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Kamala Harris marries fellow lawyer Details on page 6

VOL 20, No. 1043

September 12, 2014

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Periodical Postage

LAKHS STILL TRAPPED IN J&K FLOODS Massive rescue work is on

Narendra Modi

Obama, Modi meet spread over two days Details on page 8

Chinese Prez Xi visits India next week Details on page 9

Ganesh Visarjan recreates Mumbai in SF

Indian-origin fund manager sentenced to 9 yrs

Details on page 16 Details on page 9

Work for Modi's vision, Minister tells NRIs

Gujarat seeks strong economic ties with US

Details on page 17

Details on page 12

Big picture reforms will take time: Rajan

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

Details on page 16 VALLEY OF FLOOD: People being evacuated in trucks from flood-hit Batamaloo area of Srinagar on September 7

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

Should J&K elections in December be put off?

Last week’s result

Should China worry over India, Japan bon homie?

YES 63%

NO 37%

SRINAGAR/JAMMU: Mammoth multi-agency rescue efforts were underway in Jammu and Kashmir to rescue lakhs of people trapped in flood-ravaged areas, with IAF choppers and transport aircraft undertaking non-stop sorties overnight to carry men and relief material to submerged parts.

Rescue teams were focusing on the inundated city of Srinagar and south Kashmir belt where an estimated four lakh people are believed to be trapped in floods which have claimed nearly 200 lives in the state.

Two more units of Army and NDRF have been airdropped to Pancheri in Udhampur where 30 people are missing after a landslide hit the area.

"Seven bodies and a limb of a person have been so far recovered in Udhampur but the operation to locate those trapped is very difficult," DIG Garib Das said.

However, the situation in the rest of Jammu belt has stabilized and the focus is now on providing relief material on the ground, officials said.

Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”

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Community Post -------------- 16-27 Date Book -------------------------- 47 Edit Page --------------------------- 54 HealthScience Post --------- 32-35 Horoscope ------------------------- 51 Immigration Post ------------- 44-46 Life Style ----------------------- 48-49 Philosophy ------------------------- 53 Publisher’s Diary ------------------ 4 Real Estate ------------------------ 38 TechBiz Post ------------------- 12-14 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 40-43

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came across this absolutely useful advisory from our very own Majority leader and delegate from Maryland Assembly, the ever resourceful Kumar Barve. It involves vital information about the latest in scams by people who are impersonating officials of the IRS. Apparently, these scamsters - or thieves, as Barve calls them - make unsolicited phone calls to their intended victims, seek out their personal information, and then demand immediate payment of taxes by a prepaid debit card or wire transfer. What's worse, the callers are often hostile and abusive.

Now, get this statistic - the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration has received 90,000 complaints about these scams; and an estimated $5 million have been stolen from about 1,100 victims. That's huge!

Hoping that you haven't already compromised your personal information to such a caller, here's what Barve educates us about the IRS: If you owe taxes, the IRS will first contact you by mail, not by phone. The IRS never contacts individuals by phone, Barve underscores. Also the IRS never asks for credit, debit or prepaid card information over the phone. And, the IRS never insists that you use a specific payment method to pay your tax, nor requests immediate payment over the telephone.

So, here's what you need to do if you do get a phone call from someone claiming to be from the IRS: If you know you owe taxes or you think you might owe taxes, call the IRS at 800-829-1040. If you know you don't owe taxes or don't think that you owe any taxes, then call and report the incident to TIGTA at 800366-4484.

Universally, scamsters of this nature, primarily cash in on people's vulnerability owing to fear, guilt or greed. Just as a scheme that sounds too good to be true may indeed be too good to be true, you should be alert to people playing on your fear of authority.

My own two-bit advice in this case would be to pay up your taxes fully, and on time; or simply pay better heed to the caller Id on your phone and not answer calls you don't recognize.

Romesh K Japra

rkjapra@indiapost.com

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HIGHLIGHTS Bollywood: 'Akki beta' Akshay Kumar’s two-year-old daughter Nitara is feisty with bright eyes and has pet-named her dad 'Akki beta'.

Cover Story: J&K floods Mammoth multi-agency rescue efforts were underway in Jammu and Kashmir to rescue lakhs trapped in floods

Community: Ganesh Visarjan Mumbai was recreated in San Francisco Bay area for Ganesh Visarjan in Pacific Ocean in the presence of 600 people

Action deferred Obama says the surge of immigrant children entering the U.S. illegally has changed the politics surrounding the issue

Life style: Women writers An array of 23 formidable women writers from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, share stories of their journey

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Focus on implementation India's new government may take some time to unveil "big picture reforms" as it is currently focusing on implementation

Jaisalmer It is a vibrant tourist location with number of attractions such as Sonar Kila, Jaisalmer Fort, temples and sand dunes

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Lakhs still trapped in J&K floods Massive rescue work is on

Flood victims being rescued by Army personnel during ‘Mission Sahayata’, in Jammu & Kashmir

SRINAGAR/JAMMU: Mammoth multi-agency rescue efforts were underway in Jammu and Kashmir to rescue lakhs of people trapped in flood-ravaged areas, with IAF choppers and transport aircraft undertaking non-stop sorties overnight to carry men and relief material to submerged parts.

Rescue teams were focusing on the inundated city of Srinagar and south Kashmir belt where an estimated four lakh people are believed to be trapped in floods which have claimed nearly 200 lives in the state.

Two more units of Army and NDRF have been airdropped to Pancheri in Udhampur where 30 people are missing after a landslide hit the area.

"Seven bodies and a limb of a person have been so far recovered in Udhampur but the operation to locate those trapped is very difficult," DIG Garib Das said.

However, the situation in the rest of Jammu belt has stabilized and the focus is now on providing relief material on the ground, officials said.

They said a massive rescue and relief operation is on in Kashmir Valley with more helicopters and rescue material including boats pressed into service.

30 sorties of IL-76 and AN 32 have been undertaken to Srinagar overnight to carry men and relief material, boats, cutters and other equipment besides huge quantity of medicines and water bottles.

Speaking about the rescue efforts, Army officer Lt Chetan said, "We are rescuing 10-15 people in every round we make per boat.

We make 50-60 rounds per day.

We have all equipment to rescue people. We will move out only af-

ter rescuing everybody".

Army Chief Gen Dalbir Suhag had said in Delhi that "Soldiers won't return to barracks until last man is helped."

Army medical officer Jagdish Singh said, "We have set up medical camps and are treating 230-300 people everyday."We have ambulances and surgeons. District hos-

placed, 68 camps have been set up in Jammu.

Seven helicopters have been pressed to ferry relief material to Rajouri, Poonch, Reasi, Mahore, Doda, Kishtwar belts, officials said.

The Centre has rushed more National Disaster Response Forces (NDRF) teams equipped

rescue residents huddled on rooftops and upper floors of their houses.

Meanwhile, the pilgrimage to Vaishno Devi shrine in Reasi district was on with over 25,000 people offering prayers.

Efforts are on to restore helicopter services to the cave shrine, Das said.

GoC Lt Gen Subrata Saha said rescue operations continued throughout the night and 996 people were evacuated from the marooned areas.

The weather situation is improving and the water level has receded in south Kashmir, he said.

"The weather has cleared and the intensity of the helicopter operations has picked up. In

Srinagar, the water level has receded by 1.5 to 3 feet at some places but we are noticing an increase in water level on the northern side," the Army officer said.

"The water level is not significant in Baramulla as it is just three feet...we are taking precautionary measures in conjunction with state police and others," he said.

The officer said the strategy is to deal with Srinagar from two directions - North and South.

"A total of 21,007 people have been rescued so far," he said.

The Army has set up camps where people who have been evacuated are kept for 12 to 24 hours and given basic essentials.

They are then transferred to relief camps set up by the state government. -PTI

UN system stands ready to help India, Pak

Prime Minister Narendra Modi giving statement to media after reviewing the situation of flood affected areas in Jammu and Kashmir on September 7

pitals and NGOs are also working with us," he said.

Lt Gen D S Hooda, General-Officer-Commanding of the Army's Northern Command had said that the focus will be now on Srinagar.

The heavy floods triggered by torrential rains have snapped Valley's telecommunication links with the rest of the country.

To provide relief to the dis-

with boats and other flood relief equipment to Kashmir Valley. Naval commandos have also been deployed for the first time.

Army, Air Force, NDRF and state agencies have so far rescued more than 25,000 people and lodged them in higher places in the Valley.

Boats have been pressed into service in many flooded parts to

UNITED NATIONS: The UN system stands ready to help governments in India and Pakistan in their efforts to provide relief and assistance to the hundreds impacted by the severe floods in Kashmir, a spokesperson for UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has said.

A large-scale rescue operation has been launched by Indian authorities in Jammu and Kashmir as the Army and Air Force evacuated thousands of people from inundated areas across the state.

Ban's spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told PTI here

that UN officials in New Delhi are in touch with Indian authorities "to see how best we can help."

He, however, added that he is not aware whether the UN agencies in India have received any official request from the government for help in relief and rescue operations.

He said UN officials in the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs are working closely with the Pakistani government and the United Nations system stands by to help Pakistan and those impacted by the floods. -PTI

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Telecom services being restored in phased manner NEW DELHI: Telecom services in the flood-hit Kashmir valley are slowly being restored in a phased manner, while full restoration will take more than a week, an official of state-run BSNL said.

"One of the BSNL towers near Srinagar airport has been acti-

3G towers of Aircel are functioning," BSNL Director (consumer mobility) Anupam Shrivastava told PTI. He added efforts are on to restore 15 more towers through satellite connectivity.

"We have started transporting VSATs to the valley to start com-

An aerial view of inundated areas of Srinagar city including Badamibagh Army cantonment on Monday

vated through satellite link. There are two landline exchanges also which have been running. Also 12

munication instantly and expedite relief work," another BSNL official said.

The official said that 10 VSAT (Very-small-aperture terminal) equipment, five each from Delhi and Bangalore, have been shipped for Srinagar which will be installed to start temporary communication services.

The official added that immediate arrangements are being made to end network blackout status in worst affected areas.

"It will take around 10 days to completely restore the network, while 90 per cent will be restored in a week," Shrivastava added.

Airtel in a statement said, "To ensure that the people in the state are able to remain in touch with their family members during these difficult times, our teams in conjunction with the local administration and the DoT are working round the clock to restore network connectivity as early as possible."

"Since the restoration of electricity may take some time, we have decided to open all our sites to public as soon as they are up, so that they can come and recharge their mobile phones at these sites," it added.

Destruction of telecom network has impeded rescue operations-PTI

Kamala Harris marries fellow lawyer WASHINGTON: Kamala Harris, the Indian-American Attorney General of the US state of Cali-

fornia, has tied the knot with her long time boyfriend lawyer Douglas Emhoff.

Kamala Harris wedding pix (Courtesy of the California Attorney General’s office)

It is Harris's first marriage, while Emhoff was previously divorced. Both are 49, and became engaged five months ago.

Maya Harris, sister of the bride, officiated the August 22 marriage ceremony in the Santa Barbara courthouse.

Harris - the first woman, the first African American, and the first Asian American attorney general in California - is widely considered a potential future candidate for governor or US Senate, reported the Sacramento Bee. President Barack Obama last year had called her "by far the best-looking attorney general".

Harris, born in Oakland, is the daughter of Tamil Nadu-born oncologist Dr Shyamala Gopalan and a Jamaican American father, Stanford economics professor Donald Harris.

The ceremony also included the bride's niece, Meena, reading from Maya Angelou's poem "Touched by an Angel," which ends, "Suddenly we see that / love costs all we are/ and will ever be/ Yet it is only love/ which sets us free."

The two celebrated their marriage by breaking a glass, and wrote their own vows, with the help of Harris.-PTI

Indian Army soldiers unloading food material for flood-affected people from an IAF chopper at Pargawal village of Akhnoor sector in Jammu

Sharif thanks Modi for offering help ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has thanked his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi for offering help in flood relief efforts in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and said closer collaboration in disaster management should be a part of their agenda of peace and development in the region.

"I gratefully acknowledge your letter of 7 September, conveying deep sympathies for the people affected in Pakistan by unprecedented Nawaz monsoon rains and consequent flooding. The offer for assistance in our relief efforts is equally thoughtful. Such solidarity in the face of adversity is indeed valuable," he said in reply to Modi's letter of assistance.

Prime Minister Modi had written to Sharif offering assistance to victims of the devastation caused by the torrential rains and floods in PoK. In his reply, Sharif said he was

aware that the Kashmiris on the Indian side of the Line of Control have also faced heavy loss of life and material damage.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families in this difficult time, and we remain prepared to extend a helping hand, in whatever way possible, to the efforts for their relief and rehabilitation," Sharif said.

Noting that South Asia remains one of the most disasterprone regions of the world, he said, Sharif "As we chart a course to advance our common goals of peace and stability, we must also focus on addressing the deeper causes of recurrent floods and on strengthening the preparedness and resilience of our communities against natural calamities."

"I believe closer collaboration in disaster management should be a part of our agenda of peace and development in the region," Sharif added.-PTI

Mahindra Group pledges Rs 2cr for relief NEW DELHI: Diversified business conglomerate Mahindra Group has pledged Rs 2 crore to the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund for relief efforts in flood ravaged Jammu & Kashmir.

"The floods in J&K are devastating. The Mahindra Group pledges Rs 2 crore to Prime Minister's National Relief Fund for

Jammu & Kashmir flood relief," Mahindra Group Chairman and Managing Director Anand Mahindra said on microblogging site twitter. He further said group company Mahindra Consulting Engineers is offering to conceive and deliver a template for a safe and sustainable village cluster in flood zones in Kashmir.-PTI

September 12, 2014

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Obama, Modi meet spread Overwhelming response for Modi meet over two days PRAKASH M SWAMY

WASHINGTON: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet President Barack Obama at the White House on September 29-30 during which the two leaders would discuss a wide range of issues of mutual interest to expand and deepen the US-India strategic partnership.

The fact that the meeting will be spread over two days reflects the importance the US attaches to bilateral ties, a top official said.

While the format and details of the maiden Obama-Modi meeting has not been announced yet, the two leaders are now scheduled to meet on September 29-30, a presidential spokesperson said.

"President Obama looks forward to welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India to the White House on September 2930," White House Press Secretary

Josh Earnest said.

Obama looks forward to working with Modi to fulfill the promise of the US-India strategic partnership for the benefit of both our

"The two leaders will discuss a range of issues of mutual interest in order to expand and deepen the US-India strategic partnership," Earnest said citizens and the world, he added.

"The two leaders will discuss a range of issues of mutual interest in order to expand and deepen

the US-India strategic partnership," Earnest said.

"They will discuss ways to accelerate economic growth, bolster security cooperation, and collaborate in activities that bring longterm benefits to both countries and the world," he said.

"They will also focus on regional issues, including current developments in Afghanistan, Syria and Iraq, where India and the United States can work together with partners towards a positive outcome," he said.

Caitlin Hayden, Spokesperson of the National Security Council, said, "We'll provide more details about the Prime Minister's visit closer to the end of the month, but the fact that there will be interactions over two days is a signal of the importance we place on the US-India relationship." -PTI

Modi-Sharif meeting not ruled out NEW DELHI: India has blamed Pakistan for "derailing" the dialogue process but said there is "no full stop" in diplomatic relations, indicating that there may be a window for resumption of talks and did not rule out a meeting between the two Prime Ministers on the sidelines of UN General Assembly this month in New York.

Questioning the rationale behind Pakistan holding talks with Kashmiri separatists, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said it was not "too much" to expect from Pakistan that it should not interfere in the internal matters of India.

However, when asked about the future strategy in dealing with Pakistan, she said "there is no full stop in diplomacy, it's always commas and semi colon. And after all this, people always move forward. There are no full stops in diplomatic journey."

Asked if Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet his Pakistan counterpart Nawaz Sharif on the sideline of the UN General Assembly in New York later this month, the minister said it will depend on how the situation will emerge in coming days and they were not going there with any "preset mind".

Noting that consequent to the

meeting between Modi and Sharif who had come here for the swearing-in of the Prime Minister, it was decided that the two Foreign Secretaries will meet in Islamabad on August 25.

"I do not know what was the need for their High Commissioner to invite the Kashmiri separatists and talk to them. He himself in-

ciate the sentiment of the statement and not get into the technicalities of the language.

The External Affairs Minister, who was presenting a 'report card' of 100 days in office, also talked about wide-range of foreign policy-related developments including inviting SAARC leaders to the swearing-in of Modi government, priority to neighborhood by visiting Bhutan and Nepal, upcoming visit of the Chinese President and Modi's high-profile visit to the US later this month.PTI

WASHINGTON: Indian Americans across the country plan attending the Madison Square Garden meet of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 28

of the auditorium is 20,000 maximum while the level of inquires is so huge that an auditorium more than double the size would get easily packed to the capacity.

President Obama and PM Modi

in huge numbers, according to reports. The meet is organized by Indian American Community Foundation. The overwhelming response has put the organizers in a bit of quandary. The capacity

Demand for individual tickets ratio is believed to be one to 16.

The bulk of the tickets are distributed thru associations so that each and every segment of the community feels covered.

Indian diplomat in US ahead of Modi visit WASHINGTON: Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the US, a senior Indian diplomat has arrived here to hold talks with State Department officials.

Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Wendy Sherman will meet Joint Secretary for the Ameri-

cas Vikram Doraiswami and Joint Secretary for Disarmament and International Security Amandeep Gill at the State Department.

Doraiswami will also meet Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Nisha Desai Biswal.-PTI

Pak political crisis may impact ties with India

Sushma Swaraj

vited them. Why they derailed the talks (with India)? What did they achieve?...Who derailed the initiative? (It is) Pakistan," the Minister said.

Swaraj also expressed India's disappointment over delay of the trial of Mumbai terror attack case in Pakistan while drawing a distinction between 2008 attacks in the country's commercial capital and bomb blasts in Samjhauta Express in 2007.

On Sharif's response to India's assistance for victims of floods, Swaraj said people should appre-

WASHINGTON: The current political unrest in Pakistan could impact its relations with India as the Pakistan army is having more control over the country's foreign policy than ever, a new US Congressional report has said.

"The Pakistan Army's more openly direct control of the country's foreign and security policies may, over time, shift Pakistan's approach toward Afghanistan further into a policy framework that seeks to counter Indian influence there," the independent Congressional Research Service (CRS) said in its latest report 'Pakistan Political Unrest' this month.

"It could also present new challenges to the goal of improving India-Pakistan relations, and put a damper on hopes for effective regional cooperation and

commerce in South Asia," said the Congressional report authored by Alan Kronstadt, CRS Specialist in South Asian Affairs.

The current political unrest has weakened Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and any overt military ouster of the democraticallyelected government could trigger sanctions on Pakistan Even though the protest led by cricketer-turned- politician Imran Khan has subsided this would definitely have an adverse impact

on India-Pakistan relationship, with the Pakistan Army having more control over it than ever, it said.

The current political unrest has weakened Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and any overt military ouster of the democraticallyelected government could trigger sanctions on Pakistan.

"Whether Prime Minister Sharif sought out or merely acceded to the Army's late August intervention as a facilitator between the government and the protesters, most analysts contend that, because he has not demonstrated civilian control over domestic security, he will be left in a weakened state," the report said.

"This could have negative implications for US efforts to strengthen Pakistan's democratic governance institutions.-PTI

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NSA Doval meets top Chinese diplomat BEIJING: National Security Advisor Ajit Doval held talks with China's top diplomat and State Councilor Yang Jiechi to finalize the arrangements for Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to India expected to take place next week.

Doval arrived here as the Special Representative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make final preparations for Xi's visit.

The two officials met at the Diaoyutai Guest house to finalize the schedule and agenda for Xi's visit.

Welcoming Doval, Yang who is also China's Special Representative for Sino-India border talks, said he highly appreciates Doval's visit. It speaks volumes about the importance the Indian side attaches to Xi's visit and bilateral relations, he said.

"We believe that with specific efforts from both sides President's visit will be a full success and bilateral relations will be taken to higher level," he said.

Expressing happiness over Doval taking over as NSA, Yang appreciated his contribution to the bilateral ties.

Appreciating the gesture to receive him at a short notice, Doval said he had brought a special message for Xi from the Prime

Minister's side.

During his visit to India, Xi is expected to announce major Chinese investments as well as hold talks with Modi on border dispute as well as China's plans to revive a number of Silk Road Projects including the Maritime Silk Road.

Doval's visit is taking place in the immediate backdrop of the can-

holding extensive talks with Chinese officials on the package of investments as well as measures to address India's concerns of trade deficit.

China-India are in discussions to modernize Indian railways.

China plans to invest in industrial parks, locations of which are expected to be announced by Xi.

BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit India, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan and the Maldives from next week to bolster the country's relations with South Asia and Central Asia.

Xi, also the General Secretary of the ruling Communist Party of China, will attend a Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit and visit four countries later this month, Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang announced.

The President is scheduled to attend the 14th meeting of the Council of Heads of the SCO

member states in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, said Qin. After the meeting, Xi will also pay state visits to Tajikistan, the Maldives, Sri Lanka and India at the invitation of counterparts Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, Maldives President Abdulla Yameen, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa and President Pranab Mukherjee, according to Qin. Maldives was apparently including in Xi's itinerary after the cancellation of his visit to Pakistan due to prevailing political situation there.-PTI

Indian-origin fund manager sentenced to 9 yrs

Chinese President Xi Jinping, right, listens to Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval during a meeting at the Great Hall of the People on Sept. 9

cellation of Xi's visit to Islamabad planned as part of his first visit to Pakistan, Sri Lanka and India.

Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who visited Beijing twice including early this month, has laid ground for Xi's visit by

Besides finalizing the schedule, Doval's visit is expected to focus on the political aspects of Xi's tour, including issues related to the boundary dispute and new routes for Kailash and Manasarovar Yatra.-PTI

Indian-origin mathematician elected ICSU chief JOHANNESBURG: Daya Reddy, an Indian-origin South African mathematician has been elected as the new president of the International Council for Science (ICSU).

Reddy has been voted by representatives of ICSU's 120 national members and scientific unions attending the organization's General Assembly in Auckland, New Zealand.

ICSU is a non-governmental organization with a global membership of 121 national scientific bodies and 31 international scientific unions.

South African Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor joined the science community in congratulating Reddy.

"It means a lot for South Africa and for Africa; it shows that our continent is being recognized for its skills, ability to lead and the

Chinese President Xi visits India next week

role we are playing in global science," said Pandor.

"It is a great honor for South Africa, because it recognizes the excellent work of our researchers

Daya Reddy

and scientists and their contribution to global bodies," he said.

Reddy said he was particularly keen to ensure that ICSU becomes as inclusive as possible, so that,

as the voice of science, the body could involve the entire community worldwide.

"ICSU is in a special position to promote the values of science and provide leadership in seeking scientific approaches to the world's problems," he added.

Reddy obtained his PhD degree in civil engineering from the University of Cape Town, and a PhD degree from Cambridge University.

He is President of the Academy of Science of South Africa and serves as Co-chair of the InterAcademy Council, a body which produces reports on scientific, technological and health issues for governments and global organizations.

Reddy's research interests lie at the intersection of applied mathematics and engineering sciences.-PTI

NEW YORK: An Indian-origin of CR Intrinsic Investors, a diviportfolio manager has been sen- sion of hedge fund behemoth SAC tenced here to 9 years in prison Capital, was convicted in Februfor his role in one of the "most ary this year for collecting confilucrative" insider trading schemes dential information about a highever involving USD 276 million profile Alzheimer's drug trial from and ordered to forfeit a USD 9.3 two doctors and making profits million bonus he earned through and avoiding losses of 275 million it. dollars for SAC Capital.

Mathew Martoma (40) was After the hearing, Bharara said sentenced in federal court here by in a statement that Martoma's US District Judge Paul Gardephe, nine-year prison sentence and fiwho ordered that he also forfeit nancial penalties will strip him of his interests in his Florida home the ill-gotten millions in proceeds and several bank accounts as he of his crime. described Martoma's conduct as "Today's sentence of a lengthy "deeply corrosive to our financial prison term is well-suited to the markets," generating cynicism audacity of the illegal trading in among investors. this case. The long and short of The sentence, among the longest handed down for in- The sentence, among the sider trading, was in line with what Manhattan's longest handed down for top federal prosecutor insider trading, was in line Preet Bharara had sought ahead of the with what Manhattan's top hearing. federal prosecutor Preet The India-born federal attorney had de- Bharara had sought scribed Martoma's role in the insider trading ahead of the hearin scheme as "central" and sought a prison term of over Mathew Martoma's trading is that eight years along with forfeiture he traded his liberty, his name and of his bonus saying the sentence his time with his family for what in should be "commensurate with the end is nothing," Bharara the seriousness of the offense added. conduct and the unprecedented Martoma, who had changed ill-gotten gains that it generated." his name from Ajai Mathew ThoWhile handing down the sen- mas, sat silently throughout the tence, Gardephe said "I cannot hearing in Manhattan federal and will not ignore that the gain is court as Gardephe handed down hundreds of millions of dollars the sentence, which also includes more than ever seen in an insider three years of supervised release trading prosecution" adding that following Martoma's completion "there was nothing accidental of this sentence. about Martoma's conduct or the He was accompanied by his gain realized." wife, Rosemary and some of his Martoma, a portfolio manager family members.-PTI

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Probe sought in Indian couple's death HOUSTON: The attorney for an Indianorigin couple, found dead under mysterious circumstances in their house in Texas, wants an independent investigation into their deaths.

Attorney David Finn said he has no idea precisely what led to the death of Pallavi and Sumeet Dhawan last week but he knew they were under tremendous stress over accusations that the mother killed their 10year-old son, Arnav.

He also demanded probe into their son's death.

"I still smell a rat, and I hope the Texas Rangers look into that. I've been practicing

defense for over 12 years, everything from speeding tickets to assaults to DWIs. I have never encountered a Frisco case where there was no audio and video recording.

Not once, ever," Finn said.

The bodies of the couple were found on September 3.

Sumeet was found dead on a bed in a downstairs bedroom, while Pallavi was found dead in her swimming pool.

Frisco police said a blunt-force head wound was found on Sumeet but no signs of trauma were found on Pallavi.

The official statuses of the couple's autopsies are pending, and toxicology and

other tests results still need to come back.

Attorney David Finn was representing Pallavi in her criminal case in the death of her son, and he blames Frisco police for putting the Dhawan family through a legal limbo.

Since January, Finn maintained that Arnav died from natural causes stemming from a brain cyst, and said a packet that had been prepared for a grand jury shows Arnav's medical records support that.

However, now Finn wants an independent investigation conducted by the Texas Rangers or even the FBI into the Frisco Police Department's investigation into Arnav's death.

Following the deaths of Pallavi and Sumeet, Frisco police requested that the Texas Rangers help investigate.

Finn said he called the Texas Rangers seven months ago, asking them to intervene in Arnav's death investigation and pleaded with police for seven months to submit the murder case to the grand jury.

Finn questioned why the two officers who discovered Arnav's body in a bathroom did not have their body microphones or police cruiser dash cameras on at the time.

In a recent hearing, one detective testified he did not know of any recordings.

Finn said he spoke to the couple on August 29. He did not suspect "anything was imminent" that something would happen between the couple, so he was stunned to learn of their deaths.

Finn also wants police to release a note they say was found in the Dhawan home on the day of their deaths.

"And I think the public deserves to know what's in the note, even if some members of the family want it to be kept private," he added. -PTI

We are incurable optimists: India on UNSC reforms UNITED NATIONS: The UN General Assembly has decided to carry forward talks on Security Council reforms to the next session, with India expressing dismay that the draft decision was no different from the one adopted a year ago and hoping that there will be a "clear roadmap" on the issue in the upcoming session.

"We are incurable optimists. We believe that...the last obstacles to the negotiation text in the inter-governmental negotiations will be removed" and "we will have a clear roadmap to UNSC reforms" under the leadership of the General Assembly's incoming President for the 69th session Ugandan Foreign Minister Sam Kutesa, India's Ambassador to the UN Asoke Mukerji said here.

In a decision that mirrored similar proceedings from last year, the General Assembly decided that the intergovernmental negotiations on the issue of Security Council reform would carry forward to the forthcoming 69th UNGA session, which begins on September 16.

An open-ended working group would also be convened. Reforms of the Security Council had been mandated by the 2005 UN Summit by world leaders.

Mukerji referred to the words of the outgoing UNGA President John Ashe, who had "promised to strive to reinvigorate, advance and conclude discussions" on the reform of the principal organs of the UN. Mukerji lamented that Ashe had presented to the UN member states a draft decision "which is no different from that adopted a year ago" even though he had vowed to move the process forward saying that "doing nothing would be an immense disservice to the world." -PTI

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2 Indians found guilty of rape in Australia CANBERRA: Two Indian men were found guilty of abducting and raping an Australian woman in Canberra using a social media application.

Ajitpal Singh, 31, and Randhir Singh, 21, were found guilty by an Australian Capital Territory Supreme Court jury on charges of sexual assault, committing acts of indecency, unlawful confinement, and abduction.

During the five-day trial, the court heard that Randhir and the victim had met via social media application, Tango, on September 25, 2013.

They swapped sexual messages and agreed to meet at Kippax Fair Shopping Centre in Canberra the next day.

When the victim tried to back out of the meeting, Ajitpal threatened her child and said he would show her husband the messages exchanged between them, the Canberra Times reported.

Randhir then drove the victim

to Ajitpal's flat, forcing her to give him oral sex in a car, and unsuccessfully tried to have sex with her on the way.

The woman said she pleaded with Randhir to let her go, but was

Crown prosecutor Margaret Jones said the men had hatched a "calculated and devious" plot to force the victim to have sex with them, exploiting her desperation and naivety ignored and raped in a bedroom of the flat.

During the assault, a third man, Jaskaran Sandu, 33, took two pictures of her with Ajitpal's phone.

Ajitpal used the pictures to blackmail and rape her.

Crown prosecutor Margaret Jones said the men had hatched a "calculated and devious" plot to force the victim to have sex with them, exploiting her desperation and naivety.

Jones said the woman blamed herself and in her mind, believed they were going to tell her husband about the sexual messages.

But defense barristers said the sex had been consensual and their clients denied threatening the victim.

The duo could expect to be deported to India after they serve their sentences, to be delivered later this month, according to the report.

The jurors found Randhir not guilty on one count of committing an act of indecency on the victim while prosecutors withdrew one charge of committing an act of indecency against Ajitpal during the trial. -PTI

Solar power can make saltwater drinkable in India WASHINGTON: A desalination technology powered by solar panels could provide enough clean, palatable drinking water to meet the needs of India's waterdeficient villages, MIT scientists say.

Sixty per cent of India is underlain by salty water - and much of that area is not served by an electric grid that could run con-

straints imposed by the market," said Winter.

After weeks of field research in India, and reviews of various established technologies, Winter said, "when we put all these pieces of the puzzle together, it pointed very strongly to electrodialysis" - which is not what is commonly used in developing nations.

The factors that point to the

An analysis by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) researchers Natasha Wright and Amos Winter shows that a different desalination technology called electrodialysis, powered by solar panels, could provide enough clean, palatable drinking water ventional reverse-osmosis desalination plants.

An analysis by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) researchers Natasha Wright and Amos Winter shows that a different desalination technology called electrodialysis, powered by solar panels, could provide enough clean, palatable drinking water to supply the needs of a typical village.

Finding optimal solutions to problems such as saline groundwater involves "detective work to understand the full set of con-

choice of electrodialysis in India include both relatively low levels of salinity - ranging from 500 to 3,000 milligram's per liter, compared with seawater at about 35,000 mg/L - as well as the region's lack of electrical power.

Such moderately salty water is not directly toxic, but it can have long-term effects on health, and its unpleasant taste can cause people to turn to other, dirtier water sources.

"It's a big issue in the watersupply community," Winter said.

By pairing village-scale elec-

trodialysis systems with a simple set of solar panels and a battery system to store the produced energy, an economically viable and culturally acceptable system could supply enough water to meet the needs of a village of 2,000 to 5,000 people, researchers concluded.

They estimate that deployment of such systems would double the area of India in which groundwater - which is inherently safer, in terms of pathogen loads, than surface water - could provide acceptable drinking water.

While many homes in India currently use individual, homebased filtration systems to treat their water, Wright and Winter concluded that village-scale systems would be more effective both because fewer people would be left out of access to clean water, and because home-based systems are much harder to monitor to ensure effective water treatment.

The study appears in the journal Desalination.

Most organizations working to improve clean-water access focus their attention on controlling known pathogens and toxins such as arsenic, Wright said. But her analysis showed the importance of "what the water tastes like, smells like, and looks like." -PTI

Indians denied permission to march in South Aus MELBOURNE: A group of re"We would like to march next tired 15 Indian defense officers in year and onwards under Commonsouth Australia have been denied wealth countries like in other permission to participate indepen- states where Indian representadently in an annual march that tion has been marching as Indian commemorates the day 15,000 In- ex servicemen contingent," dians with Australian and New Madan said.

Zealand forces landed in Turkey "It is a request to Returned & to fight during World War-I. Services League (RSL) and orgaWhile ANZAC Day Committee nizers to allow us to pay homage Chair, the organizers, have invited to those Indian soldiers who died the group to join the centenary along with ANZACs in Gallipoli," ANZAC March next year, the he said, adding that if allowed the group known as 'SA Indian defense officers club' have sought their "We took the case with inclusion under Indian ex-servicemen contin- Director of Veterans Affairs gent every year which for us to participate in the has not been accepted.

They were refused March held every year after on the grounds that the realizing that in other states it march is only for the ANZACS and those was happening," said Reforeign veterans who fought with them as al- tired Major General Vikram lies. India was a British Madan of the Club colony when the war was fought.

"We took the case with Direc- group would be marching in civiltor of Veterans Affairs for us to ian clothes with medals. participate in the March held evMeanwhile, RSL of Australia ery year after realizing that in other (SA Branch) which organizes all states it was happening," said major ANZAC Day activities in Retired Major General Vikram the state per an appointed Madan of the Club.

ANZAC Day Committee, said," "We already knew Indian vet- Indian veterans of conflicts in erans marching in WA and Victoria which Australia and India served and for last two years we were as allies have always been welaware of NSW Indian veterans come to participate in our ANZAC marching," he said.

Day March."

He said that request when forRSL said in a statement that an mally taken up with Director of invitation to join the ANZAC Day Veterans Affairs, also the Chair of March was extended to the ANZAC Day Committee, was re- broader Indian community in 2012 fused and they were offered that but added that there was no place they march in next of kin category for simply marching as a group if they, in the Indian community, because the group have served in had a direct descendant of a sol- the armed forces of a country with dier at Gallipoli. which Australia were friends. -PTI

Indian mowed down by truck in Singapore SINGAPORE: An Indian national was killed after being knocked down by a truck here at a soil stockpile site in eastern Singapore.

Karuppachamy Kalaimuragan (24) was busy guiding lorries in and out of the site in Changi area when the tipper truck mowed him down, The Straits Times reported.

Though the cause of the accident is being ascertained, the Singapore daily cited other drivers at the site who said Karuppachamy was on the phone when the reversing vehicle hit him.

Karuppachamy was decapitated and his helmet was left half buried in the sand about a meter away from his twisted body, the media report cited the drivers as saying.

Police have arrested the 30-year old truck driver for causing death by a rash or negligent act.

Preliminary findings show Karuppachamy might have been hit by the truck when he was giving directions to its driver.

Police and the Manpower Ministry were further investigating the incident. -PTI

Tech News 9 Indian states to take part in Abu Dhabi meet DUBAI: India will be organizing a conference in Abu Dhabi aimed at improving the delivery of services for the welfare of Indians living in the UAE. The day-long meet on September 13 is being jointly organized by the Indian Embassy and the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, with nine Indian states participating in the event.

The meet will bring representatives of various state governments from India in direct interaction with the delegates of the Indian Community in the UAE. The theme of the meeting is "Working together: Improving Service Delivery". Nine state governments (Bihar, Rajasthan, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Punjab, Telangana, West Bengal) the Union Territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands have confirmed their participation, the embassy said.-PTI

Suzuki launches premium 150cc bike Gixxer NEW DELHI: Suzuki Motorcycle India has launched its premium 150cc bike Gixxer priced at Rs 72,199 (ex-showroom Delhi) to tap the youth segment as it aims

Atul Gupta, Executive Vice President, SMIPL, and Kenji Hirozawa, VP Strategic Planning Sales & Marketing Export during the launch of Suzuki GIXXER motorcycle in New Delhi on September 9

to figure among the top three twowheeler manufacturers in the country in three years.

"This is the first year of our entry into the youth segment.

Along with the scooter Let's, this product (Gixxer) will change Suzuki's standing in the market and brand positioning," Suzuki Motorcycle India Executive Vice-President (Sales and Marketing) Atul Gupta told reporters here.

He said the company is looking to sell around 50,000 units in the first six months of launch. -PTI

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Micromax CEO Vineet Taneja (3rd R) with a group of youngsters during the launch of Canvas Nitro A310 in New Delhi on September 8

Grand, big picture reforms in India will take some time NEW YORK: India's new government may take some time to unveil "grand, big picture reforms" as it is currently focusing on implementation of stalled projects worth USD 50-70 billion that will pay dividends in the short run by helping on the inflation and income fronts, RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan has said.

"In India, if you are looking for grand, big picture reforms it may take some time coming...but in terms of decentralizing, in terms of doing the small stuff which adds up to the big stuff I think that is already happening," Rajan said in a speech on India and the global economy at an event organized in Chicago by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs.

He said people have been expecting "major changes very quickly" from the new government and harbored the belief that it would be moving fast on a "number of dimensions that the people want them to move on."

Rajan pointed out that the new Modi government has "stuck to the path the old government laid out" to show that there was continuity and this has benefited India in the eyes of the international investors.

"I think the government has essentially focused on implementation because that is really the need of the hour. Lot of projects are being stuck because of environmental permissions, forest

clearances," he said.

Rajan said it is important to get the stalled projects "back on the road" because there are USD 50-

dividends in the short run and I think that is what they are doing," he said adding that when the number of stalled projects start to

land acquisition reforms.

"We are still focused on macro stabilization. Current Account Deficit, fiscal deficit, inflation all those numbers hopefully will be better going forward and if the world started growing faster it will help countries like us tremendously," he said.

Monetary framework

RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan

"This year the government and the RBI will negotiate together to formulate a monetary framework for the RBI...the idea is to move towards an objective which has much more emphasis on inflation," Rajan said.

70 billion stuck in those projects, which once start functioning, would produce output that will help on the inflation and income front.

"Let's get the projects back on track. The government is focused on that, it is not headline news... but it is something that will pay

come down sharply, "you will see something good is happening."

In the longer run, once the economy comes on back on track there are "some major reforms" that probably need to be done. He, however, noted that in the short run, a number of states in India are moving ahead with labor and

Rajan said the government and the Reserve Bank of India will this year negotiate to formulate a monetary framework for the central bank that lays more emphasis on inflation.

"This year the government and the RBI will negotiate together to formulate a monetary framework for the RBI...the idea is to move towards an objective which has much more emphasis on inflation," Rajan said.

He said the focus for the RBI has been on controlling inflation and on creating a sound monetary framework. The RBI Act of 1934 does not say anything about the framework that the RBI operates under, he added.

"Since 1934 we have not figured out a framework for the RBI. (It is) time we do it. The government and the RBI will do that," he said. Rajan reiterated that RBI is aiming to bring down the headline number to 8 per cent by end of this year and to six per cent by the end of next year.

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Gujarat seeks strong economic ties with US WASHINGTON: Underlining that the new Indian government was focused on eliminating developmental challenges, a highlevel business delegation from Gujarat has called American companies to invest and explore business opportunities in the state and India.

"The new (Indian) government is not afraid of making hard decisions and with Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi's firm be-

lief in minimum government and maximum governance, India is bound to rise, opening up tremendous opportunities for everyone," said Bharat Lal, Gujarat's resident commissioner and at an event organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry and US India Business Council (USIBC) in Chicago.

Lal is leading a 15-member delegation from Gujarat comprising of prominent industrialists, academi-

cians, and senior government officials to promote the biennial Seventh Vibrant Gujarat Summit.

"The Indian government is putting the house in order, and focus is now on implementation and overcoming developmental challenges," he said.

"Gujarat has set a precedent and developed a model of inclusive growth that is being studied and emulated around the world," Lal said.

He said the state has emerged as a hub for manufacturing, knowledge sharing, auto components, pharmaceuticals, financial services, power and now aims to be the defense manufacturing hub of India.

Lal called the Americans companies to participate on a large scale in the biennial Seventh Vibrant Gujarat Summit, to be held on January 11-13 next year in Gandhinagar. -PTI

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Hanmi completes acquisition of Central Bancorp India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES, CA: Hanmi Financial Corporation, the holding company for Hanmi Bank, has announced completion of its acquisition of Central Bancorp, Inc., the parent company of United Central Bank, effective as of August 31.

With the merger complete,

nities across California, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, and Washington.

The combined entity has approximately $4.4 billion in assets, $2.8 billion in gross loans, and $3.7 billion in deposits, providing Hanmi with the leading deposit market share among Korean American Banks in Illinois, Texas,

Hanmi Financial board members and Hanmi Bank senior management

(From left) Joseph K. Rho, Chairman of the Board, C. G. Kum, President & CEO, Bonnie Lee, COO

Hanmi becomes the second largest Korean American Bank in the United States with 50 banking offices and three loan production offices serving different commu-

and Virginia along with a substantial market share in California.

"The completion of our merger with United Central Bank is a momentous occasion for Hanmi,"

said C. G. Kum, President and CEO. "Having opened our first branch in Los Angeles in 1982 with the clear mission of helping immigrants achieve the American Dream, we are thrilled to now provide our customers with 50 branches across the United

Germany sees chance to boost India ties NEW DELHI: Eager to add a new impetus to Indo-German ties under the Narendra Modi government, Germany says bilateral cooperation can be deepened in renewable energy, infrastructure, cleaning of rivers and vocational training besides high technology

"very good and constructive talks" with Modi, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and others.

Giving details of his visit, the German Minister said, "I am here, because we also know in Germany that Prime Minister Modi has ini-

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on September 8

and the manufacturing sector.

Noting that there is a "lot to do", German Foreign Minister FrankWalter Steinmeier said he had a

tiated huge reforms here in India and we know that there are high expectations not only from the normal people, but also from the

businesses".

Talking to reporters on the lawns of the India Gate, he underlined that the current situation in India was a "chance" for Germany.

"Chance for giving a new impetus to the Indo-German economic relations. And I think there is a lot to do," he said.

Asked what were the areas that has the potential for deeper cooperation, he said, "There is an interest, in what I learnt with our exchange with your business community, with your Minister of Urbanization, there is a big interest in cooperation in developing infrastructure for example, in developing smart cities, cleaning the rivers, renewable energy.

"I think these are branches, these are technologies where there are good chances for a close cooperation between India and Germany".

Steinmeier said high technology and all fields of manufacturing are also the areas that can see deeper cooperation.

"Prime Minister Modi is very interested in our experience of vocational training...So therefore, training, vocational training is a relevant issue in our cooperation," he said. -PTI

States. With this expanded geographic presence, we will broaden our market share from our core Korean American customer base to the wider Asian American and mainstream communities, making Hanmi the first Korean American Bank to extend into these additional communities."

