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Manan Trivedi

Trivedi accused of playing race card Details on page 6

Choksi is RIC national president Details on page 8

NEW YORK • WASHINGTON D.C. • CHICAGO • ATLANTA • CALIFORNIA

VOL 16, No. 836

September 17, 2010

50¢

Periodical Postage

NO TAX BREAKS FOR OUTSOURCING: OBAMA WASHINGTON Amid indications that outsourcing could become a hot issue in the November polls, President Barack Obama has made his stand on the issue clear, saying that tax breaks should go to companies that create jobs in the US and not overseas. Obama's comments came close on the heels of the Ohio state Governor passing an executive order to ban

outsourcing, a development that has raised concerns in India that is often described as the world's back office. Significantly, Obama's policy speech on economy came in Ohio itself, where he made clear his determination to end tax loopholes that provide incentives for investment in overseas jobs, saying he will provide a generous tax credit to companies that create more jobs in the US. Details on page 6

Soha Ali Khan

Ananda Utsav celebrates the spirit of Bengal Details on page 18

Rajmohan Gandhi appeals for flood aid to Pak Details on page 8

Nov to be Sikh Awareness month in Cal Details on page 19

Andhra student dies in rafting accident

HAF concerned over California mosque attack

Details on page 9

Details on page 12

Pawar launches NCP America Chapter

Ohio Governor bans outsourcing

Details on page 11

Details on page 6

Temple apology to Sadhvi Rithambara Details on page 10

INDIA POST SURVEY Is Obama losing popularity in India? Last week’s result

Is China trying to create mischief in Kashmir? YES 83%

NO 17%

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

'Continental' treatment for Indians KRISHAN SHARMA India Post News Service

survey@indiapost.com This week’s question

CONTENTS

Chaos at the counter in Newark airport in New Jersey

in advance. Finally the supervisor had to come after two agents could not figure out the computer commands. Still they could not find seats for all three of us together. It was a full flight and at least 80 percent of the passengers were Indians. The non-stop flight to Newark was quite comfortable even though it was for 15 hours. They did not have our vegetarian meals and gave us some salads and bread.

Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”

Details on page 7

Classifieds ------------------------- 47 Community Post -------------- 10-23 Date Book -------------------------- 43 Edit Page --------------------------- 49 HealthScience Post --------- 34-35 Horoscope ------------------------- 46 Immigration Post ------------- 40-42 India ---------------------------------- 45 Life Style ----------------------- 25-28 Philosophy ------------------------- 48 Publisherís Diary ------------------ 4 Real Estate ------------------------ 44 TechBiz Post ------------------- 38-39 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 29-31

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Publisher’s Diary

he Indian IT sector is already reacting strongly to the latest in antioutsourcing measures coming from the US - Ohio State's ban on outsourcing by government departments to offshore locations. They are calling it a trade barrier. Although the direct impact of one particular state's actions may be marginal in economic terms, the Indian IT companies are worried about the ripple effects considering the upcoming midterm elections in the US. And they would be worried too because Ohio's move comes in the wake of the recent federal law that sharply increased the processing fee for H1B and L1 visas - a move that has made a definite dent in the $50 billion Indian IT industry, 60 percent of whose revenues come from the US. Irrespective of what the motives for these drastic moves might be, it is high time India stops reacting in piecemeal and wakes up to the unmistakable agenda that President Obama is pushing against outsourcing; which is no longer a rhetoric, but a reality that is motivated by the President's earnest desire to bring jobs back to the American middleclass and discipline profitgreedy corporations. In the past I had come to accept outsourcing as a global reality of the day, but have come to realize that it is a reality that singularly benefits big corporations to buffer their bottom lines and rarely the workers who end up being exploited at both ends. Even a cursory look at the woeful decimation of the American manufacturing industry and most of its service industry which has led to the decline in quality jobs for the middle class shows the extent of socio-economic effect on families, and the nation as a whole that is heavily dependent on countries like China, India, Mexico for its goods, services and labor. Irrespective of American politicians' election agendas, it is high time India's IT industry starts working on a Plan B to keep up its revenues; and high time the Indian government, which so aggressively solicits foreign investments, starts putting them to honest use for projects that generate decent local jobs.

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Cast bar Aishwarya has asked hubby Abhishek not to share the silver screen with Katrina in 'Dostana 2'.

Cover Story: Taxing outsourcing President Obama has said he is determined to end tax loopholes that provide incentives for investment in overseas jobs.

Community: Sadhvi Ritambhara

A Mandir in Mahwah, NJ reversed an earlier decision to cancel a discourse by Sadhvi Ritambhara and has apologized to her.

India: Hyderabad Ramadan No other Indian city has a flamboyant change of heart for Ramadan as Hyderabad reflects in India.

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No tax breaks for outsourcing: Obama WASHINGTON Amid indications that outsourcing could become a hot issue in the November polls, President Barack Obama has made his stand on the issue clear, saying that tax breaks should go to companies that create jobs in the US and not overseas. Obama's comments came close on the heels of the Ohio state Governor passing an executive order to ban outsourcing, a development that has raised concerns in India that is often described as the world's back office. Significantly, Obama's policy speech on economy came in Ohio itself, where he made clear his determination to end tax loopholes that provide incentives for investment in overseas jobs, saying he will provide a generous tax credit to companies that create more jobs in the US. "One of the keys to job creation is to encourage companies to invest more in the United States. But for years, our tax code has actually given billions of dollars in tax breaks that encourage companies to create jobs and profits in other countries," Obama said

President Barack Obama makes remarks on the economy at Cuyahoga Community College West Campus on September 8 in Cleveland, Ohio

at Cleveland. The President said he was determined to change that. "I want to change that. Instead of tax loopholes that incentivise investment in overseas jobs, I'm proposing a more generous, permanent extension of the tax credit that goes to companies for all the research and innovation they do right here in America," he said, with Ohio Governor Ted Strickland standing by his side.

With election due in November for 37 of the 100 seats in the United States Senate, and the opinion polls painting a grim picture for the Democrats, Obama sought to project the tax issue as a key policy difference between his party and the Republicans. "I think if we're going to give tax breaks to companies, they should go to companies that create jobs in America - not those that create jobs overseas. That's

Manan Trivedi accused of playing race card India Post News Service

NEW YORK: The Indian American Leadership Initiative (IALI) has denounced Congressman Jim Gerlach's campaign for playing the race card against Indian American opponent Manan Trivedi in the Pennsylvania Congressional campaign. It was reported in The Hill newspaper that Congressman Jim Gerlach's campaign spokesman accused Manan Trivedi of playing the "race card" because he is raising money from Indian Americans. According to The Hill, Gerlach's spokesman said: "The only one who has played the race card here is him [Manan Trivedi], by going to IndianAmerican groups to raise money." In Pennsylvania's 6th congressional district, where Democrat Manan Trivedi is challenging Rep. Jim Gerlach (R), the Republican's campaign is painting Trivedi as a far left-winger and has said Trivedi "doesn't share our values." When Gerlach's campaign was accused of a subtle racial slant, his spokesperson said it was in fact Trivedi who was playing the race card by raising funds from Indian American groups.

Calling it "an incredible accusation" to make in an American political campaign where it is quite common for candidates from both parties to seek support from ethnic organizations, Kathy Kulkarni, President of IALI said, "You would never see Gerlach attack an

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;IALI was proud to endorse Dr. Manan Trivedi early this year when he was in the midst of a tough battle in the Democratic primary. After that victory, he is now one of the Democratic Party's top Congressional candidatesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Italian American, Jewish American, or Greek American candidate for raising money from their ethnic communities. It is ludicrous for Gerlach to say an Indian American candidate should live by different rules. His campaign

statement shows disdain for the Indian American community and the Congressman should apologize immediately." "Dr. Manan Trivedi is running a campaign focused on the Pennsylvania families and businesses struggling in this economy. Gerlach, on the other hand, is making these ethnic charges to distract voters from his record of supporting the economic policies that created this recession," continued Kulkarni. "We must send a message to Congressman Gerlach that the Indian American community is proud to support our candidates. Like all Americans, we have the right to make financial contributions to any candidate we choose - regardless of their ethnicity. IALI was proud to endorse Dr. Manan Trivedi early this year when he was in the midst of a tough battle in the Democratic primary. After that victory, he is now one of the Democratic Party's top Congressional candidates." The Hill's campaign blog points out that more Indian American candidates than ever are running for office in 2010 and that there are worries their ethnicity could become a factor.

one difference between the Republican vision and the Demo-

cratic vision. And that's what this election is all about," Obama said. Running behind in opinion polls, Strickland of Democratic party, who till now was going out of his way to woo Indian companies, recently passed an executive order that banned outsourcing, arguing that this undermines economic development and has unacceptable business consequences. "Outsourcing jobs does not reflect Ohio values," Strickland said in a statement after he signed the executive order. Reacting to the order, the Indian IT sector, which gets 60 per cent of its export revenue from the US, termed the move as discriminatory and said it amounts to a trade barrier.-PTI

Ohio Governor bans outsourcing WASHINGTON Running beBy pushing such protectionist hind in opinion polls, Ohio Gov- measures, his campaign believes ernor Ted Strickland of Demo- that he would be able to win over cratic party, who till now was go- crucial votes in the run-up to the ing out of his way to woo Indian November elections. companies, has banned As per the latest opinion polls, outsourcing, arguing that this un- Strickland is running behind 12 dermines economic development percentage point against Kasich. and has unacceptable business Earlier, Strickland had made consequences for his state. special efforts to attract Indian "Outsourcing jobs does not re- companies to Ohio. flect Ohio values," Strickland said In 2007, TCS said it would build in a statement after he signed an its North American Delivery Cenexecutive order banning tre in Milford, an Ohio city, after outsourcing. Strickland offered about USD 19 Reacting to the order, the Indian IT sector, which gets 60 per The move, which comes cent of its export revahead of US President Barack enue from the US, termed the move as dis- Obama's visit to India in Nocriminatory and said it vember, follows a controveramounts to a trade barrier. sial legislation that increased The move, which H-1B and L1 visa fees comes ahead of US President Barack Obama's visit to India in Novem- million in tax credits and other inber, follows a controversial legis- centives. TCS now has some 400 lation that increased H-1B and L1 employees working here. visa fees, hitting India's over USD Signaling an apparent change 50 billion IT industry. The Indian of heart, Strickland said Ohioans industry will take up the issue with have been among the hardest hit its US counterparts and seek by more than a decade of unfair government's support to flag it trade agreements and the tricklewith the American authorities. down economic policies that pro"Nasscom is leading a delega- moted off-shoring jobs at the extion to the US later this month and pense of Ohioans who work for a will be taking this up with relevant living. officials in the US," the apex body "We must do everything within of the IT and ITES industry said our power to prevent outsourcing in New Delhi. jobs because it undermines our Seeking re-election in the No- economic development objecvember gubernatorial polls, tives, slows our recovery and deStrickland acknowledged that he prives Ohioans and other Ameriis running behind his Republican cans of employment opportuniopponent John Kasich. ties," he said.- PTI

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'Continental' treatment for Indians have a valid visa, even though I was holding a PIO card. The fourth person at the counter finally told the agent that a PIO card is valid as Visa. It was a routine check-in at Continental Airline Gate C-123 for Flight No.CO82 leaving for Delhi at 8.30 pm on September 4, until two hours before departure they decided to check our visas again. We had to stand in queue again for over half hour. While this was going on, an agent announced that due to technical reasons the Gate had been changed to No 108, so all of us had to rush to Gate No C-108. It was the worst nightmare for KRISHAN SHARMA India Post News Service

NEWARK, NJ: Having traveled several times between Delhi and US, I have never encountered as inexperienced and rude ground staff as it was with Continental Airline during my recent visit. My trip started on July 21 when it took the ground staff in Delhi more than two hours to find seats for me, my wife and our teenaged daughter although we had booked more than two months in advance. Finally the supervisor had to come after two agents could not figure out the computer commands. Still they could not find seats for all three of us together. It was a full flight and at least

80 percent of the passengers were Indians. The non-stop flight to Newark was quite comfortable even though it was for 15 hours. They did not have our vegetarian meals and gave us some salads and bread. During our stay in US I had to call Continental to make changes and the staff was very unfriendly and lacked knowledge about international rules governing fares and charges etc. Finally I gave up and took another flight to San Francisco. I thought that was enough, but soon had to face my worst experience at the Newark Airport. The ground staff had no knowledge about rules applicable to PIO/OCI card holders. They held me up for half an hour claiming that I did not

Many of these things happen at airports with thousands of people traveling. But the attitude of the staff at Continental was appalling. Especially their treatment of Indian passengers. Said one passenger, ‘They don't realize we give them maximum revenue.’ I hope, Continental you are listening!

senior citizens and mothers traveling with children. The airline was able to provide the ride only for a few. Once again this flight was also packed with people of Indian origin and many of them were very old. Mrs Nair (name changed) traveling with her husband almost had a bad fall running from one gate to the other. As if this was not enough, the airline made another announcement that the Gate had been again changed back to Gate C-123. When asked one of the agents was extremely rude and was unable to give a satisfactory reply. They said, "We have no knowledge and this goof up is due to operations and computer". So convenient to put the blame on computers. It was quiet amusing to hear such excuses from a professional

Poem read in 146 languages O

Ashok Parulekar (Left) is reading the poem and Shivaram (Right) is getting ready to read the poem in Malayalam

n Sept 5, in New York’s Central Park, Olympic legend Carl Lewis, Guinness record holder Ashrita Furman, and a large international team set a new Guinness World Record by reading a poem on joy written by world harmony leader Sri Chinmoy, in the most languages ever – 146. Carl Lewis introduced the program by stating, “I just want to say that Sri Chinmoy inspires everyone who has met him and everyone who learns about him to go beyond what you think you can do. And, at the same time, he helps bring everybody close to you.” The poem reads: Be like a child, Act like a child. Go from one flower to another In your heart-garden Until you find complete joy And perfect satisfaction. When asked why he selected this poem, Ashrita said: “I think it is important that we remember in this complex world that we are children at heart. If we develop our childlike qualities, then we will be always happy.” Guinness record holder Ashrita Furman reading the poem

carrier. Ms. Rachna Bharti, with her child in a stroller, was almost in tears watching the rude behavior of the agents. Mrs. Saroja, who had just come out of knee surgery, was limping trying to make to the gate again. One of the students from Costa Rica traveling for the first time to India was told that the flight had left for India. Many of these things happen at airports with thousands of people traveling. But the attitude of the staff at Continental was appalling. Especially their treatment of Indian passengers. Said one passenger, "They don't realize we give them maximum revenue." I hope, Continental you are listening!

Racket of securing admission under PIO quota NEW DELHI: The CBI has unearthed a new kind of racket in Chandigarh, registering a case against 11 students who had obtained admission to a college under the category meant for foreign nationals and persons of Indian origin after allegedly submitting forged documents. Nishi Kant, the alleged mastermind of the scam and a resident of Hissar in Haryana, was arrested, an official spokesman of the agency said here. The probe agency registered a case against the students who were admitted to Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh on the basis of alleged fake and forged documents. The CBI alleged that these students secured their admissions under the scheme of Direct Admissions of Students Abroad (DASA). The HRD Ministry has entrusted the task of coordination and financing of admissions under DASA to NIT, Surathkal (Karnataka).-PTI

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Rajmohan Gandhi appeals for flood aid to Pakistan India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, Rajmohan Gandhi, together with Pakistan's Ambassador Abdullah Hussain Haroon addressed a press conference at the United Nations headquarters in New York on Sept 3 to appeal for world solidarity in response to floods that had devastated millions of Pakistani lives. "We have to get the conscience of the world working on

cluding the end to the divisions between people in the region. He noted that ordinary Pakistanis were helping each other, with young people displaying astonishing leadership, including Pakistani student groups abroad. That should be seen as a proof of the strength of Pakistani society, despite the country's image in the world media. He was glad that Indians, both individuals and the Government, had provided aid.

