. China has prospered industrially because of heavy support from the government.

The loose talk about government and industrialists on the issue of licenses is sometimes off the mark in as much as an amiable and favorable industrial climate is sin qua non for economic progress and to spur investment.

The government should continue to be business friendly, Dr Barai said.

People need action, not promises

I

ftekhar Shareef, the FIA Trustee Board Chair and a community activist, said it was too early to make any assessment about the achievement or failure of the Modi Government. The government has chalked out a good number of well meaning programs like the river project and has initiated measures to boost investment.

The government has absolute majority in Lok Sabha and it aims to get control of Rajya Sabha in course of next year or so. It would then be relatively easy for it to push forward its stalled program and activities.

The government has not succeeded in bringing black money stacked abroad but it has at least created a scar among perpetrators

B

adri Ali Godharawala, Hospitality Advisor and Con sultant heading Commercial Investment Inc, said that the biggest achievement of the Modi Government is in awakening a national spirit of being proud Indians.

The scam infested previous government had sent a signal of pessimism/ desperation to countrymen. The scam scared the youth and equally affected the emotions of all the classes and masses. The soaring prices/ collapse of law and order were out of control of the

and the outflow of money in foreign banks seems to have halted or slowed down The government got elected

Iftekhar Shareef

with slogan Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas. There needs to be some active steps needed in this direction. The government should be

taking members of all communities in confidence and not one section alone. Also, it got elected in the face of plethora of scams and allegations against previous government. It should be aware that it does not face problems like MP rice scandal or Sushma-Lalit Mody imbroglio.

In coming years, the government should take active measures to promote economic growth.

Cashing in on goodwill generated with foreign investors and governments could be a top priority.

People do not need promises but some action as well. Foreign investment in core sector needs to be encouraged. Further liberalization of economy and cutting of bureaucratic red tape needs to be achieved.

Absence of riots commendable

M

afat Patel, a front ranking businessman in Chicago land and a community leader, said it would not be possible to point out a single achievement of the Modi Government in the past one year. There could be a few or many but he felt that the single most notable thing

Mafat Patel

Those with jaundiced eye painted Modi as communal but he saw to it that it was highly mischievous label tagged to his personality and thinking. is the absence of riots. Those with jaundiced eye painted Modi as communal but he saw to it that it was highly mischievous label tagged to his personality and thinking. He rose above sectarian politics and proved himself a

national leader It was during his regime that he struck deal with Bangladesh government ending territorial feud and also sought peace with Pakistan. The peace move here has not paid off because of domestic pull in that country but one needs to credit him that for the sincere efforts made. Hope better sense prevails there. His stature and along with him the country stature in the international arena has sky rocketed.

Mafat Patel opined that considering the fact that the government inherited a totally dysfunctional and scam ridden government, the oft repeated charge that PM Modi failed in his promise to unearth black money is overdone.

The government should be given time to attend to this problem.

He is however, disillusioned at the state of affairs in Gujarat. "The government there was functioning great while Narendra Modi was CM. His exit has virtually created a vacuum. This is reflected in corrupt elements playing havoc there. The state of Gujarat and India at large provide a different picture," he said.

In coming years, Mafat Patel wants PM Modi and his government to pay greater attention to spurring economic development.

"He tried to build up goodwill for India abroad not only with the governments but also with private investors. This is expected to lead to higher level of investments here. The business friendly environment needs to be given a fresh push so that the efforts made abroad get translated into to economic growth domestically," he said.

Awakened national spirit then government. Modi government lighted and ignited ray of hope in all the Indians without any discrimination.

It says in Urdu "ummeed pey duniya kayam hai".

Modi also is slowly winning the confidence of the minorities. Being a business and Gujarati person he is well aware of bottlenecks of the system and he is trying his best to control the damage and put things on right track, which will take the nation to the front economically.

Touching upon the ques-

Badri Ali Godharawala

tions of failure of the government, he said one year is a relatively short time to pass judgment. But one thing looks clear, the failure is not due to the policies - it is because of poor implementation.

The council of ministers has to be careful in selecting their words before boasting and sharing their success stories.

The Modi government should concentrate on ensuring discipline in the functioning of the government,

spread of education, especially quality and technical, maintain law and order that would ensure safety to all, common man as well as women in particular, speedier justice, and finally initiating economic reforms that would result in better utilization of natural resources Modi is a great orator and has a vision - he should not fall in the trap of yes men! He is required to rise above the common and dirty politics. If he does that, he will be a great Gujarati of proud India.

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Survey of Nation on 69th Independence Day

Win confidence of investors Anil Shah, President CEO World Money Exchange, said that PM Modi has emerged as a world leader in a span of one year of his assuming the post of Indian Prime Minister. This is not only his personal achievement but also of the new government that he has been heading since it is teamwork at play.

Good part is that he has made extra efforts to strike relationship with Pakistan, China. Sri Lanka and Bangladesh - our neighbors.

It looks that he has established good rapport with Chinese, Lankans and Bangladeshi leaders.

Pakistan is still an enigma as its

Nothing done on black money

B

.G.Dhake, President Dhake Industries Inc Plymouth MI, said the biggest achievement that the Modi government can be legitimately proud of is in the area of international relationship. "PM Modi took lot of pain and interest in building

B.G.Dhake

India's image in the international arena by traveling and meeting small and big dignitaries across the world. He did not mind shaking hands and talking straight with even some of the enemy or less friendly countries and this helped in boosting India's status world wide," he said.

The government had its Waterloo so far in unearthing black money or getting billions of dollars stacked abroad by criminals, politicians and industrialists.

People expected a lot but virtually nothing has happened and that is shame, he observed.

Dhake wants the government to concentrate heavily on economic development and take concrete steps to boost domestic and international investment in the country. "Only that will help slowly eradicate poverty and ensure creation of jobs for teeming millions. Unless this is done, people would not forgive or his government, "he added

motivations are different and the country has lot of internal problems. But India's image is up glo-

Anil Shah

bally.

The government has not lived up to expectations with regard to bringing back off-shore black money. These funds would have spurred economic growth. Corruption still plagues many levels in Government as well as in public life.

The Modi government should concentrate on measures that will ensure a faster economic growth and induce confidence among investors. In the context of world wide recession and slower economic growth, India should exercise increased vigilance that its economy does not falter

Bring back trust

T

hakar S Basati, a Sikh government has also failed to community activist and In gain trust from all communities dependent Associate Le- in the country. "The distrust gal Shield, said the biggest among some still prevails," Basati achievement of said. the Modi govIn the comernment in the ing year, in last one year Basati's opinwas getting Inion, the Modi dia respected government more in the inwould do well ternational coto gain the trust mity of nations. of the people if India's status is he brings to looking up. justice the At the same wrongdoers intime, the Modi volved in nugovernment merous scandid not do dals plaguing great in buildthe country. ing infrastrucPeople should Thakar S Basati ture, a must for have trust in speeding economic growth. The government services, police and country is still lagging behind the juridical system," he pointed and it impedes development. The out.

Avoid tall promises

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handrakant (Chan) Patel), seems happy and business enviPresident of State Bank of ronment has improved a lot", he Texas, said that one of the said. most singular The biggest achievements failure of the of the Modi government is government of its own makwould be to ing. Tall promimpart a sense ises like cleanof confidence ing up Ganges by improving etc were self debusiness and feating. investment cliThe governmate. This is ment could do very important well for the for spurring people of India Chandrakant (Chan) Patel economic if it concengrowth through higher invest- trates on promoting congenial ment from domestic and interna- and favorable economic environtional corporations. ment, as it is already doing, Chan The Indian business community Patel felt.

Ensure balanced growth

A

marender Reddy, consult The government would do well to ant to 24 Mantra, a lead give equal importance to agriculing Inture, industry, dia based comeducation and pany promoting health which Organic foods will ensure a here, said it balanced would be diffigrowth. When cult to comment the government on the achieveearnestly starts ment or failure working on this, of the Modi other related regovernment in quirements or the past one problems comyear, but he ing will also get could definitely addressed. point the direcIf the govAmarender Reddy tion that the ernment takes government should take in com- up the balanced growth approach, ing years. the question of failure as also of Any one area will not help to big achievement should not make the country prosperous. arise. When you are running the Higher emphasis on industrializa- government, it is the responsibiltion could lead to lopsided growth. ity to do the best.

Hope for better future

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r Dayal T. Meshri, an internationally acclaimed scientist and President/ CEO Advance Research Chemicals, Inc., Tulsa, said the Modi Government has brought confidence, stability and hope for better future among all sections of people.

Bureaucrats are being tuned in to improve their performance. India has regained its respect as an influential leader in the International community. The most powerful leaders of the world (USA, Russia, Japan, China, Germany, France, Canada and UK) have started accepting India's new leadership on an equal footing.

Within the first year, either they have paid a visit to India or have invited PM Modi to their countries. "This has never happened before in India. Truly a historical, record breaking development. Indeed it is remarkable!" Dr Meshri observed Dr Meshri felt that unfortunate incident of Vasundhara Raje and Sushma Swaraj's relationship with a fugitive certainly has led to some adverse impact on Modi's clean government. Although

people do not doubt Modi's credibility or sincerity, but the same thing cannot be said about some

Dr Dayal T. Meshri

of his top cabinet members.

"Their motivation remains questionable," he said.

Another area where the government has not lived up to expectations pertains to foreign bank accounts. "This issue has become dormant and no one is ready to stir it," Dr Meshri added In the coming years, the Modi government should concentrate on the spread of quality education, defense and industrial expansion, improving infrastructure and health sector.

More Supplement stories on page 46

TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

1 Selfie Le Le Re : Bajrangi Bhaijaan

20 India Post

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acqueline Fernandez says she is single and it is absurd to link her with actor Arjun Kapoor. Rumor mills were abuzz about the growing friendship between Jacqueline and Arjun during IIFA awards.

"Why everyone is asking me. Why you all don't ask Arjun about this? We were there at the IIFA awards. We stood together for a press conference and everyone started linking us," Jacqueline told PTI in an interview.

"Arjun finds these link up stories hilarious. I also think it is quite funny.

We are focused on our careers right now. We are just great friends and that's it. So, it is absurd to link us together. I am single," she said.

August 14, 2015

2 Sun Saathiya : ABCD 2 3 Tu Chahiye : Bajrangi Bhaijaan 4 Bhar Do Jholi Meri : Bajrangi Bhaijaan 5 Hamari Adhuri Kahani : Hamari Adhuri Kahani 6 Bezubaan Phir Se : ABCD 2 7 Mera Naam Mary : Brothers 8 Chaar Shanivaar : All Is Well 9 Banno : Tanu Weds Manu Returns 10 Baaton Ko Teri : All Is Well

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K

riti Sanon, who is working with stalwarts like Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol in her next film "Dilwale", says she would love to do a biopic on late actress Madhubala.

"I would love to do a biopic on Madhubala. She was very pretty. I really admire her," Kriti said here on the sidelines of India International Jewellery Week in Mumbai.

"She is someone who is still alive in our hearts and people still remember her. I feel she had a life which can actually be told. I think not many people know about her story and we can tell them," she added.

ast year, Salman Khan swayed the box-office with his runaway hit Kick. For all those who were 'kick-ed' about the film's sequel, here is some good news and that too from the horse's mouth!

Recently, Salman Khan decided to go public about the second installment about the action drama and announced that Kick's sequel is already on the scripting stage. He added that, while he had given t h e concept to Sajid Nadiadwala, the latter was working on the story. Further he stated that the film will see him in a double role. Talking about the film going on floor, Salman Khan divulged that it will only happen after Sajid is through with the screenplay and the script.

S a j i d Nadiadwala too maintained that Kick's sequel is a story that needs to be told.

Bollywood

August 14, 2015

India Post 21

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D "The fight against depression is a cause very close to my heart and is one of the largest health issues facing the country today�

I

J

ackie Shroff, who has done several films with Madhuri Dixit in the past, says he now wants to do a romantic film with the noted actress.

Jackie and Madhuri worked together in Devdas, Lajja, Khal Nayak, 100 Days, Parinda, Prem Deewane, Ram Lakhan and Sangeet. "Madhuri should do more films, she should do a film with me where she is romancing me. On a level that has more grace... we are waiting for the right script and we hope we get one," the 58-year-old actor told in an interview here.

"I follow the work of my contemporaries. I love their work. They are doing well. Sunny (Deol) is doing fantastic work, he is doing what he is best at beating up people convincingly. Anil (Anil Kapoor) is doing well... he is good at making people laugh," he said. Jackie, who will be seen next in actiondrama film Brothers alongside Akshay Kumar and Siddharth Malhotra, says action in films has changed a lot today.

"Madhuri should do more films, she should do a film with me where she is romancing me. On a level that has more grace... we are waiting for the right script and we hope we get one,"

mran Khan, who is now awaiting the release of Katti Batti, says he has never had expectations from his movies and that success or failure of any project has never affected him.

Asked about his expectations from Katti Batti, he said during a media interaction here: "I have never had any expectations regarding any of my films.

I'm affected neither by success, nor by failure.

What affects me is whether I'm part of a film that I'm happy with or I'm proud of. I would not be part of film which I'm not happy with or proud of."

In Katti Batti, the actor will be seen playing an architect. Imran for the very first time will be seen opposite Kangana Ranaut.

So far, the sneak peeks into Katti Batti have been appreciated.

eepika Padukone, who faced depression in the past, feels it is a major health issue in the coun try today which needs to be addressed.

"The fight against depression is a cause very close to my heart and is one of the largest health issues facing the country today. Having experienced depression in the recent past, I realize how difficult it is to recognize the problem, find information and get the right kind of professional help," Deepika said in a statement here.

The actress launched on Twitter the logo of her 'The Live Love Laugh' Foundation, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to addressing the issue of mental health in India. She talked about how she had experienced depression and took professional help to overcome it. The actress then decided to start a not-forprofit organization that would focus on increasing awareness about mental health as an issue.

Desi News Naperville Parade to showcase Indian American heritage DAVE VASUDEVAN

NAPERVILLE: For the thousands expected to attend the 2015 India Day Parade and Celebration on August 16 in Naperville, it is going to be a veritable visual and aural feast.

The India Day Parade marks the 69th anniversary of India's independence and celebrates the coming of age of Naperville's Indian Americans who have contributed to the City, State and the Country in the fields of technology, medicine, finance and business along with its unique blend of culture and cuisine.

Naperville Indian Community Outreach (NICO), the organizer of the event, said that. Over 50 participants with 15 intricately decorated floats will be part of the parade. Food stalls will offer the spectators a tantalizing taste of the rich and varied Indian cuisine.

Details on page 24

Community leaders remember Dr Kalam RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service

CHICAGO: In the death of Dr Abdul Kalam, India not only lost a well respected scientist but also a sagacious secular political leader and a humanitarian. He excelled as a scientist no doubt, but he proved himself equal to the task when elected President of India - the highest position one can achieve in Republic India. The tributes, homages and Shraddhanjali that he continues to get from Indians everywhere prove that he has emerged greater in death than in life.

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA

22 India Post

Annual Festival

August 14, 2015

Details on page 30

ABDUL SIDDIQUI, ARVIND PATEL & DAVE VASUDEVAN

CHICAGO: There is hectic activity among Indian Americans in Chicago as they gear up to celebrate the 69th Indian Independence day with gusto and lot of enthusiasm. There would be huge and distinctly attractive programs chalked for Chicago, Naperville (South west suburb of Chicago) and Schaumburg (northwest suburb of Chicago) all organized by well knit Indian organizations.

The start will be with the Flag hoisting ceremony at Chicago Daley Plaza and the initiative by the Indian Consulate in uniting all groups of Indians to come together and have this event done on one platform has paid good dividend. Flag hoisting in the morning of August 15 by Indian

Consul General Dr Ausaf Sayeed will be followed by the reading of Indian President Pranab Mukherjee's message. The CG office will also host a banquet for Chicago elites at Union Club in Chicago downtown

cans, has been in the forefront celebrating the event for the past three decades or so and it has announced a culmination of the celebration with hosting a Grand Mela in Chicago India town near Devon Avenue

Naperville Indians have been celebrating India Day over the past few years but this time they have the blessing of the local Council. They have decided to put up their program with higher number of attractive floats The Federation of Indian Associations Chicago, one of the oldest organizations of Indian Ameri-

Set up in recent years, the Federation of Indian Associations Schaumburg is not lagging behind

and it has chalked up highly entertaining program with Bollywood singer Bappi Lahiri and Kader Khan's son as top attractions for their Banquet and their India Day Parade Naperville Indians have been celebrating India Day over the past few years but this time they have the blessing of the local Council.

They have decided to put up their program with higher number of attractive floats, cultural program showcasing Indian culture, classical dances and mixing that with booths and food stalls. By all account and with the weather God favoring the community, it would not be an exaggeration to say that the India Day celebrations will surpass many such previous celebrations.

FIA Mela as Grand Finale to I-Day Celebrations ABDUL SIDDIQUI

CHICAGO: A grand Mela following the India Independence Day Parade on Saturday, August 15 at the Republic Bank of Chicago premises on the corner of Devon Ave & Washtenaw in Chicago will be one of the biggest attractions of the India Day Celebrations in Chicagoland.

Immediately after the comple-

Delightful evening of Classical Raag songs India Post News Service

Details on page 31

Association hosts

Indian Americans gear up for India Independence Day Celebrations

Details on page 25

MILPITAS: Sangeet Dhwani hosted a Special Music Event at the Milpitas Library Auditorium, with choicest movie songs based on the Hindustani Classical Raags, with the support of professional award winning artists, spearheaded by the Bay Area popular vocalist Anupama Chandratrey.

The event was attended by over 150 music lovers.

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Telugu

Dr Indrajit Patel, FIA President

tion of the Parade, a very festive Mela complete with colorful dances, music, singing and other fun-filled elements will take center stage on Devon Ave to extend the day of festivities in observance of

FIA has teamed up with Hi InIndia's Independence Day. the community is discouraged and Iftekhar Shareef, Trustee and that the Indian community stands dia, a Chicago based newspaper, Events chair reminded the commu- united on addressing the issues for the Mela."All is now set for nity of the fake FIA operating out facing the community rather than showcasing an eclectic mid-afterof Schaumburg, Illinois, who are wasting time and resources in bur- noon show in the heart of the India Town on Devon Avenue with collecting funds in the name of nishing individual egos.

