Indiapost_09-10-2010 by Ghanshyam Bisht

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Nancy Pelosi to grace IADO annual event Details on page 13

VOL 16, No. 835

September 10, 2010

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UN REAFFIRMS FAITH IN PACHAURI PANEL India Post News Service

from an independent international review which presented its recommendations at the UN August 20. The review however, concluded that the UN body needed fundamental reforms to the way it was managed, and recommended the way the body is run and the way science is presented.

US Army to accept another Sikh recruit

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Pakistan military delegation detained in US

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This week’s question

Is China trying to create mischief in Kashmir? Last week’s result

India’s nuclear safety bill will benefit US companies? YES 73%

NO 27%

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Special India Parl session for Obama

India announces additional USD 20 mn aid to Pak

survey@indiapost.com

First Hinduism Summit in Cal big success

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INDIA POST SURVEY

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Siddhi Vinayak sends special idol for Fremont

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Yedavalli appointed DNC member

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Grand welcome awaits Nikki in Chicago

Lahore suicide bombings toll 37

Bhanoji Rao Yedavalli

Details on page 9 GOVINDA ALAA RE: Hundreds of youth make a breathtaking human pyramid to reach out to and break the 'dahi-handi' (curd-pot) in Mumbai on September 2 as part of celebrations of 'Janmashtami' which marks the birth of Lord Krishna

CONTENTS Bollywood ---------------------- 36-37

two countries so that it could be properly handled through dialogue and consultation," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Jiang Yu told a media briefing. Clarifying on the Kashmir issue, the spokesperson said, "About Kashmir issue our position is that we believe it is an issue left over from history between India and Pakistan".

Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”

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Classifieds ------------------------- 47 Community Post -------------- 12-26 Date Book -------------------------- 43 Edit Page --------------------------- 49 HealthScience Post --------- 34-35 Horoscope ------------------------- 46 Immigration Post ------------- 40-42 India ---------------------------------- 44 Philosophy ------------------------- 48 Publisherís Diary ------------------ 4 Real Estate ------------------------ 28 Sports.................................45 TechBiz Post ------------------- 38-39 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 29-31

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UN reaffirms faith in Pachauri panel India Post News Service

NEW YORK: In view of the embarrassment the United Nation's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) faced internationally last year over its errors in assessing climate change, the organization headed by Dr. Rajendra Pachauri received a reposition of confidence from an independent international review which presented its recommendations at the UN Aug 20. The review however, concluded that the UN body needed fundamental reforms to the way it was managed, and recommended the way the body is run and the way science is presented. The IPCC has faced mounting pressure over errors in its last major assessment of climate science in 2007. While admitting it made a mistake in its 2007 climate assessment in asserting that Himalayan glaciers could disappear by 2035, the IPCC said this error did not change the broad picture of manmade climate change. The IPCC welcomed the findings of the independent review of its processes and procedures by the Inter Academy Council, the respected umbrella group for various national academies of science from countries around the world. The nearly four-month review examined every aspect of how the IPCC's periodic climate science assessments are prepared, including the use of non-peer reviewed literature and the reflection of diverse viewpoints. The review also examined institutional aspects, in-

Review Committee at the UN submitting the Report on the IPCC processes and procedures -Pic Mohammed Jaffer-SnapsIndia

cluding management functions as well as the panel's procedures for communicating its findings to the public. "The IPCC will be strengthened by the IAC review and by others of its kind this year," said IPCC Chairman Rajendra Pachauri, Ph.D. "We already have the highest confidence in the science behind our assessments. We're now pleased to receive recommendations on how to further strengthen our own policies and procedures." National governments, which form the IPCC, will carefully review the recommendations from the IAC at the organization's plenary in October. Those 194 governments will determine what action to take. Six other independent reviews

have looked at various aspects of climate science this year. Of those that examined the quality

‘By overwhelming consensus, the scientific community agrees that climate change is real. Greenhouse gases have increased markedly as a result of human activities and now far exceed pre-industrial values,’ Pachauri said of the science itself, all of them found that the IPCC's work had been carried out appropriately.

"By overwhelming consensus, the scientific community agrees that climate change is real. Greenhouse gases have increased markedly as a result of human activities and now far exceed preindustrial values," Pachauri said. Pachauri and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon jointly requested the IAC review in March 2010. In June, the selection of more than 800 climate scientists to work on the IPCC's Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) was announced and work is now underway. The IAC's recommendations are expected to strengthen the processes used to produce that report, which will be published in 2013-2014. The IPCC is an interdisciplinary and intergovernmental body comprised of 194 participating

countries. It mobilizes scientific experts from around the world to carry out assessments of global climate science based on the available relevant literature. Thousands of scientists from all over the world contribute to the IPCC reports. The members of the IPCC Bureau, including the IPCC chair, serve in their expert capacity and are not paid by the IPCC. Rigorous review is an essential part of the process, broadening the set of individuals contributing and ensuring an objective and comprehensive assessment of current information. For the IPCC Fourth Assessment Report, released in 2007, 559 experts from 130 countries served as lead authors. More than 2,500 reviewers provided more than 90,000 comments. The Board of the InterAcademy Council is an 18member Board composed of presidents of 15 academies of science and equivalent organizations representing Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States. It also includes the African Academy of Sciences and the Academy of Sciences for the Developing World (TWAS) as well as representatives of the InterAcademy Panel (IAP) of scientific academies, the International Council of Academies of Engineering and Technological Sciences (CAETS), and the InterAcademy Medical Panel (IAMP) of medical academies.

China denies troop presence in PoK; says won't interfere in JK BEIJING: China has said it had no intention to interfere in the Kashmir issue as it dismissed reports of presence of up to 11,000 PLA troops in Gilgit in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, but made it clear that it was not reviewing its stance on stapled visas to Kashmiris. "As a neighbor and friend of both countries, China believes that the (Kashmir) issue should be left to the two countries so that it could be properly handled through dialogue and consultation," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Jiang Yu told a media briefing. Clarifying on the Kashmir issue, the spokesperson said, "About Kashmir issue our position is that we believe it is an issue left over from history be-

tween India and Pakistan". She rejected reports that up to 11,000 soldiers of the Peoples Liberation Army were in Gilgit in northern Kashmir, saying: "The story that China has deployed its military in northern part of Pakistan is totally groundless and out of ulterior purpose". Her comments came in response to a New York Times opinion piece which said that 11,000 PLA men had been deployed in Gilgit-Baltistan area to build up its rail and road access to the warm waters of the Persian Gulf. The report said that the troops had been deployed to safeguard the project as well as use them for working on the railway link across the Karakorams. "Some people are fabricating reports to destroy relations be-

tween China, Pakistan and India. But their efforts will get nowhere," Jiang said.

Her reference to ‘inhabitants of Jammu and Kashmir’ left doubts whether the same policy was applied to areas of Kashmir under control of Pakistan, where China is reportedly undertaking several developmental projects Asked whether China would review the policy to issue stapled visas to people of Jammu and

Kashmir, she said "about our visa policy toward inhabitants in the Indian controlled Kashmir region the policy is consistent and stays unchanged". Her reference to "inhabitants of Jammu and Kashmir" left doubts whether the same policy was applied to areas of Kashmir under control of Pakistan, where China is reportedly undertaking several developmental projects. She declined to take further questions on the subject when clarifications were sought about her reference to Gilgit as "northern Pakistan" without mentioning their disputed status. "May be you want me to repeat. I have made our position very clear," she said. The spokesperson as well as

the Chinese Ministry of National Defense said Beijing had not suspended bilateral military exchanges with India nor received any report from New Delhi about any suspension. . On the issue of denial of visa to Lt Gen B S Jaswal, who heads the Indian Army's Northern Command, Jiang Yu declined to give a direct answer. Media reports in India had said that India had suspended all military exchanges with China in protest against the denial of the visa to Gen Jaswal. On these reports, the spokesperson said: "After reading reports (about denial of visa to Gen Jaswal) we have checked with competent authority. The relevant media report is not true".- PTI

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India announces additional Special India Parl USD 20 mn aid to Pak session for Obama NEW DELHI: India has announced an additional USD 20 million assistance to Pakistan which is grappling with the worst floods in recent history of the region. The announcement by External Affairs Minister S M Krishna in the Lok Sabha comes in the wake of Pakistan's readiness to accept India's initial aid offer of USD 5 million which is to be routed through the United Nations. "As a more concrete assessment of the damage inflicted by this natural disaster and the urgent needs of the people of Pakistan emerges, Government has decided to increase its assistance to Pakistan from USD 5 million, announced earlier, to USD 25 million," he said in a suo motu statement. Of the total aid, USD 20 million would be contributed to the 'Pakistan Initial Floods Emergency Response Plan' launched by the UN office for the coordination of humanitarian efforts, he said. The balance USD 5 million

would be contributed to the World Food Program for its relief efforts in Pakistan, Krishna said. He noted that India had offered USD 5 million aid to Pakistan during his telephonic talks with Paki-

‘We cannot remain unconcerned with this grave humanitarian crisis of enormous magnitude in our immediate neighborhood,’ Krishna said. He noted that the recent floods have been described as the worst in that part of the region in the last 80 years stan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on August 13. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, in a conversation with Pakistan Premier Yusuf Raza Gilani on August 19, had conveyed that India was ready to do more to as-

sist the neighboring country which is facing the worst floods in the past 80 years. Pakistan was reluctant to accept the aid and agreed only after a nudge from the US. However, last week Pakistan conveyed to India to route the aid through the UN. "We cannot remain unconcerned with this grave humanitarian crisis of enormous magnitude in our immediate neighborhood," Krishna said. He noted that the recent floods have been described as the worst in that part of the region in the last 80 years. According to the latest UN figures, 17.2 million people have been affected by the floods which have left 1,600 people dead. More than 1.2 million houses have been damaged or destroyed besides widespread damage to infrastructure, Krishna said. "All the four provinces of Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir have suffered the consequences," he said. -PTI

Blair calls Brown maddening, his premiership a disaster LONDON: Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair says his successor Gordon Brown was a "difficult and maddening" man with "zero" emotional intelligence and that his premiership was a "disaster" that was never going to work. In remarks that could reopen old wounds in the Labor party, 57year-old Blair's long-awaited memoir also says he doesn't regret the Iraq war--although he wept for dead soldiers and civilians--and carries revelations about the politician's alcohol use, his interactions with the Queen and his testy ties with his successor. In the memoir "A Journey", the charismatic Blair came down heavily on his rival saying he was "maddening", "difficult" and wore him down with "relentless personal pressure", as he unleashed his feelings on his party colleague's shortcomings. Giving readers behind-the-curtain insights into major world events from the death of Princess Diana to the September 11 attacks in the US and the invasion of Iraq, Blair called Brown his rival, colleague and successor and went into detail on "the Gordon problem--the combination of the brilliant and the impossible".

Former British PM Tony Blair

Blair called Brown his rival, colleague and successor and went into detail on ‘the Gordon problem’ Blair is much warmer about former US President George W. Bush, calling him intelligent, "a true idealist" and a man of integrity. Labor Party won three straight general elections under Blair but lost power in May under Brown, who had been finance minister throughout Blair's decade in office from 1997. While acknowledging Brown's

strengths, his succession was "unwise because it was never going to work," Blair wrote, adding he lacked the political instinct "at the human gut level". "Political calculation, yes. Political feelings, no. Analytical intelligence, absolutely. Emotional intelligence, zero." "It is easy to say now, in the light of his tenure as prime minister, that I should have stopped it; at the time that would have been well nigh impossible," Blair wrote in the book which took him three years to write. At the same time, Blair said "he was also strong, capable and brilliant" and those were qualities for which he never lost respect. He said his party has lost power through abandoning his "New Labor" centrist, modernizing approach. Unless Brown defined himself thus, his premiership "was going to be a disaster. I knew it," Blair said. Blair also wrote about his "anguish" over the Iraq war, but says still thought it was right to invade and topple Saddam Hussein in the 2003 invasion. "I ... regret with every fiber of my being the loss of those who died." "Tears, though there have been many, do not encompass it," he says. -PTI

NEW DELHI: Winter Session of Parliament is being advanced by a week to enable US President Barack Obama to address the members, which is likely on November nine. Parliamentary Affairs Minister P K Bansal told reporters that plans to afoot to convene the month-long session from November eight and that the joint address could take place the next day. "There is no denying the fact, if some guests come from a friendly country (such gestures do take place) as our Prime Minister has addressed Parliament in various countries including the US," he said adding that relations between India and the US were improving. Bansal's response came in reply to a question whether the Winter Session is being advanced to accommodate Obama's address. He, however, said it was for Speaker Meira Kumar to decide the timing. Obama, who took over as US President in January last year, will be undertaking his first state visit to India with an aim of pushing the bilateral ties to new heights. Former US President Bill

Clinton had addressed a joint session of Parliament during his visit in 2000. Obama's predecessor George W Bush, who visited India in March 2006, could not have the honor of addressing the joint session of Parliament of the world's largest democracy.

‘There is no denying the fact, if some guests come from a friendly country (such gestures do take place) as our Prime Minister has addressed Parliament in various countries including the US’ Initially, Bush was tipped to address the joint session but the plan was dropped when the Left parties threatened to boycott it. The Left parties were critical of Bush over the war in Iraq. Among others to have addressed the Indian MPs at a joint session was the then Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe who visited India in August 2007. -PTI

Pak politician apologizes for calling Ranjit Singh corrupt ISLAMABAD: A top Pakistani politician who berated the great Sikh ruler Maharaja Ranjit Singh as the epitome of mismanagement and corruption has apologized saying he has had a change of mind. Leader of Opposition in Pakistan's parliament, Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, who in the past frequently referred to Ranjit Singh while highlighting issues of mismanagement and corruption said his views changed after he read a book on the 19th century Sikh ruler. Khan surprised fellow lawmakers in the National Assembly when he tendered an apology for "frequently quoting his (Ranjit Singh's) name in meetings for wrong reasons". The Pakistani leader said his views on Ranjit Singh changed after he read a book on the life of the Sikh ruler written by noted Indian journalist Khushwant Singh. Khan made the remarks while chairing a meeting of parliament's Public Accounts Committee, an anti-corruption watchdog. "I was wrong. Ranjit (Singh) was a great administrator of

Punjab," he said. Khan told the parliamentary panel that he was sorry for developing a wrong perception about Ranjit Singh and his rule. The book was sent to Khan by PAC member Khwaja Mohammad Asif. Both Khan and Asif belong to the main opposition PML-N.

The Pakistani leader said his views on Ranjit Singh changed after he read a book on the life of the Sikh ruler written by noted Indian journalist Khushwant Singh Ranjit Singh, who was born in Gujranwala, was the first Maharaja of the Sikh empire. Known as Shere-Punjab (Lion of Punjab), Ranjit Singh ruled till 1839 with Lahore as his capital. However, many Pakistanis consider Ranjit Singh a ruthless ruler who killed many Muslims in wars. -PTI

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Janamashtami celebrated with religious fervor in J&K JAMMU: The festival of Janamashtami, which marks the birth of Lord Krishna, was celebrated with traditional gaiety and religious fervor across Jammu and Kashmir, especially in the winter capital Jammu which is known for its temples. Devotees visited various temples which were adorned with a festive look as the sound of bhajans and kirtans reverberated. Several impressive Raghunath Rath Yatras were taken out in various parts of the city in which hundreds of people participated. Over a dozen tableaux depicting various aspects of the life of Lord Krishna, from his childhood to the battle of Mahabharata, and teachings of the Bhagwat Geeta were part of the Rath Yatras. Shobha Yatras were also taken out in Poonch and Udhampur towns last evening. Children dressed in colorful costumes danced to the beatings

of drums during the processions. People observed fasts and shops sold foods especially prepared for the occasion. Members of the Muslim community led by Muslim Federation

Members of the Muslim community led by Muslim Federation President Abdul Majid greeted the Rath Yatra at Talab Khatikan area President Abdul Majid greeted the Rath Yatra at Talab Khatikan area. They erected gates decorated with flowers and lights at different places to welcome the devotees. . Meanwhile, Governor of Jammu

and Kashmir N N Vohra, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand extended greetings to the people of the state on the occasion of Janamashtami. In his message, the Governor said the divine message of Lord Krishna enshrined in the Bhagvat Gita exhorts mankind to strive for the ultimate truth and do our duties to the best of our abilities without worrying about the fruits thereof. These teachings provide a firm foundation for building a harmonious society, he said. The Chief Minister said the festival was the harbinger of peace, progress and prosperity and hoped it would also strengthen the bond of amity and communal harmony among people of the state. Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand also extended greetings to the people on the occasion.- PTI

Dialogue between Raghu Rai, Mexican photo stalwart on exhibit NEW DELHI: Stunning pictures mostly in black and white showcasing a dialogue between two stalwart photographers Graciela Iturbide from Mexico and Ragu Rai from India is on exhibit here. The joint venture between the governments of India and Mexico commemorates the centennial of the Mexican Revolution and 60 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The exhibition "An Eye For An Eye" is scheduled till October 31 well past the Commonwealth Games that begin here earlier in the same month. While Raghu Rai is well known for his extensive documentation of India and Indians, Mexican lens woman Graciela Iturbide is equally renowned for her path-breaking work of capturing the indigenous culture and people of Mexico. "I feel India is fascinating. The last time I was here I had captured the landscape, people and objects... I also traveled to many places in North India," Iturbide told PTI prior to the opening of the exhibition here late last evening. Iturbide who had taken to photography quite late in her life had previously visited India in 2000 when she says she had hosted an exhibition with Raghu Rai. She had then visited Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi and Jaipur among other places and the resulting

photographs had been catalogued in exhibition and a picture book was created on India and Mexico in year 2002 in which her work was published along works by Raghu Rai and French photographer Sebastiao Salagado. "I wanted to be a writer but I married very young and took to photography at a very late stage. I joined a film school and later

When asked Iturbide says her subjects include many famous people such as artists and intellectuals including President of Panama, Nobel Prize winner Gracias Marcus and even Russian writer Trotsky and even Indian writer Vikram Seth became the assistant of photographer Manual Alvarez Bravo," Iturbide says with the help of a translator. Traveling with Bravo, photographing Mexico's indigenous people, says Iturbide gave her a new insight into her own culture and its people. Working without a script in mind, Iturbide says she clicks everything. "I tend to photograph whatever surprises me. It de-

pends on who is behind the lens, sometimes the product is art and sometimes it isn't." Be it the flight of birds or street dogs in India, the "narrative" photographer's canvass is expansive. "I found the dogs with their curled tails quite fascinating and I also like Benaras city for its spirituality," says Iturbide who has also traveled to the US, Italy, Madagascar and Spain seeking multiple expressions generated by cultural diversity. One of her well known collection, "Our Lady of the Iguanas" was shot in Juchitan, Oaxaca, a city in Mexico where women play a dominant role. Iturbide's works have also been included in the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art and she won the 2008 Hasselblad Foundation Photography Award. When asked Iturbide says her subjects include many famous people such as artists and intellectuals including President of Panama, Nobel Prize winner Gracias Marcus and even Russian writer Trotsky and even Indian writer Vikram Seth. "I have photographed Vikram and his family and his sister Aradhana is a friend," says Iturbide who plans to travel to South India during her next trip. "When I come next I hope to see Kerala, which has been described in Arundathi Roy's novel God of Small things," says Iturbide. -PTI

HELPING HAND: Pre-primary children dressed as Lord Krishna and Radha after the Matka Phod (breaking of the pot) celebrations on Janamashthami in Ahmedabad

US cautions its citizens on India travel during CWG WASHINGTON: The US has asked its citizens to be alert and cautious for their security during the upcoming Commonwealth Games in New Delhi in October, but, said it had no specific information on any terrorist threat. "The US government has no information on any specific threat of attack that any individual or group is planning to coincide with the Games," the State Department said in its latest India-travel alert. "In the event the US government receives information of any specific threat, the Department of State would provide information on that threat to the public immediately. US citizens planning on traveling to India during the Commonwealth Games should carefully read the State Department's country specific information for India and check www.travel.state.gov for up-todate Travel Alerts or Travel Warnings on safety and security issues," it said. "All US citizens in or traveling to India are urged to enroll with the US Mission in India to receive

these alerts as quickly as possible," the State Department said. The US Mission in India alerts US citizens traveling to or residing in India to safety and security issues related to the 2010 Commonwealth Games scheduled to be held in New Delhi, India, between October 3 and October 14, 2010,

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;All US citizens in or traveling to India are urged to enroll with the US Mission in India to receive these alerts as quickly as possibleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; especially in light of the Worldwide caution issued by the Department of State on August 12, 2010, regarding the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against US citizens and interests throughout the world, it said. This Travel Alert expires November 15, 2010, the State Department said. -PTI

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Pakistan military delegation detained at US airport WASHINGTON: A delegation of senior Pakistani military officials visiting the US was deboarded from a plane, detained, "interrogated and rudely treated" by security officials after one of them made a comment to a flight attendant, prompting the team to head home in protest. The nine-member delegation of high-ranking Pakistani officers boarded United Airlines Flight 727 from the Dulles International Airport in Washington to Tampa, but were pulled off the plane, Mike Trevino, spokesman for the Airlines, was quoted as saying by 'The Washington Post'. He said they were deboarded from the plane after one of them "made a comment to a flight attendant." The delegation was to travel to Tampa, a Gulf Coast Bay city in the state of Florida, to attend the annual conference of the USPakistan Military Consultative Committee. Though the spokesman refused to provide details, Pakistani officials said the remark came from

a General in the delegation. The General, weary of a long day of travel that began in Islamabad, said "I hope this is my last flight," or words to that effect. That sparked a call to Dulles law enforcement officials, who

The nine-member delegation of highranking Pakistani officers boarded United Airlines Flight 727 from the Dulles International Airport in Washington to Tampa, but were pulled off the plane "detained the delegation for twoand-a-half hours and refused to allow the officials to contact their embassy or the US military officials who had invited them to visit", the Post quoted an unnamed Pakistani military official as saying.