Amb. Haroon said that the joint press conference was historic and spoke of the friendship between his own grandfather and Mahatma Gandhi, who, he said, was extremely concerned over the welfare of Muslims on the subcontinent this jointly," Gandhi, a Research Professor at the Center for South Asian and Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Illinois, United States, told correspondents. Calling for more widespread, generous and long-term assistance to the "hundreds of thousands of Pakistani men, women and children who had lost all they had built over a lifetime", he said that the poorest were once more the prime sufferers, adding that he prayed that the flood would help all of South Asia to reorder its priorities to extract some good out of the tragedy, in-

Amb. Haroon said that the joint press conference was historic and spoke of the friendship between his own grandfather and Mahatma Gandhi, who, he said, was extremely concerned over the welfare of Muslims on the subcontinent. He welcomed the outpouring of aid from people of all faiths and ethnicities. He said, however, that United Nations support showed sign of weakening, and he called for the world to step up to the enormous humanitarian challenges, warning of disasters yet to come, pointing out that 90 per cent of victims were still drinking dirty wa-

ter. He voiced hoped, for that reason, that the world would not lose interest. There were severe, long-term needs and 18 million out of the 20 million people affected were being supported by Pakistanis themselves. In addition, he said that Pakistan was a granary of the world, so there would be severe food shortages beyond Pakistan, if the world did not act now. In response to questions, he said that there was a risk of destabilization in Pakistan, and that violent strikes against religious minorities had shown that militants were certainly willing to take advantage of opportunities. The people who had been most affected, however, were not militants. The people most affected were the "uncomplaining hard core" of Pakistani society. Gandhi said that the disaster could increase unrest, but so far he had noticed a strong reaction against the latest violence, with people asking how anyone could carry out attacks in the middle of such an emergency. There was also the possibility that people would come together, across ethnic, religious and class lines. Within Pakistan, the elites had to decide where they stood. If the response was unsatisfactory, however, deeper divides could be created. Asked about the possible positive effects of Indian aid, he said that such aid could lead to more rapprochement with Pakistan, or could be forgotten as a

stand-alone goodwill gesture. It was "up to all of us" to take a profoundly human moment and help reshape the relationship between both peoples. An awakening of common humanity was indeed possible and could produce some reconciliation be-

Rajmohan Gandhi, grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, at UN Headquarters press conference on September 3 to appeal for world solidarity in response to floods that have devastated millions of Pakistani lives. Mohammed Jaffer-SnapsIndia

tween peoples, he added, saying, however, he could not predict how it would affect the controversy over Kashmir and other big issues. Asked if he was satisfied with the response of the United Nations to the floods, Amb. Haroon said there was a "strong burst of activity" before and after the Secretary-General's visit, but the momentum had flagged a bit, even though, "the worst is yet to

Choksi is RIC national president India Post News Service

NEW YORK: The Republican Indian Committee announced the appointment of Dr. Armeane M. Choksi as its first National President. Dr. Choksi is currently an Adjunct Professor at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He spent 22 years with the World Bank (1974-1996), rising to the senior executive position of Vice President. After leaving the World Bank in 1996, Dr. Choksi founded and was Chairman and President of two investment companies, Rubicon Capital Investments that invested in Latin America and Hudson Fairfax Group that invested in India. He has written extensively on foreign trade and economic liberalization and also serves on several governing boards, including

The University of Edinburgh USA Development Trust, The Washington Ballet, JINSA and the International Advisory Board of Freedom from Hunger. He is also on the Editorial Board of the Journal of International Security Affairs. Dr. Choksi is President of the

existence and, in that short period, it has already developed an excellent reputation across the country. I will focus my efforts on making RIC a major force for positive change in American politics." Last month, the RIC also established its New Jersey State

Dr. Choksi is currently an Adjunct Professor at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He spent 22 years with the World Bank (1974-1996), rising to the senior executive position of Vice President U.S.-India Institute, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank. Regarding his appointment, Dr. Choksi said, "I am very excited and honored to be the first President of RIC-National, and I look forward to being part of a great team. RIC has made tremendous strides in less than a year of its

Chapter, a landmark development as New Jersey has one of the highest numbers of Indians in the country. Dr. Kuchipudi Bapineedu has been appointed Chairman of the Republican Indian Committee of New Jersey (RIC-NJ). Dr. Bapineedu is a senior Surgeon

happen", due to filthy water and food, a lack of some 900,000 tents and other shortages. There were still only 15 helicopters available to cover the affected area. In that context, he said that assistance from the Chinese military was not a threat; they had, after all, built

who is well known and highly established in the medical fraternity. He is an honored award holder and holds membership to various prestigious medical boards. Dr. Bapineedu has been a long time fundraiser and activist for the Indian American Community in the state. He is the founding trustee and vice chairman for the Hindu Temple and cultural society of USA. He is the secretary of the Board of Trustees, Hindu Temple, Bridgewater, NJ and is also Chairman, Indian-American Festival, an annual event that has been organized by the cultural Society of USA for the past 11 years. Arthur Kapoor was appointed President of RIC-NJ. Arthur is a well-traveled healthcare industry pioneer, a seasoned entrepreneur who has successfully built and sold software companies to Fortune 100 entities.

highways in Pakistan. He said that the SecretaryGeneral had raised an initial, substantial amount and the world was helping, but domestic assistance capacity had been exhausted. India had a great role to play there, provided more people like Mr. Gandhi came forward. Gandhi thanked all Indians who had helped thus far, but said the Indian heart could do so much more. Everyone in the world must feel accountable for what they did, or did not do to help the victims, he said. Amb. Haroon said he was skeptical of calls for cash aid, instead of food aid, because he knew first hand of the extreme hunger in the affected area. In addition, he pointed out that many victims did not even have means to cook or store food, so the best solution right now was United Nations energy biscuits. Lentils and grains would be more important in the secondary response. As far as the causes of the flooding were concerned, he said that there were unprecedented, "incredible" amounts of rain. Previously there had been longterm droughts. Asked if he stood behind claims about damaged levees that he had made in a television interview, Haroon said yes, he had been told that some powerful people had destroyed levees, so that the flooding would inundate poorer people's lands instead of their own. He reiterated his call for inquiries into such incidents.

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Once a rising star, chef now feeds hungry DANIELLE BERGER

MADURAI, Tamil Nadu: Narayanan Krishnan was a bright, young, award-winning chef with a five-star hotel group, short-listed for an elite job in Switzerland. But a quick family visit home before heading to Europe changed everything. "I saw a very old man eating his own human waste for food," Krishnan said. "It really hurt me so much. I was literally shocked for a second. After that, I started feeding that man and decided this is what I should do the rest of my lifetime." Krishnan was visiting a temple in the south Indian city of Madurai in 2002 when he saw the man under a bridge. Haunted by the image, Krishnan quit his job within the week and returned home for good, convinced of his new destiny. "That spark and that inspiration is a driving force still inside me as a flame -- to serve all the mentally ill destitutes and people who cannot take care of themselves," Krishnan said. Krishnan founded his nonprofit Akshaya Trust in 2003. Now 29, he has served more than 1.2 million meals -- breakfast, lunch and dinner -- to India's homeless and destitute, mostly elderly people abandoned by their families and often abused.

Do you know a hero? Nominations are open for 2010 CNN Heroes "Because of the poverty India faces, so many mentally ill people have been ... left uncared [for] on the roadside of the city," he said.

He says many of the homeless seldom know their names or origins, and none has the capacity to beg, ask for help or offer thanks. They may be paranoid and hostile because of their conditions, but Krishnan says this only steadies his resolve to offer help Krishnan said the name Akshaya is Sanskrit for "undecaying" or "imperishable," and was chosen "to signify [that] human compassion should never decay or perish. ... The spirit of helping others must prevail for ever." Also, in Hindu mythology, Goddess Annapoorani's "Akshaya bowl" fed the hungry endlessly, never depleting its resources.

Krishnan's day begins at 4 a.m. He and his team cover nearly 125 miles in a donated van, routinely working in temperatures topping 100 degrees Fahrenheit. He seeks out the homeless under bridges and in the nooks and crannies between the city's temples. The hot meals he delivers are simple, tasty vegetarian fare he personally prepares, packs and often hand-feeds to nearly 400 clients each day. Krishnan carries a comb, scissors and razor and is trained in eight haircut styles that, along with a fresh shave, provide extra dignity to those he serves. He says many of the homeless seldom know their names or origins, and none has the capacity to beg, ask for help or offer thanks. They may be paranoid and hostile because of their conditions, but Krishnan says this only steadies his resolve to offer help. "The panic, suffering of the human hunger is the driving force of me and my team members of Akshaya," he said. "I get this energy from the people. The food which I cook ... the enjoyment which they get is the energy. I see the soul. I want to save my people." The group's operations cost about $327 a day, but sponsored

donations only cover 22 days a month. Krishnan subsidizes the shortfall with $88 he receives in monthly rent from a home his grandfather gave him. Krishnan sleeps in Akshaya's

feed all those people, the rest of the lifetime I am there, I will feed you.' I'm living for Akshaya. My parents are taking care of me." For lack of funding, the organization has been forced to halt

Narayanan Krishnan

modest kitchen with his few coworkers. Since investing his entire savings of $2,500 in 2002, he has taken no salary and subsists with the help of his onceunsupportive parents. "They had a lot of pain because they had spent a lot on my education," he said. "I asked my mother, 'Please come with me, see what I am doing.' After coming back home, my mother said, 'You

construction on Akshaya Home, Krishnan's vision of a dormitory where he can provide shelter for the people he helps. Despite the demands and few comforts his lifestyle affords, Krishnan says he's enjoying his life. "Now I am feeling so comfortable and so happy," he says. "I have a passion, I enjoy my work. I want to live with my people." (Courtesy CNN)

Look East policy: PM to visit Vietnam, Japan, Malaysia

INDO-PAK EXPRESS: Rohan Bopanna of India and Aisam-Ul-Haq Qureshi of Pakistan in action in the semi-final against Eduardo Schwank and Horacio Zeballos of Argentina which they won 7-6 (5), 6-4 at the 2010 U S Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City

NEW DELHI: Giving a fillip to the 'Look East' policy, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will undertake a three-nation tour of Vietnam, Japan and Malaysia next month to discuss greater integration and engagement in diverse fields, particularly trade. Singh will not attend the UN General Assembly later this month in New York where India will be represented by External Affairs Minister S M Krishna, official sources said. The Prime Minister will travel to Japan and Malaysia for bilateral visits and Vietnam for the 8th ASEAN-India Summit from October 24 to 30. In Tokyo, civil nuclear cooperation, enhancing trade ties and UN reforms are expected to dominate the talks that Singh will have with his Japanese counterpart Naoto Kan. The two countries have already begun talks on civil nuclear cooperation and have expressed desire to conclude an agreement in this regard as soon as possible. The two sides are also working

to conclude an Economic Partnership Agreement before Singh's visit to Tokyo amid expectations that the two-way trade will witness a 10-fold increase from USD 12 billion in 2008-09. Singh and Kan are also expected to discuss ways to re-energies the G-4 grouping that is pushing for reform of the UN, particularly expansion of the Security Council and inclusion of new permanent members, the sources said. The G-4 consists of India and Japan along with Brazil and Germany. In Vietnamese capital Hanoi, Singh will attend the ASEAN-India Summit, whose focus would be enhancement of integration of the East Asian region with India in terms of connectivity and trade. India has been keen on greater economic integration with East Asia and creation of a supportive regional financial architecture. New Delhi also desires realization of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership and the Mekong India Corridor.-PTI

Desi News HAF concerned over California mosque attack India Post News Service

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Ananda Utsav celebrates the spirit of Bengal in Los Angeles

September 17, 2010

Temple apologizes to Sadhvi, invites her for discourse SRIREKHA CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service

Rubin Museum to celebrate Ganesh Festival India Post News Service

CHICAGO: Millions of Indians will be celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi, one of the biggest festivals in the country, this month end. Indian Americans will also be hosting celebrations across the USA albeit on a limited scale. This year the prestigious Rubin Museum of Art (RMA) in New York will join the celebrations by hosting an exhibition on Lord Ganesh. It has invited families to sculpt clay Ganesh, hear Ganesh stories, make flower garlands and sweets for Ganesh and join in a procession around the Museum. Details on page 14

TANA donates 200 backpacks in Worcester PRASAD THOTAKURA

WORCESTER: Telugu Association of North America (TANA) donated 200 back packs, filled with stationary supplies like notebooks, crayons, pencils, erasers, glue sticks and pencil cases to the children of Chandler Elementary Community School in Worcester It is a successful fourth year in a row that TANA has been donating backpacks in Massachusetts as part of its community service project nationwide. Details on page 16

Details on page 18

NEW JERSEY: In a reversal of an earlier decision to cancel a fiveday discourse by Sadhvi Ritambhara owing to pressure from certain Muslim groups, the Hindu Samaj Mandir in Mahwah, NJ welcomed the Hindu spiritual leader for a special discourse at the temple on Sept 6. The change in the decision by the Board of Trustees of the temple has been applauded by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad America (VHPA), the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) and members of the Hindu community in general even as the Sadhvi accepted the invitation to visit the temple. Hindu groups in New Jersey, the VHPA in particular reacted strongly when trustees of the Hindu Samaj Mandir cancelled the Sreemad Bhagvat Saptah which was to be led by the Sadhvi, following pressure from the NonResident Indians for a Secular and Harmonious India (NRI-Sahi) and the Indian Muslim Council-USA. Ahead of the Sadhvi's scheduled visit to the temple for the discourses Sept 2-6, the Muslim groups had written a letter to the temple management asking them to cancel her invitation because of her alleged involvement in haterelated violence against minorities in India, and arguing that the Sadhvi is a supporter of Hindu nationalist ideology and the construction of the Ram temple at the Babri mosque site in Ayodhya. The same groups had also written to the US State Department asking that the Sadhvi not be granted a visa to visit the US. Sadhvi Ritambhara, however, has been in the US and giving dis-

Sadhvi Ritambhara

courses at temples and other religious congregations across the US since July 28. She is on a threemonth long tour of the US, Canada and the UK, which will conclude at the end of this month. The Sadhvi was scheduled to

nearby Sheraton hotel. Hindu activists, however, kept up a dialogue with the temple trustees, who then regretted the error and decided to invite the Sadhvi to the temple for a discourse on Sept 6. On the concluding day of the

Hindu activists kept up a dialogue with the temple trustees, who then regretted the error and decided to invite the Sadhvi to the temple for a discourse on Sept 6 lead the Sreemad Bhagwat Saptah at the Hindu Samaj Mandir in Mahwah between Sept 2 and 6. However, succumbing to pressure from the IMC and NRI-Sahi, the temple management decided to cancel the five-day event, which the organizers then moved to the

five-day long spiritual discourse at Sheraton Hotel, Manmohan Khanna, President for Religious Affairs and one of the founders of the Hindu Samaj Mandir apologized to Sadhvi Ritambhara for the temple's earlier decision and invited her to the temple. Stating that

she did not feel insulted "because a saint was above such feelings", Sadhvi Ritambhara accepted the invitation. Dinesh Khosla, a founder trustee of the temple, while noting the pain caused by their decision, assured the Sadhvi of continued dialogue and stressed that there was no ill intention in that earlier decision. VHPA reactions Gaurang Vaishnav of VHPA said the reversal of the temple's decision was a befitting reply to those who themselves are extremely intolerant, and who support banned terrorist organizations like Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) and the MaoistNaxalites. "It also negated these groups' efforts to dictate to the Hindus in matters of whom they should invite and which saint can or cannot speak at a given Mandir," he said. Jyotish Parekh, president of VHPA said that amongst other things, Hindu temples are built to serve as places for prayers and have religious and spiritual discourses. By reversing the decision and welcoming Sadhvi Ritambhara to the temple for religious discourse, the trustees of the Hindu Samaj Temple of Mahwah have served the true purpose for which the temples are built. Vijay Narang, Media Director of VHPA said, "It is pathetic that these so called peace and harmony loving organizations, carrying the political baggage of Indian politics, still use the same tactics to threaten and terrorize the Hindu community in the USA that they have used in India in the past centuries." Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 13

September 17, 2010

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Pawar launches NCP North America chapter India Post News Service

NEW YORK: The Labor Day weekend saw the launch of the North American chapter of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), one of India's national political parties, with a stated apolitical but for-profit agenda, at an event held in New York City. Party bigwigs Sharad Pawar who is India's Minister for Agriculture; Praful Patel, Minister of State for Civil Aviation; Chhagan Bhujbal, the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra and others were present to launch NCP North America Inc. at a well-attended two-day conclave at the Marriott Marquis hotel in Times Square,

Sharad Pawar, India's Minister of Agriculture and President National Congress party (NCP) and Praful Patel, Minister for Civil Aviation, having a word during the NCP Convention on September 4

Sharad Pawar, India's Agriculture Minister and President National Congress Party (NCP) at the NCP convention of North America on September 4. (Pics Mohammed Jaffer-SnapsIndia)

Sept 3 and 4. At the launch, Pawar said he was clear the North America chapter would be apolitical in nature. "The NCP will work politically in India but outside India, our total approach will be "We are Indians first". And if the Indian American community wants a platform through the NCP, we will be happy to provide that platform." NCP North America will primarily act as facilitator for NRI business interests in India.

