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After Milkha, a film on Mohinder Singh Gill Details on page 24

Lathika Thomas explains Congress bid

VOL 21, No. 1093

September 4, 2015

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TERROR EMANATING FROM PAKISTAN: U.S. WASHINGTON: The US has said that the threat from terrorist groups, in particular the Haqqani network, continues to emanate from inside Pakistan, dismissing top Pakistani diplomat's claim that the dreaded group responsible for audacious attacks in Afghanistan has been wiped out.

"We recognize that there's still threat from these terrorist groups emanating from Pakistan. We want to see Pakistan take additional steps to address some of these

threats," State Department Spokesman Mark Toner told reporters at his daily news conference.

Toner was responding to a question about the remarks made by advisor to Pakistan Prime Minister on foreign affairs and national security Sartaj Aziz that military offensives in its tribal areas had almost wiped out the Haqqani network, a claim to which there are not many takers in the United States.

Details on page 5

Details on page 10

US academics’ concern over 'Digital India'

Ro Khanna marries Ritu Ahuja Details on page 5

I am the best candidate: Bobby Jindal Details on page 6

Indian-origin teen plans to sue NYPD

Details on page 30

Details on page 6

Indira thought of strike on Pak N-sites

CONTENTS Bollywood ---------------------- 28-29 Classifieds ------------------------- 52

Details on page 5

Community Post -------------- 16-27 Date Book -------------------------- 47

INDIA POST SURVEY

Edit Page --------------------------- 54

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HealthScience Post --------- 48-51

This week’s question

Horoscope ------------------------- 35

US doesn’t focus on Pak terror aimed at India?

Immigration Post ------------- 44-47 Life Style ----------------------- 36-39

Last week’s result

Should Gujarat government concede reservation to Patels?

YES 17%

NO 83%

Philosophy ------------------------- 53 Publisher’s Diary ------------------ 4

UN LEADER: The President-elect of UN General Assembly, Mr Mogens Lykketoft, calling on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on August 31. Mr Lykketoft is a former Speaker of Denmark's Parliament

Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”

Real Estate -------------------- 14-15 TechBiz Post ------------------- 30-34 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 40-43

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have always believed in the efficacy of persuasion in the art of communication, and since the time Aristotle theorized it, it has been proven to work, whatever the situation.

In the language of international relations and foreign policy, it's called diplomacy. And that is exactly what the world witnessed in recent weeks - small but farreaching victories of diplomacy between nations that have been inimical in more than a generation. I am talking US-Iran, US-Cuba, North Korea-South Korea.

Many Americans, especially those with agendas linked to the war industry may not appreciate it, but the historic breakthrough President Obama achieved through sheer diplomacy in bringing Iran to the negotiating table getting it to actually agree to stop nuclear proliferation, is no mean deal.

The agreement to limit Iran's nuclear program in exchange for lifting of economic sanctions effectively ends more than a decade long dispute and significantly alters geopolitics in the Middle East.

The United States - and I would credit President Obama again for this - has, through talks, opened the gates of diplomacy to Cuba, ending the more than half a century of Cold War era estrangement between the two countries.

Earlier in August, North Korea and South Korea, that have been in a conflict that has not been resolved since the Korean War of 1950, pulled back from the brink of an armed conflict and reached an accord thanks to the Red Cross talks.

This, by no means is an accord for lasting peace, but at least it's perched on the scaffold of positive talks. I'd say if the fabled Kim Jong-un can agree to talk peace, any leader caught in a zone of conflict can and should be able to talk.

Period.

So now tell me, when these die-hard enemies can manage to talk to each other nicely, why in the name of peace can't India and Pakistan? The Partition era generation is almost gone and a whole new generation of forward-thinking youth is shaping up in both countries, but the powers that rule the beleaguered neighbors still have not learnt the art of persuasion. Hopefully, at least, they will keep trying.

Romesh K Japra rkjapra@indiapost.com

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HIGHLIGHTS Bollywood: Best footballer Ranbir Kapoor claims that among the films stars in the industry playing football today, he is the best

Cover Story: Threat from Pak The US has said the threat from terrorist groups, including Haqqani network, continues to emanate from inside Pakistan

Community: Ambassador visit Indian Ambassador Arun Singh inaugurated US-India Healthcare Summit and also met MN Governor Mark Dayton

Largest groups Immigrants from China and India, many with work visas, have overtaken Mexicans as the largest groups in U.S.

Life style: Stunning walk Kareena Kapoor Khan looked her stunning best as she walked down the ramp at the Lakme Fashion Week

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Privacy concerns More than 100 prominent US-based academics have raised privacy concerns about Modi's 'Digital India' campaign

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Terror emanating from Pakistan: US WASHINGTON: The US has tional security Sartaj Aziz that milisaid that the threat from terrorist tary offensives in its tribal areas groups, in particular the Haqqani had almost wiped out the Haqqani network, continues to emanate network, a claim to which there are from inside Pakistan, dismissing not many takers in the United top Pakistani diplomat's claim that States. the dreaded group responsible for audacious attacks in Afghanistan has been wiped out.

"We recognize that there's still threat from these terrorist groups emanating from Pakistan. We want to see Pakistan take additional steps to address some of these threats," State Department SpokesState Department Spokesman Mark Toner man Mark Toner told reporters at his daily news conference.

"The infrastructure supporting Toner was responding to a Haqqani network in North question about the remarks made Waziristan has been dismantled," by advisor to Pakistan Prime Min- Aziz had said. ister on foreign affairs and na"The National Security Adviser

(Susan) Rice was just there (in Islamabad) and she had very frank and productive conversations with her counterparts about the continuing threat and violence in the region and ways we can best counter act it," Toner said.

"In terms of the Haqqani network and really the violence that we see from the Taliban and the Haqqani network, we really want to double down, on trying to stop these groups from carrying out other acts of terror," Toner said, which appears contrary to Aziz's claim that the Haqqani network no longer exists in Pakistan.

Earlier, the Pentagon echoed the State Department on the Haqqani network, the dreaded group blamed for some of the deadliest attacks in Afghanistan, including the Indian embassy bombing and the attack on Kabul Serena Hotel in 2008.

"We have expressed our deep concern to the government of Pakistan about terrorist sanctuaries

Indira considered strike on Pak N-sites NEW DELHI: Returning to power in 1980, the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had considered a military strike on Pakistan's nuclear installations to prevent it from acquiring weapons capabilities, a declassified CIA document has claimed.

Such a consideration by the then Indian Prime Minister was being made when the US was in an advanced stage of providing its fighter jets F-16 to Pakistan, says the September 8, 1981, document titled 'India's Reaction to Nuclear Developments in Pakistan', which was prepared by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

A redacted version of the 12-page document was posted on the CIA website in June this year, according to which the then Indian government led by Gandhi in 1981 was concerned about the progress made by Pakistan on its nuclear weapons programme and believed that Islamabad was steps away from acquiring a nuclear weapon.

The US had the same assessment.

"In the extreme case, if Indian

concerns increase over the next two or three months, we believe the conditions could be ripe for a decision by Prime Minister Gandhi to instigate a military confrontation with Pakistan, primarily to provide a framework for destroying Pakistan's nuclear facilities," the then highly sensitive CIA re-

Indira Gandhi

port claimed.

At the time of writing of the report, the CIA said Gandhi had not taken any such decision in that regard. According to the report, as Pakistan was in an advanced stage of producing plutonium and highly enriched uranium for use in nuclear weapons, Gandhi evidently responded to the threat by authorising Indian

nuclear test preparations.

"In February (1981), excavation was begun in the Thar desert to permit the underground explosion of an Indian test device on short notice," the CIA said, adding that in May, preparations had been completed by India for a 40-kiloton nuclear test.

The CIA said India reportedly was to explode the device about one week after the expected Pakistani test. "Evidently, the Indian Government calculated that a Pakistani nuclear explosion per se would not constitute a national security threat, and that the damage to India's image of pre-eminence in the region could be minimised by a resumption of the peaceful nuclear explosive (PNE) programme," the CIA said.

"Prime Minister Gandhi probably has not made a decision to exercise a military option against Pakistan. In the extreme case, if India's concern about deliveries of F-16s to Pakistan increases before the optimum time for exercising the military option (in October or November according to one report), the conditions could be ripe for Prime Minister Gandhi to carry out the contingency strike plan," it said.

"Our best estimate, however, is that India will follow a wait and see strategy," the report added.-PTI

inside its border that continues to undermine Afghanistan stability and US and coalition forces in Afghanistan," Pentagon spokesman Capt Jeff Davis told reporters during an off camera news conference.

"We have urged the Government of Pakistan to redouble its standing commitment on the

poses a threat" to US forces in Afghanistan.

"That is one of the reasons why we continue to work with the Government of Pakistan to ensure that that threat is addressed. We are hopeful that they would do what they need to do to achieve necessary progress against the Haqqani."

"We have expressed our deep concern to the government of Pakistan about terrorist sanctuaries inside its border that continues to undermine Afghanistan stability and US and coalition forces in Afghanistan," Pentagon spokesman Capt Jeff Davis told reporters counter terrorism cooperation with Afghanistan against all groups that pose threat to long term security to both Afghanistan and Pakistan," he said.

Davis said the Haqqani network from inside Pakistan "clearly

US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter has not taken a decision on certifying that Pakistan is taking action against the Haqqani network that would help the Pentagon release USD 300 million under the Coalition Support Fund. -PTI

Ro Khanna marries Ritu Ahuja India Post News Service

R

itu Ahuja and Rohit Khanna were married Saturday August 29 in Cleveland, according to report in the New York Times.

The report by Craig Paulson says Pandit Ashok Bhargava officiated at Severance Hall, the home of the Cleveland Orchestra.

Until April, Mrs. Khanna, 36, was a product marketing specialist in New York for Bulgari, the Italian jewelry and accessories c o m p a n y.

She graduated from Georgetown and received a master's in strategic communications from Columbia.

The bride is a daughter of Usha Ahuja and Monte Ahuja of Hunting Valley, Ohio. The bride's father is the chairman of Mura Holdings, an investment firm, and is the chief executive of Transmaxx, an automotive transmission parts supplier, both in Solon, Ohio.

Mr. Khanna, 38, is the vice president for strategic initiatives

in the Santa Clara, Calif., office of Smart Utility Systems, an energyefficiency software company. He is also a lecturer in economics at Stanford University, and a Democratic candidate for Congress from Cupertino, Calif. From 200911, he worked for the Obama administration as a deputy assistant secretary of commerce. He graduated from the University of Chicago and received a law degree

from Yale.

The groom is a son of Jyotsna Khanna and Vijay Khanna of Churchville, Pa. The groom's mother retired as a substitute special-education teacher in the Council Rock School District in Newtown, Pa. His father retired as a chemical engineer in the Springfield, Pa., office of Rohm & Haas, a manufacturer of chemicals.

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I am the best candidate: Bobby Jindal WASHINGTON: Notwithstanding his 13th rank among 17 presidential hopefuls, IndianAmerican Louisiana governor Bobby Jindal has said he is the best Republican contender for the White House and is headed towards becoming party's nominee.

"I think after we get past this summer of silliness and insults, the voters are going to begin to

"Look I think I'm going to be the nominee. I think Donald Trump (the leading Republican aspirant) has done a great job tapping into the anger, the frustration that voters feel, not only with (US) President (Barack) Obama but with the Republican leadership as well," he said.

Dismissing that his campaign does not seem to be catching fire

"If any private in the military, other government official had handled classified information the way she is said to have handled, there would have been a court martial, there would have been even criminal prosecution.

There would have certainly been consequences. She shouldn't be above the law look at who is prepared to do the job. Who has the intelligence, who has the courage, who has the experience? I believe I'm the candidate best able to do this job on the first day," Jindal, 44, told ABC in an interview.

at all, he said, "I disagree with that.

We're seeing great momentum in Iowa. We're seeing standing only crowds.

What I see is that voters haven't committed to any candidate yet. In Iowa, in these early

Kashmir can't be avoided in talks: Germany ISLAMABAD: Germany has said that "deep issues" like Kashmir should be a part of the talks between India and Pakistan as dialogue is the only way to move forward, days after the cancellation of NSA-level talks over India's insistence that Kashmir cannot be on the agenda.

"There are deep issues like

between the two South Asian neighbors.

He was responding to a question about escalation of tension along the LoC after Pakistan called off NSA-level talks set for August 23 when India made it clear that discussions on Kashmir and a meeting with separatists will not be acceptable.

The German Minister also asked Pakistan to step up campaign against militants and target them without any discrimination.

He encouraged Pakistan to continue to work closely with the Afghanistan government and Frank-Walter Steinmeier the international community in Kashmir which cannot be avoided the fight against terrorism. in talks," German Foreign Minis"Close cooperation between ter Frank-Walter Steinmeier said neighboring countries, namely here during a joint press confer- between Afghanistan and Pakience with National Security Ad- stan is a sine qua non for peace viser Sartaj Aziz. and stability - terrorism does not Steninmeier, who arrived here stop at borders. The fight against from Afghanistan leading a del- terrorism has to be carried on in egation of German parliamentar- accordance with the rule of law ians, said talks are the only way and human rights," Steinmeier to move forward in the dialogue added.-PTI

states, they're kicking the tires, they're asking the tough questions. This is a wide open race.

They certainly seem to be attracted to Donald Trump."

A two-term Governor of Louisiana, Jindal is currently ranked 13th among a crowded list of 17 Republican hopefuls.

During the interview, he reiterated his allegations against Democratic presidential front runner Hillary Clinton for using her private server and private email account when she was the US' Secretary of State.

"If any private in the military, other government official had handled classified information the way she is said to have handled, there would have been a court martial, there would have been even criminal prosecution. There would have certainly been consequences. She shouldn't be above the law.

There shouldn't be a different set of rules for our elected leaders than for the rest of us," Jindal said.

It is time Americans de-hyphenated themselves from the country

Indian national shot dead in US WASHINGTON: A 25-year-old Indian national has been shot dead outside his house during an altercation in the US state of Virginia and the police have arrested one person in connection with the murder.

Shaolin Chandam from Manipur was shot several times during an argument in LaSalle Gardens in Hampton, authorities said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Hampton Police Division has arrested 25-year-old Keenan Palmer in connection with the case. The investigation found that the suspect and victim got into a verbal altercation on August 25 during which the suspect displayed a firearm and shot the victim, police said in a statement.

The investigation is on-going, the statement said.

Chandam's mother Suniti Devi, who is in Imphal, told PTI that Shaolin went to the US in 2010 for higher education and was working with a financial consulting firm after completing his studies.

She said the incident could be a robbery case as the suspect was never seen with him before.

The family got to know about his death the next day through his boss. A family friend in Virginia is helping them in bringing the body to India, she said. -PTI

of origin and considered themselves as just Americans, Jindal, born to parents who immigrated from India, said.

"We need to move away from hyphenated Americans. We're not African-Americans, Asian-Americans, Indian-Americans, rich or poor Americans. We're all Americans.

came here to be Americans and they love this country. They wanted to raise their children as Americans," Jindal said.

"We don't make people come here. If they want to come here, they should want to be Americans. Millions of people across this world want to come here. A

Bobby Jindal

"The reason this is so important, immigration without integration is not immigration, it's invasion. My parents are proud of their Indian heritage, but they

smart immigration policy allows people to come here legally that makes our country stronger.

That's just common sense," he added. -PTI

Indian-origin teen plans to sue NYPD NEW YORK: An Indian-origin life," he told the paper. teen, arrested for playing music A judge later tossed the disorfrom his phone on a subway plat- derly conduct case, ruling the New form here, plans to sue the NYPD York Police Department had no after a judge quashed the criminal reason for the arrest. case, a media report said.

"While the complaint states Yadram Singh, 18, arrested for that people were leaving the area playing music from his phone on to avoid defendant, there is no a subway platform on June 13 allegation they were inconveplans to sue the New York Police nienced, annoyed or alarmed, or Department (NYPD) after a judge at risk," Judge David Hawkins tossed the criminal case days later, ruled, noting the officer never the New York Daily News reported.

Singh, who lives in The officer asked him to turn Queens, was going to off the small speaker atRockaway Beach with his friends and family tached to his phone playing when he was ap- music at the Broad proached by a police Channel train station, officer.

The officer asked the officer then brought him to turn off the small Singh to a police station speaker attached to his phone playing music at the Broad warned Singh to turn down the Channel train station, according music. to Singh. The officer then brought Singh's lawyer hailed the Singh to a police station nearby judge's decision. and put him inside a holding pen.

"An experience like this can "I asked him why I was being scar a young man for life," said arrested," Singh recalled, noting Legal Aid attorney Joel Schmidt. the policeman never asked him to "This is not broken windows, it is turn down the music. broken lives." An NYPD spokesSingh spent the night in a cen- man said Singh was charged with tral booking cell before he was re- disorderly conduct "based on the leased without bail. "It was liter- observation of the arresting ofally one of the worst days of my ficer." -PTI

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Bihar will vote for development, says Modi BHAGALPUR, Bihar: At his fourth rally in poll-bound Bihar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attacked chief minister Nitish Kumar for not delivering on his promises and sacrificing his anti-Congress ideology while patting himself on the back for changing the election debate from caste formations to development agenda.

instead of asking him (Modi) to answer. Modi said his own account would surely be presented at the end of his five-year term in 2019.

Responding to the leaders of the Opposition alliance who attacked him at the Swabhiman Rally in Patna on August 30, Modi tried to "expose" the contradictions in

ment had changed the course of Bihar campaign, Modi mocked the financial package announced by Nitish Kumar but said he had at least been forced to discuss development as the election issue.

He said Kumar's Rs.2.7 lakh crore package actually consisted of existing programs and schemes. Indicating that he is staking his pres-

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing a public meeting at Hawai Adda Maidan in Bhagalpur on September 1

Addressing the rally in Bhagalpur, which Modi himself said was being attended by a record breaking number of people, the Prime Minister declared that people of Bihar would, this election, vote for development after 25 years caste-based polls despite all the misinformation campaign.

In order to drive home the point, Modi tried to draw the attention towards the lack of development and backwardness of the state, blaming the JD-U-RJDCongress for it. Reminding voters of the promises made by Nitish Kumar, Modi said it was Kumar who needed to give an account of his government's achievements

the Grand alliance saying that the so-called socialist leaders, Kumar and Lalu, had joined hands with Congress sacrificing the memories of Ram Manohar Lohia, Jayaprakash Narayan and Karpuri Thakur.

As if to counter the campaign against his controversial DNA remarks, Modi tried to compliment the people of Bihar saying that they were "the most intelligent" people in the country and they would not believe the Opposition's attempts to dismiss the Rs 1.65 lakh rupees package for Bihar. He also said that Bihar, with his development plans, will excel.

Reiterating that his announce-

tige in Bihar election, Modi listed his initiatives for Bihar.

He said it was he who first telephoned Nitish Kumar to ask about the impact of April earthquake on Bihar, even before the chief minister knew about it. Again, it was his (Modi's) timely intervention that saved Kosi from flooding and it was he (Modi) who was the first one to extend help when there was a stampede in Gandhi Maidan in Patna. Bhagalpur's was Modi's last rally in the first phase of campaign, named as Parivartan rallies. He has already addressed rallies in Gaya Muzaffarpur, Arrah and Saharsa in the run up to Bihar polls, likely to be held in October- November.-PTI

Sheena Bora's father comes out in open KOLKATA: A week after the sensational Sheena Bora murder case grabbed the spotlight, Siddharth Das, who claims to be her biological father, has came out in the open and said Indrani Mukherjea should be given stringent punishment if she is guilty.

"I don't know whether she has committed the crime but if she (Indrani) has done it, I pray to God that she should be given the most stringent punishment," Das, who claimed to have lived here since 1998, told PTI. Das earlier told a TV channel that he had never officially married Indrani and if she "had murdered (Sheena), she must be hanged".

He also claimed that Mumbai

police did not contact him and he came to know about the case from media.

"I am ready to cooperate with them anytime they call me," he said.

Das claimed that he and Indrani used to live together at her place and Sheena was born in February, 1987 Asked why he had been silent since Indrani's arrest on August 25 for allegedly murdering Sheena, he said, "I have a family

and I do a small job. I feared that it may get disturbed."

Das claimed that he and Indrani used to live together at her place and Sheena was born in February, 1987 while Mikhail was born in September the next year.

He claimed that Indrani left him in 1989 but "no reason was given by her. May be she was not satisfied with the status I was having".

On why he did not take the responsibility of raising Sheena and Mikhail, Das said, "They were at in my in-laws' place. They wanted to keep them. I wanted to take care of them but I was not given a chance".

Das said that he had spoken to Sheena when she was in tenth standard.

'Anti reservation protests due to fewer jobs' WASHINGTON: India's reser- cause the private sector has not vation system is under attack be- been able to add to new jobs and cause its rapid economic growth as a result government positions has not resulted in an increase in are in greater demand than ever, private-sector jobs, a noted expert Krishna said. has said.

"More than half a million com"One reason why caste-based pete each year for the 100 or so quotas have become a flashpoint positions in the elite Indian Adis because India's rapid economic ministrative Service. In addition, growth has not resulted in any in 1990, India's central governgreat increase in private-sector ment extended job reservations to jobs," said Anirudh Krishna, a a less well-defined category of professor of public policy at Duke University who worked 14 ‘The determination of which years in the Indian Ad- group qualifies as backward ministrative Service. remains murky and is left India's growth path has relied heavily on largely to the calculations of the high-tech services vote-seeking politicians, sector, staffed by relatively few highly- rather than being based on trained specialists. clear-cut criteria’ All but 8 per cent of working-age Indians are currently employed in the in- Other Backward Castes," he said. formal sector - where people have "The determination of which no security of tenure, no benefits, group qualifies as backward reno legal contract, and thus no pro- mains murky and is left largely to tection against under-payment or the calculations of vote-seeking arbitrary dismissal, Krishna who politicians, rather than being works on democracy in develop- based on clear-cut criteria that can ing nations said. be applied fairly across the board.

He said there had always been Ironically, in order to move forcontroversy about caste quotas ward, castes agitate to be declared in government job recruitment and backward," Krishna said. "When career advancement, which were the economic logic motivating ininstituted soon after India became dividual caste agitators meets the an independent nation. political logic of party organizaIn recent decades, economics tions, mayhem of the kind we are and politics have combined forces seeing currently in Gujarat will to worsen the controversy. Be- naturally result," he said. -PTI

Indian guilty of sending damaging comp code NEW YORK: A 33-year-old In- manager at a company located in dian IT manager has pleaded North Carolina that developed guilty to sending damaging com- platforms for the creation of moputer code to servers at his former bile applications and subseemployer, causing a loss of USD quently left the firm to work for 5000 to firm's intellectual property. another technology company.

Nikhil Nilesh Shah of New JerAccording to facts presented sey pleaded guilty before US to the court in connection with his Magistrate Judge Robert Numbers of the Eastern District of North Shah sent malicious comCarolina to one felony puter code to his former count of causing the company's computer servtransmission of computer code and as a re- ers in Durham and Raleigh, sult damaging comput- North Carolina ers, said Assistant Attorney General Leslie R Caldwell plea agreement, in June 2012, of the Justice Department's Crimi- Shah sent malicious computer nal Division. code to his former company's Shah is scheduled to be sen- computer servers in Durham and tenced in December this year.

Raleigh, North Carolina, causing According to the indictment, at least USD 5,000 in damage and from 2007 to March 2012, Shah deleting much of the company's was an information technology intellectual property. -PTI

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September 4, 2015

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9

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Tweet to Swaraj saves sister India seal Lanka series 2-1 with 117-run win from traffickers DUBAI: A 33-year-old Indian aspiring air hostess, who traveled to the UAE to fulfill her dream but was allegedly held captive by traffickers, has been rescued after Sushma Swaraj intervened following her brother's desperate tweet to the External Affairs Minister.

"Need help for rescuing my sister from UAE. She went to UAE for a job on 14th but now locked up in a room. Please contact," read Dev Tamboli's first tweet to Swaraj on August 21.

"She has been kept captive with some other girls. And are even beaten Pls help," Tamboli, who works in Qatar, said in a second tweet.

Hours later, Swaraj tweeted back promising to intervene.

"I have asked our ambassador in the UAE to help. He will speak to you and do the needful," she said.

Tamboli said minutes after Swaraj's tweet, he got a call from Indian envoy to the UAE T P Seetharam, the Gulf News re-

The next day, Swaraj tweeted to Tamboli with the good news: "We have rescued your sister with the help of local police.

She is being moved to a shelter home ported.

What followed was a concerted effort by police in Al Ain - where the 33-year-old woman was held captive, embassy officials and some Indian community leaders to

find and rescue her from the trafficking ring.

The next day, Swaraj tweeted to Tamboli with the good news: "We have rescued your sister with the help of local police. She is being moved to a shelter home run by the Indian embassy."

This is the latest episode in which Swaraj promptly offered help to Indians in distress abroad.

Earlier this month, the Minister also promised to bring back Gita, the deaf and mute Indian woman stuck in Pakistan for more than a decade after Pakistani human rights activist Ansar Burney's tweet about her.

"My sister is safe now and soon after finishing some formalities, she will be sent home... I am thankful to UAE and Indian authorities for all the help," a relieved Tamboli was quoted as saying by the paper. -PTI

COLOMBO: India on Tuesday September 1 clinched their first Test series victory on Sri Lankan soil in 22 years with an emphatic 117-run win over the hosts in the third and final cricket Test despite a valiant century by rival skipper Angelo Mathews.

After setting a daunting victory target of 386, India managed to dismiss the Sri Lankans for 268 on a wicket which slowed down considerably to wrap up the series 2-

frustrate the Indians.

The duo put on a resolute 135run partnership for the sixth wicket, the second-highest stand in the fourth innings in Sri Lanka's Test history. Roy Dias and Duleep Mendis hold the record of biggest fourth innings partnership with a 214- run stand.

Off-spinner R Ashwin was the pick of the Indian bowlers with four for 69 while paceman Ishant Sharma scalped three for 32.

Mullah Omar sheltered by ISI: Clinton email WASHINGTON: Top Taliban leader Mullah Omar was sheltered

by Pakistan's powerful spy agency ISI after the outfit's leadership fled from Afghanistan in 2001, according to an email received by former secretary of state Hillary Clinton during her tenure.

Mullah Omar is reported to have died at a hospital in Karachi two years ago. However, till date the Pakistani authorities have strongly refuted reports of direct links between ISI and Mullah Omar.

The US too has insisted that it has no such evidence in this regard. However, an email written to Clinton on August 25, 2010 indicates otherwise.

"I'm sure you know the facts in this well-informed piece, how Mullah Omar was saved by ISI, for example, but the idea of Afghanistan as an aspect of lndo-Pak war is the best and overarching strategic concept," wrote one Sid to Clinton.

The full name and email of the author has been redacted.

The mail is among the tranche of emails from Clinton's private server which were released by the State Department.

The comment in email is on top

of an article 'The military and the mullah' written by William Dalrymple in New Statesman, which said that the Pakistani state has a long history of nurturing jihadis as a means of dominating Afghanistan and undermining India.

"It is proving a fatal alliance,"

Mullah Omar

the article said.

According to the article, ISI gave refuge to the leadership of the Taliban after it fled from Afghanistan in 2001.

"Mullah Mohammed Omar was kept in an ISI safehouse in Quetta; his militia was lodged in the sprawling suburb of Pashtunabad," it said.

"There, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar presided over the Taliban military committee and war chest.

Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, the leader

of Hizb-e-lslami, was lured back from exile in Iran and allowed to operate freely outside Peshawar, while Jalaluddin Haqqani, one of the most violent Taliban commanders, was given sanctuary in North Waziristan.

"Other groups were dispatched to safe houses in Balochistan," the article said. And the article says by 2004, the US had filmed Pakistani army trucks delivering Taliban fighters at the Afghan border and recovering them a few days later; wireless monitoring at the US base at Bagram picked up Taliban commanders arranging with Pakistani army officers at the border for safe passage as they came in and out of Afghanistan.

"Western intelligence agencies concluded that the ISI was running a full training program for the Afghan Taliban, turning a blind eye as they raised funds in the Gulf and allowing them to import materiel, mainly via Dubai.

"By 2005 the Taliban, with covert Pakistani support, were launching a full-scale assault on NATO troops in Afghanistan and being given covering fire as they returned to their bases in Pakistan," the report said. -PTI

Indian cricketers pose with the trophy after they won the test cricket series against Sri Lanka in Colombo, Sri Lanka on September 1

1, their first overseas series victory since June, 2011 against the West Indies.

It was new captain Virat Kohli's first series win ever since he took over reins of the team from Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

On an absorbing final day's play, the visitors took two quick wickets in the morning session before Mathews (110) and debutant Kusal Perera (70) scripted a spirited fightback to

Umesh Yadav chipped in with two for 65.

The last time an Indian team won a series in Sri Lanka was way back in 1993 under Mohammed Azharuddin's leadership when they sealed the series with 1-0 scoreline.

