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Hit formula? Where’s it? asks Salman Details on page 24
Activists call for blame-free combat of terror
VOL 17, No. 887
September 9, 2011
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Periodical Postage
IRS EXTENDS OVDI DEADLINE TO SEPT 9 India Post News Service
NEW YORK: Thanks to Hurricane Irene and its potential impact, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has extended the due date for offshore voluntary disclosure initiative (OVDI) from the original Aug 31 deadline to September 9.
The extension has given a breather, albeit nominal, to several members of the Indian American community who have been affected by the recent IRS move to prosecute individuals holding undeclared foreign bank accounts. Details on page 6
Details on page 8 MEASURING THE RECORD: Ashrita Furman of New York City (right) and Sanjaya Spettigue of Ipswich, England complete measuring the 2.15-mile (3.46 km) long garland going all the way around Meadow Lake in order to set a new Guinness World Record for the World's Longest Garland in observance of the 80th birth anniversary of Sri Chinmoy renowned peace visionary who passed on four years ago. Pic Jowan Gauthier. (Details on page 7)
India critical to US success, says Huntsman Details on page 6
35 Indian cos in Forbes 'Best Under a Billion' Details on page 38
INDIA POST SURVEY survey@indiapost.com This week’s question
Should Anna fast again if govt dithers? Last week’s result
Is the community disturbed at IRS rule? YES 37%
NO 63%
NRIs celebrate Anna Hazare's victory Details on page 12
New York law to ensure freedom to Sikhs employees Details on page 6
Summit resolves to fight insult of Hindu symbols Details on page 14
CONTENTS Bollywood ---------------------- 34-35 Classifieds ------------------------- 47 Community Post -------------- 12-23 Date Book -------------------------- 46 Edit Page --------------------------- 49 HealthScience Post --------- 40-42 Horoscope ------------------------- 10 Immigration Post ------------- 43-45 Life Style ----------------------- 24-27 Philosophy ------------------------- 48 Publisherís Diary ------------------ 4 Real Estate -------------------- 36-37 TechBiz Post ------------------- 38-39 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 28-31
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Publisher’s Diary
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t just doesn't seem to end for Americans. One hit after the other, they seem to be bearing the brunt of calamities. Irene lived up to media hype and caused sufficient damage to life and property. Seven to ten billion dollars is losses by simple estimates - roads, bridges, cars, trees, homes, livelihoods and lives have been lost. Media milking of the disaster notwithstanding, the Republicans couldn't let this one pass without holding a candle to the hurricane. Hardly has the storm subsided and there is already debate between Republicans and Democrats on disaster relief. No politician on either side of the aisle can afford a repeat of a Katrina-like disaster management failure, especially not with elections looming ahead. To begin with, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) doesn't have enough funds - the recent tornado in Joplin, Missouri blew away much of the funds in its coffers. The Federal Administration needs to replenish those funds but Republicans uncannily want to exercise their power to put spokes in the wheel. Spending cuts are a campaign priority than coming to the aid of middle class families that have lost their home and other property, many with no insurance. It's just so ironic. The country that often is the most generous donor for disaster relief around the world, has to actually have a political debate on how much to give its own calamity affected people - people who are already reeling under recessionary economic conditions. I hate it when calamities strike in the months running up to elections. Politicians simply cannot resist using them as opportunities to hold the Administration to ransom by holding up its plans or by criticizing it for any plan it comes up with. I wonder when politics would stop coming in the way of the public service. Ultimately people never can win against politicians. But politicians have to win. Whether they work for the people or not, they surely work for their own electoral benefits. An Irene definitely would never be welcome. But if it had to come, it would have been okay to tolerate it in a better economy when lawmakers are not campaigning.
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HIGHLIGHTS Bollywood: 'Dirty' Vidya She is at her boldest ever in "The Dirty Picture", but actress Vidya Balan says she never felt a sense of discomfort.
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Cover Story: OVDI extension Thanks to Hurricane Irene the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has extended the due date for offshore voluntary disclosure initiative.
Community: NRIs celebrate
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People For Lok Satta organized celebrations over Indian Parliament resolution for anti-corruption ombudsmen
Immigration: Alabama law A federal judge has temporarily blocked enforcement of Alabama's new law cracking down on illegal immigration.
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Life Style: Hit formula We have the technical know-how to up the standards but we still haven't discovered a hit formula, says Salman.
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Travel: Cherrapunji Cherrapunji with its pristine beauty, unusual facets, lies in the heart of the State of Meghalaya - the abode of clouds.
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New York law to ensure IRS extends Offshore Disclosure freedom to Sikhs employees deadline to Sept 9 India Post News Service
NEW YORK: Thanks to Hurricane Irene and its potential impact, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has extended the due date for offshore voluntary disclosure initiative (OVDI) from the original Aug 31 deadline to September 9. The extension has given a breather, albeit nominal, to several members of the Indian American community who have been affected by the recent IRS move to prosecute individuals holding undeclared foreign bank accounts. The penalties, with the new extension however, are steeper up to 25 percent of the value of the assets - and they're assessed on the highest value of those assets over the last eight years. For those taxpayers who have not yet submitted their request and any documents, they need to
submit identifying information by Sept 9, to be submitted to the Criminal Investigation office. Then, they need to send a request for a 90-day extension for submitting the complete voluntary dis-
The main benefit of the second round of the IRS's offshore voluntary disclosure initiative is that people who come forward will not face criminal charges closure package of information to the IRS Austin campus. Indian American community organizations like the Global Organization of Persons of Indian
Origin (GOPIO) had taken up the issue of Aug 31 deadline given by the IRS to declare such accounts, but the IRS had rejected the request. GOPIO has now urged the concerned Indian American individuals to take advantage of the extension in deadline even if only till Sept 9 owing to Hurricane Irene. In a special bulletin released late last month, GOPIO has given a detailed Q&A on the process requesting extension for the OVDI. The main benefit of the second round of the IRS's offshore voluntary disclosure initiative is that people who come forward will not face criminal charges. They will owe a lot of penalties, but these may be less than if they were caught. While the program officially ends on Sept 9, the IRS has said taxpayers who make a goodfaith effort to comply may be able to file for an extension.
ED books yoga guru Ramdev for FEMA violation NEW DELHI: Yoga guru Ramdev and his Haridwar-based trusts have been booked by the Enforcement Directorate in a case of alleged foreign exchange violation, official sources said here. The Directorate registered the case on the basis of a report from the RBI and inputs from abroad on "suspicious" financial transactions done by Ramdev's trusts, they said. The ED had earlier allegedly found foreign remittances and inflow of certain funds during its discreet probe in the case and the
action has now been taken under the provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), the sources said. Efforts to repeatedly contact Ramdev's spokesperson did not succeed. In connection with its probe into Ramdev's finances, the ED had approached authorities in the UK seeking financial details about an island in Scotland that was 'gifted' to the Yoga guru by a couple who are among his followers. The Little Cumbrae Island, off the fishing town of Largs in Scotland,
serves as Ramdev's base overseas and also as a wellness centre. The Directorate has asked the authorities in the UK to help it get inputs on funding-related aspects of the island, the sources said. The ED's probe is aimed at checking the flow of money and transactions through various trusts floated by Ramdev including the Patanjali Yogpeeth Trust, Divya Yoga Mandir Trust and Bharat Swabhiman Trust, they said. The agency had also approached officials in the island nation of Madagascar.-PTI
GANESHA ANNADIZED: An artist gives Anna Hazare look to an idol of Lord Ganesha ahead of Ganesha Chaturthi in Ahmedabad
NEW YORK: Sikhs in the US doms," Weprin said. will be allowed to wear turbans Sikh Coalition's program direcand grow beards in federal agen- tor and co-founder Amardeep cies like the police department and Singh said the law would ensure transit authority after New York that religious minorities like Sikhs Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Muslims in the US are not dissigned into law a bill that will en- criminated against by their employsure freedom for employees to ers for practicing their religion. practice religious beliefs at work"The law is a major step in enplace. suring Sikhs and other religious The 'Workplace Religious Free- minorities are not unfairly exdom' bill was initiated by civil cluded from jobs for which they rights group Sikh Coalition and are otherwise qualified," Singh sponsored by Queens Democrat Council mem‘The law is a major step in ber Mark Weprin. In signing the law, Bloomberg said em- ensuring Sikhs and other ployers must make a religious minorities are "reasonable accommodation" for an not unfairly excluded employee's religious from jobs’ practices unless following such practices creates an "undue hardship." told PTI. The undue hardship is now He said a few Sikhs were told defined as requiring "significant by the New York Police Departexpense or difficulty." ment (NYPD) that they could not "This bill sends the message wear their turbans as traffic that people should not have to agents. choose between serving our city Similarly, Sikhs and Muslim and adhering to their religious workers at the Metropolitan Tranbeliefs. All Americans should re- sit Authority (MTA) were forced ceive the full embrace of our to brand their religious headwear country's constitutional free- with an MTA logo. -PTI
India critical to America's success, says Jon Huntsman WASHINGTON: Describing pursuing new trade opportunities, India as a friend "critical to particularly across the Pacific, America's success", a leading US among his key proposals. presidential aspirant has under"Thus, the United States lined the need for Washington to should take the lead in initiating immediately start discussion with free trade agreements with Japan, it on a bilateral free trade pact. India and Taiwan, among others. "Washington must also imme- We must begin to send a message diately start discussions with In- to the world that we will once again dia to end in a bilateral free trade lead on trade liberalization," the agreement strengthening our re- proposal said. lationship with a friend who will prove to be critical to America's ‘The United States should take success in the 21st century," said Republican the lead in initiating free trade presidential aspirant agreements with Japan, Jon Huntsman. A former governor of India and Taiwan’ Utah, Huntsman served the first two years of the Obama administration as top Although discussions have American diplomat to China. stalled, the US should urge "It is in the strategic interest of completion of the multi-lateral nethe United States to reach trade gotiations aimed at promoting free agreements with the world's larg- trade between nations of varying est economies that share our val- prosperity, which will benefit both ues," he said in a major policy developed and developing naspeech on 'job plan' in the coun- tions, Huntsman said in his protry. posal. Huntsman came out with a Huntsman formally entered the number of proposals to boost race for the Republican presidential American economy and creation nomination on June 21, 2011, anof employment in the country. nouncing his bid in a speech at LibHis 12-page outline called for erty State Park in New Jersey.-PTI
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Chinmoy follower sets record for longest flower garland India Post News Service
NEW YORK: Ardent follower of Sri Chinmoy, Ashrita Furman and 170 members of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team from 35 countries including France, Germany, Guatemala, Italy, Portugal, Russia, plus 30 children made the world's longest flower garland dedicated to the 80th Birth Anniversary of peace visionary Sri Chinmoy. The team created the 2.15 miles (3.46 km) flower string, which consists of 80,000 carnations of various colours, around Meadow Lake in Flushing Meadow-Corona Park. The supersized garland, which was held by 170 team members standing around the lake, ensures Ashrita Furman a new entry into the Guinness Book of Records. The previous record of a 1.6 mile (2.574 km) garland was set by a group in Tahiti. Ashrita Furman, a 56-year-old health food store manager from Queens, New York currently holds 132 Guinness World Records, including the official record for "the most records held at the same time by an individual". For two month Furman has been working with flower farms in South America and gathering
New York Councilman and Park Director complete world's longest garland Pic Jowan Gauthier
a team from all over the world to put the garland together. The 80,000 carnations were flown in from Colombia to the Miami airport and then were transported to Flushing Meadow-Corona Park in a refrigerated truck. Furman and his team worked in the park from 7 am until 1 pm to create the longest garland of the
world. Furman states: "My friends and I have a tradition to express our gratitude to Sri Chinmoy as he inspires us to discover inner peace, joy and strength through meditation. On the occasion of Sri Chinmoy's 80th birthday anniversary we wanted to do something special. The huge garland
Not worried over Chinese moves: Air Chief NEW DELHI: In the backdrop one could learn from them is that test-tube model, it takes you 20of US official reports suggesting they don't attempt to do every- 30 years (to finalize the project)," that China was deploying he said. nuclear-capable missiles Browne said that along the borders with though India doesn't India, the Air Force has have direct evidence, said it was not "worried" but "we still do know over these developments that despite all the and has its own plans to sanctions and all deal with the issue. other things, they "These are all known, (China) got a fair it is nothing that we are amount of technolworried about. We have ogy from outside." our own plans and we are Browne said the moving ahead with our Chinese were spendown plans. These are the ing "a lot of money realities we have to deal on R &D. In case of with," Air Chief Marshal our PSUs, the existN A K Browne told reing levels are very porters on the sidelines low." of a CII event here. Asked about its Air Chief Marshal N A K Browne He was responding to plans to upgrade the a query on the US PentaNyoma ALG into a gon reports suggesting Browne said the Chinese were spending full-fledged airfield, that the Chinese People's ‘a lot of money on R &D. In case of our Browne said the proLiberation Army has deposal was with the PSUs, the existing levels are very low. ployed nuclear missiles Government. Despite all the sanctions and all other along the borders. In the recent past, However, the Penta- things, they (China) got a fair amount of India has deployed gon reports have been its fighter aircraft intechnology from outside’ dismissed by the Chicluding the frontline nese government also. Su-30MKI in Assam Asked that what could India thing themselves." and is in the process of upgradlearn from China in developing its "Once you start the Research ing its Advanced Landing indigenous aerospace industry, and Development and then wait Grounds in Ladakh and Arunachal the IAF chief said, "One thing that and wait, then you make it the Pradesh.-PTI
expresses the deep gratitude we feel. There was a great feeling of oneness and harmony because people from 35 countries were connected by the garland in a circle symbolising planet earth." Furman has been breaking Guinness World Records since 1979. He achieved his first entry in the Guinness Book by com-
pleting 27,000 jumping jacks. Since then he has broken 357 records on all seven continents, including racing against a yak in Mongolia to set the mile sack-racing record, doing underwater Aqua Pogo for 3 hours 40 minutes in the Amazon River in Peru and bouncing the fastest mile on a kangaroo ball along the Great Wall of China. As a teenager Furman got inspired by Sri Chinmoy's philosophy of self-transcendence. Indian born Sri Chinmoy also set many records, such as writing 1,301 poems in 24 hours and composing 21,000 songs during his lifetime. Furman attributes his success at breaking records to meditation, which he has practised daily for over 30 years. Meditation helps him keeps his childlike spirit, mental and physical power which is needed to continuously set world records. Ashrita Furman started setting Guinness World Records 32 years ago and hasn't stopped yet. "Going beyond your every day capacity is such a fulfilling feeling. The day I break a record I'm just happy the whole day," he says. "I'm trying to show others that our human capacity is unlimited, if we can truly believe in ourselves."
Pak troops violate ceasefire twice, three soldiers killed SRINAGAR/ISLAMABAD: Indian forces had fired across the An Indian JCO and three Paki- border "unprovoked". stani soldiers were killed in first He identified the soldiers as major violation of ceasefire in belonging to irregular Mujahid Kashmir valley this year, when battalion. troops from the two sides traded Abbas said the soldiers had heavy gunfire, officials said. been moving between forward The violation took place in the posts when they got lost in bad key Keran sector in north Kash- weather in the Neelam valley. mir, which is the major ingress route He said a meeting has been reof the militants from across the quested with local Indian comborder and comes on the heels of another big infiltration bid from the He identified the soldiers as adjacent Gurez sector.. belonging to irregular Mujahid "There were two battalion. Abbas said the ceasefire violations in Keran sector of soldiers had been moving Kupwara district from between forward posts when across the Line of Con- they got lost in bad weather trol since 2000 hours Wednesday," Defense in the Neelam valley spokesman Lt Colonel J S Brar said adding that heavy mor- manders to investigate the violation. tars and machine guns were used. Reacting to Pakistan army's The JCO, who was killed, was claim, Brar said there was no identified by the army as Naib ceasefire violation from Indian Subedar Gurdayal Singh. side. Pakistan Army spokesman "There was an infiltration bid Major General Athar Abbas told by militants in Keran sector which Geo News in Islamabad that three was foiled by our troops. We lost Pakistani soldiers were killed in one JCO in the operation," Brar the gun battle. He claimed that said. -PTI
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Community activists call for blame-free combat of terrorism India Post News Service
NEW YORK: On a press call Aug 31, national civil rights, human rights, civil liberties, Muslim, Jewish, and South Asian groups introduced their statement of shared principles and previewed their activities related to the 10th anniversary of 9/11. More than 70 diverse organizations have signed on to the statement of shared principles in advance of the anniversary calling for, among other things: Solemn remembrance of the victims of 9/11; Recognition of the critical importance of combating terrorism without casting blame or suspicion or alienating any particular community; Greater partnerships between communities and law enforcement; Respect for diversity, fairness, and tolerance, and our commitment to protect fundamental freedoms and basic human rights as well as our need for safety and security; A respectful, evidence-based, public discourse that will foster reasoned and constructive policymaking; and Policies that promote inclusion and respect for basic rights of every person in America. Six representatives of these organizations expanded on these shared principles and previewed their activities related to the anniversary. Wade Henderson, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights (LCCHR), released the re-
port "Restoring a National Consensus: The Need to End Racial Profiling", which shows how the use of racial profiling has expanded in counterterrorism and other contexts. Henderson said, "We come together today to reaffirm the importance of combating terrorism but the need to do so without casting blame or suspicion or alienating any particular community. This means crafting
More than 70 diverse organizations have signed on to the statement of shared principles in advance of the anniversary calling for, among other things: Solemn remembrance of the victims of 9/11 national policies and partnerships with law enforcement that are based on our common American values such as respect for diversity, fairness and tolerance and fundamental civil and human rights." Talat Hamdani, mother of a first responder that was killed during the 9/11 attacks and Board Member of September Eleventh Families for Peaceful Tomorrows, said, "Nearly three thousand Ameri-
cans were killed on 9/11. They were casualties of 9/11 simply for being Americans, casualties of hatred and intolerance. As a nation, we must not give in to this same mind-set. The first responders who rushed to rescue them transcended the barriers of race, faith and ethnicity. As a tribute to all those that died that day, we need to transcend these barriers as well and reset our moral compass. We need to redeem the dignity of the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave." Elisa Massimino, President and CEO of Human Rights First discussed key lessons learned since 9/11 and steps for the coming decade to realign human rights and global security, said, "In the immediate aftermath of 9/11, Americans found strength in one another and in our common values. Ten year later, our nation should honor the lives lost that day by ensuring that national security policies uphold our most cherished principles-respect for the rule of law and the inherent dignity of all people." Deborah Lauter, National Civil Rights Director at the Anti-Defamation League, discussed why the ADL signed on to the statement of principles and highlighted the report it is publishing today assessing a range of post 9/11 issues, as well as its report "Committing to Respect: Lessons for Students to Address Bias". Lauter said, "9/11 was the date
Chinese warship warned Indian Navy vessel?
that hate became everyone's problem. How have we as a society done since then in addressing the consequences of hate? The results are somewhat a mixed bag. America has struggled to find the right balance between protecting our nation from terrorist attacks and protecting individual rights. On this 10th anniversary we can take satisfaction in the fact that America's democratic principles
‘The ten year anniversary is a time for us to remember, reflect, and renew our country's commitment to fundamental values of inclusion, equality and diversity’ have broadly withstood this challenge. But the fight against hate remains critical as we seek to preserve the values and ideals we most cherish in America." Deepa Iyer, Executive Director of South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT) discussed the 'An America for All of Us' campaign and identified themes around community building and resiliency in the midst of the post 9/11 crisis. She reflected
State-funded Hindu & Sikh schools in England India Post News Service
NEW DELHI/BEIJING: An Indian Navy vessel appears to have been warned by the Chinese Navy off the coast of Vietnam against entering "Chinese waters" in late July, but India sought to downplay the incident. The Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi said "the Indian Naval vessel, INS Airavat paid a friendly visit to Vietnam between 19 to 28 July 2011. On July 22, INS Airavat sailed from the Vietnamese port of Nha Trang towards Hai Phong, where it was to make a port call. "At a distance of 45 nautical miles from the Vietnamese coast in the South China Sea, it was contacted on open radio channel by a caller identifying himself as the 'Chinese Navy' stating that 'you are entering Chinese waters'. No ship or aircraft was visible from INS Airavat, which proceeded on her onward journey as scheduled." The statement went on to say
that "there was no confrontation involving the INS Airavat." However, the ministry added that "India supports freedom of
According to London based Financial Times daily, a Chinese warship confronted INS Airavat shortly after it left Vietnamese waters in late July in the first such reported encounter between the navies of the two countries in the disputed South China Sea navigation in international waters, including in the South China Sea, and the right of passage in accordance with accepted principles of international law. These principles
should be respected by all." In Beijing, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaox sought to obfuscate the issue by saying that inquiries have been made with the "competent authorities" about the reported incident but so far no information has been received. Nor had China "received any representation from any other country", he said, implying that that no protest has been received from India in this regard. According to London based Financial Times daily, a Chinese warship confronted INS Airavat shortly after it left Vietnamese waters in late July in the first such reported encounter between the navies of the two countries in the disputed South China Sea. The unidentified Chinese warship demanded that INS Airavat, an amphibious assault vessel identify itself and explain its presence in the South China Sea, the report said. -PTI
on the current tide of xenophobia and Islamophobia, and previewed upcoming reports on profiling and backlash faced by South Asian Americans. Iyer said, "For South Asian, Sikh, Muslim and Arab American communities, the grief that we felt on September 11th was quickly compounded with a sense of fear and uncertainty as reports of backlash, hate violence and scapegoating began to emerge. The ten year anniversary is a time for us to remember, reflect, and renew our country's commitment to fundamental values of inclusion, equality and diversity." Laura Murphy, Director of the ACLU's Washington Legislative Office, discussed the ACLU's activities around the Tenth Anniversary, including the upcoming report, "A Call to Courage: Reclaiming Our Liberties Ten Years After 9/11," blog series, call to action, timeline of events, and book by its president, "Taking Liberties: The War on Terror and Erosion of American Democracy." Murphy said: "After 9/11, Americans were united by a strong sense of resolve and patriotism. Despite the terrible tragedy of the attacks, we were and are united in our belief that America, its institutions, and its values must not only survive, but also thrive. This tenth anniversary is a call to courage to overcome the fear-based rhetoric that tries to drown out voices of strength, unity and resolve."
LEICESTER, UK: Hinduism and Sikhism centered schools are among the 24 pioneering state-funded "Free Schools" opening in United Kingdom (UK) in September. Krishna-Avanti Primary School in Leicester City will function in an "environment centered on loving service to Lord Krishna" and its vision includes: "Nurturing character and conduct consistent with Hindu virtues", "a balanced vegetarian diet and opportunities to practice yoga, meditation", etc. Christopher Spall is the Head Teacher. Maharishi School in Lancashire, focusing on "Consciousness-based Education", will include daily practice of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's Transcendental Meditation. Dr. Derek Cassells is Head Teacher. Nishkam Primary School in Birmingham will take "Inspiration from the Sikh Ethos" and "will be driven and sustained by the principle of being Nishkam (self-
less)". Its website says: "For Sikhs, the ideal education not only prepares for work and life in society, but supports spiritual growth" and "Whilst always remembering the Creator, we are to work hard and share with others (nam japo, kirat karo, vand ke chhako)." Dr. Elspeth Insch is Head Teacher. Rajan Zed, who is Chairperson of Indo-American Leadership Confederation, commended the efforts of these upcoming schools to pass on Indian spirituality, values, concepts and traditions to the next generations. He pointed out that it was a tough task amidst so many distractions in the consumerist society and attempts of these schools should be highly applauded. According to UK Department of Education, "Free Schools are non-profit making, independent, state-funded schools." Free schools are said to be inspired by the charter schools of USA and the Free School project of Sweden.
