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VOL 18, No. 935

August 17, 2012

50¢

Periodical Postage

COMMUNITY EXTOLS KALEKA MARTYRDOM Gurudwara president confronted gunman with kirpan

Details on page 21

Obama calls for 'soul searching' after shooting Details on page 9

Americans pour out for mourning of Sikh shooting Details on page 8

US immigrants to pay for temporary work

Nirupama Rao meets families of victims

Details on page 42 Details on page 9

360k more immigrants for late deportation

Shooter died of self-inflicted gunshot: FBI

Details on page 40 Details on page 8

Panchshil Realty launches Trump Towers Pune Details on page 39

INDIA POST SURVEY survey@indiapost.com This week’s question

Is the US gun policy responsible for killings?

Last week’s result

Will Team Anna find clean candidates?

YES 36%

NO 64%

IN REMEMBRANCE: Sikh people gather in front of the White House in Washington on August 8 to mourn the killing of six Sikh worshipers at a Wisconsin Gurudwara by a White Supremacist gunman

CONTENTS Bollywood ---------------------- 34-35

SURENDRA ULLAL & RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service

CHICAGO: Sikhs are a warrior community but are more known for their act of chivalry, sacrifice and martyrdom. This was well demonstrated on Sunday August 5 at Oak Creek near Milwaukee when a crazy gunman armed to the teeth began shooting randomly at the Sikh worshippers.

Strode out then the temple president Satwant Singh Kaleka, confronting the gunman only with his kirpan.

Wade Michael Page

White Supremacist Wade Michael Page didn't expect any resistance when he walked into the Wisconsin gurudwara brandishing a 9-millimeter handgun. But he didn't account for Satwant Singh Kaleka.

The FBI said he attacked the shooter in the lobby, resulting in a "blood struggle."

The better armed shooter shot Kaleka at close range. But for this act of heroism, the crazy shooter would have killed many more. "He slowed the shooter enough so other people could get to safety," said his son Amardeep. A bloodied kirpan lay close to Kaleka's body.

Details on page 5

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join all of you today in extending my heartfelt condolences to the Sikh families whose close ones have fallen victim to the vicious shooting rampage at the Milwaukee Gurudwara. I stand as shocked and concerned as any of you at the implications of what such an attack might imply to the South Asian American community in general and the Sikh American community in particular.

I would say the attack on the Sikhs was no mistaken identity. I doubt if the killer mistook them for Arabs irrespective. For a white supremacist, a Sikh is as much a threat as any non-White; which brings us to address a critical grass roots issue that has been festering in American society for a long time - the prevalence and spread of White Supremacy.

Given the contemporary realities of an increasingly cosmopolitan demographics of American society, the government and the people as a whole cannot afford to be in denial anymore about the growing number of White supremacist groups in the country. Experts believe there are more than 1,000 hate groups active in the United States. The Gurudwara killer Wade Michael Page allegedly identified himself as a neo-Nazi and basically saw any non-white as an enemy.

Studies seem to indicate that these groups are seeing a resurgence and carnages such as seen in Milwaukee will only increase in the coming months and years. The situation assumes criticality given the easy availability of arms and ammunition, a bad economy, joblessness and increasing prominence of immigrant communities.

Nevertheless, while mourning for our Sikh brethren, and justifiably raising the obvious bogey of racism, let's not forget the valiant police officer who saved several more Sikhs from possible death at the hands of the crazed gunman by gunning him down.

Let us also not forget that, only weeks ago, another crazed gunman had killed several innocent people in a movie theater in Colorado. Those victims were neither Black, Asian, Sikh, Arab, Jew nor White for that matter. They were merely victims.

Romesh K Japra rkjapra@indiapost.com

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HIGHLIGHTS Bollywood: Serious joke Hollywood actress Natalie Portman has threatened to sue Saif Ali Khan for claiming he has signed her for a film.

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Cover Story: Sikh martyr During the gurudwara shooting, temple president Satwant Singh Kaleka confronted the gunman only with his kirpan.

Community: NRI voters 15,000 Non-resident Indians have registered with the Election Commission as voters, says minister Vayalar Ravi.

Health: Over treatment Investigation into one of the biggest hospital chains is refocusing attention on concerns about over treatment for chest pain.

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Life Style: India in Maldives Nearly 40 Indians are employed in Constance Moofushi, Maldives, where, on Wednesdays, the theme of buffet is Indian.

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Travel: Pushkar Surrounded by hills on three sides and sand dunes on the other, Pushkar forms a fascinating backdrop for fairs and festivals.

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Community extols Kaleka martyrdom Gurudwara president confronted gunman with kirpan SURENDRA ULLAL & RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service

CHICAGO: Sikhs are a warrior community but are more known for their act of chivalry, sacrifice and martyrdom. This was well demonstrated on Sunday August 5 at Oak Creek near Milwaukee when a crazy gunman armed to the teeth began shooting randomly at the Sikh worshippers. Strode out then the temple president Satwant Singh Kaleka, confronting the gunman only with his kirpan.

White supremacist Wade Michael Page didn't expect any resistance when he walked into the Wisconsin gurudwara brandishing a 9-millimeter handgun. But he didn't account for Satwant Singh Kaleka. The FBI said he attacked the shooter in the lobby, resulting in a "blood struggle."

The better armed shooter shot Kaleka at close range. But for this act of heroism, the crazy shooter would have killed many more. "He slowed the shooter enough so other people could get to safety," said his son Amardeep. A bloodied kirpan lay close to Kaleka's body.

The women and children who were preparing meals for the congregation were in direct line of attack of the gunman, but Kaleka's brave effort to stab Page to slow him down has won widespread acclaim and praise in Wisconsin.

"He turned into an unlikely hero to save the place which he had devoted to build," said son

Sikh Gurudwara in Oak Creek

who is widely thought to mistake bearded and turban-wearing Sikhs for Muslims.

As Kaleka confronted the gunman, Page had already shot at least one person in the temple's car park. He then went on to kill six Sikh worshippers before going back outside to ambush the police when he heard approaching sirens.

The killer was then "put down" in a gunfight after severely wounding one police officer.

Kaleka and his family came to the United States from India in 1982. He built a successful business, and devoted every extra dollar he earned into building the Oak Creek Gurudwara.

Parishioners described him as the kind of man who, if you called him at two in the morning to say a

Shaheed Satwant Singh Kaleka and Mrs Kaleka in a family photo

Amardeep.

"Whatever time he spent in that struggle gave the women time to get cover," he said.

Relatives said Kaleka was widely regarded as the founder of the Oak Creek temple that was attacked by Page, a disgraced former US army soldier and racist,

light had gone out at the temple, would be there at 2:15 am to change the bulb.

Another hero at the engulfing tragedy at the Oak Creek Gurudwara was Lt. Brian Murphy of US police. He was one of the two policemen who responded to the Sunday shooting. Murphy

not only confronted the shooter but was seen helping an injured shooting victim when he got shot nine times by the gunman. When

As Kaleka confronted the gunman, Page had already shot at least one person in the temple's car park. He then went on to kill six Sikh worshippers before going back outside to ambush the police when he heard approaching sirens

and praying for his speedy recovery.

Sikhs from across the world have posted messages on the page -projecting and considering him the real hero expressing gratitude towards him from the entire community and eulogizing him as a real hero.

The gunman, Wade Michael Page was bleeding with shots from the other police officer but he finally died of self inflicted gun wound. Police said he died having shot himself in head. The Police did arrest his girl friend Brenda Cook, now known as Misty Cook but let her go after convincing themselves that she had no hand in the slaying.

A press conference held on the morning of August 7 shared information about the shooting at

Son Amardeep being consoled at his father's death

colleagues arrived, they said he waived them off and urged them to help others first.

A Facebook page "Wisconsin Sikh Temple Cop Brian Murphy Thank You Page" has gone viral on net and comments are raining with people from across the world showering praises on Murphy

the Gurudwara in Oak Creek.

Wade Michael Page opened fired on members at the Gurudwara. He shot and killed six people, critically injured three others, including a police officer who was first to respond to the scene.

The names of the deceased and injured were released. Five

men and one woman were killed.

They are Sita Singh, 41; Ranjit Singh, 49; Satwant Singh Kaleka, 65; Prakash Singh, 39, Paramjit Kaur, 41; and Suveg Singh, 84.

Three people remain in critical condition. They are Bhai Punjab Singh, Santokh Singh and the first officer to respond to the scene, Lt. Brian Murphy On August 6, President Obama issued a proclamation ordering that all flags should be flown at half-staff through Friday, August 10, to honor the victims of the shooting.

SALDEF presence Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) Executive Director, Jasjit Singh, has been in Oak Creek, Wisconsin since the night of Sunday, August 5. Jasjit has been working hand-in-hand with community members, the Oak Creek Police Department, the FBI and the local media, as well as other sister Sikh organizations.

Additionally, SALDEF staff has been responding to hundreds of media requests in the past two days, and continue to conduct interviews with numerous media sources to ensure accurate portrayal of the Sikh faith and ensure that the gravity of this unprecedented event is given ample coverage.

In a statement, the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) extended its heartfelt sympathies and Ardaas to the victims and their families and the Wisconsin sangat and expressed solidarity with the community as they attempted to move forward from this great national tragedy. It added, "We are grateful to the countless law enforcement officers and agencies that provided such remarkable support and protection, and prevented what could have been a greater tragedy."

Indo American Center condolences The Indo-American Center (IAC) has sent its deep condolences to the victims and their loved ones. It said, "IAC extends our support of the South Asian community, and denounces the shooting that occurred on Sunday morning. Our doors are open to those in need of our programs, and we do not limit our services based on race, religion, or creed.

We condemn acts of violence and intolerance, and we strongly encourage respect and education of others in our surrounding communities."

Cont’d on page 6

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Community extols Kaleka martyrdom Cont’d from page 5

IAC is a partner and supporter of organizations and community groups within and outside of the South Asian community.

OFBJP condemns attack The Overseas Friends of BJP (OFBJP) has paid "sincere condolences to the families and friends of the diseased, and prays to God Almighty for the departed souls to rest them in peace."

It said, "The initial reports indicate that it seems to be hatecrime and must be stopped. USA is committed for freedom and liberty: freedom of expression and liberty to practice religion of choice. OFBJP-USA demands that the Obama administration should take some concrete steps to curb this kind of domestic terrorism against Sikhs who were mistaken for Afghani and or Talibani Muslims because of their appearance and dress code. Sikh community in USA has been enterprising, hard-working, and peaceful, and contributed a lot to enrich the values of this country as enshrined in US Constitution.

"OFBJP also demands that the Federal government should curb this recurring menace in USA where every other week alone, so called demented person storms into a cinema hall, mall, places of worship, and other crowded places with sophisticated arms and ammunition and start killing innocent persons indiscriminately.

"This is a shame that in the most developed, educated and prosperous nation in the world such gruesome incidents occurring at regular intervals. It is high time that the laws to provide dangerous weapons for all must be amended. US lawmakers should think how an individual is legally allowed to buy so many weapons and ammunition."

On behalf of the OFBJP, its President, Jayesh Patel extended full cooperation and support to the Sikh community in Oak Tree, WI.

Sikh people participate in a candle light vigil in Manhattan to mourn the killing of six Sikh worshipers at a Wisconsin Gurudwara

seas Congress, USA Dr. Karan Singh, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Department of All India Congress Committee conveyed his sadness in learning about the tragedy and said he is certain that this does not reflect the values of a great nation that has always advocated freedom and individual liberty. He expressed sympathy for the innocent victims and sent condolences to the loved ones.

Mr. Shudh Prasad Singh, Senior Vice-President said, "Sikh American community is a loyal and hardworking group of immigrants who have contributed so much already to the country they have adopted looking for a better life". 'They deserve the same opportunity and freedom as everyone else in this great nation' he added.

Bibiji Inderjit Kaur, Ph.D. Bhai Sahiba Chief Religious Minister of Sikh Dharma Worldwide and widow of Yogi Bhajan

Sikh American community is a loyal and hardworking group of immigrants who have contributed so much already to the country they have adopted looking for a better life.

They deserve the same opportunity and freedom as everyone else Deplorable: INOC (I), USA The violence at the Sikh Gurdwara in Oak Creek is absolutely deplorable and it has no place in a civilized society such as ours." Said George Abraham, President of Indian National Over-

For the Gurdwara to be the site of such senseless violence, injury and death is both tragic and troubling. Our hearts and prayers go out to those victims and their families who were killed and injured.

The entire Sikh Dharma World

Wide Community stands ready to assist those in the Oak Creek community in any way that we can. The temples are our prayer houses and we always feel that this is the saf-

Attacker Page’s girl friend Misty

est place for everybody.

We thank and appreciate the first responders especially the wounded officer who through his courage and determination and at great personal risk, saved lives and prevented a much more catastrophic event. We also thank President Obama for his statement of concern and comfort and to CNN and other media outlets for their coverage of this tragic story.

We recognize that these are troubling times where violence and death are present everywhere from gated communities, to movie theaters to places of worship.

Since 9/11 and the violence visited upon the Sikh Community in the after math of that tragedy, Sikhs have worked tirelessly to educate others about the Sikh faith and have continued to participate and contribute to the communities in this great country

where we live and work. We continue to join interfaith efforts and pray for peace and shall redouble our efforts to work shoulder to shoulder with all citizens in every community to bring peace to our homes, our cities, our states and our nation.

Bhai Sahib Satpal Singh Khalsa, Chairman Guru Ram Das Sikh Mission of America (GRDSMA) and "Ambassador of Sikh Religion" in the USA This violence is extremely troubling to the Sikh community as Sikhs have been targeted for mistaken identity and have been victims of many hate crimes, particularly since 9/11.

This is troubling for not only the Sikhs but all Americans as it is an attack on a house of worship.

All Americans must condemn this act of violence at the Sikh Temple.

We offer our appreciation for the heroic act of bravery of the police officer shot and pray that he recovers soon. The entire Sikh com-

pressed FIA-Chicago's heartfelt condolences on the tragic shooting.

They said, "We were in a FIA meeting today at noon when we found out about the tragic shooting.

FIA-Chicago will do everything possible to put up pressure and solid representation to Homeland Security and other police agencies to have high security around religious places.

"FIA-Chicago is requesting the management staff of all gurudwaras, temples, mosques and churches to be on high alert for any unknown and suspicious faces around religious places, and have their own volunteers to watch for suspicious people and or situations. August is usually a busy month of activities including conferences, parades and many other festivals. They should have enough in-home security and inform local police for their planned events in future."

Onkar Singh Sangha, FIA President The Sikh Gurudwara attack is not on the Sikh community or Sikh temple but it is against the entire humanity. It is against the core value that all of us share in common. It is against freedom and liberty. It is against all decency and civilized way of handling differences, if any.

Sikhism believes that all human beings are one with no bars triggered by color, religion, language or geographical borders. We at FIA condemn these types of attacks on humanity and we pray for the departed soul, including at of the attacker. We pray God to give his choicest blessing to those who are the victims of the attack and their family members so that they can bear the loss. We at FIA open our heart and door for any possible help that the victims of the family need and would be more than happy to reach out to them for any assistance.

Indo-American Democrats deeply saddened Harendra Mangrola, IADO

We offer our appreciation for the heroic act of bravery of the police officer shot and pray that he recovers soon. The entire Sikh community is indebted to the police officer as he has saved many others who could have been victims of the shooting munity is indebted to the police officer as he has saved many others who could have been victims of the shooting.

FIA condolences Ajai Agnihotri President and Iftekhar Shareef Trustee ex-

President, said, "While we do not know exactly what motivated the killer, we know that if he was not in Wisconsin but in Chicago, each one of us could have become his victim.

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Community extols Kaleka martyrdom Cont’d from page 6

Therefore, those who died or were injured, took the bullets for all of us.

Since we have no way of identifying the criminally deranged and what

to take all possible steps to ensure safety of the devotees at all local temples.

Rajinder Singh Mago, Trustee Emeritus, Council for a Parliament of the World's Religions, Co-Founder Punjabi Cultural Society of Chicago

The Sikh American community, which so proudly calls America home, is hurting today.

And in the midst of that pain, the outpouring of profound love and support the community has received from our fellow Americans following the shootings in Wisconsin is unbelievable they might do, it is time to have an honest discussion about guns and find the right compromise between the needs of those who feel they need guns to protect themselves and those who need protection from crazy people with guns.

HSS condolences Yelloji Mirajkar, General Secretary HSS , USA, said, "With our common heritage and history, American Sikhs and Hindus share a unique bond unlike any other two religious communities. We pray that the souls of the deceased find peace. We commend the bravery and heroism of the members of the congregation and the Oak Creek first responders.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured and the families of all the victims, and we hold our hands out to our sisters and brothers in their time of need."

The world Hindu Council of America (VHPA) The Gurudwara has been located at Oak Creek for more than five years and has faced hatecrime incidents in the past. In the last year alone, two Sikh men in Sacramento were killed, a Sikh temple in Michigan was vandalized and a Sikh man was beaten in New York. Much of the slander and hate in the past, was directed under the misapprehen-

The Sikh American community, which so proudly calls America home, is hurting today.

And in the midst of that pain, the outpouring of profound love and support the community has received from our fellow Americans following the shootings in Wisconsin is unbelievable.

Incidents directed at Sikh Americans may appear at first glance to be random and isolated, but when they are viewed collectively over a period of time, a troubling pattern emerges that requires enhanced actions by policymakers and law enforcement.

It is crucial that the Department of Justice, through the FBI, collect and provide more detailed statistics on such incidents, so that local and federal law enforcement are better equipped to combat hate crimes. It is also crucial that members of the Sikh American community, and other minority groups, continue reporting these incidents, pushing for prosecution, and working with law enforcement to be heard.

This time it was Sikhs who were targeted; tomorrow, it could be any other faith or ethnic community. The cognizable fear associated with such directed acts of domestic terrorism is very disturbing to Sikh Americans, as well as to an overwhelming majority of

While one can understand the frustration of many Americans against Islamic terrorists, one should have enough sense to discriminate between a terrorist Muslim and average Muslim sion that Sikhs follow the religion of Islam. VHPA condemns this brutal act of terror and assure all possible support to the members of Oak Tree Gurudwara, in ensuring the safety and support to the community. We urge authorities

peace loving, caring, and charitable Americans.

We hope that this tragedy will compel Americans to unite as a single community, working together to counter this culture of intolerance, bigotry, hatred, and

senselessness.

Prof Ghanshyam Pandey, Founder President AIA Illinois We have no words to express our shock or sorrow, and we are short of words for condemning such attacks on any community, especially in a civilized country like America.

It is a shameless act on the part of a person who worked in military in the past. It is a senseless act for settling any supposed grievance or prejudice. We express our profound sense of loss to all the family members of the victims and pray that God gives the victims or their family courage to bear the loss.

Rajan Zed, President of Universal Society of Hinduism Our hearts go out to the victims and their families and the community is deeply saddened at this tragedy. Hindus worldwide

against Islamic terrorists, one should have enough sense to discriminate between a terrorist Muslim and average Muslim. Besides, Sikhs are not Islamists.

They practice their own religion and are a peace loving community like other Indians. A mix up with Muslims just because of their beard is unwarranted and betrays lack of understanding.

Award for the 'supercop' NEW YORK: Praising the brave and timely action taken by the Police Officer who risked his life to defend Sikhs in a shoot out at Wisconsin Sikh Temple, Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) a US based human rights advocacy group, announced a $10,000 gallantry award for the officer.

BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha We will continue to pray for the victims and their loved ones at all of our centers across the

and anguish that the attack occurred at a place of worship that is holy to the Sikh community and urged the law enforcement officials to be vigilant and prevent future attacks.

SAALT sympathies South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT) said this event serves as a tragic reminder of violence in the form of hate crimes that Sikhs and many members of the South Asian community have frequently endured since September 11th, 2001.

SAALT is in touch with the White House and federal law enforcement agencies, as well as with Sikh organizations and community groups within and outside the South Asian community.

Despicable act: GOPIO GOPIO considers this despicable act as unforgivable and unjustified criminal action directed

Sikh leaders in front of the White House in Washington

should join in prayers for the victims and their families at this difficult and challenging time. Hindu temples should hold special prayer sessions for the victims and their families. It was a senseless and shocking violence on a group of worshippers.

Sikhs have made lot of contributions to America and the world.

Various faith and inter-faith groups nationwide should join hands to express support to the Sikh community and to spread the message of peace, love and harmony.

Nand Kaur, Former PrĂŠsident AIA Illinois Nobody in his senses would ever condone this senseless attack. The lesson that has to be learnt is that the community at large should be properly educated about different religions and different religious practices.

While one can understand the frustration of many Americans

world as well as at our 62 mandirs here in North America. We pray that the entire Sikh community be blessed with faith and courage, and that no people or community ever have to deal with such violent acts.

AAPI solidarity with Sikhs "We stand in solidarity with the Sikh community and condemn this most deadly attack on Sikhs in the United States," Dr. Narendra Kumar, president of American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), said. "We share our deepest condolences with the families of the victims, local residents and other members of the community impacted by the horrific shooting," he added.

He urged the Government of Wisconsin and the FBI to bring to justice all who are connected with this terrorist crime.

Dr. Jayesh Shah, PresidentElect of AAPI, expressed sadness

to create fear among innocent citizens. It commends US President Obama and Indian Ambassador Rao for their prompt condemnation of this criminal action and acknowledge the diligent efforts of local agencies in promptly providing emergency services to the survivors and their families. We fully support all measures taken to bring security, calm and confidence to the people and urge all efforts to prevent similar attacks in the future.

Prayers for all: ISKCON The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) said, " We are deeply saddened and shocked by the horrible violence committed against the Sikh community. We join our Sikh brothers and sisters in this day of mourning for those who died or were wounded. Our prayers go out to all our Sikh friends. We stand with you during this difficult time."

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Americans pour out for mourning of Sikh shooting BROOKFIELD, Wisconsin: Americans poured out in hundreds to offer support and join solemn farewell prayers for the six victims of a shooting tragedy in a Sikh gurudwara in Oak Creek.

One by one, the mourners in barefoot stepped forward to bow down their heads to pay their last farewell at the mourning organized at a Gurdwara just 40-kms from the scene of the bloodshed.

Dozens more stood in the lobby to register their support as there was no room for them to join the prayers.

The mourners, mostly white Americans, were touched when the grief-stricken Sikh community opened the doors of the Brookfield gurudwara to embrace hundreds who came to offer their support in the aftermath of the shooting.

"I came with my family to show our support to the grief-stricken people. It was a bad man who did the killings," a tearful Hope Bailey of Muskego told the local Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

As Bailey and others tentatively approached the entrance to the temple, unsure of how to proceed into a faith different from their own, they were warmly "welcomed by temple members and given brightly-colored scarves to

cover their heads," the journal said.

The parking lot of the Gurudwara was filled with cars by the time the funeral services started at 7pm local time. Local police squads were there to give the mourners a feeling of safety.

A candle light vigil marked the closure of the funeral ceremony. The community elders told the American mourners, "We want you to come and see us and ask us questions to know that we are peace loving�

Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker accompanied by his wife Tonette joined the mourners, removing his shoes and donning the scarf, to enter the Gurudwara.

"We're very sorry,' Walker told the community leaders."You have our support and prayers."

The Sikh women and children worked in the community kitchen to roll out more than 500 meals for

the mourners.

Large television screens projected translations of the funeral service.

A candle light vigil marked the closure of the funeral ceremony, with a Sikh girl Kiranjeet Kaur (25) saying "this is where the American culture meets Sikh tradition."

The community elders told the American mourners, "We want you to come and see us and ask us questions to know that we are a peace loving community and not Muslim extremists."

Gurcharan Singh Grewal, president of the Brookfield Gurdwara said, "We expected this after (the terrorist attacks of) 9/11 but we didn't expect it to this magnitude."

US officials also joined the funeral, with James Santelle, US Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, telling the mourners, "We are with you tonight in spirit and physical to convey our deepest sympathies and let you know that our hearts break along with yours."

"The Sikh has one if it's fundamental tenets of principles of notion of tolerance of all people and tolerance of all faiths," said Santelle. "I join you in that spirit and that tenet and that belief - that is what the United States of America is all about." -PTI

Gurduwara shooter died of self-inflicted gunshot: FBI NEW YORK: The gunman who killed six people at a Gurduwara in Wisconsin died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his head after he was shot by police, the FBI announced it was still treating the case as an "act of domestic terrorism".

Wade Michael Page, 40, a former US soldier and a singer with a neo-Nazi punk band, was initially said to have been killed by a police officer who challenged him as he went on shooting spree at the Gurduwara.

"Page died from a self-inflicted gun shot wound to the head. He was first shot by an officer in the stomach that injured him," Special Agent Teresa Carlson, head of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Milwaukee office, said in a press conference in Oak Creek, Wisconsin.

Carlson said investigators had videotape related to the officer shooting Page. The officer shot Page in the stomach and "subse-

quent to that wound, it appears that Page died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head."

The FBI is working round the clock on the investigation.