The fifth day's action was not devoid of drama as more on-field altercation took place with Kusal Perera being involved in a heated exchange with Indian players.-PTI

Indian arrested in Dubai over default charges DUBAI: An India-based jewellery group's owner has been arrested by Dubai police following allegations of default against him by a number of banks, a media report said.

Kerala-based MM Ramchandran, founder of Atlas Jewellery group, was arrested by police last week. Later on, his wife and daughter were also held following allegations of default adding up to millions, Gulf News said.

A security official said that five cases were filed by banks against Ramachandran in three different police stations in Dubai, the paper reported.

"The total amount is Dirham 50 million (nearly Rs 100 crore), the biggest bounced cheque is worth

Dh 34 million and the case was lodged at Bur Dubai police station, where he was brought in on August 23," it added.

Investigations said Ramachandran owes approximately Dh 550 million (over Rs 1,000 crore) to 15 banks, and police are expecting more reports against him when other cheques are due.

Banks that were involved in extending credit facilities to Ramachandran are firm on planning a strategy to recover a total of Dh 550 million owed to them.

They are acting together and are considering along with other jewellery groups to take over the branches of showrooms, the report said.-PTI

10

SATYAGRAH BOUND Indian Americans Making A Difference

India Post

September 4, 2015

www.indiapost.com

S

atyagrah Souls is a monthly column highlighting the achieve ments of Indian Americans locally and beyond, raising political awareness for our readers by presenting such role-models of inspiration for each of us to strive for similar uplifting purposes to reach higher zeniths of fulfillment.

We Indian Americans are going through a transitional evolution, as we get entrenched, establishing ourselves in this free world, exerting our zealous work ethics and citizenship values as

we do some good - as entrepreneurs, high tech geeks, doctors, lawyers and more.

We are imposing our goodwill upon this fantastic country. But in quiet moments we may concur that our involvement can run a bit deeper to make a better impact over issues near and dear to our hearts. We have this pinching feeling in our conscience of a task that needed our say. Are we doing enough?

Yes we can get involved! Our involvement can simply start with developing a healthy curiosity in our local com-

Her Congress bid to keep alive American Dream

John, Lathika and Luke in Tallahassee, FL.

T

hat was a proud moment for many Indian Americans in Florida to see you announce your run for Congress. What prompted you to announce your run? What has been your

involvement with politics and policies thus far?

My parents came to this country from India legally in 1972. They came here with

munity, instead of being 'busy' bystanders. Once we get involved, we quickly discover, how easy it is for us to impact change and how freeing and energizing the experience is; personally rewarding and transformative at the same time.

There are some of us who are already beginning to or have made their mark in doing just that. With this monthly series, we want to highlight these SatyAgrah souls as inspiration for all of us. Here is a satyaGrah soul, who has embarked upon a path not trodden‌

A MONTHLY SERIES - BY

RISHI KUMAR

L

et us meet Lathika Mary Thomas, a mom, a wife, an attorney, a first generation American and a strong conservative Republican. Mary is challenging Congresswoman Gwen Graham for the seat in the Second Congressional District. If elected, Mary would make history as the first IndianAmerican woman elected to Congress.

Mary was born in Charleston, South Carolina to immigrant parents who arrived in America from India in 1972 with their educations and their hopes of living the American dream. Mary is a graduate of the Florida State University College of Law. She also holds a Masters of Law from the University of Miami and a Bachelors degree from the University of South Florida. Mary has lived in Tallahassee for over a decade. She has been a member of Governor Rick Scott's Administration since he was sworn into office in January 2011.

Mary currently serves as the General Counsel at the Department of Elder Affairs where she manages and oversees the legal department of an agency that administers an approximately $900 million budget. During her time in the Scott Administration, Mary has worked closely

their educations and a determination to work hard and live the American dream.

Through hard work, self-sufficiency, and perseverance, they were able to start a successful medical practice.

My family's story is a shining example of the American Dream. Unfortunately, today our government is hampering the American dream by imposing, among many other things, high taxes and burdensome regulations. I want to serve in Congress to ensure that the American dream is alive and well for the next generation like my son Luke.

I am not a politician and this is my first run for public office. However, I have been a top attorney for Florida Governor Rick Scott where I have worked closely on issues that directly impact the citizens, busi-

on issues that directly impact the citizens, businesses, military installations

Attorney Lathika Mary Thomas

and environment of the Second Congressional District. As a member of the Gulf Winds Track and Triathlon Clubs, Mary has participated in over 50 road races and triathlons in locations across the Second District.

nesses, military installations, and environment of the Second Congressional District.

My experience includes: serving as the Governor's representative in negotiations regarding the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill; developing strategies to protect the Apalachicola Bay from Georgia's unchecked consumption of water, strategies that ultimately resulted in the filing of a lawsuit against Georgia in the U.S. Supreme Court; and helping to solve military base encroachment issues around the Panhandle's military installations.

I have also worked to eliminate burdensome state regulations to ensure that Florida has a business friendly climate.

Cont’ d on page 11

September 4, 2015

SATYAGRAH BOUND Indian Americans Making A Difference

India Post

11

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Congress bid to keep alive American Dream Cont’ d from page 10

A mom, a wife, an attorney, a first-generation American and a minority. These are huge differentiators for you in this race.

Do you see aspirations for public office in this country conducive for women and minorities?

are business owners, these initiatives would greatly benefit the Indian-American community.

nity service effervescent. Rishi Kumar is the President of the Bay Area Indian American Democratic Club (www.baiadc.org)

cal standards in the political system. Rishi would love to get your recommendations for coverage of engaged Indian American

America is in a lot of fiscal trouble because the typical politicians have not been able to fix our economy. I believe we need new, fresh perspectives in office. My experiences as a mom, a professional woman and a first-generation Indian-American will be a welcome and new change.

How important are race and ethnic issues for you? You as an elected leader - how invested are you to address issues that are important to ethnic minorities and our Indian American Community.

I believe that through hard work, selfsufficiency and perseverance, all Americans, regardless of where they come from, have the same opportunities to succeed in our great country.

So far only three Indian-Americans have been elected to the US Congress: Dalip Singh Saundh, Bobby Jindal and Ami Bera. A few years ago we had 14 running for Congress and only one make it through. What should we as a community be doing to succeed politically?

Our community must rally behind IndianAmerican candidates. I would personally ask that all Indian-Americans who want to see one of our own elected to Congress, please visit my website http:// www.runwithmary.com and make a contribution to my campaign.

Are you relying upon the Indian vote?

What is your take on Indian Americans involvement in local politics, with issues and with exercising our right to vote?

Voting is the most fundamental of all American rights. As we have seen in past elections in Florida, every vote counts. Every American over the age or 18 should vote.

Those who vote are truly represented because they're the citizens making the decisions on who is elected to office.

Once you win, how do you see yourself shaping Florida politics with the impact you seek to bring?

Currently, the federal government is impeding the growth of businesses by imposing high taxes and burdensome regulations.

I will work to bring a more business friendly climate to our country so that we can return, once again, to being the land of opportunity that my parents sought when they came to the U.S. I believe American tax policy needs to be fully reformed and I support the adoption of a flat or fair tax to achieve this. Because so many Indian-Americans

Lathika Thomas, and her husband with Florida Governor Rick Scott.

Thank you Mary and all the best to you on your run! May GodSpeed be with you Dear Readers Do you have a story to share? We invite you to introduce us to folks in your community who are making a difference - we would love to profile them. Are there similar stories you are familiar with locally. The ones who helped address a simple issue in the community to make life a bit better. Perhaps someone you know decided to make a run for school board, was appointed to the planning commission. Provide us your insights on Indian Americans locally and nationally who are making things happen. These perspectives will help construct roadmaps for our community to empower ourselves, to hopefully ignite a desire in all of us to represent our local communities as doers, leaders, establish and entrench ourselves in this glorious country of America and help make it a better place *********** ABOUT RISHI: Rishi is Silicon Valley's energizer bunny deeply engaged in his local community leveraging his background in hi-tech, politics and policy making. He is an elected city councilmember in Saratoga, CA who continues to follow his passion as a community-organizer towards community service and community building. Rishi's day job is as a Silicon Valley hi-tech executive but his zeal for commu-

whose charter is to further the interests and values of Indian Americans, work towards political empowerment and advance ethi-

leaders who are trailblazers in your community. You can reach him via his website www.RishiKumar.com.

12

September 4, 2015

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Realty Tidbits

Richa Realtors eyes Rs 1,500 crore revenue MUMBAI: Riding high on the growing demand for affordable housing, city-based developer Richa Realtors plans to touch 10 million sq ft of residential development in the next five years and is eyeing up to Rs 1,500 crore revenue during the period.

The company, which has presence in cities like Mumbai and Pune is also looking at expanding its footprints in Delhi and Bangalore.

"There is a huge demand for affordable housing and the supply is less. In Pune and Mumbai we have been focusing on redevelopmet projects apart from few greenfield developments.

"Taking into consideration the number of projects we will take up over the period, we are confident of achieving up to Rs 1,500 crore in the next five years," company's Chief Executive Sandeep Ahuja told PTI. He said the company is planning to touch 10 million sq ft of residential space in the next five years, which will also include certain projects in Delhi and Bangalore.

Ahuja said the company is in talks with few land owners in Gurgaon for undertaking joint development projects and looking at greenfield housing development in Bangalore.

"There is a huge scope for JDA in Delhi. There is huge scope in Bangalore market as well mainly backed by the growing demand for housing near workplace," he said. -PTI

„ Lake Michigan lodge for sale has beach GLENN, Mich.: For sale: a Lake Michigan lodge from the early 1900s that sleeps 45 and has its own chapel.

The Grand Rapids Press says the Sunset Lodge in Glenn in western Michigan is on the market for $1.5 million. It comes with 252 feet of Lake Michigan beach, 50 miles southwest of Grand Rapids.

Lynette Colmey and her late husband purchased it in 1994. It has attracted families, corporate retreats and even high school football teams.

The Chicago Diocese of the Episcopal Church built the lodge more than 100 years ago as a summer destination for single women and girls. Visitors arrived from Chicago by boat.

Real estate agent Nancy Stewart says a new buyer will find some maintenance projects. -AP

Real Estate 14 India Post

www.indiapost.com

September 4, 2015

NYC landlords violating rent rules ALBANY, N.Y.: Nearly 200 New York City landlords violated state law by accepting lucrative tax breaks but then failing to extend required rental protections to tenants, authorities have said.

In response, Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, Gov. Andrew Cuomo and New York City housing officials sent compliance notices to the 194 landlords, whose buildings house more than 2,400 families in all five boroughs.

Schneiderman's office said ``a high concentration'' of the buildings are in Brooklyn and most have fewer than 50 units.

Details on Page 15

Industry seeks effective implementation of Smart City projects NEW DELHI: Real estate industry has hailed the announcement of 98 Smart Cities, but said the government should aggressively focus on effective implementation of these projects to stimulate economic growth and improve quality of urban life.

The Confederation of Real Estate Developers' Association of India (CREDAI) also demanded that the private sector should be roped in to realize this mission.

The Centre released the names of 98 cities selected for the Rs 48,000-crore mega Smart Cities project. The remaining two names are pending.

Uttar Pradesh has the maximum of 13 cities to be developed as smart cities, followed by 12 in Tamil Nadu, 10 in Maharashtra and 7 in Madhya Pradesh.

"It is a good initiative by the government but this should be followed through aggressively so that the implementation of Smart Cities become a reality. Private sector should be roped in to realize this mission in whatever way possible," CREDAI President Getamber Anand said.

Property consultant CBRE's South Asia CMD Anshuman Magazine said the successful

development of these Smart Cities would now hinge on their effective implementation and monitoring at both central as well as state levels.

"Huge fund mobilization, gov-

ernment capacity building at the state and city level and public private partnerships will be required for development of these cities. This can be a game changer for India as it can stimu-

Union Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu with Union Chemicals and Fertilisers Minister, Ananth Kumar showing the list of cities chosen for its Smart Cities project at a press conference in New Delhi

late economic growth, besides improve the quality of life for millions of people," Magazine added.

Another realty consultant JLL India's Managing Director (Infrastructure Services) Shubhranshu Pani said the smart city initiative would give a muchneeded boost to the cities and improve the infrastructure livability quotient of urban India.

"More importantly, it will boost employment because of the new projects being executed, which in turn will improve the country's GDP. The phased approach of deployment, starting with 24 this year and 40 next year and so on is definitely the right way to go," Pani added.

The JLL official also said that many of the Smart Cities projects would need significantly more funding than initially envisaged by the government.

"The scale of funding will be as high as 20-40 times the resources allocated by the government. Many urban local bodies are not geared up for this to raise that much public money, as their books are in deficit and loss. Superior funding mechanisms have to be brought out," he added. -PTI

SAT rejects Rose Valley plea on refunds NEW DELHI: The Securities and Appellate Tribunal (SAT) has rejected a plea by Rose Valley Real Estate and Construction seeking more time to sell the properties, for making refund to investors, belonging to Kolkatabased company and its directors.

The SAT, in December 2014, had passed an order directing the company and its directors to sell the properties belonging to them under the supervision of Sebi within six months so that the sale proceeds received thereof are distributed to the investors from whom the money has been collected.

In this case, Rose Valley and its director had mobilized huge amount from investors through

unauthorized Collective Investment Scheme (CIS) activities.

Meanwhile, Rose Valley's counsel has approached Calcutta High Court in April this year.

Seeking more time to sell the

SAT, however, observed that the same counsel, Sudipto Sarkar, who had appeared before the Tribunal in December 2014 and agreed to sell the properties under Sebi's supervision, appeared

Dismissing the company's plea, SAT has directed Sebi to take appropriate steps in the matter so that interest of investors is properly secured. properties for refund to investors, the company had submitted before SAT that its properties were being sold under the supervision of a committee constituted by the Calcutta High Court as the committee would take some time to sell the properties.

before the High Court and submitted that an independent person should be appointed, under the supervision of the High Court, to sell the properties.

"When this Tribunal passed an order on December 15, 2014 directing that the properties be sold

under the supervision of Sebi, it was not proper on part of Sarkar, to submit before the High Court that an independent person should be appointed to sell the properties," the Tribunal said in an order.

SAT said that the "conduct of the appellants is highly deplorable."

Dismissing the company's plea, SAT has directed Sebi to take appropriate steps in the matter so that interest of investors is properly secured.

"In any event, as on date, jurisdiction of Sebi to supervise sale of properties belonging to the appellants as ordered by this Tribunal stands divested pursuant to the order passed by the High Court. -PTI

September 4, 2015

Real Estate Post

India Post 15

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Church seeks rezoning of industrial site PITTSFIELD, Ill.: A church's proposal to build a new facility on the site of a former pellet plant in Pike County is raising legal questions related to rezoning.

The Crossing church is seeking a rezoning change from industrial to agricultural on the site near Interstate 72 and U.S. 54 in Pittsfield, because county zoning only allows churches in agricultural areas but not industrial zones. The church wants to purchase and renovate the building for its services and activities.

The request will be considered by the county's planning commission and zoning board, The Quincy Herald-Whig reported. But the decision ultimately will be up to the full County Board.

In July, the planning commission denied the request partly due to concerns over the potential to lose industrial site and tax revenue. The request was tabled because the zoning board questioned whether it had jurisdiction due to the federal religious land use and institutionalized persons law.

The county likely will be forced to accept the church's rezoning request, because the federal law essentially prohibits placing a ``substantial burden'' on the free exercise of religion without a compelling reason, according to State's Attorney Zack Boren.

The Crossing currently holds meetings at one of the

NYC landlords violating rent rules ALBANY, N.Y.: Nearly 200 New York City landlords violated state law by accepting lucrative tax breaks but then failing to extend required rental protections to tenants, authorities have said.

In response, Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, Gov. Andrew Cuomo and New York City housing officials sent compliance notices to the 194 landlords, whose buildings house more than 2,400 families in all five boroughs.

Schneiderman's office said ``a high concentration'' of the buildings are in Brooklyn and most have fewer than 50 units.

The landlords received what are known as 421-A tax breaks, which made their buildings subject to regulations covering rental increases. But Schneiderman and the other officials say they failed to comply with that part of the law.

In these cases, Schneiderman's office says the landlords had indicated to housing officials that they planned to turn

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman

their units into condominiums - thus exempting the units from rental protections. But after the real estate crash of 2008, the units were again rented at market rates.

The notices are part of a new crackdown intended to ensure landlords and real estate developers follow the law, according to the attorney general's office. ``Landlords of rental buildings who accept these tax incentives must follow through on their end of the bargain and offer rent-regulated leases to their tenants,'' said Schneiderman, a Democrat.

Cuomo, a Democrat, said the state will ``not tolerate'' landlords who break the law. -AP

former JDL buildings in Pittsfield's industrial park. The church looked at several sites and asked the city if I could buy the building where it now meets before pursuing the

In July, the planning commission denied the request partly due to concerns over the potential to lose industrial site and tax revenue.

shuttered pellet plant. ``They substantially exhausted their options. They looked at a lot of buildings,'' Boren said. ``I would be hardpressed to say it's not a substantial burden on their free exercise of religion to deny it.''

Additionally, the church doesn't have the funds to build a facility, and trying to preserve a taxable real estate in the county probably wouldn't be a ``compelling reason'' to deny the request, Boren said.

But if the request is denied, the Crossing could take the county to court. -AP

Desi News After Milkha, it's Mohinder Singh Gill!

India Post News Service

FREMONT: Another incident of an Indian athlete disillusioned by our politics and bureaucratic bottlenecks was brought to light at the recently held Festival of Globe Silicon Valley. Legendary athlete Mohinder Singh Gill, a 1972 Summer Olympian triple jumper and Arjuna Awardee, was honored

by Indians on foreign shores at the Festival of Globe Silicon Valley.

It was also announced that a biopic about Mohinder Singh Gill is to be made by Silicon Valley based company Smart We Creatives along with four young men - Chet Jain, writer Sandeep Nath, actor Prashantt Guptha and Jitender Grewal. An Indian-American actor has also been roped in to play the role of the sportsman.

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA

16 India Post

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The secrets of Krishna's Divine Descension

September 4, 2015

Amb Singh hails Indo-US ties at triumphant visit to Minneapolis India Post News Service

MINNEAPOLIS, MN: Indian Ambassador Arun Kumar Singh paid a three-day visit to Minneapolis, MN from August 2 to 4 to

and 'Clean India', including reforms in the business, investment and financial sectors. He invited the Minnesotan companies to take advantage of the huge opportunities thrown open in India in all

emerged as Minnesota's second biggest export partner among all BRICS countries with exports from Minnesota to India almost tripling from $86.9 million to $ 321.9 million in 2014. Last year alone wit-

Details on page 24

Celebrating Raksha Bandhan at Grays Lake Temple GEETHA PATIL

CHICAGO : A traditional welcome with Kalash, Tilak, and Swagath Mantras was performed by the temple priest Pt. Yogesh of Hindu Mandir, Grayslake, a far west suburb of Chicago on the evening of Friday, 28 Aug for president of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Ashok Singhal and the members of VHP of America (VHPA), Chicago Chapter.

Past President of the temple, Dr Harsh Kumar whole-heartedly welcomed Shri Singhal along with the VHP dignitaries, guests and the audience to the function.

Details on page 19

Words of wisdom flow from Sadhvi Ritambhara India Post News Service

SUNNYVALE: More than 300 people came to listen and get the blessings of Sadhvi Ritambhara, popularly called Didi Maa on Tuesday August 25 evening in Sunnyvale Hindu Temple. The event was organized by the Bay Area supporters of Param Shakti Peeth of USA, along with Sunnyvale Hindu temple.

Sadhvi Ritambharaji has emerged as one of the most prominent Indian spiritualists in the contemporary times.

Details on page 22

Details on page 26

Lamp Lighting Ceremony at Minneapolis Health Care summit

inaugurate the US-India Healthcare Summit and also meet MN Governor Mark Dayton besides other key economic officials of the State of Minnesota.

The Ambassador took time to interact with the officials of the University of Minnesota, leading US companies and members of the Indian Diaspora.

Governor Mark Dayton hosted a meeting held at his St. Paul residence in honor of the visiting Ambassador and the meet was attended by several key economic officials of Minnesota, including Ms Katie Clark-Seiben, Commissioner of Trade and Laurence Reszetar, Director, FDI, Minnesota Trade Office.

Ambassador Singh briefed the Governor on the growing strategic and economic convergence in the bilateral relations between India and the United States following two visits by President Barack Obama to India, the last one being as the Chief Guest for India's Republic Day celebrations in January 2015, and the landmark visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to USA in September 2014.

Ambassador Singh mentioned about the several initiatives that are being taken by the Government of India such as 'Smart Cities', 'Make in India', 'Digital India'

Ambassador Arun Singh addressing the gathering

these sectors in general and the medical sector, including R&D and manufacture of high-tech medical devices and renewable energy in particular.

Ambassador Singh also highlighted the growing Indian investments in the United States adding that Minnesota figures among the top five states in which the Indian companies have invested over US

nessed a 70% percent increase in exports from Minnesota to India.

US-India Healthcare Summit The US-India Healthcare Summit, held from August 3 to 5 at The Commons Hotel in Minneapolis, Minnesota, was organized by the India Chamber of Commerce, USA

were Dr Ausaf Sayeed, Consul General of India in Chicago, Dr Edward Ehlinger, Commissioner of Health, Minnesota, Dr Patricia Simmons, Board of Regents at the University of Minnesota and Seann Nelipinath, Chairman of India Chamber of Commerce, USA. The Summit was also attended

by Government officials, medical practitioners, global healthcare business leaders, medical device companies, pharma companies, researchers and service providers for the healthcare eco-system from US and India. The theme of the Summit was to bring together all the entities that contribute to the overall delivery of healthcare with the main focus on cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and public health. The Summit was also aimed at integrating the 'Make in India' concept with healthcare expertise in Minnesota.

On August 4, Ambassador Singh delivered a Keynote address at the Special Plenary of the Summit: Government Circle/CEOs Circle during which he emphasized on the need for building strong partnership between Minnesota and India in the field of healthcare in view of the synergy existing between the two sides in this key area. He also pitched for the need for integration of the 'Make In India' concept with healthcare for mutual benefit of both countries.

Meetings with CEOs of US Companies & University On August 3, the Ambassador met with CEOs of US Companies over a Breakfast Round Table at the MinneAmbassador Singh with Gov Dayton, Consul General Dr Sayeed and others apolis Club, which was hosted by the in partnership with the Consu- India Chamber of Commerce, USA $1.8 billion.

Consul General Dr Ausaf late General of India, Chicago. in partnership with Greater MSPThe Summit attended by about Minneapolis Saint Paul Regional Sayeed mentioned that the total trade between India and Minne- 150, was inaugurated on August 3 Economic Development Partnersota increased by nearly 40% from by Ambassador Arun Kumar Singh ship & the Economic Club of Min$ 296.624 million in 2013 to $ 416.29 jointly with Lt. Governor of Min- nesota.

Cont’d on page 19 million in 2014. India has now nesota Tina Smith. In attendance

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Chicago elites meet & greet Ambassador Singh A.Q. SIDDIQUI India Post News Service

Chicago: The Indian Consulate General in Chicago hosted a reception dinner at the Chicago Yacht Club to honor the Indian Ambassador to the United States, Arun Kumar Singh, on Thursday, August 27 evening.

This was the first visit of the Indian Ambassador to the city. The "Meet & Greet" event was well-planned and executed by

same values of freedom, human rights, and multi-cultural societies. Like America, India stands for its multi-linguistic and pluralistic culture where 970 million Hindus live with 172 million Muslims, the second largest Muslim population in the world, 24 million Christians, and 19 million Sikhs and others.

He quoted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying, "Our differences do not divide us but define us…We grew up in the midst of diversity and differ-

Group of Indian leaders with Ambassador Arun Singh at Meet and Greet Event in Chicago

the consulate team headed by the Indian Consul General, Dr Ausaf Sayeed. Top Indian-American business persons, social and community activists, along with other local dignitaries were invited for the dinner reception.

Ambassador Arun Singh, holding a Master's degree in economics, has focused on Indian business development and investment. Earlier in the day, he already had a meeting with the top business persons and discussed more business opportunities between the United States and India.

Addressing the large gathering in his honor, the Ambassador said that the United States and India share much in common as the distinctive pluralistic nations. The two great democracies of the world share the

ences," he said, "and this is the message India sends to the world. The success of India is not important for India but for the world." The Ambassador also hailed the

Chicago business meeting with Ambassador SURENDRA ULLAL

Ambassador Singh addressing an elite group at a meet hosted by Smita Shah of Delhi Sister City committee

CHICAGO: Andrew Spinelli of World Business Chicago and Smita N. Shah of the Delhi Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International hosted a business meeting with Ambassador Arun Singh. Over 40 organizations were in attendance, ranging from large multinational companies, to small and medium sized enterprises.

The event was hosted at the Art Institute of Chicago by Director Douglas Druiker.

The Art Institute just completed a 4 year initiative with India's Ministry of Culture to expand the program of Indian Arts.

At the end of the program, Ms. Shah presented the Ambassador with the book,

East Meets West, about Swami Vivekananda's world renowned trip to Chicago in 1893 for the World's Columbian Exposition.

"In 1893, the world came to Chicago to showcase the latest advances in science, technology, and engineering, but recognized the importance of including a cultural component by hosting the Parliament of World Religions. It is appropriate that the business meeting is concluded with a presentation of a book remembering Swami Vivekananda at the location where he gave his remarks," noted Niranjan S. Shah, vice chairman of the Delhi Committee.

Indian-American presence in many distin- duced to the Ambassador and he shared guished fields as doctors, hoteliers, pro- his views on the H1 visa, economy, and fessionals, and students. business investment.

Earlier, Consul General Dr Ausaf Sayeed The Ambassador is also reported to welcomed all and introduced the Ambassador to the IndianAmericans of Chicago and others. He briefly spoke about the Ambassador's previous foreign assignments. Singh took over in Washington in April of this year. He was A group of Indian community leaders with Ambassador Arun Singh and the Indian AmCG Dr Ausuf Sayeed bassador in France before coming to the United States. have met the Mayor of Chicago, Rahm Dr Sayeed also personally led the Ambas- Emanuel, for business promotion and later, sador to each table and introduced him to he delivered a keynote address at the World the Indian community members. Noted Business Round Table conference held in among the invited guests were Niranjan Chicago. Accompanied by Consul General Shah, Balvinder Singh, Babu Patel, Iftekhar Dr Ausaf Sayeed, the Ambassador also met Shareef, Babu Verma, Keerthi Kumar and had productive discussions with IlliRavoori, and ethnic media persons. nois Governor Brauce Rauner's Economic A brief press conference was also sched- Team led by James Schultz, Director of the uled soon after the dinner was finished. Illinois Department of Commerce & EcoLocal Indian media persons were intro- nomic Opportunity.

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Catch 22 - Quota on caste basis or economic condition!

SUDHIR VYAS

EDISON: Even as the Patels in Gujarat are agitating for inclusion in the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category, prominent Patel community leaders in the Tri-State area here feel otherwise. They were of the unanimous opinion that reservation should not be based on the last name of any individual but it should solely be done on the basis of their economic situation.

guilty.

Asked if he felt anyone was supporting Hardik Patel, the new messiah of the Patel's in Gujarat, Ramesh Patel said, "he felt there was some political game plan in the entire agitation as a 22-year old cannot do such micro-management of an agitation of such magnitude. This entire agitation should be investigated by an in-

Ramesh Patel and Chandrakant Patel

Chandrakant Patel, president of the Overseas Friends of Bharatiya Janata party (OFBJP) told this correspondent that "for the past 65 years we have given enough opportunity for the Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) to raise their standard of living. Now it is time to put them on level playing ground".

Patel said, "Reservation should not be given on basis of caste or religion. It should be solely based on their economic condition. India cannot afford the reservation policy if it has to open its gate for foreign direct investment", he added.

Ramesh Patel, Chairman of the Federation of Indian Association (FIA) also supported the view of the OFBJP leader. He said "it is time to abolish the reservation policy. Everyone should be treated equally. The reservation window was only for 10 years but our politicians kept on playing with it for their vote bank policies and India has already paid a heavy price for it thus far".

The FIA chief also said, "Today if we give reservation to the Patels then tomorrow other castes will also rise and demand the same reservation. It will be jungle Raj then." He added "people who are economically distressed must be given some preferential treatment like free schooling, free books or free transportation and other amenities but not all".

"All Patel's are not affluent and so is the case with other castes who are not so affluent, so there must not be any reservation for any caste but financial aid could be given to the oppressed caste and communities", he opined.

Ramesh was also against the police brutality unleashed on the people and strict action should be taken against all those who are

dependent agency so that the truth can come out. It was also wrong on part of Hardik to say that he would love if he could be identified as Sardar Patel. In the next 1000 years another Sardar Patel will not be born and this was a publicity stunt by Hardik who has very little standing in the community, leave aside in the country".

Chandrakant Patel of Chowpatty restaurant and past president of the Indian Business Association (IBA) also felt that "the entire agitation was uncalled for and seemed as a political scandal. He was not sure who the bigger players were. There is no doubt that looking to the way the entire agitation was planned and implemented, it is clear that lots of money power was being unleashed."