Kum continued, "I am very pleased that the transaction has proceeded so smoothly, and we can now fully focus our efforts on integrating the two banks as quickly as possible. With the new Hanmi Bank, all of our loyal customers will have the benefit of a larger product offering, improved lending capacity, and enhanced customer service."

The transaction was announced December 16, 2013 and approved by shareholders of Central Bancorp on April 17, 2014. The combined companies will operate as Hanmi Financial Corporation and Hanmi Bank,

respectively, with banking operations conducted under the Hanmi Bank brand.

About Hanmi Financial Corporation Headquartered in Los Angeles, Hanmi Bank, a whollyowned subsidiary of Hanmi Financial Corporation, provides services to the multi-ethnic communities across California, Texas, Illinois, Virginia, New Jersey and New York with 50 fullservice branches as well as loan production offices in Texas, Virginia, and Washington State.

Hanmi Bank specializes in commercial, SBA and trade finance lending, and is a recognized community leader. Hanmi Bank's mission is to provide a full range of quality products and premier services to its customers and to maximize shareholder value. Additional information is available at www.hanmi.com.

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CII to open first Middle East office in Bahrain DUBAI: The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) will open its first Middle East office in Bahrain to boost trade and investments in the region.

The move represents a further strengthening of relationship with India as there are over 350,000 Indian residents in the country and

million in 2013, a statement released here said.

The EDB also announced that it has signed an agreement with the Overseas Indian Facilitation Centre (OIFC) to work together in promoting cooperation between Bahrain and India in a variety of key areas, including financial ser-

Prem Narain, Secretary, Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs and Chairman, OIFC said: "We hope that Indians overseas and Bahrain nationals will both be able to take advantage of this opportunity. Presently, there is a renewed interest in India as market� total trade between the two countries in 2011 exceeded USD 1.7 billion, the Economic Development Board (EDB) of Bahrain has said.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is one of India's most important trade and investment partners and the CII's Bahrain office will aim to build on this relationship by encouraging Indian investment into the region, it added.

The CII is India's leading business organization, founded in 1895 and with more than 7,200 members and an indirect membership of over 100,000 enterprises from around 242 national and regional sectoral industry bodies.

The Indian Ministry of trade and industry revealed that trade value between India and GCC states increased from USD 147.5 million in 2012 to reach USD 160

vices and research.

This brings the total agreements signed between Bahrain and India to 27 since early 2014, this includes agreements and MoUs to establish regional operations for Indian firms who works in various industries such as health and pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, technology and banking.

Kamal bin Ahmed, Minister of Transportation and Acting Chief Executive of the Bahrain EDB, said: "We are delighted to be hosting the CII in Bahrain - Indian firms have a great deal to offer the Kingdom, and the GCC market, which is currently valued at USD 1.6 trillion, presents an excellent opportunity for Indian businesses. This new office will build on what are already strong ties between our

India signs FTA in services, investments with ASEAN NEW DELHI: India has signed the free trade agreement (FTA) in services and investments with 10-member ASEAN, paving the way for freer movement of professionals and further opening opportunities for investments.

The country implemented FTA in goods with the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2011.

"India has formally signed the Trade in Services and Trade in Investments Agreement with ASEAN. The services agreement will open up opportunities of movement of both manpower and investments from either side between India and ASEAN," an official said.

Nine out of 10 ASEAN coun-

tries have signed the pact, it said, adding that the Philippines is completing its domestic procedure and is expected to sign soon.

Signing of the two pacts - FTA in services and investments were scheduled during the IndiaASEAN Economic Ministers meeting in Myanmar last month.

But the meeting was postponed as Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was not able to attend the meet due to domestic compulsions.

India had proposed circulation process for signing the pact with ASEAN. Under the circulation process, each member will separately sign the agreement and it will become effective only after the last member signs the pact.-PTI

countries and the CII are the ideal partner to be working with."

According to him, this announcement, along with the agreement signed with OIFC, shows the commitment toward Bahraini-Indian relationship.

Prem Narain, Secretary, Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs and Chairman, OIFC said: "We hope that Indians overseas and Bahrain nationals will both be able to take advantage of this opportunity.

Presently, there is a renewed interest in India as market, and India is also ready for investment.

"With the objective of strengthening India as the destination for business, OIFC has mounted a strong business delegation on the occasion of the Overseas Diaspora Engagement Meet and has signed an MoU with the EDB with the hope that this will further bi-lateral interests and promote business interests in both nations." -PTI

FDI in multi-brand retail won't be allowed: Nirmala NEW DELHI: The National The United Progressive AlliDemocratic Alliance government ance government had opened the will not allow foreign direct invest- multi-brand retail sector for foreign ment in multi-brand retail, Com- investment and allowed up to 51 merce and Industry Minister per cent FDI in the sector. The BJP Nirmala Sitharaman said here. had opposed the policy.

"We are The politiclear that FDI cally sensitive will not be almulti-brand relowed in tail segment in multi-brand India employretail trade. ees millions We shall not and is domientertain FDI nated by momin MBRT. a n d - p o p There is no stores. a m b i g u i t y.

While the There is no new governconfusion on ment is against Nirmala Sitharaman this," she said FDI in the secwhile adtor, it has not dressing a press conference to yet initiated any move to scrap the mark 100 days of the new govern- policy of allowing FDI in multiment. brand retail approved by the UPA Sitharaman said her party, government.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has During the UPA regime, only clearly articulated its position on one investment proposal of UK the MBRT and had won the elec- based Tesco was cleared for the tions on the basis of the manifesto. sector. -PTI

India's concerns over access raised in Japan TOKYO: Notwithstanding the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in place, India is facing market access problems in various sectors in Japan and concerns over this were articulated during the recent visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi here.

The Indian concerns were conveyed by its top business leaders during a meeting with their counterparts under the framework of Japan-India Business Leaders Forum which later presented its report to Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. At the same time, the Japanese side raised issues regarding transfer policy, taxation and the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

"India has taken up some issues of access in Japan," leading Indian industrialist Baba Kalyani, who is the Co-Chair of the Forum, told PTI. Kalyani, Chairman and Managing Director of the USD 2.5 billion Kalyani Group of companies, was asked about the areas where access is a problem in Japan. He identified sectors like pharmaceutical, IT and manufactured products.

Of the bilateral trade of USD 16.29 billion in 2013-14, the trade deficit was about USD 3 billion and the Indian side is keen to bridge it.

At present, India's share is less than 1 per cent of total Japanese pharmaceutical market as Indian

pharma companies face non-tariff barriers there.

According to industry experts, the CEPA, which has been in place since 2011, is benefiting Japan more.

India's exports to Japan mainly includes petroleum, gems and jewellery, transport equipment and machinery, while imports include iron and steel, electronic goods, chemicals and metals.

Holding out positive prospects for the future of bilateral economic relations, Kalyani said the Japanese businesses are "upbeat" since the Modi government came to power as they feel execution will happen at much faster pace.

"They are more optimistic in investing now," Kalyani said, citing his observation on the basis of interaction with the Japanese business leaders.-PTI

Grand, big picture reforms in India will take some time Cont’d from page 12

"After that the framework will start kicking in and the government will determine what level it wants inflation at, through some kind of act," he said.

Rajan also noted that India is finally seeing growth improve, with the country's GDP growing to 5.7 per cent in the last quarter up from about 4.6 per cent a year ago. He, however, cautioned that while this growth is "reassuring" there is still tremendous room for further improvement.

"I do not want to jump up and down about this number. It is reassuring but we need more of it.

My hope is that this year we do a (GDP growth) of 5.5 per cent, may be a little better" and target a growth figure in the 6s next year and around 7 per cent by 2016.

The fiscal deficit too had blown out from 2.5 per cent to 6.5 per cent and the government worked "very hard" to bring it down. He said the fiscal deficit is projected to come down to 4.1 per cent this year and by 0.5 per cent every year after 2014.

He, however, said that everything is not "hunky dory" and there is still lots that need to be done.

"After you cut the deficit the second step is fix the quality of the fiscal deficit," he said. -PTI

September 12, 2014

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India Post 15

Desi News Asians launch campaign office for Gov Pat Quinn RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service

CHICAGO: Asian Americans for Quinn expressed their huge support to Governor Pat Quinn in his effort to get re-elected as Illinois Governor with a formal launch of a campaign office last week in Skokie, a northwest suburb of Chicago. Skokie and its surrounding villages have one of the largest concentrations of Asian Americans in the State The office launch had a group of 50 Asian American community leaders getting together and announcing their unequivocal support to Governor Quinn for reelection in November. They also felt, as put by Dr Ram Gajjela, former president of Indo American Democratic Organization (IADO) that there is an urgent need to induce Asian Americans to go out and vote.

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA

16 India Post

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Shere Punjab Club hosts Kabaddi & Volleyball Cup

September 12, 2014

Details on page 24

Ganesh Visarjan recreates Mumbai in San Francisco Bay area DEEPAK CHHABRA

Details on page 18

Devon now has a 'Raja' visiting the area every year RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service

CHICAGO: India is a land of Rajas and Maharajas but mini-India Town on Devon Avenue that has thick Indian population had none so far. This irked many a well minded community activist and they decided to have one formally installed this year. The Raja was none other than Indian God Ganapati described as Sukh Karta (giver of happiness) and Dukh Harta (destroyer of unhappinessimpediments.)

Details on page 19

Shreya hits new popularity mark in Chicago Asian Media USA

CHICAGO: Shreya Ghoshal's recent 'Live in Concert' at Sears Centre Arena, Hoffman Estates, proved one more time that this popular Bollywood singer has not lost a bit of her charm or singing talent and is highly popular with her fans in this windy city.

The magnificent Sears Center Arena was packed with a phenomenal number of people - 7000 plus - attending this show.

Details on page 22

FREMONT: Mumbai was recreated in San Francisco Bay area for Ganesh Visarjan on September 7. There was dhol, tasha, grand parade, cruise to Bay, maha aarti in cruise and the finale with Visarjan in the presence of 600 people in Pacific Ocean to the chants of 'Ganpati Bappa Mourya.'

Now from Indian Ocean to Pacific Ocean, Ganpati festival is univer-

sal and so are his blessings.

Dr Romesh Japra and Rajesh Verma, President and Chair of Fremont temple said, "We have successfully recreated Mumbai in Bay area and in the coming years we will have the largest Ganesh festival and Visarjan parade outside India".

Deepak Chhabra, Chair Events and head of Visarjan said," There

is lot of effort that goes behind the scenes to get permissions for Visarjan. We need to make sure that all the murtis we get for Visarjan are bio-degradable, made of clay and can dissolve in water.

About five years ago an inspiring thought arose among a group of temple devotees. Starting with the Bay Area Telugu Association (BATA), then Maharashtra Mandal

and Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) showed genuine interest in organizing a Ganesh Mahotsav or Ganesh Chaturthi. Ganesh Chaturthi is a Hindu festival of Lord Ganesha, the god of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune. The plan involved a week-long festival of organized festivities, cultural programs, and prayer ceremonies.

Cont’d on page 27

September 12, 2014

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Indian minister invites NRIs to work for Modi's vision India Post News Service

FREMONT: Overseas Friends of BJP (CA) hosted Indian Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation G.M. Siddeshwar in San Francisco Bay Area on September 1. This was the first visit by a Union Minister to the San Francisco Bay Area after the recently concluded Indian general elections.

The welcome dinner-reception program started with the recital of Vande Mataram led by Alka Bhatnagar followed by an introductory note from Chandru Bhambhra, past President of Over-

seas Friends of BJP, USA. He introduced various organization leaders of the Indian community like Chander Malik (HSS), Anil Rai (HSS), Sukhanandan K. (HSS), Satej Chowdhary and Vikram S. (OVBI), Gautam & Ms. Rupali Desai (Sewa International), Yagnesh & Ms. Madhvi Pathak (Sewa International), Hitesh Joshi (VHP-USA), Anil & Ms. Ashwini Surpur (Yoga Bharati), Chandra S. (EKAL), Niraj Baxi (NFIA) along with Harish Dhruv, Dr R. Gadasalli, Govind V.S., Rajan Sadagopan, Judhajit S, Kiran Maiya, Basu U, Shivu Vibhuti, Mahadev and

Dr Gadasalli R, Minister G.M. Siddeshwar, Chandru Bhambhra and Niraj Baxi

Minister G.M. Siddeshwar, Arun B, Chandru Bhambhra and Harish Dhruv

Narasimhan, volunteers from (OFBJP -CA).

Minister Siddheshwar was honored with a plaque presentation ceremony by Chandru Bhambhra, Harish Dhruv, Neeraj Baxi, and Dr Gadasalli. While introducing the Minister, Dr Gadasalli mentioned that MP Siddheshwar's father was a Jan Sangh stalwart in Karnataka. After him, Siddheshwar has taken up gov-

ernance with huge success. Known for his integrity, he is said to be one of the best MPs in Karnataka.

In his remarks, Siddheshwar applauded the contributions made

by NRIs in the US and thanked them for playing a key role in getting BJP a definite mandate in the 2014 general elections. He outlined some of the key points in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision

and invited NRIs to participate in making this a reality.

Expressing a very optimistic outlook for the Made in India and Make in India campaign, he said, it is expected to jump start the manufacturing segment in India, bring in more foreign investment and become a major engine of employment for India.

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Community Across America

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Asians launch campaign office for Gov Pat Quinn RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service

CHICAGO: Asian Americans for Quinn expressed their huge support to Governor Pat Quinn in his effort to get re-elected as Illinois Governor with a formal launch of a campaign office last week in Skokie, a northwest suburb of Chicago. Skokie and its surrounding villages have one of the largest concentrations of Asian Americans in the State The office launch had a group of 50 Asian American community leaders getting together and announcing their unequivocal support to Governor Quinn for re-election

in November. They also felt, as put by Dr Ram Gajjela, former president of Indo American Democratic Organization (IADO) that there is an urgent need to induce Asian Americans to go out and vote. It is noticed over the past many elections that a great number of eligible voters among Asian Americans are not exercising their franchise and that makes them ineffective so far as advancing their agendas at the legislative level is concerned.

Those attending the campaign office launch agreed that over the coming months they will urge Asian Americans across Illinois to join them in supporting him by going to the voting booths. The Governor was

Governor Pat Quinn with Indian Americans during the launch of campaign office

the Chief Guest presiding over the grand opening of the new campaign office in Skokie.

"Illinois is a place of freedom and equal opportunity - where people of all cultures and backgrounds should feel welcome," Governor Quinn said. "The Asian American community is one of the fastest growing communities in our state, and it's important we continue to welcome and honor them and make sure they have access to the many opportunities our state offers."

Members of Asian Americans for Quinn include co-chairs Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Chicago Alderman Ameya Pawar (47th ward); Skokie Village Clerk Pramod Shah; Mundelein Trustee Holly Kim; and IADO President Ashish Sen and former chief Dr Ram Gajjela.

"Governor Quinn has always been dedicated to making Illinois a better place for the people of this state - including the Asian American community," Alderman Ameya Pawar said. "He is the only candidate in the race that is truly dedicated to supporting the Asian American community. We support him for re-election in November as his leadership will continue to move our state forward."

EMPLOYMENT ACT Quinn signed into law the Asian American Employment Plan Act to create stronger representation of the Asian American community in the state workforce and appointed 11 community members to the Asian American Employment Plan Advisory Council. His diverse administration also includes several Asian Americans. He also held several events in recognition of Asian American Heritage Month, including the first-ever reception in the Executive Mansion for the Asian American community.

In his brief address, Dr Gajjela added that Governor Quinn has acquitted himself really well in discharge of his duties as Governor. He inherited bad economy and unenviable legacy from the former ruler, but he tried to repair the economy and it has shown good sign of improvement.

Besides, he has addressed health issues effectively and is also paying special attention to education, especially higher education and technical education. Another good point about this Governor, he said, is that he is a common man person. "His doors are always open for any one to come in with a problem.

He is amiable," Gajjela said amidst applause.

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Devon now has a 'Raja' visiting the area every year

Devon Ka Raja Lord Ganesh

RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service

CHICAGO: India is a land of Rajas and Maharajas but mini-India Town on Devon Avenue that has thick Indian population had none so far. This irked many a well minded community activist and they decided to have one formally installed this year. The Raja was none other than Indian God Ganapati described as Sukh Karta (giver of happiness) and Dukh Harta (destroyer of unhappinessimpediments.)

Community activists were led by former president of Hindi Lovers Club, Ms Gurbachan Singh, current chief Vinita Gulbani, owners of Urus Swati couple Hansa

Aarti session with Meeta (left) blowing Shunkh

and Kamal Chhabaria, and editor publisher of hi India Weekly, Hemant Brahmbhatt. They were joined by many Devon area businessmen, friends and well wishers. They brought in a huge idol of Ganapati, crowned it as Devon Ka Raja and placed it in a spacious Regal Jewels store on 2642 W Devon Avenue in Chicago.

It was on Friday August 29, the day according to Hindu mythology is Ganesh Chaturthi, Lord Ganesh was re-born in his present form - elephant head and human body - with the blessings of his father Lord Shiva. A large number of devotees and Devon area businessmen flocked to the facility in Devon for Ganesh Ji Darshan, prayer and seeking blessings. This

Ganesh Puja in progress

Ganesh devotees

Revelers at Ganesh Ji procession

continued for 10 days as is usual practice across India. This ended on Sunday September 7.

It was literally Mela everyday for a huge numbers of Indians flocking in not only from suburbs but also from neighboring States of Indiana and Wisconsin. Daily there were two prayers (Aartis) in the morning and evening and the last day saw a special Visarjan process -immersing the idol in water after the Aarti. Hundreds of devotees and visitors joined the procession in a way to show their respect and regards to the new Raja whom traditionally they request to come back early so that they live happily in peace and harmony.

Bhajans, Garbas, special discourses and Prasads to every one were other features of the celebrations. Pt Anil Joshi, a renowned priest from Lake Hindu temple conducted a special discourse on Friday September 5 and explained the significance of word Moria as well as the unusual birth of Lord Ganesh who is blessed by his parents that all the auspicious events will commence with obeisance to him.

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Ganesh Utsava celebrated with great fervor GEETHA PATIL

CHICAGO: Lake County Hindu Mandir celebrated Ganesh Utsava with fervor and lot of devotional enthusiasm. This was the 7th year of grand celebrations and it had a cultural extravaganza of all Maharashtrian varieties.

Ganesh Utsava started from Friday August 29 with Lord Ganesh sthapan and Abhishekam

by Pt Ganesh and Pt Anil Joshi.

The Maharashtrian devotees came in wearing stunning traditional dresses and gave a rare opportunity for all other devotees to relish flavor of Marathi Bhajans and Aarti songs as well.

For ten days, every evening, Lord Ganesh pujan was performed with all spiritual spirits by both temple priests. Archana and Aarti along with a 'Bhajan Sandhya' program was performed by teen talents and women from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. This displayed their hidden talent for singing and playing instruments.

On Saturday, September 6 morning, more than 70 children from Lake County Balgokulam performed Ganesh Pujan and Aarti under instructions of Mrs Yashasvini Desai. Next day on Sunday, a very elaborate Abhishekam of Lord Ganesh was performed by Pt Ganesh and Pt. Anil Joshi with all the Vaidic rituals and religious zeal. Many holy devotional songs sung by a group of Maharashtrian devotees filled the shrine with spiritual vibrations and pulsations.

Renowned local singer Mrs Vasu Choksi conducted this Bhajans program in an encourag-

Aarti at Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations at Grays Lake Hindu Temple

ing and admirable fashion. More than 400 devotees with their beautifully dressed children and visiting parents attended this event with sacred mood to have the blessings of Lord Ganesh.

Favorite 'Modak' was distributed to every devotee as little

Prasadam before having a sumptuous mouth-watering Maharashtrian Purana Poli with ghee as a special dish. Mrs Nandini Vishwasrao and her team made every devotee to go home with excellent Maharashtrian aroma in their mouth.

Ganesh Visarjan procession

In the evening, Lord Ganesh Visarjan procession started at 4:30pm from the shrine to the parking lot water tank accompanied with groups of bands, drums and famous Maharashtrian Lejim dances by young men and women throughout the procession. Enthu-

Final ritual on the tenth day

siastic devotees danced to the tunes of dhol and created a real festive environment for everyone.

About 50 families brought their Ganesh Murtis and joined the procession. Lord Ganesh Visarjan Pujan was performed by Pandit Joshi and Pt Ganesh. The two priests immersed Murtis one by one in the Chandan powder mixed water by following all the religious observances. Everyone chanted 'Ganapati Bappa Moraya Pudche Varshi Loukar Yaa!' slogan with full energy and zeal.

Pt Joshi offered 'Gulal' to all devotees along with his Ashirvachan for their happy and prosperous life. He honored and thanked Raj Potdar, Manoj and Anupam Bhat, Subhas and Rekha Deodhar for their valuable time in organizing and making this event beautiful with all the decorations.

He also thanked on behalf of President Harsh Kumar each and every devotee and volunteer for his/her time, support and participation in the program, as well as being a great audience.

Salim Yusuf honored as 'Pride of Kerala' India Post News Service

LAS VEGAS: The 35th annual convention of the Association of Kerala Medical Graduates (AKMG) was held in grand style at the the Bellagio Resort & Casino, Las Vegas,from August 14 to 16. It was attended by 300 AKMG members and their families.

Dr Salim Yusuf, a Professor of Medicine, McMaster University and incoming President of the World Heart Federation, was the chief guest and keynote speaker.

"His groundbreaking series of population studies, clinical trials and discoveries involving over a million subjects, in 86 counties have revolutionized the prevention and treatment of

heart disease and transformed the landscape and practice of cardiology worldwide, as few physicians have ever done", said Dr Enas Enas, a fellow cardiologist, researcher, and past President of AKMG while introducing Yusuf at the AKMG banquet.