Maharashtra ministers stand up for National Anthem at the NCP convention

Candidate Pollak focuses on Indian Americans SURENDRA NATH ULLAL

Joel Pollak with Baba Brajraj Sharan of Vrindavan and community activist Sohan Joshi (right)

CHICAGO: Joel Pollak, Congressional candidate from Illinois' Ninth District, has made the Indian-American community an integral part of his campaign; a role he pledges to carry with him to Washington if elected. Despite the community's size and vibrancy it has been underserved, he said in a talk to this paper, by incumbent Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, who "has been in Washington for 12 years and never once took up any issue of importance to the community." Pollak has vowed to change that and has empanelled

an Indian-American Advisory Committee with significant influence in his campaign. In a first of several interviews he has promised, Pollak spoke about foreign policy issues involving India and China. Observing China's aggressive movements on the northern borders of India, he said China's military buildup and increased assertiveness around the world have raised the prospect of intensifying security competition between China and the US and between China and other countries in the Asia-Pacific. "In Congress,

Despite the community's size and vibrancy it has been under-served, he said, by incumbent Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, who " has been in Washington for 12 yearsâ&#x20AC;?

Joel Pollak addressing a press meeting in Chicago

my policy towards China will involve commitments to defend loyal, democratic allies like India and strengthen diplomatic and security relations. India is a partner in the war against terrorism, and also in the global struggle for human rights," he stated. Answering a question about China's claim on Indian State of Arunachal Pradesh and its hydroelectric resources, critical to both China's and India's burgeoning economies, he admitted that China has increasingly disputed Indian sovereignty over Arunachal Pradesh and even increased op-

erations along the border. He lambasted the Obama Administration for ignoring India's concerns, and gone so far as to make joint statements with Beijing promising to "work together" to promote security in South Asia. "We should deter China from further inflaming border tensions with India, or from launching an invasion, by projecting strength, defending our alliance with India, and passing a clear, unambiguous resolution promising that we will not stand by idly if China invades or destabilizes Arunachal Pradesh. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 15

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Andhra student dies in rafting accident HAF concerned over California mosque attack India Post News Service

India Post News Service

NEW YORK: The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) expressed deep concern over attacks on a mosque last month in Madera, California. Vandals posting two signs, including one which read, "Wake up America, the enemy is here," marked the third incident of vandalism at the mosque that the Madera County Sheriff's Department has started investigating as hate crimes. Earlier that week, a brick was thrown at the center and another sign with "No temple for the god of terrorism" was placed on the property. "The United States is meant to be a place where members of any faith can congregate without fear of persecution. These displays of bigotry are despicable," said Mihir Meghani, a co-founder and member of HAF's Board of Directors and a physician practicing in Northern California. "The perpetrators must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law to set a precedent for hate crimes against any faith community." There have been increasing reports of vandalism and protests against mosques across the nation and even attacks on Muslim Americans over the last few months. Tennessee, New York, Kentucky and California saw protests in opposition to local

mosques, while in New York City, a 21-yearold film student was charged with attempted murder for stabbing a cab driver after the driver identified himself as a Muslim. Earlier this week, an intoxicated man was arrested for entering a Queens mosque during prayer service, shouting anti-Muslim slurs and urinating on a prayer rug.

"The United States is meant to be a place where members of any faith can congregate without fear of persecution. These displays of bigotry are despicable," said Mihir Meghani, a co-founder and member of HAF's Board of Directors "These hate crimes indicate the level of ignorance and bigotry that still exists in many corners throughout our nation," continued Meghani. "Communities across the country must embrace their cultural and religious diversity as a strength. Only then will we fully accept the differences amongst us and uphold the American values of tolerance and pluralism."

deep shock; Samuel requested the Telugu Association of North America (TANA) to NEW YORK: Gotham Joseph Smiles, 24, help send his remains at the earliest convea student at Louisiana State University nience to pay last respects to his only son. Meanwhile, Union Minister Daggubati (LSU) died in a water rafting accident Sept 4 Purandeswari called Prasad Thotakura, on the Mississippi river. Smiles had gone rafting with eight other TANA Executive Vice president, and enfriends to experience a Canoe trip and quired about the accident and requested to speed up the process and drowned in water when their offered any help in conboat flipped. Smiles was not tacting US authorities or wearing a life jacket at the time Ministry of External Afof the accident; life guards fairs of Indian Governjumped in to water to save him ment officials in expeditbut it was already too late. ing the case. A native of "It is very sad to lose Visakhapatnam, Smiles came a young person in this to the US after graduating tragic way. TANA South with B. Tech from MVGR EnEast Regional Director gineering College, Purna Veerapaneni, Vijayanagaram, in Jan 2009 TANA Secretary Mohan and joined LSU to pursue Nannapaneni, and TANA Masters in Engineering. He Team square volunteers was in the last semester to are working on the case. complete his education. Gotham Joseph Smiles Once the needed docuSmiles is survived by his father Samuel Smiles, who is a Deputy Gen- ments are obtained from Mississippi state eral Manager at Bharat Heavy Plates and officials, Consulate General of India, HousVessels Ltd. (BHPV), Visakhapatnam and ton office will complete the paper work and mother Hemalatha, a microbiology Profes- we are expecting the remains of Joseph will sor at Andhra University, and a sister who reach Visakhapatnam by Sept 8. On behalf is pursuing B. Tech at Geetham College of of all our TANA members, we offer our deepest condolences to Gotham family," said Engineering. Parents and friends of Smiles were in Thotakura.

PAL donates backpacks to school children

India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Partnership for the Advancement of Learning (PAL), a Massachusetts based non-profit organization committed to the advancement of learning among underprivileged children, has donated hundreds of backpacks filled with school supplies in various schools recently. The organization donated 400 colorful including notebooks,

pens, pencils, crayons, erasers, glue sticks and pencils cases to two schools in Massachusetts 200 backpacks to Union Hill in Worcester and 200 backpacks to Higginson-Lewis K-8 school in Roxbury. "It is less than six months since the inception of PAL, but we were able to successfully raise over $10,000 to execute our first big project. Thanks to all my friends, volunteers and our donors. We

‘It is less than six months since the inception of PAL, but we were able to successfully raise over $10,000 to execute our first big project’

have worked all summer to raise funds, procure backpacks and supplies and pack them ready for distribution. It is the smiling faces of these children that inspire us to continue this project in future," says Suren Nannapaneni, the founder of PAL, and a sophomore at Saint Paul's School in Concord NH. The Mayor of Worcester City, Joseph O'Brien attended and distributed backpacks at Union Hill

School. He appreciated the PAL team members for their outstanding community service efforts. Chris Uhl, Nithin Donepudi, Sujana Tammisetti, Hiren Donepudi, Pranay Boleneni, Grace Uhl, Pooja Ika, Kyle Parsons, Serena Mirchandani and Jake Lynch are the other PAL members and volunteers, who helped this project. Cont’d on page 13

September 17, 2010

Community Across America www.indiapost.com

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PAL donates backpacks to school children

Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 12

PAL founder Nannapaneni says, "After helping some other nonprofit organization with similar kind of projects in the past few years, I was motivated to do it on my own and help more schools and children. I started PAL and began fundraising at the beginning of this summer to raise money for this cause. I emailed and called multiple family friends as well as corporations and local businesses in

the hopes of seeking donations. I successfully raised over $10,000 and was able to buy backpacks and supplies for 400 students. We gathered some volunteers together and packed all 400 backpacks." Committed to creating a friendly relation between the fortunate and the less fortunate, PAL members say they are not donors, and the less-fortunate are not the receivers - We are just PALs lending a hand out to our friends.

Temple apologizes to Sadhvi, invites her for discourse Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 10

HAF reactions "The attempt by the IMC and the radical coalition groups to vilify the Sadhvi, who is here for purely spiritual and charitable work, is a political ploy to tar Hindu leaders and to debilitate the ability of Hindu Americans to support charitable work in India and to hear discourses on Hindu spirituality," said Rishi Bhutada, member of HAF's Executive Council. "It is the height of impropriety and absolutely unacceptable that these groups would defame Hindu leaders and presume to dictate to Hindu temples as to who should or should not be given the opportunity to speak there. The Hindu Samaj Temple, while initially seeming to succumb to these intimidation tactics, showed great courage in hosting the Sadhvi." Bhutada and Meghani were particularly distressed, they explained, because while the IMC denounces the Sadhvi for her alleged political views, the same IMC saw no conflict in hosting founders or supporters of terrorist outfits now banned in the United States and India, such as the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) or the gory Maoist Naxalite movement. The Council regularly invites known Indian Communist and leftist radical leaders to speak at their annual conference, some of whom have been censured for their overt support for those violent Maoist terrorists active in Central India -a bloody insurgency that was re-

cently called the "greatest threat to India's internal security" by India's Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh. "It's bad enough that the IMC and many Indian American leftist and communist groups launch adhominem attacks on Hindus and Hindu advocacy organizations

Bhutada and Meghani were particularly distressed, they explained, because while the IMC denounces the Sadhvi for her alleged political views, the same IMC saw no conflict in hosting founders or supporters of terrorist outfits now banned in the United States and India, such as the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) or the gory Maoist Naxalite movement merely because of their ideological differences, but it is truly shameful for them to gratuitously demonize a Sadhvi giving spiritual discourses at Hindu temples." Bhutada added. "We can only hope that our temples will follow the Hindu Samaj Temple's lead and stand up against such oppressive attacks and continue to provide a forum for Hindu religious and spiritual figures during their visits."

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Rubin Museum to celebrate Ganesh Festival India Post News Service

exhibition, which ended May 10, exhibited various Hindu artworks, including "The Churning of the Ocean". Rajan Zed, President of Universal Society of Hinduism, urged major art museums of the world, including Musee du Louvre and Musee d'Orsay of Paris, Metro-

It has over 2,000 works of art including Himalayan paintings, sculpture, textiles, ritual objects and prints, starting from second century year the prestigious Rubin Museum of Art (RMA) in New York will join the celebrations by hosting an exhibition on Lord Ganesh. It has invited families to sculpt clay Ganesh, hear Ganesh stories, make flower garlands and sweets for Ganesh and join in a procession around the Museum. Its "Visions of the Cosmos"

politan Museum of Art in New York, Los Angeles Getty Center, Uffizi Gallery of Florence (Italy), Art Institute of Chicago, Tate Modern of London, Prado Museum of Madrid, National Gallery of Art in Washington DC, etc., to frequently organize exhibitions focusing Indian art and culture, and thereby share India's rich heri-

Kabaddi Cup and Volleyball tournament in Maywood

Kabbadi Final at Maywood Village watched by over 1000 people. (Pic courtesy: Asian Media USA) Asian Media USA

MAYWOOD, IL: The Midwest Punjabi Sports Club held its 8th International Kabaddi Cup and Volleyball Tournament in Miller Meadows Forest Preserve in the Village of Maywood. More than 1000 individuals attended the engaging day of sports, food, and live entertainment. Participants in age from 18 to 40 came from various parts of North America. Teams came from East Canada, West Canada, New York, Cincinnati, Sacramento, Indianapolis and Chicago. The Gold Cup for Kabaddi was awarded to the team from Sacramento and the Silver Cup was won by the Canada East team. The final match was very close and highlighted the physical strength as well as the skill of the players. It

kept spectators on the edge of their seats. Commentary of Sukhchain Brar and Dr. Harjinder Khaira was quite enjoyable. The remarks from commentators often would receive chuckles from spectators. The Chief Guest was Sunny Dhoor from Michigan and the Guests of Honor were Darshan Singh Dhaliwal, Harkishan Singh Bhatti, Col. Nirmal Singh Singha and Gurmeet Singh Gakhal. The afternoon of sports was followed by a presentation of appreciation plaques to various contributors of the event for their moral and financial support. Trophies were awarded to all participants for their excellent performances. Punjabi folk singers Sarbjeet Cheema and Sunita Bhatti captivated the audience throughout the evening

Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai and across India.

tage with rest of the world. RMA is home to a comprehensive collection of art from the Himalayas and surrounding regions. It has over 2,000 works of art including Himalayan paintings, sculpture, textiles, ritual objects and prints, starting from second century, and draws over 100,000

visitors a year. Donald Rubin is the CEO. Ganesh-Chaturthi, celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesh, falls on September 11 this year. One of most widely worshipped deities in Hinduism, elephant headed (with a broken tusk) and human bodied Lord Ganesh is regarded as god

of wisdom and good luck, patron of learning and remover of obstacles, and invoked at the commencement of all undertakings. He is said to have equivalents in Buddhism and Jainism also. Business people and students present their books to Lord Ganesh to ensure good fortune.

HDF fundraiser for Pak flood victims Asian Media USA

CHICAGO: The Human Development Foundation (HDF) held a dinner in the Croatian Cultural Center to raise awareness and funds for victims of the recent floods in Pakistan. The theme of the night was "Americans for Humanity". There were over 100 individuals in attendance and a sizeable amount was raised for the worthy cause. Usmania Fine Dining donated the Iftar dinner. Primary organizers included Habib Abbasi, Ahmed Khan and Faisal Abbasi. Ahmed Khan emceed the event welcoming guests, invitees and associates. He introduced the speakers of the night, and gave the closing address. Illinois State Senator Dan Rutherford was unable to attend but sent remarks to be read at the event. He encouraged guests to contribute to the relief efforts and said, "In a time of such great loss, people need to join resources to make the biggest difference possible". State Representative and Comptroller candidate David Miller captivated the audience with an energetic and moving speech giving a quote of Charles Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities, "it was the best of times, and it was the worst of times". He talked about the importance of coming together in the wake of such tragedies. He commended members of the Indian-Pakistani community for their dedication to the collective good. He said, "It shows a sense of character, responsibility and faith to give, especially during tough times".

Young Pakistanis volunteered for raising funds for flood victims. (Pic Asian Media USA)

There was also representation from Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky's office at the dinner. The keynote speaker of the evening was Dr. Khalid Riaz, Chair-

He spoke of the magnitude of the disaster, which has affected more than 18 million individuals. This figure is greater than all the natural crises of the decade put together. The 2005 earthquake and Tsunami affected over 8 million man of HDF and an individual listed among the 500 most influential Muslim personalities all over the world, for his contribution in

development sector in a bid to alleviate poverty in Pakistan. He spoke of the magnitude of the disaster, which has affected more than 18 million individuals. This figure is greater than all the natural crises of the decade put together. The 2005 earthquake and Tsunami affected over 8 million individuals while the Haiti earthquake affected 3 million people. The estimated economic loss of the flood is $43 billion dollars. Riaz elaborated on HDF's comprehensive approach, which is not the "band-aid method to problem solving but involves a strategic approach with a focus on community ownership and long term sustainability". HDF's immediate relief tools include food packs, powdered milk, kitchen kits, and hygiene kits. While their long term rehabilitation plans include establishing and running water filtration plants, medical camps, rebuilding schools and homes as well supporting family livelihood.

Community Across America Reincarnation theory gets wider acceptance Perez to keynote Saldef

India Post 15

September 17, 2010

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SURESH SHAH

CHICAGO: Lisa Miller, religion editor for Newsweek magazine, writes in the August 27 edition of The New York Times on "Remembrances of Lives Past". According to a report by Washington DC based prestigious Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life few months back, "24 percent Americans believe in Reincarnation, that people will be reborn in this world again and again". This is a kind of endorsement of an age old Indian belief held by Hindus and others. Sohan Joshi, a Chicago-based community activist felt that the day would not be far when not only spiritualists and para psychologists but even the scientific community would be inclined to see the truth behind this principle. It could help the society have moral values and ethics reestablished forcefully since reincarnation believes in Karma Fal (fruits of one own actions). Rajan Zed, President of Universal Society of Hinduism, invited the world to look deeper into the rich philosophical thought which Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, offered. He said that the ancient Prashna Upanishad and Amritabindu

Upanishad talk about rebirth. Brihadaranyaka Upanishad explains it beautifully: As a caterpillar, reaching the tip of a blade of grass, draws itself together and reaches out for a new foothold, so the Self, having come to the end of one life and letting go of ignorance, gathers in his faculties and reaches out from the old body to a new.