Lahore suicide bombings toll 37 LAHORE: A pall of gloom hung over this eastern Pakistani city as the death toll in three blasts targeting a Shia procession rose to 37 after several persons succumbed to their injuries in hospital. A low-intensity timed device went off as the procession neared a Shia prayer hall. Two suicide bombers then blew themselves up among the panicstricken marchers. Twenty-eight people were killed instantly and nine more died later in hospital, officials were quoted as saying by TV news channels. Over 280 people were injured though many of them were sent home after being given first aid, officials said. The blasts were the latest in a series of attacks targeting religious minorities and shrines in Lahore. Ninety-five members of the minority Ahmedi sect were killed when suicide attackers stormed two mosques in Lahore in May while 45 died when two suicide bombers blew themselves up in the famous Data Darbar shrine in July. People in Lahore expressed shock and disgust at the blasts tar-

geting a religious procession. Most major markets were closed due to an impromptu strike called by traders as a mark of protest. Authorities made strict security arrangements for the funeral of the dead and additional security forces were deployed at important installations across the city. Reacting violently to the blasts, people in the Shia procession attacked a police building, set public property and cars on fire and fought with police for nearly two hours. The rioters were dispersed after authorities called in the paramilitary Pakistan Rangers to control the situation. Deputy Inspector General of Police (operations) Rao Sardar Ali Khan told media that two suicide bombers had blown themselves up when they were stopped at barriers by policemen. At least seven policemen were injured, he said. Though a group called Lashkare-Jhangvi al-Almi told the local media that it had carried out the blasts, senior Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan commander Qari Hussain claimed responsibility for the attacks in an audio message. -PTI

The Pakistanis were finally released after police at Dulles determined they did not pose a threat. But instead of proceeding to Tampa, the delegation was ordered to return to Pakistan by their military superiors in Islamabad, in protest of their treatment, the Pakistani official said, adding that they were "verbally abused." The Post said the delegation members alleged they were "interrogated and rudely treated by security officials at Dulles International Airport." The officers later departed from the US. "Pakistani officials said they received apologies from Pentagon and Centcom officials," the Post said. The officers were originally en route to US Central Command headquarters in Tampa to attend the annual conference, said Maj David Nevers, a Central Command spokesman. He said Centcom officials hoped to reschedule the conference. -PTI

Pak welcomes US designation of TTP as terrorist ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has welcomed the decision of the United States to designate the Tehrik-e- Taliban Pakistan as a "foreign terrorist organization". Foreign Office spokesman Abdul Basit told a weekly news briefing that Pakistan welcomes the US administration's decision. He was responding to a question. The US has designated the Pakistani Taliban a foreign terrorist group and charged its leader, Hakimullah Mehsud, with involvement in a December 2009 suicide attack that killed seven CIA operatives at a forward base in Afghanistan. The move marks an effort to expand the US campaign against the Pakistani Taliban beyond drone strikes and other means used to target militants. The Pakistani Taliban recently expanded its agenda to include attacks in the US. The group claimed responsibility for equipping and training Faisal Shahzad, the PakistaniAmerican behind the botched car bomb attack in Times Square on May 1. PTI

Mehsud charged for killing 7 CIA agents WASHINGTON: Pakistan Taliban leader Hakimullah Mehsud has been charged for his involvement in the murder of seven American nationals last year at a CIA base in Afghanistan, the US said. The two-count criminal complaint, filed in the US District Court for the District of Columbia on August 20 charges Mehsud with conspiracy to murder US citizens abroad and conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction (explosives) against US citizens abroad. "Today's charges underscore our continuing commitment to seek justice for Americans who are murdered or victimized by overseas terrorist attacks," David Kris, Assistant Attorney General for National Security said. Department of Justice made these announcements as the Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, designated Pakistani Taliban a foreign terrorist organization and its leaders Hakimullah Mehsud and Wali-UrRehman as a foreign terrorist. If convicted of the charges, Hakimullah Mehsud faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, Mehsud, a resident of the Federally Administered Tribal Area in Pakistan, the primary purpose of Tehrek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is to force withdrawal of Pakistani troops from the Pakistan's tribal region.

FATA is located along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. It aims to establish Sharia, or Islamic law, in the tribal territories. The affidavit alleges that the TTP has had alleged roles in, or claimed responsibility for, a number of acts of violence, including the December 2007 assassination of Benazir Bhutto, the September 2009 suicide attack on the Bannu, Pakistan police

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Today's charges underscore our continuing commitment to seek justice for Americans who are murdered or victimized by overseas terrorist attacks,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; David Kris, Assistant Attorney General for National Security said station, and numerous attacks on NATO supply lines throughout the FATA. These attacks are often coordinated with other insurgents or terrorist groups, including the Taliban and al Qaeda. On December 30, 2009, the affidavit alleges, Humam Khalil Abu Mulal al-Balawi, also known as Abu Dujanah alKhorasani (al-Balawi), a Jordanian physician, entered a US military base near the town of Khost, Afghanistan, for a pre-planned meeting. -PTI

Veena hands over proof of Asif's links with bookies to ICC LAHORE: Pakistani cricketer Mohammad Asif's ex-girlfriend, actress-model Veena Malik, has handed over "proof" of his alleged links with Indian bookies to an official of the ICC's AntiCorruption Unit. Hasan Raza, who is a top official of the ICC's Anti-Corruption Unit for South Asia, met Malik at her residence here last evening after she alleged that Asif was involved in match-fixing and she had "ample" proof of this. "I handed over Asif's voice recordings with the bookie and some other related information to the ICC official," Malik told a TV news channel. "From head to toe, Pakistani players and officials are involved

in match-fixing. I had gone with Asif to Bangkok before Pakistan's tour of Australia. Asif told me he was offered USD 40,000 by an Indian bookie to under-perform in Australia but he demanded USD 200,000. "The Pakistan Cricket Board had evidence of this but no action was taken against him," she said. Asif, his fellow pacer Mohammad Aamir and Test captain Salman Butt are at the center of an alleged 'spot-fixing' scandal exposed by British tabloid 'News of the World'. The tabloid reported it had paid 150,000 pounds to a fixer for three no-balls bowled by Asif and Aamir during a Test match against England. -PTI

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$ 5 mlln reward announced for TTP's Mehsud, Rehman WASHINGTON: The United States has offered rewards of up to USD 5 million each for information leading to the location of top two leaders of Pakistan-based Tehreek-e- Taliban (TTP) Hakimullah Mehsud and Wali Ur Rehman. The announcement came soon after the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) and its chief Hakimullah Mehsud and his deputy Wali Ur Rehman were declared as foreign terrorist outfits by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and arrest warrants issued against them by the Justice Department. "Under their direction, the terrorist organization Tehrik-eTaliban Pakistan, or TTP, launched a suicide bombing at a US military base in Afghanistan, attacked the US Consulate in Peshawar, Pakistan, and planned the failed bombing in New York City's Time Square," said Robert Hartung, Assistant Director of the Threat Investigations and Analysis Directorate in the Bureau of Diplomatic Security. "In Southern Asia, Mr Mehsud and Mr Rehman have planned and organized the killing of citizens from both the United States and Pakistan," he told reporters at a

special news conference. "These individuals are dedicated terrorists, and they are attempting to extend their bloody reach into the American homeland. They are a danger to the interests of the United States, to its facilities and its citizens," he said. "For that reason, we urge anyone with information on the

sonnel and interests in and beyond the region. He has been charged in a federal court with conspiracy to murder an US national while outside of America and with conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction

In April 2010, Mehsud's operatives used an explosives- laden truck, machine guns and rocket launchers in an attack on the US Consulate in Peshawar that killed six Pakistanis and wounded 20 others.

"In Southern Asia, Mr Mehsud and Mr Rehman have planned and organized the killing of citizens from both the United States and Pakistan," he told reporters at a special news conference whereabouts of Mr Mehsud or Mr Rehman to contact the rewards for Justice Program, a US Embassy or US Consulate or a US military commander immediately," Hartung said. In a statement later, the State Department said Mehsud since becoming leader of Tehrik-eTaliban Pakistan in August 2009, has organized and directed several TTP attacks against US per-

Pakistani Taliban chief Hakimullah Mehsud (left) with his commander Wali-ur Rehman (right)

against a US national while outside of the United States. The charges stem from an FBI investigation into the December 30, 2009 suicide bomb attack on Forward Operating Base Chapman in Afghanistan that left seven US citizens dead.

On May 1, this year Pakistanborn naturalized US citizen Faisal Shahzad trained by the TTP unsuccessfully attempted to detonate a vehicle bomb in Times Square. A day after that attack, the group released a video claiming

responsibility for the attempted bombing. On May 3, Mehsud appeared in another video message warning that the TTP would launch more attacks inside the United States, it said. Also known as Hakeemullah Mehsud, he was born in the Kotkai region of South Waziristan and is believed to be in his early 30s. Wali Ur Rehman is reportedly Mehsud's one-time rival and current second-in-command. He is the TTP's chief military strategist and commands TTP members in Pakistan's South Waziristan region. Rehman reportedly has led several attacks against US, NATO and Pakistani forces on either side of the Pakistan- Afghanistan border. He has aggressively recruited new fighters into the TTP terrorist network. Like Mehsud, he was born in South Waziristan and is said to be in his early 40s. The TTP's second-in-command is believed to be living in South Waziristan. "Both men are believed to have committed, or pose a significant risk of committing, acts of terrorism that ththreaten the security of the United States and its nationals," it said.- PTI

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Gillard inches closer to forming new govt in Australia MELBOURNE: Australia's first woman Prime Minister Julia Gillard moved a step closer to a return to power after one of the independent MPs extended his support to her Labor party for forming a minority government following a cliffhanger general election on August 21. Andrew Wilkie, an independent lawmaker from Tasmania, has decided to support 48-year-old Gillard's party, taking its tally to 74 against opposition leader Tony Abbott's Liberal-led Coalition's 73 in the 150-member House of Representatives. A party needs 76 seats to form a government and the four independent MPs, including Wilkie, are holding the balance of power. Wilkie said he decided to back Labor after Gillard agreed to several requests, including 340 million

dollars for the Royal Hobart Hospital and restrictions on poker machines, ABC reported. He said he turned down the offer from Abbott, 52, to join his group. "The ALP best meets my criteria that the government must be stable, competent and ethical," he was quoted as saying. In the new government, Wilkie said, regional and rural hospitals should be considered as priorities in the applications for funding. Apart from the 340 million dollars for Hobart hospital, Gillard has promised to open up a funding round of 1.8 billion dollars for other hospitals. A Labor government would also force the states to implement "smart cards" on poker machines to restrict gambling if they do not agree to do it voluntarily. "This is a fabulous commitment of the

Australia's first woman Prime Minister Julia Gillard

The fate of both Labor and Coalition depends on the final decision of the three rural independents Prime Minister and will go a long way to reducing problem gambling in Australia," Wilkie was

quoted as saying. However, he also warned that his decision to back Labor only extends to issues of supply and no-confidence motions. "I've made it quite clear to the Prime Minister that she shouldn't necessarily count on my support when it comes to any particular initiative or pieces of legislation," he said. Welcoming Wilkie's decision to support her attempt to form a government, Gillard thanked him "for bearing in mind at all stages the national interest." Wilkie's decision came at a time when other three independent MPs were locked in talks to decide which party to support in a minority government. Rob Oakeshott, Tony Windsor and Bob Katter were in back-toback meetings in Canberra with Labor and Coalition leaders and also

had lunch with mining magnate Andrew "Twiggy" Forrest, who is strenuously opposed to Labor's mining tax, ABC said. Oakeshott wants a document on parliamentary reform to be finalized by tomorrow before he makes a final decision. The independents also released Treasury analysis that showed a 7 billion-dollar to 11 billion-dollar shortfall in the Coalition's election policy costings. The fate of both Labor and Coalition depends on the final decision of the three rural independents. If the independents go as a bloc they will ensure one side or the other is able to form government. But it is still possible the three MPs could split and leave Australia in limbo, 'The Australian' reported.- PTI

Pakistani Taliban a force multiplier for al-Qaeda: US WASHINGTON: Pakistanbased Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) is a force multiplier for al-Qaeda which poses most threat to America and wants to topple the government in Islamabad, a top US official has said. "The TTP is very much part of the most dangerous terrorist threat the United States faces. The TTP and al-Qaeda have a symbiotic relationship. TTP draws ideological guidance from al-Qaeda, while al-Qaeda relies on the TTP for safe haven in the Pashtun areas along the Afghan-Pakistani border," said Ambassador-at-

Large for Counterterrorism, Daniel Benjamin. "This mutual cooperation gives TTP access to both al- Qaeda's global terrorist network and the operational experience of its members. Given the proximity of the two groups and the nature of their relationship, TTP is a force multiplier for al-Qaeda," he told reporters at a special State Department briefing. "TTP's goals include toppling the Government of Pakistan by waging a campaign of terrorism against the civilian leaders of that country and its military. The

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;TTP's goals include toppling the Government of Pakistan by waging a campaign of terrorism against the civilian leadersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; group also targets NATO forces in Afghanistan. TTP has claimed responsibility for numerous at-

tacks against both Pakistani and US interests." The terrorist outfit has also been accused by Pakistan law enforcement agencies of being behind the 2007 assassination of Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, Benjamin said. Responding to a question, Benjamin said TTP has several thousand members. "I believe it's in the several thousands of members. A number of

other attacks that you may recall that they were responsible for, there was a large vehicle-borne IED attack in Kohat on a police station that killed seven people. That was in April," he said. "At the end of May, they carried out attacks on three mosques, minority mosques, Ahmadiyya mosques in Lahore, and that killed 86 people. And there are many, many more attacks that go with that," he said. -PTI

Shia Muslims mourn victims of Lahore bombings LAHORE: Thousands of Shia Muslims took out a procession to mourn the victims of the triple bombings that rocked this eastern Pakistani city, even as the death toll from the brazen attacks rose to 37. Provincial authorities announced that the paramilitary Pakistan Rangers will remain deployed in Lahore till September 15 to maintain law and order. A pall of gloom hung over Lahore in the wake of the attacks, the latest in a series of terrorist assaults on religious minorities and shrines in the city. Thousands of Shiite Muslims, thumping their chests and crying, mourned at funeral prayers for victims of the triple bombings. Prominent Shia leader Allama Abbas Kamali, the head of the Jafriya Alliance, announced a three-day period of mourning.

All courts and major markets remained closed to protest the death of innocent people. The funeral prayers of the dead were offered at Naseer Bagh amidst tight security. This is the first time that the Pakistan Rangers have been deployed in Lahore to maintain law and order after a terror attack. The Punjab government had to bank on the paramilitary troops after local police failed to control rioting. Shia leader Allama Abbas Kamali held the Punjab government responsible for failing to prevent the blasts. He alleged that provincial Law Minister Rana Sanaullah had links with the banned Sipah-e-Sahaba, a notorious anti-Shia militant group, and demanded that he be sacked. -PTI

BRIGHT ANNIVERSARY: A boy lights candles by the illuminated Golden Temple in Amritsar on September 1, the occasion of the 406th anniversary of the installation of the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of the Sikhs

Desi News Unique dance from Anila Sinha Foundation HARISH RAO

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA

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First Hinduism Summit in California receives positive response

September 10, 2010

Details on page 21

Grand welcome awaits Nikki Haley in Chicago RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service

Breathtaking music concert by Dr. Shobha Raju India Post News Service

DALLAS, TX: "Hail the grandeur of Lord Venkateswara through Annamayya's devotion and music" was the theme at the Eisemann center, Richardson, TX as a part of "Sri Venkateswara Swami Vaibhavam , Annamayya Musical Concert " by Padmasree Dr. Shobha Raju hosted by the Telugu Association of North America (TANA) on Saturday, August 28. The program was co-hosted by the Telugu Association of North Texas (TANTEX). Details on page 16

Ramadan brings Muslims close to God AQ SIDDIQUI India Post News Service

CHICAGO: A group of Indian American community activists led by Shalli Kumar, Bhailal Patel, Jayshree Patel and others have slated a gala reception and oneto-one base encounter with Nikki Haley, a gubernatorial candidate dubbed the face of New South Carolina by Newsweek. The event slated for September 12 at Ashyana Banquet Hall is also expected to raise funds that should help swell Nikki's campaign chest. Over 150 prominent Indian American business leaders, professionals and community activist are likely to attend and raise funds for her campaign. "But the main and focal point is that we need to support our own so that we Indian Americans get more and more involved in mainstream politics and help influence the legislative process," said Shalli Kumar, addressing a meet with Indian news media here. Shalli is the CEO and Chairman of AVG Advanced Technologies, a front ranking company producing a host of industrial products including printed circuit boards, environmental controls, fluid meters & counting devices, etc. He said that Nikki Haley, besides running on Republican ticket, has the ingredients of a great leader and fine human being. "We Indian Americans need to support our own candidate and hasten the process of getting increasingly part of national and state level politics," he said. He was accompanied by Bhailal Patel, a former head of NFIA and

Jayshree Patel, Shalli Kumar, CEO AVG Advanced Technology and Bhailal Patel at Press meet held to announce the visit of Nikki Haley (Pic courtesy Asian Media USA)

Jayshree Patel, an award winning insurance practitioner. The likely arrival of a front ranking Republican like Nikki Haley a frontrunner in the Governor's race

American political wing that championed and supported Republican platform in mainstream American politics. Nikki Haley is expected to bless the move initiated by new

There is a slow disenchantment among a good number of Indian Americans the way the country's politics is led by Democrats and they feel that it is time to unite again and support Republicans in South Carolina has triggered a flurry of activity among the dormant Republican group and followers of Republican Party philosophy among Indian Americans. The group is now actively considering to revive now defunct Indian

political voice in the Indian community. Indian Americans have a Democratic forum in Indo American Democratic Organization set up in 1980. They did have a similar platform for those supportive of Re-

publican philosophy. But over a period of time that wing has gone virtually non existent as a large number of Indian Americans have been favoring Democrats' philosophy. However, there is a slow disenchantment among a good number of Indian Americans the way the country's politics is led by Democrats and they feel that it is time to unite again and support Republicans. Shalli Kumar is forthwith in pointing out that Democrats have been setting the clock back by championing some of the obsolete and virtually discarded ideas of Unionism and increasing State intervention in economic and noneconomic spheres. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 13

September 10, 2010

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Nancy Pelosi to grace IADO annual event JODH SINGH RAWAT

CHICAGO: Indo American Democratic Organization (IADO), the only political wing of Indian American Community in Chicagoland, will host its annual event on September 12 at Holiday Inn in Skokie, a north side Chicago suburb. Announcing this at an ethnic Indian news media meet in Skokie last week, IADO President Dr. Ram

this important occasion," he said amidst applause. Echoing the same sentiment, US Rep Danny Davis said he was delighted that "Ms Pelosi has agreed to be the keynote speaker for an important and vibrant group of Democrats in Illinois such as IADO." He added that "this election in November is critical in the fight for the middle class and to

Rep. Davis commended IADO for being a "vibrant group of Democrats in Illinois" and expressed his delight at Pelosi's upcoming visit to the city Gajjela said that one of the highlights of the meet would be the presence of Speaker of US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi. "Nancy Pelosi has gracefully accepted our invitation to be here and we take this opportunity to thank Rep. Danny Davis for his efforts in helping us in our efforts to get the Speaker among us on

create good paying jobs for all Americnas. And IADO is doing a great job helping all Democrats rally to get out the voters to make this happen." Among those present besides media representatives were IADO Board members and candidate for State Representative, Greg Brownfield Vice President Ashish Sen also

Grand welcome awaits Nikki Haley in Chicago Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 12

"It is important that small and medium sized business and entrepreneurs are encouraged to lead an economic revival and they should not be burdened with extraneous factors as well as levies," he said. From a strictly Indian and Indian Americans' viewpoint, the myth that Indo US relations prosper during Democrats rule is now broken as it was during the George Bush Jr regime that India and US relations reached their peak. Also, it was Barack Obama now President and then Senator who was not very enthusiastic about Indo-US Nuke deal that was proposed by George Bush and Manmohan Singh. The same Barack Obama, says Madhu Patel, yet another supporter of Republican philosophy, has an imbalanced view of Indo-Pak cross border terrorism as well as the threat of Islamic militants at the global level. Surendra Ullal, a journalist and a tax consultant, is of the opinion that a political polarization within Indian American community is necessary for achieving political goals. An impression among political leaders at least in Illinois, is that a large number of Indians favor Democrats and hence, they like not to "waste" their energy in cultivating this section of the society. It is in view of this impression and the political image of the community that many Democrats have begun taking Indian Americans for

granted and this has impacted on their ability to influence the political process. If more and more Indian Americans join and support Republican candidates and platform, the Democrats who take the Indian support for granted would also start rethinking their stance and begin re-cultivating Indians, it is felt. But more important than that is

Bobby Jindal was elected Louisiana Governor on Republican ticket and there is near certainty that Nikki Haley will be a Republican governor in the state of South Carolina the slow disenchantment that has set in among Indian Americans on the way the States and Country are being run by Democrats. Many in the Indian American community even outside Illinois, have become consistent supporters of Republican platform and among them is Dr. Dayal Meshri in Oklahoma. Bobby Jindal was elected Louisiana Governor on Republican ticket and there is near certainty that Nikki Haley will be a Republican governor in the state of South Carolina.

IADO Board members, President Dr. Ram Gajjela and Vice President Ashish Sen sitting third and fourth from left. Also seen in the picture Ranjit Ganguly, founding member and Pramod Shah, Director (Picture Courtesy: Asian Media USA)

praised Rep Danny Davis for his pivotal role in bringing the first female Speaker of the House of Representatives to Chicago for the event. He and Dr Gajjela took the opportunity to thank Rep Davis for his sustained support of this organization for the past many years. In his turn, Rep. Davis commended IADO for being a "vibrant group of Democrats in Illinois" and expressed his delight at

Pelosi's upcoming visit to the city. Dr. Ram Gajjela briefly touched upon the activities of IADO since its inception in 1980 and vehemently pitched for increasing participation in the political process of the country. "By voting we can significantly contribute to important issues such as immigration, matters of small businesses and more," he said. IADO was founded in Chicago in 1980 by a group of

leaders who devoted hundreds of hours to work for the benefit of the Indian community and to encourage Indian Americans to participate in the political process. Among them were Phillip Kalyail, T. Tella, Ranjit Ganguly and Babu Contractor. For more than two decades, it lobbied the government on various issues such as establishing fair immigration laws, improving Indo-US relations and improving the representation of Indian Americans and Asian Americans in government. Besides, it has helped in registering tens of thousands of Indian Americans to vote, conducted candidate forums during elections years, worked on numerous campaigns for candidates running for local, state, and federal office, led campaigns against media stereotypes, and formed partnerships with Asian American and other communities on various issues such as hate crimes, affirmative action, and glass ceiling issues. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 16

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September 10, 2010

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Unique dance from Anila Sinha Foundation

Thousands flock to Desi Junction's Heritage India Festival JODH SINGH RAWAT

HARISH RAO

CHICAGO: The Anila Sinha Foundation (ASF), a no profit body promoting Indian arts and culture, is coming out with a unique dance program that seeks ways to prevent global warming. It has been produced in collaboration with University of Chicago International The program "6th Element" will be presented at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie on Saturday October 2, at 7pm. Expanding a series of extremely successful dance programs like Kalidas' classic "Kumar Sambhav", "Sufi Kathak", "Raj Nartaki", and "Rang Rangili Holi", among others, this year, in collaboration with the University of Chicago International house and partial support from the Illinois Arts Council, the ASF presentation of contemporary choreography called "6th Element" will be truly unique. On the birthday of Mahatma

The launch of Heritage India Festival 2010 with lighting of lamp. Desi Junction Radio team members Jassi Parmar, Megha Mathur and Charandeep Singh with Air India Chief Jude Crasto (third from left) Jasbir Suga and his wife Jasmeet, of Suga Builders, the grand sponsors.

6th Element

Gandhi, innovative Kathak-style choreography will express the changes and effects of global warming affecting all humankind: the acute drought and unseasonably heavy rains; the earthquakes and tremors; the melting Arctic ice, rise in air temperature and sea level; the effects of deforestation. The performance of talented dancers will be enhanced by special sound and light effects prepared

by experts in India. Since its inception over 10 years ago, ASF presented many major productions in Kathak dance form and held two international Kathak Festivals, in 2004 and again in 2009. It has also trained hundreds of students in traditional Kathak dance style, contributing strongly to the younger generation of fine Kathak artists.