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September 9, 2011
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FM disappointed over slow pace of legislative biz NEW DELHI: Amid criticism of government going slow on reforms, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee expressed disappointment that only 7-8 bills could be approved so far during the current session of Parliament because of loss of time due to repeated disruptions. "There are several important recommendations which (need) to be put into legislations. It would help us. But...we fail to transact the normal business of the House on a number of days; the legislative business cannot be done outside the House," he said, while replying to supplementaries on Benami Transactions (Amendment) Bill in the Rajya Sabha. "Legislative business is to be done within the Houses? this House and the other House. Four weeks are going to be over and we could pass only 7 or 8 small legislations. If the House does not regularly function to transact the business, how can we make the laws?," he said when disrupted by the Opposition. Both the Houses of Parliament could not transact any legislative business on account of disrup-
tions over the issue of appointment of Lokayukta in Gujarat, leading to adjournment for the day. During the current monsoon session of Parliament as many as 35 bills, including the Women's Reservation Bill, have been listed
Several Bills that seek to carry forward the economic reforms are pending in Parliament. These include Insurance Bill, LIC Amendment Bill, Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) for consideration and passage. The session, which started on August 1, is scheduled to end on September 8. Several Bills that seek to carry forward the economic reforms are pending in Parliament. These include Insurance Bill, LIC Amendment Bill, Pension Fund Regula-
tory and Development Authority (PFRDA) Bill and Constitutional Amendment Bill for roll out of Goods and Services Tax (GST). The other prominent bills for introduction include the National Food Security Bill, Lokpal Bill, a bill related to land acquisition, rehabilitation and resettlement and the Prevention of Money Laundering (Amendment) Bill. Several experts have underlined the need for expediting economic reforms to maintain high growth. Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council (PMEAC) Chairman C Rangarajan had said, "Spate of corruption related controversies that has emerged over the past one year, has consumed the energies of the government and had led to an unintended slowing down of initiatives to restore investment and economic confidence". Parliament proceedings during the current monsoon session were disrupted several times on account of issues like Lokpal Bill and the Commonwealth Games. During the monsoon session last year, Parliament approved as many as 24 bills. -PTI
BJP MP Tarun Vijay to be quizzed in Shehla Masood murder case BHOPAL/NEW DELHI: BJP MP Tarun Vijay will be questioned by Madhya Pradesh police in connection with the killing of RTI activist Shehla Masood in Bhopal last month. A police team from the state will soon visit New Delhi in this regard, the police said. "Although it has been decided to question Vijay in connection with Shehla's murder, no date has been fixed for the visit of the police team to New Delhi," Bhopal Range IG Vijay Yadav told PTI. Vijay, who is also spokesperson of BJP, said he was a "very good friend" of Masood and that he was ready to share with any probe agency whatever information he had. Masood was shot at when she was in her car in front of her resi-
hand over the case to the CBI," the Congress general secretary said. A communication from the Madhya Pradesh government seeking a CBI probe into the killing has already reached the Centre. . MP BJP President Prabhat Jha told reporters that Vijay may have known Shehla but this itself was not enough to say that he was involved in her murder. Prabhat said the MP government has already asked the Centre to initiate a CBI inquiry into Shehla's murder. "I only want that the guilty are not spared and the innocent in the case are not punished," he said. Vijay said he had talked to Masood last on August 16, the
Shehla Masood
Tarun Vijay
dence in the posh Koh-e-Fiza locality in Bhopal on August 16 when she was just about to head to a rally that was part of Anna Hazare's campaign against corruption. The Rajya Sabha MP said he and Masood had regularly exchanged notes and demanded that the culprits should be "booked and hanged." "I think that the whole things got politicized. We stand by the family of Shehla and every right thinking Indian will stand by them," he said in New Delhi. "Whatever information we have, we will be providing to all the investigation agencies, because we are as much concerned to get justice for Shehla," he added. Congress leader Digvijay Singh demanded that the Masood case be handed over to CBI. "The way Masood has been killed is painful....Now that Tarun Vijay's name has cropped up, I believe the chief minister should
day she was murdered in Bhopal. "She was the campaigner and convenor for Madhya Pradesh for India Against Corruption. We were regularly exchanging notes. Even on 16th August morning, when Anna was arrested we had spoken in the morning at 9.30 am about Anna's arrest, about the movement, about the demonstration. It is very sad," he said. Vijay admitted that he knew Masood well and her event management company had organized the programs in different cities on the occasion of the death and birth anniversaries of BJP ideologue Shyama Prasad Mookerjee. "Shehla Masood as an event manager and owner of Miracle Company had helped us and worked on several projects in Srinagar, Kolkata and New Delhi. We knew her. She was a brave RTI activist, a very good friend," he said. Vijay described Masood as a brave, strong activist whose murder has been politicized. He insisted that he would fight till the culprits are brought to book.-PTI
London University exhibition on Golden Temple India Post News Service
LONDON: The University of London is holding an exhibition on Amritsar's Golden Temple, holiest shrine of Sikhism. Titled "The Golden Temple of Amritsar: Reflections of the Past", this exhibition sponsored by UK Punjab Heritage Association (UKPHA) in Brunei Gallery of School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) of University of London will continue till September 25. The Exhibition announcement says: "On show will be a range of beautiful artifacts, photographs, paintings and engravings enhanced with extracts from fascinating eyewitness accounts from, among others, European spies, travelers, artists, memsahibs and raconteurs who visited the shrine in the 19th century." It will display about 80 historical artifacts, including battlefield weapons, earliest-known paintings and photographs of the Temple, Sikh warrior outfit, jewelry worn by Rani Jindan (mother of last Sikh king of Lahore Maharaja Duleep Singh), original handwritten receipt for the transfer of the world's largest Koh-I-Noor Diamond to the British Empire,
Perspex model of the Temple as it once stood, various historical items from Sikh history, and film footage and is organizing symposiums on related topics. As most of the artifacts come from private collections, these have not been publicly viewed before, reports suggest. UKPHA claims the exhibition as a "cutting-edge, world-class show" and adds, "Visitors to the
It will display about 80 historical artifacts, including battlefield weapons, earliestknown paintings and photographs of the Temple, Sikh warrior outfit exhibition will learn about the Golden Temple's history and devotees, and be able to, experience its awe-inspiring beauty and artistry in a way that has never been presented before". Amandeep Singh Madra and
Parmjit Singh are the principal members of UKPHA, headquartered in Greater London and founded in 2001 to "foster the appreciation of the Punjabi heritage" and encourage preservation of its "endangered items". With students from over 130 countries, SOAS claims to be the world's leading centre for the study of a highly diverse range of subjects concerned with Asia, Africa and the Middle East and its library holds over 1.5 million items. Paul Webley and Nirmala Rao are Director and Pro-Director respectively while Tim Miller is Chairman of Governing Body. Brunei Gallery hosts exhibitions from Asia, Africa and the Middle East and its aim is to present and promote cultures from these regions. Founded in 1836 and publicly funded University of London with over 120,000 students and international programs in 180 countries, claims to be "the biggest and most diverse universities in the world" and "recognized globally as a world leader in Higher Education". Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal and Geoffrey Crossick are Chancellor and ViceChancellor respectively.
Horoscope
10 India Post
September 9, 2011
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Your Weekly Future by Pandit Parashar
SEPTEMBER 9TH - SEPTEMBER 15TH ARIES (MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20)
TAURUS (APRIL 21 TO MAY 20)
P
Y
lanets in fifth will bring you close to an interesting personality. You will continue to make progress in your efforts to locate a better job. People in business will do better as one of the competitor may call it quit. Money wise you will stay comfortable and hope to make some money through investment made in the past.
ou will end up allowing some one take undue advantage of your generosity. Competition will be too much so you will need to come up with a fool proof plan. You may be able to get rid of property chewing up your savings for quite some time. Spouse may not agree on your ideas and have some better plans. There is no harm in listening.
GEMINI (MAY 21 TO JUNE 20)
CANCER (JUNE 21 TO JULY 22)
V
alue of your stocks will appreciate and you may buy another car or make a bid on a nice property. This is the right time to make your claim with boss or approach a government official for favor. You may be thinking of going into partnership with successful people. A very interesting person will come in your life this week.
I
t will be slightly hard to decide on a major issue so you may seek outside help. You will try to clean up your desk and find few letters that require immediate attention. Some of you may be away from home to attend some important business. Time spent on phone will not go waste at all. You will be working on a great idea in career.
LEO (JULY 23 TO AUGUST 22)
E
fforts will not go waste and you will be able to dodge financial crunch this time also. A very favorable week for people in sales and communication. Travels and business trips will get instant results. Investing in property may not be a good idea at the moment. You will get to see many old friends at the party this week.
VIRGO (AUGUST 23 TO SEPTEMBER 22)
M
ars in second can take you deeper into Red if you are not careful and so are other family members. You will make big change in business strategy in order to come way ahead of competitors. It will be better to stick to your plans as friends will give conflicting opinion. You will pay surprise visit to a sibling.
LIBRA (SEPTEMBER 23 TO OCTOBER 22)
SCORPIO (OCTOBER 23 TO NOVEMBER 22)
H
ou will have to be very careful with new relationship or will find yourself in trouble soon. You will be excited about the short term course you are going to start in near future. You may dispose off stocks recently purchased for a small profit and wait. Business will be slow but you will make few new clients.
ealth will improve with change in diet and little exercises. Mars in first will make you little hyper so control the excitement. New developments in career and in personal life will be the reasons to celebrate. You will buy some expensive gift for some one. You will be calling overseas more frequently this week.
Y
SAGITTARIUS (NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 22)
CAPRICORN (DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 19)
Y
T
ou will receive help and lead from least expected places. You will continue to fight for the recognition in the office. Judgement in legal cases will come in your favor only. Some of you will be looking for another place to live. News of a new member joining family soon will cause lots of excitement.
here will be some interesting developments in career and soon you could be moving to next level. Some of you may be in touch with right people to publish your work. You will try to make good use of extra time on hands by helping spouse. Slowly you will be working towards a long distance trip for family reunion also.
AQUARIUS (JANUARY 20 TO FEBRUARY 18)
PISCES (FEBRUARY 19 TO MARCH 20)
Y
Y
ou will be just lucky in all matters. Things will once again start moving in right direction. Soon the big contract will be in your hands. You will gain knowledge and learn trade secrets from a younger person. It will be another good week for people connected with finance industry. You will cut down on sweets.
Pandit Parashar, CEO & COO Astro Scan USA is also available for individual consultations. He can be reached at: parashar@parashar.com
ou will not only learn something new and useful but will have the opportunity to share the wisdom with close friends. Boss may add little pressure by reminding about upcoming deadline. A child will keep you busy at home with homework. Money wise you will be able to meet all commitments and still have some left.
925-833-7170 website: www.parashar.com
September 9, 2011
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India Post 11
Desi News Summit resolves to fight denigration of Hindu symbols SURENDRA ULLAL
CHICAGO: The third Hinduism Summit (Hindu Dharmajagruti Sabha) held in Chicago on August 27 at the Hindu Temple of Lake County met with huge success. Over 100 people, including Hindu parents trying to raise their children as Hindus, non-Hindus interested in Hinduism and Hindu activists, attended this public event, with 45 of the attendees online. The program received very positive feedback, such as, 'We would like to have this enlightening program at our temple, too', 'It provided a rewarding experience, as we listened to the lectures of distinguished personalities', 'Questions on Hinduism were answered very well', etc. Details on page 14
Seniors celebrate Rakhi, India Day & Janmashtami JAYANTI OZA
CHICAGO: More then 200 members of Senior Citizens of Chicago gathered on August 27 at Radhey Syam Mandir, Bloomingdale, to celebrate three events in one place - Raksha Bandhan, India Day and Janmashtami, the Birth Day of Lord Krishna. The event started with a song sang by senior members Kundan Soni, Ramesh Patel, Ashok Shah, Batukbhai Shukla and Sailesh Rajput. Event president Shivabhai Patel and BSC founder Batukbhai Shukla welcomed Chief Guest Suryakantbhai Patel. Kids sang the National Anthems of America and India.
COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA
Details on page 19
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12 India Post
September 9, 2011
NRIs celebrate Anna Hazare's victory and Parliament resolution India Post News Service
NEW YORK: People For Lok Satta (PFL), a vibrant political nonprofit organization in the US, organized celebrations and rejoiced the special occasion of Indian Parliament making the unanimous resolution for state-level anti-corruption ombudsmen Lokayukthas and Anna Hazare ending his 12day fast. Members of PFL organized and participated in rallies, marches, candle light walks and protests over last few months before Indian consulates and public spaces in Houston, Boston, Bay area, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago, New York and Washington DC in support of Anna Hazare and his fight against corruption. Jawahar Kambampati, Vice President of Projects, PFL, recalled the moments he organized 'Dandi March II', 240 mile walk in March 2011 from San Diego to San Francisco. Kambampati said, "One of the objectives of our march was to create awareness among NRIs about anti-corruption movements happening in India. People
PFL and IAC organized rally in Houston
among the Indians to fight for a corruption-less society and celebrated the participation of NRIs in support of Anna Hazare. "Our march put forth three demands India signing UNCAC, enacting Jan Lokpal bill and making laws to bring the black money stashed outside India. Though there is progress in our first two demands,
PCS sports festival focuses healthier life style RAJINDER SINGH MAGO
Details on page 18
and also the amendments proposed by Aruna Roy and Jayaprakash Narayan and created awareness among tens of thousands of people. Sravanthi Yelamachili and Suresh Ediga called all Members of Parliament seeking support for the bill." Raghava Solipuram from Houston requested people to support
"Anna Hazare made two other great things to our nation in addition to the attention drawn towards Jan Lokpal bill - showing the power of nonviolence to the new generation and creating an interest in political processes and Parliament proceedings�
Details on page 16
CHICAGO: Punjabi Cultural Society of Chicago (PCS) held its two-day 17th Annual Sports Festival on August 6 & 7at Community Park in Addison Illinois. The theme was healthier life style with focus on fitness. The admission, food, and unlimited bottled water were free at "Punjabi Sports Festival 2011." More than 200 athletes took part in the tournament and more than 500 spectators enjoyed the games from under three large tents set up in the park.
Conference highlights 9/11 losses in South Asian community
Anna supporters in LA
doubted the effectiveness of us walking in the US protesting against corruption in India. Jayaprakash Narayan, Kiran Bedi, Arvind Kejriwal and others encouraged us and their hindsight proved correct." Kambampati noted the change
we will continue our struggle," he said. Ramgopal Madarapu, President of PFL Atlanta Chapter, who led PFL's 'Kill Corruption' campaign for canceling the spectrum licenses, said, "We followed every version of the Jan Lokpal bill
Baba Ramdev now in his fight against black money and attend Baba's events in September in the US. Solipuram led NRI protest events in Houston in co-ordination with PFL, IAC, 5th Pillar and Bharat Swambiman. Sreekanth Kocharlakota from
Los Angeles shackled himself and self-arrested in protest of Anna Hazare's arrest and spent sleepless nights in last week to keep the NRI community up to date on Anna's fast. "Anna Hazare made two other great things to our nation in addition to the attention drawn towards Jan Lokpal bill - showing the power of non-violence to the new generation and creating an interest in political processes and Parliament proceedings. This is in line with what PFL has been striving for. Anna Hazare should be bestowed with 'Bharat Ratna' for these three reasons," Sreekanth said. Dinesh Pagadala, Vice President of PFL Media, noted that Anna Hazare declared electoral reforms as his next agenda and hoped that Anna would consider proxy voting rights for NRIs in his plans.
OFBJP congratulates Indians
The Overseas Friends of BJP (OFBJP) congratulated the people of India, Anna Hazare, and Indian Parliament for passing the antigraft resolution. The organization said people of India displayed unprecedented unity in their support to the movement against corruption led by Anna Hazare; and Indian Parliament for passing a resolution that paved the way for Hazare to break his fast. Cont’d to page 17
Community Across America
September 9, 2011
India Post 13
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St Louis supports Anna Hazare campaign ASHWIN PATEL
St Louis Indians voicing their support for Anna Hazare
ST LOUIS: Never before has the Indian community in St Louis responded so magnificently to voice their support to the ongoing battle against corruption. Over 120 community activists and enthusiasts gathered at Mahatma Gandhi Center on Sunday August 21 voicing their frustration and irritation against the Indian government's approach on the corruption issue. They extended their wholehearted support to Anna Hazare who undertook a 12day fast on the Lokpal issue. An Anna Hazare documentary was played to let the people know how Anna has been fighting against corruption since the last 40 years. A video of Arvind
Kejriwal was played where he explained the difference between the Government Lokpal version and Jan Lokpal bill. People listened to both videos with full attention and a feeling of patriotism. Sunil Sharma, one of the organizers, spoke about the Jan Lokpal bill and how everyone can contribute in this fight. He fasted with Anna Hazare for three days. At the suggestion of his wife Pooja Sharma, he decided to organize a gathering at the city level and to his surprise lot of people showed interest. It became a successful event which was planned at a very short notice. Network of Indian professionals, St Louis chapter also joined this fight against corrup-
tion. Pawan Manocha extended full support of his group in terms
People from all walks of life including children, women and seniors, from all parts of India gathered to show solidarity with Anna Hazare for his crusade against corruption of spreading the word, mobilizing the people and helping with other
logistics. Volunteers Ram, Praveen and Giri also expressed their view on different aspects of the movement. Few others also spoke to show their support. Shri Prem Sagar, who is visiting his daughter Pooja Sharma in US, gave a very energetic speech and prayed that the Government understand the feelings of people and pass this bill. Everyone was confident that team Anna would win this fight. People from all walks of life including children, women and seniors, from all parts of India gathered to show solidarity with Anna Hazare for his crusade against corruption. Once the speech part was over, patriotic songs were played. The
energy was at its peak when people started chanting slogans and danced on patriotic songs. Slogans like "Main bhi Anna tu bhi ana aaj to sara desh hai Anna' Anna tum aage badho hum tumhare saath hain' and "Anna nahi ye aandhi hai, desh ka doosra Gandhi hai". At one moment Mahatma Gandhi Center became like Ram Leela Maidan of New Delhi where thousands had gathered in support of Anna. Many had Indian Flag and 'I Am Anna' banner on their clothes. People came with hand written banners and posters, Tricolor and Gandhi cap. The peaceful gathering concluded with National Anthem.
Sikh leaders welcome Anna's anti-corruption agitation India Post News Service
WASHINGTON: Prominent Sikh Americans have welcomed the outcome of Anna Hazare's fast in India with hope for government efforts to tackle corruption. Dr. Rajwant Singh, Chairman of the Sikh Council on Religion and Education, said, "We are heartened to see the enthusiasm against corruption in India. This movement launched by Anna Hazare against corruption in the political and social structure certainly has the capacity to create conditions for clean and ethical politics to survive and thrive in India. We are confident that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will use his good offices to find a way out as he has done on many other challenging issues facing India in the recent past." Dr. Rajwant Singh added, "The very fact that this issue has become such a prominent one in the public arena certainly can point towards a real breakthrough in changing how the system works. Civil society's participation is necessary for creating a conducive environment for common citizens to reach their potential but the process needs to be carefully crafted. Every Indian must feel that the nation belongs to them rather than to the privileged ones who have some pull or who have the means to manipulate the system."
"Corruption does to a country what termites do to the foundation of a house. For India to achieve its full potential, corruption needs to be replaced by a fair, open, and speedy method of governance at all levels," said Navneet Chugh of The Chugh Firm, a leading law firm with multiple law offices in US and in India. Charnjit Singh Randhawa, Chairman and CEO, Rockefeller Consulting Insight Capitalists, based in Washington, said, "The teachings of our Gurus has been to work
"We congratulate Anna Hazare for having the courage to lead this noble cause. Every Indian must see this as a task to convert world's largest democracy to achieve rightful place in the world." Satinder Singh Rekhi, CEO of RSystems, based in Sacramento, California, with multiple offices in India and Singapore, said, "The world will have respect for India if we can demonstrate that we are a functional society and that we can produce honest and
‘Civil society's participation is necessary for creating a conducive environment for common citizens to reach their potential but the process needs to be carefully crafted. Every Indian must feel that the nation belongs to them rather than to the privileged ones’ hard, lead an honest life and provide support to the oppressed and the down trodden and we feel that one can find enough inspiration to act in the public arena to get rid of this menace of corruption. Corruption is a cancer that has suffocated every honest person in India and it is our duty to bring a clean way of life to the forefront." Ken Bajaj, Chairman and CEO, Systemsnet, based in Washington, said,
visionary leaders who rise above themselves and work for the common good. India as a nation has an opportunity to transform at this critical juncture if all Indians fully engage themselves in changing situation rather than being mere spectators. This is the time." Harjap Singh Aujla, a prominent activist in New Jersey, said, "What Anna Hazare is doing is in the best interests of India. Corruption has badly inhibited our growth. In-
dia is fed up with the rampant corruption in all branches of the government. "No corrupt official or politician has ever been punished in proportion to the crime he/ she committed. The investigating agencies are under the thumb of the governing party bosses, they can't proceed against the guilty on their own. All this requires a strong ombudsman (Lokpal). Anna Hazare wants an ombudsman with strong teeth. On the other hand the government wants to protect its own guilty and punish its opponents. That is why we support Anna Hazare's version of Lokpal Bill." Dr. Darshan Singh Sehbi, faculty at the Wright State University School of Medicine Dayton, Ohio said, "Anna Hazare's anti-corruption movement has recently received a world-wide attention, support as well as criticism. Anna Hazare's movement may not be the best way or the only way to eradicate corrupt practices in India. However, the spirit of this 74 year old social activist's movement is praise-worthy. It has the potential of uniting people together against a worthy cause and bringing the issues to the attention of both the public and the Government. Anna is helping to focus everyone's attention on the real issues and in that sense it is moving the country one step closer to the final goal of becoming free of corruption."