According to Chandrakantbhai, "it was clear that the agitation was aimed at creating a rift between communities for petty political gains as the Patidars

would not fight for a cause which has no constitutional backing. I would also like an independent inquiry in the way the police handled the situation. It reminded us all of the Navnirman agitation during the days of late Chief Minister Chimanbhai Patel and also the agitation that robbed Madhavsinh Solanki of his chief ministership in 1984.

While the issue of quota issue has united the Patel community, it has also pitted them against other communities. In Gujarat, 146 castes and communities are under the OBC category. These communities are conscious of the fact that the inclusion of Patels in the OBC list would effectively mean that the lion's share would be grabbed by the community and the needy ones would continue to be deprived.

The Patel, Leuva and Karva communities have substantive landholding, wide ranging business interests and interests in both trade and industry. Politically, Patels have been single most dominant community for past several decades. They constitute around one fifth of the 182-member Gujarat legislative assembly.

Half dozen MPs from the state are from the community.

Chief Minister Anandiben Patel is from the community. Saurav Patel, Nitin Patel and Rajni Patel are among most powerful ministers holding charge of most critical departments. Their total strength in the council of ministers is far more than any other community. Seven members of the community have been chief ministers in the past. Chimanbhai Patel was the first one from the community to become chief minister way back in 1973 and held the post twice. Babubhai J Patel and Keshubhai Patel also held the

Chief Minister's post twice each.

Anandiben Patel has been in charge of the state since Narendra Modi left to become Prime Minister.

Incidentally, the Patels were opposed to OBC quota when VP Singh implemented the Mandal Commission recommendations.

They have obviously reversed that position. There is a feeling among the Patels that it is all right to be in commanding position in politics but that power is only temporary as elections have to be held every five years. They now believe an entry into government services through reservation will give them permanent positions of influence.

In the last few decades the Patels have virtually come to control 80 percent of private educational institutions in Gujarat and can very well accommodate young boys and girls from their community in the 25 percent management quota they have at their command,

sure on the state government by seeking reservation in education and jobs for their economically weaker members. After holding meeting with the representatives of 400 sub-castes of the community, the All Gujarat Brahm Samaj has prepared an agenda of their demands, which includes reservation to economically weaker members. Their other demands include setting up of a board to look after economically weaker Brahmins, reservation to Brahmin students in education sector among others.

Brahm Samaj president Shailesh Joshi told this correspondent the community did not want a specific quota as such as is the case with Patels who have sought reservation under OBC quota. He said their body wants government to grant reservations to any community solely on the criterion of economic condition in future.

"We are supporting their movement because the man (Hardik) is

"The entire agitation was uncalled for and seemed as a political scandal. He was not sure who the bigger players were. There is no doubt that looking to the way the entire agitation was planned and implemented, it is clear that lots of money power was being unleashed." but they won't do so, a BJP leader said.

Reservations are justified because of the social oppression of certain communities. This oppression has resulted in a lack of opportunity over generations. This has to be reversed over generations, and space has to be created for those communities to integrate themselves socially and economically into the mainstream.

After Patel community, Brahmins in Gujarat have mounted pres-

talking about having a re-look at castes which have had reservation for many years. There's a need to review it now, said Himmat Singh Gujjar, a community leader and close lieutenant of Col Kirori Singh Bainsla, the man who has spearheaded the Gujjar quota stir.

"There are castes, which are no longer backward, neither socially nor economically, because of quota benefits over the years but they continue to claim entitlement."

DC Visa Camp processes 150 applications NEELA PANDYA

WASHINGTON DC: The Embassy of India, Washington DC, through its Service Provider Cox and Kings Global Services (CKGS), organized an Indian Visa Camp at Windsor Mill (Baltimore), Maryland on Saturday, August 29.

The Camp was held with support from ISKCON Baltimore and Baltimore Fest. The Visa Camp was also supported by Maryland India Business Roundtable, India Samaj Baltimore, Shreyas Panchigar Foundation, Gujarati Samaj of Metropolitan Washington, Sikh Association of Baltimore, Guru Nanak Foundation of America, Capitol Area Telugu Society and American Telugu Asso-

Participants at Embassy Visa Camp

ciation from Baltimore.

The day long Visa camp was inaugurated by Prasanna

Embassy officials with Cox and King and community representatives

Shrivastava, First Secretary (Consular), Embassy of India, Washington DC and Dr Neeraj Verma of

ISKCON Baltimore, accompanied

by Amrish Patel of AB ConsultCont’d on page 20 ants,

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Celebrating Raksha Bandhan at Grays Lake Temple GEETHA PATIL

Lamp Lighting at the temple

Welcoming Shri Singhal at Grays Lake Hindu Temple. -Pics courtesy Jayanti Oza and Geetha Patil

CHICAGO : A traditional welcome with Kalash, Tilak, and Swagath Mantras was performed by the temple priest Pt. Yogesh of Hindu Mandir, Grayslake, a far west suburb of Chicago on the evening of Friday, 28 Aug for president of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Ashok Singhal and the members of VHP of

with Ashok Ji since 1967. He also mentioned about the 'Award for Excellence' established by the Joshis under VHPA. Dr Savita Joshi narrated a few courageous and devotional Rathayatras especially the Rathayatra to Ayodhya Ram Mandir by the Pracharakas of RSS especially with Ashok Ji, Guru Ji,

Honoring Shri Ashok Ji

America (VHPA), Chicago Chapter.

Past President of the temple, Dr Harsh Kumar whole-heartedly welcomed Shri Singhal along with the VHP dignitaries, guests and the audience to the function. Dr Prabhakar Joshi, a long-time Patron Member of VHPA, explained the inception of VHP which happened in 1964 and his association

and Dr Hegdewar Ji. Later, a leading general secretary of VHP, Prashat Hartalkar explained the VHP's educational and awareness creating projects that are going on currently in every corner of Bharat.

Rajesh Ji chanted melodiously the prayer 'Ekaatmataa Mantra' and Yashaswini Desai recited an inspirational Desh Bhakti 'Sangh Song'

which created an enthusiastic and devotional atmosphere in the auditorium. The lamp was lighted by Shri Ashok Ji, Prof. Prabhakar Ji, Dr Hursh Kumar, Shri Jitendra Diganvker Ji and Dr Shamkant Sheth Ji the President of VHPA, Chicago Chapter while temple priest was chanting Ganesh and Jyoti Mangal Mantra.

Savita Joshi, Geetha Patil, and Yashaswini tied devotional Rakhi to Shri Singhal and other on the stage and obtained their blessings.

Shri Ashok Singhal delivered a thought-provoking lecture on the theme of celebrating RakshaBandhan as, 'A Complete Universal Collective Raksha-Bandhan of Hindus and Hindutva'. He pointed out the reason that the autocratic rulers like the British, French, Dutch, Portuguese, Spanish, Mongolians, Mughals, and others ruled and looted Bharat for several decades and destroyed Bharat's precious treasures like the temples, historical sites, libraries, ancient cultural life, and great Sanskriti.

Now, it is the time for all of us to wake up to revive and maintain our great Hindu culture and heritage which is unparalleled to any culture in the world for its history, humanity, spirituality, richness, true love, world peace, oneness in diversity, science, technology, medicine, silk, and fragrant spices,

Members of the community gathered at Raksha Bandhan event

he said. For that matter, Hindus all over the world need to bond with unbreakable bandhan and maintain the Hindu Unity in the world.

He also encouraged the audience to join the VHPA and render their 'Svayam Seva' to build a 'Shanti Priya, Sundar, Swachcha, Shaktiyut, Arogyamaya Mahan Bharat.' The 92 year old Singhal Ji mesmerized the audience with his very inspirational, powerful speech. A sumptuous Maha

Prasadam sponsored by Manoj Bhatt and Dr Harsh Kumar was served to all the attendees of the function.

Manoj Bhatt and Dr Shamkant Sheth hosted the function while Dr S. Sheth offered vote of thanks to the temple president, Board Members for organizing such a wonderful function and kitchen committee for their delicious Prasadam, and the audience for brining gorgeous grace to the function.

Start of Raksha Bandhan to brothers by sisters

Amb Singh hails Indo-US ties at triumphant visit to Minneapolis Cont’d from page 16

During the meeting, which was attended by Michael Langley, CEO of Greater MSP, Timothy (Tim) Penny, Founder, Economic Club of Minnesota, besides CEOs of US Companies like Mosaic, Thrivent Financial, Amplifon, Century Link, ECOM & HealthOne Association, the Ambassador highlighted the vast opportunities existing in India in different sectors for the US companies.

Later the Ambassador visited, the UnitedHealth Group (UHG) and had discussions with President David Wichmann and other Board members of the company.

The Ambassador also visited the University of Minnesota and had detailed discussions with

heads of various departments and key faculty members. Dr Brooks Jackson MD, Vice President and Dean of Medical School, Dr John Finnegan MD, Dean of Public Health and Dr David A. Rothenberger, M.D., Jay Phillips Professor and Chair, Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota hosted a lunch in the Ambassador's honor.

Community Outreach The Indian-American Community in Minneapolis hosted a grand reception in honor of the Ambassador on August 2. During his keynote address the Ambassador lauded the 44,000-strong Indian Diaspora in Minnesota for their valuable contribution to the state and for acting as a useful bridge between the two countries.

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India Day celebrated at St. Louis Art Museum RAJ IYER

ST LOUIS: Freedom is such a prized possession yet we seldom think of it that way. With great pride, the Center of Indian Cultural Education, Bal Vihar of St Louis celebrated the 69th Indian Independence day in partnership with St Louis Art Museum at their facility on August 16. The museum came alive with culture and diversity of India.

Though Bal Vihar has been participating at a smaller scale for last 3 years as part of St. Louis Arts Museum's Special Family Sunday offering, this was the first large scale participation aligned with India's Independence Day that was met with a lot of excitement and curiosity.

Freedom and democracy of both US and India were celebrated by hoisting their national flags amidst the tune of national anthems for both countries played beautifully by Bal Vihar ensemble led by the youth students.

St. Louis Arts Museum lobby was filled with poster displays showcasing the culture, diversity

Museum entrance with India Day celebrations

and history of India. Two stations were setup for the visitors to put on Indian attire and get a good picture clicked. The posters were

Visitors line up

created by young Bal Vihar students as part of their project.

A few students performed Indian classical and folk dances fol-

lowed by leading yoga session.

Some museum visitors enthusiastically participated in both dance and yoga. Art and crafts table

Dance performances by local artists

helped about 200 museum visitors make Peacock pins and color of Rangoli patterns.

A Calligraphy booth was set up where one could get their names in Devanagari script. The Sari station was a hit as well. Kids and adults alike stopped to admire the colorful Indian clothing & jewelry and donned them to take pictures. It truly was an Indian Mela at the Museum.

Inside the Farrell auditorium was a display of an hour-long cultural program with over 50 Bal Vihar students showcasing the diversity of India. At display was a wide range of cultural dances and costumes of India blended with some of the famous songs/music from India.

The Center for Indian Cultural Education - Bal Vihar of St. Louis, a non-profit organization started in 1992, has been serving the Metro St. Louis Indian community.

The primary focus of the organization is to provide Indian cultural education to students age 5-18, its application and integration with the global multicultural and multifaceted society.

Graduation Day celebrated at Vedic Day Care KRISHNA DAS

CHICAGO: The Vedic Day Care Center, a pre-school and kindergarten facility, celebrated its 21st annual graduation program on Sunday, August 9 at the Vedic Day Care Center.

The graduation celebration was a grand success with over 100 people attending it and showing their support for this unique facility in Chicagoland The children of the Vedic Day Care recited some slokas from the Bhagavad Gita and the past time of Krishna dances were performed.

The honored guests were Sohan Joshi, Naveen Mehta, Bill Morton (Roger's Park Chamber of Commerce President) and Lucretia. They lauded the exceptionally good care and services provided by the Center in this part of the world.

The wonderful job of teaching the children about Indian culture and traditions is highly appreciative, Sohan Joshi said. He also emphasized that parents should take advantage of the education that is provided by the Vedic Day Care.

During the graduation ceremony the students received trophies and certificates,

rewarding them for the outstanding performances done at the Center. The children also celebrated the 68th Indian Independence Day by singing Indian national anthem and patriotic songs and performing dances.

The Awards were given by the honored guests. The grand finale of the graduation ceremony ended with prayers and distribution of prasadam, which was sponsored

by Swati's (Hansa Ben). Amongst the many that financially supported the Vedic Day Care are Sohan Joshi, Dr Modi, Kalpesh Patel, Ashok Gandhi, Dr Gulyani, and Naveen Mehta.

Vedic Day Care children performing a dance

DC Visa Camp processes 150 applications Cont’d from page 18

Honored guests and the main guest Vrishabhdas with children

Elisha Pulivarthi of MIBRT and Shreyas Panchigar of Shreyas Panchigar Foundation. Also present were Shyam Pandey and Shalini Sood of Baltimore Fest.

During the Visa Camp, CKGS processed about 150 applications for Indian Visa, OCI and Renunciation Certificates, which were received from applicants from Baltimore as well as the adjoining areas and also advised several oth-

ers on their consular applications.

Interacting with the members of Indian American Community, Prasanna Shrivastava apprised them of the recent initiatives taken by the Embassy for providing efficient and predictable consular services to the applicants. The members of the Community welcomed the Embassy's initiative to bring the Visa Camp to their area.

The Last such Visa Camp was held at Raleigh, North Carolina in May 2015.

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ISOL to host 5th conference in Chicago SURENDRA ULLAL

Practices in Big and Grass Root Organizations Track 2 : Spiritual Values in Business and Governance Track 3 : Virtue Based Organizational Processes Track 4 : Culture, Civilizations & Trade Track 5 : Monasticism and Organizational Leadership Track 6: Spirituality for Social Innovations & Social Change Track 7: Spiritual Dimension of Sustainable Development & Eco System Management Curtain raiser brief for ISOL Conference by Prof Sunita Singh

CHICAGO: The ISOL (Integrating Spirituality and Organizational Leadership) has announced hosting its 5th International Conference during September 11-13 at Fullerton Hall, The Art Institute of Chicago, to discuss "Spirituality for Global Economic Development". The Conference is going to be replica of 1893 to carry the vision forward.

Prof Sunita Singh, a spokesperson of ISOL said there are 10 thematic Tracks: Track 1: Spiritually Oriented Leadership

Bengal Court orders minor girl reunited with parents MADHU PATEL

CHICAGO: West Bengal Kolkata High Court Justice Dipanker Dutta has ordered that 14 year old minor girl Tuktuki parents will get custody of their daughter and that her study has to be continued with 2 private tutors arranged for her by State for Mathematics and English. She will appear in Secondary examination without attending her school in Mograhat and West Bengal Secondary education will ensure this. He also asked C h i l d We l f a r e committee to keep vigiTuktuki lance over Tuktuki.

The case is covered in detail in NewsX TV report.

The success of this effort was made possible by spontaneous help from so many individuals and institutions. First and foremost it is the Hindu Samhati that brought this case to the attention of the world, supported the family at every step and fought a valiant battle in courts, on streets by even risking their lives.

Cont’d on page 23

Track 8: Women Leadership and Global Economic Development, Track 9 : Unity and Social Harmony for Global Economic Development, and Track 10: Transitions in Spirituality and Future of Humanity.

The ISOL Foundation will be releasing a 10 Volume Compendium on Integrating Spirituality and Organizational Leadership.

"The Foundation since its inception has been trying to encourage corporates to enrich enterprises through spiritual values by conferring ISOL Corporate Award on "Spirit and Entrepreneurship". It has also been

consistently trying to encourage research scholars and academicians to work on Spirituality and Leadership by conferring ISOL Research Award," Sunita Singh added.

The Conference will be inaugurated on September 11 at 9.00 a.m. the same date (September 11) when Swami Vivekananda addressed the World Parliament with the famous "Brothers and Sisters of America". Let the words of Swamiji echo once again in the hall and building of Art Institute.

ISOL 2015 has announced many inaugural awards.

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Words of wisdom flow from Sadhvi Ritambhara India Post News Service

SUNNYVALE: More than 300 people came to listen and get the blessings of Sadhvi Ritambhara, popularly called Didi Maa on Tuesday August 25 evening in Sunnyvale Hindu Temple. The event was organized by the Bay Area supporters of Param Shakti Peeth of USA, along with Sunnyvale Hindu temple.

Sadhvi Ritambharaji has

emerged as one of the most prominent Indian spiritualists in the contemporary times. Sadhvi Rithambharaji used the example of Krishna and Yashoda to form Vatsalyagram, the village of maternal love.

Vatsalyagram is a village where children and babies who are abandoned by their parents and guardians are nurtured by mothers and grand mothers who are themselves in turn abandoned and left to fend

for them. Didi Maa, Sadhvi Ritambhara is the divine disciple of Swami Paramanandji, who is revered by the saint community as Yuga Purush - the man of the era.

The event began with Preeti Bhoj (Satvic Dinner) followed by a beautiful rendering of Bhajans

by Masterji & Vijayaji. The songs on Rama and Krishna and many other spiritual songs filled the hearts of people and set the stage for Didi Maa.

‘India Awakes’ celebrates India's transformation India Post News Service

ERIE, PA: India is coming alive and flourishing economically. In fact, Citigroup estimates that by 2050, India will have the world's largest economy, larger than China and the United States. For centuries, only the politically connected and elite prospered in the densely populated country, while the remaining residents lived in poverty. However, since 1991, more than 200 million people have been lifted out of poverty and are finding new ways to flex their personal and economic power.

In the new 60-minute documentary, India Awakes, Johan Norberg explores an inherited British bureaucracy, which created layers of rules and regulations. Today's globalization and economic liberalization have created fluidity between classes - and greater ambition.

"Within two decades India will have the largest population in the world, and another two decades later, it will have the world's largest economy," said Norberg.

"What happens in India will have an effect on the world and on the US, and its triumphs and challenges also sheds new light on the policies we are pursuing back home."

India Awakes premiered on World Channel on Wednesday, September 2. Additional airings will be on Thursday, September 3 at 12 a.m., 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Eastern; Saturday, September 5 at 1 p.m.; Sunday, September at 11 p.m.

Eastern; Monday, September 7 at 5 a.m. and 11 a.m. Eastern and Tuesday, September 8 at 6 p.m. Eastern. Check local listings.

The documentary highlights three individuals who are working to improve their lives, and in the process, breaking down the centuries-old caste system.

Banwari Lal Sharma, the president of a growing street vendor

association, is helping vendors in his area feel more empowered to demand their legal rights, after years of intimidation and bribes to corrupt local officials.

Rama Bhai, a Sagai village leader and farmer, comes from a group called the "forest people," who were once viewed as trespassers on the land where they have lived and farmed for generations. Using GPS technology and Google Earth they have now obtained deeds to their land.

Mannem Madhusudana Rao, who was born to what is considered the lowest rung of India's caste system, the "Dalit," was able to break free from the chains that

"Within two decades India will have the largest population in the world, and another two decades later, it will have the world's largest economy," said Norberg. "What happens in India will have an effect on the world and on the US” have bound his societal position to a life of poverty. Through entrepreneurial perseverance, Rao formed a thriving, major construction firm and has secured a higher quality of life for himself and his extended family, along with a new status of "millionaire."

India Awakes reveals the enormous power of unlocking human potential and ambition, and how doing so, could establish this country as a preeminent world leader.

"This story is emotional and inspirational," said James Tusty

and Maureen Castle Tusty, who co-wrote, produced and directed India Awakes. "The Indian government empowered its people to take charge of their own destinies, and the result of that political gamble was cutting poverty in half in only twenty years. More than 200 million people have been lifted out of poverty since 1991. This is a miracle, and perhaps an example for other countries to study."

Executive Producers for India Awakes are Thomas Skinner and Bob Chitester at Free To Choose Media.

About Johan Norberg International commentator Johan Norberg is an author, presenter and editor whose focus is globalization, entrepreneurship, and individual liberty. He is a senior fellow at the Cato Institute and authored several books exploring liberal themes, including his newest, Financial Fiasco: How America's Infatuation with Homeownership and Easy Money Created the Economic Crisis. His book In Defense of Global Capitalism, originally published in Swedish in 2001, has since been published in over twenty different countries.

Norberg's articles and opinion pieces appear regularly in both Swedish and international newspapers, and he is a regular commentator and contributor on television and radio around the world discussing globalization and free trade. His personal website is http://www.johannorberg.net/.

About WORLD Channel The WORLD Channel delivers the best of public television s nonfiction, news and documentary programming to US audiences through local public television stations and streaming online at worldchannel.org. WORLD reached 35.8 million unique viewers 18+ last year (55% adults 1849) and over-indexes in key diversity demographics.

Didi Maa

Didi Maa addressed the gathering in her flawless poetic language of Hindi using her classic singing on Sri Krishna in the beginning and at the end. The pianists who played simple notes to accompany her poetic eloquence added to the already blissful experience.

Didi Maa talked about material desires and the nature of their impermanence. She explained the meaning of worship where not just the body is involved in rituals and chanting, but the mind and spirit are also wholly involved. She explained the meaning of Santana

Vatsalyagram and its concepts.

Vatsalyagram is a one-of-its kind & innovative community program conceptualized by Didi Maa, which has found favor and admiration of people across countries and continents, wherein orphan / abandoned children; destitute / homeless women / widows; and abandoned / homeless aged women are formed in smaller groups and nurtured as individual families to ensure that not only the basic needs but the social & psychological needs of the beneficiaries are met.

The event concluded with a

Chandru and Sajni Bhambhra with Didi Maa

Dharma and its relevance to the modern world.

She urged all the devotees to dedicate their time in spreading the message of the beautiful philosophy and values of Hinduism. She explained the plight of uncared for parents and urged people to get back to their roots and nurture their roots. She explained what Vatsalyagram is in her poetic style.

After Didi Maa's Pravachan the organizers started fundraising for the noble cause of Vatsalya Gram.

Ashwini Surpur, one of the main volunteers, explained

vote of Thanks by the organizer Sri Chandru Bhambhra. Didi Maa blessed the entire audience one by one.

Sadhvi Ritambhara's Vision Vatsalyagram Didi Maa, Sadhvi Ritambhara is the inspiration behind the vision that has created Vatsalyagram - a village of affection for the homes to the children of God and the women that are not mainstream women - the neglected part of society to be short.

Cont’d on page 23

September 4, 2015

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BAPS honors Dr APJ Abdul Kalam's Legacy IndiaPost News Service

CHINO HILLS, CA: On Sunday, August 16, the BAPS ShriSwaminarayan Mandir in Chino Hills honored the legacy of the late former President of India, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam with the launch of his final book and gift to mankind, Transcendence.

Transcendence documents a 14-year journey between Dr Kalam and His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the fifth spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, who carries forward a legacy of enlightened gurus that goes back to the early nineteenth century.

The event was a tribute to Dr Kalam's lifetime of dedicated public service and varied contributions to India's development as a country. After graduating from the Madras Institute of Technology, Dr Kalam joined the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).

While serving as a project director at ISRO, he helped launch into orbit the Rohini satellite, India's first satellite vehicle.

In 1997 he received the Bharat Ratna award, which serves as the

highest civilian honor. Widespread recognition coupled with his extensive national service positioned Dr Kalam as a natural choice for high office. In 2002 he became the eleventh president of India, having formerly served the

India's people and their government.

Throughout his remarkable career, Dr Kalam wrote over 30 books and is considered to be one of India's most widely read and best-selling authors. In

nation as a world-renowned missile scientist. In his tenure, and long after leaving office, he was affectionately known as the 'people's president' due to his ability to bridge the gap between

Transcendence, Dr Kalam's writings focus on the philosophical and spiritual guidance from Pramukh Swami Maharaj that shaped his purpose and direction in serving India.

Five girls, three boys, a mother and a grandmother, none of them with any blood relationship with each other, come together to form a home with a spiritual relationship that is beyond any other bond.

She has built a Vatsalya Gram, where the kids are not up for adoption, but are sought after by decent families as brides and grooms to be married to their own sons and daughters, because they can make the best daughters-in-law or sons-in-law due to the love, care, values and good education imparted to them by Didi Maa and her volunteering Seva Vrutis.

Didi Maa nurtures the destitute women abused by their spouses, women sexually assaulted by men on the street and the senior women beaten up by their adult children.

They are picked up and given training for 6 months to first heal themselves, and then get ready to start a new life of care giving and self-caring in Vatsalyagram home with 7-8 children who may have gone through similar trauma in their little lives.

Some of the projects run by Vatsalyagram include:

• Female Feticide awareness program - Awareness movement in rural areas. Many women have boldly claimed to keep their female fetuses when they get pregnant.

• Traditional Diary System Saving and breeding the original breed of cows that are real satvic cows whose existence is now

Didi Maa nurtures the destitute women abused by their spouses, women sexually assaulted by men on the street and the senior women beaten up by their adult children. threatened due to hybridization.

• Vocational Training - Children from Vatsalya gram to become selfdependent adults with dignity of labor. Teaching them to fish instead of feeding those fish.

• Community College - Children who can now avail degree colleges

for getting the right education • Yoga and Philosophy - Creating healthy environment through Yogasana and holistic living in accordance with yoga philosophy • Girls Hostel - A safe environment after the girls come out of Vatsalya Gram for their higher studies.

For details about Vatsalyagram, visit http:// www.vatsalyagram.org/http:// www.vatsalyagram.org/ http://www.vatsalyagram.org/ Chandru Bhambhra, the philanthropist and community leader, who was coordinating, concluded the program with a Vote of Thanks to Didi Maa, attendees, musicians (Gurdeep on Tabla, Pianist and singer Masterji, Singer Vijayaji) and to the volunteers, such as Balwant Birla, Raj Bhanot, Bodhraj Saini, Suresh & Urvashiben Patel, Ashwini & Anil Surpur, Kusum Ravikant, Ramesh & Bharatiben Mistry, Rukmini & Sundar Suajn, Tulasi Tummala, Gaurang Desai, Rajesh & Jyoti Gupta and Nishank Trivedi.

For additional details, please call Chandru Bhambhra at 510299-0906 or by email chandrub@sbcglobal.net

Pramukh Swami does not speak English. Despite the language barrier, they were able to transcend communication challenges.

Cont’d on page 26

Bengal Court orders minor girl reunited with parents Cont’d from page 21

Words of wisdom flow from Sadhvi Ritambhara Cont’d from page 22

Most astonishing about their profound friendship is that Dr Kalam was not conversant in Gujarati, Pramukh Swami Maharaj's native language, and

for just Rs 60,000 to Rs 1,00,000 per girl. The horrendous situation of thousands of girls in West Bengal for more than a decade is no different from the fate of Yezidi girls facing sexual slavery under ISIS in Iraq/Syria. It is matter of utter disgrace that this is happening even in a democratic India today.

While the HC judge has considered the various interests of Tuktuki in his judgment, NCW and Hindu Samhati still need to request the court for a CBI query into the matter, as recommended by NCW in its report. Those who abducted and converted Tuktuki are still free and as court itself acknowledged there is risk to family as well as other minor girls in the future.

Police inaction and indifference under the State administration that is causing this horrific human rights abuses needs to be investigated. While the court addressed the education of Tuktuki, her

We are grateful to the efforts of National Commission of Women under leadership of Lalitha Kumarmangalam whose investigation and the report made all the difference in court and was instrumental in recovering Tuktuki and restoring her to her parents. State BJP leadership who gave wide attention to this issue through their efforts deserved to be credited to the success.

We would like to thank NRI Organizations such as Hindu American Foundation (HAF), Dharma Seva Purva Paksha (UK), Global Hindu Heritage Foundation, Viswa Hindu Parishad America (VHPA), and many individuals such as Peggy Shapiro and others across different countries who came forward with their outpouring of support to stand behind the family in their efforts to recover their minor daughter. But for these efforts Tuktuki would have been sold into prostitution either in India or in While the HC judge has considered the various Middle East by now.

The NCW report interests of Tuktuki in his stated that Tuktuki was abducted and con- judgment, NCW and Hindu verted. It recommended Samhati still need to request a CBI query in the case. the court for a CBI query They have reported police inaction and gross indifference of the state. "While brother and sister, who cannot any this may be news to some, this is more live in Mograhat also need the daily struggle many minor support in education. Tuktuki's girls and their families,", re- family who cannot anymore go sponded Dev Dutta of Hindu back to their village needs to be Samhati who stood with the fam- compensated for their loss and ily throughout the episode to the severe trauma. The court needs news media. to appoint an independent body Per UN report, 28,000 girls went under its supervision in the State missing in just one year in West to address the plight of thousands Bengal. Investigative reporter of minor girls, kidnapped, gang Ross Kemp in Telegraph UK re- raped and sold into prostitution. ports an interview with one Khan Save West Bengal Daughters revealing how he human trafficked welcomes all who would like to thousands of minor girls and lost contribute in terms of intellectual count of the girls he killed. The efforts, research, preparing vidsituation is tragic and Hindu eos, posters on the kidnapping, Samhati says they receive daily rape, conversion and trafficking of requests from panic stricken par- thousands of daughters from ents requesting help to recover West Bengal each year. We urge their daughters. you to contact The Delhi Police report that SaveWestBengalDaughters@gmail.com busted West Bengal Human Traf- . For those who want to help ficking gang reports how minor people on ground please contact girls are targeted and enticed with Hindu Samhati which is helping to purpose of conversion and sale recover these daughters, using into sexual slavery (prostitution) email hindusamhati@gmail.com.