Sohan Joshi (right) and Madhu Patel (center) with Vrindavan Baba

Madhu Patel, head of NRI Foundation said that Lord Krishna elaborated the same principle in Gita (Song of the Lord). He said that just as a man casts off wornout clothes and takes new ones, so when the body is worn out a new one is acquired by the Self,

Candidate Pollak focuses on Indian Americans Cont’d from page 11

As your representative in Congress, I will propose such a resolution, and I will encourage the House India Caucus and other members to sign on," he declared. Joel observed that America has become India's largest trading and investment partner. However, India still has many tariff and non-tariff barriers that discourage countries from exporting to India. "One goal of our economic partnership with India should be to encourage further domestic liberalization to boost Indian economic growth and market access for companies wishing to send their partially produced products to India. In exchange, we could offer Indian greater access to American labor markets by lifting the cap on H1B visas," he said. Madhu Patel, an Indian community activist, said that though Schakowsky has coasted to victory in previous elections thanks to Chicago's legendary machine; but this is no ordinary election year, and Pollak is running neck and neck with his powerful opponent in what is shaping up to be a real "David and Goliath" race. Political newcomer Pollak (David) looks to be in position to upset Schakowsky (Goliath) in

who lives within…Death is inevitable for those who are born, and so also birth is birth unless Moksha (salvation) is achieved. Joshi and Madhu Patel also apprised visiting Baba from Vrindavan who talked about the mafia induced mercenary destruction of the revered region of Vrindavan where Lord Krishna

a race that mirrors events elsewhere around the country Shri Baba Brajraj Sharan, a saint from Vrindavan happened to be present during a meet with Pollack and blessed the Congressional candidate. However,

‘One goal of our economic partnership with India should be to encourage further domestic liberalization to boost Indian economic growth and market access for companies wishing to send their partially produced products to India’ in his talk, Baba focused on the ecological degradation taking place in Vrindavan due to Mafia builders' greed. He gave a presentation on the ecological and spiritual downfall of India's Braj Region, legendary home to Lord Krishna, and pitched for action and support on the part of Indian American community here.

spent his childhood and youth. Rajan Zed added that Rig-Veda, oldest existing scripture of the mankind, talks about dead man getting a new body. Law Code of Manu references the process of rebirth, recalling former birth, previous life, effect of sins on rebirth, etc.

National Gala

India Post News Service

Licensing and Regulation - an agency that safeguards critical WASHINGTON: US Assistant consumer and worker protections Attorney General (AAG) Thomas - and was a principal architect of a E. Perez will be the Keynote sweeping reform package to adSpeaker at the 2010 Saldef National dress his state's foreclosure crisis. Gala to be held in Washington D.C. In 2002, he became the first Latino on October 16. Mr. Perez is the head elected to the Montgomery of the Department of Justice's Civil County Council, serving with disRights Division and the top rank- tinction until 2006. "The U.S. Department of Jusing Civil Rights Attorney in the tice has been one of country. our strongest allies Mr. Perez was since 9/11. The Civil nominated by PresiRights Division, in dent Obama to serve particular, has taken as the AAG on Octoinitiative to address ber 8, 2009. Since Sikh American chalthen, Mr. Perez has lenges by coordinatworked to restore and ing regular intertransform the Diviagency meetings," sion, in the spirit of its said Manjit Singh, traditional role as the Thomas E. Perez Chairman, Saldef. "conscience of the nation," to further fulfill the prom- "We are honored to have AAG ise of our nation's most treasured Perez deliver the keynote address laws - advancing equal opportu- at our 2010 National Gala and look nity, leveling the playing field, and forward to strengthening our partnership with the Justice Departprotecting the rights of all. Prior to his nomination, he ment to address the array of chalserved as the Secretary of lenges facing post 9/11 communiMaryland's Department of Labor, ties such as ours."

Community Across America

India Post

September 17, 2010

www.indiapost.com

TANA donates 200 backpacks in Worcester PRASAD THOTAKURA

School children with TANA officials and Mayor Joseph O'Brien

WORCESTER: Telugu Association of North America (TANA) donated 200 back packs, filled with stationary supplies like notebooks, crayons, pencils,

in a row that TANA has been donating backpacks in Massachusetts as part of its community service project nationwide. Mayor Joseph O'Brien attended

TA N A h a d d o n a t e d 2 0 0 backpacks in 2007, 800 back packs in 2008 and 400 backpacks in 2009 to various schools in Worcester and Bos-

communities on a regular basis. It gives us immense pleasure showing our gratitude to the USA where immigrants like us got benefited in many ways"

and thoughtfulness Dr. Haribabu Muddana, Babu Polavarapu, Ravi Ika, Prakash Reddy, Babu Tammisetti, Purna Rao Bolneni, Paparao Gundavaram, Dr.

erasers, glue sticks and pencil cases to the children of Chandler Elementary Community School in Worcester It is a successful fourth year

and distributed backpacks onbe-half of TANA. He appreciated the TANA and Telugu community for their care towards the local community.

ton suburbs. "Unfortunately we had to downsize our project due to the current economy, but we are committed to serving our local

said Mohan Nannapaneni, the secretary of TANA. Principal June Erresy and the school staff thanked TANA and its members for their generosity

Govinda Rao Bhisetti, Dr. Venkat Reddy Motkur, Mrs. Shama Nannapaneni and Friends Foundation contributed for this cause and attended the event.

MMR vaccination drive in Haryana Millions circle Kaaba for Lailat

Al-Qadr blessings

MOHAMMED GHOUSE

Aerial view of Kabba where millions pray

AQ SIDDIQUI India Post News Service MIF Camp at Nawaznagar, Haryana, India on August 15

CHICAGO: A Chicago-based non profit organization, Mission India Foundation (MIF), recently organized an MMR Vaccination Camp in village Niwaznagar in Narnaul city of Haryana. Over 120 kids were provided MMR vaccine free of cost on this occasion. Describing the details of the MMR vaccination project, Dr Munish Kumar Raizada, a Mission spokesman, said that the Foundation has launched an ambitious project

of providing 4000 kids with MMR vaccines in Narnaul region of India. The project was launched on April 7, 2010 (World Health Day) and so far, 906 vaccines have been given. The MMR vaccines are given free of cost to the kids in rural area. Dr Raizada recently visited the project site in India and expressed satisfaction at the MMR drive. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 17

ver three million Muslims attended special prayers at the Grand Mosques in Makkah and Prophet's Mosque in Medinah on Sunday September 5, the corresponding night of 27th Ramadan, seeking blessings of Allah for the "Night of Power" (Lailat Al-Qadr). According to an Arab news report, The Grand Mosque in Makkah overflowed with hundreds of thousands of Muslims as they

came to perform Umrah, attend Taraweeh and Qiyamullail prayers. They also offered special prayers seeking the blessings of Lailat Al-Qadr, which is worth more than a 1,000 months in terms of rewards. A satellite picture of Makkah shows it as the only bright spot on the planet earth from orbit. The Prophet has said: "Whoever offers voluntary prayers during the Night of Power out of belief and expecting its reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven." Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 17

September 17, 2010

Community Across America

India Post 17

www.indiapost.com

Social Good Summit to fight global challenges India Post News Service

NEW YORK: On September 20, as global leaders head to New York for United Nations Week - including a historic summit on global issues known as the "Millennium Development Goals" (MDGs) and the annual General Assembly Mashable, 92nd Street Y and UN Foundation will bring together leaders from the digital industry, policy and media worlds for a groundbreaking Social Good Summit focused on how technology and social networks can play a leading role in addressing the world's most intractable problems. Speakers will participate in person and via Skype video calls. As a media partner, CNN.com will be live-streaming select parts of the event. Participants include: • Chris Hughes, co-founder of Facebook and founder of Jumo, an innovative startup that aims to link millions of individuals to organizations working to change the world beginning this fall. Hughes also directed online organizing for Barack Obama's presidential campaign. • Howard W. Buffett, Policy Advisor in the Executive Office of the President of the United States under President Barack Obama. Jessica Jackley, Co-founder of Kiva, the world's first peer-to-peer online microlending website and

one of the fastest-growing social benefit websites in history. • Judy McGrath, CEO of MTV networks, overseeing MTV, MTV2, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon among other media properties. • Pete Cashmore, CEO/Founder of Mashable and one of the Huffington Posts' Top 10 Game Changers in 2009.

Speakers will participate in person and via Skype video calls. As a media partner, CNN.com will be live-streaming select parts of the event • Ray Chambers, the United Nations' Special Envoy for Malaria, and founder of "Malaria No More." Susan Smith Ellis, CEO of (RED), who has partnered with iconic brands like Apple and Nike to leverage the collective power of consumers and raise funds for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. • Ted Turner, the Chairman of

Turner Enterprises, Inc. and former Vice Chairman of Time Warner Inc., the world's leading media company. He is the founder of CNN, an environmentalist and a philanthropist. Turner created the UN Foundation 1998 with his historic gift in support of the United Nations. In contrast with official events that week, which will largely be invitation-only affairs for government leaders and official representatives, the Mashable and 92nd Street Y Social Good Summit is open to the public and will enable millions to join the conversation in person or via livestreaming. "The Social Good Summit is a watershed moment for harnessing the potential of social media for the social good," said Sol Adler, Executive Director of 92nd Street Y. "This Summit will bring together leaders of new media and of global development for the kind of exchange that can spark collaborations of unforeseen potential." Mashable, the Social Good Summit's lead organizer, is the top source for news in social and digital media, and 92 Street Y is the renowned nonprofit cultural and community center recognized for its commitment to the open exchange of ideas and perspectives. Digital Media Lounge Following the Summit, the

MMR vaccination drive in Haryana Cont’d from page 16

Dr. Meghana Aruru - who is a Board Member MIF and also teaching pharmacy at Midwestern University - hopes that MMR vaccination drive will not only have huge preventive implications in terms of disease prevention, but also create awareness about the vaccines in rural areas of India. MMR vaccine provides protection against three diseases namely Measles, Mumps and Rubella. Although Indian Academy of Pediatrics representing a national level academic organization of Pediatricians has recommended that MMR vaccine be a part of the Immunization schedule in India, the vaccine is still not a part of the government's Universal Immunization Program (UIP). Describing the details of MIF activities in India, Dr Nitender Goyal, a resident physician based in Boston and closely associated with Mission India Foundation said that the local team in India consists of an Operations Manager and a certified health care worker (ANM). MIF provides vaccination services to kids at their vaccination clinic located in the

heart of the city and by visiting the villages. The health team goes to the surrounding villages three times a week, thus providing vaccines to kids at their doorstep. The Foundation has allied with Aanganwaadi workers to reach more and more kids. Its Board

The health team goes to the surrounding villages three times a week, thus providing vaccines to kids at their doorstep. The Foundation has allied with Aanganwaadi workers to reach more and more kids Member Dr. Ved P Yadav supervises the overall project in India. Dr Dharmendra Nimavat of Springfield, IL who has been tracking the progress of MMR Vaccination drive since inception, elaborated that Mission India Foundation will expand its activi-

ties to other areas after successfully completing its MMR Vaccination drive in Narnaul area. It also plans to include other vaccines that are not easily available to kids in India, for example typhoid vaccine, hepatitis A vaccine, pneumococcal vaccine.

United Nations Foundation, which advocates for the UN by providing a platform for connecting people, ideas and resources, is sponsoring the week's Digital Media Lounge from September 21-24. Hosted at 92Y, the fully wired Digital Media Lounge will provide the on-line community exclusive

access to high-level UN officials and international leaders. Newsmakers and experts in global issues and social media will talk with bloggers and journalists both in person and through a Skype video calling facility. Parts of the event will be also streamed online with Livestream.com.

Millions circle Kaaba for Lailat Al-Qadr blessings Cont’d from page 16

The report also detailed how the mass assembly of human beings at a single place has been managed by the authorities. About 4,500 police officers were deployed to maintain law and order in the city. The Presidency of the two Holy Mosques and the Makkah Municipality deployed nearly 10,000 cleaning workers to keep the mosque and its surroundings neat and tidy. About 20,000 water coolers were kept in different parts of the mosque to supply drinking water to the faithful round the clock. Despite the huge crowd of worshippers, the traffic in Makkah was smooth and no major accidents were reported. All hotels and furnished apartments in Makkah were

fully occupied. The Saudi Public Transport Company operated a large number of buses to transport pilgrims from the large parking areas around Makkah to the mosque and back. Municipal officials inspected fast-food shops around the mosque to make sure they fulfilled hygiene conditions. Muslims are advised to search Lailat Al-Qadr or the Night of Power during last five Odd nights of Ramadan, falling on 21, or 23, or 25, or 27, or 29. The momentum for prayers gathers to its peak on 27th night of Ramadan with Muslims attending the mosques for the whole night till dawn prayers all over the world. In Makkah more than 2million worshipers were present on Sunday night seeking blessing of the Night of Power.

India Post

Cal News AIF fundraiser to benefit rickshaw program

Community/California www.indiapost.com

Ananda Utsav celebrates the spirit of Bengal in Los Angeles

India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES, CA: Speckled with guests in festive black and white attire, the ultra cool X Bar in Century City was an inspirational sight on August 26. The American India Foundation (AIF)'s Young Professionals Chapter hosted a fundraiser to benefit AIF's Rickshaw Sangh program. Buzzing with enthusiasm, more than 200 young professionals mingled with members from the AIF Young Professionals team over cocktails and appetizers. The room was filled with passion, excitement, and a desire for changing the status quo. Details on page 20

OCI - the hoax on the Indian Diaspora & sportsmen

September 17, 2010

FARAH SAYEED

Hariharan & his troupe

PASADENA, CA: After its great success in London, one of the leading media houses of India Ananda Bazar Patrika presented a three-day Bengali festival in Pasa-

Sunidhi Chauhan

goes to all the organizers and crews who were working hard for the last couple of months. The opening ceremony started with the national anthems of

'Robi O Radha' - led by Sharmila & her daughter was the first presentation of the event. Bollywood beauty Soha Ali Khan looked amazing in her Bengali style red sari and

countries. Nogor Baul James enthralled the crowd on the first day of the event performing his popular song 'bheegi bheegi si' from Gangster. Ayub Bacchu of LRB was

RAHUL KUMAR

s far back as in March 1977 the Gov-ernment of India started inducting foreign citizens of even non-Indian origin into the Civil(UPSC) and Defense Services(CDS) - from Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, S E Asia and SE Africa who even then may not have been eligible for an PIO status . This gesture was summarized in the inaugural address in November 1977, by the then External Affairs Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee " The subject of overseas Indians is one very dear to our heartsâ&#x20AC;Ś.Everyone of Indian origin overseas is a representative of India and retains many aspects of our cultural traditions and civilization. Details on page 22

Anti-corruption RTI activists arrested while protesting GAURAV SHAH, VISHAL KUDCHADKAR & NIDHI PATHAK

Sanjeev Dey-Organizer

dena Convention Center from September 4-6. KPC group, Tower group & Techno India group were the associate sponsors and KKN group was the title sponsor of this program. The event was hosted by the humorous Mir and beautiful Churni Ganguly of Kolkata. For the Bengalis of West Coast, this Labor Day weekend was very different with the renowned artists and celebrities from India and Bangladesh. A real treat indeed! Jewelry , clothes , books , delicious Bengali food with mishti, singara, chaa and good old adda, Adanda Utsav had it all ! And the credit

Ustad Amjad Ali Khan

Bangladesh and India by two leading artists Rezwana Choudhury Bannya and Hariharan. The celebration began with the lighting

Soha Ali Khan

bindi. After the show, she was surrounded by crazy Californian fans. As always, the golden voice of Rezwana Choudhury Bannya,

'Robi O Radha' - led by Sharmila & her daughter was the first presentation of the event. Bollywood beauty Soha Ali Khan looked amazing in her Bengali style red sari and bindi of pradip by musical and acting legends Ustad Amjad Ali Khan and Sharmila Tagore.

