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Ambassador Singh with Mayor Emanuel

Illinois Gov & Chicago Mayor to visit India Details on page 17

Carnegie Mellon gets $35 mn from Tatas

VOL 21, No. 1094

September 11, 2015

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked India Inc to increase risk-taking appetite and step up investments even as industry leaders pressed for interest rate cut and more policy action to improve ease of doing business.

"Prime Minister has said that industry must take risk and increase investments...we must go out and invest.

Industry has a role to play," CII president Sumit Mazumder told reporters after the meeting of Prime Minister with

CEOs, bankers, economists and bureaucrats on the global economic slowdown.

Several industry leaders meanwhile pitched for interest rate cut saying it would help them take risks and scale up investments. Briefing the media after the high-level meeting, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said India will be among the lesser impacted countries by the global economic turmoil but the government needs to take steps to strengthen the economy.

Details on page 5

‘US cop had no right to shake Indian grandpa’

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

Has private sector failed India?

Last week’s result

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

YES 73%

NO 27%

Silicon Valley eager to see Modi ‘live’ Details on page 16

FOG announces Diwali and Fireworks 2015 Details on page 16

California kids win English cricket title Details on page 7

Mumbai police chief Maria replaced

Details on page 44

Details on page 5

Periodical Postage

PM ASKS INDUSTRY TO TAKE RISKS

Details on page 18

India to let Pak minorities to stay on

50¢

Details on page 6

CONTENTS

MATCHLESS ANUPAM: Bollywood actor Anupam Kher receiving Honored Guest award from Deputy Mayor of Houston, Ed Gonzalez, on behalf of Texas on September 8.

Bollywood ---------------------- 30-31

(Details on page 6)

Real Estate ------------------------ 32

Classifieds ------------------------- 52 Community Post -------------- 16-27 Date Book -------------------------- 33 Edit Page --------------------------- 54 HealthScience Post --------- 48-51 Horoscope ------------------------- 10 Immigration Post ------------- 44-47 Life Style ----------------------- 36-39 Philosophy ------------------------- 53 Publisher’s Diary ------------------ 4 TechBiz Post ------------------- 12-15 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 40-43

Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”

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September 11, 2015

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Publisher’s Diary

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his past week the world witnessed some heart breaking images of an unprecedented humanitarian crisis - that of Syrian refugees fleeing to Europe. And as the reality of their suffering hit home, the world also witnessed images of spontaneous outpouring of human compassion, when common Europeans opened up their hearts and homes to house these refugees.

While these images mirror the interconnectedness - and if I may coin a word, the interaffectedness - of the world, the reality of the situation brings up some rather disturbing facts that give rise to cynicism. To think that the world is held to moral responsibility of aiding war-affected displaced populations whose plight has been brought on by the barbaric whims of a dictator or those of a group of religious fanatics is beyond rational. No, no, no, don't get me wrong… I agree that any human calamity whether man-made or natural, needs to be viewed with compassion, and yes, we cannot sit and watch silently while millions of innocent men, women and children are suffering; but should the Syrian refugee crisis be wholly the burden of Europe to bear, while some of the richest of Arab nations choose to feign indifference and even refuse to aid these refugees? Really, is the fallout of the Syria crisis the responsibility of the West alone and shouldn't there be pressure on the rich Arab nations to take on some of the burden?

Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, etc. are busy building mega gilt covered skyscrapers and therefore cannot condescend to take in poor migrants, even if they be fellow Muslims.

Now, the PC pundits won't like it, but I am going to say it anyway - I read last week that several thousand Muslims that are fleeing these conflict zones to the safety of Europe are converting themselves to Christianity. (Remember the proselytization of the poor Dalits in India?) Not that I have anymore affinity to Christianity as an organized religion than I have to Islam, but think tanks pontificating on the geo-political and social impacts of conflict zone migration should consider analyzing this. Is Islam's loss Christianity's gain? Or is it simply loss of human faith?

Romesh K Japra rkjapra@indiapost.com

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HIGHLIGHTS Bollywood: Late bloomer Award winning actress Kangana Ranaut says her success in the film industry tastes sweeter as it came late!

Cover Story: Take risks Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked India Inc to increase risk-taking appetite and step up investments

Community: Wait for Modi Over 45,000 individuals have registrated to participate in the excitement and hear the Prime Minister speak in San Jose

Cop had no right US Attorney Robert Posey tells Alabama federal court 'US cop had no right to shake Indian grandpa down for papers'

Life style: Monster race In the 'Rainforest Challenge’ race in Goa, monster vehicles were raring to drive up dangerous terrain

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Low rank India has been ranked very low, mostly in the bottom half, globally on most of the parameters for inclusive growth

Nainital The beautiful lake resort of Nainital nestles amidst seven hills in a lush valley at an altitude of 1938 meters.

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September 11, 2015

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PM asks industry to take risks

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chairing a high-level meeting on the global economic scenario, in New Delhi on September 8

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked India Inc to increase risk-taking appetite and step up investments even as industry leaders pressed for interest rate cut and more policy action to improve ease of doing business.

"Prime Minister has said that

Several industry leaders meanwhile pitched for interest rate cut saying it would help them take risks and scale up investments.

Briefing the media after the high-level meeting, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said India will be among the lesser impacted countries by the global economic

"By and large, a major crux of the entire discussion was that in terms of its economy India is relatively untouched. It was suggested that we should take steps to strengthen India's economy," he said.

Jaitley said the impact of the global turmoil will be far less on the Indian economy industry must take risk and increase investments...we must go out and invest. Industry has a role to play," CII president Sumit Mazumder told reporters after the meeting of Prime Minister with CEOs, bankers, economists and bureaucrats on the global economic slowdown.

turmoil but the government needs to take steps to strengthen the economy.

Jaitley was briefing the media after the high-level meeting on global economic scenario chaired

by Prime Minister Narendra Modi where bankers and billionaires talked about how India can man-

age global economic turbulence, including opportunities for Asia's third-largest economy in China's market and growth woes.

"Most participants felt that we are going through a phase of volatility which might turn to some turmoil on the market. Volatility is the norm of the moment and will result in turmoil in the markets and rupee," said Jaitley.

"By and large, a major crux of the entire discussion was that in terms of its economy India is relatively untouched. It was suggested that we should take steps to strengthen India's economy," he said.

Jaitley said the impact of the global turmoil will be far less on the Indian economy as its fundamentals are reasonably strong.

The minister said issues of ease of doing business, cost of labor and capital and stalled projects were also raised by participants at the meeting. Participants specifically emphasized on two steps - bankruptcy code and anti-corruption - and many of them wanted monetary policy

easing by RBI, the minister said.

"Prime Minister said this is an opportunity for us to take advantage and invest...cost of capital is too high but I don't know how many people can go ahead to take risk and invest...many of us raised the issue of interest rate," Ficci presi-

sion.

As far as the Goods and Services Tax (GST) implementation is concerned, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley expressed hope that it would by rolled out, Mazumder said, adding the land bill did not come up for discussion.

The industry leaders who at-

The minister said issues of ease of doing business, cost of labor and capital and stalled projects were also raised by participants at the meeting. Participants specifically emphasized on two steps - bankruptcy code and anti-corruption - and many of them wanted monetary policy easing by RBI dent Jyotsna Suri said.

Assocham president Rana Kapoor said that Prime Minister asked industry to "catalyze risk taking ability".

He said the issue of capital requirement of banks to meet economic growth and the need to bifurcate bad assets of the banking system came up for discus-

tended the brain storming session with Modi on 'Recent global events: Opportunities for India' were Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani, Tata Group head Cyrus P Mistry, Aditya Birla Group head Kumar Mangalam Birla, Sunil Bharti Mittal of Bharti Airtel and ITC chief Y C Deveshwar.-PTI

India to let Pak minorities to stay without paper NEW DELHI: India has decided to allow minority refugees from Bangladesh and Pakistan to stay in this country even after expiry of their visas on humanitarian grounds.

The central government has decided, on humanitarian considerations, to exempt Bangladeshi and Pakistani nationals belonging to minority communities who have entered India on or before December 31, 2014, in respect of their entry and stay in India without proper documents or after the expiry of relevant documents, a statement issued by the Home Ministry said.

The decision has been

taken under Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920 and Foreigners Act, 1946, it said.

The government also issued two notifications in the Official Gazette under Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920 and Foreigners Act, 1946.

There are reports that a number of Bangladeshi and Pakistani nationals belonging to minority communities in those countries, such as Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, Jains, Parsis and Buddhists, took shelter in India due to religious persecution or fear of religious persecution.

They have entered India either without any valid document, in-

cluding passport and other travel document, or with valid documents but the validity of such

There has been no exact numbers of such minority refugees from these countries but officials put the figure of around two lakh Hindu and Sikh refugees from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan living in India

document has expired.

The issue of regularization of entry and stay of such Bangladeshi and Pakistani nationals in India has been under consideration of the central government, the statement said.

There has been no exact numbers of such minority refugees from these countries but officials put the figure of around two lakh Hindu and Sikh refugees from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan living in India.

Ever since Prime Minister Narendra Modi government came to power in May last year, several steps including issuance of Long Term Visa (LTV) for these refugees have been initi-

ated.

In April this year, the Union Home Ministry rolled out an online system for LTV applications and for their processing by various security agencies.

The decision was taken to address the difficulty being faced by Hindus and Sikhs of Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan who had come with the intention of settling permanently in India.

There are 400 Pakistani Hindu refugee settlements in cities like Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner and Jaipur. Hindu refugees from Bangladesh mostly live in West Bengal and northeastern States. -PTI

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Mumbai police chief Maria Amazon, US varsity sued over student's death replaced by Javed MUMBAI: High-profile Mumbai Police Commissioner Rakesh Maria, who personally interrogated accused in the sensational Sheena Bora murder case in an unsual action, has been shunted out of the post and transferred on promotion as Director General of Police Home Guards.

Eyebrows were raised as Maria swapped places with Ahmed Javed, who was appointed the new Mumbai Police Commissioner.

Ahmed is a DG-rank officer and the Commissioner's post has been upgraded.

Soon after taking over in a swift and sudden change of guard, Javed said the probe into the murder case will be done in a professional way when he was asked whether he would be investigating it personally.

"The accused are currently in judicial custody. The probe will be done with proper team work. So far as investigation goes, it is over at this point of time.

"As far as investigation which

goes on in connection with evidence, I think any case which is important or having a bearing with will be monitored in the right professional way," he said, adding that all aspects including the

Ahmed Javed

financial angle would be investigated.

Maria, who had recently hogged limelight after a video of his meeting in July, 2014 with former IPL chief Lalit Modi in London surfaced, apparently took unusual interest when he fre-

quently went to Khar police station for questioning the accused including Indrani Mukerjea, mother of Sheena.

The Maharashtra government had sought his explanation on his meeting with Lalit Modi and he had denied any wrongdoing.

As various theories floated over the reasons for his transfer, the Maharashtra Home Department said the changes were made taking into account the law and order factor ahead of the Ganapati festival, dismissing suggestions that that it has some links with the ongoing investigation in the murder case.

"Maria has been promoted to the Director General rank and posted as the DG of Home Guards in Mumbai in place of Ahmed Javed. Javed (who was DG, Homeguards) becomes the new CP of Mumbai," Additional Chief Secretary (Home) K P Bakshi told reporters here.

He said that post of Mumbai Police Commissioner has been upgraded to 'Director General' rank post.-PTI

Muslim women join Raksha Bandhan in Pune FRANK FERNANDES

Muslims joining Raksha Bandhan festival in Pune

PUNE: Muslim Rashtriya Manch organized Muslim women conference on August 29 to celebrate 'Raksha Bandhan' at Azam campus, Pune. In this festival, women tie thread to the wrist of brothers as token of their love and brothers in re-

turn promise to protect them.

Maharashtra. Patron of MRM Indresh Kumari was chief guest.

National coordinator of MRM Latif Magdum, Maharashtra state coordinator Irfan Ali Pirjade, Goa coordinator Dr Asif Ali attended

this function. Malegaon (known to be a communal sensitive Muslim town) led with 50 Muslim women.

Indresh Kumari pointed out that this is not a religious festival (of Hindus) but festival of Humanity.

Pak bans broadcast of Altaf Hussain's speeches LAHORE: A Pakistani court here has banned the broadcast of speeches and images of Altaf Hussain in the electronic and print media on a petition which alleged the self-exiled MQM chief had committed treason.

A three-member bench of Lahore High Court headed by Justice Syed Mazahar Ali Akbar

Naqvi ordered the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) and the additional attorney-general to implement the ban in letter and spirit.

The petitioners - advocate Aftab Virk, advocate Abdullah Malik and others - pleaded before the court that Hussain had committed treason making "anti-army

and anti-rangers" remarks.

They also sought a "lifetime" ban on the live telecast of Hussain's speeches from the UK, saying he had violated Article 5 of the Constitution which demands showing loyalty to the state and obedience to the Constitution.

Cont’d on page 9

NEW YORK: Online giant By the spring 2013 semester, Amazon and the University of she was being investigated for Pennsylvania have been sued by academic misconduct. She was the mother of an Indian-origin girl barred from registering for student who committed suicide classes, and ordered to leave her over two years ago by consum- dorm while awaiting a hearing for ing cyanide purchased from the the misconduct. retailer, according to media reOn February 8, 2013, the day ports. of the hearing, her roommate The 20-year-old nursing stu- found her unresponsive in their dent at the university, had re- dorm, and she was pronounced ported an alleged sexual assault dead hours later. by a male student in 2011, but no Amazon offered cyanide for charges were filed and he re- sale until February 2, 2013, just mained on campus, leading to a days before her death and before two-year downward spiral culmi- that, the poison had been purnating in her cyanide suicide in 2013, the lawAmazon offered cyanide for suit said.

After that, she sale until February 2, 2013, showed troubling behavior at school, miss- just days before her death ing classes and getting and before that, the poison arrested for alcohol intoxication, the Philadel- had been purchased more phia Inquirer reported. than 50 times by customers "Despite her probin the US, resulting in at lems, university employees' conduct to- least 11 deaths ward her was unsympathetic, hostile, and at times vindictive," the suit says. chased more than 50 times by cusOne school official allegedly tomers in the US, resulting in at wrote in an email she had "no sym- least 11 deaths besides her, acpathy" for her and said the stu- cording to the suit. dent "deserves anything you dish The New York Daily News reout to her". ported that Amazon did not return In December, 2012, she ordered requests for the comment, and cyanide crystals from Amazon representatives from the univerthrough a vendor in Thailand, sity said the school does not comwho had listed it as a "kitchen" ment on pending litigation. Calls item, said the suit filed in late July to a number listed for her family that also names the vendor and were also not returned. -PTI his company as defendants.

Anupam Kher honored with Texas Award HOUSTON: Veteran actor Anupam Kher has been presented with the Honored Guest award by Deputy Mayor of Houston Ed Gonzalez on behalf of Texas Governor Greg Abbot.

The 60-year-old actor was honored on September 8, just days after being conferred with a Senate Proclamation by The Texas State Senate.

The document read, "Anupam Kher is an Honored Guest of the Lone Star State. On the occasion of your visit, I extend a warm welcome to this land of great diversity".

Kher has been honored with various awards and recognition for his contribution to cinema and art. His play Mera Matlab Woh Nahin Tha also fetched him acco-

lades in Houston and in 15 other US cities and in Canada.

"God is kind. I feel honored and proud as an Indian Actor. America has been more than generous to me and my body of work. Getting honored here is a wonderful reminder that my country has given me amazing opportunities to reach where I am today," the Silver Linings Playbook actor told PTI. Kher is off to west coast for a week long performance before ending his US tour and flying back to India.

Stellar performances by Kher and Neena Gupta in the play have earned them continuous accolades in US cities along with Toronto and Vancouver in Canada, since its first sold out event in Houston on August 7.-PTI

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California kids wins English County Championship India Post News Service

The California Cricket Academy (CCA) under-11 cricket team, which recently toured England and played nine matches, has triumphantly brought home the English County championship Trophy.

Between July 29 and August 7, the team played in the prestigious inter-county cricket festival conducted by the English Schools Cricket. The tournament was conducted in Taunton, Somerset County, at the Kings College grounds. The CCA team played Somerset, Cambridgeshire, Berkshire, Hampshire, Gloucestershire and Worcestershire county teams.

Ved Patel after scoring 153 against Somerset is inducted into Hall of Fame

In the 32 years of these festivals, thousands of young cricketers have played the West Cricket Festival, including several current members of various national teams like England, South Africa and West Indies.

It was a fantastic atmosphere for the kids to experience, and they were super excited about it.

After six months of behind the scenes preparation, three weeks of intense practice, 6,000 miles of travel and two practice games on the outskirts of London, the day of the first game finally arrived for the CCA boys and it was against the home team and winners of the previous three editions,

We are proud of young boys who played brilliant innings to clinch the title, first time ever by an outside team in the history of West Cricket Festival Somerset. Ved Patel of CCA scored 153 not out to earn a spot in Somerset Hall of Fame.

Ved Patel ended up with 580 runs in seven innings with two centuries.

After Somerset, CCA took on Cambridgeshire, Berkshire, Gloucestershire and Worcestershire. CCA U11 was the only team that played six consecutive days 45 overs games. Tournament organizers appreciated the Academy players' discipline, technique, fielding, fitness and ability to adjust to new environment.

"California Cricket academy boys were not only super talented but were great am-

bassadors of their country and academy. They displayed great discipline on and off the field which speaks volume about their training. We want the boys to come back again next year," said Malcolm Broad, administrator of Somerset County festival.

"We are proud of young boys who played brilliant innings to clinch the title, first time ever by an outside team in the history of West Cricket Festival. With this

Winning CCA team receiving English County Championship Trophy

victory, CCA boys have now won tournaments in USA, Canada, India and UK. These tours validate maturity of our program." Says Kinjal Buch, President of CCA. "We thank our sponsors Tech Mahindra and Ruckus Wireless. Their support to promote grassroot level cricket helped the team prepare for this important tour", continues Kinjal Buch.

The team was coached by Amit Buch, who coaches youth team in India and managed by Bharani Seshan, a CCA parent.

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Australia gets tough on uranium sale to India MELBOURNE: Australia should not sell uranium to India until it sets up an independent nuclear regulator, separates its civil and military nuclear facilities and allows safety inspections, a multi-party committee has recommended.

The Treaties Committee tabled a report in parliament into the uranium deal with India, carefully favoring it but with few recommendations including that India should be encouraged to become a party to the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).

The report has for the first time addressed several issues including the uranium export to a nation which is not party to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty

(NPT).

The merits of selling uranium to India, a deal which was inked

last year by Prime Ministers Tony Abbott and Narendra Modi, were

being examined by experts as part of the Treaties Committee's inquiry into the Government's proposal.

The report said Australia must commit to "significant diplomatic resources to encouraging India to become a party to the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, and to negotiate a fissile material cut-off treaty."

India is not a signatory of the

India hits out at developed countries for 'extravagance'

Minister: People have voted for 'saffronization'

NEW DELHI: India has hit out at the developed countries for adopting "unsustainable and extravagant" lifestyles compared to its "need based consumption" and demanded that the issue be debated at the Paris climate change conference.

Asserting that only "sustainable" lifestyle can mitigate the cli-

NEW DELHI: Accused of "saffronising" education, Union Minister Mahesh Sharma has said if at all saffronisation had been done, it had been done by the public by giving BJP a big mandate and asserted that they wanted to remove "pollution" from the national ideology.

Sharma made these comments after a two-day meet of the Education and Culture ministers from the BJP-ruled states during which a host of issues close to the party's ideology were deliberated.

"We discussed education and culture and how we can inculcate values. The other issue was pollution of ideology, national ideol-

consumption. We have an ingrained sense of responsibility where wasteful consumption is abhorred. Therefore, the Paris conference must include a debate on lifestyles," Javadekar said.

He was making an intervention at the informal Conference of Parties (COP-21) meeting in Paris.

The minister said this while referring to the latest 'Earth Overshoot Report' which is brought out by Global Footprint Network (GFN) every year which maps consumption and requirement of natural resources to sustain it.

Terming the report as an "eyeopener", Javadekar said that the report Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar has indicated that the ecological footmate change challenge, Environ- print of developed countries ment Minister Prakash Javadekar ranges from 8 to 4 whereas India said that Indian lifestyle is is at 0.9. "against" such extravagant conNoting that India and other sumption and the country has an developing countries have prior"ingrained" sense of responsibil- ity of eradicating poverty, ity where wasteful consumption Javadekar said that these nations is "abhorred". "cannot" be asked to compromise "Lifestyle adopted in devel- on that goal in the name of clioped countries is unsustainable mate change. and it will require five Earths to "Every poor of the world has fulfill their lifestyle demands. On the right to emerge out of poverty the other hand, Indian lifestyle is and poor and developing counsustainable where one earth is tries need sufficient carbon space sufficient. to ensure sustainable develop"This is not because of pov- ment. As climate change impacts erty but because of Indian value the poorer and vulnerable secsystems. We believe in need- tions severely, we must ensure based consumption and our climate justice," Javadekar said. lifestyle is against extravagant PTI

Mahesh Sharma

ogy... Some people alleged that we are doing saffronisation. If at all saffronisation has been done, it has been done by the public of India. We accept the mandate of the people," the Union Culture said.

Party leaders also spoke about giving a big boost to the publicity of BJP ideologue Deen Dayal Upadhyaya on the occasion of his birth centenary celebrations.

Sharma, who took part in the meeting, said they also discussed "conserving and developing national ideology" and how to remove pollution from it.-PTI

NPT nor CTBT. "It would be fair to say that, in this debate, there are no small risks or benefits. Every issue the Committee has dealt with in this inquiry bears significant potential benefits and risks," the report said.

"To begin with, the quantum of uranium involved could easily double the size of the uranium mining industry in Australia, bringing significant export revenue, and business and employment opportunities at a time when commodity prices for other mining exports are slowing the pace

of growth in Australia's mining industry," it said.

"For India, the significance of the proposed Agreement is possibly even greater. As an emerging world power with a considerable shortfall of generating capacity, nuclear powered electricity generation will grow as one of a number of generating sources selected because of their low carbon emissions," the report said.

It asked that given the benefits for Australia and India from the proposed agreement, can the risks be tolerated and ameliorated.-PTI

Politicians are failing us on the Economy LEE H. HAMILTON

A

couple of months ago, tion to rising entitlement spendthe Congressional Bud- ing. We have to deal with get Office issued a so- health-care costs. We have to bering report on the U.S. invest in skills, education, and economy's long-term pros- infrastructure without breaking pects. Not to put too fine a point the bank. We have to craft a on it, we're headed for the fiscal less intrusive tax policy that is rocks. conducive to long-term growth.

Federal spending accounts All issues will have to be on for about 20 percent of the the table, because the pain nation's GDP, the budget ana- needs to be shared broadly. lysts note; if current trends And progress will require biparcontinue, that tisan participawill rise to fully tion, since nei25 percent by ther cutting 2040. Revspending nor enues will not boosting revkeep up enues alone they'll amount will solve our to only 19 perproblems. cent of GDP. Political This will ultileaders should mately raise grasp these refederal debt, alities and act the CBO said, now. But they "to a percenthave not, so age of GDP it's up to the seen at only American Lee H. Hamilton one previous people to detime in U.S. mand action. history - the final year of World We have to create the political War II and the following year." will that drives our leaders to We face a fiscal crisis of his- deal with these difficult ecotoric proportions. nomic problems - that leads Our presidential candidates them to tackle entitlements, can talk all they want about health costs, investing in the American prosperity and world future, and tax reform. The leadership, but without a firm question is whether our politifiscal base it's just hot air. Un- cal leaders are up to the task less we can stabilize the debt before our economy runs out of and put the country on a path time. of sustainable economic Lee Hamilton is Director of growth with prosperity evenly the Center on Congress at Inshared, we'll have no firm eco- diana University; Distinnomic base for all those lofty guished Scholar, IU School of goals to rest upon.

Global and International StudThis means tackling a host ies; and Professor of Practice, of complex problems. We have IU School of Public and Envito get long-term debt under ronmental Affairs. He was a control. We have to preserve member of the U.S. House of Social Security yet find a solu- Representatives for 34 years.

Top Stories

September 11, 2015

India Post

9

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After 38 years, Pele set for another India visit NEW DELHI: It's time for the 'sleeping giant' to wake up from its slumber as the King of football Pele will grace India in October, adding to the festive mood in the country that hosted him 38 years ago.

Widely regarded as the greatest footballer to have played the game, Edson Arantes do Nascimento will be in the capital on October as a special ambassador at the 56th edition of Subroto Cup 2015 final match.

Pele

Indian-American teen charged with murder HOUSTON: A 17-year-old Indian-American has been charged with first-degree murder of a 37year-old man following an altercation in the US state of Florida, police said.

Sean Patel, who lives in Clearwater, is accused of shooting dead Davtara G Grayson from Tampa at his home.

According to police, Patel knew the victim and both began to argue on before the altercation

turned physical.

It was not clear how the two knew each other and whether the victim, too, was an Indian-American.

A police officer on patrol heard or saw the commotion, and when she entered the home, she found the victim's body, The Tampa Tribune reported, citing the police.

Patel, who shot Grayson with a gun stolen from an unlocked vehicle in Madeira Beach on June

Indian-origin doctor couple convicted of fraud WASHINGTON: An Indianorigin doctor, who was a supporter of Khalistan movement, has been convicted along with his wife of defrauding the US government to the tune of USD 2.5 million in a healthcare fraud in which they claimed for procedures that were not performed.

A federal jury in Maryland convicted Paramjit Singh

Ajrawat,60, and his wife Sukhveen Kaur Ajrawat, 57.

Paramjit was convicted of one count of health care fraud, two counts of making a false statement related to a health care program, one count of obstruction of justice, four counts of wire fraud, and one count of aggravated identity theft, the US Attorney's Office District of Maryland said in a statement. -PTI

Pak bans broadcast of Altaf Hussain's speeches Cont’d from page 6

They pleaded that a case of treason should be registered against Hussain under Article 6.

The petitioners said Hussain was a British national and no foreign citizen could head a political party in Pakistan under the Political Parties Act. "He has no right to deliver speeches on television channels in Pakistan," they had pleaded.

Hussain, 61, has lived in selfexile in the UK since 1992 claiming his life is under threat in Pakistan.

Reacting sharply to the court's action against its chief, the

Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) announced a countrywide protest against the decision.

Dozens of cases have been registered against Hussain in different police stations of the country for his "anti-army" remarks and for allegedly seeking help from Indian spy agency RAW. The MQM, which traditionally represents the descendents of Urdu-speakers who migrated from India after the creation of Pakistan in 1947, has remained the single largest party in Karachi, the country's economic hub and biggest city, for the last three decades and has swept all general elections held in this period.-PTI

11, was taken into custody about an hour later and is being held at a local juvenile detention facility, they said.

The State Attorney's office will determine whether Patel will be charged as an adult. -PTI

The last time the 74-year-old Brazilian was in the country was way back in 1977 with New York Cosmos for an exhibition match with Mohun Bagan.

Confirming his visit through a video message, the legend said, "I am looking forward to meeting the young footballers participating in the Subroto Cup and celebrating the world's greatest sport with the children of India.

"I am impressed with the hard work that the Indian Air Force has put in to nurture such a big football tournament that brings the youth together. I hope my visit will inspire these champions of tomorrow."

It is being speculated that he will also be a guest of honor in Atletico de Kolkata's opening game in Indian Super League (ISL) and meet former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly at a function in the eastern me-

tropolis.

Nicknamed as 'Black Pearl', Pele has won one Ballon d'Or, three World Cups and scored a staggering 1,283 career goals.

"It is such an honor for me to be able to make this trip. India is a very special country and I have good memories from my time there many years ago, the fans were fantastic," Pele added.

In 1999, he was voted World Player of the Century by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics.

In the same year, Pele was declared Athlete of the Century by the International Olympic Committee, and Time magazine named him in their list of 100 most influential people of the 20th century.