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After Milkha, it's Mohinder Singh Gill!

Silicon Valley biopic to highlight story of an amazing Indian India Post News Service

FREMONT: Another incident of an Indian athlete disillusioned by our politics and bureaucratic bottlenecks was brought to light at the recently held Festival of Globe Silicon Valley. Legendary athlete Mohinder Singh Gill, a 1972 Summer Olympian triple jumper

and Arjuna Awardee, was honored

by Indians on foreign shores at the Festival of Globe Silicon Valley.

It was also announced that a biopic about Mohinder Singh Gill is to be made by Silicon Valley based company Smart We Creatives along with four young men - Chet Jain, writer Sandeep

Nath, actor Prashantt Guptha and Jitender Grewal. An Indian-American actor has also been roped in to play the role of the sportsman.

"I am really glad, we could give them a platform at FOGSV to give seed to this biopic of this Arjuna Awardee," says an emotional Dr Romesh Japra, FOGSV- Founder and Convener.

Sandeep Nath, Mohinder Singh Gill and Prashantt Guptha

Disillusioned by politics, tion from youngsters, it looks like Mohinder Singh Gill left it all at veteran Mohinder Singh Gill is all the peak of his career and quietly set for his next record-breaking moved to set up his sports equip- run, this time at the Box Office! ment business in USA. In his spare time he takes it upon himself to About Festival of Globe - Silitrain youngsters. Mohinder Singh con Valley (FOGSV) & San FranGill was also elected into the Cal cisco Movie Fest: Poly Athletic Hall of Fame in 1993, Festival of Globe - Silicon Valthe only Asian to receive that ley (FOGSV) & San Francisco honor.

Speaking about the biopic, Chet Jain says, "We are excited for this project and are proud to present it to the world."

Actor and Indian Ambassador of F O G S V, Prashantt Guptha said," It is the story of an amazing Indian and this is our tribute to him.

Mohinder Singh Gill is the winner of two medals at the Commonw e a l t h Sandeep Nath, Mohinder Singh Gill and Chet Jain Games, gold and silver at Asian Games, and set 19 records Movie Fest is a joint initiative with victories in over 52 major in- with The FIA- Bay Area. Held anternational invitational champions nually, it is an international platin North America and Europe, be- form that blends world cultures sides record-setting victories at 5 through cinema and creates a NCAA Championships. Some of one-of-a-kind gathering in the Mohinder Singh Gill's records still heart of the Silicon Valley. The stand 40 years later. He was caught aim of the festival is to promote in a web of bureaucracy, that re- cinema, culture, and bring toquired the intervention of then gether stalwarts and aspirants Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to from various fields and interests. allow him to compete in the Asian The Grand event concludes with Games, where he went on to win. the FOG Awards and the India With such respect and adula- Day Parade.

September 4, 2015

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New advanced manufacturing center in Silicon Valley Jose ensures that the best of Silicon Valley's tremendous acaSILICON VALLEY, CA: Con- demic, commercial, industrial, pubgressman Mike Honda (D-Silicon lic, and labor resources are availValley) and Secretary of Defense able to bridge the technology Ashton Carter announced the lat- transfer gap and develop this est Manufacturing Innovation In- emerging, game-changing techstitute in Silicon Valley. The insti- nology as it reshapes the electrontute brings together over $150 mil- ics industry and brings goodlion in private funding with $75 paying, middle-class manufacturmillion from the Department of ing jobs to the Bay Area," said Defense (DoD) to bring to market Congressman Honda.

Honda led the efforts in ConFlexible Hybrid Electronics. gress to bring the institute to Silicon Valley.

Congressman Honda led a Congressman Honda Silicon Valley Congressional led a Silicon Valley delegation letter to Governor Congressional delegation letter to Governor Brown in February to advocate Brown in February to for state support of the advocate for state supFlexTech Alliance led proposal port of the FlexTech Alliance led proposal and in June, Congressman Honda rallied 24 mem"I congratulate FlexTech Alliance, Silicon Valley, and their 162 bers of the California Congrespartners around California and the sional delegation to send a letter nation for their successful bid to to Secretary Carter to advocate for form this new advanced manufac- the institute to be located in Silituring center. As the epicenter of con Valley.

The new advanced manufacturAmerican innovation, Silicon Valley is uniquely poised to be the ing center, led by San Jose-based leader in advanced manufacturing. FlexTech Alliance, will focus on Headquartering this Flexible research, product development, Hybrid Electronics hub in San and bringing to market Flexible India Post News Service

Hybrid Electronics. FlexTech Alliance has brought together academic, industry, non-profits, and government partners to focus on the emerging field of Flexible Hybrid Electronics (FHE).

The group includes a diverse partnership of California based private industry leaders - including Qualcomm, Applied Materials, and Flextronics, trade associations - including Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International (SEMI), and academic institutions - including the University of California, San Diego; the University of California, Los Angeles; the University of California, Santa Barbara; the University of California, Berkeley; the University of California, San Francisco; San Jose State University; California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo; and Stanford University.

"FlexTech Alliance applauds the efforts of Rep. Mike Honda to support our Manufacturing Institute proposal and galvanize resources from federal and state levels. We are very grateful for his enthusiastic backing," said Michael Ciesinski, President & CEO of FlexTech Alliance.

The emerging FHE field has the potential to reshape the electron-

man Honda has long been a champion of NNMI centers and as the Ranking Member of the Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Subcommittee, he has repeatedly pushed for increasing the funding and resources available to federal agencies to dramatically increase the number of these public-private innovation centers.

"Today's announcement promises to further strengthen a U.S. manufacturing base that remains critical to the incredible innovation that takes place in Silicon Valley and other regions of the Congressman Mike Honda country," said John Mitchell, National Network for Manufactur- president and CEO of IPC - Assoing Innovation (NNMI), which fo- ciation Connecting Electronics cuses on emerging technologies Industries速. "I commend Conthat are set to reshape advanced gressman Mike Honda for his manufacturing. These centers of steadfast leadership in support of innovation have a proven track advanced manufacturing and the record of creating good-paying FlexTech Alliance, of which IPC manufacturing jobs. Congress- will be an enthusiastic partner." ics industry by allowing for electronic devices to be printed and attached to flexible, conformable materials like fabric or curved surfaces. Private companies and the U.S. military will benefit from the technology by creating wearable electronics.

The institute will be a part of

26 India Post

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The secrets of Krishna's Divine Descension SWAMI NIKHILANAND

W

hile explaining the details of Shree Krishna's Divine janm, it was explained to you in the previous article that when Shree Krishna appeared before Devki and Vasudev, it was in His fullgrown form, as supreme God. Upon her request, He took the form of a newborn baby and began His Bal Leelas. It was also explained that He was not born from the womb of Devki, because God's body is Divine and eternal, so it does not have to be formed in the womb of His mother. His body is synonymous with Him and is omnipresent, thus

He does not have to come from anywhere He just appears.

Was Devki pregnant with Shree Krishna?

This brings up a question regarding Devki's pregnancy - she appeared to go through a regular 9 month pregnancy, exhibiting all the physical signs of pregnancy, like a swollen belly and the sensation of the child moving and kicking inside of her - so was she pregnant with Shree Krishna or not?

It is explained in the Garg Sanhita that

Shree Krishna's personal power yogmaya which has the capability of making all impossible things possible - manipulated the space inside Devki's belly, inflating it to give the appearance of a gradual progression through the stages of pregnancy. Yogmaya also gave Devki the sensation that she is carrying a weight inside her, and also made her feel that her child is moving inside of her. She had all the sensations of being pregnant, but none of the discomfort - she only felt that she was permeated with bliss.

In other words, for the sake of Devki,

and for the world, Shree Krishna simulated a material pregnancy, but there was never an embryo growing in the womb of Devki, nor did Devki go into labor and deliver Shree Krishna. It is described in the Bhagwatam that at the end of the 9 month simulated pregnancy, one day Devki was reclining and thinking of Shree Krishna.

Cont’d on page 27

BAPS honors Dr APJ Abdul Kalam's Legacy Cont’d from page 23

The resulting bond, built on selfless service and sustained through common interest, was life changing for Dr Kalam and is thoughtfully articulated in his writing.

Commenting on Dr Kalam's life work, distinguished guest, Dr VivekLall, global Chief Executive for International Commercial Strategic Development, for General Atomics, stated, "He was a great unifier. Unifier of thoughts, unifier of religion and unifier of peace. And therefore, he gained much respect in India, and around the world."

Vyomesh Joshi, former executive vice president of Hewlett-Packard Company's Imaging and Printing Group, as well as K. Venkata Ramana, Consul, of the Consulate General of India in San Francisco, were also amongst the distinguished guests who paid tribute to Dr Kalam during the event. Joshi stated in his speech, "In the book Transcendence, Pramukh Swami Maharaj talks to Dr Kalam about paravidya (spiritual knowledge), and aparavidya (worldly knowledge), and the need to combine both types of knowledge for peace and harmony in this world. This is the key message of this book."

Dr Kalam's Transcendence explores one man's journey to discover universal truths, unlock the science behind progress, and understand the critical role of spirituality in leading India forward. He narrates his visits to historic sites worldwide, religious and secular, while reflecting on the various moments of divinity he experiences along the way. But, as he writes, it is in the presence of Pramukh Swami Maharaj that his spirituality truly flourishes. Dr Kalam describes Pramukh Swami Maharaj as "my ultimate teacher".

He wrote, "Pramukh Swamiji shared with me many times his wish for peace, development, security and prosperity in the world.

He feels that Indian people's kindness, openness, tolerance and willingness to engage in dialogue is inbuilt in our civilizational heritage. He firmly believes in the potential of the Indian people to co-build a harmonious world where there is permanent peace, shared prosperity, cooperation and a 'winwin' with all other countries."

Commemorating on the unique friendship and mentorship between Dr Kalam and Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the event highlighted Dr Kalam's final contribution to his country: His vision for a brighter India through Transcendence.

September 4, 2015

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The secrets of Krishna's Divine Descension Cont’d from page 26

Suddenly, the vision of Him in her mind vanished, so she opened her eyes and found that Shree Krishna was standing in front of her in the jail cell in His full-grown Divine form. She also noticed that the bulge and weight in her belly were gone.

So we see that in every way, Shree Krishna's janm was Divine. Since He did not have a material birth, can we also assume that He did not suffer a material death?

Yes, it is certain that His disappearance from this world was - like His appearance - a preplanned Divine event beyond the reach of material logic and reasoning.

Shree Krishna's Divine disappearance from the world The Bhagwatam describes that at the time Shree Krishna decided to leave the world, with His will, a hunter named Jaraa came along to the place where Shree Krishna was reclining under a Pipal tree. Seeing Shree Krishna from a distance, he mistook the rosy sole of His lotus foot for the face of a deer, and fired his arrow. The arrow struck the sole of Shree Krishna's foot. After approaching and realizing that he had struck Shree Krishna with his arrow, the hunter was beside himself with grief and fell at His feet.

Shree Krishna told him that he had accomplished His will, and not to worry. He sent Jaraa to swarg on an aerial chariot.

After that, knowing that supreme God Shree Krishna was about to leave the earth with His Divine body, Brahma, Shiv, Parvati, Indra, other devtas of swarg, and all the great rishis and munis gathered at the place where Shree Krishna was seated. They all sang His praises and paid their obeisances.

When Shree Krishna disappeared from that spot and entered into His supreme Divine abode with His Divine body, none of them could see Him go, and none could understand the secret of His disappearance.

Thus, we see that Bhagwan Shree Krishna is not born, and does not die - He appears and disappears from this world with His Divine body, and according to His own will.

Chapter 4, Shlok 6 Everything that has been explained in this regard in the last few articles is summarized beautifully in the sixth shlok of the fourth chapter. Shree Krishna tells Arjun that although He is ajah (unborn), and although He is avyayatma (non-different from His body, eternal and indestructible), and although He is bhootanamishwarah (the supreme Lord of all living beings Who resides within them, giving them life, keeping track of their karm, and giving the results of their karm), yet He sambhavami (appears in this world in His Divine personal form) atmamayaya (through His yogmaya power), while prakritimsvamadhishthaya (controlling His material power).

This verse also clarifies that even while Shree Krishna is visiting the earth, He does not cease being supreme God. It is difficult for us to imagine that even while He is crawling around like a little baby, He is still the omnipresent, omniscient, omnipotent Lord of the universe. How this is possible will be described in the next article.

Disciple of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj

Swami NikhilanandJi is a Canadian born Hindu spiritual leader based in Austin, Texas. He is a sanyasi disciple and pracharak of Jagadguru Shree KripalujiMaharaj.

Attracted to the teachings of Hinduism from a young age, Swamiji eventually let his deep spiritual longing lead him to India, where he was most fortunate to come under the guidance of Shree KripalujiMaharaj.

Thereafter, living in the ashrams of JKP, he extensively studied Hindi, the philosophy of the prime Sanskrit scriptures (Vedas, DarshanShastras, Gita, Bhagwatam), and practiced meditation in the tradition of

Swami Nikhilanand

raganuga bhakti. In 2003, he was given sanyas. Now, with the blessings of his Guruji, he offers satsang programs through-

out America, engaging audiences with his clear explanations of Hindu philosophy coupled with inspired chanting of Sanskrit mantras and shlokas and charming namsankirtan. His informative and compelling speeches provide practical insight into how to adopt the teachings of SanatanDharm into our daily lives, and inspire us to awaken our inner spiritual potential.

To stay in touch with Swami NikhilanandJi, like his Facebook page at h t t p s : / / w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / SwamiNikhilanand or follow him on twitter at https://twitter.com/Swami_Nikhil.

TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

1 Selfie Le Le Re : Bajrangi Bhaijaan

28 India Post

September 4, 2015

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M

alaika Arora Khan, who has always maintained her slim frame over the years, considers fitness not only a crucial part of her life but a religion.

"For me, fitness is a religion.

It's not just about going to the gym and picking up some weight and all that for me," said Malaika at the launch of a new centre of Transcend Fitness Club where she was present along with her husband Arbaaz Khan. "Fitness is my life.

Without fitness, I feel that I would be an incomplete person," she added.

About the secret behind her fit body, she said: "My husband and my son keep me on my toes and keep me constantly busy.

They really do.

That's the secret of my fitness."

H

is last few films have not only bombed at the box office but have also attracted flak from critics over his performance. And Ranbir Kapoor is not one to say filmmakers will make the films they want to. Rather, the Bombay Velvet star says that if the movies don't work at the box office, actors deserve to be criticized.

"I think an actor is given a lot of credit when the film is a hit.

When my films do well, I'm showered with love and appreciation.

So, when my film does not do well, the criticism should be for me," Ranbir Kapoor, said at the Puma home kit launch for Mumbai City FC. His last two films Roy and Bombay Velvet had a damp show at the ticket windows.

His team didn't perform well last season, Ranbir took it graciously.

Speaking about his colleagues and co-players, he said, "Many people from the (film) industry play football...Abhishek Bachchan, Arjun Kapoor, Varun Dhawan and Dino Morea, to name a few. In my humble opinion, I am the best player in the industry. I have heard Shah Rukh Khan plays good football, even John Abraham was a school captain. I have not played with them but yes, amongst those playing now, I am the best."

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

And ctor. a f e '. nc back abse e s i m h o t 'c to lve in n the term e d t r is id no ed o e acto e s d h t u y t l c u l er nb rily fo , I rea r scree ays been h a e g s i h s b t ce busy mo n the s alw n't ne han o rts she ha he was so king c e r h v o c a a w e h aid s ga e ass Rai B why I arya k film. Sh ead, she s s ' "Bein t w bly h a s i t h c t proba n y Ins w A comeba l . d a b d s n o a e A o e w r. prob ollyw g her ut wh facto since B e ein rs it b ut e yea f Jazbaa b sent" from by. bsenc t denying v a i f s a abo i n y h o e t b r o w e a a n k o e " b l t l w f t has the ta Aish k'. I'm lve in e was time just ed by lt as if sh ot de 'comebac t is," said t z n a a h f d t i n i d u m fe ya .. the ever er Aaradh r, I really on the ter st the way e out. r s t n r u d t n n e t a a fi to ve augh ing moth ly focused it, that's ju right e r y d a y i s e n a her d i k s t r l a a e s f w s v with ng a wor be ,e me ece en't the ti ther's life have not veren't n that I hav t "Bei v l a e f h I a mo id, "I say s you disco why she sa . I t h i n k i n e a r o l d . . . a y o u k e e p s I did. that's round and , m l i f a thing ive y y and hings f the I turn ing o r i n g o u t t a r o l d o r f a n e w d a ad and do o l l e d i t . I m . i t a a e is he th er ye igu Jazb n go a dy w ryday still f rding lace," s one Rega . but I am he baby i efore. Eve n I felt I ca were rea fell into p we he ce.. it all aid. er b her t When moth ing. W whet balan she s think

I

Bollywood

September 4, 2015

India Post 29

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T

he seriousness in her upcoming action-drama Airlift does not rub off on actress Nimrat Kaur, courtesy co-star Akshay Kumar, who keeps the moods on the sets light.

The 33-year-old actress said the Brothers star, 47, has made shooting for the film enjoyable and fun. "Working with Akshay is fantastic. It is a pleasure to work with him. He is such a great guy. It is too much fun when he is around on sets," Nimrat said.

Airlift is an Indian human drama on the backdrop of the Gulf War in 1990 which happened in Kuwait (biggest human evacuation in the history), directed by Raja Krishna Menon. Having starred in internationally acclaimed The Lunchbox and completing a successful tryst in American TV scene with Homeland.

S

he has not signed on any project post her last outing 'Happy Ending' and Ileana D'Cruz says she is on a break and will return soon to the silver screen with a significant role.

The 27-year-old Barfi! star said she is not happy with the film offers and has been rejecting them. "I am on a little break because I wanted to do something different. The kind of offers that were coming my way were not something which I wanted to do. So, I thought I should wait for a while. There is something interesting in the pipeline right now but it is not yet confirmed," Ileana said.

The actress has been busy exploring photography. "Couple of months ago, I purchased a camera. It is one of my best online purchases. I love photography.�

A

I

rrfan Khan, known for playing a variety of characters on screen, says he always looks forward to redefine things. The 48-year-old actor said it is always his endeavor to do unconventional things.

"I never thought of becoming an actor. I am here to redefine things...

I hate conventional. It is not a thought-out process, it comes from within.

It is God's given curse or blessing," he said.

The actor who has recently delivered a commercial success in Piku and will be next seen as a rough cop in Jazbaa alongside Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, says there is an instinct that pushes him to do different roles.

"I just go by instincts if the story is good, director and producer is good. But the first thing is you should like the script," the Lunchbox actor said. On his role in Jazbaa, he said, "I did not think of my role as a cop. I was thinking of the punch lines. My attraction for this film were punch lines which you will remember. I loved the character and the oneliners."

thiya Shetty, who will be launched by Salman Khan in the upcoming film "Hero", is a huge fan of superstar Shah Rukh Khan.

Salman is launching Athiya, daughter of actor Sunil Shetty, in Bollywood with the remake of "Hero".

Being the daughter of an actor, Athiya did get a chance to meet the stars of Bollywood.

"They are all superstars. I remember meeting Shah Rukh Khan Sir on the sets of 'Main Hoon Naa' and I am a huge fan of him.

"I don't know when I would get the opportunity to work with them.

But whenever the offer comes I will grab it. If I get the chance (to romance the Khans) then why not," she said.

They are all superstars.

I remember meeting Shah Rukh Khan Sir on the sets of 'Main Hoon Naa' and I am a huge fan of him

Tech News Punjab attracts investments for solar projects CHANDIGARH: Punjab government says it has received bids from as many as 18 companies for setting up solar projects in the state which will attract investment of Rs 3,500 crore.

Companies like Sun Edison, First Solar and Sky Power from US, Solar Pack Corporation Spain, Emami Power, Sun Pharma, Acme, Hero Group, Welspun, Azure Power participated in the bidding process, Punjab New and Renewable Energy Minister Bikram Singh Majithia said in a release issued here.

The state received bids with cumulative capacity of 1,650 MW as against offered capacity of 500 MW. He said the allocation process will be completed by the end of next month.

Majithia said the "overwhelming" response from international solar power players had once again confirmed that the State's renewable energy policy is the best in the country.-PTI

Apollo to expand operations in Bangladesh KOLKATA: The Apollo Hospital Group is planning to expand its operations in Bangladesh and Kolkata in the next few years, a top official of the city facility has said.

"We presently have a hospital in Dhaka. We have plans to have one more hospital in Chittagong," Apollo Hospital ECO, Eastern Region, Rupali Basu, said.

However, it is yet to be decided whether it would be through a tieup or through some other mechanism.

The move is being taken because of increasing number of patients from Bangladesh in our Kolkata facility, Basu told reporters.

The group is also contemplating to have a 200-bed hospital in south Kolkata, she said.

The group now has a 510-bedded hospital in the northern part of the city.

"Besides, we also have plans to set up a new facility in the North Eastern region, particularly Assam," Basu said. -PTI

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Gujarat scheme to help MSMEs save energy AHMEDABAD: The Gujarat government is planning to launch a comprehensive scheme to help state-based Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) reduce their energy consumption as well as carbon footprint using latest technologies in conservation.

The project will be launched in the near future by Gujarat Energy Development Agency (GEDA), the nodal agency of state government for the promotion of energy efficient technologies.

Details on page 34

September 4, 2015

US academics raise concerns over 'Digital India' campaign WASHINGTON: Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Silicon Valley to promote 'Digital India' campaign, more than 100 prominent US-based academics have raised privacy concerns about the project.

In a statement, these academics, said 'Digital India' seems to ignore key questions raised in India by critics concerned about the collection of personal information and the near certainty that such digital systems will be used to enhance surveillance and repress the constitutionally-protected rights of citizens.

"We are concerned that the project's potential for increased transparency in bureaucratic dealings with people is threatened by its lack of safeguards about privacy of information, and thus its potential for abuse," said the statement signed by about 137 academics, a significant majority of whom are of Indian-origin.

"Those who live and work in Silicon Valley have a particular responsibility to demand that the government of India factor these critical concerns into its planning for digital futures," the statement said.

"We urge those who lead Silicon Valley technology enterprises to be mindful of not violating their own codes of corporate responsibility when conducting business with a government which has, on several occasions already, demonstrated its disregard for human rights and civil liberties, as well as the autonomy of educational and cultural institutions," the twopage statement added.

Among prominent signatories to the statement are Meena Alexander, Distinguished Professor of English, Hunter College and the Graduate Center, City Univer-

sity of New York; Arjun Appadurai, Paulette Goddard Professor of Media, Culture, and Communication, New York University; Shahzad Bashir, Professor of Religious Studies, Stanford Univer-

sity; Akeel Bilgrami, Sidney Morgenbesser Professor of Philosophy and Director, South Asian Institute, Columbia University and Partha Chatterjee, Professor of Anthropology and South Asian Studies, Columbia University.

The views expressed by these academicians were dismissed by Indian-origin entrepreneurs in the Silicon Valley, who hailed 'Digital India' and said that India under Modi has finally woken up to the potential that innovation and technology can bring to the country.

"Only technology and innovation can enable massive changes that are needed in India. Prime Minister's visit to Silicon Valley is a long overdue acknowledgement

that the government in India has finally woken up to the potential that innovation and technology can bring to India," Venktesh Shukla, president of TiE Silicon Valley, told PTI. TiE or The Indus Entrepreneurs is one of the most powerful and prestigious organizations in the Silicon Valley.

Top Silicon Valley companies and entrepreneurs are its members.

Shukla said the entire Indian American community in Silicon Valley is geared up to welcome the Prime Minister.

"We are delighted that, for the first time after Independence, there is a government in India that won the election on the platform of growth and development and not based on identity politics or competitive populism," he said.

"We at TiE stand for wealth creation through entrepreneurship. A

riots, and also allegations related to restrictions on non-governmental organizations, and freedom of media.

"Under Mr Modi's tenure as Prime Minister, academic freedom is also at risk: foreign scholars have been denied entry to India to attend international conferences, there has been interference with the governance of top Indian universities and academic institutions such as the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, the Indian Institutes of Technology and Nalanda University; as well as underqualified or incompetent key appointments made to the Indian Council of Historical Research, the Film and Television Institute of India, and the National Book Trust," they alleged.

"A proposed bill to bring the Indian Institutes of Management under direct control of govern-

Under Mr Modi's tenure as PM, academic freedom is also at risk: foreign scholars have been denied entry to India to attend international conferences, there has been interference with the governance of top Indian universities government in India that espouses growth, development and entrepreneurship is well aligned to our mission of creating wealth and fostering entrepreneurship," he said.

In their statement, the academics also raised the issue of Gujarat

ment is also worrisome. These alarming trends require that we, as educators, remain vigilant not only about modes of e-governance in India but about the political future of the country," the statement said. -PTI

Nepal's first billionaire on Forbes cover KATHMANDU: Binod Chaudhary, a Nepali businessman of Indian-origin, has found place on the cover of Forbes Asia's September issue for his efforts to rebuild the quake-hit nation.

Forbes magazine had listed him as the first billionaire of the country in 2013.

60-year-old Chaudhary, president of Chaudhary Group is working on a project that would construct 10,000 earthquake proof houses for the quake victims in the

Binod Chaudhary

country, after buildings were damaged in the devastating earthquake that rocked the country on April 25 and killed nearly 9,000 people.

Chaudhary, a former MP has pledged USD 2.5 million through his Chaudhary Foundation to restore schools and homes destroyed or damaged by the quake, according to the Forbes. He handed over 76 shelters to the affected people in Dolalghat area of Kavre district, 80 km east of Kathmandu at a function.

Cont’d on page 32

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RBI Governor hints at rate cut WASHINGTON: Indicating an imminent rate cut, RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan has said inflation has come down to the comfort zone quicker than expected and he is keeping a watch on data to see how much room is there for further easing of the monetary policy.

"We are on a phase of accommodation. We are still in that phase. We are looking at the data to see what more room we have," Rajan said.

Stating that RBI monetary policy has been accommodative, Rajan said he has cut interest rates three times already this year and he was "still on an accommodative setting".

"You know, like other central

banks, we are in a wait-and-watch mode. And as the incoming data are analyzed, we are looking to see

RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan

New Arbitration Act in next session: Gowda BENGALURU: The proposed amendment to the Arbitration Act, aimed at ensuring faster settlement of commercial disputes, would be taken up in the next Parliament session, Union Law Minister D V Sadananda Gowda has said.

"The amendment to Arbitration Act will be taken up in the forthcoming Parliament session. It is the dream of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the country becomes a hub of international arbitration," he said addressing

on arbitrators and lawyers, after the passing of the amendment, to make India the hub of international arbitration.

"I am sure institutions like the NLSUI will play active role in training all stakeholders so that we achieve this goal at the earliest," he said.

Raising concerns of more number of students passing out from NLSUI end up serving in corporate firms, instead of courts, Gowda hoped that the issue would be considered by these institutions.

D V Sadananda Gowda

the 23rd annual convocation of National Law School University of India here.

The amended act would be on par with the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) system, Gowda said.

Under the amendments to the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 cleared by the Union Cabinet earlier this month, an arbitrator will have to settle the case within 18 months.

Gowda said the onus would be

how much monetary room there is for more accommodation," Rajan told Wall Street Journal in an in-

"Are we running these institutions just to produce skilled and specialized professionals to work for corporates? I do not think so and I am sure the managers and students of these institutions would take my words in right perspective and make necessary amends so that we see more of you in courtrooms," he said.

Earlier, 611 students were awarded degrees by Chief Justice of India H L Dattu, also the Chancellor of NLSIU, and Gowda. -PTI

Steel plant in Manoharpur this year: Das CHAIBASA, Jharkhand: Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das has said construction work of a proposed steel plant in mineral-rich Manoharpur in the West Singhbhum district will begin in a year's time.

Addressing the concluding function of the 'World Indigenous Day' here, Das said the state government has a proposal to set up three more steel plants in the Kolhan region comprised of East and West Singhbhum and Seraikela- Kharswan districts.

The three steel plants would be established in joint venture, he said, without elaborating on their capacities.

The problem of migration of people, including tribals, to other states in search of livelihood would be checked following the implementation of the proposed plants, he said.

"The government is committed to the development of the Schedule Tribe community and steps have already been initiated in this regard," the Chief Minister said, adding that the state government was working to preserve the rich cultural heritage of the community.

Taking a dig at Jharkhandbased political parties, Das asked why did the Adivasi community not develop in the state dominated by tribals?

"We will fulfill the dreams of our leaders who have sacrificed their lives for the cause of a separate Jharkhand," Das added.-PTI

terview on the sidelines of the Jackson Hole summit in Wyoming.