BARTLETT: Continuing the tradition of promoting heritage and culture of South Asia across the globe, the "Heritage India Festival 2010" hosted by Desi Junction Radio team at the Jain Community Center in Bartlett, a north west Chicago suburb, was attended by 5000 plus people from all walks of life. The record breaking non-stop

competition, admired all the talent he had witnessed. Thakar S. Basati, a great proponent of Indian culture said, "Awesome! There are many religious, social, cultural, and political organizations, but Desi Junction beats them all." The entire area wore a festive look with a rainbow of Indian saris and people adorned in traditional dresses. Wholesalers from

Yedavalli appointed DNC member MOHAMMED GHOUSE

CHICAGO: Bhanoji Rao Yedavalli, a Registered Professional Engineer and a retired "Senior Technical Specialist/Senior Advisor" at the Illinois Capital Development Board, has been appointed as a "Democratic National Committee Member (DNC)" with a right to vote, by the Committee Chairman, Gov. Tim Kayne. The appointment letter said that this decision of DNC, "clearly identifies you as some one who deeply cares about getting America back on the right track and moving it forward, for years to come. This appointment is until April 16, 2014 and can most likely be extended indefinitely." This appointment can be made only by the DNC Chairman, who has the powers. Any registered Democratic voter, around 160 million people in the country, is a member of the Democratic Party, but for "Committee Membership" one has to be appointed by the DNC Chairman. There are 440 DNC Members nationwide, who can vote and some more members-at-large, who cannot vote. Yedavalli is a DNC Member with a right to vote. All 440 DNC members, including the Chairman are Super Delegates. The Super Delegates can influence a close Presidential Race. For a proper perspective of this appointment, all Democratic State Governors are also Super Delegates, but not the Lt. Governors,

who are only Delegates. Super delegates are not elected through the normal Primary and Caucus Process. They are designated by party rules and include the DNC Members and high elected officials like Democratic State Governors, Members of

National Convention, including Super Delegates. The Presidential candidate needs 2025 Delegate Votes (50%+), to win the Party nomination Yedavalli has also been a "National Panel member" for an Agency in the US Govt, Washing-

Bhanoji Rao Yedavalli

There are 440 DNC Members nationwide, who can vote and some more membersat-large, who cannot vote. Yedavalli is a DNC Member with a right to vote. All 440 DNC members, including the Chairman are Super Delegates. The Super Delegates can influence a close Presidential Race

Congress, US Senators and some former office holders, unlike Delegates awarded through Primaries and Caucuses. They are NOT required to stay pledged to a specific candidate. The Democratic Party has designated 796 Super delegates nationwide. Of these 440 are DNC members. An estimated 4049 total delegates will vote at the future

ton D.C, for more than a year now. It is a "Confidential Panel", the Agency's name cannot be disclosed. Yedavalli resides in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, with his family. His wife, Sridevi, has been a Senior Environmental Protection Specialist in the US Environmental Protection Agency, Chicago Office, for the past 22 years.

Performances by local artists young and old (Pics courtesy Ashita Mathur).

twelve hour long singing and dance Challenge 2010 "Zamaane Ko Dikhana Hai", gave a platform to over 250 participants of all age groups to live up their dreams.

all over the US brought saris, kurtis, jewelry, art, house wares, sport equipment and many other items to display. There was also an array of service booths that in-

Performance by local artists

This competition pulled out the best talents not only in Chicago but also neighboring states as far as Oklahoma. The mesmerizing performances left an indelible mark on the minds of those attending. Dr. Harjinder Khaira, one of the judges of the

cluded airlines, travel services, banks, satellite services and much more. "Their prices were so competitive that it was a bonus treat for the attendees," said Shalini, Desi Junction team member. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 16

Community Across America

September 10, 2010

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Universal Oneness day with Chinmaya Mission holds spiritual discourse Congressman Keith Ellison Asian Media USA

S DAMLE

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL: Chinmaya Mission's Chicago Badri (Willobrook) and Yamunotri (Grayslake) centers recently held a spiritual discourse and banquet honoring Swami Tejomayananda at Stone Gate Banquet Center, Hoffman Es-

For the past 30 years Chinmaya Mission Badri and Yamunotri centers have been educating children, adults and families on Vedanta values

Keith Ellison tying Rakhi to a HSS volunteer

MINNESOTA: Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh and Hindu Society of Minnesota celebrated Universal Oneness Day (Raksha Bandhan) with Keith Ellison and his staff representing 5th congressional district of Minnesota in US House of Representatives. A delegation of HSS visited Keith's office last week. HSS was represented by Twin City Sanghchalak Dr. Shashi Sane and his wife Dr. Kumud Sane, Karyakarti Alka Goyal and her daughter Muskan. Keith Ellison is the only Muslim Congressman in United States and had created an uproar by taking oath with Quran in his hand. Keith cordially greeted them and introduced his staff. Dr. Sane then explained the importance of Raksha Bandhan and why it is celebrated. It was great to see Keith and his staff hearing Dr. Sane and trying to understand the significance of

Raksha Bandhan. Dr. Kumud Sane tied Rakhi to Keith and then Keith tied it to Dr. Kumud Sane. The Balagokulam attendee Muskan tied the Rakhi on Keith's wrist. Dr. Sane also presented a paper to Keith explaining the signifi-

Keith Ellison is the only Muslim Congressman in United States and had created an uproar by taking oath with Quran in his hand

tates, a northwest Chicago suburb. Swami Tejomayananda, the Head of Chinmaya Mission Worldwide, addressed the invited guests on Vedas' Vision of Peace, Prosperity and Happiness. The banquet was also a fund raising event for the Mission. The discourse was followed by a dinner and cultural program for the attending guests. Swami Tejomayananda mingled with the

Chimaya Mission Head Swami Tejomayananda being greeted with Arati at the Mission Banquet in Hoffman estate

guests at each table thanking them for the support to the Mission activities. Chinmaya Mission is a spiritual, educational and cultural institution with a global presence. The Mission supports hospitals, schools, colleges among other activities in India. For the past 60 years, the Chinmaya Mission has been providing to individuals from any background the wisdom of Vedanta and the practical means for spiritual growth and happiness, enabling them to become positive

contributors to society. There are over 300 Chinmaya Mission centers through the world, and close to 40 centers through the United States and Canada. For the past 30 years Chinmaya Mission Badri and Yamunotri centers have been educating children, adults and families on Vedanta values. Bal Vihar and Adult Study programs benefit entire families. These programs foster self-development through right understanding of Vedanta and religious principles and encourage practice of value-based living.

Vedic Day Care celebrates annual day KRISHA VINOD

cance of Raksha Bandhan. Rakhi was tied to Keith's staff and a presentation prepared by HSS was handed to the staff. This was a significant event in Twin Cities given Keith, though a Muslim, was so receptive.

ASHA for Women turns 21 India Post News Service

NEW YORK: ASHA for Women (ASHA), Washingtonmetropolitan area's oldest antidomestic violence organization for South Asian women and their children, is celebrating 21 years of working with families and service providers to create abuse-free homes. The occasion is being celebrated with a gala dinner on Sept 18 in Fairfax, Virginia. In recognition of their services to abuse victims, ASHA for Women was recognized last year by the Catalogue for Philanthropy "as one of the best small charities in the Washington, DC area". Last year alone, ASHA helped 176

women and children escape abuse. Through a toll-free helpline, victims of abuse can approach ASHA to receive assistance in their own language from someone who understands their culture. Volunteer advocates support them in their immediate need to escape abuse and their long-term need to achieve self reliance. These advocates also help with custody hearings and finding resources for access to reduced-cost or pro-bono legal and medical services. In addition, ASHA for Women maintains an emergency fund that provides everything from rent, to food, and diapers.

Children and Vedic Day Care Center staff at the Annual Day of the Center

CHICAGO: The Vedic Day Care Center, a pre-school and kindergarten facility, celebrated its 16th annual program on Sunday, August 29 at the Vedic Day Care Center. The graduation celebration was a grand success. A total of 150 people attended. The children of the Vedic Day Care recited slokas from the Bhagavad Gita, reenacted the past times of Krishna and performed folk dances. The chief guests were Navin Mehta, Bina Darji, and Rupal Desai. The audience enjoyed the children's extraordinary perfor-

mance. The chief guests appreciated the facility like Vedic Day Care which has been rendering yeoman service in teaching children about Indian culture and traditions here. They also emphasized that parents should take advantage of the education that is provided by the Vedic Day Care. Vrshabha Das, one of the organizers of the facility, stressed the need of support from the parents and the members of the society in general for the Day Care Center to stay afloat. During the graduation ceremony, students received tro-

phies and certificates, rewarding them for the outstanding achievements accomplished at the Vedic Day Care. The certificates were presented by the Chief Guests. The ceremony ended with prayers and distribution of prasadam, which was sponsored from Swati Restaurant (owner-Hansa Ben). Amongst the many that financially supported the Vedic Day Care are Navin Mehta, Dr. Krishna Agarwal, Amit Mital, Yogesh Dave, Dr. Devika Arya, Suresh Jani, Kalpesh Patel, Sukhadia Family and Gopal Patel.

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Breathtaking music concert by Dr. Shobha Raju India Post News Service

in attendance. Narasimha Reddy Urimindi, Executive Committee member of TANTEX invited Amir

the sponsors whose support was instrumental in bringing a quality program to the community.

Prasad Thotakura, Executive Vice President of TANA, said the proceeds from the concert would benefit TANA initiated Telugu classes at the University of Texas at Austin iting dignitaries and a hall full of local Telugu community members

Omar, City of Richardson Council member presented mementos to

Speaking on the occasion, Prasad Thotakura, Executive Vice President of TANA, said the proceeds from the concert would benefit TANA initiated Telugu classes at the University of Texas at Austin. Suresh Manduva, Secretary of TANTEX in his introduction of Dr. Shoba Raju said "Padmasree Dr. Shobha Raju has over 45 years of extensive music compositions, over 6000 stage concerts and performances in the compositions of Sri Annamacharya both in India and abroad. Cont’d on page 18

Nancy Pelosi to grace IADO annual event Cont’d from page 13

Currently, there are over 75,000 registered voters in the IADO database but the organization continuously strives to increase participation. IADO is to serve as the unified voice for the Indian American community and to encourage Indian Americans. One of its major goals in the next millennium is to actively encourage and support IndianAmericans run for elected offices. Joint Treasurer Dr. Mridu Sekhar talked about the polarization of the Indian populace with respect to voting and politics in general. She spoke of the importance of explaining the political

process to the community in order for them to stay current and be active members of mainstream American community. She welcomed Rep Davis' efforts in having Nancy Pelosi here next week. Pelosi became Speaker of the House of Representatives in 2007 and is presently serving her second term. She aims to restore the integrity in the legislative process and has done so by leading the passage of some critical legislation like the healthcare bill. It will be the 31st Annual IADO Dinner on September 12 and it will be an educational and entertaining evening for all those attending it, Dr. Gajjela said.

Thousands flock to Desi Junction's Heritage India Festival Cont’d from page 14

There were huge lines on the food stalls. Local as well as national restaurants filled the atmosphere with the sweet and savory aromas and flavors that the subcontinent is famous for. The grand stage had a colorful backdrop, enhancing its magnificence between the two wide panoramic screens, displaying vibrant images adorning Indian ethnicity. "For one exhilarating day", said Ashita Mathur, Special Events Coordinator, "I could feel the rush….the exuberance….the sheer joy that Bollywood items provided the audience one after another" The event started with the lighting of candles by the sponsors and was followed by brilliant classical dances by guest artists. The singing competition came next that brought back memories of the great singers of past and present. Farhan Zaidi, the singing sensation of 'Sa Re Ga Ma Pa' and the special guest, spellbound the audience with his melodious voice. The Masters of Ceremony, who also host Desi Junction Radio show every Sunday on WJJG 1530 AMJassi, Shalini, Sanjay, Ajitesh, and Poonam showed their skills by keeping the audience glued to their seats. They heightened their excitement by inviting them to offer surprise gifts from vendors and sponsors. As the day passed, bright colors occupied

the stage with little kids taking on the stage for dance, followed by Junior and Senior dancing. The Festival hosted its first ever 'Miss American Desi' beauty pageant, which saw some of Chicago's upcoming models walking the ramp with their gorgeous outfits and talents. Two age groups competed, one for the title of 'Little Miss American Desi', and the other for 'Miss American Desi.' "The audience looked on in de-

Farhan Zaidi, the singing sensation of 'Sa Re Ga Ma Pa' and the special guest, spellbound the audience with his melodious voice light as the adorable kids took the runway and blew kisses!" said Megha Mathur, the Beauty Pageant Coordinator. The grand sponsors, Sahara One TV, Air India, Kingfisher Airlines, Desi Talk and Suga Builders supported the event wholeheartedly to bring this spectacular event to Chicago. "We are receiving very positive feedback from the audience. They are very impressed with the quality of performances, so congratulations to all the participants, you all are winners", said Jassi Parmar, Director, Desi Junction.

Community Across America

September 10, 2010

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US Army to accept another Sikh recruit India Post News Service

NEW YORK: For the third time in less than a year, the US Army has announced that it will accept a Sikh recruit. The recruit, Simran Preet Singh Lamba, steadfastly refused to remove his dastaar (turban) or shave his hair as conditions of his service. While the accommodation marks yet another major step in the right direction, it is an exemption to Army policy only for a single, individual Sikh. There has not yet been a change to the general policy excluding Sikhs from service unless they abandon their religious commitments to wear a turban and maintain unshorn hair. Simran's story Simran Preet Singh Lamba, an Indian national, was recruited by the Army in 2009 through the Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest (MAVNI) program. The program is for legal non-citizens who have requisite skills in a designated foreign language or are health care professionals who meet Army standards. Simran was recruited for his language skills in Punjabi and Hindi. He was initially advised by an Army recruiter that his Sikh articles of faith would likely be accommodated. Nevertheless, because the Army's general policy excluding Sikhs from service remains in effect, Simran contacted the Sikh Coalition, which agreed to represent him as a legal client

along with the law firm McDermott Will & Emery LLP. On Simran's behalf, McDermott Will & Emery and the Sikh Coalition filed a formal request for religious accommodation. The Army's chain of command accepted his request. Simran may now begin his Army service while maintaining his Sikh articles of faith.

In March 2010, Captain Rattan successfully completed Army basic training at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas to great fanfare. Reflecting on Captain Rattan's achievement, Captain John Lopez at Fort Sam Houston said in an article on the U.S. Army's official website "From Day one, Captain Rattan has been an ideal individual

During the last year, more than 50 Members of Congress have written to military officials requesting that Sikhs be accepted into the U.S. Armed Forces. Reps. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) and Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-NJ) have led these bipartisan efforts Simran Preet Singh Lamba

"I am grateful to Army leadership for allowing me to serve America and to the Sikh Coalition and McDermott Will & Emery for their support," said Simran. "There is nothing about my Sikh religious beliefs that prevents me from excelling as a soldier. I look forward to serving with honor." The decision comes on the heels of the Army's acceptance last year of Captains Kamaljeet Singh Kalsi and Tejdeep Singh Rattan.

. . . I wish some other soldiers had the personal pride and willingness to go the extra mile as he does, so those young soldiers have someone to look up to." During the last year, more than 50 Members of Congress have written to military officials requesting that Sikhs be accepted into the U.S. Armed Forces. Reps. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) and Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-NJ) have led these bipartisan efforts.

Samosa & Tandoori chicken savored at Palatine fest

India Post 17

TANA-SciTech Forum conducts IT seminar

L-R Ramki Chebrolu, Language Committee, TANA Chair Ram Yalamanchili, TANA Treasurer Prasad Thotakura, TANA Executive Vice-President Nagendra Bandaru, TANA-SciTech Forum Chair Raj Asava, Vice President, Dell and Prasad MVL, TANA IIP Chair India Post News Service

DALLAS, TX: "Information is power and those who control it will have the power and opportunities for a long time" was the theme of the event organized by TANA on Friday, Aug. 27 at the Aahar Indian restaurant in Irving, TX as a part of a series of informative seminars. Raj Asava, Vice-President of Dell Systems attended as a Keynote speaker and spoke on "Key Changes in Information Technology -Its impact on overall environment of business, jobs and social life." Nagendra Bandaru, Chair, SciTech Forum of TANA welcomed over 100 entrepreneurs and Information Technology industry executives to the seminar and congratulated the Indian community for bringing the change and increasing employment to the American economy clearing the myths about outsourcing. Bandaru mentioned that TANA in collaboration with

industries. He has also completed the Global Business Leadership executive program from U21Global and the "Managerial Issues in the Global Enterprise" program at Thunderbird American Graduate School of International Management" In his Keynote address Raj Asava spoke on the key changes in the IT industry and its impact on the overall business environment, jobs and social life. He gave an overview of the size of the IT industry, disruptive technology trends such as mobile computing, ubiquitous connectivity and disaggregated applications. He also talked about a new definition of the "cloud computing" and indicated that "we are in the midst of an unprecedented revolution in information technology industry. Advancement in technology is moving the technology platforms from proprietary to a utility based (on-demand, scalable, cost effective, energy efficient) environment".

KK Pamma with Jesse White, Secretary of State India Post News Service

Palatine, a suburb in Northwest Chicago, Illinois, had Street Fest from August 27th to August 29th. First time in the history of the town an Indian Restaurant participated to the enthusiasm of local Americans. People were lining up for Samosa, Aloo Tikki, Chhole Bhature and Tandoori Chicken. Tandoori Chicken was prepared in

Tandoor in front of the customers. One American recalled his Bangalore trip in 1953 and was fascinated with Indian food since. He not only savored Samosa and Tandoori Chicken, he took some home for his wife too. It was little tough in the beginning to get the village officials to issue permit as some of them are not familiar with Indian food, but with the involvement of Thakar S

Basati, they became very cooperative and finally gave permit. This year being election year many politicians stopped by the booth, shook hands with KK Pamma, owner of New India Carry Out and Sweets located in Palatine. "It is very important for us foreigners to get involved with the local people and show them we care and can perform within local rules and regulations" said Thakar S Basati.

several key business organizations is launching an initiative for the Indian Diaspora in Dallas, a forum on science and technology. Introducing the Keynote speaker, Bandraru said that "Raj Asava as the Chief Strategy Officer of Dell is responsible for the development, enhancement and cascading of the organization's global strategy and has a proven track record of success as a strategist, entrepreneur, and a global leader." "Holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Management from Central Michigan University, Raj has over three decades of experience, working in various geographies and providing innovative solutions to clients in several

In response to a question Raj mentioned that there are plenty of opportunities to compete in the IT industry provided there is differentiation in the product or service being offered and size will not be a factor. He concluded that business as usual is not an option and emphasized aggressive competition for a sustainable and profitable growth. Earlier Prasad Thotakura, Executive Vice President of TANA reiterated TANA's continued focus on serving the Telugu community with result oriented programs and empowering a new breed of ambassadors to bring the community together. Ram Yalamanchili, TANA Treasurer proposed a vote of thanks.

Community Across America Breathtaking music concert by Dr. Shobha Raju

September 10, 2010

India Post

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Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 16

For her outstanding contribution to music Dr. Raju has been bestowed with various titles. She was awarded Padma Shri' India's highest civilian award in April, 2010". Accompanying Dr. Shoba Raju were the talented Ayyappa on keyboard, Jayakumar on Tabla, and Ramana on Tanpura. It was a breathtaking performance by Dr. Shobha Raju and her team presenting a good mix of songs with rich spiritual, musical and literary values. Dr. Shobha Raju and her team was recognized and felicitated with a trophy and a bouquet of flowers by the TANA executive team. Rajesh and Jyothi Veerapaneni, a philanthropic couple and long term supporters of TANA unveiled a colorful book and CD titled "Sree Vishnu Sahasranama Sthotram" (the 1000 names of the Lord Vishnu) and distributed copies to all the

members through the Veerapaneni Global Trust. The Annamayya musical concert came to an end with vote of thanks by Ram Yalamanchili to the Grand Sponsor Dallas Medical Center, Platinum sponsors; Atrium Fine Homes, TechMagix, AITC, Dr. Hanumayya & Mrs. Swarnalatha Bandla, Riya Travel & Tours Inc., Kota Realty & Mortgage Services, Desi Dallas.com, Mr.& Mrs. Chala

Kondrakunta, Mr. Ramana & Mrs. Sarada Kovelamudi, Gold Sponsors; Jolt Technologies, Omega Travel & Tours LLC, Ruchi Palace, PBMA, the audience for their attendance, volunteers who spent countless hours of valuable time, Eisemann center management for excellent facilities and great ambiance for the music concert.

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CG Attri: A controversial tenure comes to end

he exit of Indian Consul General Ashok Kumar Attri from the Chicago diplomatic scĂ¨ne probably marks the end of the most controversial period at the Consulate office in Chicago in recent years as far as the Indian community is concerned. While as a career diplomat he may have endeared himself with a few Indians but many were disgusted with the way he handled the Consular affairs and still more, his dealings with the members of the community at large. His exit, many feel, should have been much earlier than the scheduled three years period ending in August. Let us have an objective analysis of his performance: A- Issuance of visas & passports to Indian Nationals and visitors to India. In the very first year, allegations about underhand dealings and bribery in the matter of timely issuance of visas were made. An internal inquiry was understood to have been conducted also. While these accounts could not be verified, what is verifiable is that: During his time and his predecessor's time, passports to many were issued outside his jurisdiction. One of the worst cases to cite an example is the issuance of visa to David Headly, a Pakistani US citizen who conspired with his accomplices in the Mumbai blasts that killed many and brought shame to India. This single incident should have been enough for the Indian government to recall him and assign him to a desk job. Very recently, there was the issue of Indian consulates charging $175 fees for Surrender or Renunciation of Indian passport from those holding US Passport. This was altogether a new development and many an

Indian American holding US Passports for decades together would not remember if they had surrendered or not their Indian Passport. The fee was considered on a high side. There was a virtual national protest from all the sides in the country. The issue in Chicago was picked up by FIA which decided to take up the matter directly with Vyalar Ravi, the Indian Minister for Overseas Affairs, who was visiting Chicago a couple of months ago. The organizer of the event, Alumni Association of Aligarh Muslim University, gracefully agreed to let FIA officials led by Sunny Gabhawla hand over a memorandum to the Minister. Attri reportedly wanted a look at the memorandum which was given to him before the presentation. However, CG Attri saw to it that FIA leaders could not address the issue during the meeting but also whisked away the Minister who had agreed to meet the FIA delegation. This was an insult not only to FIA but the entire Indian community, FIA circles felt. B - His absence at many community events, especially the events celebrating national festival like Republic Day. It is a matter of fact that a couple of years ago the umbrella organization of Indian Americans, the Federation of Indian Associations had held celebrations of Indian Republic Day. CG Attri not only chose not to be there but merrily attended an Asian Coalition event sponsored by the Pakistani community in Chicago. FIA sources said CG Attri was invited to the FIA event but cared not to reply. It is reported that CG wanted invitations extended to him not weeks but months in advance! This was not the iso-

lated incident. His absence at the FIA held 2010 Parade was conspicuous. The FIA Event Committee claim sending him invitation but there was no acknowledgement from him. C - Dividing the Indian community The Indian American community and many of its leaders have played a very active and prominent role in furthering interests of India and the community at large here through their association and contacts with US lawmakers and business groups. One clear example is that of signing Nuke deal during the Bush regime and organizing high level governmental contacts between Indian US officials during Bill Clinton stewardship in White House. The Indian government and the Prime Minister have understood the value and contributions of the community in this regard. Ashok Kumar Attri felt woefully short in recognizing the help that the Indian community renders in influencing the country's foreign and economic policies thru community contacts with Senators, Congressmen and other lawmakers. US President Barack Obama was an Illinois Senator before going to White House. How many times did Attri meet him before or after Obama became President? How many other Senators has he met? Yes, he has met a few Congressmen, but that's it. Many Indian community leaders in Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, and Minnesota have established good contacts and rapport with US Senators, Congressmen and others. Indian diplomats like Siddhartha Shanker Ray, Karan Singh, Abid Hussein and Ronen Sen all at the top level, and Chicago Consuls at the second layer,

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

understood and valued these contacts of Indian Americans that help shaping US policies - economic, military and foreign. It is important for any diplomat coming to US and in Chicago to tap this resource to the fullest extent for furthering Indian interests. CG Attri chose to rely on a few and deliberately ignored or slighted others for reasons best known to him India has shot into prominence at global level in the past ten years but then it does face numerous problems, especially with regard to its security and safety. The Chinese government would not issue visas to Indian government officers hailing from region bordering the two countries on the ground that that area was Chinese territory! Taliban are a big threat even now and so also many in the Pakistani government, including its secret agency. India has to secure a seat in the Security Council that would enshrine it as Permanent Security Council Member. On top of that, there are many economic and military issues relating to the development of nuclear energy and military hardware. We need to have a strong relationship with US and one of the catalyzing factors is the Indian community, especially some of its leaders and activists. Those officers and diplomats coming here should recognize the value and importance of this catalyst and need to handle it nicely. Apparently Attri did not fully comprehend this aspect. His apparent divide and rule policy may have helped hide his incompetence but left a legacy of fractured community. His exit can now be deemed a belated blessing. Concerned Indian Americans Chicago, Illinois

September 10, 2010

Community Across America

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Ramadan brings Muslims close to God up at the sky above the Kaaba while circling it. With the passage of time, the original Kaaba was buried under sands and remained within desert where no human being dared to tread. It was rebuilt by Prophet Abraham who prayed to God that let mankind be inclined to it for proper worship. God answered the prayers of Prophet Abraham and

AQ SIDDIQUI India Post News Service

Every year Muslims all over the world observe the Holy month of Ramadan for devout prayers and fasting for 30 days. But apart from devotion in prayers, Ramadan signifies the simple truth that believers get closer to God. Why Ramadan for prayers and devotion? It is a month selected and ordained by God himself. He asked believers to fast for the whole month from sunrise till sunset that included abstinence from eating, drinking, sex and any lewd talk or action. Believers are asked to avoid war in this month. And He promises to reward those who observe devotion to prayers and fasting in this month. Ramadan shows, in many ways that believers get closer to God and there are living miracles about it. Millions of Muslims throng holy city of Makkah every year. According to an estimate, there are more than 1.5 million Muslims present every day in Makkah for the whole of Ramadan month.