"We have not identified anyone else responsible for the

The law enforcement agents have conducted 100 interviews nationwide of families, associates and neighbors of Page. It has issued 180 federal subpeonas shooting," Carlson, also the leader of the investigation, said.

Police said Page acted alone, but they distributed a photo of the man, saying they wanted to iden-

tify and question him.

"The photo helped authorities to find the man, who was cooperative and continuing to cooperate," Carlson said.

"We have not clearly defined a motive at this point and the case is still being treated as an act of domestic terrorism," she said.

The law enforcement agents have conducted 100 interviews nationwide of families, associates and neighbors of Page. It has issued 180 federal subpeonas and has 101 leads pending worldwide.

It recovered 139 items from the parking lot and also going through emails and telephone accounts of Page.

The video camera inside the Gurduwara was not on and so the FBI does not have any video coverage of the shooting inside the place of worship, she said. Earlier, US authorities arrested Page's exgirlfriend Misty Cook for the offence of being in possession of a fire arm as a felon. -PTI

People across US mourn gurudwara shooting victims WASHINGTON/NEW YORK: eminent community members deHundreds of people from various scribed the incident as an "ugly, walks of life, Indian-Americans in dark day in the history of particular, gathered in cities across America." the US to mourn the killing of six Those participating in the vigil Sikh worshippers at a Wisconsin said no other community has been gurudwara, describing the inci- "hurt or targeted more" than the dent as an "ugly and dark day" in Sikhs in the aftermath of the 9/11 the US history. attacks in the US and the main reaBe it Manhattan in New York son behind such discrimination is City, the Lafayette Square Park in ignorance. front of the White House in WashAddressing the community ington or places like Boston, Chi- members at the vigil in Manhatcago and San Francisco, the mood tan, US Congressman Joe Crowley was same everywhere, with said if people are attacked and people, including children and killed in places of worship in the women, displaying pictures of the country, then this is not the six worshippers shot dead by a America he has known. lone gunman at the Oak Creek Crowley said it is crucial that a gurudwara.

Observing August 8 as a National Day of No other community has Remembrance and Solibeen "hurt or targeted more" darity, they also prominently displayed the than the Sikhs in the afterpictures of police officer math of the 9/11 attacks in Bryan Murphy, who rethe US and the main reason ceived multiple gun shots wounds when ex- behind such discrimination army veteran Wade is ignorance Michael Page fired at him after he had indiscriminately shot and killed the six conversation is started in the people at the Oak Creek country that questions how weapgurudwara. ons end up in the hands of crimiPeople held up candles and nals. wore T-shirts on which was writ"We have to talk about limitten "We are all Sikhs. Oak Creek ing access of weapons for crimiWisconsin". They carried banners nal use. Those people who were and posters that read "We are all shot and killed in the gurudwara one," "We are American, we are and their families need to hear anSikh, we are one" and "Proud to swers about how a mentally unbe a Sikh." stable person like Page had easy They pledged that they would access to guns, which took the emerge much stronger than ever lives of others," he said. "What in the aftermath of this tragedy. happened to the Sikh community Addressing the gatherings, can happen to anyone of us."-PTI

Congressmen condemn shooting India Post News Service

WASHINGTON, DC: Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) released the following statements in reaction to this tragic event: Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-32), CAPAC Chair: "I am shocked and saddened by this senseless act of violence that targeted the Sikh American community of Oak Creek, Wisconsin, in their own house of worship. My thoughts are with the victims and their families as we try to understand what led to this tragedy. I have worked closely with the Sikh American community for decades and know of their tremendous contributions to our country.

While the exact motivations of the shooter are still unknown, I hope that Americans of all faiths and

backgrounds can come together to prevent incidents like this from ever happening again."

Congressman Mike Honda (CA-15), CAPAC Chair Emeritus: "My heart goes out to the families and friends of the victims affected. No community should have to be faced with such terrible violence, especially one that takes place in a serene and peaceful place like a house of worship. I have been proud to closely work with the Sikh community through my career and am horrified that such senseless violence would fall at their doorstep. Yet, as we struggle to comprehend these tragic events, I know that it will be the strength and the character of the peace-loving Sikh community along with the selflessness of the larger American community that will guide us in these difficult times."

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Nirupama Rao meets families of victims in Oak Creek WASHINGTON: Indian Ambassador to the US Nirupama Rao was briefed by the FBI and local police about the investigation into the Gurudwara shooting incident as she visited Milwaukee to offer

Nirupama Rao

support to the victims and their families.

As expressions of support poured in from across the nation, with people holding peace rallies and candle light vigils in dozens of cities, Rao flew in from Washington to the tragedy struck city

in Wisconsin.

The Indian Ambassador also met the Oak Creek Mayor, Steve Scaffidi, besides officials from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the local police who provided

as well as the status of the investigation.

Later in the evening she attended a community vigil held in honor of the shooting victims where she briefly addressed those attending the meet to honor those killed in In her meetings with the the shooting incident. victims' families, Rao She met the victims' families in Oak expressed her condoCreek including relalences and sympathies tives of Satwant and offered all kinds of Singh Kaleka, the slain president of the assistance. "Struck by Gurudwara, who concalm composure of fronted the shooter victim families. No trace and helped save the of rancor. But their tears lives of several worshippers. would fill an ocean, In her meetings make it overflow," with the victims' families, Rao expressed her condolences and her a first had assessment of the sympathies and offered all kinds ongoing investigation. of assistance on behalf of the InThey briefed the Indian Am- dian government. bassador on how the incident "Struck by calm composure of happened and the steps that are victim families. No trace of rancor. now being taken by the police But their tears would fill an ocean, and local administration for the make it overflow," Rao tweeted protection of the Sikh community after her meeting. -PTI

Obama calls for 'soul searching' after Gurudwara shooting WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama has said Americans would "recoil in shock" if the Wisconsin Gurudwara shooting incident turns out to be a hate crime and the attack should prompt some "soul searching" on how to reduce recurring violence in the country.

"All of us are heart-broken by what happened," Obama told reporters at the White House, two days after a former US army veteran opened fire on Sikh worshippers preparing for religious services, killing six before he was shot dead by a police officer.

Raising alarm over the regularity of such violent incidents in the US, Obama said, "I think all of us recognize that these kinds of terrible, tragic events are happening with too much regularity for us not to do some soul-searching and to examine additional ways that we can reduce violence."

Obama said that Americans would "recoil" in shock if it turned out that the gunman was motivated by ethnic hatred, and said he was "heartbroken" by the incident on Sunday.

"If it turns out, as some early reports indicate, that it may have been motivated in some way by

Barack Obama

It will be very important for us to reaffirm once again that, in this country, regardless of what we look like, where we come from, who we worship, we are all one people

the ethnicity of those who were attending the temple, I think the American people immediately recoil against those kinds of attitudes," he said.

"I think it will be very important for us to reaffirm once again that, in this country, regardless of what we look like, where we come from, who we worship, we are all one people, and we look after one another and we respect one another," he said.

"We don't yet know fully what motivated this individual to carry out this terrible act," said the US President in response to a question at the Oval Office.

According to the profile of Page that has emerged through people and civil organizations which monitored his actions, he regularly attended hate events, was an ardent believer in the white supremacist movement and was associated with rock bands whose violent music talked about murdering Jews and black people.

Page was a "frustrated neoNazi" who had been the leader of a racist white-power band known as 'End Apathy'.-PTI

Obama expresses condolences to PM India Post News Service

WASHINGTON: President Obama spoke with Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to express condolences for victims of the senseless attack at the gurdwara in Wisconsin, which took the lives of Indian nationals as well as Americans, and to convey the solidarity of the American people.

President Obama reiterated that the Sikh community is an essential and vibrant part of the

American family. The President also underscored that the incident is particularly tragic because it took place in a house of worship.

Prime Minister Singh expressed his gratitude for the many messages and gestures of support from the United States, and for the prompt reaction and heroism of the local police department. The two leaders re-affirmed their nations' commitment to the shared values of pluralism, religious freedom, and freedom of worship.

Four of six Wisconsin shooting victims Indians WASHINGTON: Four of the six victims killed in the tragic shooting incident at an American Gurudwara are Indian nationals, one of them being a recent visitor from India.

The worshippers who fell victim to the former soldier's bullets were Sita Singh (41 male), Ranjeet Singh (49 male), Satwant Singh Kaleka (62 male), Prakash Singh (39 male), Paramjeet Kaur (41 female) and Shobaik Singh (84 male).

The Indian Embassy disclosed the names of those killed in the shooting, and said four of them were Indian nationals.

Two senior Indian officials Datta Padsalgikar, who is Minister for Community Affairs in the Indian Embassy in Washington along with Consul N J Gangte from

the Indian Consulate in Chicago, visited the site of the incident and interacted with local officials, FBI and community representatives, an Embassy spokesman said.

Earlier in the day, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, called the Indian Ambassador to the US, Nirupama Rao, who assured him that the Embassy would offer all possible support to victims of the Oak Creek killings.

"Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and the Sikh community. This is a tragic incident, especially since it happened in a place of worship. Religious freedom and religious tolerance are fundamental pillars of US society," State Department spokesman, Patrick Ventrell, told reporters at his daily news conference.PTI

Slanging match between Congress and Akali Dal NEW DELHI: The Lok Sabha was adjourned after heated exchanges between Akali Dal members and the government over the recent attack on a US gurudwara by a lone gunman who killed six devotees.

Akali Dal members raised the issue during zero hour and alleged that the central government was not doing anything in the matter.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal countered them saying they should have instead opted for a calling attention motion on the subject to which the government would have been obliged to reply. "We are concerned over the issue... why are

you playing politics over it... what has your (Shiromani Akali Dal) government (in Punjab) done in the matter," Bansal said in the house.

This did not satisfy the Akali Dal members who continued to create a ruckus in the house forcing AIADMK leader M. Thambidurai, who was in the chair, to adjourn the Lok Sabha.

Earlier, Congress member Partap Singh Bajwa expressed condolences for those killed in the attack on a gurudwara in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Sunday.

BSP leader Dara Singh Chauhan also expressed his party's concern over the incident.

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Aus Police offer reward for fugitive Indian driver MELBOURNE: Australian police has announced a reward of 100,000 dollars on an Indian man who fled from the country after being accused of negligent driv-

Road in Southbank in October, 2008.

Hofstee, 19, was killed instantly while Cloker suffered critical injuries. Both were students

Puneet

ing that killed a pedestrian, the first time a reward has been offered for a traffic offence.

Puneet was a 19-year-old learner-driver when he lost control of his vehicle and hit students - Dean Hofstee and Clancy Cloker - who were walking along City

visiting Melbourne from Queensland.

The 100,000 Australian dollars or Rs 57 lakhs is now being offered for information that leads to Puneet's arrest and return to Australia.

Assistant Commissioner Robert Hill said it is the first time a

reward has been offered in relation to a traffic offence.

"We believe that there are people both in Australia and India who can provide information in relation to Puneet's whereabouts," he said.

"It is also our belief that he is still in India at this time and we are working closely with our AFP (Australian Federal Police) counterparts on this matter. According to ABC, Australia will not seek Puneet's extradition until he is arrested or brought before an Indian court," he said.

In New Delhi, Australian High Commissioner Peter Varghese, welcomed the announcement of reward for information leading to the location, arrest and subsequent return of Puneet.

In a statement, the Australian High Commission said Puneet was charged with culpable driving and negligently causing serious injury following a collision and experts estimated at the time of the accident Puneet was driving under heavy influence of alcohol. -PTI

S African gets 25-year for murder of Indian-origin honeymooner JOHANNESBURG: A South African man has pleaded guilty of being hired by a British-Indian to kill his honeymooning wife and was sentenced to 25 years in prison, raising the prospects of early extradition and trial of the accused businessman husband.

Mziwamadoda Qwabe was one of two men accused by prosecution of being hired by British-Indian businessman Shrien Dewani to kill 28-year-old Anni Dewani, a Swedish of Indian-origin, in a township near Cape Town during the couple's honeymoon in November 2010.

Qwabe pleaded guilty to kidnapping, robbery, murder and illegal possession of a firearm and the Western Cape High Court sentenced him on all counts - 15 years for robbery, five years each for kidnapping and illegal possession of a firearm and 25 years for murder.

In March, a British court had ruled against immediate extradition of Shrien to South Africa, saying it would be "unjust and oppressive".

The judges cited Shrien's mental condition since his arrest in December 2010 for the ruling, but

Shrien Dewani & Anni Dewani

left the door open saying that Shrien would recover "within a reasonable time" and could then be sent to South Africa.

Shrien has repeatedly denied all the allegations.

The robbery, kidnapping and firearm terms would run concurrently with the murder sentence, Judge John Hlophe said.

Qwabe earlier pleaded guilty to all charges. His lawyer Daniel Theunissen said he had signed a plea agreement, according to South Africa's SAPA news agency.

Qwabe, who was dressed in numerous jackets to ward off the cold, kept his head down during proceedings and repeatedly frowned.

He used one of the jackets to hide his face while being led off to the cells, as photographers flocked around the dock to get a picture of him.

Anni was shot in an apparent car hijacking while on honeymoon with her husband Shrien in Cape Town in November 2010.

In the plea agreement, Qwabe admitted to kidnapping Anni in Gugulethu with coaccused Xolile Mngeni, Zola Tonga and Shrien, on or about November 13. -PTI

Real estate, election campaigns routing black money NEW DELHI: Money gener- ruption, and onerous tax adminisated through illegal means is laun- tration and currency controls condered through various means, in- tribute to its vulnerability to ecocluding real estate and election nomic crimes (including fraud, campaigns, in India, a report of the cyber crime, and identity theft), US State Department has said. money laundering, and terrorist fi"High-level corruption both nancing," it said. generates and conceals criminal According to the report, tax proceeds. Illicit funds are often avoidance and the proceeds of laundered through real estate, economic crimes are the maineducational programs, charities, stays of money launderers in Inand election campaigns. Companies use trade-based money India's extensive informal laundering to evade economy and remittance capital controls," the systems, porous borders, International Narcotics Control Strategy Report persistent corruption, and 2012 has said. onerous tax administration The report, which was published in and currency controls conMarch this year cover- tribute to its vulnerability to ing 2011, noted that Ineconomic crimes dia is a significant target for both domestic and foreign terrorist groups. dia, but laundered funds are also The report mentioned that derived from narcotics trafficking about 86 lakh counter terrorist fi- and trafficking in persons, transnancing (CTR) and 20,698 Suspi- national organized crime, illegal cious Transaction Report (STR) trade and corruption. were reported between April 2010 "Trans-national criminal orgato March 2011. nizations use offshore corporaIndia is a regional financial cen- tions and trade-based money tre, with a rapidly growing laundering to conceal the proeconomy and well-developed for- ceeds of crime. Criminal networks mal and informal financial sys- exchange high-quality counterfeit tems. "India's extensive informal currency for genuine notes, which economy and remittance systems, facilitates money laundering," it porous borders, persistent cor- said. -PTI

Indians' death sentence overturned by Malaysian court KUALA LUMPUR: The death and sentenced them to death. sentences of two Indian nationThe duo have been in prison als on drug trafficking charges since February 9, 2009. were set aside here by a MalayThey were alleged to have carsian appeals court, which said the ried a bag each containing tins of lower court had not considered turmeric powder where the drug the complete evidence in the 2010 was found concealed. case.

The bags also contained The two Indians - Ramjali prayer items like joss sticks and Sayed Ibrahim and Sayed Ibrahim incense.

Mydeen Batcha walked out free after the Malaysian Appeals Justice Abdul Malik Ishak, Court ruled in their fa- chairing a three-member vor and allowed their panel ruled that their conappeals to set aside convictions for traffick- victions were not safe as ing in ketamine drug. many aspects of the eviJustice Abdul Malik Ishak, chairing a three- dence were not considered member panel ruled that by the High Court judge their convictions were not safe as many aspects of the evidence were not Ramjali, 46, a photographer, considered by the High Court was charged with trafficking in judge.

14,166.9 grams of ketamine at the The panel set aside the Shah Customs check-in counter in the Alam High Court's decision on Arrival Hall of the Kuala Lumpur October 25, 2010 which found the International Airport on Feb 9, two guilty of trafficking in the drug 2009. -PTI

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Pak swelling nuclear arsenal Gavaskar visiting US as to counter India: US report MoneyGram Ambassador India Post News Service

WASHINGTON: Seeking to counter India, Pakistan is making qualitative and quantitative improvements to its nuclear arsenal and could increase the number of circumstances under which it would use them, a US Congressional report has said.

"Pakistan appears to be increasing its fissile production capability and improving its delivery vehicles in order to hedge against possible increases in India's nuclear arsenal.

"Islamabad may also accelerate its current nuclear weapons efforts," the independent Congressional Research Service (CRS) said in a report.

In addition to making qualitative and quantitative improvements to its nuclear arsenal, Pakistan could increase the number of circumstances under which it would be willing to use nuclear weapons, the report said.

In its latest report, prepared for the US lawmakers, CRS said that

Pakistan's nuclear weapons program is mainly aimed to address the threat perception it has from India and thus act as a deterrent for India.

"India has stated that it needs

Besides lowering the threshold for using nuclear weapons, Pakistan may also consider fielding non-strategic nuclear weapons in order to increase the credibility of its nuclear deterrent versus Indian conventional military only a "credible minimum deterrent", but has never defined what it means by such a deterrent and has refused to sign the Compre-

hensive Test Ban Treaty," it said, adding that Pakistani officials have stated that the government may need to increase significantly its nuclear arsenal in response to possible Indian plans to do the same.

Besides lowering the threshold for using nuclear weapons, Pakistan may also consider fielding non-strategic nuclear weapons in order to increase the credibility of its nuclear deterrent versus Indian conventional military operations.

Dated July 23, the CRS in its report said Pakistan's nuclear arsenal probably consists of approximately 90-110 nuclear warheads, although it could be larger.

"Islamabad is producing fissile material, adding to related production facilities, and deploying additional delivery vehicles," it said, adding these steps could enable Pakistan to undertake both quantitative and qualitative improvements to its nuclear arsenal.PTI

DALLAS, TX: MoneyGram, a leading global money transfer company, has announced that legendary cricket player Sunil Gavaskar - regarded as the "greatest opening batsman of all time" will serve as ambassador for the company as part of its multi-year agreement with the International Cricket Council (ICC).

MoneyGram is serving as the official sponsor through 2015, after sponsoring the 2010 ICC World Twenty20 tournament in the West Indies.

According to MoneyGram, Gavaskar was invited to serve as the company's ambassador because many of its customers currently living in the United States moved here from - or have relatives living in - countries where cricket enjoys a popularity similar to American football.

"Cricket fans around the world demonstrate a unique passion that is unlike anything seen in

Forget Biryani, it is Haleem in Hyderabad Ramadan A.Q. SIDDIQUI India Post News Service

H

yderabad is synonym for Biryani, but come Ramadan and it is Haleem everywhere.

Ramadan, the holy month of fasting for Muslims all over the world, has a daily feast for Muslims and non-Muslims in Hyderabad. The tradition for breaking fast with Haleem is so uniquely linked to Hyderabad that the dish of Haleem itself was granted a Geographical Indication Registry (GI) certification in September 2010 by Government of India. The GI certification is granted to an item traditionally linked with the geographical boundaries of a region.

Earlier, GI tag was granted to Tirupati Laddu. The certification inhibits its production outside the boundaries of its geographical region. Haleem, a traditional Hyderabadi recipe is prepared by a mixture of goat meat and wheat along with other spices. It is very high in nutritional value and acts like an energy replenishing food soon after breaking the fast.

But, the Haleem is not the choice of Muslims only. NonMuslims in Hyderabad wait for Ramadan for the taste of Haleem

only. If you happen to be in Hyderabad, you cannot miss the taste of Haleem. It is everywhere in Hyderabad. Almost every locality has Haleem stall in Ramadan.

The leader among Haleem producers is Pista House, a brand that

regular Haleem stall will sale for Rs 35 or Rs 60, Pista House Haleem costs Rs 100 against Sarvi Haleem for Rs 90.

A family packs normally cost Rs 500. But who sells most? Pista House of course. They have all

has franchises all over the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. They are followed by other traditional makers of Haleem, such as Sarvi Haleem and Shah Gosh etc.

Many Hyderabadis recommend Sarvi Haleem for a traditional taste, but Pista House Haleem tops the sale figures. And it is not cheaper either. While a roadside chicken or

facilitated outlets everywhere for fast pick up. If we look at their Toli Chowki unit, we see at least 20 sales persons standing on roadside catering to cars or motorcycle riders for Haleem pick up. They made it so convenient that you just stop your vehicle on curve side and pick your Haleem in less than 2 minutes. Pista House is also exporting Haleem to Mumbai,

Bangalore and Middle Eastern countries. It's taste is unique and it's sale is grand.

While Muslims buy Haleem just one hour prior to fast breaking time, non-Muslims take Haleem ahead of them. Sale for non-Muslims begins from 4pm onward. Many non-Muslims also take Haleem after fast breaking time as most sellers are less crowded. However, the Haleem stock finishes soon after the fast breaking time. And which other product suffers most due Haleem sale in Hyderabad? Of course Hyderabadi Biryani. Many popular outlets for Hyderabadi Biryani restrict Biryani making in Ramadan in view of popular choice Haleem. Also, Haleem itself is so complete and nourishing food that you cannot turn to any other food after eating a dish of Haleem.

Hyderabadi Biryani, is normally avoided in Ramadan. This year Ramadan is cool and comfortable in Hyderabad. A pleasant rainy weather with just 14 hours of fasting is a blessing compared to over 16 hours of fasting in hot and humid Chicago.

Hyderabadi restaurants at Devon have started making Haleem in Ramadan, but somehow, the original taste is still missing here.

other sports. Their love for the game, and their strong enthusiasm as they cheer for their favorite teams and players, brings friends and families closer together," said Juan Agualimpia, executive vice president and chief marketing officer, MoneyGram.

"Gavaskar is a legend in cricket,

Sunil Gavaskar

Gavaskar was invited to serve as the company's ambassador because many of its customers currently living in the United States moved here from - or have relatives living in - countries where cricket enjoys great popularity who is very well known around the world. We're excited about the value he'll bring to MoneyGram by connecting with our customers through events we're planning in various markets."

A native of India, Gavaskar nicknamed "Sunny" during his 17year career - played for the India, Mumbai, and Somerset teams throughout the 1970s and 1980s.

Known for his near-perfect technique, he is the only player to score 1,000 runs in a calendar year, and the first player to score 10,000 runs in Tests.

Under his leadership, the India team won a number of tournaments, including the Asia Cup, Benson & Hedges World Cup, and the ICC Cricket World Cup. An author of four books about cricket, Gavaskar serves as a television commentator and columnist for cricket.

In North America, Gavaskar will be visiting Toronto, Dallas and the New York area in August, where he will visit local cricket matches and MoneyGram agent locations.

Desi News State Bank of India new sponsor of Diwali Fireworks India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Ranju Batra, President of Association of Indians in America-New York, has announced that State Bank of India is the new Diwali Fireworks Sponsor, starting with Diwali 2012 at the South Street Seaport.

On July 29, the AIA-NY held its Diwali Sponsor Reception and Dinner, at Utsav restaurant in Manhattan, in the presence of India's Ambassador to the United Nations Security Council Hardeep Singh Puri, senior Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, Assistant Secretary General of United Nations-Women Lakshmi Puri.

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA

So Cal reacts with shock at Wisconsin gurdwara mayhem Details on page 17

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August 17, 2012

NRI voting in Indian elections has become a reality: Vayalar Ravi

Details on page 14

Metropolitan Family Clinic now in Chicago AQSA AHMED

CHICAGO: After serving the community for over two decades, Metropolitan Asian Family Service (MAFS) has added yet another feather to its cap by opening Metropolitan Family Clinic at its Chicago location in 2012.

The main aim of this clinic is to serve non-insured and insured people of all ages. Metropolitan Family Clinic was opened earlier in 2010 in its Naperville location.

"We put our effort in improving patients care through our professionalism and continued care," said, Dr Madhu Gopal, Family Practice Board Certified MD. "We provide walk-in and openaccess scheduling for appointments to be made within 24 hours.

Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi addressing the INOC reception India Post News Service

NEW YORK: More than 15,000 Non-resident Indians have registered with the Election Commission as voters and are now eligible to vote in various elections if they are in India without the fear of their names being removed from the voters list, said Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi

neers who are on deputation.

"These Indian passport holders are now eligible to register as voters in their respective constituencies and exercise their franchise when they are in India during the election time."

Recalling the promise made by Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh in the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas conclave that non-resident

can't keep ballot boxes in all foreign countries for the NRIs and those who happen to be in India during the elections can vote."