In 2013, he received the FIFA Ballon d'Or Prix d'Honneur in recognition of his career and achievements as a global icon of the world sport. -PTI

Horoscope

10 India Post

September 11, 2015

www.indiapost.com

lanets are very favorable for all financial matters. Business will pick up all of a sudden. New relationship will cause lots of excitement in life. Any business trip you take this week will bring in rich rewards. You may make some plans with a colleague also. You will learn some tricks from a major competitor. Bank balance will escalate.

P

ind will be at ease after resolving some issues with partners. You may have some work done inside your home. Things will keep improving at work and you may be assigned an important task. You may be in market to replace an ailing vehicle. You may get a tip from a trusted friend and invest in stocks. You will attend a big event with family this week.

P

resence of Mars and Jupiter in first is favorable in many ways. Some of you may launch a major project this week. Health will keep getting better with the new diet plan. Some of you may start preparation to move to a better place. You will have better controls and take many important decisions with cool and rational mind.

D

o not let small disturbance at work force you to take any hasty decision. A number of people will benefit from your expertise. Money wise you will continue to do better and may also dispose off some money making stocks. You may change your plans on the last minute to attend a religious function.

Y

ou will finally receive the offer. It may not look that good in the beginning but will prove to be a blessing in disguise later. Rewards for the hard work performed lately, will come at a later stage. Spouse may be working hard to improve health. You may finally go to the mall and buy things you were putting off for a while.

S

T

ou will be exploring new avenues to improve income and may even talk to a trusted friend about it.

Money will come and disappear fast. A child will need money and time to get organized for upcoming school. Some of you may sign up for a short term course to update your knowledge. Stay away from stock market if possible.

Sept 11th - Sept 17th 2015

P

lanets in fifth will help you achieve goals with-

E

xpenses will stay at rock bottom and finan-

out difficulty. Deal will not

cial pressure will evaporate.

only boost your self confi-

You will be little aggressive

dence but will be financially

on the phone but get the job

rewarding. You may invite

done quickly. Things will

few friends at your place this

stay on the right track at

week. Interest in spiritual life

work and you may finish the

will continue to grow. Oppor-

project on hand well before

tunity will not be less than a

the deadline. You will attend

jackpot, grab it.

a big celebration.

M

ombination of Jupiter and Mars will provide much needed boost in life and you will have more than one reason to celebrate this week. There will be some interesting and dramatic change in career. You may successfully negotiate a deal with a government agency also. Mind will stay relaxed and you may visit your favorite place for dinner.

ind will be restless and you will be on the move most of the week. You will have couple of opportunities to make quick bucks.

It will be a rewarding week for brokers. One of your child may be getting ready to move away for educational purpose.

Stay away from an heated argument at the party. You may discuss about making some changes in or around your home with an expert.

C

ome cracks could start appearing in a business or personal relationship. Differences can be sorted out with outside help. You may receive some money through legal channels. Tough attitude can get many things resolved and make other side agree to your terms quickly. You may be thinking of taking a trip to meet some relatives.

here is a strong chance of an addition in the family. Plans and project you had been working on for long, will take final shape. There will be some more positive development at work. There is a long distance trip in the air.

Children will get settled properly. Property deal can also finalize during the week. Sign legal papers carefully.

M

Y

Special Interview

September 11, 2015

India Post

11

www.indiapost.com

Yale Prof brings innovative forest planning tools KRISHAN SHARMA India Post News Service

NEW DELHI: Alark Saxena, who is on a visit to India, is the Program Director of Yale Himalaya Initiative and a Lecturer at the School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Yale. His mission is to present the innovative forest planning and modeling tools developed at Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies to the Madhya Pradesh forest department to help evaluate the long term impacts of current policy decisions.

Alark is a social-ecologist who is interested in questions associated to sustainability, climate change resilience, livelihood and bio-energy. His current research is focused in India and Nepal. In India, Alark is developing tools to evaluate livelihood resilience of forest based communities.

W i t h i n Himalayas, Alark is evaluating the impacts of tourism on local livelihood and culture in the Sagarmatha National park, Nepal. Alark is also working on a new project on evaluating the resilience of village communities to trans-boundary floods on the border between India and Nepal. Alark hails from Bhopal and is a former graduate of the Indian Institute of Forest Management.

Alark obliged India Post with his views on a number of issues in a recent e-mail interview. Here are excerpts: Who invited you to come to India and give talks?

I have been invited by Forest PLUS which is a collaborative project between USAID and Ministry of Environment and Forest. I will be presenting some of our innovative policy decision making tools that can help forest managers understand the implications of various government policies and market influences on the health of forests and the livelihoods of forest dependent communities.

In which institutes will you be giving the talks?

I will be giving talks on a couple of different topics in different institutions. At

Forest PLUS and MP Forest Department, the talk is focused on showcasing the strengths of the newly conceptualized tool on integrated landscape and livelihood management system.

The idea is to provide/gain perspective on how the new tool can support forest departments in managing the forest resources for ecosystem services and provide local livelihoods required for implementing international REDD+ (Reduced emissions from degradation and deforestation) projects.

I will be talking about development of a methodology that will help in evaluating resilience of local communities to climate change in India at the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) in Delhi.

Alark Saxena

I will be giving a talk on a new methodology for modeling livelihoods of natural resource based communities at the Indian Institute of Technology in Mumbai.

Through this method we can temporally project a long term dynamics of local livelihoods and showcase how modern computing techniques can allow us to measure complex phenomenon (such as livelihoods) and help policy makers in taking better decisions.

What is the mission of your visit to India?

My mission is to present the innovative forest planning and modeling tools that we have developed at Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies that will be used

by MP forest department to evaluate the long term impacts of current policy decisions on both the forests and the local livelihoods. These new tools will be used for planning and management by the forest department for effective decision making associated to REDD+ projects. The REDD+ projects can provide significant revenue for sequestering carbon in Indian forests through the Clean Development Mechanisms.

What do you specialize in vis-Ă -vis India? very susceptible to shifts in weather patI specialize in a couple of different ar- terns and changes in government policies. eas. My primary specialization is in issues The communities can lose up to 70% of their associated to climate change Impacts and hard earned income if the impacts of climate change coincide with unfavorable adaptation.

I am interested in developing ways to shifts in government policies (such as conanalyze the ability of natural resource de- verting the status of adjoining forest to a pendent communities to adapt to climatic National Park). and other changes. More than 60% of Indian population is still directly/ indirectly What do you recommend as a solution?

Rural and natural resource dependent dependent on forests for their sustenance.

I evaluate the impact of climate change on communities should be supported to shift from more natural resource dependent acsuch communities.

I also specialize in the issues of biofuels. tivities to other non-weather affected liveI have worked on projects to evaluate the lihood activities. This will reduce the vulfeasibility of vegetable oil as biodiesel and nerability to the unpredictable weather patcurrently working on extracting Algae as terns. Creating a diversity of livelihood source of biodiesel in In- I am interested in developing ways to analyze dia. India imports roughly the ability of natural resource dependent com75% of its pe- munities to adapt to climatic and other troleum needs spending pre- changes. More than 60% of Indian population cious foreign is still directly/ indirectly dependent on forests exchange refor their sustenance. I evaluate the impact of serves. The ability to pro- climate change on such communities duce fossil fuel can significantly increase self-reliance. My options will help in reducing the risks asinterest is to find feasible bio-stocks of Al- sociated to climate change. To increase regae that can be used to create biodiesel silience, it will be important for local govthus help in reducing carbon emission, in- ernments to continue improving their wacrease energy independence and create live- ter and land resources by conducting soil and moisture conservation works. lihood solution.

Activities like afforestation and reforesAnother field of work is on Disaster Risk Reduction and resilience. We are interested tation of diverse and locally appropriate in developing resilience of poor communi- tree species will also help in increasing reties in Himalayan areas. We are developing silience of the region. Finally, the rural to a novel methodology to assess the vulner- urban migration might also have a potenability of local households to floods that tial solution for reducing the impacts of clican be used by local NGO's that are other- mate change. However, one has to be carewise unable to work on the important top- ful in introducing such solutions as it might lead to some other social challenges. ics of resilience.

How is global climate change impacting Have you given any report or recommendations to the government of India? rural environment?

At present, due to the nature of my trip, Global climate change affects poor and rural communities disproportionately. Com- I have not shared my findings with the govmunities that sustain themselves on liveli- ernment of India. However, I am looking at hoods associated to natural resources such opportunities to discuss some of these with as agriculture, non-timber forest produce the government of Madhya Pradesh where collection, grazing, fisheries etc are highly I have done bulk of my research. I also look susceptible to shifts in weather patterns forward to engaging with other state govcaused by climate change. Farmers are in- ernments in subsequent visits.

However, through this interview, I can creasingly complaining about their inabilcertainly suggest that shifts in government ity to predict the monsoon.

This has reduced their ability to sow policies associated to national forests need seeds at the right time. The Global climate to be thought very carefully. As mentioned models prediction for India suggest that in the earlier question, rural communities the wetter places in the At present, due to the nature of my trip, I have country will become wetter not shared my findings with the government of and the dryer India. However, I am looking at opportunities to places will become further discuss some of these with the government of dry. This will Madhya Pradesh where I have done bulk of my significantly shift the ecol- research. I also look forward to engaging with ogy of the re- other state governments in subsequent visits gions in India forcing poor and rural natural resource are still very dependent on forest resources. based communities to shift or migrate to Their susceptibility to climate change along other places. Hence the rural and the poor with shifts in forest policies can make these communities are significantly affected by local communities extremely vulnerable.

Coinciding impacts of such polices can lead climate change impacts.

One of our recently concluded 5-year to mass migration towards urban areas crelong study in Central India suggests that ating further social, infrastructure and enthe forest dependent rural communities are vironmental problems.

Tech News J&K imposes service tax on copter rides SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir government has imposed a tax of 12.5 per cent on sale of tickets for commercial helicopters services in the state.

"We have decided to impose 12.5 per cent tax on commercial helicopter services in the state," state's Finance Minister Haseeb Ahmad Drabu told PTI. The minister did not divulge further details of the order.

However, officials said the tax was proposed by the Commercial Taxes Department on grounds that commercial helicopter sorties were being levied service tax across the country.

"Since Jammu and Kashmir is the only state which has the powers to levy its own Service tax, a proposal was sent to the Finance Ministry to this effect," an official said.

As per the Chapter V of the Finance Act, Sub section (1) of section 64 pertaining to Service Tax is not applicable to Jammu and Kashmir.

The official said the state government by definition has put services under the category of 'sale of goods', allowing extension of this levy on commercial helicopter services.-PTI

Toyota to invest $50M in car-tech research EAST PALO ALTO, Calif.: Toyota is investing $50 million with Stanford University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in hopes of gaining an edge in an accelerating race to

phase out human drivers.

The financial commitment announced by the Japanese automaker will be made over the next five years at joint research centers located in Silicon Valley and another technology hub in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Toyota has hired robotics expert Gill Pratt to oversee research aimed at developing artificial intelligence and other innovations that will enable future car models to navigate the roads without people doing all the steering and stopping.-AP

TechBiz 12 India Post

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September 11, 2015

Tampa Bay firm restores vintage fiberglass cars TAMPA BAY, Fla.: Two Tampa Bay-area car enthusiasts are working to bring back the Atomic Age of American sports cars.

The men created Forgotten Fiberglass, an automotive restoration company specializing in old fiberglass cars, the St. Petersburg Times reported. Company owner Geoff Hacker says the cars were at their peak popularity in the post-World War II era from 1951 to 1957. The American public has long forgotten many of the fiberglass cars that were so popular more 60 years ago.-AP

India ranks low on inclusive growth and development GENEVA: India has been ranked very low, mostly in the bottom half, globally on most of the parameters for inclusive growth and development even as it fares much better internationally when it comes to business and political ethics.

In a first of its kind global rankings, across different groups of countries in terms of their per capita income levels, the World Economic Forum (WEF) found that most countries are in fact missing major opportunities to reduce income inequality and same is the case with India.

WEF said that the new study, which was conducted over the past two years, seeks to identify the various ways policymakers can drive economic growth and equity at the same time - and assesses them on their relative success in implementing these measures.

"Our message is unequivocally that leaders must pursue economic strategies that are at the same time pro-growth and pro-labor," said

the Geneva-based think tank known for its economic conclaves held in different parts of the world including in Davos, Switzerland and in India.

India has mostly been ranked in the bottom half of the 38 countries that make up our lower middle income bracket.

tection.

WEF said that another area that policymakers in India would need to priorities improvement would be 'Asset building and entrepreneurship', in particular the Small business ownership, where India ranks bottom among its peers at 38th place.

WEF said that another area that policymakers in India would need to priorities improvement would be 'Asset building and entrepreneurship' Particularly disappointing is its position in terms of Fiscal Transfers, where it ranks 37th out of 38.

It also ranks very low at 32nd for Tax Code and 36th for social pro-

However, India does demonstrate leadership in some areas, WEF said, while naming areas like corruption and rents where it comes 8th.

For business and political ethics, India ranks 12th, while it ranks 11th on the financial intermediation of real economy investment pillar, which suggests that money invested in the economy generally gets directed towards productive uses.

WEF said its first Inclusive Growth and Development Report presents a new framework for assessing countries - efforts to foster economic growth that raises the living standards of entire societies.

"Around the world, no bigger policy challenge preoccupies political leaders than expanding social participation in the process and benefits of economic growth," WEF said while releasing the report that covers 112 economies. -PTI

China lowers 2014 GDP to 7.3 per cent BEIJING: China has trimmed its growth estimate for 2014 to 7.3 per cent from 7.4 per cent, already the weakest in 25 years, in a move set to spark concerns about the health of the world's second-largest economy days after fears of a slowdown triggered global stock market panic.

The revised gross domestic product for 2014 based on preliminary verification came in at 63.61 trillion yuan (USD 10 trillion), down 32.4 billion yuan (USD 5 billion) from the preliminary calculation that put the annual rate at 7.4 per cent, National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said.

Primary industries accounted for 9.2 per cent of the GDP structure, unchanged from the preliminary calculation.

The secondary sector accounted for 42.7 per cent of GDP,

up 0.1 percentage points from the preliminary calculation, while the tertiary sector accounted for 48.1 per cent, down 0.1 percentage point from the earlier statistics, state-run Xinhua news agency re-

liminary verification and then the final verification, which is released several months later.

China's economy is headed for its slowest economic expansion in 25 years in 2015. The new number

ported.

The NBS calculates each year's GDP three times - the preliminary calculation, followed by the pre-

remains the lowest since 1990, when expansion plummeted to 3.9 percent.

The revised data came at a time

when investors have become increasingly doubtful of the depth of the economic slowdown in China.

Chinese stocks have dipped around 40 per cent since mid- June after rising over 150 per cent in the previous 12 months.

China, however, has tried to ratchet up market sentiments through rate cuts and last month it devalued its currency by nearly five percent against the US dollar in a single week, which sparked a global stockmarket havoc.

Last year marked the weakest annual expansion for China in 24 years due to a housing slowdown, softening domestic demand and unsteady exports, and growth further slowed to 7 per cent in the first half of 2015 as the country braces for a "new normal" period of slower growth but higher quality.-PTI

TechBiz Post

September 11, 2015

India Post

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Reliance pact with UAE for naval ship building NEW DELHI: Anil Ambani-led Reliance Defense Ltd (RDL) has signed a MoU with Abu Dhabi Ship Building to set up a strategic partnership for construction of naval ships, including frigates and destroyers to address the demands of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), over the next 10 years.

RDL is a fully owned subsidiary of Reliance Infrastructure Ltd while Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB) is a leading provider of construction, repair and refit services for naval, military and commercial vessels.

"Under this MoU, RDL and ADSB are investigating the opportunity to set up a strategic partnership for the construction of naval ships including frigates, destroyers and other specialized vessels to address the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) over the next

10 years," a statement by the Reliance Group said.

The agreement could also see ADSB delivering maintenance, repair, overhaul and refit services to the vessels, in line with regional requirements, it said.

Reliance Group is likely to use its newly acquired ship-building facilities at Pipavav for implementation of this collaboration.

The MoU signing follows the joint statement issued during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to UAE on August 18 which highlighted "cooperation and manufacture of defense equipment in India".

Skills developed and the experience gained through this col-

laboration will further add to ReliHeadquartered in Abu Dhabi ance Group's capabilities and po- and established in 1996, ADSB sition it favorably as a strategic was originally formed to support partner for Indian Navy's future the repairs and refits of UAE Navy programs, the statement said. vessels and currently has a portThe programs include Combat folio of construction and refit Management Systems (CMS), Integrated Bridge Solutions (IBS), The agreement could also Combat System Integra- see ADSB delivering maintion (CSI), Integrated tenance, repair, overhaul Platform Management Systems (IPMS) and and refit services to the staff training and devel- vessels, in line with reopment. gional requirements ADSB is a major regional provider of construction, repair and refit services projects worth over UAE Dirham for naval, military and commercial 3 billion. vessels in the GCC region.

ADSB is 40 per cent owned by This potential collaboration Mubadala, 10 per cent by Abu could help both companies expand Dhabi's government while the rest their market share and address new 50 per cent is publicly traded on opportunities, it said.

UAE's stock exchange. -PTI

Govt has 'space' to accommodate OROP NEW DELHI: The Indian Government has said it has the "space" to absorb the burden of Rs.8000-10,000 crore on account of OROP and that it would not hurt its fiscal consolidation program.

"We have the fiscal space to be able to absorb this without having any impact of the fiscal deficit target, which is 3.9 per cent. So, we have taken that into account as we have prepared the One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme," Minister of State for Finance Jayant Sinha told PTI in an interview.

The government had announced that it will implement OROP under which a uniform pension would be given to armed forces personnel retiring at the same rank with the same length of service. The scheme would be implemented from July 1, 2014.

Funding the OROP, the Minister said, was never a consideration, but the government took time in finalizing the scheme as it wanted it to be "equitable and not

half-baked".

Sinha said the actual payout in arrears for implementation of the scheme from July 1, 2014, as well as the recurring burden are being worked out. For the current year,

Jayant Sinha

the outgo is estimated at Rs 8,00010,000 crore, he said.

"We are estimating that cost would be between Rs 8,000-10,000

crore at present and it would increase further in future... It is a recurring number. The Rs 8,00010,000 crore is in this fiscal and there are of course arrears which have to be paid," he said.

Under O R O P scheme the pension for defense pers o n n e l would be revised every five years.

The arrears would be paid in four halfyearly installments.

However, all widows, including war widows, will be paid in one installment.

"We have taken into account what adjustment will be necessary in the Budget to be able to both

Doha Bank ties up with Reliance Group DOHA/NEW DELHI: Doha Bank has said it has tied up with Anil Ambani-led Reliance Group to generate business opportunities in the Gulf Cooperation Council nations and India.

Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman are part of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

"Doha Bank and Reliance ADA Group have entered into an alliance to create new opportunities

for cooperation and innovation in terms of business development across the GCC and India," Doha Bank said in a release.

It said the MoU is envisaged to provide tangible business opportunities and further prospects for expansion for Doha Bank and Reliance Group.

It will also provide synergy in product development and congruence in mutual infrastructure support, it said.

Doha Bank has a robust presence in financial services, telecom, infrastructure, entertainment, power, health care, and defense industries.

"The relationship-based model has been designed with a revolutionary approach between Doha Bank and Reliance Group, which has been engaged in pivotal roles in the ongoing economic transformation of India," said the release.

Cont’d on page 14

apply one rank one pension which we have promised to our brave servicemen while at the same time maintaining our fiscal discipline and fiscal target that we have already outlined," he said.

Sinha said there are estimated 6.5 lakh war widows and over 27 lakh ex-defense personnel who will benefit from the OROP scheme.

"We have sufficient ability to

be able to find fiscal space for that... As of now, we are quite confident we will be able to find that fiscal space," Sinha said.

In the current fiscal, the government aims to restrict fiscal deficit at 3.9 per cent of GDP. As per the fiscal consolidation road map, the fiscal deficit is to be brought down to 3 per cent of GDP by 201718. -PTI

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TechBiz Post

India Post

September 11, 2015

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Sourav Ganguly to host business reality show KOLKATA: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced that former iconic cricketer Sourav Ganguly will host a new business reality show on television, aimed at nurturing young entrepreneurial talent.

"Yet another first from Bengal is about to unfold very soon. I am happy to inform you that Bengal is launching an exclusive business reality show in Bengali 'Egiya Bangla'.

"The show will target young entrepreneurs, with unique business ideas and help them to achieve their dreams. Our very own Sourav Ganguly has come forward to be the face of the show," Banerjee said.

"Like his passion on and off the field, Sourav will ignite young minds to be successful entrepre-

Sourav Ganguly

neurs of tomorrow. My best wishes," she said in a Facebook post.

However, the chief minister's

Do care about customers: Prasad to telcos GURGAON: Asking mobile operators to address the problem of call drops, Indian Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad has said government doesn't appreciate when they just add customers but do not look after their convenience.

"I don't appreciate the condition wherein operators just add

cently over call drops and directed officials to resolve the problem urgently. Telecom operators have cited shutting down of mobile towers due to radiation fears, as also lack of spectrum, as the major reasons for call drops.

They have said that about 7,000-10,000 sites have been locked or shut down across major

Indian Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad

customers and do not care about their convenience," Prasad told reporters here during a BSNL function.

It is the operators' responsibility to worry about consumers' interests, he added.

"I have said this earlier also and am repeating that operators should improve their network, invest in network and also optimize the network," he said.

The problem of call drops has worsened in the recent months.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also voiced serious concern re-

cities and have sought a uniform national policy for installation of mobile towers.

Prasad said, on the policy front, the Department of Telecom has been very proactive in addressing telcos issues as it is allowing installation of mobile towers on government buildings and writing to chief ministers to permit use of state buildings.

A recent TRAI report found that most of the telecom operators in Delhi and Mumbai were not meeting the prescribed standards regarding call drops.-PTI

venture drew criticism from Opposition parties like the Left, Congress and BJP, who mocked her for pinning hopes on a TV show

BA launches special fares for UK, US NEW DELHI: British Airways (BA) has announced lowering its ticket prices for limited period for economy class passengers traveling from India to airline's global destinations including the US and Canada.

Under the special offer, the bookings for which can be made up to September 20, customers can choose from a range of the airline's network of nine destinations in the UK, 25 in North America and additional 200 to North America in partnership with American Airlines, the airline said in a release.

The outbound travel period for the tickets availed under the special offer will be up to December 31, 2015, it said.

Besides, the UK's flag carrier would also offer a flat 15 per cent discount to its premium economy class passengers bound for the US from India.

"British Airways is delighted to announce a fantastic September bonanza for its customers from India to select international destinations with all-inclusive fares starting from just Rs 49,486," the release said, adding that with this special offer, the airline was putting its entire UK and North America network on sale.

The outbound travel period under the offer will be up to December 31, 2015, it said.PTI

instead of building infrastructure to attract in investments.

"I am not aware of whether such shows really help. Earlier, the Chief Minister conducted various business summits, but they produced no result. She also visited Mumbai, Singapore and London, but the visits did not help bring in a single investment. Rather, several industrial units have shut shop," Left Front chairman and CPI (M) Politburo member Biman Bose said.

The Congress said such kind of shows would not attract investment as long as there was no proper infrastructure and environ-

ment.

"Such shows will not help bring in investments. For investments, you need infrastructure and proper environment.

The TMC and our Chief Minister are trying to use the brand value of Sourav Ganguly to fool the masses and the youth.

The state has miserably failed in industrialization and job creation," state Congress president Adhir Chowdhury said.

The BJP also mocked Banerjee's earlier business summits and said until and unless proper environment and industrial policy was in place, no effort will yield results. -PTI

FinMin Secretaries take stock of economy NEW DELHI: The Indian Finance Ministry reviewed the prevailing economic and fiscal situation and pending policy issues against the backdrop of the ongoing global financial woes.

This was the first meeting of secretaries in the ministry after Ratan P Watal took over as the Finance Secretary.

Chief Economic Advisor Arvind Subramanian also attended the meet.

The top officials also discussed issues relating to better coordination among all the Departments of the Ministry, especially in view of the Budgetary exercise that has already started.

"The Finance Secretary took stock of the work in progress and discussed pending policy issues in different Departments of the Ministry. He called for expeditious

action in such matters," the Ministry said in a statement.

Watal also reviewed action taken on various issues related to the Budgetary process.

The statement further said such coordination cum review meetings will be now held on a regular basis and to begin with, on weekly basis.

Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das, Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adhia, Financial Services Secretary Anjuly Chib Duggal and Disinvestment Secretary Aradhana Johri were present.

Das tweeted: "Had meeting of all Secretaries in Finance Ministry. Took stock of economic and fiscal situation, policy issues, budget preparation, etc."

The meeting took place even as China growth slowdown and lingering worries over monsoon tormented markets.-PTI

Doha Bank ties up with Reliance Group Cont’d from page 13

"This agreement will open new horizons for business reciprocity in financial services."

The agreement has been signed

by Anil Ambani Chairman Reliance Group and Doha Bank Group CEO R Seetharaman in the presence of Sanjiv Arora, Ambassador of India to Qatar.

"We are glad to enter into this partnership which will further reinforce the economic interaction between GCC and India. Reliance Capital will look forward to offering customized solutions and investment products to Doha Bank

customers," Ambani said in the statement.

Doha Bank Group CEO Seetharaman said: "The arrangement will include financial services initiatives with Reliance Capital in the areas such as asset management, life and general insurance and distribution of financial services."

The scope of the partnership will strengthen Doha Bank's presence in India and the bank's strategic role in trade finance, banking and financial services across the region and in creating business opportunities between GCC and India, it added.-PTI

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September 11, 2015

India Post

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Britannia to invest in agro-processing unit VIJAYAWADA: FMCG major Britannia Industries is planning to set up an agro-processing facility in Andhra Pradesh with an investment of Rs 125 crore in the first phase.

The company is planning the unit to increase its presence in southern cities like Bengaluru and Chennai.

Britannia Managing Director Varun Berry called on Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu here and said the company is planning to commission the first phase of

the project by the end of 2016.

"We want to zero in on a location which helps us serve markets in Chennai and Bengaluru," a state government release quoted Berry as having told Naidu.

In response, Naidu said they can finalize Chittoor district which allows the company to serve Chennai and Bengaluru markets.

During the meeting, Naidu explained the advantages and opportunities in Andhra Pradesh.

"We are focusing on agricul-

Britannia Managing Director Varun Berry with Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu

Madhya Pradesh to enhance investment policies SINGAPORE: Madhya Pradesh will use an "ease of doing business" study from a Singaporebased think tank to enhance investment policies to benchmark and compete with the East Asian countries, a top official said here.

ease of doing business and see what other East Asian economies are doing (relating to attracting investments)," Principal Secretary MP government Mohammed Suleman told PTI. "We have to ultimately bench-

Madhya Pradesh has been attracting strong investments in a wide range of industries, led by textile, solar, automobile, pharmaceuticals and mobile phone manufacturing.

The study, which will also track the effectiveness of current policies in the state, will be presented by the Asia Competitiveness Institute (ACI) of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on July 20 2015 through the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

"We have to build capacity on

mark and compete with the East Asians," Mohammed said.

Mohammed noted that ACI has comprehensive studies on ease of doing businesses in the East Asian countries.

Mohammed pointed out that the state government will address all issues relating to investments such as the start of businesses, company laws, and enforcement

BSES sells 16 lakh LED bulbs NEW DELHI: Reliance Energybacked BSES discoms have sold 16 lakh LED or light-emitting diode bulbs in the city in the past three months as part of their campaign to promote energy conservation.

According to BSES discoms, these LED bulbs will help saving of a whopping 17 million units of power per annum in the energystarved national capital.

Both BSES Rajdhani Power Ltd (BRPL) and BSES Yamuna Power Ltd (BYPL) had launched a scheme to sell LED bulbs to their customers at a subsidized rate in June.

A BSES official said a 7 watt LED bulb consumes 50 per cent less electricity than an equivalent CFL and 85 per cent less and than an equivalent incandescent bulb.

"Since the launch of the scheme about three months ago on June 1, around 16 lakh LED bulbs have been distributed in BSES area.