Rajan, who was participating in this elite economic symposium of the Kansas City Federal Reserve, said inflation has come down in India, and replied in affirmative when asked whether it was coming into RBI's comfort zone more quickly than he had expected.

In an earlier interview also, to CNBC at the same summit, Rajan had said that he was not finished with rate cuts and RBI continues to remain in accommodative mode.

When asked whether the capital flight, and currency deprecia-

dramatic. It's been a little out from the equity markets. The debt flows have stayed pretty much in."

On what would drive his decision between growth and inflation, Rajan said, "I think the growth feeds in, to the extent that it affects our inflation outlook. And if we feel, for example, that global growth is very weak and commodity prices are going to remain low for a long time that feeds into our inflation outlook also.

"Our primary focus is on the inflation outlook. That's helped by a good monsoon. It's helped by lower commodity prices. And, you

Rajan, who was participating in this elite economic symposium of the Kansas City Federal Reserve, said inflation has come down in India, and replied in affirmative when asked whether it was coming into RBI's comfort zone more quickly than he had expected. tion would put him in a position to keep the rates unchanged, Rajan told WSJ: "No, you know, capital is attracted to strong economies.

What we have seen in India is that for the most part we have been attracting capital.

"Now, emerging markets have suffered a loss of capital, outflows, in the last few months. We have had some, nothing too particularly

know, it's hurt by a significant exchange-rate depreciation."

To a specific question on whether he was biased towards easing of rates but was yet to take a call, Rajan said, "We are on a phase of accommodation. We are still in that phase.

We are looking at the data to see what more room we have." PTI

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Spooked Swiss banks ask Indians to 'comply' ZURICH/LONDON: Spooked by the new black money law, a number of Swiss and other European banks have begun asking Indian clients to disclose their accounts to the tax authorities back home as they fear being accused of 'abetting' the hoarding of untaxed assets.

These banks, which include those headquartered in Switzerland and London, are asking their customers from India, including those having turned NRIs, to avail the ongoing 'one-time compliance' window provided by the Indian tax authorities for disclosure of undeclared foreign assets.

Besides, these banks are also asking their clients to give fresh undertakings to state that they are 'in compliance' with all the laws in their home countries, executives at some of these large financial institutions said.

Under the new law, a threemonth compliance window has been given for disclosure of all undeclared foreign assets till next

month, for which they would need to pay 30 per cent tax and 30 per cent penalty and escape further action.

After this window, anyone with

These banks are also asking their clients to give fresh undertakings to state that they are 'in compliance' with all the laws in their home countries, executives at some of these large financial institutions said. undisclosed foreign assets would have to pay 30 per cent tax and 90 per cent penalty and they would also be labile for jail term of up to 10 years.

The law also provides for 'punishment for abetment'.

Kejriwal wants deal with power discoms cancelled NEW DELHI: Delhi Chief Min- and corruption and asked power ister Arvind Kejriwal has urged discoms to rectify their systems Prime Minister Narendra Modi to by removing anomalies, if any, asintervene and allow cancellation suring the companies that the govof agreements with power compa- ernment was ready to work with nies, saying they are selling elec- them. tricity at higher rates.

He, however, warned that ac"I appeal to the Prime Minister tion will be taken against discoms to intervene as it (the Centre) has powers to cancel the agreements," he told reporters here.

The Chief Minister said that many power companies are ready to provide electricity at Rs 2.5 or Rs 3 per unit.

"Why are we purchasing fifty per cent of the power at Rs 5.5 per unit when many other companies are promising to give it at Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal cheaper rates," he said.

Kejriwal said that the govern- if anomalies were found in their ment has no enmity with power working. companies and wants to ensure "If anomalies were found in the 24-hour power supply at cheaper system stern action will be taken rates. (against power companies)," he "Under the previous govern- said asking them to work 'honment, there were scams, bribery estly'. and corruption in power supply Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, and the burden was shifted on Delhi Power Minister Satyendra consumers by raising electricity Jain and officials of all three power rate," he said. discoms in Delhi were present durThe Chief Minister said that ing launch of the Electricity Bill there were now no malpractices Dispute Redressal Scheme.-PTI

This provision would be applicable to everyone who "abets or induces in any manner another person to make and deliver an account or a statement or declaration relating to tax payable under this Act which is false and which he either knows to be false or does not believe to be true or to commit an offence".

The abettor would be "punishable with rigorous imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than six months but which may extend to seven years and with fine."

Seeking to come clean on illicit funds, the Swiss banks, including Switzerland-based arms of some other European banks, have asked their Indian clients to provide fresh undertakings to ensure that untaxed money is not stashed in their accounts.

Swiss banks, long perceived to be safe havens for parking unaccounted funds, have also started asking for auditor certificates from high net worth individuals and

Maha govt may disallow sugarcane cultivation crushing MUMBAI: Maharashtra government may consider disallowing cultivation and crushing of sugarcane this year owing to severe water crisis in Marathwada and western regions of the state, Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Eknath Khadse has said.

There are 86 sugar mills in the drought-affected regions in the western Indian state of Maharashtra. The water resource department has suggested not to permit any new sugar mills in these regions.

Osmanabad, Latur, Beed, parts of Ahmednagar and Solapur and Sangli districts are facing severe crisis of drinking water.

"Our priority is to save human lives and cattle first, followed by agriculture and industries. Thus we have issued an order to reserve water stock of all irrigation projects and minor sources for drinking purpose only," Khadse said.

"We are considering not to allow cultivation and crushing of sugarcane crop as it requires huge quantity of water," he said.

Though a final decision is yet to be taken, Khadse said the issue will be discussed in the state cabinet.

"The Cabinet will take a final call, but we have no other alternative to overcome the drought situation in Marathwada," he said.-PTI

corporate clients to vouch for the "clean status" of their money.

India is aggressively making efforts to bring back illicit money parked by its citizens overseas

HSBC was asked by the Indian authorities to show cause why action should not be initiated against it in case of non-cooperation with regard to "suspected tax evaders and offenders of tax crimes". and Switzerland has also agreed to cooperate on the issue.

Sources said that Swiss banks are asking their Indian customers to provide fresh undertakings that all taxes have been paid on funds deposited by them in these accounts.

Such directives are believed to have been issued to high networth individuals, wealth management and portfolio management clients, sources said.

Indian authorities are already pursuing cases related to its citizens who had kept unaccounted funds in HSBC's Geneva branch, after receiving a list of names from

the French government few years back.

HSBC was asked by the Indian authorities to show cause why action should not be initiated against it in case of non-cooperation with regard to "suspected tax evaders and offenders of tax crimes". The latest on these notices could not be ascertained.

HSBC has come under regulatory cross hairs in multiple jurisdictions including India, following an expose that revealed thousands of entities allegedly parked their illicit funds at its Swiss branch.

To curb the black money menace, a Supreme Court constituted special investigation team is probing various cases while the government would soon be coming out with a stringent that provides for hefty penalties as well as imprisonment for stashing away unaccounted money.

Efforts are already underway in India to bring to book those who were named in the HSBC list and against whom the Indian government has garnered evidence.

Meanwhile, Switzerland is also moving towards automatic exchange of tax information with various jurisdictions, including India.

Indian and Swiss officials have also held high-level deliberations on boosting co-operation with regard to the black money problem.

-PTI

Nepal's first billionaire on Forbes cover Cont’d from page 32

So far, he has handed over 500 such shelters to the earthquake

victims of Nepal.

He hopes to complete some

3,000 houses and hand over to the people in the 14 earthquake affected districts of Nepal by October 2015.

Chaudhary Group is the largest business chain of Nepal, which produces popular Wai Wai Noodles, which is popular in India.

"If we put all our energy together we are able to carry out such a gigantic task," Chaudhary, the current president of the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) told reporters.

Chaudhary hails from a business clan with Indian roots.

His grandfather, a textile trader from Rajasthan, migrated to Nepal in the 19th century. He has been listed as the 1,460th richest persons in the world in 2014 by the Forbes. -PTI

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Surnames will soon cease to matter: Jaitley NEW DELHI: In an apparent dig at Congress and some regional parties, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has said "surnames, families and lineages" will soon cease to matter in politics and such a trend has already begun in the business world.

Describing 1991 as the watershed year in Indian history, Jaitley also said opening up of the economy has made the world "more cruel" than ever before and has ensured that only the fittest will survive and the excellence will be rewarded.

Addressing students at the third convocation of the National Law University here, Jaitley said, "Survival of fittest is more applicable today in law and business...

Surnames, families and lineage will not matter."

Stating that a bulk of the top50 companies do not belong to the traditional business families now, the senior BJP leader said hopefully time will soon come when "surnames, families and lineages" will cease to matter in politics too.

While he did not name anyone, his comments assume significance because of members of particular families holding top positions at a number of political parties including Congress and a host of regional parties across the country.

Addressing the law students, Jaitley further said the phrase

'brain drain' was no more relevant and India now has a "brain bank" that can serve the society, the country and the world.

With its talented manpower, India can play a bigger role in the

place in the last few decades provide the students with many opportunities.

Recalling the advent of economic liberalization, the Finance Minister said that "1991 was a watershed year" as prior to that India was a regulated society and has changed the way people would approach an issue.

The onset of liberalization also marked the unleashing of individual poFinance Minister Arun Jaitley tential, prompting world, especially in the developed enterprising and talent people to countries, which are facing short- rise higher in life, he added. age of workforce, he added.

It has also transformed the le"1991 in many ways was a wa- gal education and encouraged settershed period for India. The pre- ting up of law universities and 1991 discourse and the process of colleges to meet the emerging thinking was more regulatory. It needs of society and businesses, didn't allow full utilization of ener- Jaitley said. gies and capabilities of Indians.

At present, he said, law stuBut 1991 marked, even in the field dents have several options beof economy, an unleashing of en- sides litigation as compared to ergies," he said. earlier years where property disJaitley, himself an eminent law- pute was a pre-dominant area of yer, said changes that have taken litigation.-PTI

Nomophobe - Can't live without your smart phone WASHINGTON: Are you a nomophobe? Researchers can tell!

US researchers have developed a questionnaire that can determine if you suffer from nomophobia or a fear of being without your mobile phone.

Caglar Yildirim, a PhD student in human computer interaction at the Iowa State University (ISU), and Ana-Paula Correia, an associate professor in ISU's School of Education, have identified four dimensions of this modern-day phobia. In the study, published in the journal Computers in Human Behavior, study participants were asked to respond to statements on a scale of 1 (strongly disagree) to 7 (strongly agree).

Total scores were calculated by adding the responses to each item.

The higher scores corresponded to greater nomophobia severity.

The questionnaire includes statements such as: I would feel uncomfortable without constant

access to information through my smartphone; I would be annoyed if I could not look information up on my smartphone when I wanted to do so; Being unable to get the news (eg, happenings, weather, etc) on my smartphone would make me nervous.

Other statements said I would be annoyed if I could not use my smartphone and/or its capabilities when I wanted to do so; Running out of battery in my smartphone would scare me; If I were to run out of credits or hit my monthly data limit, I would panic; and if I did not have a data signal or could not connect to Wi-Fi, then I would constantly check to see if I had a signal or could find a Wi-Fi network.

The study participants also answered these statements: If I could not use my smartphone, I would be afraid of getting stranded somewhere; and if I could not check my smartphone for a while, I would feel a desire to check it.-PTI

Bypass Pak for gas pipeline with Iran: Assocham NEW DELHI: India must fully exploit the economic opportunities from lifting of western sanctions on Iran and bypass Pakistan for import of natural gas from Iran, according to Assocham.

The industry body also suggested that it enhance its merchandise trade with the key West Asian strategic nation through signing of a preferential trade agreement (PTA).

"Lifting of western sanctions on Iran throws up a great opportunity for India to transport natural gas from Iran to Porbandar port in Gujarat, bypassing Pakistan - the main sticking point for other multil a t e r a l projects of TurkmenistanAfghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) and Iran-Pakistan-India (IPI)," it said.

Lifting of the sanctions holds the promise of starting an undersea pipeline project that could bring Iranian gas to India via the Arabian Sea, bypassing Pakistan.

"With the IPI pipeline still stuck and the TAPI pipeline yet to take off, the South Asia Gas Enterprises Pvt (SAGE) has proposed an un-

Land ordinance lapse a setback: Assocham NEW DELHI: Government's forms, land reforms should help decision to allow the Land Acqui- these states attract greater indussition Ordinance to lapse and re- trial investment, he added. turn to the previous Act is a "setGiving up the ordinance route, back to economic reforms", indus- government had issued an order try body to include 13 Assocham has central Acts like said.

National HighAssocham way and Railsaid this would ways Acts to exalso make acquitend benefits to sition of land for those whose crucial industrialland is acquired ization a under land law.

"Herculean task".

The order is"We hope the sued by the govAssocham Secretary General initiative should ernment under D S Rawat now rest with the the removal of state governments. We expect difficulties clause (Section 113) in some of the progressive states the Land Act now extends the prowould come forward with their visions relating to the determination own laws, since land is a state of compensation, rehabilitation and subject," Assocham Secretary resettlement to all cases of land acGeneral D S Rawat said. quisition under 13 central acts which If, accompanied with labor re- were left out in the 2013 law.-PTI

der sea pipeline bypassing Pakistan's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) to transport up to 1.1 billion standard cubic feet per day of gas from Chabahar in Iran and Ra's al Jifan in Oman to Porbandar in Gujarat with a spur line to Mumbai later.

"The 1,200-1,300 km pipeline is set to cost around USD 4.5 billion," the chamber pointed out.

India is increasingly looking for opportunities overseas for natural gas. India, according to

Assocham, needs to resurrect Iranian oil and gas projects stalled due to the international sanctions.

The consortium of Indian public sector companies - ONGC Videsh, Oil India and India Oil Corporation - had discovered gas in the Farzad-B block in Iran in 2008 and subsequently, prepared a field development plan to recover about 12.8 trillion cubic feet of gas.

The plan had to be abandoned following sanctions on Iran.

India has already spent USD 90 million on exploration, Assocham said.

"Given the kind of serious political problems, the proposed pipeline projects involving Pakistan, it is feared, may remain a pipe dream.

All other viable alternatives to enhance India's energy security must be explored," Assocham Secretary General D S Rawat said.

The SAGE pipeline, also called Middle East to India Deepwater Pipeline (MEIDP) project, would start from Chabahar on the southern coast of Iran and Ra's Al Jifan on the Oman coast. The pipeline, which would run deep in the Arabian Sea, would bring gas to Porbandar in South Gujarat.

The association pushed for a PTA with Iran, citing the example of one with Pakistan that has boosted its exports to Iran and increased bilateral trade as well.

The Pak-Iran trade saw considerable progress during the first three years of the PTA i.e. from 2006-07 to 2008-09 in which bilateral trade rose to an unprecedented level of USD 1,321.32 million from USD 573.76 million. -PTI

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Gujarat scheme to help MSMEs save energy AHMEDABAD: The Gujarat government is planning to launch a comprehensive scheme to help state-based Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) reduce their energy consumption as well as carbon footprint using latest technologies in conservation.

The project will be launched in the near future by Gujarat Energy Development Agency (GEDA), the nodal agency of state government for the promotion of energy efficient technologies.

According to GEDA Director J T Akhani, there is a huge scope in MSME sector for conservation as well as reuse of energy consumed by these units. As per a rough estimate, there are around three lakh MSME units operational in Gujarat.

"MSMEs account for a large share of energy consumption.

Our aim is to reduce their consumption. MSME sector has po-

tential to save 25 to 30 per cent of energy consumed at present. They can achieve it by adopting energy efficient technologies. However, this concept of energy conservation is not very popular among them," Akhani said.

Keeping in mind these factors, GEDA has devised a long term plan to make these units more energy efficient by suggesting new techniques for saving as well as reusing energy for their need.

"At present, we are working on finding out ways to help MSMEs in reducing their energy consumption. In near future, we will launch a scheme to promote the use of waste heat, which is usually emitted in the form of air, in these units," said Akhani.

"Capturing and reusing such waste heat in factories would become very crucial for the industry in reducing their energy bill. GEDA will encourage maximum number

of units to take advantage of our scheme, which will be mutually beneficial" he said.

Providing more insight into the ambitious scheme, GEDA's senior executive engineer Raju Pandya said Gujarat based units have a potential to save 2,500 MW electricity by adopting simple, yet effective ways to harness the waste heat.

"There are 3 lakh MSME units in Gujarat. Most of them uses boilers and furnaces,

particularly those engaged in making steel bars, chemicals, dyestuffs and processing of textiles.

However, most of these units are

not aware of techniques by which the waste heat generated in their plants can be reused," he said.

According to Pandya, huge amount of electricity is consumed to generate heat in furnaces and boilers. But, 80 per cent of heat is wasted during the process and emitted into the atmosphere.

"If we install heat exchangers on such outlets, we can divert that heat and put it into use for preprocessing work.

For example, steel furnace has

to produce 1,200 degree Celsius temperature to melt steel. Using heat exchanger, we can pre-heat that steel. This can reduce energy cost," he said.

Before launching the scheme, GEDA has now taken up primary audit of all the heat-intensive units in the state to find out the target industry and prepare customized solutions.

"We have prepared a presentation on waste heat recovery system. After the report of primary audit arrives, we will select some units and show them the presentation to suggest them newer ways to save energy and reduce their cost," Pandya said.

"We will also assure them about a particular time frame in which they would recover the cost of installing the system.

Our main task would be to make the industry understand the long term benefits, both for them as well as for the country," he said.

GEDA may also propose to share the project cost with MSMEs to win their confidence in the initial phase.

"Since it is a new concept for MSMEs and it involves expenditure on their part to install heat recovery systems, GEDA may introduce a scheme where we would share the project cost initially to win their confidence," Pandya added. -PTI

'Investors keen to set up projects in Punjab' CHANDIGARH: Punjab The Deputy CM said preDeputy Chief Minister Sukhbir cleared sites were being offered for Singh Badal has said investors are the first time ever to both Nerolac keen on setting up projects in the and IOC. state because it offers an "ease of Badal said NOC as well as cleardoing business and a peaceful ance from forest, powercom, polenvironment". lution and industries department, Badal handed over letters of al- besides Change of Land Use had lotment and pre-feasible clearances also been given to both the comto paint manufacturing company Kansai Nerolac Paints and In- "The investment by two comdian Oil Corporation panies in Goindwal, just 60 (IOC) for setting up their plants with a total invest- kms from Indo-Pak border, is ment of Rs 365 crore. attestation of the peaceful "The investment by two companies in environment in the state Goindwal, just 60 kms from Indo-Pak border, is attesta- panies. tion of the peaceful environment "As far as we are concerned, in the state and showcased the both companies can start work as investors' confidence in Punjab," of today" he said, adding that inBadal told reporters here. vestors showed keen interest in He said the globally-renowned Punjab because of ease of doing World Trade Centre would also business in the state. soon come up at Mohali with inFor the first time, pre-cleared vestment of Rs 110 crore for which sites were being offered to investhe state government has already tors by creating a land pool of 300 allotted the land. acres, Badal said.-PTI

Horoscope

September 4, 2015

India Post

www.indiapost.com

Sept 4th - Sept 10th 2015

ou will be assigned an important position or project by boss. Do not get too friendly with the associates or the work will not get done. You will be paying several bills this week but will have enough leftover. There will be last minute change in your earlier plans and you will end up attending a party thrown by a close relative.

Y

ssue involving a child will cause some serious concerns and the solution will be hard to find. You may a have a chance to spend some quality time with a well known politician.

Some one will send or bring you some gifts.

Money wise you will stay comfortable. Sale of profit making Stocks will give you some extra money to enjoy.

I

upiter's aspect on house of luck is really helpful.

Your efforts and courage will turn the table in your favor and all you will overcome all previous fears and uncertainty in life. Money wise it looks like a rewarding week and the rewards will be more than expectations. People in business will experience better sales and feel like celebrating.

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ars will make you impulsive but Jupiter will hold you back very tight. This is not to time to show your anger and react. Only patience will get to out of a muddy situation you are in because of some bad choices made in the past.

You may also give final shape to a short vacation to an exciting place. Children will continue to well in their lives.

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t's the positive attitude which will help you hit the bulls eye. Initially you will be shaky but success will bring confidence back.

Mind will turn towards religion and you may pay a visit to a holy place with family this week. Just avoid consuming too much liquor at the party. You may be asked for more paper work to buy the new business.

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here is absolutely no harm in being ambitious but take expert opinion before you make any big financial commitment this week.

Watch out a female co worker who's been asking too many personal questions lately. You may try some over the counter or home made remedy to counter an health issue.

You may visit a close relative this weekend.

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on't pay attention to conflicting feedback others have been giving you and just listen to your own instincts if you really want to make it happen.

Little sacrifice on your part will fill some one's life with happiness. Some one in family will be going on a short trip. You may have to keep checking on an elderly person's health.

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ou may not like the way things are shaping up in career. Some of you may be assigned a position away from home but with added bonus. Move is almost imminent. Expenses will stay under control. You may completely drop the idea of buying a running business not doing so well.

You will attend a wedding or big party with family this week.

Y

ou will continue your search for more avenues to increase your revenues. Things may keep getting tough at existing place and you may be under the pressure because of approaching deadline.

Some of you will be traveling long distance in near future for a reunion. You may have little work done in or around your home this week.

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C

ou will get a lucky break in career. the news will come this week and the implementation could take few more days.

You may be traveling to a considerably warm area to attend an event with the family. Money wise you will stay comfortable but still looking for additional income. Ongoing legal matters will take a dramatic turn.

nd of course the expenses will not leave you alone. People in business will need to pour in more money in order to stay well ahead of competitors.

You may develop a taste for hot and spicy food. Eye sight need to be tested again.

Drink more clear fluids in order to stay calm other wise you will loose some one close because of bad choice of words.

ontinuous reminders will help you recover at least part of Loan made to a friend. Some cracks could start appearing in a new relationship, have patience if you want to make it materialize. Expenses will not leave you alone but you will be successful in putting some money in savings. Try to re connect with old friends and relatives.

D

Y

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36 India Post

www.indiapost.com

September 4, 2015

Dia Mirza

Shriya Saran

MUMBAI: Celebrating a decade in the fashion industry, ace designer Gaurav Gupta, with Bollywood diva Kareena Kapoor Khan in tow, on Sunday August 30 brought the curtains down at the Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2015 by showcasing his line, which was high on sculpting.

This is the first time that Kareena and Gaurav have collaborated for a fashion show.

The 34-year-old actress looked her stunning best as she walked down the ramp wearing a black flowing sheer gown, a piece from the designer's collection, which was in tandem with Lakme's Sculpt line.

Kareena, whose outfit was a playful juxtaposition of Gaurav's signature drapes and structure, said she loves working with new designers like him.

"It's very interesting to collaborate with new designers every time during the finale. I admire the novelty and quirk that new designers like Gaurav bring to the table. I think the fashion industry needs such creative minds," Kareena told PTI. Keeping with the theme of the show, the designs, which were all women's wear, consisted of sculpting with fabric as well as on stage. A huge installation of a lady was set up in the middle of the circular stage.

Models one-by-one emerged from the small pit inside the statue and spread out on the runway, which also consisted of stairs.

Cont'd on Page 49

September 4, 2015

India Post 37 www.indiapost.com

The Brits who did their bit for India NEW DELHI: Did you know that as far back as the 1850s, a British engineer had chalked out a plan to link all the major rivers in India or that it was an Englishman who mastered Sanskrit and translated Kalidasa's work in English?

From laying the foundation of the Asiatic Society and fighting the dreaded 'Thugee" system, some of the forgotten British gentlemen who were not necessarily administrators went well beyond their call of duty making valuable contributions, says a book.

The preface in "Beyond the Call of Duty" by academic, author and columnist V Raghunathan and Veena Prasad, says that it is difficult to say anything nice about the British who ruled over India unless one suffered from Stockholm syndrome.

Lost in the narrative that during their 200-year rule, the British plundered India, however, is the work of the scores of well-intentioned individuals who played a part in shaping modern India, the book says.

The authors say they have tried to be mere story tellers and told the stories of a dozen outstanding British gentlemen. These were the men who loved India and Indians and went way beyond their call of duty when doing in India and for India what they did.

Arther Thomas Cotton, considered all time great engineers of the British Empire, in 1958 dared to dream of an ambitious project to link all the major Indian rivers to exploit the full irrigation and navigational potential in the country.

Cotton is the man known as 'Bhageeratha' in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu and has more than 3000 statues of him installed all over East and West Godavari districts for his work in the region, the book says.

Ask a hundred educated people who set up the Asiatic Society and chances are 99 will draw a blank. "And therein lies the need of telling these stories, which, in our view, are stories of sheer human spirit, stories of excellence, perseverance and application, stories that celebrate the satisfac-

tion of a job well done", the authors say.

The book says few would imag-

then set up The Asiatic Society.

It was Sir William Jones Jr. who in 1784 registered the Asiatic So-

ine that an East India Company official well-versed in Persian, Arabic, Hebrew, Spanish, Portuguese, German and Chinese would turn Indologist mid-life, go on to Sanskrit and translate Kalidasa's Shankutalam, Ritusamhara and Manusamhita into English and

ciety with objective of advancing Asiatic research.

India is home to some of the grandest and most ancient monuments in the world that have withstood the test of time, invasions and general apathy.

It was Alexander Cuningham of

Bengal Engineers regiment who put a proposal for constitution of Archaeological Survey.

Perhaps his most important contribution is the restoration of the temple at Bodh Gaya, the legendary site of Buddha's enlightenment.

When he first visited the site the only visible relic of an ancient empire was buried under centuries of sand, the book says.

William Henry Sleeman was the civil servant who rid India of dacoit gangs known as 'thugs'. One of his first official proclamations when posted in Jabalpur was regarding prohibition of 'Sati'.

When his soldiers began to fall prey to highway robberies, Sleeman went on to make series of arrests.

He built a special prison to hold the swelling number of prisoners.

As a deterrent, the ones who had committed the most gruesome murders were publicly hanged, the book says. There is a village Sleemanabad - in Madhya Pradesh, a tribute to the man's work, the book says.-PTI

Kareena lights up Fashion Week mantic and (such) which fills large spaces in a beautiful way," Gaurav said.

Dune-like textures featured in the garments through boning and silver rivulets and large ruffles swayed through the drapes.

The fabrics used were mostly

Cont'd from Page 36

Aditi Rao Hydari

The piano and cello added to the tempo of the show as models walked to its rhythm at Mehboob Studio.

"It was an exciting pressure to be a finale designer. It is a first for me. We celebrate our decade today and Lakme celebrates its 15 years.

The music was very unique because we did a very artistic setting. The clothes are also very sculptural.

We kept the music roPrateik Babbar

neoprene, tulle, silks and georgettes in colours like gray, black, ivory and red.

The show, however, was low on celebrity turn out with only Dia Mirza, Aditi Rao Hydari, Prateik Babbar, Shriya Saran and Zayed Khan in attendance.-PTI

38 India Post

September 4, 2015 www.indiapost.com

Nana Patekar: I learnt acting from hunger & humiliation

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ana Patekar, 64, may look stubborn to a few, but in reality he's just a bright man with a point of view. He may look kadak from the outside, but is a softie inside. He works on his own terms and hates wasting time, but is extremely affectionate, very caring and brutally honest. He may have refused the offer to join politics, but nothing can stop him from spending his own money for suffering farmers. He is a great cook, is a stickler for cleanliness and a doting son.

Over an hour-long conversation, ahead of his upcoming entertainer Welcome Back, he talks to Bombay Times about his anger being a cover-up for his inferiority, his biggest regret in his life and why he can never be a politician. Excerpts: How did you come into films?

I come from a small village called Murud Janjira near Alibaug. I started doing theatre right from school days and later joined the Sir JJ Institute of Applied Art after which I joined an advertising agency. I came into films because of Smita Patil, who was already doing films and knew me from Pune. I had been reluctant but she insisted.

She took me to Ravi Chopra for a role in Aaj Ki Awaz and initially, I was offered a lousy role of one of the rapists. I said no and told them what kind of actor I was. I was annoyed and was leaving just when Smita came. She asked me, 'Why are you going?' I abused the person who had offered me that role. And then I got a better role which also was not great but I got recognized for that film.

Tell us about your father?

My father was into textile painting and ran a small business. He encouraged me a lot and loved seeing my plays. He always liked tamasha, be it through films or plays. He would take me everywhere to see plays. Initially, when I did theatre in my village, I used to think that my father loved my older brother more than me. But then once I did a play called Valmiki and my father came all the way from Mumbai to see my play. I realized that was a good way to attract his attention and I continued doing that. I loved my father like anything but was also afraid of him. When I was just 13, we went from being middle class to lower middle class and finally lower class, as someone close to my father took away everything he had including his property. All of a sudden, I started working at the age of 13. After school, I would go

walk up and down eight kilometers to Chunabhatti to paint film posters to make `35 per month and get a meal a day. I was in Class IX but that humiliation and hunger taught me so much that I didn't need to go to any acting school. I had to support my family as my father had lost everything. He

we had been comfortable, but after that, I used to go land up at some friend's place at lunch time or dinner time and say, 'Hi. Hello.