Singer Habib Wahid-rocking in the stage

prominent Rabindra Sangeet artist of Bangladesh, was very well appreciated by the audience of both

Robi O Radha-Sharmila Tagore & her daughter Soha Ali khan

rocking the stage on the closing day of the event. Bangladeshi heartthrob Habib Wahid indulged the crowd with his fusion, Bengali folk music with contemporary techno. The crowd enthusiastically applauded for several encores. Hariharan and his troupe gave an amazing performance. His part of the program was sponsored by Bengal Ambuja. Usha Uthup show was full of Masti with Hindi, Panjabi, Tamil and Bengali songs. Anjan Dutta and his songs are evergreen. He proved that one more time in Pasadena. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 21

Rabindra Sangeet Singer Rewzana Choudhury Bannya

Community/California

September 17, 2010

India Post 19

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Community expresses disgust with Florida Quran burning plan

India Post News Service

CHINO: Some 50 plus religious leaders, local well-wishers and friends of the community came

clergy addressed the interfaith gathering entitled 'Sanctity of Scriptures' which took place on Saturday and lasted for over two hours.

employed by the infamous Dove World Outreach Center. Pastor Terry Jones of Dove World Outreach Center, a non-denominational church in

As it was reported in the media in 2009, Pastor Jones is known to have gotten young students in trouble with schools by encouraging wearing of Islam bashing T-shirts to their classes

together at Ahmadiyya Muslim Baitul Hameed Mosque to show their solidarity with Muslims and express their outrage about the 'Burn a Quran Day' event planned in Florida. Numerous members of the area

Along with Imam Shamshad Nasir of Baitul Hameed Mosque, leaders from Judaism, many denominations of Christianity and Hindu faith spoke at the event and expressed their extreme displeasure with insensitivities being

Gainesville, Florida has announced plans to burn copies of the Holy Qura'n, the Muslim Holy Scriptures, to commemorate September 11 at his church. Mr. Monas Chaudry, the community's interfaith outreach

coordinator served as a moderator for the gathering. The meeting was chaired by Dr. Hamidur Rehman, a national vice president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, USA and started with the recitation of several verses of the Holy Quran. Emphasizing Qura'n's respect for all religions and specially mentioning the line of prophets from the Abrahamic faiths, Mr. Asim Ansari, president of the community's Los Angeles Inland Empire chapter first recited the versus in the original language Arabic - and then presented the English translation. Mr. Imran Jattala, vice president of LA Inland Empire chapter of the community offered a multimedia presentation to explain the background of Dove World Outreach Center, Pastor Terry Jones, the 'Burn a Quran Day' event and the Pastor's history in promoting bigoted ideas in his community. The presentation explored the connection of such bigoted actions, as proposed by Dove World Outreach, with radicalizing of

youth by the abnormal thinkers like Pastor Terry Jones. As it was reported in the media in 2009, Pastor Jones is known to have gotten young students in trouble with schools by encouraging wearing of Islam bashing Tshirts to their classes. Many elders from various faiths spoke one after the other and expressed clear shock at Pastor Jones proposed plan. They demonstrated from the Holy Scriptures that such actions were against the Christ's own teaching and promotion of such bigotry crosses all bounds of morality. Rev. Leland Stewart, Cofounder of Unity-and-Diversity World Council presented a statement issued by Trustees of the Council for a Parliament of the World's Religions entitled "A Call for Solidarity on 9/11" which in part read: "…there is deep distress about the intentions of some to identify the Muslim tradition, and the Muslim community, as the villains, rather than a few radical individuals." Cont’d on page 21

Nov to be Sikh Awareness month in California India Post News Service

SACRAMENTO: In a resolution passed unanimously on September 1, the California State Assembly has declared November to be a Sikh Awareness and Appreciation Month. The resolution (ACR 181) was moved by North State Assemblyman Dan Logue (Republican). Logue said after the passage of the resolution, "Californians of Sikh heritage have made many great contributions to California and I think it is important for all Californians to recognize and appreciate the important role Sikh Americans have played in our state. The Yuba-Sutter area boasts one of the largest Sikh populations in the U.S., and they are truly a model community," stated Logue. Sikh Americans have resided in California for well over a century, playing an active role in the state's agriculture, trucking, high-tech, and medicine industries, as well as in the creation of small, family-owned businesses. It is estimated that in Yuba and

Sutter Counties alone, Sikh owned family farms account for as much as 95 percent of peach farming, 60 percent of all prune farm-

‘California has now recognized our contribution. Thanks to our area Assemblyman Logue's move, the Sikh Awareness Month will go a long way towards promote awareness about the Sikh community. It is a big milestone for us’ ing, and 20 percent of all almond and walnut production.

"I am proud to honor such a well deserving community for all their hard work, and hope that this resolution will help to further

Assemblyman Dan Logue

California's diversity by creating mutual understanding and respect between all Cali-

fornians." concluded Logue. "This is the first time in state history that Sikhs are receiving recognition for their outstanding contributions to California." The unanimous support for ACR 181 demonstrates appreciation for the Sikh community and goes a long way toward building a better future for all Californians. Assemblyman Logue represents the 3rd Assembly District in the California Legislature, which includes the communities of Butte, Lassen, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sierra and Yuba. Yuba-Sutter area residents were pleased with the gesture. Yuba City resident Jasbir Singh Kang told the media, "California has now recognized our contribution. Thanks to our area Assemblyman Logue's move, the Sikh Awareness Month will go a long way towards promote awareness about the Sikh community. It is a big milestone for us.'' Dr. Kang and Sarbjit Singh Johl assisted Assemblyman Dan Logue to write this resolution.

Community/California

India Post

September 17, 2010

www.indiapost.com

AIF fundraiser to benefit rickshaw program

L-R Pankit Doshi and friends India Post News Service

Speaking on the occasion, Tania Kapoor, a member of AIF's Southern California Leadership Council, said, "It is heartening to

AIF's Rickshaw Sangh program enables cycle rickshaw pullers across India to become owners of their vehicles see so many young professionals realize the importance of philanthropy. We may not be able to give much at this point in our lives, but

A view of the crowd

Kavi Ladnier from Heroes and Heha Kapur

Tony Potts from Access Hollywood

what is important is that we have begun to act." Dular Pandya, President of the AIF Young Professionals Southern California Chapter, encouraged the crowd by saying, "The desire for change must be matched by action. Every bit of support from a young person goes a long way to build a strong foundation for those in need." He also shed light on the Rickshaw Sangh program and the power of micro-finance in alleviating poverty. AIF's Rickshaw Sangh program enables cycle rickshaw pullers across India to become owners of their vehicles. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 23

Tania Kapoor and Dular Pandya

Crowd at X-bar

Neha Kapur (Miss India 2006) and Kunal

Community expresses disgust with Florida Quran burning plan Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 19

"Unfortunately, too many in the United States know little about the true aims of Islam, nor do they know that Islam is fundamentally a religion of peace and human solidarity," the statement further stated. Kenn Rasmussen, a senior elder from Church of Jesus Christ and Latter Days Saints in Chino is a long time friend of the community. Mr. Rasmussen addressed the audience and expressed his disgust with the action planed by Pastor Terry Jones of Dove World. Mr. Rasmussen explained that he can easily identify with the hurt the Muslims feels as his community - Mormons - have been at the receiving end of discrimination as well. Dr. Martin Offenberger, a Jewish man spoke on behalf of Rabbi Micha'el Akiba who was not able

to come to the meeting. Dr. Offenberger told the audience that he sees similarities between Jewish persecution in Germany and persecutions of the Muslims in certain quarters these times. Dr. Offenberger who lost his several family members in Nazi concentration camps during World War II feels that Jones' actions should cause people to worry. "This is a small man with a small congregation in a small community," said Dr. Offenberger. "And, so was Adolf Hitler in the beginning." Other religious leaders who spoke at the meeting included Rev. Kristina Collins from Sanctuary for Spiritual Living in Covina; Dipak Shimkhada of Hindu faith, a professor at Claremont School of Theology; and Pastor Joyce KirkMoore of the San Dimas Community United Church of Christ. All speakers condemned the

"Burn a Quran Day" event in clearest possible terms and showed there full solidarity with the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.

Imam Shamshad offered the many versus of the Holy Quran that pay special respect and tribute to Jesus Christ and Mother Mary and mentioned about the special chapter named after her 'Surah Maryam' "I am shocked somebody would do such a thing," said Dipak Shimkhada. "Where I come from all books are considered sa-

cred - not just the Holy Scriptures - because books dispense knowledge." In addition, Catherine Rowlee of Monte Vista Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Montclair, Jacqi Morrison a member from Unity Church of Pomona, and Ken Fujimoto a senior organizer at Inland Empire sponsoring Committee were also preset in the gathering. In his closing presentation Imam Shamshad Nasir offered numerous verses of the Holy Quran, the detailed teachings of Islam and the practice of the Holy Founder of Islam, Prophet Muhammad with respect to other faiths and their Holy Scriptures. Imam Shamshad demonstrated that Islam requires Muslims to accept, without any discrimination, all holy people of various faiths, many mentioned by name as prophets in the Holy Quran, the

divine books they brought and the teachings they promoted. Imam Shamshad offered the many versus of the Holy Quran that pay special respect and tribute to Jesus Christ and Mother Mary and mentioned about the special chapter named after her 'Surah Maryam'. "Pastor Terry Jones needs to start believing in Jesus," Imam Shamshad Nasir remarked. At the end Dr. Hamidur Rahman thanked the guests for coming to this special interfaith meeting and for their support. Although it is Ramadhan, the month of fasting for the Muslims, the visitors to this interfaith gathering were served with snacks after the meeting. The guests mingled together and exchanged ideas about how to effectively discourage future bigoted outburst such as the 'Burn a Quran day' event planned in Florida.

Community/California

September 17, 2010

India Post 21

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The Battle of Saragarhi JS BEDI India Post News Service

he Battle of Saragarhi was fought during the Tirah Campaign on September 12, 1897 between twenty-one Sikhs of the 4th Battalion (then 36th Sikhs) of the Sikh Regiment of British India, defending an army post, and 15 to 20 thousand Afghan and Orakzai tribesmen in a last stand. The battle occurred in the North-West Frontier Province, now a part of Pakistan. The contingent of the twentyone Sikhs was led by Havildar Ishar Singh. They all chose to fight to the death. Sikh military personnel and Sikh civilians commemorate the battle every year on 12 September, as Saragarhi Day. Saragarhi is a small village in the border district of Kohat, situated on the Samana Range, Pakistan. In August 1897, five companies of the 36th Sikhs under Lt. Col. John Haughton were sent to the North West Frontier Providence, stationed at Samana Hills, Kurag, Sangar, Sahtop Dhar and Saraghari. Pashtuns attacked British personnel from time to time. Thus a series of forts, originally con-

A memorial to the martyrs erected by the British

structed by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, were consolidated. Two of the forts were Fort Lockhart, and Fort Gulistan situated a few miles apart. Due to the forts not being visible to each other, Saragarhi was created midway, as a communication post. The Saragarhi post, situated on a rocky ridge, consisted of a small block house with loop-holed ramparts and a signaling tower. A general uprising by the Afghans began there in 1897, and from 27 August - 11 September, many efforts by Pashtuns to capture the Forts were thwarted by 36th Sikh regiment. On September 12, 1897, 15 to 20,000 Pashtuns attacked the signaling post at Saragarhi, so that communication would be lost be-

The remains of Saragarhi Fort after the battle.

tween the two forts. Details of the Battle of Saraghari are considered fairly accurate, due

In an act of outstanding bravery, Ishar Singh orders his men to fall back into the inner layer, whilst he remains to fight. However, this is breached and all but one of the defending soldiers are killed to Signalman Gurmukh Singh signaling events to Fort Lockhart as they occurred.

Ananda Utsav celebrates the spirit of Bengal in LA

Anuva & her colleague at the desk of Ananda Utsav 2010 Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 18

Two hours of dazzling performance by Sunidhi Chauhan was packed with her item numbers. Dressed in a glittery green outfit, she said 'Tagore songs are very close to my heart' and sang 'bhalobhashi bhalobashi' & 'tomai gaan shonabo'. Mahesh Elkunchwar's Sonata was played by Sohag Sen, Yama Shroff and Anasuya Majumdar; Gautam Halder staged Michael Madhusudan Dutt's Meghnadbadh Kabya. The outstanding performance of Ustad Amjad Ali Khan was the highlight of USA KKN Ananda Utsav 2010. The audience got the chance to witness excellent Sarod performances by the very talented Amjad Ali Khan and his sons Aman Ali Khan and Ayan Ali Khan.

Sponsors of Ananda Utsav 2010 LA

Around 9.00am, around 15 to 20,000 Afghans reached the signaling post at Saragarhi. Signalman Gurmukh Singh signals to Col. Haughton in Fort Lockhart, that they are under attack. Colonel Haughton states he cannot send help to Saragarhi. The soldiers decide to fight to the last to prevent the enemy reaching the forts. Bhagwan Singh is the first injured and Lal Singh is seriously wounded. Soldiers Lal Singh and Jiwa Singh reportedly carry the dead body of Bhagwan Singh back to the inner layer of the post. The enemy breaks a portion of the wall of the picket. The battle

Soldiers of the 36th Sikhs stand on the wall of the ruined building

rages on ferociously. Colonel Haughton signals that he has estimated between 15,000 to 20,000 Pashtuns attacking Saraghari. The leaders of the Afghan forces reportedly make promises to the soldiers to entice them to surrender. Reportedly two determined attempts are made to rush the open gate, but are unsuccessful. In an act of outstanding bravery, Ishar Singh orders his men to fall back into the inner layer, whilst he remains to fight. However, this is breached and all but one of the defending soldiers are killed, along with many of the Pashtuns. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 23

Community/California

India Post

September 17, 2010

www.indiapost.com

OCI - the hoax on the Indian Diaspora & sportsmen RAHUL KUMAR

s far back as in March 1977 the Government of India started inducting foreign citizens of even non-Indian origin into the Civil(UPSC) and Defense Services(CDS) - from Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, S E Asia and SE Africa who even then may not have been eligible for an PIO status . This gesture was summarized in the inaugural address in November 1977, by the then External Affairs Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee " The subject of overseas Indians is one very dear to our heartsâ&#x20AC;Ś.Everyone of Indian origin overseas is a representative of India and retains many aspects of our cultural traditions and civilization. Though our sons and daughters have gone abroad to work or to reside there, India will never disown them or fail to appreciate or respect their essential loyalty to the culture and heritage of the mother country" Over 40,000 Nepali passport holding soldiers are serving in the Indian army and representing us in the International sports arena with no visible local ancestry. There are over 500,000 persons of Indian origin globally who opted for the PIO/OCI status. Till today the Ministry of Overseas Affairs (MOIA) has not even publicized the rights that have been supposedly granted to them a decade ago. Nobody in the MOIA or their empowering MHA (Home Affairs) has been able to explain what "Citizen" in the OCI terminology entails. The facts reveal that the Government had lost the vote for granting dual citizenship in 2003 but already named it an OCI card and the bureaucrats forgot not to rename it an Indian Nationality Card, assuming it would have been a letdown for the PIOs as they already had that status and thus the latter were clubbed between citizens and nationals without any concrete definition as to their standing which was exploited by a motivated MYAS(Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports) to render them 'stateless'. As far back as 1962 the Government made an amendment to the Foreigner's Act that any person not of Indian origin, even an Indian citizen at birth or by acquisition, whose country of origin was at war or assisting external aggression against India could be arrested. This recognition of the higher status of Indian origin in contrast to an alien Indian citizen was the advent of future policies towards the Diaspora. The Interim Report on the Persons of Indian Origin (PIO Card) Scheme states "a PIO card is a passport of nationality or na-

tional origin. It confers a cluster of rights and privileges, which are not conferred on foreign citizens." A couple of weeks ago Saurav Gill got a positive decision from the double bench of the Punjab & Chandigarh High Court even without quoting the Diaspora Interim report which stated "conferred on the holder several economic, educational, financial and cultural benefits at par with NRIs". In chapter 28 of the same report the following was written about sportsmen "Similarly eminent persons of the Diaspora should be honored by the conferment on them by the awards like the Arjuna Awards." The MHA and MOIA handbooks clearly indicate that the only sport that needed special permission was mountaineering and the rest was allowed and this position is clearly maintained till today. The advent of the PIO card under the