These will cumulatively lead to energy savings of a whopping 17 million units per annum," the BSES said.

It said the highest number of LED bulbs have been distributed in the Vikaspuri (1,50,371) division in BRPL followed by Khanpur (1,18,877) and Sarita Vihar (91,306) divisions.-PTI

of contracts.

"There are issues that we can make more efficient by use of technology," he said.

Elaborating, he said the use of technology would enable overseas businessmen to conduct business activities online.

Madhya Pradesh has been attracting strong investments in a wide range of industries, led by

textile, solar, automobile, pharmaceuticals and mobile phone manufacturing.

The state continues to promote investment projects internationally, with Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan set to lead a business delegation to South Korea and Japan in the first week of next month, said Mohammed.PTI

ture and allied activities like horticulture, livestock, fisheries, dairy and poultry whose estimated growth rate for 2015-16 is 24 per cent with Rs 1.87 lakh-crore against 1.43 lakh-crore in 201415," the Chief Minister said, adding that the company can also explore options in the dairy sector.

In Andhra Pradesh, Naidu said, the government is working to strengthen the Self-Help Groups (SHGs).

"To improve dairy production, we are giving back-end subsidy on fodder cultivation. SHG women will measure the yield from each animal and the fodder cultivation will be planned according to the yield," he added.

Andhra Pradesh has an advantage in the fisheries sector, the Chief Minister said highlighting that the state stands at the top in shrimp production and wants to lead in exports of sea-food.

"Our long coast on the East, abundant water and 14 ports give us the opportunity of being the logistics hub of South East Asia," he said. -PTI

Desi News Carnegie Mellon gets $35 mn from Tatas NEELA PANDYA

PITTSBURGH: Carnegie Mellon University is the recipient of a $35 million gift from Tata Consultancy (TCS), a leading global IT services, consulting and business solutions organization, marking a new era of partnerships between leaders in the industry and academia.

Representing the largest corporate gift to CMU, and from outside the U.S., this donation will fund a new facility, the TCS Building, which will support education and cutting-edge research by CMU faculty and students. At approximately 40,000 square-feet, the stand-alone structure will house state-of-the-art facilities, providing collaborative spaces for CMU faculty and staff. The building will provide space for TCS staff to interact with CMU faculty, staff and students.

Details on page 18

Eye opening documentary on environment LISA WADE

C

owspiracy: The Sustainability Secret is a brazen, entertaining, and sometimes humorous environmental documentary. It is eye opening for even the most knowledgeable environmentalist. The film follows the fascinating journey of filmmaker Kip Anderson as he confronts what is arguably the most destructive and powerful industry on the planet. On the one hand the film challenges environmental organizations who seem bent on maintaining the status quo, while on the other hand holding meaningful conversations with activists who are not afraid to shed light on the truth.

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www.indiapost.com

Thousands attend ISNA Convention in Chicago Details on page 23

September 11, 2015

Silicon Valley eager to see Indian Prime Minister Modi ‘live’ India Post News Service

SAN FRANCISCO BAYAREA: With preparations for India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the Silicon Valley in full swing, the final phase of registration has successfully concluded. The total registrations saw over 45,000 individuals eager to participate in the excitement and hear the Prime Minister speak at SAP Arena in San Jose on Sunday, September 27. The final registration count is far greater than the capacity of the hall.

The initial registrations for the event were done through the over 500 welcome partners that registered their overall support for Prime Minister Modi and their support for the upcoming event.

The second phase of registrations, which consisted of registrations of individuals not associated with an organization, have also concluded.

The final list of the 18,500 people who will get a chance to hear Prime Minister Modi speak live at the SAP Arena in San Jose on September 27 is yet to be decided. The current list of registrants spans the gamut of social, religious, and professional spheres. From taxi drivers and farmers to professionals and CEOs of

large companies, the excitement being felt in the Silicon Valley is unprecedented. Mr. Naren Gupta, a venture capitalist and entrepreneur, serves as the Co-chairman of the Indo American Community

bilities that exist for India under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi. PM Modi has outlined several key initiatives, including digital cities, alternate power and cleanliness that requite innovative

of West Coast (IACWC), the organization tasked with the responsibility of organizing this event.

He said: "With Silicon Valley as the center of innovation, we are all very excited about the possi-

approaches. We want to give back to our homeland, we will give back to our homeland, and we plan to engage in thoughtful dialog with the PM about best ways to make a difference. We are looking forward

to hosting our beloved Prime Minister's to Silicon Valley to share our common goals and thinking."

The Prime Minister's visit will mark the first visit to California by an Indian Head of State in 33 years. Given his push for clean energy, his drive to digitize India, and his plans to empower the people of his country, Prime Minister Modi's presence in the Silicon Valley, the hub of technology and innovation, is considered by many to be a natural step towards taking India on the path to overall development.

Leading up to and after the reception, high impact programs and meetings are being scheduled to promote the shared ideals of innovation and entrepreneurship between Silicon Valley and India.

The event, free to the general public, is being totally funded by the Indian American community.

"This is a free event. The attendees are expected not to pay directly or indirectly to any organization. The expenses are taken care of by sponsorship from corporations, businesses and high net worth individuals," said Thakor Desai, a businessman and finance co-chair of IACWC. For more information on this event, please visit www.pmmodiinca.org.

Details on page 20

Asha-Talat concert enthralls capacity crowd

FOG announces Diwali and Fireworks 2015 RITU MAHESHWARI India Post News Service

Asian Media USA

CHICAGO: Asha Bhosle, one of most versatile singing legends in Bollywood with a career spanning over six decades and Talat Aziz, a very popular artist creating his own space singing ghazals, Sufi, and film songs, made history when they paired together to enthrall thousands of their fans in Chicagoland recently. Asha and Talat Aziz jointly set the stage literally on fire, when they came together at the Sears Center Arena.

Details on page 21

FREMONT: Federation of Indo Americans of Northern California (FIA) in association with Fremont Hindu Temple has announced its Festival of Globe (FOG) - Diwali and Fireworks 2015. Building on previous huge successes, this year's Diwali, will be held in sprawling Alameda County Fair Grounds in Pleasanton on Saturday, October 24th, 2015.

Diwali is a national holiday in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Guyana, and many other countries. It is one of the most important festivals of the year and is celebrated by families performing traditional activities together in their homes. Diwali involves the lighting of small clay lamps filled with oil to

signify the triumph of good over evil. Diwali is also referred as Festival of Lights. Celebrants wear new clothes through the festival and share sweets and snacks with family members and friends. People pray for continued prosperity, wealth and health this day FOG Diwali 2015 will begin by lighting up the lamp tradition at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton. Thousands of people will be joining to celebrate the only Diwali festival with spectacular fireworks and an amazing laser show.

Cultural programs, Ramleela, a dazzling parade, fancy costumes, Fashion show, Yoga lessons, kids masti corner, a petting zoo, and animal rides will be there all day long starting at 11am.

Cont’d on page 19

Dr. Romesh Japra, Founder and Convener Festival of Globe (FOG) announcing the FOG Diwali 2015

Community Across America

September 11, 2015

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'FOG & I-Day Parade the best experience of my life' ANSHU HARSH

JAIPUR, Rajasthan: Nearly three weeks after I have returned from California in the United States, I still feel the hang over of exploring the new city. I look back on the days I was invited to attend the Festival of Globe FOG, in St Jose CA as a guest of honor.

When I was boarding the flight, my heart was full of mixed feelings. Of course leaving your place of being for many years and visiting a new country and new people gives goose bumps in your belly. At the same time it was a scary night dream. It took me few hours spent in the flight to get a subtle feeling of being happy and lucky to be part of the renowned Film Festival; the FOG. Being a journalist and an art and literature lover, I have been interested in witnessing excellent work and it was a great experience watching Rajat Kapoor's film 'Ankho Dekhi.' Also Kumar Raj's 'Tara' starring Rekha Rana was a very good experience. I also had an opportunity to interact with both film makers which made me understand their deep vision on the cinema today. Marking my presence where Bappi Lahiri and Deepti Naval, the renowned personalities of Indian Cinema, was indeed an exciting venture. And meeting with international stars of China, Vietnam, Fiji was a great experience.

It was the Rajasthan International Film Festival (RIFF) team that was invited and I as Organizing Secretary accompanied by Sanjay Gaur the Event Coordinator were part of the Festival of Globe, feeling honored and thankful to the entire team of FOG. I have heard the love for the country grows bigger and wider when you are away from your roots. I felt it come alive in the personality of Dr Romesh Japra, abiding the culture of his country. Meeting with Dr Romesh Japra, the organizer of FOG and the Inde-

Illinois Gov & Chicago Mayor to visit India SURENDRA ULLAL

CHICAGO: Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner indicated to Indian Ambassador Arun Singh that he would be paying a visit

to India as soon as possible while extending a hearty welcome to the Ambassador during his recent visit to Chicago.

Ambassador Singh accompanied by Consul General Dr Ausaf Sayeed and Consul O.P.Meena had a detailed interaction with Governor Rauner and his highlevel Economic Team. Ambassador Singh observed that the proposed visit would definitely enhance ongoing business and economic cooperation between India and the State of Illinois, which is the largest trading partner of India in the US Midwest, with a two-way trade of over US$ Ambassador Singh with Mayor Emanuel 2 billion.

He also touched upon the growing strategic convergence and expanding economic cooperation between India and the US, with bilateral trade in goods and services exceeding US$ 120 billion. He mentioned that Indian investments in US have grown significantly in the last five years, reaching US$15 billion and this has helped in the creation of 90,000 jobs in the US. Besides Governor Bruce Rauner , Ambassador Singh during his visit from 27th to 28th August, had useful interactions with the Mayor of Chicago Rahm Singh with Congresswoman Jan Schcowski, Emanuel, Rep. Danny Davis Cont’d on page 19

pendence Day Parade, made me to have fallen in love with my country India once again.

The Independence Day parade at Fremont CA was one of the best experiences I have had in my life. Watching the Republic Day parade on 26 January every year on public media channel and having been thought of being part of the ceremony physically has been a dream till date but being a part of the similar event in another country is captivating. I realized that a tear rolled down my eyes with due respect for being part of a country like India whose festival was being celebrated abroad.

Having been together for almost 24 hours during the travel to CA, Sanjay Gaur and I

shared lots of ideas but while coming back the only repetitive line we had to say to each other was "it was a lifelong best experience".

Creating a better world requires teamwork, partnerships, and collaboration, as we need an entire army of companies to work together to build a better world within the next coming years. I am feeling great to have been associated with FOG and looking forward to welcome the guests from the FOG at Rajasthan International Film Festival RIFF scheduled from January 17to 20, in Jaipur, Rajasthan.

Anshu Harsh is Editor, Simply Jaipur magazine and Organising Secretary of Rajasthan International Film Festival.

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www.indiapost.com

Carnegie Mellon gets $35 mn from Tatas NEELA PANDYA

PITTSBURGH: Carnegie Mellon University is the recipient of a $35 million gift from Tata Consultancy (TCS), a leading global IT services, consulting and business solutions organization, marking a new era of partnerships between leaders in the industry and academia.

Representing the largest corporate gift to CMU, and from outside the U.S., this donation will fund a new facility, the TCS Building, which will support education and cuttingedge research by CMU faculty and students. At approximately 40,000 square-feet, the stand-alone structure will house state-of-the-art facilities, providing collaborative spaces for CMU faculty and staff. The building will provide space for TCS staff to interact with CMU faculty, staff and students.

The gift also will endow Presidential Fellowships and Scholarships, increasing the availability of a CMU education to outstanding students. In doing so, TCS, which has been at the forefront of national and grassroots campaigns to encourage science, technology, engineering, and math education, will help equip Carnegie Mellon undergraduate and graduate students with the knowledge they need for

future careers.

"With our shared commitment to education and research in areas that help address many challenges of our time, the partnership with TCS is both natural and extraordinarily promising," said Subra Suresh, President of Carnegie

Chandrasekaran, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of TCS. "As global leaders, Carnegie Mellon and TCS have the intellectual power, creativity, institutional nimbleness, and global reach to capitalize on new opportunities and have a lasting impact on society and industry

Mellon. "Together, our two organizations have the capabilities and capacity to make breakthrough discoveries, and the scale to make societal impact on a global scale."

"TCS is proud to invest in this landmark partnership with CMU to promote market-driven innovation and accelerate advancements in technology," said Natarajan

through cutting-edge digital research and a long-term commitment to education."

TCS joins a growing group of major technology companies moving to the Pittsburgh region in recent years. More than 250 companies now have partnerships with CMU. This groundbreaking collaboration with a multinational company headquartered outside the U.S., marks a new chapter in the region, joining a rich ecosystem of entrepreneurship supported and catalyzed by the university.

"I'm very pleased to welcome TCS to Pennsylvania," said Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf Among the nation's major research universities, Carnegie Mellon ranks first in startups per research dollar, according to the Association of University Technology Managers.

Since 2008, CMU faculty, students and alumni have created 215 new companies.

These startup activities also will benefit from CMU's largest campus expansion since Andrew Carnegie founded the university in 1900. Work has begun on the David A. Tepper Quadrangle, the university's major new academic hub, which will be located just east of the new TCS facility.

Hindus and Jews share common experiences MADHU PATEL

CHICAGO: There is a vast common ground of experiences and suffrage shared by the Hindu and the Jewish communities over centuries and this common suffering was shared by 300 Hindus and Jews attending the first ever Hindu, Jewish Dialogue recently held at the Manav Seva Mandir Temple in Bensenville.

The program, sponsored by the Global Hindu Heritage Foundation and StandWithUs, was an important step towards promoting greater understanding of the long histori-

Manav Seva Mandir meet between Hindus and Jewish communities

cal connection of two ancient peoples, their common values, their amazing achievements, and the shared concerns about the threats of terrorism to India, Israel and the U.S. The program was presided over by Prasad Yalamanchi, and moderated by Peggy Shapiro, StandWithUs Midwest Director, child of Holocaust survivors and retired college professor.

Cont’d on page 23

Community Across America

September 11, 2015

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Michigan Goddess temple erects huge tower India Post News Service

PONTIAC MI: Devi Parashakthi Ma (Eternal Mother) Temple in Pontiac in Michigan has formally inaugurated its Rajagoupuram, a richly decorated 54-foot granite monumental tower recognizing 520 deities and containing "intense divine energy".

Crafted by a group of shilpis (artisans) over about three year period on a granite obtained with-

out involving modern blasting techniques, this about 450-ton tower was carved in India and assembled in USA, reports suggest.

Primary deity of this Temple is Parashakthi Karumari Amman (Divine Eternal Mother) but it also houses deities of Ayyappa, Bhoga Srinivasa, Bhuvaneshwari, Ganesha, Garuda, Guruvayurappan, Hanuman, Jagannath, Kaala Bhairava, Kubera Lingam, Lakshmi

Devi Ma Prarashakti (Eternal Mother) & Rajagopuram in Pontica MC

Narasimhan, Mahalakshmi, Nagadevatha, Navagrahas, Radha Krishna with Gomatha, Raja Mathangi, Saneeswara, Sarva Dosha Nivarana, Shiva Nataraja & Soma Sundara Linga, Subrahmanya, Sudarshana Chakra, Vaarahi Ambika and Venkateswara.

Cont’d on page 22

Illinois Gov & Chicago Mayor to visit India Mayor Emanuel on the need to by the Illinois Chambers of Comfurther strengthen the Sister City merce in collaboration with the IlCongresswoman Jan relationship between New Delhi linois Department of Commerce & Schakowsky, Congressman and Chicago in the realm of Economic Opportunity.

Danny Davis, President of the Chi- healthcare, education, trade & The Ambassador visited the cago University Robert J. Zimmer, commerce and art & culture.

Art Institute of Chicago and met President of the Art Institute of CG Dr Ausaf Sayeed thanked with Dr Douglas Druick, President, Chicago Dr Douglas Druick and the Mayor for his support to the Mr David Thurm, Chief Operating Pradeep K. Khanna, Associate International Yoga Day, 'Eye on In- Officer, Art Institute of Chicago Chancellor, University of Illinois, dia', 'Ragamala' and the South and other officials where he reUrbana-Champaign and several Asian Film Festival. Mayor viewed the Vivekananda Memorial senior government functionaries, Emanuel acIllinois business leaders, besides knowledged prominent members of the Indian- that the American community. shooting of Indian films had generMeeting with Chicago ated signifiMayor cant attenAmbassador Singh was warmly tion in Chiwelcomed by Mayor Rahm cago. He said Emanuel at his office on August that he would 27 wherein Singh briefed the be happy if Mayor on various economic remore such forms initiated by India which had f i l m led to unprecedented and attracshootings tive business opportunities for Ambassador Singh addressing Illinois Chamber of take place in Chicago companies which covCommerce with James Schultz, Director, Illinois Department Chicago. ered a wide section of healthcare, of Commerce Mayor infrastructure, renewal energy and Emanuel accepted Ambassador's Program for Museum Excellence education. invitation to lead a high-level trade and other India-specific programs Extending an invitation to mission to India in the near future. of the Art Institute. Ambassador Mayor Emanuel to visit India, Singh also visited the Fullerton Ambassador Singh spoke about Hall where Swami Vivekananda's the historical connection between Business Meetings During his plaque has been installed. visit the Ambassador in- Meetings with teracted with Academicians several enThe Ambassador visited the trepreneurs University of Chicago (UC) camand busi- pus and had detailed discussions ness leaders with Robert J. Zimmer, President of Chicago. of UC, Ian Solomon, Vice-President On August and Dean Ms. Martha Roth on the 27 he ad- ways and means of strengthening dressed a India's educational collaboration B u s i n e s s with the University of Chicago.

Round Table He reviewed the functioning of hosted by the "Vivekananda Chair" set up in the World 2014 with an endowment from B u s i n e s s India's Ministry of Culture in comAmbassador Arun Singh with Robert J. Zimmer, President Chicago in memoration of the 150th Birth Anof the University of Chicago collaboration niversary of Swami Vivekananda. with the Delhi Committee of the He also conveyed his appreciation Chicago and India, recalling the Chicago Sister Cities International. visit of Swami Vivekananda in 1893 to the University for offering unto deliver his landmark address at On August 28 he addressed CEOs dergraduate program in several the Parliament of World Religions. of several US companies during a Indian languages including Ambassador Singh agreed with Business Round Table organized Bengali, Hindi, Malayalam, Cont’d from page 17

Marathi, Pali, Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu and Urdu.

In a separate meeting with officials of the University of Illinois from the campuses of UrbanaChampaign and Chicago, the Ambassador expressed his satisfaction with their longstanding ongoing collaborations with India, including with prestigious Indian institutions such as IIT (Kharagpur), GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology(Pant Nagar),

Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya (Jabalpur) etc.

Community Outreach During a reception hosted by Consul General Dr Ausaf Sayeed in honor of the Ambassador on 27th August, Ambassador Singh lauded the 100,000-strong IndianAmerican community in Chicago for their valued contribution to the State of Illinois and for acting as a useful bridge between the two countries.

FOG announces Diwali and Fireworks 2015 Cont’d from page 16

A devotional worship of the Lakshmi, the Indian Goddess of wealth and prosperity will be followed by Jhankis and Parade from 5 pm to 6 pm. Shopping for jewelry, clothes, and delicious food will be there at more than 100 booths, Diwali celebrations will include a Free Health Fair from 11 am till 2 pm. It offers medical checkups to every visitor and includes BP check, BMI, body fat analysis, and flu shots.

There will be first aid team to help throughout the day.

FOG Diwali also presents "Global Knowledge Quiz - It's a small world after all". This is a unique concept of showcasing rich culture, dances and costumes from a wide cross section of the world. Associations representing different states of India and countries will showcase their heritage during Diwali.

FOG Band will showcase differ-

ent global groups to perform live from 7 pm till 8 pm followed by spectacular fireworks & laser show at 8:30 pm Describing the importance of the event, Dr Romesh Japra, Founder and Convener, FOG said, "FOG Diwali is one of the best ways for parents to keep their children in touch with the cultural roots and teach them key values that sustain us for life. It is a very special occasion for community to come together and keep the traditions alive.

This year we are making this festival global to include wider community and spread the love.

Only when we have strong roots, can we grow and prosper in this land of opportunities."

As always, FIA leads the community in providing a spacious, safe, exciting and joyful platform for everyone to come together and celebrate Diwali and relive the excitement experienced back in India.

For more details visit www.FOGSV.org.

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Cowspiracy: eye opening documentary on environment LISA WADE

C

owspiracy: The Sustainability Secret is a brazen, entertaining, and sometimes humorous environmental documentary.

It is eye opening for even the most knowledgeable environmentalist.

The film follows the fascinating journey of filmmaker Kip Anderson as he confronts what is arguably the most destructive and

riculture (and have us feeling nervous for you as a result) but also from the fact that you don't shy away from confronting the top environmental agencies such as Sierra Club for not taking action. What gave you the strength to confront these agencies as no one has done before?

Keegan Kuhn: My co-director

Co-Director Keegan Kuhn filming at a different location

powerful industry on the planet.

On the one hand the film challenges environmental organizations who seem bent on maintaining the status quo, while on the other hand holding meaningful conversations with activists who are not afraid to shed light on the truth.

I am excited to announce that Saratoga Hindu Temple and Santa Clara County Activists for Animals will be hosting a free screening of Cowspiracy on Sunday, September 20 at the Joan Pisani Community Center from noon to 3pm. The event will include a free luncheon generously donated by Plant Based Pizza and Veggie Grill. The screening will conclude with a panel discussion, including among others the co- director of Cowspiracy, Keegan Kuhn.

You won't want to miss out on the opportunity to see this amazing film and ask the director your questions. I have seen the film a couple of times and have many burning questions myself. That is why I am delighted to have the privilege of interviewing co-director Keegan Kuhn for this article.

Cowspiracy is a very bold and daring film, not only from the fact that you take on the huge, powerful machine that is animal ag-

Kip Andersen and I have a strong desire to uncover truths and a determination that sometimes might exceed our own better judgment.

The reality is though, that as we did more research and found out just how incredibly destructive animal agriculture is on the planet, we knew we had to do everything we could to raise awareness of the issue.

The fact that many of the large

This film is very different from any environmental film that I have seen before. It covers so many issues in such an entertaining way and is eye opening even for avid environmentalists. What would you say separates your film from the others?

KK: Unlike other environmental films that focus on one environmental problem, such as fracking or climate change or rainforest destruction, Cowspiracy covers virtually every environmental ill facing the planet because animal agriculture plays a role in all of them. The destruction caused to the planet by this one single industry is unprecedented. It's the leading cause of anthropogenic greenhouse gases, rainforest destruction, species extinction, habitat loss, topsoil erosion, ocean dead zones, the list goes on and on.

Because of this broad reaching impact the film has to move quickly to cover many (not all) of the issues effected by livestock production.

I think what also makes Cowspiracy entertaining is that it has a strong narrative following my co-director Kip on the journey of uncovering this secret to sustainability and that there is humor through out the film despite the heavy subject.

I really enjoyed watching Kip's journey through the film. I could relate to his desire to have a smaller environmental footprint and make a meaningful difference. What did the two of you learn along the way that most surprised you?

KK: What surprised me the most was the impacts that animal

feed lots and the massive fields of chemically grown corn and soybeans that are raised for animal feed, ends up filling streams, creeks and rivers with high levels of ni-

Lisa Wade

trogen and other fertilizers. These fertilizers disrupt the natural balance of the oxygen levels in the rivers and ultimately the oceans that they run into. The oxygen devoid water literally suffocates

environmental organizations are failing to properly address animal agriculture is just one more piece of this cow, pig, chicken, conspiracy.

agriculture has on the world's oceans. Raising livestock and their feed crops on land is the leading cause of runoff into fresh water. The runoff from factory farms,

Cowspiracy seems very timely in light of the severe drought we are facing in California. How does water used for animal agriculture compare with water used for crops like almonds?

KK: During the drought almonds have been given a lot of attention because of how much water is needed to grow them, but

Co-Producers

the fish and all aquatic life making them massive dead zones where nothing can live.

For Kip, he found most shocking the impact animal ag has on wildlife. The fact that the U.S. government kills and rounds up wild animals, such as wolves and wild horses because of pressure they receive from cattle ranchers.

One of the most memorable scenes for me was Kip's visit to the free range beef and pig farm.

What is wrong with eating free range animals such as grass fed beef?

Co-Director

But it goes well beyond that.

Even though wolves in the US are still recovering from almost being extinct, they are systematically hunted and killed because of their perceived threat to "grass fed" livestock. Ranchers, who graze their animals in much of the American west, see all predators as a threat to their business and have insisted that the government keep the populations low. Close to 50 thousand wild horse have been rounded up and taken off of the range because of the pressure "grass-fed" ranchers have put on the government.

KK: There are many issues why grass fed beef is not the solution. The main issue is the amount of land needed to raise grass fed animals vs factory farms.

It is vastly more efficient to raise animals in intensive, disgusting and horrifying conditions on feed lots and factory farms than it is to raise them on pasture. A grass fed cow needs 10x-100x more land than her factory farmed sister.

the media at large has failed to talk about the fact that 47% of Californian's water footprint is made up in meat and dairy products.

Almonds use about 8% of the states water, but alfalfa which is a crop not consumed by humans and fed almost exclusively for livestock, use 15% of the states water! Animal agriculture is the largest consumer of water in California hands down.

Just one hamburger requires up to 660 gallons of water to produce.

That's the equivalent of almost 2 months of showers.

How much water does it take to produce dairy products and why?

KK: It takes around 1000 gallons of water to produce 1 gallon of milk. The reason for this is that cows have to drink 30-40 gallons of water everyday, but also because you have to take into consideration the water used to grow the feed crops that they eat.

Cont’d on page 23

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September 11, 2015

India Post 21

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Asha-Talat concert enthralls capacity crowd Asian Media USA

CHICAGO: Asha Bhosle, one of most versatile singing legends in Bollywood with a career spanning over six decades and Talat Aziz, a very popular artist creating his own space singing ghazals, Sufi, and film songs, made history when they paired together to enthrall thousands of their fans in Chicagoland recently.

Asha and Talat Aziz jointly set the stage literally on fire, when they came together at the Sears Center Arena, for a concert hosted

by Sahil and L. A. Tan, renowned for bringing quality entertainment to Chicago audiences.

Asha started with singing her classic number: "In aankhon ki masti ke mastane hazaron hain", which set the mood of the event and was followed by a flood of melo-

Asha Bhosle and Talat Aziz enthralling the audience

dies getting equally connected with the younger generation and romantic music lovers rendering popular evergreen numbers from Bollywood. Some of the songs she sang were: Dil cheez kya aap meri jaan leejhiye, Jhumkagira re bareli ke bazaar mein, Parde mein rehne do parda na uthao, Yeraatein ye mausam nadi ka kinara, Hare rama hare Krishna, Zara sa jhoom loon main" and "Chura liya hai tumne jo dil ko" The playful, unorthodox, romantic, youthful, and never-say-die attitude of Ashaji, as she is popularly called, was a pleasant surprise for the audience, as even at 83, she captured the heart and soul of all music lovers. A huge crowd danced in front of the stage too.

Talat began his performance by singing the famous "Chandini ka Raat", followed by his own ghazal from the film Umrao Jaan, "Zindagi jab bhi teri bazm mein laati hai hamein".

Cont’d on page 22

A section of the audience

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September 11, 2015

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Grand India Day celebrations in St. Louis ASHWIN PATEL

ST LOUIS: India Association of St. Louis (IAS) celebrated India's 69th Independence Day on Saturday August 15 at Mahatma Gandhi Cultural Center (MGC) in a grand

style keeping up its 47 year old tradition.

The flag hoisting followed by the talks by invited special guests was attended by a large number

of Indians. As the flags were unfurled, American and Indian national anthems were passionately sung by all present at the ceremony.

Cont’d on page 25

Senator Ms Jill Schupp with members of Indian Association of St Louis

Asha-Talat concert enthralls capacity crowd

Lectureship at Loyola named after Indian doc India Post News Service

MAYWOOD: An annual lectureship in surgical oncology has been established in the name of Gerard V. Aranha, MD, a Loyola University Medical cancer surgeon and a professor in the Department of Surgery of Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine.