How are you?' hoping that he may ask me and insist that I have a roti.

So for me there can be no fragrance better than that of a chapati. But I also think that those days were great as it was great education. Actually I was helpless and inferior and that eventually came out as anger. I don't like to raise my hand and have hit my 30-year-old son Malhar only once. I feel like hitting people but don't. Actually, I get tears in my eyes if I meet people who make me angry.

Do you miss your father?

I remember him every day.

I don't believe in God as I came across him. Also, I have my mother and my Baba Amte, so I will meet God once only when I go up. Had my father been alive, he would have been so happy. I am what I am because of Vijaya Mehta, who directed my first play.

Everybody liked my role very much. My father too had come to see my show at Shivaji Mandir. So he praised me to Vijayabai who did not know that he was my father. She said to him, 'He is my son.' My father told her, 'Fortunately he is my son also.'

would always say that 'Bachchon ke din aaye khane ke, aur mere paas kuch nahi hai.' He was always worried and felt emotionally so sad that eventually he had a heart attack and died when I was 28.

If you don't believe in God, what makes you celebrate Ganapati?

Because my father used to do that and after he is dead, I just continued as my mom insisted. It's a time when during those 10 days, everyone comes and meets you.

Did you feel angry that you were deprived of things as a teenager?

No, I was rather more happy as I wanted to see my parents happy.

I never felt that I was working or anything, but would enjoy it. Fortunately or unfortunately, I don't eat sweets today. I used to like them so much at that time, but since I could not get them then, till today I don't eat sweets. Today, sweets are like gold for me that I will not eat.

Who are you most attached to today?

My mom and my second son Malhar. I become handicapped thinking about her. I understand that she is 94 and can go anytime, so every time I get a call from home, I am scared. She can't see and she is breathing because of me. If she knows I am going out, she will hold my hand and start crying. She is like my child now.

You are perceived as someone who has a lot of anger.

I think it's because of the humiliation I faced then. The way people treated me, the moment I remember that I get tears in my eyes. From 13 till today, I am working past 51 years. Fortunately, today my hobby and profession is the same, that time it was compulsion. Till the problem happened,

Talk about your wife Neelkanti?

She is a brahmin and brahmins are brainy people. Unlike her, I am a Maratha, a warrior. She is a very nice human being, really honest and content with whatever she has. She was working as an officer in a bank. And while I would make `750 per month (as I got `50 per show), she earned `2,500 monthly salary. Whatever I am today, I am

because of her as she had said, 'Do whatever work you want to do.

I know that if not today, you will make the money tomorrow.' I got married at 27 and had my first son.

My father died when I was 28 and within two-and-a-half years of that, I lost my first son. From his birth, he had a cut lip and had a lot of problems. He taught me so much in that short period. I realized what a cunning person I am.

My wife accepted him immediately but I used to feel how can my son be like this. But slowly, when I started loving him, it was time for him to go. I am a mediocre human being. I was more concerned about what people would say instead of getting attached to that child.

Slowly, he grabbed me and when he died I realized. I knew that he would die and yet I was more worried about what people would say.

Today, I am not worried. Now I don't feel anything. Whether my film runs or does not, whether I am honored or not, it doesn't make any difference. Somewhere I am little obsessed with death now.

When I see people celebrating, I feel what kind of celebration is this? Is this going to last forever?

What made you quit smoking?

I used to smoke 60 cigarettes per day till I was 56. But then I just threw it and left it. My friend's wife who is more than a sister to me lost her only son and I was coughing and she said, 'Abhi kya kya dekhna hai mujhe?'

What will your wife want to correct about you?

I think she would like to take mitti and make a totally another me. It's not possible for you to bring those days back, you repent for it, but it happens.

Have you secured yourself financially?

I have not increased my needs at all. My needs are the same. If you come to my house, you will be shocked. My house is 750 sq ft., we had bought it for `1.1 lakhs, but even today I stay there only.

Why didn't you join politics?

Recently, BJP wanted me to join them, but I feel that social reformers and actors are like national property, they should not get divided. The moment you get stamped by a party and if someone does something wrong, I will be expected to defend them and that I cannot do and then I will be removed from the party the next day. So why should I join? As artistes, we are emotional people and in politics there is no place for emotions.

What makes you fearless?

From the beginning I don't have that fear of death. I am not afraid of getting into anything in front of me and I will go and catch the person who is wrong, whether he is holding a gun or whatever else.

I don't worry about the consequences.

-Courtesy Bombay Times

Farhan Akhtar to host reality show

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fter dabbling with small screen as a judge in a dance reality show and a host of a chat show, Farhan Akhtar has decided to return to television after a gap of six years. The multitalented filmmaker, singer, actor will be turning host once again but this time for the adaptation of 'I Can Do That'.

The reality show, which ideally originated in Israel, became popular in many countries including U.S. The show has celebrity contestants who are ready to step out of their comfort zone to showcase varied and never-seen-before talents which includes even magic and daredevil stunts and are also pitted against each other for the same. The details of the Indian version of the reality show and the names of the participants are being kept under wraps. Farhan

Akhtar, who is excited about hosting it, revealed that the show encourages its contestants to think out of the box and inspires them to be fearless.

The U.S. version of the celebrity show 'I Can Do That' saw many popular celebrities like singer Nichole Scherzinger, actor Alan Ritchson, choreographer Cheryl Burke among others as contestants.

September 4, 2015

India Post 39 www.indiapost.com

Real combats in Martial arts film NEW DELHI: An "authentic" martial arts film is set to hit theatres and enthrall audiences with real combats for which no protective gears have been used, claim makers of "Ranviir the Marshal".

Scheduled for opening this October, it stars Rishab 'Rishi' Sharma, a black belt in martial arts, who makes his Bollywood debut with the film that is being launched by his producer father Alok Sharma.

It has been directed by Milind Ukey, known for his acclaimed Marathi film "Devki" and "Paathshaala" in Hindi.

"This is the first authentic martial arts film in Indian cinema. You will get to watch proper techniques of the kicks and the punches associated with different martial arts.

Every technicality of the sport has been taken care of," Ukey told PTI during an interaction.

"This is not just an exhibition of martial arts. The whole drama, relationship and causality should emerge from martial art and that is how I have designed the film" says the director who has also scripted the film.

Four professional mixed martial arts fighters were roped in to design the combats and it took them six months to create all the fight scenes, prior to the shoot which the director says was completed

in 43 days.

Over 200 original martial artists have acted in the film, shot in Dehradun, Rishikesh and Mumbai.

"We had been very professional. A typical action director can't do the martial arts fight scenes. So we hired professional martial artists, who have also acted

taekwondo. “Essentially the storytelling was amiss in initial Indian martial arts films. It is a form that Indian filmmakers never understood.

Maybe because they are not passionate about martial arts. Ranviir is not an ordinary action movie."

Alok says the USP of the film is that all the stunts and actions are

Milind Ukey

in the movie. They designed the fights which were then executed by the action director," says Ukey.

Ukey, who spent five years with filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali as Associate Director has depicted in the film eight martial art forms including judo, karate and

real.

"We never used wires for flying kicks. They are all pure ground level real fights, combats. No extra protective gears, have been used and all stunts are originally done by the actors. If you are hit, you are done for the day," says

New police unit to patrol Times Square NEW YORK: Police have announced a new unit dedicated to patrolling Times Square following weeks of complaints about the panhandling tactics of costumed characters such as Elmo and Batman and topless women covered in body paint.

The area, one of the busiest and most crowded in the nation, eventually was going to get new officers who would work regular shifts and be assigned to the same posts every day, but the past few weeks of attention accelerated the decision to recruit, the New York Police Department said. ``It just seemed natural,'' Chief of Department James O'Neill.

The announcement came a week after Democratic Mayor Bill de Blasio assigned a multiagency task force to figure out how to deal with the issue of costumed characters and so-called desnudas women wearing thongs and covering themselves only with body

paint - seeking tips in exchange for photos at the popular Manhattan tourist attraction.

In New York, toplessness and

The Police Department is seeking applications from officers to join the Times Square Unit.

panhandling are legal. But that hasn't stopped the city's tabloids and some elected officials from calling loudly for action. Some have suggested regulating the transactions as a business, while

others have floated the idea of uprooting pedestrian plazas.

Among the women who accept tips for their photos, Saira Nicole doesn't believe the practice should be an issue. ``People are having fun,'' she said recently. ``There's no problem.''

By the fall, police hope to double the number of officers assigned to the Crossroads of the World, from 50 to 100, O'Neill said.

Overall, crime is low in the area, though there are complaints to handle besides the panhandling characters, such as aggressive CD hawkers and vendors who sell their wares too close to businesses or the street.

The new officers will be tasked with getting to know the business owners, vendors and workers in the area in line with the neighborhood policing model being implemented in other precincts citywide, O'Neill said. -AP

Alok.

Seasoned actor Rajesh Khatter, who plays the villain - Rana says it was a challenging role for him to play.

"After 'Don 2', 'Race' and 'Khiladi 786', I was looking for a new kind of role. An actor always wants a different challenge and scope. And this character is opposite to what I played in Manjunath. Rana is not a typical villain. I had never played blueblooded royal character," he says.

Rishi, who graduated from The Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in New York, considers it as a baptism with fire.

"I got hurt enough. When we were shooting for the climax, I had bruises everywhere. There were three or four places which hurt even when I was lying down, doing nothing."

"As a martial artist I am not nervous because I have given my 100 per cent. But it is a beginning and beginnings are scary. Acting wise I have given my best in every shot," says Rishi who has also signed a film with a big production house.

Alok says he could have taken the movie to a different level had he involved acclaimed Bollywood fight trainer Yajnesh Shetty, who has trained three generations of actors including Amitabh

Bachchan and Hrithik Roshan.

Shetty who is in business for the last 35 years has given a thumbs up to the film saying it will give a new dimension to the sport.

Khattar views "Ranviir the Marshal," as promotion of martial arts as a sport.

"The message is that martial art is a way of life. We have tried to tell the students that most important thing is discipline and we have chosen a medium which is widely understood, that is cinema. There is a dialogue in the movie, 'Martial Arts Ek Tareeka Hai, Ek Aam Aadmi Se Kaabil Insaan Banne Ka Safar'.

"In today's time, we are talking about women's security and women's empowerment. It will have an influence on the psyche of the men. That we should not deviate towards crime. Martial arts teaches you discipline. It's a sport, more internalized, a balance between physical energy and internal discipline."

The film has cast singer Shibani Kashyap as lead actress who is a Martial arts disciple in it.

Kashyap has also lent her voice in the film, whose music has been directed by Ricky Mishra.

The official trailer of the film is scheduled to be launched in mid September. -PTI

Amol Palekar heads Indian jury for Oscars

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eteran actor and film maker Amol Palekar, who recently returned to television with the series 'Ek Nayi Ummeed... Roshni', will now be heading the Indian jury that will be selecting Indian films for the Academy Awards.

Amol Palekar has directed some National Award winning films and his Bollywood film Paheli (starring Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji) was also India's official entry to the Oscars in 2005.

While Amol Palekar expressed his joy over this honor, Suparn Sen, Secretary General for FFI (Film Federation of India) too maintained that they are glad to have the emi-

nent film personality as part of their jury.

As for the selection process this year, Amol Palekar is yet to decide on the films that will en-

ter the 88th Academy awards and has revealed that he will be arranging a meeting with other esteemed members in the jury in order to make a decision.-PTI

www.indiapost.com

40 India Post

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enowned as the "Gate way of India" Mumbai, the stalwart stands majestically as the "Financial Capital of India". Soft breeze of the Arabian Sea, breathtaking sea shore in the heart of the city and well connected metro facilities make this city an amalgamation of scenic views & striking manmade structures.

Mumbai, the capital of the state of Maharashtra is a representation of what India as a country stands for "Unity in Diversity", as it embraces people from all cultures, religions & economic backgrounds to make it big in the city more often known as the "City of Dreams". The resident "Mumbaikars" as they are known represent the attitude of oneness & the strength to come through any kind of natural calamity or political unrest.

Mumbai's name was derived from the Hindu Goddess Mumbadevi. It is the most populous metropolitan city in India and is placed as the sixth most populated metropolis in the world. Erstwhile Bombay, now known as "Mumbai" lying on the gorgeous Konkan coast, is a major hub of industrial and commercial activities

in the country contributing to nearly 70% of India's capital trading and investments. Mumbai is also credited as one of the major seaports in the country, so do not miss exploring the port on your holiday packages to Mumbai.

Mumbai presents architectural styles which are a blend of modern designs & centuries old Gothic influences too. Home to one of the largest film industries in the world, churning out more than 300 films a year - "Bollywood" - as its popularly known, is the hub of all things creative from theater, arts, crafts, documentary to full on entertainment films, literary and artistic activities too. Its rich heritage can be seen in its several museums, art galleries & libraries.

Vibrant and dynamic, Mumbai attracts tourists to its multi-ethnic home to see & experience its several attractions, modern amenities & the true flavor of "Amchi Mumbai".

Tourist Attractions

September 4, 2015

Gateway of India is an impressive monument constructed to commemorate the visit of King George V & Queen Mary to the then "Bombay" in Dec 1911.

Elephanta Caves: Elephanta Caves are located at Gharapuri Island, a congregation of three small villages near Mumbai.

These caves, which are declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are frequented by domestic and foreign travelers alike. The caves are said to date back to the period between the 9th to 13th century AD and are famous for its ancient sculptures and the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Cont’d on page 42

September 4, 2015

Travel & Hospitality Post

India Post

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Deforestation triples in Mexico butterfly reserve MEXICO CITY: Illegal logging more than year. Some scientists suggest the buttertripled in the monarch butterfly's wintering flies may release chemicals marking the migrounds in central Mexico, reversing sev- gratory path and fear that if their numbers eral years of steady improvements, investi- fall too low, the chemical traces will not be gators have announced. strong enough for others to follow.

Almost all of the loss occurred in just This year butterflies that reached the one rural hamlet in the state of Michoacan. wintering grounds covered 2.79 acres (1.13 Loggers cut down 47 acres (19 hectares) of hectares), a 69 percent rebound from last trees in San Felipe de los Alzati since last February's 1.65 acres (0.67 hectare), which year's gathering of butterflies. A total of 52 acres (21 hectares) of forest in the reserve were lost overall, including losses due to drought or pests.

That's the highest figure since 2009, well above the 20 acres (8 hectares) lost in 2014, according to the announcement by the World Wildlife fund and the Institute of Biology of Mexico's National Autonomous University. The 2014 loss was about 12 acres (5 hectares) due to logging and 8 acres (3 hectares) to drought.

Illegal logging fell to almost zero in 2012, and experts stressed that 31 of the 32 communities in the reserve had kept A kaleidoscope of Monarch butterflies hang from a tree branch, in the Piedra Herrada sanctuary, logging down to very, very low levels. near Valle de Bravo, Mexico.

The forest canopy is a sort of blanket against cold for the masses of orangeand-black butterflies that form huge clumps was the lowest since record-keeping began on tree branches during their winter stay in in 1993. Butterflies cluster so closely toMexico. gether that they are counted by the area Loss of that habitat is just one of the they cover, rather than by the number of threats to the butterflies' amazing migration individuals. across Canada and the United States to At their peak in 1996, the monarchs covMexico. The migration is an inherited trait: ered more than 44.5 acres (18 hectares) in No butterfly lives to make the full round the mountains west of Mexico City. But the trip, and it is unclear how they find the route overall tendency since then has been a back to the same patch of pine forest each steep, progressive decline. Each time the

PM expresses concern over predatory airfares NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed serious concern over the predatory pricing by the domestic airlines, an issue that will be addressed shortly by the civil aviation ministry, which is also mulling a two per cent cess on tickets in its

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

new aviation policy.

Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju said the new civil aviation policy, which is in the advanced stage of finalization, would provide a long-term road map for the sector's growth.

After his address at an industry event, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Mahesh Sharma said the issue of predatory pricing was a concern of a majority of Parliamentar-

ians and the prime minister.

"The Prime Minister has shown his concern over the predatory pricing issue and it needs to be addressed," he said.

The issue had come up during a presentation by the Civil Aviation Ministry to the Prime Minister on draft aviation policy, he said.

Sharma said the airlines need to reduce fares and not hike them particularly when it comes to emergency travel like in medical emergency, adding that there could be three approaches to prevent predatory pricing ways.

"We will take the airlines into confidence and tell them that the practice (of predatory pricing) is giving a bad name to the industry," he said.

A mechanism can also be there through the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) or through national carrier Air India to deal with the issue, he added.

Meanwhile, sources said the Civil Aviation ministry is looking at a levy of two per cent cess on air fares which will be part of the new aviation policy.

Under the new policy, the government is looking at enhancing air connectivity to regional and remote areas such as the North East, apart from other measures to boost the domestic aviation sector. -PTI

Monarchs rebound, they do so at lower levels. The species is found in many countries and is not in danger of extinction, but experts fear the migration could be disrupted if very few butterflies make the 3,400-mile (5,470-kilometer) trip.

Largely Indian farm communities in the mountain reserve have received government development funds in return for preserving the 139,000-acre (56,259 hectare) reserve in the mountains west of Mexico City that UNESCO has declared a World Heritage site.

Some of the communities earn income from tourist operations or reforestation nurseries to grow and plant saplings. Funding for the hamlet of San Felipe de los Alzati has temporarily been suspended due to the logging there.

The fact that most of last year's loss also occurred in San Felipe indicates a growing problem there, said Omar Vidal, head of the World Wildlife Fund in Mexico. ``The government has to step up en-

forcement and start talking more seriously with this community, to find out the causes'' behind the logging, Vidal said. Some communities have complained that outside loggers - sometimes armed - invade local forests without the consent of the community.

Other logging, however, has been the work of locals who have few other job opportunities.''

After illegal logging felled hundreds of acres of trees in the reserve between 2003 and 2006, authorities cracked down on illegal sawmills and stepped up incentives to encourage communities to preserve the woods. ``The main problem in Mexico is the lack of protection,'' said writer and activist Homero Aridjis, who noted that some officials at the reserve were replaced and that President Enrique Pena Nieto recently appointed his cousin, Alejandro del Mazo, to head the agency that oversees Mexico's nature reserves.-AP

Shallow depths belie hazards in waterparks YPSILANTI TOWNSHIP, Mich.: With their appealing slides and wave pools, waterparks are increasingly popular places to spend a summer day. But the shallow waters belie hazards that experts say visitors who are focused on the fun may be underestimating.

As the parks proliferate, concern is growing about the risks present even when most of the water is shallower than 3 feet (1 meter) -people who aren't good swimmers mixed with the unexpected hit of waves and falls that can lead to concussions or even

year taken to emergency rooms to be treated for scrapes, concussions, broken limbs, spinal injuries and other such injuries suffered on public waterslides. Those numbers, though, do not include other waterpark injuries or those who need lifeguard assistance without a hospital trip. ``You're in an environment that is extreme fun but can be extremely dangerous if you're not vigilant,'' said Roy Fielding, a senior lecturer at the University of North CarolinaCharlotte and a specialist in life guarding and water safety who is on the Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council.

In July alone, one drowning and at least three neardrownings were reported at U.S. waterparks. A 5-yearold girl drowned in a shallow area of a wave pool at a municipal-owned waterpark in Grand Island, Nebraska.

The wave pool was not operating at the time.

Two of the neardrownings involved chilLifeguards David Frey, left, Lauren Cook and Chris Fenrich, on backboard, simulate a shallow water rescue on a water slide at dren in Missouri and Calithe Rolling Hills Water Park in Ypsilanti, Mich. fornia at municipal-run drownings. The American Red Cross, a lead- waterparks - a growing segment of the ining trainer of lifeguards, has taken note and dustry as cities and counties look to boost added training for extreme shallow water revenue from what their flat-water pools rescues. deliver. The other was at a corporate-owned ``We pretty much have an ambulance call waterpark in Utah. The Missouri incident every weekend,'' said Brian Machemer, su- involved a 6-year-old girl who hit her head perintendent of the Rolling Hills Water Park on the bottom of a kiddie pool. The other in Ypsilanti Township. He added, ``On aver- two occurred in wave pools, which are shalage, we probably have a pull-out a day. Now, low at the entrance but usually slope to at that isn't always a serious incident. But it's least 5 feet deep. somebody who's struggling that we feel we ``One of the things that can happen is in need to help out.'' our wave pool people aren't used to being While no figures are available for overall hit by waves of water,'' Machemer said. waterpark injuries, the Red Cross cited U.S. Things like getting water in the mouth and Consumer Product Safety Commission esti- swallowing, he said, ``can set off a panic mates. Those show about 4,200 people a reaction.'' -AP

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Travel & Hospitality Post

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www.indiapost.com

MUMBAI Cont’d from page 40

Gateway of India: Gateway of India is an impressive monument constructed to commemorate the visit of King George V & Queen

Mary to the then "Bombay" in Dec 1911. It is placed perfectly in South Mumbai & is aptly called the Gateway of India. Built as a mammoth arch at a mighty height of 26 meters, it has an inner width of 15 meters. Its presence is symbolic to the city. The monument is a representation of the Indo-Saracen architectural style, with many features of the 16th century Muslim architectural excellence. This monument almost stands as an identity of the city - flanked by the ocean on one side & the monumental Taj Hotel to the other.

Jehangir Art Gallery: Jehangir Art Gallery, built in 1952 by Sir Cowasji Jehnagir, is one of the most attractive galleries in Mumbai. The art gallery is situated behind the renowned Prince of Wales Museum in Kala Ghoda.

This is a great specimen of Indian arts and crafts. A historic monument linked with the renaissance of Indian arts, tourists are also presented with the opportunity to own some of these precious artifacts of India from the antique shop associated with the art gallery.

Kanheri Caves: Kanheri Caves are located well inside the thick forest area of Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Borivali. These caves numbering about 109, built during the Maurya and Kushana period, date back to 2nd century BC to 9th century. These caves once served as Buddhist Viharas, which were used for meditation, study and living by Buddhist monks. They were later turned into monasteries by

City of dreams & the financial capital of India

Milk Colony and Borivali National Park in Mumbai. These are rock cut caves, carved out of solid hard rocks, with color of black basalt and are located at scenic picturesque Udayagiri hills. These caves, which served as Buddhist monasteries, date back to two thousand years.

Victoria Terminus (CST Terminus): Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, earlier known as Victoria Terminus in Mumbai, is an important building spotted in the UNESCO World Heritage List and is located at D N Road. In 1888 this building was built after nearly 10 years of construction, as the rail terminus based on the model of St Pancras Station in London. It was designed

Ganesh Chathurthi festival. This beach, located at one end of Marine drive, is considered as a holy place, where many Hindu rituals like thread tying events are performed.

Hanging Gardens: The Hanging Gardens, also called as Ferozeshah Mehta Gardens built in 1881, is placed at the top of the Malabar Hills in Mumbai. It is located opposite the famous Kamala Nehru Park.

Green bushy plants carved in shapes of animals are the main feature of this park. The best way to end an evening here is by catching a glimpse of the stunning sunset on the horizon of the Arabian Sea. Marine Drive: Marine Drive is one of the most scenic stretches amid the concrete jungle of Mumbai. With six-lane roads alongside the Arabian Coast, it is officially known as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Road. This C shaped natural bay connects Malabar hills and Nariman Point in Mumbai.

Borivali National Park (Sanjay Gandhi National Park): Presently renowned as Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivali National Park is a unique wildlife park situated within the city limits of Mumbai.

The Park was known as Krishnagiri Park during pre-inde-

by English architect Frederick William Stevens.

Chowpatty Beach: The crowning glory of this concrete city is the refreshing Chowpatty beach, famed for the immersion of Ganesh idols on the penultimate day of the

pendence period and later as Borivali National Park. In 1990 the park was renamed as Sanjay Gandhi National Park. It has the reputation of being the most visited National Park and also being the world's largest park within the

the 3rd century.

Mahakali Caves: Mahakali Caves, earlier known as Kondivita Caves, are located between Aarey

city limits.

Mahalaxmi Temple: Mahalaxmi Temple, a temple dedicated to Goddess Mahalaxmi the wife of Lord Mahavishnu, was built in 1785 and is located on the Bhulabhai Desai Road near Worli.

The common belief behind the temple is related to the construction of Hornby Vellard in Mumbai.

The construction collapsed two times and the chief architect dreamt about the Goddess Laxmi statue in the Sea near the place. It is believed that after the temple

was built, the construction of the Vellard went on smoothly.

Essel World: Famed to be India's largest amusement park & Asia's theme water park - Essel World is every kid & adult's dream come true. Ideal for a day outing with your office team or friends & family alike, the park has something in store for everyone visiting. Located at the coastal village of Gorai, the park spans a sprawling 64 acres which have both exciting dry rides and fun water rides too. Attracting over 1.8 million visitors each year, this is by far one of the most fun things you can do while at Mumbai.

Colaba Causeway: Colaba Causeway, a prime shopping spot bustling with tourist activities, is a major road link elevated by a bank between Mumbai's Old Woman's Island and Colaba. The causeway, established by English East India Company, is parallel to Gateway of India and is woven with shops, hotels, cinema halls and restaurants.

Fashion Street: One of the most vibrant, varied & tempting shopping experiences await you at Mumbai's Fashion Street. Every fashion junkie's dream comes true as soon as you spot this stretch of colorful stalls, selling everything from vivid color beads, the latest apparel trends both Indian as well as Western styles, multihued bags & much more at very low prices Best time to visit Humid and dry seasons dominate Mumbai's weather. The best time to visit is during the months

from October to March.

How to reach

By Train: Mumbai is the headquarters of Indian railway system.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Railway Station is the major one which connects most parts of Indian cities to Mumbai. Other railway stations in Mumbai are Dadar, Kurla, and Churchgate.

By Air: Mumbai has its own domestic and international airport, known as Chatrapati Shivaji international airport. Almost all airlines provide services to Mumbai.

Mumbai is well connected to all major cities in India and also connected to many cities abroad including Singapore, New York, Bangok, Hong Kong and to many Gulf cities.

By Bus: Mumbai has an excellent road transportation system.

State owned buses connect Mumbai to all neighboring points.

Many Deluxe and Super Deluxe buses are available to travel in and out of the city.

September 4, 2015

Travel & Hospitality Post

India Post

43

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Ride-hailing firms can make pickups at LA airport LOS ANGELES: Uber, Lyft and other ride-hailing companies have won approval to pick up passengers at Los Angeles International Airport after weeks of debate over whether their drivers are properly screened to weed out criminals.

The City Council voted 9-6 to affirm an Airport Commission permit process that would make LAX the largest airport in the country to grant ride-hailing firms the same access as taxis, shuttles and lim-

The council voted to ask the California Public Utilities Commission, which regulates ride-hailing firms, to require driver fingerprinting as part of its background checks and told the city attorney to look into whether Los Angeles could also require prints. ``Hardly anyone hitchhikes anymore because of the danger of getting into a stranger's car, but as soon as that stranger responds to us over our smartphone, suddenly

Lyft passenger Christina Shatzen gets into a car driven by Nancy Tcheou, in San Francisco. Uber, Lyft and other ride-hailing companies may soon be able to pick up passengers at Los Angeles International Airport after debate over whether their drivers are properly screened to weed out criminals.

ousines.

Currently, drivers for ride-hailing companies can only drop off people at the airport.

The Airport Commission approved the pickup plan last month but the City Council asserted its authority and placed the process on hold while it looked into passenger safety issues.

that becomes a safe thing?'' Councilman Paul Krekorian argued. ``No it isn't - not without a fingerprintbased background check.''

Councilman Bob Blumenfield said in a statement that the panel had ``embraced rather than hindered new technologies to provide the safe and convenient access Angelenos demand.''

It was unclear how fast individual ride-hailing companies could obtain city permission to begin making airport pickups, but an Uber spokesman suggested it could happen quickly. ``Angelenos have shown their clear support for more reliable, affordable transportation options'' and the company hopes to provide it in the coming weeks, Uber spokesman Michael Amodeo said in a statement.

The vote on driver background checks was praised as a first step to protecting consumers in a statement from William Rouse, general manager of Los Angeles Yellow Cab. San Francisco's district attorney has announced the expansion of a consumer-protection lawsuit aimed at Uber's contention that it rigorously checks its drivers' backgrounds.

The false advertising suit said the company can't make that claim unless the drivers are subject to the same fingerprinting process as taxi drivers and claimed Uber had failed to uncover the criminal records of 25 California drivers, including several registered sex offenders and a convicted murderer.

In a reply, Uber spokeswoman Jessica Santillo said no background check system is flawless and its checks are just as detailed as with taxi drivers.

A similar lawsuit against Lyft was settled last year. -AP

Travel mart meet in Bengaluru from Sept 6 BENGALURU: Karnataka government's tourism department in association with the Union Tourism Ministry is hosting the 38th Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Travel Mart here from September 6 to 8.

The three-day event will witness an active participation of dignitaries from foreign countries, travel trade members from across the globe, Airline partners, Hoteliers, Corporates, tourism department officials said.