He said the government and political set up were surprised when Prime Minister made the announcement of giving voting rights to NRIs as to how it would be feasible. "Constitution amendment was not possible as it re-

Details on page 15

Ravi said his Ministry had created Overseas Indian Foundation to help NRIs and PIOs to help construct schools and hospitals in their villages without going through the hassle of red tape and bureaucratic tangle

Shreya Ghoshal to perform for AAPI in 9 cities India Post News Service

A

fter mesmerizing musical lovers all across the world with her melodious voice, top Bollywood singer Shreya Ghoshal is on AAPI's Multi-City Educational/Musical Program this Fall, performing in nine cities around the United States.

Organized by the American Association of Physicians of Indian origin (AAPI), the spectacular musical program combined with educational and networking opportunities is being organized with the objective of bringing CME and non-CME sponsored medical lectures, exhibits.

Details on page 16

here on July 7.

Addressing a reception hosted

by Indian National Overseas Congress (I) at penthouse ballroom of picturesque Skyline Hotel in Manhattan, he said there are at least over 100,000 Indian students above the age of 18 studying in various universities in the US and sizable number of software engi-

Indians would be given the voting rights so long they remained Indian nationals, he said people living closer to home like those living in the Gulf, Singapore, Malaysia would stand to benefit because of their proximity to homeland.

Their names will not be deleted from the voters list, he said. "I

quires two-thirds majority and very cleverly Dr. Manmohan Singh amended the People's Representatives Act to bring into effect the desired changes," he said.

On the requests made by PIOs and OCIs that the ban on travel to India within two months of their departure should be re-

moved, he said he agreed with the overseas Indians that the new rule brought about by the Home Ministry has caused some hardship to those visiting India on emergency, business or social causes." With the new Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde taking charge, we hope that there will be a solution to the problem," he said.

Ravi, a senior Congress leader from Kerala, said his Ministry had created Overseas Indian Foundation to help NRIs and PIOs to help construct schools and hospitals in their villages without going through the hassle of red tape and bureaucratic tangle.

His ministry has drawn up schemes to bring the bodies of those Indian workers who die abroad and had funded $ 3 crores to set up a crematorium in Abu Dhabi where cremation was not in practice by the locals.

The Prime Minister was keen to extend lot more to the NRIs and PIOs whose contribution to motherland is greatly appreciated.

However while Defense Ministry had the budget allocation of Rs 120,000 crores his ministry's allocation was a meager Rs 65 crores and yet his Ministry has brought in a lot of schemes to benefit NRIs and PIOs as their contributions are invaluable," he said.

Cont’d on page 13

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August 17, 2012

India Post 13

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FIA Chicago Parade has Prachi Desai as Grand Marshal HARISH RAO

Prachi Desai

The FIA Chicago team

CHICAGO: A recently set up no profit organization of Indian Americans, the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) of Chicago, is living up to its tradition of hosting India Day Parade second year in succession in suburb of Chicago.

FIA is an umbrella organization of all Indian associations in the Chicago land and Midwest area for the Indian community. It represents over 150,000 culturally diverse but united individuals and families as Asian Indians and a part of the bigger American picture.

The FIA Chicago represents and connects various issues of the growing AsianIndian community at the local, State, and national platform, within USA and overseas with the Indian Government.

FIA Chicago annually celebrates various events that bring together all Asian-Indi-

ans for Indian Republic Day, and Independence Day. This year, FIA will celebrate India's 66th Independence Day with three major celebrity events: Event I: A Grand Gala sumptuous dinner,

parade, on Sunday, August 19 starting at 01:00 pm (from Infinity Car Dealership), 1075 W. Golf Road, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169 Omkar Singh Sangha, the current Presi-

"We will expect participation from a large segment of Indian as well as American community with dozens of Government dignitaries such as the Governor, Lt. Governor, State Treasurer, State Congressmen, State Representatives and Mayors of various suburbs/ cities and Indian Consulate General staff to grace this patriotic celebration" On Saturday, August 18 at 6:00 pm at Meadows Club, 2950 W. Golf Road, Rolling Meadows Event II: A colorful Independence Day

dent, said, "We will expect participation from a large segment of Indian as well as American community with dozens of Government dignitaries such as the Governor, Lt. Gover-

nor, State Treasurer, State Congressmen, State Representatives and Mayors of various suburbs/ cities and Indian Consulate General staff to grace this patriotic celebration."

The added attraction this time will be the presence of a young, vibrant and beautiful Bollywood star Ms. Prachi Desai from Mumbai. Prachi will attend FIA Grand Gala Banquet as Chief Guest and also attend FIA Parade as Grand Marshall.

Prachi Desai, after making a mark as TV actress in Jhalak Dikhla Ja 2, serials Kasam Se and Kasauti Zindagi Ki, she is now a Bollywood actress of successful films like "Rock On" and "Bol Bachchan" "We urge everybody to join us and celebrate a great national Independence Day with enthusiasm and vigor, said Syed Monty a spokesman.

NRI voting in Indian elections has become a reality: Vayalar Ravi Cont’d from page 12

He said the 2013 edition of Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas would be held in Kochi in January and there would be lot of opportunities for overseas Indians to invest in states.

"The very purpose of providing a platform to all chief ministers is to help them attract investments for their respective states from overseas Indians as we believe in the overall growth of states for national progress."

The Minister honored Harjit Singh Manj, Tejinder Singh Gil, Mohan Wanchoo, Dr Rakesh Bhargava, Ranju Batra, Abe

George who is running for the post of District Attroney and others for their contribution to soci-

ety.

Prabhu Dayal, Consul General, in his address said the number of

taking into view the 3 million population and the increasing number of applications received

George Abraham, President of INOC (I) said his organization would serve as a bridge between the two nations and help bring in investments, cultural exchange and innovations Pravasi Bharathiya Samman awards given to NRIs and PIOs from the US should be increased

each year for the award. He urged the Minister to conduct the next mini PBD in New York City.

George Abraham, President of INOC (I) said his organization would serve as a bridge between the two nations and help bring in investments, cultural exchange and innovations. INOC (I) will be in the vanguard of the movement and work for strong ties and better understanding.

Shudh Parkash Singh, senior vice president, welcoming the gathering, said Ravi is among the tallest Congress leaders whose service to the party and nation was very well-known.

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State Bank of India new sponsor of Diwali Fireworks India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Ranju Batra, President of Association of Indians in America-New York, has announced that State Bank of India is the new Diwali Fireworks Sponsor, starting with Diwali 2012 at the South Street Seaport.

On July 29, the AIA-NY held its Diwali Sponsor Reception and Dinner, at Utsav restaurant in Manhattan, in the presence of India's Ambassador to the United Nations Security Council Hardeep Singh Puri, senior Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, Assistant Secretary General of United Nations-Women Lakshmi Puri, New York State Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson, New York City Councilman Dan Halloran, AIA-NY Committee Members, important sponsors and members of the community.

Ravi Batra warmly introduced Amb. Hardeep Singh Puri as having made India proud with his distinguished service at the United Nations Security Council, and the world safer due to his chairing the SC's Counter-Terrorism Committee, and said "All of us are more respected and stronger due to his unparrelled public service."

Amb. Puri expressed his appreciation and support for the efforts of Ranju Batra and the IndianAmerican community and said "Ranju, we are proud of your hard work; keep it up. ... We know you will make Diwali on October 7th even bigger and better ... and congratulations on the Silver Anniversary of Diwali in New York."

Ravi introduced Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney as a dear friend and steadfast supporter of the community. She supported two Sikhs, who wanted to serve in the armed forces with a turban, and got turban-waivers for them from then Secretary of Defense Gates. She has brought to New

York the largest infrastructure project in the country, the 2nd Ave subway, and is the primary force in Congress behind Ranju's Diwali Stamp drive.

Cong. Maloney expressed her support and said "I am working with my dear friend Ranju to get the Diwali Stamp issued by the United States Postal Service, and am always amazed at Ranju's energy, hard work and successful efforts on behalf of the community. ... She makes all of us proud to be New Yorkers. ... Ranju, I'm looking forward to being with you again at Diwali..."

Ravi introduced ASG UNWomen Lakshmi Puri as the distinguished force behind gender equality at UN-Women and that her contributions will make the world better for our mothers, sisters and daughters. That womens' rights, are human rights.

ASG Puri congratulated Ranju for reaching greater heights, and acheiving so much success in these tough economic times. "As a woman, I am very proud of my very dear friend, Ranju, and wish her even more success. ... Diwali will be a great success seeing all the effort that Ranju puts in, and I

congratulate the Committee...

Happy anniversary!"

Ravi introduced State Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson as a leader in the state, with a national reputation for standing tall on issues important to real people.

Senator Thompson said that she was happy to join other Ambassadors and elected officials in applauding Ranju's drive and determination on behalf of the community. "Ranju, I'm proud of your

and a leader who is always there for the community.

Councilman Halloran expressed his solidarity with the IndianAmerican community, and said "I was there at the South Street Seaport with Ranju last Diwali, and I will be there at Diwali 2012. ... I work with Ranju on community issues and thank her for her service to the community."

Ranju Batra, in her remarks said, "AIA's vision is to promote India

Ravi Batra warmly introduced Amb. Hardeep Singh Puri as having made India proud with his distinguished service at the United Nations Security Council leadership ... your exceptional work ethic. ... You make us all proud to be New Yorkers. I look forward to celebrating Diwali with you again. ... I'm glad I came here, as I got invited to march at the India Day Parade."

Ravi introduced New York City Councilman Dan Halloran as a hardworking elected official for all New Yorkers, a Republican candidate to succeed the illustrious Congressman Gary L. Ackerman,

and Indian culture in the United States by showing its rich culture and traditions through various events. Our sponsors' support makes it all possible.

She said, "I warmly thank India Tourism that has brought us "!ncredible India," Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, NY Life, McDonald's, PepsiCo, Habib Bank, Advanced Research Foundation, King Fisher, MoneyGram, MetLife, Make my trip.com, and

Con Edison, to name a few. And many thanks to our media partners: Star Plus, India Abroad, South Asian Times, Indian Express, Indian Panorama, News India, South Asian Insider, Overseas India Weekly, Caribbean News, ITV, TV Asia, Jus Panjabi, PTC Punjabi , Crossings TV, Radio Easy 96, Radio Dil Se, and Sahara One. "It was 25 years ago, and the year was 1987: AIA-NY's first Diwali took off at the South Street Seaport, with Air-India sponsoring the Diwali Fireworks. And, Air India has done so for a quarter of a century. So, Thank You Air India! I look forward to your continued support, albeit, in a different capacity.

Now, I am excited to announce that the State Bank of India will now be the proud sponsor of the world famous Diwali Fireworks in New York, starting with 2012! This year's Diwali is on October 7th. By doing this, SBI takes control of a New York City landmark event: Fireworks in the East River, which are seen by millions of New Yorkers."

She invited the Country Head of SBI, Mr. Shankaran Chandramouli, along with NYCEO, Mr. Sujit Varma, and NY-VP, Mr. R.S. Ramesh, to come to the podium and address the assembled guests.

Mr. Chandramouli said: "We, at State Bank of India, are happy and proud to join Ranju. ... We accepted Ranju Batra's invitation to become the Diwali Fireworks sponsor, starting with the silver anniversary of Diwali in New York and wish Ranju much success."

Sujit Varma said: "We are happy to be with Ranju and sponsor the Diwali Fireworks. ... We at SBI are very impressed with what she has accomplished, and want to be with her. ... We, at SBI, look forward to being the Diwali Fireworks Sponsor for the next 25 years!"

Kuchipudi Guru Dr Vempati remembered India Post News Service

DALLAS, TX: Members of the Dallas-Fort Worth Telugu community joined together on the afternoon of Sunday August 5 at Ohry's Restaurant banquet hall to collectively express their profound sorrow at the demise of Padma Bhushan Dr. Vempati Chinna Satyam of Kuchipudi Academy of Arts, Chennai, India.

The venue was decorated with a beautiful photograph of Dr. Chinna Satyam flanked by the traditional oil lamps and flower bouquets. Prasad Thotakura, the President of

Telugu community members at a meeting for Dr Vempati

TANA opened the meeting by sharing highlights of his long cherished association with Guru Chinna Satyam and his family.

He announced that TANA will undertake the project of installation of the statue of Guru Padma Bhushan Dr. Vempati

China Satyam at Kuchipudi village to perpetuate his memory.

Other speakers included several friends and admirers of Guru

Dr Vempati

Chinna Satyam, the disciples of the great master, and younger generation dancers.

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August 17, 2012

India Post 15

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Metropolitan Family Clinic now in Chicago AQSA AHMED

CHICAGO: After serving the community for over two decades, Metropolitan Asian Family Service (MAFS) has added yet another feather to its cap by opening Met-

"We provide walk-in and open-access scheduling for appointments to be made within 24 hours which can help Emergency room visits and or hospital admission. Our goal is to provide integrated health care system with best possible result” ropolitan Family Clinic at its Chicago location in 2012.

The main aim of this clinic is to serve non-insured and insured

Dr Madhu Gopal, Family Practice Board Certified MD at MAFS Chicago location

people of all ages. Metropolitan Family Clinic was opened earlier in 2010 in its Naperville location.

"We put our effort in improving patients care through our professionalism and continued care," said, Dr Madhu Gopal, Family Practice Board Certified MD. "We provide walk-in and open-

access scheduling for appointments to be made within 24 hours which can help Emergency room visits and or hospital admission.

Our goal is to provide integrated health care system with best possible result for the patients immediately" said, Santosh Kumar, Executive Director MAFS.

Dr Mansusri Majumdar with patient at MAFS Naperville location

Metropolitan Family Clinic is enrolled with most major medical insurance carriers, Workman's Compensation and Medicaid & Medicare.

MFC is conducting various health screenings and health education seminars in Chicago, Niles, Schaumburg, Arlington Heights,

Hoffman Estates and the Village of Palatine. It has slated its first Annual Health Fair on Saturday, August 25 from 9.am to 12.pm. The fair will be offering services such as bone density screening, diabetes screening, hypertension screening and bariatric/ obesity screening.

Fresh vegetables & snacks at door step HARISH RAO

Green House L to R Akash Ray, Jashbhai Patel and Kamal Shah

CHICAGO: An Indian pharmacist turned businessman Girish Ray had years long itch to pick up a line of activity that is not run of the mill but unique, and still of great service to the community. After intense deliberation he hit upon the idea of starting a green house farm and fast food snack facilities that would bring fresh farm produce and freshly made snacks to the doors of buyers, initially in and around Chicago, and then to nooks and corner of the country.

Probably the first Indian American to conceive and implement this idea, Ray launched Amisha Green House farm in Joliet and set up a parent marketing agency Indo Family Club (IFC) that would initially take care of supplying fresh farm produce and snacks to the members-cum-consumers but would expand to take care of their other needs like providing prescription drugs or offering legal help to immigrants, etc.

In a talk to this paper, Ray said that his confine initially would be 50 miles radius around Joliet (a Chicago suburb) but then

Inside of Green Houses

reach out not only to the entire Chicagoland and touching coast to coast in the next few years. Visionary that he is, Ray would not only rely on road transportation but plans air freighting too.

Girish Ray in his venture has enlisted the services of two equally enthusiastic and

of dealing in grocery, farm produce and Indian snacks while Kamal with computer background will take care of marketing and office work.

Amisha Greenhouse farm is in a sprawling 10 acres land and its ten green houses occupy 100,000 sq feet of land. Several va-

Kamal Shah said that it is not only the fresh produce from the Amisha Green Houses or adjacent farm land that will be supplied to the members but "we will also pick up vegetables from the market and deliver the same to prospective buyers” committed associates - Kamal Shah and Jashbhai Patel. Ray would confine himself at the macro level management will leave the day to day administration and implementation of the project with Shah and Patel who will have a team of employees.

Jashbhai brings with him huge experience

rieties of vegetables are already grown and are being supplied to burgeoning list of IFC members. Some of the Indian vegetable items like Mogri, Surati Papdi, besides raddish, egg plant, bitter melon, cucumber are already available but as Jashbhai pointed out this is but a small list of items that "we

Amisha Ray's Green Houses

intend to produce and market from here."

He specifically talked about vegetables like Padwal, Tindodra, Drum sticks, Suran, Kand, Nagarvel Paan, Turia etc which are not easily available in the market and if they are then one has to pay a hefty price to get them. "We will grow all these vegetables in our 10 acres farm land and, demand increasing, we would expand our activities as well," he added. The open land adjacent to the green houses would be utilized for the cultivation of cereal like Bajri Jowar which again are not extensively cultivated here, he said.

Kamal Shah said that it is not only the fresh produce from the Amisha Green Houses or adjacent farm land that will be supplied to the members but "we will also pick up vegetables from the market and deliver the same to prospective buyers. The supply channel has already been in operation and the response is overwhelming," he said beaming with confidence.

Cont’d on page 19

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Shreya Ghoshal to perform for AAPI in 9 cities

India Post News Service

A

fter mesmerizing musical lovers all across the world with her melodious voice, top Bollywood singer Shreya Ghoshal is on AAPI's Multi-City Educational/Musical Program this Fall, performing in nine cities around the United States.

Organized by the American Association of Physicians of Indian origin (AAPI), the spectacular musical program combined with educational and networking opportunities is being organized with the objective of bringing CME and non-CME sponsored medical lectures, exhibits, Gala Dinner, community outreach talks and lively musical nite in each of the nine cities across the country.

The first of the nine Multi City Educational programs will be on September 21 in Charlotte, NC,

and the grand finale will be on October 7, 2012 in San Jose, CA. Other cities that participate in the Tour include: New York on September 22nd; Columbus, OH on September 23rd; Orlando Florida on September 28th; Houston, TX on September 29th; Atlanta, GA on September 30th; Washington DC on October 5th; and Dallas, TX on October 6th.

"It all began with the idea of strengthening the relationship between the AAPI Chapters and national office," says Dr. Narendra Kumar, President of AAPI. "The concept of this program to bring together various local Chapters closer has been in my mind for several years.

Drs. Jayesh Shah, Ravi Jahagirdar and Hemant Dhingra enthusiastically received this idea and the net result of our collaboration and dialogue is the Multi-City Tour."

Describing the process lead-

ing to the Tour, Dr. Ravi Jahagirdar, Vice-President of AAPI, recalls, "Realizing that it takes a lot of coordination and tremendous effort, we were successful in involving over two dozen AAPI office-bearers of various Chapters and Executive Committee members.

Each of them was willing to give $10,000 of his/her personal money as seed money to put the program together at zero risk and no cost to AAPI, while committing to have the funds raised would be given to AAPI, the local Chapters, and the many philanthropic endeavors organized

by AAPI and its Charitable Foundation."

Dr. Dhingra, who has close re-

AAPI meetings and allowing greater number of members to participate, AAPI has now pioneered the first series of nine multi-city programs to make it easy for physicians to participate locally avoiding extensive travel and time away from practice," he explains.

In its efforts, AAPI has been joined by the Indo-American Psychiatric Association in America and the Association of Cardiologists of Indian Origin.

The Seminars and workshops will be led by accomplished faculty of leading Cardiologists, Cardiovascular Surgeons and Psychiatrists. Each of the nine medical educational programs is expected to have an audience of 250-400

Shreya Ghoshal, who became a household name after her Bollywood debut in Sanjay Bhansalij's famous movie Devdas, where she rendered her voice to Paro, has won the hearts of millions by singing in Bengali, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Punjabi & other languages lationship with the Entertainment Industry, worked with Shri Balaji Entertainment in the signing of the contract for Shreya and her team to present an evening of cultural entertainment in each of these nine cities. Shreya Ghoshal, who became a household name after her Bollywood debut in Sanjay Bhansalij's famous movie Devdas, where she rendered her voice to Paro, has won the hearts of millions by singing in Bengali, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Punjabi & other languages.

The talented young artist and youth icon has worked in more than 180 films and is the recipient of numerous National Film Awards and Filmfare Awards in a very short span.

"Entertainment was only just one component of the entire program," Dr. Kumar adds. The idea is to put together mini seminars, networking and strengthening the relationship between members and the national office. "Due to popular demand from several physicians on the need for enhancing scientific component at

Physicians, which will be followed by annual gala event and entertainment with an expected 2,500+ audience at each location.

"Many of our industry partners liked this concept where they could get prime time with a few hundred doctors for product promotion/theater, non CME lectures, exhibits, booths," Dr. Jayesh Shah, President-Elect of AAPI, says. "These multi-city mini-seminars are a novel concept for education and recreation that will raise funds for the local chapters of AAPI, the national AAPI and the AAPI Charitable Foundation."

Dr. Jahagirdar promises to "make this event both transparent and successful, and we hope it becomes an annual event. Many of our industry partners have also shown great interest in this concept, where they can receive prime time with a few hundred doctors for product promotion, theater, non-CME lectures, exhibits and booths. Because of this, we hope to have a significant number of national sponsors for this program."

AAPI has established itself as the most successful and premiere ethnic medical organization in the United States. AAPI-CF is committed to serve the poorest of the poor in remote areas of India and USA. The AAPI Charitable Foundation is the crest jewel of AAPI. Nick Nipan Shroff, Chair of AAPI-Charitable Foundations, says, since 1992, the Foundation has been providing an infrastructure support system for needy patients in India with two main goals: enabling AAPI members to commit their time and resources to support the clinics for the indigent; and to monitor effectively the clinics' progress and be accountable for the overall success of the project.

According to Dr. Shroff, AAPICF oversees 17 clinics in as many states in India. "In fact, more than a million patients have received much needed medical, thanks to onsite and outreach programs conducted by these medical clinics.

AAPI has always been present when calamities strike whether it is the Tsunami, Katrina, or Earthquakes in Gujarat and Maharashtra. AAPI is supporting three cancer centers and has developed three major trauma centers and a hospital in Bhuj. The Visanagar Clinic in Gujarat even received the Rotary International's Model Clinic Award," he elaborates.

In the US, AAPI's commitment is to the needs of people living in urban areas without the benefit of medical insurance, in contrast to India, where the rural poor face the acutest health problems. Moving forward, the Foundation wants to "fulfill our organization's goal of supporting at least one clinic in each Indian State.

We have also joined hands with other NGOs such as the Seva International to provide relief help during disasters. Partnering with the Nandi Foundation, we will provide purified water to several villages in hopes of preventing water-related diseases. Currently our foundation is trying to work on newer projects like: ECHO project for rural India and Vaccination project," he says.

Dr. Kumar, while assuming office as the president of AAPI had committed "to bring all our AAPI chapters together, strengthen our network and develop better relationships. Along with this effort, try to generate revenue for the sustainability of the national as well as local Chapters." This extensive Musical/Educational Tour program put together by Dr. Kumar and his Team is a step towards reaching the message of AAPI across the globe and help AAPI realize its noble mission.

August 17, 2012

Community/California

India Post 17

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So Cal reacts with shock at Wisconsin gurdwara mayhem LISA ZIMMERMAN

LOS ANGELES: The events in Wisconsin have resonated sharply here in Southern California and the enormity of the tragedy has begun to sink in.

I choose to write this in the first person, as an American of Jewish heritage and as a Caucasian just like Wade Michael Page, the shooter who is thankfully dead.

America is a melting pot and our biggest strength lies in our diversity. It is here that we have the finest of the finest of different ethnicities, religions, and cultures ‌. all blended together as Americans. Post 9/11 was a rude awakening and all of a sudden, we realized how little we knew about our own people. This is best manifested by a spate of hate crimes directed towards Sikhs, Muslims, and other minorities. It also fueled racist fires lit by the neo-Nazis and white supremacists who revel in hate ideology.

Being of Jewish heritage, I can well understand the predicament of the minorities, especially the Sikhs and the Muslims. For the Sikhs, to a lesser extent, history is being repeated in its own twisted way. Many amongst them fled India to escape the discrimination, the political turmoil, and state terrorism that had been unleashed in Punjab during the turbulent 80s.

It may be recalled that as a result of the events in Punjab, the entire Sikh community came under suspicion elsewhere in India.

This is precisely the situation the global Muslim community find

People wait for word on family and friends at the Sikh temple, the Oak Creek, Wisconsin.

themselves in today.

Accompanied by my Sikh friends, I spoke to a number of people about their reactions to this tragedy.

Imam Shamshad is the Imam of the Chino mosque. This mosque serves the Muslim Ahmeddiya community also known as Qadianis, after Qadian, a town in the Gurdaspur district of Punjab. It is here that this sect of Muslims evolved over a century ago. "This is a horrible tragedy and civilized society everywhere has no tolerance for such behavior.

My heart goes out to the families and the victims. We will pray for them and for peace", he said in a telephone conversation with my colleague J.S. Bedi.

Nobody knows the horrors better than Imam ShamShad. It may be recalled that the Ahmeddiyas had been declared non Muslims in Pakistan and had been targeted intensely by terrorists. Their

mosques have been bombed and devotees gathered for prayer have been murdered in broad daylight.

This is in addition to the persecution and discrimination they are

"This is a time for all of us to come together as one and share the pain and the grief", he said.

"What happened is horrible and our prayers go out to all those affected by this madman's actions" subjected to on a routine level in Pakistan.