Dr Aranha, who lives in Oak Brook, Ill., said having a lectureship in his name is a great honor. "Each year, we will invite a top expert in the field to come to Loyola to share new ideas with attending physicians, residents and medical students about advances in cancer treatment," Dr Aranha said.

The first annual Gerard V. Aranha, MD Surgical Oncology Lectureship was held on Sept. 9. Guest speaker was Charles J. Yeo, MD, a cancer surgeon and chair of the Department of Surgery at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. Dr. Yeo is one of the world's top surgeons performing the Whipple procedure for pancreatic cancer patients.

Dr Aranha was born in Bangalore, India. He attended St Joseph's Boys High School and College and obtained his medical degree from Bangalore Medical College. Dr. Aranha earned a medical degree and completed an internship at Bangalore Medical School. He completed a residency in general surgery at Loyola and a fellowship in surgical oncology at

the University of Minnesota.

Dr Aranha was director of Loyola's Breast Care Center, associate director of the Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center and chief of the Division of Surgical Oncology. He also served as chief of the Division of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery at Hines VA Hospital.

Dr Aranha has published more than 100 peer-reviewed articles

Gerard V. Aranha

and is well known and highly regarded for his clinical acumen and outstanding surgical skills. His expertise includes pancreatic and esophageal cancers.

Dr Aranha is past president of the C.B. Puestow Surgical Society, Chicago Surgical Society, Illinois Surgical Society and Midwest Surgical Association and vice president of the Western Surgical Association.

Michigan Goddess temple erects huge tower Cont’d from page 19

Asha-Talat organizers with guests Mayur Patel (L.A TAN), Babu Patel (Sahil), Sayeeda Khan, Bhavesh Patel (Sahil), Nick Patel (L.A TAN), Dr Shahid Bhatti Cont’d from page 21

He enthralled the audience thoroughly, who in turn kept applauding him throughout the performance rendering famous songs of Kishore Kumar and Mukesh, which took the audience down memory lane and made them quite nostalgic.

Ashaji, who has sung over 12,000 songs, is considered to be one of the greatest playback singers in Bollywood history. Talat who made a foray into the world of music in 1979 and 35 years later his voice still resonates across the music firmament.

Organizers of this concert

Bhavesh Patel, Babu Patel, Mayur Patel and Nick Patel thanked his entire team for their hard work and support as well everyone who came out to watch the show. The event concluded with a standing ovation from the audience in appreciation of the extraordinary performance of Ashaji and Talat Aziz.

Located on 16 acres in a wooded area inhabited by deer and other animals with a stream running through its South end, it has a built-up area of about 10,000 square feet, including 6,000 square feet of worship area and a multipurpose hall for various gatherings.

This Temple performs various poojas, including "New Vaahana (Vehicle) Pooja" for $26, for which devotees should bring four lemons, one coconut and flowers. Allpoojas package will cost $2301 to the devotee. Management suggests to "avoid wearing shorts and short skirts when you come to temple".

Dr G. Krishna Kumar, Dr Venkat Hari, Margaret Kumar and Kristen Keskey are President, Vice President, Manager and Treasurer respectively of the Temple; while Narayanaswamy Kumar, Varadharajan Ramanujam Iyengar and Krishnaswamy Alasingara Bhatta are the priests.

Rajan Zed, President of Universal Society of Hinduism, commended efforts of Temple leaders and area community for realizing Rajagoupuram in a Hindu temple complex. He said that it was important to pass on Hindu spirituality, concepts and traditions to coming generations amidst so many distractions in the consumerist society and hoped that this Temple would help in this direction.

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September 11, 2015

India Post 23

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Thousands attend ISNA Convention in Chicago A.Q. SIDDIQUI India Post News Service

CHICAGO: Thousands of Muslims from all over United States and other countries joined Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) for its 52nd year annual convention held from September 4 to 7 at Donald Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont near Chicago O'Hare Airport.

Men, women and children converged for the 4 day events of ISNA variety program. This year theme was "Stories of Resilience Strengthening the American Mus-

Many women attended the ISNA Convention The attractive pavilions

A group of activists at ISNA event

lim Narrative." ISNA hosted number of Islamic scholars for the 4 days program. The convention was also combined with cultural and scholastic programs by Muslim Students Association (MSA) and Muslim Youth of North America (MYNA).

As usual there was a grand ISNA Bazaar where many Muslim traders showcased their businesses. Muslim fashion garments, Islamic books, electronics, fine arts, Islamic calligraphy for decoration and many attractive gift stores were opened in the bazaar.

Hindus and Jews share common experiences Cont’d from page 18

Dr Bharat Barai, Medical Director of the Cancer Institute, spoke about the Jews of India, who have been a religious minority for almost 2,000 years without any instances of anti-Semitism from the local majority populace of Hindus.

Robert Schwartz, Senior Policy Advisor, Consulate General of Israel to the Midwest, detailed the economic, agricultural, and secu-

ings with Israel in the 1990's, presented a riveting journey through the history of the Indian-Israel relationship, the subversive role of the former Soviet Union and the prospect for unprecedented cooperation between the two thriving democracies, both of whom live in very dangerous neighborhoods.

Jews and Hindus, standing side by side, applauded in a standing ovation and stayed long after the program to meet, share, and plan

Dr Richard Benkin, an independent human rights activist fighting to stop the ethnic cleansing of Hindus in Bangladesh, explained how his commitment to the Jewish faith inspired him to work on behalf of the oppressed. rity benefits to both India and Israel from their strong relationship.

Dr Richard Benkin, an independent human rights activist fighting to stop the ethnic cleansing of Hindus in Bangladesh, explained how his commitment to the Jewish faith inspired him to work on behalf of the oppressed.

Subramanian Swamy, one of the architects of India's original open-

for future gatherings of the two communities. Barbara Silverman, member of the StandWithUs Chicago board was elated. "I felt this group's total connection to Israel and her safety on historical, political, and economic levels."

Facilitating this dialogue and organizing such an event, Prasad Yalamanchi, chairman pointed out the proactive, sensitive and prag-

matic approach of the Hindu community and the willing participation of our friends, the Jewish Group. Raju Peddada who is making a series of 10 episodes on lost kingdoms of ancient India for TV, did a fine presentation.

Satya Dosapati presented how NRI activism saved a 14 year old young girl from life of trafficking in West Bengal. Arvind Kumar spoke on California textbook lawsuit. The Indian Americans took Israel Pocket Facts in Hindi and the Jewish Americans picked up literature explaining Hinduism.

The Global Hindu Heritage Foundation has been around for more than a decade, passionately, involved in preservation, perpetuation and propagation of Hindu culture and values throughout the world. StandWithUs (SWU) is a fourteen year-old, international, non-profit Israel education organization that supports people around the world who want to educate their campuses and communities about Israel.

Yalamanchi, along with his team, was instrumental in pulling this conference together, as he believes in Hindu-Jewish dialogue to be essential to help lead to lasting world peace.

Halal food companies also showcased their products.

World's well known Islamic scholar Maulana Wahiduddin

Khan's book "Quranic Wisdom" was available for free distribution.

Cont’d on page 25

Cowspiracy: eye opening documentary on environment Cont’d from page 20

facing, yet it is not hard to watch because it offers real solutions. I came out with a renewed sense of hope that I can make a real difference. Do you feel that your film is making a difference by empowering individuals?

The film shows the incredible impact that an individual can have on our planet just by changing her diet. How does eating a plant based diet compare with driving a hybrid car?

KK: Switching your diet from a KK: I believe the film is making high consuming animal based diet an impact. People are waking up to a plant-based diet has a greater to the true power they have every impact to CO2 emissions than by single day to help our planet. switching to a hybrid car. The imWe live in very exciting times portant thing to always remember and I feel a seismic shift is taking though is that switching to a place around the world. We obviplant-based vegan diet effects ously can't keep living the way we more than just climate. It benefits have and I think a peaceful, comfresh water, soils, forests, wildlife passionate and sustainable path and your health. No other lifestyle choice comes close to that.

The most exciting part of

making this film has been

I have been pleased to see Cowspiracy win an hearing from so many award and enjoy such people around the world great success. I enjoyed how Cowspiracy has afwatching your interview on Democracy fected them.

Now, and I hear that Leonardo DiCaprio is getting behind the film. What has is the only road left to us as a spebeen the most exciting part about cies. making this documentary?

Lisa Wade is the host of the documentary screening KK: The most exciting part of Cowspiracy on Sept 20th. She making this film has been hearing lives in Los Gatos and is the from so many people around the mother of two boys. She is an elworld how Cowspiracy has af- ementary school teacher by profected them. We get emails every- fession but has spent the last 16 day from people inspired to years homeschooling her two change their lifestyles for the bet- sons. Lisa is also an environmenterment of the planet and that is tal and animal activist. She is very exciting. passionate about volunteering in We are of course ecstatic about the community. Her volunteer efLeonardo DiCaprio being the ex- forts have included starting and ecutive producer of the new edit running a home school center in of Cowspiracy that will be stream- Los Gatos with a group of fellow ing on Netflix around the world home school moms. She is also a starting September 15th 2015. member of Santa Clara County Activists for Animals where she Cowspiracy brings up almost all has been involved in education the environmental crises we are and outreach.

24 India Post

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September 11, 2015

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Dr Joshy's Yakshagana wins Children's museum great applause displays Lord Ganesh SUNTHAR VISUVALINGAM

MADHU PATEL

CHICAGO: Vidyaranya Kannada Kuta and Midwest Havyaka Group organized Yakshagana-Taalamaddale at Naperville (a Chicago suburb) on Aug 30 in honor of a prominent Yakshagana scholar, artist, re-

ered one of the top performers in the "Taalamaddale" form of the art.

The story chosen for the performance was "Vaali Moksha" from Kishikinda Kanda of Ramayana. It relates to the en-

well supported by local artists Aadithya Seetharam, Srinivasa Bhatta and Sowmyashree Aadithya.

Anupama Mangalavedhe introduced the artists and Muralidhara Kaje delivered the vote of thanks.

searcher and professor Dr M. Prabhakara Joshy, who is visiting from India.

Yakshagana is a theater form from Karnataka state that means "Celestial Singing". It started about 800 years ago and is very popular in coastal districts of Karnataka. Dr M. Prabhakara Joshy, holding doctorate in Yakshagana for his micro study of the famous Yakshagana "Krishna Sandhana, is consid-

mity between Vaali and Sugriva who are brothers, how enmity develops between them, how Sugriva makes friendship with Lord Rama and finally how Vaali gets killed by an arrow from Lord Rama and finally attains Moksha.

Dr Joshy himself performed as Vaali and gave a stupendous performance through his unmatched oratory and scholarly skills and he was given standing ovation by a well-attended audience. He was

Dr Joshy has already performed in St. Louis and is scheduled to perform in other cities of USA like Sunnyvale, Houston, Miami, Boston, etc. in the coming weeks. A lecture and demo from him related to Yakshagana is also being scheduled at University of California, Berkeley.

This is the first time that a series of Yakshagana-Taalamaddale was performed across USA by a visiting Indian artist.

CHICAGO: The Children's Museum of Indianapolis (CMI), said to be world's largest children's museum, in partnership with National Geographic, is displaying a statue of Hindu Lord Ganesh in its current Sacred Journeys exhibition.

This Lord Ganesh statue was custom made for the Museum and shipped from India recently.

Other areas of the "National Geographic Sacred Journeys" exhibition that focus on Hinduism, include Ganges River where they

Lord Ganesh at Indianapolis Musuem

talk about Kumbh Mela, which includes a Ganga Jumna Lota pot and shows some contemporary

Telugu actress Divya Vani's journey of faith HARISH RAO

CHICAGO: Renowned Telugu movie actress and TV artist Divya Vani shared her transformational spiritual journey of faith during her maiden visit to Chicago on August 22 in Westchester, Illinois.

Addressing a large gathering at

in Christianity and gave a passionate narrative of her transformational journey as a devout Christian.

Star of yesteryears Divya Vani held the congregation in rapt attention saying "Christianity is not

healing and her prayers brought a dramatic healing to her son's life.

"This" Divya Vani said "was the turning point in her life that brought the realization of the existence of a living God." Ever since then, she added, this seemingly

Community activists attending Telugu Actress Divya Vani felicitation by UCCA- [L to R] Emmanuel Neela, Keerthi Ravoori, Varghese Chacko, Shirley Kalvakota, Babu Varma, Vasanth Charles, Pravin, Renee, Johnson Sukka, Nandan Thogaru, Raju Pasumarathi & Surender Charle

Grace Lutheran Church hosted by United Christian Cultural Association [UCCA], Vani said that she renounced her lucrative acting career to embrace new found faith

a religion but it's a personal relationship with Savior Lord Jesus Christ." She recalled how her son's serious health problem and her resultant relentless pursuit for

lucrative movie industry has become a thing of the past for me, as I joyfully embraced this new life of faith and transformational spirituality.

items that people who go to the Kumbh Mela might purchase; Ganesh Chaturthi Festival; and Diwali Festival, which contains many Diwali hanging lanterns and diyas.

This 7,000-square-foot exhibition will continue till February 21 and is funded through a $1.25 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. It also includes displays of Western Wall in Jerusalem, the Great Mosque in Mecca, Bodh Gaya in India, Tepeyac Hill and

Earlier in the evening, Keerthi Kumar Ravoori who introduced Divya Vani to the gathering, showered huge praise on her for her devotion to the tenants of Christian faith. Presenting a special plaque, Ravoori highlighted her brilliant career as well. Raju Pasumarthi, UCCA President earlier welcomed all the families present and highlighted the association Vasanth Charles described the string of programs undertaken by UCCA including Cricket tournaments, Health fair, Musical concerts, etc. Shirley Kalvakota explained about the UCCA vision that seeks to launch more familycentric programs in the community. Satish Dadepogu proposed a vote of thanks.

The evening began with a host of uplifting beautiful songs. The musical presentations by talented group of singers was another highlight.

After the closing benediction, the evening concluded with a social fellowship dinner hosted by United Christian Cultural Association.

the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City, Dome of the Rock mosque, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Bodhi Tree, Caves in the bluffs along the Dead Sea; fragments of the Dead Sea scrolls, Jewish ritual objects, a piece of the Kiswah, throne built for the Dalai Lama, stone from the Western Wall, the trunk Brigham Young carried from New York to Utah, a replica of the Shroud of Turin, a sand mandala; etc.

It "reflects this diversity of religious and spiritual pilgrimage through immersive environments created with photography from National Geographic".

The National Geographic Society claims to be "inspiring people to care about the planet since 1888" and reaches over 700 million people a month. Gary E. Knell is President. Lilly Endowment Inc., headquartered in Indianapolis and created in 1937, is a private philanthropic foundation.

Founded in 1925, CMI, a 472,900 square-foot facility situated on 29 acres with Dr. Jeffrey H. Patchen as President, is "committed to creating extraordinary family learning experiences".

NEWS

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Shrine vandalism upsets Indians in Trinidad India Post News Service

TRINIDAD: Members of Indian community in Trinidad are highly concerned with reports of vandalism of a Hindu shrine in Blanchisseuse village (Trinidad and Tobago). The temple was desecrated with human filth and statues of deities and other property were destroyed.

There were reports of defacement of another Shiva Lingum also in the country.

Rajan Zed, President of Universal Society of Hinduism, in a statement said that it was shocking for the hard-working, harmonious and peaceful Hindu community of Trinidad and Tobago and worldwide; who had made lot of contributions to Trinidad and Tobago and the world; to receive such signals of hatred and anger.

The vandalized Temple site in Trinidad

Madhu Patel, founder president of NRI Press Club in Chicago too condemned this heinous act of vandalism that targets a section of the peace loving Indian community. "It is bigotry at its worst and the authorities should take

action and bring the culprits to book," he said.

Trinidad and Tobago President Anthony Thomas Aquinas Carmona and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar have moved in the matter and assured the area

MKCA, Chicago celebrates Monthi Fest VISSIA D'SOUZA

MKCA fest start by Fr Henry and Fr Walter

CHICAGO: The Mangalorean Konkan Christians Association (MKCA), Chicago celebrated Monthi Fest at Techny Towers and Mission Center in Northbrook, a northwest suburb of Chicago. It was attended by devotees from all around the Chicagoland and surrounding states.

This feast not only celebrates the birth of Mother Mary but also symbolizes family unity and thanksgiving to the Almighty for ushering us with new crop. This feast is equivalent to the celebration of "Thanksgiving" in America.

The program began with the celebration of Holy Eucharist lead

by Rev. Fr. Henry Sequeira and Fr. Walter. Before the celebration, children gathered offered flowers in honoring the birth of Mother Mary.

Cont’d on page 27

Thousands attend ISNA Convention in Chicago Cont’d from page 23

Another stall "Gainpeace.com", the website for spreading Islamic knowledge for non-Muslims, had English copies of Quran and other informative literature for free distribution. There were many stalls exhibiting other businesses in North America. A free health screening camp attracted many blood donors.

The convention coincided with Labor Day holiday weekend in Chicago and attracted many local families and dignitaries as well. The noble peace laureates,

Tawakkol Karman, known as Yemen's Iron lady also visited the convention. Chicago land's community leader Iftekhar Shareef welcomed her for the convention. Dr Ausaf Sayeed, Indian Consul General in Chicago was also among the visitors with his family members. Many families from neighboring Wisconsin and Indiana also visited the convention.

The Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago (CIOGC) supported ISNA convention and many of its members were seen as volunteers.

Hindu community of government support.

Blanchisseuse was said to be settled by the French in 1783.

Grand India Day celebrations in St. Louis Cont’d from page 22

dresses, and arts and crafts from different parts of India. In the evening IAS hosted a variety of competition for children of various grade levels in essay writing, painting and flower arrangement. Winners of these competitions were awarded with certificates of merit and gift-cards.

A cultural program was conducted in which over 50 children participated to bring up a colorful and vibrant grand-finale of the Independence Day celebrations. The participants of varied age groups presented patriotic, classical and folk themed cultural dances and presentations. The cultural program was attended by more than

The chief guest for the event, the Missouri State Senator Jill Schupp was welcomed by the president Sharath Rao, who stressed the need for more social improvements in India. Senator Ms. Schupp traced the similarities between the two great democracies, and recognized the strides made by the Indians in America.

She honored the India Association of St. Louis with a framed proclamation from the office of Missouri State, and presented a Missouri State Flag.

The Keynote address was delivered by Dr Kamal Yadav, an industrialist and the founding member of Mahatma Gandhi Cul- A cultural program was tural Center of St. Louis.

In his address he talked conducted in which over about the wide oppor- 50 children participated to tunities provided by American industrial bring up a colorful and system. He was inspi- vibrant grand-finale rational for those who venture to set up their own corporations.

IAS has recognized two local two hundred members of the comstudents, Anisha Gururaj for be- munity while the daylong event ing elected a Rhode Scholar, and attracted over 600 attendees. The Gokul Venkatachalam, for achiev- festival ended with certificate dising first place in National Scripts tribution to all the participants.

Spelling Bee competition. They The festival was meticulously were presented with a plaque at planned and executed with the the festival. The occasion was also help of volunteers and the Board graced by State Senator Scott of Directors of IAS - President, Sifton, representing south county Sharath Rao; President-Elect, of St. Louis.

Meera Jain; Secretary, Shailee SaMs Jill Schupp then inaugu- ran Varanasi; Treasurer, Vijaya rated a colorful fair (Mela), exhib- Lakshmi Buddhiraju; Directorsiting about 20 local vendor stalls Smita Parikh, Gayatri where prominent businesses, lo- Chintakuntha, Vijaykumar cal families and volunteers dis- Buddhiraju, Sendil played a variety of Indian food Rathinasabapathy and Krishna delicacies, jewelry, sarees, Rao Moharir.

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'Sangeet Ankur' showcases talent of youth & kids India Post News Service

MILPITAS, CA: Sangeet Ankur (Music of Sprouts) a chapter dedicated by Sangeet Dhwani, held an exciting musical and dance performance event at the Milpitas Library Auditorium, which was attended by 180 members in the audience. Smita Kulkarni, Program Coordinator of Sangeet Dhwani while welcoming the audience, explained that the goal behind organizing Sangeet Ankur was to encourage and inspire youth and kids to get involved in mastering the Hindustani Classical Raags.

She pointed that this event was 12th in its series.

For this event, Sangeet Dhwani had invited six music agencies operating in the San Francisco Bay Area engaged in training kids and youth aged 7 -16 years, in

mance, enthralled the audience.

As the Dance Art form is an integral part of Indian classical mu-

celebrated by members of the Hindu community.

The audience present at this

Kid's dance

spectacular musical extravaganza was so overwhelmed with appre-

deputed her six youth students who performed a spectacular Bharat Natyam Dance on the theme based on God Ramchandra and Lord Krishna which was so relevant to "Janmashtami" being

ciation, that they gave a thunderous applause for each batch of students performing both solo and jointly. A few comments by a couple of participating Music Teachers and audience are noteworthy.

Swasti Pandey: "Our deep sense of gratitude for giving the budding talents a platform to showcase their creative side. Events like this are a motivating factor that fuels their pursuit to learn more and more. Sangeet Dhwani has always been well organized."

Jaya Vidyasagar: "Thank you for such a beautiful evening. It was indeed wonderful to see such young kids take to learning the nuances of classical music so sincerely and present it so beautifully.

We laud the efforts being taken by the Sangeet Dhwani team to coordinate and conduct such events. Also, a wonderful opportunity for my student kids as such events will go a long way in motivating them to pursue this art more

perience of over 40 years in their professional career, Satish Gadagkar, a Violin Virtuoso and Ustad Surinder Mann, a Tabla Maestro - disciple of the late Iconic Legend Ustad Allarakha Khan distributed attractive trophies to all participating students. Pradeep Joshi, of Sangeet Dhwani proposed vote of thanks to all music teachers, volunteers and the Sound Technician Achar Anjalia for providing quality music.

BAPS empowers youth to be 'media smart' India Post News Service

sic, Supriya Puranik, a popular Dance teacher of Bay Area, had

Ustad Surinder Mann with group of youth musicians

Hindustani Classical Raagas, based on scientific rules needing full dedication and rigorous practice. These schools had deputed their advanced 35 kids and youth who with their brilliant perfor-

passionately."

Aanal Anjaria: "It was my first time attending Sangeet Dhwani event and we thoroughly enjoyed commendable performances by all the young students. Sangeet Dhwani does a wonderful service to the society of students, their parents and teachers, by providing them this platform and the right motivation and inspiration".

Sangeet Dhwani's two well known Music Advisors with ex-

tions with firemen, police officers, doctors and other professionals they may have once feared. The curriculum throughout the day allowed the youth to understand how the media plays a major role in shaping their values about nutrition and physical activities.

Through interactive sessions they were also encouraged to think critically and make healthy lifestyle choices.

Learning while having fun with their peers, children are more likely to consider eating healthy, become more active, think critically when watching advertisements, read labels, and more. Through a closeup tour of a fire truck, the youth were also given a well-rounded overview with tips from these emergency responders.

Meanwhile, parents and caretakers were in separate learning sessions to explore best practices in reinforcing and integrating

CHINO HILLS, CA: BAPS Charities, Chino Hills, hosted the 3rd annual Children's Health & Safety Day on Saturday, August 22. The event's theme focused on the increasing influence of media on youth lifestyle and habits, and provided them with knowledge and tools to use technology wisely. The goal of the event was to help local youth become "media smart" as they navigate what is healthy and unhealthy, ultimately getting them to "Eat, Think, and Be Active!"

Highlights of the event included emergency vehicle tours, interactive workshops and insightful presentations throughout the day. It also gave attendees the unique opportunity to participate and engage in activities as well as other fun, educational sessions that incorporate the necessity of safe and healthy lifestyle.

BAPS Charities wel- Learning while having fun comed 130 participants with their peers, children including youth, parents, and caretakers at are more likely to consider the Children's Health & eating healthy, become Safety Day. The local center in Chino Hills is more active, think critically one of the 22 participating centers in North America to partake in this program. many of the topics their children Chino Hills Mayor Cynthia were getting to learn. Visiting difMoran along with 57 other volun- ferent booths, mother of Anjilika teers, professionals, companies Patel, 12, and Deven Patel, 5, and dignitaries took part in the Monika Patel said, "I believe this event. In addition to supporting event was also very informative First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's not just for kids, but also for parMove campaign and the We ents. It taught me how teaching CAN!initiative which the program my children about their safety and focused on in 2013, this year's well-being can be a fun, interacChildren's Health & Safety Day tive process."

The event encouraged their supported the National Institute of Health's Media Smart Youth whole family to live a healthier, campaign, encouraging youth to safer, and more united lifestyle.

Each family that attended walked "Eat, Think, and Be Active!"

The theme incorporated differ- away with a unique and personal ent learning workshops, scenario- experience which would encourbased simulations, and motivated age them to generate positive habthe youth to engage in conversa- its.

Community Across America

September 11, 2015

India Post 27

www.indiapost.com

Chindam's paintings display 'Untold Expressions' India Post News Service

SAN FRANCISCO, CA: Young and talented artist Ramesh Chindam, who lives here in the Bay area, recently had a month long solo art show in San Francisco themed 'Untold Expressions.'

The Cannery Gallery exhibited Chindam's work from August 1 to Aug 31.

Chindam says the exhibition emphasizes hidden expressions of human life. "Life is all about expressions and my paint-

ings portray different kind of human expressions that I deem important, and that has been incredibly influential throughout my life.

"Untold Expressions" focus on sensitive but real feelings of every human that usually is not expressed at ease. This work is

inspired and energized by the reflections of the thought processes which are transformed into emotions but for some reason remains unexpressed. These paintings de-

MKCA, Chicago celebrates Monthi Fest Cont’d from page 25

During the Holy Mass, Fr. Sequeira blessed the new rice crop.

Vice President of the association Ashok

celebrating 68th Independence Day. All the participants joined to sing "God Bless America" to commemorate the remembrance of 3,000 lives lost during 9/11 attack on Twin Towers in New York.

MKCA Fest participants

Monteiro welcomed participants to the program. During the social program, Austin

MKCA Musical Chair contestants

Prabhu, compeer of the program, leed "Jana Gana Mana", national anthem of India in

Participants thoroughly enjoyed the musical chairs activity tactfully conducted

by Steven D'Souza, Chairperson of the event (current President of the Association). The winners were: Children musical chairs: 1.

Sherwin Lasrado 2. Ethan Misquita. The Teenage group: 1.

Logan Quadros 2. Ethan Carvalho.

There was variety of mouthwatering vegetarian food and desserts prepared by the members of the association.

Association's Secretary Roshini Carvalho thanked all the participants and the members, who prepared sumptuous food for their great contribution in success of this program. She thanked the sponsor of the program, Jessie Singh. Participants enjoyed the open bar and the Indian music presented

by DJ Jason Mendonca.

pict real texture and colors of human emotions filled with its own deep meaning. This collection describes the best of someone's untold thoughts and feelings which I visualized to the best of the art form.

Ramesh Chindam hails from Garshkaurthy, Karimnagar District of Telangana. His visual sense of expression, extra skill of picturization, and thoughtful imagination has been an important tool of communication, which he expresses through paintings with sensible amount of brush strokes laid on Canvas. His extra sense of captivity, understanding of different human expressions and emotions is truly reflected in his paintings.

Ramesh is constantly inspired by the country of India where he has spent most of his life childhood and teenage years.

This environment and art of culture trans-

formed his hobby into his profession. He holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from Academy of Art Univ e r s i t y, San Francisco, California. He has practiced art since the last 10 years and has exhibited his art work across United States and India.

Currently he is living in San Francisco working on his past themes, blending present themes to it.

India Post 29

September 11, 2015 www.indiapost.com

TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

30 India Post

www.indiapost.com

September 11, 2015

K

angana Ranaut says her success in the film industry tastes sweeter as it came late!