(Squash Rackets Federation of India) suddenly challenged this policy which it itself followed till 2007! The MYAS broke the following - their own Guidelines of consonance with the Olympic and International Federations ; 50 years of equity; article 8.9 binding sports with Cultural Exchange Programs and Players Welfare suggesting a 2 to 3 year gestation period concerning major championships ; favoring alien coaches over Indian Nationals players ; rejection of this policy in April 2007 by top sports officials at the LTDP (Long Term Development Program) meeting at SAI (Sport Authority of India) headquarters ; MHA /MOIA regulations and finally topped it by committing perjury by stating that they had no sports policy for PIOs while actually implementing it since 1977. They also sacrificed many top players who had raised India into higher leagues, brought medals and accolades and insured

The answer lies in the abuse of our checks and balances system where a corrupt influential individual can compromise tainted bureaucrats to flaunt a regressive policy without notification and then justify it at the cost of committing perjury, in the knowledge that in past governments officials have not been held accountable aegis of its founder the External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha (President Of the All India Tennis Association) prompted the respective sports federations to inform their PIO players like Shikha Uberoi, Sunita Rao, Cyril Kuhn to legitimize their status into Nationality without the necessity of obtaining an Indian passport, to avoid any conflict with some stricter world norms which discouraged shifting loyalty. Conspiracy Documentary evidence is available that some Squash officials in connivance with the JS Sports attempted to bar select OCIs like Rahul Bakshi (Golf), Karm and Cyril (Squash) from representing India as far back as mid 2007, two years before the regressive policy was framed and one year before Dr MS Gill took over! Till the Beijing Olympics in August 2008 the MYAS or their counterparts handling sports before them had been instrumental in clearing Indian origin foreign citizen player to represent India for over half a century. What prompted this sudden volte face - because the regressive and maligned SRFI

that the nation's international standard would rise till their misplaced and unprecedented claims that local talent would ultimately bridge this gap came true. The answer lies in the abuse of our checks and balances system where a corrupt influential individual can compromise tainted bureaucrats to flaunt a regressive policy without notification and then justify it at the cost of committing perjury, in the knowledge that in past governments officials have not been held accountable. If India's policies towards millions of its expatriates can be manipulated, not in consonance with judicial directions and the written word but by the machinations of one corrupt individual, what is the message emanating to the Diaspora. Sometime in the near future the judiciary will have to ascertain whether the rights of various professions are governed by equality or some like sports are deemed inferior. Then within the sports structure can coaches be granted a special status over players by implying that PIOs have no allegiance to the nation while hired alien

coaches cum selectors and strategists can don Indian colors. The topical example in case is Brasa the Spanish coach who shared the responsibility for India's 5-2 hockey debacle against his motherland but has not been accused of wrong advice or compromising the team! In contrast compare the vicious tirades against Indian Nationals made sans provocation by the MYAS. "The issue is being raised only by four tennis and a junior squash player, who live either in the US or UK and swear allegiance to either American or British flag and not the tri-color." This observation exemplifies their stand which has now been shattered by a spate of other writ petitions by a wrestler, shooter and impending ones by equestrians etc which may come up before the 19th of April in the Supreme Court. Unfortunately Saurab Gill's petition does not have any of these facts and they cannot be added now. Thus the entire Indian Diaspora needs to be aware on how their rights are being whittled away on whims and fancies in contrast to over 10 solid legal arguments which may go unheard. The other topical co related theme is MF Hussain being conferred with Qatari citizenship after ceding his Indian passport and acquiring an OCI card. Will the Indian government now declare this 95 years old Padma Vibhushan's past contributions as alien! Will the aura of 75 years of his permanent legacy prevalent in his motherland vanish due to a piece of paper (Hussain's definition) which confers only political rights. How would this affect other renowned Indian Nationals with foreign citizenship who as artists, writers, dancers etc have been conferred with various titles and awards by the Government of India. Would their cultural activities come under the Indian ambit or bestowed to the country of their citizenship since culture & sport are inextricable? The British passport clearly defines the difference. "Acquisition of British nationality or citizenship by a foreigner does not necessarily cause the loss of nationality of origin" which is predominantly permanent and citizenship transitory. Consequences These cases will entail claims of financial damages and relocation costs including representation to the International Olympic Committee on how the MYAS deliberately banned them, Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 23

Biodiversity - the answer to farmer suicides DR. VANDANA SHIVA

ecently I was in Vidharbha where we have started a "Seeds of Hope" campaign to stop farmers' suicides. In village Dhodra, a farmer called Lakshman Vaidya had ended his life a few days before our visit. His widow Anjana told us how he had taken Rs. 56,000 loan over three years ago to buy genetically engineered Bt. Cotton seeds. The empty packets of "Bollgard" seeds were still lying in a corner of the hut. Every eight hours a farmer like Vaidya

is ending his life in Vidharbha. The monocultures of Bt. Cotton speak the hidden story of scarcity, even while the advertisements falsely announce how Bt. Cotton will make the farmers millionaires. India was once home to 1500 cotton varieties. Today, the cotton is sold under different brands, but it is all Bt. Cotton. According to the late Dr. Richeria, India's leading rice researcher, India had more than

200,000 rice varieties. Most of these were pushed to extinction by the Green Revolution varieties that came from IRRI in Philippines. India was also home to more than 1500 varieties of wheat. These were displaced by the dwarf varieties brought from CIMMYT in Mexico. The disappearance of biodiversity from our farms is not just the loss of species and variety. Biodiversity erosion is in fact at the root of India's agrarian crisis and food crisis.

Farmers in Vidharbha who have joined our "Seeds of Hope" campaign are growing organic cotton along with tur, urud, moong, jowar and other crops. They do not spend any money on costly seeds and costly chemicals. They grow better crops with higher outputs. They are not in debt and are not being pushed to suicide. In West U.P, a typical chemical farmer growing sugarcane earns Rs. 11,000 - Rs. 12,000 per acre. But farmers growing sugarcane with

jowar, cotton, onions, mango, papaya, turmeric, chilli, ginger are earning Rs. 1,41,655 per acre. Our research has shown that the higher the biodiversity, the higher is the farmers' income. Biodiversity is the answer to farmers' suicides and an answer to hunger. Dr. Vandana Shiva is a physicist, ecologist, activist, editor, author. Navdanya, the International organization she founded, is a network of seed keepers and organic producers spread across 16 states in India.

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September 17, 2010

India Post 23

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Anti-corruption RTI activists arrested while protesting GAURAV SHAH, VISHAL KUDCHADKAR & NIDHI PATHAK

he drama of the opaque appointment of Mr. KS Sripathi as the Tamil Nadu Chief Information Commissioner on Sept 1 ended with his "secret" swearing-in at the Governer's office (Raj Bhavan) and the arrest and subsequent release of three prominent activists working towards a transparent and accountable government in Tamil Nadu. Madhav Vishnubhatta, supported by the Los Angeles chapter of the Association for India's Development, along with Gopalakrishnan and Siva Elango (Makkal Sakthi Katchi) were protesting outside the Governer's office with placards reading "Save RTI", "No transparency in Appointments", "Non-transparent appointment to uphold transparency?" when they were picked up by the Police, taken to an undisclosed location and released after several hours. Madhav has been leading the efforts for the appointment to be made in accordance with the law. The Right to Information (RTI)

Act of India, 2005 (equivalent to the Freedom of Information Act in the US), since its inception has been instrumental in enabling the common man to hold the officials to account and participate in the process of governance. The Central and State Information Commission are mandated to ensure that the citizen's fundamental Right to Information is upheld. The RTI Act states that "The Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioners shall be persons of eminence in public life with wide knowledge and experience in law, science and technology, social service, management, journalism, mass media or administration and governance." However across the nation, the Information Commissioners appointed have mainly been bureaucrats. As a result, in the last five years, the culture of secrecy, of leniency towards officials and of disdain towards information seekers has prevailed at the Information Commission. Left unchecked, this could sound the death knell

OCI - the hoax on the Indian Diaspora & sportsmen Cont’d from page 22

rendered them stateless and ignored the rule of Promissory Estoppel. Any negative judgment against players rights will open a Pandora's box and litigation will follow in the field of culture, medicine, college admissions etc as in all professions positions are limited -so Indian citizen petitioners will be emboldened to quote the sports example to wrest the slots offered to OCIs on the grounds of not them not being able to represent India or that due to limited resources local talent has to be given priority. Conclusion The parochial and narrow minded bigots would be well advised to transcend their narrow horizons and inculcate the message of both the ex and current PMs towards the community whom they are trying to ostracize, but who have been declared Indian Nationals with foreign citizenships way back in 1999. "We are proud of the achievements of the people of Indian origin around the world. More than any other people, the people of India and of Indian origin know the meaning of tolerance and the art of living together regardless of caste, creed, religion or language. Pluralism and the willingness to live with each other despite our differences is a deeply embedded trait of Indian culture. That is why I have often said that those who pursue the politics of exclusion, of monotheism, who divide people between "us" and "them", betray the very idea of India." - his from the Inaugural Address of Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh At the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, Chennai, January 8, 2009

of one of the most progressive laws of independent India. Madhav, a software engineer by training, quit his Infosys job to take up the cause of RTI in Tamil Nadu. After having used RTI to

Supporting RTI activists like Madhav is one of A.I.D.'s strategies to promote better governance and fight corruption in India. The Los Angeles chapter of AID has been one of the key players in this initiative expose unused funds in the Tsunami Relief Fund and Tamil Nadu MLA Development Fund, he embarked on the crusade to hold the Tamil Nadu State Information Commission (TNSIC) to account.

It was due to his relentless efforts that the TNSIC put up decisions and cause lists on its website. His intervention also helped increase the hearing rate from about 150 cases/month to about 50 cases/day. To disinfect the TNSIC from within, he with his fellow RTI activists strived for democratic, transparent and fair appointment procedure for the Information Commission. He was instrumental in the national-level consultation of RTI activists and bureaucrats organized at IIPA in Delhi on 4th August 2010. He also used RTI to unearth a racket of some top-level bureaucrats in Tamil Nadu who had virtually selected themselves for the post of State Information commissioners. As per the RTI Act, the State Information Commissioner is recommended by a committee of the Chief Minister, Leader of the Opposition in the State Assembly and a Cabinet Minister. Mr. Sripathi was selected in the absence of J. Jayalalitha, the Leader of the Op-

The Battle of Saragarhi Cont’d from page 21

Signalman Gurmukh Singh, who communicated the battle with Col. Haughton, was the last Sikh defender. He communicates his last message to Haughton… "This is my last signal. Picking up gun to fight." He is said to have killed over 20 Afghans. As he lay dying he was said to have yelled "Jo Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal repeatedly. This information came from Afghan sources. The Afghans later claimed about 180 killed and many more wounded during the battle against the 21 Sikh soldiers, but some 800 bodies are said to have been seen around the ruined post when the relief party arrived. All the 21 Sikhs were posthumously awarded the Indian Order of Merit, the highest gallantry award of that time, which an Indian soldier could receive by the hands of the British crown. The names of the 21 recipients of the gallantry award are: Havildar Ishar Singh (regimental number 165), Naik Lal Singh (332) Lance Naik Chanda Singh (546), Sepoy Sundar Singh (1321), Sepoy Ram Singh (287), Sepoy Uttar Singh (492), Sepoy Sahib Singh (182), Sepoy Hira Singh (359), Sepoy Daya Singh (687), Sepoy Jivan Singh (760), Sepoy Bhola Singh (791), Sepoy Narayan Singh (834) Sepoy Gurmukh Singh (814), Sepoy Jivan Singh (871) Sepoy Gurmukh Singh (1733), Sepoy Ram Singh (163), Sepoy Bhagwan Singh (1257), Sepoy Bhagwan Singh (1265), Sepoy Buta Singh (1556), Sepoy Jivan Singh (1651), Sepoy Nand Singh (1221). The battle has been compared to the Battle of Thermopylae, where a small Greek force faced a large Persian army of Xerxes (480 BC). It is important to note that during the Battle of Saragarhi, the British did not manage to get a relief unit there until after

the 21 had fought to their deaths. At Thermopylae too, the 300 Spartans also stayed after their lines had been breached, to fight to their deaths. Saragarhi, in comparison is a greater feat of bravery considering the odds ……one Sikh to a thousand tribals. Unfortunately, human memory is short and today nothing is known about their descendants…….an outright disgrace. Tracing their descendants should not be difficult as113 years is but a flash of time where history is concerned. Surely there must be a home in Punjab where a Sikh fam-

He is said to have killed over 20 Afghans. As he lay dying he was said to have yelled "Jo Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal repeatedly. This information came from Afghan sources ily proudly displays a picture of their GreatGreat Grandfather Havaldar Ishar Singh. The Sikhs have not forgotten. Commemorative gurdwaras were constructed in Amritsar, Ferozpur and at Saragarhi where services are held every year on Sept 12. Every year the Sikh Regiment organizes a memorial Akand Paath to remember these fallen heroes. Known as Saragarhi Day, the Indian Army pays solemn tribute to the twenty one lonely heroes who made the supreme sacrifice on that wind swept outpost 113 years ago. Sept 12 is the 113th anniversary of the Battle of Saragarhi.

position in Tamil Nadu. According to her she was not provided the bio-datas of the candidates for the post of Information Commissioner and hence abstained from the meeting. Madhav also met with Jayalalitha before the selection meeting to apprise her of the sentiments of the RTI activists regarding the appointment procedure. Supporting RTI activists like Madhav is one of A.I.D.'s strategies to promote better governance and fight corruption in India. The Los Angeles chapter of AID has been one of the key players in this initiative. Fighting corruption has taken a deadly turn this year with the murder of nine RTI activists and attacks on dozen more. This infant movement to strengthen democracy in India needs nurture from like minded Indians across the world. Let's come together to protect and support what started as Madhav's fight in his words 'my right my fight' and embrace it as 'our right our fight'.

AIF fundraiser to benefit rickshaw program Cont’d from page 20

Since its inception, the program has enabled over 8,600 rickshaw drivers to own their vehicles. AIF initiated the Rickshaw Sangh program in Guwahati, Assam in 2006. Today, AIF is implementing the program in 11 cities across India. The program enhances the quality of life of rickshaw drivers by enabling them to get loans from banks to buy their own rickshaws. Without the help, individual rickshaw drivers lack the credit-worthiness to get the loan to buy their rickshaw. By standing as a guarantor, AIF has succeeded in drawing them into the financial system. In addition, AIF facilitates additional support in the form of vehicle insurance, identification cards, and uniforms. According to AIF's CEO, Dr. Sanjay Sinho, "For many recent migrants to India's cities, driving a cycle rickshaw is one of the easiest professions to find a job. However, lacking assets, [drivers] are unable to invest the $250 it costs to buy a rickshaw and instead have to rent their rickshaws at exorbitant rates, which relegates them to a hand-to-mouth existence. Through AIF's Rickshaw Sangh program, they are getting access to micro-loans that enable them to buy their own rickshaws." Inspired by the particular story of Mouzam Ali, the Young Professionals Chapter decided to raise funds for the Rickshaw Sangh program. Mouzam Ali, a rickshaw driver in Lucknow, the capital city of the state of Uttar Pradesh, has driven rickshaws for 10 years and received a loan from Punjab National Bank through AIF to own his own rickshaw. Mouzam now manages to save about 500 rupees ($10) a month and he and his wife earn additional income stitching uniforms for other rickshaw drivers.

24 India Post

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September 17, 2010

POOJA SHARMA & JS BEDI

sellout crowd of over 1300 people witnessed two magnificent and unforgettable cultural pageants performances. The 22nd Annual Miss Asia USA and the 6th Annual Mrs. Asia USA Cultural Pageant were presented together onstage at their new home, the beautiful La Mirada Theatre. Because of the ever-growing popularity of Miss Asia USA and Mrs. Asia USA, a larger and more modern venue was required to accommodate the guests and the improvements to the Pageants. If thunderous applause and raucous support for the Delegates is any indication, the audience enjoyed a truly remarkable and diverse display of Asian cultures performed by the Delegates in the Parade of National Costumes. The evening's festivities were hosted by Emmy-nominee David Millbern and the lovely producer and on-air host for Saigon TV, Michelle Phuong Thao.