Parameswaran Hari, the President of AKMG said "We at AKMG are immensely proud of his contributions to science and humanity."

In his keynote address Dr Yusuf highlighted the public health chalenges in India and Kerala, especially the heightened risk of heart disease based on his own ongoing PURE (Prospective Urban Rural Evaluation) study. This largest ever population study enrolled approximately 200,000 subjects including 30,000 from india and 5,000 from Kerala. He urged

AKMG members to rise to stem the tide of non-communible diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes in our homeland as an organized body, representing 3,500 physicians of Kerala heritage in North America.

Dr Salim Yusuf

When President Eisenhower suffered a heart attack in 1955, there were no effective medicines for heart attacks and the mainstay of his treatment was just strict bed rest. He was not allowed to sit up in a chair for 28 days, or walk until 44 days. When he was finally discharged on day 48, his only prescription was another 90 days of bed rest at the White House.

The in-hospital mortality rate was 50% and the prognosis of the survivors was one of doom and gloom. In sharp contrast, a heart attack today is treated with immediate opening of the coronary artery with medicine or stent. Today, most heart attack patients are allowed to sit up in chair the same day, walk in the hallway the next day or climb stairs, go home on the third day and return to work in

two weeks. Further, patients receive many life-saving medications such as aspirin, ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, clopidogrel, and statins to name a few. Notably, as a result, the 30-day mortality from heart attacks has plummeted from 50% to 10%.

Yusuf is credited with several definitive studies that provided the ultimate evidence for government approval and global use of many of these and other medicines. Millions of lives worldwide have been saved as a result, and will continue to be saved for generations to come.

Born as a village boy in Kottarakara, Kerala, Yusuf obtained his MBBS from St. John's Medical College, Bangalore.

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Shreya hits new popularity mark in Chicago

The organizers with Shreya

Shreya Ghosal performing on stage Asian Media USA

CHICAGO: Shreya Ghoshal's recent 'Live in Concert' at Sears Centre Arena, Hoffman Estates, proved one more time that this popular Bollywood singer has not lost a bit of her charm or singing talent and is highly popular with

her fans in this windy city.

The magnificent Sears Center Arena was packed with a phenomenal number of people - 7000 plus - attending this show. The Chicago show was organized by Sahil LA Tan team led by Patels Babubhai, Bhavesh from Sahil and Nick Patel and Mayur from L.A.

TAN. If this Shreya show is a prerunner for a still more magnificent presentation - Slam - Sahil and LA Tan team are set to create history in show business in Midwest.

The concert started with Opening Dance of Surjan Chicago Fogana Junior Raas 2014. They are winner First place in Fogana 2014

Temple plans Fundraiser for community center

FOGANA winner dance team that preceded the Shreya show

SURI SWAMY

ST LOUIS: Hindu Temple of St Louis has slated a huge silver celebration by organizing a Fundraiser on a grand scale at Marriott West in St Louis on September 13.

The Hindu Temple focus is

now more on providing spiritual education for future generations.

The proposed multi-purpose community center would contain 13 class rooms, yoga and meditation halls, meeting rooms, dining hall, 247 additional parking spaces and

Hindu Temple St Louis

widening of temple entrance.

"The participation and generous support of our whole community is critical in building the proposed multipurpose community center. We seek support from all members of our community and urge them to attend the event. You will not be obligated to donate by attending the event," said Ashwin Patel, a spokesman.

The management will take the opportunity to detail the event and provide update on the proposed plan of community center and how it is important for growing numbers of Indians settled in St Louis, he said.

held in Detroit. Shreya commenced with Sun Raha hai na tu and ended with Mere Dholna.

With a twinkling smile and relaxed demeanor she took up listeners' requests that reverberated through the packed hall. She sang a number of songs to the demand of the audience and tried to satisfy all with her sweet and melodi-

ous voice.

The orchestra accompanying Shreya did a wonderful job. Light effects and sound system was very well synchronized. Before ending the program, Shreya thanked the entire team of organizers calling organizers Bhavesh and Nick Patel of Sahil and L.A.Tan on stage.

Salim Yusuf honored as 'Pride of Kerala' Cont’d from page 20

In 1976, he obtained a DPhil from Oxford University, where, he developed the concepts of large, simple trials, and meta-analysis.

He immediately validated these concepts, by conducting a series of a large multinational, randomized double blind clinical trials leading to game changing discoveries.

In 1992, Yusuf moved to McMaster University in Canada as the Director of Cardiology. The next year, he founded the Popula-

tion Health Research Institute or PHRI and built it into the foremost population research center in the world. He now heads a research team of 250 individuals, which include 35 career researchers and 34 research fellows.

As an inspiring leader and President-elect of the World Heart Federation, Yusuf is now spearheading an Emerging Leaders program in 100 countries with the aim of reducing the global burden of cardiovascular disease by 50% within a generation.

September 12, 2014

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Chinital Mehta's 'Soul Caring' comes to Devon RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service

CHICAGO: Care For Soul home care services run by a Gujarati businesswoman has now come to miniIndia town on Devon Avenue to serve elderly, sick ,disabled and needy persons of Indian-Pakistani and other communities.

Chintal Mehta

Launched three years ago in Skokie by Chinital Mehta and then moved to Niles (both suburbs of Chicago), Care For Services got rave reviews from its clients for

the services rendered. This emboldened Chintal to enter another Chicagoland city, Hanover Park. The expected successes at Devon might trigger further expansion to a few other locations, she said "We do not only care for physical needs but seek to make our clients emotionally happier too with our personalized care.

This is one of the reasons besides the overall quality services that we are having good feed back, triggering expansion," she said in a talk to this paper.

Holding a Masters degree in commerce from Gujarat University with good computer skills as an additional asset, Chintal had moved to this country in 1999 and worked as an office assistant with an adult care and home career facility in Chicago for over ten years. She had that typical Gujarati trait of entrepreneurship and she yearned to start her own independent business in this country right since the day she landed.

Her dream came true when she was beset with some personal problem impacting her job.

Cont’d on page 25

Devon Ave facility of Care For Soul Home Care facility

Home care office at work

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Shere Punjab Club hosts Kabaddi & Volleyball Cup

Punjab Sports Club Milwaukee Team which won the First Prize in Kabaddi Cup Tournament. It was given a check of $5100 and a Champion Trophy

Sarbjeet Cheema, a well known Tollywood actor and Punjabi singer, and a section of the audience Asian Media USA

CHICAGO: Shere Punjab Sports & Cultural Club, Chicago held its 8th Annual Kabaddi Cup Tournament "Chicago Kabaddi Cup 2014, Volley Ball and Cultural Program" on Sunday, August 31

three hours. Raghbir Singh (GHUN) from Houston was the Chief Guest.

In the open Kabaddi Cup matches the first prize was won by the Punjab Sport Club [PSC] Milwaukee. They defeated Shere Punjab Sports and Cultural Club,

Final match in progress between Punjab Sports Club Milwaukee and Shere Punjab Sports & Cultural Club

at Busse Woods Forest Preserve South, in Elk Grove Village that turned out to be a big festival of fun, food and sports.

People not only from Chicagoland area but from Indiana, Ohio, Michigan and Wisconsin came in large numbers to enjoy this event. The Kabaddi and Volleyball teams from Detroit, Arkansas, Milwaukee, Indianapolis and Chicago participated in the tournament. In the evening famous Punjabi folk singer Sarbjeet Cheema entertained guests with his Punjabi hit songs for more than

Chicago.

In the Volleyball tournament, the first First Prize was won by Shahid Bhagat Singh Club, Chicago. Second prize went to Go Green club of Madison. The prize sponsor was Amarjit Singh Ghindsa.

Chairman of the club Harinderjit Dhaliwal, President Hardeep Bandesha and all Members of the Board thanked all the spectators, sponsors and supporters. The whole event was telecast live by Global Punjab Channel.

Cont’d on page 25

Volleyball Game action - Shahid Bhagat Singh Club Chicago and Go Green club of Madison

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Aavegh production 'Tyaag' on Sept 20 RANJAN PAINTAL

CHICAGO: Indian fusion dance troupe Aavegh will debut its latest production, "Tyaag," on September 20 and 21 at Vittum Theatre in Chicago. 'Tyaag' in Sanskrit means "release", "relinquish", or "let go" The program on Saturday will start at 6-30 pm while that on Sunday at 3 pm.

It will showcase a series of unique and moving performances taking audience members through the various emotions associated with "letting go" of things that one holds dear. "Tyaag" will bring together the different dance styles of Indian classical, Indian folk, ballet, modern, and contemporary dance to depict different experiences of releasing the past and

moving forward. Each dance will be enhanced with original poetry authored by Aavegh members.

"The inspiration for this production came from the experiences of my family and friends. With so much hardship, suffering, and loss experienced daily, I was inspired by and wanted to focus on the strength of those around me to "let go", stay positive, and move forward. Finding an organization like Rainbows for All Children that helps our youth to do just that, fit our mission perfectly and we are looking forward to supporting this great organization" says founder and director of Aavegh, Supna C. Jain.

Unique not only in its dance style, Aavegh also seeks to raise

Chinital Mehta's 'Soul Caring' comes to Devon Cont’d from page 23

It is then she decided that the time had come to launch her own business and thus came Care For Soul, "a meaningful name reflecting our basic mission for those in need," she said.

Her good educational background buttressed with hefty practical experience stood her in good stead and she has not looked back from the day she had her own facility started. She said she was looking for opportunities to take this facility to other suburbs of Chicagoland as well. She

has twenty plus administrative staff and 300 plus field workers to help meet the client needs.

She is happy that she finally got a chance to give back to the community at large.

"I did not only want to ensure that the sick, disabled and needy seniors got physical help at home but also that they are emotionally getting better and happier.

This induced me to select a more meaningful name - Care For Soul - and our more personalized approach has been paying good dividend with happy and ever increasing client base," she said.

Shere Punjab Club hosts Kabaddi & Volleyball Cup Cont’d from page 24

Priests recited prayer and tournament was declared open by blowing balloons.

The cultural program started with a song by Jesse Singh, a local singer. Sarbjeet Cheema, who acted in Punjabi movies, sang a song describing how Punjab is a true treasure in this world. He sang 'Mela Vekhdiye Mutiyare' and Rang Rara Riri Rara.' The audience enjoyed his songs. The program was about Punjabi songs and dances.

The following are office bearers and members of Shere Punjab Sports & Cultural Club: ChairmanHarinderjit Dhaliwal, PresidentHardeep Bandesha, Other members- Jinder Benipal, Jindi

Khangura, Parminder Walia, Amardev Singh, Jassi Gill, Billu Gill, Baljit Mangi, Balwinder Chatha, Harbant Grewal, Mohnajit Singh, Lakhwinder Biharipur, Vicky Shamipurya, Rajdeep Pamma, Lakhbir Thindsa, Pali Dhaliwal, Dapinder Dhaliwal, Paramjit Mahiraj, Rupinder Arora, Lakhwinder Singh Shenkhon, Jagdishar Kaler, Gurdev singh Joda, Harjeet Sandhar, Kulwant Dhillon, Surjit Dhoor, Dr Gucharan Singh Grewal, Harbhajan Singh Sandawalia, Harinder Chahal, Bhadhar Singh, Darshan Singh Grewal, Satwinder Singh Pumpy, Sohinder Singh Bilkhu.

Raffle tickets were also sold and the draw was done where winners were given prizes of TV and laptop.

awareness and donations for non-profits with a mission tied to each production's theme. Proceeds from "Tyaag" will benefit Rainbows for All Children, a nonprofit dedicated to providing support to children as they navigate grief and heal from loss, whether from death, divorce, deployment, or other trauma.

For the past 31 years, Rainbows has served over 3 million children in 16 different countries with peer support group programs and services addressing social and emotional well-being.

The organization will utilize Aavegh's donation to support its Chicago area services.

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Mangalorean Konkan Christians celebrate Monthi VSSIA D'SOUZA

Prayer during the celebrations

Start of Monthi Fest with children entering the hall

CHICAGO: Members of the Mangalorean Konkan Christian Association (MKCA/USA) joined together with their friends and families to celebrate the Nativity of Mother Mary (Monthi Fest) at the century old magnificent Church at Divine Word Mission,

Techny Towers, Northbrook, a northwest suburb of Chicago on Saturday September 6.

When the Sun set in the West, it was a Sunrise in the East, the actual day of Monthi Fest in Mangalore. For Mangaloreans, Monthi Fest is traditionally com-

bined with harvest feast, wherein the new crop is offered to the Creator. The blessed corn is then mixed with the festive meal and partaken with kin and kith of the family. For the Mangaloreans in Chicago, it was an early Thanksgiving as the feast closely aligns

with North American Thanksgiving celebration.

The program began with a procession with children carrying flowers to express their love, respect and devotion to Mother Mary, which was culminated by offering a single most beautiful

flower to the statue of Infant Mary. With the singing of "Sokkod Sangatha Mellyam" and "Moriyek Hogollsiyam", children were rejoicing with admiration and joy.

The Holy Mass was celebrated

by Rev. Fr. Richie Vaz, SVD.

Indian minister invites NRIs to work for Modi's vision Cont’d from page 17

Further, he said that rural development is one of the major focus areas for the new government and that creating model villages in each assembly constituency is a priority. Siddheshwar said that he is personally ensuring the development of one such village in his constituency by 2016 that will have all necessary amenities related to irrigation, agriculture, edu-

cation, electricity, hospitals and veterinary hospitals.

Referring to the civil aviation ministry's vision, he said that the priority is to connect tier 2 and tier 3 cities by air. The Union Minister also solicited suggestions from NRIs in improving the civil aviation sector in India.

Many suggestions were provided including initiating strategic partnerships for increasing the revenue share of Indian private

Kiran M, Chandru Bhambhra, Alka B, Consul Dr Srinivasa, Anirban K, Arun B, Satej C

and public companies in the US-India travel segment, promoting tourism in cities of rich cultural heritage in India for boosting air travel industry revenues and changes to the bureaucratic processes related to the distribution of air tickets blocks to travel agencies to increase competitiveness.

The program ended with a Vote of Thanks by Niraj Baxi (Past President - NFIA).

Top row left to right: Anil & Ashwini Surpur, Rajan S, Chandru Bhambhra, Consul Dr Srinivasa, Anil R, Minister Siddheshwar, Chander M, Harish Dhruv, Alka B, Niraj Baxi, Shivu V, Mahadev K, Govind VS Bottom row left to right: Narasi, Judhajit S, Kiran M, Chandra S, Satej C, Vikram S, Basu U

September 12, 2014

Community Across America

India Post 27

www.indiapost.com

Ganesh Visarjan recreates Mumbai in Bay area

Cont’d from page 16

Fremont Hindu Temple Management decided to make it an annual celebration and Fremont Hindu Temple Ganesh Mahotsav into one-of-a-kind event every year The temple celebrated with prayer ceremonies and cultural programs every evening. The festival was attended by thousands of people, filling the temple with families arriving in their best clothes, to enjoy this first-of-its-kind event.

As part of the festival, an immersion trip was organized. Six buses filled with over 600 people set out on the immersion trip to the San Francisco Bay on September 7.

Buses filled with devotees and enthusiasts of all ages arrived at San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf on a Sunday afternoon for Lord Ganesha's Visarjan.

CREATING HISTORY The immersion was done in Pacific Ocean near Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco.

This has been creating history in Bay Area for the last five years.

The atmosphere on top of the ship that took the 600 devotees to a pre-destined off shore area of the Bay in the Pacific Ocean can only be defined as magical.

'Ganapati gele gavala chain padena aamhala' just witnessed an Out Of World Ganesh Visarjan Event in Pacific Ocean near Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.

The ship was filled with the sound of music hymns being sung by devotees of all ages. Children were seen running around the ship filled with questions, excited because none of them had ever seen this part of their culture before. The experience was further made real when after the prayer ceremony, families were allowed to take their own miniidols (which were all pre-approved and made of completely biodegradable materials), and

immerse them in the Bay waters.

As the individual idols sunk into the deep waters of the Bay, the spirit of the people rose with singing and cheers to celebrate the end of the week long festivities 'Ganapati Bappa Morya! Pudhchya Varshi Laukar Yaa... Ganapati Gele Gavala Chain Padena Aamhala.'

Temple management, as represented by Dr Romesh Japra, Rajesh Verma, Manorama Joshi, Govind Pasumarthi, Vijaya Aasuri, Veeru Vupalla and other Management members along with Event Chair Deepak Chhabra concluded the event with a great success.

TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

1 Tu Meri : Bang Bang 2 Samjhawan : Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania 3 Tere Ho Ke Rahenge : Raja Natwarlal 4 Yaar Naa Miley : Kick www.indiapost.com

28 India Post

September 12, 2014 5 Aata Majha Satakli : Singham Returns 6 Galliyan : Ek Villain 7 Fanny Re : Finding Fanny 8 Sawaan Aaya Hai : Creature 3D

A

9 Hangover : Kick

kshay Kumar returned to Delhi after completing a 28-day outdoor shoot in Cape Town.

This was the longest outdoor at a stretch that he has done away from his family, as usually his wife Twinkle joins him at least for a couple of days in between. Akshay obviously wanted to see his wife and kids once he returned and thus called them over to be with him, while he shoots in Delhi the next few days. His two-year-old daughter Nitara is feisty with bright eyes and looks just like Akshay. Kids being kids, she has pet-named her dad 'Akki beta'.

Akshay revealed, "Had I called my dad by his name, I would be whacked."

While Twinkle has a clear soft corner for her son Aarav, the really cute Nitara is a favorite of her father.

10 Aaj Phir: Hate Story 2

R

anveer Singh has a number of movies up and doesn't have the time even to think about marriage.He is totally engrossed in work and only acting occupies his mind.

Ranveer who is dating Deepika Padukone is currently shooting for Zoya Akhtar's 'Dil Dhadakne Do' and soon after that he will start shooting for Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Bajirao Mastani' opposite his ladylove and actress Deepika Padukone.

When asked about marriage, the 29-year-old actor was quoted as saying, "I don't even think about it, as of now. I am only thinking about which movies should I do that will make a mark, and what parts I should play that will become memorable. I am really enjoying the process. I am exploring my creativity and myself, as an artiste, by trying new things.

I am caught up in it and things are moving fast for me. So I don't have the time or headspace to think about such things."

Ranveer has enacted a small part in 'Finding Fanny' where he acts as Deepika's groom.

I am exploring my creativity and myself, as an artiste, by trying new things. I am caught up in it and things are moving fast for me

T

iger Shroff, who is a fitness buff, has taken keen interest in his father Jackie Shroff’s fitness. Since the past couple of months, the actor has put his father on a strict fitness regime.

Jackie has been a little carefree about his health and fitness but now after his son has insisted, he has been listening and paying attention to him.

Tiger has put Jackie on a strict diet and has been making him do scheduled workouts. He has designed a workout regime that suits Jackie.

Also, Jackie’s late night outings have been reduced. Tiger wants his father to take more care of himself and be disciplined about his fitness.

Tiger says, “Dad is the opposite of me in many ways. He is ‘bindaas’ — oblivious to all forms of social restraint.”

He adds, “But he has agreed to listen to me finally as he needs to get into shape for his role of a boxer in his next.”

TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

1 Tu Meri : Bang Bang 2 Samjhawan : Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania 3 Tere Ho Ke Rahenge : Raja Natwarlal 4 Yaar Naa Miley : Kick www.indiapost.com

28 India Post

September 12, 2014 5 Aata Majha Satakli : Singham Returns 6 Galliyan : Ek Villain 7 Fanny Re : Finding Fanny 8 Sawaan Aaya Hai : Creature 3D

A

9 Hangover : Kick

kshay Kumar returned to Delhi after completing a 28-day outdoor shoot in Cape Town.

This was the longest outdoor at a stretch that he has done away from his family, as usually his wife Twinkle joins him at least for a couple of days in between. Akshay obviously wanted to see his wife and kids once he returned and thus called them over to be with him, while he shoots in Delhi the next few days. His two-year-old daughter Nitara is feisty with bright eyes and looks just like Akshay. Kids being kids, she has pet-named her dad 'Akki beta'.

Akshay revealed, "Had I called my dad by his name, I would be whacked."

While Twinkle has a clear soft corner for her son Aarav, the really cute Nitara is a favorite of her father.

10 Aaj Phir: Hate Story 2

R

anveer Singh has a number of movies up and doesn't have the time even to think about marriage.He is totally engrossed in work and only acting occupies his mind.

Ranveer who is dating Deepika Padukone is currently shooting for Zoya Akhtar's 'Dil Dhadakne Do' and soon after that he will start shooting for Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Bajirao Mastani' opposite his ladylove and actress Deepika Padukone.

When asked about marriage, the 29-year-old actor was quoted as saying, "I don't even think about it, as of now. I am only thinking about which movies should I do that will make a mark, and what parts I should play that will become memorable. I am really enjoying the process. I am exploring my creativity and myself, as an artiste, by trying new things.

I am caught up in it and things are moving fast for me. So I don't have the time or headspace to think about such things."

Ranveer has enacted a small part in 'Finding Fanny' where he acts as Deepika's groom.

I am exploring my creativity and myself, as an artiste, by trying new things. I am caught up in it and things are moving fast for me

T

iger Shroff, who is a fitness buff, has taken keen interest in his father Jackie Shroff’s fitness. Since the past couple of months, the actor has put his father on a strict fitness regime.

Jackie has been a little carefree about his health and fitness but now after his son has insisted, he has been listening and paying attention to him.

Tiger has put Jackie on a strict diet and has been making him do scheduled workouts. He has designed a workout regime that suits Jackie.

Also, Jackie’s late night outings have been reduced. Tiger wants his father to take more care of himself and be disciplined about his fitness.