Nachhater Singh Bhullar and Saab Singh Bhullar of the Walnut

Sikh temple also condemned this act of violence. "This is an intense wake up call and where is the guarantee that this will not happen again, not just in a gurdwara, but also in a Hindu temple or a mosque, or for that reason, any large gathering of any minority group", they said.

Mohammed Zafarullah is a prominent Bangladeshi community leader and also an eminent journalist. "This is a time for all of us to come together as one and share the pain and the grief", he said. "What happened is horrible and our prayers go out to all those affected by this madman's actions", he added.

Rashpal Singh Dhindsa is a prominent philanthropist and a businessman running a trucking company. He expressed his shock and sadness at the turn of events in Wisconsin. Like the others, his opinion and views were no differ-

ent and marked by sadness.

Likewise, others like Pravin Patel, and a host of other community members expressed their grief and offered their prayers for the victims and their families.

Now comes the important question: where do we go from here?

Obviously, we cannot expect the police to be everywhere at the same time, considering that these acts are random and we don't know when and where the next one is going to happen. Would it be unreasonable for minority groups to adopt their own protective measures by applying for gun licenses so they can carry guns legally?

Especially in the case of the Sikhs, looking at their military history, it would be unusual to see Sikhs not rallying to protect themselves albeit, in a way that may seem controversial to certain schools of thought.

Wisconsin massacre - Some lessons JS BEDI

S

adly it took a massacre and the lives of seven people to put the Sikh community on the nation's front pages. In its own bizarre and twisted way the past Sunday's tragedy has done what we should have done years ago...educate mainstream America as to who we are and what the Sikh faith stands for.

There are memorial services and candlelight vigils being held all over the country in memory of those who perished that day.

However it is imperative to add that it does not end with an ardaas and lighting candles.

We need to do a thorough introspection as to what went wrong and what can we do to prevent similar incidents.

First of all it is important that we create a national presence for ourselves. The best way to educate America on Sikhs and Sikhism is to make ourselves more visible in public...in politics, as city offi-

participate in mainstream America and let everybody know we are as American as anybody else.

Every year Pasadena holds a Rose Parade featuring over 40 floats, each representing an orga-

Till date there has been no effort to contact the mainstream media like TV channels and newspapers to do a feature on the Sikh Diaspora. And, sadly, we now, have made it to the headlines under tragic circumstances cials, in the police, in the military, as city employees, and so on and so forth. Typically we congregate at our neighborhood Gurdwara every weekend and then disappear into our individual lives. We must

nization, community, corporation etc. How come there is no float representing the Sikhs? Participating in this parade is an excellent avenue to educate America on Sikhs and Sikhism, money would be better

spent on this than in writing checks to election funds of politicians.

Till date there has been no effort to contact the mainstream media like TV channels and newspapers to do a feature on the Sikh Diaspora. And, sadly, we now, have made it to the headlines un-

der tragic circumstances.

However all is not lost and let us learn a lesson from this tragedy. Let us seize this opportunity to do a thorough introspection and learn from our mistakes and move on in a positive direction so that this does not happen again

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Dr Sahota honored with Golden SCE call to conserve as high temperatures are forecast Orange Award India Post News Service

India Post News Service

O

n July 12, Dr H. Sahota MD, FACC, FSCAI was awarded the Golden Orange Award by World Affairs Council of Orange County. The event was held in Hilton Hotel, Costa Mesa, California.

World Affairs Council is a non profit, non partisan organization across United States working to engage Americans in international affairs and foreign policy matters.

With its outreach programs for high school students and teachers, it brings awareness of historic events to them.

The Council has its headquarters in Washington DC with branches all over the country. It arranges speakers from all walks of life including heads of states and ambassadors. All kinds of topics are discussed including

political, economic and social.

Along with Dr Sahota there were two other recipients: Mr Fred Ameri and Mr Bruce Hallenbeck. Awards were given for their contribution to both the Orange County community and to the World Affairs Council and their continued dedicated lead-

lowed by presentation by guest speaker of the evening, Phillip Taubman. The topic was "The Partnership: How the leaders of the Cold War Generation are Coming Together to End Nuclear Weapons" Dr Sahota is an inventor of Perfusion Angioplasty Balloon. He

The Council has its headquarters in Washington DC with branches all over the country. It arranges speakers from all walks of life including heads of states and ambassadors ership on council board of trustees. The Awards were presented

by Dr Jo Ellen Chatham, past chairwoman of council and herself recipient of Golden Orange award. This ceremony was fol-

has introduced angioplasty in India, Moscow, Mexico and Ukraine.

Recently he was awarded and honored by American Heart Association for his works and contribution to cardiology.

Lions Club installs new team DILIP BUTANI

ORANGE, CA: District ViceGovernor Lion Kenny Shu installed the new executive team of The Lions Club of Little India for the Lionistic year 2012-13; at The Tandoor Restaurant, Orange, CA, on August 1, 2012, before a large gathering.

Shu installed Lal Thakrar as the President, Dilip Butani as the Chairman, Amrit Bhandari as Immediate Past President and K V Kumar as Vice Chairman. Others installed were Ramesh Bhatt as Secretary, Ajay Khetani as Treasurer, Ramesh Ramnanai, Vijay Patil, Manu Patel, Gary Singh & Nauzad Sadry as Vice-Presidents, Sameer Gajjar as Deputy Secretary, Kantilal Shah as Deputy Treasurer, Ravji Patel as Lion

Tamer, Subhash Tolia as Tail Twister, Dr Kailash Dhamija as Membership Chairman and Kris Kakkar as Deputy Membership Chairman. The Directors installed include; Rashmi Shah, Balbir Singh, Prakash Pancholi, Dr Ramesh Kothari, Dr Vinod Sahani, Dr Jhanak Chopra, Siddharth Pathak, Dinesh Gala, Ram Tasildar, Bhavna Chawla, Ashok Madan, Chandru Shroff and Subbu Shanmugham.

The meeting started with a welcome address and flag salutation

by Amrit Bhandari followed by introduction of guests by Dilip Butani. Next, sponsor Ajit Dudhekar gave a wonderful presentation on home financing followed by Club activities report by

Ajay Khetani.

Vice Governor Shu installed the new team and praised Club members for the various activities conducted regularly. Incoming President Thakrar in his acceptance speech mentioned about the forthcoming projects.

Zone Chair Lion Larry Wehage congratulated the new team followed by vote of thanks by Ramesh Bhatt.

Vice-Governor honored Lion Dilip Butani with a special Governor pin for completing 30 years in Lionism. Versatile singers Nauzad Sadry, Bhavna Chawla and Ram Tasildar entertained everyone with non-stop popular Bollywood numbers. This was followed by a sumptuous dinner.

ROSEMEAD, CA: With high temperatures forecast in many parts of Southern California, Southern California Edison (SCE) is urging customers to conserve power.

SCE anticipates having sufficient resources to meet forecast electricity demand. But with energy use rising during extreme heat conditions, conservation can provide an added reserve should an unexpected power emergency occur, such as mechanical problems affecting a major power plant or wildfires shutting down a major transmission system. Conservation also helps minimize the impact on the distribution system when customers use energy around-the-clock.

Conservation helps customers keep their bills lower during high temperatures - bills can increase up to 30 percent for residential customers who use air conditioning. Conservation also helps reduce stress on the overall electrical system.

SCE recommends that customers: • Set thermostats no lower than 78 degrees.

• Use electric fans instead of air conditioning when practical.

• Turn off unused appliances and equipment.

• Shut off lights when leaving a room.

• Close drapes and blinds to keep out direct sunlight during hot periods.

• Avoid using evaporative coolers or humidifiers at the same time an air conditioner is running.

• Operate swimming pool equipment and energy-intensive appliances, such as dishwashers, washing machines and dryers, during early morning and evening hours.

• Limit the opening and reopening of refrigerators, which are major users of electricity in most homes.

• When possible, businesses should shift power-intensive work

processes to morning or evening hours.

• Turn off lights in unused areas.

SCE recommends customers try to stay as cool as possible during the heat.

• Keep outdoor activities to a minimum, and drink a lot of water during the hottest parts of the day.

• During a power outage, turn off and unplug any unnecessary electrical equipment, including sensitive electronics.

• Open the refrigerator and freezer only when necessary to keep the food cold.

• Low-income and medically sensitive customers can take advantage of "Cool Centers," which

Conservation helps customers keep their bills lower during high temperatures bills can increase up to 30 percent for residential customers who use air conditioning are operated by local governments and community-based organizations.

• SCE recommends customers follow these safety tips if a power outage occurs: • Use flashlights for lighting during a power outage; do not use candles because they pose a significant fire hazard.

• Never attempt to move or go near a downed power line. Call 911 to report the situation.

• Watch for traffic signals that may be out. Approach those intersections as four-way stops.

• If someone in your home is dependent on electric-powered, life sustaining medical equipment, have an emergency plan that includes a back-up power source, or make arrangements to relocate.

9th District a 'toss up,' say experts India Post News Service

LODI, CA: Leading political website RealClearPolitics now rates California's 9th Congressional District a "toss up," the label reserved for the most competitive races nationwide.

Small business owner and family farmer Ricky Gill (R-Lodi) is challenging three-term incumbent

Congressman Jerry McNerney (DPleasanton) in the 9th District.

McNerney is one of only seven Democratic incumbents nationwide whose seat has been categorized as a "toss up" by RealClearPolitics.

The "toss up" rating tracks closely with a recent poll concluding that the 9th District race is a "statistical dead heat."

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August 17, 2012

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It's not just a Sikh tragedy but an American tragedy VALARIE KAUR Director, Groundswell

C

olumbine. Aurora. Now, Milwaukee. As a Sikh community near Milwaukee came together for prayers and community, a gunman brutally murdered 6, wounded 4, and shocked a nation in what officials are calling an act of domestic terrorism. Again, in our backyards, another mass shooting has occurred - and this time while a religious community gathered to practice their faith.

For me, this mass shooting is not just about how to keep guns out of the hands of a murderous few. As a Sikh American, it's also about my community's struggle to live as free and proud Americans.

The only thing that feels right in a moment like this is to go to Wisconsin to be with my fellow Sikhs, friends, and family, to mourn with them, and to stand in solidarity with this community in unimaginable pain.

My grandfather sailed by steamship from Punjab, India and settled in California one hundred

Fresh vegetables & snacks at door step Cont’d from page 15

Kamal Shah mentioned that IFC has also leased a kitchen for preparing snack items ranging from Samosa, Dhokla, Fafda, Ganthia, Sev, Boondi, etc besides sweets like Pedha, Burfi, Ladoo, Mhesoor and you name it. "These items would also be done afresh at our manufacturing facility and delivered at the door step of our members. IFC plans diversification and expansion adding more products and services that would benefit the consumers."

Girish Ray said that the paper work is already underway for getting organic certification from the concerned authorities and agencies. He also said that there is a municipal airfield from where IFC proposes to lease Piper cargo plane for flying farm produces and snacks to other major cities and hubs across the country. Buoyed Jashbhai said that next year "We plan to get Alfonso mangoes here which would be shipped to any part of the country without delay."

Ray added that the IFC members will also be offered services

of an experienced immigration attorney who has put in 30 years of services. IFC members could also get their prescription drugs delivered as part of expanded services.

Kamal Shah said that IFC plans to have a few open air plots for

There is a municipal airfield from where IFC proposes to lease Piper cargo plane for flying farm produces and snacks to other major cities and hubs across the country small parties and family gatherings.

"We aim to serve our members in all possible ways besides offering fresh vegetable farm produces and snacks." The Shah and Patel team is being helped by a young graduate student Akash Ray.

Kuchipudi Guru Dr Vempati remembered Cont’d from page 14

Guru Chinna Satyam revolutionized and transformed the Kuchipudi Art form and took it to new heights in the eyes of music and dance lovers all over the world. The words Kuchipudi dance and Vempati Chinna Satyam have become synonymous.

His dedication to Kuchipudi art form is unmatched. Through his rigorous and demanding training he produced some of the finest Kuchipudi dancers. Besides being one of the greatest performers, he

choreographed several dance ballet master pieces that won him numerous titles and awards such as Kalaprapoorna, Natya Kala Bhushana of Guntur, Kalaimamani Padma Bhushan, etc.

Padma Bhushan Chinna was simple, unassuming, highly compassionate and generous person leaving an impression on every body. The attendees felt that the fond memories will be cherished by one and all for years to come.Several video clips of Dr. Vempati Chinna Satyam were shared during the meeting.

years ago. Donning a turban and long beard, he tamed the hard floor of the Central Valley on a John Deere tractor in the early 1900s.

Sikh pioneers like my grandfa-

Today, roughly 500,000 Americans are Sikh, many donning turbans. Tragically, the turban meant to represent a commitment to service and justice has since marked Sikh Americans as targets for hate violence ther could not own land or become citizens due to the color of their skin, but they stayed and farmed, weathering race riots and decades of second class treatment, until

the law permitted their children and grandchildren to become citizens.

Like many Sikhs, I grew up with deep roots in America and also fell in love with the heart of the Sikh faith, devotion to one God, who requires us to uphold equality between women and men and all peoples, and perform seva, or sacred service. We express our devotion to God, Waheguru, in a house of worship called a gurdwara, where we recite and sing the poetry of the scared scriptures. In the 17th century, the tenth teacher gave Sikhs five articles to represent our faith, including kesh - long, uncut hair which most men and some women wrap in a cloth turban.

Today, roughly 500,000 Americans are Sikh, many donning turbans. Tragically, the turban meant to represent a commitment to service and justice has since marked Sikh Americans as targets for hate violence. I was old enough to re-

member racial slurs and shattered windows after the Iran hostage crisis, the first Gulf War, and the Oklahoma City bombing.

In the hours and days after 9/ 11, hate violence swept the country. And on September 15, 2001, a Sikh man was gunned down in front of his gas station in Mesa, Arizona. Aside from a few quick clips on the local news, the coverage was sparse.

But this time, something new is happening. Social media were flooded with messages of support and solidarity for Sikh Americans.

They knew that the Sikh community gathered to pray on a Sunday morning, just like in millions of churches around the country.

They knew that the terrible loss of life so recently after the shootings in Aurora shocks the conscience and violates our deepest values.

And they know that this is not just a Sikh tragedy but an American tragedy.

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Tech News ISRO gets ready for historic 100th mission BANGALORE: The Indian Space Research Organization is preparing for its 100th mission next month with the commercial launch of two foreign satellites from the spaceport of Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.

ISRO plans to launch 720-kg SPOT-6 remote sensing satellite from France (built by ASTRIUM SAS) and a 15-kg Japanese spacecraft Protiers on board the homegrown Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C21) in the second week of September, in a major milestone of sorts.

"We have today (so far) put 99 missions (62 satellites and 37 launch vehicles) from the days of Aryabhata (satellite) of 1975", Chairman of Bangalore-headquartered space agency, K Radhakrishnan told PTI here.

ASEAN-India plan USD 70 mn projects NEW DELHI: Projects worth over USD 70 million are being processed to enhance people to people contact and institutional connectivity between India and the ASEAN grouping, Indian External Affairs Minister S M Krishna has said.

Addressing the first round table of ASEAN-India network of think tanks here, he also said high priority is accorded to enhance physical connectivity within the area and discussions are on for a new India-Myanmar-Laos-Vietnam-Cambodia highway.

"ASEAN Secretariat is currently processing projects worth over USD 70 million suggested by India under the ASEAN-India Plan of Action for 2010-15.-PTI

JKPCC hailed for building bridges in record time SRINAGAR: Lauding the Jammu and Kashmir Project Construction Corporation (JKPCC) for completion of 30 major bridges and building projects since April last year, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has asked the agency to expand its activities outside the state.

"The JKPCC should expand its orbit of activities outside the state and strengthen its unit at Delhi," Abdullah said at the 87th meeting of the Board of Directors of the corporation here. -PTI

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Belgium to help Railways in modernization NEW DELHI: With the aim of developing railway stations to match global standards by leveraging commercial utilization of land, Indian Railways have joined hands with Belgium to carry out its modernization plans.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by visiting Deputy Prime Minister of Belgium Didier Reynders and Railway Minister Mukul Roy on bilateral co-operation for effective development and modernization of railway sector of both the countries here.

"The MoU will usher in a new era of cooperation between two countries for effective development and modernization in railway sector," Roy said after signing the MoU.-PTI

StanChart’s India outsourcing under US scanner NEW YORK: Outsourcing of key oversight jobs by global banks to India has come under the scanner for the second time in less than a month for exposing the US financial system to terrorists and money laundering risks.

On the heels of a probe by the US Senate’s Permanent Committee on Investigations pointing out major lapses in the work of HSBC’s India staff, another UKbased banking giant Standard Chartered’s outsourcing of key banking jobs to Indian shores have come under the scanner in the US. A probe by the New York State’s key banking regulator, the Department of Financial Services (DFS), has found deficient money laundering controls in outsourcing of work by StanChart to India, thus exposing the US financial system to terror financing and other risks.

The findings in these two separate probes have come at a time when the voices against outsourcing of jobs to India and other locations are gaining momentum in the US, ahead of the Presidential elections in November.

In an order last night, the DFS accused StanChart of hiding secret transactions involving USD 250 billion with Iran — leaving the US financial system vulnerable to terrorists, weapons dealers, drug kingpins and corrupt regimes.

The DFS probe found that SCB had assured the New York state in May 2010 that it would take immediate steps to comply with the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctions.

However, another regulatory examination in 2011 found continuing and significant Anti Money Laundering failures.

Among these, the bank was outsourcing its “entire OFAC compliance process for the New York branch to Chennai, India, with no evidence of any oversight or communication between the Chennai and the New York of-

fices.”

The OFAC is the designated US government agency for preparing list of entities with whom US citizens and entities are barred

individuals and entities.

The order further quoted the same SCB official as saying that any such delay would be “a dealbreaker” in the bank’s efforts to

from doing any business.

As per the DFS probe, Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) saw compliance with the US regulations related to Iran sanctions as impeding its business expansion. “... SCB’s Chief Legal and Compliance Officer for its wholesale banking business explained that SCB wire stripped because ‘there would be a delay in the OFAC queue if an Iranian name was

develop new business. “ To avoid such deal-breakers, SCB instituted a system of socalled ‘offshore OFAC due diligence’. The entire concept was a sham. Any off-shore substitute for OFAC compliance would have necessarily caused the exact delay threatened by OFAC compliance at the New York branch.

“Under the law governing at the time, any legitimate due dili-

The probe found that HSBC’s Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Compliance Department, which included employees in India, was highly inadequately staffed.Besides, deficiencies were found in the quality of the work done by HSBC’s “offshore reviewers in India”, who were used for clearing a major backlog of suspected transaction alerts at the bank spotted by the OFAC filter in New York and the payment would get held up,” the order said.

The term ‘wire stripping’ is used for removal of information from wire transfer messages used to identify sanctioned countries,

gence was premised on investigative delay. SCB undertook it’s off shore due diligence program, however, specifically to escape OFAC’s watchful eye, not to be examined by it,” DFS said.

It further said that SCB’s over-

seas due diligence staff members were responsible for the bank’s compliance to regulations related to Iran sanctions and compliance to the OFAC rules.

But these staff members did not know the elements of a lawful transaction and they were not trained to determine whether the underlying transactions were valid as per the Iranian Trade Regulations. “ S C B ’s chief legal counsel strategies, much as he had in 1995, that ‘it is reasonable to undertake due diligence on behalf of New York outside the US’ even though “we are potentially placing our SCB New York office and the Bank at risk if our due diligence procedures are not fully effective,” the DFS said, while detailing its probe findings.

Earlier on July 17, HSBC’s staff in India had come under the scanner for deficiencies in their role as “offshore reviewers” of the global banking giant’s compliance to safety mechanism against money laundering and terrorist financing.

The probe found that HSBC’s Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Compliance Department, which included employees in India, was highly inadequately staffed.

Besides, deficiencies were found in the quality of the work done by HSBC’s “offshore reviewers in India”, who were used for clearing a major backlog of suspected transaction alerts at the bank.

More than one-third of the alerts already resolved by the Indian reviewers and others “had to be re-done” after an independent assessment by the OCC (the US Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, which is the bank’s primary federal regulator in the country).

The probe further found that an OCC visit to India in 2007 had revealed “Weak Monitoring Procedures” in the bank’s internal control systems.

Later, HSBC apologized for its mistakes and gave its “absolute commitment” to fix the problems. -PTI

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BPL families may get free No amnesty scheme to check black money mobile phones NEW DELHI: A populist plan to provide free mobile phones to people below poverty line (BPL) may be on the anvil.

The Planning Commission is exploring such a possibility and the scheme may be announced in the Prime Minister's Independence Day address next week.

Asked about reports about the populist scheme, Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia told PTI, "We are exploring that possibility. We are working on an idea. The basic idea is that in rural areas, we need to incentives access to mobile telephony".

He said a small group in the commission has been working on the idea with the Department of Telecommunications to assess how beneficial the plan would be.

Ahluwalia said while "we don't

actually have a scheme which is approved, it is an idea which is being discussed".

If implemented, this will be UPA-II government's biggest populist announcement on the lines of Rs 60,000 crore loan waiver scheme for farmers during the ten-

ure of UPA-I. There are 6.52 crore BPL families which may be entitled to free mobile phones along with monthly connectivity of about 200 minutes.

This may cost the government around Rs 7,000-8000 crore per annum. -PTI

Auction of natural resources will curb corruption: NGO to SC NEW DELHI: The Supreme method that can meet the criteria Court has been told that the route of transparency in allocation of of "auction" has been found to be natural resources should not be the best method for alienation of disturbed. scarce natural resources which will Arguing before the Bench, also help in curbing large-scale corrup- comprising justices D K Jain, J S tion in all sectors including min- Khehar, Dipak Mishra and Ranjan ing and coal.

Gogai, the CPIL said the verdict of The NGO, Centre for Public In- the two-judge bench could not be terest Litigation (CPIL) submitted restricted to particular natural rebefore a five-judge Constitution sources.

Bench headed by Chief Justice S Bhushan had earlier said the 2G H Kapadia that the mode of auction in "The trust of the people disposal of natural re- and public interest is sources to the paramount in the allocaprivate sector would help in tion of scarce natural maintaining resources and the route the public of auction has been trust and pubfound to be the only lic interest.

"The trust route to curb mass scale of the people corruption" and public interest is paramount in the allocation of scarce spectrum verdict has put a "break natural resources and the route of on corruption". auction has been found to be the He was arguing that only route to curb mass scale cor- Government's Presidential Referruption," CPIL's counsel Shanti ence arising out of the 2G verdict Bhushan contended. should be returned unanswered He said series of recent CAG by the apex court. reports have pointed out irreguThe verdict had held as illegal larities and siphoning of money in and unconstitutional the Firstthe allocation of natural resources Come-First-Serve (FCFS) policy and the apex court February 2 and favored allocation of natural judgment on the 2G spectrum resources in all sectors through which has held auction as the only the auction route.

The reference covers various issues arising out of the apex court's 2G spectrum case verdict and they include whether auctioning natural resources across all sectors is mandatory and if the verdict in the 2G case can be given retrospective effect for radio waves granted since 1994.

The court had on May 11 issued notices and sought replies from various parties, including the

state governments and the FICCI and the CII on behalf of the private industries, besides the NGO and Janata Party President Subramanian Swamy.

It was on the petitions by CPIL and Swamy that a bench of justices G S Singhvi and A K Ganguly (since retired) had delivered its February 2 verdict, canceling 122 telecom licenses holding that the FCFS policy was illegal and unconstitutional. -PTI

NEW DELHI: The Income Tax Department has not recommended 'amnesty scheme' to deal with the issue of black money, the government has said.

In a written reply to the question if the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has recommended "amnesty scheme" on black money on the lines of the US, Minister of State for Finance S S Palanimanickam said, "No." The government had set up a committee under the CBDT Chairman to examine ways to strengthen laws to curb the generation of black money in the country, its illegal transfer abroad and its recovery. The panel submitted its report to the government in March 2012.

CBDT in the Finance Ministry is responsible for collection of direct taxes in the country.

The minister informed the Lok Sabha that there is "no verifiable information" as to estimate black money brought back to the country till date.

Also, there is no verifiable information to estimate money de-

posited in foreign accounts by Indian nationals, "which is exclusive of their legitimate foreign deposits", he added.

However, as per the information released by the Swiss National Bank, the liability of Swiss banks towards Indians as on December 31, 2011, was CHF 2.183 billion (USD 2.245 billion), Palanimanickam said.

Facing flak from various quarters for not doing enough to deal with the menace of black money, the government has adopted a multi-pronged strategy to address the problem.

It has instituted three studies to estimate the quantum of black money both inside and outside the country. -PTI

Only 4 states indicate support for FDI in multi-brand retail NEW DELHI: Only four states and UTs have so far indicated their support for allowing FDI in multi-brand retail, a development which will further delay entry of global chains like Walmart and Carrefour in India.

"Till date, written communications, indicating support for foreign direct investment (FDI) in multi-brand retail trade, have been received from the governments of Delhi, Manipur and from Daman & Diu and Dadra Nagar Haveli," Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jyotiraditya Scindia informed the Rajya Sabha in a written reply.