Kaba overview

God on earth. For thirty days, the big circle gets momentum as thousands of pilgrims circle the Holy Kaaba (the House of God). The circling of Kaaba is so large that it is extended up to the first and second floor of Haram area. And the living miracle is that the circle continues for 24 hours except breaking for the five obligatory prayers for few minutes. There is no other place in the world where worship to God is continued for 24 hours and 365 days a year! While the circle to Kaaba is re-

For thirty days, the big circle gets momentum as thousands of pilgrims circle the Holy Kaaba (the House of God). The circling of Kaaba is so large that it is extended up to the first and second floor of Haram area It is a miracle that the city not only accommodates the largest number of visitors from all over the world but also makes food, water and other essentials of life available for them. For thirty days, every night largest congregational prayers (Traweeh) are held for more than 1 hour continuously and more than a million devout Muslims attend, making it largest gathering of worshipers for

duced in other months, in Ramadan it gets larger and larger. When Makkah was conquered, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) announced that, "everyone who enters the Makkah is safe", and scholars interpret that pilgrims who enter Makkah are safe from the fire of Hell and evils of this world. By circling Kaaba, the believer feels the presence of God. The Kaaba or the House of God

Jathedar seeks support of US lawmakers India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh, while addressing the "Sikh Genocide" conference in New York, declared that killing of Sikhs in 1984 was "genocide" because it was a planned effort to eradicate Sikh religion. The Jathedar, who specially came to New York to address the conference organized by "Sikhs for Justice" solicited the support

of US law makers to help the Sikhs in persuading the United States government to recognize the Sikh genocide. The Jathedar directed the Sikh community to support "Sikhs for Justice" in getting international recognition of "genocide". The "Sikh Genocide" conference was attended and addressed by New York lawmakers who presented citation to the Akal Takht Jathedar recognizing his efforts for human rights.

was believed to have been built by angels when God ordered Adam to leave Heaven and descend to earth. Adam used to circle the Throne of God daily along with angels. He complained to God that he will be denied the privilege of circling his Throne if sent to earth. God asked angels to build Kaaba for him and ordered Adam to circle it. The Kaaba was believed to have been built exactly under where the Throne of God happens in Heavens. The pilgrims circling the Kaaba are advised not to look

days all over the world. Within very hot climatic countries to snowcovered west. In normal conditions, no one can live without water or food for few hours. But Ramadan gives wonderful forbearance to believers for fasting from dawn to dusk for thirty days continuously. Even small kids from the age of 7 to 10 years observe fasting in hot cli-

Ramadan fasting is observed continuously for 30 days all over the world. Within very hot climatic countries to snow-covered west. In normal conditions, no one can live without water or food for few hours Kaaba that once stood in the far off desert is now visited by mankind from every corner of the globe. And that makes it a living miracle of earth. There are many living miracles about Ramadan. These can be interpreted as "surprises" or "living miracles" by a common observer. For example Ramadan fasting is observed continuously for 30

matic countries and they do not faint living without water or food for more than 12 hours. This is the way God wanted believers to worship Him. At the same time it is announced in Koran that there is no hardship on believers for fasting and they can feed meals to the poor in lieu of fasting, but "fasting is better for you".

C O O K C O U NTY TAX SALE N O TIC E:

Are your 2008 property taxes paid? To make sure your taxes from Tax Year 2008 are paid: Visit cookcountytreasurer.com and have your 14-digit Property Index Number Call 312-443-5100 for information in English, Polish and Spanish and have your 14-digit Property Index Number The electronic auction of delinquent property taxes starts September 13 and ends September 16. You should pay your delinquent property taxes by September 10, 2010 to avoid having your taxes sold.

Office of the Cook County Treasurer

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Community Across America

September 10, 2010

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Charity Cricket Tournament for cancer cure Asian Media USA

ELK GROVE: As Indians all over the world celebrated their Independence Day on August 15, supporters of the Masti Group Charitable Organization (MGCO) organized their first Charity Cricket Tournament during the weekend. It was a two-day fund raising event. Bhavik Pandya, the current president of MGCO, said that this event's goals were "to create awareness about cancer in the community and second being to raise $5000 to support Canary Foundation's early cancer detection research." These goals were accomplished with the help of the energetic MGCO team, and support from the community and dedicated sponsors. Alkesh Shah and Hemant Patel were recognized for their help in organizing this event. The qualifying rounds for the cricket tournament were held on the 14th of August. Eight teams from across Chicago land played in the qualifying round, and four teams proceeded to semifinals. On August 15, two semifinals and a final

Toss before the start of the game

were played. Over two days, more than 200 people came out and enjoyed the game of cricket

team, Payal XI, on their way to the final, and eventually won the championship. Amit Padhiyar,

Larry Hartwig, the Mayor of the village of Addison, was the chief guest and attended the event during the final match between the Patriots team and Vijay CC. Hartwig commended MGCO's drive and commitment to their community in support of the good cause! Team Vijay CC defeated Analp XI, and Masti Group's very own

also from team Vijay, was awarded the "Man of the Series" trophy by Mrs. Minaben Patel, a

The winning team Vijay CC

cancer survivor from the MGCO family Ms. Ashley Carlson, a representative from American Cancer Society, was the keynote speaker during the half time of the final game. Ms. Carlson spoke of cancer prevention and healthy living. Larry Hartwig, the Mayor of the village of Addison, was the chief guest and attended the event during the final match between the Patriots team and Vijay CC. Hartwig commended MGCO's drive and commitment

to their community. The MGCO, a non-profit organization set up three yeas ago with an avowed aim to give back to the community, by organizing events that bring awareness on various issues affecting our community. For the past three years, MGCO has been focused on raising cancer awareness in the community The next event is the annual "Raas-Garba" that will be held at "Al Hattendorf Center" in Elk Grove Village on October 2.

September 10, 2010

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First Hinduism Summit in California receives positive response India Post News Service

SUNNYVALE, CA: The first Hinduism Summit (Hindu Dharma Sabha) in California concluded successfully on August 28 (Shravan Krushna Chaturthi 5112 as per the Hindu calendar). The Dharma Sabha was held by the Forum for Hindu Awakening (FHA) and the Sunnyvale Hindu Temple, with the blessings of Hindu spiritual leaders including Sri Sri Ravishankar, Pande Baba and Mata Amritanandamayi (Amma). At least 125 persons attended the Sabha in person and 50 attended online. The audience consisted of members of Hindu and spiritual organizations like Art of Living Foundation, Path to Anandam, India in Classrooms, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, Ekal Vidyalaya and Hindu Charities for America, besides individuals interested in understanding, living, preserving or promoting Hinduism. The Dharma Sabha in typical Hindu tradition welcomed the attendees by applying vermillion on the forehead and commenced with blowing of the conch shell by the compere, Mrunal Nanivadekar, followed by recitation of Vedic mantras by temple priests and lighting of the auspicious oil lamp by the Dharma Sabha speakers. First among the speakers, Rajan Zed, a Hindu and interfaith leader, spoke about maintaining a Hindu identity in America and urged Hindus in America to be ambassadors of Hinduism by educating others about it. "To be an ambassador,

one needs to have at least basic knowledge of Hinduism. To learn more about Hindu Dharma, do simple things like reading selected verses from basic. Hindu scriptures such as the Rigveda and Bhagvadgita and sharing stories from them with family members. To remove misconceptions about Hinduism, invite people from other religions to our festivals and temples, participate in charity and other humanitarian causes within the parameters of Hindu beliefs and gift Hindu scriptures to the curious," he urged. Nilesh Shirodkar, a proponent of the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti website, spoke about how the denigration of Dharma today has resulted in the deteriorating condition of society. He shared the harmful impact of denigration at the psychological level and in the subtle dimension. "If one does not have reverence for the divine, how can one attain the devotion or deep contemplation that is essential to experience the divine?" he

asked. Amey Ranade, a volunteer of the Spiritual Science Research Foundation (SSRF), presented SSRF's spiritual research showing the existence of subtle distressing

Dr. Mihir Meghani, cofounder of Hindu American Foundation, showed an enlightening video about the need for advocacy of Hinduism, to ensure that the voice of the Hindu community is heard by public policy makers energies, their impact on individuals and society, the need to learn about it and how to combat them to preserve Hinduism. His presentation provoked thought about the need to consider the spiritual

Rajan Zed presented prestigious award India Post News Service

SUNNYWALE: Hindu community activist Rajan Zed was bestowed with the prestigious "Vishwa Nagarik Adhikar Hindu Shiromani Puraskar" (Global Civil Rights Hindu Jewel Award) in California Hinduism Summit in Sunnyvale on August 28. Zed's award citation said: For consistently, bravely and selflessly taking up human/civil rights issues worldwide in the spirit of Hinduism. Rajan Zed has taken up Hindu, interfaith, religion, environment, Roma and other causes all over the world. He read the groundbreaking first Hindu opening prayer in United States Senate, besides various state legislatures and city councils

dimension to effectively overcome issues concerning Hinduism. Dr. Mihir Meghani, co-founder of Hindu American Foundation, showed an enlightening video about the need for advocacy of Hinduism, to ensure that the voice of the Hindu community is heard by public policy makers. His speech inspired the audience while citing practical examples that each Hindu or well wisher of the Hindu community can follow in daily life. One such example he gave was to ask for healthy vegetarian meals at public schools in America. Another speaker, Easan Katir, brought to attention the increasing atrocities on Hindu communities worldwide, including Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Kashmir. Bhavna Shinde, who has been studying and practicing the principles of Spirituality and Hinduism for the past 10 years, focused on the root causes of the plight of the Hindu community today, namely, the lack of Hinduism edu-

HSS extends Rakshabandhan to community India Post News Service

Rajan Zed (left) being presented the Award at Hinduism summit in Sunnywale. (Pic: Ravindra Potrekar)

across USA. He is one of the panelists for "On Faith", an interactive conversation on reli-

gion produced jointly by Newsweek and washingtonpost.com.

cation among Hindus and not considering the subtle spiritual dimension in the efforts to preserve and promote Hindu Dharma. She illustrated the unique science underlying Hinduism concepts and practices through practical examples like applying vermilion to the forehead and using a ghee lamp, and highlighted the Forum for Hindu Awakening's growing youth membership as an example of the effect of sharing this unique spiritual science of Hinduism. "When our youth, growing up in mostly non-Hindu communities, become aware of this unique science and glorious scientific history of Hinduism, would they not be self-motivated to practice, preserve and promote Hinduism and stand united to dispel misconceptions?" she asked. The Dharma Sabha concluded with the unanimous passing of various resolutions (some of them will be submitted to policy makers) to understand, live and preserve Hinduism.

IRVINE, CA: Rakshabandhan, which is traditionally a celebration of bond between brother and sister, was extended further on to the community by Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS), Irvine shakha on August 22 at the Heritage Park Community Center, Irvine. Irvine City Mayor Sukhee Kang, City Council Member Steven Choi, and Battalion Chief J.J. McMasters from the Fire Department along with five firefighters attended the function to share a unique bond. "Since this is a protection bond, we take this opportunity to appreciate our true heroes and helpers in the commu-

nity. Tying a silk thread on the wrist symbolizes love between us and we pledge to take care of each other," explained Sailaja Malladi, one of the HSS volunteers. The function began with introduction of the guests, followed by tying `Rakhis' and presenting a book on Hindu Culture. Mayor Sukhee Kang appreciated HSS's efforts for including the mainstream community in the festival celebration. Council Member Steven Choi also lauded this initiative and mentioned the greatness of United States of America for allowing religious freedom. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 26

Community/California

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September 10, 2010

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Tara's Himalayan Cuisine opens in Woodland Hills

JS BEDI India Post News Service

WOODLAND HILLS: After the success of her maiden venture Tara's Himalayan Cuisine in Venice Blvd, Tara Gurung opened her second restaurant in Woodland Hills, located on Ventura Blvd just west of Corbin. Te restaurant has a capacity of almost a hundred people. The cuisine is Nepali, Indian and Tibetan. Guests began to arrive for the grand opening by 7pm. Buddhist prayers and ceremonies were held to initiate the opening. A Bud-

dhist monk blessed the restaurant and two musicians played sacred Tibetan music. Owner Tara Gurung is of course very excited. "Over a period of time we plan to have restaurants all over So. Cal," she said. Himalayan Cuisine specializes in parties and catering. There is also a large banquet hall for parties. The dĂŠcor is totally and exotically Nepali and Tibetan with a strong Buddhist flavor. So, folks, those of you who miss delicacies like Thupka and Momos, this is just the place to go.

Harry Sidhu unveils economic action plan India Post News Service

County should be a resource, not a roadblock, to economic growth," ANAHEIM, CA: Anaheim busi- stated Sidhu. nessman and Mayor Pro Tem Harry "As a Councilman, I have built Sidhu has unveiled his 'Action Plan a strong pro-business record in for Economic Renewal' to bring jobs Anaheim and helped my city earn and economic prosperity back to national recognition for 'freedom North Orange County. friendly' job creation policies. This "The people of North Orange record stands in stark contrast to County need stronger leadership our incumbent County Supervisor, to rebuild our struggling economy who has chosen to use his office and bring jobs to our communi- for personal financial gain and poties. My Economic Renewal Plan litical payback rather than improvis a comprehensive approach to ing our economy," declared Sidhu. restoring the prosperity we once "Mr. Nelson's decision to openjoyed," said Sidhu. pose needed housing "My Action Plan projects in Fullerton includes tax and reguand his history of fillatory relief to encouring anti-business lawage business expansuits, have cost Orsion, promote ecoange County hunnomic investment and dreds, if not thouhelp our small busisands, of jobs. We nesses thrive," concannot afford a job tinued Sidhu. "It calls killer like Shawn for a dramatic expanNelson as our County sion of the County's Supervisor," conHarry Sidhu outreach efforts to atcluded Sidhu. tract international business emA local business owner, Harry ployment and overseas trade op- Sidhu has served nearly six years portunities for local employers. on the Anaheim City Council. Prior Orange County must be more ag- to winning election to the City gressive in searching out new Council in 2004, Harry worked as a business both in other states and consulting engineer with Hughes abroad." Aircraft and other defense compa"Finally, my Plan calls for re- nies, before earning his real estate forming county government to license in 1991. Harry moved to eliminate unnecessary spending Anaheim in 1994 where he resides and reduce pension debt. Orange with his wife and two children.

'Back to Church Sunday' set for Sept 12 India Post News Service

VISTA, CA: "Back To Church Sunday," a national movement to reverse declining church attendance and encourage former church-goers to rediscover church, will be celebrated Sept. 12 across the country. More than 1.3 million invitations from over 3,500 churches have been extended to unchurched people to attend the special service. At the current rate, participation in the 2010 "Back To Church Sunday" (http://backtochurch.com) will more than double last year's 700,000 invitations. "As church-goers show concern for family and friends, the

impact of this campaign will last well beyond this coming weekend," said Philip Nation, director of ministry development for LifeWay Research, whose surveys of unchurched people have shown they are receptive to invitations from people close to them. "Our hope is that God will touch many lives through the simple act of an invitation." Although 83 percent of American adults identify themselves as Christians, only about 20 percent attend church on any given Sunday. Yet, a study by LifeWay Research and the North American Mission Board of over 15,000 Americans found that 67 percent say a personal invitation from a

family member would be effective in getting them to visit a church. Fifty-six percent say an invitation from a friend or neighbor would likely move them to respond. Churches that enlisted in the 2009 campaign saw an average 19 percent increase in their weekend attendance, according to Eric Abel, vice president of marketing for Outreach Inc., a Southern California church marketing company supporting the event. "When members reach out to others, it makes a dramatic impact," said Abel. "'Back to Church Sunday' focuses greater awareness on taking the time to simply ask a friend or family member to join you at church."

Seattle man assaults Sikh American India Post News Service

SEATTLE: A Sikh American convenience store clerk in Seattle, WA, was brutally assaulted and called a member of Al-Qaida recently. King County prosecutors charged the alleged assailant Brock Stainbrook with committing a hate crime in addition to the charges of malicious harassment and fourth-degree assault. He is currently being held by police on $150,000 bail pending trial. The victim was assaulted, told he was not an American, and called a terrorist because he wore a dastaar (Sikh turban) in accordance with his Sikh faith. After initially striking him, Stainbrook

yelled at the unidentified Sikh American, "You're not even American, you're al-Qaida. Go back to your country." According to sources, Stainbrook has two prior convictions for two counts of fourth-degree assault and criminal trespass. With anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant sentiment on the rise within the past several months, Seattle area law enforcement did a commendable job in investigating and recognizing this attack as a hate crime. Sikh American Legal Defense Fund (SALDEF) Managing Director Kavneet Singh in a statement to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer said, "These crimes based on the

perceived race, ethnicity, or religion of the victim cannot be tolerated. Unfortunately, the anti-Muslim bias and nativist feelings that motivates these attacks are based on a premise that runs counter to the fundamental freedoms and liberties that our nation was founded upon." He added," All Americans must be free to practice their faith without fear, and this strong action by Seattle prosecutors will go a long way in sending a message to individuals that hate will not be tolerated." According to recent FBI Census statistics, anti-religious and anti-race motivated crimes and incidents have made up to be the majority cause of hate crimes.

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September 10, 2010

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Hindu Americans promote Yogathon India Post News Service

FREMONT: Free Yoga classes were offered at Hindu Temples, Ashrams and Meditation Centers across America on Sunday, August 29, as part of Yogathon a nationwide campaign to promote health and natural living. The event was sponsored by the Hindu American Seva Charities (HASC) in partnership with leading spiritual organizations and teachers across the United States. Locally, Yogathon is being hosted by The Art of Living Foundation and the Fremont Hindu Temple. Instructors were well known yoga teachers Chikako and Mahendra Ji of Bay Area. The event was well attended by various group of people as per Deepak Chhabra Chair Events, Fremont Hindu Temple who also attended the camp along with other management leaders from

the temple including Lalit Mathur, Keshab Chopra, Gagan Kholi and Rakesh Kapoor Rakesh Kapoor said, "at last the dust has settled down and things are getting clear in context of Yoga in US. Everybody now is familiar with the word Yoga.

Grand Ganapathi Mahotsav at Fremont Temple India Post News Service

FREMONT, CA: A grand celebration of Ganapathi Mahotsav has been planned at Fremont Hindu Temple on September 11 with the installing of a Ganapathi idol which is coming from Siddhi Vinayak Temple in Mumbai, India. This is the first time ever that a Ganapathi idol has been donated by Siddhi Vinayak to any Temple. The idol is 3ft all marble murti weighing around 175kg. It will be a week long celebration of Ganesh Pooja, Aarti, Cultural Events Prathistha, Havan and Vrathakatha. A Grand Procession and Visarjan will take place on September 19. From September 12-18 there will be daily Aarti, Pooja & Cultural events. The program has been organized jointly by Vedic Dharma

The Ganeshji idol

Samaj, Fremont Hindu Temple & Cultural Center Bay Area Telugu Association, Maharashtra Mandal of Bay Area and Hindu Swayam Sevak Sangh.