Tiger says, “Dad is the opposite of me in many ways. He is ‘bindaas’ — oblivious to all forms of social restraint.”

He adds, “But he has agreed to listen to me finally as he needs to get into shape for his role of a boxer in his next.”

30 India Post

www.indiapost.com

September 12, 2014

India Post 31

September 12, 2014

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„ Health

Line

Shift in health plan cuts funds to shelter program EUGENE, Ore.: One of the last resorts for mentally ill people in Eugene suffering a crisis will be closed this month after a change in state health care policy took one-third of a shelter's money.

The Royal Avenue Program' shelter, based in a former motel, offers beds plus short-term care provided by caseworkers and counselors during mental health hospitalization.

The shelter accommodated 19 people at a time, usually housing them for about a week while they moved into other treatment. Last year, the shelter served 369 people.

Lane County public health spokesman Jason Davis says the expansion of the Oregon Health Plan means there are fewer indigent, uninsured mentally ill people who need short-term crisis housing.

With fewer clients forecast to be in indigent programs, the state is reducing contracts with agencies. -AP

„ Apollo to invest Rs 2,033 to open 12 hospitals NEW DELHI: Healthcare major Apollo Hospitals Enterprise plans to open 12 hospitals in the next three years that entail an investment of Rs 2,032.7 crore.

As per the plan, the company will add 2,175 beds over next three years, the company said in its Corporate Review and Business Update 2014.

"Total funding requirement is Rs 2,032.7 crore. Already Rs 590.1 crore have been invested," it added.

When asked how the healthcare provider planned to raise funds for expansion, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Chief Financial Officer Krishnan Akhileswaran told PTI: "It will be a combination of internal accruals and debt."

The group has significant headroom to raise capital, the update said.

Most of the hospitals will be super-specialty facilities while one of them will be multi-specialty and another a reach hospital.

The healthcare provider is following cluster strategy for expansion to ensure dominance in cities like Chennai and widen the reach in locations such as Bangalore. It is undertaking greenfield projects in attractive newer markets, the update said.

Other initiatives such as e-ICU and mobile health are also being taken up in a big way, Apollo Hospitals said. -PTI

Health Science

Promote organ donation among children: Vardhan Details on Page 34

32 India Post

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September 12, 2014

US Senate candidates in Colorado trade jabs in first debate GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.: Health care and the partial government shutdown underscored the first debate between U.S. Democratic Sen. Mark Udall and Republican U.S. Rep. Cory Gardner, who are deadlocked in a pivotal Colorado contest that could determine control of the Senate.

Gardner repeatedly tied Udall to the policies of President Barack Obama, frequently naming Udall and Obama in the same sentence, as well as referring to Udall's support for the nation's new health care law and his vote for the 2008 stimulus plan. ``Barack Obama and Mark Udall have put tremendous pressure on this country,'' Gardner said.

Udall countered by criticizing Gardner for siding with Republicans during the partial government shutdown in the aftermath of devastating floods in Colorado last year. ``You hurt the people of Colo-

rado. You hurt the recovery,'' Udall said. ``I can't believe you're politicizing a tragedy,'' Gardner snapped back.

The high-stakes race is Udall's

race this year catapulted the contest into one of most competitive in the nation.

Most polls show Gardner tied with Udall.

Both parties have spent mil-

U.S. Senator Mark Udall and U.S Rep. Cory Gardner debate at the kickoff of the campaign season at the Club 20 debates at the Two Rivers Convention Center in Grand Junction, Colorado Saturday Sept. 6 as Rachel Richards moderates.

first re-election bid after taking office in 2008 during a banner year for Democrats. Gardner has long been considered a rising star in the GOP, and his entry into the

lions on the race in this swing state, and when the contest is decided it could be the most expensive Senate race in Colorado history.

The candidates debated in Grand Junction at an event hosted

by Club 20, an influential western Colorado advocacy group.

Republicans have made Obama's low approval ratings and the country's health-care overhaul a big issue in the campaign. ``You promised the American people that if you liked your health-care plan, you can keep your health-care plan,'' Gardner asked Udall. ``When did you know that that promise was not going to be kept?''

Udall responded by blaming insurance companies for ``not keeping faith with the intent of the law.''

Democrats, meanwhile, are seeking to paint Gardner as being against reproductive rights. ``How can women and families trust you? Why are you getting between women and their doctors?'' Udall asked Gardner.

Gardner responded by saying he supports expanding access to over-the-counter birth control for women. -AP

Indian physician guilty of health care fraud NEW YORK: An Indian physician has pleaded guilty to healthcare fraud and illegally prescribing controlled substance medications and for fraudulently collecting over USD 216,000 for services he did not provide.

Sathish Narayanappa Babu of Chicago faces up to 14 years in prison on counts of healthcare fraud and illegally prescribing a controlled substance and a USD 500,000 fine.

However, under the plea deal with the government he could be behind bars for about nine years.

Babu, who had his medical license suspended after he was arrested earlier this year, remains free on bond and will be sentenced in January 2015 by US District Judge John Tharp.

He has to surrender his federal medical registration and is prohibited from writing any pre-

scriptions or submitting any medical insurance claim for any patient.

Babu, 47, admitted that he illegally prescribed oxycodone and other controlled substances, and fraudulently billed a federal insurance program approximately USD

spector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He also agreed to forfeit approximately USD 126,000 that was seized when he was arrested, as well as three luxury automobiles.

Babu admitted that between November 2012 and December

Sathish Narayanappa Babu of Chicago faces up to 14 years in prison on counts of healthcare fraud and illegally prescribing a controlled substance and a USD 500,000 fine.

However, under the plea deal with the government he could be behind bars for 9 years.

500,000 and collected approximately USD 216,000 for services he did not provide.

He was arrested in February following an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the US Department of Health and Human Services Office of In-

2013, he issued multiple prescriptions for controlled substances to a patient who was actually an undercover agent, despite never having seen or examined the patient.

He also permitted unlicensed personnel associated with his medical practice to issue prescrip-

tions to the patient.

During the same period, Babu submitted false claims to Medicare for services provided to the patient that were not rendered by Babu or another licensed medical professional.

Babu also hired three foreign medical school graduates who were not licensed physicians in the US to conduct home visits and advertised these individuals as 'MDs' or doctors.

Babu submitted medicare claims indicating that he personally conducted the patient visits and provided comprehensive medical evaluations that he did not actually perform.

Babu also maintained an office staff that he directed to order certain diagnostic tests for every patient, including ultrasound and autonomic nervous system testing even though such tests were not medically necessity. -PTI

September 12, 2014

Health Science Post www.indiapost.com

e-cigarette use goes up in Utah

SALT LAKE CITY: The Utah Department rettes, Bramwell said. of Health says new survey data show a sigAaron Frazier, director of Utah Vapers, nificant increase in electronic cigarette use an e-cigarette industry group, said that among both adults and teenagers. most of the hundreds of customers he's The long-term health effects of the devices are still unclear. ``The marketers and the producers of this product are selling them like hotcakes,'' said Adam Bramwell, a health department spokesman. But ``any really quality research takes time.

You want long-term studies to really know what these can do to a person's body over time.''

About 5 percent of Utahns surveyed last year said they A child-proof refill bottle of liquid nicotine at Salt Lake used the battery-powered deVapors, in Salt Lake City. vices that typically heat liquid nicotine into a vapor, compared with about dealt with don't use both; those who do 2 percent the year before. could be trying to get off cigarettes.

And of those who use the devices, about ``When you look at the continuum of 60 percent said they also smoke traditional risk, these products are minuscule in comcigarettes, according to the results of the parison,'' Frazier said. annual survey of 10,000 Utahns.

But health officials are concerned that The survey also found Utah's smoking more kids are picking up the habit. rate, which is the lowest in the country, The department surveys students every stayed steady at 10 percent. other year, and last year it found more teens Those findings cast doubt on whether reported using e-cigarettes regularly than smokers can use the devices to replace ciga- smoking traditional cigarettes. -AP

India Post 33

34 India Post

Health Science Post

September 12, 2014

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Surat urban service monitoring wins UN competition UNITED NATIONS: A project aimed at monitoring and grievance redressal for health, water supply and solid waste services in Surat in Gujarat has been selected as a winner of an UN-led Climate Challenge competition for highlighting innovative uses of big data.

The Urban Service Monitoring System (UrSMS) project is among seven winners of the "Projects to Watch" in the The Big Data Climate Challenge, a global competition hosted by UN Global Pulse, an initiative of Secretary-General Ban ki-Moon on big data.

The project was designed under the Asian Cities Climate Resilience Network (ACCCRN) for improving the monitoring and grievance redressal for health, water supply, sewerage and solid waste services.

It is developed by consultancy firm Taru in collaboration with Surat Municipal Corporation and

Urban Health Climate Resilience Centre (UHCRC) in India.

The winners of the Climate Challenge were announced as part of a buildup to the UN SecretaryGeneral's Climate Summit on September 23 here.

Submissions were received from 40 countries, representing more than 20 topics from forestry, biodiversity and transportation to renewable energy and green data centers.

The winners include a monitoring system that provides real-time information on forests, and a tool for farmers in Colombia that promotes climate-smart agriculture.

The winners will be invited to attend the climate summit.

The challenge was launched in May 2014 to unearth fresh evidence of the economic dimensions of climate change around the world using data and analytics.

Submissions were received from 40 countries, representing more than 20 topics from forestry, biodiversity and transportation to renewable energy and green data centers.

Two overall Big Data Climate Challenge winners and seven Projects to Watch were selected by a high-level Advisory Board and Technical Committee of global experts in climate science, sustainable development and big data.

The Projects to Watch were chosen to highlight particularly innovative uses of big data in emerging topics and geographic regions. -PTI

Promote organ donation among children: Vardhan NEW DELHI: Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan has said he would request the HRD Ministry to include passages and essays in school textbooks to encourage students to develop a positive attitude towards organ donation, particularly eye donation.

Speaking at an event here, Vardhan said it was important that youngsters got exposed to the enormity of the problem of blindness in India and their responsibility to contribute to its end.

"We teach the young the life stories of great savants and leaders with the hope that the new generation will imbibe their qualities. It is also necessary to instill in them their responsibility towards the blind population of India which could benefit if cornea donation becomes part of the nation's culture," Vardhan said.

Stating that the corneal blind population of India was the largest in the world, he said, "At a rough estimate, the country needs one lakh corneas every year but only about 17,000 are procured.

"Of these only about 50 percent are utilized," he said.

According to WHO, there are 45 million blind persons in the world, of whom 12 million are in India. Corneal blindness accounts for 1 percent of the total blind

Turning off electronics helps kids sleep better WASHINGTON: Children who leave electronic devices on at night sleep up to one hour less on average per night, a new US study has found.

Sleep, or lack thereof, and technology often go hand in hand when it comes to school-aged kids, researchers said.

Nearly three out of four children (72 per cent) between the ages of 6 and 17 have at least one electronic device in their bedrooms while sleeping, they said.

Children who leave those electronic devices on at night sleep

If your child has a slight addiction to technology and is resistant about turning off their device, try dialing down the screen time, researchers said.

"We need more eye banks. But that is not enough.

There should be synergistic interaction among professional health services and community engagement," Vardhan said.

Increasing public awareness, promoting eye Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan donation, implepopulation of the country. WHO menting quality standards and also estimates that the blind popu- organizing a network of trained lation may double by 2020 owing professionals for procurement, to the rise in population and lon- preservation and distribution of gevity. tissues are vital, he added. -PTI

less - up to one hour less on average per night, according to a National Sleep Foundation survey.

"First - develop a nighttime routine. Whether it's a bath, reading a book or listening to soothing music, these actives will have a better impact on your child to help them relax before going to sleep," said Dr Jill Creighton, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Stony Brook Children's Hospital.

"The hour before bed should be a no-electronics zone," said

West Virginia to study bat population, disease

KATHMANDU: Nepalese surgeons removed four metal rods measuring up to 15 centimeters from a shaman, or traditional healer, who had swallowed them during a trance, doctors said.

The shaman, Janak Bahadur Shahi, 47, was brought to a hospital in mountainous Jumla district, 350 kilometers northwest of the capital Kathmandu, suffering from stomach pains, fever and vomiting, Doctor Naresh Thapa told AFP. "We pulled out four rods of 1215 centimeters in length that had punctured the intestine, causing

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va.: The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources has received a federal grant to monitor its bat population and study a disease affecting cave-dwelling bats.

The grant was awarded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Research efforts will focus on White-Noise Syndrome. WhiteNose Syndrome is caused by a

cold-loving fungus which affects bats while they are in hibernation.

Wildlife officials say mortality from the disease can be extremely high. The bat hit hardest by the disease is the little brown bat. Because all bats in West Virginia feed solely on insects, the loss of bats is a loss of a natural source of insect control.

The disease was first found in West Virginia in 2009. -AP

Creighton.

Studies show that the light from backlit electronics (like tablets, smartphones and video games) can disrupt our ability to fall - and stay - asleep.

Creighton suggests designating a spot at home for electronics to be plugged in, then having kids start their bedtime routine by plugging in one hour before lights out.

"The burst of light from a phone (even if it's just to check the time) can break a sleep cycle. A regular alarm clock is best," said Creighton.

If your child has a slight addiction to technology and is resistant about turning off their device, try dialing down the screen time, researchers said.

"Reduce screen time by 30 minutes or more each week until you reach your goal.

"A good rule of thumb is try to limit recreational screen time to 60 minutes every day. And for every 30 minutes of screen time, make sure your kids get 30 minutes of physical activity," said Creighton. -PTI

Metal rods removed from 'possessed' shaman internal bleeding," Thapa said.

Doctors said he was now out of danger.

The shaman, who claims to have swallowed more than 300 metal rods in his lifetime, had ingested the four rods two months ago when he was "possessed" by a form of the Hindu god Lord Shiva, Thapa said.

When the shaman's pain worsened, his family brought him to hospital, carrying him for four hours on foot, Thapa said.

Shaman healers and mystics are common in Nepal, especially in remote villages. -AFP

September 12, 2014

Health Science Post

India Post 35

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Wearing a bra does not cause breast cancer WASHINGTON: Wearing a bra does not increase the risk of breast cancer - even if it is underwired or worn all year long, according to new research.

A population-based case-control study found no association between bra wearing and increased breast cancer risk among postmenopausal women, researchers said.

"There have been some concerns that one of the reasons why breast cancer may be more common in developed countries compared with developing countries is differences in bra-wearing patterns," said Lu

"The findings provide reassurance to women that wearing a bra does not appear to increase the risk for the most common histological types of postmenopausal breast cancer," researchers noted.

Chen, from the Public Health Sciences Division at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Centre and doctoral student in the Department of Epidemiology at the University of Washington School of Public Health.

"Given how common bra wearing is, we thought this was an important question to address.

"Our study found no evidence that wearing a bra increases a woman's risk for breast cancer. The risk was similar no matter how many hours per day women wore a bra,

whether they wore a bra with an underwire, or at what age they first began wearing a bra," said Chen.

"There has been some suggestion in the lay media that bra wearing may be a risk factor for breast cancer. Some have hypothesized that drainage of waste products in and around the breast may be hampered by bra wearing. Given very limited biological evidence supporting such a link between bra wearing and breast cancer risk, our results were not surprising," Chen added.

According to the researchers, this study characterizes various bra-wearing habits in relation to breast cancer risk using a rigorous epidemiological study design.

"The findings provide reassurance to women that wearing a bra does not appear to increase the risk for the most common histological types of postmenopausal breast cancer," researchers noted.

Study participants were 454 women with invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) and 590 women with invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC), the two most common subtypes of breast cancer, from the Seattle-Puget Sound metropolitan area; 469 women who did not have breast cancer served as controls. All women were postmenopausal, ages 55 to 74.

The researchers conducted in-person interviews and obtained information on demographics, family history, and reproductive history.

They also asked a series of structured questions to assess lifetime patterns of bra wearing.

The research was published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. -PTI

Head of Arizona surgery was wrongfully fired TUCSON, Ariz.: A University of Arizona medical board is upholding an independent panel's finding that a former head of surgery was wrongfully fired.

The Arizona Daily Star reports that University Physicians Healthcare announced it will adopt the panel's recommendations regarding Dr. Rainer Gruessner.

The recommendations include reinstating Gruessner as a faculty member without clinical or administrative duties, retracting

unethical conduct allegations and paying his salary for one year or until he finds a new position.

Gruessner filed an $18.9 million notice of claim in March against the UA College of Medicine and the Arizona Board of Regents.

Attorney Kraig Marton says Gruessner is ``delighted'' but it was not yet the time for the board to make offers.

Guessner was dismissed last year amid an administrative dispute. -AP

7 years jail for health insurance fraud FARGO, N.D.: A California man has been sentenced in North Dakota to seven years in prison for what authorities call a multimillion dollar health insurance fraud scheme.

Thirty-one-year-old Hovakim Mkhitarian, of Glendale, California, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud.

The federal case was tried in North Dakota because Fargo-based Noridian Healthcare Solutions LLC processes and pays Medicare Part B claims.

Authorities say Mkhitarian was a ``midlevel participant'' involved in the day-today operation of a health care fraud scheme that submitted in excess of $13 million of fraudulent claims to Medicare and caused more than $3 million of losses to the program.

The scheme allegedly recruited foreign students traveling in the United States on summer work visas.

Three other people are scheduled to be sentenced in the case. -AP

Nose virus may trigger ear infection in kids WASHINGTON: Middle ear infections, which affect more than 85 per cent of children under the age of 3, can be triggered by a viral infection in the nose rather than solely by a bacterial infection, according to new research.

In animal models, researchers at the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Centre simultaneously infected the nose with a flu virus and a bacterium that is one of the leading causes of ear infections in children.

They found that the flu virus inflamed the nasal tissue and significantly increased both the number of bacteria and their propensity to travel through the Eustachian tube and infect the middle ear.

"Every individual has bacteria in the nose that most of the time doesn't cause problems," said the study's lead author, W Edward Swords, professor of microbiology and immunology at Wake Forest Baptist.

"However, under certain conditions those bacteria can migrate to the middle ear and cause an ear infection, and now we have a better understanding of how and why that happens," said Swords.

The bacterium used in the animal study, Streptococcus pneumonia, is known to exist in the noses of children in two phases,

one relatively invasive and the other relatively benign.

The more invasive phase is more frequently found in the infected ears of children.

However, the study indicated that the flu virus promoted bacterial growth and ear infection regardless of which phase of

The flu virus inflamed the nasal tissue

the bacterium was present in the nose.

"These findings suggest that a flu infection modifies the response of the immune system to this particular bacterium, enabling even the type that has previously been considered benign to infect the middle ear," Swords said.

The study was published in the journal Infection and Immunity. -PTI

36 India Post

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Realty Tidbits

Parsvnath plans to raise Rs 1,000 crore

NEW DELHI: Realty firm Parsvnath Developers plans to raise up to Rs 1,000 crore through private placement of non-convertible debentures and is also looking at selling non-core assets to reduce debt.

The company has called an Annual General Meeting on September 23 to seek shareholders' approval on a special resolution related to the private placement of Non-Convertible Debentures.

In the AGM notice, Parsvnath has sought the shareholders approval to offer or invite subscriptions for NCDs on a private placement basis, in one or more tranches, aggregating up to Rs 1,000 crore during the next one year.

"NCDs issued on private placement basis are a significant source of borrowings for the company," it added. -PTI

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Developer dead in mystery crash revamped a NY city KINGSTON, Jamaica: A developer presumed dead with his wife in a private plane crash near Jamaica had an ``uncanny instinct'' for revitalizing properties and an ``incalculable'' impact on his western New York hometown's resurgence from crumbling industrial center to trendy destination for young professionals, friends and colleagues said.

Laurence Glazer, 68, bought up dozens of properties in Rochester, on the shores of Lake Ontario, including landmark buildings belonging to the manufacturing giants Xerox Corp. and Bausch + Lomb. He converted abandoned factories into loft apartments and turned a shuttered hospital into offices.

Glazer had a way of ``taking properties that were dead and breathing life back into them at a time when people were really skeptical about the ability to do that,'' Heidi Zimmer-Meyer, president of Rochester's Downtown Development Corp., said.-AP

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September 12, 2014

Anant Raj to sell hotel, land for lowering debt NEW DELHI: Real estate firm Anant Raj Ltd has reduced debt by 6 per cent to Rs 1,403 crore last fiscal and is considering to sell some of its hotel properties and land parcels to further cut the borrowings.

Delhi-based Anant Raj said it has also invested about Rs 1,000 crore in last three years to purchase 270 acre land, mostly in Gurgaon. -PTI

Real estate market saw significant change during 2005-14 MUMBAI: Indian real estate market witnessed a significant change in the last decade mainly backed by opening up of FDI in the sector and shift in preference to high-rises over traditional lowrise structures, according to a report.

The opening up of the sector to foreign direct investment in 2005 initiated the entry of new avenues for funding, and capital inflow witnessed a spike, property consultant CBRE said in its report titled 'Inflection Point: Ten years of organized real estate in India (20052014)'.

Restrictive legislations till 2004 provided limited scope of funds for the sector. However, opening up of the sector to FDI in 2005 opened up new avenues for investment, it said.

As per the report, the capital inflows into the sector witnessed a spike especially in 2007 and 2008 when private equity investment was close to USD 14 billion.

"The economy opened up for investments around 2005, which was instrumental in spurring broad-based fundamental growth across various sectors, accelerating consumption and heightening investment inflows," CBRE South Asia Chairman and Managing Director Anshuman Magazine said.

India's housing landscape shifted from largely independent low-rise plotted developments to high-rise apartment complexes, mainly to meet the over increasing demand for homes, the report said.