The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) had written to governments of all states and Union Territories on June 19 to elicit their views on the contentious issue.

The Union Cabinet had decided on November 24, 2011 to allow 51 per cent FDI in multi-brand retail, but the same could not be

implemented in the face of strong opposition from UPA-ally Trinamool Congress and several state governments.

Scindia said there was no proposal to allow 100 per cent FDI in multi-brand retail.

In the backdrop of the government facing flak from a section of industry and some global investors for policy inaction, the government has renewed its efforts to forge a consensus on opening the retail sector estimated to be over USD 600 billion.

"No decision has been taken in the matter," he said.

In reply to a different question, the minister said that the government has not taken any decision on the two proposals for 100 per cent FDI in the single brand retail.

MORE PTI RR While Swedish furniture major IKEA proposes to invest Rs 10,500 crore, UK-based footwear major Pavers wants to invest additional Rs 100 crore in the Indian market. -PTI

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August 17, 2012

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Pawar opposes move to ban sugar exports NEW DELHI: Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar has opposed any move to ban sugar export in a bid to contain price rise, saying selling the sweetener in overseas markets is as such difficult in the current scenario of low global prices.

Earlier in the day, a government official said the Food Ministry is considering a cap on sugar exports at 1.5 million tonnes for 2011-12 marketing year (October-September) to check price rise due to deficient monsoon.

"Who is going to export now because international prices are ruling below domestic prices.

There is no need to restrict export of sugar," Pawar told reporters here.

The global prices are around Rs 31 a kg against domestic price of Rs 35 a kg, he said.

On reports that government may ban export of commodities

like wheat, rice, maize and cotton to contain prices, Pawar said: "I do not think that kind of thinking is there. I have not received any

Although the country has surplus sugar output, prices have shown upward trend amid concern over possible fall in output following weak monsoon. There is 20 per cent deficiency in rainfall during JuneJuly period proposal to ban export of these items."

The government had allowed two million tonnes of sugar ex-

50,000 tonnes wheat from Punjab sent for export CHANDIGARH: With the Centre gearing up to export wheat to other countries, as much as 50,000 tonnes of wheat from Punjab has been sent to FCI godowns at ports in Gujarat for export, which may slightly ease state's storage crisis.

Apart from this, 20,000 tonnes of wheat will soon be sent to three ports at Mundra, Pipavav and Kandla in next 7-10 days by the Food Corporation of India (FCI).

"We have already dispatched fresh wheat crop for 2012-13 year produced in Punjab to ports which is meant for exports only," an FCI official said here.

About 40,000 tonnes of wheat stock has been sent to Mundra port and rest to Kandla port from where the wheat will be shipped, he said.

FCI has its depot at Gandhidham in Kandla and it has hired a private depot at Mundra for storing the crop.

"Now, we have also decided to send 20,000 tonnes of another lot to these ports for export from Punjab," he said.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs had last month allowed 2 million tonnes of wheat

exports from its godowns to ease storage problem.

State-owned trading firms have received a total of 32 bids for their wheat export tenders for 2.4 lakh tonnes so far.

The Punjab government has been strongly demanding to evacuate food grain from the state through allowing export to other countries in the wake of overflowing warehouses.

Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal had even demanded that wheat should be exported from the states on the proportion on which grain stock was lying with the respective states.

The Union Food Ministry had in the month of May sought samples of wheat crop from Punjab to ensure the crop, which may be exported, was free of 'Karnal bunt' disease. -PTI

ports in the initial few months of the current marketing year and later in May 2012 put exports under the open general license (OGL).

Already, the Commerce Ministry has issued export permits for 1.48 million tonnes of sugar under the OGL, of which 0.86 million tonnes has been shipped.

Although the country has surplus sugar output, prices have shown upward trend amid concern over possible fall in output following weak monsoon. There is 20 per cent deficiency in rainfall during June-July period.

Sugar prices have risen by Rs 6-8 a kg in last one month and is ruling at about Rs 40/kg in most parts of India.

The country is estimated to produce 26 million tonnes of sugar in the 2011-12 marketing year, against the annual demand of 22 million tonnes. -PTI

Nitish requests postponing action against Patna airport PATNA: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has written to Union Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh requesting him to postpone any step related to reducing aircraft operations from Patna airport.

In a letter, Kumar said the state government is fully conscious of the need for safe operation of aircrafts from Patna airport.

"I have already directed the concerned authorities to take all necessary action as per law for removal of obstructions including pruning of trees in the vicinity of Patna airport," he said, adding that most of the obstructions on state government's land have already been removed.

"I have been given to understand that all the remaining obstructions on the state government land would be removed within the coming week," Kumar said.

On pruning of trees at the Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park, he said the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has already decided to reconsider the demand.

"I would, therefore, request you to postpone any such action in view of the actions already taken by the state government. A detailed action taken report is separately being sent to DGCA," the chief minister said. -PTI

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California Assembly honors India with I-Day Resolution India Post News Service

SAN FRANCISCO: In an unprecedented move, the California State Assembly has passed a Resolution recognizing August 15th as India's Independence Day and urged all Californians to join in celebrating the diversity of cultures.

The Resolution was moved by Mr. Bob Wieckowski, the popular Assembly Member from the Bay area, and it was supported by a number of other members, including Mr. Tony Mendoza and Mr. Henry Perea. The Hon'ble Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. John Perez, who spoke in support of the Resolution, praised India as the largest functioning democracy and a really important country in the

world. He added that this year's Independence Day celebrations in the U.S. are being held in the shadow of a senseless human tragedy at Wisconsin Sikh Temple where a gunman needlessly took the lives of six peaceful worshippers and injured many. The entire Assembly observed a minute of silence in remembrance of those who

lost their lives in the tragedy.

After the Resolution was passed with overwhelming support, it was handed over to Consul General N. Parthasarathi, who had been specially invited to the Floor of the House to participate in the event. He was introduced to the Assembly.

Ms. Ellen Corbett, the Senate Majority Leader, was also present and was fully supportive of the initiative. It may be recalled that N. Parthasarathi, Consul General, had been honored on the floor of the Senate by Senate Majority Leader Ms. Corbett and on the floor of the Assembly by Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. John Perez on 23rd April this year.

Vice Mayor of Fremont, Ms. Anu Natrajan, along with several community leaders, also participated in the event.

Summary of the Resolution passed by the State Assembly is as follows:

N. Parthasarathi, Consul General, had been honored on the floor of the Senate by Senate Majority Leader Ms. Corbett and on the floor of the Assembly by Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. John Perez on 23rd April this year India's Independence Day Whereas, On August 14/15, 1947, at the stroke of midnight, the First Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, gave his famous Tryst with Destiny speech proclaiming India's independence; and Whereas, considered to be one of the great speeches of all time, the Tryst with Destiny speech, captured the essence of the 100-year nonviolent Indian freedom struggle against British colonial rule in India; and Whereas, India's Independence Day is one of the most important national holidays in India, and the key event of the day takes place in Delhi where the Prime Minster hoists the national flag at the Red Fort and, delivers a nationally televised speech that highlights the achievements of the Government, discusses current issues and future plans for progress, and pays tribute to the leaders of India's struggle for freedom; and Whereas, observed on August 15 of each year, India's Independence Day, was celebrated by 400 million Indians in 1947 and today is commemorated by a billion people living in India, and many people living in other parts of the world, including California, which is home to the largest population of Asian Indians in the United States.

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India Post August 17, 2012

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Surat: Fastest growing city needs international airport for processing rough diamonds. It has side stepped Ahmedabad as a major market for textiles, nurtures its age old Jari udyog and is assisting jewelry business. It can boast of state of the art medical hospitals and colMayor Rajendra Desai & Surat City Hall leges. An international air link can boost its efforts RAMESH SOPARAWALA in becoming a center for medical India Post News Service tourism, he said Rajendra Desai was on a perCHICAGO: One of the fastest growing cities in India, Surat, can sonal visit to USA and was in New trip the others to be on the top if its York for a while. This happened demand for a full-fledged interna- to be his second visit and he tional airport is met, according to plans coming back in the near future to garner Non-resident Rajendra Desai, Mayor of Surat The City administration has Gujaratis' support for the develbeen pressing for an international opment of Surat. He said he had airport for Surat but the concerned to rush back to Surat as Gujarat authorities, apparently moved by CM Narendra Modi was coming considerations other than eco- to the city for pushing up various nomic, are side tracking the demand, projects involving investments Desai said in a talk to this paper. He worth over Rs. 1,000 crores or mentioned that his administration roughly $200 million.

The annual city budget is over has improved the infrastructure greatly and is in the process of fur- Rs 3000 crores and this year the ther strengthening it with a few city administration has decided to flyovers, bridges and multiple ring use Rs.1850 crores for capital roads, besides improving education works. This is apart from the huge investment of $200 million that is and health care facilities.

Surat, he said, is already a hub envisaged for amusement park,

Diamond cutting in progress

water reclamation project and three flyovers. The Talsari project would reclaim used dirty water and would give it to the industries for use. The amusement park in an area of 70,000 sq ft will be one of the most unique in the country and investment in flyovers is expected to be around $45 crores.

Rajendra Desai was elected Surat Mayor one and half years ago on BJP ticket and has endeared himself to the city residents numbering around 5 million.

He is also the Vice President of the All India Council of Mayors.

He feels that Narendra Modi is a great leader and has acquitted himself as one of the most successful Chief Ministers. Given the chance he could even lead the country successfully, he felt.

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India Post August 17, 2012

26

Tata turns hero with Indian Americans SURENDRA ULLAL India Post News Service

R

eports reaching here from India indicate that one of the heads of Tata Group of industries recently took a courageous stand against supplying Sumo to Pakistan on the ground that the country fomented crossborder terrorism.

The news was circulated among members of Indian community and the following are their reactions: Niranjan S. Shah CEO, Globetrotters Group We are proud of their (Tata's) business ethics and love for the nation.

Sad thing is most of the Indian business owners lack these traits.

B.G. Dhake, President Dhake Industries MI We are proud of Ratan Tata coming out so strongly against

terrorism. Though he is not a political leader and had to lose a lot economically taking a stand like this, he needs to be recognized all around India by all shades of public opinion regardless of caste, creed or religion. Kudos to Tata.

Dr Dayal Meshri CEO Advance Research Chemicals Tulsa OK If I had a choice, I would want him to lead our country. We need a courageous business and political leader like Ratan Tata who is honest, patriotic and visionary. No compromise when basic values and

principles are at the stake. It is between US and USSR, the Ameribecause of persons like Tata that can businesses never stopped our country still survives and doing business with the Russians prospers. or Chinese. Majority of people in Not only did he show exem- all countries want peace and harplary courage in turning down of- mony. Hate begets hate and there fer from Pakistan but he also knew is no end to this vicious cycle. how to take care of his employees Sometimes the wars in Western as no industrialist in any part of world have been started and conthe world can match his generos- tinued for economic or business ity in kind and cash awards to the Mumbai He also knew how to take attack victims. Even care of his employees as Government with public funds cannot match no industrialist in any part this. Kudos to Tatas.

Mafat Patel, CEO of the world can match Patel Bros his generosity in kind and I have no words to describe the wonderful cash awards to the Tata. Right from the days of Jamshedji Mumbai attack victims Nusserwanjee Tata to the current members of Tata fam- reasons e.g. selling arms, planes, ily, we have nothing but honesty, and controlling petroleum prices transparency and public interest etc., but here Tata is losing a sigexemplified at the Tata group of nificant business opportunity Industries. We are proud of you with a neighbor. This could have Ratan Ji. been the first step towards reconRajinder Singh Mago Engi- ciliation and peace. neer and Community activist Cont’d on page 28 Even in the height of cold war

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27

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India Post August 17, 2012

Tata turns hero with Indian Americans Cont’d from page 26

But evidently there are some people apprehensive about taking an initiative towards peace and harmony, and let go monetary profits, may be on their own accord or due to fear of reprisals from the more vocal and militant groups from their own country.

Anil R Shah, CEO World Money Exchange That's' really great in what you did Mr Tata. I hope every one is like that in India including all industrialists and political leaders.

India needs to take a united stand against terrorism and be united in facing all threats, including from neighboring countries.

Balwinder Singh President First Choice Carpet The house of Tatas always

evoked respect and awe in our minds when we were young and in India. We carried that image here and all the time felt that if

stands fortified today with Ratan Tata taking a strong stand on a matter of principle, shedding economic expediency. We salute

I feel that economic consideration should always take a backseat when the question of security and safety of the nation is concerned and we cannot but welcome what Tata said and did. This decision should be really deemed value based and hence, very courageous we have more visionary leaders like Tatas, India could be a great economic power. This image

Tatas more so now.

Prof Ghanshyam Pandey, President Association of Scien-

tists of Indian Origin Illinois Chapter I feel that economic consideration should always take a backseat when the question of security and safety of the nation is concerned and we cannot but welcome what Tata said and did.

This decision, especially in the context of Indian government trying to promote economic relations with Pakistan, should be really deemed value based and hence, very courageous.

Nand Kapur Former President Association of Indians in America I am neither a politician or a businessman. I am a community activist and I would only say that it should behoove our community to stand behind Tata and pitch for nominating him for one of the highest national awards.

Tatas are great patriots besides being businessmen.

Politicians and petty minded leaders would not feel a pinch in sabotaging national interests for economic gains and power. They should learn something from Tata.

28

Regional Pravasi Bhartiya Divas in Mauritius India Post News Service

T

he 6th Regional Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention will be held in Mauritius on October 27-28. Regional PBDs are organized by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, in collaboration with the host Government, the concerned Indian Mission and organizations catering to the needs of the Indian Diaspora to reach out to a vast majority of Indian Diaspora, who for various reasons, are unable to attend the main PBD event in India and benefit from its deliberations.

According to a ministry release, Mauritius and India share a close and special relationship anchored in ties of kinship, culture and common societal values.

Nearly 70% of the 1.3 millionstrong population of Mauritius is of Indian origin.

The Mahatma Gandhi Institute (MGI), an archetypal educational institution in Mauritius and one of the enduring symbols of bilateral cooperation, has been chosen as the venue for the "PBD Mauritius 2012" convention.

29

T

he picturesque Pushkar is set in a valley just about 14 km off Ajmer in the north Indian state of Rajasthan.

Surrounded by hills on three sides and sand dunes on the other, Pushkar forms a fascinating location and a befitting backdrop for the annual religious and cattle fair.

Best time to visit: Pushkar has an extreme climate with hot days and cold nights in the summer. The maximum temperature during the summers can go up to 45°C while in the winters it can be below 10°C. There is not much rain during the monsoon. The best season to visit this place is in the winters (October to midMarch).

History: Pushkar is among the five dhams or pilgrimages that are held in high esteem by Hindus, the others being Badrinath, Puri, Rameswaram, and Dwarka.

It is said that in battle Lord Brahma killed

the demon Vajra Nabh with a lotus flower, whose petals floated down to earth and landed in three places in and around Pushkar where lakes sprang up.

According to legends, Pushkar Lake was

17, 2012

temple of India. It is interesting to note that Brahma is not worshipped, even though he is one of the Holy Trinity of Hinduism.

Brahma, it is said, had descended on earth to perform a Yajna (fire-sacrifice). His wife

The Brahma temple is the most important temple here and is, in fact, the only Brahma temple of India. It is interesting to note that Brahma is not worshipped, even though he is one of the Holy Trinity of Hinduism surrounded by 500 temples and 52 palaces (several rajas and maharajas maintained palaces here for pilgrimage) at one point.

The Brahma temple is the most important temple here and is, in fact, the only Brahma

Savitri was not with him at that time and the Yajna would be incomplete without her.

Therefore, Brahma married a local girl and sat down for the Yajna. Meanwhile Savitri landed on earth and, upon finding this new

bride sitting next to Brahma, cursed him that he would never be worshipped anywhere else on earth.

Tourist attractions Pushkar is a city of temples of all sizes, though not as much old or in number as generally claimed. The most famous temple is the Brahma Temple, said to be only one temple dedicated to Brahma in India. A red spire marks the temple, and over the entrance gateway is the Hans (goose), the symbol of Brahma who is said to have personally chosen Pushkar as his place.

Another important temple is that of Savitri (wife of Lord Brahma) on a hilltop.

It takes a one-hour trek to reach the temple, but it has a beautiful view of Pushkar Lake in the morning.

Cont’d on page 30

Travel & Hospitality Post

30 India Post

August 17, 2012

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DreamWorks plans $ 3.2 bn China tourist attraction SHANGHAI: DreamWorks Animation says it plans to build a USD 3.2 billion "entertainment zone" in Shanghai, as the US film giant seeks to bolster its presence in the booming Chinese market.

The studio's newly-formed China joint venture, Oriental DreamWorks, is set to open the tourism attraction in 2016, the creator of megahits like "Shrek" and "Kung Fu Panda" said in a statement.

However, one of the DreamWorks' Chinese partners denied being in competition with Disney, describing the project not as a theme park, but as an "entertainment zone".

"It's different from any other large cultural project in China, including Disneyland," Li Ruigang, chairman of China Media Capital was quoted as saying by the official Xinhua news agency.

backed Chinese firms together holding a majority 55 per cent stake in the company.

Oriental Dreamworks will make the next "Kung Fu Panda" movie -the third instalment in the hugely popular series - in China as a co-production for release in 2016, the statement said.

It plans to release up to three major films a year, with its first feature-length animated film scheduled for global release in 2017, it

Oriental Dreamworks will make the next "Kung Fu Panda" movie -the third instalment in the hugely popular series - in China as a co-production for release in 2016, the statement said. It plans to release up to three major films a year, with its first feature-length animated film scheduled for global release in 2017 The Panda poses for photographers as it arrives for the premiere of the film "Kung Fu Panda 2" in Berlin

The project - called the Dream Center will comprise entertainment facilities, animation exhibitions and commercial developments including hotels and shopping areas in Shanghai's Xuhui district, it said.

The announcement comes after US entertainment giant Disney last year broke ground on a planned USD 3.7 billion theme park in Shanghai, scheduled to open in 2015.

DreamWorks in February announced plans for a USD 330 million joint venture company with three Chinese partners - China Media Capital, Shanghai Media Group and Shanghai Alliance Investment - to cooperate on film productions.

The statement posted on DreamWorks' website said that joint venture had now been formally established, with the three state-

said.

The huge commitment in local production comes even though Beijing maintains strict quotas which limit the number of foreign movies allowed into China.

Imports of foreign films into China on a revenue-sharing basis are currently limited to just 34 annually, though that was raised from 20 earlier this year. -AFP

Eco-tourism plans for Bhondsi in Haryana CHANDIGARH: Haryana Chief Secretary P K Chaudhery has directed the tourism department to prepare a concept design within three months for 558 acres of land of Gram Panchayat Bhondsi for the purpose of eco-tourism.

Chaudhery was presiding over the meeting regarding the utilization of the land of Gram panchayat Bhondsi in Gurgaon.

He emphasized that the design should

This beautiful patch of a big forest area just 33 kms away from Delhi, the capital of the country should be preserved focus on developing bio diversity and allow children and adults alike to learn about their ecological environment.

He said the natural beauty of the forest land would be maintained and structures would come on the patch without trees.

He said "this beautiful patch of a big forest area just 33 kms away from Delhi, the capital of the country" should be preserved.

"Our efforts should be directed towards leaving some land without any major construction for enjoying natural environs," he added. -PTI

Pushkar: Fascinating location for religious and cattle fair Cont’d from page 29

Other important places to visit in Pushkar are numerous ghats that run down the lake.

Places around: Kishangarh, a one-hour journey from Pushkar, was founded by Kishan Singh in the 17th century. The city is famous for its unique style of miniature paintings, first produced in the 18th century.

the Pushkar Fair, held on the 11th day of the bright half of the moon.

The time of the fair corresponds to the western month of October/ November.

For five days in a year, all the gods visit Pushkar and bless the devout. This accounts for the unbelievable number of devotees who flock to the lake to wash away their sins. Pushkar Lake is the most sacred lake in India. From time im-

For five days in a year, all the gods visit Pushkar and bless the devout. This accounts for the unbelievable number of devotees who flock to the lake to wash away their sins.

Pushkar Lake is the most sacred lake in India Another important point to visit is Ajmer, famous for its annual Urs Mela and a major city of Rajasthan.

Fairs & festivals: Rajasthan is at its colorful best during fairs and festivals. There are numerous festivals throughout the year, which brighten the otherwise hard and dreary lives of the villagers of the deserts.

One of the most popular and charismatic fairs of the desert is

memorial, people have been gathering here annually during the month of Kartik. During the days of the mela, the otherwise tranquil lake is engulfed by religious fervor.

Thousands of devotees congregate to take a dip, sadhus descend from the Himalayas and people pray for salvation to the sound of verses from the holy scriptures that fill the air.

The village women are dressed in their best clothes and finery for the mela

For the desert people, this large congregation has tremendous economic implications. These five days, apart from being a period of relaxation and merrymaking for the villagers, correspond to the largest cattle fair in the country. Animals, mainly camels, are brought from miles around. Trading is brisk as several thousand heads of cattle exchange hands.

The camels are cleaned, washed, adorned, some are interestingly shorn to form patterns, and special stalls are set up selling finery and jewelry for the camels. One of the interesting sights is the piercing of a camel's nose.

Races and competitions are organized. Camels lope across the sands, sometimes throwing their

riders on to the vast sands, amidst cheers and jeers from thousands of spectators. An interesting event is the camel beauty contest where they are adorned and paraded.

They preen themselves before the crowds enjoying every moment of the attention they get.

Turbaned heads, the colorful veils and skirts of the women bring alive the arid desert. The village women are dressed in their best clothes and finery for the fiveday mela.

As night descends upon the sand dunes, one can hear sounds of the ektara (a single-stringed instrument) and the soulful tunes of the Rajasthani folk songs. Smoke rises from the makeshift and temporary fires where dinner is being

cooked. People begin to retire to their respective tents and hotel rooms to rest until the next day when hectic activity begins once again.

Where to stay: With the increase in the popularity of Pushkar and the interest shown by the tourists abroad, the place has now many decent accommodation options available. One can chose from a variety of options like budget, mid-range, and luxury accommodations.

A popular accommodation option nowadays is the tourist village where tourists stay in the tents. This is a good place to feel the culture and tradition of Rajasthan in the idyllic environment.

How to reach Air - The nearest airport is Jaipur (145 km), from where one can take flights for Delhi and Mumbai.

Rail - Ajmer is the nearest railway station from where one can take trains for the major destinations in Rajasthan and other parts of India.

Road - Pushkar is connected to Ajmer by road, which is around 14 km away.

Travel & Hospitality Post

August 17, 2012

India Post

31

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MP to move SC over ban on 'tiger' tourism NEW DELHI: Madhya Pradesh government will approach the Supreme Court for a review of its order banning tourism in core areas of tiger reserves as such a move could affect the livelihood of many, state chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said here.

"This order will definitely have a substantial effect. Kanha, Bandhavgarh and Pench are parks which are visited by not just Indian but also foreign tourists," Chouhan said.

"We are going to approach the Supreme Court and our request is that the Indian government should also support our cause," he added.

Chouhan also said that while saving tigers was important, there was no certainty that the national animal will be saved if tourism is completely banned.

"Most of the people who live in these areas are tribals who get employment because of the tourists. So, these people know that if the tigers are there, there would be employment.

If we ban tourism totally, these people would be angry and unem-

ployed," Chouhan added.

The Madhya Pradesh CM also said that due to spottings by tourists, there was more awareness about the presence of tigers.

"If we impose a total ban, who

Chouhan also said that while saving tigers was important, there was no certainty that the national animal will be saved if tourism is completely banned will watch them? In such a scenario, the threat against tigers would increase," he added.

Chouhan also said if there is no tourism, the attitude of the people towards the tigers would change.

"If the tiger attacks some of their cattle, they'll start wishing

that it is no longer there. And then incidents like poisoning the water, which tigers drink, could happen," Chouhan said.

The MP CM said a limited ban, which could ensure that tigers are not disturbed in its habitat, could be implemented.

He said he had a positive meeting with Union Minister for Environment and Forest Jayanthi Natarajan in this regard.

Taking strong note of some states failing to implement its directions to conserve the big cat, the Supreme Court had on July 24 ordered that tourism be banned in core areas of tiger reserves across the country till further directions.

A bench of justices Swatanter Kumar and Ibrahim Kalifulla warned of contempt proceedings and imposition of exemplary costs on states which fail to notify the buffer zones in their respective tiger reserves.

The apex court said several states had, despite its earlier directions of April 4 and July 10, failed to notify the buffer zones in their respective reserves. -PTI

MakeMyTrip ties up with PayPal for flight bookings NEW DELHI: MakeMyTrip has said it has entered it to a pact with online payment facilitator PayPal to offer its overseas customers an additional option to pay for their international flight bookings to India.

"MakeMyTrip's integration of PayPal as the payment partner for its website offers customers a trusted and safe payment option.