Head Priests performing pooja of the Ganeshji idol at Siddhi Vinayak Temple in Mumbai before sending it to Fremont

"Yoga means union or "Yog" of two different things, two different creations, as a human being is the result of union of two different creations of God i.e. a man and a woman. We came into the existence only when our parents thought of this union or "Yog". I consider the birth of a child as most astonishing and awesome incident of this eternal world. The same way Yoga is union of mind and body, it is a spiritual science of self-realization. It is said that root of yoga

People tend to think that yoga is a series of exercises with twisted body poses. It is not so. Basically, it helps you to connect with your inner spirit

goes to India by an Indian sage Patanjali. "People tend to think that yoga is a series of exercises with twisted body poses. It is not so. Basically, it helps you to connect with your inner spirit, which is essentially divine and is connected to the universal spirit or God. "Modern life puts a lot of stress on the human body. This causes a lot of lifestyle problems like obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes etc. People usually go to doctors for treatment. But these methods are not only expensive but also harmful in the long run. Yoga offers the cheapest and harmless solution to this problem in the form of relaxation. "When you practice Yoga your mind, body and soul are really relaxed. You feel rejuvenated. You are totally transformed. Finally you come to a point where the optimum growth for your mind body and soul is available. For this very reason I call it YOGA "Your Optimum Growth Availability"

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HSS extends Rakshabandhan to community Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 21

Balkrishna Shastry of HSS gave a brief description of the festival and explained that Raksha Bandhan is the most auspicious occasion to recharge ourselves every year with the true spirit of service and sacrifice for the welfare of the society, and find therein the highest spiritual fulfillment of human life. This type of attitude towards one's less fortunate brothers and sisters permeates society that exploitations of the weak by the strong will end. Powers of intellect and body; and of material wealth and influence will then be utilized for the uplift and service of others, he addressed. Balkrishna Shastry then tied a Rakhi on the American flag, while Ramesh Chitnis, a senior karyakarta (volunteer) of the organization tied a rakhi to the saffron flag (Bhagwa Dhwaj) of the HSS. In doing so, said Balkrishna Shastry, we pledge to take care of this great country of America and believe the country will do the same in return. Similarly, the Swayamsevaks pledge to protect their Bhagwa Dhwaj that is considered their Guru and believe that Hindu culture and religion will protect them. It was a pleasant sight when all volunteers seated in a row, turned on a side facing each other, and tied the bonding thread. About 100 people of varied ages were seen participating in this event. The function also

included young children's presentation of shlokas and bhajans taught at the regular HSS meetings. Later, the Fireman gave a treat to the volunteers by allowing them to explore the fire

September 10, 2010

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Realty Tidbits

Realtors happy with tax exemption on housing loan

Real Estate

ealty firms and consultants have expressed satisfaction on the proposal to retain income tax exemption on interest up to Rs 1.5 lakh a year on housing loan, but said the government needs to enhance the limit. "It is a very good thing that the government has retained the exemption. It will have a feel-good sentiment in the market," said Anuj Puri, country head, Jones Lang LaSalle Meghraj (JLLM). He said the move will not dishearten the low and mid-income group from going ahead with their buying decisions. The first draft of Direct Tax Code (DTC) was silent on exemption on interest paid on housing loans. However, after adverse feedback from various quarter, the second draft proposed to retain this exemption, which is also incorporated in the bill. Commenting on the development, the country's largest realty firm DLF Group executive director Rajeev Talwar said: "It is good that the exemption has been retained. However, the industry was expecting enhancement of the limit.

Petrol pump land barred for real estate

ascinated by the lure of real es tate, owners of fuel refilling centers in the city have long started dreaming of giving up their current business and jumping into the land development bandwagon. Some of them, in fact, have already got the civic body's permission to change the usage of the land. However, the state government has recently issued a directive to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) not to allow petrol pump owners to change the designated use of the land. Out of the 257 petrol pumps in the city, 40% are on lease land. "Although the civic body had earlier decided not to extend the lease, with this government order it would now extend the lease on the condition that the owner would not change the land's usage," said a civic official from the Building Proposals department. Many social organizations had also requested the government not to allow any change on petrol pump land. The Mumbai Taxi Association had filed a writ petition in the Bombay high court on the same issue. It is, in fact, following the judgment on the writ that the government decided that the land of petrol refilling stations should be used only for the designated purpose.

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September 10, 2010

TCIL plans exit from real estate business

ransport Corporation of India (TCIL) will demerge its real estate and warehousing divisions in next three months and expects to create greater value for shareholders through the hive-off. After the demerger, the company would focus on the core activity of providing logistic services, according to a report published in Financial Express. "Our board approved the demerger in April this year while shareholders have just given their nod to the proposal.

6 Chennai projects get top ratings

ix real estate projects in Chennai have got top rat ings from Crisil, which has, for the first time, has come out with a product to provide city-specific all round assessment of real estate projects. Addressing a gathering got up to announce the award of 7-Star rating to Abode Valley and 6-Star rating to Central Park - couple of projects promoted by Lancor Holdings - Lodd Rajendra, Head of Business Development, Crisil Ratings,

said Crisil was now working on two more mandates from the realty sector. He said Crisil had thus far rated

Of the six Crisil-rated real estate projects in Chennai, two are promoted by Lancor. The remaining are by Akshaya Group 21 real estate projects. Detailing the salient features of the two Crisil rated projects, Mallika Ravi, CEO, Lancor Hold-

Hoteliers planning to increase room tariff

n an attempt to cash in on the peak winter season and the im proved economic scenario, "Hoteliers are planning to increase the average room rates (ARRs) by 10-15 per cent from September as they expect tourist traffic to improve," says a report by domestic brokerage Angel Broking. Although, the report didn't talk about their plans for the upcoming Commonwealth Games, it is expected that tariffs will increase from October 3-14 on the back of strong demand. Last two years proved dull for the hotel companies as they were forced to slash average room rates by 25-30 per cent due to terrorist attacks in the country that led to lower occupancy levels as people were apprehensive to travel, the report said. Hotel industry, which is inextricably linked to the tourism industry and its growth, increases rates before the crucial winter season every year. Reflecting a sign of improvement over last two seasons the hotel industry is inching closer to the benchmark 2008-09 levels in terms of booking volumes. Although, demand in the leisure travel segment may take longer time to revive but demand from the business segment, besides local tourists, is likely to push up occupancy rates. While occupancy rates are expected to rise to 70 per cent during the upcoming season (October 2010-March 2011), thereby providing opportunity to hoteliers to firm up their average room rates. On an average, the room tariff in a premium hotel in metros hovers around Rs 8,000-Rs 10,000 per day.

ings, said that Lancor was "committed to quality and transparency in our dealings with our stake hold-

But from September, you may have to pay in the range of Rs 9,200-Rs 11, 500. And going by the government estimates, in December, which is the peak tourist season, rates often go up to USD 500 (around Rs 23,300) in the five-star category hotels in Delhi. Commenting on the tariff hike Taj Group of Hotels Senior VicePresident (Sales and Marketing) Ajoy Misra had said:" The tariffs will go up marginally…Fortunately the hotels industry has seen occupancy going up in the last two quarters…With demand going up now, from September onwards

The tariffs will go up marginally…Fortunately the hotels industry has seen occupancy going up in the last two quarters there will be an upward revision in hotel charges." The Indian hotel industry had witnessed a tremendous growth in 2008. Experts feel that this year, the hotel industry will make a comeback after the sluggish performance last year, driven by the boom in the overall economy and high growth in sectors like information technology, telecom, retail and real estate among others. Besides, rising stock market and new business opportunities are also attracting foreign investors and international corporate travelers to look for business opportunities in the country.

ings." Of the six Crisil-rated real estate projects in Chennai, two are promoted by Lancor. The remaining are by Akshaya Group. Ac-

cording to Mr. Rajendra, the rating will address two critical needs in the realty sector - improved transparency and objective bench-marking of projects. Crisil Real Estate Star Rating (CREST), a product launched early this month, is intended to help flat buyers benchmark and identify quality projects within a city. Such ratings, it is claimed, will provide a comprehensive evaluation of all project-specific risks, which could impact the quality of the project.

IT industry upset with 20% MAT on SEZs

he Indian IT industry criti cized the proposed impo sition of a 20 per cent Minimum Alternative Tax (MAT) on Special Economic Zones (SEZ) as per the Direct Tax Code (DTC) Bill tabled in Parliament. All other software units, which come out of the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) scheme next fiscal, would face a corporate tax rate of 30 per cent in April 2012 when the new code becomes applicable. SEZ units currently do not pay tax at least for the first five years of their operation. STPI units pay MAT of 18 per cent. In the absence of the DTC, they would have faced a corporate tax rate of 33.22 per cent in April 2011. Som Mittal, Nasscom President, said, "The proposed MAT for SEZs was a "disappointment", particularly in the context of SMEs, and expressed hoped that it would be reconsidered. It is a dampener for SMEs because it will be a cashflow burden and they may not find

it worthwhile to move into an SEZ. We had suggested also that there should be a provision of 'virtual SEZs' or SMEs should (continue) to get benefits similar to STPI but

SEZ units currently do not pay tax at least for the first five years of their operation. STPI units pay MAT of 18 per cent. In the absence of the DTC, they would have faced a corporate tax rate of 33.22 per cent in April 2011 (neither) has come through." The DTC coming into effect only from April 2012 gives time to companies to plan their expansion.

llahabad lies 135 km west of Varanasi in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh and is at the confluence of the Ganga (also Ganges), Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati River, the point of their mingling known as Sangam. Also known by its old name of Prayag, the city is an educational hub and a great pilgrimage center, especially the world-famous Kumbh Mela. Best time to visit: The climate of Allahabad is one of the extreme types with annual range of temperature differing by around 12°C. The temperature varies from a maximum of 45.6°C to a minimum of 1.1°C. The weather is one of the finest in the month of January and February. Annual rainfall is 1935.5 mm and the maximum being 914.7 mm (August) and minimum 68.3 mm (December). Monsoon touches Allahabad by 15th of June. History: Allahabad finds mention in the holy scriptures - the Vedas and the grand epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, and in the Puranas - as Prayag. Hindu mythology has it that Lord Brahma, the creator, chose a piece of land on earth, on which the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati would flow into a quiet confluence. He referred to it as 'Tirtharaj' or the 'king of all pilgrimage centers.' Allahabad's antiquity attracted curious itinerants from even the Far East. Huen Tsang and Fa Hien, the Chinese travelers, who visited it in the fifth and the seventh centuries respectively, found it a flourishing state. As time wore on, Allahabad found playing itself host to the royalty, including the illustrious Harsha, Akbar, Dara Shikoh, Khusro and Queen Victoria. In

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The confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati River, the point of their mingling is known as Sangam. Also known by its old name of Prayag, the city is an educational hub and a great pilgrimage center, especially the world-famous Kumbh Mela

September 10, 2010

1575, Mughal Emperor Akbar named it 'Illahabas.' Akbar realized its strategic importance and built a magnificent fort on the banks of the holy Sangam. Over the centuries that followed, Allahabad remained on the forefront of national importance - more so during the days of the Indian independence struggle. The chequered history of Allahabad with its religious, cultural and historical ethos also gave rise to several renowned scholars, poets, writers, thinkers, and political leaders. Allahabad today is an important city where history, culture, and religion create a confluence - much like the sacred rivers that caress this Godgraced land. Cont’d on page 31

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New heritage spot is a lighting wonder NEW DELHI: Tourists have one more place to visit during the upcoming Commonwealth Games - the newly constructed Guru Tegh Bahadur Memorial. The soon-to-be inaugurated memorial, a tribute to the ninth Sikh guru Tegh Bahadur and spread out on more than 10 acres on GT road of the Delhi-Haryana border is illuminated with special lighting effects. The Guru's holy teachings have been inscribed on ten rock stands with lighting where colors of the lights change every minute. The main attraction is the tallest central pylon in steel fabrication with changing lights which is visible even from a distance. The base of the monument is shaped like the petals of a flower. The four arch monoliths in the landscaped garden with the preachings of the guru use colored lights that are of religious, cultural and historical

significance. "The very tip of the structure is illuminated in brilliant white light representing the brilliant thinking of the guru. The body

The base of the monument is shaped like the petals of a flower. The four arch monoliths in the landscaped garden with the preachings of the guru use colored lights that are of religious, cultural and historical significance. The very tip of the structure is illuminated in brilliant white light representing the brilliant thinking of the guru of the central structure has a mix of blue and amber while the petals on the base are lit from below creating a warm white glow," says Indraneel Goswami, General Manager, Lighting Application Services Philips, which

APTDC to launch air package tour to Tirupati HYDERABAD: The Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) will be launching an air package tour to the temple town of Tirupati in association with private airline Jet Airways soon. “The APTDC would sign the agreement with Jet in another 15 days for the air package tour,” Jayesh Ranjan, MD of APTDC, told reporters here. “We will receive you at the Tirupati airport. We will provide accommodation and take you to the

temple. We will arrange a fast track darshan and take you back to the airport,” he added. The package can be booked either on the website of APTDC or the website of Jet and the price of the package is still being worked out, Ranjan said. APTDC would be launching information and booking centers in Bhubaneswar and Ahmedabad soon, he said. The Corporation has a total of 12 centers — six in Hyderabad and six outside the state, Ranjan added. -PTI

Low carbon fair in Shillong to commemorate CWG SHILLONG: In order to commemorate the upcoming Commonwealth Games in the national capital, a week-long 'low carbon fair' has begun here. Several activities promoting low carbon practices will be held during the initiative being organized by environment forum CMS Vatavaran in collaboration with the CWG's organizing committee. Seminars, workshops, open forum and panel discussions on several contemporary issues related to environment, climate change, sustainable technology and ecotourism will be held till September 3, an official release said. The activities also include an energy conservation marathon, a painting competition, an eco tour and an exhibition on climate change. A green film festival is being inaugurated by Meghalaya Governor Ranjit Shekhar Mooshahary. During the film festival, more than 30 award winning films on

is creative advisor to the DTTDC. The two layered lighting with a soft wash topped with scallops of light makes the green grass come alive at night and the spe-

environment and wildlife will be screened over a period of three days. The inaugural film at the festival will be 'The Wild Meat Trail' by

Seminars, workshops, open forum and panel discussions on several contemporary issues related to environment, climate change, sustainable technology and eco-tourism will be held till September 3, an official release said Rita Banerji and Shilpi Sharma. Individuals who have made significant contributions in the field of environmental conservation will be felicitated during the inaugural ceremony. -PTI

cial soft impact lighting is designed to add to the longevity of the monument, says Goswami. The memorial whose foundation stone was laid by Congress President Sonia

Gandhi and been constructed by the Delhi Tourism and Transport Development Corporation, is scheduled to be inaugurated in September, a month before the Commonwealth Games. "The monument is a fitting tribute to Guru Tegh Bahadur. It is especially beautiful during the night when it is lit up and I haven't seen any such memorial from Kolkata to the Wagah border," Paramjit Singh of Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Managing Committee told PTI. Originally called Tyag Mal the guru was renamed Tegh Bahadur after his gallant displays of sword fighting in the wars against the Mughal forces. He built the city of Anandpur Sahib, and was responsible for saving the Kashmiri Pandits, who were being persecuted by the Mughals. The guru was martyred in Delhi by Emperor Aurangzeb. -PTI

Special flight packages for Mysore Dasara festival MUMBAI: In its efforts to attract an increasing number of tourists to Karnataka, the state tourism authorities plan to offer special flight packages during the forthcoming Mysore Dasara festival, a top official said. "I have directed the State Tourism Corporation to look into whether we can offer special concessional packages to tourists from cities other than Bangalore," Karnataka Government's Principal Secretary (Tourism), K Jothiramalingam, told reporters here. The proposed special concessional packages would be inclusive of every thing such as accommodation, food and trans-

portation, Jothiramalingam said. "This year in January, during the Hampi festival, we arranged such packages for tourists from Chennai, Hyderabad and Bangalore, which proved quite a success. Now we want to replicate the same during the Mysore Dasara festival," he said. Besides Hyderabad, Bangalore and Chennai, Pune is one of the stations from Maharashtra the state tourism authorities are planning to offer special flight packages for the Mysore Dasara festival, he said. "Since only ATRs can be operated in and out of the Mysore Airport, we may also look at operating these charter services from

Valley business losses mount to Rs 21,000 cr SRINAGAR: The 80-day period of shutdowns and curfews in the valley has dented the economy of Jammu and Kashmir by a whopping Rs 21,000-crore as the separatist sponsored agitation has affected every sector including tourism, handicrafts and the nascent industries. Several established and new manufacturing companies, hotels and restaurants have laid off staff due to prolonged agitation which is showing no signs of ending. "We do not have the exact data but lay offs have taken place mostly in the hotel and restaurant sector and the travel trade," President of Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) Nazir

Ahmad Dar told PTI. Dar said although reducing the number of employees in the hotel industry was a common practice during the winters due to lean tourist arrivals, this year the lay offs have started at the peak of the tourism season in July. Asked about the estimated losses suffered by the business community in Kashmir, the KCCI president said on an average the losses were to the tune of Rs 100 crore. "Even on the limited days of normalcy we have had since June 11, there has been disturbance in some part or the other of the valley ... it will be safe to put the cumulated losses so far at Rs 8,000 crore," he added. -PTI

Pune," he said. Karnataka has of late emerged as a gateway to the south and offers a host of destinations to tourists from across segments, Jyothiramalingam said. "We offer all kinds of tourism ranging from heritage to eco to wellness and much more," he said. -PTI

KTDC formulating medical tourism package THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala Tourism Development Corporation is working out a medical tourism package seeking to cash in on growing worldwide interest in the state as an ideal destination to combine treatment with holidaying. The scheme is being evolved as a collaborative venture of superspeciality hospitals, foreign tour operators and state agencies, KTDC Chairman Cheriyan Philip said in a press release here. The greatest attraction of Kerala is that the treatment cost in the state for a number of ailments related to heart, nerves, bones and eyes, will be much less as compared to the US, European countries or the Gulf, he said. KTDC would make arrangements for such tourists to stay in its hotels in prime locations like Munnar and the state capital at affordable rates. Besides allopathic hospitals, a string of ayurvedic spas have also come up across the state offering traditional oil therapy and massage for a number of physical ailments. -PTI

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Allahabad: City of confluence & Kumbh Mela Cont’d from page 29

Tourist attractions The meeting point of the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati rivers, Sangam is around 7 km from Civil Lines. This is one of the most sacred places of Hindu religion. It hosts the Maha Kumbh Mela (the largest gathering of Hindus) and Ardh Kumbh. At the point where the brown Ganga meets the Greenish Yamuna, pandas (priests) perch on small platforms to perform puja and assist the devout in their ritual ablutions in the shallow waters. Boats are available for visitors. Near the Sangam is situated the Allahabad Fort built by Akbar in 1583 AD. Unrivalled for its design and craftsmanship in its heydays, the fort is now used by the army and only a part of it is open to visitors. This huge, majestic fort has three magnificent galleries flanked by high towers. The visitors are allowed to see the Ashoka Pillar, Saraswati Kup (a well said to be the source of the river Saraswati) and Jodhabai Palace. The Patalpur temple and the much-revered Akshaya Vat (immortal Banyan tree) are also there. Swaraj Bhawan, the historical building built by Motilal Nehru,

Near the Sangam is situated the Allahabad Fort built by Akbar in 1583 AD. Unrivalled for its design and craftsmanship in its heydays, the fort is now used by the army and only a part of it is open to visitors was donated to the nation in 1930 to be used as the headquarters of the Congress Committee. The former prime minister of India Indira Gandhi was born here. Khusro Bagh is a large garden where tombs of Khusro, son of Emperor Jahangir, and Shah Begum are located. Hanuman Mandir is a unique temple famous for the supine image of Hanuman. This is the only temple to have Hanuman in a reclining posture. Mayo Memorial Hall is situated near the Thornhill and Myne Memorial. This large hall has a

180-feet high tower. Professor Gamble of the South Kensington Museum, London, ornamented the interior of this memorial hall with designs. Completed in 1879, this hall was meant for public meetings, balls and receptions in commemoration of the assassinated Viceroy.

by taxis, buses, and boats, etc. Kaushambi (62 km) is a place traditionally associated with the Mahabharata. The city was once a great Buddhist center. Lord Buddha is believed to have visited Kaushambi twice to deliver discourses. The ruins of an ancient

Other place to visit are Shankar Viman Mandapam, Mankameshwar Temple, All Saints Cathedral (Patthar Girjaghar), Minto Park, Allahabad University, Allahabad Museum, Minto park, Muir College, Jawahar Planetarium, Chandra Shekhar Azad Park, and public library. Places around Situated 9 km from Allahabad, Jhusi (Pratisthanpuri) is a place for people wanting peace of mind and soul. It has many ashrams and temples and can be reached from Allahabad

fort bear witness to the antiquity of the place. There are also remains of a monastery. Bhita (20 km) is an archeological site with remains dating back to 300 BC. Shringverpur (40 km) was once the capital city of the kingdom of Nishadraj (King of Boatmen). Legend has it that Lord Rama stayed here overnight while going to the forest. Before steering Rama across the Ganga in his boat, his feet were washed by Nishadraj.

Other places that can be visited are Tons river aqueduct, Kara, and Upardaha Lake Fairs and festivals: The Kumbh Mela is the greatest of north Indian festival-fairs and it has exerted a mesmeric influence over the mind and imagination of the ordinary Indian from time immemorial. It is held once every three years by rotation, on the banks of holy rivers - the Godavari in Nasik, the Shipra in Ujjain, the Ganga in Haridwar and the Sangam in Allahabad. The Purna (complete) Kumbh, the biggest and the most auspicious fair, which falls once every twelve years, is always at Allahabad. When the particular configuration of the Kumbh at Allahabad falls on a Monday, it is called the Somvati Amavasya and

the spiritual benefits increase manifold. The Purna Kumbh is followed by the Ardh Kumbh in importance and this fair falls every six years when millions of devout congregate at Allahabad on the banks of the holy river, braving the hazards of cold, disease, hunger and a myriad other privations, to gain spiritual salvation and contentment. Other fairs include the Magh Mela, which is celebrated in the month of February. How to reach Air: Allahabad does not have an airport of its own. The nearest airports are at Varanasi (147 km) and Lucknow (210 km). Road & rail: Allahabad is situated on the Delhi-Calcutta route and can be reached from any part of India by rail or bus.