"Investment-grade office space

formed the mainstay of the evolution of the organized real estate sector in the country, which wit-

nessed a shift from traditional central business districts of leading cities across India to new periph-

eral/suburban business districts in the last decade," it said.

From a little over 90 million sqft in 2005 to more than 400 million sqft in 2014, country's investment grade office stock has undergone a generational shift in its composition, structure and spread backed by the private sector as well as intervention by the government.

The retail landscape also underwent significant changes over the last decade.

"The period was marked by the rising popularity of malls among shoppers and retailers, as against the decline of major high streets.

Going forward, technology and ecommerce will co-exist alongside malls and high streets in a comprehensive retail real estate ecosystem," Magazine said. -PTI

Punjab for focus on affordable housing projects CHANDIGARH: Punjab government has asked private builders to invest in setting up affordable housing projects as there is a shortage of 12 lakh houses in the state.

"There is a shortage of 12 lakh houses in Punjab. For this, huge land bank is required and there is a lot of scope for private builders to invest in houses for EWS and provide affordable houses," Punjab Secretary Housing and Urban Development A Venu Prasad said here.

He was addressing a FICCI conference on 'Housing and Urban Development in North India - Focus: Punjab & Tri-City'.

He said out of 12 lakh houses, there is a shortage of 10 lakh houses in urban while remaining in rural areas in Punjab.

"Seventy per cent of the total housing shortage in Punjab is in Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and Lower Income Group," he said.

Venu Prasad said that the state government was also providing incentives such as exemption from CLU, EDC charges for setting up houses for EWS.

He said currently 40 per cent of state population lives in urban areas and it will grow by another 40 per cent in next 10 years.

On upcoming projects, Venu Prasad said the international airport near Mohali is expected to be ready by July, 2015.

The report said that development of large scale IT infrastructure and modernization and expansion of Chandigarh International Airport is expected to contribute to a rise in demand in hospitality segment.

He further said that the state government was developing 'New Chandigarh' at Mullanpur on 6,000 hectares of land.

In New Chandigarh, medi city project is proposed to be set up

which will boast of medial colleges, university and super specially hospitals.

Already 50 acres of land has been allotted for setting up Tata Cancer Institute, he said.

Earlier, speaking on this occasion, Punjab Governor Shivraj V Patil asked builders and real estate developers to push urbanization in a correct manner.

On this occasion, a report on 'Transition from urban to realty lab: Punjab and Chandigarh tricity' was released.

The report said that development of large scale IT infrastructure and modernization and expansion of Chandigarh International Airport is expected to contribute to a rise in demand in hospitality segment.

Hotels in tri-city (Mohali, Chandigarh, Panchkula) have seen a marginal 3 per cent to 5 per cent increase in occupancy levels over last year, report said.

The Chandigarh airport has witnessed a 29 per cent growth rate in arrivals by air in past 4 years with their number increasing from 0.66 million in 2010-11 to 1.06 million in 2012-13. -PTI

September 12, 2014

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40 India Post

J

aisalmer, nicknamed as Golden City

by Rajput clans, is the most attrac tive tourist spot in Rajasthan, India.

It is a vibrant tourist location with number of mind blowing attractions such as Sonar Kila, Jaisalmer Fort, havelis, temples and sand dunes.

The ornate temples and many buildings are specimens of the sculptural extravaganza of medieval Rajasthan. The annual desert fair celebrated with festivities, camel shows and adventurous rides is a real attraction for tourists.

Jaisalmer is strategically located and was the main trade route between India and other Asian countries. Jaisalmer resisted the invasion from many foreign invaders and was one of the last royal places to come under the rule of the British. Jaisalmer was the princely state of British Raj until Indian In-

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dependence and was ruled by King Bhati of Rajput Clan.

This fantastic city, forming a part of the Great Indian Desert, was founded centuries back by Rawal Jaisal of the Yadav community. The name Jaisalmer means the hill fort of Jaisal.

Acclaimed all over the world as world's most beautiful golden sand desert, passion filled romantic desert sand dunes and the breathtaking picnic spot with majestic fort, Jaisalmer is the favorite location for advertising fraternity.

This medieval city has grown into fame as a romantic gateway for exotic enjoyments and breathtaking views. Magnificent palaces, Golden fort, ancient imposing temples

September 12, 2014

and havelis provide this wonderful place a permanent spot in the tourist map of India.

This city boasts of many medieval period Jain temples as well. It is enriched by exquisite collections of arts, textiles and crafts.

The majority of the inhabitants are Rajputs, renowned as great warriors. The city is well connected with Delhi and various Jaisalmer to Delhi tours are available.

Attractions Desert Culture Centre and Museum: Desert Culture Centre and Museum is a knowledge bank of rich cultural heritage, craftsmanship and artistic talents of

Jaisalmer. The museum displays varied collections of traditional instruments, rich collections of ancient and medieval coins, praiseworthy textiles and some invaluable fossils mined in Jaisalmer. Many kinds of utensils and other artifacts are displayed in this museum. It organizes many special displays for tourists here.

First Fort Gate: Jaisalmer Fort, also known as Golden Fort, has four majestic gates. All four gates, Akhai Pol, Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol and Hawa Pol, are specimens of marvelous architectural style and craftsmanship.

Cont’d on page 42

September 12, 2014

Travel & Hospitality Post

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Chinese woman publishes travelogue on India BEIJING: A brush with Bollywood stars, encounters with Maoists besides exposure to election campaigning enlivens the narrative of a rare backpack Chinese woman's transformative journey to the nooks and corners of India.

Hong Mei, 34, who traveled to India for several months in 2009

In many ways it is a transformative journey about India's rich and diverse culture, she told PTI During the visit, she participated in festivals and events like Kumbh Mela, Pushkar Camel Fair, Holi besides the General Elections campaigning in 2009.

Pushed by Tom, who had done a pictorial book along with her on all the 33 provinces of China highlighting its diversity, Hong had relatively comfortable travel in India as she was mostly mistaken as someone from India's NorthEast provinces or from Japan.

Hailing from a small village in China's Jiangsu Province, strangely India was her first trip abroad.

In her nearly one year travel made in the gaps of few months as she Chinese travel writer Hong Mei, who published the fist travelogue on India in Chinese language, poses with a was granted tribal child in Odisha. only three along with her American husband, months visas, she and Tom covTom Carter, released her travel- ered most of India except the North ogue book in Chinese language East where Chinese have no actitled "The further I walk, the closer cess as most of it bordered China.

I get to me", stated to be the first Traveling with a budget of such account by a contemporary about USD 20 a day, the two, howChinese about India. ever, had a good exposure to Indian way of life in the North, South

State parks expanding dog-friendly options MONTGOMERY, Ala.: Alabama's state parks are expanding the options for guests traveling with dogs.

State Parks Director Greg Lein says certain cabins, cottages and lodge rooms will be available at Joe Wheeler, Lakepoint, Gulf and Guntersville state parks starting Sept. 15.

Well-behaved dogs on leashes were already welcomed in designated day-use areas and in a limited variety of overnight accommodations, including all campgrounds at Alabama's 22 state parks.

Lein says the public has asked for more pet-friendly options and

the park system has listened. He recommends visitors with dogs contact the park prior to their stay.

An additional $15 fee is charged per dog for overnight accommodations, but service dogs are welcome at no additional charge. -AP

and Western regions.

Perhaps the height of their Indian exposure was when touts approached them to act as extras in Shahid Kapoor's Bollywood movie Dil Bole Hadippa in which Tom was chosen as 10th batsman in the cricket match scene.

Hong and Tom also had an opportunity to appear in a commercial advertisement with Aamir Khan.

While in Mumbai, Hong had an insightful exposure to 2009 elections as the candidates canvassed in a festive spirit.

For someone hailing from country with a One-Party-rule (Communist Party), it was a spectacle of political harmony.

Both had an enduring experience feeling the heat traveling in

areas where Maoists are active in Orissa.

Significantly Hong's account of elections as well as her Maoist encounters were edited out of the book as authorities in China were cagey about such narratives influencing the Chinese.

The two had close calls traveling to India's border areas with Pakistan in the Kutch region of Gujarat as well as the Wagah border point on the Indian side of Punjab.

Her best moments in India were taking part in the cultural festivals like Holi and the worst part was she missed her regular intake of food due to excess exposure to vegetarian food in India while Tom fell sick grappling with poor immune system.

Hong said her ground breaking backpacking journey to India illustrates a growing trend among new Chinese middle classes to quit their jobs to hit the roads abroad.

Last year nearly 100 million Chinese traveled out of China spending billions of dollars.

India where over lakh travelled last year is trying hard to woo more Chinese to visit with a liberalized visa regime.

Indian travels in a way impacted her as she says the religious fervor in India had left a mark of influence as she turned spiritual.

She also thinks that despite trying conditions, Indians appeared happier compared to their Chinese counterparts despite their material success. -PTI

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Jaisalmer

Golden Fort

World's most beautiful golden sand desert Cont’d from page 40

Among the four, the most spectacular is the first fort gate known as Akhai Pol. This gate constructed in 1156, is the main entrance and was the royal entrance for royal members and important guests.

Gopa Chowk: Gopa Chowk, also known as central market square, is located at the foot of the Golden Fort in Jaisalmer. It is the scenic well landscaped square located just in front of the first fort gate known as Akhai Pol. Gopa Chowk is placed east to the serene artificial lake known as Gadi Sagar and west to acclaimed Gandhi Chowk.

Havelis: There are many havelis in Jaisalmer. Three of them are considered as the main havelis and they are Patwonki-Haveli, Salim Singh-kiHaveli and Nathmalji-kiHaveli.

Patwon-ki-Haveli was constructed by a wealthy banker and merchant known as Guman

Tazia Tower

Chand Patwa. This haveli was completed by Guman's five sons after his death. This majestic structure built in five stories took nearly 55 years to complete. This is the largest, elegant and most attractive haveli in Jaisalmer.

Hawapol: All four gates of Jalsalmer Fort - Akhai Pol, Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol and Hawa Pol - are specimens of marvelous architectural style and craftsmanship.

Hawapol, also known as Wind Pol, is the last of the four gates and is the gateway to the spectacular Dussehra Chowk. The gate is placed at impressive picturesque surroundings and is close to many revered Jain temples. The serene environment and breathtaking view of the sunset from this spot make it a most attractive eye catching spot in Jaisalmer.

Jaisalmer Fort (Sonar Kila): Jaisalmer Fort, the golden fortress constructed by the renowned Rajput ruler Jaisal in 1156, is located at the majestic Trikuta hills. It is also

known as Sonar Kila. Its historical importance stands with the many battles fought in this spectacular Fort. The fort was the major protective cover for the Rajput Kings from the attacks of foreign invaders.

Dussehra Chowk: Dussehra Chowk, a big courtyard enclosed in the Golden Fort of Jaisalmer, is an ideal location to enjoy the marvelous beauty of the Royal Palace from all angles. The fort has four

Amar Sagar Gate. The Tazia Tower is credited with imposing balconies in each of its floor and they are pretty attractive with distinct design and architectural style.

Bada Bagh: Bada Bagh, literally meaning big garden, is an entertaining garden located at Jaisalmer. It was founded in the 16th century by Maharawal Jait Singh and his son Lunakaran completed the construction during his reign.

Gadi Sagar/Gadsisar Lake:

Chandraprabhu Temple: Chandraprabhu temple, the Jain temple built in 1509 AD, is located at the Jaisalmer Golden Fort. This is the first of the seven temples built during 15th and 16th centuries and is devoted to the Jain Prophet Chandraprabhuji, the 8th Tirthankara,.

Best time to visit The city of Jaisalmer experiences extreme arid climatic condi-

Patwon-ki-Haveli

huge gateways leading to the four gateways known as Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol, Akshaya Pol and Hawa Pol. Dussehra Chowk can be reached through the last gate Hawa pol.

Rajmahal: The Jaisalmer Palace was renowned as Rajmahal and was the royal palace in Jaisalmer where the royal family members of the rulers of Jaisalmer were living.

The Raj Mahal, with all pride of a royal palace constructed around 1500 AD, was built with marvelous beauty by the most famous architectures and craftsmen during the Royal period.

Tazia Tower: Tazia Tower, one of the major tourist destinations in Jaisalmer, is an amazing five storied structure. This marvelous attraction is located in the eye catching complex of Badal Palace near

Gadisagar, a man made reservoir built in 1156 AD, is one of the most favorite tourist attractions in Jaisalmer. It was originally constructed by King Jaisal and later reconstructed by Maharaja Garsi Singh in 1367 AD, with a new name of 'Lake Gadsisar'. During the Rajput clan period, it was the only resource for drinking water in Jaisalmer.

Desert National Park: Located close to Jaisalmer city, this park is one among the largest in India, covering a huge area of 3100 sq. km. A superb example of ecosystem in Thar Desert, the park is a major tourist attraction in Jaisalmer.

Due to its close vicinity to Bharatpur, the park draws a large number of migratory birds. In fact, it is a haven for migratory birds and resident birds of the desert.

tions with very hot and dry summer and cold winters. Tourists are advised to visit the city during the months from October to March.

How to reach

By Train: Jaisalmer is an important railway station in Western railway zone. It is connected to Delhi, Jodhpur, Jaipur (Mandor Express) and other cities in India.

By Air: Nearest airport is Jodhpur, which is at a distance of 285 km from Jaisalmer. Jodhpur is connected to Delhi and Jaipur by air.

By Bus: There are many semi deluxe and deluxe buses to Jodhpur at regular intervals. Deluxe A/ C buses are also available from Jaisalmer to Jaipur, Ajmer and Bikaner. Rajasthan state buses connect Jaisalmer with neighboring cities.

September 12, 2014

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Goa expects maximum tourists from Russia PANAJI: The economic slowdown in Russia has pushed the Goa tourism department to run their activities more aggressively towards the European country, besides aiming for travelers from Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), a senior official said.

"Russian tourists are backbone of our Goan tourism industry. Market trends are changing and South East Asia is becoming more dominant force," Deputy General Manager (Hotels and Marketing), Goa Tourism Development Corpora-

might be affected.

"We want to increase numbers and like to have ten per cent growth but unfortunately due to recession some of the Russian operators might have gone bust.

It might affect the charters coming in this season but we are extensively trying to push and sell Goa," he said.

Tourists from Russia contribute the highest number of foreign travelers in the beach state. Last year, Russian travelers accounted for 1.2 lakh, out of total five lakh

tion (GTDC), Gavin Dias told PTI at the sidelines of Familiarization tour organized for Russian tour operators in Goa. He said the department was eyeing a 10 per cent growth this year but with downturn in the Russian economy, the business

foreign tourists in the state.

Dias said that the state is pushing itself not only as a beach destination but also as a family, heritage and sports destination.

"We want to maintain the number of arrivals and whatever increase happens it should be in

sync with our carrying capacity which has reached its peak," he said, adding, that the state is developing infrastructure required to cater for the growth.

Commenting on the current Ukraine crisis that might impede Russian tourism growth, he said those crisis are something that is political and hoped that it will not affect the arrivals here.

"People who are traveling to Goa, specially from Russian countries will not be affected by it (crisis). Those who want to come have already prebooked their tickets," he said.

"Now people from Moscow and surrounding areas are coming to Goa. We want to tap every nook and corner because everybody has a spending power.

Buying a chartered ticket is not expensive. Our main motto is to create awareness," he added.

One of the Russian delegation members, Ekaterina Varkopulo, a sales executive with Air Arabia, said that majority of the tourists visiting Goa, want to come back.

"Russian tourists look out for beaches. About 70 per cent of those who come here definitely want to come back," she said. PTI

Keel laid for new cruise vessel for tourists KOCHI: The keel of the Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation Ltd (KSINC)'s sea going vessel for tourists was laid

by Fisheries Minister K Babu.

The new vessel has been designed to accommodate 200 tourists, the minister said speaking at a function here.

It will be a suitable seagoing vessel registered under the Merchant Shipping Act as a class VI vessel and will comply with all the legal requirements applicable for passenger vessels under international marine conventions to ensure safety of passengers and controlling pollution.

The contract to build the vessel has been bagged by Waterways Shipyard (P) Ltd, who have yard here in Udupi.

A decade ago, the corporation entered the tourism sector with

two flagship vessels called "Sagararani".

The new vessel is designed to have three decks. The first deck will have a performance/meeting/ dance floor with well designed stage. The main deck will have the restaurant, video game parlor and children's play area. A full fledged kitchen, 3D theater and a mini con-

ference room, an open area meant for sun bathing are among the facilities that would be available in the vessel.

The KSINC also has plans to build a container barge and a petroleum barge suitable for coastal operations and the government was extending all support for these ventures, he said. -PTI

Chhattisgarh to develop Sirpur to woo tourists MUMBAI: Eyeing 36 per cent overall growth in tourist arrivals this calendar year, Chhattisgarh government is planning to develop Sirpur, known for its archaeological monuments, as a Buddhist destination to woo foreign visitors.

Sirpur is 78 km away from Chhattisgarh's capital Raipur and is located on the banks of the river Mahanadi.

"The state is mainly known for its rich natural attractions such as waterfalls, mountains. However, we also have places like Sirpur that has traditional cultural heritage and architecture.

The state is expecting over 36 per cent growth in tourist arrivals with about three crore visitors in 2014, he said, adding that Chhattisgarh received 2.2 crore visitors in 2013.

Chhattisgarh is also developing a Buddhist circuit in association with neighboring states to boost tourism.

"We have initiated discussion with the state governments of Telangana, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar to jointly promote the Buddhist circuit that will boost tourism. We will work out the routes and the places by the end of this month and the concept is ex-

"Even great scholar and traveler from China, Huien Tsang, had visited Sirpur in the 7th century.

We are trying to develop Sirpur to attract foreign tourists," Chhattisgarh Tourism Board Managing Director Santosh Misra told PTI here.

For this, the government is planning to organize national dance and music festivals that will help create awareness about Sirpur and its historical importance, he added.

"We want to promote Sirpur especially in the South Asian countries, where Buddhism is popular," he said.

pected to take off by early next year," he said.

Chhattisgarh has nearly 45 per cent forest cover and 32 per cent tribal population. "We have three national parks, 11 wildlife sanctuaries, over 30 waterfalls, abundant caves and untouched topography. To maintain the beauty, we want to promote responsible tourism so that the ecology is preserved," Misra said.

The state is investing over Rs 100 crore to develop infrastructure for water sports and eco tourism, which is the major focus area of the state, he said.

"We are mainly looking for public-private participation to develop infrastructure for tourism. Since the last decade the state has spent Rs 1,000 crore for the same and will invest another Rs 100 crore this year to develop infrastructure for water sports and eco tourism," he added.

-PTI

In Brief Indian pleads guilty to visa fraud in US NEW YORK: A 41-year old Indian has pleaded guilty for running an eight-year long visa fraud scheme to facilitate the illegal entry of Indian immigrants in the US by sponsoring their visa applications and falsely claiming to provide employment for them in the country.

Sandipkumar Patel of Edison, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before US District Judge William Walls of the District of New Jersey to conspiring to defraud the US and to filing a false federal income tax return.

He will be sentenced in January next year, Assistant Attorney General Leslie Caldwell of the Justice Department's Criminal Division said in a statement.

According to court documents filed with the plea agreement, Patel sponsored visa applications of Indian nationals from 2001 to 2009 by falsely claiming to provide employment for them in the US. He falsely certified on the visa applications that he would employ the immigrants in various technical fields at several New Jersey companies, facilitating their illegal entry into the country.

Over the course of the scheme, immigrants paid Patel thousands of dollars for the false certifications to secure their visas. Patel issued payroll cheques and other payroll forms as a cover-up for his scheme. The Indian nationals were then required to reimburse Patel for his payroll tax expenses. -PTI

„ Senate hopefuls in Kansas talk immigration HUTCHINSON, Kan.: Republican Sen. Pat Roberts and independent challenger Greg Orman agree that the U.S. needs to do a better job of securing its borders, but Orman also has a proposal to allow immigrants who are in the country illegally to stay.

The issue arose during their first debate at the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson. The 78-yearold Roberts is seeking a fourth, sixyear term. Orman is a 45-year-old Olathe businessman.

Orman says it's not practical to attempt to deport the millions of immigrants in the U.S. illegally and added that doing so would hurt agriculture and food processing.

He said immigrants should have to register with the federal government, pay a fine and hold a job.

Roberts says his position is, ``Secure the border. No amnesty.''

-AP

Immigration

Many young immigrants have benefited through DACA-II

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Details on page 46

Obama defends decision to delay immigration action WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama says that the surge of immigrant children entering the U.S. illegally changed the politics surrounding the issue of immigration and led him to put off a pledge to use executive action that could have shielded millions of people from deportation.

Immigration reform advocates criticized Obama after White House officials said that the president would not act at summer's end as he promised in June but would take up the matter after the midterm elections in November. In an interview taped for NBC's ``Meet the Press'', Obama rejected the charge that the delay was meant to protect Democratic candidates worried that his actions would hurt their prospects in tough Senate races.

By Obama's own calculations, politics did play a role in his decision. In his remarks to NBC he said a partisan fight in July over how to address an influx of unaccompanied minors at the border had created the impression that there was an immigration crisis and thus a volatile climate for taking the measures he had promised to take. ``The truth of the matter is that the politics did shift midsummer because of that problem,'' he said.

``I want to spend some time, even as we're getting all our ducks in a row for the executive action, I also want to make sure that the public understands why we're doing this, why it's the right thing for the

Cristina Jimenez, managing director of United We Dream, said the decision was ``another slap to the face of the Latino and immigrant community.'' ``We are bitterly disappointed

President Barack Obama arrives on the South Lawn of the White House after returning from the NATO Summit in Wales, on Sept. 5 in Washington

American people, why it's the right thing for the American economy.''