FIA Chicago. Two individuals He strongly stressed the need a host of young dancers presentwho lost FIA election held in 2010 for unity and pulling resources for ing a string of exciting Bollywood formed another FIA by manipulating the name by a word or so and trying to do an event in Schaumburg. "We have no issue if they do events with any other name except FIA Chicago. The original FIA was formed in 1980 and it's doing its job, and continuously organizing India Day Parade every year attracting thousands of participants from Midwest. We are demanding the group to cease from any such activities in the name of Trustee Board Chair Iftekhar Shareef and former President Keerthi Ravoori FIA-Chicago, otherwise they will be facing legal challenges", said Shareef. common good. Touching upon the dances with music and the beats.

Dr Indrajit Patel, the FIA presi- oft repeated demand for inviting This will be a grand finale to a dent in a talk to this paper said it film celebrities from India, he said weekend of India Independence would be in the best interest of it involves spending huge amount Day celebrations hosted by FIAthe community and also in fitness of money which can be utilized for Chicago," said Keerthi Ravoori, former FIA President. of the things if any effort to divide better causes.

August 14, 2015

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Community Across America

24 India Post

August 14, 2015

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Naperville Parade to showcase Indian American heritage DAVE VASUDEVAN

NAPERVILLE: For the thousands expected to attend the 2015 India Day Parade and Celebration on August 16 in Naperville, it is going to be a veritable visual and aural feast.

The India Day Parade marks the 69th anniversary of India's independence and celebrates the coming of age of Naperville's Indian Americans who have contributed to the City, State and the Country in the fields of technology, medicine, finance and business along with its unique blend of culture and cuisine.

Naperville Indian Community Outreach (NICO), the organizer of the event, said that. Over 50 participants with 15 intricately decorated floats will be part of the parade. Food stalls will offer the spectators a tantalizing taste of the rich and varied Indian cuisine.

The parade starts at 2 pm from the intersection of East 4th Avenue and Center Street in Naperville which will be followed by the recognitions and cultural performances beginning at 3:00 pm at Naperville Central Park.

The parade will showcase fac-

Group of Indian community members with Indian CG Dr Ausaf Sayeed, current and former Naperville Mayors Padrel and S Chirico

ets of Indian folk and popular dances while professional dance schools will portray traditional, contemporary and Bollywood dance forms in the cultural event, which will follow the parade.

"Several local dance academies along with an internationally acclaimed artist Bijoy Anand Shivram will present a rich heritage on stage, which will serve as a reflection of India's diverse cultural traditions." said Vasavi Chakka, Board Member and

member of the NICO's Cultural Event Committee. The dances range from the traditional South Indian forms like Bharatanatyam to the vigorous Bhangra from the North Indian state of Punjab as well as fusion dances performed to a Bollywood style beat.

The classical dances are a form of story-telling revolving as they do around the nine 'Rasa' or emotions, namely happiness, anger, fear, courage, peace, kindness, agony, surprise and disgust.

Bappi & Kader Khan's son for FIA event ARVIND PATEL

CHICAGO: Kader Khan's son Sarfaraz Khan will also be performing along with Bappi Lahiri at the FIA hosted Indian Independence Day Festival at Boomers Stadium in Schaumburg on August 16th.

only Bappi and his troupe members will perform, but several local prominent local artists are also lined up for presentation, said Payal Shah, FIA Vice President and coordinator of the cultural pro-

Global Punjabi Milaap on August 22 HARISH RAO

CHICAGO: Global Punjabi Milaap will be held on Saturday August 22, at Holiday Inn in Mt.

together by hosting it jointly with Indian and Pakistani communities," said Sajid Chaudhry. "We

He said, "If anyone would like to take part please let us know by August 15th. We have already requested S. Ashok Bhaura, S.Surinder Sohal and Ms.Shakti Manak. She is the daughter of legendary singer Shri Kuldip Manak. Ms Shakti will emcee most of the program.

It is an attempt to bring together people who were uprooted during partition of India and Pakistan in 1947. This is also the way to connect younger generation with our history and make them aware of our rich heritage.

File picture of Global Punjabi Milaap 2013. From L to R Dr Navdeep Kaur Sandhu, Professor Light refreshJagindar Singh Ramdev, Sajid Chaudhry, S. Amolak Singh Gidda, Raza Razak, ments will be served.

S.Thakar S Basati and Dr Deepak Kapoor To get more information please contact Prospect, a northwest suburb of have highlighted topics like Globalpunjabimilaap@gmail.com, Chicago at 2pm.

Punjab di Saanjh, The Legend Thakar S Basati 847-736-6092, "We have been hosting Global Waris Shah, Baba Bulleh Shah and Sajid Chaudhry 773-213-3775 or Punjabi Milaap since 2003 and we this year the topic is "Riwaz Prof.Jagindar Singh Ramdev 847have brought many Punjabi people Punjab De", he added 543-7565.

Kader Khan's son Sarfaraz Khan with FIA Vice President Moon Khan

Sarfaraz has acted in or produced several movies, serials, plays, and shows that include TBazaar, Vaada, Wanted, Kissan, Taash Ke Patte, Saubhagyawat, Best of Luck, etc.

"I am exceedingly happy that a decade ago my father attended the Independence Day festivity, and this year, I will have the honor to represent Mother India in Chicago," said Sarfaraz Khan, who has a contract for acting in a Hollywood comedy movie I Can‌Mess It Up. Expressing his happiness, Sunil Shah, FIA Founder President said "We are getting overwhelming response from the community." Not

gram.

For kids, special rides and several fun activities have also been arranged, said Manjeet Singh, coordinator of the rides. Ample parking space too, said Ninad Daftari, who will be interacting with visitors.

Lt. Governor Evelyn Sanguinetti will lead the lineup of dozens of confirmed elected officials on August 16. "This is the best show in town, don't go anywhere; come to Schaumburg," said Mukesh Shah FIA is charging a nominal $8 for ticket. Part of the proceeds will go to Nepal Relief Fund and a scholarship foundation.

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India Post 25

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Community leaders remember Dr Kalam RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service

CHICAGO: In the death of Dr Abdul Kalam, India not only lost a well respected scientist but also a sagacious secular political leader and a humanitarian. He excelled as a scientist no doubt, but he proved himself equal to the task when elected President of India - the highest position one can achieve in Republic India. The tributes, homages and Shraddhanjali that he continues to get from Indians everywhere prove that he has emerged greater in death than in life.

Niranjan Shah, a foremost community leader remembering this great son of India said "I had the privilege and pleasure of meeting Dr Kalam in India on more than one occasion. The first time that I met Dr Kalam was in early 2000 during President Clinton's State Visit to India. Prime Minister Vajpayee had hosted a State Lunch for President Clinton, which I was privileged to attend.

Dr Kalam was there at the reception. At that time he was the Science Advisor to the PM. I recognized him from photographs that I had previously seen in news-

for the political people." I then asked him if he'd like to, and he said yes.

I took him to the front of the line and introduced him to Presi-

sible for India's nuclear test. President Clinton invited Dr Kalam to have a private meeting with him in his hotel room, and of course he happily obliged. If I understand

Dr Abdul Kalam honoring Chicago community leader Niranjan Shah

papers. I approached him and introduced myself, and asked him if he had said "hello to the President." He said, "No, I leave that

dent Clinton as one of the most important people in India, second only to the Prime Minister. I introduced him as the person respon-

correctly, the President did in fact meet with him.

In turn, Dr Kalam invited me for a breakfast in his office the next

day. We talked about many science-related issues. In a few years time, he became the President of India. I had the privilege of meeting him a few more times, including when I received the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award in 2006.

Dr Kalam was a simple yet very brilliant human being. It's a great achievement that India can elect someone like Dr Kalam as President. On the day of his funeral, the New York Times did a story on a Muslim man who was hanged for the Mumbai terrorist attack by the Indian government. They neglected to provide significant coverage of the fact that India is the greatest democracy where Dr Kalam was the second Muslim to become President of India, and the fact that the entire country came together to mourn the death of Dr Kalam.

Niranjan Shah, is a front ranking Indian community leader and CEO of one of the top engineering consulting firms - Globetrotter Engineering Corporation Chicago.

Dr Abdul Kalam's visit to Chicago SURENDRA ULLAL

Mafat Patel, often described as uncrowned King of Devon, said that "it was four years ago that former Indian President Dr Abdul Kalam paid a visit to Chicago and I was privileged to have his "darshan" near Devon Avenue while he came to the Indo American Center.

My first and the last impression

was that this man is so simple and so honest that India would turn a most wanted country to live in if there are more people like him.

His simplicity, sincerity and humility were all transparent and so appealing that I even now cherish him.

My regards and respect for Dr Kalam soared sky high when I

come to get a list his personal wealth. The details are mind boggling: 3 pants, 6 shirts, 3 suits, 1 watch, 2500 books, No TV, AC, Car; One Bangalore flat handed over to scientists community long ago.

That's it. gentlemen. The material wealth and worth of the ex

Hindi Lovers Club homage HARISH RAO

CHICAGO: Smt. Gurbachan Kaur, founder president of Hindi Lovers Club (Hindi Premi Sangh) said it was with shock that "We

learnt of the sad demise of one of our most popular present day leaders in India and on behalf of members of my Club (Sangh), pay our respect and tribute to his departed soul."

She said, "At one of our recent meetings, we talked about some of the great ideas and messages that he passed on to us and two of them worth repeating are quoted here below: "All of us do not have equal talent. But all of us do have an opportunity to develop our talents.

"Dreams are not those which come while we are sleeping, but dreams are those when you don't sleep before fulfilling them."

We mourn his death and pray for his soul resting in peace, she said.

President. It's the simplicity of life personified. Zero balance in bank but the affection, love and good

wishes of over a billion Indians in India and across the globe.

Let the Great soul rest in peace.

Prayer meet at Indo American Center MADHU PATEL

CHICAGO: The Indo-American Center (IAC) will host an event on August 15 at 2:30 p.m. at the IndoAmerican Center to honor the memory and service of former Indian President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.

Dr Kalam passed away on July 27. He served as India's president from 2002-2007. A lifelong scientist who studied physics and

aerospace engineering, Kalam's prominent role in India's 1998 nuclear weapon tests established him as a national hero. He has been the recipient of India's highest civilian awards for his contributions in modernizing government defense technology.

He was known as the People's President. Dr. Kalam visited the Indo-American Center in 2011.

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August 14, 2015

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Superb Arangetram by Anjali Varghese HIMANI KUMAR

CHICAGO: Anjali Varghese performed solo for three hours at her Arangetram on Saturday, August 1 at the Hemmens Cultural Center in Elgin.

A visual feast for the eyes, she kept the show engaging and mesmerized the audience with her dancing acumen. Her steps were performed well and her graceful and crisp adavus were in sync the rhythm. A variety of dance items were performed.

The program began with Namastubhyam Ganeshaya, was followed by Alaripu, Christu Shabdam, Varnam, Chandrachooda,

Malayalam Devotional song and Thillana that ended on a light and enchanting note with Mangalam. It was quite a breeze for someone who started learning dance when she was 3.

In Christu Shabdam, the story of prostitute Mary Magdalene is shown where she almost falls in love with Jesus when she tries to pacify Jesus when his followers including Judas worry what will happen when they travel to Jerusalem and that Jesus' following will be seen as a threat to the Roman Empire. Judas is bothered that Jesus is as-

sociating with a woman of such a low profession but Jesus supports her and tells Judas that Mary Magdalene is with him and unless Judas is without sin he should not judge the character of others.

Of especial mention was the Varnam in which she portrayed Lord Rama lifting the heavy bow for Sita's Swayamvara (wedding) and winning her hand for marriage. The Varnam started with the Sita Swayamvara and ended with the Sita Haran in which the demon God king Ravana kidnaps Sita, wife of Rama.

Anjali at her Arangetram

"Varnam is the longest and most challenging item from the dance aspect and abhinaya too," Santosh Varghese, Anjali's father and President of Kalapadma Dance Academy, said. It embodies Nritta (pure dance, Nritya (dance with hand gestures), and Natya (drama) of the highest order. She performed Varnam about the Nava Rasas (nine sentiments) through the life of Lord Rama. The Varnam lasted for more than 40 minutes. Anjali danced with extra energy till the end.

Varnam is the most elaborate item of the Arangetram.

Thillana was the scintillating final piece capturing sculptural poses, complicated steps and Tirmanams (rhythmic phrases) of the dancer. The accompanying artists included Natuuvangam by Guru Ruth Varghese, Vocal by Vasudha Balakrishna, Mridangam by S. V. Balakrishna, Flute by Raghunandan Ramakrishna, Rhythm Pad by Karthik Vydharti, and Drums by Alvin Varghese.Flutist Raghunandan Ramakrishna gave music for the Varnam.

Santosh Varghese also compeered the show with Kelly Kurian and joked and quipped with the audience during the show.

Anjali, just 18, recently graduated from Maine East School and has been training under her mother for the past 15 years. She is the daughter of dancer Ruth Parijata Varghese, Artistic Director of Kalapadma Academy.

She currently helps her mother at many levels - teaching, choreography, performances, music selection, and editing. In 2009, she performed at the prestigious Bharat Bhavan at the Golden Jubilee celebration of Kalapadma. In 2011, she was invited to perform along with her mother at the prestigious Tagore auditorium Bhopal at the festival organized by the government of Madhya Pradesh in honor of Guru Shri Shankar Hombal, her grandfather.

In the future, Anjali plans to join Oakton Community College and take over dance as a career. She hopes to go to Bangalore next year for extra dance training in one of the dance schools.

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Grand opening of Hanuman Temple in Frisco, TX. BABU TANGEWALA

projects to help the downtrodden, including hospitals and schools across the world to help the poor and needy, and homes for the aged. People around the world have received immense benefit from physical healing to spiritual guidance through His music therapy sessions.

Recently, Guinness World Records recognized Sri Swamiji's unique spiritual and healing efA section of the crowd

DALLAS TX: Datta Yoga Center established by Dr Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji announced the grand opening and Maha Kumbhabhisheka (consecration) of the Marakata Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple in Frisco,

fire sacrifice, Sunday school, place for cultural performances, free community health fair, bookstall and more.

The inauguration was conducted in an authentic Vedic tradition and included the installation of deities and energizing

Swami Sachchidananda performing puja. Abhishekam and rituals at the opening of Hanuman temple in Dallas. Also a bird's eye view of the Temple

Texas, USA. The grand opening ceremonies, took place over 6 days starting from Saturday, July 18 to Thursday, July 23. Following the grand consecration, religious ceremonies and cultural programs will continue until 30th August to commemorate the milestone event concluding the 40-day celebrations.

This 34,000 square feet new facility, part of a larger complex and dedicated to public for worship, has a prayer hall that houses the sanctum sanctorum for the main deity - Lord Hanuman, made in Green Emerald - which is very unique.

This shrine is surrounded by 4 more temples and additional space for community service viz.,

them in preparation for worship.

The exterior architecture of the temple has exquisitely carved three unique towers modeled after very exclusive spiritual symbols passing divine energy to the worshippers.

The event was estimated to have been attended by over ten thousand people who witnessed the temple tower worship, consecration and energizing processes.

Based in Mysore, Sri Swamiji has established many ashrams to spread the message of peace and universal brotherhood around the world including the Jesus Datta Retreat Center in West Sunbury, PA, a Trinity temple in Baton Rouge LA. Sri Swamiji supports a multitude of social

forts offering two world records one in the category of largest chanting with nearly 129,000 people and another for the largest music therapy lesson performed in the Sydney Opera House, Australia.

Acknowledging Sri Swamiji's international stature, the US government has granted special O-visa status to Him to travel and perform throughout the USA.

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Teeyan Da Mela showcases Punjabi culture ASIAN MEDIA USA

CHICAGO IL: Punjabi American Organization (PAO) organized its11th annual "Teeyan Da Mela" on Sunday, July 26 at Bristol Palace Banquet in Mt Prospect. The

with ladies and children dressed in colorful Indian clothes. This year PAO brought 'Mrs Punjaban' contest. Mrs Pamil Preet Dhillon won the crown and Mrs Raman Dhaliwal got 1st runner-up award. Mrs Mandeep Mann, winThe event started with the ner of " Shaunkan Mele traditional Open dholki, Dee" crowned the winner and Gugani Gill, where the audience was winner of Mrs invited on stage to particiPunjaban-Canada, pate in singing Punjabi songs crowned the runner-up.

The event started with the traditional Open dholki, where the "Ladies only" event Teeyan indi- audience was invited on stage to cates great respect to women as participate in singing Punjabi mother/ daughter/ daughter-in-law songs to keep up the Punjabi trabinding the families together. dition of celebration. Ladies felt More than 600 ladies attended like they just came back to their this event. The hall was packed parents' home and enjoying 'Saun

Young participants

Organizers of Teeyan Da Mela event

da mahina' in an Indian village.

Punjabi singer Sunita Bhatti emceed the event and captivated the audience with her singing. Dance performances were performed by Hannah Singh, Simran Walia, Aarty Singla, Naina Singh, Maninder Chhabra and Sweta Bawa. Other local singers from Midwest region - Mrs Pooja Dhaliwal, Mrs Mona Bhalla, Simran K. Dhaliwal and Mona Sharma showed their singing talent too.

Fashion show is the other aspect of Teeyan da Mela which ladies look forward to every year.

This year the fashion show was sponsored by Richa from getethnic.com, co-ordinated by Neha Walia. Audience was stunned by various outfits showcased in this fashion show. All the models were local participants.

Gidha coordinated by Anshu Paul won the audience's heart. At

Audience dancing with Sunita singing

the climax of this event, almost all ladies and girls who attended "Teeyan Da Mela" were on "Gidha floor" with Sunita Bhatti encouraging the audience with numerous Bolian, followed by DJ. Punjabi American Organization aims to promote unity and progress of all Punjabi IndianAmericans. There were different stalls for Mehndi, Jewelry, Gift Items, Punjabi suits and kurtis. In addition to Giddha, dholki, singing and dancing with live music, delicious Indian snacks and delicious gourmet lunch was served.

This year the Chief Guest was Mrs Satwant Kaur Kaler and Grand sponsor was Jasmeet Suga of Suga Builders. The Organizing Committee welcomed the audience and thanked all the sponsors for their generous donations.

Food was catered by Maharaja Restaurant.

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Telugu Association hosts Annual Festival Asian Media USA

CHICAGO: Telugu Festival hosted by Chicago Telugu Association (CTA) on Saturday, August 1 at Copernicus Center, Chicago, brought members of the Telugu community in and around Chicago together under one roof celebrating culture and success of the organization's service activities.