14 India Post
Community Across America
September 9, 2011
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Summit resolves to fight denigration of Hindu symbols SURENDRA ULLAL
Lamp lighting at the start of Conference
Ved Mantra recitation
CHICAGO: The third Hinduism Summit (Hindu Dharmajagruti Sabha) held in Chicago on August 27 at the Hindu Temple of Lake County met with huge success.
children as Hindus, non-Hindus interested in Hinduism and Hindu activists, attended this public event, with 45 of the attendees online. The program received very
reducing the harmful effects of environmental pollution. Mrs. Shinde Hurley appealed to all supporters of Hinduism to come together whenever the Hindu com-
on the floor of the United States Congress. He urged the Hindus and supporters to contact their Senators to co-sponsor the bill, HR440, which calls for the appoint-
one-sided false charges like Gujarat, Orissa, Palestinians, etc. Ms. Kristen Mandziuk of Spiritual Science Research Foundation (SSRF) showed videos of SSRF's
Bhavna Shinde Hurley addressing the Hinduism Summit
Souvenir Publication by Prabhakar Joshi
Maya Jairam speaking at Hinduism Summit
Dr Richard Benkin addressing Hinduism Summit
Kristen Mandziuk speaking at Hinduism Summit
Over 100 people, including Hindu parents trying to raise their
positive feedback, such as, 'We would like to have this enlightening program at our temple, too', 'It provided a rewarding experience, as we listened to the lectures of distinguished personalities', 'Questions on Hinduism were answered very well', etc. A forceful appeal was made by Bhavna Shinde Hurley, spokesperson of FHA, not to indulge in distortion of Hinduism, like the recent news about 'Prof. Sheldon Pollock broadening access to Sanskrit, the language of the elite', Hindu youth increasingly converting out of Hinduism, anti-Hindu bias in the media, and the rampant trivialization of Hindu deities. She clarified some of the misconceptions about Hinduism in the West like Hindu women wearing red dot (of pure vermilion powder) on the forehead that helps increase concentration, and the Agnihotra sacrificial fire that helps
munity faces a challenge to respond to it successfully, taking inspiration from the over 1000 Hindus worldwide who recently got the denigrating 'Sita Sings the Blues' New York show cancelled by promptly protesting to the organizers. Dr. Richard Benkin, a leader in
ment of a "Special Envoy to Promote Religious Freedom of Religious Minorities in the Near East and South Central Asia", which specifically mention the Bangladeshi Hindus' persecution. However, he cautioned Hindus to be vigilant and bring to bear their influence in the appointment
research with dowsing and biofeedback machines to illustrate that subtle distressing forces (aasuri shakti), which obstruct Dharma and how to effectively counter these Challenges faced by the Hindu community. Ms. Maya Jairam, from Colorado, shared her firsthand account of growing up in America. Coming from a non-religious childhood, she was unaware of the spiritual ill effects of the non-vegetarian diet and the benefits of spiritual practice (sadhana.) Prabhakar Joshi, a long time local Hindu activist released the Souvenir to commemorate this occasion. The Hinduism Summit concluded with attendees enthusiastically passing resolutions urging US policy makers to investigate the Bangladeshi Hindus' persecution, and about not supporting any product, publication or art that denigrates Hinduism.
Conch blowing by Master Afolabi Missa
Ms. Maya Jairam, from Colorado, shared her firsthand account of growing up in America. Coming from a non-religious childhood, she was unaware of the spiritual ill effects of the nonvegetarian diet and the benefits of spiritual practice (sadhana) the struggle to stop the ethnic cleansing of Bangladesh's Hindus, in his speech, mentioned the support of US Congressman Robert Dold who recognized the oppression of Bangladeshi Hindus
of the Special Envoy to prevent the wrong person being appointed. This would help the real issues like the Bangladeshi Hindus' persecution to be investigated while preventing focus on
Community Across America
September 9, 2011
India Post 15
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St. Louis Indians celebrate India's Independence Day ASHWIN PATEL
Charles Dooley with IAS members and office bearers (From left) Girdhar Sharma, Maruti Nori, Sundari Nori, Hema Patel (members) Charles Dooley (county executive St. Louis), Pradeep Das (president IAS)
ST LOUIS: India Association of St. Louis (IAS) celebrated India's Independence Day on Sunday August 13 at Mahatma Gandhi Cultural Centre (MGC) in a grand style keeping up its years old tradition. IAS was es-
hoisting ceremony. Charles Dooley officially proclaimed August 13 as India Independence Day in the St. Louis County. In his keynote address, Charles Dooley drew historical parallel between India and
India Day program by local artists
tablished in 1968. County Executive Charley Dooley was the Chief Guest of the event, hoisting the American Flag. This was followed by hoisting of India national flag by IAS President Dr Pradip Das. As the flags were raised, American and Indian national anthems were passionately sung by all present at the flag-
Flag hoisting by Charles Dooley
the United States of America, and how the two largest democracies of the world attained freedom from foreign rulers. He also made reference to the great Indian leader and freedom fighter Mahatma Gandhi whose ideals and principles had an extraordinary impact on American Civil Rights Leader, Dr. Martin Luther King. He also mentioned that America as a nation always welcomed immigrants and was built by key contributions from the immigrant community. Mr. Dooley then inaugurated a colorful fair (Mela), exhibiting more than 15 stalls where prominent businesses and local families and volunteers displayed a variety of Indian food delicacies, jewelry, sarees, dresses, and arts and crafts from different parts of India. Drawing, essay-writing and math competitions for children, and flower-arrangement competitions for adults were conducted during the Mela. Winners of these competitions were awarded with certificates of merit and gift-
India Day program presented by children
cards sponsored by M&I Bank. Ms. Sharon Avila and Anand Sharma of M&I Bank presented the awards. A colorful and vibrant cultural program was the grand-finale of the Independence Day celebrations. More than a hundred performers ranging from children to adults, professional artists to amateurs participated with patriotic, classical and folk themed cul-
tural dances and presentations. The program was attended by about five hundred members of the community for two hours. Fifteen teams of renowned dance-schools from the region as well as upcoming choreographers contributed to the cultural program. The day ended with a heart-warming rendition of Indian national anthem by all present at the event.
Community Across America
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September 9, 2011
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Seniors celebrate Rakhi, India Day & Janmashtami
Watch Indian Ocean make waves in the Windy City
JAYANTI OZA
SURI SWAMY
CHICAGO: The Association for India's Development (AID) and Mission India Foundation (MIF) will be co-hosting a rock concert by Indian Ocean at the Mayne Stage auditorium at 1328 W Morse Ave in Chicago on Sept 23. Both AID and MIF are organizations that undertake a lot of development work in India. While MIF works in the field of maternal and child care issues focusing on childhood vaccinations, AID supports NGO's working in varied
Sikh youth lead workshop on bullying
Hemaben Shastri ties Rakhi to Parsottam Pandya
CHICAGO: More then 200 members of Senior Citizens of Chicago gathered on August 27 at Radhey Syam Mandir, Bloomingdale, to celebrate three events in one place - Raksha
Bandhan, India Day and Janmashtami, the Birth Day of Lord Krishna. The event started with a song sang by senior members Kundan Soni, Ramesh Patel, Ashok Shah,
Members of SCC dancing on Janmashtami
fields like education, health, agriculture, social justice, etc. Indian Ocean, which has often performed for AID in the past, has always been supportive of AID and their efforts in bringing about sustainable and equitable development in India. They'll be however visiting Chicago for the first time in about 5 years and the teams at both AID and MIF, along with the band members will throw a red carpet welcoming them.
Batukbhai Shukla and Sailesh Rajput. Event president Shivabhai Patel and BSC founder Batukbhai Shukla welcomed Chief Guest Suryakantbhai Patel. Kids sang the National Anthems of America and India. All members gave respect to the flag. Madhubhai spoke about the significance of celebrating August 15. Hemaben Shastri talked about Raksha Bandhan. Thakorbhai Patel's address centered on Janmashtami. Senior members who were born in August were congratulated with signing of Happy Birth Day & Happy Anniversary. Secretary of BSC Pursottam Pandya thanked every one for the success of the celebration. Delicious dinner was served at the end of the program.
India Post News Service
QUEENS, NY: Six members of the Sikh Coalition's youth group, the Sikh Youth of New York (SYNY), experienced their first summer camp at Camp Chardi Kala, one of the longest running Sikh camps in the United States. The youth members from Queens, New York participated in a week of Sikhi-related educational activities, along with 195 other youths from across the East Coast. Additionally, the youth members led an anti-bullying workshop for 80 Sikh youths to educate them on their rights as it pertains to bullying. The workshop began by the SYNY introducing themselves and the work they do on bullying in Queens, NY. They then showed
a video that they had developed on bullying, which outlined their experiences and message on bullying in schools. They also shared a Know Your Rights brochure that they prepared to educate Sikh youth on their rights as students and on how to respond to bullying in schools. The anti-bullying workshop was very well received by camp participants and the discussion that followed revealed the considerable number of bullying incidents that Sikh youths face in schools. "Through Camp Chardi Kala, I learned how great it is to be Sikh and how incorporating my religion into my American lifestyle is not that difficult," said Kirty Singh, 16 (Sikh Coalition youth member).
Archie Panjabi named Pratham USA Ambassador India Post News Service
NEW YORK: Pratham USA has announced that Emmy-award winning actress Archie Panjabi will serve as an Ambassador to the organization, lending her voice and celebrity to its cause of educating India's underprivileged children. Her first formal appearance as Pratham Ambassador will be as a host at the 2011 Pratham Gala in New York scheduled for October 5 at the Pierre Hotel. Archie Panjabi currently stars as Kalinda Sharma on CBS's critically acclaimed hit drama, The Good Wife. Her big screen credits include domestic and international hits Bend It Like Beckham, Yasmin, The Constant Gardner, A Good Year and A Mighty Heart. As an Amabassador to Pratham, Archie will help create awareness in the United States and abroad about the 100 million undereducated youth in India today. Born in the United Kingdom (Edgware,
Archie Panjabi currently stars as Kalinda Sharma on CBS's critically acclaimed hit drama, The Good Wife. Her big screen credits include domestic and international hits Bend It Like Beckham, Yasmin, The Constant Gardner, A Good Year and A Mighty Heart Middlesex, England), Panjabi spent a portion of her childhood in Mumbai (Bombay) India and considers herself "part Bombayite, part British". With a great love of travel, she enjoys exploring new coun-
Archie Panjabi
tries and cultures identifying causes and issues to which she can lend her support. A graduate from Brunel University in England, with a degree in Management Studies, Archie had always wanted to become an actress. She currently resides in New York and London. Pratham, which means "first" in Sanskrit, was founded in the slums of Mumbai in 1994 with UNICEF support. Today, Pratham's direct urban programs, including preschools, community libraries and remedial learning programs reach hundreds of thousands of children every year. In 2007, with the support of the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, Pratham launched the Read India campaign, an innovative, low-cost effort to reach 100 million children in India who cannot read, write or do basic math. With the continued support of the Hewlett Foundation in 2010, the Read India campaign has entered its second phase, focusing its attention at the village level and teaching more advanced learning skills.
September 9, 2011
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India Post 17
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Second installment property tax due in Nov HARISH RAO
CHICAGO: Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas said that the Second Installment of the 2010 property taxes will be tentatively due the first week of November. The official due date will be determined after calculations concerning property values and tax rates are finalized by the Cook County Assessor and the Cook County Clerk's office. Once the bills are mailed, property owners can pay online at cookcountytreasurer.com, at any
Once the bills are mailed, property owners can pay online Chase Bank, by mail, or in person at the Cook County Treasurer's Office located downtown. Partial payments are accepted. Property owners can visit the website and enter their 14-digit Property Index Number (PIN) to see if they are paid in full or to make a payment on any outstanding balance. The website will also show if previous payments were recorded properly, appropriate exemptions were received and a refund is owed. Taxpayers can call 312.443.5100 for information in English, Polish and Spanish.
NRIs celebrate Anna Hazare's victory and Parliament resolution Cont’d from page 12
OFBJP further lauded Hazare in a statement for leading the movement to legislate the Jan Lok Pal Bill and in bringing awakening in the Indian society against corruption and fighting for their democratic rights in a peaceful manner. "This is really a historic moment, and it is just the beginning in the fight against corruption," said, Dr. Adapa Prasad, OFBJP President and Chandrakant Patel, OFBJP Organizing Secretary. They said that India is witnessing a nonviolent revolution that would change the functioning of the government and bureaucracy in years to come. OFBJP-USA has been actively supporting Hazare's movement for Jan Lokpal Bill. Over the past 12 days, OFBJP has organized rallies and peaceful marches across the United States in solidarity. Some online campaigns were also initiated by OFBJP activists to galvanize Indian Amricans who were equally concerned with the recent happenings in India.
Exhilarating Odissi performance by Sunamika KANAK HOTA
CHICAGO: Sunamika Panigrahy, an impressive Odissi dancer, set the stage afire at the Samarathi auditorium in Lemont Temple by her graceful performance of the Indian classical dance. The performance was part of her ten years of dedication under Guru Ipsita Satpathy, culminating on August 21 with her Manch Pravesh on the auspicious day of Janmashtami. The program started with Swami Saranandaji of Chinmoy Mission and Dr. Kanchanbala Bose lighting the commemorative. The packed audience of around 300 with a diverse socio-cultural base witnessed the range of her extraordinary repertoire. Odissi is based on the popular devotion to Lord Krishna and the verses of the Sanskrit play Geet Govinda are used to depict the love and devotion to God. The dancers use their head, bust and torso in soft flowing movements to express specific moods and emotions. The form is curvaceous, concentrating on the tribhang or the division of the body into three parts. It is a soft, lyrical classical dance which depicts the ambience of Orissa and the philosophy of its most popular deity, Lord Jagannath, whose temple is in Puri Customary to tradition, Sunamika started with Mangalacharan, invoking the blessings of mother Earth, the Guru and the audience. Here the dancer implores Saraswati, god-
Sunamika Panigrahy, performing Odissi style classical dance at Lemont Hindu temple
dess of music and learning to eliminate darkness and bestow the gift of knowledge on everyone. The song, based on Mahakavi Kalidas's Shyamala Dandakam, was choreographed by late Padma Bibhusana guru Kelu Charana Mahapatra. Her second performance, Pallavi, was pure abstract dance, forming delectable lines and patterns in space and time. In her next performance, Abhinaya, she depicted the greatness of the mighty Shiva and His cosmic dance, where the dancer uses facial ex-
pressions to emotions contained in the song. Tarana, a classical Hindustani composition, has been a recent adaptation to Odissi dance steps. Composed by Pandit Ravi Shankar, Guru Ipshita Satpathy choreographed this dance form. The curves and corners of Swara and laya gave her performance a great texture of beauty and grace. She continued her delectable steps on the stage in Abhinay, a depiction of the loving relationship between Krishna and Radha. The Mokhya, or salvation in-
volved pure dance movements in tandem with accelerating music, as Sunamika metaphorically achieves spiritual liberation. At the end of the performance Sunamika was blessed by her guru Ipsita Satpathy. Currently a student at the University of Chicago, she has performed at many venues including the ones in Harold Washington Library and the University of Chicago auditorium. Her elder sister Swagatika, a student at the U of C, compeered the show along with Dr Kanak Hota.
Graduation ceremony at Vedic Day Care Center KRISHNA DAS
CHICAGO: The Vedic Day Care Center, a pre-school and kindergarten facility, celebrated its 17th annual program on Sunday, August 28. The graduation celebration was a grand success. A total of 150 people attended. The children of the Vedic Day
gathering and lauded the good work being done by Vedic Day Care Center in this part of the world. It has been imparting education to children in Indian culture and traditions. They also emphasized that parents should take advantage of the education that is pro-
The chief guests addressed the gathering and lauded the good work being done by Vedic Day Care Center in this part of the world Care recited slokas from the Bhagavad Gita, re-enacted the past times of Krishna, and folk dances were performed. The chief guests were Sohan Joshi, Ramesh Kondu, Niketan and Hitesh Brahmbhatt. The audience enjoyed the children's extraordinary performance. The chief guests addressed the
vided by the Vedic Day Care. Vrshabha Das, the main organizer of the Center, also gave a speech stating that the support of the parents is essential for the Day Care Center to stay afloat. During the graduation ceremony the students received trophies and certificates, rewarding them for their achievements. The
One of the honored guests, Sohan Joshi, addressing the Vedic Day Care Center graduation ceremony. Children graduating are seen sitting in front
rewards were given by the Chief Guests. The grand finale of the graduation ceremony was recitation of prayers and distribution of prasadam, which was sponsored from Swati Restaurant and Jai
Hind. Amongst the many that financially supported the Vedic Day Care are Sohan Joshi, Ramesh Kondu, Dr. Agarwal, Dr. Modi, Kalpesh Patel and Sukhadia family.
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PCS sports festival focuses healthier life style RAJINDER SINGH MAGO
CHICAGO: Punjabi Cultural Society of Chicago (PCS) held its two-day 17th Annual Sports Festival on August 6 & 7at Community Park in Addison Illinois. The theme was healthier life style with focus on fitness. The admission, food, and unlimited bottled water were free at "Punjabi Sports Festival 2011." More than 200 athletes took part in the tournament and more than 500 spectators enjoyed the games from under three large tents set up in the park. Fourteen Basketball teams, nine Volleyball teams, two Kabaddi teams and Soccer teams took part in the sports competition along with children who signed up at the spot for races. Ladies participated in an exhibition Tug-of-War rope pull. The players came from Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, and Illinois. The Guru Nanak Sikh Society (GNS) Cincinnati Kabaddi team won the PCS Kabaddi Championship Cup and the $1100 cash prize sponsored by Lovedeep Singh Dulat and Vikrant Singh. The Doaba Kabaddi Club Chicago won the runners-up cup and $500 cash prize sponsored by
Kabbadi game in progress at PCS Festival
Balwinder Singh Girn. The PCS Basketball tournament was played indoors on August 6. The "Brown Mambas" basketball team won the first place $500 cash prize and the PCS Basketball Championship Cup sponsored by Jarnail Singh Lail in loving memory of Kehar Singh Lail. The basketball runners-up cup went to "Chicago No Respect" team. The juniors basketball championship was won by Gobi Bryant and the runners up were the Khalsa Team. The first prize was sponsored by Vimlan Tax Service. The "Shawn Sinners" soccer team
won the PCS Soccer Cup & $500 cash award sponsored by Nick
The "Shaheed Bhagat Singh" volleyball team won the PCS Volleyball Championship Cup in a strongly contested match with the "Sikh Center" Saint Louis Gakhal. The "Shaheed Bhagat Singh"
Participants including Chief Guest Rutherford take part in Bhangra dance
volleyball team won the PCS Volleyball Championship Cup in a strongly contested match with the "Sikh Center" Saint Louis, Mo team who became the runners-up. The volleyball cup and $500 cash prize was sponsored by Dr. Harjinder Singh Khaira. Bharpoor Singh Khalsa, Lali Nijjar. Baljit Singh Sidhu coordinated the matches. The inauguration ceremonies of the festival were performed by the State of Illinois Treasurer Dan Rutherford and past mayor of village of Palatine Rita Mullins along with several other dignitaries and PCS officials including the Chief
Guest Jarnail Singh Lail. Maintaining their 17 years old festival tradition the participants gathered in the grounds with Punjabi Dhol drum beats by Sunny Sekhon. The festival was declared open by Rita Mullins by releasing a colorful bunch of helium balloons after a prayer song and American National Anthem sung by Navreet Heneghan. Several vendors set up their product display booths. The DJ music was provided by Sun-shine DJ Rishpal Singh, photography by Gurmit Singh Dhillon and food was catered by K.K. Pamma of New India Restaurant.
Holy serenity pervades Saudi Arabia in Ramadan A.Q. SIDDIQUI
JEDDAH, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Jeddah, the business hub and port city of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia welcomes the guests of God from every corner of the world. The city is the same as what it used to be 30 years before in the middle of the oil boom economy. While the roads, highways are same as before, the traffic has increased manifold. Traffic jams and cars moving bumper to bumper everywhere is a common sight. But what has not changed in Saudi Arabia is the spirit of Islam. The Kingdom boasts to be the birth place of world's fastest growing religion since it all started there 1433 years before. And true to history, this day Islam is alive in Saudi Arabia and practiced as it was during the life time of Prophet Muhammad. Come Ramadan, and a holy serenity pervades Saudi Arabia throughout the kingdom. There are many unique facts about life and living in Saudi Arabia in the month of Ramadan. The city sleeps after dawn, and gears up for life with afternoon prayers. As I stopped my car in front of U.S. giant food store KFC on a major Jeddah street, I found it deserted; a sign at the entrance read, the store will open 8pm till morning
Fast breaking ceremony
4am. The same sign was on display at McDonald across the street. A newcomer to Jeddah international airport will be surprised to see that all restaurants, food marts will be closed after 4am till sunset. That is the law to honor the holy month of Ramadan. Public eating or drinking is prohibited in Islamic societies throughout the holy month of Ramadan. Not all Muslims countries observe the law strictly but it is the way of life in Saudi Arabia. The working hours are reduced from 8 to six only for all 30 days. Many businesses function for 2-times in the month of Ramadan, opening for 4 hours before noon and evenings after 9 pm. I was on Umrah trip to the Kingdom in this month of Ramadan. We proceeded to Medina, the holy
city of Prophet's final abode. The two holy cities of Medina and Makkah are situated across the port city of Jeddah. It is a privi-
Traffic jams and cars moving bumper to bumper everywhere is a common sight. But what has not changed in Saudi Arabia is the spirit of Islam lege to be there in the holy month of Ramadan. A calm and peaceful atmosphere greets the pilgrims
Makkah during Friday hot afternoon prayer time.
within the Prophet's Mosque vicinity. No one raises the voice here in and around the holy mosque of Prophet. It is the same serene atmosphere as it was in the life time of Prophet Muhammad. A thick crowd quietly and slowly moves in front of the graves of Prophet Muhammad and his companions Haz. Abu Bakar and Haz. Omar bin Khattab. A verse from Holy Quran written on top of the Prophet's tomb reminds Muslims that, "Muhammad is not the father of any man among you, but he is the Messenger of God and the Seal of the Prophets." Hotels in Medina are fully sold out throughout the month of Ramadan. The rates are multiplied yet the space is fully sold out. The 5-star hotels in Medina and Makkah have the highest rates in
the world. A room in Makkah Hilton for last 10 days of Ramadan costs minimum SR66, 000, i.e. USD 18,000 or $1800 per night. And it is fully sold out. We left from Medinah to Makkah in a private taxi. The driver promised us to reach Makkah before fast breaking time. It takes 4 to 5 hours from Medina to Makkah for a journey of 550 kilometers. We were however, late for 30 minutes and still at the outskirt of Makkah for fast breaking time. The driver stopped the car on a Gas station and asked us to get down for breaking the fast. The Gas station owner had put few cotton mattresses on the floor to host the fast breaking. There was only a small bottle of water and 2 dates for each person. Cont’d on page 23
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Conference highlights 9/11 losses in South Asian community India Post News Service
NEW YORK: Nearly 150 of Southern California's South Asian American community members and supporters gathered at the Artesia Community Center to reflect on the passing of a decade since the tragedy on Sept 11, 2001. While the nation mourns the upcoming anniversary, community members, and organization, South Asian Network (SAN), organized a community hearing to mourn the local loss within the South Asian, Arab, Muslim and Sikh communities in Los Angeles and Orange Counties. The hearing held on Aug 20, 2011, was co-sponsored by South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT) and State of California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs (CSCAPIAA). The hearing began with a spirit of courage as people sat down to listen to two panels with unique stories from community members and advocates detailing impact that 9/ 11 has had on South Asians Americans. The first panel covered surveillance, racial profiling, and immigration enforcement, while the second talked about hate crimes, bullying and workplace discrimination. "I was held at gun point and called a 'bloody f*ing Arab' and a 'Stupid Muslim' in my own Los Angeles grocery store," says Mujibar Badal, a community member who experienced a hate crime in November 2001. "I could not walk back into that store for a year and even now, ten years later, I still have trouble sleeping at night." Badal continued, "I also had trouble getting the state to recognize my case as a hate
crime and it wasn't until 2007 that I received compensation from the State Victims Compensation Board. I tell my story today to remind us that hate cannot be countered with hate." As Manjusha Kulkarni, SAN's Executive Director explained, "While some of the extreme violence against South Asians, Arabs, Muslims, and Sikhs occurred immediately after 9/11, we come together here to share the way that post-9/11 policies have created an atmosphere of fear for many community members. Daily tasks taken for granted, like a young girl walking home from
Congresswoman Judy Chu, State Senator Lou Correa, Assembly member Mike Eng, and Assembly member Warren Furutani all attended the event and gave their own reflections on California, at the upcoming anniversary. Representative Judy Chu opened the hearing with a stark reminder about US history and the post-9/11 environment and called the audience to action: "Let us not forget that the words 'national security' were used to send 120,000 Japanese Americans to internment camps. To this day, not a single act of espionage has been proven.