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Â&#x201E; Health

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Eugene man grateful for new kidney, new life

EUGENE, Ore.: Put in its simplest terms, if the family of a 40ish woman from Chicago who died in 2003 hadn't made her organs available for transplant, 63-year-old Eugene psychologist Bob Ozwoeld would not be alive today. He wouldn't have been around to see his son, Aaron, grow from a kindergartner to a talented middle school athlete. He wouldn't be an avid member of a diehard bunch of pingpong enthusiasts that call themselves the Blazing Paddles. And he wouldn't have barely missed taking home the bronze medal in table tennis for his age group at the U.S. Transplant Games, which took place earlier this month in Madison, Wis. ``It was so close,'' Ozwoeld says with a sigh. ``The last match went to a tiebreaker, and I lost. But I competed hard, and I did have fun.'' -AP

Â&#x201E; Ind. researchers develop cancer screening tool LAFAYETTE, Ind.: For the past 10 years, Robert Wright has had a yearly screening for prostate cancer, ``just to be sure everything is a-ok.'' ``If you catch it early, it's easier to correct than if you wait until it's a stage 3 or 4 status,'' said the 68-yearold West Lafayette man. ``Plus, it's what the doctor tells me to do.'' To screen for prostate cancer, physicians typically perform a digital rectal examination and a prostatespecific antigen test or PSA. But the PSA test can often yield false positives or negatives, making it an unreliable test on its own. -AP

Â&#x201E; NH care giving program wins national award CONCORD, N.H.:A New Hampshire program to help deliver services to family caregivers has won a national award. The Transitions in Care giving Program won the Council of State Governments Innovations Award which recognizes exemplary state programs. The recognition helps replicate the program in other states. The program supports families with elderly members who do not qualify for Medicaid. The program is coordinated through partnerships involving the state Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services, the Administration on Aging, the Weinberg Foundation, the University of New Hampshire Institute on Disability, ServiceLink and Gateways Community Services. -AP

Health Science 34

India Post

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September 10, 2010

Big supply of flu vaccine expected ANCHORAGE, Alaska: Alaska health officials say the state does not expect shortages of flu vaccine this season as happened last year. -AP

Indian stars join global celebs for breast cancer awareness India Post News Service

NEW YORK: More than 465,000 women die each year from breast cancer - a staggering number that translates to one death every 69 seconds. On Oct 6, to kick start Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and in partnership with Susan G. Komen for the Cure, UniGlobe Entertainment will unveil "1 a Minute", a breast cancer docudrama by Namrata Singh Gujral, with the film's global premiere in 527 theatres in the US, followed by a rolling release across the globe. The international roll-out will include a theatrical release in India starting Oct 29 with The Nargis Dutt Cancer Foundation as well as an Asia-wide initiative to raise awareness for breast cancer in a joint partnership with the National Commission for Women in India. This will be followed by Europe and Australia. This is the largest theatrical release for a cancer themed film of this nature. Along with the film's premiere, on Oct 6, there will also be a LIVE appeal to President Obama as well as other global leaders, to come together as one world to make the cure for cancer a priority. The film stars internationally

celebrated women from various nations and backgrounds who are also survivors like Olivia NewtonJohn (Grease), Jaclyn Smith (Charlie's Angels), Melissa Etheridge (An Inconvenient Truth), Lisa Ray (Water/ Bollywood Hollywood), Barbara Mori (La Mujer de Mi Hermano / Kites), Mumtaz (Iranian actress/ Bollywood), Diahann Carroll (Claudine), Namrata Singh Gujral (Americanizing Shelley/Kaante),

Donations from the film will support international non-profits & NGOs such as Susan G. Komen for the Cure, The Nargis Dutt Cancer Foundation and more. Narrated by Kelly McGillis (Top Gun), "1 a Minute" is an unprecedented push by global celebrity women, who are also cancer survivors, to help raise funds to find the cures, promote awareness and prevention as well as support survivors of women's cancers. The

'Thirty years ago, I promised my dying sister Susan G. Komen to do everything in my power to end breast cancer forever. 1A Minute helps fulfil that promise' brothers Billy Baldwin (Backdraft) and Danny Baldwin (Vampire$), whose mother is a survivor and finally Priya Dutt, whose mother, the famous Bollywood star Nargis Dutt, died of cancer. The documentary also covers interviews with top Western Oncologists such as Dr. Dennis Slamon whose research led to the revolutionary drug Herceptin, top Eastern medicine practitioners such as Dr. Deepak Chopra as well as experts Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker (WHO; Founder: Susan G. Komen for the Cure) and more.

film follows a woman's journey through cancer with a focus on Breast Cancer, the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women worldwide. At each stage of her journey, our stars jump in and recount their experiences at that point in time. The film is a hybrid between narrative structure and documentary style with interweaves throughout the picture. Preceding the screening on Oct 6, a panel discussion will be broadcast Live from Los Angeles to each movie theatre drawing attention to issues women with breast

cancer and their families face, while also highlighting the hopeful advancements made against the disease in recent years. Speaking about the trust and the association Priya Dutt said, "I am just fulfilling the dream that my parents had seen and started, to provide medical facility to our people in India; to bring a smile to the patients and their family. Especially those families who cannot afford this specialized kind of treatment that my father could give my mother. We do all that is possible through Nargis Dutt Memorial Charity Trust to keep this dream alive. We welcome all of you who would like to contribute and live this dream, along with the Nargis Dutt Memorial Charity Trust family." "We are delighted to be associated with foundations like the Nargis Dutt Memorial Charitable Trust and Susan G. Komen for the Cure," said Namrata Singh Gujral, President, UniGlobe Entertainment. Speaking about the association, Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker, said, "Thirty years ago, I promised my dying sister Susan G. Komen to do everything in my power to end breast cancer forever. 1A Minute helps fulfil that promise by encouraging a dialogue about this awful disease."

Recession pushes US birth rate to new low MILWAUKEE: Here's America's latest economic indicator: The U.S. birth rate has fallen to its lowest level in at least a century as many people apparently decided they couldn't afford more mouths to feed. The birth rate dropped for the second year in a row since the recession began in 2007. Births fell 2.6 percent last year even as the population grew, numbers released by the National Center for Health Statistics show. ``It's a good-sized decline for one year. Every month is showing a decline from the year before,'' said Stephanie Ventura, the demographer who oversaw the report. The birth rate, which takes into account changes in the

population, fell to 13.5 births for every 1,000 people last year. That's down from 14.3 in 2007 and way down from 30 in 1909, when it was common for people to have big families. The situation is a striking turnabout from 2007, when more babies

postpone having children. We saw that in the Great Depression the 1930s and we're seeing that in the Great Recession today,'' said Andrew Cherlin, a sociology professor at Johns Hopkins University. ``It could take a few years to turn this around,'' he added.

The birth rate, which takes into account changes in the population, fell to 13.5 births for every 1,000 people last year. That's down from 14.3 in 2007 and way down from 30 in 1909 were born in the United States than any other year in U.S. history. The recession began that fall, dragging down stocks, jobs and births. ``When the economy is bad and people are uncomfortable about their financial future, they tend to

The birth rate dipped below 20 per 1,000 people in 1932 and did not rise above that level until the early 1940s. Recent recessions, in 1981-82, 1990-91 and 2001, all were followed by small dips in the birth rate, according to CDC figures.

The Great Recession ``is definitely a deterrent'' to people having more children, said Dr. Michael Cabbad, chief of maternal health at the Brooklyn Hospital Center, where births declined from about 2,800 in 2008 to about 2,500 last year. Even Cabbad's son said he'd like to have more children ``if his business plan works out.'' Nearly half of low and middleincome women surveyed a year ago by the Guttmacher Institute said they wanted to delay pregnancy or limit the number of children they have because of money concerns. Half of those women also said the recession made them more focused on contraceptive use. Guttmacher researches reproductive health issues. -AP

September 10, 2010

Health Science Post

India Post

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Time to get your flu shot, but just one this year WASHINGTON: It's flu-shot season already, and for the first time health authorities are urging nearly everyone to get vaccinated. There is even a new high-dose version for people 65 or older. What a difference a year makes: Crowds lined up for hours for scarce shots during last fall's swine flu pandemic, when infections peaked well before enough vaccine could be produced. This year, a record vaccine supply is expected _ an all-in-one inoculation that now promises protection against that swine flu strain plus two other kinds of influenza. Shipments began so early that drugstores are offering vaccinations amid their back-to-school sales. But without last year's scare factor, the question is how many people will heed the new policy for near-universal vaccination. No more stopping to check if you're on a high-risk list: A yearly dose is recommended for virtually everyone except babies younger than 6 months _ the shot isn't approved for tots that young _ and people with severe allergies to the eggs used to brew it. "Influenza is serious, and anyone, including healthy people, can get the flu and spread the flu,'' said

Dr. Anne Schuchat of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. ``Flu vaccines are the best way to protect yourself and those around you.'' The CDC was moving toward that policy even before last year's pandemic brought home an inescapable fact: The flu virus doesn't just kill grandparents and babies and people with weak lungs or hearts, although they're particularly vulnerable. It also can kill healthy pregnant women and 30somethings. And 5-year-olds. ``We were discussing how we were going to go get his Star Wars Halloween costume after he got out of the hospital ... and all of a sudden his eyes lost their focus,'' said Serese Marotta of Dayton, Ohio, describing for reporters how her son Joseph, 5, died of swine flu last October before vaccine was available in her community. She urged families to make vaccination a priority. Here are some questions and answers about flu: Q: I got vaccinated against both seasonal and that so-called H1N1 flu last year, so why do I need vaccine this year? A: It protects against a different strain of the H3N2 influenza family

that has cropped up, as well as last year's swine flu, part of the H1N1 family, and a Type B strain. Every year a different flu vaccine is brewed to match the constantly changing flu strains that circle the globe. Q: Why is there a new highdose version for seniors? A: Your immune system weakens with age, so it doesn't respond as actively to a flu shot. Sanofi Pasteur's Fluzone High-Dose qua-

her son Joseph, 5, died of swine flu last October before vaccine was available in her community druples the standard dose for people 65 and older. This winter, scientists will track if that translates into less illness. Until that proof's in, the CDC says it's OK to choose either option. Sanofi is finalizing how much to make, and availability may vary with location. For example, Dr. Marvin Bittner of the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Omaha estimates the new shot might ben-

efit one in four seniors and said his center has ordered enough for that population, while other VA clinics aren't ordering as much. Q: Will I need just one shot? A: Most people will, but any children under 9 getting their firstever flu vaccine will need two, a month apart, to prime their immune systems. Q: What if my child's first-ever vaccine was last year and she got one dose of seasonal and one dose of swine flu vaccine? A: She wasn't primed enough and needs her two doses this year, said Dr. Michael Brady of Nationwide Children's Hospital, who coauthored the American Academy of Pediatrics flu vaccination guidelines. Q: Will there be enough vaccine? A: Manufacturers project 170 million doses. Obviously that won't cover the entire population, but the CDC knows its near-universal vaccination policy won't spark a stampede for shots. Before last year, flu vaccine was recommended for 85 percent of Americans but only about a third got vaccinated. Last year nearly all 114 million doses of seasonal vaccine were used, but as the swine flu outbreak slowed, just 90

million doses of the special vaccine were used out of nearly 162 million eventually produced for the general public. Q: Who's at high risk from flu? A: Young children, anyone 50 or older, anyone with chronic medical conditions such as asthma or heart disease, pregnant women. Also, health workers and caregivers of infants can infect the vulnerable unless vaccinated. Q: Who can use the nasal spray vaccine? A: FluMist is for healthy people 2 to 49, no pregnancy or underlying health conditions. Q: When should vaccination start? A: Chain pharmacies already have started vaccinating; protection will last all winter. It takes about two weeks to kick in, and flu typically starts circulating around November. Q: How do I know it's safe? A: Unprecedented safety monitoring last year turned up no rare side effects from the special swine flu-only vaccine sold in the United States. ``We're hoping a lot of the myths people had about the influenza vaccine may be a little bit less of a concern,'' said pediatrics specialist Brady. -AP

TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

1 Anjaana Anjaani Ki Kahaani: Anjaana Anjaani 2 Tere Mast Mast Do Nain: Dabangg 3

Pee Loon: Once Upon A Time in Mumbai

India Post

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September 10, 2010

Hairat: Anjaana Anjaani

5 Mera Jeena Hai Kya: Aashayein

ctors often complain that losing privacy is the price they pay for their stardom and the advent of cell phones has made them even more vulnerable to fans invading their privacy. So much so that even, Khiladi Kumar, known to be one of the most patient actors in tinsel town, lost his temper when one of his fans continued clicking snaps with his cell camera despite the actor warning him not to do so. Akshay was at a five-star hotel with wife Twinkle. After the couple left the hotel and was stepping into their car, a fan came forward and

6 Tujhe Bhula Diya: Anjaana Anjaani 7 Chori Kiya Re Jiya: Dabangg 8 Man Lafanga: Lafangey Parindey 9 Naav: Udaan (New) 10 Desh Mera: Peepli Live

Jab they met

started taking their pictures on his cell phone. Seeing his wife uncomfortable at being clicked without permission, Akshay asked the person to stop doing so, but the man continued and the angry star walked up to the man, snatched his phone from his hand and threw it on the ground, then crushed it to pieces under his foot. Leaving the cell phone owner stunned, he drove off in his car. However, sources close to Akshay deny that he lost his temper. They say all that happened was Akshay asking the person politely to take permission before clicking someone and there was no such thing as the phone being broken or so.

Unwanted AT HOME F

rieda Pinto may be popular abroad but the ac tress claims she is virtually unknown in India. "I have done no film in India so it is very hard for people to accept me as an actress. They don't really know who I am or they probably don't take me too seriously," she told the New York Times in a recent interview. The actress received international acclaim with her performance in Slumdog Millionaire which was a hit abroad but failed to create waves in India. While the actress is now working in international cinema, she has yet to receive any offers from India. "I haven't been directly approached to do a Bollywood film. After Slumdog Millionaire I was given scripts to read but was not directly approached. I don't think I fit the bill," she claimed. The actress believes that she has not been accepted by her own country but by Hollywood more so. "They definitely have accepted me much more willingly than in India. I am not famous in India. I don't get chased around," she believes. Pinto will next be seen in Woody Allen's You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger and The Rise of Apes, both of which are Hollywood films.

ilmmaker Deepa Mehta has signed Soha Ali Khan for her upcoming movie Midnight's Children, which is based on a novel with the same title by renowned author Salman Rushdie. It is reported that the author had recently come down to Mumbai to meet the actress. Soha was very excited to meet the Booker Prize winner. An industry source said both the actress and the author bonded well. Rushdie discussed Soha's character and its cinematic adaptation. Deepa has kept Salman in the loop. Midnight's Children is one of the best works by the author and he wants to see all the developments before the shooting starts. Soha said that she thoroughly enjoyed the author's company. She was delighted to know his perspective and discussed things with him. She claimed to be a huge fan of Rushdie and informed that 'Midnight's Children' is one of her favorite books.

Bollywood

September 10, 2010

India Post

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COOL N

cat

ot showing any signs of jitters, Sonakshi Sinha looks fresh, calm and confident as she joins producer Arbaaz Khan and co-star Salman on endless rounds of promotion for Dabangg across the country. The daughter of veteran actor 'Shotgun' Shatrughan Sinha, Sonakshi has been receiving excellent feedback since the promos of the film began airing. "The reactions have of course been great so far but then I am not going to take it to my head", says Sonakshi For someone who never harbored any filmy dreams, acting came easily to her. After all, the talent is in her genes. "I wasn't really nervous about being in front of the camera," she says. "Salman and Arbaaz had talked me through the process and I found I actually enjoyed it." When quizzed about her working experience and much appreciated pairing with Salman, she says "To work with Salman isn't a blessing in disguise; it's a blessing openly in front of everyone. It's a fabulous start to my career and the magnitude that Dabangg has reached right now is become more tremendous. Dabangg is a blessing."

Rancho costume

amir Khan has confessed he keeps the costumes of all the characters he plays in films, even the clapboards. Aamir has kept the costumes of Rancho, the character he essayed in the superhit '3 Idiots', as well as the clapboards, as he has done for all his films. "You know I keep the clapboards of all my films. On the last day of the shoot, I collect it, even the costumes," Aamir told reporters at the DVD launch of "3 Idiots." The superstar said he wishes he could have shown "3 Idiots' to his favorite directors -Guru Dutt, Mehboob and Raj Kapoor. "Guru Dutt, Mehboobji and Raj Kapoor, I would have liked them to see this film (3 Idiots)," Aamir said. In the last 10 years, the actor has given some major hits like "Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India" (2001), "Dil Chahta Hai" (2001), "Rang De Basanti" (2006), "Fanaa" (2006), "Ghajini" (2008). The actor maintains that every film is a collective effort and the key person is the director of the film. "One thing that all should remember is that the main thing of a film is the collective effort, and the most important person of a film is the director. Till now if so many of my films have become successful, its bigger share of credit goes to the director."

Payment FOR DUD

ema Malini's daughter is all up set with filmmaker Ramgopal Verma who has failed to clear his dues to the actress for his box-office dud 'Darling' despite repeated reminders from Esha. The actress had also filed a complaint about a year back for the clearance of her dues which amount to nearly Rs.13 lakh but the filmmaker did not even bother to reply to the letters from the association. After some time, the case was taken to the Federation of Western Indian Cine Employees (FWICE), which has termed the case as a 'Non Cooperation Matter'. Tired of waiting, now Esha has lodged a complaint against RGV in the Cine and TV Artistes' Association (CINTAA). Verma, on the other hand, has a different tale to state. He said it is a very old issue, which has been solved as per his knowledge. The producer of the movie, Bhushan Kumar, said that he had paid a huge amount to RGV for the concerned movie and the actors were supposed to be paid from that and they have no contract with Esha.

Ameesha in hospital

meesha Patel is going through a not so great phase of her life. She lost her maternal grandmother. The actress was quite close to her and her loss hit her hard. However, not the one to let her personal problems affect her personal front, she reported at her shooting schedule for a Telugu film in Hyderabad, but unable to take the strain of grief, devastation, heat, dust and work load, she collapsed on the sets and had to be rushed to a hospital where she was put on intravenous drip. Brother Ashmit Patel confirms saying, "Yes Ameesha was hospitalized. I think the stress of losing our grandma a few days back and the heat and dust at her shoot in Hyderabad took a toll on her. Also, there's a round of very strong viral infection doing the rounds in the city. Fortunately my mom is around to take care of her. In fact she has almost recovered and is on her way to resume shooting."

Tech News PM lays foundation of Tirupati Airport TIRUPATI: Observing that civil aviation is a key contributor to country's economy, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh here said India competing effectively in the global economy will depend critically on air transport. "Many sectors of the economy which will drive our growth in the future depend critically on air transport for competing effectively in the global economy," he said laying the foundation of the new international airport at Renigunta near here. By expanding the size of the market that could be assessed, aviation enlarges the scope to exploit economies of scale and enhances competition, he said adding aviation sector supports tourism in a big way and generates employment, both directly and indirectly. -PTI

Govt admits faux pas; revises Q1 growth to 10% NEW DELHI: Admitting its faus pax within a day, the government revised the economic growth at market prices to 10.02 per cent for the quarter ending June 2010, from 3.65 per cent stated earlier. Issuing a corrigendum to its figure issued earlier, the Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation (Mospi) attributed the mistake to wrong calculation of deflators. Deflators, which convert GDP data at current prices to constant prices, are used for factoring in inflation. Real GDP (excluding inflation) at market prices (what consumers pay) for the April-June quarter now stands at Rs 12,09,888 crore, from the earlier estimated figure of Rs 11,39,867 crore. -PTI

TechBiz 38 India Post

www.indiapost.com

September 10, 2010

Delhi entrepreneurs halt expansion plans NEW DELHI: Entrepreneurs in Delhi and the NCR region have to put on hold their expansion plans in the critically-polluted industrial clusters till October 31 with the Centre refusing to lift its ban on such activities in the absence of action plans for the sites. Nazafgarh drain basin in Delhi as also 43 sites across various states, including 22 in Ghaziabad, six in Noida in Uttar Pradesh, have been identified as critically-polluted industrial clusters by the Central Pollution Control Board where no construction is allowed unless they have remediation plan. -PTI

Give me more, Pranab tells LIC with 72% business MUMBAI: Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee has asked Life Insurance Corporation to increase its contribution to the GDP to 2 per cent from the present 1.84 per cent, as the state-run insurance behemoth entered its 55th year of operations. The life major enjoyed a whopping 71.33 per cent of new business premiums as of July 31 and 71.68 per cent in terms of overall policies, according to data from

pects LIC to increase its contribution to 2 per cent of GDP from the present 1.84 per cent. The corporation has already registered over 1 crore new policies in the current fiscal (as of August 14), with a first-year premium income of Rs 15,917 crore, translating into an impressive 96.17 per cent growth, said corporation chairman T S Vijayan. . Inaugurating the week-long anniversary celebrations of LIC by

Mukherjee also asked insurers to introduce more affordable products to help the government extend its financial inclusion drive to the masses, reduce the premiums and increase the visibility of different policies and products through the print and electronic media insurance regulator IRDA. In the overall life market, LIC had a 66 per cent market share as of end-June, a full 11 per cent jump in comparison to the same period last year. LIC was created on September 1, 1956, by nationalizing 245 private insurers through an Act of Parliament. Even after a decade of operations, the 22 private operators together have a market share of slightly above 29 per cent, Mukherjee noted and said he ex-

cutting a ceremonial cake at the insurance meet organized by Assocham, Mukherjee extended his best wishes to the corporation and noted that opening up of the market has only pushed LIC to newer heights in terms of business and service to customers. Mukherjee also asked insurers to introduce more affordable products to help the government extend its financial inclusion drive to the masses, reduce the premiums and increase the visibility of

Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee cutting the cake on the 54th anniversary of LIC in Mumbai. Assocham President Swati Piramal (right), and LIC Chairman T. S. Vijayan (left) look on.

different policies and products through the print and electronic media, seminars and discussions. When LIC began operations on September 1, 1956, it had assets worth only Rs 348.68 crore and the same has now risen to a mammoth Rs 11,52,057 crore, said Vijayan. Total premium income for FY'10 stood at Rs 1,85,986 crore, while gross total income stood at Rs

2,98,721 crore during the same period. In 2009-10, the corporation settled 2.11 crore claims amounting to Rs 53,954 crore. The corporation has 2,048 branch offices, 1,042 satellite offices, an employee force of 1,15,000 and over 14 lakh agents servicing over 37 crore individual policies and over 8 crore group and social sector policies, Vijayan said. -PTI

Economy up 8.8 pc in Apr-June, thanks to manufacturing Show-cause notice to Vedanta over refinery capacity NEW DELHI: Vedanta's troubles seem to be far from over with the Environment Ministry now issuing a show-cause notice to it to reply within a fortnight on allegedly expanding the capacity of its refinery and captive power plant in Orissa without taking green clearance. Just a few days ago, the Ministry had rejected Vedanta's USD 1.7 billion bauxite mining project proposed in Niyamgiri Hills in Orissa citing violation of environment norms. -PTI

NEW DELHI: Driven by robust manufacturing, the Indian economy grew by 8.8 per cent in the first quarter of this fiscal, the fastest pace in around three years, despite partial withdrawal of economic stimulus packages. The growth numbers prompted some industry groups to forecast that the economy would revert to high expansion mode of 9 per cent in 2010-11, after two successive years of slowdown due to the impact of global financial meltdown. Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee exuded confidence that the economy would grow at least by 8.5-8.75 per cent during the current financial year. Manufacturing, which bore the brunt of the slowdown that began in

2008-09, grew by 12.4 per cent during April-June, 2010; against 3.8 per cent in the same period last fiscal. Agriculture and allied activities expanded by 2.8 per cent versus 1.9 per cent, according to official

growth will not be less than 8.58.75 per cent." However, there are certain areas of concern, especially in the services sector, where growth rate moderated.

Despite partial withdrawal of economic stimulus packages, the growth rate at 8.8 per cent is highest since the last quarter of 2006-07, when the economy expanded by close to 9.5 per cent data released. The Finance Minister said, "...encouraging point is 12.4 per cent growth registered in manufacturing... I am quite confident about whatever was projected in the economic survey ...that GDP

While finance, insurance, real estate and business services grew by 8 per cent during April-June this fiscal against 11.8 per cent in the same period last year, community, social and personal services expanded by 6.7 per cent against 7.6

per cent. Despite partial withdrawal of economic stimulus packages, the growth rate at 8.8 per cent is highest since the last quarter of 200607, when the economy expanded by close to 9.5 per cent. In a partial roll back of the stimulus, the government had rolled back excise duty by 2 per cent -from 8 per cent to 10 per cent in the last week of February. While the economy clocked 8.6 per cent growth in the March quarter, it had registered 6 per cent in the same quarter last fiscal. China, the only large country with higher growth rate than India, witnessed 10.2 per cent growth in the same quarter ended June 2010. -PTI

TechBiz Post

September 10, 2010

India Post

www.indiapost.com

No uncertainty in Govt stand on BlackBerry: PC NEW DELHI: The government is "firm" in expecting BlackBerry phone maker to give security agencies lawful access to their encrypted data within the next 60 days and there is no uncertainty over this stand, says Union Home Minister P Chidambaram. Chidambaram also made it clear there would be no compromise on the security of the nation in the operations of Research In Motion (RIM)--makers of Blackberry--and other service providers like Google and Skype. The Minister said RIM has agreed to provide access to some

Home Ministry officials said the other service providers included Google, internet phone call provider Skype and service provider Virtual Private Network (VPN) should also follow these directives. These service providers will also have to provide an access to their services in next 60 days, the official said. These service providers have been issued notices earlier and all of them were asked to comply with the directive or else they will have to close down their networks in India, a senior official said.

services on the Internet offered by Google and Skype in India, both of which have considerable presence in the country. The data traveling through Google, Skype, VPN and a few other networks is not accessible by security agencies in the country. Even the terrorists, who carried out the audacious 26/11 attack in Mumbai, used Skype services. Google is a popular search engine which also offers email, online chatting and owns social networking website Orkut. Luxembourg-based Skype SA Prime Minister Manmohan Singh lays foundation stone for the NTPC-BHEL joint venture power plant manufacturing project at Mannavaram village near Tirupati. Andhra Pradesh Governor, E.S.L. Narsimhan and Vilas Rao Deshmukh, Union Minister for Heavy Industries is also seen

"There will be no discrimination. All networks operating in India will have to give access to their services to law enforcement agencies," the official said. He said Nokia, which wanted to introduce push-mail service in India, has already agreed to set up a server in India of the communications that are transmitted through the RIM system and these have been operationalised. Chidambaram made these remarks while presenting the report card of his ministry for the month of August and at a CII function here. "Discussion on technical solutions for further access are continuing and the matter will be reviewed within 60 days," Chidambaram, who was flanked by Union Home Secretary G K Pillai, said. Chidambaram had said that the Government stand on Blackberry providing access to the encrypted data of its core services was "firm" and there was "no uncertainty" over the issue. "...Our stand is firm. We look forward to get access to data... There is no uncertainty over it," he said during a program 'Securing India's Future - The Role of Young Indians' organized by Young Turks and CII here. Pillai said "People who operate communication services in India should give server in India as well as make available access to law enforcement agencies, whatever communications passes through telecommunication network in India and that has been made clear to RIM of BlackBerry but also to other companies."