Large number - over 1400 Telugu people - who came in for the Telugu Festival 2015, annual conference of CTA were treated to unmatched entertainment . This was a great event and huge success and great display by Telugu youth. It started with the Pradhana Song (Ganesha) and followed by welcome address by conference coordinator Sridhar Mumgandi.

CTA Telugu festival team

and Anusha Aravind.

Jugalbandi dance was presented by Bindya, Revathi, Sneha Ankitha, Sravanthi, Nikitha, Jaya

Telugu Festival. Chicago Telugu Association executive members presented the brief history and activities of CTA. Conference co-

CTA members paid grand tribute to former president Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. A special video on the life of Dr Kalam was shown and the audience observed a moment of silence in his honor.

Varaprasad Bodapati and Joint Treasurer Ms. Havila Devarapalli.

The new President Nagendra Vege announced that the focus of the CTA will be on youth (education mentoring), elders (medical help line), women's (Mahila Sambaralu) and sports.

Founder of CTA, Praveen Moturu briefed about the CTA's objectives, vision and how CTA is setting an example to rest of the organizations as well as serving as a role model for service activities.

NATS President Ravi Achanta thanked the Chicago Telugu Community for supporting CTA and NATS and also announced that NATS Board has decided to host 2017 Sambaralu at Chicago.

Top Tollywood music director Anup Rubens and team performed musical night for more than three hours and enthralled the audience with melodious songs. About 100 kids participated in singing Manam song along with Anup Rubens.

Noted comedians Sudheer, Chanti and Rakesh presented several comedy skits.

Delicious Telugu dinner was served. Chicago Telugu Association released a souvenir for the Telugu Festival and dedicated it to former president and Bharat Ratna Dr APJ Abdul Kalam.

A section of the audience at CTA

US Sentor Mark Kirk greeted the meet with his good wish message.

Several Tollywood medleys were presented by Swathi, Lakshmi Laalasa and Dazzling Dudes Team Bharat Achanta, Siddharth Sai Muppavarapu, Rithvik Muvva, Arnav Thotakura, Gopi Thotakura, Yashasvi Mumgandi and Rina Rockers. .

Classical fusion composed by Anusha Naidu was well appreciated and performed by Malishka Ambati, Hanitha Sharma Puranam, Geetha Priya, Sreehamsi Koganti, Namashritha Koganti, Asritha Tunguntla, Mahitha Pamulapati

Prada, Anusha, and Meghana Aleti. Pushpanjali, a classical Kuchipudi dance was performed by young kids Priyanka Achanta, Tejaswi Achanta, Pranavi Polavarapu and Laasya Rangu.

CTA members paid grand tribute to former president Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. A special video on the life of Dr Kalam was shown and the audience observed a moment of silence in his honor.

The evening session started with grand welcome song ("Swagatham Palukotondi CTA Kovelaa") specially written, composed and choreographed for

ordinator Sridha Mumgandi welcomed the audience and the outgoing president. Murthy Koppaka and his team were felicitated. The program was energetically anchored by Sandeep and Uma. Rao Achanta introduced the new team of executive committee led by President Nagendra Vege.

New team consists of Vice Presidents Madan Pamulapati, Ms Sujana Achanta, Venkat Yalamanchili, Sridhar Mumgandi, Secretary Subba Rao Putreveu, Joint Secretary Rajesh Veedulamudi, Treasurer

Children participants at CTA Festival

Telugu Bridal show

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Delightful evening of Classical Raag songs India Post News Service

MILPITAS: Sangeet Dhwani hosted a Special Music Event at the Milpitas Library Auditorium, with choicest movie songs based on the Hindustani Classical Raags, with the support of professional award winning artists, spearheaded by the Bay Area popular vocalist Anupama Chandratrey.

The event was attended by over 150 music lovers. The primary goal of the event was to celebrate "Friendship Day" being observed in US on August 2, and also simultaneously to commemorate India's In-

Anupama Chandratrey

It was amazing that Classical Raags were adapted by many well-known music composers, lyricists and music directors to produce some of the melodious tunes in the film industry.

Anupama selected Raags "Yaman" and "Yaman Kalyan" for illustration dependence Day falling on 15th August.

The event started with two popular Movie songs which had patriotic fervor "Aye Watan ke Logo" originally sung by Lata Mangeshkar. Hetal Brahmabhatt sang this song, soulfully, which generated patriotic spirit amongst the audience. Another popular melodious song "Jis Desh me Ganga Behti Hai" was sung by Nidheesh Dubey.

Sangeet Bahar" is one of the three chapters that popularizes Hindi and other language movie songs which are based purely on Classical Raags. Sangeet Bahar events are held from time to time by the Sangeet Dhwani and in the last five years, more than twenty concerts were held periodically to the delight of movie goers.

The invited guest of the day, Anupama Chandratrey, who is a popular Bay Area Hindustani Classical Vocalist described how

knowledge, learning and practice of scientific Classical Raags helped in voice control with Aroha and Avaroha, i.e., maintaining the appropriate pitch and scale that will surely enhance the melody of the songs.

It was amazing that Classical Raags were adapted by many well-known music composers, lyricists and music directors to produce some of the melodious tunes in the film industry. Anupama selected Raags "Yaman" and "Yaman Kalyan" for illustration for this event and sang a few semiclassical lyrics to demonstrate as to how these helped composers to produce melodies. She emphasized that if the singers

learnt the rudiments of Classical Raags, they would certainly improvise their performance.

She sang a few selected movie songs, ghazals in order to establish her point.

Some songs she briefly presented were: "Jab Deep Jale Aana" by Yesudas, "Ranjish hi Sahi" by Mehdi Hassan, "Woh Sham Kuch Ajeeb thi" by Kishore Kumar ( Movie Khamoshi), "Mousam hai Ashiqana" by Lata in Movie Pakeeza, Jare Jare Badra -( Lata in Movie Bhabhi), Jindagi Bhar nahi Bhulegi by Mohd. Rafi (Barasaat Ki Raat), Abhi Na Jao Chodkar (Hum Dono) and the last one was a famous ghazal "Ab

Janeki Zid na Karo" sung by Farida Khanum. All these songs governed by Raag "Yaman" and "Yaman Kalyan" were melodiously sung by Anupama to the utter delight of the audience.

Pradeep Joshi of Sangeet Dhwani while thanking the Chief Guest Anupama Chandratrey and all the participating singers, as well as the audience, mentioned that Sangeet Dhwani, during the last 15 years had conducted over 150 concerts - based on Hindustani Classical Raags, with the support of Bay Area professional Vocalists and Musicians as well as the visiting celebrities from India from time to time.

India Post 29

August 14, 2015 www.indiapost.com

Datebook

34 India Post

NEW JERSEY Upcoming Sun, Aug 9

• India Foundation Of Metropolitan Princeton Picnic Venue: Mercer County Park East, 1346 Edinburg Rd, West Windsor Township, NJ 08550 Time : 11:00 am Contact: 609-297-7116

Aug 21, 22 and 32

• 10th South Asian Theater Festival 2015 Venue: George Street Playhouse, 9 Livingstone Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 Time: 7:30 pm Contact: 201-320-4617

Sat, Aug 22 • Mitrahs Festival 2015 Venue: Wilkins Performing Arts Center, 1000 Morris Ave, Union, NJ 07083 Time: 5:30 pm Contact: 973-759-0040

NEW YORK Upcoming Sat, Aug 15 • Mera Woh Matlab Nahin Tha Starring: Anupam & Neena Venue: Tilles Center, 720 Northern Blvd, Greenvale, NY 11548 Time: 8:00 pm Contact: 516 692 8690

Sun, Aug 16 • Bollywood Grind With Superstar Govinda Venue: Colden Center, 6530 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, NY 11367 Time : 7:00 pm

Sat, Aug 22 • Glorious Gujarat USA Venue: New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center, 97 Sunfield Avenue, Edison, NJ 08837 Time : 10:00 am

August 14, 2015

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NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

CHICAGO

Upcoming

Upcoming

Sat, Aug 15 • Desi Comedy Fest Venue: Sunnyvale community center theater, 550 E Remington Dr, Sunnyvale, CA 94087 Time: 7:30 am

Sun, Aug 16 • Swarabhishekam Venue: San Jose Center for Performing Arts, 255 South Almaden Boulevard, San Jose, CA Time: 4:00 pm

Fri, Aug 7 • Festival of Globe: Festival of India and Parade with San Francisco Global Movie Fest Venue: Corner of Paseo Padre and Walnut Ave., 39439 Paseo Padre Pkwy, Fremont, CA 94538 Time: 10:00 am Contact: 510-304-5619

Fri, Aug 28 • Anarkali Disco Chali Bollywood Ladies Night Time: 07:30 pm Venue: Athidhi Indian Cuisine, 727 S Wolfe Rd, Sunnyvale, CA 94086 Contact: 925-261-8682

Sun, Aug 30 • Paatasala Telugu School registration Venue: Telugu Times, 68 S Abel St, Milpitas, CA 95035 Time: 8:00 am

ATLANTA Upcoming

Fri, Aug 7 • Iffer - Antakshiri & Karaoke

Fri, Aug 14 • Marathi Natak Kahani Mei Twist

Night

Venue: Berkmar High School, 405 Pleas-

Venue: Golden Peacock Banquets, 24989 Santa Clara St, Hayward, CA 94544 Time: 7:30 pm Contact: 6509212846

ant Hill Road, Lilburn, GA 30047

Sat Aug 8 • Marathi Movie - Bioscope

Venue: Signature Ballroom, 80 Horizon Dr,

Venue: Serra Theaters, 200 Serra Way, Milpitas, CA 95035 Time: 2:00 pm Contact: 650-6706665

Fri, Aug 14 • Desi Comedy Fest Venue: The Basement, 222 Hyde St, San Francisco, CA 94102 Time: 8:00 pm

Time: 8:30 pm

Fri, Aug 21 • Umer Sharif in Atlanta Suwanee, GA 30024 Time: 7:00 pm Contact: 6785085050

Mon, Aug 31 • MITHAS 2014 Membership Venue: Wong Auditorium, MIT, 70 Memorial Dr, Cambridge, MA 02142 Time: 07:00 pm Contact: 857-205-9731

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

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

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

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

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

August 14, 2015

India Post 35 www.indiapost.com

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36 India Post

M

ahabalipuram, in the state of Tamil Nadu, is located right on the Coromandel Coast next to the Bay of Bengal. It was a well established sea port during the 7th and 10th centuries of the Pallava dynasty and has flourished accordingly.

This city was actually the second capital of the Pallavas. It was originally named after the rude, cruel, and arrogant King Mahabali who was killed during a fierce battle by Lord Vishnu at that location. It was named by the people more out of gratitude that the heartless king was killed there than out of respect

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upon his death for his leadership.

During the rule of the Pallavas, new styles of art and architecture were pioneered. Mahabalipuram is where they tried and then exhibited their new artistic and architectural creations. As a result, the area is brimming with rock-cut caves and numerous temples. In fact,

August 14, 2015

this region is often referred to as an open museum.

Some of the temples were even carved out of one enormous rock rather than simply be constructed out of rock. Not much pillaging has occurred here over the centuries, since the wealth of the Pallavas was never flaunted. So the temples are well

preserved.

The architecture is not the only draw for tourists in this city. The area is also nestled in an especially impressive setting. Beautiful white sandy beaches are plentiful, as are the casuarinas trees that are found in abundance there.

Mahabalipuram is also known for providing a fantastic shopping experience.

Exquisite local handmade crafts are readily available in the local shops.

Cont’d on page 38

August 14, 2015

Travel & Hospitality Post

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A look at some top walking tours of Broadway NEW YORK: Visitors to Times Square looking for some theater history may be discouraged at the idea of dodging flocks of Elmo impersonators, Statue of Liberties and Naked Cowboys. A good guide is as important as a stiff elbow.

Guides can tell you where Barbra Streisand made her Broadway debut, which Broadway theater is haunted by a former Ziegfeld girl wearing a green dress and which theater was strictly segregated.

massive AMC Empire 25 movie complex on 42nd Street to find a hiding former Broadway theater inside; story and photos of the secret apartment above the Belasco Theatre; hearing about the bizarre roof top shenanigans atop a theater built by Oscar Hammerstein I; learning why the colors of Equity Cards constantly change.

Program: Three tours, each about 1 hour, 45 minutes.

Cost: $35 per adult, children (12

Broadway Up Close walking tour founder Tim Dolan leads a tour down 42nd Street in New York. The company employs 16 theatre professionals as guides.

The Associated Press jumped aboard four top walking tours of the theater district to get the lowdown, trying not to hum the Stephen Sondheim lyric: ``I'm just a Broadway baby/Walking off my tired feet/Pounding 42nd Street.''

BROADWAY UP CLOSE Highlights: Ducking inside the

and younger) $30.

Days: Every day at 11 a.m.

Selling point: Smart, funny and fascinating tours started by founder Tim Dolan, a theater veteran with an infectious style.

Accommodates: Up to 15 people.

Visual aid: iPad packed with photos.

Audio: Guides wear a small speaker around their neck.

Meeting point: Depends on which tour you take, but the first one starts at the Nederlander Theatre on 41st Street between Seventh and Eighth avenues.

Why choose them: ``It has to be a tour guide who is passionate and it is their life. That's important to me,'' Dolan says. ``Everyone who comes on the tour, they don't know that they want to know this history because it's history and history sounds boring. But if you find the right things to talk about, anyone will be fascinated.''

DISNEY ON BROADWAY: BEHIND THE MAGIC Highlights: Access to Disney Theatrical props at the New Amsterdam Theatre, including a chance to wear the coat from ``Mary Poppins''; get into Ariel's seashell tub from ``The Little Mermaid''; handle some carbon graphite masks from ``The Lion King''; and examine a fancy shoe from ``Beauty and the Beast'' (there's a run-of-the-mill Reebok high-top underneath).

Program: 2 hours, 30 minutes.

Cost: $72 per adult; children (311) $65 Days: Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings.

Selling point: The only tour to actually get you inside a Broadway theater and to handle some real props.

Accommodates: Up to 25

Kerala looking at 15 pc growth in tourism NEW DELHI, AUG 4: Kerala is expecting 15 per cent increase in the number of tourist arrivals this year as it plans a slew of activities

back of multiple initiatives being undertaken," Kerala Tourism Director P I Sheikh Pareeth told PTI. In 2014, foreign tourist arrivals

to promote the state as a perfect tourist destination.

"We are looking at around 15 per cent rise in the total number of tourists visiting the state in 2015 on

into Kerala stood at 9,23,366, up 7.60 per cent from 2013, while domestic tourist arrivals for the year were at about 1.17 crore, up 7.71 per cent from 2013, he added.

"Kerala Tourism has declared the 'Visit Kerala Year' and an array of activities are planned for it in India and overseas," Pareeth said.

To attract foreign visitors, campaigns will be conducted in traditional markets such as the United Kingdom, France and Germany through trade fairs and road shows. It will also explore new markets like China and Sri Lanka among others, Kerala Tourism said in a statement.

"Leveraging the increased air connectivity, a focused Ayurveda and monsoon campaign will be conducted in the Middle East where 90 per cent of the Diasporas are from Kerala," it added.

"To attract domestic tourists, Kerala Tourism will conduct road shows in around 20 states/union territories and will also participate in domestic trade fairs," Pareeth said. -PTI

people.

Visual aid: Laminated photos.

Audio: Each person gets a headset to hear guide the talk, as well as listen to snippets of songs.

Meeting point: Duffy Square at 46th and Broadway by the George M. Cohan statue.

Why choose them: ``There are a lot of great guides in New York and a lot of them really know their stuff and we're lucky to have them.

But nowadays the demand is more and more for a little bit more immersive experience and going a little bit deeper,'' Stephen Oddo, cofounder of parent company Walks of New York. ``You can find information pretty easily on your own.

To be able to go into a theater, that's a whole different story.''

INSIDE BROADWAY TOURS

age and maintain quality. I think that's our differentiator.''

WALKIN' BROADWAY Highlights: The story of the night Bill and Hillary Clinton went to ``Chicago''; honoring Firehouse Engine 54, which lost many on 9/ 11; listening to Judy Garland sing ``Plays the Palace'' outside the Palace Theatre; the story of 20-yearold Julie Andrews' fitful start in ``My Fair Lady''; finding out why there are so many Irish pubs near Times Square; learning how the TKTS booth works and getting a list of tips on finding discounted theater tickets; listening to hits written in the Brill Building outside the Brill Building.

Program: 90 minutes.

Cost: Adults $30, Children (612) $20.

Disney Theatrical Productions, a visitor to the New Amsterdam Theatre tries on one of the props from “Mary Poppins� while on the Disney on Broadway: Behind the Magic walking tour in New York.

Highlights: Gossip on actress Ethel Barrymore (she hated clutter and, weirdly, applause); visiting the Hotel Edison to see the place where a scene from ``The Godfather'' was filmed; learning about theater superstitions (''break a leg'' and not saying ``Macbeth'' out loud).

Program: 1 hour, 45 minutes Cost: Adults $35; children 12 and under, free Days: Every day at 4 p.m.

Selling point: Cheerful, knowledgeable guides, all working actors and theater fans.

Accommodates: Up to 20 people.

Visual aid: Laminated photos.

Audio: Guides wear a small speaker around their neck.

Meeting point: Duffy Square at 46th and Broadway by the George M. Cohan statue.

Why choose them: ``It's the authentic, immersive nature of our tour,'' says Andrew Luan, the founder. ``It's not that hard to start a tour company. I think what we have is a process to source, man-

Days: Every day at 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Selling point: Guides are working actors. Treats the tour like a show itself, complete with songs, impromptu dancing and recorded stories from Broadway royalty.

Accommodates: Up to 26 people.

Visual aid: None.

Audio: Each person gets a headset to hear an impressive collection of show tunes and snippets of interviews with such important figures as Chita Rivera, Hal Prince and Alan Menken, together with tales from knowledgeable guides.

Meeting point: The Actor's Chapel (239 West 49th St., between Broadway and Eighth Avenue) Why choose them: ``Hearing the music of the musicals while you do it brings it to life,'' says cofounder Don Frantz, a Broadway producer. ``People walk away with a sense of the old, the current and - as far as the young tour guide the up-and-coming.'-AP

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Mahabalipuram Open museum of rockcut caves & temples Cont’d from page 36

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS Arjuna's Penance It is a famous rock sculpture that portrays a story out of India lore. It is carved onto the back side of a whale shaped rock. The sculpture measures 9 meters high and 27 meters long. Arjuna is the great hero of the great epic Mahabharata, and the name of the sculpture comes from his story.