Many other partner agencies attended the event, including Shakeel Syed of the Islamic Shura Council, recounting the repeated incidences of surveillance he has experienced by the government for simply being Muslim school or a taxi driver taking a customer around town, became difficult then and still remain difficult. Now, add in today's growing anti-immigrant sentiment. We need to meet at this historic moment and remind ourselves what we can do." Los Angeles is home to the second largest population of South Asians in the US. Rarely do Angelenos think about how an anti-Muslim sentiment affects their neighborhoods and communities. SAN's event brought together community testimony and dialogue in hopes of moving forward with some community solutions.
When these actions took place, there were not enough voices to say, 'this is wrong and this must stop'." She continued, "Today, I know there are people who will raise their voices. That is why all of you are here but we cannot stop here. We must continue to speak out about the discrimination faced by South Asian Americans and other Americans since 9/11. We must make sure that it does not go unnoticed and build larger coalitions of people who will stand up when racial and religious profiling happens." "As we approach the 10-year anniver-
sary of 9/11, it is important for us as a community and nation to recommit ourselves to the fundamental American value of "Justice for All," said Assembly member Mike Eng. "Nearly a decade has passed since the tragic events of September 11, 2001, but many South Asians are still living with the lingering effects of racism and anti-Islamic fervor. I commend organizations like the South Asian Network (SAN) for their commitment to addressing these issues and fighting for the civil rights of all South Asians in California and the United States." Many other partner agencies attended the event, including Shakeel Syed of the Islamic Shura Council, recounting the repeated incidences of surveillance he has experienced by the government for simply being Muslim. Vivek Mittal of the National Immigration Law Center presented the need to think about the growing rates of enforcement with programs like Secure Communities and EVerify that also accelerate a sense of fear in immigrant communities like South Asian American communities. Mou Khan from SAALT, a national South Asian advocacy organization based in D.C. also talked about the hearing as a way for community members to take action locally and nationally. SAN aims to release a report from the hearings' testimonies and participants. The event at once recounted experiences of loss and suffering while bringing people together in Los Angeles County's "Little India", as a way to look forward into the next ten years with a greater sense of hope and collaboration.
Seminar discusses Sikhs and 9/11
Salute by Air Force guards before start of the seminar India Post News Service
FAIRFIELD, CA: Sikhs & 9/ 11 - A seminar organized by Punjabi-American Cultural Association (PACA) attracted a large diverse audience of Sikhs and non-Sikhs where burning issues of Sikh awareness, mistaken identity and increasing hate crimes were discussed. The purpose of the seminar was to increase awareness of Sikhs among mainstream Ameri-
cans, finding solution to problem of increasing hate crimes and bringing different Sikh organizations together on one platform. The program started with presentation of colors and National anthem by Honor guard, Shabad "Deh Shiva bar Mohe". Then a movie about Sikhs prepared by Dept. of Justice was shown, which was very well received by Non-Sikh Americans as it briefly discussed Sikh values and traditions.
Seminar panel on stage
Audience participated by asking question which were answereds by panel members. Almost 35 questions were discussed
After cultural dance Gidha, a panel discussion with interactive question/answer session by audience started. Panel comprised of Sikh scholars, Police Dept. representatives, attorneys, doctors and students. Panelists include Police chief of Fairfield, Walt Tibbet, Mr Bertani from Interfaith council, Carol Russo from Dept. Of Justice, Attorneys Amar Shergill and Jaspreet Singh, Dr. Kamal Sandhu, Darshan S. Mundy, Dr.
Bindra, Dr. JP Singh, Manjit Purewal, Capt. Manjit S. Sappal, Tarun S. Hundal. Panel discussion was conducted very smoothly by Dr. Jasbir S. Kang. Audience participated by asking questions which were answered by panel members. Almost 35 questions were discussed and many more were left due to lack of time. Organizers promised to follow up on those questions. Cont’d on page 20
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September 9, 2011
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74th IIGS Youth Camp held at Camp Seely SARDARNI GURPREET KAUR
LOS ANGELES: International Institute of Gurmat Studies (IIGS) held its 74th Sikh International Youth Camp at Camp Seely from August 14-20 in the San
and scores of guest visitors and volunteers. Participants came from India, Mexico, Thailand and all over USA to be part of this camping movement.
during the week from Dr. Harsohena Kaur who came from Minnesota with her children. Sardar Daljit Singh also addressed the congregation.
gurdwara etiquette, tabla, vaaja, kirtan, Punjabi, arts and various Paths. Special Gatka classes were organized by Sardar Onkar Singh, who came from India. Sardar
While campers got a chance to learn about various aspects of the Sikh way of life, they also got hands-on experience on doing various activities starting from Babaji’s Prakaash Bernadino Mountains close to Lake Arrowhead in Southern California. This camp was attended by more than 135 registered campers
The camp started with an evening dewan, a welcome speech by Sardarni Payal Kaur followed by tips on how to stay healthy
During this camp, the campers got an opportunity to get close to their roots and learn about basic Sikh fundaments, history,
Gurdayal Singh addressed the campers on the value of Ardaas, while Sardarni Jaskiran Kaur and Sardarni Payal Kaur talked about
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the 3rd Great Guru Amar Das and his beautiful gift of ‘Anand Sahib’. Special sessions were held for the old campers who have attended previous IIGS camps. During these sessions, they got a chance to learn about the power of Gurbani, a workshop organized by Sardarni Payal Kaur and Sardarni Prabhneet Kaur. Sardarni Maninder Kaur addressed campers about the meanings of Lavan and also The Purpose of Life. Dr. Jassi Kaur, spoke on the importance of ‘Attitude and Gratitude’ and Chardikala in Sikhi. While campers got a chance to learn about various aspects of the Sikh way of life, they also got hands-on experience on doing various activities starting from Babaji’s Prakaash and Sukhaasan, Charni lagnaa or how to take the Hukam from the sacred scriptures, Ardaas, distribution of Karaah Parshaad, serving langar, and doing shoe sewa among others. At the camp, the day started with everyone getting up early, showering, getting ready and gathering in Babaji’s room for a beautiful Naam simran session, followed by learning various Paaths with meanings, lectures, various activity classes and turban tying. Khalsa parade is an important part of an IIGS Camp as the campers get to learn the soldier aspect of a Sikh’s life. The day concluded with an evening dewan where everyone joined in to do Rehraas Sahib, Kirtan, Sukhaasan and Sohila. Energetic ‘Khalsa Battery Charge’ sessions led by Sardar Sarabdayal Singh, Sardar Ranjit Singh and Sardar Tejinder Singh before bed was the cherry on top which everyone cherished and most enthusiastically participated in. Bhai Kultar Singh, a renowned Raagi from India, was also at the camp for two days. He performed melodious Kirtan for the entire sangat on multiple occasions and during his talk he shared knowledge about Kirtan, traditional musical instruments and his family history. Cont’d on page 22
Community/California
September 9, 2011
India Post 21
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NRIs celebrate Anna Hazare's victory JS BEDI India Post News Service
LOS ANGELES: Rati Dilip Sontakey's India Against Corruption and People For Lok Satta (PFL), organized a celebration and rejoiced at the special occasion of the Indian Parliament making the unanimous resolution for a strong Lokpal bill and Anna Hazare ending his 12-day fast. About one hundred Indians from various parts of Southern California gathered in Artesia Park on Sunday, August 28 afternoon for the celebration. Participants chanted slogans supporting Anna Hazare, sang Indian patriotic songs, and colored their faces with Indian national
flag colors (Tiranga). In addition, all participants took an oath to neither give bribe nor take bribe from anyone. As next steps in the movement, participants decided to follow Anna Hazare implementing Right to Recall. People from various walks of life participated in this occasion. There were children to people over the age of 70 participating in this event. Software engineers, doctors, entrepreneurs, college students and community leaders from various regions of India joined in a show of national spirit. One of the India Against Corruption volunteers, Sreekanth Kocharlakota said that he spent sleepless nights while Anna
Seminar discusses Sikhs and 9/11
Hazare was on fast. He said that India showed the world the power of non-violence and need for common people's involvement in poli-
tics. The participants demanded that Anna Hazare should be bestowed with 'Bharat Ratna' as he dedicated his life to the country
and made a significant difference in common people's lives. Jawahar Kambampati, Vice President of PFL, recalled the moments he organized 'Dandi March II', 240 mile walk in March 2011 from San Diego to San Francisco. Jawahar said that, among the demands of Dandi march II, ratification of UNCAC and Jan Lokpal bill are underway, and they will continue the movement until India is free from corruption. Prof. Keshavlal Patel mentioned that he sent three letters to the Prime Minister of India, requesting him to accept Jan Lokpal for the sake of common people. Dilip Sontakey, Krishna Reddy, and Anju Garg were among the speakers.
Guests sample Islamic spirituality & food during Ramadan India Post News Service
Organizers- members of PACA (Punjabi-American Cultural Association) Cont’d from page 19
Solano county Sikh leaders including members of Sikh Temple, Sports Club and Bhagat Puran Singh sewa society recognized Nirmal Singh, father of Shaheed Gurpreet Singh, Kanwaljit Singh, and Charanjit Singh Gumtala, a prominent journalist, on stage. Members of PACA ( PunjabiAmerican Cultural association) Charan S. Sandhu, Jas Sohal, Sunny Boyal, Jessie Bajwa, Gurpreet Dhugga, Harpinder Jassar, Gagan Sooch, Parminder Bedi, Sukhi Uppal, Amrjot Biring,
Devinder Sahota, Rajbir Grewal asnd Jaspreet Khinda, ) recognized participating public officials on stage, which include Mayors of City of Fairfield, City of Suisun, City of Vallejo, Councilmembers and Assemblywoman Mariko Yamada.Cultural part of program was conducted by Asha Sharma in her signature style. At the end, Dr. Gurpreet Dhugga thanked all participants, audience, panelist and promised on behalf of organizers to continue efforts to increase Sikh awareness and promote Punjabi culture.
Rocognized Guests- Nirmal Singh, father of Shaheed Gurpreet Singh, Kanwaljit S. Atwal and journalist Charnjit S. Gumtala
CHINO, CA: Sunday, Aug. 21st was a time of interfaith intermingling at the Baitul Hameed Mosque in Chino on Ramona Ave. when congregants from the United Church of Christ in Claremont, led by Pastor Rob Patton, paid a neighborly visit to the Chino Mosque. Around 30 Christians, including ladies donning head scarves, listened to a lecture by Imam Shamshad A. Nasir on the Islamic concepts of atonement, repentance and forgiveness and how to achieve them. The Imam quoted from the Holy Quran, the sayings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, the writings of the Promised messiah & Imam Mahdi, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad and even some verses from the Old Testament - all of which agreed in their position that God alone was the sole granter of forgiveness, and that it was man's responsibil-
Pastor Rob Patton receiving ''Muslims for Life'' flyers from the Imam
ity to seek forgiveness directly from God, and to atone for sins through sincere repentance and by making amends for one's misdeeds by doing good to others. The Imam's lecture lasted about 45-minutes and ended at sunset to allow the Mosque parishioners to break their day-long fast by
Christian guests enjoying a Ramadan dinner at the Chino Mosque
partaking of water and dates. Afterwards, the first evening prayer was conducted aloud in Arabic and then the nearly 300 Ahmadi Muslim men and women (in separate, segregated areas) and their Christian guests enjoyed a free dinner provided nightly throughout the month of Ramadan. The menu included chicken curry, Indian basmati rice, salad, dessert, water and hot tea, Indian style with milk and sugar. On the previous Friday, another, smaller group of Christians visited the Chino Mosque to participate in Ramadan activities and dinner. These included Rev. Jan Chase with several of her members from Unity Church in Pomona, and Kenn Rasmussen from the LDSMormon Church in Chino Hills. The visitors in attendance on Friday are all longtime friends of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in the Chino area, and have attended many of the Interfaith gatherings and symposiums held over the past two decades at the Baitul Hameed Mosque on Ramona Avenue.
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Community/California www.indiapost.com
74th IIGS Youth Camp held at Camp Seely Cont’d from page 20
Everyone was amazed to learn about Bhai Sahib’s ancestors who used to perform at the darbaar of 5th Great Guru Arjan Dev. Sardarni Gurpreet Kaur, Sardarni Harmala Kaur, Sardar Jasdev Singh, Sardarni Baljinder Kaur, Sardarni Inderpreet Kaur, Sardarni Manjeet Kaur and several campers did soul searching kirtan at the camp. Sardar Ranjit Singh enthralled everyone with his energetic tabla performances and infused the campers with chardikala. IIGS Camp food is always a hit as it includes not only Indian food but also Italian, Mexican, Chinese and American cuisine. This was possible with the untiring sewa done by so many of the senior IIGS counselors like Sardar Ranjit Singh, Sardarni Manjit Kaur, Sardarni Prem Kaur and others. Sardarni Manjit Kaur helped with Punjabi classes and Path while Sardar Kanwarbir Singh, helped with history classes, Babaji’s room sewa, projecting shabads with meanings, and organized two small skits for the talent show among other things. Special DOST (Discussion of Sikh Topics) sessions were organized for both boys and girls. This is an interactive forum organized to create awareness on various issues faced by the Sikh youth
today. Such forums provide a platform to discuss issues of mutual interest and develop support groups to help each other in the future. Kesh Darshan was a big event this time as well. The entire camp washed their hair and let them down for others to see and appreciate the gorgeous hair given to us by Waheguru ji. A special talk was organized on why Sikhs don’t cut their hair. Outdoor activities like swimming, trekking and a picnic were also arranged during this camp. Picnic day could not have been more fun as everyone hung out at the park playing various games from soccer, basketball, mafia, catch, football, among others. Seniors and counselors had their share of fun as they played a game of ‘Pitthu’. This is a game people play back in India and even the youngsters gladly joined in. Nice hot pizzas, chips and drinks followed by popsicles left a big smile on the faces of all. Ping pong is always a big hit at IIGS camps and one can find campers of all ages trying to get at least one game in just to have that full camp experience. All in all, campers had a fun filled week of learning, enjoyment, working with each other in teams and getting to know everyone better. When the time came to bid farewell, one could see a little sadness
in the eyes of all present. No one wanted to leave but as they say, all good things must come to an end, and so did the 74th Sikh International Youth Camp. With requests from attendees, parents and visitors to organize more camps in this part of the world and promises from campers to meet again soon, everyone said their goodbyes with a heavy heart. This report won’t be complete without a special thanks to all Junior Counselor Trainees (JCT), Junior Counselors, Counselors, speakers, teachers, volunteers, helpers in the kitchen, camp nurse and doctors without whom this camp would not have been possible. Beautiful moments were captured on camera and videos by Sardar Sarabdayal Singh and Sardarni Maninder Kaur who were also the official camp photographers in addition to performing several other duties. Sardar Jasdeep Singh, JCT, did a nice job of creating a beautiful slide show for all to see and get an essence of the camp. On the first day of the camp, a small video was shown on Papaji (Captain Kanwar Harbhajan Singh), founder of IIGS. He dedicated 56 years of his life for the betterment of Sikhs especially the youth by reaching out to them around the world. Camps, Kirtan programs, Lectures, Publications, Microfilming of all hand written Sikh Scriptures, Gurbani Researcher, Saturday Night Kirtan Programs, New Year Eve Kirtan Dewans, giving kids an opportunity to perform, honoring exceptional Sikhs in all fields of life, reaching out to Sindhi brothers and sisters and other communities that believe in Sikh teachings and organizing Mega-Events like Darbar-E-Khalsa were some of the wonderful ideas of Papaji.
September 9, 2011
Festival of India 2011 in Fremont (Pics by Srinivas Mangipudi )
Leela Mathur with Bappi Lahiri
Mannu Tandon (right) with Vijay Amritraj
Vijay Amritraj, Dr Japra, Jayaram, Vijaya and Veeru (FIA receiving Guiness Book of World records)
Ash Kalra, Vijay Amritraj, Dr Japra, Jayaram, Vijaya and Sai Manapragada
Lalit Mathur with Bappi Lahiri
September 9, 2011
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Raksha Bandhan Utsav celebrated in Irvine India Post News Service
IRVINE, CA: Over hundred attendees flocked to the Netaji Shakha in Irvine, California on August 21 to celebrate Raksha Bandhan Utsav. This event was a big success with regard to reaching out to the community. The presence of Orange County Fire Authority Station #26 Fire Captain Fernando and his staff, Irvine Police CERT Coordinator Frank Southern, and President of Maharashtra Mandal Los Angeles (MMLA) Swati Deo, said it all. The wall decors, organized tables with gifts for the guests, along with folders with information about Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS), hand-made rakhis and greeting cards, sign up sheet for new visitors and warm welcome by Swayamsevaks gave a culturally rich feeling to the event. Shakha began with `Vande Mataram' song in observance of India's Independence Day celebration, followed by Dhwajarohan, Ekta Mantra and Surya Namaskar. Soon after that, the guests were welcomed. They were pleased to hear the chorus of sanghik geet by all attendees. After vaiyaktik geet, Chief Guest, President of MMLA Swati Deo was introduced. She gave a very inspiring speech to the group and encouraged HSS to continue its valuable contribution to the society. Station #26 Fire Captain Fernando also lauded the efforts of HSS in reaching out to the community, while Irvine Police CERT Coordinator Frank Southern mentioned about learning a new tradition of Raksha Bandhan. He said that it made the Police Department feel very special and also urged HSS volun-
teers to enroll in a program by the city to be trained in self-security. After the guest speeches, HSS boudhik was given by Sreevidya Balkrishna, who is currently National Bala Pramukh and had earlier given her precious one year to volunteer full-time for HSS as Vistarika. In her speech, she explained about how the tradition of Raksha Bandhan began in India and its significance to HSS as one of the six utsavs celebrated by the Sangh. "By tying Rakhi to the Bhagwa Dhwaj, we promise to take care of our dharma - which is to live in a righteous way to ensure peace in the world and if everyone in this world makes this pledge to each other, world peace will be achieved at ease", she explained. After her speech, Bala gana presented bhajans learnt at the shakha and tied Rakhis on the wrist of the guests, offered them flowers, greeting cards and gifts. They had also written personal messages to the guests on the greeting cards. And then, it was time for all karyakartas to tie rakhis on each other. It was a wonderful sight to see the bonding between balas, tarun gana and mahila gana. Soon it was time for Subhashitam, suchana and vikir. However the event did not end here. People rushed to the Firetruck with balas to have a look inside the fancy looking truck. Children explored the truck while a fireman explained about the actions of Firemen on receiving an emergency call. Balas asked a lot of questions and the firemen were patient enough to answer them all. Everyone enjoyed the festive snacks after that and dispersed. Overall, it was a very well planned event.
Holy serenity pervades Saudi Arabia in Ramadan Cont’d from page 18
We sat there along with others. And I thought about the lavish Iftaar parties back home. It was the same Arab tradition of breaking fast with dates and water. But as we sat there, within minutes many other cars stopped and lo! It was a large crowd there. A pick up just stopped and a person quickly moved many bottles of cold drinks and Yoghurt. Another pick up arrived and the driver took out neatly packed Iranian bread and curry. And there was Arabic tea. Soon the fast breaking ceremony was a feast for all. Who were the people who brought the food items on a remote highway? I wondered. As we entered the Makkah, the light of Holy Haram or Kaaba mesmerized us. We checked in Rotana, the nearest hotel to Haram and rushed to perform Umrah. It was a sea of humanity across the Holy Kaaba. Performing Umrah in the Holy month of Ramadan is considered as most rewarding and equal to a Hajj. The seven circles across the House of God makes up half of Umrah rituals.
It took one hour for us to complete seven circles across the Holy Kaaba as we mingled along the giant moving circle across it. As we finished Umrah and I watched the crowd across the Grand Makkah mosque from the window of our hotel, I wondered was that all the real human assembly? As per local media there were over 2 million worshipers in mosque on the Night of 26 Ramadan, the Night of Power. But for my calculation they were more than 3 million or even more. Where do they all come from? Where do they all stay? How the Saudi Arab Government accommodates such a large number of pilgrims and provides them the basic amenities, such as food or water? That is a mystery. It only reminds us of a historical fact. Prophet Abraham prayed at the time of building Kaaba that May God incline some hearts towards it. And Prophet Muhammad prayed during his Hajj trip when he first saw Kaaba that, "May Allah multiply the honor of His Holy House, and May Allah honor all those who come to perform Umrah and Hajj." The sea of humanity at the House of God is the testimony that God answered their prayers.
Readers Write... www.indiapost.com
Let people take oath against corruption
I
t was good to see people come out against corruption in India so strongly. But I am surprised to see the dependence only on the Government. Why should not people do something about it themselves?" When Bhagat Singh and his colleagues were fighting against the British, they took oath. Why can't people take oath now, they will not give or receive bribery. During my visits to India, I see lines formed in gurdwaras, temples and mosques to do mattha take (obeisance). They ask for forgiveness and other material blessings, but as soon as
they come out of the building, they are totally different people. All religions preach for Haque Halal Kamai. In Sikhi Baba Nanak said, "Haq paraya Nanaka, us sooar us gai," yet I have seen people displaying Gatra over their kurtaz taking bribery. Same thing with Hindus with Tikka and Janeoo. Same with Muslims saying five namaazs every day. Let charity begin at home. If people want to do something about corruption, all they need to do is say, "No more bribery from today onwards." Thakar S Basati, Palatine
*** *** *** Let us greet Buffet with flower & prayer
T
he success of the Anna Hazare movement demonstrates the very powerful potential of non-violence in the social and political context. Socalled 'people power' organized this way can certainly bring about very significant change. Hazare's target has been India's endemic corruption. His history as an activist equips him well to focus public discontent and his reputation for modest living and overall integrity are gilt credentials. Here in America, another personage with similar credentials as a plain-speaking man of principle, the billionaire Warren Buffet, has recently taken aim at his fellows among the wealthy elite. He wrote recently that the disparity between the tax burden borne by the wealthy few and
that of the great mass of Americans was patently unfair and urged reform. "My friends and I have been coddled long enough by a billionaire-friendly Congress. It's time for our government to get serious about shared sacrifice.' What a refreshing thing to hear from a respected member of the wealthiest class in America, especially at a time when we see our country is in a deep ditch. Only concerted, cooperative effort can lift us out. Rigid ideology inhibits progress. Supporters of Buffet's appeal might consider showing up at their legislator's front door with a flower and a prayer. Dial V. Gidwani, Founding President American Institute of Sindhulogy, Evanston, Illinois
*** *** *** Let us keep up pressure on Indian government
T
eam-Anna's achievement in making the Indian government pass the Lokpal bill resolution is very commendable and historic. Anna's massive peaceful movement was supported by Indians from all the corners of the world. This is just the beginning and unless the actual bill is passes, we won't be able to see India as "corruption free." All of us from all over the world must keep pressure on the government and support Team-Anna to force the Indian government to legislate a strong Lokpal bill. Without consistent and continuous support from citizens of India, the government will find its way to not pass the bill or would try to make it weaker. The main purpose for organizing "A
Better India Movement" is to show our support for Team- Anna as Los Angeles Indians. I was born brought up here but I consider myself more Indian than American. I was a double major in college (Pitzer College- Claremont, CA) - Indian Studies and Psychology. I felt the need to organize this event because this movement is India's second big (freedom) movement and since I don't have the option of going back into time to 1947 and witnessing the Independence era, I felt like I should do my part in this massive movement and spread awareness in America. This event was only the beginning of many for me. Rati Dilip Sontakey Los Angeles
Disclaimer :- India Post does not endorse opinions expressed in the letters.