Speaking to reporters here, Karnataka Tourism Minister R V Deshpande said the mart provides an excellent platform for showcasing and promoting the varied tourism destinations and products of countries through participation of travel agents and tour operators

from across the world.

He said "more than 1,000 delegates from across the world are expected to attend..."

This will also give Karnataka an opportunity to sell its tourism products to the world, he added highlighting the "vibrant" tourism potential of the state.

Speaking about his resent visit to Peru, and comparing the similarities between Hampi and Machu Picchu, Deshpande said he had proposed the idea of "sister heritage relationship between Machu Picchu and Hampi."

Officials said this edition of PATA travel mart will for the first time have an investment forum.

As part of the meet half a day city tour has been organized for the visiting delegates on the first

day. PATA technology forum has also been organized.

The mart will also witness an investment forum where MoUs will be signed between government of Karnataka and prospective investors for capitalizing in Karnataka tourism sector, officials said.

Deshpande said his ministry and the state government were committed to make Karnataka the "most attractive" tourism destination in the country.

He said steps were being taken to train tourist guides through five universities for learning foreign languages and culture.

Deshpande also said "Tourist Mitras" with the powers of a police constable will be appointed in all tourist destinations by November 1 keeping security of tourists in mind. -PTI

Big outdoor retail show stays in Salt Lake City SALT LAKE CITY: The world's largest outdoor retail show considered moving to other cities with more lodging and convention space but chose to stay in Utah after attendees revealed an overwhelming desire to keep the expo at the foot of the mountains in Salt Lake City, officials said here.

The Outdoor Retailer Show which is staged twice a year and brings the state an estimated $45 million annual economic boost extended its contract with Salt Lake City two more years through 2018.

Show officials contemplated relocating to Las Vegas, Chicago and other cities but decided to

officials aren't worried that negotiations for a new convention center hotel recently fell through between Salt Lake County and Omni Hotels & Resorts. ``We know there' a little blip in the road, but we're 100 percent confident that's going to move forward in the right direction and that's going to open up opportunities for us in the future,'' Lowery said.

Salt Lake County Mayor Ben McAdams vowed to take advantage of a nearly $100 million tax incentive package to find a private company to build a new convention center hotel that would rem-

Shows attendees of the Outdoor Retailer Show viewing the camping tent display area of the event in front of the Salt Palace Convention Center, in Salt Lake City.

stay in Salt Lake City after exhibitors and attendees said they prefer Utah, Outdoor Retailer spokeswoman Kate Lowery said in a phone interview. ``Salt Lake City lives the same lifestyle that our show exemplifies,'' Lowery said. ``The mountains and the lakes provide the opportunity to showcase our industry so well in Salt Lake City.''

The retail expo has come to Salt Lake City for every show since 1996, except for 2002 during the Winter Olympics.

It ``has grown well beyond a successful trade show and is part of the DNA of the state of Utah,'' said Brad Petersen, director of the Utah Office of Outdoor Recreation.

The expo lets store owners meet with manufacturers and preview products in the pipeline. About 5,000 people attended the first show in Salt Lake City in 1996. The recent summer expo drew about 27,000 people.

However, a shortfall of hotel and convention space has forced some attendees to stay in suburbs and nearby cities, and some companies to put up their exhibits in temporary tents across the street from the convention center.

Lowery said the show has come up with creative solutions to the lodging crunch, ensuring anybody that wants to attend can find a room in the vicinity. She said show

edy the shortage that led the show to look elsewhere.

He said offering parcels of government-owned land on the north and south ends of the convention center to build a hotel connected to the venue is attracting interest.

The Legislature passed a bill in 2014 approving up to $75 million in tax incentives for the builder of a new convention center hotel. Salt Lake County has offered as much as $25 million more in tax incentives.

Salt Lake County was in talks with Omni for a $300 million hotel with 1,000 rooms and additional convention meeting space.

County officials said the hotel company was asking for too much money up front and wouldn't agree to desired room rate protections.

Omni officials said the economic terms didn't work for the Dallasbased company.

Lowery said California-based Emerald Expositions, the company that runs the show, prefers to keep shows on 3-year contracts. They extended the contract by two years this time to keep it on a three-year rolling cycle in line with most of the 90 shows the company oversees, she said.

Scott Beck, president of Visit Salt Lake, also downplayed the short length of the contract extension. He said county and state officials also want to stay on a threeyear cycle with the show.-AP

In Brief UK immigration at record high amid hot debate LONDON: Britain gained almost 330,000 people through migration in the year to March 31, official figures show. It's the highest figure on record and a headache for the Conservative government amid a political storm about immigration.

The Office for National Statistics said 636,000 people arrived during the 12 months and 307,000 left. The net total surpasses the previous high of 320,000 in 2005. Eight million of Britain's 64 million people were born outside the country.

Prime Minister David Cameron has long promised to reduce net migration below 100,000. Critics say the goal is unachievable, since members of the 28 European Union countries have the right to live in other member states.

Roughly half the net migration from to the U.K. in the year came from within the EU. Immigration Minister James Brokenshire said the figures should be a ``wake-up call'' for the EU. He said the record flow of people across Europe was ``not sustainable and risks the future economic development of other EU member states.''

Immigration has climbed up the political agenda this summer as migrants from the Middle East, Africa and Asia attempt to reach Europe in unprecedented numbers. -AP

„ Latin academy protests Trump proposals WASHINGTON: Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is drawing protests from another Latino organization - this time, one based in the music industry.

The organization that runs the Latin Grammys and promotes the genre around the world, the Latin Recording Academy, says that ``Trump needs a respectful reminder'' of the ``countless contributions Latinos make to American culture.''

Trump has vowed to deport everyone living in the U.S. illegally, eliminate birthright citizenship and build a wall on the nation's southern border to stop illegal crossings.

The billionaire businessman's proposals have drawn protests from dozens of Latino advocacy groups.

Latin Recording Academy President and CEO Gabriel Abaroa Jr. says Trump's ``denial of Latino contributions and the division it will create cannot be tolerated.'' -AP

Immigration

Marshall professor making anti-discrimination film

44 India Post

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September 4, 2015

Details on page 46

Immigration shift shows India, China outpacing Mexico DALLAS: Siddharth Jaganath wanted to return to India after earning his master's degree at Texas' Southern Methodist University. Instead, he built a new life in the U.S. over a decade, becoming a manager at a communications technology company and starting a family in the Dallas suburb of Plano. ``You start growing your roots and eventually end up staying here,'' the 37-year-old said.

His path is an increasingly common one: Immigrants from China and India, many with student or work visas, have overtaken Mexicans as the largest groups coming into the U.S., according to U.S. Census Bureau research released in May. The shift has been building for more than a decade and experts say it's bringing more highly skilled immigrants here. And some Republican presidential candidates have proposed a heavier focus on employment-based migration, which could accelerate

traditionally slow changes to the country's ever-evolving face of immigration.

lowed by India with 129,000 and Mexico with 125,000. It's a sharp contrast to 2000, when there were

Sita Jaganath, 7, left, shows her father Siddharth Jaganath a math problem she worked out at their home in Plano, Texas.

Mexicans still dominate the overall composition of immigrants in the U.S., accounting for more than a quarter of the foreign-born people. But of the 1.2 million newly arrived immigrants here legally and illegally counted in 2013 numbers, China led with 147,000, fol-

402,000 from Mexico and no more than 84,000 each from India and China. Experts say part of the reason for the decrease in Mexican immigrants is a dramatic plunge in illegal immigration. ``We're not likely to see Asians overtake Latin Americans anytime

soon (in overall immigration population). But we are sort of at the leading edge of this transition where Asians will represent a larger and larger share of the U.S. foreign-born population,'' said Marc Rosenblum, deputy director of the U.S. Immigration Policy Program for the Washington-based Migration Policy Institute.

The national trend is evident even in Texas, where the number of Mexican immigrants coming to the border state each year has dropped by more than half since 2005, according to the Office of the State Demographer. In that time, the number of people from India coming to Texas has more than doubled and the number from China has increased more than fivefold, though both still comfortably trail Mexican immigrants.

Asian immigrants have flocked to Texas' large urban and suburban areas, including the Dallas suburb of Collin County, the home to many major businesses.

Cont'd on Page 45

Need to expand H-1B visas: USIBC WASHINGTON: Arguing that limiting the number of H-1B visas would have an impact on global competitiveness of American firms, an influential Indo-US business advocacy group has called for expanding the number of the work visas granted to foreign technology professionals every year.

"One of the areas where the US has to look at is H-1B. How do you expand that? By limiting the numbers (of H-1B visas), it does have an impact on the US companies. By making it expensive, this too affects US companies," Mukesh Aghi, president of the US India Business Council (USIBC) told PTI. Under Congressional-mandated existing laws, the United States every year grants 60,000 H-1B visas and another 20,000 to those foreign professionals who get higher degrees from a US university. This year the US Citizen-

ship and Immigration Services (USCIS) received thousands of more applications than the number of H-1B visas it can grant, forcing it to decide on the successful

applicants through a computerized draw of lots.

Documented research and statistics have proven time and again that H-1B is one of the major drivers of US economy, in particular in the field of innovation and entrepreneurship. While H-1B is not a major issue this presidential elec-

tion cycle, but New York-based Real Estate tycoon Donald Trump, who is leading Republican presidential polls, came out with recommendation to increase the salary for H-1B visas, which along with his other proposals would make it tough for US companies to hire foreign workers on H1B visas.

Indian technology professionals are one of the major beneficiaries of H-1B visas. For quite some time leading US technology companies including Microsoft, Facebook and Google have been calling to do away with the limit on H-1B visas.

In response to a question, Aghi dismissed the recent proposal of Trump. "Politicians make proposals just to attract votes. Our position is that Indian workers who come on H-1B visa do bring effi-

ciency and competency to US companies," said Aghi, who before joining USIBC was member of board and CEO of Larsen & Toubro InfoTech.

"We support H-1B and we would like to expand it," he said.

When asked about Trump's proposal to hike the basic salary of H-1B visa proposals, the USIBC president, said no one can "dictate" corporations what kind of salary it needs to pay to its employees. "Because it is not business of the government to be in business," he asserted, adding that it should be decided by market forces.

"If India does the same thing that you got to pay minimum salary to US people coming to India then it does have an impact on US cost structure. It can be reciprocal. Not just with India, it can be with any other country," he observed.-PTI

Immigration Post

September 4, 2015

India Post 45

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Immigrant suspect fighting murder charge SAN FRANCISCO: Even if the suspect at the center of a national immigration debate accidentally fired the shot that killed a young woman on San Francisco's Pier 14, it may not help his case.

A jury can still conclude that simply handling a semi-automatic pistol in a crowded tourist area was so reckless that he's guilty of second-degree murder rather than a less severe manslaughter allegation, legal experts said. ``The defense in this case is deep in the hole,'' said Stuart Hanlon, a long-time criminal defense attorney. ``The facts are really bad.''

Kate Steinle, 32, was shot in the back on July 1 as she walked with her father's arm around her shoulder, sightseeing along San Francisco's popular waterfront.

When Juan Francisco LopezSanchez was arrested nearby an hour later, he told police he accidentally fired the fatal shot after finding the gun wrapped in a Tshirt under a bench. The gun belonged to a federal agent who reported in June that it had been stolen from his car.

Lopez-Sanchez is in the country illegally and had been deported five times previously. After serving a four-year federal sentence for illegal re-entry, Lopez-Sanchez was transferred to San Francisco's

jail to face 20-year-old marijuana charges.

He was released in April after prosecutors dropped the pot counts and despite a federal request to detain him until immigration authorities could pick him up.

His release from jail sparked intense debate over a San Francisco

Prosecutors are seeking a second-degree murder conviction against Lopez-Sanchez that would carry a minimum sentence of 15 years to life. The maximum penalty for an involuntary manslaughter conviction is four years.

A judge is deciding whether to

Juan Francisco Lopez-Sanchez, right, is led into the courtroom by San Francisco Public Defender Jeff Adachi, left, and Assistant District Attorney Diana Garciaor, center, for his arraignment at the Hall of Justice in San Francisco.

sanctuary law that allows such requests to be ignored _ a policy many other cities and counties have also adopted. Steinle's father traveled to Washington, D.C., after his daughter died in his arms to lobby lawmakers to abolish those policies

send Lopez-Sanchez to trial on the murder charge after hearing testimony this week.

Ballistic experts testified during the hearing that the shot ricocheted off a concrete walkway about four yards from the spot where Lopez-Sanchez was sitting

Immigration shift shows India, China outpacing Mexico Cont'd from Page 44

Laxmi Tummala, a real estate agent in the area and a U.S.-born child of Indian immigrants, has witnessed a buildup in Indian restaurants, grocery stores, clothing outlets and worship centers. ``All of that is extremely accessible now,'' Tummala said.

While much of the discussion among GOP candidates this summer has centered on illegal immigration, they have also touched on immigrant skill levels. Donald Trump has proposed kicking out the estimated 11 million people who are in the U.S. illegally before allowing the ``good ones'' and ``talented'' ones back in. Jeb Bush and Marco Rubio both have said that the legal immigration process should focus more on letting in workers the country needs rather than reuniting families.

Increasing the flow of highly skilled immigrants would likely have a big impact on those coming from India and China. The ma-

jority of them who are 25 and older who arrived within three years of the 2013 numbers had a bachelor's degree or higher, according to the Migration Policy Institute. Mexican immigrants only had 15 percent, up from 6 percent in 2000.

China and India's growing economies have given immigrants

Increasing the flow of highly skilled immigrants would likely have a big impact on those coming from India and China. access to travel and the ability to pay for an education abroad. Hua Bai came to University of Texas at Dallas from China last year to work on a master's degree in marketing and information technology management. The 25-year-old said that

given the right opportunity, she'd like to stay in the U.S. ``If I get sponsorship I'd consider living here and working here,'' she said. ``It all depends on the job opportunities.''

Without revisions in immigration policy, experts say the change to the overall immigrant population will be slow. One reason is that the number of Mexicans who become legal permanent residents is about twice the number of Indian and Chinese people who do, according to Michael Fix, president of the Migration Policy Institute.

But a rising number of Chinese and Indians will become permanent residents, given the current rate of about half of people here on temporary work visas obtaining that status, Fix said.

Jaganath was among that group, inspired to come to the U.S. because the country is a leader in his career field. ``That was a following-thedream type of thing for me,'' he said. -AP

before striking Steinle farther down the pier.

Lawyers for Lopez-Sanchez say the ricochet shows the shot was an accident.

Legal experts said the ricochet will help the defendant's case, but he still needs to show he didn't act in a ``horribly dangerous way'' to avoid a second-degree murder conviction, Stanford University law professor Robert Weisberg said. ``It certainly casts reasonable doubt on intent to kill,'' Weisberg said of the ricochet.

Still, Weisberg said the mere handling of a gun in a crowded area popular with tourists ``is a pretty good case for second-degree murder.''

William Portonova, a former federal prosecutor now in private practice in Sacramento, called the ricochet a good piece of evidence but agreed Lopez-Sanchez may have difficulty showing he didn't act recklessly in handling the gun on the pier.

Jim Norris, former head of the San Francisco police's crime lab, testified for the defense, saying

the gun was pointed at the ground. Outside court, Norris told reporters he believed the shooting was accidental. ``If jurors really believe that he meant to shoot the ground, it could help with the verdict,'' said Rory Little, a former federal prosecutor who teaches law at the University of California, Hastings College of Law. Ballistic experts testified week that the gun's trigger required five pounds of pressure to fire. ``That's not hair-trigger,'' Hanlon said.

Hanlon said the high-profile nature of the case of the case doesn't help Lopez-Sanchez either.

Hanlon and the other legal experts raised the possibility that the defense could try to move the case outside of San Francisco, because of extensive publicity.

Lopez-Sanchez' attorney Matt Gonzalez said he would not seek to hold the trial outside the city if the judge decides to go ahead with one. ``We trust San Francisco's jury pools,'' Gonzalez said outside court. -AP

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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

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Marshall professor making anti-discrimination film CHARLESTON, W.Va.: When Syrian immigrant George Rashid traveled to the United States in 1901, he arrived envisioning a life of prosperity and limitless opportunity.

The authenticity of the American Dream soon vanished when he contracted a physical affliction causing lesion-like sores on his skin and face, later diagnosed as leprosy.

With no consistent employment

Dr. James L. Cunningham, Pickens' town physician who cared for Rashid, was often the subject of the conversation. ``It was a big case,'' she said. ``At the time, I was a kid, and I thought the guy was still alive and I wanted to take care of him too. I think that's why I became a social worker - because of the leper.''

As she grew older, Harman began questioning the authenticity of the leper's tale, but a short visit

``My aunt actually had a story on him written by a superintendent,'' her husband Jason said. ``It was only one or two pages, but it was certainly his story.'' Soon, the tale of the leper was revived. ``That's when I decided to check it out or income for health care, Rashid was exiled to the B&O Railroad's final stop at Pickens, West Virginia, labeled the ``outskirts'' of the new world.

From a distance, the town physician and residents interacted and provided food for the man, ensuring that he received medical attention despite the detached relations before his death in 1906.

By sharing Rashid's story, Marshall University Professor Peggy Proudfoot Harman and her husband are assembling a documentary with the help of a grant from the West Virginia Arts and Humanities Council to examine the effects of discrimination towards immigrants in the United States between the 20th century and today.

Growing up in Mill Creek, West Virginia, Harman spent her spare time working odd jobs at her family's general store. Rooted 25 miles away from Pickens, Harman's family heard tales of the nearby city and its legendary leper.

with her husband's aunt dissolved her doubts. ``My aunt actually had a story on him written by a superintendent,'' her husband Jason said. ``It was only one or two pages, but it was certainly his story.''

Soon, the tale of the leper was revived. ``That's when I decided to check it out and see what happened because it's such an interesting story that he came from Syria and went to Maine and New York to work,'' she said.

When it comes to oral history, there are often gaps, Harman said; between 1901 and 1905, Rashid traveled without documentation and therefore no record of residence. ``Some say he worked for the railroad. Others say he roamed around the United States because he was chased off due to his condition,'' Harman said. ``Some say he had a wife, but I haven't been able to document

that.''

Harman said two congressional hearings had featured Rashid's case to combat immigration health care fallacies. ``They didn't know what to do with people who had leprosy, and at the time, it was considered highly contagious,'' she said. ``It is somewhat, and there are still leper colonies in the world, so it's still an affliction that's out there but people don't realize it because it's not AIDS or Ebola.''

Rashid was also the subject of conversation for physicians nationwide to determine proper strategies to fight the illness. ``He was put off there, in Pickens, by the B&O Railroad, and there was a fence built around him by the railroad company and a tent placed under a rock where he lived. They would go and set his food out and he had a guard,'' Harman said.

Harman said with the escalating immigration discussion in the upcoming election, the decisions only affirmed fear of the unknown. ``I don't think it matters how long ago you were wronged - and society wronged this man - but our national public health system was not what it should've been,'' she said. ``We were not ready for the onslaught of immigrants that we got at that time and our public health system was really just beginning.''

With no rules or guidelines, Rashid was simply shuffled from state to state. ``It's interesting research and an interesting take on how fear actually creates violence because people didn't know what to do with him,'' Harman said. ``Here he was, coming to West Virginia to work but for him to be quarantined for two months.''

Although the town estimated Rashid to be 46, Harman believes he was actually in his early 20s. ``His life was just beginning,'' she said. ``He spoke English and communicated well; it's just wild and it will feel great if we can reunite him with family.''

Only three images exist of Rashid today, Harman said.

Harman attributed a portion of her expertise in research to her former position as the federal investigator for the federal public defender. ``What I really liked was doing the historical information and putting together a profile of the person based on the history, family and environment,'' she said. ``It's on that same realm and line of work, and that's what we do as social workers; when people come to see us, they share their stories but we have to collaborate with external sources to get the entire story.''

Pinpointing the truth can be

per articles. ``In the end, the hard truth won't be a whole picture,'' she said, pausing. ``There are going to be holes and all we can do is put everything together and see what we find.''

As the dynamic pair continues to research and align the documentary's plot, Harman said she hopes to create a second, shorter version to be displayed at workshops for sixth graders, a population prone to bullying and discrimination.

Harman's $1,500 grant will fund the documentary's production and also workshop curriculum for middle schools in the state. ``There's no guarantee it'll be accepted, but filming will be completed by the first of the year,'' Jason said.

The anticipation only builds as the Harmans trace historical archives for more information. ``We've reached out to a reunion page for the Rashid family, but we haven't heard back yet,'' Harman said. ``This guy, as far as

As the dynamic pair continues to research and align the documentary's plot, Harman said she hopes to create a second, shorter version to be displayed at workshops for sixth graders, a population prone to bullying and discrimination. challenging, she said, especially when no documentation exists. ``You learn quickly when you're working through federal government that the only real type of evidence is something like a death record or birth or marriage certificate. Those can be used as evidence in court,'' Harman said.

Secondary sources may include journal entries or newspa-

we can tell, had no family come out to claim him or pay their respects. Hopefully we'll be able to generate some interest.'' ``The people of Pickens cared for him,'' Harman said. ``They fed him and kept him company and they were like his social workers; they did the best they could.

Now I'm just trying to find his family.'' -AP

Hawaii priority is early immigration screening HONOLULU: Hawaii Gov. David Ige says it's a top priority for Hawaii that the U.S. be able to process Japanese travelers for immigration and customs before they even get on a plane for the islands.

Ige, speaking to tourism industry officials, said he heard during a recent visit to Japan that the number of Japanese travelers to Hawaii could jump 20 percent if tourists were able to clear U.S. immigration and customs while at Tokyo's Narita International Airport.

Hawaii Tourism Authority data shows 1.5 million travelers from Japan visited Hawaii last

year, more than any other foreign country.

The U.S. government's preclearance program allows Customs and Border Protection officers stationed abroad to decide whether to admit passengers and their belongings before they leave a foreign port.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security in May said it would begin talks to expand pre-clearance to 10 new foreign airports, including Narita. Ige noted Canadian travelers already clear customs before they leave Canada.

Ige said he told Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and

David Ige

U.S. officials how vital this program would be for the islands. ``I've been working with Japan and the United States, making it clear to both governments that there's nothing more important to the state of Hawaii than pre-clearance from Narita

International Airport,'' Ige said to applause from hundreds of industry officials attending the Hawaii Tourism Conference.

Ige said he's also working to speed up immigration and customs processing here in Hawaii and upgrade the state's airports to improve the visitor experience.

The governor spoke a day after the tourism authority released data showing more than 816,000 travelers visited Hawaii last month, an all-time high. Tourists spend $1.4 billion during their time in the islands.

Tourism is Hawaii's biggest industry, employing more than 200,000 people. -AP

Datebook

September 4, 2015

NEW JERSEY Upcoming Sat, Sep 12

NEW YORK Upcoming Sat, Sep 12

• Sounds of Harmony

• Jayaram Show 2015

Venue: NJ Expo Ctr - Raritan Center, 97 Sunfield Ave, EDISON, NJ Time : 08:00 pm Contact: 732-318-2136

Venue: Colden Center Auditorium, 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, NY 11367 Time : 06:00 pm Contact: 845-269-1445

Sun, Sep 13 • Jayaram Show 2015 – NJ Venue: Felician College Auditorium, 262 S Main St, Lodi, NJ 07644 Time: 4:55 pm Contact: 908-222-2811

Sat,Oct 3 • Shri Atul Purohit Navratri Garba Mohatsav in NJ Venue: MetLife Stadium, 1 MetLife Stadium Drive, East Rutherford, NJ 07073 Time: 8:00 pm Contact: 732-770-2561

Sun, Sep 27 • An Evening Of Indian Classical Music & Dance Venue: Queen Of Angels Church Parish Center, 44-04 Skillman Ave, NY 11104 Time : 06:00 pm Contact: 8482191079

India Post 47

www.indiapost.com

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

CHICAGO

Upcoming

Upcoming

• "Paramnesia," Photo Series

by Naomi Vanderkindren

Sun, Sep 20 • Vidwan Ganesh and Vidwan Kumaresh

Venue: Louie-Meager Art Gallery

Venue: Santa Clara Convention Center, 5001

Smith Center at Ohlone College

Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, CA

43600 Mission Blvd, Fremont, CA 94539

95054

Time: M/W 11am-4pm, T/Th 10am-3pm

Time: 04:00 pm

Aug 28 to Sep 28

Contact: www.ohlone.edu/org/artgallery 510.659.6176

• Ramesh Chindam’s solo art show on 'Untold Expressions' Venue: 2801 Leavenworth San Francisco,

Sat, Sep 26 • NAATAK VRINDAVAN

presents

Venue: Cubberley Theater, 4000 Middlefield

Sat, Oct 3

CA 94109.

Road, Palo Alto, CA 94303

• Sukhwinder Singh & Kanika Kapoor -Live in Concert

Contact: 415-699 5442

Time: 06:00 pm

Venue: Colden Center Auditorium ( Queens College), 65-30 Kissena Blvd, NY 11367 Time : 08:00 pm

rameshchindamarts@gmail.com

Sat, Sep 5 • MCE Alumni Reunion Venue: Crowne Plaza Silicon Valley N Union City, 32083 Alvarado-Niles Rd, Union City, CA 94587 Time: 9:00 am Contact: 571-282-1133

Sat, Sep 12 • Mera Woh Matlab Nahi Tha Venue: City National Civic, 135 W San Carlos St, San Jose, CA 95113 Time: 7:30 pm Contact: 650-771-0933

Sat, Sep 12 • Paatasala Telugu School registration Venue: Telugu Times, 68 S Abel St, Milpitas, CA 95035 Time: 8:00 am

ATLANTA Upcoming Sat, Sep 5 • Projonmo-O-Porompora Venue: Amado Recital Hall - Irvine Auditorium, 3401 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA Time: 2:30 pm Contact: 267-577-5559

Sun, Sep 13 • Sunidhi Live In Atlanta Venue: Cobb Energy Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30339 Time: 7:00 pm Contact: 404-576-8909

Sat, Oct 3 • Shobanas Krishna Musical in English Venue: Lassiter high - Concert Hall, 2601 Shallowford Rd, Marietta, GA 30066 Time: 07:00 pm Contact: 404-483-3866

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

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

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

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

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

„ Health

Line

Rate increases for health providers in Iowa DES MOINES, Iowa: Iowa's top insurance regulator has approved rate increases for several health providers in the state.

Insurance Commissioner Nick Gerhart announced that he approved increases on individual insurance plans provided by Wellmark Blue Cross & Blue Shield, Coventry Health Care and

Nick Gerhart

Gundersen Health Insurance. The changes go into effect in January.

The Des Moines Register reports the rate increases include between 17.6 percent and 28.7 percent on average for plans by Wellmark, 19.8 percent on average for plans by Coventry and 9.4 percent on average for plans by Gundersen.

The newspaper reports some residents who attended a hearing earlier this year on the proposed increases criticized it. Officials for at least two of the providers say the increases were needed because of unexpected health care costs. -AP

„

Nevada Health Co-Op closing at end of year

CARSON CITY, Nev.: The Nevada Health Co-Op created as part of the Affordable Care Act is ending operations at the end of the year due to continued high costs.

The nonprofit's board of directors announced that they'd made the ``painful'' decision to phase out the program rather than continue investing in an uncertain market.

Participants will be covered through the end of 2015, but are asked to choose other insurance providers when an open enrollment period begins in November.

The cooperative offered plans both on and off the health exchange that was created as part of President Barack Obama's health overhaul.

Officials say it enrolled 14,000 members in 2014.

Co-ops around the country are struggling. Regulators shut down one covering Iowa and Nebraska, and one in Louisiana announced plans to close.-AP

Health Science

Ellettsville offices to relocate after mold discovery

48 India Post

www.indiapost.com

September 4, 2015

Details on Page 51

184 districts identified for focused healthcare, says Modi NEW DELHI: Promising to provide equitable healthcare that addresses intra-state disparities, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said 184 poorest performing districts have been identified where more resources would be infused and focused programs will be carried out.

Listing out achievements and strides made by India especially in maternal and child health, he exuded confidence that India would reach close to achieving the millennium development goal of reducing under-five mortality rate.

He said the country needs to institutionalize a system where marginalized communities receive universal healthcare and financial protection as "unfortunate health episodes" are making people financially weak.

"One of our major concerns is equity. As a step towards ensuring equitable health services

across regions that suffer from intra-state disparities, and to bring about sharper improvements in

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

health outcomes, a total of 184 poorest performing districts all over the country have been identified.

"Special efforts are being made to put in more resources and focused programs in these areas," he said here while addressing the 'Global Call to Action' Summit 2015 being attended by representatives of 24 nations.

The summit seeks to ensure cohesion among countries to end preventable maternal and child death.

Talking about India's achievement in eliminating maternal and neonatal tetanus much before the global target date of December 2015, Modi extended his government's commitment to the global community with technology and program intervention to combat disease. -PTI

New tests can help predict hypertension

A

standard blood test used to verify heart muscle damage from heart attacks could also identify people at risk of hypertension well before the silent killer shows up on a blood pressure machine, a new study has found.