It presents an opportunity to build brand recognition with over 113 million active PayPal users in 190 markets across the world," the company said.

The offer is valid only for

PayPal account holders registered outside of India, it added.

The company is offering an inaugural discount of USD 20 per booking for international flights paid for using PayPal till August 15, 2012.

"With PayPal as their digital wallet, consumers are not required to enter sensitive financial information such as bank account or credit card number each time they transact online," MakeMyTrip said.

On the development, MakeMyTrip Marketing Head Manish Kalra said: "We are delighted to add PayPal as a payment

option. Our customers based abroad can now use PayPal as a safe way to pay for their dream Indian holidays and enjoy a hassle-free booking experience".

"With over 6 million tourist arrivals into India in 2011, India is a key travel hot spot for world travelers.

"By working with a leading Indian online travel provider such as MakeMyTrip, millions of PayPal account holders can now book their dream Indian holiday and benefit from a more secure payment option," PayPal Southeast Asia and India, India Country Manager Mayur Patel said. -PTI

W. Bengal plan to attract tourists during Durgapuja KOLKATA: West Bengal government has drawn up plans to attract foreign and domestic tourists during Durgapuja this year, Tourism Minister Rachpal Singh said.

"We have already organized road shows in Bangalore and plan more such program in other major cities like Delhi and Surat, besides drawing attention of tourists from Bangkok, Singapore and neighboring countries with the help of vari-

ous central and foreign agencies," he said.

An apex body 'Forum for Durga Puja' would be set up soon to work with the West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation to make the project successful.

The department would shortly announce detailed packages along with toll-free number for help desk and other contacts to assist the tourists, he said.

Some of the packages already announced included visit to major

puja pandals in the metropolis, visit to houses of erstwhile aristocratic families organizing Durga Puja and river cruise connecting Belur Math, Dakshineswar and Botanical Garden.

"More tourists would open up sources of income for many people," Singh said.

The minister met tour operators, hotel owners and different transport agencies, besides several other government departments in this regard. -PTI

Sikkim set to woo Japanese tourists GANGTOK: Having attracted a large number of Buddhist pilgrims, mostly from Thailand, Nepal and Bhutan in the last two years, the Sikkim government says it is now trying to woo visitors from Japan.

"Sikkim is now looking to attract tourists from Japan," state tourism Secretary Ravindra Telang said here.

To boost pilgrimage tourism in Sikkim, the government is developing several projects scheduled to be completed by 2015, he said.

On rural tourism, the tourism secretary said the government will construct over 14,000 home stays in rural areas and encourage Sikkimese youths in the booming service sector industry.

The dream project 'Buddha Park' in South Sikkim's Rabong area which was originally scheduled for completion last year but got delayed due to the September 18 earthquake last year will be completed by November, officials said.

Two more pilgrimage projects the Sleeping Buddha in North Sikkim and Srijunga Statue in HeeBermiok - will be completed by

2015, they said.

Over the past eight months, a large number of tourists from Nepal visited the Sideshwara Dhaam popularly known as 'Chaar Dhaam', Sai Mandir in Namchi and Daramdin, Samdruptse and two hot springs located in West and South Sikkim, the officials said.

Two more pilgrimage projects - the Sleeping Buddha in North Sikkim and Srijunga Statue in HeeBermiok - will be completed by 2015, they said As per official records, Sikkim, as compared to the entire northeast region, has recorded 30,000 foreign visitors, the highest number in the last two years.

Around 24,350 foreign tourists visited the state in the nine months since the earthquake, as per an official record. -PTI

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TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

34

India Post

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August 17, 2012

F

lushed with the success of Cocktail, Saif Ali Khan, the producer-actor of the film announced in an interview that he had signed Hollywood beauty and Oscar Award winning actress Natalie Portman for his upcoming project.

He even went on to mention the film's details saying it would be a rom com.

When the news traveled to California at Natalie Portman's abode, she got hugely annoyed and threatened to sue Saif Ali Khan. She talked with her attorneys (as per reports) to take legal action against the Bollywood star who, she said, is making false statements whereas he has neither approached her nor signed her for any movie.

As soon as Saif heard this, he instantly came to the media to tell that it was just a joke. He even said he had started making stories to entertain himself (which was why he cracked this joke!).

1 Tum Hi Ho Bandhu: Cocktail 2 Mukhtasar: Teri Meri Kahaani 3 Humse Pyaar Karle Tu: TMK 4 Second Hand Jawani: Cocktail 5 Daru Desi: Cocktail 6 Thats All I Really Wanna Do: TMK 7 Dhadang Dhang: Rowdy Rathore 8 Aa Re Pritam Pyaare: Rowdy Rathore 9 Chinta Ta Ta Chita Chita: Rowdy Rathore 10 Jiya Tu Bihar Ke Lala: Gangs Of Wasseypur

SINGLE, WON’T MINGLE!

D

eepika Padukone is currently single and has no plans to mingle anytime soon. However, the Bangalore beauty is very clear about the kind of man she would want to share her life with, in the future.

The 26-year-old actress is not ready to get hitched for the second time after her much talked about break up with Ranbir Kapoor. So what's Deepika's idea of a perfect man?

Says Deepy to a popular tabloid, "I've reached a stage where there's no man in my life, and I'm not looking for one. But when I do, I know that I just want something basic and simple: a regular guy with a regular job, who I can come home to. Men who are quietly confident are way more attractive than guys who try too hard."

Talking about how her life has changed since her initial days in the film industry, Deepika says her life right now is like a dream and she loves what she's doing.

WITHOUT HEROINE

A

kshay Kumar starts shooting for his next home production, Boss, on Amitabh Bachchan's birthday to pay tribute to the veteran. Just as Amitabh Bachchan turns 70 on October 11, Akshay Kumar will start the shooting for Boss. It's Akshay's way of honoring the Big B. He plays a kind-hearted gangster, much like Amitabh's role in Agneepath.

Says the source, `This is Akshay's way of paying his respects to Amitabh. It also happens to be the birthdays of the director Tony d'Souza and of the film's other male lead actor, Ronit Roy.` For the first time, in Akshay's career, there will be no leading lady opposite him in Boss.

Says a source close to Akshay, `It was a conscious decision to keep Akshay's character single. Akshay convinced his director Tony that going solo will make the character mysterious, sinister and sympathetic. So the heroine's role was scrapped. But the film will have a young romantic pair, played by two newcomers.`

Bollywood

August 17, 2012

India Post 35

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S

DELHI GIRL

onam Kapoor's phone message status shows that she has been parked in New Delhi for a few days. One assumed that it was one of those short trips. However, sources say that Sonam will make the capital her home for the next few months. In her next movie outing Ranjhana opposite Dhanush, Sonam is playing a girl from North India who is studying at Delhi University.

The makers want Sonam to imbibe the perfect mannerisms of a Delhi girl and have ordered her to shift lock, stock and barrel to the capital. Sonam is of course delighted.

Her aunt, Anil's sister, has an opulent farmhouse on the outskirts of Delhi and Sonam, who is very close to her cousins, has someone to fall back on.

GHOSTLY RAAZ

A

ctor Bipasha Basu's dark kohl-eyed look in her upcoming film Raaz 3 has been inspired by the international singer Avril Lavagne. In the film, Bips is only highlighting her eyes and using minimal makeup on her face.

Bipasha says, "In 3D less looks more! So my foundation was kept very minimal and luminous. Shanaya (her character) is a diva, so her eye make up was smoky liner making her character look more powerful. Initially I was supposed to wear curly tight tinged hair but Vikram changed his mind last minute and wanted it straight like Raaz with middle parting. To add that slick glamorous appeal we colored it mahagony red."

Though Bipasha is doing a psycho film, in real life the actor is quite scared of paranormal occurings. Though the actor was part of Raaz, she had given the sequel a miss. "I had told Bhatt saheb to give me a film in which I would have to get into the character totally and when he narrated Raaz 3 I loved it but I was very scared thinking how I would project the character but with everybody's help I managed to portray the character on screen," says Bipasha.

So taken up with the genre is she now, that Bips has signed another 'ghostly' film Aatma with actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui. "Bips likes the kind of dark roles Nicole Kidman and Naomi Watts play in their films, which is why she decided to shoot for Aatma post Raaz 3," adds a source.

T

AT PEACE

he actor, who is known as arguably the ingredient for a 100 crore blockbuster, Salman Khan, is now gearing up for his up coming release 'Ek Tha Tiger'. Amidst controversies and speculations regarding Salman's next flick, the actor doesn't seem to be much perturbed by it all.

In a conversation with DNA, the acclaimed actor admitted to having bid goodbye to his mercurial temperament and says, "I do feel more at peace. I think it comes from stopping to fight everything that comes your way and starting to accept it. Sometimes, it's better to let destiny take its own course and you just go with the flow."

On being enquired about marriage and his love life, Salman said, "Absolutely. I have a very happening love life. There's so much of it all around me, from family, friends, fans‌ That's actually my lifeline."

His chemistry with Katrina Kaif, says the actor, has gone through a lot of transformation. However, whether or not she is the one that he would want to see himself settling down with in future, still lies in the realm of speculation!

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Chef Harsh Vijay Rawat

Constance Moofushi Resort, Maldives

P

PREETI VERMA LAL

P

acking for Maldives?" The questions started pouring in much before I buck led up for the turquoise coral islands that lie scattered in the Indian Ocean. "Sewn the sails on your boat, like the Giravaaru fishermen?" In my black bag, I was throwing in flip-flops and cans of sunscreen, but the beefy, ebony-skinned Tamil fishermen's boat must have been laden with grocery, for they were the earliest settlers of Maldives.

In 5th century BC, they sure needed no sunscreen! "Carrying an insignia like the strapping Koimala?" I am no princess, but folklore talks of an Indian prince called Koimala who entered Maldives via Ihavandhu and started the imperial House of Theemuge.

However, on way to Maldives, I was thinking neither of the prince nor the fishermen. The 1,199 scattered islands that together make for the Maldives were not on my mind either. I was thinking of India rather Indianness - that I would find in Maldives. In the balmy summer breeze, the aircraft was hurrying on the Male airport, but my mind was still droning with the India-Maldives connect.

When I stepped beyond the arrival gate and took a deep breath of salty Maldivian air, I shrugged all thoughts of prince and seafarers. But little did I know that it was Indianness that I would first bump into.

Amidst a sea of humans, there stood a man with a Constance Moofushi placard. The luxurious Constance Moofushi Resort that sits in the South Ari Atoll was a 40-minute

sea plane ride from the capital.

"So, is Indian food served in Constance Moofushi?" My voice was drowning in the clamor of the propellers and my fellow pas-

Pr ics

ee

ti V

erm

a aL

l

India." Well, so India was waiting for me at Constance Moofushi, a 4-star resort which takes pride in its all-inclusive package - a not-so-heard of tariff concept in Maldives.

Vijay is the not the only Indian on the island with silken sand, swaying palm and 110 land and water villas. There are nearly 40 Indians employed in Constance Moofushi 15 of them in the kitchen where, on Wednesdays, the theme of large buffet spread is Indian. Perhaps the Indian connect is logical - Dhivehi, the Maldivian language, is replete with Sanskrit words senger had to strain her ears. "Oh! Yes. Every Wednesday is the Indian menu. Executive Sous Chef Harsh Vijay Rawat is from

The room rate includes all meals, all beverage, water activities like snorkeling, diving, night/dawn fishing, among others. I

Traditional Maldivian food

knew during my stay in Moofushi, I will not have to open my wallet at all. That is how all-inclusive the package deal is!

But Vijay is the not the only Indian on the island with silken sand, swaying palm and 110 land and water villas. There are nearly 40 Indians employed in Constance Moofushi - 15 of them in the kitchen where, on Wednesdays, the theme of large buffet spread is Indian. Perhaps the Indian connect is logical - Dhivehi, the Maldivian language, is replete with Sanskrit words and Hinduism was practiced in Maldives before the monks brought in the teachings of the Buddha; Buddhism remained the dominant religion until 1153 AD when a Moroccan scholar converted the king - and consequently the nation - to Islam. Later, when the Portuguese invaded the island in 1588 for cowry shells, ambergris and ocean routes, they actually administered Maldives from Goa. As I stepped into Constance's Manta restaurant which epitomizes barefoot luxury, the whiff of Indian spices was heady. And behind the wooden food counter stood Cont’d on page 37

August 17, 2012

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37

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WIND to present 'People's Choice Award'

Veera Mahajan Mrs Popularity! n May 20, at the first ori entation for the beauty pageant, Veera Mahajan accepted the nomination to represent the beautiful country of India for Mrs. Asia, USA pageant to be held in Redondo Beach on November 17.

filled her ticket sales obligations and has been able to secure three sponsorships. She is sure to get at least four more sponsorships before the pageant.

She was able to do this because she is out going and social. She is not afraid to reach out and meet people or ask them to support her cause. She is a pleasant and help-

The Mrs. Asia, USA pageant has five different competition categories; Popularity being one of them. On this second orientation day, July 29th, Veera was announced as Mrs. Popularity. She won this award because one of the tasks each delegate has to perform is to sell minimum of 30 tickets and secure 3 full sponsorships, which is three full page ads in the souvenir book before end of Oct. 2012.

By July 29th, within just about 2 months, Veera has already ful-

ful person and she is able to generate positivity and good will around her. Veera is a person that people like to support and follow.

Now that she is done with her business requirements, she can focus on preparing her dance for the talent and other parts of the competition. Veera's planning and preparedness show true qualities of a candidate representing a country and the one who deserves to be this year's Queen; Mrs. Asia, USA.

JS BEDI

O

India Post News Service

TORONTO, Canada: The Miss India-Canada organization has announced that WIND will engage the general public this year, by giving many an opportunity to vote for their favorite delegate.

The contest will end August 17.

The winner of the 'People's Choice Award' will be announced at the show.

Furthermore, after the contest, a Windspeed Internet Stick will be given to a randomly selected voter.

Multi-talented actor, Anupam

After the contest, a Windspeed Internet Stick will be given to a randomly selected voter.

Multi-talented actor, Anupam Kher will be the Guest of Honor at this year's show Kher, who has seen both critical and commercial success in over 100 plays and almost 450 films, will be the Guest of Honor at this year's show.

Big Magic International presents the 22nd annual Miss India-

Canada Event 2012, in association with Brita on Saturday, August 18 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel. The 16 finalists will compete for the title on-stage, culminating in the CROWNING of MISS INDIA-CANADA 2012.

Taste of India at Constance Moofushi (Maldives) Cont’d from page 36

Harsh Vijay Rawat, the Executive Sous Chef, who trained at Institute of Hotel Management, Panipat. Thereafter, he rustled sumptuous fare in the Caribbean before moving to Maldives six years ago. Last year, he joined Constance Moofushi Resort where he cooks IndianMaldivian dishes and even sources his fresh produce like crabs and prawns from India.

That evening, even in the unfamiliarity of Dhivehi language, I caught the inflexions of familiar sound - roshi, farata, ambu asara, sambosa, muggu, alooi… The traditional Maldivian cuisine is spicy and the spices are straight out of any Indian kitchen - cumin, coriander, chilli, fenugreek, turmeric. So are the names, though a little twisted and lost in translation. Roshi is actually a maida (white flour) roti; farata is parantha distorted; muggu is just another name for moong

(green lentil); order ambu asara and a bowl of mango chutney would land on your table; alooi cutlet is potato cutlet… In Maldives, most meals conclude with betel leaves slathered with lime and piled with slivers of areca nut. Again, oh! so Indian.

Five days later, another speed boat took me to the capital for the flight back home. Faraway in the horizon, I could see Male as mere squiggles of blue, green and red…On the choppy ocean, I hastened back in time and was reminded of the beefy Tamil fishermen who sailed towards Maldives in 5th century BC; I remembered the gorgeous Indian prince who must have been dressed in finery for the coronation. I have not forgotten the taste of samosa at Constance Moofushi Resort.

I do not know whether the earliest seafarers and the prince felt at home in Maldives. Perhaps they did. Perhaps they did not. I certainly did.

Horoscope

38 India Post

August 17, 2012

www.indiapost.com

Your Weekly Future

by Pandit Parashar

AUGUST 17TH - AUGUST 23TH (November 23 to December 22)

(March 21 to April 20)

Y

B

ou will plan something exciting for a child. Negotiations will continue to go well and final contract will come this week. People in business will get at least one major account. You will be just fortunate in all money matters and may make some money through stocks also. You may buy some unique plants or furniture for the house.

ank balance will keep growing and a property deal may get you some extra money. You will be invited to a big social event. With the new help you will finish an important project little ahead of time.

Idea of taking a short trip out of state to see an old friend will cross your mind. Legal matters will take a favorable turn.

(April 21 to May 20)

(December 22 to January 19)

H

ealth issues can be resolved with home remedy. Planets will make you more calm and far sighted and as a result you will make a very sound and long term investment. Spouse will also support and give very good ideas. You will take family out and relish your favorite food. Some one creating problems will move away.

Y

ou will not be too happy about the way things are going at work.

Some one will try to put blame on you and try to hold you responsible for mistakes they committed. Have patience as the justice would be served soon. You may organize a small get together at your place and invite few old friends and close relatives.

(January 20 to February 18)

(May 21 to June 20)

O

bstacles will be followed by easy solutions. Change in career will be confirmed and you will start getting ready to move to another company. Mind will be relaxed and family will support your ideas and plans. Property deal can also finalize after lots of haggling. Stick to your offer and the other side will accept the contract.

L

uck is definitely on your side and you will experience it. Exalted Saturn will bring big opportunity and this could be turning point in life. Do not be double minded and grab the opportunity. People at home will be happy the way things are taking shape. You may resolve an important issue with a government agency this week.

(February 19 to March 20)

D

(June 21 to July 22)

o not stretch your budget when buying a property or business.

Bachelors will receive an offer that will be hard to ignore. Boss will call you and discuss several important issues and seek your opinion about a new project. There will be some last minute changes in a travel plan. You may make some money through stocks.

Y

ou will be spending money on upgrading your home. for people looking for a change in career the new offer will require change of residence and you will not wait another second to grab it. Playing stocks and lottery will be profitable. You may also receive a refund from a government agency this week. Party will be entertaining.

(July 23 to August 22)

Y

ou are definitely on the roll. Most of the plans will hit the target.

Some of you may initiate a law suit and go for a big claim this time. Any change at place of work will benefit you in long term. you may be invited to a social event and recognized for your charity and good work. Business will keep improving.

(August 23 to September 22)

S

ome problem started in the past can come and haunt you now and you will need good legal help to resolve it. Another favorable week for people in high tech industry. Enjoy the company of a new associate but from a distance. Do not ignore blood pressure and have your eyesight retested if necessary this week.

(September 23 to October 22)

M

ind will be set towards goals. You will have too many things on hands to resolve so prioritize them. Exercise and change of diet will do the magic. Some of you will be getting ready to move to another location this weekend. Luck is definitely on your side so go ahead and take your chance with that new venture.

(October 23 to November 22)

I

t will be better to seek expert opinion before you send out the reply.

Some of you may be seriously thinking about getting out of a relationship not working out lately. Money wise you will stay comfortable and have plenty left after paying your bills. A business trip will be finalized and you will start the preparations.

Sonakshi needs to work hard to stay in race

S

onakshi Sinha was born on June 2, 1987 in Mumbai, India. Her horoscope sun sign is Gemini. Sonakshi is ruled by Number 9 (Mars), Number 5 (Mercury Gemini) and Number 2 (Moon). Since she is ruled by Number 2, she is automatically ruled by Number 7 (Ketu) as these two numbers always go hand in hand.

Responsibilities will increase, magnifying the effort and hard work needed to maintain a reasonable level of existence.

Health and diet should be carefully scrutinized this year, as physical resistance is low and Sonakshi Sinha may become more susceptible to ailments. A tidying up of affairs is now in order, as Sonakshi Sinha must make ready for a very hectic year ahead.

In her 27th year, Sonakshi's luck won't be in great shape and although her next film 'Players' will be a hit at the box office, she may not benefit much from it.

After that even in 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag', it will be Farhan Akhtar playing the title role who will grab all the attention. She needs to wear a Pearl urgently to take her decisions in a more cool, calm and composed manner.

It is a frustrating year, when considerable effort fails to produce dramatic results. One step forward and two back may seem to be the case most of the time. A year of digging in and hoeing, a reestablishment of self-control.

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

925-833-7170

website: www.parashar.com

Realty Tidbits

Punjab launches road connectivity project ROOPNAGAR: The Punjab government has launched a program of Rs 13,000 crore to connect all major cities and towns in the state with 4/6 lane expressways, an official statement said.

Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal announced the program here after laying the foundation stone of Rs 240 crore project of four-laning of 55 kms Roopnagar-Chamkaur SahibNeelon-Doraha road along Sirhind Canal, it said.

Badal said the state has 1,739 km of National Highway of which 405 km have already been upgraded to 4 lane and the construction of 4/6 laning of more than 650 km of highways is on full swing.

Illegal guest houses eating into civic resources NEW DELHI: More than 1,200 illegal guest houses have sprung up in DLF City over, mostly in the last decade, straining its limited resources and infrastructural capacities of power, water and other civic amenities, thanks to the lackadaisical attitude of the authorities. The residents of the posh locality in the city are angry as the areas meant for residential purposes are fast turning commercial.

According to residents, the development not only causes a major inconvenience for them but poses a security risk.

Sobha selects Tekla BIM for future projects Real estate major Sobha Developers has chosen Tekla Structures software as Building Information Modeling (BIM) solution for their upcoming projects. The Group will introduce Tekla's BIM Technology in all its business processes to create quicker, innovative and profitable projects with less environmental impact, Tekla said in a statement.

Sobha is the only Indian real estate company which has backward integration model, which literally means that the company has all the competencies and in-house resources to deliver a project from conceptualization to completion.

This integration enables the firm to create and manage its building and infrastructure projects quicker, more economically and with less environmental impact.

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Harrisons to surrender excess land to Kerala govt KOCHI: Plantation company Harrisons Malayalam Ltd has informed the Kerala High court that it was ready to surrender to the state government nearly 835 acre of excess land spread over in four districts.

HML made a submission in this regard before a division bench comprising Justices M Sashidharan Nambiar and P Bhavadasan.

The court asked the company to produce the original documents relating to the case pending before the Kottayam Land Tribunal.

Panchshil Realty launches Trump Towers Pune MUMBAI: American property mogul Donald Trump's maiden real estate project in the country, being developed by Pune-based Panchshil Realty, has been

"Luxury lifestyle is fast catching up and with the growing number of high-net individuals, we have realized that our brand adds significant value to ultra luxury realty developments," Donald Trump Jr said launched here.

Panchshil Realty is developing 'Trump Towers Pune' a residential project in the country's eighth largest metro.

"We are thrilled to announce Trump Towers Pune. It will be one of the hottest locations in the

(From left) Eric Trump, Ivanka Trump, Atul Chordia, Donald Trump, Sagar Chordia, Donald Trump Jr. after signing the agreement.

country. Panchshil Realty plans to deliver a product unlike anything else in the region," Donald Trump was quoted as saying in a statement issued by the real estate firm here.

The project sees the entry of the 'Trump' brand of luxury into the domestic real-estate market.

With approvals ready and construction already underway, the project is expected to be completed

by 2015, the release said.

"Luxury lifestyle is fast catching up and with the growing number of high-net individuals, we have realized that our brand adds significant value to ultra luxury realty developments," Donald Trump Jr said.

The project is slated to be one of the tallest residential buildings in the city and is spread on a 2.5acre site with 44 luxurious condo-

miniums across two towers of 22 storeys each.

"We are proud to bring the Trump Brand to the country and are excited to introduce one of the most luxurious living experiences in Pune," Panchshil Realty director Sagar Chordia said.

The realty firm said that The Trump organization or any of their affiliates would not own, develop or sell the project.

Outlook on realty sector negative in H2: Fitch MUMBAI: The real estate sector faces a negative outlook in the second half (H2) of this year mainly due to sluggish demand, high construction costs and liquidity pressures, a report by Fitch Ratings said.

"The domestic real estate sector continues to be negative for H2 of 2012, due to persistent slug-

erty prices and elevated inflation, will keep demand sluggish," it said, adding however, the year-onyear growth of home loans by banks, which had been slowing since the past 12 months till April, picked up markedly in May and June 2012 and if continued, may help spur the sector.

It further said the general slow-

Growth of bank lending to the commercial real estate sector was low at 1.5 per cent yo-y in the June quarter, it pointed out gish demand, high construction costs and liquidity pressures," the report said.

The agency observed that RBI's caution on interest rate cuts and high EMIs will continue to be a deterrent for potential home buyers.

"This, together with high prop-

down and subdued job growth in the IT sector, which was at its lowest quarterly level so far, will hold back demand for commercial and retail properties.

Fitch also said real estate companies will continue to face margin compression from high construction costs for both building

materials and labor.

"From last December to this April, the price of steel rose 13 per cent while cement by 12 per cent.