India Post News Service NEW YORK: With his actionromance Bodyguard hitting theaters worldwide, Bollywood megastar Salman Khan sat down for this one-on-one promotional interview to discuss his latest film and talked about Katrina Kaif, Kareena Kapoor, Dabangg 2, and much more. After Wanted (2009) and Dabangg (2010), is Bodyguard your third consecutive Eid blockbuster? Salman: Let the film releases decide that. Everyone wants to make a film that will surpass their last films. I'm no different. And today, we have the technical know-how to up the standards but we still haven't discovered a hit formula. So, all you can do is make a good, sensible, emotional film and leave it at that. But the expectations from 'Brand Salman' have risen? Salman: Expectations are high
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September 9, 2011
because people have watched my last few films. But it's true in other cases too. For example, you always expect a little more from your girlfriend and vice versa (smiles). Your last two films with Kareena Kapoor, Kyun Ki! (2005) and Main Aur Mrs Khanna (2009) didn't work. Will this one break the jinx?
HIT FORMULA? WHERE'S IT?
Salman Khan on Katrina, Kareena, Dabangg 2 & much more Salman: In our film industry, certain people dismiss an on-screen pairing as panvati (jinxed) if their last few films haven't worked at the box office. But I believe that if a heroine is perfectly suited for a particular role,
why shouldn't I get her? In Wanted, we cast Ayesha Takia in the lead because she fit the part. And the film was a superhit! Cont’d on page 26
September 9, 2011
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Bel-Air Film Festival announces line-up India Post News Service
Lead Vocalist Dr. Palash Sen with guitarists Amborish Saika and DJ Bhaduri. (Pics Rishi Rikhi)
Euphoria rocks Royce Hall RIA PATEL
LOS ANGELES: On Saturday August 27, Royce Hall at UCLA rocked with excitement as one of India's most well-known rock bands, Euphoria, captivated a young, fresh Los Angeles audience. This Indian rock band has something to offer that is more or
joint effort by India's leading Online Social TV, Nyootv.com, and the Amrapali Group of India. Euphoria is currently promoting its upcoming album "Item" and is holding concerts all across the United States on "The Item Tour", hitting hot spots such as San Jose,
Euphoria band members recognize AKG Technologies Founder Gaurav Mendiratta for his work with Nyootv.com
less unseen in music today, as they combine rock elements from the guitar, bass, and drums with traditional Indian elements such as the tabla and dholak. The show was presented as a
Los Angeles, Houston, Dallas, Chicago, New Jersey, Boston, and Seattle. The nine member band will then go on to Canada. The night began as the band introduced themselves and
opened the night with a few of their most recognized songs, which were enjoyed by a mild and seated crowd. By the time two songs had passed, the energy and momentum produced on stage had traveled through the crowd and caused those in attendance to rise to their feet and rock to the music stage front. It was only a matter of time before it was realized that this concert needed to be experienced by dancing and cheering alongside the front of the stage. The audience actively joined in when the band played some of their biggest hits, such as "Dhoom Pichak Dhoom", "Maaeri," "Tum", and more. For the first time on stage, Euphoria also exposed some songs from their new album, Item, which excited the crowd for its release. Euphoria's raw energy and vigor had endured throughout the night, and left crowds calling out, "Don't go!," and "One more hour!" When the night came to an end, lead singer Dr. Palash Sen, expressed that these concerts are "not about having lots of people, but about having the right people!"
Audience enjoys concert at front stage
LOS ANGELES: The fourth annual Bel-Air Film Festival, which runs from October 12 to October 17, announced its line-up for the week-long event that will take place at the Skirball Cultural Center, the Luxe Sunset Hotel and the UCLA James Bridges Theatre. The festival begins on October 12 with the Opening Night Red Carpet Gala held at the Skirball Cultural Center. This elegant evening includes honoring writing partners Babaloo Mandel and Lowell Ganz (Happy Days, Splash, A League of Their Own), producer Bob Yari (Crash, The Illusionist), and actor Victor Alfieri (Angels and Demons, Southland, Persons Unknown) and a World Premiere screening of the feature film, "My Father's Will", written and directed by Fraydun Manocherian. There will also be a live musical performance by Chris Mann who has performed at the Sundance
Film Festival, the pre-Oscars Young Hollywood Party, the American Film Institute Awards, and with David Foster and Katharine McPhee at the Horatio Alger Awards. In addition, Chris is a principle voice on the hit television show Glee and the accompanying soundtracks. Chloe Flower, a classically trained pianist will perform traditional arrangements with contemporary beats. Chloe has performed throughout the United States and abroad, having studied with the late Herbert Stessin of The Juilliard School and Aaron Shore at the Royal Academy of Music in London. In sync with the opening night of the festival is a poker fundraiser which will benefit the Bel-Air Film and Arts non-profit organization in order to raise funds for film students attending the USC School of Cinematic Arts, Long Beach State University, and the New York Film Academy. The event will be hosted by Academy-Award nominee Don Cheadle (Crash, Traffic, Hotel Rwanda), Kathy Najimy (King of the Hill), and Mimi Rogers (Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery, Dumb and Dumberer). This year, the Bel-Air Film Festival will be screening 36 films, which includes 23 World Premieres
and six Los Angeles Premieres. Short films and Student Shorts will also be screened. Screenings will be held at the Luxe Sunset Hotel and the UCLA James Bridges Theater. The festival includes a series of after parties which will take place each evening. Feature and documentary films My Father's Will, written and directed by Fraydun Manocherian (U.S.A) - World Premiere. Wealthy and successful businessman, Ferro Olivetti, enjoys the privileges and perks of his social stature, but on his father's deathbed he promises to obey "his father's will" and spend one month away from his identity and money. Summertime, written and directed by Max Weissberg (U.S.A) - World Premiere. Two actresses are unknowingly cast for the same part in a film. Challenging Impossibility, a documentary written and directed by Sanjay Rawal (U.S.A) - Los Angeles Premiere.
This film chronicles the weightlifting odyssey of the spiritual teacher Sri Chinmoy, who at the age of 53 surprisingly took up weightlifting. His lifts were featured on newscasts worldwide, inspiring people to transcend their personal limitations and to abandon their concepts of the restrictions of physical age. The World's Tallest Man: Still Growing, a documentary written and directed by Stuart Clarke (United Kingdom) - Los Angeles Premiere. An emotional documentary following eight foot one tall Sultan Kosen, The World's Tallest Man, as he embarks on an inspirational journey in search of life-saving surgery and true love. Beat Boxing: The Fifth Element of Hip Hop, a documentary written and directed by Klaus Schneyder (U.S.A) It was in the late 70s that a youth culture evolved in the poorer parts of New York which combined several disciplines under the name of Hip Hop. Apart from the four classic elements of Graffiti writing, DJing, Breakdancing, and Rapping, the musical side of this culture was enhanced by a fifth element called 'Beatboxing'. Cont’d on page 27
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Hit formula? Where's it? Cont’d from page 24
Is Katrina Kaif doing a cameo in Bodyguard or a special appearance in the title track? Salman: I start out as her bodyguard so she appears in the title song, Aaya Re Aaya‌ to establish the fact. Later, of course, I become Kareena's bodyguard. Is Bodyguard a special film for you since your sister Alvira is co-producing it with husband Atul Agnihotri? Salman: It doesn't matter who is producing the film. A film is a film. People are going to spend money, from Rs 10 to Rs 400, to watch it. So, my responsibility is towards them. Once audiences like the film and they start coming in numbers, my responsibility towards the producer will be automatically fulfilled. How is Dabangg 2 shaping up? Have you really written parts of the script? Salman: Dabangg 2 is simply an extension of the first film. Chulbul Pandey is an interesting guy so I think we won't have any problems with the character. In fact, we have finalized and locked the script of the sequel. I haven't written anything in the script since it's completely Arbaaz's (Khan) film. Since Chulbul has shades of gray, it's easy to meander into different genres - comedy, action and romance. Now that the character of Chulbul is established, we can easily take it to the next level. We've heard that Chulbul is moving to a metro now? Salman: Yes, Chulbul is moving to a bigger city. (Smiles) Now, there's a lot more jhol in Dabangg 2. Many feel you seem to be stuck on action films these days? Salman: Nothing like that, every film has action, even Ready. For instance, you can't call every film a musical just because it has 4-5 songs. In fact, I had to work harder on Ready because the action scenes had to make you laugh. Have you lost weight for Ek Tha Tiger? Salman: No, it's just that I was training hard for the climax of Bodyguard and carried the lean look into Ek Tha Tiger. You met Somy Ali recently in Bangkok while shooting for Ready? Salman: Sure, I did. She flew down to Bangkok from Hong Kong because she had some work in Hong Kong. What's the big deal? Somy has said that Aishwarya Rai was responsible for your split? Salman: (Smiles) Somy said it, so ask her. I don't know anything.
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Bel-Air Film Festival announces line-up Cont’d from page 25
The Woodmans, a documentary written and directed by Scott Willis (U.S.A) - World Premiere. A fascinating, unflinching portrait of the late photographer Francesca Woodman, told through the young artist's work (including experimental videos and journal entries) and remarkably candid interviews with her artist parents who have continued their own artistic practices while watching Francesca's professional reputation eclipse their own. The story of a family that suffers a tragedy, but perseveres and finds redemption through each other and their work: making art. Discover the Gift, a documentary written and directed by Demian Lichenstein (U.S.A) Discover the Gift (DTG") is the remarkable feature-length documentary film, book, and movement created by award-winning filmmaker, Demian Lichtenstein, with his sister, Shajen Joy Aziz, that celebrate the Gifts in each person, that are simply awaiting discov-
ery. The degree to which you nurture and share the miracle of your Gift is the degree to which you will experience full self-expression, joy and connectedness. Trophy Kids, directed by Josh Sugarman. Written by Josh Sugarman and Brandon Yankowitz (U.S.A) A special feature film about the most coddled generation in history - Generation Y. The Wedding Party, directed by Amanda Jane. Written by Christine Bartlett (Australia) - Los Angeles Premiere. The only thing to come between a groom and his bride is a family of misfits and the love of his life. The Pill, written and directed by John-Christopher Khoury (U.S.A) Worried that he has gotten the free-spirited Mindy pregnant after an unprotected one-night stand, Fred feigns romantic interest and sticks by her side for twelve hours to make sure she takes both doses of the morningafter pill.
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H
igh above misty valleys and foaming rivers, ensconced in swirling clouds and perched on an escarpment, lies Cherrapunji (4,500 feet). This is a stunning location and the yearround rain earned Cherrapunji coveted entry long ago into the Guinness Book of World Records as the wettest place on earth, the place where the rainfall can be recorded in feet rather than in millimeters. Today, climatic changes have edged Cherrapunji out of the topmost 'wet' slot, but it still retains its pristine beauty, its unusual facets, the perpetual clouds, and the perpetual mists‌. Appropriately, Cherrapunji lies in the heart of the
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State of Meghalaya - the abode of clouds. Best time to visit: Cherrapunji is perhaps the only place in India, which has just one season: the monsoon. The rainfall varies from heavy to medium to light, but there is no month without rain. Another surprising fact about Cherrapunji is that it rains mostly at night. Dayto-day activity is not really disrupted by the rain. History: As in days gone by, the faces of Cherrapunji change not with the seasons, but with the pattern of rainfall. Cont’d on page 31
September 9, 2011
Cherrapunji is perhaps the only place in India which has just one season: the monsoon. The rainfall varies from heavy to medium to light, but there is no month without rain
September 9, 2011
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President inaugurates Boat Race in Kollam KOTTAYAM, Kerala: President Pratibha Patil has called on the Centre, state governments and the private sector to come together and work for rapid expansion of tourism infrastructure, the benefits of which can reach all stakeholders. "A well thought out master plan may be prepared and implemented in a time-bound manner," Patil said, inaugurating the first President's Trophy Boat Race on Ashtamudi Lake in Kollam. Development of tourism offers a great opportunity for promoting inclusive growth, where the benefits of tourism reach all stakeholders, she said. "Ashtamudi Lake should be
developed as an international tourism destination by adopting envi-
ronment-friendly plans," the President said.
Destination-oriented tourism parks on the anvil NEW DELHI: Destination-oriented tourism parks are being planned across the country to attract more tourists and keep them at a destination for a longer period. The tourism parks will be developed on theme park model with all facilities including hotels, convention centers, shopping complex, food street and entertainment facilities required for tourists. "We have tourist sites but we do not have anything to hold tourists at a particular site for two/three days. The question is how to hold tourists for a longer period," Tourism Minister Subodh Kant Sahai told PTI. Noting that there is no interesting evening activity near tourist sites, Sahai said, "If you want to have a glimpse of India then you can't. In Delhi there is a light and sound show at Red Fort. There is nothing except that". "So we want to create tourism parks to hold tourists for longer period. The parks have to be developed on a business model. It would be destination- oriented tourism park which will have a theme park, amusement park, convention centers, wellness centre, shopping complex etc. everything along with the destination." The tourism park is likely to be developed through public-private participation (PPP) mode with the land being provided by the state government or a private partner. Sahai said the tourism industry has a high employment generating capacity. "According to the Planning Commission, if you spend Rs 10 lakh on a site then you are creating job opportunities for 80 people directly or indirectly," he said, adding, "If we can increase only 5 per cent of inbound tourists then it
would create three crore job opportunities." Tourism Ministry is seeking an increase in fund allocation for the sector in the 12th Five-Year Plan. The fund allocation for the sector was Rs 5000 crore in the 11th Plan. "We are seeking about Rs 22,000-23,000 crore allocation from the Planning Commission in the 12th Plan for developing 50 more tourist destinations on a mission mode like Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Mission (JNNURM) projects," Sahai said. Emphasizing the state government's role in promoting tourism, he said, "I am approaching every state to make tourism an
five lakhs more rooms are needed. There is also the need for more budget hotels. Revenue sharing model can be worked out for hotels by the state governments. " In order to popularize destinations and facilitate tourists, the Tourism Ministry wants to launch Incredible India card. "It will have all information about tourist destinations. Anybody can get information on tourism destinations, package and other related information." Ruling out further privatization of ITDC hotels, the Tourism Minister said, "No plan to privatize ITDC hotels. But in many hotels, space has been rented out to dif-
It would be destination- oriented tourism park which will have a theme park, amusement park, convention centers, wellness centre, shopping complex etc economic and political agenda. States can adopt PPP mode to promote tourism and we are ready to provide infrastructure support." He said, "We want to introduce tourist trains in every state. We are trying to create new circuits like Buddhist circuit, Sufi circuit, Jain circuit, Sikh circuit. These are areas which can attract foreign as well as domestic tourists". Admitting lack of infrastructure in tourism sector, Sahai said, "Infrastructure is a big issue. So we want to develop more tourism sites". Suggesting revenue sharing model in construction of hotels at tourist destinations, he said, "There is huge requirement of hotel rooms in the country. About
ferent offices." Giving an instance, he said, "In Janpath, the ITDC hotel has become an office complex. So the Planning Commission has suggested private participation in hotels. Discussions are on with some leading hotel chains for outsourcing management of some hotels." On religious tourism, he said, "The sector has great potential. We have Tirupati, Vaishnodevi and other religious places which attract tourists in good numbers. We want to create and promote more religious tourist destinations." On Kashmir, he said laser shows and cultural programs are being planned in the Valley to attract more tourists. -PTI
Patil later handed over the trophy to the captain of the victori-
ous St Francis Boat Club. The race was delayed for a while as heavy rains lashed the area. Earlier, inaugurating the valedictory of the year-long centenary celebrations of Archdiocese of Kottayam, Patil said every generation looked to its youth with expectation, as the future of society depended on them. "Today we can feel and see change everywhere and it is our youth that shall be at the vanguard of the further changes," she said. "Lack of progress exists in situations of disharmony and strife. People must learn from history as it contains many such lessons," the President added. -PTI
Borneo state wants ban on shark fishing KUALA LUMPUR: A Malaysian state on Borneo island, known for its world-class dive sites, is seeking to ban shark fishing to protect the species, which draws thousands of tourists each year, a minister said. Masidi Manjun, state tourism, culture and environment minister, said Sabah hopes the law can be changed by the end of the year to impose a blanket ban on killing sharks, which are mainly hunted for their fins to make soup. "We want to make sure that the ban is a blanket ban of all types of sharks in Sabah," he said. "Tourists come to see the rich variety of marine life that we have
in Sabah, and that includes sharks. It makes economic sense for us to protect our sharks," he added. "The moment they are gone, people will go elsewhere." Masidi said 42,000 divers, twothirds of them foreigners, visited the state last year, bringing in more than 190 million ringgit (USD 64 million) in revenue. He said the state is currently consulting with Malaysia's attorney general to change a federal law to introduce the ban for Sabah. He added that over the past 25 years, some 80 percent of the state's sharks had disappeared and they could now only be spotted at four sites. -PTI
Vanished Buddhist site rediscovered in Pakistan ISLAMABAD: A Gandhara Buddhist site, which was lost to the world due to neglect after it was excavated more than a century ago, has been rediscovered in the northwestern Pakistani city of Peshawar. Officials of Directorate of Museums and Archaeology in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province and Tourism Corporation managed to identify and re-ascertain the exact location of the famous Shahjiki-Dheri Gandharan Buddhist site, local media reported. An official said located outside the Gunj Gate of the old walled city of Peshawar is a site of extraordinary archaeological importance where an imposing 'stupa' - a structure containing revered Buddhist relics - once stood. The now urbanized area, known as Akhunabad, presents a sorry
picture of a once renowned historic site said to be one of a kind in Asia. The stupa is said to have been built during the reign of Kushan Emperor Kanishka in the first century AD. A Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang visited the site during 629AD-645AD and called it the 'tallest architectural building' in this part of Asia. It is estimated that the stupa was equivalent to a present day 13-storey building. With the decline of Buddhism in the region, the traces of the stupa and monastery faded away. An official said that subsequent excavation work yielded priceless Gandharan statues and other objects which are on display in museums around the world. When the excavation work stopped, the significance of the area was forgotten. -PTI
September 9, 2011
Travel & Hospitality Post
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Cherrapunji: Perpetual clouds, perpetual mists, perpetual rains Cont’d from page 28
The heaviest downpours span approximately five long months - from May until September. The clouds then are dark and menacing, full blown with rain, which descends earthwards with the stinging force of a whiplash. Throughout these months, Cherrapunji is transformed into a sea of tiny, gushing rivulets. The raindrops beat incessantly on rooftops and treetops creating a compelling tattoo of awesome sounds, which cannot be savored anywhere else but in the Northeastern states. These are also the 'record-making' months, which contribute to records such as the stunning 22,987 mm of rainfall in 1861. The annual average rainfall of Cherrapunji stands today at 10,871 millimeters. Barely 10 km from Cherrapunji stands the village of Mawsynram, which has snatched away the heaviest rainfall record, with 12,163 millimeters of rainfall. With the passage of S e p t e m b e r, the rhythm of the rain - its main force spent changes to a gentle patter. And the Khasis and other residents of Cherrapunji, the flora, and the fauna respond to the change in the Rain God's mood. Soft pastel shades begin to appear in skies that were gray all day and rainbows that are a photographer's delight begin to make unex-
pected guest appearances. Tourist attractions: The home of enterprising Khasi clans, Cherrapunji's place in the Guinness Book of Records is not
just a few kilometers beyond Cherrapunji. Close by is situated a fascinating labyrinth of underground passages beneath age-old caves
Amidst all the surprises of Cherrapunji, perhaps the most abiding is the startling realization that the wettest place on earth where it rains every month
to life, and people go about their tasks with renewed energy. The hills around Cherrapunji do not have the lush green vegetation one normally associates with wet places. The vegetative cover in the form of dense woods appears in patches and constitutes yet another marvelous surprise: the richness and variety of the flora in these 'zones' has to be seen to be believed. An amazing variety of rare orchids, ferns, and moss convert each pocket into a botanist's paradise. Cherrapunji produces the best quality of oranges as
well as pineapples. In fact, Cherrapunji oranges are the ancestors of the famous Nagpuri oranges in the Central India. Where to stay: Cherrapunji has several comfortable private hotels. Staying at the Circuit House and the Dak Bungalow require prior permission from the administration. How to reach: Cherrapunji is 58 km from Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya. A steep motorable road, almost perpetually bathed in mist as it climbs upwards on the last lap, leads up to Cherrapunji. Buses and taxis ply to Cherrapunji from Shillong.
also has an amazing amount of warm sunshine. When the
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- a veritable dream for amateur explorers. Elsewhere around Cherrapunji, Khasi monoliths (stones in memory of their ancestors) lie dotted around - a vague reminder of the forests of Bastar. Amidst all the surprises of Cherrapunji, perhaps the most abiding is the startling realization that the wettest place on earth where it rains every month also has an amazing amount of warm sunshine. When the clouds drift away, there are a series of memorable views, and one can see as far as Bangladesh. Orchids blooming a few feet away form a patch devoid of vegetation. Dense woods interspersed by rocky, cliffs furrowed by erosion. As the months move on, the smell of decaying vegetation lessens as the showers become intermittent. New plants spring
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5 Aye Khuda : Murder 2 6 Haal-E-Dil : Bbuddah Hoga Tera Baap 7 Saathiya : Singham 8 Jalebi Bai : Double Dhamaal 9 Bande : Men Will Be Men
S
he is at her boldest ever in "The Dirty Picture", but actress Vidya Balan says she never felt a sense of discomfort shooting for the movie as she was in the "trusted hands" of director Milan Luthria. "I have never enjoyed being a woman more than I did while shooting for 'The Dirty Picture'. I wasn't uncomfortable doing bold scenes because I knew I was in trusted hands," Vidya told reporters. The actress, who reprises late southern siren Silk Smitha's rise and fall as a glamorous star in the film, spoke at the theatrical launch of the film. The movie also features Tusshar Kapoor, Emraan Hashmi and Naseeruddin Shah. "I have worked with Naseer before but this time it was easier...I was less nervous this time," said Vidya, who had teamed up with the veteran actor in "Ishqiya". On working with Bollywood's serial kisser Emraan, with whom she has locked lips in the film, she said: "I was wondering how it would be with Emraan, but it was fun." The trailer promises viewers that Vidya would indeed be seen in a never-seen-before avatar in the film, which is set for release December 2.