There is some controversy however as to whether the story portrayed is actually the story of Arjuna or if it is the story of Bhagiratha who is an ancestor to

ture. The talent that it took to create such a sculpture is obvious and deserves respect. The characters amazingly look both realistic as well as humorous.

plan your day so that you are there at lunch time. Such a picnic would allow you to take in the sights at the caves as well as enjoy the beauty of the landscape itself.

Tiger's Caves Tiger's Caves is near the coastal village of Salurankuppam that is only 5 kilometers to the north of Mahabalipuram. This amazing mandapa contains a shrine that is dedicated to the goddess Durga.

There are large and impressive figures located in front of the caves.

As with most carvings in India, the carvings and figures tell a story.

This story has to do with an event

Crocodile Bank The Crocodile Bank is located 14 kilometers from Mahabalipuram.

It was established by herpetologist Romulus Whitaker in 1976. It houses several different species of Indian and African alligators and crocodiles. They are kept in open pools that are made to resemble their natural habitat. This Crocodile Conservation Center is the most popular site to visit at Crocodile Bank. A snake farm is also located at this site. Anti-venom is produced here. The process of extracting the snake venom is a popular tourist attraction, and it allows the Irulas, the snake catcher's tribe, to make a living.

Arjuna's Penance

Lord Rama. Numerous gods and demigods as well as animals and people are all carved on the sculp-

that happened to goddess Durga.

The Tiger's Caves are a popular picnic spot, so you may want to

Five Rathas The Five Rathas, also known as Panch Rathas, is a set of rock temples. They are excellent examples of the evolution of Dravidian style architecture.

These temples are built in the same shape as pagodas, and greatly resemble Buddhist shrines and monasteries. The rathas are associated with the great epic Mahabharata.

The first ratha that is located

right by the entrance gate is Draupadi's Ratha. It is shaped like a hut and is dedicated to the goddess Durga. Next comes Arjuna's Rath. This one has a small portico and carved pillar stones and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. There are no carvings inside this temple, but many are on the outside.

Directly in front of Arjuna's Rath is the Nakula - Sahadev Rath.

This ratha has some huge elephant sculptures included that are a huge draw for the Five Rathas. It is dedicated to the God of Rain, Lord

stone statues carved to look like the enormous originals that are in the area. The statues are carved out of granite which enhances their beauty. Many people are more than glad to travel to this region to acquire such fine artistic pieces made by quality artisans.

Soapstone images, wood carvings, jewelry, and items made from local seashells are also popular items that are sold in the local shops.

Indra. The Bhima Rath is huge. It measures 42 ft in length, 24ft in width, and 25ft in height. The pillars there contain lion carvings even though the ratha as a whole is incomplete. The largest of the Five Rathas is the Dharamraja Yudhistar's Rath. This rath is also dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a great example of later built South Indian temples.

The village of Kovalam was originally just a small fishing village that was located 15 kilometers from Mahabalipuram. Today, that fishing village is still there, but it has also expanded to become one of the most famous beach resorts in India. You can still explore the old sea port that used to exist there. Numerous quality beach resorts can be found at Kovalam. It is also to these beaches that the well-known Olive Ridley Turtles travel every year to hatch their eggs.

Shore Temple Tradition has it that there once stood seven temples along the shore line in this area. Today, the only one that remains is the Shore Temple. It was built during the 7th century by the artisan Rajasimha under the rule of Narasimha Varman II. It is one of the oldest temples in South India that is built in the Dravidian style. It has lately increased in popularity because it

Kovalam

How to reach

By Train: The nearest rail head is Chengalpattu, 29 km from Mahabalipuram city. Chennai is the major railway station nearby which is connected to all major cities in India by rail.

By Air: The nearest airport is

Ancient Paris quarry offers look at underground history PARIS: The tunnels zigzagging The four-hectare (10-acre) limeThis quarry is ``one of the most through limestone were created to stone quarry beneath Vincennes interesting because it remains in provide building materials for is one of several that helped build its natural state,'' said Florence Paris. Then they became the damp Paris. From the Middle Ages to Cavailee, who is something of a home to vast subterranean mush- 1860 workers toiled underground, spokeswoman for the city's unroom farms. Now, deep beneath mining and fashioning blocks of derground heritage. Unlike other the city's largest park, the quarry limestone. quarries that have been renois usually off-limits, deemed too vated or opened to tourists, dangerous for regular visitors. the tunnels underneath Unescorted spelunkers face Vincennes still look essena 60-euro ($65) fine, but last tially as they did in the 19th week the 20-meter (66-foot) spicentury, she said. ral staircase leading down into During the 12th and 13th the earth from the Bois de centuries Paris' population Vincennes was briefly opened spiked, along with the deto journalists. Temperatures are mand for stone to build a constant 13 degrees Celsius churches like the Notre (55 Fahrenheit) and humidity Dame Cathedral, prompting hovers around a swampy 90 deeper underground exploraVisitors tour the depths of the Vincennes percent. tion.-AP quarry during a press visit, near Paris, France

is now listed as one of the world heritage sites of the UNESCO. Numerous carvings can be found throughout the temple. Three separate buildings make up the temple.

Two are Shiva temples that face east and west. The third is a Vishnu temple.

Shopping Shopping opportunities are excellent in Mahabalipuram. Handmade crafts made by people in the region are the specialty. There are

Chennai International airport, which is located 54 km from Mahabalipuram. Chennai is well connected to all major cities in India and many cities abroad, including Colombo, Middle East countries, Singapore and Gulf countries.

By Bus: Mahabalipuram is well connected with many cities in and around including Chennai by Tamil Nadu public transport bus services.

Many private tourist buses also operate between Mahabalipuram and Chennai Central.

August 14, 2015

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Calm perch above Jerusalem's hectic Old City JERUSALEM: In one of the most contentious tracts of real estate on the planet, serenity is not that easy to find.

The Old City of Jerusalem is a tourism paradise for history buffs or religious pilgrims, featuring the epicenters of all major monotheistic faiths. But calm it is not. The major landmarks in the Jewish, Muslim and Christian quarters recall the ancient violence that took place here - the destruction of the Jewish Temples, the crucifixion of Jesus, the massacres of the Crusaders - and the multilanguage cacophony of chatter in cramped alleyways and the pushy locals can make even the most spiritual visit unnerving.

The occasional stabbing attack serves as an all-too-real reminder of modern-day tensions that remain between Jews and Arabs. The quietest quarter is the Armenian, and there too you'll find reminders of their

century-old genocide.

If you are looking for a place to soak in

Delhi seeks innovative ideas on tourism NEW DELHI: The AAP government has invited "innovative" ideas from senior bureaucrats, who have travelled to foreign countries, to make Delhi an international tourist destination and increase the time of stay of tourists by giving them more op-

tions to explore the heritage city.

To revive the tourism sector in Delhi, Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra held a brainstorming session with over 30 senior bureaucrats, including all principal secretaries and HODs, at Delhi Secretariat here.

Comparing Delhi with other capital cities of Asia and Europe, Mishra highlighted low tourist average stay in Delhi and invited ideas for more tourism avenues.

"The average stay of a tourist in Delhi is very low at 1.2 days as compared to an average of 4.95 days in Bangkok, 2.7 days in Paris and 4.2 days in London.

Delhi is at the bottom of the spectrum and we need to increase this number by giving more tourism option.

"There is need to bridge this gap and ensure that tourists don't just use Delhi as a transit city for other loca-

tions but enjoy the vast avenues of this modern heritage city has to offer to any traveler of any taste," he said.

According to officials, the officers came up with some out-of-the-box to make Delhi an international tourist destination. They shared experiences and inputs to make Delhi comparable to any metropolis of the world.

They gave over 150 ideas related to heritage, tourism, culture, art and languages.

"It is a myth that we need a lot of money and big-ticket infrastructure projects to create a world-class city. Neither do we need to send our team to foreign countries to study their model. Senior bureaucrats have travelled across the world for various government projects. We are tapping the expertise of this in-house talent and they just need to suggest innovative ideas based on their experience," Mishra said.

During the meeting, several bureaucrats shared their experiences from countries that they had travelled to and collectively resolved to make Delhi into the hub of tourism.-PTI

the past and present in a more relaxed manner, though, your best bet may be on the picturesque balcony atop the Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center.

There, just across from the New Gate into the Old City, you can finally enjoy some quiet and peacefully take in the magnificence of the city below.

A glass of wine helps, and the breezy rooftop wine and cheese restaurant there offers a variety of (albeit pricey) options. Straddling the invisible line between east and west Jerusalem, it offers an elevated view of the

adjacent holy sites like the Dome of the Rock and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher beyond the Old City walls.

With a nearly panoramic view of Jerusalem you can also get a glimpse of Ramallah to the north, Bethlehem to the south and, on a clear day, Jericho and the road to Jordan to the east.

The building itself is also of interest and provides a quiet alternative to the hectic streets outside.

Built by the French Assumptionists from 1884 to 1904, the pontifical institute at Notre Dame has been one of the most significant Catholic pilgrim centers in the Holy Land.

Administered by the Vatican, it is now also an exclusive guest house for people of all faiths. Pope Francis stayed there last year during his visit to the Holy Land.

You don't have to be the pope though to enjoy a bird's eye view of one of the top tourist destinations in the world - without the intensity of having to navigate it yourself-AP

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NEWS on your desktop www.indiapost.com

Tech News Rlys to bring out Time Table for freight operation NEW DELHI: Aiming at a paradigm shift in the freight operations, Indian Railway will come out with a Time Table for goods train movement, a first for the public transporter, to attract more loadings and improve the delivery schedule.

Currently passenger trains get preference over the movement of freight trains on the busy tracks across the country which causes delay and uncertainty over the time schedule for delivery of goods.

Goods trains are kept in loop lines to allow passenger trains to pass as most of the trunk lines face congestion, said Adesh Sharma, Managing Director of Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation (DFCC).

DFCC is a Special Purpose Vehicle set up by railways to undertake planning and construction, maintenance and operation of the Dedicated Freight Corridors in the country. Currently DFCC is involved in construction of two corridors - the Western DFC (1504 km) and Eastern DFC (1856 km) - spanning a total length of about 3,360 km.

The railways used to carry about 80 per cent of total goods transported in the country but over time its share got reduced to 36 per cent, with the rest shifting to roads. -PTI

Govt plans 'Suraksha Bandhan' drive NEW DELHI: Seeking to tap 'Raksha Bandhan' festival, the government plans to launch a 'Suraksha Bandhan' drive to push its flagship social security plans through innovative schemes like gift cheques and special deposits.

A special enrolment drive will be launched by the participating banks and insurance companies during August-September, in the backdrop of the forthcoming festival of Raksha Bandhan, Finance Ministry said in a statement.

Raksha Bandhan, to be celebrated on August 29, is a festival where brothers traditionally give gifts to their sisters and vow to protect them.

Similarly, the 'Suraksha Bandhan' drive would seek to encourage people to gift 'social security' plans to their loved ones.

The new drive is aimed at taking forward the government's objective of creating a universal social security system in the country, targeted especially at the poor and the under-privileged, the Finance Ministry said. -PTI

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August 14, 2015

'EPFO money in equities is long-term investment' HYDERABAD: The Employees Provident Fund Organization (EPFO), which has started investing in equities, would pump in about Rs 5,0006,000 crore in this asset class by the end of current fiscal and further flow will depend on market returns, a Union Minister has said.

The state-run pension fund's Central Board of Trustees (CBT) would be asked to speed up the investment process, Union Minister of State for Labor Bandaru Dattatreya said here.

"For the first time, EPFO has taken this new initiative.

Through Exchange Traded Funds, we are going to have participation under equity class. The process has already begun. -PTI

Foxconn announces Maha FDI, offers to pump in $5 bn in 5 years MUMBAI: World's largest electronics contract manufacturer Foxconn Technology has announced a USD 5-billion investment in Maharashtra over the next five years to set up manufacturing, research and development facilities.

The facilities will be located either near Mumbai or Pune, and 1,500 acres will be allocated for this purpose, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis told reporters here after the state government signed an agreement with the Taiwanese giant.

The proposed investments, when completed, will offer direct jobs to 50,000 people, Fadnavis said.

He said this is the biggest single FDI announcement in Maharashtra and probably one of the largest in the country.

The agreement with Foxconn, the trade name of Hon Hai Precision Industry Co, covers manufacturing of 'TFT screens and semi-

conductors', he said.

The announcement, also the biggest since the launch of the Modi government's 'Make in India' and 'Digital India' initiatives, means the country can finally

entails manufacturing mobile phones, one of the biggest businesses for the Taiwanese firm, Foxconn founder and Chairman Terry Gou declined to comment, citing confidentiality clauses.

boast of a fab manufacturing plant after struggling to get multi-billion dollar investment needed to make chipsets.

Asked if the agreement also

Terry, who earlier announced intention to invest USD 2 billion to set up over 10 plants in the country over the next one decade, said he had been in discussions with

Maharashtra for over two months.

"I have personally met Fadnavis seven times in the last two months," Terry said, identifying strong leadership, along with Maharashtra's other strengths like being a centre of finance, strong talent pool and an ability to integrate software and hardware, as factors that clinched the mega pact.

Fadnavis said he visited Foxconn's manufacturing facilities during his recent China trip and invited the company to invest in the state, which has fructified with this announcement.

A team of 70 people had been working for the last two months on the deal, Terry added.

This is the first specific investment announcement by Foxconn, the manufacturer of iconic Apple i-Phones, after it left the country following the closure of the Nokia plant in Tamil Nadu on tax woes earlier this year.

Cont’d on page 42

Now get mobile data deactivated by a call NEW DELHI: Mobile subscribers will be able to activate or deactivate internet service on their mobile phone by calling or sending an SMS to a new toll free number 1925 from next month onwards.

The new directive from telecom regulator TRAI follows a large number of complaints from customers that mobile operators were keeping the process of deactivation very complex to earn extra revenue.

The directive mandates telecom operators to provide toll free number '1925' from September 1 to activate or deactivate mobile internet service either by making a call on the number and following instruction or by sending a SMS. Customers can send SMS to 1925 by writing 'START' to activate and 'STOP' to deactivate the service. Telecom operators will have to immediately reply to customer about status of activation and deactivation of their service.

The new amendment issued in Telecom Consumers Protection Regulations directs telecom opera-

tors not to charge subscribers for usage beyond subscribed limit without their explicit consent.

"No service provider shall activate or deactivate the data service on the Cellular Mobile Telephone connection of a consumer without

internet services.

"These complaints mainly relate to... non-availability of information relating to data usage... non-availability of information to consumers whenever the data pack is exhausted...activation of internet

his explicit consent," the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India said.

Though provision to activate or deactivate a value added service has already been in place but telecom operators often refused complete deactivation of mobile

service on mobile phones without the explicit consent of the consumer," TRAI said.

Under the new rule, the regulator has clarified that the consent of a mobile customer expires after the subscribed mobile internet limit like 500 MB, 1GB, 2GB etc., gets

exhausted.

"Authority decided that those consumers taking data packs such as STV (special tariff voucher) or Combo Voucher or add-on pack will be deemed to have given their consent for data services. Such consent will be deemed to be only for the duration of validity of data pack or on exhausting the data limit, whichever is earlier," the regulator said.

The difference in mobile internet rates under scheme and without any scheme can be as high as 500 times.

The regulator has asked telecom operators to send alert to those customers who have not subscribed to mobile internet service, but use it as per their need, after every 10 megabyte of data consumed by them. Consumers will also have an option to opt out of this alert.

Customers on international roaming will only get alert to switch off mobile internet service on their handset if they are not using it. PTI

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AI to replace ageing A320s on Gulf routes NEW DELHI: National carrier Air India plans to deploy new fuel-efficient planes on the Gulf routes, replacing A320 classic aircraft after questions were raised about safety of passengers flying its ageing fleet, sources said.

The airline currently has 15 Airbus A320 classic, including one on lease, in its fleet of 103 aircraft.

"We have decided to move away the old classic A320 fleet from the Gulf routes and replace it with the new leased A320s current engine option (ceo) from the coming winter," airline sources told PTI. The state-run airline has already an-

nounced its plans to replace 19 A320 planes as part of its ageing A320s replacement program.

It has entered into a deal with a Chinese firm for five sharklets-equipped A320 (ceo) aircraft and all these planes are to be inducted into the fleet for the winter schedule, which commences from the last Sunday of October.

Besides, the airline has also tied-up with a leading Kuwaiti aircraft lessor to dry lease another 14 A320Neos (new engine option) planes, which are to be inducted between April 2017 and March 2018.

The airline's narrow-body fleet forum,

Indian Commercial Pilots Association (ICPA) had in March sought grounding of the 26-year-old fleet of Airbus A320s by the aviation regulator DGCA on the ground that the planes were not "technically" fit to fly.

"The A-320 classic aircraft which are 26 years old (one of the oldest in the world) are being operated with repetitive snags endangering flight safety...

DGCA should not permit AI to operate these lethal snag-prone classic aircraft

for passenger safety," ICPA had said in a letter to the DGCA, prompting a rebuttal by the airline.

Besides, Air India is also mulling to ser-

vice some of tier-II/III cities with narrowbody A319s and A320s, which are currently being catered to by smaller aircraft, they said adding, "these cities have a huge traffic potential and could be tapped in a big way with such planes."

"As far as capacity deployment for the winter schedule is concerned we have not added too many new flights. This time, however, we have departed from the conventional schedule and instead opted for a flexible one," the sources said.

Air India has decided to marginally reduce its domestic operations during the winter and has proposed to fly 1,705 flights a week as against 1,718 being operated by it during the on-going summer schedule, which would come to an end on the last Saturday of October. -PTI

Foxconn announces Maha FDI, offers to pump in $5 bn in 5 years Cont’d from page 41

Last month, the company had announced to pump in USD 20 billion in the solar sector, along with Japan's SoftBank and Bharti Enterprises.

Over the past week, there have been announcements involving Foxconn of a joint venture with the Adani group and possible tie-ups with other companies like e-commerce player Snapdeal, mobile phone-maker Micromax and refurbished goods e-tailer Greendust.

Terry said the MoU signed is different from the JV it had announced with Adani Enterprises.

A senior official from Maharashtra Industries Department said presence of the company will be divided across either two or three sites.

The first will be a 900-acre manufacturing unit, for which the state has suggested a land parcel near Talegaon in Pune while the second will be a research and development hub, along with a smart city which will house its employees, schools and colleges, among other facilities.