India Post

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September 17, 2010

Rachna Mamidi of India

Following months of painstaking preparation by each Delegate, dreams turned into a wonderful reality on Saturday night with the crowning of two outstanding and deserving Queens. After five categories of intense competition in both pageants, the distinguished panel of judges selected the striking Ariana Manibog Varela, representing the Philippines, as Miss Asia USA 2010 and the beautiful and talented North Carolina based Janet Pichon Hixson, also representing the Philippines, as Mrs. Asia USA 2010. Virgelia Villegas, Chairman & President of Virgelia Productions, Inc., produced, wrote and directed the show. When discussing the two new Queens after the show, Virgelia reflected on the Judges' selections. She said, "Both Ariana and Janet demonstrated the total commitment necessary to perform at the highest level when the spotlight was shining on them. Their dedication and hard work formed the foundation for the self-confidence, intelligence and elegance that the Judges look for in a queen. and proud Asian communities as Ambassadors of Goodwill and Culture. "As our Queens, they will continue to earn the most prestigious titles for Asian women in America, you have to be willing to sacrifice and give your total effort above and beyond your God-given abilities. Both of these outstanding and talented women

The crowd watched as Miss Asia USA picks their Top Five, and finally, Sarah Makandura representing Sri Lanka heard her name as the final spot in the Top Five.

Virgelia Villegas

did so and I am proud that they will serve all of the unique tradition of these two pageants demonstrating how to bring unity through diversity." Representing Sri Lanka was Sarah Makandura who ended up as the 2nd runner up. This was an immensely memorable moment for her.

‘Both Ariana and Janet demonstrated the total commitment necessary to perform at the highest level’ The night started with the Opening Dance, then to the Parade of National Costumes which showed the elaborate, authentic details of each of the countries. After swim was evening gown, where all the 24 beautiful girls walked elegantly in their evening gowns and after their final scores

were in, they all waited in anticipation as to who would be called for the Top 10. The Top 10 included Miss India, Rachna Mamidi. From the Top 10 down to the Top 5, Sarah was relieved to hear her name called. After the Final question the girls waited back stage wondering who would be crowned The Queen of Miss Asia USA. As the girls were called to receive their crowns, Sarah stood standing amongst two other girls. Jennifer Huang Gonzalez representing Taiwan, Fourth Runner up, Natalia DiNatale representing Lebanon, Third Runner Up and then Sarah received Second Runner Up, First Runner Up being Jenny Cho from Korea and Ariana Varela representing the Philippines took home the title for Miss Asia USA. Cont’d on page 27

India Post

September 17, 2010 www.indiapost.com

Glittering fashion show at Bridal Asia India Post News Service

NEW DELHI: The 12th edition of Bridal Asia, one of the biggest Bridal expositions in India, began with a glittering fashion show hosted on September 8 at Hyatt Regency, New Delhi. Divya Gurwara, CEO Bridal Asia, said, "We are proud to be the harbinger of Bridal trends in the country and the region and proud to host a mĂŠlange of great talents under one roof" The designers showcasing their Bridal collections

The designers showcasing their Bridal collections are some of India's best are some of India's best: Raghuvendra Rathore, Cue by Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna, Brides by Harper's Bazaar, Siddharth Tytler and Arjun Khanna. Jewelry for the sequence is by Umrao Jewels of Jaipur and Payal Gupta With new innovations and styles catering to the Rs.1, 25,000-crore wedding industry, the grand event brought beautiful creations from designers across the country and from Hong Kong, Pakistan and in past from Bangladesh, Singapore etc.

Collection by Siddartha Tytler

September 17, 2010

India Post

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Filipinos crowned Miss & Mrs Asia Cont’d from page 25

Sarah is so pleased and honored to represent Sri Lanka in this Cultural Pageant and said, "The moment seems so surreal when you are up on stage, you want to capture the moment before it's gone. I took a moment while waiting for my name to do exactly that; I took a mental picture of my head, I looked at my parents, family members, the audience and the girls next to me and smiled. “I knew that moment would never return. I am so grateful for all I have, I've been so blessed to be where I am today and I wouldn't trade it for the world!" Sarah now plans on returning to school at the University of California Riverside and also plans on pursuing modeling and continuing to represent Sri Lanka in the best she can, but most of all she says, "I'm most excited to spend time with my family and my close friends, its long overdue!" We wish Sarah all the best in her future endeavors!

Sarah Makandura in traditional dress

Indian bride. Rachna looked absolutely regal in a beautiful red evening gown that showed off her poise and elegance. She was selected to be a top 10 finalist and impressed the judges with the eloquence and professionalism with which she answered the top 10 question, "What is your dream job and are you doing that now? Why or why not?" She answered that her dream

her Indian heritage with others. Virgelia also announced the Queen's Court for Miss Asia USA

2010 and Mrs. Asia USA 2010 and the winners of the special recognition awards: What makes this pageant a class of its own is the sheer style and professionalism of Virgelia and her team. Everything worked like a well oiled machine. The event started in time and ran on schedule. The pageant had it all it takes to be a world class international event. This in total contrast to the Indian pageants held here in So Cal which comparatively mismanaged and notoriously unpunctual. And not to mention contestants being crowned left and right till the audience loses track of who is being crowned for what. It would be a good idea for the organizers of

Indian pageants to utilize Virgelia's expertise and talent. Miss Asia USA 2010 Jenny Cho / Korea - 1st Runner-up Sarah Makandura / Sri Lanka 2nd Runner-up Natalia DiNatale/ Lebanon - 3rd Runner-up Jennifer Huang Gonzalez / Taiwan - 4th Runner-up Mrs. Asia USA 2010 Armine Stepanyan Johnson / India - 1st Runner-up Theresa Nguyen / Vietnam 2nd Runner-up Kim Vorn/ Cambodia - 3rd Runner-up Angie Yang / Taiwan - 4th Runner Up

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job is to pursue medicine and specialize in pediatrics; she is currently applying to Medical School. She wishes to become a medical professional because of what she experienced from her travels to rural India with a non-profit called Project RISHI. She observed the conditions from lack of medical care and wanted to have a direct impact on people's lives. Rachna's answer resulted in an eruption of applause throughout the whole theater. From this experience, Rachna has grown more aware about the various cultures in Asia and was honored to be given a chance to share

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Indian kids win Gandhi art contest

Peace by Nakul Singal (India) First Prize

Care for Elderly by Praveen Kushawaha (India) First Prize

Friendship by Furkan Pathan (India) First Prize India Post News Service

MONTREAL: The Mahatma Gandhi International Foundation, under the leadership of its Founder and President, artist Suraj Sadan, has been organizing an art exhibition-contest for the youth. The purpose of this contest is to encourage young people aged 14 to 20 to creatively explore the ideals and messages of non-violence, through drawing and painting. This year, the third year of the contest, the competition went international with the aim of having a multicultural perspective of nonviolence. Entries were received from India, the USA, and Canada. Suggested themes related to non-violence included friendship, peace, love for nature, love for animals, care for elderly, and environment protection. Three 1st prizes of $100 were awarded to: ''Care for Elderly'', by Praveen Kushawa, 16 yrs old (India), ''Friendship'', by Furkan Pathan, 16 yrs old (India), and ''Peace'' by Nakul Singal, 16 yrs old (India). Three 2nd prizes of $50 were awarded to: ''Tête à tête avec le monde'', by Mélanie Le Berre, 19 yrs old (Canada), ''Peace'' by Parth Shah, 13 yrs (USA), and ''Friendship'' by Sarthak Joshi, 13 yrs

TÍte ‡ tÍte avec le monde by MÈlanie Le Berre (Canada) Second Prize

Peace by Parth Shah (USA) Second Prize

old (USA). The Foundation will showcase the winners at the Galerie d'Arts contemporains, in Montreal, on September 24 and 25. First Prize winner Praveen Kushwaha studies in Govt. Boys Secondary School in Kavita Colony, Delhi First Prize winner Furkan Pathan studies in Rajkiya Pratibha Vikas Vidyalaya, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi

Friendship by Sarthak Joshi (India) Second Prize

First Prize winner Nakul Singal studies in Delhi Police Public School, New Delhi 2nd Prize winner Sarthak Joshi studies in Delhi Police Public School, New Delhi 2nd Prize winner Melanie Le Berre is from Montreal-Canada 2nd Prize winner Parth A. Shah studies in Manorville, NY East Port South Manor, Jr. - Sr. High School , USA

Marie-Eve Gagnon, (right) Coordinator for exhibitions, with artist Suraj Sadan

Art exhibition by Ramesh Chindam India Post News Service

ndian American artist Ramesh Chindam is holding an exhibition of his paintings in San Francisco. The exhibition was visited by Indian Consul General in San Francisco Mrs. Susmita G. Thomas and Kumar Tuhin (Deputy Consul). Ramesh Chindam graduated in a Master of Fine Arts program in 2010 at the Academy of Art University, in San Francisco, California. He is currently living in San Francisco working on his past themes and combining present themes to them.

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September 17, 2010

ushkar, the sister city of Ajmer, is only 11 kms away from the city. Accounts of this city can be found in the 4th century writing of the Chinese traveler Fa-Hien and also in the scripts written during the era of Muslim invasions. Pushkar is among the five Dhams or pilgrimages that are held in high esteem by Hindus, the others being Badrinath, Puri, Rameswaram, and Dwarka. Pushkar is famous for its fairs and festivals and for its Brahma Temple. A bath in Pushkar is thought to be more important than at any other place. The holy dip in this lake on Kartika Purnima is thought to be salvation giving. Pushkar is very dear to Lord Brahma. The place is famous in his name. In olden times it is said that people who took a holy dip at Pushkar were relieved from all the sins and went to heaven after their death by the grace of Lord Brahma. Legend has it that in battle Lord Brahma killed the demon Vajra Nabh with a lotus flower, whose petals floated down to earth and landed in three places in and around Pushkar where lakes sprang up. The story says Pushkar Lake was surrounded by 500 temples and 52 palaces (several rajas and maharajas maintained palaces here for pilgrimage) at one point. The Brahma temple is the most important temple here and is, in fact, the only Brahma temple in India. It is interesting to note that Brahma is not worshipped, even though he is one of the Holy Trinity of Hinduism. Brahma, it is said, had descended on earth to perform a Yajna (fire-sacrifice). His wife Savitri was not with him at that time and the Yajna would be incomplete without her. Therefore, Brahma married a local girl and sat down for the Yajna. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 30

Pushkar is famous for its fairs and festivals and for its Brahma Temple. A bath in Pushkar is thought to be more important than at any other place. The holy dip in this lake on Kartika Purnima is thought to be salvation giving. Pushkar is very dear to Lord Brahma

Travel & Hospitality Post

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September 17, 2010

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Aerial rope-way across Brahmaputra River NEW DELHI: The Environment Ministry has given the green signal to the ambitious 1,820-meter long aerial rope-way across the Brahmaputra River connecting Guwahati and North Guwahati via Umananda Island in Assam. The Rs 28-crore project aims to serve twin objectives of boosting tourism and reducing the travel time between the North and South banks of the river. Currently, the banks can be reached only through road or ferry boats services. An Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) under the Environment Ministry at a recent meeting cleared the project considering its impor-

tance as well noting that no tree cutting is required for the project while safety norms are proposed as per international standard.

It will just take 6 minutes and 46 seconds through the ropeway as compared to oneand-a-half hours by road "The existing transportation infrastructure connecting the two banks is evidently inadequate. Considering the proposed fu-

ture growth pattern of the city... aerial ropeway is proposed to provide connectivity between the two banks," as per project proponent, Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA). The GMDA has estimated that approximately 250 passengers can be ferried per hour through the proposed rope-way. It will just take 6 minutes and 46 seconds through the rope-way as compared to one-and-a-half hours by road. Lower terminals will be at Panbazar area in South Bank while Upper terminal is proposed at Rajaduar village in the Northern bank, both having adequate parking facilities and basic infrastructure. -PTI

Rajasthan campaign to attract domestic tourists JAIPUR: With an aim to attract domestic tourists, the state government has launched a campaign "Rajasthan calling" that will travel across 19 cities of the country, an official said here. A two-day 'Mini Rajasthan Festival' will be the major highlight of the campaign which will go to Kochi, Chennai, Mumbai, Bangalore, Patna, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Patna, Ranchi, Surat, Pune, Bhubaneshwar, Goa, Jammu, Ludhiana, Vadodara and Chandigarh. The festival would provide complete information about the traditional culture, exquisite range of Rajasthani handicraft products and delicacies, Rajasthan Government's Principal Secretary and Commissioner (Tourism) Usha Sharma said. -PTI

Pushkar: Fairs, festivals and & Brahma Temple Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 29

Meanwhile Savitri landed on earth and, upon finding this new bride sitting next to Brahma, cursed him that he would never be worshipped anywhere else on earth. The best time to visit Pushkar is between October and May. Pushkar Fair: Every year thousands of devotees throng the lake around the full moon day of Kartik Purnima in October-November to take a holy dip in the lake. A huge and colorful cattle fair, called Pushkar Fair, is also held during this time. Pushkar fair is wellknown for its camel trading and other attractive activities. The Fair this year will be held from November 13-21. Activities: Dance music and colorful shops spring up during this fair. Also on sale are mouthwatering traditional delicacies. Colorfully attired village folk enhance the fun of the occasion. A host of cultural events against the backdrop of this pretty setting are organized including attractive puppet shows. Cattle auction and camel races are a part of the festivities. Places to See Temples: Pushkar boasts of temples, though few are as ancient because many were destroyed by

The Brahma temple at Pushkar

Aurangzeb and subsequently rebuilt. The most famous is what is said to be the only temple in India dedicated to Brahma. It's marked by a red spire and over the entrance gateway is the Hans, or swan symbol of Brahma who is said to have personally chosen Pushkar as its site. The Rangji Temple chosen is also important. The one-hour trek up to the hilltop temple overlooking the lake is best made early in the morning. The view is magnificent. Ghats: Numerous ghats run down to the lake, and pilgrims are constantly bathing in the lake's holy waters. If you wish to join them, do it with respect - remove your shoes, don't smoke and don't

take photographs. This is not Varanasi and the pilgrim here can

Numerous ghats run down to the lake, and pilgrims are constantly bathing in the lake's holy waters. If you wish to join them, do it with respect - remove your shoes be very touchy about insensitive instruction by non-Hindus.

Getting there Air: The nearest airport for Pushkar is Jaipur. Jaipur is well connected to all the major cities which include Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta, Jodhpur, and Udaipur. Recently, flights to Dubai have also been started from Pushkar by Indian Airlines. Bus: Pushkar is 11 km from main Ajmer bus stand. Rajasthan Roadways run very comfortable deluxe and air conditioned buses from Jaipur. There are buses from Jaipur to Ajmer every 15 minutes, some non-stop. The roads are very good, and it takes around two hrs from Jaipur. You can also come by taxi. Train: The nearest railway station for Pushkar is Ajmer, which is on the broad gauge and hence

connected to all the metro cities of India. There are daily trains from Delhi in morning (Shatabdi Exp) and evening (Intercity Exp). Gettig Around: Pushkar is a relatively small town and easy enough to get around on foot. There are no auto-rickshaws in the town center. A bicycle is best to get around. Shopping: Pushkar main bazaar is a tangle of narrow lanes lined with an assortment of interesting small shops. Particularly good buys include silver and beaded jewellery, embroidered fabrics, bed and cushion covers. Rajasthani puppets and fusion music. Its also great place to buy books. There's is an excellent range of secondhand novels in various languages.