M
inissha Lamba has been getting mystery calls from unknown numbers warning her against attending an Indo-American cultural event in New York. Well the numbers are national as well as international. The actress has lodged a complaint with the Andheri police. And, if reports are to be believed, the national number has been traced to a public phone booth in Haryana. The actress says, "If it was a political event or maybe a cultural event in a hostile country, I'd understand. But why shouldn't I attend an innocuous dinner event in New York meant to bring together NRIs and Indian personalities? It makes no sense." Minissha is adamant on finding out the reason behind the threat calls and why she is being targeted.
10 Tai Tai Phish : Chillar Party
A
fter returning the cheque she had taken as a signing amount for Heroine, Aishwarya Rai has sent a legal notice to UTV and Madhur Bhandarkar, warning the producers against leaking her photo-shoot to promote Heroine. The actress has sent a letter through her lawyers that she will seek damages if the pictures that she has shot for the film earlier, are leaked out. "Ash is fed up of the whole thing. She's been ethical and professional about the matter. But, considering the way things ended on a sour note with Bhandarkar, she does not want him to use any of the stills or scenes that she had already shot at any point in the future," the source is quoted as saying by a daily. Added the source, "Ash has already returned her acting fees, so there's nothing that makes her liable to her director or producer. She is still upset with the way Madhur wrote a huge blog against her which basically called her a liar. She always wanted to come back and complete the movie, but the way things turned out, has left a bad taste in her mouth."
September 9, 2011
Bollywood
India Post
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K Bikini conscious
angana Ranaut is known for her bold image in the film industry but this will be the first time that the actress will be seen in a bikini in her forthcoming flick 'Rascals' which stars Ajay Devgn, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, Chunky Pandey, and Satish Kaushik along with the actress. The film has been produced by Sanjay Ahluwalia, Sanjay Dutt, and Vinay Choksey and directed by David Dhawan. Talking about her experience while shooting in a bikini, Kangana said "I'm a city girl now, so it wasn't a shocking concept for me. I might wear a bikini if I go for a swim, but it does feel odd wearing close to nothing on a shoot - that too with the whole unit around, fully clothed! It makes you conscious."
8-pack John
J
ohn Abraham and Genelia D'Souza starrer 'Force' is an action-romance film. The makers of the film have invested a whopping Rs 3.5 crore for its breathtaking action sequences. John Abraham has worked hard for an eight moth training program to achieve an impressive eight pack abs for his role. His physique turned out to be so impressive that Hollywood's ace stunt director JJ Perry has expressed a desire to work with him. JJ Perry has trained Hollywood stars such as Sylvester Stallone for the film Headshot and will soon be training Bollywood hunk John Abraham. Not to mention here that John is extremely overwhelmed by this offer. The film has some grueling action sequences and death defying stunts which have been directed by Allan Amin.
Corruption theme
A
nna Hazare and his message of anticorruption has planted ideas into the minds of Bollywood producers. Buzz has it that while director Prakash Jha has already planned to make a movie with Amitabh Bachchan playing Hazare, wellknown producer Madhu Mantena (who produced Ghajini) has purchased the rights of an old Telugu film that revolves around the anti-corruption theme. Titled Tagore, the film starred Chiranjeevi as an anti-corruption crusader who starts a vigilante organization called Anti-Corruption Force. According to sources, Mantena wants to cast Aamir Khan in the role of the anti-corruption crusader. While not denying this bit of news, Mantena refused to talk about the subject. He said, "I can't talk about the casting. It's too early."
Realty Tidbits Slowdown affects commercial real estate
Real Estate
T
he commercial office space business, which has been the only bright spot in a grim real estate market, has also hit turbulence, with the economic crisis in the West forcing companies to rethink on their expansion plans. Real estate consultancy Jones Lang LaSalle has revised its total leasing estimates for the year from about 38 million sq ft to about 35 million sq ft based on feedback from clients, and this is just the beginning. "There is expectation of a shortterm slowdown. We could see a set back of about 2-3 million sq ft this year," says Sanjay Dutt, chief operating officer, business at Jones Lang LaSalle India. Offices on Lease, Pune24*7 Power Backed Office Spaces Available on Lease. After the slowdown in 2008-09, companies had a growth-oriented strategy for 2011. This was apparent in the first two quarters of the year when leasing activity was robust.
Carlson Hotels to open 100th Park Plaza
C
arlson, a leading global hospitality and travel company, will open its 100th 'Park Plaza' brand hotel in India by 2015, with its capacity touching almost 10,000 rooms by then. Meanwhile, the company launched its 40th Park Plaza, having 107 rooms, in Coimbatore. "With the launch of the 40th Park Plaza, the total number of rooms have gone up to 4,027, across the country. With franchisees, another 6,000 would be added in another four years," said K B Kachru, executive vice-president (South Asia), Carlson Hotels, Asia Pacific.
Reliance to raise Rs 1,500 crore via Realty Fund
R
eliance Portfolio Management Services, a part of Reliance Capital Asset Management, plans to raise over Rs 1,500 crore from the domestic market to invest in real estate projects around the country. The fund will be raised though a limited liability partnership structure and will be named as Reliance India Realty Opportunities LLP. Reliance Capital Asset Management -Portfolio Management Services will act as the advisor to Reliance Realty, Economic Times reported, citing sources.
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Vaswani comes up with 'Reserve' apartments
V
aswani group has recently launched a two, three and four BHK apartment project - Vaswani Reserve - located 300 meters off the Sarjapur Outer Road on in Bangalore, behind Cisco and Cessna Business Park. Vaswani Reserve comprises 236 units in several styles and configurations, some of which offer 180-degree views. Size of each unit varies from 1,715 sq ft to 4,4495 sq ft. Price of a unit starts at Rs 82 lakh, excluding statutory charges.
New Haryana law provides relief for real estate developers
T
he recent legislation by the Haryana assembly to remove the cap on the ownership of non-agricultural land has brought the highest relief to the private real estate developers. Though the state has pushed the plan saying that the continuation of old rules could prove to be a deterrent to Haryana's growth, this move is seen as the biggest gift from the legislators to the private developers. The decision also gains importance considering the fact that more developers in the state, particularly having business in the "fertile" zones of Gurgaon, Faridabad and Sonipat, could face the ire of courts for violating the norms. Even the state government's role has come under the scanner for failing to implement the land ceiling law that was prevalent in Haryana. Officials of the town and country planning department (DTCP), which issues licenses for commercial and residential development in controlled zones such as Gurgaon admitted that to bypass the rulebook the private developers used to float different firms only to buy patches of land. "So in many cases, we have found that the firms vanished a few months after the projects were completed. Even in the case of irregularities by these firms not much could be done since these cease to exist. Now the developers don't need to do so in urban areas. They can buy the required land for their projects," said an official.
Sources said that the builders' lobby had first pushed this "amnesty" proposal after a recent case concerning the DLF, a bench of Punjab and Haryana high court had made adverse remarks. The
how a number of companies are incorporated by a single company to buy land from owners. The bench had observed that this trend indicated a design to defeat provisions of the Haryana Ceiling
"We had brought this before the government and subsequently the revenue department had issued an ordinance bringing this relaxation," confirmed Navin Raheja bench of the high court observed that there were "grave violations" of land ceiling laws by real estate companies, which were holding hundreds of acres of land under fictitious names. The bench had questioned the manner in which companies in Haryana were mushrooming and
on Land Holdings Act, 1972, or the tax statute. The court also told the state that before granting license to any of the private companies, the state needed to see whether it had itself not violated the act. It also observed that the "corporate veil needs to be lifted" so as to know
"the real operator". "We had brought this before the government and subsequently the revenue department had issued an ordinance bringing this relaxation," confirmed Navin Raheja, who heads the real estate wing of ASSOCHAM. Highly placed officials said that the crisis could have been bigger had the case of Reliance Industries getting thousands of acres of land for its SEZ projects reached the court before the legislation was passed. With this single stroke, the Haryana government has put an end to all uncertainties on housing, industrial and infrastructure projects, which have come up in the past 36 years. This means every inch of development in Gurgaon has been covered by this one legislation.
HC comes down heavily on real estate firms ALLAHABAD: The Allahabad High Court has dismissed a bunch of writ petitions challenging construction of a solid waste management project in Ghaziabad and slapped a cost of Rs 10 lakh each on two real estate firms for filing "vexatious litigations with ulterior motives". The court also directed the companies to deposit Rs one crore each with the Ghaziabad Nagar Nigam towards the esca-
lation of the cost of the project which had been delayed for "more than five years" on account of "filing of repeated writ petitions". The court, however, allowed petitions filed by residents of a village whose land was acquired last year following a proposed change in site for the project. It held that the acquisition was done "for ulterior purposes" and was "in colorable exercise of powers".
The order was passed by a division bench comprising Justice Sunil Ambawani and Justice Kashi Nath Pandey which directed leading petitioners Ansal Properties and Infrastructure Ltd (APIL) and Crossings Infrastructure Private Limited to deposit the amount, including the Rs 10 lakh cost, with the Ghaziabad Nagar Nigam "within one month." Both the companies were involved in developing residential
complexes on land falling in village Dundehra, where the state government had decided to set up the Solid Waste Management Plant (SWMP) and had moved the court with the plea to set aside the order of the Special Secretary, State of UP, whereby the Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) was informed about the site chosen for the project. Cont’d on page 37
Real Estate
September 9, 2011
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Demand - supply gap hits HC comes down heavily on real estate firms new projects Cont’d from page 36
T
he widening gap between demand and supply of apartments has put the brakes on the launch of new housing projects around the countryhome project launches across top eight cities have dropped 31% since the September-December 2010 quarter, says realty research firm, PropEquity. Across cities, the overall number of housing projects being launched has dropped significantly. In the September-December 2010 quarter, 128,405 units were launched while in the AprilJune 2011 quarter this figure was down to 75,239 units. New launches were also impacted by problems over land acquisitions in the Noida-Greater Noida areas, near Delhi, as well as an increase in loan rates by the Reserve Bank of India. "Also developers have already sold more than they can execute, so now they are controlling new launches," says Samir Jasuja, chief executive officer of PropEquity. In the last three quarters, the share of plotted developments in the overall number of project launches has gone up from 4% to 12%.
In its analyst presentation in May, India's largest real estate firm DLF had said that it would focus on selling plots to reduce execution risks that come with developing group housing projects. In June this year, the company launched a 101-acre integrated township Garden City in Gurgaon
In its analyst presentation in May, India's largest real estate firm DLF had said that it would focus on selling plots to reduce execution risks where it sold 400 plots, raising Rs 700 crore in just one day. "A number of developers today do not want to invest money at this point of time but want quick returns that plotted developments offer," says Jasuja. In the last few months, companies like DLF, Omaxe, BPTP, Logix, Supertech and oth-
ers have launched new projects selling plots. At the moment, over 50% of projects for Omaxe are plotted developments. "Of the 2.6 million sq ft that we sold in the last quarter, about 1.7 million sq ft was in plots," says Sumit Arora, vice president, investor & strategic relations at Omaxe. Developers say that sales of plots are still robust in the country, especially in the north as investors feel this is a safer bet in today's environment. "We develop townships and selling plots gives a good velocity to sales in the overall project. It also gives us good and quick cash flows as compared to doing high rises," says Dinesh C Gupta, assistant vice president, investor relations at Ansal API. Such a plotted development also protects companies from inflationary pressures as they are not require to buy large quantities of cement and steel that are required for group housing projects. A typical group housing project takes 24-36 months for completion compared to 12-18 months for projects selling plots.
M3M launches luxury housing project
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eal estate player M3M has launched a luxury housing project in Gurgaon comprising 72 units, to be offered at prices of up to Rs 7 crore. The project - M3M Polo Suites - is likely to see an investment of about Rs 130 crore and will be developed inside its other luxury housing complex, M3M Golf Estate. "This new project will be developed on a concept of living with the polo sport and this will be for the first time in India. We want to create a lifestyle here," M3M In-
dia President Kunal Banerji told reporters. The company will develop 72 housing units in 3 towers in the project and sizes will vary between 4,000 sq ft and 5,000 sq ft, he added. When asked about the selling prices, Banerji said: "We will be selling the flats for Rs 12,600 per sq ft, which will finally come out to be between Rs 5 crore and Rs 7 crore". He, however, declined to share any investment figure that the company is likely to put in to develop the project in about
4 acres of land. Industry sources close to the development said M3M will invest about Rs 130 crore in construction of the project. In order to offer and manage the polo sport lifestyle in the project, the company has tied up with polo player Adhiraj Singh-led Equisport. Commenting on the association, Singh said: "We have tied up with M3M for three years with an option to renew it further. We will offer the residents to enjoy every bit of polo sport".
DLF may sell 70% stake in Noida IT Park
D
LF, India's largest real es tate company, is in talks with IDFC to sell the entire 70 per cent stake it holds in DLF IT Park, Noida. The move is part of the company's strategy to exit non-core areas and reduce debt. Though the exact valuation of the venture could not be ascertained, industry sources said DLF is looking to raise around Rs 950 crore through the sale. If the talks bear fruit, IDFC will get full control over the park. This is because DLF's 30 per cent partner in the venture, another real estate firm 3C, has also decided to
sell out, reports Financial Express. The DLF IT Park in Noida has a total of 1.3 million sq ft space with Computer Sciences Corporation as
the marquee tenant. The building is yet to reach full occupancy. As on June 30, 2011 DLF's total debt
stood at Rs 21,524 crore. It has so far realized a little over Rs 3,200 crore from sale of non-core assets that include hotel plots. DLF reported a 12.81 per cent decline in its consolidated net profit at Rs 358.36 crore during the first quarter ended June 30. IDFC is an integrated infrastructure finance player providing endto-end infrastructure financing and project implementation services. Foreign investors hold about 47 per cent stake in the company, in which the government has around 18 per cent stake and retail investors over 10 per cent.
The court also imposed a cost of Rs one lakh on one Anil Kumar Tyagi, an employee of Crossing Infrastructure who had filed a petition "claiming to be a resident of village Dundehra", holding him guilty of "filing repeated frivolous petitions, stalling the environmental project of public importance to the citizens of Ghaziabad". Tyagi too had prayed for quashing the Special Secretary's 2008order whereby the Vice-Chairman of GDA was asked to invite objections and issue advertisements for holding public hearing with regard to the government's decision of changing "the land use of the selected site in village Dundehra" for the purpose of building an SWMP. Passing the order against Tyagi and the two companies, the court remarked that it found "necessary on the principles of restitution to neutralize the undeserved and unfair advantage gained by them by invoking the jurisdiction of the courts". Directing the companies to "bear the escalation of the cost of the project" ever since filing of petitions began in 2006, the court ordered that if the total cost esca-
lation calculated by the Ghaziabad Nagar Nigam stood at "more than Rs two crore, the entire escalated cost, so determined, will be shared by M/s APIL and Crossing Infrastructure Private Limited". However, the court allowed petitions filed by Ram Bhul and others, whose 34.20 hectares of land in Galand village was acquired last year after the GDA proposed a
The court was of the view that the acquisition of land was done "without specifying the acquiring body� change of site citing delay in the completion of the project on account of pendency of petitions challenging the same. The court was of the view that the acquisition of land was done "without specifying the acquiring body" and hence it appeared to be "in colorable exercise of powers" and "for ulterior purposes at the instances of the private builders".-PTI
Chinese tycoon plans to buy part of Iceland NEW YORK: A Chinese tycoon is said to have struck a deal to buy a huge tract of Icelandic land for a USD 100 million eco-tourism project, giving rise to fears that Beijing may be acquiring a strategic foothold in North Atlantic. Huang Nubo, a real estate investor and former Chinese government official, has sealed a provisional deal to acquire 300 square kilometers of wilderness in northeast Iceland where he plans to build an eco-tourism resort and golf course, Financial Times reported.
Huang's deal would give him almost control of 0.3 per cent of Iceland's total area and the project comes amidst reports that the country is being touted as a potential hub for Asian cargo, should a climate change agreement open Arctic waters to shipping. The deal by the Chinese tycoon, ranked as his nation's 161st richest man by Forbes, has reportedly been agreed with landowners, but is still to be approved by the Iceland government as well as China. -PTI
Tech News Rail travel and capitation fees may come under GST net NEW DELHI: Railway travel, capitation fees or donations in educational institutes and noncompete services are among the many new services that may come under the proposed Goods and Services Tax (GST), says a concept paper on the issue. The new service may come under the GST as a result of transition towards negative list, the Concept Paper prepared by the Tax Research Unit of the Department of Revenue in the Finance Ministry. It says some of the notable services that could come under the GST are services provided by government for a fee or usercharge, transportation of passengers by railways, re government for fee or user-charge, transportation of renting of vacant land for commercial use excluding agriculture use, capitation fees or donation in education institutes, noncompete services, some additional services relating to construction and real estate. The negative list contains 27 services including funeral, burial and mortuary agencies, interest paid on deposits by bank, services provided by independent journalists, dividend on investments, and transport of passenger in public transport are excluded from paying tax. -PTI
Colombo Dockyard wins Lakshadweep contract COLOMBO: A Sri Lankan company, Colombo Dockyard, has won an order to build two passenger ferries for Laskshadweep island administration. This is a repeat order from India, the Colombo Dockyard said. Last year the firm had delivered two passenger vessels, 'Arabian Sea' and 'Lakshadweep Sea', to the Union Territory of Lakshadweep (UTL) in India, a statement said. As per the new contract, the vessels will have the capacity to carry 400 passengers and 250 tonnes of cargo. "These two new vessels will also be deployed to cater to the increased traffic en-route from the mainland (Cochin, India) to UTL Islands, as well as in the inter-island routes," it said. "The enhanced passenger capacity is expected to ease the movement of passengers especially during peak season. "The passengers will have different categories of accommodation with 10 first class, 40 second class and 350 normal class passenger transportation facilities," the statement said. -PTI
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Government apologizes for long delay in Benami Law NEW DELHI: The Government has apologized for its share of lapses in not notifying a Benami transactions law passed by Parliament way back in 1988, but said other governments too were responsible for it. "I can't pass on the buck to everyone. I definitely apologies for the
lapses on my part. But, there were definitely lapses (on part of) others also," Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said in the Rajya Sabha. He said during Question Hour that the 1988 law remained inoperational as rules could not be framed. ContĂd on page 39
35 Indian cos in Forbes 'Best Under a Billion' list SINGAPORE: Thirty-five Indian companies are ranked among the top 200 Asia-Pacific corporations in Forbes Asia's 'Best Under a Billion' list for this year. The number of Indian companies was second only to the 65 firms from both China and Hong Kong that found a place in the list. Among the Indian companies that made the grade are SRF, which manufactures chemicalbased industrial intermediates; Polyplex, which makes polyester film; and Glodyne Technoserve, an IT services company, Forbes Asia said. However, India's largest storage-battery producer, Exide Industries - which was present in the list last year - grew too big to be
included in the 200-company list for 2011, having breached the USD 1 billion sales mark in the past 12 months. The Asia-Pacific list ranks public companies in the Asia-Pacific
region with annual revenues between USD 5 million and USD 1 billion. The companies were also evaluated in terms of return on equity, said Forbes Asia. Tim Ferguson, the Editor of Forbes Asia, said: "Essentially,
these are our picks of the companies that have best managed through the economic volatility that began in 2008. Most navigated the global credit crunch with little
The Asia-Pacific list ranks public companies in the Asia-Pacific region with annual revenues between USD 5 million and USD 1 billion. The companies were also evaluated in terms of return on equity, said Forbes to no debt on their balance sheets. On average, the companies on the list have a 13 per cent debt-to-equity ratio and 67 of these companies carry no debt at all."
Solar power rate to come down by 2013
Minister for New and Renewable Energy Farooq Abdullah
NEW DELHI: The cost of power from solar lanterns is likely to come down by 2013 from Rs 11 per unit to the rate at which conventional electricity is generated, the Rajya Sabha was informed. Minister for New and Renewable Energy Farooq Abdullah said during Question Hour that the price of power generated
from solar lanterns when the Jawaharlal Nehru National Social Mission started in 2010 was Rs 18 per unit. "In the same year, the price came down to Rs 11 per unit," after tenders for buying solar lanterns were invited, he said, adding 20,000 MW of solar electricity generation is being targeted from solar power by 2022.
Pakistan has two companies on the list, namely Millat Tractors, which builds agricultural tractors, and software company Netsol Technologies.
In the first phase where 1300 MW is being targeted, companies selling solar lantern are allowed to import the equipment if they are not available locally. In the second phase, companies will be required to set up local manufacturing facility to produce solar lanterns, that will help bring down the cost. "By 2013, the rates of solar lantern (generated power) will be same as the rate at which you are getting this (conventional) electricity," he said. The government, he said, provides central financial assistance of 30 per cent of the cost of installation under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission for solar lanterns and solar home lighting system in general category states and up to 90 per cent in special category states. "The Ministry is also providing 30 per cent subsidy and 50 per cent re-finance of the benchmark cost of Rs 300 per Wp for solar lighting system through NABARD," he added. -PTI
Sri Lanka has four companies on the list - Asian Alliance Insurance, Ceylon Investment, Renuka Holdings and chicken processing company Bairaha Farm. -PTI
Merchant ships can now deploy armed guards NEW DELHI: Faced with increased incidents of piracy in the Gulf of Aden, the government has allowed deployment of armed guards on Indian merchant ships to thwart any such attempt by sea brigands. Noting that about 35 per cent of the ships transiting in these waters deploy armed guards and pirates generally do not attack such ships, the Shipping ministry has allowed ship owners to engage private maritime security guards. "As per the guidelines, ship owners are allowed to engage private maritime security companies (PMSC), who are properly selected and vetted," according to an official document. Under the guidelines, all Indian ships visiting Indian ports will be required to furnish details like security personnel on board, the firearms carried by them and the details of license issued to port authority, Customs, Coast Guard and the Navy. -PTI
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Obama picks Princeton economist as top adviser WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama has nominated Alan Krueger, the Princeton University economist, as his top adviser to boost the country's economy ahead of the 2012 presidential election. 50-year-old Krueger was designated the chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers (CEA), which is a three-member body to advise the president on economic matters. "Alan understands the difficult challenges our country faces, and I have confidence that he will help us meet those challenges as one of the leaders on my economic team," Obama said in a statement. If confirmed by the Senate, Krueger will continue the CAE's important work of developing and offering the President eco-
Alan Krueger
nomic advice on the formulation of both domestic and international economic policy, the White House said. The Council bases its recommen-
dations and analysis on economic research and empirical evidence, using the best data available to support the President in setting our nation's economic policy. Obama is mulling a new economic package to boost employment. Media reports suggested that Krueger would advocate more concerted action to tackle 9.1 per cent unemployment. If confirmed, Krueger would replace Austan Goolsbee, who left the administration earlier this month. He previously served as Assistant Secretary for Economic Policy and Chief Economist at the US Department of the Treasury during Obama's first two years in the White House (2009-10) and as Chief Economist at the US Department of Labor (1994-95). -PTI
Creating new jobs remains a challenge: Obama WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama has underlined the need to boost economic growth so that more jobs are created, as he nominated a Princeton University economist as his top adviser. "Our great ongoing challenge as a nation remains how to get this economy growing faster," Obama said at the White House as he nominated Alan B Krueger as chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers (CEA), which is a three-member body to advise the president on economic matters. "Our challenge is to create a climate where more businesses can post job listings, where folks can find good work that relieves the financial burden they're feeling, where families can regain a sense of economic security in their lives," Obama said.