Over the years, the National Award-winning actress has impressed the critics and audiences alike her with roles in films like Gangster A Love Story, Fashion, Tanu Weds Manu Returns and Queen. And she doesn't mind the fact that she's turned out to be a late bloomer. "I think the best part about my success is that it came so late. It matters a lot. As an individual how you take yourself. If I was a successful actress eight or nine years ago when I was a teenager, may be I would have ended up like my character in 'Fashion'," Kangana said during a media interaction here.

In Fashion, she played a model who is first successful and then fails to tackle her fading fame. Kangana says her balanced approach to life has come with age. "Now at 28, I am mature and balanced as a woman... age does affect your perspective towards everything. The good part is my success came now when I can feel more balanced as a person and handle it with more maturity. Success, at a very young age, can be very hard to deal with... not at my age," quipped the actress, who is now be seen in Katti Batti.

T

his is one lesson Ranbir Kapoor won't forget for a long time. His ex-flame Deepika Padukone released a video of the star on Facebook to expose his "ignorance" about social media.

After the success of their 2013 film Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, the two are teaming up again for Imtiaz Ali's Tamasha, which is scheduled to hit theatres on November 27.

Deepika recorded the video while the duo was promoting Tamasha.

The video shows her asking Ranbir to tell viewers the Facebook, Instagram and Twitter handles of

Tamasha. Clearly, Ranbir looks flummoxed in the video, and Deepika's accompanying post makes it worse for him. "Clearly our friend here doesn't know much about social media! ?#?Tamasha27thNovember."

Shot mainly in Corsica, France, Vasant Kunj, Hauz Khas Village and Cyber Hub (Gurgaon) in Delhi, Tamasha also brings Imtiaz Ali and Ranbir Kapoor back together after Rockstar.

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

J

ohn Abraham, who is returning to the silver screen after two years in Welcome Back, the sequel of 2007 hit Welcome, says he is neither comfortable doing adult comedy films nor will he produce any.

"I would not act and produce an adult comedy film. But that doesn't mean I have a problem with it. I am not comfortable doing adult comedies... it is not in my DNA. That's not my space," John told PTI in an interview here.

"Comedy in general is beautiful. To make people laugh is lovely. It feels great when people laugh and go home. I want to make people happy. I want to do something that is harmless," he said. At a time when Bollywood is churning out quite a few adult comedies and they are doing well at the box office, the Madras Cafe actor feels there is a space in the market for everything. "There is nothing wrong with it. There is a market for everything and everybody has the right to make what they want. And everyone has the right to see what they want to see," the 42-year-old actor said. However, he emphasized that guidelines should be followed according to which youngsters are not supposed to see adult comedy films.

"I would not act and produce an adult comedy film. But that doesn't mean I have a problem with it.

Bollywood

September 11, 2015

India Post 31

www.indiapost.com

The film world of our nation produces the largest numberof films in the world and of this we are proud but we do not produce the revenues that they deserve

A

mitabh Bachchan says though the Hindi film industry churns out the "largest number of films", there is one thing that it lacks - minting "revenues that they deserve" - something that gives an edge to Hollywood.

"The film world of our nation produces the largest number of films in the world and of this we are proud but we do not produce the revenues that they deserve. Efforts and fresh thoughts are being developed each moment on this and many a generous soul show concern and anguish over it.

Amitabh feels the new way of storytelling in Bollywood is one thing everyone should watch out for.

"Some marvelous ideas, exciting stories, out of the box contemplations, are all what the young makers are thinking...and they come with such beautiful ideas, it is difficult to resist them...one wishes one had time on our side so we could be involved in all of them," posted the actor.

A

"We have yet to see enough films that have guaranteed the producer that 'x' amount of money can be paid upfront to the actress."

K

atrina Kaif says the industry is yet to see enough female-driven films, which can help them ask producers for a certain fee upfront.

She shared that she has indeed faced the experience of being paid less even though she has worked with the creme de la creme of the industry.

The 32-year-old said it makes sense to pay certain actors that much amount because they have proven their mettle by recovering the money with their 'X' fac-

tor, but in the case of female-driven films, she said: "We have yet to see enough films that have guaranteed the producer that 'x' amount of money can be paid upfront to the actress."

Katrina suggests it is best if an actress decides a fee and then have a contract with a clause that "if the film makes 'x' amount, then pay me 'y' amount. If the film crosses Rs.100 crore, then you pay me Rs.20 crore... You clearly state all these things in the contract, so that the actor and the producer, both are safe."

"Karan's banner will be launching them (Ishaan and Sara) soon but one does not know who will be directing the project as of now."

ccording to the latest grapevine, Saif Ali Khan's daughter Sara Ali Khan and Shahid Kapoor's brother Ishaan Khattar are all set to make Bollywood debut. The two young faces will be launched by none other than filmmaker Karan Johar who is known to have launched several new faces.

An insider reveals, "Karan's banner will be launching them (Ishaan and Sara) soon but one does not know who will be directing the project as of now."

Interestingly, Shahid Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan get along quite well as they are shooting for filmmaker Vishal Bharadwaj's upcoming film 'Rangoon'.

Saif Ali Khan is not in favor of Sara leaving college in the mid-way and pursue acting career. He is dead against Sara entering into film industry without completing her studies.

Sara is at present studying at Columbia University in USA.

„

Realty Tidbits

Tribe against tax on Lincoln property

LINCOLN, Neb.: Nebraska officials are fighting the Ponca Tribe's efforts to have a building and land it owns in Lincoln removed from property tax rolls.

The tribe has submitted a request to the U.S. Department of the Interior's Bureau of Indian Affairs to have the property at 2756 O St. put into the federal trust, the Lincoln Journal Star reported. Federally recognized tribes have the ability to request land they own be designated federal land.

The property is assessed at $227,700. Ponca Tribe Chairman Larry Wright Jr. said the building currently serves as the tribe's economic development office.

In an Aug. 11 letter to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson and Gov. Pete Ricketts expressed opposition to the tribe's request, arguing that the Ponca Restoration Act of 1990 prohibits the tribe from establishing a reservation and that designating the property as on-reservation land would violate the federal act. -AP

„

Prestige to develop space for warehousing

NEW DELHI: Realty firm Prestige Estates Projects has said that the company is looking to enter into space development for the warehousing and logistics sector.

With the e-commerce growth in India, the demand for space for warehousing and logistics has risen significantly.

In a filing to BSE, the Bengalurubased Prestige Estates said: "...as part of the strategy, we are currently looking at construction/developing space either to rent/sell for the warehousing and logistics sector."

Prestige Estates is already into the development of housing and commercial projects comprising office complexes, shopping malls and business parks.

"The company is engaged in the business of construction and development of real estate. As part of its business model, in addition to construction and development of business parks, office spaces and shopping malls, the company also explores, from time to time, avenues to develop and sell/lease commercial spaces to suit business requirements of various sectors/ organizations," it said.

According to property consultant CBRE India Logistics and Industrial Market View for H1 2015, around 6 million sq ft was taken up by warehousing space occupiers in the first six months of 2015, a growth of nearly 60 per cent from the year-ago period. -PTI

Real Estate 32 India Post

www.indiapost.com

September 11, 2015

Drug mafia-real estate nexus alleged LUDHIANA: Congress leader Manish Tewari has expressed concern over the "fast spreading menace" of drug consumption in Punjab and sought a Supreme Court-monitored probe into the reports of drug money being laundered through real estate investments in the state.

Talking to reporters here after inaugurating a free orthopedic check-up camp, the former union minister said that drug trade in Punjab was "quite huge" and the money was reportedly being invested in the real estate which needs to be probed. -PTI

University of Michigan student builds, lives in tiny house ANN ARBOR, Mich.: A University of Michigan computer science junior has moved into a 170square-foot home he built himself.

Christopher Cerk, 21, loaded the tiny house on a trailer and hauled it with him for the start of fall classes, The Ann Arbor News reported.

Cerk is not revealing the location because the small size could violate local rules. Ann Arbor city ordinance requires homes to be 450 square feet or more, according to the newspaper.

The house is on the trailer on a private lot. Cerk has the property owner's permission to keep it there. He also will get some water from the property owner's home. ``Around freshman year I didn't enjoy living in the dorms so I wanted to do something different,'' he told the newspaper. ``I started researching different ways to live.

I wanted to put all the money that

would be going towards rent ... to something else.''

It cost Cerk about $800 a month

Michigan, and said he has a place to live after graduation.

The house features a

Christopher Cerk stands for a photo outside the 170-square-foot home he built himself in Ann Arbor, Mich.

for rent last year.

He spent $13,000 on materials and built the house over the past two years. He expects to save money over his last two years at

compostable toilet, shower and two 100-watt solar panels that are expected to supply enough juice to charge his cellphone and laptop, provide lighting and power

Residents urge PM to clear real estate bill NOIDA: The Confederation of NCR Residents Welfare Associations (CONRWA) has once again urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the quick passage of the real estate regulatory bill.

"We have urged the PM and Union urban development minister M Venkaiah Naidu to look into the quick passage of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Bill so that not only the common man, but also small investors can benefit from it," P S Jain, president of CONRWA, said. Introduced in Rajya Sabha in August 2013, the bill aims at checking the unprecedented sway and hitherto unhindered clout of the real estate sector. Earlier, CONRWA had sent a similar request to Modi and Naidu in Sept 2014 and later in February 2015.

According to Jain, the said

request for passing of the bill was based on CONRWA's earlier application, when the then

Introduced in Rajya Sabha in August 2013, the bill aims at checking the unprecedented sway and hitherto unhindered clout of the real estate sector.

Earlier, CONRWA had sent a similar request to Modi and Naidu in Sept 2014 and later in February 2015. standing committee chairman, Sharad Yadav, had given his rec-

ommendation for approval of the bill. Since then, the bill is pending.

The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Bill includes several recommendations such as a mandatory background check on developers. It provides for time-bound delivery of projects with clause for penalty when defaulted. It also provides for blacklisting those developers who have defaulted twice in the past.

The bill also recommends prohibiting builders to alter/ change project plans unless sanctioned by two-third majority of allottees. "The bill may need further strengthening to protect consumer interest, but its high time that it's passed.

We demand that a special session of Parliament be convened for the speedy passing of the bill," said Jain.

for a cook-top stove. It also has a propane heater. ``Living off the grid will be interesting because I'm not hooked up to anything, but I think it'll be all right,'' he said. ``I have an adventurous personality and I'm very ambitious. ... I think it's just a good step for people to go toward - using space more efficiently and living in a more purposeful and simple way.''

Efforts to build smaller houses is gaining interest elsewhere, but are pitted against local size rules. Supporters say they are cheaper to build and less costly to maintain. But detractors say they can be fire hazards and may reduce the value of nearby homes and property.

Tiny-house initiatives to help the homeless also have sprouted up in places like Eugene, Oregon; Olympia, Washington; Austin, Texas; Madison, Wisconsin; and Huntsville, Alabama. -AP

Chennai IT park put up for sale BENGALURU / KOLKATA: TCG Real Estate, a real estate arm of The Chatterjee Group, has put a software park in Chennai, on Mount Poonamali Road, Porur on the block.

RMZ-Qatar Investment Authority Joint Venture is in talks to buy this asset, people with knowledge of the matter told ET. The sovereign wealth fund is backing RMZ with an investment of Rs 1,000 crore in a platform created specifically to buy commercial assets across the country.

"The company is looking for a valuation of Rs 3 crore per acre for the property," said one of the persons, who did not wish to be identified. An email sent to TCG did not elicit any response.

A senior executive of RMZ said: "We keep looking at assets but we are currently not talking to TCG." The partly built 14-acre IT park with 75 per cent open space is being developed in phases, each of which can be formatted into a separate campus with its own parking, food court and other amenities.

Datebook

September 11, 2015

NEW JERSEY Upcoming Sat, Sep 12

NEW YORK Upcoming Sat, Sep 12

• Sounds of Harmony

• Jayaram Show 2015

Venue: NJ Expo Ctr - Raritan Center, 97 Sunfield Ave, EDISON, NJ Time : 08:00 pm Contact: 732-318-2136

Venue: Colden Center Auditorium, 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, NY 11367 Time : 06:00 pm Contact: 845-269-1445

Sun, Sep 13 • Jayaram Show 2015 – NJ Venue: Felician College Auditorium, 262 S Main St, Lodi, NJ 07644 Time: 4:55 pm Contact: 908-222-2811

Sat,Oct 3 • Shri Atul Purohit Navratri Garba Mohatsav in NJ Venue: MetLife Stadium, 1 MetLife Stadium Drive, East Rutherford, NJ 07073 Time: 8:00 pm Contact: 732-770-2561

Sun, Sep 27 • An Evening Of Indian Classical Music & Dance

India Post 33

www.indiapost.com

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

CHICAGO

Upcoming

Upcoming

Sat, Sep 12 • Mera Woh Matlab Nahi Tha Venue: City National Civic, 135 W San Carlos St, San Jose, CA 95113 Time: 7:30 pm Contact: 650-771-0933

Sun, Sep 20 • Vidwan Ganesh and Vidwan Kumaresh Venue: Santa Clara Convention Center, 5001 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, CA 95054

Sat, Sep 12 • Paatasala Telugu School

Time: 08:00 am

registration

Sat, Sep 26 • NAATAK VRINDAVAN

Venue: Queen Of Angels Church Parish Center, 44-04 Skillman Ave, NY 11104 Time : 06:00 pm Contact: 8482191079

Venue: Telugu Times, 68 S Abel St, Milpitas, CA 95035 Time: 8:00 am

Sat, Oct 3

Fri, Sep 18

Rd, Suwanee, GA 30024

•A Night with Remix King DJ Akbar Sami

Time: 06:00 pm

• Sukhwinder Singh & Kanika Kapoor -Live in Concert Venue: Colden Center Auditorium ( Queens College), 65-30 Kissena Blvd, NY 11367 Time : 08:00 pm

presents

Venue: CSettles Bridge Park, 380 Johnson

Venue: Aura Nightclub, 389 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113 Time: 09:00 pm

ATLANTA

• Ramesh Chindam’s solo art show on 'Untold Expressions'

Sat, Sep 12 • 5K CRY Atlanta Walk for Child Rights

Venue: 2801 Leavenworth San Francisco, CA 94109.

Contact: 415-699 5442 rameshchindamarts@gmail.com

Fri, Sep 25 • Bollywood Party:

Upcoming

Venue: Amado Recital Hall - Irvine Auditorium, 3401 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA Time: 2:30 pm Contact: 267-577-5559

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

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

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

Swami Ishatmananda

Masquerade

Sun, Sep 13 • Sunidhi Live In Atlanta

• Bhagavad Gita: Philosophy of life

Venue: M Lounge, 98 S Second St, San Jose, CA 95113 Time: 9:00 pm Contact: 9713442022

Venue: Cobb Energy Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30339 Time: 7:00 pm Contact: 404-576-8909

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

Sat, Sep 26 • Arijit Singh Live In Concert

Sat, Oct 3 • Shobanas Krishna Musical in English

Venue: Oracle Arena, 7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland, CA 94621 Time: 8:00 pm Contact: 5108380055

Venue: Lassiter high - Concert Hall, 2601 Shallowford Rd, Marietta, GA 30066 Time: 07:00 pm Contact: 404-483-3866

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

34

September 11, 2015

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September 11, 2015

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September 11, 2015

The men behind RFC: Ashish Gupta (left), Director, Cougar MotorSport, and Luis J.A. Wee, founder RFC

Pics: Preeti Verma Lal

PREETI VERMA LAL

A

nd I thought monsters were ogres that walked on two, their eyes blood shot, their biceps beefy and their intent diabolical. One rainy morning in Goa's Rajiv Gandhi IT Park, I stood corrected.

Monsters were standing on four. Their hiss loud.

Their strength matchless. These monsters were vehicles. Big SUVs and jeeps propped on fat tyres; their engines buzzing with upped horsepower; their backs laden with winches and waffle boards.

The men on the steering wheel raring to drive up vertical walls, slushy deep ditches, steep inclines and hazardous routes where nothing called a road existed. The crowd was clamoring for a look at the men and their vehicles; marshals were whistling for a start, journalists were taking notes. Dark clouds had gathered in the grey sky and the air was heavy with exhilaration. In the midst of a tough offroading challenge stood Luis

J.A. Wee, the man who founded Rainforest Challenge (RFC) in Malaysia in 1997, and Ashish Gupta, Director, Cougar Motorsport, who brought the tough motor race to India.

It was the second edition of Rainforest Challenge and 22 teams from various parts of India and Malaysia were to rev their way through 26 challenges over 7 days to finally hoist the championship trophy. At RFC 'tough' is a polite understatement. 'Backbreaking' is more apt. Has to be. After all, RFC is listed among the Top 10 Motor Races in the World (the only Asian race to figure in the list).

Cont'd on Page 39

September 11, 2015

India Post 37 www.indiapost.com

Odisha girl Ananya is Indian Idol Jr. MUMBAI: Odisha girl Ananya Nanda lifted the trophy of the second season of singing reality show "Indian Idol Junior" on September 6.

Ananya, 14, who defeated Nahid Afrin and Nithyashree Venkataramanan received the price money of total Rs 10 lakhs.

A self-confessed fan of Shreya Ghoshal and Arijit Singh, the little singing star considers veteran music composer Anandji of the Kalyanji-Anandji duo as her lucky charm.

The grand finale of the Sony show saw the judges boosting the morale of the top three contenders.

Sonakshi Sinha enthralled the audience with a dance routine on her popular numbers 'Saree Ke Fall Sa,' 'Rani Tu Main Raja,' 'Pon Pon,' "Tamanche Pe disco" and "Party All Night".

A highlight of the finale night was a special visit by Sonakshi's father actor-politician Shatrughan Sinha, who also interacted with the

children.

Stand-up comedian Kapil Sharma, who is gearing up for the release of his debut film "Kis Kisko Pyar Karu" promoted the film on Indian Idol Junior set. He joined the juniors on stage and sang some hit numbers.

Kapil stuck to his comic best and tickled everyone's funny bone by cracking few jokes.

The finale also marked the homecoming of the top 10 contestants who cheered on for the final three.

Student of classical music "I had never thought that I would enter the top three in the show. It's really a dream come true," said Ananya in the show.

Consistent performance throughout the singing reality show with perfect presentation of notes and a hypnotic voice helped Ananya to victory in the series.

"Ananya bagged this award due to God's grace, prayers and

Ananya Sritam Nanda

blessings of well wishers. We are grateful to all those who voted for Ananya," her father Prasanna Kumar Nanda said.

Ananya, a class IX student of DAV Public S c h o o l , Pokhariput, started learning music at the age of four and won several awards.

She has been learning classical music from Guru Chitta Ranjan Pani for the last eight years and semiclassical and light music from Santosh Kar. "She is a

gifted child with an amazing voice. At the same time her sincerity and interest in music is also remarkable. This is one step of her success and with proper training in classical music she has long way to go and many accolades to achieve in future," said Pani. She practices for at least one hour every day, he added.

After so many screenings and knock out rounds and nurturing from mentors Ananya got into the final rounds and also won 'best singer of the day' several times during the show. The girl has her fan club in the school and her Facebook page has over 27,000 likes.

"The whole school feels proud for Ananya. We did a havan in the school wishing her success.

We distributed push cards and requested parents and students of all DAV schools across India to support her. She is a motivation for children to excel in other things except studies," said principal of the school, Sujata.

Bangladesh gets first lesbian comic strip Dhaka: Bangladesh's first comic strip featuring a young lesbian discovering her sexuality has been launched in the capital to raise awareness of the plight of gays.

Boys of Bangladesh, the country's largest gay rights group, organized the launch of 'Dhee', the Bengali word for intellect or wisdom.

'By creating Dhee, we want to shape perception of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) people, because we should be free to choose whom to love,' said Mehnaz Khan, one of the four content developers of the comic.

'It's about carrying the message to all.'

Gays and lesbians suffer discrimination and worse in Bangladesh where homosexuality is a crime punishable by a maximum life term, although prosecutions are rare.

The comic, to be handed out at gay rights seminars and other events, tells the story of Dhee, a

form, Dhee mulls her enormous challenges and asks readers whether she should consider sui-

The comic tells the story of Dhee, a girl who is attracted to other girls and falls in love

girl who is attracted to other girls and falls in love.

Facing intense pressure to con-

cide, marry a man to please her family, flee the country, or stay and follow her heart.

Several hundred people attended the launch at the British Council in Dhaka, although entry was carefully scrutinized in case of protests by conservative hardliners.

'We hope to take such events outdoors next time as we don't want to live our lives indoors and in secret,' prominent social activist Khushi Kabir said.

Many gays and lesbians are forced to hide their sexual identity

and live double lives for fear of reprisals in the deeply conservative country where 90 percent of the population is Muslim.

But in recent years, Bangladesh's young gay men have become increasingly assertive of their rights and have held low-key pride marches at the last two Bengali new year festivals.

Last year, the first magazine for homosexuals was launched with little opposition.

38 India Post

September 11, 2015 www.indiapost.com

Shilpa Shetty's book on nutrition soon MUMBAI: Actress Shilpa Shetty says she has finished writing her book on nutrition, and that it will release in November.

"Amongst all the things that I multi-task with, I've already finished and completed my book on

nutrition and it should be releasing very soon in November," Shilpa said here at a press meet held to announce a partnership between eBay India and Best Deal TV, which is co-owned by the actress and husband Raj Kundra.

Actress Shilpa Shetty says she has finished writing her book on nutrition, and that it will release in November.

She says she will make a separate announcement about the book, but shared a bit about it.

Shilpa hasn't been seen in films of late. But she doesn't seem to be in a hurry to return.

"Regarding acting, I'm not doing it, because I would be driven mad. Now that Viaan (son) has turned three, he demands a bit less time from me. He's in school from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., so I have half the day (to myself)," she said.

Over the years, Shilpa has become a multi-tasker, managing her entrepreneurial ventures, acting, production, motherhood, et al.

Asked how she juggled all of this, she said: "We women are born multi-taskers. I think it's just in-built in us and we're conditioned to be that way. So I take it as a huge compliment that people think I multi-task, which I actually do.

It's hard, but I love it.

"I love being a woman and doing everything that I'm doing."

Yuvraj dating actress Hazel Keech?

NEW DELHI: Cricketer Yuvraj Singh is said to be again dating a Bollywood actress.

Rumors are doing the rounds that the Indian cricket heartthrob and British model-turned-actor, Hazel Keech are more than "just friends". According to reports, the two are dating.

Hazel starred in Salman KhanKareena Kapoor-starrer Bodyguard (2011). She also featured in the popular item song Aa Ante Amlapuram (Maximum, 2012).

Even as these reports of Yuvraj and Hazel dating each other surface, they aren't willing

to confirm their relationship.

While they're busy taking shade under the "just friends" umbrella, and not wanting unnecessary attention on their relationship, the duo has often been spotted together.

According to Pinkvilla, Hazel and Yuvi have often been spotted by onlookers at public places and it was recently that they took off to London for a holiday. They were seen at the airport too when they returned.

Yuvraj previously has been in a relationship with actress Kim Sharma.

Autowallah who is also a novelist CHENNAI: One can't judge a book by its cover and Coimbatore resident M Chandrakumar by his day job. The 53-year-old auto-rickshaw driver who moonlights as a writer is packing his bags for the Venice Film Festival to participate in the screening of a Tamil feature film based on his novel.

Auto Chandran, as he is called by locals, published "Lock Up" in 2006 that inspired director Vetrimaaran, who goes by one name, to make the movie "Visaranai" that has made it to the festival's competition section.

"I have always been observing life which has been my teacher," Chandran said.

He said it was his first-hand experience of police brutality and oppression as a young man in Andhra Pradesh's Guntur district that influenced the novel, his first. Chandran and two of his friends were arrested, allegedly tortured mercilessly for 13 days and later let off.

They were picked up for no reason, Chandran said, and this spurred him to write in his book how the poor and helpless do not have a voice and protection from police atrocities across the country.

He is a Class 10 dropout, but Chandran is well versed with the ways of the world and uses his keen observation and analytical prowess to record his experiences in the form of stories he writes while waiting for passengers and

during traffic jams.

"It is such a big thing; despite being just an auto-rickshaw driver, Chandran learnt to study life in all its facets and achieve an ability to present it in lucid writing for all to understand," said local resident Su Panaiswamy.

Chandran drives his auto-rick-

Chandran who had worked with film units gave the novel to Vetrimaaran. After reading the book, the director contacted the author for his permission to make a film based on the book, promising to give him credit.

Vetrimaaran also invited Chandran to attend the screening

M Chandrakumar, the Coimbatore-based 53-year-old auto-rickshaw driver is off to the Venice Film Festival to participate in the screening of a Tamil feature film based on his novel.

shaw from morning till lunch, is back on duty at 3pm and works till about 9pm. This is followed by discussions with local workers and union leaders. Then it's time for a late dinner, some studying and writing and a few hours of sleep. But he is never late for his early morning walk and yoga.

"Chandran is very disciplined and focused and we can all learn from his life," said fellow auto driver S Anbu.

A close friend of Auto

after the movie was picked up at the festival.

"I liked the earnestness and honesty with which Chandran documented his suffering in Andhra Pradesh at the hands of police," the director said. "This is the only work of his that I have read and would take a look at his other novels (including Boomiyai Kolaikalamaakkum America, Kovayil Jeeva and Eriyum Pattatharasi) later."

-Courtesy Hindustan Times

Digvijaya marries TV anchor Amrita Rai C

ongress general secretary Digvijaya Singh got married to TV anchor Amrita Rai in Chennai late last month, sources said.

The former Madhya Pradesh chief minister is currently in the US. Sources close to the 68-yearold leader confirmed the wedding.

Singh had confirmed his relationship with Rai, 44, in April last year. "She and her husband have already filed a mutual consent di-

vorce case. Once that is decided we would formalise it," he wrote on Twitter.

Rai had also accepted the relationship on Twitter, saying, "I have separated from my husband and we have filed a mutual consent divorce papers. After which I have decided to marry with Digvijaya Singh."

Singh's wife passed away in 2013 after prolonged illness. He has four daughters and a son.

September 11, 2015

India Post 39 www.indiapost.com

RACE OF THE MONSTERS 'Rainforest Challenge' toughest in Asia

Cont'd from Page 36

Day 1&2 at Dona Paula was the Prologue. Course Director David Metcalfe, an Australian veteran off-roader, had designed SS (special stages) for the contestants.

One had a vertical wall. Another a long ride through the muddied pond. Each marked with a start/ finish sign. And a stop watch to man timings to the tiniest second.

One hoot and the event sped off.

The Force Motors team in red vehicles vroomed ahead and the Gerrari Offroaders (Chandigarh) hurried to another.

The BODA (Bangalore Offroaders Development Association) offroaders were strategizing

smartly and Northern India Offroad Club was planning its first move. The crowd cheered and by the evening the points and faults were added.

On Day 3&4, it was the Predator and Terminator challenges in Goa's Quepem, Sanguem. If Prologue had me drop a couple of jaws, I redefined tough men and tougher terrain during SS13 to SS24. David had picked the toughest spots in a 75-acre private property in Quepem. Day 5 was the day of 'rest and recuperation' for the drivers, navigators and their beasts.

The engines had fallen silent and

the winches were rolled. Today, it was the turn of journalists from 11 media houses to get 'badder and dirtier'. No navigators. Every journalist on his own to maneuver through the two challenges (special stages).

Day 6&7 were set aside for Twilight challenge. At RFC, twilight is not about stars sequinned in the sky. No romance. It is in the middle of a dense forest in north Goa's Sattari (Morlem). No penalties. No need for speed. No ser-

vice team carrying food and water. No help. Contestants get 10

hours to complete 4 kms. Wait! before you dismiss it as child's play. These 4 kms can wreck even the devil's nerve. There is no road.

Make one through trees, rivulets, fat boulders and the slopes of mountains. I waded through rivulets and jumped over boulders. I could barely do 500 meters of the 4-km stretch. By night, the men and their machines trudged through the toughest SS. And the best man won. Rank 1: Tan Eng Joo/Tan Choon Hong.

Rank 2: Mervyn Lin/Hamizan Bin Abdul Hamid. Rank 3: Kabir Waraich/Yuvraj Tiwana.