Researchers found that people with subtle elevations in cardiac troponin were more likely to be diagnosed with hypertension within a few years. High blood pressure is a leading cause of heart attacks and strokes and claims more than 9 million lives worldwide each year, according to the World Health Organization.

"Identifying those at risk for hypertension as well as those in the earliest stages of the disease would allow us to intervene much sooner, either with lifestyle changes or medication, before the condition develops fully and has had a chance to damage organs," said lead investigator Bill McEvoy, assistant professor of medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

Researchers said the standard troponin test, already the

gold-standard screen for cardiac muscle damage from ongoing or recent heart attacks, works great for figuring out whether someone with chest pain or other cardiac

symptoms is having a heart attack, but results often come back "normal" for many with other forms of cardiac damage unrelated to heart attacks.

The high-sensitivity test used in the study can identify these

people, the researchers add, because it detects even trace amounts of troponin released by heart cells injured by spikes in blood pressure that come and go unnoticed.

For their study, McEvoy and colleagues analyzed blood samples obtained in the late 1980s and early 1990s from 5,479 people enrolled in a long-term multicentre research known as the 'Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study'.

Designed to track heart disease risk over time, the study followed people for an average of 12 years.

None of the participants had clinical diagnosis of hypertension at the beginning of the study although about 27 per cent had high-normal blood pressures, a condition that often heralds the onset of full-blown hypertension later on.

Compared with people whose troponin levels were undetect-

able, less than 5 nanogrammes per deciliter, those with mild elevations, 5 to 8 nanogrammes per deciliter, had a 13 per cent higher rate of hypertension during the follow-up.

Those with notably elevated troponin levels, 9 to 13 nanogrammes per deciliter, were 24 per cent more likely to have developed hypertension, and those with troponin levels above 13 nanogrammes per deciliter had a nearly 40 per cent higher risk of hypertension.

Similarly, compared with people whose troponin levels were undetectable, participants with slightly elevated troponin levels were twice as likely to develop heart muscle thickening within six years after the initial testing.

Those with notably elevated troponin levels were three times more likely to have thickened heart muscle within six years, while participants with high levels of troponin had a fivefold risk of such heart muscle abnormalities.

The research was published in the journal Circulation. -PTI

Health Science Post

September 4, 2015

India Post 49

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Peak months for students' 1st drug use CHICAGO: Parents worried that their college-bound children might succumb to the temptations of campus life may want to take note of a new analysis that found that students tend to experiment with specific types of drugs for the first time during certain times of year.

College students tend to try stimulants such as Adderall and Ritalin for the first time in November, December or April, according to the examination of 12 years of government survey data. They may believe the attention deficit disorder medications will help them ace their exams, even though there is no medical evidence that such drugs enhance performance and such drugs can be addictive.

Students are most likely to try marijuana, inhalants and alcohol for the first time during the summer, not the school year, according to the report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, which examined data from the annual National Survey on Drug Use and Health.

First use of cigarettes peaks in June, September and October.

Underage college students who have never tried alcohol before are most likely to have it for the first time in June. First-time use of cigars, marijuana and inhalants is highest in June and July, and the first nonmedical use of prescription painkillers happens most of-

ten in December.

While many American teenagers start drinking in high school, the report suggests many do not.

About 1,200 underage students each day, on average, try alcohol for the first time while in college, according to the analysis.

Other reports using the same

said Brendan Saloner, an addiction researcher at John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health who wasn't involved in the study. ``For most of the substances, what you're seeing is a summer peak. Young people may have more time on their hands and less

Marijuana plants grow at LifeLine Labs in Cottage Grove, Minn. The state is starting to move towards a decision that could drastically alter the landscape of Minnesota's new medical marijuana program: Should it allow people suffering intractable pain to buy medical marijuana?

survey have found the average age of first alcohol use is about 17 in the U.S., with other drug initiation tending to be later. First marijuana use happens at about age 18 and first nonmedical use of prescription stimulants or painkillers typically happens at about age 21 to 22, according to the 2013 survey.

The new findings suggest that prevention messages could be targeted at the months when college students are most vulnerable,

supervision,'' Saloner said. ``For stimulants, first use seems to peak around finals. There's a lot of anxiety and stress around final exams and a push for students to do as well as they can.''

The report sought to determine the average number of fulltime college students using substances for the first time for each month of the year. It combined information from 68,600 full-time college students answering the 2002 through 2013 surveys.

Kansas OKs increases to health insurance premiums WICHITA, Kan.: Kansas residents who purchase health insurance on their own could see their premiums increase up to 25.4 percent next year under new rates approved by the state's Insurance Department.

The state agency said fewer than 5 percent of residents would

Officials cite several reasons in why individual insurances plans are increasing quicker than group plans.

One is the guaranteed coverage for the plans granted through the Affordable Care Act, said Craig Van Aalst, assistant director of the health and life division

``The people that went to the exchange or the marketplace; they have not been to the doctor for a long time, and I think they were more sick than anyone realized, because no one had been tracking them,'' said Cindy Hermes, director of public outreach. be affected by the rate increases it approved, The Wichita Eagle reported.

Companies initially had suggested rate hikes as high as 39 percent. The increases don't affect people who buy the insurance through their employers.

at the Insurance Department.

This was the first time insurance companies had a full year of experience with Affordable Care Act claims before the companies had to set rates for the following year. Officials say the steep increases stem from more

expensive claims than previously expected. ``The people that went to the exchange or the marketplace; they have not been to the doctor for a long time, and I think they were more sick than anyone realized, because no one had been tracking them,'' said Cindy Hermes, director of public outreach for the Insurance Department.

A June report from the Department of Health and Human Services shows that Kansas has the fifth-highest risk score for individual insurance plans in the nation, meaning that companies consider Kansas residents riskier to insure.

Currently, three companies comprise most of the Kansas health insurance market. They are BlueCross BlueShield, Aetna and Coventry Health and Life. Starting Jan. 1, Kansas residents also will be able to purchase insurance from UnitedHealthcare. -AP

Pinpointing the months of first-time use is a new way to look at the data, said Rear Adm. Peter Delany, the director of SAMHSA's Center for Behavioral Health Statistics, which produced the report. ``These are times when parents may want to think about checking in,'' said Delany, whose son is a college freshman. ``The No. 1 thing to do is talk to your kids in a non-emotional way and tell them what expectations you have.''

Other research has found that college students listen to their parents. The Maryland Collabo-

rative to Reduce College Drinking and Related Problems offers tools and scripts for parents at the website collegeparentsmatter.org.

Parents of new college students ``breathe a big sigh of relief that they got them through high school,'' said Amelia Arria of University of Maryland, a codirector of the collaborative. ``Parents should be more aware that college presents a risky environment (for drug and alcohol use) that can impair academic achievement and derail a student's chances of success.'' AP

Pacers, St. Vincent join for new training facility INDIANAPOLIS: The Indiana Pacers and St. Vincent, a local health provider, have released more details plans for a $50 million training facility in downtown Indianapolis.

At a news conference team officials showed what the 130,000-square foot St. Vincent Center will look like. The fivestory building will be built on a pie-shaped space on Delaware Street, across the street from Bankers Life Fieldhouse, the Pacers home court, and will include

two NBA regulation-sized courts along with office and retail space.

The Capital Improvement Board unanimously approved the deal.

A medical facility inside the building will provide primary care, cardiovascular and sports performance services for athletes and the general public. The Pacers will wear the St. Vincent logo on their practice jerseys.

Team officials hope construction is completed within two years. -AP

3 Jackson hospitals to merge laundry operations JACKSON, Miss.: Three Jackson hospitals are consolidating laundry operation in a public-private partnership executives say will save each millions.

The Clarion-Ledger reports University of Mississippi Medical Center, St. Dominic Hospital and Baptist Health Systems will use Crown Health Care Laundry Services, a national health care laundry processor that opened a location in Columbia in 2013.

The state College Board approved UMMC's five-year agree-

ment with Crown recently. Crown expects to hire 30 to 35 additional employees at their Columbia plant as a result of the increased workload from the contracts.

UMMC processes 4.2 million pounds of laundry on-site annually. Baptist Health Systems processes 4 million pounds and St. Dominic, 2.7 million.

UMMC's vice chancellor for health affairs, LouAnn Woodward, says the cost savings will arrive via avoiding replacing onsite laundry equipment. -AP

Texas says Medicaid cuts still coming AUSTIN, Texas: Texas health officials say they will still implement a $350 million cut in Medicaid payments for therapy services - surprising opponents who thought they walked out of a courtroom with a victory.

An attorney for the Texas

Health and Human Services Commission told a judge they planned to ``start over'' after being pushed to the brink of legal action. But the agency later said that while the rates to providers will be reconsidered, the state will still implement the cuts. -AP

50 India Post

Health Science Post

September 4, 2015

www.indiapost.com

Florida gives Medicaid insurers 7.7 % increase FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.: Florida health officials have said they would give insurers a 7.7 percent rate increase in the fledgling Medicaid managed care program, in what has been a contentious battle between Gov. Rick Scott, the insurers and hospitals.

The Republican governor lobbied hard to get federal approval for the statewide managed care program, which launched last year. He promised it would save money and improve health care for more than 3 million low-income and disabled Floridians. But now that the program seems in desperate need of additional funding, Scott has been blaming the insurance companies and hospitals.

Health insurers have lost $542 million through 2014 and said they can't afford further losses. They asked for a $400 million raise and a 12 percent rate increase from the state. Scott's administration had warned that any increase could negate the roughly 5 percent savings the program has generated and had previously countered with a 6.4 percent increase.

The governor strongly opposes pumping any additional state funds into the Medicaid program and wasn't happy when state lawmakers invested $400 million earlier this year in order to help hospitals that were losing other types of federal aid.

The Agency for Health Care Administration said the 7.7% increase takes into account the recent legislative hospital rate increase, pharmacy trends including new drugs now on the market and other

Gov. Rick Scott

changes.

As the state and insurers have been locked in rate negotiations, Scott has repeatedly spoken out and taken action against them, including requiring that insurance company and hospitals send their contracts with each other to the states to ensure they are complying with the law. The

governor had alleged that the reason the Medicaid program wasn't saving more money was because insurers were negotiating hospital rates that were too high.

Earlier, Scott announced his administration would conduct random audits on hospitals.

Scott has b e e n adversarial against hospitals that receive public funds after the federal government announced deep cuts in hospital funding earlier this year.

Scott, who formerly ran a chain of for-profit hospitals, has tried to show that the hospitals aren't

as bad off financially as they maintain. He has also created a commission to examine hospitals' finances.

Insurers say higher than expected usage rates, pent-up demand among Medicaid enrollees and expensive drugs costs contributed to the losses. It's unclear what impact the lower than requested rates will have on the market. It's unlikely that insurers will drop out as there are stiff penalties for leaving, but experts say it could contribute to more market consolidation.

The Florida Association of Health Plan said the rates are a result of a collaborative dialogue between the health plans and the state. ``This a step in the right direction and the plans look forward to continuing this dialogue with the state to ensure our shared goals of providing quality health care while respecting every dollar of taxpayer funding,'' said CEO Audrey Brown.

Officials estimated nearly 4.2 million will be enrolled in the Medicaid program in 20162017, about a four percent increase from the previous year. -AP

Insurance firms finalize higher rates in Idaho BOISE, Idaho: Idaho officials have released the final rate increases for health insurance plans in Idaho for 2016.

Blue Cross of Idaho Health Service has the most rate hikes, averaging out to be 23 percent higher than in 2015. Company

Idaho Department of Insurance Director Dean Cameron

officials say the increase is needed after losing millions of dollars because current customer premiums are not keeping up with claims paid.

Last year, the company's average rate increase for individual policies was about 15 percent. However, that same year, the company paid nearly $221.1 million in claims while only receiving $188.7 in cus-

tomer premiums.

Meanwhile, Montana Health Cooperative _an insurance provider based in Montana that also offers plans for Idaho residents_ has finalized a 26 percent rate increase for plans in the Gem State.

SelectHealth plans will see an average hike of nearly 15 percent. Plans with Regence BlueShield of Idaho will go up on average 10 percent, while BridgeSpan Health Company will go up roughly 7 percent.

Idaho Department of Insurance Director Dean Cameron says he did not find any proposed rate changes to be unreasonable. ``In spite of our best efforts in working with carriers, health insurance rates will be increasing for some Idahoans in 2016,'' Cameron said in a prepared statement. ``We will continue to explore ways to minimize increases going forward. In the meantime, we urge consumers to review their plans and shop wisely with assistance from a licensed agent and Your Health Idaho.''

The double-digit rate hikes will apply to plans sold on Idaho's health insurance exchange created under President Barack Obama's health care law. The portion is relatively smaller than the amount of people who get health insurance through their employers.

The Affordable Care Act has been in place since 2013, but providers not only in Idaho but also across the nation have just recently cataloged a full year's worth of data on customer utilization and medical costs _all factors needed to fully weigh how much rates should be adjusted for next year. -AP

September 4, 2015

Health Science Post

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Ellettsville offices to relocate after mold discovery ELLETTSVILLE, Ind.: Town offices in the Monroe County community of Ellettsville will have to be relocated again after county health officials found mold.

Officials moved into a two-room office space in Eagles Landing Mall when flood waters damaged the previous town hall in 2013. Now the clerk-treasurer and utilities offices will move to Smith Pike Crossing Plaza, where they'll stay temporarily while the new town hall is being built.

The town council unanimously voted to approve the move and all but one member, council vice president Scott Thomas, voted to terminate the lease at Eagles Landing, The (Bloomington) Herald Times reported.

Thomas said the town should figure out whether the mold poses a health threat before terminating the agreement. But Coun-

The town council unanimously voted to approve the move and all but one member, council vice president Scott Thomas, voted to terminate the lease at Eagles Landing cilwoman Dianna Bastin said the town should ``always want to err on the side of the employees,'' some of whom told the council that they wouldn't want to continue working at Eagles Landing. ``I think we need to get back to work.

Gazing into another's eyes can cause hallucinations LONDON: Lovers, take note! Gazing deeply into someone else's eyes can transport people to an altered state of consciousness in which they experience strange hallucinations, a new study suggests.

Researcher Giovanni Caputo, from the University of Urbino, Italy, put 20 people

in a dimly lit room and made them sit opposite each other in pairs.

They then stared at each other, expressionless, for ten minutes.

Many of the subjects had "a compelling experience that they never had before".

They were asked questions about their experience such as, 'Did you see the face of a monster?', 'Did you see the face of one of your relatives?', 'Did you see that some facial traits were deformed?' and 'Did you see the face of a domestic or savage animal?'

Ninety per cent reported hallucinating that they had seen a deformed face, and 75 per cent said they had seen a monster.

Half said their partner's face had partially morphed into their own and 15 per cent said they had seen a relative's face, 'The Times' reported.

The subjects also felt disassociated from the world around them.

"A possible explanation of the

results can be []that] the sensory deprivation (low lighting) and the sustained gazing toward a stimulus (the other's face) induces a general level of dissociation," Caputo said.

"The strange-face apparition momentarily interrupts the dissociative state by provoking a temporary hallucination.

"In other words, the strange-face apparition can be a form of rebound to 'reality' that occurs from a general state of dissociation due to sensory deprivation," he added.

The study was published in the journal Psychiatry Research. -PTI

It's not like we can reassign them to other departments. We need to get them back to work,'' Bastin said. ``And we need them to feel good about going to work.''

Although council president Scott Oldham believes the owners of Eagles Landing will resolve the mold issue, he

said the council wasn't left with much of an option other than authorizing the move.

Clerk-Treasurer Sandy Hash agreed that moving to a new office space was the best option, but she noted that none of her employees have reported negative health effects from the mold. -AP

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September 4, 2015

Philosophy

September 4, 2015

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K

rishna is utterly incomparable, he is so unique.

Firstly, his uniqueness lies in the fact that although Krishna happened in the ancient past he belongs to the future, is really of the future. Man has yet to grow to that height where he can be a contemporary of Krishna's. He is still beyond man's understanding; he continues to puzzle and battle us.

Only in some future time will we be able to understand him and appreciate his virtues. And there are good reasons for it. The most important reason is that Krishna is the sole great man in our whole history who reached the absolute height and depth of religion, and yet he is not at all serious and sad, not in tears.

By and large, the chief characteristic of a religious person has been that he is somber, serious and sad-looking - like one vanquished in the battle of life, like a renegade from life.

In the long line of such sages it is Krishna alone who comes dancing, singing and laughing.

Religions of the past were all lifedenying and masochistic, extolling sorrow and suffering as great virtues.

If you set aside Krishna's vision of religion, then every religion of the past presented a sad and sorrowful face. A laughing religion, a religion that accepts life DR ROBERT SVOBODA

I

n "Aghora" you mentioned that Tantra purifies the elements within one. Can you practice Tantra to get well or to balance your Doshas?

Svoboda: You can. What's important in Tantra is you have a clear idea of what result you want to get. Tantra is all about deciding what you want to achieve and achieving it.

It may have nothing to do with becoming enlightened; it may have something to do with "I want to become well and I can't figure it out how to do it otherwise, so I'm going to invoke Lord Shiva and I'm going to have him transform me somehow".

Then you figure out what kind procedure you want to do and you move ahead and you do it.

So often what happens is people start to purify the elements and they start to feel that they are becoming free from the limitations of the material world and then they get very excited and proceed directly in that direction and then their bodies fall apart.

But they don't care.

Some people start to do that and their bodies start to fall apart and they do not care and then

in its totality is yet to be born.

And it is good that the old religions are dead, along with them, that the old God, the God of our old concepts is dead too.

It is said of Jesus that he never laughed. It was perhaps his sad look and the picture of his physical form on the cross that became the focal point of at traction for people, most of whom are themselves unhappy and miserable. In

perfect incarnation of God, while all other incarnations were assessed as imperfect and incomplete. Even Rama is described as an incomplete incarnation of God. But Krishna is the whole of God. And there is a reason for saying so. The reason is that Krishna has accepted and absorbed everything that life is.

Albert Schweitzer made a significant remark in criticism of the

of sorrow and misery that is our life. Or, we can say he is a small oasis of joyous dancing and celebration in the huge desert of sadness and negativity, of suppression and condemnation that we really are.

Krishna alone accepts the body in its totality. And he accepts it not in any selected dimension but in all its dimensions.

Krishna could not influence the

Krishna is still beyond man's understanding Krishna is the sole great man in our whole history who reached the absolute height and depth of religion, and yet he is not at all serious and sad, not in tears.

ZOROASTER QUOTES

With an open mind, seek and listen to all the highest ideals. Consider the most enlightened thoughts. Then choose your path, person by person, each for oneself.

Lord Krishna

a deep sense Mahavira and Buddha are against life too. They are in favor of some other life in some other world; they support a kind of liberation from this life.

Every religion, up to now, has divided life into two parts, and while they accept one part they deny the other, Krishna alone accepts the whole of life. Acceptance of life in its totality has attained full fruition in Krishna.

That is why India held him to be a

Indian religion. He said that the religion of this country is life negative. This remark is correct to a large extent, if Krishna is left out. But it is utterly wrong in the context of Krishna.

If Schweitzer had tried to understand Krishna he would never have said so. But it was unfortunate that we did not allow Krishna to influence our life in a broad way. He remains a lonely dancing island in the vast ocean

whole spectrum of our life, and for this we are alone to blame.

Krishna is not in the least responsible for it. We were not that worthy, that deserving, to have him, to imbibe him, to absorb him.

Excerpted from 'Krishna: The Man and His Philosophy.' Talks given from 20/7/70 to 5/10/70 originally in Hindi.

Janmashtami, or the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, will be celebrated on September 5.

that's a problem.

As Vimalananda said: "It's better to take things slowly". So you can educate your body as to how it's going to have to live with this connection to more intense energy. He also used to say: "When you are walking on the road, remember that the road never gets

road. Road it's just there. It's an impersonal force."

So, the elements are impersonal, they don't dislike you, but they also don't necessarily like you. If you stick your finger into the electric socket, the electricity does not want to kill you, on the other hand it will kill you.

work with you, you have to respect them.

Which is why in India they have gone to such an effort to personify so many things, to personify Ganesh, who is the personification of the Earth element, and to personify Agni in various forms like Narasimha or like the

The five elements are impersonal forces

Do not hold grain waiting for higher prices when people are hungry.

Doing good to others is not a duty. It is a joy, for it increases your own health and happiness.

War and courage have done more great things than charity. Not your sympathy, but your bravery has saved the unfortunate.

One good deed is worth a thousand prayers.

You should realize that they are impersonal forces, and if you want them to work with

Beware of lust; it corrupteth both the body and the mind.

you, you have to respect them. Which is why in India they have gone to such an effort to personify so many things tired, you will get tired but the road is never tired, the road is there, the road will always be there, if you want to come walk on it, the road is happy, if you don't walk on it, the road is still happy. The road did not ask you to walk on it, the road did not ask you to try to stand on your hands while you were walking on the

Because it's: "Sorry that you put your hand in there but; its job is to move a bunch of electrons and you happen to be there and you stuck your finger in there, so sorry, but now you're dead". So it's the same way with the 5 elements. You should realize that they are impersonal forces, and if you want them to

Dr Robert Svoboda

God Agni rides around on a ram or whatever. And so that in fact you can interact with them in a way that is familiar to you as a human and have them relate to you in a little more reasonable way than if you just try relating to them as cosmic powers.

Excerpted from a question-answer session in wildyogi.info

He who sows the ground with care and diligence acquires a greater stock of religious merit than he could gain by the repetition of ten thousand prayers

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Back-channel engagement needed to restore talks

India Post

RAPHAELA KORMOLL

T

he now cancelled talks between the National Security Advisors (NSA) of India and Pakistan would have been the first meeting between the two wherein the public was duly apprised in advance.

Back-channel meetings between the NSAs had been established by the end of October 2004 as part of a composite dialogue process (CDP), as Sumona Dasgupta points out in a recent working paper.

The idea and the format of a CDP between India and Pakistan was first articulated in 1997 by the then Indian Prime Minister I. K. Gujral and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif. However, it was not until 2004 that the process took off, due to a number of crises that put a strain on Indo-Pak relations.

Discussing terrorism has been on the CDP agenda since the beginning, but it was not until 2006 that progress was made on this issue. In 2006, the then Indian Prime

secretaries of India and Pakistan, the Home/Interior Secretaries are responsible for discussing terrorism.

By moving the talks on terrorism to the NSA-level, New Delhi and Islamabad hint at a change in their understanding of the issue from a national to an international security concern. Simultaneously, it may indicate a preference of Indian NSA Ajit Doval and his Pakistani counterpart Sartaj Aziz over the Home/Interior Secretaries to discuss security-related issues.

As a former member of the Indian Police Service (IPS) and former Director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB), Doval has the knowhow, the expertise, the resources and power to take the talks on terrorism to the next level and therefore appears to be better suited to the job.

Aziz on the other hand has served as Pakistan's foreign and finance minister and has thus been involved in external affairs. Yet, he appears to lack connections to the

By moving the talks on terrorism to the NSAlevel, New Delhi and Islamabad hint at a change in their understanding of the issue from a national to an international security concern. Simultaneously, it may indicate a preference of Indian NSA Ajit Doval and his Pakistani counterpart Sartaj Aziz over the Home/Interior Secretaries to discuss securityrelated issues Minister Manmohan Singh and Pakistani President Gen. Pervez Musharraf decided to create a joint counter-terrorism framework.

Subsequently, the Joint AntiTerrorism Mechanism (JATM) was launched in 2007 with several meetings taking place in 2007 and 2008. Yet, the JATM did not result in any visible outcomes.

The action points highlighted in the joint statement issued by the Indian and Pakistani Prime Ministers, Narendra Modi and Nawaz Sharif, following their meeting on the side-lines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit in Ufa, Russia, therefore appeared like a promising step toward closer cooperation on terrorism. First, because it engaged the National Security Advisors (NSA).

Second, for its exclusive focus on terrorism.

Engaging the NSAs According to a September 1998 joint statement by the then foreign

Pakistani intelligence service and the military, whose support for Indo-Pak talks is necessary for their realization and the implementation of joint agreements. This is particularly true for counter-terrorism measures.

Terrorism without Kashmir Until now, counter-terrorism measures have been discussed alongside the territorial dispute over Kashmir, as neither side has been willing to talk about one without the other. By separating the two issues in the Ufa joint statement, India and Pakistan appeared to hint at mutual understanding that terrorism is a security concern, while Kashmir falls within the category of foreign affairs. This marked a departure from the contentious securitization of the Kashmir issue and suggests a positive trend for Indo-Pak relations.

Yet, by agreeing to focus on terrorism alone, Islamabad was

sure of criticism at home - on governmental, civilian, and military levels. This became evident in the developments following the statement - increase in cross-border shelling, terrorist attacks, and the invitation of separatist Hurriyat leaders - that foreshadowed that the talks might get cancelled.

This raises questions concerning the real intent behind agreeing to NSA-level talks. Was it to show the world that India and Pakistan are on good terms? Or did Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif seek to test Delhi's commitment to the continuation of the CDP? Islamabad had been pushing for the resumption of talks since 2013. In August 2014, the Indian government cancelled the scheduled bilateral Foreign Secretarylevel meeting due to Pakistan's engagement with militant Kashmiris.

This time, New Delhi indicated intention to proceed with the talks, despite Pakistan's notification of a meeting with Hurriyat leaders - a move which showed Islamabad's reluctance to go ahead with the talks.

What implications does this have for the CDP? The cancellation of the NSAlevel talks does not necessarily show a lack of commitment to the dialogue process, given that the trajectory of official Indo-Pak talks has been highly unsteady to date - with a series of false starts and closures, resumptions and backoffs, and major incidents such as the 2008 Mumbai attacks, exacerbating the situation. Instead it is an indication that the nature of the engagement has not been thought through entirely.

Therefore, it seems necessary to continue back-channel meetings to set the scene for official NSA-level talks. This is particularly true because the media became the forum for communication between New Delhi and Islamabad - to the detriment of effective diplomacy.

Restoring diplomacy is necessary to continue the official dialogue. Whether future talks will yield substantial results in the form of efficient joint mechanisms to fight terrorism is, however, doubtful. Regardless, it would be pragmatic for Indian and Pakistani leaders to move beyond talking the talk to walking the walk.

The writer is Research Intern, IPCS, and Doctoral Candidate, Durham University

Development costs

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n Narendra Modi's lexicon, "development" is the panacea for all ills. Well into his second year as prime minister, he is realizing the high costs of his mission. The four Opposition parties' gang up in Bihar has succeeded in painting him as anti-farmer. However they have been forced to follow his agenda of development, as Modi pointed out in his latest speech in Bihar, instead of harping on caste as they used to earlier.

What has brought together chief minister Nitish Kumar, Congress president Sonia Gandhi and RJD chief Lalu Prasad is the fear of Modi and his development agenda. Nitish Kumar in fact has flaunted a package of schemes worth Rs 2.7 lakh crore to counter Modi's Rs 1.65 lakh crore promise.

One can understand Modi's promise. As prime minister he can offer such money. But where will Nitish Kumar bring this magical money from? If he has access to such money, why was he pleading with the Center for a special package? And why did he not use all this money for the development of Bihar in the last five years?

Frequent elections in fact take away from the actual practice of governance. The leaders are distracted from their work at the Center in order to win more elections. It has become even more imperative for Modi to win in Bihar in order to create conditions for a better presence in the Rajya Sabha so as to be able to have his programs approved in future.

People in Bihar may still go for his novel "development" mantra but his abandoning of the land law is a blow to his plans. The Modi government's failure to push through a new law to hasten acquisitions means that future projects may get delayed by three-five years because of time-consuming procedures mandated by the 2013 law.

However, it has dawned rather late on Modi and his team that the land issue is better left to the states some of which are already moving forward with their own plans. In fact Andhra has opened a new approach to acquiring land. Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu has found a way round the problem. His strategy is to make all farmers stakeholders in the new capital, so that they voluntarily "pool" their land with the city development agency.

Once the city is developed in a decade, they will get back almost 30% of their pooled land as ultra-expensive city land.

This enables them to see the new city as a road to prosperity, not deprivation. Naidu also offers farmers a monthly payment per acre as high or higher than the going leasing rate for farmland.

Modi is realizing that he needs cooperation from society for his grand plans. Instead he is finding hurdles. The private sector has not taken up his challenge to boost manufacturing. Long used to functioning under bureaucratic shackles, the private sector is not prepared to take risks.

It lacks innovation and is used to functioning in cohorts with the politicians in a quid pro quo approach. The result is that even after policy changes under the Modi government, private manufacturing has not gone up. And the jobs outlook is dismal. Even in his own state of Gujarat, held up as an example of great manufacturing, a 22-year old jobless youth has been able to galvanize millions of Patels to agitate over reservations in government jobs.

Explaining the reasons for this agitation, Anirudh Krishna, a professor of public policy at Duke University says that all but 8 per cent of working-age Indians are currently employed in the informal sector - where people have no security of tenure, no benefits, no legal contract, and thus no protection against under-payment or arbitrary dismissal. Because the private sector has not been able to add to new jobs, government positions are in greater demand than ever.

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