He underlined the need for bipartisan decision making, saying it was time for "decisions based on what's best for the country, not what's best for any political party or special interest."
“My hope and expectation is that we can put country before party and get something done for the American people� "That's how we'll get through this period of economic uncertainty, and that's the only way that we'll be able to do what's necessary to grow the economy," Obama said.
Obama said he will be laying out a series of steps that Congress can take immediately to put more money in the pockets of working families and middle-class families, to make it easier for small businesses to hire people, to put construction crews to work rebuilding nation's roads and railways and airports and all the other measures that can help to grow this economy. He emphasized that these were bipartisan ideas that ought to be the kind of proposals that everybody can get behind, no matter what political affiliation one might have. "So my hope and expectation is that we can put country before party and get something done for the American people. That's what I'll be fighting for. And we've got to have a good team to do it," Obama said. -PTI
US CONGRESS TEAM: Union Minister for Commerce & Industry and Textiles, Anand Sharma meeting a delegation of US Congress and Bundestag (Germany), in New Delhi on September 1
Progress of PMGSY not satisfactory: Ramesh NEW DELHI: Admitting that progress of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) is not "satisfactory," Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh informed Parliament that the government will accelerate pace of implementation of the program. Under the PMGSY, which was launched in 2000, the government aims to provide road connectivity to 1,36,500 habitations with a population of 500 in the plain areas and 250 in desert and hill areas. "The problem in PMGSY is that although the program was launched in 2000, substantial funding was forthcoming only in the last 4-5 years. This year, it is Rs 20,000 crore (budget allocated). This is not a satisfactory state of affairs," Ramesh told Rajya Sabha during Question Hour. He said the government has been able to cover only about 60 per cent of the 1,36,500 eligible habitations. "There are a large number of habitations remaining to be connected in Jharkhand, Chhatisgarh, Orissa, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. We are trying to acceler-
ate the pace of implementation of the PMGSY," Ramesh noted. Asked whether the government has set any time-frame to achieve the target, he said, "Based on the 2001 census, we will cover the con-
Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh
nectivity targets only by 2017...We are trying to find the additional resources...I am hoping it (completing target) by 2014." Replying to a supplementary on whether there is any agency to oversee the quality of roads, Ramesh said, "It is wrong to say that roads have been built and now they do not exist. The maintenance of the roads, which are built, is the responsibility of the state governments."-PTI
Government apologizes for long delay in Benami Law Cont’d from page 38
Mukherjee, however, assured the House that as and when a new law is enacted, it would be made operational without delay. He said since the passage of the Benami Transactions (Prohibition)Act, 1988, seven Finance Ministers have occupied office in the North Block. The UPA Government has since introduced a new bill on
August 18 in the Lok Sabha to replace the 1988 legislation. Rules in the original Act could not be framed because there were deficiencies in it, Mukherjee said. "We have identified all these deficiencies...I can assure the House that these things will not be repeated," Mukherjee said, adding the Government has decided to rewrite all the financial laws. -PTI
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Utah officials ban hookah smoking indoors
SALT LAKE CITY: Utah health officials are banning hookah smoking in bars, restaurants and other indoor public places because of concerns about secondhand smoke. Health department official Steve Madden says even minimal exposure to hookah smoke can be dangerous. Madden says the department is also concerned that younger people who don't smoke cigarettes might be attracted to the flavored tobacco used in hookahs. The rule applies to new businesses as well as existing ones.-AP
Ga. helps in study to reduce caregiver stress
ATLANTA: Health officials in Georgia are participating in a new program to try to understand what triggers caregivers' stress so professionals can make caring for a loved one easier. The program is called Tailored Caregiver Assessment and Referral, or TCARE, and is a collaboration between the Georgia Department of Human Services and the University of Wisconsin. The program includes a six-step model that works to identify and address the caregiver's needs so that person can more effectively care for himself and others. Four states - Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota and Washington - helped a researcher at the University of Wisconsin conduct studies on TCARE protocols. Georgia's aging network plans to launch TCARE statewide by training care managers to use the six-step model when working with consumers. -AP
Hawaii scientists help discover cancer link HONOLULU: Research led by University of Hawaii Cancer Center scientists has found a genetic link to mesothelioma. According to a joint announcement by the National Institutes of Health and the UH Cancer Center, scientists have found that those who carry a mutation in a gene called BAP1 are susceptible to developing mesothelioma and melanoma of the eye. Scientists say when those with the gene mutation are exposed to asbestos or similar mineral fibers, the risk of developing mesothelioma may be increased. Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer of the lining of the chest and abdomen. -AP
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Michigan employees win case over health care cash LANSING, Mich.: Michigan lawmakers acted illegally when they agreed to take 3 percent from the pay of government employees and earmark it for retirees' health care, the state appeals court said.-AP
September 9, 2011
Need a C-section? Protection from blood clot urged WASHINGTON: New advice for pregnant women: If you're getting a C-section, special inflating boots strapped on your legs may lower the risk of a blood clot. Hospitals already use these compression devices for other major operations, such as hip replacements, and a growing number have begun offering them for at least some of their cesarean deliveries, too. Now guidelines for the nation's obstetricians say it's time to make the step routine for most C-sections, which account for nearly a third of U.S. births. The new recommendations promise to raise awareness of what is a silent threat not just for pregnant women but for thousands of other people, too: Blood clots in veins that can masquerade as simple leg pain. Called a DVT, for deep vein thrombosis, this kind of clot usually starts in the leg or groin. But it can kill if it moves up to the lungs, where it's called a pulmonary embolism. These clots make headlines every few years when seemingly healthy people collapse after long airplane flights or similar prolonged inactivity. Certain surgeries also can trigger a DVT. Earlier this year, tennis star Serena Williams was treated for clots in her
lungs discovered after foot surgery and cross-country travel. Obesity, some types of injuries, even some birth control pills can increase the risk, too. A woman's risk of a DVT jumps during pregnancy and the six weeks afterward. That's partly because of slower blood flow from the weight gain, and because mom is less active in the last trimester and during those first few weeks of recovery from childbirth.
pregnancy-related deaths are very rare in this country, but when they happen, those clots are one of the leading reasons. Yet too few people even know the warning signs, she says: Pain or swelling in one leg, especially the calf or thigh. Redness or warmth in one spot on the leg. If the clot has reached the lung, shortness of breath or chest pain. The new guidelines urge obstetricians to closely monitor their
Called a DVT, for deep vein thrombosis, this kind of clot usually starts in the leg or groin. But it can kill if it moves up to the lungs, where it's called a pulmonary embolism It's also because pregnancy temporarily changes blood to make it clot more easily. ``This is a consequence of nature's protecting women against the bleeding challenges of childbirth,'' explains Dr. Andra James of Duke University, who co-authored the new guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Add a C-section and, like any major surgery, it further increases that risk. As many as two of every 1,000 pregnant women will experience a DVT, James says. Fortunately,
patients for DVTs - and to check if they have additional factors that would put them at extra risk. Women who've had a DVT earlier in life, or whose close relatives had one - or who have certain inherited clotting disorders - may need anti-clotting medicines throughout the pregnancy, say the recommendations, published in the September issue of the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology. Then there are those compression devices, which slip over each leg and regularly inflate and deflate, sort of like a massage, to help blood flow more briskly.
The obstetricians' group acknowledges that there haven't been large studies with C-sections to prove how much difference the gadgets could make. But it decided to recommend them anyway because in other types of surgery, the devices can cut the clot risk by two-thirds, James says. The guidelines recommend strapping them on before the Csection begins, unless there's no time before an emergency operation or the woman is taking anticlotting medication. Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York began using the devices for C-sections a few years ago, and deputy chief medical officer Dr. Erin DuPree says they add $14 to the cost of care. Women typically remove and replace them as they ease out of bed throughout the first day after surgery, and no longer need them by the second day, she says. ``It's an easy thing to do that really does not cause harm and could potentially help,'' she says. James stresses that leg compression shouldn't lull a woman into thinking she can rest in bed rather than push herself to walk and a new mom should remain alert to symptoms when she goes home because half of pregnancy related DVTs occur in those weeks after childbirth. -AP
Company offers to treat W.Va. psychiatric patients CHARLESTON, W.Va.: A private company is offering to treat some patients at West Virginia's state-run psychiatric hospitals to ease overcrowding, and the idea isn't sitting well with advocates for the mentally ill. Highland Hospital proposes contracting with the state Department of Health and Human Resources to treat forensic patients at the former United Hospital Center in Clarksburg, which it is converting into a mental health facility. Forensic patients are those who were ordered into a hospital by a court, who have been
declared unfit to stand trial or who have been found not guilty of a crime by reason of insanity. ``The way it's designed, we can separate different populations,
crowded environment, he said, and that may help how they respond to treatment. DHHR spokesman John Law said the agency remains in talks
Forensic patients are those who were ordered into a hospital by a court, who have been declared unfit to stand trial or who have been found not guilty of a crime by reason of insanity and the forensic population will not be able to get to any other section in the hospital,'' Highland CEO David McWatters told the Charleston Gazette. All patients will be in a less
with Highland and has made no decision. But mental health advocates oppose the idea, saying it would let the state warehouse patients rather than care for them in the
least restrictive environment possible. ``Creative and humane - and legally compliant - solutions, such as midsized group homes/ transitional facilities, do not appear to have been considered,'' lawyers with Mountain State Justice wrote in a recent court filing. Instead, they argue, the DHHR proposes to ``permanently warehouse these individuals ... in a hospital setting, possibly for the remainder of their lives, at great financial cost to the state.'' Cont’d on page 42
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Wounded vet becomes Dallas officer with health trouble DALLAS: Dallas police Officer Andrew Litz falls frequently and can't walk across the room without help. He sometimes uses a wheelchair or cane. He suffers seizures. He's confused and disoriented. He's in and out of the emergency room almost every week. After three combat tours in Iraq, he suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and a traumatic brain injury caused by a 2005 roadside bomb. Litz was among the thousands of Americans who enlisted in the military during a burst of patriotism after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Now, a decade later, he has become a victim of the wars spawned by 9/11. ``I feel like I'm broken,'' said the 30-year-old former Marine sergeant, now a Dallas police officer who can't work because of his health problems. After intense criticism over its handling of blast concussions, the military has in recent years toughened protocols for handling them. But for Litz and others, it is too little, too late. Litz relies on the strained medical services of the Department of Veterans Affairs, where psycho-
logical injuries and brain injuries compete with the ``more real'' problems of amputations and other physical ailments. Litz and his wife call it the ``VA machine.'' Trips from their home in McKinney to the emergency room at the Dallas VA Medical Center are routine. ``The ER will kind of laugh at us, `Are you really here for a migraine?''' his wife said. ``They will shoot him up with narcotics and send him home.'' Dr. Stephen Holt, the Dallas VA's deputy chief of staff, said VA officials are doing everything they can to help Litz. But he said migraines are typically not considered a medical emergency and are handled by primary care physicians rather than neurologists until more traditional options have been exhausted. ``The bottom line, unfortunately, is that unless we could return Mr. Litz to his full pre-deployment functionality, Mrs. Litz is not going to be happy, and indeed I don't think she should be,'' Holt said. Traumatic brain injury and PTSD are the two most prominent injuries of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Nearly one in five returning combat veterans is estimated
to have experienced one or both. These often invisible wounds have left countless veterans besides Litz suffering long-term impairments and struggling with day-to-day life. ``The scariest part is that we don't know the scope of the problem,'' said Maggie Haynes LaRocca, director of the combat
Military doctors diagnosed him with PTSD. He said he was given depression medication and sleeping pills but no counseling stress program for the Wounded Warrior Project, a non-profit advocacy group for veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. ``Our families are extremely stressed. It's just not fair. You send someone away, and you get a completely different person back.'' As with so many others, the 9/ 11 terrorist attacks galvanized Andrew Litz into action. He quit
his Regular Joe auto mechanic job in Plano and joined the Marines. ``I felt I should be doing something, anything other than working on cars,'' Litz said. He was soon off to the deserts of Iraq, serving combat infantry tours in 2003 and 2004. After the second tour, depression and recurring nightmares set in. He struggled to sleep. He drank heavily. Military doctors diagnosed him with PTSD. He said he was given depression medication and sleeping pills but no counseling. Within months of his December 2004 marriage, he was back in Iraq for the bloodiest of his three tours. His unit endured ambushes with rockets, roadside bombs and machine gunfire from an oftenunseen enemy. On April 20, 2005, a roadside bomb rocked Litz's Humvee. It killed two close friends. ``The lieutenant was yelling in my face about what we were going to do, but I didn't comprehend what the heck he was saying,'' Litz said. After fleeing to safety, Litz started throwing up and crying and passed out. He said the ensuing days passed in a blur as he repeatedly lost consciousness. He
was later diagnosed as having suffered a mild traumatic brain injury. The symptoms typically go away in a few days or weeks. But in some case, long-term impairment can result, experts say. On the same day commanders ordered Litz back into the field, he went outside to smoke a cigarette and passed out. Superior officers still chose to send him back to his squad. Litz said his migraines and dizziness continued, and he felt unfocused and confused. Fidel Alcoces, a retired Marine sergeant who was in the convoy, said Litz was a changed man after the explosion. ``He was kind of like a shadow of himself,'' he said. David Hovda, director of UCLA's Brain Injury Research Center, said that at the time of Litz's injury, the military didn't have adequate procedures for dealing with blast concussions and didn't realize the serious lasting ramifications of not properly treating such injuries. ``They had no idea what to do,'' said Hovda, the recipient of a prestigious award this year from the Army for his research into battlefield brain injuries. -AP
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Wisconsin clinic warns of possible disease exposures MADISON, Wis.: A Madisonbased clinic is trying to track down hundreds of patients after a nurse apparently spent years improperly using diabetic injection devices on them, potentially exposing them to blood-borne diseases such as HIV. Dean Clinic officials have begun trying to contact by phone and letter 2,345 patients who saw the nurse between 2006 and when she left her job two weeks ago. They want the patients to come in for testing for HIV as well as hepatitis B and C. State and local health officials said they're monitoring the situation, but no one had detected any diseases connected to the nurse so far. The clinic's chief medical officer, Dr. Mark Kaufman, said the nurse is a certified diabetic educator. Her job called for her to train newly-diagnosed diabetics on how to inject insulin and test their blood sugar levels. Clinic officials declined to identify the nurse. Earlier this month, another clinic employee reported that the nurse was improperly using a device known as an insulin demonstration
pen, which resembles a large hypodermic needle and injects insulin into the bloodstream, as well as a more widely-known finger prick device for blood tests, Kaufman said. The nurse was supposed to demonstrate how to use the pen on pillows and oranges, not on the patients themselves, Kaufman said. But an internal investigation showed she was using the same pen on people. She used clean needles
same handle from patient to patient, creating a risk that blood could get onto it, dry and infect the next fresh needle and patient. The nurse left her job on Aug. 10, the same week the other clinic employee came forward about her practices, said Dr. Craig Samitt, the clinic's chief executive officer. He declined to say whether she resigned or was terminated. Samitt and Kaufman said the
The finger prick device is supposed to be used on people, but the entire device should be used only once per patient, Kaufman said. The nurse changed needles but used the same handle from patient to patient, creating a risk each time, but using the pen on a person could allow a microscopic backwash of blood to flow back into the pen's reservoir, potentially contaminating it and putting the next patient at risk, Kaufman said. The finger prick device is supposed to be used on people, but the entire device should be used only once per patient, Kaufman said. The nurse changed needles but used the
nurse was experienced, noting her certification as a diabetic educator, but it's unclear why she didn't follow the devices' guidelines or clinic protocols. Clinic officials have interviewed her, but Samitt declined to elaborate. ``This is an ongoing investigation,'' he said. Kaufman said the nurse's actions probably pose little danger
to the patients. The HIV virus degrades in a matter of days, and the hepatitis strains can't survive for more than a month, he noted. It's unclear just how many of the nurse's patients underwent an insulin pen or finger prick demonstration or even if anyone who did was infected with a blood disease and could have passed it on. ``The risk is minimal, but remains a theoretical risk,'' Kaufman said. Dean Clinic includes about 720 health care providers located throughout southern Wisconsin. Samitt declined to say where the nurse worked. Stephanie Smiley, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Health Services, said agency officials have been in contact with the clinic over potential exposures. They also have notified the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, she said. ``This is a very serious situation and it appears that Dean Clinic is taking the appropriate steps to notify patients of possible exposure and performing follow-up testing as necessary,'' she said in an email.-AP
Company offers to treat W.Va. psychiatric paients Cont’d from page 40
The hospitals are monitored as part of an ongoing case in Kanawha County Circuit Court about the way West Virginia administers mental health services. The latest report found that Sharpe had inappropriately mixed patients with different kinds of problems, putting a patient with dementia and some intellectually disabled and addicted patients in with forensic patients. The report recommended the DHHR develop a plan by Nov. 1 to prevent such mixing. Lawmakers recently approved spending $7.75 million to contract with private facilities to treat 50 forensic patients for six months, starting next year. The money is likely to go to Highland, which has been negotiating with the DHHR even as the state plans a new 50-bed forensic unit at Sharpe. Lawyers for the DHHR note that the state already has an agreement with River Park Hospital to treat some forensic patients. Highland Hospital's first phase calls for 125 beds, about 55 of which will be reserved for forensic patients, McWatters said. Eventually, the hospital will be able to treat more than 360 patients.-AP
In Brief Illegal immigrant gets 3 years in prison for gun WICHITA, Kan.: An illegal immigrant from Mexico has been sentenced in Kansas to three years in federal prison for possessing a firearm. U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom says foreign nationals who are in the U.S. illegally are not permitted to possess firearms of any kind. He called the case against Guadalupe Rodriguez-Mendoza another example of the federal government's focus on criminal immigrants. U.S. District Judge Eric Melgren handed down the sentence to Rodriguez-Mendoza, from the Mexican state of Sinaloa, who pleaded guilty in June to possessing a loaded 9 mm handgun. -AP
Georgia profs offer course to illegal immigrants ATHENS, Ga.: College students returning to campus in Georgia will find that a new policy has closed the doors of the five most competitive state schools to illegal immigrants. But five professors at the University of Georgia are finding a way to offer them a taste of what they've been denied. The professors have volunteered to teach a course once a week to students who've graduated from high school but are barred by the policy from the state's top schools. They're calling the program Freedom University. The policy bars any state college or university that has rejected academically qualified applicants in the previous two years from admitting illegal immigrants. It's supposed to address public concerns that illegal immigrants were displacing legal residents. -AP
Judge sets aside conviction in genocide case WICHITA, Kan.: A federal judge has dismissed all charges against a Kansas man convicted of lying to U.S. immigration officials about his whereabouts during Rwanda's 1994 genocide. U.S. District Judge Monti Belot ended a case that was the first in the nation to require proof of genocide. Prosecutors asked Belot to set aside the visa fraud conviction of Lazare Kobagaya and dismiss a charge of lying during his citizenship application. -AP
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September 9, 2011
Rally protests policy on illegal immigrants ATHENS, Ga.: About 25 young people, most wearing graduation caps and gowns, paraded across a busy intersection in Athens and onto the University of Georgia campus to protest a new university system policy on the admission of illegal immigrants. Cont’d on page 45
Federal judge blocks Alabama's illegal immigration law BIRMINGHAM, Ala.: A federal judge temporarily blocked enforcement of Alabama's new law cracking down on illegal immigration, ruling that she needed more time to decide whether the law opposed by the Obama administration, church leaders and immigrantrights groups is constitutional. The brief order by U.S. District Judge Sharon L. Blackburn means the law - which opponents and supporters alike have called the toughest in the nation - won't take effect as scheduled. The ruling was cheered both by Republican leaders who were pleased the judge didn't gut the law and by opponents who compare it to old Jim Crow-era statutes against racial integration. Blackburn didn't address whether the law is constitutional, and she could still let all or parts of the law take effect later. Instead, she said she needed more time to consider lawsuits filed by the Justice Department, private groups and individuals that claim the state is overstepping its bounds. The judge said she will issue a longer ruling by Sept. 28, and her temporary order will remain in ef-
fect until the day after. She heard arguments from the Justice Department and others during a daylong hearing. Similar laws have been passed in Arizona, Utah, Indiana and Georgia. Federal judges already have blocked all or parts of the laws in those states.
It also would allow police to jail suspected illegal immigrants during traffic stops. Finding a way to curtail public spending that benefits illegal immigrants has been a pet project of Alabama conservatives for years. Census figures released earlier this year show the state's
Republican Gov. Robert Bentley said he would continue to defend the law, and GOP leaders in the House and Senate praised Blackburn Among other things, the law would require schools to verify the citizenship status of students, but it wouldn't prevent illegal immigrants from attending public schools. The law also would make it a crime to knowingly assist an illegal immigrant by providing them a ride, a job, a place to live or most anything else - a section that church leaders fear would hamper public assistance ministries.