Trophies were handed out at India International Centre, Goa. Luis left for another RFC in Russia. Ashish got the gumboots cleaned for another offroading expedition. The men and their vehicles washed the grime and headed home. But they shall all return. For the third edition of Rainforest Challenge in Goa from July 22 to 29, 2016.

40 India Post

T

he beautiful lake resort nestles amidst seven hills in a lush val ley at an altitude of 1938 meters. In 1841, the British first discovered Nainital as a holiday resort. Today, the town has emerged as one of the most important hill resorts of India Nainital is a modem hill resort of northern India (336 kms from Delhi) connected by bestaligned and maint a i n e d roads

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from the railhead of Kathgodam. A railway line was laid up to Kathgodam in 1882. The road passes through forests where occasionally wild animals can also be seen.

The name "Naini" is derived from the temple of goddess Naini which was built on the bank of the lake but later got destroyed due to landslides in the year 1880. The place is mentioned in Skand Puran as 'Trishul Sarover'. Tri Rishi (three sages Atri, Pulastiya and Pulha) had come there for pilgrimage while they were at Gagar range (now called China Peak). They felt thirsty and could not find any water. They thought of Mansarover and dug a hole which at once got filled with water.

The lake then formed was called Tri-Rishi Tal (The lake of three sages).

September 11, 2015

Today it has an impressive lake surrounded by the hills from three sides with highest peak Cheena (2610 m) and the valley in between running from east to west. The lake is a little more than 3 kms in circumference.

Nainital remains packed from April to November with tourists for sight seeing as well as for seeking escape from the heat of the plains. Naini Lake has facilities for boating and yachting. Facilities for horse riding, skating, golf and rock climbing are also available. Fishing can be done with permission of local authorities. Talli Tal and Malli Tal are the two main trading centers at Nainital.

With increasing number of tourists visiting the hill station every year, Nainital has evolved into a tourists' paradise.

The best way to get around Nainital is on foot. More-

over the important tourist hubs like The Mall are shut for vehicles in the evenings.

Therefore, exploring Nainital on foot is the best option for tourists. Also, in areas like the Barra Bazaar, tourists can shop for local handicrafts, shawls, woolens, fresh produce like fruits and jams. Tourists can avail Nainital holiday packages to explore the hill station, both in winters and summers.

Cont’d on page 42

September 11, 2015

Travel & Hospitality Post

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41

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'India tourism potential remains untapped' KOCHI: Architect of the government's successful Incredible India campaign, Amitabh Kant said here the potential of the

Amitabh Kant

country's tourism still remains untapped and asked the states to take lessons from Kerala

on how the industry can play a crucial role in creating large number of jobs.

"To my mind the potential of India tourism still remains untapped. It is a huge industry...it is a big wealth distributor.

So India needs to put much more into travel and tourism.

"It can be a huge job creator as it has been done in Kerala. It has been the biggest multiplier of jobs in Kerala.

I think that is what many other states need to learn from Kerala," said Kant, Kerala cadre IAS officer, who took up the Central government assignments in 2001, when Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the Prime Minister.

Kant, who is now the Secretary, Industrial Policy and Promotion, which rolled out Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ambitious Make in India program, also said the government should invest more in travel and tourism sector.

He was speaking at the opening func-

tion of the three-day silver jubilee summit being organized by International Advertising Association (India chapter).

Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan, who was the Guest of Honor at the function, shared his experiences as brand custodians.

Expressing his gratitude to the Ad world from whom he had learnt "what being a brand" means, he said it was tough to remain always on the top of the branding

business.

He said in the ad business a brand custodian needs to convey the audience "what inspires them today and how it could change tomorrow."

The three-day summit - being held under the theme of 'What's Coming Next' brings together the best minds in marketing and advertising, as well as icons who have been part of the growth of many brands.-PTI

Switzerland campaign British Airways revamps to woo Indian tourists its loyalty program AHMEDABAD: In a bid to attract more Indian tourists, Switzerland Tourism has launched promotional campaigns here.

The promotional campaigns - 'Grand Tour of Switzerland' and 'Grand Train Tour of Switzerland' - are aimed at increasing the night halts of Indian tourists in that country.

"People from Gujarat form 60 per cent of the overall travelers to Switzerland from India. So we decided to launch these two campaigns from here," Deputy Director of Switzerland Tourism (India), Ritu Sharma, told reporters.

Tourists generally come and spend twothree nights in Switzerland, she said. "But

through these two promotional campaigns, we expect that they will spend more nights in Switzerland. Our aim is to increase the night stay of tourists in Switzerland," Sharma said.

According to Claudio Zemp, Director of Switzerland Tourism, the number of tourists from India has grown this year. "The in-

crease is particularly strong in Western India with majority of tourists coming from Gujarat. The two tours will allow tourists to experience the best of Switzerland."

A campaign to promote travel to that country during the winter season was also launched here.

"What we have seen is that people from India visit Switzerland only during summer.

But it is beautiful during winter also. We also want to promote tourism during winters," Zemp said.

Switzerland Tourism authorities also said that they are building a unique museum of legendary comic actor and filmmaker Charlie Chaplin in Vevey in Lake Geneva area.

Chaplin had spent last 20 years of his life in Ve v e y and his house is being c o n verted into a museum.

T h e Grand Tour of Switzerland is a 1,600 km-long road trip lasting a w e e k and offering the country's most popular and visually-striking destinations in one scenic journey. It will open different facets of Switzerland for travelers.

The Grand Train Tour of Switzerland takes travelers across the country in the most popular and picturesque train routes like Glacier Express and Golden Pass. -PTI

NEW DELHI: UK's flag carrier British Airways has revamped its loyalty program for business class travelers with a three-tier ranking system to boost earning power, handpicked offers and bonuses for members and a new easy-to-use online account management, among others.

The re-launched 'On Business' program also offers small and medium sized entrepreneurs (SMEs) the opportunity to win a seat on an exclusive mentoring flight to Austin, Texas, British Airways said in a re-

and growing sector, he said adding it will be simple to understand and easy to use, improve the management of members' travel costs and reward their spend.

"In addition, the British Airways' Mentoring Flight will give a lucky group of specially selected SMEs the once in a lifetime opportunity to receive brilliant business support through two amazing mentors from one of the world's best business incubators, the Capital Factory," he said.

Capital Factory is startup incubator

lease.

The revitalized new On Business loyalty scheme would help small and medium sized businesses make even more of their travel budgets.

The program brings together British Airways, Iberia and American Airlines business program, allowing customers to collect and spend on all three under one scheme, it said.

"We understand the needs of small and medium size businesses, and the changes will allow us to coordinate benefits, increase rewards and help stretch travel budgets across the British Airways, Iberia, and American Airlines network," British Airways' regional commercial manager Moran Birger said.

The revitalized 'On Business' will also better meet the flying needs of this dynamic

based in Austin, Texas, the heartland of innovation in the US. The competition is open to SMEs in the UK, Northern Ireland, India and South Africa till September 14 and the prize flights are valid for traveling First outbound on 20 October 20 and return in British Airways long-haul business class service, Club World on October 22.

The new and improved program, which already saves customers 30million pounds a year on flights, now rewards points based on spend rather than distance traveled or number of flights, the release said.

As part of the changes, On Business has also launched a brand new website, which will make it even easier for members to maximize their earning potential and spend their points effectively, the release said. -PTI

42 India Post

Travel & Hospitality Post

September 11, 2015

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NAINITAL Beautiful lake resort amidst seven hills Cont’d from page 40

What to see around

Hanumangarhi: (1, 951 m) 3 km.

A popular place for worship in the temple of Lord Hanuman and its sun-set view.

Khurpatal: (1,635 m) 5 to 10 kms. This is an angler's paradise on Nainital-Kaladhungi-Ramnagar Road. It is here that the conifers belt merges and gives way to the Sal trees. Fishing permits are available from Deputy Commissioner, Nainital.

Kilbury: (2,194 m) 10 kms. A wooded spot, connected by road, ideal for a quiet and peaceful holiday.

Lariakanta: (2, 481 m) 6 kms.

This is the second highest peak of Nainital and commands a glorious view of the lake region.

Land's End: (2,1l8 m) 4.08 kms.

One can have magnificent view of Khurpatal and the terraced fields on the hill side.

Naini Peak or Cheena Peak:

(2,611 m) 6 kms. Most favored picnic spot of the town. One can view the distant plains and snow clad

Himalayas from the peak. A bird's eye view of the lake is also visible from here. One can either trek or go on horse back up to Naini Peak.

Snow-View: (2270 m). 3 km. This is the nearest easily accessible peak on Sher-ka-Danda hill connected

by Ropeway. A powerful telescope is fixed here which enables one to view the Himalayan ranges.

Nainital Ropeway: Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam has since installed the most sophisticated ropeway at Nainital which is the first of its kind in India. The ropeway covers a distance of 705 meters with an altitude gain of 300 meters. Carrying a maximum load of 825 kgs or 12 persons in each of its two cars, the ropeway travels at a maximum speed of 6 mts/ sec.

Bhimtal: (1,371 m) 22 kms away from Nainital. Bhimtal is named after Bhim, one of the five Pandavas of 'Mahabharata'. The lake at Bhim Tal is larger than Naini Lake at Nainital. Boating, swimming and fishing are the main attractions. An island in the centre of the lake is an excellent spot for picnic. Fishing permits can be obtained from the fishing Inspector of Bhim Tal. Tourist bungalow and private lodges are available here.

Naukuchia Tal: (1,219 m) 27 kms. This is a lake known for its nine corners. Area around the lake is an ideal place for bird watching.

Fishing permits can be obtained.

Sat Tal: (1371 m) 21 kms. away from Nainital. This is a charming spot and the venue of the famous Kohinoor Camp in summer. There is an Ashram run by Dr. E. Stanley

Jones of United States Missionaries, where religious, educational and social youth camps are held every year. Nearby, there are several small lakes, numbering seven, from where the name Sat Tal is derived. The lakes include Panna, Nal Damyanti and Sita. Sukha Tal is located in the middle of thick pine and oak trees. There are excellent

facilities for swimming, boating and fishing. A small World Life sanctuary is another spot of tourist attraction.

How to Reach Air: Nearest airport is at

Pantnagar (71 kms), connected by air service with New Delhi.

Rail: The nearest railway station is Kathgodam (35 kms).

Road: Nainital is well connected with all major cities in northern India.

HP to organize apple festivals for tourism SHIMLA: With an aim to promote tourism in Himachal Pradesh, an 'apple festival' was organized in Manali on September 6 which is to be followed by another one here on September 12 and 13.

The festival would be organized by the Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation in association with state, a Tourism Department spokesperson said.

The main attraction would be exhibition of different varieties of apples grown in the state, food products and dishes made from apples and entertainment programs, he said.

Around 20 stalls would be set up for exhibiting apples and apple products at HPTDC hotel in Manali along with a variety of delicious fruits, the spokesperson said.

In Shimla, the exhibition of apples, apple products and exotic vegetables would be on display at

the Ridge and stalls of food products would be set up at Padam Dev Complex, he said.

Besides exhibitions, painting competition for school children will also be organized at Gaiety Theatre in Shimla on September 11 and selected paintings would be displayed till September 12, the

spokesperson said.

The State Tourism Department in coordination with Horticulture department is also planning to take tourists around in the vicinity of Shimla to show them the apple industry.-PTI

September 11, 2015

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43

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National parks seeing huge spikes in visitation GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, Ariz.: Visitors heading to the Grand Canyon lately know they are going to get two things when they arrive: breathtaking views and long waits, whether it is to get into the national park itself or to find a parking spot inside. A few frustrated tourists have even turned around and left.

The crowds haven't just been coming to the Grand Canyon, where a sign ahead of the entrance gates warns of limited parking.

The throngs of tourists have been showing up in big numbers at other national parks, including Yellowstone in Wyoming, Yosemite in California and Zion in Utah, driven by good weather, cheap gas and marketing campaigns ahead of next year's National Park Service centennial.

The Park Service already has recorded 5 million more visitors from this time last year. The result has been the very traffic congestion that many families and tourists alike hope to escape when they embark on trips to the parks.

Many tourists are taking the crowds in stride. ``It comes with the deal,'' said David Stonecypher of Duarte, California, who was visiting with his wife Jetta mid-week to avoid overcrowding.

Officials at the parks say they are making do with the resources they have, including encouraging

visitors to use shuttles to cut down on the number of vehicles within parks and paying overtime to keep as many entrance gates open as possible. ``It has definitely been a struggle. And there hasn't been an increase in base funding to help compensate for the crowds,'' said Aly Baltrus, spokeswoman at Zion, where officials say search and rescue calls have doubled this

Your Park'' campaign, which launched earlier this year to reintroduce people to the parks. Several anniversaries are drawing bigger crowds to war memorials in Washington, D.C., and Lake Mead National Recreation Area in Nevada and Arizona is getting more visitors despite record-low lake levels.

Another campaign promises to bring more tourists: Fourth-grad-

Visitors line the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park in northern Arizona.

The Grand Canyon and other big national parks are seeing more visitors than usual this year, partly driven by good weather, cheap gas and marketing campaigns.

year as more people veer off established paths.

Police had to shut down the road into Arches National Park in Utah over the Memorial Day holiday because so many people wanted to get in.

The increase in visitors is due partly to the Park Service's ``Find

ers and their families are being encouraged to go to national parks with a free, yearlong pass for them.

Visitation at the Grand Canyon is approaching a 30 percent rise over last year through August, although exact numbers aren't known yet because officials still are trying to gather data from new

traffic counters, said Marlon Avantyr, the park's revenue and fee business manager.

One benefit is the crowds are bringing in more money to the Grand Canyon, which increased entrance fees this summer.

Other parks are seeing doubledigit percentage increases. Park Service stats show Joshua Tree National Park with a nearly 30 percent increase so far in 2015 over the same time last year, going from about 920,500 visitors to more than 1.2 million.

More than 2.2 million people visited Zion between January-July this year, a nearly 16 percent increase over about 1.9 million during the same period last year.

Yellowstone reported going from 2.5 million to 2.9 million, a 14 percent increase; Yosemite from 2.1 million to nearly 2.4 million, an 11 percent increase.

Officials at the Grand Canyon have taken several measures to deal with the crowds. To cut down on a line of vehicles that stretched two miles to the nearest town over the July Fourth holiday, they dedicated an entrance gate to people who already had a park pass.

Some people frustrated by not finding parking among the roughly 2,000 spots have turned around and left, Avantyr said.

A triage desk outside the visitors' center helps answer the two most common questions so a long

line doesn't form inside: Where exactly is the canyon and where are the restrooms?

For the first time this summer, the commercial bus lot filled up.

Months earlier in December, the visitors' center had 10,000 people come through in one day. That's thousands more than the average 6,000 per day, although it's hard to say what's typical these days, said supervisory park ranger A.J. Lapre.

At shuttle bus lines, visitors jockey for a position for what can be up to an hour wait while employees try to help them figure out what route gets them to their destination fastest. An express route was added this year between the visitors' center and a transfer spot to Hermit's Rest, the most popular scenic route.

The Grand Canyon has no plans to increase staff to deal with the larger crowds. Instead, it's trying to promote the use of shuttles and put up more messaging around the canyon and on social media.

Marie Puirier of Montepellier, France, spent about 15 minutes looking for a parking spot but did not see it as a hassle and expected to wait for a shuttle. She recently made her third visit to the park. ``Everybody knows,'' she said. ``We come here because it's a place in the world that's unique.'' AP

'Jurassic Monument' proposal gets local support SALT LAKE CITY: A proposal from two congressmen to convert a central Utah dinosaur fossil quarry rich in Jurassic-period bones into a national monument gained a key endorsement from county officials.

The Emery County public lands council voted unanimously to back a plan that would elevate the Cleveland-Lloyd dinosaur fossil quarry to what could be known as the ``Jurassic National Monument,'' said Randy Johnson, Emery County's public lands adviser.

The Emery County commission is also expected to back the idea.

The quarry was designated a national natural landmark in 1966, and it is a Mecca for paleontologists who have been coming since the 1920s to dig in what the Bureau of Land Management says is the densest concentration of Jurassic-period bones in the world.

More than 12,000 fossils have been discovered. ``It's a great idea. It's a national treasure out there, and it's unexploited,'' Johnson said. ``Nobody knows about it, and it gets

very little use. It deserves to be enhanced and protected.''

Making the site into a national monument would require Congressional approval. The idea is being promoted by U.S. Rep. Jason Chaffetz as part of a broad eastern Utah land deal the congressman has been working on with Rep. Rob Bishop. They plan to introduce it later this year.

Ethan Migliori, chair of the Emery County Commission, said he has heard only minimal opposition, and that most of it came from ranchers worried about losing cattle-grazing rights in the monument's boundaries. Migliori said they have been assured that won't happen, clearing the way for widespread support.

The hope is that making it a monument would bring greater exposure, luring more tourists who often only pass through the county on their way to other national parks and natural destinations in southern Utah. ``If something like this can draw more of those tourists into the heart of the county, it would help restaurants,

hotels and even retail,'' Migliori said.

The quarry site - about 150 miles southeast of Salt Lake City - has a small museum with exhibits and a skeleton of an allosaurus, a species common in the sediment that preserved the bones of dinosaurs that died there about 145 million years ago. Visitors can also see

two most important quarries of Jurassic period bones in North America, Loewen said. ``We know more about allosaurus from this single hole in the ground than we've learned from anywhere else in the world,'' Loewen said. ``Researchers come from all over the world to study the bones that have come from

partially exposed bones still in the ground that are housed in a building.

The site is absolutely deserving of increased recognition, said Mark Loewen, a University of Utah paleontologist. The site and the Dinosaur National Monument on the Utah-Colorado border are the

that quarry.''

Utah state Sen. David Hinkins, a Republican whose district covers the site, said making it a monument would open the door to more funds that could help make the quarry nicer and more of a magnet.

Residents of the region sup-

port the idea because the acreage of the protected land wouldn't expand much and because they've been told it could be run by a Utahbased advisory council rather than bureaucrats in Washington D.C., Hinkins said.

The Bureau of Land Management isn't taking a side on the proposal. Utah spokeswoman Megan Crandall said the BLM ``takes into account the interests of a wide range of stakeholders in making federal land use decisions, and we recognize and respect the importance of public and congressional input in considering protections for historic, cultural and natural treasures like the Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry.''

In the sweeping plan that Chaffetz and Bishop are working up, Dinosaur National Monument would also be elevated to a national park. The two new designations would bring additional funding, tourism, research and preservation to those spots and enhance Utah's reputation as a hot spot for dinosaur aficionados, Chaffetz said. -AP

In Brief Judge ends challenge to Arizona immigration law PHOENIX: Challengers of Arizona's landmark immigration law failed to show that police would enforce the statute differently for Latinos than it would for people of other ethnicities, a judge said in a ruling that dismissed the last of seven challenges to the law.

The ruling could signal the end of the case and gave a victory to backers of the law, which was approved in 2010.

In her order, U.S. District Court Judge Susan Bolton dismissed the challenge and upheld provisions that were previously ruled on by appeals courts.

She upheld the law's controversial requirement that police, while enforcing other laws, can question the immigration status of those suspected of being in the country illegally. The U.S. Supreme Court also upheld the requirement, but the law's detractors continued to push their challenge at a lowercourt level.

Opponents have ``not produced any evidence that state law enforcement officials will enforce SB1070 differently for Latinos than a similarly situated person of another race or ethnicity,'' Bolton wrote.

It's unclear whether the challengers will appeal the ruling.

Karen Tumlin, an attorney representing a coalition of civil rights groups, said in a statement they would ``evaluate all legal options moving forward.''

Former state Sen. Russell Pearce, who sponsored the initial legislation, applauded Bolton's judgment. -AP

„

Immigration

India seeks extradition of individuals from UAE

44 India Post

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September 11, 2015

Details on page 47

'US cop had no right to shake Indian grandpa down for papers' WASHINGTON: An American police officer accused of violently assaulting an unarmed 58-year-old Indian grandfather and leaving him partially paralyzed had no reason to think he may have committed a crime, a US court has heard.

(Sureshbhai) Patel was never "fleeing" and that police had no right "to shake him down for immigration papers," assistant US Attorney Robert Posey told the Alabama federal court in Huntsville at the trial of former Alabama police officer Eric Parker, 26, who has been charged with violating the civil rights of 58-year-old Patel in February.

"Is there a language barrier?

They had no reason to try to think of a crime he (Patel) may have committed," Posey was quoted as saying by Al.com news website.

On the third day of testimony, the defense called some police officers but each one told the jury that the front leg sweep and takedown of Patel did not violate the policy and training of the Madison Police Department.

"In that situation, I believe Officer Parker did what he had to do to adapt and overcome," testified officer Russell Owens.

Sergeant Nicholas McRee said that the use of a takedown is consistent with policy and training if

ecution.

The defense argued that a suspicious person tried to walk away and that he was non-compliant, he pulled an arm away when Parker tried to control his hands.

The Justice Department, mean-

Sureshbhai Patel

Eric Parker

a suspect pulls away.

In all, 10 officers have testified for the defense and three officers were called to testify by the pros-

while, argued that evidence showed Parker telling this was an older man who did not speak English and the trainee had already

patted him down for weapons when Parker slammed him to the ground.

At the end, the judge said she was troubled by the assertions that police had no right to stop and investigate Patel, but had less trouble with the second part of the federal case questioning the takedown itself.

The government must prove that Parker's actions were willful, or that he intended to deprive Patel of the right to be free from unreasonable force.

Parker faces up to 10 years in prison on the federal charge if convicted.

The incident occurred on the morning of February 6 when while walking down the sidewalk, Patel "was violently assaulted by a police official without provocation, and left partially paralyzed," the 11-page lawsuit had said.

A day before, Patel had arrived in the US to assist his son and daughter-in-law in caring for their 17-month-old child who suffered a developmental delay after a premature birth.-PTI

Brothers denied bail for beating immigrant

Drowned Syrian toddler buried amid shock

BOSTON: Two brothers charged with beating a Hispanic homeless man in Boston after being inspired in part by Donald Trump's views on immigrants have been held without bail pending trial.

A judge ruled that Scott and Steve Leader are a danger to society and ordered them held until a trial scheduled to start Oct. 1.

The Leaders were arrested Aug. 19 on charges they beat a 58-year-old Mexican immigrant while he slept near a subway station. According to police, one brother told officers that Republican presidential candidate Trump ``was right'' about deporting ``all these illegals.''

Trump denounced the attack.

The Leaders have a history of violent criminal behavior. Their lawyers have not commented.

Scott Leader told police the victim instigated the confrontation.-AP

SURUC, Turkey: The father of a drowned Syrian toddler whose fate shocked the world returned home to bury his family as European ministers tried to thrash out differences on binding refugee quotas to ease the crisis.

Britain said it would take thousands more from refugee camps on the Syrian border as the heartbreaking images of three-year-old Aylan Kurdi's lifeless body on a Turkish beach ramped up pressure on political leaders to act.

His father Abdullah Kurdi who has told how Aylan and his other young son Ghaleb "slipped through my hands" when their boat sank in the Aegean Sea arrived in the Syrian flashpoint border town of Kobane with the funeral caskets of his sons and wife, who also died.

"As a father who lost his children, I want nothing for myself from this world. All I want is that

this tragedy in Syria immediately ends," he said on his way to Kobane, which was devastated in clashes between Islamic State mili-

response to Europe's worst refugee crisis since World War II, during which more than 350,00 migrants have crossed the Mediter-

Abdullah Kurdi, centre, the Syrian man who survived a capsizing during a desperate voyage from Turkey to Greece, holds his three-year-old-son Alan's body. Alan, his brother Galib, 5, and their mother Reham were buried in Kobani, the Syrian Kurdish region they fled.

tants and Kurdish fighters.

A divided Europe faces growing international criticism over its

ranean, and around 2,600 people have died.

UN High Commissioner for

Refugees Antonio Guterres warned that the EU faced a "defining moment" after little Aylan's death and called for the mandatory resettlement of 200,000 refugees by EU states.

With tensions growing, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande said they had agreed the EU should now require member states to take in a fixed number of migrants.

EU foreign ministers were to discuss the crisis, which has split the bloc between countries like Germany advocating greater solidarity and mainly eastern nations such as Hungary that have taken a hardline approach.

Disagreements are rife over Europe's piecemeal migration system and its passport-free Schengen area.

Cont'd on Page 47

Immigration Post

September 11, 2015

India Post 45

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Bemused refugees get emotional welcome in Germany MUNICH, Germany: Having braved dangerous journeys to escape war, tired refugees from Syria and other conflict zones were stunned to receive a hero's welcome as they arrived in Germany over the weekend.

In crowded train stations, hundreds of well-wishers cheered the often baffled newcomers, waving "welcome" signs as the migrants got out of packed trains in Munich, Frankfurt and other German cities.

Crowds of people holding balloons and snapping smartphone pictures gave them water, food and children's toys as the record influx has sparked an unprecedented

volunteer response.

"Say it loud, say it clear, refugees are welcome here," chanted people at Frankfurt's railway station overnight, as trains arrived with refugees who had travelled from Hungary through Austria.

In the southern city of Munich, Germany's main hub for arrivals, a 47-year-old local woman in the crowd waved to a Syrian family arriving on the latest of dozens of special trains.

When the family with three children neared the police barricade looking skeptical, the woman handed them a bag, with chocolates, toys and an envelope inside.

"There's a bit of money inside," said the woman in English, before the Syrians, grateful smiles on their faces, were led on to be registered, the next step in their uncertain journey.

Arriving on another train, two boys, perhaps seven or eight years old, pushed out their chests like football stars and beamed smiles as they traversed the throng of applauding people.

In Munich's railway station hall, large tables offered clothes and food to the new arrivals, staffed by some 90 helpers - including several Arabic speakers - working four-hour shifts.

Image of dead child on beach haunts the world

T

he photo of the dead 3year-old Syrian boy on a Turkish beach is haunting.

It captures everything we don't want to see when we tap our phones or open our newspapers: a vicious civil war, a surge of refugees, the death of an innocent.

The image of little Aylan Kurdi is hammering home the Syrian migrant crisis to the world, largely through social media. Aylan died along with his 5-year-old brother and their mother when their small rubber boat capsized as it headed for Greece. The Associated Press distributed the photos to its sub-

I had to think hard whether to share this.''

But share, he did. Bouckaert, who is in Hungary watching the crisis unfold, said people need to be pushed to look at the ``ghastly spectacle'' so they can, in turn, prod governments to help the suffering Syrian people.

Still, will the disturbing image galvanize people into action?

Will it be like other seared-in-ourmemory photographs - a vulture hovering over starving child in Sudan, a girl fleeing a napalm attack in Vietnam, the child in a firefighter's arms after the Okla-

A paramilitary police officer investigates the scene before carrying the lifeless body of Aylan Kurdi, 3, after a number of migrants died and a smaller number were reported missing after boats carrying them to the Greek island of Kos capsized, near the Turkish resort of Bodrum

scribers. The photos were from the Turkish news agency DHA. ``It is a very painful picture to view,'' said Peter Bouckaert, who as director of emergencies at Human Rights Watch has seen his fair share of painful scenes. ``It had me in tears when it first showed up on my mobile phone.

homa City bombing?

Or will it become just another of the many images on social media, lost amid the din? ``One of the things about this story is that it's really difficult sometimes for the world to get a handle on it,'' said Al Tompkins, a senior faculty member at the

Poynter Institute, a center for media studies in St. Petersburg, Florida. ``Regardless of the technology, a singular iconic image can still touch us in ways.''

And that singular image is often of a child. That was the cold fact that unsettled people around the globe.

Kathleen Fetters-Iossi, a 47year-old fiction writer from West Bend, Wisconsin, said she hopes people share the images to create awareness, then go beyond that to try to help in some way. But she has her doubts any concrete action will come of it. ``Most Americans, if they're just now becoming aware of this issue, will ultimately feel there's nothing we can do,'' she said. ``They feel like we can't handle our own immigration problem, let alone Europe's. Social media can help by creating wider awareness, but ultimately, `clicktivism' didn't help the Nigerian girls, and it's not going to help those migrants.''