The second set of facilities could be placed together or in close vicinity of each other, the official said, adding that the state has earmarked land at Khalapur and on PenKhopoli Road (both on Mumbai's outskirts) for this.

The official, however, declined to elaborate, citing the non-disclosure agreement.

-PTI

TechBiz Post

August 42, 2015

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Swiss National Bank hikes India received $24 bn in FDI from EU exposure to Indian cos ZURICH: IT giant Infosys and auto major Tata Motors have joined an elite league of global behemoths like Apple, Microsoft and ExxonMobil, in which Switzerland's central bank SNB has hiked its exposure.

Swiss National Bank, which is

made during the first quarter of 2015 through their American Depository Receipts, listed on the US exchanges NYSE and Nasdaq, while SNB acquired more equity in case of Infosys and Tata Motors in second quarter.

Among American companies,

among the largest central bank investors in equities globally, has also retained its investments in four other Indian companies - ICICI Bank, Dr Reddy's Labs, Vedanta Limited and Wipro.

Ironically, SNB's enhanced exposure to the Indian companies during the last quarter, ended June 30, coincided with a loss of about 10 per cent in its nearly USD 60-million portfolio of Indian companies.

All these investments were

SNB raised its stake in giants like Apple Inc, ExxonMobil and Microsoft, which also happen to be its three biggest investments in the US. As per the latest regulatory filing of SNB with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), it held shares in more than 2,500 USlisted securities, valued at close to USD 38.6 billion at the end of second quarter of 2015. This marked an increase of about USD

1 billion from the levels seen at the end of the first quarter.

In comparison, the total value of investments in six Indian companies fell by nearly USD 6 million to USD 54.6 million.

As per SNB's latest annual report, its equity portfolios in the foreign currency investments comprised of shares from mid-cap and large-cap companies (excluding banks) in advanced economies and, to a lesser extent, shares of small-cap companies.

The Swiss central banking authority further said that it has "a globally well-diversified equity portfolio of over 5,800 individual stocks (around 1,500 mid-cap and large-cap companies and roughly 4,300 small caps)".

"In the long term, equity holdings contribute to both a higher potential return and a more balanced risk profile of the assets.

With the high level of equity holdings, additional measures were taken to ensure adherence to the stock exchange rules and regulatory requirements in the different countries," SNB said.

It also said that the Bank has "decided to exclude companies which produce internationally banned weapons, seriously violate fundamental human rights, or systematically cause severe environmental damage". -PTI

'Govt trying to talk to countries on sugar exports' CHENNAI: The Government is trying to talk to different countries for clearing accumulated sugar produced in India, Union Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said.

"We just started working on it. Because quantum of sugar is annually getting accumulated. In the last four years it (the accumulation of sugar) has been quite substantial," she told reporters here.

Pointing out that the accumulation of sugar would make it difficult for the mills to pay the farmers, she said, due to the accumulation of sugar, the situation has become "much critical."

"This is something we are trying to work on. It is very much at the early stages. It is not as if we have already come up with a solution," she said.

"Through the Ministry of Exter-

nal Affairs, we are trying to talk with different governments for their pulses. We are trying to talk to African countries, Myanmar, Canada where there is a possibility of getting their pulses to India and who

Nirmala Sitharaman

would prefer to take our sugar (in exchange to the pulses imported).

This is one of the ideas we are working," she said.

Sitharaman was here to take part in the conference on 'Policy

and Political Support for Achieving the Zero Hunger Challenges', organized by M S Swaminathan Research Foundation, here.

Earlier at the conference, she said, there was a need to address issue of distortion on production of some agriculture commodities.

"Even in the pattern of irrigation, emphasis on Maximum Selling Price have made farmers move to go for other areas which could give secure income. So there is a continuous distortion on production of some agriculture commodities," she said.

"As a result, India's basket of agriculture goods is imbalanced," she said.

Referring to rubber produced in India, she said it was of superior quality and the government under the 12th Plan has started encouraging rubber production in non-traditional areas like Tirupura and North East India. PTI

NEW DELHI: Despite the Free Trade Agreement talks with the European Union being in limbo, India has received an impressive USD 24 billion in Foreign Direct Investment from the 28-nation bloc over the last three years.

As per official figures, India received USD 6.23 billion in FDI equity inflows from EU in 2012-13 which increased to USD 9.06 billion the next year.

The FDI inflow was USD 8.20 billion in 2014-15, which was a decline of USD 862 million compared to the year ago period.

In 2015-16, the amount in first two months of current fiscal was USD 1.39 billion.

In total, India received USD 24.91 billion in FDI equity inflows from EU between April 2012 and May 2015.

The EU has been India's largest trading partner and the twoway trade is likely to swell significantly if the countries could firm up the long-pending Free Trade Agreement, officially called the Broadbased Investment and Trade Agreement (BTIA).

India had deferred scheduled talks on the proposed pact later this month which was to resume after a gap of two years after the EU imposed a ban on around 700

generic drugs which were clinically tested by India's GVK Biosciences on the ground of inaccuracy in data.

In March, the EU had not responded to India's proposal for a brief visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Brussels, the headquarters of the bloc, during his trip to France, Germany and Canada in April.

However, it recently invited him for the India-EU summit just before or after the G-20 summit sched-

uled to be held in November in Turkey. The last India-EU Summit had taken place in 2012.

The two-way commerce between EU and India stood at about USD 99 billion in 2014-15 while it was USD 101.5 billion in 2013-14.

The talks on FTA have been caught in a jam on sticky issues relating to intellectual property rights (IPR), data security for IT services and tariff in the automobile sector. -PTI

In Brief Arpaio's aides won't face discipline for ignoring order PHOENIX: Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio's top managers won't face discipline for failing to halt the lawman's signature immigration patrols after a judge in a racial profiling case had ordered them stopped, according to newly released records.

The documents show the results of an administrative investigation launched by Arpaio's office to determine who was responsible for letting the patrols continue for about 18 months after U.S. District Judge Murray Snow had barred them.

Arpaio, who wasn't a target of the examination, told an investigator that he learned of Snow's December 2011 order several months after it was issued, even though the decision was the subject of several stories that appeared in local media at the time.

„

Cont'd on Page 45

German immigrant population at 10.9 million

BERLIN: German authorities say the number of immigrants living in the country reached 10.9 million last year - a million more than three years earlier, and the highest figure since they started compiling numbers a decade ago.

The Federal Statistical Office said that 620,000 of the immigrants arriving since 2011 were from the European Union, with Poles, Romanians, Italians, Bulgarians and Hungarians leading. It also reported large increases in the number of Chinese, Syrians and Indians arriving.

The number of people with foreign roots, which includes also the German-born children of immigrants who have arrived since 1950, came in at 16.4 million - about one-fifth of the entire population of 80 million.-AP

„

Bush unveils immigration reform plan

MIAMI: Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush is outlining a six-point strategy to bolster security at the nation's border and overhaul its immigration laws.

The former Florida governor said that finding a solution to the status of people in the country illegally ``is a nonstarter if our borders are not secure against future illegal immigration.''

Bush is proposing the estimated 11 million people living in the country illegally could earn legal status ``over time,'' after they pass a criminal background check, pay a fine and learn English, among other requirements.-AP

Immigration

2 illegal immigrants named to city commissions

44 India Post

www.indiapost.com

August 14, 2015

Details on page 45

GOP hopefuls take on illegal immigration in debate preview MANCHESTER, N.H.: The Republican Party's presidential class demanded aggressive steps to curb illegal immigration, seizing on a delicate political issue while facing off in New Hampshire during a crowded and pointed preview of the 2016 primary season's first fullfledged debate.

All but three of the 17 major Republican candidates for president participated in what was essentially a debate lite, which - unlike the nationally televised debate in Cleveland - didn't have a cutoff for participation.

Without exception, the candidates aimed their criticism at Democrats instead of each other in a two-hour meeting where they had more in common than not. Not mentioned was the candidate making the most news in the earlier debate: Donald Trump. The billionaire businessman declined to participate in the gathering, but is poised to take center stage later in the week.

The meeting offered a primetime practice round for the GOP's most ambitious, appearing on stage one at a time, who addressed several contentious issues, immigration topping a list that also included abortion and climate change.

Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry, who may not qualify for the upcoming debate as one of the GOP's top 10 candidates in national polling, called the flow of immigrants crossing the border illegally ``a serious wound.'' ``You want to stanch the flow,'' he said as his Republican rivals watched from the front row of the crowded St. Anselm College audi-

where they're from.''

Former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum went further, calling for a 25 percent reduction of lowskilled immigrants coming into the country legally. ``Everyone else is dancing around it. I'm going to stand for the American worker,'' Santorum declared.

The participants included

(L-R) Former CEO Hewlett-Packard Carly Fiorina, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (SC), Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, Ohio Gov. John Kasich and former New York Gov. George Pataki stand on the stage prior to the Voters First Presidential Forum for Republicans at Saint Anselm College August 3, 2015 in Manchester, New Hampshire.

torium. On those immigrants who have overstayed visas, Perry charged, ``You go find `em, you pick `em up and you send `em back

seven current or former governors, four senators, a businesswoman, a retired neurosurgeon and one former senator. Trump,

who launched his presidential bid by calling Mexican immigrants rapists and criminals, was among only three major candidates who didn't participate.

The event was broadcast live on C-SPAN and local television stations in Iowa and South Carolina - states that, along with New Hampshire, will host the first contests in the presidential primary calendar next February.

Just an hour before the forum began, the Senate blocked a GOPbacked bill to strip funding from Planned Parenthood, reviving a debate on social issues that some Republican officials hoped to avoid in 2016.

Three of the four senators participating in the event - Marco Rubio of Florida, Ted Cruz of Texas and Rand Paul of Kentucky - did so via satellite from C-SPAN's Washington studio so they wouldn't miss the high-profile vote. ``We had to be here to vote to de-fund Planned Parenthood,'' Cruz said.

It's a welcome debate for Democrats who see women - married women, particularly - as a key constituency in 2016.

Cont'd on Page 45

Hillary slams Bush on immigration DENVER: Hillary Clinton repeatedly slammed Jeb Bush and the rest of the Republican presidential field over immigration and women's health during a campaign stop in Denver.

Bush is more dovish than the rest of the Republican presidential field and supports legal status for millions of people in the country illegally. But Clinton contended that Bush the former Florida governor backed policies that would break up families and put them at risk for deportation, and noted that he, like almost all of the rest of the GOP field, refuses to back citizenship for immigrants in the country illegally. ``I will fight for comprehensive immigration reform with a path to

full and equal citizenship,'' Clinton said. ``There is no place in the United States for second-class citizenship.''

Clinton also criticized Bush for questioning the amount the federal government spends on women's health during a forum earlier. His campaign later said he was actually arguing the federal government should use the money it gives to Planned Parenthood elsewhere.

Clinton, running for the Democratic presidential nomination, said that was just as bad - and noted that the entire GOP field agrees with Bush. ``When you attack Planned Parenthood, you attack women's health, and when you attack women's health, you

attack America's health,'' Clinton said to cheers from hundreds of Democrats crowded into a small Denver nightclub.

Sounding hoarse but feisty, Clinton ripped into the GOP, comparing herself to fictional Los Angeles police Sgt. Joe Friday from the TV show ``Dragnet'' and promising to give ``just the facts.'' She called the New Hampshire forum where 14 of the Republican presidential candidates spoke ``a recitation of out-ofdate, out-of-touch policies.''

Clinton's appearance was sandwiched between three Democratic presidential candidate Hillary fundraisers in Aspen, Rodham Clinton speaks to supporters during a Denver and its subcampaign rally at La Rumba, a Denver dance club and restaurant urbs.-AP

Immigration Post

August 14, 2015

India Post 45

www.indiapost.com

2 illegal immigrants named to city commissions LOS ANGELES: When Karina Macias was elected mayor of Huntington Park, a small city in Los Angeles County, she noticed that many of its commissions were no longer active.

The reason: Lack of interest.

So the Huntington Park City Council put out a call for new applicants. This time, they told residents in the city with a majority Latino population that anyone could apply - regardless of immigration status.

Now two immigrants who are in the U.S. illegally were appointed to serve on city commissions. ``They bring a lot to the table,'' said Macias, who was elected mayor two years ago. ``And it really empowers, or at least gives a voice, for those undocumented in the community.''

The appointments are believed to be among the first in the nation in which an immigrant without le-

gal status in the U.S. has been appointed to serve in a government position.

People who are in the country illegally cannot vote or seek elected office. In accordance with the 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act, U.S. employers are prohibited from hiring anyone they know is not authorized to

work in the country.

City leaders said their appointments are permitted because both new commissioners have agreed to serve as volunteers without pay.

Nevertheless, the appointments struck a controversial note.

During the Huntington Park City Council meeting, one woman shouted to city leaders, ``You are

Julian Zatarain poses for a photo at Huntington Park City Hall in Huntington Park, Calif.

Arpaio's aides won't face discipline for ignoring order Cont'd from Page 44

The sheriff and four aides are undergoing contempt-of-court hearings for failing to carry out the order. Arpaio and his secondin-command, Jerry Sheridan, have acknowledged this and other contempt allegations.

Contempt hearings that began in April are scheduled to resume in late September. The hearings could lead to fines, increased oversight of the agency and a possible criminal contempt hearing for the sheriff.

Arpaio's office also released records from internal investigations of officers accused of civil rights violations during traffic stops and using profanity toward arrested people. The documents, however, shed little light on a claim that sheriff's deputies regularly pocketed items confiscated in traffic stops and safehouse busts.

During a Feb. 24 interview with an investigator, Arpaio was asked about the violation of Snow's 2011 order. The sheriff said he doesn't get involved in

the details of legal cases against him and instead delegates those duties to others. The sheriff said he wasn't briefed on the facts of the case, though he believes it's possible he could have had a passing conversation with someone about it.

The sheriff was asked about a tense encounter with Sgt. Brett Palmer about a month after the 2011 order was issued in which federal immigration authorities had refused to accept immigrants who hadn't committed a violation of state law. -AP

GOP hopefuls take on illegal immigration in debate preview Cont'd from Page 44

Leading Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton, who would be the nation's first female president, lashed out at the attacks on Planned Parenthood in a web video released before the GOP forum. ``If this feels like a full-on assault for women's health, that's because it is,'' Clinton said in the video, criticizing by name former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and Perry.

Democrats are also eager to debate Republicans on immigration.

GOP leaders have acknowledged the need to improve the

party's standing among Hispanic voters. Yet while many Democrats favor a more forgiving policy that would allow immigrants in the country illegally a pathway to citizenship, most Republicans in the field instead focus on border security.

Rubio, once a lead salesman for a comprehensive immigration overhaul, said Americans want the border fence completed and more border security agents before there's any discussion of what to do with those 11 million immigrants in the country illegally.

Others offered a softer tone.

Ohio Gov. John Kasich said ``law-abiding, God-fearing'' immigrants should be allowed to stay.

Those who break the law, he said, ``have to be deported or put in prison.''

Bush said fixing the nation's immigration system is a key part of his plan to help the economy grow 4 percent each year. He also called for reducing legal immigration, particularly the number of people allowed to enter the country to rejoin family.

President Barack Obama injected another contentious issue when he unveiled new emissions limits on power plants designed to address climate change. He called it a moral obligation and warned anew that climate change will threaten future generations if left unchecked. -AP

out of order!''

Daniel Stein, president of the Federation for American Immigration Reform, which advocates for tighter immigration controls, called the appointments the ``evolution of a breakdown in national immigration controls and the sanctity of American citizenship.'' ``Where does it end?'' he asked.

One appointee, Julian Zatarain, 21, will serve on the parks and recreation commission. The college student came to the U.S. when he was 13 from the Mexican state of Sinaloa and has volunteered with the Red Cross.

The other, Francisco Medina, 29, crossed the border with his brother when he was 16 and is a college graduate who will serve on the health and education commission.

Neither was eligible to obtain legal status under President Barack Obama's deferred action program for the children of unauthorized immigrants brought to the country illegally. ``I never thought I had the possibility to participate in this way,'' Medina said. ``I never imagined it,

to tell you the truth.''

Huntington Park commissioners generally receive a monthly stipend of $25 to $75.

Carl Shusterman, an immigration lawyer, said that by not getting paid, both men could bypass required forms showing they are authorized to work in the U.S. ``I guess the city is saying, `Well, they're volunteers so we don't have to go through the process. Which is correct,'' the lawyer said.

Both men will still have to undergo background checks.

Huntington Park and other working-class communities along the 710 Freeway are home to large numbers of immigrants from Mexico and Latin America. Many are in the country illegally.

Those demographics have resulted in lower-than-average voter turnout, the Los Angeles Times reported. ``We are letting people know it doesn't matter if you are undocumented or not,'' Zatarain said. ``You can be an engaged resident of this city.'' -AP

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India Post August 14, 2015

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46

Survey of Nation on 69th Independence Day

H

Don't neglect rural areas

arendra Mangrola, a com munity activist heading GayatriGyan Mandir and president of Sumit Construction, said the Modi Government took great initiatives in boosting Indian image internationally and creating a favorable climate for reviving foreign investors' interest in Indian economy. The impact of these initiatives are already being felt but the full blown results would take time to be visible.

The biggest failure of the government, according to Mangrola, lay in the domestic area. It pertains to economy. While the busi-

Harendra Mangrola

ness climate has improved, the common is more concerned about making two ends meet. The first

year of Modi rule has seen inflation creeping up and prices continue spiraling. This in the context of worldwide deflationary trend and declining oil prices, make somewhat strange reading While it is admirable to take measures to spur investment, there is need to ensure a good balance between rural and urban areas. If the investment concentration is in urban or relatively well developed areas, the rural sector will suffer. Mass of the people in India still live in villages. This fact should not be overlooked while canalizing the flow of investment.

Punish economic crime

S

ohan Joshi, CEO/President Modern Accounting, said the biggest achievement of the Modi government in the past one year is gaining huge respect for India in the international field.

India has slowly emerged as a power to be reckoned with, not in the military sense but in the political and economic field.

He was a person non grata in USA and one has to see to believe the unprecedented reception and welcome that he got not only from Indian Americans but also from US press, politicians and leaders. This was a somersault on the part of the US government and made Modi an emerging world leader and a reliable partner. This was backed up with huge

welcome in Australia and other countries.

Sohan Joshi

Increasing international stature of the country has also a favorable impact on the flow of in-

vestible funds in the country and the credit should go to Modi and his team.