PM lays foundation stone for power equipment plant

provides telephony services over the Internet on personal computers and mobile phones also uses proprietary encryption and decryption. VPN is a network that uses a public telecommunication infrastructure, such as the Internet, to provide remote offices or individual users with secure access to their organization's network. -PTI

TIRUPATI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh laid the foundation stone for the construction of a power equipment manufacturing plant, being set up as a joint venture by public sector giants NTPC and BHEL, at Mannavaram village near here. The Rs 6000 crore plant is being set up by NBPPL, the joint venture company formed by NTPC and BHEL, and will be the first integrated plant in the country to manufacture turbines, generators and boilers under one roof. It will go into full stream by 2015 and have a capacity to manufacture up to 5000 MW of power equipment annually. NBPPL Chairman and Managing Director C P Singh said the joint venture company would help meet huge emerging demand for setting up of new power projects in the country. Andhra Pradesh Governor E S L Narasimhan, Union Minis-

ters Vilasrao Deshmukh, Sushil Kumar Shinde, Union Ministers of State Arun Yadav, Bharat Singh Solanki and AP industries

The Rs 6000 crore plant is being set up by NBPPL, the joint venture company formed by NTPC and BHEL, and will be the first integrated plant in the country to manufacture turbines, generators and boilers under one roof minister Kanna Lakshmi Narayana attended the function. Chief Minister K Rosaiah could not attend as he was indisposed. -PTI

In Brief 4 teens in NY hate crime stabbing face sentencing RIVERHEAD, NY: Four Long Island teenagers who admitted being part of a gang that targeted Hispanics for violence face long prison terms for their roles in the killing of an Ecuadorean immigrant. The four pleaded guilty to gang assault and other charges in the 2008 stabbing death of immigrant Marcelo Lucero in Patchogue, about 50 miles east of New York City. The killing focused attention on the treatment of Hispanics in Suffolk County. Suffolk has seen an influx of immigrants from Central and South America in the past decade. In May, 19-year-old Jeffrey Conroy was sentenced to 25 years in prison following his conviction on manslaughter as a hate crime. He's the one who actually stabbed Lucero. -AP

Woman accused in immigrant list resigns SALT LAKE CITY: One of the women accused of inappropriately accessing the personal information of 1,300 purported illegal immigrants has resigned from her state job. Teresa Bassett, who resigned from the Department of Workforce Services, was a computer specialist for the department, which administers food stamps and other benefits. State officials have said nearly all the information on the list was obtained from the department's files. State officials had been trying to fire her for weeks, but she had appealed. Through an attorney, Bassett has denied any wrongdoing. -AP

Some seek Ariz. style immigration law for Md. FREDERICK, Md.: Three Republican elected officials from Frederick County are seeking an Arizona-style immigration law for Maryland. The measure proposed by County Commissioner John Thompson, state Delegate Charles Jenkins and Sheriff Chuck Jenkins would make it a state offense to be in the country illegally. It also would require local police to question people about their immigration status if the officer has reason to suspect they are illegal. And it would prohibit hiring illegal immigrants for day labor. -AP

Immigration 40

India Post

www.indiapost.com

September 10, 2010

Kent Catholic Charities to offer immigration help DOVER, Del.: Catholic Charities will soon offer immigration help at its Kent County office. Maria Mesias, an immigration specialist, will see people who need assistance with their legal status on Wednesdays. -AP

Brewer condemns report to UN mentioning Arizona law PHOENIX: Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer has demanded that a reference to the state's controversial immigration law be removed from a State Department report to the United Nations' human rights commissioner. The US included its legal challenge to the law on a list of ways the federal government is protecting human rights. In a letter to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Brewer says it is ``downright offensive'' that a state law would be included in the report, which was drafted as part of a UN review of human rights in all member nations every four years. ``The idea of our own American government submitting the duly enacted laws of a state of the United States to 'review' by the United Nations is internationalism run amok and unconstitutional,'' Brewer wrote.

Arizona's law generally requires police officers enforcing other laws to investigate the immigration status of people they suspect are illegal immigrants.

Republican Gov. Jan Brewer

Critics say it would lead officers to target Hispanics. Supporters, including Brewer, say the law prohibits racial profiling and other human rights abuses.

The US Justice Department sued to block the measure, arguing federal law trumps the state's authority to enforce immigration laws.

‘The idea of our own American government submitting the duly enacted laws of a state of the United States to 'review' by the United Nations is internationalism run amok and unconstitutional’ A federal judge in July sided with the Justice Department and blocked enforcement of the law's most controversial provisions a day before it was sched-

H-1B raise to offset border security costs CYRUS D. MEHTA

n August 13, President Barack Obama signed into law a border enforcement funding bill, H.R. 6080, that would offset certain border security costs by raising fees for certain H-1B and L petitions. The bill was passed in the House of Representatives by voice vote on August 10, and was passed in the Senate by unanimous consent on August 12. The new law raises by $2,250 for L non-immigrants the "filing fee and fraud prevention and detection fee" paid by companies that employ 50 or more employees in the U.S. if more than 50 percent of the applicant's employees are non-immigrants admitted on L or H-1B visas. “The law also raises by $2,000 for H-1B non-immigrants the fee paid by companies that employ 50 or more employees in the U.S. if more than 50 percent of the applicant's employees are nonimmigrants admitted on L visas. The fee increases will take effect as soon as U.S. Citizenship and

Immigration Services issues implementing instructions and will stay in effect until September 30, 2014. Indian businesses such as Infosys and Tata are expected to feel the bill's primary impact, and some feel it unfairly targets them.

‘But if you are using the H-1B visa to run a glorified international temp agency for tech workers in contravention of the spirit of the program, I and my colleagues believe that you should have to pay a higher fee’ Nasscom, a trade association representing high-tech Indian companies, reportedly predicted that the legislation will result in a decrease in foreign investment in the U.S. and that educated foreign workers will seek jobs in other coun-

tries instead. The American Council on International Personnel reported that the Indian government is unhappy with the bill. Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) said in remarks before Senate passage of the bill, however, that "If you are using the H-1B visa to innovate new products and technologies for your own company to sell, that is a good thing regardless of whether the company was originally founded in India, Ireland, or Indiana. “But if you are using the H-1B visa to run a glorified international temp agency for tech workers in contravention of the spirit of the program, I and my colleagues believe that you should have to pay a higher fee to ensure that American workers are not losing their jobs because of unintended uses of the visa program that were never contemplated when the program was created." * Cyrus D Mehta, may be contacted at 212-425-0555 or info@cyrusmehta.com

uled to take effect. In its report, the State Department does not specifically allege that Arizona's law would lead to racial profiling. ``A recent Arizona law, S.B. 1070, has generated significant attention and debate at home and around the world,'' the report says. ``The issue is being addressed in a court action that argues that the federal government has the authority to set and enforce immigration law. That action is ongoing; parts of the law are currently enjoined.'' A State Department spokesman had no immediate comment on Brewer's letter. Brewer, a Republican, is running for election in November. Her popularity in Arizona and her national profile have soared since she signed the immigration measure in April. -AP

Feds arrest 370 immigrants in 10 states CHICAGO: Federal officials announced they had arrested 370 immigrants who were in the US illegally or convicted of other crimes as part of a three-day roundup in the Midwest. Those arrested were legal immigrants with convictions that made them eligible for deportation, illegal immigrants who had been convicted of other crimes, immigration fugitives wanted for being in the country illegally or people who had been deported and come back. ``These are not people we want freely roaming our streets,'' said John Morton, director of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency. Arrests were made in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Wisconsin, Kansas, Missouri, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska and Ohio, officials said. The immigrants arrested were from more than 50 countries and some had been convicted of crimes involving drugs and sexual offenses, ICE said. The countries spanned the globe, including Iraq, India, Kenya, Syria, Togo, Bosnia, Canada and Vietnam, Morton said. -AP

Immigration Post

September 10, 2010

www.indiapost.com

Some communities left out of immigration program ATLANTA: Several Georgia communities have been rejected from participating in a federal program aimed at helping local authorities remove illegal immigrants who are dangerous from their communities. Critics say the program could encourage racial profiling. The Forsyth County Sheriff's office confirmed to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that the agency was among those rejected. The taxpayer-funded program allows local officials to investigate immigration status of people arrested and jailed for other crimes. Cherokee County Sheriff Roger Garrison told the newspaper that he applied for the money in 2008 and had not yet received an answer. A spokeswoman for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said the county's request is still under consideration. They are among Atlanta-area sheriffs and police chiefs eager to sign on because the program would give them federal enforce-

ment powers they don't have now. Those powers include the authority to detain, process and transport illegal immigrants for deportation. Law enforcement officials believe the program could reduce the number of both criminal and non-

In Cherokee County, Garrison said deputies have arrested 647 non-U.S. citizens, some of whom may be in the country illegally, so far this year criminal illegal immigrants in their communities. In Cherokee County, Garrison said deputies have arrested 647 non-U.S. citizens, some of whom may be in the country illegally, so far this year. Critics have complained the program, called 287(g), could lead

to racial profiling and discourage immigrants from reporting crimes to police. The National Council of La Raza, a Latino civil rights organization based in Washington, released a report calling on the Obama administration to scrap the program. ``It is being used as a roundup, a legal way to round up people who are not wanted in those particular counties,'' said the Rev. Tracy Blagec, spokeswoman for a coalition of churches and community organizations called Atlantans Building Leadership for Empowerment. But many cities and counties want into the program. A spokeswoman for ICE said her agency can't accept everyone into the $68 million program, in part because of limited funding. ICE covers the costs of supervising the program, training officers and buying equipment. ICE spokeswoman Barbara Gonzalez said Cherokee County and the city of Roswell's applications are still under consideration. -AP

Colo. legislator working on immigration proposal PUEBLO, Colo.: A Colorado Republican legislator has taken the first steps toward introducing a bill similar to Arizona's law cracking down on illegal immigration. Rep. Kent Lambert of Colorado Springs was one of 11 GOP legislators from Colorado who met earlier this month with lawmakers in Arizona on copying that state's law. He has reserved

a bill title for a proposal, which is being reviewed by legislative legal staffers. Arizona's law has been denounced by advocates for immigrants and protested in cities across the country. In July, a federal judge delayed the law's most contentious provisions, including a section requiring officers to check a person's immigration

status while enforcing other laws if they have ``reasonable suspicion'' that the person is in the country illegally. Lambert said he's confident Colorado legislators can write a bill that will stand up in court. ``If they want to debate constitutionality, there are arguing points on both sides,'' he said. -AP

India Post

Immigration Post

India Post

September 10, 2010

www.indiapost.com

Neb. high court to get immigration-law question

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OMAHA, Neb.: The Nebraska Supreme Court should answer a legal question about whether a Nebraska city's ban on hiring and renting to illegal immigrants is allowed by state law, a federal judge has ruled. US District Judge Laurie Smith Camp ruled on briefs from parties in lawsuits filed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Nebraska and the Mexican American Legal Defense & Educational Fund, also known as MALDEF. Those lawsuits challenging Fremont's ban have since been combined. A portion of the lawsuit claims the city of Fremont exceeded its municipal authority under Nebraska law when it enacted the ban this summer. Smith Camp had asked for the briefs last month, saying she wasn't sure whether the lawsuit should be heard in federal or state court. She has given the civil rights groups, as well as Fremont's attorney, Kris Kobach of Kansas, until Sept. 1 to craft the language of the question that she will present to the Nebraska Supreme Court. ``We'd like to see it resolved at the Nebraska Supreme Court,''

said Shirley Mora James, an attorney with MALDEF. ``If the state Supreme Court finds that the ordinance is invalid, then we never reach the federal question ... so, we're done. ``That would save the city's time and energy, and it certainly would save everyone involved

Smith Camp had asked for the briefs last month, saying she wasn't sure whether the lawsuit should be heard in federal or state court time and energy.'' Kobach said he, too, was pleased with Smith Camp's decision. ``Frankly, we don't think this is a particularly strong claim the plaintiffs have made,'' Kobach said. ``We're confident that cities like Fremont do have the authority to impose conditions upon a lease permit or the hiring of an employee.'' Fremont voters approved the ordinance in June. It would require

employers to use a federal online system that checks whether a person is permitted to work in the U.S. It also would require people seeking to rent property to apply for a $5 permit at City Hall. Those who said they were citizens would receive a permit and would not have to provide documents proving legal status. Those who said they weren't citizens would receive permits, but their legal status would be checked. If they're found to be in the country illegally and are unable to resolve their status, they would be forced to leave the property. Landlords who knowingly rent to illegal immigrants could be subject to $100 fines. Both the ACLU and MALDEF sued Fremont following the ordinance's approval by city leaders, saying the local law is discriminatory and contrary to what is allowed by state law. Faced with expensive legal challenges, the City Council voted late last month to suspend the ban until its legality is decided in court. The ordinance has put Fremont on the list with Arizona and other places in the national debate over immigration regulations. -AP

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McALLEN, Texas: Gov. Rick Perry has told just about anyone who will listen about his plan to dispatch elite teams of Texas Rangers to the border to do what he says the federal government won't keep Texans safe from encroaching Mexican drug violence. Just don't ask him for specifics. While the Ranger Recon initiative has served as a strong rhetorical counterpoint when Perry slams the federal government, details about what the taxpayerfunded teams actually accomplish remain a secret. State officials insist they do not tally arrests or drug and property

seizures under the program, which they say doesn't have its own budget after more than a year in operation. They say the Ranger Recon teams are paid out of the state's larger border security initiative, but decline to put a dollar figure on the program's costs. Nor will they say how many of the state's 144 Rangers, the top criminal investigators in Texas, participate or where the teams have been active. The Department of Public Safety, which oversees the program, said in response to an Associated Press public records request that the Rangers do no investigative work as part of the teams, but have en-

gaged in about 10 ``missions.'' Reports on the missions, however, are kept under wraps to preserve ``operational security,'' said public safety director Steve McCraw. He also said the program doesn't want to brag. ``Have there been arrests made? Yes,'' McCraw said. ``Have there been drug seizures? Yes. Have there been vehicle seizures? Yes.'' But asked for data on just those points, McCraw said, ``That's not how we measure them.'' The department has asked the state Attorney General's office for permission to reject a subsequent AP request for the mission reports. -AP

Datebook

September 10, 2010

India Post

www.indiapost.com

NEW YORK

ILLINOIS

Upcoming

Sat July 31 to Sat Sept 18

Sun Sept 12

• Carnatic Music Idol

• Jus Carnival Live In Concert

Venue: Online competition, Maryland, Maryland, NY Time: 6pm Contact: 410-499-9127

Venue: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theater, Eisenhower Park, 1899 Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow, New York Time: 1pm 8pm Contact: 718-752-9290

Wed Sept 8

NEW JERSEY

Upcoming Wed Sept 8

• Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan host Satsang, Bhajan & Meditation Program

• Chand Raat "A shopping festival"

Venue: Woodbridge township ambulance and Rescue squad, 77 Queen Road, 3rd Floor, Iselin, NJ 08830 Time: 10:30am to 1pm Contact: (732) 485-0647 Highlights: Lecture by close disciple of Shree Ashutosh Ji Maharaj, Bhajans, free meditation and Mahaprasad.

Sat Sept 18

Venue: Sheraton LaGuardia East, 135-20 39th Avenue, 2 Blocks from Main Street & Northern Blvd., Flushing, NY Time: 7pm to 11:45pm Contact: (718) 600-0954

Venue: Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois Contact: (800) 345-9472

Sat Sept 11

Fri Oct 1

Venue: Trinity Lutheran Church, 131 Mountain Way, Morris Plains, New Jersey Time: 10am to 11am Contact: 973 400 9191

Thurs Sept 9 • Bansuri Concert: Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia Venue: Engleman Recital Hall, Baruch College, 55 Lexington Ave, NY Time: 7pm to 9pm Contact: 212-594-3685

Fri Sept 10 • Indian Ocean: LIVE in NYC 2010 Venue: B.B.King Blues Club and Grill, 237 West 42nd St, NY Time: 7:30pm Contact: 201-855-6243

Fri Sept 17 • Professional Sikh Speed Dating Venue: Katra Lounge, 217 Bowery Street, New York Time: 7pm to 9:45pm Contact: 776-677-1757

Sat Sept 18 • New York CRY Walk 2010 Venue: Riverside Park, West 116th Street, New York City, NY Time: 9:30pm Contact: 201-220-4490

• The Merchants of Bollywood Chicago North American Premier Venue: Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress Parkway, Chicago, Illinois Time: 8pm to 11pm Contact: 317-222-1325

Sun Sept 19 • CRY Chicago Walk 2010 Venue: Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve, 2220 W 83rd St, Naperville, Illinois Time: 8:30am Contact: (630) 440-8718

Thurs Sept 24 • Vachikam Presents Salaam India Venue: The North Share Center, for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie, Illinois Time: 8pm Contact: 630-964-6061

• Mind And Meditation

Sat Sept 11 • Shri Krishna Janamashtmi Venue: Woodbridge Twp Ambulance & Rescue Squad, Banquet hall located on 3rd floor, 77 Queen Road/Street, Iselin, New Jersey Time: 6pm to 11pm Contact: 732-485-0647

Wed Sept 15 • Mind And Meditation (Free Event) Venue: Trinity Lutheran Church, 131 Mountain way, Morris Plains, New Jersey Time: 7pm to 8pm Contact: 973-400-9191

Sat Sept 18

• Ishq 2010

• Tamil Entertainment Event at Parsippany, NJ

Venue: North Shore Center Of Performing Art, Skokie, Illinois Time: 7pm to 9pm Contact: 847-230-7977

Venue: Parsippany High School, 309 Baldwin Road, Parsippany, New Jersey Time: 4pm to 8pm Contact: 973-503-1315

Sat Oct 2

Upcoming

Every Sunday

• Queens Chand Raat 2010 for Families & Couples

• Ramayana Conference, DeKalb, IL @ NIU

WASHINGTON DC

Venue: Best Western, 6633 Arlington Blvd, Falls Church, Virginia Time: 5pm to 1am Contact: 732-277-6687

Mon Sept 13 • Bhangra Dance Lessons Venue: Stamp Student Union, Maryland University, College Park, Maryland Time: 7pm to 8pm Contact: 301-299-3334

Wed Sept 15 • Radhastami Venue: Hare Krishna Temple, Potomac, Maryland Time: 6:30pm to 9pm Contact: 301-299-2100

Tues Sept 21 • Laughter yoga Fitness Venue: Potomac Community Center, 11315 Falls Road, Potomac, Maryland Time: 11am to 11:45am Contact: 301-299-3334

Thurs Sept 23 • Sri Sri Yoga Course Venue: The Herndon Art of Living center, Herndon, Virginia Time: 7pm to 9pm Contact: 703-723-8181

Fri Sept 24 • Hindi Play *ing Paresh Rawal in KRISHAN VS KANHAIYA Venue: High Point High School Auditorium, 3601 Powder Mill Road, Beltsville, Maryland Time: 8pm to 11pm Contact: 703-449-0772

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Upcoming

Thurs Sept 9 • Youth Empowerment Seminar

Every Sat (start from Sat Aug 8)

Venue: Art of Living Foundation Center, 2370A Walsh Ave, Santa Clara, CA 95051 Time: 6:30pm

• Gurukul Classes for Children

Sat Sept 11 • Samarpanam II - The Next Generation Venue: McAfee Performing Arts Center, 20300 Herriman Avenue, Saratoga, California Time: 4pm to 7pm Contact: 408-605-6249

Fri Sept 10 to Sat Sept 11 • All The Way Live USA: Urban Dance Festival Venue: Smith Center at Ohlone College, Outdoor Amphitheatre, 43600 Mission Boulevard, Fremont, CA 94539 Time: Fri, Performance-7:30pm, Sat- Workshops: 12 noon, Dance Competition: 3 pm, Contact: (510) 659-6031 Highlights: Special Guest: The Go-Go Brothers, Skeeter Rabbit and Rock Steady Crew. Hip Hop dancers showcase their skills in energetic performances during this two-day festival. Top B-Boys from around the country show off their skillz and teach workshops while local crews will battle it out. Kool Raul (aka "RJ" from Supreme Soul) DJs this event.

Venue: Sindhu Center, South California Time: 2pm to 4pm Contact: 818-541-1754 & 909-576-1114 Highlights: Children between the ages of 5 and 18. Children will be taught the Fundamentals of Hinduism, Prayers, Shlokas, Bhajans and Values of our culture.

Fri Sept 10 • 17th National Asian Entrepreneur of the Year Awards Venue: at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in LA Time: 6:30pm Contact: 909-319-2306 Highlights: 2010 Asian Entrepreneur of the Year Awards to Honor Best Companies and Outstanding Advocates for AAPI

Thur Sept 23 • An Evening at the White House Venue: White House Event Center (West Wing), 1238 South Beach Boulevard, Anaheim, California Time: 6:30pm 10:30pm Contact: 509-487-3040

Sat Oct 30 & Sun Oct 31 • Fun At "Boo At The Zoo"!

Sat Oct 2 • Vibha Dandia 2010 - Oct 2nd Venue: Centerville Junior High School, 37720 Fremont Boulevard, Fremont, California Time: 7pm Contact: 408-505-3732

Venue: Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027 Time: 10am to 4pm Contact: 323-644-4200 Highlights: The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens is located in Griffith Park at the junction of the Ventura (134) and Golden State (5) freeways.