In Greece, Alicia Stallings, a mother of two, said she won't link to the photo because it's too close to home. ``I watch my kids swim and play in the Aegean and am sometimes struck by horror when I think this is the same water in which children just like them are drowning every day,'' she wrote in an email. ``One hates for something like this be the galvanizing element we are pretty hard-hearted if we can ignore all the other hundreds of drownings happening all the time.

But the scale is vast, and as humans it is easier for us to comprehend one specific tragedy, in a shirt and shoes like our own kids.''

Cont'd on Page 47

"We have more than 1,000 volunteers who have signed up on lists and online and are ready to help," said one of them, Colin

including a school, a tennis centre and two halls of the Munich congress centre, which has room to house about 1,000 people.

Migrants are welcomed by locals after their arrival at the main railway station in Frankfurt am Main, western Germany

Turner.

From the train station of the Bavarian state capital, the refugees have been taken by bus or local train to temporary shelters,

Germany, Europe's biggest economy, has taken in by far the EU's largest numbers of refugees amid the biggest refugee crisis since World War II. -AFP

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September 11, 2015

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Authorities struggle to identify dead in migrant tragedies MILAN: Adal Neguse, an Eritrean immigrant whose brother drowned in a smuggler's boat while trying to reach Italy in 2013, knows all too well what might be in store for the relatives of those dying now in similar accidents in the Mediterranean.

Months of anguish over whether their loved one's body will be found.

The emotional pain of looking at photos of badly disfigured corpses.

Red tape and wasted time with bureaucrats who ``just talk and talk'' but don't keep their promises.

As record numbers of desperate people from the Middle East, Africa and Asia flood into Europe, hundreds are also dying in risky journeys arranged by unscrupulous smugglers, and authorities are struggling to identify those victims.

When the body of 3-year-old Aylan Kurdi washed up on a Turkish beach along with those of his mother and brother, he came to represent others who also have perished trying to seek a better life. But unlike the young Syrian refugee, many of them remain anonymous and unclaimed.

As of Sept. 1, at least 364,000 people have crossed the Mediterranean to Europe this year.

More than 2,800 have died, or are lost and presumed dead, according to the International Organization for Migration.

Only about a third of the bodies recovered are ever identified, said Frank Laczko, head of the IOM's Global Migration Data

boats that sank off the coast.

In a commercial disaster like a plane crash, authorities have passenger manifests, electronic tickets, credit card records and data from travel agencies to work with.

But human traffickers understandably usually keep no records when they arrange passage to Europe for those paying cash, so there are no emergency contacts and no way to contact relatives. And many refugees carry no ID. Laczko said his agency wants a Europe-wide database for families to provide information about missing relatives and for authorities to distribute details about bodies they have found. He also wants far more attention paid to mining data from cellphones found on victims.

In the case of the truck ditched in Austria, experts are studying documents found with the dead but also have taken their fingerprints, DNA samples and dental information, in addition to data from 10 cellphones, police spokesman Helmut Marban said.

A hotline with Arabic, English and German speakers received more than 100 calls in its first two days. The victims included Syrian, Iraqi and Afghan refugees, police said, but no identities have been established. Marban would not disclose if any relatives have been located, citing an ongoing criminal investigation.

Some 2,576 people, mostly Eritreans and other sub-Saharan Africans, have died or are missing this year in the longer and more hazardous sea route from

When Austrian authorities opened a truck apparently abandoned by smugglers on a highway near Vienna on Aug. 27, they discovered 71 badly decomposed bodies of men, women and children Analysis Center in Berlin. ``If each person has 10 relatives, that's close to 30,000 people who are affected,'' Laczko said.

Besides the emotional pain, survivors must cope with legal issues such as property ownership to the right to remarry.

When Austrian authorities opened a truck apparently abandoned by smugglers on a highway near Vienna on Aug. 27, they discovered 71 badly decomposed bodies of men, women and children, and officials said some may never be identified. Another tragedy that same day left Libyan authorities with the task of identifying scores of bodies from two

Libya to Europe, and most of the estimated 600 bodies recovered have ended up in Libya or Italy, according to the IOM. At the same time, about 116,649 have arrived safely in Italy.

Greece has logged 245,274 arrivals via the shorter route from Turkey, with 102 people dead or missing. Sixty of those bodies were recovered and most of them were brought to Greece, while some were sent to Turkey, the IOM said.

When the bodies end up in Italy, its main forensics team, based in Sicily, gathers what information it can: fingerprints, a DNA sample, dental information

and a list of tattoos and any other distinguishing marks.

Italy has plenty of experience, dealing with maritime disasters involving smugglers' boats for years. But two tragedies in 2013 off Lampedusa, a tiny island 70 miles (115 kilometers) closer to Africa than the Italian mainland,

the Italian missing persons' ledger have grown more robust, and DNA samples were taken of all the October 2013 victims to help resolve more cold cases.

So far, the official protocol applies only to the October 2013 shipwrecks. DNA samples were not typically taken of migrant vic-

Red Crescent workers, wearing protective suits, prepare to collect the body of a drowned migrant, who washed up along with several others in Zuwara, Libya (65 miles west of Tripoli) after two smuggling boats sank off the coast of Libya. As record numbers of desperate people from the Middle East, Africa and Asia flood into Europe, hundreds are also dying in risky journeys arranged by unscrupulous smugglers, and authorities are struggling to identify those victims.

changed much about how the world views the waves of migrants.

On Oct. 3, 2013, a trawler sank near the island, and authorities recovered 368 bodies, mostly of Eritrean refugees. Eight days later, there was another shipwreck south of Lampedusa in which nearly 200 people are believed to have drowned.

Until recently, the bodies found were recorded in Italy's missing persons' register sparely: ``African ethnicity,'' or even ``shipwrecked.''

The minimal descriptions belied an official view of the futility of ever getting a positive identification. ``Before there was the view that we only needed to identify Italians.

In reality, that's not the case,'' said Vittorio Piscitelli, who took over the government office for missing people in 2013.

The office recorded 1,300 missing people through June 30, 2014, most of them Italians and some dating back decades, but also including hundreds of migrants.

From Oct. 18, 2013, through Aug. 26, 2015, Italy has received a total of 382 bodies, the Interior Ministry said.

Piscitelli and his team joined with other organizations to create a protocol for identifying the dead from the October 2013 tragedies.

This year, they began reaching out to migrant and refugee communities in Europe to find relatives to help with the process. North America is next.

The physical descriptions in

tims prior to those tragedies, and the identification process is otherwise handled by local police, meaning relatives must figure out which jurisdiction to contact.

Piscitelli hopes to be able to expand it to apply to more recent wrecks.

Of the 368 bodies recovered from the Oct. 3, 2013, sinking and the 21 bodies in the second shipwreck, 195 were identified right away, Piscitelli said. Under the new protocols, nine more bodies have been identified, with tentative IDs on another 19.

One of the dead from Oct. 3 was the 26-year-old brother of Neguse, the Eritrean immigrant.

Neguse considers himself ``the

of photos of the dead and eventually giving up under the emotional strain of seeing so many badly disfigured faces. ``I was there one week, and I couldn't find him. But I talked to his friend who was there. He told me ... he drowned. But I didn't get an official answer to my questions,'' Neguse said.

No one took a DNA sample from him on that visit. He finally gave one when he was there again for a memorial on the tragedy's anniversary. While there, he was told results would come in a month; the positive identification actually took six months. ``They promised a lot of things, but they don't keep their promises,'' he said.

Neguse said officials told him that Abraham is buried in Sicily in a grave that is marked with a number but not a name.

Piscitelli said identifying the remaining bodies from the October 2013 wrecks will require help from relatives, many of whom are out of reach inside oppressive nations or in conflict zones.

A group called the Oct. 3 Committee, meanwhile, works with the Eritrean Diaspora in Europe, seeking both DNA samples and documents.

Gergishu Yohannes, an Eritrean living in Germany for 30 years, assists others who are struggling with the uncertainty of a vanished relative.

She is motivated by the loss of her brother, Abel, who disappeared in 2009 while on a small boat from Libya to Italy and has never been found.

The craft, carrying 85 people, ran out of fuel near Malta. Adrift and out of food and water, the passengers began dying one by one, and their bodies were thrown overboard. When Italians finally rescued three weeks after they had set

In the case of the truck ditched in Austria, experts are studying documents found with the dead but also have taken their fingerprints, DNA samples and dental information, in addition to data from 10 cellphones lucky one'' to have his brother Abraham identified.

In an interview in a park near his Stockholm home, Neguse said the process took 18 agonizing months - from the moment smugglers in Libya confirmed his brother was aboard to the final DNA confirmation.

He went to Lampedusa immediately to seek information about his brother's fate, looking at hundreds

off, only five remained alive, Yohannes said.

She helps others, she said, ``so that they won't have a fate like me, waiting every day, and can identify their loved ones.''

Until her brother's body is found, Yohannes said she cannot rest. ``One waits every day, and I'm still waiting today,'' she said. ``I cannot give it up.''-AP

Immigration Post

September 11, 2015

India Post 45

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India seeks extradition of individuals from UAE NEW DELHI: India has pressed for extradition of certain individuals from UAE who are wanted here as the two countries reviewed the entire gamut of ties with focus on key areas of security, investment and trade.

The discussion took place at a ministerial commission meeting here which was held nearly a fortnight after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the UAE where security cooperation was a major issue on the agenda during his talks with the Emirati leadership.

After the meeting, which was co-chaired by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her visiting UAE counterpart Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the two sides inked five MoUs including in the areas of telecommunications and tourism.

Briefing reporters, Anil Wadhwa, Secretary (East) in the MEA said, the two sides discussed subjects under seven subcommittees in areas like, trade and commerce, investments, energy, petrochemicals, defense, security and combating crime, immigration

and Indian community-related issues and "arrived on agreements to enhance our cooperation in these areas".

Asked if there was any list given for the extradition of individuals, he said no specific name was discussed but "these are ongoing discussions with UAE. As

of Indian-proposed Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) at the United Nations and has assured that it will find "ways and means" to encourage other countries to reach a consensus.

UAE's support to India on CCIT is significant given the pro-

"Our two countries have rightly denounced and opposed terrorism in all forms and manifestations and called all states to reject and abandon the use of terrorism against other countries," Swaraj said far as joint commission is concerned, specific cases were not taken up in this format.

But it was agreed that we will continue with this cooperation.

"There are certain requests pending from our side for extradition and also certain requests which have been made .in this field."

He also said the UAE has come out in support of early finalization

posal at the UN has been opposed by many OIC countries, including Pakistan, who do not agree with the definition of terror and terrorists.

The two sides also discussed the increasing threat of Islamic State (IS) and, in this regard, stressed that CCIT would be an important instrument to choke their finances and other sustainability modules. CCIT, a

Image of dead child on beach haunts the world Cont'd from Page 45

(While Turkish authorities gave the boy's first name as Aylan, an aunt in Canada gave a different transliteration: Alan.)

The photo of the body washed up on the sand was splashed on the front of all major newspapers in Brazil, a nation with more homicides than any other, according to the United Nations. Still, the picture ignited despair and indignation.

Ary Cordovil, a 35-year-old barber, lives near one of Rio de Janeiro's slums, where a drug gang war has meant nobody leaves home after dark and schools have been shut for weeks. ``I'm used to violence. Brazil is used to seeing violence. But this this is just painful,'' he said, staring hard at the image in a newspaper. ``He's just a baby trying to flee a war. The absurdity of this is extreme even for us.''

In Australia, the image was also poignant because it played into a divisive domestic political debate over the government's policy of refusing to allow asylum seekers who attempt to arrive by boat to ever settle there.

``It was an absolutely heartrending photograph,'' Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott told reporters. ``And I don't think any parent could see that photo without being devastated.''

Australian television host Carrie Bickmore, who was voted Australia's most popular television personality at industry awards this year, broke down in tears while

`For many Americans, the conflict in the Middle East is distant and complicated, and therefore tough to engage on,'' he said. ``A photo like this reminds people why we should all care.'' discussing the boy on her currents affairs panel program ``The Project.'' ``I just can't look at that without being so upset,'' said Bickmore, a 34-year-old mother of an 8-year-old son and 5-month-old

daughter. ``It just makes me think how lucky, lucky I am that I live in Australia, that my children live in Australia.''

Jeremy Barnicle, chief development officer of the humanitarian group Mercy Corps in Portland, Oregon, said it remains to be seen whether the outpouring of grief on social media for Aylan will translate into tangible help. ``For many Americans, the conflict in the Middle East is distant and complicated, and therefore tough to engage on,'' he said. ``A photo like this reminds people why we should all care.''

While the image of the body on the sand was on many international websites, many U.S. sites ran a photo of a Turkish police officer carrying the limp boy in his arms. The boy's face is obscured.

Mike Wilson, editor of The Dallas Morning News, decided to run the tamer photo. He received an email from a reader who said the picture was ``gory.'' ``I wrote back and told her that I appreciated her sensitivity,'' he said. ``We chose it specifically because it wasn't gory. It's just a forlorn, heartbreaking image that tells the reality of what's happening.''AP

treaty proposed by India in 1996, aims at banning terrorists and make it binding on countries to deny funds and safe havens to them.

"India and UAE have emerged as strong voices against terrorism.

The rejection of extremism and any link between religion and terrorism articulated by the two sides in the joint statement issued during Prime Minister Modi's visit to UAE has found resonance across the international community.

"Our two countries have rightly denounced and opposed terrorism in all forms and manifestations and called all states to reject and abandon the use of terrorism against other countries," Swaraj said at the Commission meeting.

The Indian side requested the UAE for timely sharing of information about arrest or detention of Indian nationals so that necessary consular services could be extended to them.

There is about 2.6 millionstrong Indian community in the UAE. The two sides agreed to increase bilateral trade by 60 per cent

over the next five years and also to encourage institutional investors in the UAE to raise their investments in India, including through the establishment of UAE-India Infrastructure Investment Fund, with the aim of reaching a target of USD 75 billion.

"The two sides agreed to work for early establishment of the planned India-UAE Joint Fund for investments in the infrastructure sector in India," Wadhwa said.

He also said India's Trade and Commerce Minister will be visiting the UAE in the first week of October.

An India-UAE Joint Business Council was also inaugurated by the two Foreign Ministers.

Five MoUs were inked for cooperation in the areas of Higher Education & Scientific Research, Tourism, Specifications and Measures, and for collaboration between the respective Telecom Regulatory Authorities and also the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce & Industry. -PTI

Drowned Syrian toddler buried amid shock Cont'd from Page 44

EU rules that asylum claims must be dealt with in the country they first arrive were thrown into turmoil by Germany, which said it will refrain from deporting Syrians.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker has proposed quotas for resettling a total of 160,000 refugees across the EU to take the pressure off the overstretched frontline states of Greece, Italy and Hungary.

In Budapest, a tense standoff continued between police and hundreds of refugees blocked by police from carrying on their train journey west towards Germany, Europe's main destination.

The police allowed the refugees board a train in Budapest bound for the Austrian border. But their journey ended just west of the capital in Bicske, where police tried to disembark them and take them to a refugee processing camp.

An estimated 200 to 300 people, angry at what they saw as Hungary's trickery, refused to get off the train, where they spent the night.

The European tensions erupted into the open y when Hungary's right-wing Prime Minister Viktor Orban lashed out at Germany, the EU's biggest

economy, for aggravating the crisis.

Orban, whose government has built a fence on the border with Serbia to keep out migrants, also sparked anger by warning that Europe's Christian roots were at risk and saying Hungary did not want Muslim migrants.

The human cost of the migrant

An estimated 200 to 300 people, angry at what they saw as Hungary's trickery, refused to get off the train, where they spent the night. crisis has been brought into sharp focus by Aylan's drowning, and the images of the child's lifeless body, in a t-shirt, shorts and shoes, lying on the beach.

His father Abdullah has told of the horrific moments when the family of four was tipped into the Mediterranean off Turkey's coast.

Reports said the family were trying to get to Canada but Ottawa denied it had received an asylum request from the boy's family. -AFP

„ Health

Line

21 rehabilitation centers coming up in Punjab CHANDIGARH: Punjab government has said that 21 rehabilitation centers would be coming up in the state, which is facing drug menace, to bring drug addicts back to the mainstream of society.

"A total of 21 rehabilitation centers comprising of 50 beds each are coming up in the state for which most of the staff has already been recruited," Punjab's Health and Family Welfare Principal Secretary Vini Mahajan said here.

These centers will play a major role in bringing drug addicts to the mainstream. After de-addiction, the patients are shifted to these centers where they are given vocational training along with an opportunity for indoor and outdoor sports activities, Mahajan said.

Also de-addiction and rehabilitation societies have been constituted in all districts of Punjab under the chairmanship of the concerned Deputy Commissioners, she said.

Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal had earlier said that his government was fighting a "war" on drug menace in the state. -PTI

„ Avoid 'unreliable' dengue test method NEW DELHI: With the number of dengue cases rising to 831 in Delhi, health department and civic officials have said many private hospitals and pathological labs are using test method which in most cases do not give reliable results and asked people to choose the most reliable diagnostic test.

Of the two types of antigen test kit - NS1 Elisa and NS1 rapid antigen test, the former is reliable but the latter which is being used in most private facilities is questionable, they said.

"With people panicking, private hospitals are luring them with quick diagnostic of dengue using rapid dengue antigen test or onthe-spot test which gives result in an hour.

"Elisa method for detection of dengue infection is sensitive, specific and reliable while NS1 test sometimes gives false result which in turn may lead to inaccurate treatment. NS1 rapid test in some hospitals is also costlier than Elisa," said a senior health department official.

Cont'd on Page 49

Health Science 48 India Post

www.indiapost.com

September 11, 2015

Trial over execution drug begins in Helena Details on Page 51

Indian healthcare sector to grow to $280 bn by 2020 NEW DELHI: India's healthcare sector is expected to be USD 280 billion in size by 2020, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 16 per cent, but it is in "dire need" of right policy framework and infrastructure push, says a FICCI-KPMG report.

With the healthcare industry seeing a robust growth trajectory, workforce in the sector is expected to be at 7.4 million in 2022, said the report - 'Healthcare: The Neglected GDP Driver'.

The sector, which was at USD 73.92 billion in 2011, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 16 per cent to USD 280 billion in 2020, it said.

The report added however that it was high time the country realized the significance of healthcare as an economic development opportunity at national and state levels.

"With the increasing disease burden, the healthcare sector in the country is in dire need to get the right policy framework and infrastructure impetus. Granting infrastructure status may not only help the sector receive in-

vestments, but also bring down the cost of healthcare delivery," it said.

The report further said healthcare is traditionally seen as a social sector in India, with less

sector, amongst the lowest globally," it added.

As per the report the healthcare sector impacts the country's GDP through various routes. It is also one of the larg-

government focus and low budget allocation.

"India currently spends cumulatively 4.2 per cent of its GDP on healthcare, with just 1 per cent being contributed by the public

est sectors in India in terms of employment generation. If appropriate investments are made in areas, such as healthcare delivery and education, they are expected to further increase the

employment rate and positively impact the country's GDP. Commenting on the need to increase investment in the sector, KPMG in India Government & Healthcare Partner and Head Nilaya Varma said: "...investment in healthcare propels overall economic growth and is more than just social expenditure in India.

Improvements in the health of citizens contributes to overall economic prosperity of the nation."

The Indian healthcare workforce is expected to double to 7.4 million in 2022 from 3.6 million in 2013, the report said.

The share of healthcare FDI has almost doubled since 2011, highlighting the growing interest of foreign players in the sector, it added.

"Investment opportunities in the Indian healthcare sector have increased significantly and the sector is expected to be one of the most attractive investment targets for private equity (PE) and venture capital (VC) companies," the report said. -PTI

Chewing tobacco ban at Boston ballparks BOSTON: A ban on smokeless tobacco products at Fenway Park and other Boston sports venues has been approved by the City Council.

Boston becomes the second city after San Francisco to approve such a ban. Los Angeles also is weighing a prohibition on smokeless tobacco, commonly called dip, chew or snuff.

The council unanimously approved the ban proposed this summer by Mayor Marty Walsh, who will have to sign the measure before it takes effect next April. The ban also has the backing of the Boston Red Sox and former Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling, a mouth cancer survivor.

The ban prohibits the use of smokeless tobacco on all ball fields where professional, collegiate, high school or amateur

Baseball broadcast analyst and former Boston Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling watches as the Red Sox workout at baseball spring training in Fort Myers Fla. Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh wants to ban chewing tobacco in sports venues across the city.

sports are played. Violators will face a $250 fine. Ban signs will have to be posted in dugouts, bullpens, training r o o m s , l o c k e r rooms, press boxes, television and radio broadcast booths, and bathr o o m s throughout the sports venues.

The Campaign for

Tobacco-Free Kids applauded Boston for setting what it called a ``powerful example'' that all Major League Baseball teams should follow. ``From coast to coast, the momentum is building to get tobacco out of baseball for kids, the players and the future,'' the organization said in a statement. ``The message is clear: Our national pastime should be about promoting a healthy and active lifestyle, not a deadly and addictive product.''

Public health officials rallying behind the proposal have cited the high rate of youths still using smokeless tobacco product, while cigarette use is dropping. They point to evidence that the products contribute to oral, pancreatic, and esophageal cancers and other diseases. -AP

September 11, 2015

Health Science Post

India Post 49

www.indiapost.com

Washington sues feds over safety of N-waste tanks SEATTLE: Washington State is suing the federal government again over cleanup at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation - this time over the danger posed to workers by vapor releases from underground waste-storage tanks.

In a federal lawsuit filed in Spokane, state Attorney General Bob Ferguson said the U.S. Department of Energy has known about vapors sickening workers at the site since at least the late 1980s, but hasn't fixed it - even though agencies have issued 19 reports on the problem. Hanford, on the Columbia River in eastern Washington, produced plutonium for nuclear weapons from 1943 to 1987.

There were more than 50 reports of workers being exposed to vapors between January 2014 and April 2015, Ferguson said, and hundreds over the past few decades, with victims suffering from symptoms that include nosebleeds, brain damage and permanent loss of lung capacity. One longtime worker, Gary Sall, died from brain swelling linked to chemical vapors in 2011. ``Neither the Department of Energy nor its contractors have followed through to finally fix the problem and keep our workers safe,'' Ferguson told a news conference. ``If you visited Hanford today, you'd find some workers at the tank farms still exposed to vapors seeping out of these

tanks.''

The lawsuit also names the Energy Department's contractor at Hanford, Washington River Protection Solutions, as a defendant. An advocacy group for Hanford workers, Hanford Challenge, and a union representing some of them, United Association of Steamfitters and Plumbers Local 598, filed a companion lawsuit.

In statements the department and its contractor said steps have already been taken to improve worker safety at the site, such as by increasing the use of self-contained breathing devices in areas of potential vapor exposure. ``The Department's top priority is the protection of our workforce, the public and the environment,'' Energy spokeswoman Carrie Meyer said in an email.

Washington River Protection Solutions said that since it took over as the contractor for tank operations in 2008, it has increased and improved sampling methods for detecting vapors and created wider vapor control zones for workers, and it's working on a multiyear plan to improve monitoring for vapors, among other things.

Washington sued the Energy Department in 2008 over the glacial pace of cleanup at Hanford, and the federal government

agreed to a timeline for cleanup in a 2010 settlement. It's lagging in meeting those goals.

The Energy Department already asked for a one-year extension of its deadline for emptying nine leak-prone tanks, saying that having more employees wear respirators was slowing down the

gases from building up inside and causing explosions. While the vents do have filters that capture toxic particulates, the filters don't capture chemical vapors.

Current and former Hanford workers who attended Ferguson's news conference described a patchwork of safety practices that

Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson holds up what he said were 19 reports and studies done since 1992 of vapors escaping from tanks at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation, at a news conference, in Seattle.

work.

Some 56 million gallons of toxic waste - much of it radioactive - is stored in 177 underground tanks on the 586-square-mile reservation. Most of the tanks are singleshelled and considered inadequate, and workers have been transferring the waste inside them to double-shelled tanks. The tanks are vented to keep dangerous

lead to some people carrying full breathing apparatus - like the air tanks firefighters carry into a burning building - while others nearby have no protection.

Pete Nicacio, business manager for Local 598, scoffed at Hanford's use of a rope delineating where workers need to wear breathing gear and where they don't, saying workers call it ``the magic

rope.'' He said his union members insist on breathing gear, and as a result, bosses have sometimes taken work away from them.

Tom Carpenter, executive director of Hanford Challenge, said a major problem is that Hanford doesn't have monitoring systems sophisticated enough to know what gases workers have been exposed to - some of which are dangerous enough to cause health problems at infinitesimally low concentrations. More than 1,500 chemical gases have been found in the tanks, and doctors are often forced to try to figure out which ones workers might have been exposed to based only on their symptoms.

Diana Gegg, 64, was working as a heavy equipment operator at Hanford one day in 2007 when she smelled something like chlorine or ammonia. She became dizzy and developed ``flu-like symptoms which never went away and still haven't,'' as well as a bad stutter and memory problems.

After the news conference, she handed a reporter a typed statement because of her difficulty speaking.

Another worker, electrician Steve Lewis, said he has experienced inflamed skin and continual congestion in his throat. But, he added, ``I've watched other people deal with things that were way worse than that.'' -AP

MoU signed for health insurance in Rajasthan NEW DELHI: New India Assurance Company has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Medical and Health Department of Rajasthan under Bhamashah Swasthya Bima Yojana that will benefit around 4.5 crore people in the state.

The MoU was signed in Jaipur in the presence of Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje at her office.

Raje said Rajasthan is the third state to start Swasthya Bima Yojana (Health Insurance Scheme) after Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.

"More than 4.5 crore people of the state will get benefit of the quality cashless health care facilities through private and public health care providers under the scheme," she said in a release.

Raje said after this initiative of the state government poor and needy people will get opportunity of having treatment in those private hospitals which were out of their reach.

The scheme is to be implemented in the month of December.

It will ascertain that the people of the state get benefits related to healthcare facilities which are not being provided in states like Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu under the health insurance scheme.

ment hospitals, she said.

The scheme will help in preparing of health database, which will help in taking policy decisions related to medical and health sector, said the release.

is designed to cover 1,718 ailments, which are highest in the country.

The insurance cover for general illness has been set as Rs 30,000, while Rs 3 lakh has been set for critical illness.

The insurance cover for criti-

cal illness is Rs 1.5 lakh in Tamil Nadu and Rs 2.5 lakh in Maharashtra.

"Swasthya Bima Yojana being implemented in Rajasthan is the best in the country," said G Srinivasan, CMD, New India Assurance Company. -PTI

Avoid 'unreliable' dengue test method Cont'd from Page 48

Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje during the signing of MoU between the state government and New India Assurance company at the CMO

The enactment of the Swasthya Bima Yojana in the state will create more possibilities of opening of quality private hospitals in rural areas and it will also reduce the pressure on govern-

Under the program, e-health cards will be issued under Arogya Rajasthan Campaign and this card will help in providing quick and effective healthcare facilities.

The Health Insurance Scheme

According to municipal corporation officials, there is a panic among people which private establishments are using to cash in on by offering faster diagnostics even though it is unreliable.

"Whosoever contracts fever, thinks it to be dengue and rushes to get the tests done. They also want to know the results at the earliest. Private hospitals are cashing in on this rush by offering faster diagnostics even though it is unreliable.

"In Elisa method, it takes six to seven hours for the results to come out. As per the guidelines of the National Vector Borne Disease Control Program (NVBDCP), NS1 Elisa test is considered reliable for confirmation of dengue infection," the official said.

The Union Health Ministry is providing IgM ELISA kits to all the 33 sentinel surveillance hospitals and one diagnostic centre designated by Delhi Government in the national capital where one can undergo free tests for detection of dengue.-PTI

50 India Post

Health Science Post

September 11, 2015

www.indiapost.com

900,000 vets have pending health care requests WASHINGTON: Nearly 900,000 military veterans have officially pending applications for health care from the Department of Veterans Affairs, the department's inspector general said, but ``serious'' problems with enrollment data make it impossible to determine how many veterans were actively seeking VA health care.