The biggest failure, Sohan Joshi observed, lay in the area of ensuring safety to women. Crimes against women and rapes were a blot on the Modi government. In the same way, putting a stop to economic crime by meting out justice to the scam perpetrators has not happened. This is a minus point against the government.

In coming years, Modi government should not only ensure safely in the country but secure its borders firmly. The Gurdaspur attack is an eye opener. The government should not be hoodwinked by cross border criminals and attackers.

Make India corruption free

M

s Santosh Kumar, Executive Director Metro politan Asian Family Services, said that the biggest accomplishment of Modi Government last year is elevating Indian stature globally by inducting a strong and positive thrust to the foreign policy and thereby attracting more foreign investment.

Also, convincing United Nations organization to have International Yoga Day. The biggest failure of the Modi Government is not winning the confidence of Delhi electorate and thereby losing in Delhi Vidhan Sabha elections. In coming years,

Ms Santosh Kumar

the Government would do well concentrating on Education and making India corruption free nation.

Grant dual citizenship

V

ijay Kumar Budhiraju, di- Everest and is difficult to reach. rector Indian Association Hopefully there will be some acof St Louis, said as an tion there.

NRI, one of the Modi's most favorable achievements impacts of the in India are change in leadmore visible. ership in India He has underwas that the taken most difConsulates in ficult projects USA have beof inculcating come more viscivic sense in ible and appublic by himproachable. self taking a The Embassy broom to however, cleaning up keeps still sitIndia.

Vijay Kumar Budhiraju ting on Mount Cont’d on page 48

Dedicated to well-being of India

S

udhir R. Brahmbhatt, Ph.D., MBA Founder and Presi dent of Center of Indian Cultural Education- Bal Vihar of St. Louis, MO, President of Technology Services Inc., Glencoe, MO said that compared to the previous government, Prime Minister Modi has done wonders in turning around India's image in the world as proactive, focused and cooperative country for the businesses and travelers. In my opinion, the key measurable elements of his government's success can be summarized as follows: 1) Growth in Indian economy: 7.4 % growth projected in 2014 2015 as compared with 6.9% in fiscal year 2013-2014. The GDP for 2014 was recorded as $2.01 trillion over $1.84 trillion and the expectations are that it to be $4 - 5 tril-

lion economies in 10-12 years.

2) Electricity generation was up to 8.4% from 6% a year before.

Likewise the transmission lines, coal production have gone up 3) The government also focused on building roads. The 7,980 kilometer of roads and highways were built in last year compared to 3,621 km during 2013-2014 fiscal year.

4) Swachh India, a national campaign was welcomed by Indians of all ages and are working hard to implement this initiative across the country.

5) The concepts Make in India to manufacture products in India and create employments in India gained momentum. Many global companies including Airbus, Hitachi and more have committed to manufacture their products in

India.

6) Serious effort trying to control corruption by taking the

Sudhir R. Brahmbhatt

middleman out from the government projects was a smart action

to ensure poor get what they worked for.

The biggest failure of the government was in not taking enough strong and detergent steps to unearth back black money. This is critical for Indian economy.

Other areas that reflect the government failure pertain to a) Slow industrial growth compared to 2013-2014. b) Weak private investment c) More farmers' suicides c) Violence against women d) Deep rooted corruption and lawlessness still prevail and so also the scams and misuse of the power. e) And the last, inadequate action against nonsensical comments on minorities. These are some of the examples of the failures.

The government in the coming year would do well to strictly implement laws and order in the country without any exceptions. Strict punishment to violators is extremely important.

The selection of the Member of Parliament, or any government office should frown on fake degrees. India still lives in villages.

This sector of economy needs to be revitalized and given boost.

Education, financial incentives, health care reforms, providing basic needs to the needy to succeed are crucial for the country's welfare and success.

Overall speaking, PM Modi at the helm is a great gift to the country since he is dedicated to the well-being of India. Given opportunity and support, India can prosper and excel multi-dimensionally.

www.indiapost.com

India Post August 14, 2015

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India Post August 14, 2015

www.indiapost.com

48

Survey of Nation on 69th Independence Day

Make in India should be top priority

V

inesh Virani, a community activist and a busi nessman, said that PM Modi has succeeded in creating a

climate that made people aware that there is a government in India and it works. The previous government either lacked will or looked for remote control for its functioning. This had created a sort of vacuum and the people got disillusioned.

Virani said that the biggest failure of the government lay in not passing the land bill which would have worked well with both the sides - the government as well as the farmers. It created the impression that the present government is against farmers. This impression should be dispelled and the

much needed trust is required to be built.

Virani feels that the Indian government should pay special attention in promoting Swadeshi Make concept that would help local industries to grow. Make in India should be a top priority. The government in all honesty and purpose seek to achieve this "Made in India" goal and also do away with the license raj.

"Remove all the laws and regulations left behind by the British.

They should study and modify rules which fit our needs and the present situation," he said.

Grant dual citizenship Vinesh Virani

NEWS on your desktop www.indiapost.com

Cont’d from page 46

No one can expect successful results to reverse 70 years of failures.

I did not personally like the land dispute settlement with Bangladesh. I think India lost more and several minorities got adversely affected.

As Modi's popularity is as high as that of Jawaharlal Nehru, he has a great opportunity to implement any agenda he feels is important to make India better. I can only think from NRI perspective that there should be dual citizenship. What is most needed by India can best be answered by an average Indian living in India.

www.indiapost.com

India Post August 14, 2015

49

www.indiapost.com

Survey of Nation on 69th Independence Day

S

Focus more on domestic issues

unil Shah, founder President of the Federation of Indian Associations Schaumburg , said that the BJP government led by Narendra Modi has just completed about 1 year and 3 months and it would be highly unfair to raise our expectations and then criticize its performance.

However, in such a short span of time the new government has done amazing and remarkably, noteworthy work like improving ties and building long term good foreign relations. PM Modi toured about 18 nations - something never done by his predecessors - and has brought about fruitful results in broadening India's international relationships.

Never before has any leader focused so

much on cleanliness, involving himself on tions. If this Herculean task gets into fruia personal level to the fullest extent, con- tion, it would have immense positive imvincing the World Bank to pact on economy. extend 1 billion dollar for After very successful Swacch Bharat Abhiyan visits to several countries, Project. The government the time has come to foaddressed grievances of cus more on domestic isNRIs and effected a sues like giving a boost to merger of PIOS and OCI India's economy and recards, and getting Visa on viving it to its optimum arrival, which helped a big level. The top priority jump in tourist arrivals. need to be given to infraThe biggest concern structure and manufacturcenters around the ing and tackling inflation. government's delay in Besides, several stalled inSunil Shah bringing back black vestment projects need to money from abroad as promised before elec- be restarted.

India Post August 14, 2015

50

dittoTV joins hands with NY India Day Parade India Post News Service

MUMBAI: India's first OTT platform, dittoTV has come on board with The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA), New York, by being the associate sponsor for the India Day Parade that is going to be held on the 16th August in New York. dittoTV envisions to connect to the masses since the India Day Parade is going to witness a grand scale of participation by the Indian community and the event is an official attempt to create 3Guinness World Records.

Participants of the parade will be given a special 30 day trial pack by dittoTV free of cost. This will give access to over70 plus channels across 13 languages along with live broadcast from 13 famous temples of India, over 1200 plus movies in various languages and specially designed video content.dittoTV has transcended boundaries by being the only platform to have 8 Pakistani channels along with international news channels like BBC, Al Jazeera, CNNi to name a few and promises viewers a larger than life experience with more than 10 HD channels under their umbrella of content.

Do visit the dittoTV float & booth for free giveaways & surprises. Alternatively to activate one's free trial all a person has to do is to download the app or visit dittoTV.com and register.

Talking about this prestigious association, Debashish Ghosh, CEO, ZDCL said, "The excitement of instantly connecting

Participants of the parade will be given a special 30 day trial pack by dittoTV free of cost.

This will give access to over70 plus channels across 13 languages with the Indian Diaspora through this mega event has motivated us to be associated with the India Day Parade. Moreover, the occasion being Independence Day, joining hands with the FIA allows us to be present ourselves before such a large and august audience and be seen of India's changing face via dittoTV" About dittoTV: dittoTV is another platform first from Zee Digital Convergence Ltd., a subsidiary of Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL), one of India's leading television, media and entertainment companies. dittoTV is an entertainment revolution that delivers Live TV, Video-onDemand, Music, News and much more on your mobile phones, tablets, laptops, desktops and other connected devices. It empowers you with instant access to breaking news, sports, daily soaps, top TV shows, music videos and your favourite blockbuster movies, on the go. Its revolutionary technology automatically adapts to a suitable internet speed depending on the network strength and delivers an optimised video-viewing experience.

„ Health

Line

Healthcare project launched in Varanasi VARANASI: A project which aims to ensure universal healthcare coverage to people, especially for those living in rural areas, has been launched here.

The project aims to provide preventive medical treatment to people living in the rural areas near Varanasi, which has been chosen as the pilot city for the project. Under it, poor and senior citizens would be provided free medicines, treatment and pathology tests.

The project is an initiative of Partnership for Safe Medicine (PSM) and Consumer Online Foundation and it will be run with the help of Mata Ananadmayee Hospital here. The National Health Assurance Mission (NAHM) will also play a major role in the implementation of this project.

The project will also be managed by institutions such BHU and central and state government hospitals on PPP basis, a release said.

PSM Chairman Wajahat Habibullah said there is need for such projects which aims at providing high quality medical services to over one lakh people in the next 12 months.

The project was launched by vice-chancellor of Banaras Hindu University, G C Tripathi at a function here.-PTI

„ Indian-American pharmacist's license suspended NEW YORK: An Indian-American pharmacist's license has been suspended after he was convicted of healthcare fraud and ordered to pay about USD 2 million in penalty.

Hiren Dasharathbhai Patel, of Michigan, was convicted of one count of healthcare conspiracy and one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances in June this year.

Patel was sentenced to probation for six months, and ordered to pay USD 2,000,200 in restitution and fees.

The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) suspended Patel's license to practice as a pharmacist based on his felony convictions, the agency said.

Last month, LARA issued an order summarily suspending Patel's license in accordance with the Public Health Code. PTI

Health Science 51 India Post

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August 14, 2015

Govt won't issue NORI to doctors: Nadda Details on Page 53

Maintain decorum on Maggi row: PM to Consumer Affairs Ministry NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has advised maintaining decorum on the Maggi row till all facts come to light, Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Ram Vilas Paswan has said, as the government does not want to hurt investment flow.

"The Prime Minister has said whatever people say, we should maintain decorum on this issue (Maggi). Until we get the fact findings done, there is no need to create unnecessary noise," Paswan said while sharing about the Maggi row at an Assocham event here.

Paswan also favored setting up a single coordinated body to look into many overlapping issues and expedite issuance of product clearances from various ministries in the food sector.

The minister assured the food processing representatives that the government does not intend to impose 'inspector raj' and hurt investment flow in the sector, but at the same time asked them to maintain quality of products and do business in "honest and trans-

parent" way.

"The government wants to achieve industrial growth but not at the cost of consumer interest.

Products should be of good quality and the industry should ensure this," he said.

ping issues and expedite issuance of clearances from various ministries and government departments in the food sector."

"We will write to each and every department and also to the Prime Minister that we need to

Acknowledging problems in getting product approvals, Paswan said, "There is a need to constitute a single coordinated body to look into many overlap-

seriously look into such issues being raised by the industry," he said adding that there should be a time-bound redressal to the industries' grievances.

Paswan said there is a "media trial" going on in the Maggi row.

He also spoke about certain labs finding Maggi samples conforming to food safety standards and later regulator FSSAI rejecting those test reports.

"There is public perception (about Maggi). If public perception gets dented even once then it becomes difficult to control.

These days, media trial is happening in a big way. It had happened in the case of Coca-Cola too," he added.

Consumers get affected when there are health related issues associated with products, he said, adding that there would be criticism in a Parliamentary democracy when such controversies come to light.

In June, FSSAI had banned Maggi noodles after it found its 30 samples "unsafe and hazardous" for human consumption.

FSSAI had also said that Nestle violated labeling regulations on taste enhancer 'MSG' and ordered company to submit compliance report on its orders.-PTI

AIIMS to be set up in both Jammu & Srinagar NEW DELHI: The Centre has asked Jammu and Kashmir government to identify 200 acres of land each for Jammu and Srinagar for "setting up of AIIMS" in the state.

In his letter to state, a senior Union Health Ministry official has stated that in view of "expediting" the process of establishment of AIIMS, two teams have been constituted to finalise the sites and the state government has been advised to identify pieces of land measuring 200 acres each in both Jammu and Srinagar.

The move comes after Health Minister J P Nadda held a meeting and directed officials to send such a letter so that the issue can be expedited.

"The letter says that 200 acre land should be identified in both the regions. The decision on this issue was taken by the Health Minister himself," a senior

Health Ministry official said while confirming the development.

This meeting was a follow up of the one held earlier between the Health Minister and a delegation from Jammu and Kashmir.

charge Avinash Rai Khanna and general secretary Narendra Singh.

Sources maintained that the letter also urged the state to forward the details of the sites "so identified" in both areas to the

The delegation which met Nadda recently included state Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh, Health Minister Lal Singh, state BJP president Jugal Kishore Sharma, party J&K affairs in

Union Health Ministry at the earliest so that Central teams can visit the respective sites to consider their suitability.

Amid protests, Jammu witnessed a shutdown for six con-

secutive days as the agitation led by AIIMS Coordination Committee (ACC), demanding an AIIMS in the region, continued.

ACC, an amalgamation of over 70 organisations, has been leading an agitation for setting up of AIIMS in Jammu region.

The Centre has announced that it plans to set up six new All India Institutes of Medical Science (AIIMS) in six different states in order to cater to the increasingly growing demands for more doctors across the country.

The ACC has announced suspension of Jammu bandh call after the Centre's move.

It has, however, clarified that bandh has been suspended not called off and the agitation of huger strike will continue till the Centre issues notification for separate AIIMS in Jammu region.

52 India Post

Health Science Post

August 7, 2015

www.indiapost.com

Indian lab wins battle to patent cheaper iodized salt PALLAVA BAGLA

NEW DELHI: This is one 21st century 'Salt Satyagraha' even Mahatma Gandhi would be very proud off. India won a unique but bruising patent battle on a new way of producing iodized salt against a huge multinational company.

The battle over salt played out recently and in a major victory, a public sector laboratory from Bhavnagar has humbled the giant multi-national corporation Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) to restore control over a patent to efficiently make the everyday commodity iodized salt.

Not much publicized, the modern day 'Iodized Salt Satyagraha' played out in the Indian courts that protect intellectual property rights. Ultimately, the Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSMCRI) managed to thwart an effort to wrest control over a patent to proficiently produce iodized salt, from a giant MNC challenger.

"It is a major victory," says Madhukar Garg, Director General of the CSIR who explains that very often MNCs oppose patents essentially to "block India's research and development".

While the CSIR has off late won a few patent battles against foreign entities but those have mostly been fought on the grounds that foreigners had pirated knowhow from India's traditional knowledge systems. This patent battle was unique and a game changer and Garg says "it was fought and won based on modern scien-

tific principles and not prior art".

Iodized salt is an essential pre-requisite for human health especially in India where iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) are rampant. According to data available with the office of the Salt Commissioner in Jaipur "it is estimated that more than 200 million people are at risk of iodine deficiency in India, while the number of persons suffer-

ing from goitre and other iodine deficiency disorders is above 70 million". If not treated on time iodine deficiency results in physical and mental retardation.

The patent skirmish took place over a very long period and the seeds of the unrest began in 2004 when the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the parent body of the Bhavnagar laboratory, applied for grant of a patent for a new and novel way of producing iodized salt.

Soon after in 2006, HUL, then called Hindustan Lever Limited, opposed the grant of the patent challenging it that the process

put forward by CSIR was not new so the patent should be cancelled. The seesaw battle continued and in 2013, the Indian patents office 'refused' to grant the patent, essentially HUL had won the case.

But the inventor of the technology Dr Pushpito Ghosh, a talented chemist from CSMCRI, and his colleagues did not give up and approached the Intellectual Property Appellate Board (IPAB) in Chennai which has now upheld that Ghosh's technology was "novel, inventive and non-obvious" so the patent can be granted.

Interestingly, after doggedly blocking the grant of the patent for almost a decade in 2015, S Venkatramani, Head of the Patent Group for HUL, wrote a letter to the IPAB saying "due to change in our business priorities, we cease to have any commercial interest in the subject invention... and are no more interested in pursuing the opposition to the same".

Ghosh says that by merely contesting and delaying the grant of the patent HUL had deflated its commercial potential, as no industry would buy a technology that was being challenged in the courts by a corporate giant like HUL.

The decade-long hurdles have been removed and the technology is now ready to be licensed, says Ghosh, who adds that "in conventional iodized salt as sold in India, a solution of potassium iodate is sprayed onto salt crystals.

Normally there is considerable loss of iodine in the course of processing and on storage. The latter depends on several factors such as salt purity, moisture content, nature of packaging, etc. To compensate for losses, salt manufacturers tend to use more iodizing agent than necessary. India has no source of iodine and it is important that we conserve iodine usage."

India imports all its iodine, about 200 tonnes of it are required annually by the iodized salt manufacturers and the new technologies being developed at CSMCRI can result in major savings.

Garg compliments the 'courage and tenacity' shown by Ghosh and his colleagues at CSMCRI to have fought and won a battle against a big MNC. "This was a clear case where a big company was blocking the development of an indigenous technology," says a much- relieved CSIR chief who sees this as victory for 'Make in India' where the common man benefits as he says this patent war was really a battle to keep India healthy.-PTI

August 14, 2015

Health Science Post

India Post 53

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Govt won't issue NORI to doctors: Nadda NEW DELHI: To tackle brain drain, the government has decided not to issue 'No Obligation to Return to India' certificate to doctors in any circumstances, except to those who are over 65 years of the age.

Health Minister J P Nadda informed Rajya Sabha that the Ministry has revised

its guidelines to tackle large scale migration of Indian doctors to foreign shores.

"As per the revised guidelines of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 'No Obligation to Return to India (NORI)' certificate will not be issued in any circumstance, except for those who are above 65

years of age," He said.

Nadda was replying to a question whether the country was witnessing a huge brain drain of doctors that directly affect the health sector and whether the government has taken stringent action to stop this.

"During 2010-2014, a total number of 3,947 Statement of Need (SON) Certificates and Exceptional Need Certificates (ENC) were issued by the Health Ministry to Indian doctors to enable them to pursue higher medical studies in the United States of America (USA)," he said.