Reflecting the passion behind the threat of deportations, immigration advocacy groups that have criticized Republicans for not passing an immigration overhaul instantly turned their anger on Obama.

in the president and we are bitterly disappointed in the Senate Democrats,'' said Frank Sharry, executive director of America's Voice. ``We advocates didn't make the reform promise; we just made the mistake of believing it. The president and Senate Democrats have chosen politics over people, the status

quo over solving real problems.''

Two White House officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to be quoted by name, said Obama made the decision to delay taking action as he returned to Washington from a NATO summit in Wales. He called a few allies from Air Force One to inform them of his decision.

Obama went to the White House Rose Garden on June 30 to angrily declare that House Speaker John Boehner had informed him that the Republican-controlled House would not be taking up any measures to overhaul the immigration system.

As a result, he said, he had directed Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson and Attorney General Eric Holder to give him recommendations for executive action by the end of summer.

Obama also pledged to ``adopt those recommendations without further delay.''

By delaying, the White House weighed the benefits of acting now and running the risk of immigration getting blamed for any Democratic losses, especially in the Senate where Democratic control hangs in the balance.

Cont'd on Page 46

Indian held in UAE with fake visa DUBAI: An Indian working in the UAE has been handed over to the police for presenting before an investment firm a fake job visa sent to him by his friend in India to check its status.

He was handed over to the police by the company in Abu Dhabi as they suspected him to be part of a fake visa racket.

The visa was issued from Dubai on March 30 to Leo Padinharemadam Ramabhadran, of Kannur district in Kerala, Gulf news reported.

"I don't even know the person. A common friend in India emailed me the visa and asked me to check the status of employ-

ment with the company," said the man who works with a private hospital in the UAE capital.

"The visa was nearing expiry,

and my friend who knows Ramabhadran said he was worried that his ticket had not arrived," he said, requesting ano-

"I don't even know the person. A common friend in India e-mailed me the visa and asked me to check the status of employment with the company"

nymity.

He said the company refused to listen to his explanation and handed him over to the police. The man was later released on bail.

Bogus recruiting agents luring job-seekers from India has been a matter of grave concern for years. Instances abound of women falling victims to the flesh trade after being flown in with fake job offers, the report said.

The job visa even bears the stamp of the general directorate of residence and foreigners affairs of the UAE's ministry of interior. -PTI

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NYC immigrant public defender system breaks ground NEW YORK: When Curtis Edmund first heard that a government official had come by his Bronx home looking for him, he couldn't figure out why. But he agreed to a meeting early this year, and when he arrived, he was taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials.

Edmund, a longtime U.S. legal resident and native of Trinidad and Tobago, now faced deportation because of two misdemeanor theft convictions from the mid2000s that had put him on immigration officials' radar.

"I have no representation. I don't know nothing about immigration or immigration court. I wasn't expecting this," recounted Edmund, 47, a green card holder since 1994.

He couldn't afford an attorney.

But help came from a pilot program offering free legal representation for poor immigrant New Yorkers facing deportation at the federal immigration court at Varick Street in Manhattan. Now, Edmund has been released on bail and is fighting removal.

The New York City Council approved $4.9 million to fully fund the program for the fiscal year that started July 1. The program, covering all eligible low-income immigrant city residents, is the first of its kind in the nation. Proponents say it has helped highlight a serious issue about the lack of legal representation in the immigration system and is helping address the backlogs and delays that result when immigrants

fend themselves in one of the most complicated areas of law without an attorney," said Raha Jorjani, who was hired in January

by Alameda County Public Defender Brendon Wood's office in

Oscar Hernandez, left, meets with attorney Ruben Loyo at Brooklyn Defenders Services offices in New York. Hernandez, a 20-year-old Mexican immigrant, is being helped by the New York Immigrant Family Unity Project, a pilot program in New York City that represents poor individuals who are detained and in deportation proceedings.

California to do similar work.

Eligible immigrants are making their first appearance in immigration court, those who don't already have an attorney and those with household incomes that don't exceed 200 percent of federal poverty guidelines, said Oren Root of the Vera Institute of Justice, which has been managing the program.

The detained immigrants meet the attorneys from three organi-

Under immigration law, a wide variety of offenses can make someone legally eligible for deportation, including drug crimes, felonies and even some minor offenses. without attorneys try to make their way through the system.

The New York Immigrant Family Unity Project "brought more recognition to this idea that is really offensive for noncitizens, especially detained noncitizens, who are facing something as drastic as deportation to have to de-

The pilot program started last year and had funding to take on 190 cases, a limit it reached in midApril. The full program is expected to take on about 900 cases in New York, as well as a few hun-

zations - The Bronx Defenders, Brooklyn Defender Services and the Legal Aid Society - at immigration court. The attorneys help them mount defenses on why they shouldn't be deported, or, if the immigrants do accept deportation, the lawyers make sure they fully understand the legal ramifications.

dred overflow cases of New York City residents being held and processed in New Jersey.

The program covers detained adults and hasn't been affected by the surge of cases involving children who have crossed the U.S. border.

Under immigration law, a wide variety of offenses can make someone legally eligible for deportation, including drug crimes, felonies and even some minor offenses. But there are also legal grounds to contest a deportation order.

Unlike the criminal justice system, immigration is a civil court proceeding without a guaranteed right to representation. But supporters of the program say going through the process without an attorney is difficult and unfair when the consequences are so life-altering, oftentimes for people who have been in the country for years.

"You can see the real-life impact of somebody's deportation on their children, on their spouse, on their parents, on their relatives, on their community," said

Jayashri Srikantiah, professor at Stanford Law School and director of the immigrants' rights clinic.

San Francisco Public Defender Jeff Adachi, whose office also just hired an attorney to work on immigration issues, said immigration courts have also been plagued with backlogs and delays.

That backlog was clear on a recent day in New York City. Hearings for about a half dozen immigrants who received attorney representation through the project went smoothly and quickly, with a couple of adjournments and the rest deportation orders. Then a young man arrived without an attorney. He agreed to be sent back to his native Mexico, but the process slowed measurably as the judge explained through an interpreter what his options were.

The man's case was also a good example of why legal repre-

sentation is so important for immigrants to understand what they are agreeing to, said Jennifer Friedman, director of immigration advocacy for the Bronx Defenders. He acknowledged in court having two U.S. citizen children, and an attorney looking at his case could have given him counsel on whether he had legal grounds to stay in the country, she said.

Supporters hope New York City's program will be replicated.

"We would love other municipalities to see what we're doing and be supportive of efforts like this across the nation," said City Council Speaker Melissa MarkViverito.

Those conversations have started happening, Friedman said.

"Now that we have this in New York, it's going to become the gold standard," she said. -AP

PRADEEP ROY-SINGH B.A. LL.B. M.B.A. J.D. Attorney-at-Law

Former Assistant StateÂ’s Attorney

Civil & Criminal Litigation Felonies, Misdemeanors, Inc DUI 1 Personal Injury, Business, Divorce etc.

1 Property Tax for Commercial Properties 1 1

http://www.proy-singh.com

2335 W. Devon Ave., Suite 204, Tel: 773-381-1820 Chicago, IL 60659

Immigration Post

46 India Post

September 12, 2014

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Many young immigrants have benefited through DACA-II MICHELLE S. VELASCO

Continued from last week

I

nterestingly, the Court struck down the law on equal protec tion grounds rather than conflict-preemption. Generally, courts use preemption analysis to strike down a conflicting state law acting to regulate immigration. In a concurrence, Circuit Court Judge Christen analyzed the case's conflict-preemption argument and found that Arizona's policy effectively created a new class of noncitizens who are not under "autho-

decision to treat DACA recipients disparately from noncitizens holding (c) (9) and (c) (10) Employment Authorization Documents" Arizona Dream Act Coalition at *8.

(Emphasis added).

It is also worthwhile to note that, unlike the Arizona district court which also held that the Arizona government's arguments failed a rational basis review, the 9th Circuit found that the protected class, here the DACA recipients, would likely suffer irreparable harm in the absence of a pre-

The Court's majority analyzed Arizona's law from an equal protection perspective, which gives it lasting and powerful impact. By going this route, the 9th Circuit recognized DACA recipients to be part of a protected class rized presence" - a descriptor not recognized in immigration law.

The act of creating a new immigration classification, in Judge Christen's view, is preempted by federal law because states may not directly regulate immigration. Id. at *13, citing Valle del Sol Inc. v.

Whiting, 732 F.3d 1006, 1023 (9th Cir. 2013), cert. denied, 134 S. Ct. 1876 (2014). Moreover, in footnote 3, the Court notes that Judges Pregerson and Berzon agree with the concurring opinion, and specifically that the plaintiffs in the case could succeed on a conflict preemption argument.

Here, however, the Court's majority analyzed Arizona's law from an equal protection perspective, which gives it lasting and powerful impact. By going this route, the 9th Circuit recognized DACA recipients to be part of a protected class. This can have huge implications for any other state laws that purport to discriminate against this now recognized protected class of noncitizens.

Moreover, the Court, in footnote 4, acknowledged that the Supreme Court in other cases applied strict scrutiny standard of review when state action discriminates against noncitizens authorized to be present in the U.S., see e.g. Graham v. Richardson, 403 U.S. 365 (1971). But here, the Court states it did not have to analyze under strict scrutiny review because Arizona could not even make its case under the lower rational basis test. In its analysis the Court found it could "identify no legitimate state interest that is rationally related to Defendant's

liminary injunction. The irreparable harm was the limiting of the DACA recipients' professional opportunities, hurting their abilities to seek or maintain a job in a state where 87 percent of its workers commute by car.

The decision lays bare the type of backlash that occurred after the Obama administration introduced DACA. Conservative pundits and anti-immigration groups believe that these young people should receive no acknowledgement or benefits from a country to which they do not belong.

This type of thinking is not only wrong, but it fuels hatred toward a group that, for all intents and purposes, took no part in the decision to enter the U.S. without inspection or to overstay visas.

The point of the DACA policy is to respond to the cries from millions of young immigrants brought into the U.S. as children, who have grown up in the U.S., but who are forced to stay in hiding. They are punished for someone else's sins.

I have personally processed over 100 DACA applications in the past two years. When talking to these young immigrants and their families, it is often impossible to tell apart the individuals who were born here and the ones who were brought here. DACA requestors speak like Americans, look like Americans, and dream the American dream like native-born Americans.

It is hard to put into words the unfairness of their lives: to live in a country that is oftentimes the only one they have known, and yet to be denied full recognition

and basic equal treatment. Worse, they are called "illegal" and are made to feel unwanted and unwelcome. This treatment is confusing and painful to many of these young people who had no choice about coming to the U.S. Yet they are undoubtedly the future of this country.

They will help shape the U.S. cultural, economic, and political landscape. And we are not doing enough to acknowledge their presence, since they are here to stay, and provide them with the tools to be full active members of American society.

The Obama administration has implemented regulations and executive policies to alleviate some of the pain from long-standing immigration problems that Congress has time and again failed to address.

DACA, for instance, was the Executive's response to Congress's failure to pass the DREAM Act in 2010. Recently President Obama spoke out angrily against Congress's ability to compromise on immigration reform, calling it the reason behind his decision to direct more resources to address the ongoing crisis of unaccompanied children. As has been pointed out on this blog, (http://blog.cyrusmehta.com/ 2014/06/two-aces-up-presidentobamas-sleeve-to_29.html) , Obama can expand the use of Executive action to confront problems in immigration law while we wait for Congress pass CIR. The

Paradoxically, the Obama administration has specifically rendered DACA recipients ineligible for healthcare benefits Obama administration can do more than just grant deferred action to young immigrants. DHS could grant deferred action to DACA parents. The Department of Education could grant federal student loans to DACA recipients.

Paradoxically, the Obama administration has specifically rendered DACA recipients ineligible for healthcare benefits under the Affordable Care Act even though prior to the August 2013 rule, DACA recipients would have been eligible. There are myriad ways

Executive action, such as DACA, can provide relief to millions of immigrants who live and work beside us every day. Until such time that Congress takes action, the Executive will have to be the branch taking action, and immigrants must be content with its limitations.

Because the basis of a deferred action grant is DHS's policy of prosecutorial discretion, it remains only in the form of executive action and it is not an actual law passed by Congress and signed

damental misunderstanding of immigration law. Litigation to strike down these anti-immigrant and anti-immigration state laws, which are arguably preempted by federal law, can sometimes take years.

Moreover, executive action while necessary in the face of Congressional inaction is limited in scope: it cannot grant visas or permanent residence, which only Congress can do by expanding the eligibility categories for permanent residence.

Meanwhile, immigrants lan-

The irreparable harm was the limiting of the DACA recipients' professional opportunities, hurting their abilities to seek or maintain a job in a state where 87 percent of its workers commute by car. by the President. DACA and any other executive action are thus vulnerable to attacks from groups and individuals who consider them an overreach by the Obama administration.

These attacks, such as Arizona's driver's license law, are often informed by fear and a fun-

guish in backlogged visa lines, wait months and years for hearings before an immigration judge, face harsh vitriol from anti-immigration groups, and DACA recipients still do not have a way to become fully integrated into American life.

Concluded

Obama defends decision to delay immigration action Cont'd from Page 44

Among those considered most at risk were Democratic Sens.

Mark Pryor of Arkansas, Mary Landrieu of Louisiana and Kay Hagan of North Carolina.

Obama advisers were not convinced that any presidential action would affect the elections.

But the officials said the discussions around timing grew more pronounced within the past few weeks.

Ultimately, the advisers drew a lesson from 1994 when Democratic losses were blamed on votes for gun-control legislation, undermining any interest in passing future gun measures.

White House officials said aides realized that if Obama's immigration action was deemed responsible for Democratic losses this year, it could hurt any attempt to pass a broad overhaul later on.

Republican leaders in Congress criticized the president, calling his decision a cynical ploy.

Senate Republican Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said

Obama's move amounted to ``Washington politics at its worst.'' ``What's so cynical about the immigration announcement is that the president isn't saying he'll follow the law, he's just saying he'll go around the law once it's too late for Americans to hold his party accountable in the November elections,'' McConnell said. ``This is clearly not decision-making designed around the best policy.''

Partisan fighting erupted recently over how to address the increased flow of unaccompanied minors from Central America at the U.S. border with Mexico. The officials said the White House had not envisioned such a battle when Obama made his pledge in June.

Since then, the number of minors caught alone illegally crossing the Mexican border into the United States has been declining.

That decrease and Congress' absence from Washington during August has taken attention away from the border for now. -AP

Datebook

September 12, 2014

NEW JERSEY Upcoming Fri, Sep 26 • ICS Navratri 2014 Venue: Dunn Sports Center-NJ, 600,Pearl Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202 Time: 8:00 pm Contact: 848-219-5000

Sat, Sep 27 • Secaucus Navratri 2014 Venue: Meadowlands Expo Center, 355 Plaza Dr, Secaucus, NJ 07094 Time : 08:00 pm Contact: 201-921-9918

Sat, Oct

11

NEW YORK Upcoming Sat, Sep 13 • Miss Pakistan World / Mr. Pakistan World 2014 Venue: United Palace Theatre, 4140 Broadway, New York, NY 10033 Time : 06:00 pm Contact: 416-898-2016

Sun, Sep 14 • Not Out An Ageless Comedy Venue: Hindu Community Centre, 143-09 Holly Ave, NY 11355 Time : 6:00 pm

Sat, Oct 4

• A Tribute To Rd Burman

• A Tribute To Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

Venue: Colden Center Auditorium, 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, NJ 11367 Time: 8:00 pm Contact: 347-653-1309

Venue: The Hindu Temple Community Center, 143-09 Holly Ave, NY 11355 Time: 7:00 pm Contact: 855-900-4427

India Post 47

www.indiapost.com

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Upcoming

Upcoming

Sat, Sep 13 • Vivekananda Vedanta Society Chicago

Shivanam Sankirtan Venue: Barbara Lee Senior Center, 40 N. Milpitas Blvd, Milpitas, Ca 95035 Time :6:00 pm to 8:30 pm Contact: www.bksiliconvalley.org.

Sun, Sep 13 • Naari- Ladies Event Venue: Sneha Restaurant Banquet Hall, 1214 Apollo Way, Suite 404 B, Sunnyvale, CA 94085 Timet: 5:30 pm Contact: 510-865-6274

Fri, Sep 19 • Tihai 2014 Festival Venue: Reed L.Buffigton Visual and Performing Arts Center (Chabot College), 25555 Hesperian Blvd, Hayward, CA 94545 Timet: 6:30 pm Contact: 925-413-8875

Fri, Sep 26 • Bollywood Fiesta Theme

Sun, Sep 14 • Nothing Like Lear Vinay Pathak Venue: Carrington Hall, 1201 Brewster Avenue, Redwood City, CA 94062 Time: 6:00 pm Contact: 408-579-9426

Sat, Sep 20 • Lataa Voice Close To My Soul By Preetysha & Sameer Venue: Amaya Banquet and Lounge, 7850 Time: 7:00 pm.

Contact:510-894-5376

ATLANTA Upcoming Sat, Sep 13 • Art Competition Venue: Chattahoochee Technical College, 2680 Gordy Pkwy, Marietta, GA 30066

Venue: Club Metropolitan, 651 N La Peer Dr, West Hollywood, CA 90069 Time: 10:00 pm Contact: 323-205-5594

Time: 10:00 am

Blessing Festival of India 2014

Upcoming • J K Yog Satsang and Bal Mukund Hindi Classes are held every 2nd and 4rth Sunday of Month Chicago Satsang Information: J K Yog, Chicago - Swami Mukundananda Venue: Clarion Inn/Waterford Banquets, Board Room, 933 South Riverside Drive, Elmhurst, IL 60126 Time: 3:30pm-5:30pm Contact: Ajay & Arti Chandhok @ 630-561-4807 Website: www.jkyog.org

Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620

Party

Sat, Sep 27 • Bharatiya Anugrah Samaroh

ILLINOIS

Contact: 678-429-7105

Sat, Oct 04 • Navaratri Mela - 2014 Venue: Independence High School, 86

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

Venue: Urgency Youth Center, 161 Nortech Parkway, San Jose, CA 95134.

Time: 6 pm to 9 pm Contact: BlessingFestival2014@gmail.com.

School Dr, Alpharetta, GA 30009 Contact: 404-786-7860 Time: 8:45 pm

Mondays and Fridays

Sat, Oct 4 • Raas-Garba With Jayshree

Sat, Oct 6 • Sri Sita Rama Kalyanam

• Free ESL - English as Second Language Classes Where: Metropolitan Asian Family Services

Gohil & Group

Venue: Bren Events Center, 100 Mesa Rd, Irvine, CA 92617 Contact: 951-318-7375

Venue: Norcross High School, 5300 Spalding Dr, Norcross, GA 30092 Time: 9:00 am Contact: 404-916-9899

Venue: 9015 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL, Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm Contact: 773-465-3105

September 12, 2014

www.indiapost.com

48 India Post

Anita Nair

Manju Kapur

NEW DELHI: What does it take to be a writer? An array of 23 formidable writers from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, share stories of their journey as they seek to answer this question and many more in a new book.

Edited by novelist Manju Kapur, "Shaping the World: Women Writers on Themselves" is an anthology of intimate, honest and brave accounts that pro-

Jaishree Misra

Bina Shah

vide an insight into the realm of writing, its adventurous terrain of highs and lows and how it continues to shape these writers as well as the world.

The writers reveal their inspirations, be it another writer, a personal tragedy, or triumph, a fascination with the English language, or a passion for putting pen to paper and finding wings.

Writing is a labor of love for

Anita Nair, author of novels like "The Better Man", "Ladies' Coupe", "Mistress" and a short story collection "Satyr of the Subway."

"You write because you feel the great urge to tell a story. There is a singular feeling of achievement that nothing else will ever provide; no award, no number of bestselling books, nothing is going to match that flush of joy that I know

Kavery Nambisan

when I write well and this is the driving spirit that relentlessly keeps me doing what I do," she says.

Pakistani author Bina Shah says that when a writer is asked to produce an essay explaining why she writes, she suffers her first major attack of writer's block in years.

"Writing is very much like walking a tightrope: the minute you

Anjum Hasan

stop what you're doing to look down, you start to wobble and sway in any minor breeze; you lose self-confidence and the very magic of what you do every day, easily and swimmingly, evaporates, replaced by a crippling insecurity and the odd compulsion to relate all your childhood grievances on the blank page in front of you."

Cont'd on Page 49

Bapsi Sidhwa

India Post 49

September 12, 2014 www.indiapost.com

Women writers open up Cont'd from Page 48

Shinie Antony, who had written two collections of short fiction and as many novels, is more comfortable with short stories.

"The novel is a matter of much plotting while the short story is a mood, an emotion, a point of view, an angle, a tapping into 'somewhere out there'," she says.

According to Janice Pariat, the reason why she writes "can be traced with a magical, long-winded silver thread, to that moment - the seconds before I picked my first holiday read (usually something from Enid Blyton's 'Famous Five' series), when I stood there, all of

10 or 11, looking up at a bookshelf with wonder".

For Kavery Nambisan, who is a surgeon, the responsibility of being a writer is as exacting as that of being a doctor.

"As a surgeon and novelist, I live in two worlds: The first is that of precise anatomical knowledge, diagnosis and practical skills learnt formally, in medical school and hospitals. It is mentally demanding, physically exhausting and quite often stressful," says Nambisan.

Her novel "The Story That Must Not Be Told" was shortlisted for the Man Asian Literary Prize 2008.

Ameena Hussein

Big B reaches 10 million mark on Twitter

T

he battle for gaining popu larity among Bollywood stars is a common phenomenon. The saga continues over the social media sites too. It is the war to have the most number of followers! Bollywood buffs, it is your turn to guess who is winning that race!

Well, it is none other than the megastar himself, the life of Bollywood Amitabh Bachchcan!