About one-third of the 867,000 veterans with pending applications are likely deceased, the report says, adding that ``data limitations'' prevent investigators from determining how many now-deceased veterans applied for health care benefits or when. The applications go back nearly two decades, and officials said some applicants may have died years ago.

More than half the applications listed as pending as of last year do not have application dates, and investigators ``could not reliably determine how many records were associated with actual applications for enrollment'' in VA health care, the report said.

The report also says VA workers incorrectly marked thousands of unprocessed health-care applications as completed and may have deleted 10,000 or more electronic ``transactions'' over the past five years.

Linda Halliday, the VA's acting inspector general, said the agency's Health Eligibility Center ``has not effectively managed

its business processes to ensure the consistent creation and maintenance of essential data'' and recommended a multi-year plan to improve accuracy and usefulness of agency records.

Halliday's report came in response to a whistleblower who said more than 200,000

tiated that claim and others, but said there was no way to tell for sure when or why the person died. Similarly, deficiencies in the VA's information security - including a lack of audit trails and system backups - limited investigators' ability to review some issues fully and rule out data manipulation, Halliday said.

The VA has said it has no way to purge the list of dead applicants, and said many of those listed in the report are likely to have used another type of insurance before they died.

VA spokeswoman Walinda West said the agency has publicly acknowlVerterans Affairs Secretary Robert McDonald holds a chart as he testifies about pending Veteran Affairs health care budget shortfall and edged that its ensystem shutdown at a House Veterans Affairs Committee hearing on rollment process Capitol Hill in Washington is confusing and that the enrollveterans with pending applications for VA ment system, data integrity and quality health care were likely deceased. ``are in need of significant improvement.''

The inspector general's report substanSens. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., and Ri-

chard Blumenthal, D-Conn., chairman and senior Democrat of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, said in a joint statement that the inspector general's report pointed to ``both a significant failure'' by leaders at the Health Eligibility Center and ``deficient oversight by the VA central office'' in Washington.

The lawmakers urged VA to implement the report's recommendations quickly to improve record keeping at the VA and ``ensure that this level of blatant mismanagement does not happen again.''

As of June 30, VA has contacted 302,045 veterans by mail, asking them to submit required documents to establish eligibility, West said. To date, VA has received 36,749 responses and enrolled 34,517 veterans, she said. ``As we continue our work to contact veterans, our focus remains on improving the enrollment system to better serve veterans,'' West said.

The Health Eligibility Center has removed a ``purge-and-delete functionality'' from a computer system used to track agency workloads, West said. VA will provide six months of data to demonstrate that any changed or deleted data on VA workloads has undergone appropriate management review, with approvals and audit trails visible, she said. -AP

Flint water is risky in old homes FLINT, Mich.: A professor who tested Flint's water says he wouldn't use it for cooking or drinking unless it's checked for lead.

Researchers at Virginia Tech University posted an online report saying Flint's water is ``creating a public health threat'' in old homes that have lead pipes or pipes fused with lead solder.

The researchers say Flint's water is very corrosive and is leaching lead from

certain plumbing.

Engineering professor Marc Edwards says the problem appears to be too much chloride in the water, which comes from the Flint River. He tells The Flint Journal that pregnant women or children under 6 should use bottled water.

In response, Flint insists it's in compliance with state standards, although Mayor Dayne Walling says concerned residents can get their water tested for free. -AP

Legionnaires' bacteria found in Bronx building NEW YORK: The New York City Health Department says bacteria that causes Legionnaires' disease has been found in the water system of an apartment building in the South Bronx.

Health officials released a statement saying two other buildings at Melrose Houses have tested negative and test results from five other buildings in the complex are pending.

Officials say filters will be installed in the building's apartments to eliminate the bacteria and long term disinfectant plans are being developed.

Officials report four cases of Legionnaires' at Melrose Houses over the past six months: one earlier this year, two during

the July outbreak in the South Bronx, and a recent patient who is currently hospitalized.

The previous three were treated and released.

The July outbreak killed 12 people and sickened more than 100. -AP

Legionella bacteria

September 11, 2015

Health Science Post

India Post 51

www.indiapost.com

Trial over execution drug begins in Helena HELENA, Mont.: Two medical experts have offered conflicting views on whether a drug used to execute Montana prisoners by lethal injection meets the standard set by lawmakers.

Dr. Mark Heath, a Columbia University Medical Center anesthesiologist, testified on behalf of two death row inmates. Dr. Lee Evans, dean of Auburn University's pharmacy school, spoke on behalf of state attorneys defending Montana's execution methods.

Death row inmates Ronald Allen Smith and William Gollehon are challenging those methods, saying that if the barbiturate pentobarbital does not take effect quickly

Pentobarbital is used by doctors in clinical practice primarily to reduce the threat of seizures in epilepsy patients or to induce a barbiturate coma to shut down the electrical activity in the brain, Heath told Sherlock. enough, a condemned inmate could remain conscious while he suffocates to death.

Pentobarbital is one of two drugs that would be used in a Montana execution now that the barbiturate previously used, sodium pentothal, is no longer available in

the U.S. The state's last execution was carried out in 2006, and pentobarbital has not been used in its lethal injection mixture.

In a lethal injection, pentobarbital would be administered first to render the inmate unconscious, followed by pancuronium bromide. Together, the two drugs are meant to stop the inmate from breathing and cause death by asphyxia.

State law requires the use of an ``ultrafast-acting'' barbiturate to make the inmate lose consciousness. Lawmakers did not define what they meant by ``ultra-fast-acting'' when they passed the law in the 1980s, but District Judge Jeffrey Sherlock interpreted it to mean the amount of time for the drug to take effect after entering the system.

Pentobarbital is used by doctors in clinical practice primarily to reduce the threat of seizures in epilepsy patients or to induce a barbiturate coma to shut down the electrical activity in the brain, Heath told Sherlock.

It is not used to induce anesthesia, and it takes longer for the drug to take full effect compared to sodium pentothal, which is also known as sodium thiopental, Heath told Sherlock. ``With thiopental, it's lights out,'' Heath said. ``Whereas with pentobarbital, the prisoner continues to talk and increasingly slurs their words.''

Heath said the medical community classifies only three drugs as ``ultra-fast-acting'' because of their molecular structures.

Thiopental is one of those three, but pentobarbital isn't,'' he said.

Sen. Warren open to questions legalizing marijuana BOSTON: U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren says she's open to proposed ballot questions that would legalize the recreational use of marijuana.

The comments mark a shift for Warren, who supported the medical use of marijuana but opposed full legalization during her 2012 campaign.

Warren said the country has learned more about legalizing marijuana since then, noting a couple of states have already taken the step.

Warren said the country should be learning from those states. She said she'd encourage more research into the effects of legalization.

She said she's also been pushing the federal government to study the medicinal use of marijuana.

Four questions submitted by two separate groups for the 2016 ballot would allow the adult recreational use of marijuana.

Warren made the comments at

an event sponsored by The Boston Globe and Suffolk University.-AP

Assistant Attorney General Pam Collins attempted to paint Heath as an anti-death penalty advocate. She pointed out that he had not witnessed any executions where pentobarbital was used and he could not name any specific cases in which the condemned prisoner continued to speak,

breathe and move after the drug was administered.

Collins also suggested that the Legislature's use of the term ``ultra-fastacting'' was meant to be descriptive, not as the medical classification that Heath described. -AP

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September 11, 2015

Philosophy

September 11, 2015

India Post 53

www.indiapost.com

Page Sponsored by Sahanis PAUL WESTON

A

merican psychologist Abraham Maslow realized that the theories of Freud and Jung had been developed through studying people who considered themselves to be sick or to have problems of some kind.

The same kind of attention had never been given to those who felt healthy, sane, and fulfilled.

Maslow decided that this potentially meant that the various psychoanalytical approaches might be unbalanced or incomplete and undertook research to rectify this.

He discovered that people from all ages, genders, and backgrounds reported what he came to call "peak experiences," a phrase that has passed into general cultural vocabulary. In all kinds of different circumstances, a sudden feeling of extraordinary well-being and elevated sensibilities might descend on people.

For example, a young drummer talked of occasions when, after extensive practicing, he suddenly found himself in a superb focused state where it was as if the drums played themselves. There are now so many reports of similar phenomenon in sport that a whole literature and psychology has grown up around it.

A mother preparing breakfast for her husband and children went into a state of profound joy and fulfillment when a ray of sunshine suddenly lit the scene. It seemed to simultaneously illuminate her SADHGURU JAGGI VASUDEV

O

nly one who knows how to be intense and relaxed at once will know the true joy of activity. Right now the bane of humanity is that people have forgotten how to relax without turning lax, how to be intense without turning tense.

This is why a break becomes so important in our lives. At least once a year, it is important to consciously relax the survival instinct, drop all calculations, jettison all blueprints for self-improvement, and simply be.

Devote just one fortnight in a year to yourself. Let this be only for your inner wellbeing, not about family, work, or even your body or mind. Human life is always longing for expansion. Everyone wants to be a little more than what they are right now. But with a little awareness one can see that the real longing is for limitless expansion.

The problem is shortsightedness.

We believe that one more step, one more installment, will settle the longing. Essentially, we are snacking on distractions and missing out on the fundamental hunger for boundlessness.

If possible, go to an energized

higher emotions. She felt profound gratitude for what her everyday consciousness had started to take for granted.

Once peak experiences were discussed, people began to remember many others. They also started to have new ones with increasing regularity. The psyche responds readily to all intimations of transcendent wholeness.

Maslow believed that the ground can be prepared for them but they can't really be induced to order. The preparation involves

need to have a sense of inner worth, of distinct individuality, of growth. Some kind of creativity seeks expression. Denial of these urges produces alienation, inertia, all manner of dysfunctional grief.

Colin Wilson knew all about this problem. His first book, cult classic The Outsider, was a study of the self-destructive path of many confused artistic types who had sought an outlet for their inner dynamism in a society that could not adequately accommodate them. Wilson went on to write an

about how he had once asked one of his student classes which one of them would make significant contributions in their field in the future. None had raised their hands. "If not you, who will?"

They got his point.

Eventually Colin Wilson wrote one of his most important works, New Pathways in Psychology, on "Maslow and the Post-Freudian Revolution." Where Wilson diverged from Maslow was in his belief that we don't have to wait for the peak experiences. We have

Psychology of the healthy, sane and fulfilled He discovered that people from all ages, genders, and backgrounds reported what he came to call "peak experiences," a phrase that has Abraham Maslow

passed into general cultural vocabulary.

meeting the demands of what he called the Hierarchy of Needs. We have primal desires for food, shelter, and breeding.

Freud developed a whole theory of human behavior and the nature of society on the basis of these factors, feeling they were sufficient to explain everything.

Maslow believed that if the basic needs are met, there is another dynamic that arises and also requires urgent fulfillment. He called it "Self-Actualization". People

Outsider series. One of them, The Age of Defeat, attracted the attention of Maslow in 1959 and the two began to correspond.

Wilson had railed against the sense of doom and despondency that characterized European cultural thought. It led to people feeling passive, insignificant, and unable to lead a happy life or make a difference in the world. Colin Wilson considered this to be a fundamentally flawed and dangerous attitude. Maslow told a story

many ways to cultivate them as part of intentional self-actualization, a kind of new existentialism.

The study of the psychology of health and sanity should form a vital part of any education.

Abraham Harold Maslow (1908-1970) was an American psychologist best known for creating Maslow's hierarchy of needs.

Paul Weston is British author, lecturer, Tour Guide and Blog Talk Radio presenter. Excerpted from www.paulwestonglastonbury

or consecrated space. Spend a few days without any distraction: No telephone, television, reading, no writing. And don't try cooking up a new philosophy either. Just sit comfortably, eyes open and alert.

Initially, you may feel like you're going crazy, but after some time you will see clearly what your life

simply a device to stop the itch of constantly wanting to be somewhere else. Going somewhere is a delusion anyway. Sadhana matures you to the point when you realize that you don't have to go anywhere or do anything to fulfill the ultimate purpose of life. Doing is just about the nature of 'play'

waiting, that's all. When everything is pleasant within you, waiting is not a big deal. They say how long a minute is just depends on which side of the bathroom door you are on! For someone inside, a minute is no time at all. For someone outside, a minute can be an eternity!

How to be intense without turning tense We believe that one more step, one more installment, will settle the longing. Essentially, we are snacking on distractions and missing out on the fundamental hunger for boundlessness. energies are longing for. When you emerge from this period of incubation, your system will be so rejuvenated that you will be able to simply walk out of any problems that are plaguing you in the outer world. Above all, when you are not trying to be anything or get anywhere, you discover the joy of simply being.

Spiritual practice or sadhana is not about getting somewhere. It is

you have chosen to participate in.

Going into periods of silence will clearly bring this into your experience. It will bring the joy of activity back into life and help banish the unfortunate equation of life with stress as well as the pervasive 'Thank-God-it's-Friday' culture.

Everything worth knowing is right here and now. There is nowhere to go. Once that itch is gone, you are at ease. Just a little bit of

Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev

The term 'spiritual journey' is actually a misnomer. There is no journey. The word ensures that you do not confuse relaxation with inertia. But a journey implies distance.

And there is no distance. Take a sadhana break; reflect on this simple question: what is the distance between you and yourself?

The 58th birth anniversary of Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev was observed on September 3

JEWISH QUOTES A righteous man falls down seven times and gets up.

- King Solomon There are two things that are infinite, the universe and man's stupidity.....

And I am not sure about the universe.

- Albert Einstein Who is wise? One who learns from every man…

Who is strong? One who overpowers his inclinations… Who is rich? One who is satisfied with his lot… Who is honorable?

One who honors his fellows."

-Ben Zoma I do not want followers who are righteous, rather I want followers who are too busy doing good that they won't have time to do bad.

- Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Kotzk I don't speak because I have the power to speak; I speak because I don't have the power to remain silent" - Rabbi A.Y. Kook People often avoid making decisions out of fear of making a mistake. Actually the failure to make decisions is one of life's biggest mistakes.

- Rabbi Noah Weinberg.

Insure yourself FIRST. Call Sahanis, (Arish, Priya or Shiv) for your Insurance needs 718- 271- 0453. Serving for last 35 yrs

Philosophy

September 11, 2015

India Post 53

www.indiapost.com

Page Sponsored by Sahanis PAUL WESTON

A

merican psychologist Abraham Maslow realized that the theories of Freud and Jung had been developed through studying people who considered themselves to be sick or to have problems of some kind.

The same kind of attention had never been given to those who felt healthy, sane, and fulfilled.

Maslow decided that this potentially meant that the various psychoanalytical approaches might be unbalanced or incomplete and undertook research to rectify this.

He discovered that people from all ages, genders, and backgrounds reported what he came to call "peak experiences," a phrase that has passed into general cultural vocabulary. In all kinds of different circumstances, a sudden feeling of extraordinary well-being and elevated sensibilities might descend on people.

For example, a young drummer talked of occasions when, after extensive practicing, he suddenly found himself in a superb focused state where it was as if the drums played themselves. There are now so many reports of similar phenomenon in sport that a whole literature and psychology has grown up around it.

A mother preparing breakfast for her husband and children went into a state of profound joy and fulfillment when a ray of sunshine suddenly lit the scene. It seemed to simultaneously illuminate her SADHGURU JAGGI VASUDEV

O

nly one who knows how to be intense and relaxed at once will know the true joy of activity. Right now the bane of humanity is that people have forgotten how to relax without turning lax, how to be intense without turning tense.

This is why a break becomes so important in our lives. At least once a year, it is important to consciously relax the survival instinct, drop all calculations, jettison all blueprints for self-improvement, and simply be.

Devote just one fortnight in a year to yourself. Let this be only for your inner wellbeing, not about family, work, or even your body or mind. Human life is always longing for expansion. Everyone wants to be a little more than what they are right now. But with a little awareness one can see that the real longing is for limitless expansion.

The problem is shortsightedness.

We believe that one more step, one more installment, will settle the longing. Essentially, we are snacking on distractions and missing out on the fundamental hunger for boundlessness.

If possible, go to an energized

higher emotions. She felt profound gratitude for what her everyday consciousness had started to take for granted.

Once peak experiences were discussed, people began to remember many others. They also started to have new ones with increasing regularity. The psyche responds readily to all intimations of transcendent wholeness.

Maslow believed that the ground can be prepared for them but they can't really be induced to order. The preparation involves

need to have a sense of inner worth, of distinct individuality, of growth. Some kind of creativity seeks expression. Denial of these urges produces alienation, inertia, all manner of dysfunctional grief.

Colin Wilson knew all about this problem. His first book, cult classic The Outsider, was a study of the self-destructive path of many confused artistic types who had sought an outlet for their inner dynamism in a society that could not adequately accommodate them. Wilson went on to write an

about how he had once asked one of his student classes which one of them would make significant contributions in their field in the future. None had raised their hands. "If not you, who will?"

They got his point.

Eventually Colin Wilson wrote one of his most important works, New Pathways in Psychology, on "Maslow and the Post-Freudian Revolution." Where Wilson diverged from Maslow was in his belief that we don't have to wait for the peak experiences. We have

Psychology of the healthy, sane and fulfilled He discovered that people from all ages, genders, and backgrounds reported what he came to call "peak experiences," a phrase that has Abraham Maslow

passed into general cultural vocabulary.

meeting the demands of what he called the Hierarchy of Needs. We have primal desires for food, shelter, and breeding.

Freud developed a whole theory of human behavior and the nature of society on the basis of these factors, feeling they were sufficient to explain everything.

Maslow believed that if the basic needs are met, there is another dynamic that arises and also requires urgent fulfillment. He called it "Self-Actualization". People

Outsider series. One of them, The Age of Defeat, attracted the attention of Maslow in 1959 and the two began to correspond.

Wilson had railed against the sense of doom and despondency that characterized European cultural thought. It led to people feeling passive, insignificant, and unable to lead a happy life or make a difference in the world. Colin Wilson considered this to be a fundamentally flawed and dangerous attitude. Maslow told a story

many ways to cultivate them as part of intentional self-actualization, a kind of new existentialism.

The study of the psychology of health and sanity should form a vital part of any education.

Abraham Harold Maslow (1908-1970) was an American psychologist best known for creating Maslow's hierarchy of needs.

Paul Weston is British author, lecturer, Tour Guide and Blog Talk Radio presenter. Excerpted from www.paulwestonglastonbury

or consecrated space. Spend a few days without any distraction: No telephone, television, reading, no writing. And don't try cooking up a new philosophy either. Just sit comfortably, eyes open and alert.

Initially, you may feel like you're going crazy, but after some time you will see clearly what your life

simply a device to stop the itch of constantly wanting to be somewhere else. Going somewhere is a delusion anyway. Sadhana matures you to the point when you realize that you don't have to go anywhere or do anything to fulfill the ultimate purpose of life. Doing is just about the nature of 'play'

waiting, that's all. When everything is pleasant within you, waiting is not a big deal. They say how long a minute is just depends on which side of the bathroom door you are on! For someone inside, a minute is no time at all. For someone outside, a minute can be an eternity!

How to be intense without turning tense We believe that one more step, one more installment, will settle the longing. Essentially, we are snacking on distractions and missing out on the fundamental hunger for boundlessness. energies are longing for. When you emerge from this period of incubation, your system will be so rejuvenated that you will be able to simply walk out of any problems that are plaguing you in the outer world. Above all, when you are not trying to be anything or get anywhere, you discover the joy of simply being.

Spiritual practice or sadhana is not about getting somewhere. It is

you have chosen to participate in.

Going into periods of silence will clearly bring this into your experience. It will bring the joy of activity back into life and help banish the unfortunate equation of life with stress as well as the pervasive 'Thank-God-it's-Friday' culture.

Everything worth knowing is right here and now. There is nowhere to go. Once that itch is gone, you are at ease. Just a little bit of

Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev

The term 'spiritual journey' is actually a misnomer. There is no journey. The word ensures that you do not confuse relaxation with inertia. But a journey implies distance.

And there is no distance. Take a sadhana break; reflect on this simple question: what is the distance between you and yourself?

The 58th birth anniversary of Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev was observed on September 3

JEWISH QUOTES A righteous man falls down seven times and gets up.

- King Solomon There are two things that are infinite, the universe and man's stupidity.....

And I am not sure about the universe.

- Albert Einstein Who is wise? One who learns from every man…

Who is strong? One who overpowers his inclinations… Who is rich? One who is satisfied with his lot… Who is honorable?

One who honors his fellows."

-Ben Zoma I do not want followers who are righteous, rather I want followers who are too busy doing good that they won't have time to do bad.

- Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Kotzk I don't speak because I have the power to speak; I speak because I don't have the power to remain silent" - Rabbi A.Y. Kook People often avoid making decisions out of fear of making a mistake. Actually the failure to make decisions is one of life's biggest mistakes.

- Rabbi Noah Weinberg.

Insure yourself FIRST. Call Sahanis, (Arish, Priya or Shiv) for your Insurance needs 718- 271- 0453. Serving for last 35 yrs

54

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India Post

September 11, 2015

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'History in Pakistan has been badly treated'

T

he Faculty of Social Sciences, Karachi University, recently organized a lecture on Pakistan's history by political economist Dr S. Akbar Zaidi.

Dr Zaidi, who also teaches history at the Institute of Business Administration, Karachi, began his lecture by raising a couple of questions: what is Pakistan's history and is there a need to question Pakistan's history. And when was Pakistan formed? Aug 14, 1947 or Aug 15, 1947? For him the fact we are still talking about historical events 68 years later that are apparently settled is interesting.

"These events and questions have not been settled. They are constantly being reinterpreted, this is because history does not die, it keeps reliving by questioning facts and truths."

Coming to the question when was Pakistan created, he said one obvious answer is it did so on Aug 14, 1947 but he read out an excerpt from a Pakistan Studies textbook in which it was claimed it came into being in 712AD when the Arabs came to Sindh and Multan.

"This is utter rubbish!" he exclaimed, rejecting the textbook account. He said the first interaction with Muslims and Arabs occurred in Kerala in South India for trading purposes.

Some historians claim the genesis of Pakistan lie in the Delhi Sultanate or the Mughal Empire.

He, however, reminded everyone that the India as we know today did not exist during the Mughal era. It was during the 19th century the concept of nation-state was formed. There are others who

He then led the debate towards the questions: "Is the history of Pakistan, a history of the people of Pakistan or is it the making of Pakistan?" As far as he knew everyone is taught a history that includes the Mughals, freedom movement, the Quaid-i-Azam leading the All India Muslim League etc but was completely unaware about the history of the Baloch and the Pakhtun.

Dr S. Akbar Zaidi

"I cannot understand Pakistan's history without knowing the history of the Baloch, Pakhtun, Punjab, Shah Abdul Latif and his relationship with the land."

Feeling ashamed He said he was ashamed as a Karachiite that he had been unaware of Sindh's history. It was important to know about indigenous histories because the "issues we are confronted with, we would have a better understanding in dealing with them".

Referring to the distorted history, he said: "With the celebration of the victory in the 1965 war round the corner, there can be no bigger lie that Pakistan won the war.

We lost terribly in the 1965 war." state Sir Syed Ahmed Khan laid the foundation for Pakistan.

Dr Zaidi felt this statement was partially true, because Sir Syed always maintained that Muslims should get their rights but he had also said: "Hindus and Muslims are the two eyes of the beautiful bride that is Hindustan. Weakness of any of them will spoil the beauty of the bride."

The 1940 Pakistan Resolution called for the recognition of Muslims within Hindustan and not for a separate entity, Dr Zaidi added.

subject and hence the focus is just to pass the exam and get over with it.

It is focused on rulers and generals and not on the social history.

He highlighted another important reason for history getting a stepmotherly treatment, citing that it is a subject that is taken when a student is unable to get admission in other departments in universities.

He gave the example of East Pakistan to illustrate this point.

"East Pakistan has been erased from memory. The Bengalis of East Pakistan have been reduced to they were traitors, India interfered and East Pakistan decided to separate. But what about Pakistan Army's role in its separation?"

According to Dr Zaidi, history in Pakistan has been badly treated due to several reasons. Students are forced to study history or Pakistan Studies as a compulsory

A robust question and answer session followed the talk during which students and teachers wanted to know why they were being taught distorted version of history, why the contribution of religious minorities to cities such as Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar was not mentioned in their textbooks, why does one have to wear separate identities and how can identification crisis be resolved to make Pakistan into one nation?

Dr Zaidi responded to these queries, explaining that Parsis and Hindus contributed hugely in the educational development of Karachi and in a similar manner the Sikhs in Punjab. "History in Pakistan is taught from an ideological viewpoint. Pakistan needs to be seen as a geographical entity."

Referring to the distorted history, he said: "With the celebration of the victory in the 1965 war round the corner, there can be no bigger lie that Pakistan won the war. We lost terribly in the 1965 war."

He appealed to the attendees to read Shuja Nawaz's book Crossed Swords that exposed the reality of the war.

As for wearing separate identities, he replied there was no need to do so. "I can be a Sindhi, Hindu and Pakistani simultaneously." He added that the diversity of nations should be acknowledged, since nationalities could not be imposed on people.

Courtesy the Dawn newspaper of Pakistan

India Post The trigger

E

urope has suddenly become more sympathetic towards the flood of refugees streaming in from the fighting in the civil war now going on in Syria between government troops and rebels. The trigger was the picture on social media of the body of a Syrian toddler Aylan Kurdi washed ashore on a Turkish shoreline. Wearing a red t-shirt and blue shorts and with his boots on, the body lying face downwards on the shore has bled many hearts and softened the attitude of Europeans towards those fleeing this cruel war.

The picture is reminiscent of another similar picture printed in Indian newspapers of a half-buried body of a beautiful toddler with eyes open by photographer Raghu Rai. This picture became the symbol of the heart-rending Bhopal gas tragedy in December 1984, considered the world's worst industrial disaster. It took place at the Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) pesticide plant in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Over 500,000 people were exposed to methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas and other chemicals leading to 3,787 deaths and 558,125 injuries. The picture reminded the world of the scale and character of the disaster. It is a different matter that to this justice has not been done to the Bhopal gas victims. The American owner of the company, Warren Anderson fled the country and all requests from India of his extradition were turned down by the US government.

The apathy of the European nations to the refugee crisis emerging from Syria shows up the refusal of comfortable societies to share space with these unfortunate people driven from their homes and looking for shelter. More than four years after it began, the fullblown civil war has killed over 220,000 people, half of whom are believed to be civilians. The U.N. estimates that 7.6 million people are internally displaced.

The civil war originated in the Syrian people taking to the streets inspired by the Arab Spring uprisings in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya.

But the government of Bashar Assad responded fiercely, torturing, killing, and shooting at the protesters. Syria is now divided into territory occupied by the regime, the rebel fighters, and Islamic extremists.

Capitalizing on the chaos in the region, Islamic State (IS) - the extremist group that grew out of al-Qaeda in Iraq - has taken control of huge swathes of territory across northern and eastern Syria, as well as neighboring Iraq. Its many foreign fighters in Syria are now involved in a "war within a war."

While Europeans have melted a little with Germany leading the way in welcoming tired refugees from Syria and other conflict zones, the reaction from America is at best mixed. While not committing themselves to taking in refugees, American leaders are calling for strengthening the battle against the IS in Syria and adjoining regions. Republican presidential hopeful Scott Walker has even accused President Obama and former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, now the Democratic presidential frontrunner, of staying "on the sidelines" as the terror group has grown.

Should the US once again join the battle in Iraq withdrawal from where has emboldened the Islamic rebels who now have taken large swathes of territory? The US-trained Iraqi troops have not been able to stop the march of IS. Among the achievements that President Obama hopes to take with him after his tenure is ending the dreadful war that President Bush had started in Iraq. Obama is also finding that the withdrawal from Afghanistan is also not exactly shaping up according to American hopes. The Taliban, with Pakistan's backing, is trying to undo the democratic and safe society that the US was hoping to build.

With its own economy in trouble because of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, the US is not likely to return to these shores with its troops. But if the US lets down these societies and allows the Islamic fanatics run over them, it will lose all credibility as a Great Power.

September 11, 2015

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