The government has taken measures to improve the working conditions of the doctors including "considerable" enhancement of pay and allowances of doctors after implementation of the 6th Central Pay Commission, Nadda said.

The other measures include amendment of MCI regulations to provide the age of superannuation for doctors in teaching cadre can go up to 70 years,

revision of Assured Career Progression Scheme for faculty of central government institutions to make it more beneficial.

Nadda said that various allowances available to the faculty like Non-Practicing Allowance, Conveyance Allowance, Learn-

ing Resource Allowance and others have been also been enhanced considerably.-PTI

Nestle yet to respond to govt notice on Maggi NEW DELH: Nestle, the manufacturer of Maggi, is yet to respond to the government's notice issued long back asking why its products should not be withdrawn from the market, government told the Lok Sabha about the food item which continues to be off the shelf because of a ban.

Health Minister J P Nadda said if Nestle gives the reasons, the government will take that into "consideration".

He said when the government told Nestle to withdraw Maggi from the market, the company was also given a notice that

within 15 days they should give an answer why their products should not be withdrawn and that they should also give the reasons for it.

"Till today there is no answer which has come out. So, cooperation from both sides should be there. We are asking for reasons.

If M/s Nestle gives the reasons, we are going to take it into consideration," he said replying to questions.

Nadda said the matter is now sub-judice and he would not like to comment on it further but made it clear that government wants to ensure that food safety standards are not compromised.

Observing that government was committed to maintain safety and wholesomeness of the food item as well as the growth of the food processing industry, he said the enforcement of the Food Safety and Standards Act and regulations was "in overall public interest."

He said the Maggi samples were examined following uniform protocol, which was even prescribed by its producer Nestle.

"Tests were being done following the prescribed standards.

Even Nestle did not question about the facilities available in our labs. There is no variation in facilities, variation is in tests," the Minister said.

He said if a particular batch of Maggi was found containing the permissible level of MSG, the sample passes the test and if any particular batch had higher MSG level, then it does not. -PTI

„

Realty Tidbits

Realty brokerage market becoming tech savvy MUMBAI: Realizing the potential of the $6 billion Indian realty brokerage market, many tech professionals are launching portals and mobile applications that will make brokers more professional and accountable.

Experts say the brokerage market is expected to witness a sea change as more and more tech professionals are swarming to grab the opportunity to make brokers more professional and techsavvy.

According to them, many property portals were launched with a view to making searching, renting and buying hassle-free for customers. They adopted technologies like virtual reality and 3D viewing of properties that could make the traditional brokers even more redundant. There are around 5 lakh agents in the country.

"Real estate transactions are mainly high value deals and cannot be completed without intervention by an expert like a broker who has the information not only about the properties but also the prices in the particular markets," said Pallav Pandey, founder and CEO of BroEx, a mobile app for brokers.

"Despite the existence of userfriendly portals, brokers continue to operate mainly due to the expertise they have in the field," he told PTI. BroEx, Plabro, Sunday Realty, Zillion Dreams are some of the companies that have launched special mobile applications for brokers.

These apps allow agents to seamlessly network and aggregate listings from each other, giving them the platform to pool inventory and be larger and more relevant than some of the large portals for their respective areas.

"Despite being the direct link to the customers, the local real estate agents have missed out on the online channel to promote their services," said Sunday Realty Chief Executive Joseph George.

"This has also led to their losing out in terms of mindspace of the customer and missing out on the online boom by never appearing in any sort of online searches," he said.

According to Jay Patel, Founder and CEO of IndiaMLS - a membership-based software platform created to form an online network of brokers - even in developed nations, with significant web solutions, more than 88 per cent of all real estate transactions are closed with the help of a broker.

"As in other developed countries, we want to bring in the same professionalism in the Indian brokerage industry. -PTI

Real Estate 54 India Post

www.indiapost.com

500 sq.m plus projects under new Bill plan

August 14, 2015

New luxury homes in Dublin experiencing impressive sales India Post News Service

DUBLIN, CA: Terrace Ridge, a new luxury home neighborhood in Dublin by William Lyon Homes, is generating impressive sales success since its recent grand opening. A limited edition of only 36 residences, select home sites offer distant scenic views from the community's breathtaking elevated setting. These include Homesite #25, a stunning Residence One, spanning approximately 2,829 square feet with an impressive great room that seamlessly flows into a covered patio expanding indoor/outdoor living. Offering a desirable corner location, this particular Residence One also boasts four bedrooms, a large loft and a gourmet kitchen.

To learn more, visit the sales gallery or join the interest list at

www.LyonTerraceRidge.com.

"The breathtaking setting combined with the unparalleled luxury these homes have to offer, create

Builders urge Maharashtra govt to cut policy rates MUMBAI: A national body of with more than 15,000 business engineering construction con- entities. tractors has urged Maharashtra BAI was expecting a reduction government to cut rates in the in the repo rate for bringing down monetary policy for the healthy cost of the money for all the ingrowth of infrastructure and con- frastructure projects and real esstruction industry. tate projects. It was also expect"We are disappointed over the ing reduction in the CRR so as to monetary policy review an- have more money available in the nounced last week as no correc- market as presently there was a tive action tremendous lihad been quidity crunch taken to imin the market, prove the particularly to fund position the infrastrucof infrastructure projects ture and conand real estate struction inprojects, Gupta dustry, desaid. spite the in"It is a matBAI spokesperson Anand Gupta flation reter of great conmaining under control. We urged cern for the industry that the policy the government to cut rates for does not include a special restructhe growth of the industry," turing policy for infrastructure Builders Association of India projects and its exclusion would (BAI) spokesperson Anand adversely impact the number of Gupta said in a statement here. players for taking up infrastrucBAI is a national apex body of ture projects thereby severely engineering construction con- hampering the country's desired tractors and real estate companies economic growth," he said. -PTI

the perfect opportunity for homeownership in Dublin," said Kathy Floyd, Director of Sales for William Lyon Homes. "The early

Shopping Center with Regal Cinemas and IMAX. Recreational opportunities feature Mount Diablo State Park, Emerald Glen Park, Fallon Sports Park, Dougherty Hills Dog Park and Dublin Ranch Golf Course.

Parents enjoy inclusion in the well-regarded Dublin school district and nearby private schools.

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

A team of visionaries who are passionate about homebuilding and committed to providing a high quality home buying and homeownership experience, William Lyon Homes has earned a solid track record for outstanding construction and customer service since 1956.

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

phases are expected to sell-out quickly and I strongly encourage buyers to visit soon to experience this new collection firsthand."

Terrace Ridge presents three distinctive floor plans ranging from approximately 2,829 to 3,127 square feet, with 4 to 5 bedrooms, 4 to 5 baths and 2-car garages.

Designed for family living, wellappointed interiors feature chefinspired kitchens The company continues to exwith islands, large great rooms and pand its well-respected brand versatile lofts in beyond California, Arizona and select plans.

Nevada and into other market Prices start from the low $1.2 mil- areas across the Western region lions. with the acquisition of Polygon Conveniently located in Dublin, Northwest Homes residents enjoy easy access to Tri-Valley's business employers, NYSE under the symbol WLH. For shops and leisure destinations. updated information and to learn Nearby is I-680, as well as a BART more, visit station for commutes to San Franwww.lyonhomes.com. cisco and Oakland. In Pleasanton, To visit Terrace Ridge, travel Ithe Altamont Corridor Express 580, exit Tassajara Road and pro'ACE' Train is on-hand for trips to ceed north. Turn right on Silvera Fremont, San Jose and Santa Clara. Ranch Drive, then right on Terrace Abundant retail and dining op- Ridge Court. The Sales Gallery is portunities are also close by, in- located on the left and is open cluding Hacienda Crossings daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

August 14, 2015

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Philosophy

August 14, 2015

India Post 57

www.indiapost.com

Page Sponsored by Sahanis SRI AUROBINDO

B

ehind the appearances of the universe there is the Reality of a Being and Consciousness, a Self of all things, one and eternal. All beings are united in that One Self and Spirit but divided by a certain separativity of consciousness, an ignorance of their true Self and Reality in the mind, life and body.

It is possible by a certain psychological discipline to remove this veil of separative consciousness and become aware of the true Self, the Divinity within us and all.

This One Being and Consciousness is involved here in Matter. Evolution is the method by which it liberates itself; consciousness appears in what seems to be inconscient, and once having appeared is selfimpelled to grow higher and higher and at the same time to enlarge and develop towards a greater and greater perfection.

Life is the first step of this release of consciousness; mind is the second; but the evolution does not finish with mind, it awaits a release into something greater, a consciousness which is spiritual and supramental.

The next step of the evolution must be towards the development of Supermind and Spirit as the dominant power in the conscious being. For only then will the involved Divinity in things release itself entirely and it become possible for life to manifest perfection.

SWAMI DAYANANDA SARASWATI

S

uppose I hold up a flower and say, "This is a rabbit."

When I say this, you have no satya-buddhi in my words. You have satya-buddhi in your eyes.

What your eyes see, alone, is true, not what the Swami says. If I say that this is a rabbit you are not going to accept it. Why? Because what your eyes see, that sight, cannot be denied.

Because your whole soul, your ego, everything is at the altar of your eyes. And therefore, when I say, "This is a rabbit" you cannot accept that, because satyabuddhi is only in the pramäëa, (means of knowledge) your eyes.

Similarly, when the words of the sästra tell you that you are the whole, tattvam-asi, because it is a pramäëa for you, you have satya-buddhi in those words.

Even though you have every reason to believe that it is not true.

In your question, "How can I be the whole?" you can either dismiss the whole thing, or mean, "I think I don't understand this."

Then you give the benefit of the doubt to the sastra, and you enquire.

And when I say that you are not only the whole, you are the

But while the former steps in evolution were taken by Nature without a conscious will in the plant and animal life, in man Nature becomes able to evolve by a conscious will in the instrument.

It is not, however, by the mental will in man that this can be wholly done, for the mind goes only to a certain point and after that can only move in a circle.

A conversion has to be made, a

world, replace the mind's ignorance or its very limited knowledge by a supramental Truth-Consciousness which will be a sufficient instrument of the inner Self and make it possible for the human being to find himself dynamically as well as inwardly and grow out of his still animal humanity into a diviner race.

The psychological discipline of Yoga can be used to that end by

inner being within him with greater possibilities to which he has to awake - for it is only a very restricted influence from it that he receives now and that pushes him to a constant pursuit of a greater beauty, harmony, power and knowledge. The first process of Yoga is therefore to open the ranges of this inner being and to live from there outward, governing his outward life by an inner

Evolution awaits release into something greater Life is the first step of this release of consciousness; mind is the second; but the evolution does not finish with mind, it awaits a release into something greater

Freedom is inseparably connected with immortality. To be free one must be above the laws of nature.

Law exists so long as we are ignorant. When knowledge comes, then we find that law nothing but freedom in ourselves.

-Swami Vivekananda

Sri Aurobindo

turning of the consciousness by which mind has to change into the higher principle. This method is to be found through the ancient psychological discipline and practice of Yoga. In the past, it has been attempted by a drawing away from the world and a disappearance into the height of the Self or Spirit.

A descent of the higher principle is possible which will not merely release the spiritual Self out of the world, but release it in the

opening all the parts of the being to a conversion or transformation through the descent and working of the higher still concealed supramental principle.

This, however, cannot be done at once or in a short time or by any rapid or miraculous transformation. Many steps have to be taken by the seeker before the supramental descent is possible.

Man lives mostly in his surface mind, life and body, but there is an

light and force.

In doing so he discovers in himself his true soul which is not this outer mixture of mental, vital and physical elements but something of the Reality behind them, a spark from the one Divine Fire.

Excerpted from Sri Aurobindo Birth Centenary Library, Vol. 26, "Sri Aurobindo on Himself", pp.

95-97. The 143rd birth anniversary of Sri Aurobindo will be observed on August 15

center of the entire creation, jagat, this is a statement which is not going to be understood by you.

It requires analysis leading to understanding, because it is an equation. An equation is never understood just by seeing it. It is understood only when you inquire into both sides of it.

The equation which is Vedanta is tat tvam asi, you are that. Tvam, you, is one side of the equation,

tion is not tenable. But at the same time, the sastra makes the equation about you, and therefore, you have to look into your own notion about yourself to determine whether it is true.

And then, you have to know what is Isvara, what is the reality, etc. When you look into all this thoroughly, it becomes clear to you, but until then, you have sraddha in the sastra. The

is a doubt, I don't dismiss the sastra, I question my understanding. This is what we gain through sraddha.

If we dismiss the sastra, "Oh, it says things that are not true," that is not sraddha. The sastra says deliberately that you are the whole, knowing full well that you are a limited being, that your body is limited, your mind is limited, and so on. All these limitations are

Sraddha in sastra is trust pending understanding The Vedanta väkya is taken to be true. Even though it doesn't seem to be true for me, I accept that the meaning is true, and that I have to enquire and discover that. and tat, that, is the other side.

Now tat means the cause of the entire world, jagat-käraëa. That is what we call Isvara, the lord. This individual, jéva, who is ignorant, who is of limited knowledge and limited power, is equated to Isvara, and therefore, this equa-

sraddha in the sastra is a sraddha pending discovery. The Vedanta väkya is taken to be true. Even though it doesn't seem to be true for me, I accept that the meaning is true, and that I have to enquire and discover that. This is sraddha. Therefore, when there

Swami Dayananda Saraswati

accepted by the sastra.

Excerpted from Tattvabodha, Arsha Vidya Research and Publications, 2009 Mundaka Upanisad 3.2.6. The 85th birth anniversary of Swami Dayanand Saraswati will be observed on August 15.

Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes.

-Mahatma Gandhi When a man is denied the right to live the life he believes in, he has no choice but to become an outlaw.

-Nelson Mandela They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.

-Benjamin Franklin Expose yourself to your deepest fear; after that, fear has no power, and the fear of freedom shrinks and vanishes.

You are free.

-Jim Morrison People demand freedom of speech as a compensation for the freedom of thought which they seldom use.

-Søren Kierkegaard The truth will set you free.

But not until it is finished with you.

-David Foster Wallace

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

Philosophy

August 14, 2015

India Post 57

www.indiapost.com

Page Sponsored by Sahanis SRI AUROBINDO

B

ehind the appearances of the universe there is the Reality of a Being and Consciousness, a Self of all things, one and eternal. All beings are united in that One Self and Spirit but divided by a certain separativity of consciousness, an ignorance of their true Self and Reality in the mind, life and body.

It is possible by a certain psychological discipline to remove this veil of separative consciousness and become aware of the true Self, the Divinity within us and all.

This One Being and Consciousness is involved here in Matter. Evolution is the method by which it liberates itself; consciousness appears in what seems to be inconscient, and once having appeared is selfimpelled to grow higher and higher and at the same time to enlarge and develop towards a greater and greater perfection.

Life is the first step of this release of consciousness; mind is the second; but the evolution does not finish with mind, it awaits a release into something greater, a consciousness which is spiritual and supramental.

The next step of the evolution must be towards the development of Supermind and Spirit as the dominant power in the conscious being. For only then will the involved Divinity in things release itself entirely and it become possible for life to manifest perfection.

SWAMI DAYANANDA SARASWATI

S

uppose I hold up a flower and say, "This is a rabbit."

When I say this, you have no satya-buddhi in my words. You have satya-buddhi in your eyes.

What your eyes see, alone, is true, not what the Swami says. If I say that this is a rabbit you are not going to accept it. Why? Because what your eyes see, that sight, cannot be denied.

Because your whole soul, your ego, everything is at the altar of your eyes. And therefore, when I say, "This is a rabbit" you cannot accept that, because satyabuddhi is only in the pramäëa, (means of knowledge) your eyes.

Similarly, when the words of the sästra tell you that you are the whole, tattvam-asi, because it is a pramäëa for you, you have satya-buddhi in those words.

Even though you have every reason to believe that it is not true.

In your question, "How can I be the whole?" you can either dismiss the whole thing, or mean, "I think I don't understand this."

Then you give the benefit of the doubt to the sastra, and you enquire.

And when I say that you are not only the whole, you are the

But while the former steps in evolution were taken by Nature without a conscious will in the plant and animal life, in man Nature becomes able to evolve by a conscious will in the instrument.

It is not, however, by the mental will in man that this can be wholly done, for the mind goes only to a certain point and after that can only move in a circle.

A conversion has to be made, a

world, replace the mind's ignorance or its very limited knowledge by a supramental Truth-Consciousness which will be a sufficient instrument of the inner Self and make it possible for the human being to find himself dynamically as well as inwardly and grow out of his still animal humanity into a diviner race.

The psychological discipline of Yoga can be used to that end by

inner being within him with greater possibilities to which he has to awake - for it is only a very restricted influence from it that he receives now and that pushes him to a constant pursuit of a greater beauty, harmony, power and knowledge. The first process of Yoga is therefore to open the ranges of this inner being and to live from there outward, governing his outward life by an inner

Evolution awaits release into something greater Life is the first step of this release of consciousness; mind is the second; but the evolution does not finish with mind, it awaits a release into something greater

Freedom is inseparably connected with immortality. To be free one must be above the laws of nature.

Law exists so long as we are ignorant. When knowledge comes, then we find that law nothing but freedom in ourselves.

-Swami Vivekananda

Sri Aurobindo

turning of the consciousness by which mind has to change into the higher principle. This method is to be found through the ancient psychological discipline and practice of Yoga. In the past, it has been attempted by a drawing away from the world and a disappearance into the height of the Self or Spirit.

A descent of the higher principle is possible which will not merely release the spiritual Self out of the world, but release it in the

opening all the parts of the being to a conversion or transformation through the descent and working of the higher still concealed supramental principle.

This, however, cannot be done at once or in a short time or by any rapid or miraculous transformation. Many steps have to be taken by the seeker before the supramental descent is possible.

Man lives mostly in his surface mind, life and body, but there is an

light and force.

In doing so he discovers in himself his true soul which is not this outer mixture of mental, vital and physical elements but something of the Reality behind them, a spark from the one Divine Fire.

Excerpted from Sri Aurobindo Birth Centenary Library, Vol. 26, "Sri Aurobindo on Himself", pp.

95-97. The 143rd birth anniversary of Sri Aurobindo will be observed on August 15

center of the entire creation, jagat, this is a statement which is not going to be understood by you.

It requires analysis leading to understanding, because it is an equation. An equation is never understood just by seeing it. It is understood only when you inquire into both sides of it.