Sat Sept 25 • Maharajapuram Ramachandran - Vocal

Sum Oct 3

Venue: Center for Employment Training, 701 Vine Street, San Jose, California Time: 3:30pm Contact: 408-252-5231

• CRY San Diego Walk For Child Rights 2010

Sat Sept 25

Venue: Balboa Park, San Diego, California Time: 9am Contact: sandiego@cryamerica.org

• The DNA Lifeprint Child Safety Event Endorsed by john Walsh

Sat Oct 16

Venue: 650, East EI Camino, Sunnyvale, 94087 Time: 9:30am to 2pm Contact: 1-800-841-6585 Highlights: New Biometric Fingerprinting & DNA Identification kit

Venue: Agua Caliente' Casino Resort & Spa, 32-250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage, California Time: 4pm to 9pm Contact: 509-487-3040

• The Special Event Soiree'

Briefs

Free distribution of grains an order, says: SC NEW DELHI: Taking exception to Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar's statement, the Supreme Court has asserted that it had ordered free distribution of foodgrains to the poor instead of allowing them to rot in godowns and it was not a suggestion as made out by him. "It was not a suggestion. It is there in our order. You tell the Minister," the court told the government counsel. A bench of Justices Dalveer Bhandari and Deepak Verma referring to newspaper reports that the Union Minister had claimed there was no such order, clarified that it did pass such an order. -PTI

India News 44

India Post

www.indiapost.com

September 10, 2010

SC notice to accused in Bhopal gas leak case NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has issued notices to all the accused in Bhopal gas leak case on a petition by the CBI seeking to restore against them the stringent charge of culpable homicide, which attracts a maximum punishment of 10 years' jail term. In in-chamber proceedings, a bench comprising Chief Justice S H Kapadia and Justices Altamas Kabir and R V Raveendran sought response from the accused on the curative petition filed by the probe agency seeking recall of the apex court's 14-year-old judgement that had diluted the offence. -PTI

Gujarat Tourism to host bird watchers' meet The Show will also highlight Saputara, Gujarat's own hill station, which has recently undergone phenomenal infrastructural transformation, adding flavor to the nature's bounty. Saputara is a beautiful and a densely wooded hill station town in the "Dang" district of southern tip of Gujarat. Situated at an altitude of around 1,000 meters, its climate is pleasant although bit cold, throughout the year. A well

Government to include caste in census NEW DELHI: Bowing to demands by several political parties, government says it has decided to include caste in census and the formality of endorsing it is expected at the next Cabinet meeting. Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee told the Lok Sabha that all political parties had supported the idea of including caste in census and there was no need for any "apprehensions" over the issue. His statement came after leaders of BJP, JD (U), BSP and Samajwadi Party wanted to know as to what happened to the government's promise on caste census, particularly since it was the last day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament. -PTI

PM offers prayers at Tirumala shrine TIRUPATI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday offered prayers at the famous hill shrine of Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala near here. On arrival, Singh was accorded a traditional reception by the high priests who, amid chanting of Vedic hymns, escorted him to the sanctum sanctorum. The Prime Minister spent about ten minutes praying before the idol of Lord Venkateswara when the chief priest performed the rituals, temple authorities told PTI. Before leaving the sanctum sanctorum, Singh made an offering in the temple 'Hundi' (offering box), they said. -PTI

Prof Persi Engineer, Param Shah, Kamlesh Patel and Anoop Shukla

FRANK FERNANDES

MUMBAI: The Gujarat Tourism Department in association with Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), Gujarat State Council, held a press conference and Road Show recently at Hotel Grand Hyatt, Mumbai for the promotion of "Global Bird Watchers' Conference 2010" and "Saputara Gujarat's own hill station.

The Road Show addressed by Prof. Persi Engineer, Head -Architecture & Vice Principal - SCET, Param Shah, Head - Gujarat State Council, FICCI Kamalesh Patel, Chairman, Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited and Anoop Shukla, IFS - Managing Director, Commissioner of Tourism, Govt. Of Gujarat, is first in the series of similar Road Shows to be held across the country for active promotion of Tourism Opportunities in Gujarat.

GTD and FICCI are organizing the first ever "Global Bird Watchers' Conference 2010" between November 25-27, at Khijadiya, Jamnagar. This Road Show will focus on capitalizing on tourism opportunity in the State with special emphasis on eco tourism at Khijadia through the launch event. The Conference is expected to be attended by over 500 delegates, including 100 international avid bird watchers and other experts.

The Show will also highlight Saputara, Gujarat's own hill station, which has recently undergone phenomenal infrastructural transformation, adding flavor to the nature's bounty planned hill station, Saputara can boast of hotels, boating parks, swimming pools, club, ropeways, theaters and a museum providing the tourists a delightful vacation. There will be a photo exhibition which will feature various destinations of Saputara. Regional Dangi Dance & Dangi Cuisine will give the people a feel of Saputara.

Advani asks party MPs to exercise caution on Ayodhya issue NEW DELHI: With the Allahabad High Court set to deliver its verdict on the Ayodhya title suit next month, senior BJP leader L K Advani has asked party MPs to "exercise caution" while making statements on the sensitive issue. "On Ayodhya, L K Advani asked MPs not to make statements which are against national interest...As a national political party, we should make statements by exercising caution when the verdict is delivered," BJP Deputy Leader in Rajya Sabha S S Ahluwalia said here. He was briefing reporters on the proceedings of the BJP Parliamentary Party meeting here. The Lucknow Bench of the

Allahabad High Court is likely to deliver the verdict on title suits next month. Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley said the party would launch an agitation

amendments aimed at benefiting an individual...we have already voiced our fears that government could issue a fresh ordinance based on amendments," Ahluwalia said. He said out of 2,100 enemy

During the meeting, which was also attended by BJP President Nitin Gadkari, BJP Parliamentary Party Chairman L K Advani expressed "satisfaction" on the role of party MPs during the Monsoon session on the issue of enemy properties in the country. "While we supported a bill on Enemy Properties based on the Ordinance promulgated by the government, we are opposed to any

properties in the country, 1,400 are located in Uttar Pradesh. "Out of the 1,400, 1100 belong to Raja of Mehmoodabad," he said. During the meeting, which was also attended by BJP President Nitin

Gadkari, BJP Parliamentary Party Chairman L K Advani expressed "satisfaction" on the role of party MPs during the Monsoon session. "He expressed satisfaction on BJP's role in protesting and supporting bills keeping in mind national interest," Ahluwalia said. He said Gadkari too "appreciated" the contribution of MPs during the over month-long session. With an estimated 82 crore workers in the unorganized sector, Gadkari informed MPs about plans to set up an organization of workers of the sector to be christened Bharatiya Janata Kamgar Sangh. It will be launched on September 25 to mark the birth anniversary of Deen Dayal Upadhyay. -PTI

Sports Post

September 10, 2010

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How Indians fared at US Open All pics Mohammed Jaffer-SnapsIndia

Sania Mirza won the first match of the US Open in New York. She defeated Michelle Larcher De of (Portugal) 6/3, 6/2 on August 30

In the second round, Sania Mirza was ousted by Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of Russia 6-2, 6-4

India's hope for the Men's Doubles dimmed when defending champions Leander Paes and Lukas Dlouhy lost in the 1st round to Martin Damm (CZE) and Filip Polasek (SVK ) by 7(9), 6(7)/, 3/6, /4/6 in NY

Somdev Devvarman lost in his first match to Kevin Anderson of (RSA) 6/3, 6/4, 6/3

Sania Mirza signing autographs

Indo-Pak Express: Rohan Bopanna (India) and Asim Ul Haq Qureshi of Pakistan defeated Brain Battistone (USA) and Ryler DeHeart (USA) 6/3, 7(9) 6(7) in the men's doubles.

Horoscope

46 India Post

September 10, 2010

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ARIES Mar 21-Apr 20 Planets in seventh 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.

LEO Jul 23-Aug 22 Efforts 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.

SAGITTARIUS

Sep 10th to Sep 16th

Nov 23-Dec 22 You 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.

TAURUS Apr 21-May 20 You 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.

VIRGO Aug 23-Sept 22 Mars 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.

CAPRICORN Dec 23-Jan 19 There 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.

GEMINI May 21-Jun 20 It 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.

LIBRA Sept 23-Oct 22 Health 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.

AQUARIUS Jan 20-Feb 18 You 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.

CANCER Jun 21-Jul 22 Value 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.

SCORPIO Oct 23-Nov 22 You 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.

PISCES Feb 19-Mar 20 You 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.

Once bitten, author Chetan Bhagat more careful with films now NEW DELHI: With his third book ready to be adapted into film, author Chetan Bhagat says he has become more careful after the "3 Idiots" films controversy. "I am more careful and clear now. I want and make sure that there is no confusion regarding anything," says Bhagat, whose book "Five Point Someone" formed the basis for the blockbuster film "3 Idiots" starring Aamir Khan went on to become the highest grosser in Indian film history. Bhagat and the producers and directors of the film had gone public with their fight over credits. The matter was later resolved. Another of Bhagat's books "3 Mistakes of my life" released in 2008 is being made into a film directed by "Rock On" fame Abhishek Kapoor and reportedly starring Aishwarya and Abhishek Bachchan. Bollywood directors have always been fascinated by best-selling books and Chetan Bhagat's novels seem to be a favorite when it comes to making films. Directed by Atul Agnihotri, the Salman Khan starring 2008 flick

"Hello" was also based on Bhagat's fiction "One Night at Call Centre." Bhagat had also written the screenplay of the film, which unfortunately failed to click at the Box Office. Bhagat, however, feels Indian values inspire him and he says he does not consciously make efforts to cater to the Bollywood films while writing his books. "Not really. May be my writing style is film friendly, he says when asked about it. "A lot of luck is required for a book to be successfully adapted into a film. I feel lucky that so many people like my writing. Initially it was only youngsters but now it cuts across all sections. I think it has a universal appeal," says Bhagat. "It is literature coming to life. Bollywood is a medium to reach those people who can not read and write. India has many such illiterate people. So, the audience that is left out gets the knowledge of my works through films," says Bhagat. "It is a lot of fun as writing books is lonely, but in movies you need to leave the house and have people around you," he adds.-PTI

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Philosophy

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ddhava, the apprentice of Krishna, one day expressed his dissatisfaction to Krishna that in spite of studying all Vedas ,Upanishadas and Sutras, he still was not recipient of the title "Maha-Rishi", meaning the great sage. He indirectly suggested that Krishna should use his weight in the council of wise men to honor him with the title. Krishna sensed the ego and pride of Uddhava. He asked Uddhava if he thought his study was complete. Uddhava answered a confident yes. Krishna asked him a for a favor. He asked Uddhava to visit Vrindavan, where Krishna's soul mate Radha resided, and to give her a message. Uddhava gladly agreed. After all, getting to do a special assignment for no one else but Krishna, the divine one, was an honor. Uddhava asked about the message and Krishna said he had none. Uddhava was surprised. He sat in chariot and started on his way, but he could not help wonder what would be Radha's reaction. He was sure Radha would be very angry at this. He did not want to see a problem in Radha and Krishna's relationship. So just before he entered Vrindavan, he got a parch-paper and wrote a hi-hello message to Radha and forged to look like it came from Krishna.

On reaching Vrindavan, Radha gave him a warm welcome. After he settled, he handed over the message, hoping she would not examine the message in too much detail. For a moment Radha stared at the parch-paper and then she started laughing hysterically. Uddhava was confused. He asked Radha what was the matter. She

said the message Krishna wrote was funny. Uddhava pretended surprise and asked what was the message. "The message says Uddhava's study is still not complete." replied Radha. Uddava was stunned. 'How could she have known this?' he wondered. Radha calmed him down. "I love Krishna and trust Krishna in ways beyond you can imagine." She said "We are two

learned to trust Krishna. You have not learned to give up your self, your ego, and stop your manipulating mind. Your ego stands between you and the truth. Between you and the supreme awakening." "Erasing the sense of duality and being one with the universe, being one with the one who beholds universe, is this not the gist of the sacred ancient texts, Uddhava?" Uddhava was speechless. Within a minute, Radha had explained the deepest mysteries of life. He just

"Each moment makes you take sides. If you always take side of truth and love, you will gain insights. Each insight awakens you from the illusion and takes you a step closer to the supreme awakening." "How can you be in Love with Krishna and still remain free from bonds of life ?" "There is distinction between the love that results from insecurity and the love that results from faith. The former results in bonds. The latter results in freedom."

SWAMI SIVANANDA

dium of his own illusions and sensuous mind, he has made this temple of happiness, this world, into a den of anguish and grief, terror and forlornness. Laws of darkness and death rule him and not that of light and life. Staying in his own ego, man invites the invasion of sins and annihilation. Wisdom appears to him as folly, purity as impurity, perfection as imperfection, humility as coward-

ignorance and ruin. But his understanding being clouded and his discrimination being obscured by his own prejudiced preconceptions, he is unaware of his own sorry state. On the contrary, he feels himself well off and all knowing and surveys the rest of humanity with condescending eye as unfortunate creatures toiling foolishly far below him in evolution's scale. Such is the self delusion of the ego.

before him in all its splendor and radiance; the mysteries are revealed to him and all the secret workings of the universe are made known to him. He who has no ego and who has surrendered himself to God is the master of every power and force that there is, for all powers and forces are under God. Egoless man's is the supreme freedom and perfection. Too difficult is it to sacrifice the

he so-called bewildered and tumultuous world with its never ending tale of toil and tears is in reality a majestic university of wisdom wherein everyone learns from the living book of life of their own as well as that of philosophers of realization, of saints and sages, of divine teachers and holy masters. They that put forth their own ego shall learn nothing in this grand university and all that they have shall be taken and they shall be left forlorn. The man of ego loves his own ignorance; he glories in his own foolishness and attaches much importance to his perishable body and thereby he exposes himself to the winds of adversity, storms of woes and strokes of fate and affliction. He is filled with nescience and in his audacity, he disobeys the Law of Life; he shall have no admission into the portals of Eternal God and Supreme Felicity; he will be imprisoned in his own cocoon of misery and shall never be let out into boundless Empyrean Blessedness. Looking through the warped perspective of his own ego, man has made this earth a hell of gloom and death, torture and frustrations. Looking through the me-

bodies but same soul. There is nothing to be said in between us. We have walked the path of trust, love, devotion and sacrifices for so long that there are no boundaries in my being and his. He does not need to send me messages. He is my message. He is my love letter from the universe." "But Uddhava, you have not

wanted to stand there and listen. He spent the whole day at her house. She talked about life in layman's terms of love and truth. But Uddhava found answers to his most profound questions in philosophies he learned all this life. "How did you get so much knowledge staying in this village and living life doing chores?" He asked.

How Radha, Krishna educated Uddhava

Radha-Krishana

"I love Krishna and trust Krishna in ways beyond you can imagine." She said "We are two bodies but same soul. There is nothing to be said in between usâ&#x20AC;?

Those with ego shall learn nothing Swami Sivananda

ice, meekness, weakness, service as attachment and passion, compassion as hypocrisy, and everything else appears just the opposite to the man's perverted mind intoxicated with the wine of ego. The man of ego is ruled by vanity, he is governed by utter pride; hatred grips him, folly sways him, delusion sits in his very intelligence, evils hover round him and his steps lead him into the realms of denser

To the one devoid of ego, the whole world is a haven of rest, a realm of peace and kingdom of abounding happiness. For him there is no more distress Where the egotism is not, there is all blessedness, all goodness, all glory and there can one find God. To the one devoid of ego, the whole world is a haven of rest, a realm of peace and kingdom of abounding all happiness. For him there is no more distress. He is purified, exalted and illumined. He sees no sin anywhere and no evil can come near him. Nothing is hidden from him; the Truth stands

ego, but unless it is sacrificed, no vision of truth and no sight of God is possible of revelation. Sell away your lower self and purchase the Supreme Self. Withdraw your mind from justifying your position; serve your enemies; sacrifice all your rights if you wish to rule; love those who hate you; resist not if you wish to conquer; sacrifice all that you feel belongs to you. Seek nothing if you wish to have everything.

Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions. -Dalai Lama A coward is incapable of exhibiting love; it is the prerogative of the brave. -Mohandas Gandhi The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, nor to worry about the future, but to live the present moment wisely and earnestly. -Buddha Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. -Jesus Christ All human actions are equivalent and all are on principle doomed to failure. -Jean-Paul Sartre Wilt thou compel men to become believers? No soul can believe but by the leave of God. -Quran But thus I counsel you, my friends: Mistrust all in whom the impulse to punish is powerful. -Friedrich Nietzsche

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Establish an Indo-Pak nuclear commission D SUBA CHANDRAN

etween India and Pakistan, there is little understanding of each other's nuclear capabilities and doctrines. There is likely to be an increased international pressure on both countries as part of the renewed efforts towards global nuclear disarmament. Both regional instability and the likely international pressure calls for an intensive dialogue and innovative approaches. At the regional level, Pakistan does not consider India's nuclear doctrine (especially the No-FirstUse and Minimum Credible Deterrence) as credible. Rather, Islamabad in Pakistan believes that during crisis period, India will not adhere to its NFU. Besides, the NFU will result in India preparing for a second strike capability, thereby increasing its nuclear arsenals considerably. According to Pakistan, this makes India's credible deterrence anything but minimal, besides the fact, leading to

ing the IAEA and NSG. Pakistan, however, has got a similar understanding with Beijing, without any such commitments. At the international level, after the relative success of the NPT Review Conference 2010, one is likely to see an increased international pressure on India and Pakistan; especially relating to certain international nuclear treaties - primarily the CTBT and FMCT. The fact that it will not be easy for Obama to get the CTBT ratified will provide space for India and Pakistan to debate the CTBT or prolong the decision. Unfortunately, the FMCT does not provide that space to both countries. Despite the bold statements, it is unlikely that the two countries would be able to withstand the international pressure. Pakistan is dilly dallying with calling for a FMT (Fissile Material Treaty) instead of an FMCT. This suits India, for New Delhi can ar-

NPT Review Conference 2010

an arms race. More importantly, Pakistan today believes, that after the Indo-US nuclear deal, India will be able to amass sufficient fissile materials, enabling it to lead the nuclear arms race in South Asia, at a considerable pace, leaving Pakistan behind. On the other hand, India believes, that its doctrine including the NFU and minimum credible deterrence, is a source of stability. A section within India even believes that the NFU actually provides the space for Pakistan, to engage in overt and covert activities, as India will not be the first use nuclear weapons. Regarding the nuclear deal with the US, a section believes, that this agreement has come up with certain military costs (besides the economic costs), in terms of opening its nuclear facilities to international inspection. India has made substantial commitments to the international organizations includ-

gue that it will be willing to sign the FMCT, if Islamabad is ready to do the same. Pakistan is afraid that if it signs the FMCT now, it will not be able to match up with India's already produced fissile materials. While the Lahore Memorandum provides space for a nuclear dialogue, and there already exists an earlier agreement on sharing each other's nuclear installations, there is not much trust between the two countries. The reason is the lack of any meaningful and intensive nuclear dialogue, sustained over a period - either at Track-I or Track-II levels. As a part of confidence building, numerous nuclear risk reduction measures have been proposed already. Establishment of Nuclear Risk Reduction Centers (NRRCs) on the models of US-Russia has been widely discussed in the strategic circles. Undoubtedly, the NRRCs are a welcome suggestion, but are

limited and negative in approach. It hopes to establish two nuclear centers, which will be technical in nature, providing details/alerts regarding nuclear dangers, accidental use and related issues. What is needed now, at the Indo-Pak level is a positive, larger institution that provides space for continuous and intensive interaction on nuclear issues, which remain uninterrupted with other political/militant developments at Indo-Pak level. None of the major nuclear treaties at the international level are a result of casual one-off meeting, held over a period of two days. International nuclear agreements are the result of an intensive interaction, over a period of years. If India and Pakistan are to have any productive debate leading to a stable understanding, then the nuclear dialogue needs something larger than a mere NRRC, at the technical level. This is where an Indo-Pak Nuclear Commission on the models of Indus Water Commission may be an idea worth pursuing. Indus Water Commission, created in 1960 after a prolonged negotiation, which resulted in the famous Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), provides two Indus Water Commissioners in India and Pakistan. The Indus Water Commission has met periodically ever since 1960, irrespective of wars and proxy wars, and regime changes. If the IWT is hailed as a major example, of a treaty that have survived four wars and numerous proxy wars, it is because that the Indus Water Commission never broke down, and its Commissioners never failed to meet each other. Two positive ideas from the Indus Water Commission are worth borrowing: an exclusive commission and periodic meeting, irrespective of the prevailing political climate. The Indo-Pak Nuclear Commission, unlike the proposed NRRC should not be only technical. It could be an ideal forum for the discussion of nuclear doctrines and understanding each other's anxieties and fears. While the NRRCs will contain two centers in India and Pakistan, the Nuclear Commission could facilitate regular meetings, alternatively in India and Pakistan. In fact, the NRRC could be the technical arm of the Nuclear Commission. Such an Indo-Pak Nuclear Commission has the potential to become a great stabilizer of nuclear relations between the two countries. The writer is Deputy Director, IPCS

India Post Spectator PM

he western media is very fond of Manmohan Singh. The latest virtue they have found in him is that of being a good listener. This virtue however doesn't help him to take decisions that await a prime among ministers in a developing country. He has allowed crucial issues to keep burning and in spite of there being a government in place, the impression remains that India is rudderless. More than two months back, Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar went to the Prime Minister and requested to be relieved of the difficult portfolio as he had found a better paying job as President of the lucrative International Cricket Council (ICC). The Prime Minister heard him out patiently and till today has taken no decision in the matter. The reluctant minister is neglecting his beat as he is overwhelmed with cricket and its money problems. He has no concern that under his charge (according to the Global Hunger Index of November 2009) close to 300 million Indians go without food every day even as the government has projected a food stock of 50 million tonnes. The food is rotting in the absence of warehouses but the government has no intention to supply it to the hungry. Pronouncing on a public interest litigation, the Supreme Court of India said the government should make arrangements to reach it to the hungry. The busy minister reacted by saying it is not possible to implement the Supreme Court's suggestion. The Court came down heavily on him by saying their verdict was an "order" and not a "suggestion." The minister sheepishly agreed in Parliament to obey the order of the court once he had read the judgment. So far the minister did not have time to study a judgment crucial to his ministry! There is little faith that the government will be able to reach the grains to the poor. But the Prime Minister of the country continues to be silent. A part of Kashmir valley is in ferment with more than 60 young people dead in police firing. The Prime Minister called all-party meetings and issued some well-meaning sermons. The separatists have issued a charter of demands but the Prime Minister's response is: Silence. The issue of land acquisition has acquired prime importance in view of the demand for development. In UP, West Bengal, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa and other states there are agitations for a fair price for land. The government has promised a bill on the subject. Heir Apparent Rahul Gandhi has taken the lead in denying clearance to an industrial house for exploiting minerals from Orissa forests inhabited by tribals. But from the Prime Minister's office there has only been deafening silence. A debate about containing Maoist violence is raging in the country. Whether you confront them with armed action or talk to them are crucial issues. A Maoist leader called for talks is killed in "encounter". What is the government policy on this issue? Manmohan Singh refuses to spell out. The Prime Minister did not participate in any of the important discussions in Parliament like the ones on price rise, situation in Jammu and Kashmir or the Bhopal gas tragedy. He doesn't enjoy great support from his own Congress party where anyone is free to get up and mouth positions contrary to the government's. Some functionaries close to party president Sonia Gandhi enjoy embarrassing the ministers. But the Prime Minister doesn't protest. He seems to be waiting to hand over charge to Rahul Gandhi who declares he is not ready yet. From the look of things reluctant Rahul will never be ready and the country will continue to remain in limbo.

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