Hispanic population more than doubled over a decade to 185,602 last year, and supporters of the law contend many of them are in the country illegally. Isabel Rubio, executive director of the Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama, which is among the groups that sued over the law, hopes Blackburn will block it entirely but was happy with the temporary reprieve. ``We are pleased that Judge
Blackburn is taking more time to study the case,'' she said. Republican Gov. Robert Bentley said he would continue to defend the law, and GOP leaders in the House and Senate praised Blackburn - a Republican appointee - for taking time to fully consider the law. ``We must remember that this ruling is simply the first round in what promises to be a long judicial fight over Alabama's right to protect its borders,'' said House Majority Leader Micky Hammon of Decatur. ``To put it in sports terms, it is the first half-inning of the first game of a seven-game World Series.'' While the Obama administration contends the state law conflicts with federal immigration law, state Sen. Scott Beason, RGardendale, contends the federal government isn't doing its job enforcing immigration laws. Beason said that he spent years researching immigration law to help write the 70-plus page law, and that it's unrealistic to expect a judge to go through it all in a few days. ``You just can't do that,'' he said. -AP
Fewer people to get deported under new policy CYRUS MEHTA
T
he Department of Homeland Security in a letter addressed to Senator Durbin and 21 other senators announced on August 18 a new policy that would identify low priority removal cases for the exercise of prosecutorial discretion. According to a New York Times story, the beneficiaries of such discretion would also be able to obtain work permits. This is a refreshingly positive development, and shows that the Obama administration may have hopefully finally come to its senses. At a time when Congress is in a stalemate, and it has been acknowledged that 12+ million people cannot be deported, the administration has used its executive power to tap into the
resources, energies and dreams of people who can ultimately benefit the United States. In providing some legal basis for them to remain in the US, they are more likely to add to tax rev-
mere promotion of the Morton Memo of June 17, 2011 on prosecutorial discretion. It does not grant relief on a broad scale, and it appears, if put into effect as promised, that it will probably only
Under the new process, a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Justice (DOJ) working group will develop specific criteria to identify low-priority removal cases that should be considered for prosecutorial discretion. These criteria will be based on ‘positive factors’ from the Morton Memo enues, spur consumer confidence, buy homes and ultimately build businesses that may result in jobs for Americans. On first impression, the new policy appears to be a
assist people on a case by case basis who are already in removal proceedings or will be placed in such proceedings. According to Senator Durbin's website, this is
how the new process will work: Under the new process, a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Justice (DOJ) working group will develop specific criteria to identify low-priority removal cases that should be considered for prosecutorial discretion. These criteria will be based on "positive factors" from the Morton Memo, which include individuals present in the U.S. since childhood (like DREAM Act students), minors, the elderly, pregnant and nursing women, victims of serious crimes, veterans and members of the armed services, and individuals with serious disabilities or health problems. Cont’d on page 45
44
Immigration Post
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September 9, 2011
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Obama's uncle held by immigration authorities FRAMINGHAM, Mass.: President Barack Obama's uncle was stopped on suspicion of drunken driving in Massachusetts, told police he planned to arrange bail through the White House and is
being held without bail by federal immigration officials, authorities said. Onyango Obama, 67, was arrested in Framingham, about 20 miles west of Boston, after police
said he made a rolling stop through a stop sign and nearly caused a cruiser to strike his sport utility vehicle. Police said that after being booked at the police station, Obama was asked whether he wanted to make a telephone call to arrange for bail. ``I think I will call the White House,'' he stated, according to a police report filed in Framingham District Court. Police said Obama, who is originally from Kenya and is the halfbrother of the president's late father, pleaded not guilty and is being held without bail on a detainer from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. In a court document, ICE said Onyango Obama had an earlier deportation or removal order. His immigration status couldn't immediately be confirmed, but such orders are generally reserved for people living in the country illegally. A spokesman for ICE declined to comment on Onyango Obama's immigration case, and the White House had no comment. Obama was charged with operating under the influence of alcohol, negligent operation of a motor vehicle and failure to yield the right of way. Michael Rogers, a spokesman for Cleveland immigration attorney Margaret Wong, said Wong
Onyango Obama
Framingham police said Onyango Obama was arrested after he failed to stop completely at a stop sign and a police officer had to quickly apply his brakes to avoid hitting Obama's SUV will represent Obama. He confirmed that Onyango Obama is the half-brother of Obama's father and the full-blooded brother of another relative, Zeituni Onyango, of Boston.
Zeituni Onyango made headlines last year when she won the right to stay in the United States after an earlier deportation order. She came to the U.S. from Kenya in 2000 and was denied asylum by an immigration judge in 2004. She stayed in the country illegally and was granted asylum last year by a judge who found she could be a target in Kenya not only for those who oppose the United States and the president, but also for member of the Kenyan government. Framingham police said Onyango Obama was arrested after he failed to stop completely at a stop sign and a police officer had to quickly apply his brakes to avoid hitting Obama's SUV. Officer Val Krishtal said in a written report that Obama slurred his speech and became argumentative after he was told that he was being stopped because he had failed to fully stop and yield to traffic. ``I explained to him that I narrowly avoided striking his vehicle, and he told me that he did not hear my tires screeching, so I was not being accurate,'' Krishtal said in the report. Obama originally told Krishtal he had nothing to drink but later said he had had two beers, Krishtal wrote in the report. -AP
Court asked to stop immigrant license checks in NM SANTA FE, N.M.: Four state legislators and a Silver City woman asked a judge to stop Gov. Susana Martinez's administration from trying to verify whether immigrants who received a driver's license in New Mexico still live in the state. An Albuquerque law firm and the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund filed a lawsuit in state District Court in Santa Fe on behalf of the Democratic lawmakers and the Hispanic woman. The suit seeks to block a state agency from checking a random sample of 10,000 license holders
who are foreign nationals to determine their residency. New Mexico is one of only three states - the others are Washington and Utah - where an illegal immigrant can get a driver's license because no proof of citizenship is required. However, Utah's permits cannot be used as government ID cards. Martinez wants the Legislature to end New Mexico's policy of granting driver's licenses to illegal immigrants. She and other critics contend it jeopardizes public safety and attracts illegal immigrants who fraudulently claim to live in the state only to get ID cards that make it easier to stay in the country. The Republican governor in July announced the residency verification plan - the administration's latest effort to focus attention on the state's politically charged license policy. Under the plan, New Mexico sent notices to people that they must schedule an in-person appointment and bring documents, such as a utility bill or lease agree-
ment, to prove they live in the state. The administration plans to cancel licenses of people who no longer are New Mexico residents. The lawsuit contends the governor's license certification program is illegal because it singles out foreign nationals for unfair treatment, violating equal protection provisions of the state and federal constitutions. The lawsuit said the administration also lacks the power to order the checks because the program wasn't authorized by the Legislature and it effectively requires some people to reapply for a driver's license. ``The program is unconstitutional because it unfairly targets certain Latinos in New Mexico and places a higher burden on them beyond what the law requires of other residents,'' said Martha Gomez, an attorney for the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund. Martinez spokesman Scott Darnell said the suit attempts to stop an effort by the state to confront identity theft and fraud. -AP
Immigration Post
September 9, 2011
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Rally protests policy on illegal immigrants Cont’d from page 43
Several dozen supporters chanted and cheered as the protesters, many of them high school students, walked through the arch onto the university's main quad, receiving fake diplomas in a mock graduation. Addressing their supporters and the media, a number of them publicly declared their illegal status. ``I want the education after high school because I don't want to end
up a deadbeat,'' said 15-year-old Alejandro Galeana. ``They're taking away the education that we have a right to.'' The sophomore at Cedar Shoals High School in Athens was brought to the U.S. from Mexico when he was 2. He doesn't think its fair that if he works hard enough to get the grades to qualify to go to one of the state's top schools that he should be denied admission because of his immigration status.
After the mock graduation, the protesters wound their way through the university's campus, ending up at the building that houses the admissions office where several of them spoke and led more chants as one of them used a spoon to pound out the beat on a saucepan. The protest was the latest in a string of demonstrations staged in recent months in Georgia by illegal immigrant young people and their supporters. -AP
Fewer people to get deported under new policy Cont’d from page 43
The working group will develop a process for reviewing cases pending before immigration and federal courts that meet these specific criteria. On a regular basis, ICE attorneys will individually review every case scheduled for a hearing within the next 1-2 months to identify those cases that meet these specific criteria. These cases will be closed except in extraordinary circumstances, in which case the reviewing attorney must receive the approval of a supervisor to move forward. DHS will also begin reviewing all 300,000 pending cases to identify those that meet these specific criteria. These cases will be closed except in extraordinary circumstances, in which case the reviewing attorney must receive the approval of a supervisor to move forward. Individuals whose cases are closed will be able to apply for certain immigration benefits, including work authorization. All applications for benefits will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. On the other hand, the new policy involves an inter-agency effort to identify the low priority cases. Under the Morton Memo, only ICE was charged with the responsibility of exercising prosecutorial discretion, and it seemed unlikely that all ICE officials in the field would follow the new mandate. Indeed, there was already a rebellion within the rank and file of ICE against the Morton Memo. The latest inter-agency initiative refreshingly also involves Immigration Judges at the Executive Office for Immigration Review, who could probably coax the ICE prosecuting attorney to terminate a deserving low priority case and take it off their tremendously clogged court calendar. The new initiative ought to also deeply involve the USCIS. Although the USCIS's mandate is to grant immigration benefits rather than enforce the law, the USCIS is
also authorized to issue Notice to Appears upon a denial of a benefits application. If the USCIS applies discretion earlier on, fewer low priority individuals will be placed in removal proceedings in the first place. Most problematic at this stage with the new policy, as noted by DREAM activist and law student Prerna Lal, who is herself in deportation, is that it may not assist those who are in a legal limbo. These are undocumented individuals who have not yet come on the radar of DHS to even be considered being placed in removal proceedings. We surely do not want to encourage the perverse effect of such people coming forward and
Most problematic at this stage with the new policy, as noted by DREAM activist and law student Prerna Lal, who is herself in deportation, is that it may not assist those who are in a legal limbo attempting to be placed in removal proceedings (by say filing a frivolous asylum application) solely to be considered for prosecutorial discretion. This would also defeat the purpose of the new policy as it will create more work than necessary to process people for removal and then consider them under the new policy for prosecutorial discretion. Indeed, the next logical step for the Obama administration and DHS is to affirmatively grant deferred action, parole and work permits to people in legal limbo who can come forward if they meet the same low priority criteria as those who are in removal proceedings or about to be put into these proceedings.
The government does have the power to exercise such discretion under the existing provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Gary Endelman and Cyrus Mehta in a prior blog have outlined a blueprint for undocumented individuals to be affirmatively granted administrative relief, See Keeping Hope Alive, President Obama Can Use His Executive Power Until Congress Passes The Dream Act, http:// cyrusmehta.blogspot.com/2010/ 12/keeping-hope-alive-presidentobama-can.html. Critics of the use of prosecutorial discretion such as House Judiciary Chairman Lamar Smith will argue that the President is not faithfully implementing the law. This would be a valid position if our immigration laws were rational and not broken. The reason why we have such a huge undocumented population is because our outdated laws are broken, and have not been able to provide sufficient pathways for people who need to unite with family members in the US. The existing legal framework also deprives employers from being able to effectively sponsor them for work permits or green cards. Moreover, the President is not bypassing Congress by creating a new class of permanent residence. In exercising prosecutorial discretion, the President is merely refraining from deporting low priority individuals, and using his power within the INA to grant administrative relief such as a work permits, parole or deferred action. If Mr. Smith were to have his way through the passage of the HALT Act, which would remove all discretion from the administration, our immigration law would be even more broken, and the undocumented population would continue to build without being able to benefit the US. * Cyrus D Mehta, may be contacted at 212-425-0555 or info@cyrusmehta.com
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disciple is he who follows the instructions of the Guru to the letter and spirit, and who propagates the teachings of the Guru to less evolved souls in the path till the end of his life. A true disciple is concerned only with the divine nature of the Guru. The Guru's action as man is not the disciple's concern. He is totally oblivious of it. To him, the Guru is Guru even if he acts unconventionally. Always remember that the nature of a saint is unfathomable. Judge him not. Measure not his divine nature with the inadequate yardstick of your ignorance. Criticize not your Guru's action which is done on universal vision. True discipleship opens the vision. It kindles the spiritual fire. It awakens the dormant faculties. It is most necessary in one's journey along the spiritual path. Guru and disciple become one. The Guru blesses, guides, and inspires the disciple. He transmits his spiritual power to him. He transforms and spiritualizes him. Who is qualified to approach the guru? To approach a Guru, you must be a proper Adhikari (qualified person). Correct understanding, non-attachment to worldly objects, serenity of mind, restraint of the senses, absence of base passions, faith in the Guru, and devotion to God are the necessary WOLTER KEERS
E
ven though the answer to this question is extremely simple, it is at the same time completely incomprehensible. The enlightened one feels everything and nothing. Why is the answer incomprehensible? Because the one who asked the question has hidden 'the rabbit of his personality' in the hat of the enlightened one, seeing him, whether he wants to or not, as another personage. The extension of the personality of the questioner is the personality that he projects on the enlightened one. There is no such thing as an 'enlightened person or personality'. As long as one sees oneself as a personality, that is to say as a point of view, everyone else appears as a personality (also the 'greatest' enlightened one before him). The questioner sees a mister or a madam, because he sees himself as a mister or a madam. And in addition he sees a mister with all kinds of characteristics. Some of the 'enlightened men or women' radiate holiness and then the personality is immediately ready to say that this is a case of
equipment with which the aspirant has to approach the Guru. The Guru will impart spiritual instructions only to that aspirant who thirsts for liberation, who duly obeys the injunctions of the Shastras, who has subdued his passions and senses, who has a calm mind, and who possesses virtuous qualities like mercy, cosmic love, patience, humility, endurance, forbearance, etc. Initiation into the mysteries of Brahman will fructify only when the disciple's
alert in the service of his Guru. Live to serve the Guru. You must watch for opportunities. Do not wait for invitation. Volunteer yourself for the Guru's service. Serve your Guru humbly, willingly, unquestioningly, unassumingly, ungrudgingly, untiringly, and lovingly. The more your energy you spend in serving your Guru, the more the divine energy will flow into you. He who serves the Guru serves the whole world. Serve the Guru
his Guru can have command over his lower self. Obedience should be very practical, whole-hearted, and actively persevering. True obedience to Guru neither procrastinates nor questions. A hypocritical disciple obeys his Guru from fear. The true disciple obeys his Guru with pure love, for love's sake. Learn how to obey. Then alone you can command. Learn how to be a disciple. Then alone you can become a Guru.
Discipleship awakens the dormant faculties If you reflect carefully, you will see that your individual freedom is, in reality, an absolutely abject slavery to your own ego and vanity
Swami Sivananda
mind becomes desireless, and will produce Jnana in it. Guru-Seva Aspirants should direct their whole attention in the beginning towards the removal of selfishness by protracted service to the Guru. Serve your Guru with divine Bhava (feeling). The cancer of individuality will be dissolved. The captain of a ship is ever alert. A fisherman is ever alert. A surgeon in the operation theatre is ever alert. Even so, a thirsting hungry disciple should be ever
without selfish ends. Scrutinize your inner motives while doing service to the Guru. Service must be done to the Guru without expectation of name, fame, power, wealth, etc. Obedience to the Guru Obedience to the Guru is better than reverence. Obedience is precious virtue, because if you try to develop the virtue of obedience, the ego, the arch-enemy on the path of Self-realization, slowly gets rooted out. Only the disciple who obeys
Give up the delusive notion that to submit to the preceptor, to obey him, and to carry out his instructions is slavish mentality. The ignorant man thinks that it is beneath his dignity and against his freedom to submit to another man's command. This is a grave blunder. If you reflect carefully, you will see that your individual freedom is, in reality, an absolutely abject slavery to your own ego and vanity. The 124th birth anniversary of Swami Sivananda will be observed on September 8.
24 carat gold. But others, who are also called enlightened, seem to be in a bad humor or be irritable or afflicted with all kinds of things. Such a person can not be enlightened... In fact there is no criteria that applies. There is no behavior from which one can deduce whether someone is enlightened or not. There are people about whom it is claimed - and about whom 'ac-
He is happiness itself, but not that which the personality calls happiness. The personality speaks of happiness when a certain deep emotion appears. The enlightened one is that from which the emotion is made, where it arises, and wherein it again dissolves like ice in water without leaving a trace behind. What he calls 'happiness' is al-
tion where there might not be any hotels. So, he slept in a cell, just like the robber in the next cell. So, at least on the surface there was no difference between the inspector and jailed thief. But if you look deeper into the situation there is a world of difference: the prisoner has to stay in the cell, whether he wants to or not. The inspector can go out any moment he so wishes.
What does an enlightened one see and feel? Wolter Keers
knowledged enlightened ones' claim that they are enlightened who behave like the village idiot. Who can understand that someone who can get angry or shows worry and so on is nevertheless 'an enlightened one'? In a certain sense the enlightened one is only enlightened from the one impersonal point of view.
The extension of the personality of the questioner is the personality that he projects on the enlightened one. There is no such thing as an 'enlightened person or personality' ways present as the background of everything, also for the movement of feelings, including rage, concern and other things. He knows that he is not limited by any state of mind. He is like the Indian prison inspector about whom Shri Krishna Menon told: 'sometimes the inspector had to visit an out of the way police sta-
Seen from the outside, that is the position of the enlightened. Maybe there is an appearance that comes over as a personality with all kinds of desires and aversions, but the enlightened can, any moment he wishes, be out of the cell. Wolter Keers was one of the first to introduce Advaita Vedanta to the Netherlands.
You have your way. I have my way. As for the right way, the correct way, and the only way, it does not exist. -Friedrich Nietzsche Our sense of self, and our sense of the universe, happen through our habits of perception. When those habits change a little bit, so does our sense of self, and the sense of the universe. -Issac Shapiro Life has no meaning in itself,but only in the meaning we give it. Like the clay in the artistĂs hands, we may convert it into a divine form or merely into a vessel of temporary utility. -Lama Anagarika Govinda After happiness comes suffering. After suffering arises happiness. For beings happiness and suffering revolve like a wheel. -Nagarjuna A man may conquer a million men in battle but one who conquers himself is, indeed, the greatest of conquerors. -Buddha Learn to tame your mind and never spoil the mind of others. -Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche
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What has the Anna Hazare agitation achieved? PR CHARI
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t would be churlish to deny Anna Hazare his hour of glory. His 13-day fast has galvanized public opinion across the country - not merely urban middle class India - against the monster of corruption that is touching everybody, irrespective of caste, creed, or community. Clearly, liberalization of the Indian economy since 1991 has freed big business from the malfeasance inherent in the licensee-permit raj. But, the common man remained shackled, forced to interact with officialdom for getting certificates, permissions and clearances, allowing exactions at every step. Anna Hazare has plumbed the deep wells of the resultant anger in the population that was waiting to explode. And, by targeting Parliament's lethargy in establishing the Lokpal (ombudsman) institution, Anna could channel this growing anger to focus attention on the general issue of corruption excoriating India, and the helplessness of the people to get their elected representatives to work for the common good or prevent them from becoming the fountain-heads of corruption. No right of recall exists in the Indian Constitution; its framing fathers had not anticipated the kind of members that now adorn Parliament. Several have established criminal antecedents; many are being investigated, while still others are being prosecuted for criminal and civil transgressions, apart from tax evasion. Quite routinely, declarations of their wealth are being made. But no explanations are sought regarding their sources of wealth or, more intriguingly, how their wealth appreciably increases after a term in office. Equally routinely, the astronomical sums of money being expended in the elections by the Honorable Members and their parties are informed. But, are these figures rigorously audited, despite suspicions that they are fudged. All are agreed that electoral financing lies at the root of corruption in India. Then, why is Parliament reluctant to address this issue? Is it due to much of these funds getting wedged between sticky fingers en route to Party Headquarters? Anna Hazare
would do well to bend his energies to reforming the electoral process, before proceeding further with his campaign. But, what has he achieved with his fast? Very little, indeed. The UPA government has conceded in principle that it would consider Team Anna's demands to include the citizen's charter in the proposed legislation, extend the Lokpal's jurisdiction to the lower
in the Lokpal Bill. Again, assuming the acquiescence of the House is undemocratic. The puzzle, therefore, remains what Team Anna believes it has achieved from this agitation and the widespread mobilization of civil society in its support, apart from promoting the self-image of the leaders and their supporters. A less critical analysis of Anna Hazare's fast would urge that his team has mobilized civil society to demand fair governance. New Delhi and the state capitals are now on notice to eradicate corruption. Much requires to be done. Apart from electoral reforms the conceptual areas requiring urgent attention are reducing the physical interaction of citizens with Anna Hazare break fast at Ramlila Grounds state authoribureaucracy, and set up ties, establishing time-bound limLokayuktas in the states. its to the disposal of citizens' reIts views would be sent to the quests, utilizing technology senconcerned Departmental Standing sitively, and simplifying appeal Committees charged with evaluat- procedures. ing the substance of the Lokpal Bill. The vast majority of common This had been offered by Abhishek citizens are forced to interact with Singhvi, Chairman of this Standing the government for simple requireCommittee, at the start of Anna's ments like age, caste and income agitation, viz. that the Committee certificates, make payments of taxes and so on. These provide fruitful opportunities for harassA vast terrain is availment of the citizen, extraction of bribes by delaying action, and letable for action in the ting the 'dalals' (middlemen) flouranti-corruption camish and share the booty with corpaign, which can rupt officials. Allowing such requests to be made electronically, proceed further to and ensuring their disposal within include the lower set time limits would take care of judiciary, police force, the majority of these cases, affording great satisfaction to civil socitransport arrangeety. A signal service would be renments, civic amenities, dered by identifying the 'dalals' for public exposure. health, and education The above example is illustraservices tive. A vast terrain is available for action in the anti-corruption camcould examine the Jan Lokpal Bill, paign, which can proceed further the official Bill, and any other draft to include the lower judiciary, poBills presented to Parliament. lice force, transport arrangements, Indeed, no other modality is civic amenities, health, and edupossible in a Parliamentary democ- cation services and so on. A conracy. Only the legislature can en- certed approach is required. Apart act laws after debating them in the from the stratospheric Lokpal House. Insisting that a particular level, therefore, much needs to be legislation be accepted by the done by Team Anna to clean up House would be a gross travesty. the structural and operational levNo guarantees could, therefore, els of corruption that affects evhave been given that these issues eryone in India. underlined by Anna would be acThe writer is Visiting Profescepted by the House and included sor, IPCS
India Post The road ahead
T
he government which arrested Anna Hazare for going on a hunger-strike against corruption was now sending him flowers and get-well cards as he recuperated in hospital. The sudden swell of support for his movement has unnerved the government which is now seeking to mollify him as he has promised to take up electoral reforms as his next agenda. Parliament had unanimously passed a resolution expressing agreement "in principle" to three of Hazare's demands: inclusion of a citizens' charter, setting up a Lokayukta in every state, and bringing the lower bureaucracy within the Lokpal's ambit. MPs who were forced to debate the demands take comfort in the fact that his movement is an urban phenomenon and the urban vote doesn't make much of a dent on the overall picture of Parliament which is dominated by representatives sent by the massive rural electorate. So rural India is going to be Anna's next address. He has brought an awakening to the towns and cities whose residents had become cynical about the daily corruption they faced. It is difficult to see how much of an awakening Anna Hazare can bring to the rural folks. He has made a beginning by seeking right to recall and right to reject candidates at the time of elections. Unsurprisingly, most political parties have called it an impractical proposal. The chief election commissioner is also not impressed by the demand. He thinks barring criminal elements from entering Parliament would be a better option. The Dalit and minority leaders are feeling insecure at the nonpartisan nature of Hazare's movement and fear it could obliterate the difference between caste and communities as they face the common foe of corruption. The villagers are perhaps more oppressed by corruption but the regional and caste based parties have established a stranglehold on them and made it difficult for the ordinary folk to express their aspirations. Hazare would definitely face more hurdles here as the caste and Dalit leaders have characterized his movement as anti-Dalit and anti-minorities and made common cause with the parliamentarians who were dragging feet on Anna's demands. Most of the present government scandals were exposed by the CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General) a statutory body assigned the duty of checking government spending. The Anna movement could explore the possibility of an informal audit of the performance of all MPs. They could, for instance, be asked two questions: 'What have you done for the constituency', and 'What have you done for yourself'. Although it would be difficult to probe into their secret dealings, the questions would bring credibility to Anna Hazare's quest. It would expose the MPs if they hide facts. If criminal and greedy elements getting elected as people's representatives can be stopped, the next serious question is, then who is the fit candidate? How to select a suitable candidate who is not swayed by money power and has no personal ambitions. It would be difficult to have such a person elected as electioneering demands so much money which an ordinary good candidate cannot afford. Here the question of state funding of elections comes in which also rests on the will of the current government. At least, Hazare has set off a debate with a hopeful undercurrent that, at last, something can be done about corruption. What Indian citizens have to do is to remain vigilant and keep the government on its toes. Cornered, the government is trying to bring in certain halfhearted measures of its own to rein in the bureaucracy and curtail the discretionary powers of central ministries. However, it is certain that no concrete measures to curb corruption will be taken up unless the people demonstrate that the Anna agitation was not a one-off surprise.
50 India Post
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52 India Post
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September 9, 2011