Notwithstanding the trend of deleveraging since the third quarter of 2011, slowing demand, high costs and thus declining profits will keep leverage high for most realty companies," it said.

Reliance of real estate companies

on operating cash flow will assume significance in the near-term as available funding options remain limited, the rating agency said.

Growth of bank lending to the commercial real estate sector was low at 1.5 per cent y-o-y in the June quarter, it pointed out and said, "Except for some pick-up in private equity, other funding options are restricted. -PTI

In Brief Calif. college raided, CEO charged with visa fraud SUNNYVALE, Calif.: Federal authorities have raided a Silicon Valley college and arrested its CEO on suspicion of visa fraud.

The San Jose Mercury News reports that federal agents raided Herguan University, an unaccredited college in Sunnyvale that has attracted foreigners with student visas.

CEO Jerry Wang was arrested at his Santa Clara home and charged in a 15-count indictment that could send him to prison for up to 23 years and lead to more than $1 million in fines.

The indictment claims the 32-yearold Wang and others at Herguan submitted false documents, false transfer letters and made false statements to federal regulators.

About 450 students, mostly from India, are enrolled at Herguan, which offers business and computer science degrees. It's unclear how the case will affect their visa status. -AP

Human immigrants smuggler guilty in Texas wreck CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas: A Houston man has pleaded guilty in a South Texas human smuggling case and wreck that left an immigrant dead.

Prosecutors say 22-year-old Leonel Alvaro Abundis-Carreon pleaded guilty in Corpus Christi to conspiracy to transport 14 suspected illegal immigrants. He also pleaded guilty to causing serious bodily injury to a person.

Sentencing is Oct. 30. AbundisCarreon, who remains in custody, faces up to 20 years in federal prison. -AP

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Feds oppose bid by immigrant to be lawyer in Calif SAN FRANCISCO: Federal officials have opposed the attempt of a Mexican immigrant living in the U.S. without legal permission to become a lawyer in California.

Detais on page 42

360k more immigrants eligible for late deportation WASHINGTON: About 350,000 more illegal immigrants than previously thought could earn an extra two years in the U.S. when President Barack Obama's new policy takes effect, according to the Migration Policy Institute.

Under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, students age 30 or younger who are enrolled in school on the day they apply will now be eligible for a two-year reprieve from deportation if they demonstrate that they came to the U.S. before their 16th birthday; lived there for the past five years; and have not been convicted of certain crimes or pose a national security threat.

Before the new rule was announced, the program was slated to be open to students enrolled in school as of June 15, 2012, or those who have graduated high school, received a GED or honorably left the armed services, including the Coast Guard.

Obama's policy takes effect Aug. 15, and the government will

begin accepting applications for deferral that same day. The application includes a fee of $465 used to fund the program, though exemptions will be provided for minors, homeless youth and youth with chronic disabilities that fall below 150 percent of the U.S. poverty level.

Institution for Science, Doris Meissner, Director of the institute's U.S. Immigration Policy Program, said as many as 1.76 million people could be eligible, based on new guidance the Homeland Security Department released Friday.

Jeanne Batalova, an author of the report, said the program is ``a

The Homeland Security Department previously said that it could need to hire more than 1,400 full-time employees, as well as contractors, to handle the requests coming in Applicants who are denied deferral will not have the option to appeal. Those approved will be able to separately apply for work authorization in the U.S. The institute estimated in June that 1.4 million unauthorized immigrants could benefit from the program. Those estimates only included students who were enrolled in school as of that date. Speaking Tuesday at a panel at the Carnegie

powerful incentive to go back to school'' for young people who previously were not continuing their education.

Alejandro Mayorkas, director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, emphasized that the program only serves to delay deportation for successful applicants, without excusing ``past unlawful presence.'' ``It does not provide a pathway

to permanent residence or citizenship,'' Mayorkas said.

The Homeland Security Department previously said that it could need to hire more than 1,400 full-time employees, as well as contractors, to handle the requests coming in. Mayorkas said both the number of applications and the pace at which they come in will determine how long it takes service centers throughout the U.S. to process them. ``In other words, will the agency experience a steady flow of volume from August 15th forward,'' Mayorkas said. ``Will people who wish to request deferred action, will they file very quickly,'' or will they wait to see the outcome for other applicants.

Muzaffar Chishti, director of the institute's office at New York University's School of Law, said applicants' early reaction to the program and confidentiality for them, their families and their employers would be ``very critical'' for building confidence among potential beneficiaries. -AP

New office for EB-5 investor visa program CYRUS D. MEHTA

Denver varsity moves ahead with illegal immigrant tuition DENVER: Metropolitan State University of Denver is moving ahead with its new tuition rate for illegal immigrant students.

Former House speaker and Metro trustee Terrance Carroll told The Denver Post that the school is not looking for a fight. But he adds the school is willing and able to defend its decision.

The school's decision in June drew criticism from Republicans who rejected Democrats' legislation this session to make higher education less expensive for illegal immigrants. Attorney General John Suthers has issued a legal opinion that says the school's decision is ``not supported by governing law.'' -AP

U

.S. Citizenship and Immi gration Services (USCIS) has announced formation of a new EB-5 program office. Also, USCIS released the latest thirdquarter statistics on its stakeholder call in late July, and released a summary of questions and answers from the previous stakeholder meeting in May. USCIS also announced that it plans to release a new version of its draft EB-5 policy memo soon. Highlights of the latest developments are included below.

New EB-5 program office: On July 18, USCIS Director Alejandro Mayorkas announced the creation of a new office to oversee administration of the EB-5 immigrant investor visa program. The office will be led by a new Chief of Immigrant Investor Programs.

The position opening was announced the same day.

Director Mayorkas noted that the EB-5 program "has spurred the creation of tens of thousands of new jobs and the injection of billions of dollars into the U.S. economy since Congress created the program in 1990." Interest in the EB-5 program has grown exponentially in recent years, he noted,

Alien Entrepreneur) petitions. Director Mayorkas said this was more than triple the number approved in all of FY 2009. "Since 2009, we have quadrupled the size of the EB-5 adjudications team and brought on board eight expert economists dedicated to the EB-5 program to ensure that EB-5 cases

Director Mayorkas noted that the EB-5 program "has spurred the creation of tens of thousands of new jobs and the injection of billions of dollars into the US both from domestic project developers seeking capital and foreign investors who have the capital that can fuel economic growth.

In fiscal year (FY) 2012 to date, USCIS approved more than 3,000 Form I-526 (Immigrant Petition by

are handled expeditiously and with appropriate expertise."

By the end of July, a Review Board consisting of two Supervisory Immigration Services Officers and one economist "will review every pending application for re-

gional center designation for which a denial has been recommended, with applicants receiving the opportunity to discuss their cases in-person before any final adverse decision is rendered," Director Mayorkas said.

Third-quarter statistics: USCIS said it has approved over 3,000 I526 (Immigrant Petition by Alien Entrepreneur) petitions so far this year, and that the number of I-829 (Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions) filings has decreased. USCIS expects to see more filed in the fourth quarter.

According to the latest EB-5 program statistics based on preliminary data for the third quarter of FY 2012, USCIS received 4,156 I-526 (Immigrant Petition

by Alien Entrepreneur) petitions and had approved 3,002 and denied 775 so far.

Cont’d on page 41

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New office for EB-5 investor visa program Cont’d from page 40

This was a 79 percent approval rating, compared to an 81 percent approval rating for all of FY 2011 and an 89 percent approval rating for all of FY 2010. As of the third quarter of FY 2012, USCIS had received 546 I-829 (Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions) petitions and had approved 639 and denied 42 so far. This was a 94 percent approval rating, nearly matching a 96 percent approval rating for all of FY 2011 and exceeding an 83 percent approval rating for FY 2010.

The next USCIS stakeholder engagement meeting is scheduled for October 16, 2012, in Washington, DC. Summary of May stakeholder meeting: After USCIS's EB-5 stakeholders meeting held on May 1, attendees lamented that the agency provided little substantive information and did not answer many submitted questions. Over 250 people attended in person, and over 300 listened by phone. USCIS subsequently released a summary of the meeting that provided additional information, presumably based on written questions that were submitted to the agency.

Senate Holds Hearing on Student Visa System The Senate's Subcommittee on Immigration, Refugees and Border Security held a hearing on July 24 on "Strengthening the Integrity of the Student Visa System by Preventing and Detecting Sham Educational Institutions." Witnesses included Rebecca Gambler, Director, Homeland Security and Justice, U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), and John Woods, Assistant Director for National Security Investigations, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Ms. Gambler discussed findings from the GAO's June 2012 report assessing ICE's oversight of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). The GAO reported that ICE does not have a process to identify and assess risks posed by schools in SEVP. Specifically, SEVP does not (1) evaluate program data on prior and suspected instances of school fraud and noncompliance, or (2) obtain and assess information from Counterterrorism and Criminal Exploitation Unit (CTCEU) and ICE field office school investigations and outreach events.

Moreover, the GAO found weaknesses in ICE's monitoring and oversight of SEVP-certified schools that contribute to security and fraud vulnerabilities. For example, the GAO noted that ICE has not consistently implemented internal control procedures for SEVP in the initial verification of evidence submitted in

lieu of accreditation. In addition, ICE has not consistently followed the standard operating procedures that govern the communication and coordination process among SEVP, CTCEU, and ICE field offices.

The GAO recommended that ICE, among other things, identify and assess program risks, consistently implement procedures for ensuring schools' eligibility, and revise its standard operating procedure to specify which information to share among stakeholders during criminal investigations.

Ms. Gambler reported that ICE concurred with all the recommendations the GAO made and "has actions planned or under way to address them."

Rep. Smith recommended various antifraud measures, including matching and verifying school transcripts for applicants, requiring applicants to seek relief in person, and requiring applicants to demonstrate physical presence through documentation Mr. Woods said that ICE has already made progress in implementing the GAO's recommendations. He noted that ICE's CTCEU is "the first national program dedicated to the enforcement of nonimmigrant visa violations." SEVP and CTCEU execute complementary missions to regulate foreign students and exchange visitors and to proactively develop investigations that bolster national security, he said.

Mr. Woods noted that each year, CTCEU "analyzes the records of hundreds of thousands of potential status violators using information from SEVIS and the United States Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology database, along with other information."

The CTCEU resolves these records "by further identifying potential violations that would warrant field investigations, establishing compliance, or establishing departure dates from the United States. Since the creation of the CTCEU in 2003, analysts have resolved more than two million such records."

Smith Letter Denounces Deferred Action, Requests AntiFraud Measures; NAFSA Applauds Obama Administration Policy Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Tex.),

chairman of the House of Representatives' Committee on the Judiciary, sent a letter on July 3 to John Morton, Director, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, denouncing the new Obama administration plan to exercise its prosecutorial discretion to grant deferred action and work authorization to certain children of undocumented persons.

Rep. Smith called it an "overreach of executive branch authority," a "magnet for fraud," and a "blatantly political" action that is an "unprecedented breach of faith with the American people and ignores the rule of law."

Rep. Smith recommended various anti-fraud measures, including matching and verifying school transcripts for applicants, requiring applicants to seek relief in person, and requiring applicants to demonstrate physical presence through documentation.

Rep. Smith expressed concerns that deferred action is already being applied, and asked a number of questions; including how many individuals had been granted deferred action and whether any evidentiary standard was in place.

Rep. Smith said that the "lack of forethought" about processing and implementation before the policy was announced was a "dereliction of the duty the President vowed to uphold."

"Unfortunately, this administration continues to place partisan politics and illegal immigrants ahead of the American people and the rule of law," he said. Rep. Smith asked for ongoing briefings to be kept informed about the policy as it is developed and implemented.

Not everyone was displeased by the new Obama administration policy, however. NAFSA: Association of International Educators applauded the action and called it a "major step forward." NAFSA said it has long urged making deferred action official government policy for undocumented students in the United States.

"It will offer urgently needed reprieve, on a rigorous case-bycase basis, for individuals who currently find themselves, through no fault of their own, in an untenable and frightening legal limbo," NAFSA said, noting that undocumented students, brought to the United States by their parents as children, "today live under the constant threat of deportation and are unable to contribute productively to the only country they call home."

NAFSA also called for Congress to pass the DREAM Act and confer the benefits in that act by law. * Cyrus D Mehta, may be contacted at 212-425-0555 or info@cyrusmehta.com

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

Former Assistant StateÂ’s Attorney

Civil & Criminal Litigation Felonies, Misdemeanors, Inc DUI 1 Personal Injury, Business, Divorce etc.

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

42

Immigration Post

India Post

August 17, 2012

www.indiapost.com

Feds oppose bid by immigrant US immigrants to pay for temporary work permits to be lawyer in Calif SAN FRANCISCO: Federal officials have opposed the attempt of a Mexican immigrant living in the U.S. without legal permission to become a lawyer in California.

The Department of Justice issued its opinion in a brief in the case of Sergio Garcia before the California Supreme Court.

Garcia has completed law school and passed the state bar exam. The final step to becoming a practicing lawyer is approval by the California Supreme Court.

Garcia's application is pending, but justices are questioning whether his immigration status means they must reject him.

Garcia, 35, was brought illegally to the United States by his parents as a toddler and applied for legal residency in 1995 when he was 17. He worked odd jobs and wrote self-help romance books to pay for an education without student loans.

He didn't expect his immigra-

tion status to interfere with his dream of being a civil litigator until the State Bar of California started asking for the immigration status of prospective applicants before he took the bar exam.

Garcia's supporters conceded that a law firm or government agency could not legally employ him, but they say he can still work as an independent contractor The DOJ argued in its brief that federal law prohibits people who lack legal immigration status from obtaining certain state benefits, including professional licenses, unless state law explicitly grants those benefits.

Garcia's attorney Jerome Fishkin

said California does have a provision in its business and professions code that allows law licenses regardless of immigration status. ``It's an escape hatch for law applications and law admission for people who are not qualified to have Social Security numbers, which essentially are undocumented and certain out of country immigrants,'' Fishkin said.

He criticized the Department of Justice for failing to explain why that provision doesn't apply in the case of Garcia.

Garcia's supporters conceded that a law firm or government agency could not legally employ him, but they say he can still work as an independent contractor with his own clients.

The DOJ disagreed, pointing to laws that can punish clients who knowingly hire immigrants without work authorization.

The examiners of the State Bar of California and state attorney general's office have supported Garcia's application. -AP

States passing fewer immigration laws WASHINGTON: State legislatures passed 20 percent fewer immigration laws in the first half of this year than at the same time last year, according to a new report by the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Lawmakers in 41 states enacted 114 bills and 92 resolutions that dealt with immigration between Jan. 1 and June 30 this year, compared with 257 such laws enacted during the same time period last year, according to the report released here.

States delayed immigration legislation in part as they waited for the Supreme Court to rule on the states' authority to enforce immigration laws, said John Watkins, a Republican state senator in Virginia who co-chairs the conference's Task Force on Immigration and the States.

Last June, the Supreme Court upheld a provision from Arizona's immigration law that allows po-

lice to check the immigration status of those they stop for other reasons. Yet, the justices struck down provisions that created state crimes allowing local police to arrest people for federal immigration violations.

States delayed immigration legislation in part as they waited for the Supreme Court to rule on the states' authority to enforce immigration laws, said John Watkins Watkins said that the Supreme Court ruling provided ``a yellow light, in that states can move forward in some areas, but not in others.''

States' legislative agendas also had other priorities, including finding solutions to budget gaps.

Washington State representative Sharon Tomiko Santos, a Democrat, said it is now imperative for Congress or the next president to act on the issue. ``The can has been kicked down the road for too long, and states have suffered as a result,'' said Tomiko Santos, who co-chairs the task force with Watkins. ``Come January, action at the federal level needs to happen.''

Of all the laws enacted on immigration, 18 percent focused on law enforcement and 11 percent on identification and driver's licenses.

Six states Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Michigan, New Hampshire and West Virginia enacted laws that dealt with the E-Verify program, which requires businesses to check the legal status of their employees, according to the report. -AP

SAN DIEGO: The Obama administration says it will begin charging $465 this month for temporary work permits for many young illegal immigrants, as it laid out details of one its signature new policies on immigration.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will begin accepting applications Aug. 15 for the permits that are subject to renewal for two years. It will consider a limited number of fee exemptions but expects costs to be shouldered by applicants, not taxpayers.

Under the program, which President Barack Obama announced in June, immigrants must have arrived in the U.S. before their 16th birthday, be 30 or younger, lived in the U.S. at least five years and be in school, graduated or served in the military.

They are ineligible if convicted of a felony, three misdemeanors or one ``significant'' misdemeanor.

Significant misdemeanors, as defined by Homeland Security, are any offenses that result in more than 90 days in jail, and some offenses regardless of the sentence, including domestic violence, burglary and gun and drug crimes.

Minor traffic offenses, including driving without a license, will not be counted at all against applicants. Driving offenses are an important point because all but three states - New Mexico, Utah and Washington - deny licenses to illegal immigrants.

Applicants, who must attend an appointment and submit to background checks, might have to wait several months for a ruling. The

wait will depend on the backlog.

The agency said the number of applications will determine how many employees it hires, and it did not provide an estimate for the total cost of the program. The Associated Press reported last month that Homeland Security Department internal documents estimated hundreds of employees may be hired and that the total cost could top $585 million.

The internal documents estimated that the number of appli-

Significant misdemeanors, as defined

by Homeland Security, are any offenses that result in more than 90 days in jail, and some offenses regardless of the sentence cants might top 1 million in the first year, or more than 3,000 a day. It will cost between $467 million and $585 million to process applications in the first two years, with revenues from fees paid by immigrants estimated at $484 million.

Agency Director Alejandro Mayorkas said in a conference call with reporters that fee exemptions will be granted in limited circumstances. Eligibility criteria include homelessness, a serious disability or at least $25,000 in unpaid medical bills. -AP

US to weigh gay relationships in deportation cases SAN FRANCISCO: Homeland Security officials have reiterated amid pressure from Democratic lawmakers that a foreigner's longstanding same-sex relationship with a U.S. citizen could help stave off the threat of deportation.

Binational gay couples are eligible for consideration under a federal program designed to focus resources away from low-priority deportation cases and let officials spend more time tracking down convicted criminals, said Marsha Catron, a spokeswoman for the Department of Homeland Security.

However, the Obama administration will not automatically shelve deportation cases or process green card applications involving foreign citizens married to same-sex American partners.

Catron said Homeland Security will continue to comply with a 1996 law that prohibits the government from recognizing same-sex relationships, even as it takes these relationships into consideration when evaluating possible deportation.

The Obama administration last year said it considers the Defense of Marriage law unconstitutional and would no longer defend it in court.

The statement, which builds on comments Homeland Security officials made last summer, came three days after 84 lawmakers led

by House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi demanded the agency put its position in writing and disseminate it to Immigration and Customs Enforcement offices to help keep same-sex couples together. -AP

Health

Line

Dr Reddy's launches asthma drug in US market HYDERABAD: Dr Reddy's Laboratories has said it has launched Montelukast Sodium tablets, used for treating asthma and allergies, in the US market after getting approval from the American health regulator.

The company received approval from US Food and Drug Administration for Montelukast Sodium tablets and Montelukast Sodium chewable tablets in strengths ranging from 4 mg to 10 mg, Dr Reddy's Laboratories said in a statement.

The Hyderabad-based firm's products are generic versions of Merck & Co's Singulair tablets and chewable tablets.

According to IMS Health data, Singulair tablets and chewable tablets brand had sales of about USD 3.6 billion and USD 1.14 billion, respectively, in the US market for the year ended March 2012.

"Dr Reddy's Montelukast Sodium tablets in 10 mg and Montelukast Sodium chewable tablets in 4 mg and 5 mg are available in bottle counts of 30 and 90," the company said. -PTI

Officials confirm first UT West Nile case of 2012 SALT LAKE CITY: State public health officials say they've confirmed Utah's first human case of West Nile virus this year.

Officials said that the person who tested positive is a Box Elder County resident between the ages of 18 and 39.

West Nile symptoms include high fever, a severe headache and stiff neck, disorientation and confusion.

While the mosquito-borne illness is rare in humans, Utah has counted 327 cases and eight deaths from the virus since 2003. -AP

Potassium iodide tablets being distributed in Pa. HARRISBURG, Pa.: The Pennsylvania Department of Health is once again providing free potassium iodide tablets to help residents of the commonwealth prepare for public health emergencies involving nuclear facilities.

People who live, work or attend school within a 10-mile radius of the state's five nuclear power plants can get the tablets, which can help protect the thyroid gland against harmful radioactive iodine.

The tablets will be distributed at 14 locations statewide, or can be obtained at state, county or municipal health agencies. -AP

Health Science 43

India Post

www.indiapost.com

August 17, 2012

Obama signs bill for Camp Lejeune water victims RALEIGH, N.C.: President Barack Obama has signed a bill promising health benefits for Marines and families who were exposed to contaminated water at a North Carolina Marine base for decades.

Details on page 44

HCA probe shines light on chest pain over treatment CHICAGO: An investigation into one of the nation's biggest hospital chains is refocusing attention on concerns about over treatment for chest pain.

Many doctors are unclogging arteries to treat the pain, providing quick relief. However, studies have shown medicine is a safer and cheaper alternative for patients whose heart disease isn't lifethreatening.

That research has changed thinking about the wisdom of routinely doing the artery-opening procedures called angioplasties.

But experts say money and uncertainty over individual patients' risks are among reasons doctors have been slower to change their ways.

The Nashville-based hospital chain, HCA Holdings Inc., said that investigators want information about heart procedures performed at some of its 163 hospitals. A New York Times story suggests some patients got needless angioplasties and stents.

Patients often want the quicker fix, and Yale University cardiologist Harlan Krumholz says many patients mistakenly think elective angioplasties will do a better job of keeping them alive About 7 million angioplasties are done each year, and almost half of them are elective, performed on patients with stable chest pain.

Evidence suggests the numbers haven't dropped dramatically

since a landmark 2007 study said drug treatment worked just as well at preventing heart attacks and related deaths.

An angioplasty can cost $20,000 and usually involves in-

serting a small mesh stent to keep arteries propped open. Often an overnight hospital stay is needed.

Drug treatment may take a few months to relieve pain and often requires several medicines, including aspirin and statins, but most have generic versions costing hundreds of dollars a year, not thousands.

Patients often want the quicker fix, and Yale University cardiologist Harlan Krumholz says many patients mistakenly think elective angioplasties will do a better job of keeping them alive.

Doctors may disagree with the studies and recommend angioplasties, but they are obliged ``to explain to patients that their opinion is at odds with what the evidence is,'' Krumholz said.

According to the New York Times, citing internal HCA documents, some of the hospital chain's patients got invasive treatment even though they had no significant heart disease.

Cont’d on page 44

Brain death certification key to organ transplant THIRUVANATHPURAM: Early identification of brain dead patients in critical care units and mandatory certification of brain death in all government and private hospitals by neuro-surgeons will be crucial for the State's Deceased Donor Organ Transplantation program to take off, a team of doctors and transplant coordinators from MultiOrgan Harvesting Aid Network (MOHAN) Foundation, one of the key facilitators for Kerala's multi-organ transplant program, has pointed out.

The State government has already issued a GO in February this year, making certification of brain death mandatory in government and private hospitals in the State. The GO also clearly details the procedures to be adopted by doctors for the declaration of brain death.

However, in Kerala, despite the enabling legislation, the reluctance on the part of doctors

to certify brain death and communicate this clearly to the relatives of the patient seems to be the main hurdle in the way of promoting deceased donor organ transplantation.

At a workshop on deceased donor transplantation program held here - The third in a series of workshops being organized by the

Transplant coordination counselors thus have a huge role to play in communicating the event of brain death to the patient's family and then giving them the option of organ donation.

Health Principal Secretary Rajeev Sadanandan said that it was time Kerala moved ahead with the implementation of the program as

Experts pointed out that mandatory certification of brain death was a necessary event to enhance the scope of deceased donor transplantation in Kerala Department of Health and the Department of Neurology as the State prepares to launch its own Deceased Donor Organ Transplantation program - experts pointed out that mandatory certification of brain death was a necessary event to enhance the scope of deceased donor transplantation in Kerala.

all enabling legislations had been put in place by the government.

Already five GOs covering various aspects of organ donation had been issued by the government.

"The institutions which are already doing the transplantation program should take the lead and

do some mentoring so that other hospitals are also encouraged to follow. We have adopted the Tamil Nadu model almost in its entirety in launching our own program but the operational guidelines will have to be changed to suit the local-specific situations - about which we will know only when we start the program," he said.

Joint effort needed Dr. Sunil Shroff of Mohan Foundation pointed out that the deceased donor transplant program had to be a joint effort of both the government and private sector and corporate hospitals.

Health Minister V.S. Sivakumar launched the web portal 'Mrithasanjeevani' or Kerala Network for Organ Sharing (www.knos.org.in), the registry of all potential organ recipients in the State, one of the crucial elements to ensure transparency in allocation of harvested organs.