The equation which is Vedanta is tat tvam asi, you are that. Tvam, you, is one side of the equation,

tion is not tenable. But at the same time, the sastra makes the equation about you, and therefore, you have to look into your own notion about yourself to determine whether it is true.

And then, you have to know what is Isvara, what is the reality, etc. When you look into all this thoroughly, it becomes clear to you, but until then, you have sraddha in the sastra. The

is a doubt, I don't dismiss the sastra, I question my understanding. This is what we gain through sraddha.

If we dismiss the sastra, "Oh, it says things that are not true," that is not sraddha. The sastra says deliberately that you are the whole, knowing full well that you are a limited being, that your body is limited, your mind is limited, and so on. All these limitations are

Sraddha in sastra is trust pending understanding The Vedanta väkya is taken to be true. Even though it doesn't seem to be true for me, I accept that the meaning is true, and that I have to enquire and discover that. and tat, that, is the other side.

Now tat means the cause of the entire world, jagat-käraëa. That is what we call Isvara, the lord. This individual, jéva, who is ignorant, who is of limited knowledge and limited power, is equated to Isvara, and therefore, this equa-

sraddha in the sastra is a sraddha pending discovery. The Vedanta väkya is taken to be true. Even though it doesn't seem to be true for me, I accept that the meaning is true, and that I have to enquire and discover that. This is sraddha. Therefore, when there

Swami Dayananda Saraswati

accepted by the sastra.

Excerpted from Tattvabodha, Arsha Vidya Research and Publications, 2009 Mundaka Upanisad 3.2.6. The 85th birth anniversary of Swami Dayanand Saraswati will be observed on August 15.

Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes.

-Mahatma Gandhi When a man is denied the right to live the life he believes in, he has no choice but to become an outlaw.

-Nelson Mandela They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.

-Benjamin Franklin Expose yourself to your deepest fear; after that, fear has no power, and the fear of freedom shrinks and vanishes.

You are free.

-Jim Morrison People demand freedom of speech as a compensation for the freedom of thought which they seldom use.

-Søren Kierkegaard The truth will set you free.

But not until it is finished with you.

-David Foster Wallace

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

59 India Post

www.indiapost.com

August 14, 2015

A

sin, who is currently busy with the promotions of the film All Is Well, is tying the knot soon after the re lease of the film. The actor is get ting married to Micromax Mobiles' co-founder Rahul Sharma. And from what has been reported, Asin's Khiladi 786 co-star Akshay Kumar played the matchmaker.

According to a report in the Times of India, Asin and Rahul have been in a steady relationship for a few years now, but the actor chose to keep her private life fiercely guarded all these days.

Despite the fact that all her co-stars and friends were aware of the marriage in the offing, no one could get to know the same from Asin's mouth.

However, the actor confirmed the news to the daily, "I am currently wrapping up all my professional commitments so that I can give more time to my personal life. I had anyway stopped signing new projects two years back itself."

Rahul Sharma, who heads Micromax, the biggest mobile company in India, is a close friend of

Akshay Kumar. When the brand was launched, Akshay was among the first stars to endorse the same. Micromax later went on to rope in Hollywood actor Hugh Jackman as its brand ambassador.

As far as Asin's professional life is concerned, the actor will now be seen in All Is Well, which has been in production for about two years.

The actor was last seen on the silver screen in Khiladi 786, after which, she stopped taking on more films.

Asin's Bollywood debut was in the Aamir Khanstarrer Ghajini, for which she had earned largely posi-

tive reviews. After that, the actor went on to do films with Abhishek Bachchan (Bol Bachchan), Akshay Kumar (Khiladi 786), Ready (Salman Khan), London Dreams (Salman Khan and Ajay Devgn) and Housefull 2 (Akshay Kumar).

As for husband-to-be, who is Rahul Sharma is a question that has been doing the rounds of the internet for a while now. People with some knowledge of the mobile phone scene in the country would be aware of the identity of Sharma, given the fact that the man co-founded Micromax Mobiles, India's first mobile phone company. Here's what you need to know about Rahul Sharma: 1. Rahul Sharma founded the company, Micromax in the year 2000. At present, the company operated from its headquarters in Gurgaon, Haryana.

2. Sharma holds a Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Nagpur. Apart from that, he also has Bachelor in Commerce degree from the University of Saskatchewan, Canada.

3. Rahul Sharma currently serves as the CEO of Micromax Informatics. The group began selling mobile phones in 2008, after being a distributor of Nokia phones in India for a while.

4. In 2014, Fortune named Rahul Sharma among their 40 Under 40. When not working, the 38-yearold loves spending his time playing badminton.

Cont'd on Page 60

August 14, 2015

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Preity Zinta to be honored at Miss India-Canada India Post News Service

TORONTO, Canada: Vivacious Bollywood star, Preity Zinta will be this year's Guest of Honor at the 25th annual Miss IndiaCanada Event, presented by Chevrolet, on Saturday, August 15, in association with Air Canada.

The lead actress in such Bollywood hits like "Kal Ho Na Ho", "Koi Mil Gaya" and "Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna", Preity will be presented the prestigious Special Achievement Award for her contribution to cinema. Zinta is also a global phenomenon having starred in the Canadian film Heaven on Earth, for which she was awarded the Silver Hugo Award for Best Actress at the 2008 Chicago Inter-

national Film Festival.

The dimpled beauty wears many hats and has won many accolades from her peers, critics and

fans. She is the joint owner of The Kings XI Punjab (KXIP), a fran-

chise cricket team based in Ajitgarh, Punjab, that plays in the Indian Premier League. In 2010, Time magazine selected her as one of the candidates for its list of the world's 100 most influential people and she was the first recipient of Godfrey's Mind of Steel Award at the annual Red and White Bravery Awards, given to her for the "courageous act" of standing against the Mumbai underworld.

Zinta is currently filming Neeraj Pathak's action comedy Bhaiyyaji Superhitt opposite Sunny Deol.

This year's grand sponsor is ATN. The event is also supported

by Om Financial, Bigen Speedy Hair Colour, Quality Street, and Lakeshore Convention Centre, to name a few.

Failure does not demotivate me: Lisa Haydon

F

or Lisa Haydon, a movie's success or failure is a redun dant discussion and the actress says she seldom gets disappointed when her films don't work at the box office. The 29year-old actress received plaudits for her performance in 2014 film "Queen". But her last film "The Shaukeens" did not taste similar success.

Lisa said she believes in enjoying her work and does not think about what its outcome would be. "I don't expect anything. I am not really that kind of a person. I do my work. I have fun. I don't get disappointed or demotivated when films don't do well. There is way too much more to life," Lisa told PTI. The actress said since the film industry is so unpredict-

able, an actor cannot work with the mindset that he or she will only work in projects which will be a hit. -PTI

Asin getting married Cont'd from Page 59

5. Rahul Sharma doesn't like seeing people wearing suits to work, says Fortune. The Micromax CEO loves Japanese food.

6. When he was 15 years old, Sharma had once walked about 14 kilometres to attend a rock concert, because back then, he couldn't afford cabs.

7. Rahul Sharma is an experienced marketing architect, and has a background in product goods and technology.

8. Sharma has headed several successful campaigns for big brands in the country and abroad.

9. Sharma's modus operandi of focusing on the Indian youth and tweaking mobile phones to meet their demands saw a warm response in the country. As of today, the brand is the 10th largest handset supplier globally.

10. Rahul Sharma is close friends with actor Akshay Kumar, who is supposedly the one behind hooking him up with Asin.

Kumar and his wife Twinkle Khanna were among the first stars to endorse Micromax when the brand had begun selling mobile phones in 2008. Thereafter, Sharma's company went on to hire Wolverine star Hugh Jackman as its brand ambassador in 2014.

Horoscope

August 14, 2015

India Post

61

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Your Weekly Future

by Pandit Parashar

August 14th - August 20th 2015 (March 21 to April 20)

T

hings will misfire only on the last minute and you will very narrowly miss a great opportunity. Take a deep breath as another better and bigger opportunity only a week away. Some of you will be traveling to another state to meet some influential person.

You may visit a holy place with family and participate in some special prayers.

(April 21 to May 20)

Y

ou will purchase some expensive but beautiful item for the house. Money will come and disappear fast. You may have to withdraw some from your reserves in order to meet fresh commitments. Mind will start leaning towards religion and spirituality. Little prayers will do wonders.

(May 21 to June 20)

N

ew partnership or relationship will be lucky.

Planets will help you take all decisions very wisely and keeping long term benefits in mind. If you are persistent only then you will be able to get maximum out of a claim you filed in past few months.

This is the right time to approach a government agency to get the necessary clearance.

(June 21 to July 22)

E

ven impulsive decisions taken about career this week will prove to be a blessing in disguise in time to come. Do not hesitate to buy few lottery tickets for next several weeks. If you are offered any temporary assignment overseas, you should grab it. Next few weeks looks very favorable for all financial matters. Bank balance will shoot up.

(July 23 to August 22)

(November 23 to December 22)

Y

ou will finally find the missing link. Confidence level will be at its peak. There isan overseas trip in the air. You will make frequent call to some one living far away. Chances of an addition in the family still strong. Payment coming this week may get delayed for another time. You will plan an outing with family to a nice restaurant.

(August 23 to September 22)

E

verything will move in the right direction but you will make all moves with extreme caution. Feel confident and move with full steam. Some money may go on legal procedure also. Some of you will be seriously looking for another job closer to home this time. You may learn some useful things from a person who was a pain in the past.

(September 23 to October 22)

Y

ou will be tempted to make some hasty decisions about career.

Gamble may pay off starting next month. Money wise you will continue to do well and a property deal may get some extra cash though less than earlier expected. Transiting Sun in house of gains can get some money through lottery or other speculations. Party will be entertaining.

(October 23 to November 22)

M

ars in ninth will bring confidence back. Diplomacy and correct approach will silence the opponents or people creating problems lately. You have some money coming through a claim filed with an insurance company. New assignment will come with enhanced powers and right team. Sign all contracts after careful examination of papers.

PANDIT PARASHAR, CEO & COO Astro Scan USA is also available for individual consultations.

He can be reached at: parashar@parashar.com

E

xpect some favorable things in life this week.

Issues pending and chewing up your time and energy will clear making room for big improvements in personal as well as professional life. Try to keep a proper distance with a new associate. Idea of taking a short trip overseas will continue to occupy your mind and you may start working on it.

(December 22 to January 19)

Y

ou will lay your hands on some real easy money this week. Few more road blocks will be removed in career and you will be excited. You may put some money away in savings. An old friend will call to invite you to a small party. Mail or letter you write will get quick and positive response. Spouse may have some aches and pains.

(January 20 to February 18)

C

ontinue working on your bright ideas and leave the results in hands of destiny. Results will come soon as long as you have faith in your work. Some of you may sign up for a short term program to kind of update your knowledge. Money wise you will continue to grow but at a very slow pace. You may have an meeting with an important person.

(February 19 to March 20)

D

iplomacy will not only help you gain an edge over your strongest opponents but they will offer their friendship. You will continue your search for an ideal place to move.

Children will plan a small trip to a nice place never visited before. Very favorable week for people connected with health industry. You may spend some money on nice cloths.

510-886-4370 www.parashar.com

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Naga Peace Accord: Need to reserve euphoria

India Post

WASBIR HUSSAIN

T

he signing of the 'frame work agreement' between the Government of India and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland's Isak-Muivah faction (NSCN-IM) in New Delhi on 3 August is certainly a landmark development because it has confirmed that the two sides have succeeded in narrowing down their differences and are on the verge of reaching a Peace Accord.

The government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi can, of course, take credit for having been able to break the logjam with the NSCN-IM and reaching a point from where a solution to the sixdecade-old Naga insurrection looks bright. After all, peace talks between the two sides have been ongoing for the past 18 years in India and abroad, ever since the NSCN-IM entered into a ceasefire with New Delhi in July 1997.

If the Modi government, led by its astute Naga peace interlocutor R. N. Ravi, could achieve this breakthrough, it was because it recognized the 'unique history of the Nagas', and agreed to pursue a 'relationship of equals'. Right from the time of the legendary Naga rebel leader Angami Zapu Phizo, the Nagas have been insisting that they be left alone once the British leave India.

The Nagas' ground was that they have been an independent race and, therefore, wanted to stay outside after India attains freedom.

That was not to be and the Nagas continued with their fight for an independent homeland.

In this backdrop, the NSCN-IM and R.N. Ravi, who is otherwise the Chairman of the Joint Intelligence Committee, also deliberated on the Naga 'sovereignty' issue as also the toned down demand for integration of all Naga-inhabited areas in the Northeast into the state of Nagaland.

A compromise has been reached on this and a 'formula' worked out which is going to be reflected in the final Accord. It is possible the Nagas living in areas outside the state of Nagaland (for instance, in Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh) could also benefit from the Naga Peace Accord although existing state boundaries are not going to be redrawn.

That the BJP government has chosen to emphasize on the 'equality' issue insofar as the relationship with the Nagas is concerned gives rise to the question as to whether 'sovereign power'

could be shared. When the Accord is actually worked out in a couple of months' time, one won't be surprised if Nagaland comes to have a Jammu & Kashmir-type of a status where there could be a separate flag and so on.

This may be symbolic but for the Nagas or the NSCN-IM it could mean restoration of their pride, something New Delhi is not against conceding. For instance, The Nagaland Post quoted R.N. Ravi as saying, "Nagas have suffered all these years because of lack of understanding. Their dignity and pride has to be restored.

Their uniqueness will be reflected in all the competencies."

The liberal tone with which Prime Minister Modi addressed the gathering on the occasion at his official residence demonstrated the confidence and spirit of accommodation with which he and his government has been able to tackle the issue.

by surprise, including people in Nagaland.

That means, the NSCN-IM, too, did not give any inkling to the Naga civil society that the 'framework agreement' was actually going to be signed. This has led to a huge amount of skepticism among the Naga civil society and others who are eager to know if New Delhi or the NSCN-IM would ever consult them when the final accord is reached.

One would argue that the cause for euphoria at the clinching of this 'framework agreement' with the NSCN-IM is just not there because there are other Naga rebel factions, particularly the Khaplangfaction of the NSCN or the NSCNK that is now outside the purview of the peace process. The NSCNK had abrogated its 14-year-long ceasefire with New Delhi in April 2015 and has since carried out the biggest attack on the Indian army in two decades when it ambushed

Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the signing ceremony of historic peace accord between Government of India & NSCN, in New Delhi on August 3

After the agreement was signed, Modi said "Today's agreement is a shining example of what we can achieve when we deal with each other in a spirit of equality and respect, trust and confidence; when we seek to understand concerns and try to address aspirations; when we leave the path of dispute and take the high road of dialogue."

Despite these positive signals, one significant aspect of the over 80 rounds of peace talks between New Delhi and the NSCN-IM, spanning 18 years, has been its secretive nature.

Therefore, when the 'framework agreement' was signed in the presence of Prime Minister Modi, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, R. N. Ravi and the top NSCN-IM leaders led by its general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah, everybody was caught

and killed 18 soldiers of the Dogra Regiment in Manipur's Chandel district on 4 June 2015.

The NSCN-K could now try and strike in a bid to demonstrate its presence and relevance, and that is precisely the reason why the Naga civil society is stressing on the need to once again try and get the outfit back on the road to peace.

There is a belief that the agreement with the NSCN-IM could impact on the insurgent groups in states like Assam, Meghalaya or Manipur and encourage them to shun violence and join the peace bandwagon, but that will turn into reality only if the final deal with the Isak-Muivah faction is reached fast. That, of course, may not happen as fast as one might tend to believe.

The writer is Executive Director, CDPS, Guwahati, and Visiting Fellow, IPCS

Whose development?

W

ith both Narendra Modi and Nitish Kumar promising development, whose word will the voter trust in Bihar? The campaigning for the forthcoming election in the eastern state has started in right earnest. Modi is repeating the mistake he made in Delhi and lost. He did not choose a chief ministerial candidate and instead brought the focus on himself as the driver of development. In Bihar also he has not named the chief ministerial candidate although another Modi, Sushil Kumar, was the erstwhile leader of BJP in Bihar. Assessing that Sushil Modi will be no match to the present chief minister, Nitish Kumar; the Prime Minister has staked his formidable reputation as the ultimate champion of development. Will his gamble come off?

In Delhi there was a viable alternative to both the BJP and the Congress in the form of Arvind Kejriwal of the Aam Aadmi Party.

There is no such third coalition available in Bihar. It is a direct fight between the Nitish led JD (U) coalition (including both the Laloo Yadav party and the Congress) and the BJP led NDA coalition. The BJP seeks to campaign on the premise that with the same party in power both in the state as well as the Center, there are better chances of progress and development in this laggard state. Under Nitish Kumar there has been development in Bihar but he is being reminded it was possible with the BJP as his coalition partner. After he jettisoned the BJP following his ego clash with Narendra Modi, development has taken a back seat and caste politics has come to the fore, particularly after his aligning with the anti-development Laloo Yadav.

In his recent campaign speech at Gaya in Bihar, the Prime Minister pointed out how millions of Bihari youth were being denied good educational opportunities and had to migrate to other states for education. Citing figures, he said, over 80 lakh students are forced to share 25,000 engineering seats in Bihar; its power consumption is a sixth of small Sikkim. He squarely blamed the 25 year old rule of RJD and JD (U) for this shabby state of affairs. He promised that a BJP government will rid Bihar of its backward tag.

This stuck a chord among the large number of youth present at the massive rally.

In Parliament Modi has been thwarted by the Congress led opposition in his bid to bring in change in the land laws for development and to bring in GST for tax reform. But even the opposition parties are tired of the Congress attempt to stymie everything that the government does. A major departure from their ranks was Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav who sought a discussion to end the standoff. He told a meeting of opposition leaders that if the Congress was interested in letting Parliament function, then it should not object to a discussion first - a position the BJP has maintained since the start of the Monsoon session of Parliament.

That people are getting tired of the Congress drama of disruptions was made apparent in the online comments on how the Congress is trying to self-destruct and in the process wants to ruin the nation as well. Finance minister Arun Jaitley put the hand on its pulse when he suggested that Sonia and Rahul cannot digest that some one other than the Gandhi family can rule the country. The disruptions have lost their purpose now. Even the Opposition parties which were walking out in support of the Congress stand are now wondering what is it all about. Why should they keep pulling the Congress chestnuts out of the fire.

Even though Congress is not a major player in the Bihar election, if it continues with its nihilist tendencies it is not going to win a single seat hereafter. It is time the young Congress leaders distanced themselves from the first family to save their future.

August 14, 2015

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