The 71-year-old actor hit the milestone of 10 million followers on the micro-blogging site, leaving stars like Shahrukh Khan (8.74 million), Aamir Khan (8.13 million), Salman Khan (7.99 million) and Priyanka Chopra (6.8million) behind.

Big B has acted in more than 200 films in his career and has lent his voice to many others. He made his Hollywood debut with the film called 'The Great Gatsby'. He was the first Indian actor whose wax model was created at Madame Tussauds. In 2012, he was honored by the Indian Government when he was made to carry the Olympic flame in London. He also

hosts the hugely popular TV show 'Kaun Banega Crorepati'.

Bachchan is social mediasavvy and is pretty active on Facebook and Twitter. The star joined Twitter in May 2010.

He keeps his fans entertained by quite frequently sharing moments from his professional and personal life, tweeting about issues of international and national importance and even replying to

his fans directly on Twitter.

"10 MILLION !! ON TWITTER !! YEEAAAHH !! Thank you all that follow me...! Next target 20 !!," an ecstatic Bachchan tweeted.

"The actor is known for his versatility on the platform [Twitter], and has kept his fans entertained by frequently Tweeting on moments of national and international importance, sharing moments from his personal and professional life in real life, and connecting with his fans personally by replying to them directly on Twitter through over 33,000 Tweets till now," Twitter officials disclosed in a statement.

The famed actor was congratulated by many of his fans on the micro-blogging site.

"10 million worldwide Twitter Followers Love, admire and respect You Mr Amitabh Bachchan. We love You Sir," tweeted Moses Sabir.

The actor has recently launched an initiative called #BachchanBol via which he shares fun and interesting facts with his followers every Wednesday.

"The second, the world of writing is one in which I strive to shape imagination and experience into meaningful sentences.

It is where I fulfill a simple urge to put words on paper so that others may read and appreciate it," she says.

Jaishree Misra, Author of novels like "Scandalous Secret", "Ancient Promises", "Accidents Like Love and Marriage" and "The Little Book of Romance" says the process of writing wasn't always slow for her.

"On certain days, it was like a terrifying roller-coaster ride; uncontrolled and unstoppable. On others, the pace was halting, tentative, fearful almost."

In looking for contributors for the anthology, Kapur approached established novelists who wrote in English.

"These are writers who have experimented with short stories, poems, travel pieces and journalism, but all of them write novels. I asked every writer I was able to contact a series of questions," says Kapur.

"How do you write, why do you write, how did you begin, which audience do you have in mind, what do you hate or love about writing? Do you have to struggle with the label of being a woman writer? Was it difficult to find a publisher? Would you like to comment on any aspect you find significant about your writing? The form of the article was left fluid," she says.

The response to questions, says the author bacame the book.

"All the essays for this volume appear here in print for the first time. It is not easy to write a piece for an importunate editor, in the middle of other commitments, and I am grateful that these writers have put up with requests for immediacy, clarity and originality, and

that they have agreed to share a very private part of their lives," Kapur, whose first novel "Difficult Daughters" won the Commonwealth Prize for First Novels (Eurasia Section), writes in introduction.

Anjum Hasan, author of "Difficult Pleasures", was greatly influenced by poet Pablo Neruda, who was both her hero and nemesis, and she "wanted to become (like him), write his words as if they were my words".

Pakistani writer Moni Mohsin does not want to place herself in that bracket of writers who have

These writers have put up with requests for immediacy, clarity and originality, and they have agreed to share a very private part of their lives always nursed a burning passion to write, who have known since childhood with unswerving certainty that this is their destiny.

"I never kept diaries, journals or notebooks. Never thought of writing as anything but a tedious obligation," she says.

Veteran writer from Mohsin's country Bapsi Sidhwa stumbled upon writing by accident when she wanted to chronicle some sequence of events and stories while she visited the site of the Karakoram Highway that follows the old Silk Route from China to Eastern Europe during her honeymoon.

The story of a runaway bride she heard during her stay went to become her first novel "The Pakistani Bride". -PTI

50 India Post

www.indiapost.com

September 12, 2014

Horoscope

September 12, 2014

India Post

51

www.indiapost.com

Your Weekly Future

by Pandit Parashar

September 12th to Sepember 18th, 2014 (March 21 to April 20)

(July 23 to August 22)

(November 23 to December 22)

L

S

C

ittle efforts and rich rewards will be the theme this week.

All business meetings and trips will bring instant results. Of course even strong Saturn in seventh will not give anything with hard work. You may be thinking of making an investment in shape of property. Proposal will be lucrative but will need to relocate to a distant place. Do not lend money to anyone.

(April 21 to May 20)

P

lanets are in right order to help you achieve your goals without making much efforts. You may have more than one opportunity to make quick bucks. And this could be the start of a beautiful relationship for bachelors. Money wise you will start to feel little relaxed as liability will come down a lot. Value of your assets will appreciate and you may plan a short trip with family.

(May 21 to June 20)

B

usiness will pick up all of a sudden. New venture launched recently will start making money too. You will gain an edge over your opponents with the new strategy. Most of the things you try will happen in first shot. There will be slight delay in plans to relocate.

You may be in touch with a well connected person to seek guidance. Try your hands at lottery this week.

(June 21 to July 22)

S

trong Mars in fifth should cause some major positive developments in career. Configuration of planets is ripe to cause some sensation in life. You will definitely control your emotions and move cautiously without spreading the news. Some of you may buy another more economical vehicle this week. Clearance from government agency could come during the week.

trong Mars will bring the necessary boost. You may travel to a warm area to attend an important meeting. Efforts made in the past will finally get the issue resolved with the government agency. Legal matters will continue to march in right direction and you can smell the victory. Another favorable week for people working as brokers. Person with fair skin will be helpful.

(August 23 to September 22)

I

f you stick to your guns, you will get the deal on your terms.

Planets are very favorable for all financial matters. You may arrange a small get together at your place or take family out to a nice place for dinner. Business will keep picking up. Victory in legal matters almost within your reach. You may need to deal with dry skin.

(September 23 to October 22)

S

ome of you may be desper ately looking for a change in career and start applying here and there in a panic. Money will keep slipping out of your hands. Help and guidance from a influential person will steer your life in right direction. You will try to stick to right path and it may not be easy. Spouse may initially disagree with your plans but in the end show full support.

(October 23 to November 22)

H

elp you anticipated from a prominent person will come on time. Blessings of a religious person will come to your rescue and you will be successful in resolving a major hurdle in career and it will be turning point in life. Health will return to shape with little exercises. Value of stocks will appreciate. You will be making several well calculated move in life this week.

PANDIT PARASHAR, CEO & COO Astro Scan USA is also available for individual consultations.

He can be reached at: parashar@parashar.com

hange of strategy will help trim liability and stop wastage of money. Strong will power will help overcome difficulty and you will be able to gather finances for your new project. Spouse will also have better luck in career and may be in line for a big promotion or raise. You may visit a holy place with family and participate in some special prayers for welfare of family.

(December 22 to January 19)

D

ivine protection and good deeds performed in the past will come to your rescue and you will successfully resolve a tricky situation in career or business.

Government agency will finally deliver the justice in your favor. Spouse may have health issues hard to detect by modern medical science. Some one close from overseas will call to share a good news with you.

(January 20 to February 18)

Y

ou will continue to march closer to your financial goals.You may also dispose off money making stocks and put money aside. You may spend an evening with some very successful and prominent people. Some of you be calling overseas more frequently this week. You may need to see a dentist for some problem brewing up lately.

(February 19 to March 20)

P

lanets will help you have better control over life. Most of your attempts will hit the bull's eye. Some of you may be offered another lucrative job with added perks. You may take a short trip to another town with family to attend an event. Loan application should go through in first shot. Some of you may also join a short term course to update your knowledge.

510-886-4370 www.parashar.com

52

India Post

Classifieds

September 12, 2014

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HELP WANTED Consulate General of India, Chicago, Invites applications for the post of a JUNIOR CLERK. Interested candidates holding a Bachelor's Degree, with a good knowledge of English, computer skills, ability for web research etc. may apply for the post.

A latest copy of curriculum vitae containing date of birth and other particulars may accompany the application.

Applications may be sent either through email oncci@indianconsulate.com or by post addressed to the Head of Chancery, Consulate General of India, 455 N Cityfront Plaza Drive (NBC Tower Building), Suite No. 850, Chicago, Illinois 60611

BY SEPTEMBER 20, 2014

For Classifieds Ads Call NORTHERN CA (Priya) Tel. 510-275-4467 priya@indiapost.com SOUTHERN CA (Shashi Trivedi) Tel: 562-441-5511/

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Philosophy

September 12, 2014

India Post 53

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Page Sponsored by Sahanis DENNIS WAITE

S

wamiji said "Give me a piece of paper from your pad." The journalist obliged. He turned to the table at his right and deftly began to fold and refold the paper.

After a few moments, he turned back and, before she had had time to see what he had done, he held the paper aloft and launched it into the air. It rose quickly and circled gracefully around the room before losing momentum and diving to meet a sudden end when its pointed nose hit a sauce bottle on the dining table. "Could you bring it back over here do you think?" he asked.

"So, what would you say that we have here?" he asked, as she handed it back to him.

"It's a paper aeroplane," she replied, with just a hint of questioning in her voice, since the answer was so obvious that she felt he must have some other purpose in mind.

"Really?" he responded and, in an instant, he screwed up the object and, with a practiced, over-arm movement, threw it effortlessly in a wide arc, from which it landed just short of the waste paper basket in the corner of the room. "And now?" he asked.

"It's a screwed-up ball of paper", she said, without any doubt in her voice this time.

"Could you bring it back again, please", he continued. She did so,

JEFF FOSTER

A

sk anybody on the street what they are looking for, and they'll probably say they're looking for peace, happiness, success, popularity, power, love, acceptance, understanding, fame, glory.

Someone who identifies themselves as a 'spiritual person' might be looking for an altered state of consciousness, or some kind of transformation, or an enlightenment experience, or they may be seeking to no longer seek anything anymore!

Everyone is looking for something. This seeking takes many forms but really it's all the same seeking. It seems as though everyone is looking for different things, but actually what we are looking for, deep down, is the same.

Basically, everyone is in pursuit of the same wholeness (or oneness, or completeness, or whatever you want to call it) - a wholeness that is already here, but is ignored in our pursuit of a future completion.

That's where it all begins: looking for something better in the future.

Looking for the next moment that will be a better moment, a more full moment, a more complete moment.

And of course, non-duality could just become something else you are

wondering if this was typical of such an interview. He took the ball and carefully unfolded it, spread it out on the table and smoothed his hand over it a few times before handing it back to her. "And now it is just a sheet of paper again," he said, "although I'm afraid it's a bit crumpled now!"

He looked around the room and, after a moment, removed a rose from a vase standing in the alcove

up at her after each action.

Finally, he pulled the remaining parts of the flower head off the stem and dropped them onto the floor, leaving the bare stalk, which he held out to her. "Where is the flower now?" he asked. Receiving no reply, he bent down and picked up all of the petals, eventually displaying them in his open hand. "Is this a flower?" he asked.

She shook her head slowly. "It

is still here in these parts in my hand.

"The paper aeroplane is an even simpler example. There never was an aeroplane was there? There was only ever paper. I folded it in various ways so that it took on an aerodynamic shape which could fly through the air slowly. The name that we give to that form is 'aeroplane'. When I screwed it up, the ball-shape could be thrown

Names and forms do not make separate things

By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imita-

Flower is the name that we give to that par-

tion, which is easiest; and

ticular arrangement of all of the parts. Once

third by experience, which

we have separated it into its component parts,

is the bitterest.

- Confucius

the flower ceases to exist.

Dennis Waite

It's not what you look at

and asked her, "What is this?"

"It's a flower," she replied.

He then deliberately took one of the petals between his righthand thumb and fore-finger and plucked it. He looked at her and said, "And now?"

She didn't reply, though it seemed that this time he didn't really expect an answer. He continued to remove the petals one by one until none remained, looking

was a flower only when all of the petals and the other bits were all attached to the stem."

"Good!" he said, appreciatively.

"Flower is the name that we give to that particular arrangement of all of the parts. Once we have separated it into its component parts, the flower ceases to exist. But was there ever an actual, separate thing called 'flower'? All of the material that constituted the original form

more accurately. 'Aeroplane' and 'ball' were names relating to particular forms of the paper but at all times, all that ever actually existed was paper.

"Now, this sort of analysis applies to every 'thing' that you care to think of.

Excerpted from endlesssatsang.com. Briton Dennis Waite is one of the fundamental architects of Nonduality on the Internet

looking for. We could turn non-duality into our new goal. But the word 'Non-duality' actually points to what is already present here and now, within this present experience, as this experience. We're not talking about a new goal for the seeker.

We're talking about life as it already is. non-duality is not in time.

completion in the future? You pass through all these different layers of questions and ultimately you get to the fundamental question: 'Who am I?' That's where everything leads to in the end.

you'll make a fortune and be a famous millionaire. Or the story could be that you're a spiritual person and one day you'll become enlightened.

If life 'as it is' is already perfect why do we continue to seek?

The real question is 'Who is

So, who am I? If you ask most people that question, they'd probably reply with a story about who they think they are. They'd give you a description about what they've done in the past

So, are you saying enlightenment is just another story?

Well, it's always about 'me' completing myself in time, isn't it?

The enlightenment story is equal to the 'one day I'm going to win the lottery' story. Within the story you are always incomplete and

that matters, it's what you see.

- Henry David Thoreau Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.

- Ralph Waldo Emerson Everything comes to us that belongs to us if we create the capacity to receive it.

- Rabindranath Tagore Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of

Becoming enlightened is just another story

ourselves.

- Carl Jung The greater danger for

The enlightenment story is equal to the 'one

most of us lies not in set-

day I'm going to win the lottery' story. Within

ting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting

the story you are always incomplete and always moving towards a future completion. seeking?' What is this seeker?

Where is it? Can I find it now? And is this seeker who I really am? I seem to be a separate individual who is looking for something to complete myself, but is that really who I am?

Does this seeking really define me? Am I really something that is incomplete, something that seeks

and maybe what they dream of doing in the future. When you live with an image of yourself, that image can always be improved; you can always have a better story. If you have the identity that you are successful business women and you're making a lot of money, maybe you hope that one day

our aim too low, and Jeff Foster

always moving towards a future completion.

That goes right to the root of it all - a sense of lack that everyone is trying to escape.

Excerpted from an interview with British author/teacher Jeff Foster by Nic Higham of Nonduality Network

achieving our mark.

- Michelangelo The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails - William Arthur Ward

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September 12, 2014

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Changing global balance of power & Obama's response

T

he term 'unipolar world order' has slowly been erased from the lexicon of current debates on world affairs. While the Obama Administration appears determined to keep the flag of Pax Americana flying around the world, events in Latin America, Europe, Asia and West Asia have begun to challenge the US-led global order.

China and Russia have successfully penetrated Latin America by spreading their economic and military presence hitherto completely dominated by the US. While Japan has been seeking in vain to chase the Chinese into Latin America, the Obama Administration has been accused

CHINTAMANI MAHAPATRA

world leader has been questioned in view of Washington's alleged mishandling of the Syrian civil war; the delayed response to the threat posed by the Islamic State (IS); the lack of satisfactory steps to re-establish order in the postGaddafi Libya; and the inability to arrive at an agreeable solution to the Iranian nuclear issue.

Critics have pointed to the US' hasty withdrawal from Iraq before restoration of socio-political stability and its planned exit from Afghanistan despite the resurgence of the Taliban as indicative of the US' diminished ability and willingness to sustain its hegemonic world order.

While some argue that the US is on the march to become-energy inde-

the terror threat from IS. However, it signifies the US' weakness than strength in managing the IS threat.

The jerky balance of power in today's world, however, is more discernible in Europe and the Asia Pacific where the resurgence of Russian power and the emergence of China as a potential global power has put to the test the resilience of the US-led global order.

American threats, sanctions, and/or even diplomacy failed to prevent Russia from spreading its control over to Abkhazia and South Ossetia in 2008 and Crimea in 2014. Over the past several months, Ukraine has emerged as a new cold war battleground between the Obama and the Putin

U.S. President Barack Obama, fourth from left, is seated at a table with, from left to right: France’s President Francois Hollande; Ukraine President Petro Poroshenko; British Prime Minister David Cameron; German Chancellor Angela Merkel; and Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi as they meet about Ukraine at the NATO summit at Celtic Manor in Newport, Wales, on Sept. 4

of neglecting its own backyard.

Many analysts raised eyebrows when US President Barack Obama promised considerable assistance to Africa last month but had little to offer to Latin America. China already has a robust presence in Africa and has replaced the US as the principal trading partner of many Latin American countries.

The US financial assistance has always been conditional to protection of human rights or promotion of democracy, but China imposes no strings; and thus, an increasing number of countries in Africa and Latin America are looking up to Beijing for assistance.

Notably, China has little to offer to strife-torn West Asia. It has taken a back seat in the game of diplomacy and has not even attempted to restore order in Libya, Egypt, Palestine, Syria or Iraq. The US on the other hand has directly or indirectly remained a high profile actor in this region. The reigning superpower, however, has failed to contain, manage, and let alone resolve, the ongoing violence in West Asia.

The credibility of the US as a

pendent and hence cares little about the West Asian muddle, the region remains critical to global energy security. Can the US economy sustain itself, if there is instability in the global energy market?

NATO assistance The US' recent decision to seek NATO assistance in addressing the threat from the IS is but one among several examples that testify the US' declining power to maintain world order on its own.

There was little doubt that the US dominated the NATO during the Cold War. However, this domination ended after the collapse of the Soviet Union and despite NATO's geographical expansion.

The support received by the US from NATO in the wake of the 9/11 attacks in 2001 vanished in 2003 when the Bush Administration prepared to militarily intervene in Iraq. In the recent NATO summit in Poland, Obama persuaded some NATO members to expand their activities to other parts of the world with the creation of rapid deployment force. The first such step would be to tackle

administrations.

After Putin brandished his nuclear arsenal, his proposal for a cease-fire became effective in Eastern Ukraine.

Similarly, the US seems ineffective in stemming the expansion of Beijing's influence in the Asia Pacific both due to China's rising military prowess and vast economic muscle. China has occupied several islands in the South China Sea, harassed smaller neighbors, challenged the US' naval vessels and surveillance ships risking potential confrontation, declared Air Defense Identification Zones and patrolled in waters close to the disputed Senkaku/Diaoyu islands in East China Sea. The US has issued statements warning China and assuring its allies, but there is no manifestation of its effect.

Significantly, China and Russia have been forging closer economic and military ties to alter the global power structure, making it difficult for the US to stop the erosion of its global influence.

The writer is Professor, School of International Studies, JNU. Courtesy IPCS

India Post

Tough posture

T

he BJP has at last discovered that avoiding the media is not an option. In the absence of the Government's direct interaction with the media, rumors were getting publicity and motivated stories were order of the day. To put the record straight, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj held a press conference, her first after the Modi ministry took over, where she outlined India's policies vis-Ă -vis other countries.

The minister displayed a tough posture making a clear departure from the defensive foreign policy of the previous UPA government.

Noticeably, on China, Sushma took a tough line ahead of Chinese president Xi Jinping's visit to India later this month. Focusing on China's non-acceptance of Arunachal Pradesh as part of India, she asserted that for India to agree to a one-China policy, China should affirm a one-India policy.

Significantly, on Pakistan, Sushma kept open the possibility of a meeting between PM Narendra Modi and his counterpart Nawaz Sharif on the sidelines of the UN Generally Assembly session in New York later this month. Questioned on India's policy after scrapping talks with Pakistan last month, she made another significant point: "There are no full stops in diplomacy. There are only commas and semi-colons." Meaning thereby that India's policy will be firm in favor of national interest but it will be flexible if there is scope of any forward movement.

This is quite in contrast with policies followed so far. In dealing with China and Pakistan India has been generally hesitant and on the defensive. Here for once the new NDA government is giving evidence of a robust approach.

Even in the case of dealing with America, she hinted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled meeting on September 30 with Barack Obama would mark a departure in India's diplomatic approach towards Washington. Boldly, she declared," This time, a strong government will be talking to Obama. And that will make all the difference," she emphasized.

Sushma detailed the "tough" stance the Modi government had already taken with the US, Pakistan and China, but also pointed out that India hoped to strike pacts with these countries that would help them and India.

Ahead of Modi's visit to the US, Sushma laid out clear goalposts she insisted India would not shift on. The civil nuclear liability law, which US firms blame as too draconian, will not be amended, Sushma said. "We will make that clear to Obama as well," she said.

Clarifying on policies, Sushma made a distinction between foreign policy and diplomacy. "Foreign policy means what a government should do, while diplomacy means how it should be done.

The foreign policy of India has always remained the same - how to have good relations with our neighbors." Swaraj claimed the NDA government started working on diplomacy as soon as it came to power."

While the 'Look East' policy has been widely commented upon, she pointed out that this does not mean that India is neglecting the West. Stressing the importance of Gulf countries, Swaraj said, "Over 70 lakh Indians work in the Gulf and 60 percent of our energy sources come from there, thus it is an important part of the world for us."

India's policy towards Pakistan will come once again into focus as Sushma visits Afghanistan next. A US think-tank has recently opined that the political unrest in Pakistan could impact its relations with India as the Pakistan army is having more control over the country's foreign policy. It would shift Pakistan's approach toward Afghanistan further into a policy framework that seeks to counter Indian influence there, the independent research group says.

New challenges could develop to the goal of improving IndiaPakistan relations that would put a damper on hopes for effective regional cooperation and commerce in South Asia, it felt.

The hawks in Pakistan Army, including the spy agency ISI, thus would be watching Sushma's visit to Kabul with great interest.

September 12, 2014

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