44

India Post

Health Science Post

August 17, 2012

www.indiapost.com

Obama signs bill for Camp Lejeune water victims Other soldiers, who suffered from a rare form of male breast cancer, also said the government spent years trying to hide the problem and the poor response by officials. ``And, sadly, this act alone will not bring

1980s show higher than normal levels of contaminates in ground water and the base, likely caused by leaking fuel tanks and an off-base dry cleaner.

The law also bans protesting within 300

Jerry Ensminger of Elizabethtown, N.C., was one of those affected and attended the ceremony. He led the fight for information about the water problems at Camp Lejeune since his daughter, Janey, died in 1985 at the age of 9 of a rare form of childhood leukemia back those we've lost, including Jane Ensminger, but it will honor their memory by making a real difference for those who are still suffering,'' Obama said.

Documents show Marines leaders were slow to respond when tests in the early

feet of military funerals. Numerous states have passed laws restricting protests at funerals after members of the Westboro Baptist Church in Kansas began protesting at the funerals of soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. -AP

President Barack Obama signs the Honoring America's Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012, August 6

RALEIGH, N.C.: President Barack Obama has signed a bill promising health benefits for Marines and families who were exposed to contaminated water at a North Carolina Marine base for decades. ``I think all Americans feel we have a moral, sacred duty toward our men and women in uniform,'' Obama said in an Oval Office ceremony before signing the Honoring America's Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act. ``They protect our freedom, and it's our obligation to do right by them. This bill

takes another important step in fulfilling that commitment.''

The bill passed Congress last week with bipartisan support. Health officials believe as many as 1 million people may have been exposed to tainted groundwater at Camp Lejeune from 1957 to 1987.

Jerry Ensminger of Elizabethtown, N.C., was one of those affected and attended the ceremony. He led the fight for information about the water problems at Camp Lejeune since his daughter, Janey, died in 1985 at the age of 9 of a rare form of childhood leukemia.

ND likely to debate medical marijuana proposal BISMARCK, N.D.: North Dakota voters are likely to have a chance this fall to decide whether marijuana may be used legally as a pain reliever, an option the Legislature has never addressed and that South Dakotans have rejected twice.

Supporters of medical marijuana have been

circulating a citizen initiative to put the issue on the November ballot. Dave Schwartz, campaign director for a pro-medical marijuana group called North Dakotans for Compassionate Care, delivered petitions that he said contained about 20,000 signatures to North Dakota Secretary of State Al Jaeger's office. -AP

HCA probe shines light on chest pain over treatment Cont'd from page 43

Nationwide data suggest that about 8 percent of non-emergency angioplasties are done inappropriately, on patients who should be getting drug treatment alone instead, said Dr. William Weintraub, cardiology chief at Christiana Care Health System in Newark, Del. Needless stenting was among procedures to be avoided on a checklist released earlier this year by nine medical societies concerned about over treatment.

Determining which patients should get angioplasties and who shouldn't isn't always clear-cut, Weintraub said. Heart disease is the nation's No. 1 killer and leading cause of disability, and the decision-making ``is very, very difficult to do,'' he said.

But if patients without any artery blockages got angioplasties and stents, ``that's clear-cut fraud, that's criminal,'' Weintraub said.

Dr. Sanjay Kaul, a cardiologist at CedarsSinai Heart Institute in Los Angeles, says he has estimated that about $3 billion could be saved each year nationwide under scenarios that include limiting angioplasties to patients who don't respond to pills.

A payment system that reimburses doctors for the number of tests and procedures they do is part of the problem, said Dr. Steven Nissen, a Cleveland Clinic cardiologist. ``The more procedures they do, the

more they are paid. That system creates incentives do to medical procedures, whether it's a CT scan, or a stent, or a knee replacement. Across the board, Americans undergo more procedures than other people.''

HCA posted a four-page letter on the home page of its website saying the New York Times ``appears to be making broad points concerning patient care provided at our company's affiliated hospitals.'' It also

If patients without any artery blockages got angioplasties and stents, "that's clear-cut fraud, that's criminal,'' Weintraub said says that decisions about the need for some heart procedures are ``the subject of much debate in the cardiology community.''

Jefferies & Co. analyst Arthur I. Henderson said investors think the issue may not be as significant as it seemed at first glance.

Henderson, whose firm has no stake in HCA and does no banking business with them, said the hospital operator has a ``very robust'' compliance program.

August 17, 2012

Health Science Post

India Post

45

www.indiapost.com

'ARC' proteins could reverse Vaginal delivery safe in preterm births acute liver failure

S

cientists claim to have found that the recently dis covered protein could reverse acute liver failure in humans, following its success in experiments done on mice.

In a new study by German researchers, the liver failure was reversed and the mice recovered completely and they hope to soon be able to test this approach in clinical trials with patients.

The researchers utilized the recently discovered protein ARC (apoptosis repressor with caspase recruitment domain), which serves as the body's own survival switch.

ARC is present in heart, skeletal muscle and the brain, but not in the liver.

In cancer cases, apoptosis is deactivated in the tumor cells allowing the cancer cells to grow.

Researchers are looking for ways to reactivate apoptosis to drive the proliferating cancer cells to die out.

However, in acute liver failure the problem is not too little but rather too much apoptosis.

The researchers have fused ARC to a noninfectious frag-

ment of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), called TAT for short. The researchers used TAT as a shuttle to transfer this survival-switch construct into the liver.

ARC reaches other organs via the bloodstream, not only the liver. "Moreover," he pointed out, "since TAT-ARC only has to be administered for a short time, a cancer risk can be largely excluded" "ARC is very fast acting, and this is a huge advantage, because in an emergency there is not much time for treatment. And when the massive damage is over, the liver is quite capable of regenerating itself," researcher and specialist in internal medicine and cardiology at Helios Klinikum BerlinBuchsaid Dr Stefan Donath said

in a press release.

Mice with acute liver failure were given an intravenous or intraperitoneal injection with the construct.

"Within just a few minutes the fusion protein TAT-ARC reached the liver of the animals and immediately began to take effect. ARC was able to stop the apoptosis of the liver cells, and all of the animals completely recovered," Donath added.

ARC reaches other organs via the bloodstream, not only the liver. "Moreover," he pointed out, "since TAT-ARC only has to be administered for a short time, a cancer risk can be largely excluded."

During their study, the researchers also discovered a new active mechanism of ARC, which apparently is responsible for the protective function of this protein in the liver.

Acute liver failure is a lifethreatening disease, characterized by a sudden, massive death of liver cells. About 200 and 500 patients suffer from acute liver failure in Germany each year. -PTI

V

aginal delivery for early preterm fetuses present ing head first, or vertex presentation, had a high rate of success with no difference in neonatal mortality compared to caesarean delivery, a new study, led

by Indian origin researcher, has revealed.

For breech births, however, the failure rate of vaginal delivery was high and planned caesarean delivery was associated with significantly lower neonatal mortality.

"Selecting a route of delivery at less than 32 weeks' gestation is a difficult clinical decision given the high rate of infant mortality and morbidity as well as the maternal risks associated with caesarean delivery," says lead investigator Uma M. Reddy, MD, MPH, of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD. "For vertex-presenting fetuses less than 32 weeks' gestation, we saw no improvement in neonatal mortality with a planned caesarean delivery," she said.

Dr. Reddy and her colleagues

used data from the Consortium on Safe Labor (CSL), a study conducted by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Development, National Institutes of Health.

The investigators first categorized the indications for preterm delivery: preterm labor, preterm

"Selecting a route of delivery at less than 32 weeks' gestation is a difficult clinical decision given the high rate of infant mortality and morbidity" premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), or fetal/maternal issues such as preeclampsia, placental abruption, or severe maternal medical disease.

Maternal or fetal indications were responsible for 45.7 per cent of early preterm deliveries, PPROM for 37.7 per cent, and preterm labor for 16.6 per cent.

46

Datebook

India Post

August 17, 2012

www.indiapost.com

NEW YORK

NEW JERSEY

Upcoming

Upcoming

ILLINOIS

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Upcoming

Upcoming

Fri Aug 17

Sun Aug 19

Sun Aug 5 & Sun Aug 19

• 5th Edition of the IAAC Erasing Borders of Indian Dance Festival

• Indepence Day Mela

• Bhagat Puran Singh’s 20th Barsi

Venue: 2One New York Plaza (Water and Whitehall Streets) Time: 12pm to 2pm Highlights: Bageshree Vaze - Kathak (Toronto, Canada), Jaikishore & Padmavani Mosilikanti - Kuchipudi (Chennai, India), Mayuri Dance Group - Bhangra (Petrozavodsk, Russia), Sonali Skandan & Jiva Dance - Bharata Natyam (New York City), Chhau Dance Group - Chhau (New Delhi, India).

Sun Sept 9 • 108 Kundi Gayatri Maha Yagna Venue: St. Anthony’s High School Ground, 275 Wolf Hill Road, South Huntington, NY Time: 2pm to 5pm Contact: 631-940-0959

Venue: Garden State Expo Center, 50 Atrium Drive, Somerset, New Jersey Time: 11am Contact: 732-900-3136

Sat Aug 25 • NJPA Annual Picnic Venue: South Brunswick Beech Woods Park, 37 Beekman Rd, South Brunswick, Township, NJ Time: 12pm Contact: 732-605-9218

Sun Sept 23 • Viva La Music Latina!

Venue: Fire N Ice- NJ, 583 Ford Ave Fords, NJ Time: 8pm Contact: 732-417-1999

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

Fri Aug 24 • Bappi Lahiri Live in Concert Venue: Copernicus (Gateway) Theater, Chicago Time: 9am Contact: 630-955-1200

Sun Sep 2 • DJ Aqeel- Live in Chicago Venue: Sound-Bar, 226 W. Ontario, Chicago, IL 60610 Time: 9pm Contact: 773-490-0975

WASHINGTON DC

Upcoming Sun Aug 19

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

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

Sun Aug 26 • Education Seminar Venue: Santa Clara Convention Center, 5001 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, CA Time: 2:30pm Contact: 408-253-8300

Sat Sept 1 • Shri Krishna Vyjayanti Venue: Carrington Hall, 1201 Brewster Ave, Redwood City, CA Time: 7pm Contact: 510-364-6095

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

Sat Sept 1 • Rudra Homam Venue: Ashland, 24-28 Concord St Ashland, MA Time: 8am Contact: 508-380-4516

Sat Sept 15 • Just Duets Venue: The Hall, 125 Prospect St, Framingham Time: 7pm Contact: 978-621-8030

Thurs Sep 13 • Dinner with Artist Spb & Chitra Venue: Ananda Bhawan, 920 E Arques Ave, Sunnyvale, CA Time: 8pm Contact: 510-796-5252

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Upcoming Sat Aug 18 • 20th Annual pageant Miss India California 2012 Venue: Long Beach Hilton, 701 W. Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA Time: 6pm Contact: info@spiritofindia.com

Fri Aug 24 & Sat Aug 25 • Celebrate Shree Krishna Janmastami with LNSO Swaminarayan Devotees, Saints and Vadtal Acharya Shree Venue: Fremont Hindu temple, 3676 Delaware drive, Fremont, CA Time: 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM on Friday the 24th of August (light dinner after Shree Krishna Katha discourse on Friday), and 10 AM to 12 PM (lunch served from 12 noon to 1 PM) + 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM (Krishna Katha finishes) + Satsang Sabha from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM with Acharya Shree Rakesh Prasadji of Vadtal in celebration of the appearance of Lord Shree Krishna, following which maha-prasad will be served from 6:30 PM onwards (on 8/25/12).

Contact: 408-263-1594

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

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

Sat Sept 15

Fri Oct 19

• Kids Ganesha Puja Shiva Murugan Temple

• Royal Drummers and Dancers of Burundi

Venue: Concord Shiva Murugan Temple, 1803 2nd St., Concord, CA Time: 10am Contact: 484-727-8424

Venue: Palace Theater, 61 Atlantic St. Stamford, CT 06901 Time: 8pm Contact: 203-325-4466

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48

Philosophy

India Post

August 17, 2012

www.indiapost.com

Page Sponsored by Sahanis GREG GOODE

W

hen I was about ten years old, my friends and I would throw rocks at each other. This led to a kind of self-inquiry, as I later found out. Smack! My friend's rock hit my arm. "I got you," he said with glee. "No you didn't," I retorted smugly, "You only got my arm."

Then he went for something closer to home. Bonk! The rock landed on my head. Now I got you!" "No, that was only my head." Later, I thought a lot about this, for many years in fact.

There was no place a rock could land that I thought was truly me. In fact, whatever "X" could named was not me, because it was "My X." But where was the "I"? It's not as though I didn't have a strong sense of it. I did, especially at first.

This is why I looked so hard for it for so many years. But no matter where I looked, it seemed to keep shifting around, almost as though it was always in back of me!

Even as a youth, years before I had ever heard of Buddhism or nondualism or Chandrakirti, the inability to find the "I" really did begin to weaken my sense of its reality.

The Sevenfold Reasoning is a Buddhist meditation on the ultimate nature of things - persons (the "I") and phenomena. In the traditions of Buddhism that utilize the Sevenfold Reasoning (such MEENA OM

T

he Universe is interwoven and inter-connected for creation, perfection and destruction. Everything in it has a role to play for constant evolution. Nothing is frivolous. Only when human has used all available powers to the maximum and has derived wisdom and clues for further evolution, is he bestowed upon with greater powers.

This goes on guided by true spirituality - science of spirit based on the laws of Nature, till human realizes the supreme reality of the Godhead within.

True love is the Universal Life Energy - the supreme driving force behind sexuality and spirituality. Sexuality is not a force or an adjective for physical union. It is a thrust of energy guided by the stream of life force which flows in the human mechanism to feel ecstasy on all energy pools chakras.

Ecstasy is a feel of fulfillment, reaching the climax of the joy of creation and this bliss is not meant to be localized just on the mooladhar or root chakra. Human is endowed with seven centers to feel this 'feel of fulfillment.' The

as the Dalai Lama's sect, the Gelukba Madhyamikas), the ultimate nature of things is said to be emptiness. It is based on the teachings of Chandrakirti, an 8th-century Indian Buddhist teacher.

Chandrakirti provided a way to inquire into the ultimate or final nature of things, as a way to help relieve suffering.

According to these sutras and teachings, it is the ignorance or

known as a meditation in the Buddhist Middle Way teachings. The reasonings are to be gone into intensely, with the full force of one's feelings about how things are.

The reasonings are not a method of "no-thought" or of turning the mind away from objects. Instead, objects are taken full-strength, faced directly and forcefully. When these powerful reasonings are gone into fully,

there, solid, independent, separate from us, and somehow casting themselves towards us.

The thinking part is an intellectual sense of things as self-sufficient and independent of everything. To flesh out this intellectual strand of total independence from everything, Middle Way treatises speak of three kinds of independence.

For example, if a cup exists in-

Chandrakirti's sevenfold reasoning on selflessness Sentient beings have the conception that phenomena (as well as they themselves!) exist in a very solid, independent way, whereas nothing really exists in this way

All the powers in the universe are already ours. It is we who have put our hands before our eyes and cry that it is dark.

-Swami Vivekananda Greg Goode

misconception about the way things exist that keeps sentient beings in suffering and cyclic existence. Sentient beings have the conception that phenomena (as well as they themselves!) exist in a very solid, independent way, whereas nothing really exists in this way. When this conception ceases, ignorance ceases, and suffering ceases.

The Sevenfold Reasoning is a set of inferences that one contemplates deeply. Even though they are an intellectual process, it is

one's view of one's self and the world is deeply shaken. For a moment it might feel as if the earth has turned upside down, or one has fallen into a huge crevasse. Thereafter, things, including one's sense of self, do not really have the same inert heaviness any longer.

Mistaken Conception What is this mistaken conception of how things exist? It is partly a matter of feeling and partly a matter of thinking. The feeling component is partly a felt sense that things are somehow really

herently and independently in the way that matches our conception of "independent of everything," then it exists independent of causes and conditions, independent of its own parts, and independent of being observed by a mind.

For suffering beings, the feeling and intellectual sense of inherent existence apply to any cognizable object, whether it is a school bus, the feeling of joy, "2+2=4."

This is an example of the conception of the inherent existence of phenomena.

ascending order of sexual energy and spiritual power is as follows: Mooladhar Chakra (root) -focuses on the release of body waste and creating new life. It stands for living with basic instincts. If sexual energy is just contained here, it makes human equivalent to an animal. Human is gifted with a sexual urge all the year

Manipur Chakra (Solar) - the climax here is of reaching and realizing some new or previously unknown knowledge - scientists, inventors, gyanis etc have known to experience this.

Anaahat Chakra (heart) - embodies the ecstasy of the explosive feel of unconditional love towards all - matter and being, as

mystics, etc Bindu Visarg (point of quantum leap) - here the pinnacle is of knowing the real self. One is happiest with oneself, never getting bored or tense, just blissful under any circumstance. The predominant bhav is of total gratitude for being the most beautiful creation of Nature, drinking the

Spiritual power ascends through 7 centers or chakras

Meena Om

round because he is capable of utilizing this energy for other dimensions of creativity and growth unlike animals which experience it only for certain periods.

Swadishthan Chakra (Hara) energy enclosed here assists in performing work or karm perfectly.

Head of institutes, organizations, workaholics etc, fall in this category. They experience the ecstasy of a job well done!

Sexuality is not a force or an adjective for physical union. It is a thrust of energy guided by the stream of life force which flows in the human mechanism felt by Sufis, saints etc.

Vishuddhi Chakra (throat) the climax here is of the anand bhav or feel of bliss of excellent oratorical prowess, imparting knowledge by wonderful mastery of speech as done by great leaders, teachers, gurus and swamis.

Agya Chakra (third eye) - ecstasy here takes the form of a fully developed intuition, clear vision just as in the case of visionaries,

constantly pouring ambrosial nectar. Experiencing the Divine that 'de-wines' everything! Such a person has balanced male and female energies like Zen masters, paramhansas etc.

Sahasrar Chakra (crown chakra) - This is the highest orgasm. Here one experiences the feel and ecstasy of merging yog with whole creation from sahasrar - perpetual joy.

Employ your time in improving yourself by other men's writings, so that you shall gain easily what others have labored hard for.

-Socrates Pleasure and pain are not inherent in objects and beings of the world. It is how you relate to them.

-Swami Parthasarathy A superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions.

-Confucius Evil can be transmuted into good. What is evil to one at one time, becomes good at another time to somebody else.

-Mencius Rewards and punishments are the lowest form of education.

Zhuang Zi When people fall into danger, they are then able to strive for victory.

Sun Tzu

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India in NSG: American interests and Chinese opposition DEBAK DAS

T

he recently concluded third India-US Strategic Dia logue has been a remarkable exhibition of the strengthening bilateral relationship between the two states. The dialogue meanwhile has also delivered a much needed fillip to the issue of the prospect of Indian membership to the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

While this road seems to be fraught with obstacles, could the US assuming chairmanship of the NSG enhance the Indian bid for membership despite strong opposition from China?

What is the significance of the Strategic Dialogue for the bilateral relationship?

There have been recent speculations regarding a lull in the India-US relationship in spite of inherent geo-strategic and economic interests. Ashley Tellis though counters this assertion as an unfounded one and believes that this is a long-term relationship and needs to be viewed as one. The short-term problems cannot possibly sidetrack the phenomenal growth of this bilateral relationship.

On 13 June, as Indian External Affairs Minister SM Krishna met the US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, widespread consultations were conducted between the two delegations primarily on the five main areas of trade and investment, science and technology, education, security and defense cooperation, and finally cooperation in South and Southeast Asia.

What stands out at the very outset of the joint statement by the two leaders is the overt US encouragement of wider Indian engagement in the Asia Pacific.

The welcoming of the trilateral dialogue between the US, India and Japan, as well as the Indian promise to help the US become a dialogue partner with the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (of which India is currently the chair) are developments that Beijing shall track with a wary eye.

The commitment to jointly explore opportunities to work toward the promotion of development in Afghanistan and to hold a trilateral dialogue with the Afghan government is meanwhile testament to the US recognition of a larger Indian stake in the country as a regional player.

The fruition of the deal between the US based Westinghouse Electric and Co and the Nuclear Power Company of India Ltd to build the first US reactor in India also

grabbed headlines during the strategic dialogue. While this is a clear and heavy indication of progress with regard to the hitherto dormant Indo-US nuclear deal, India was also praised for its efforts to reduce its dependence on Iranian oil.

Prospects of Indian member-

ship to the NSG India is currently simultaneously pursuing membership into three other export control regimes - the MTCR (Missile Technology Control Regime), the Australia Group and the Wassenaar Arrangement, and the precedent of a non-NPT signatory gaining membership into the coveted NSG may clear the road for India's membership into the others.

According to Mark Hibbs and

Treaty (CTBT) makes it likely to block any fresh NSG guidelines to combat proliferation is an unconvincing one.

There is a sense that that the US' interest in propping up India on the world stage is with the view of a larger 'containment' strategy towards China. Beijing has opposed Indian membership into the NSG and demands that 'all potential groupings' (ie Pakistan) must also be considered for membership.

The geo-strategic inconvenience for China posed by a clear path for India into the NSG is one that the former shall try to put off as long as possible. The West's concern about China's nuclear deal with Pakistan has also put Beijing in the spotlight, making its position highly inflexible.

Given the consensus-based decision-making process of the NSG, the regional geopolitical implications of Indian membership to the NSG for China shall remain the most potent obstacle to the fruition of the project.

The US assuming the chairmanship of the NSG, according to Indian External Affairs Minister

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at NSG meet

Toby Dalton of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, the question of Indian membership into the NSG warrants serious consideration into the future that the institution envisages for itself. It can either don the mantle of a 'universal export control organization' that includes all nuclear capable countries within its fold, or it can choose to be an institution of like-minded states that choose to uphold the 'nearly universal global proliferation norms and principles'.

The argument that India's past nuclear behavior makes it likely to seek the loosening of guidelines for nuclear trade and the justification that India's non-signature of the Comprehensive Test Ban

SM Krishna, will give a 'final impetus' to Indian membership into the organization. Coupled with the rising stakes and current support of both France and Russia in the Indian case, the time is ripe for progress on the front of Indian membership into the NSG. Though the process is bound be a long drawn one given Chinese stakes, the US 'non paper' on Indian membership and NPT membership not being a necessary precondition for being in the NSG at the Seattle plenary session in June 2012 has certainly given a boost to Indian hopes.

The writer is Research Scholar, Diplomacy and Disarmament Division, CIPOD, JNU. Courtesy IPCS

India Post Alternatives for 2014

C

an the Anna Team provide cellphone to every poor Indian? That is what, if reports are to be believed, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will promise at his Independence Day address. Can there be more open defiance of the Anna group's fight against corruption? Here is a bribe for the common man to vote for Congress in the 2014 elections. Do the poor of India need a cellphone more than bread? They have to pay dearly for the food but the cellphone comes free. Will the voter be fooled by this gimmick? Most probably she will be.

With a new political dispensation of the Anna variety unlikely, his foot soldiers are likely to function as pressure groups telling people in consistencies to vote for a "clean" candidate. The politicians have a better pulse of the people. They know the voters will ask what a candidate can do for them. If the candidate seems likely to offer them something in return for their votes, they will go for him. If a "clean" candidate is offered to them, they would probably ask him, what he can do for them. It doesn't matter if he is clean or unclean. What matters is what immediate benefits can he/she provide them. Or, if old politics continues to prevail, a candidate belonging to their own caste or clan will get their vote, even if he doesn't do anything for them.

The Anna movement was briefly embraced by the people thinking it represented their daily struggle with corruption. But as it went along with its obsession with "our Lokpal or nothing," people found out it did not represent them. Its members went on selfrighteously hogging credit and vainly leveling charges of corruption. The correct way is going to courts. But they thought the media support they had initially received would bear them out and they would make a dent in the obvious corruption in government.

The government this time gave them short shrift because it knew the people were no longer with them. The second fast drama at Jantar Mantar in Delhi turned out to be a farce with no ordinary people joining. They did not feel their issues were being voiced in this protest. The Anna Team had isolated itself from the people.

The Anna followers are deeply divided over what kind of political alternative they can provide after having rejected both the Congress and BJP brand of politics. Very few are in support of forming a political party whose candidates, everyone believes, would lose their deposits. Also, the Anna followers have no new ideas or slogans which would catch the imagination of a new generation.

The BJP itself in the throes of an identity crisis. Their octogenarian leader LK Advani has written the party off for the 2014 elections and believes a non-Congress and non-BJP alternative would emerge and there would be instability reminiscent of previous non-government. The Advani analysis is motivated by his likely absence from top leadership. So he thinks if he is not there, his party would sink. This may not exactly be true. Tired with the Congress people might vote for anybody who can defeat them.

In this situation what the Anna followers can do is to form a group to educate people about value of electing the right representative irrespective of his family, caste or financial position.

They should act as facilitators and not force their opinion on people.

At present it is arrogance and self-righteousness which marks the Anna core group people. They need to learn humility if they want to work for the people.

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