September 17, 2010

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'Golden Chariot' cynosure of all eyes at Asia travel mart BANGALORE: The Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation's luxury train, 'Golden Chariot', was the cynosure of all eyes at the Asia Luxury Travel Mart in Shanghai, attracting a number of enquiries from travel operators, a top official said. "The Golden Chariot, which was showcased at the travel mart for the first time, received some good leads from Chinese and Australian travel operators," KSTDC Managing Director Vinay Luthra told PTI. Since Australians in general are very enthusiastic about train journeys, they evinced a lot of interest in the Golden Chariot. "In fact, we want to follow up with a roadshow in Australia, which we hope to do by mid-next year," he said. "Chinese travel operators have a keen interest in India, but not much awareness. The travel mart gave us a good opportunity to educate them about Indian tourism, especially the rich historical

and cultural heritage of Karnataka," Luthra said. He said the KSTDC is in talks with a Chinese travel operator keen on becoming an agent for the Golden Chariot in Shanghai. Luthra said the corporation had not ignored the domestic market and has launched a marketing blitzkrieg for the Golden Chariot, with a series of roadshows in major cities. "We have already covered Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Pune and Ahmedabad, where the response has been excellent, and will move to Surat, Mumbai, Chennai and Kochi for the roadshows," he said. KSTDC has upgraded four of its properties in Madikeri, Srirangapatna, Belur and Brindavan Garden in Mysore and will expand the Hoysala heritage property opposite Hotel Metropole in Mysore. "We will invest Rs 5 crore for

upgradation and expansion of this property with 10 additional rooms, a conference hall and a multi-cui-

Since Australians in general are very enthusiastic about train journeys, they evinced a lot of interest in the Golden Chariot. "In fact, we want to follow up with a roadshow in Australia”

Kommannugundi, in Chikmagalur district, which belong to the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms and Horticulture, are being handed over to the KSTDC. "Upgradation of the two properties will be completed by August, 2011," he said. The KSTDC, which has 35 tour packages covering major tourist destinations, will start a new Volvo bus tourist package for coastal destinations, including Mangalore, the temple town of Udupi, St Mary's Island near Malpe (Udupi district) and Murudeshwar (Uttar Kannada district), Luthra said. "We will also extend the oneday Belur-Halebidu package to Chikmagalur, Horanadu and

Sringeri, making it a one-night, two-day package", he said. To a question on the Golden Chariot, which is still running at a loss, Luthra said the luxury train, operational for two years, was being refurbished by KSTDC at a cost of Rs 50 lakh. "It is more of a promotional train which opens up beautiful interior areas of Karnataka like Badami, Aihole and Hampi," he said. "We hope to break even by 2011-12 as far as the Golden Chariot is concerned. KSTDC's turnover has seen an upturn this year, with revenue of Rs 45 crore, 20 per cent up over last year," he said, adding that the Tourism Corporation is looking at a similar growth this year. -PTI

sine restaurant. Tenders have been finalized, while work is yet to start," Luthra said. . Two more properties at Nandi Hills, in Dodaballapur district, and

Book on British era cemeteries in HP SHIMLA: In an initiative aimed at drawing more foreign visitors to Himachal Pradesh, the tourism department here has published a book on British era churches and cemeteries in the hill state. Titled, 'The Churches and Christian Cemeteries of Himachal Pradesh', the book is a documentation of various graves and cemeteries in the state where thousands of Europeans were laid to rest during the past century. The department hopes that the book would elicit an enthusiastic response from foreigners, especially those whose forefathers died and were buried here during the British days. Director of Tourism and Civil Aviation Arun Kumar said that besides British and other Embassies, the book would be available during the forthcoming Commonwealth Games in New Delhi and at all tourist information centers in and outside the state. The book reveals interesting facts about some important cemeteries like the oldest in Shimla near Oak Over (now chief minister's official residence), which was an open burial ground till 1828 and the first grave which dated back to 1929. The other famous cemetery was Cart Road Cemetery where Major Samuel Boileau Goad, one of Shimla's most prominent residents who owned at least 33 of the

most valuable properties in the Queen of Hills, was buried. He owned properties like Barne's Court, Kennedy House, the Park and Holly Lodge. Then there is also a memorial to Penelope, the daughter of Field

Marshal Baron Chedwode who had served as Commander-in-chief of the Indian Army (1930-35). She fell in love with Himachal hills and stayed here till her death on a trek between Shimla and Kullu over the Jalori Pass in 1986. -PTI

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Purdue focusing on heart disease among blacks

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind.: Purdue University has won a $1.5 million grant for a new communityfocused effort aimed at reducing heart disease among Indiana's black residents. A team led by a Purdue health researcher will collaborate on the 3year project with the Indiana Minority Health Coalition and its affiliates in Lake and Marion counties. The effort funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality will take a communitydriven, culture-centered approach to educate blacks about their high risk of heart disease. It will use a Purdue web portal to help educate black people about how to reduce their chances of getting the illness, which can cause premature death. -AP

Wood River Valley residents get rabies vaccines KETCHUM, Idaho: Public health officials say three more people in the Wood River Valley are undergoing rabies vaccines after encounters with aggressive bats during the past week. The Idaho Mountain Express reports one person that was bitten and two more that may have been bitten were being vaccinated as a precaution. The encounters happened in Bellevue, Hailey and Ketchum. South Central Public Health District epidemiologist Mary Jensen says when bats have rabies, they will not act normally, including being out in the daytime. A bat that attacked a fisherman northwest of Hailey in July tested positive for rabies. No bats were captured for testing after the recent encounters. -AP

40 percent of NY kids are obese, overweight NEW YORK: Forty percent of New York schoolchildren are either overweight or obese. That's about a quarter of a million children according to a study by the city's departments of health and education. A zip code on Manhattan's West Side has the smallest percentage of kids who are heavier than they should be, at 12 percent. In a zip code in Queens' Corona neighborhood, 51 percent were overweight or obese. The good news is that the rate of obesity among New York kids is not rising, as it is nationally. -AP

Health Science 34

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September 17, 2010

Infant death rate down in New Jersey TRENTON, NJ: The number of babies dying from sudden infant death syndrome has dropped significantly in New Jersey, far outpacing the decline nationwide. -AP

Lead victims in mining region say their health was hurt SMELTERVILLE, Idaho: They call themselves "the leaded.'' They grew up in the shadow of a giant lead smelter here, and were contaminated with some of the biggest lead releases in the nation's history. They complain they have suffered physical and emotional problems their entire lives, with little medical help from the government. They are speaking up now to encourage more people in this mining region to get their children tested for lead exposure. "I tell everybody I'm leaded,'' said Jeannie Stancik, 48, of adjacent Kellogg. "That's how I deal with it.'' She recalled going to school next door to the smelter as a child and always having her mouth taste like blood because of the lead particles in the air. Her sister, Mary Brewer, 46, of Kellogg, showed a piece of thin yellow paper issued by the State of Idaho in 1975 with the results of her original blood lead test. It showed her level at 53 micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood, a reading which at the time was classified as ``slightly elevated.'' These days, a reading of 10 is enough to raise official concern, and no amount of lead is considered safe

``She always had a mouthful of dirt,'' Stancik joked, regarding a major path for lead into the bodies of children. Despite a lack of scientific proof, these residents believe their childhood exposure caused illnesses that plague their adult lives, including attention deficit disorder, depression, sciatic problems, arthritis and others. But many cannot afford medical insurance or expensive tests.

ing an increased potential for learning and behavior disorders. "People don't really want to know the truth,'' said Cass Davis, 45, who lives in Moscow, Idaho. ``I flunked the first grade and was sent to be tested for retardation.'' The Bunker Hill Mining Co. lead smelter operated here for decades, releasing lead the entire time. The biggest releases occurred in 1974 and 1975, when the smelter was operated for six

She recalled going to school next door to the smelter as a child and always having her mouth taste like blood because of the lead particles in the air Rocky Hill, 55, grew up in the Silver Valley and now lives in Stevensville, Mont. He registered a blood lead level of 40 as a child, and has been sick much of his life. ``The dirt we played in was nothing but lead, there was no grass,'' Hill said. A group of people who grew up in the Kellogg area met with a reporter for The Associated Press amid new reports that many parents in the Kellogg community are no longer having their children tested because of the stigma attached to lead exposure, includ-

months after a fire damaged its lead containment system. About 35 tons of lead per month fell on the Kellogg area, and children got dizzy and developed stomach cramps. Kids living closest to the smelter had blood lead levels well over 100, which could have damaged their mental abilities. The area was declared a Superfund site in the early 1980s, shortly after the smelter closed. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has spent nearly 20 years removing lead from the environment here, and

claims great success because the average blood lead level of children has dropped to about normal, which is 2 micrograms per deciliter of blood. Critics scoff at those results, because only a handful of children are being tested. Health experts counter that progress is obvious. Jerry Cobb, of the local Panhandle Health District, said about 50 percent of the children in the Silver Valley had readings above 10 in 1989. Now almost none register that high. Dan Opalski, head of Superfund work for the EPA regional office in Seattle, said the tests show the cleanup has made ``significant progress.'' The testing of children is voluntary. About 10 children were tested in the Kellogg area this year, out of an estimated 500 kids under age 9, Cobb said. More than 400 children in this community of 2,000 people were tested each year in the 1990s. But even the EPA doesn't consider the current level of testing to be ``statistically representative of blood-lead levels for children in the Silver Valley,'' said Cami Grandinetti of the EPA office in Seattle. -AP

Breast cancer bracelets cause stir in schools BALTIC, S.D.: Rubber bracelets aimed at raising awareness about breast cancer and emblazoned with ``I love boobies'' are raising eyebrows among school officials in South Dakota. This week, Baltic High School joined several schools nationwide to ban the popular bracelets with a message some say is in poor taste. ``I do think there are more proper ways to bring this plight to the attention of people, and I don't think this is a proper way,'' Principal Jim Aisenbrey told The Argus Leader. Officials at O'Gorman High School in Sioux Falls have also told students not to wear the bracelets in school.

``Our concern is that the issue the wristbands are meant to address is a serious one, but the language used on the bracelets trivializes the issue,'' Principal Kyle Groos said. The bracelets that sell for about

dents and parents. Baltic resident Ann Aberson said cancer has affected several of her relatives, and she doesn't have a problem with her two teenage daughters wearing the bracelets. ``I guess I never thought of

Bracelet co-founder Shaney jo Darden told The Argus Leader that the bracelets are meant to spark discussion among young people $4 in stores were created by the nonprofit Keep A Breast Foundation of Carlsbad, Calif. Proceeds go to the foundation's programs. Schools from Florida to California have banned the bracelets following objections from some stu-

them as offensive,'' she said. ``It's just a bracelet,'' said her 16-year-old daughter, Amelia Atkins. ``Yeah, it says 'boobies,' but it's for breast cancer.'' But not all students wear the bracelets because of the serious

message. ``I pretty much had it just to get a kick out of it, just because it says, 'I love boobies,' mostly not because of the awareness,'' Baltic student Chris Mesa told KDLT. ``Most of us like to have it as a joke, like this is awesome, it has 'boobies' on it,'' said student Travis Evans. Bracelet co-founder Shaney jo Darden told The Argus Leader that the bracelets are meant to spark discussion among young people. ``That's the whole idea,'' she said. ``It's getting people to talk about breast cancer, it's getting people to share their feelings about how this disease has impacted their life.'' -AP

Health Science Post

September 17, 2010

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Health law could be 'devastating' for Ga. ATLANTA: Roy Barnes says the new federal health reform law backed by fellow Democrats could be ``financially devastating'' for Georgia unless officials in Washington figure out a way to help states cope with a staggering jump in Medicaid costs. Barnes, the Democrat running to reclaim the governor's mansion, also blasted both political parties and President Barack Obama for failing to win bipartisan support for a law more Americans could get behind. ``I consider it to be the greatest failure, modern failure, of political leadership in my lifetime,'' Barnes said in a recent interview with The Associated Press. ``Everybody recognized 'we've got to do something here,' but there was such partisanship on it.'' Barnes blamed Democrats for failing to explain the plan better and Republicans for not delivering reasonable alternatives. But he said ultimately the buck stops with Obama, as it did with him during his one term as governor. ``Listen, I made mistakes. I pushed some things that I should've reached a better consensus on,'' Barnes said. ``He did the same thing. He'll learn.'' Republicans have wasted no

opportunity to link Barnes to Obama, who has seen his approval ratings sag in recent months. Polls show Obama's popularity in Georgia is well behind the national average. The Republican Governors Association is running a tough new television ad in Georgia suggesting the two men share the same arrogant leadership style.

Republicans have wasted no opportunity to link Barnes to Obama, who has seen his approval ratings sag in recent months Barnes' Republican opponent, Nathan Deal, has said he opposes the Obama-backed health law. He delayed his departure from Congress to vote against the bill, stepping down in March immediately after casting a ``no'' vote on the measure. At a recent candidate forum sponsored by the state's medical association, Deal assailed the health care law by saying it would place unbearable strains on already cash-strapped states like

Georgia. For Barnes, the health care law presents a tricky political balancing act. On the one hand, he must not alienate Democrats who back the law and make up the base of his political support. But he also needs to appeal to independents, and even moderate Republicans, who are deeply suspicious of the law and see it as a form of government intrusion. Barnes said there are some things in the sweeping law he likes, such as prohibiting insurance carriers from denying coverage to people with pre-existing medical problems as well as allowing parents to keep children on their insurance coverage up to age 26. Barnes also said he would immediately accept money to create an insurance pool for high-risk individuals. Republican Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine has refused to set up a state pool, meaning federal officials will operate one in Georgia. But Barnes said like Republican Gov. Sonny Perdue that he worries the plan's expansion of Medicaid in 2014 to cover more of the state's estimated 1.7 million uninsured will leave Georgia on the hook for ``staggering costs.'' -AP

Too much texting leads to problems, research finds ABERDEEN, S.D.: Megan Jordre's cell phone inbox can hold about 100 text messages, and she empties it about three times a day. ``I text a lot,'' said Jordre, laughing. Jordre, a junior at Aberdeen Central High School, doesn't often stay up late at night texting. But she knows some kids who do. That worries Byron Utter and Terry Stulken. Stulken said the nationwide issue can lead to problems, including lack of sleep. Stulken, K-12 principal for Colman-Egan, and Utter, a former Langford and Mobridge educator, make up the Midwest Center for School Safety. The duo, who have about 65 years' worth of educational experience between them, did about 30 workshops on issues such as cyberbullying and sexual harassment last year in schools across South Dakota with the support of the state Department of Education. They plan more this year. Utter said some of their surveys have found there's a tremendous amount of cell phone usage from about midnight to 2

a.m. And middle-school students are doing it as much as highschool students are. Parents need to monitor phones and computers much, much more than they do, Stulken said. Utter said many parents nationwide really don't know what's going on with cell phones and computers. ``As adults, we gave these kids keys to a jet engine,'' he said. When children are sleep deprived, they can't keep up at school, Stulken said. Then if they are also being cyberbullied or receiving inappropriate texts at night, it just increases the problem - now they can't focus because of those issues, he said. In Aberdeen public schools, while there are likely students who text and use the computer too much outside of school, officials aren't overly concerned about the issue, said Becky Guffin, assistant superintendent. Guffin said students might have cell phones in school, but the phones are not to be seen or used during the school day. Facebook is blocked on school computers. -AP

TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

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

Pee Loon: Once Upon A Time in Mumbai

India Post

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September 17, 2010

Hairat: Anjaana Anjaani

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

t seems that Katrina Kaif's point-blank refusal to star opposite Abhishek Bachchan in Abbas-Mustan's Bollywood remake of 'Italian Job' has not gone down well with the light eyed beauty Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Recently she asked hubby Abhishek not to share the silver screen with Katrina in 'Dostana 2'. Katrina Kaif at first gleefully accepted to do the remake of 'Italian Job' but later walked out of the project, citing date issues. Buzz has it that Katrina refused to act opposite Abhishek because of his sinking Bollywood career. Abhishek's last release 'Raavan' was a big dud. Reportedly, a peeved Aishwarya has debarred Abhishek from working with Katrina. A Bollywood director and a close friend of Abhishek said, "Abhishek values his wife's judgment a lot and will always take what she says seriously. If she is trying to influence him against working with Katrina, he might just end up taking it seriously. These things keep happening in the industry." Well, as of now, its not only Katrina Kaif, but Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra as well, who have also rejected Abbas-Mustan's remake of 'Italian Job'.

Neil's take

fter breaking up with Deepika Padukone, the Kapoor scion Ranbir Kapoor has been linked with almost every co-star of his films he acted thereafter. But now Ranbir is playing safe and made sure that he keeps himself away from any such false rumor. He is determined that he will not allow media to cook any false link-up stories with his 'Rockstar' actress Nargis Fakhri. He clearly and loudly declared that there is no girl in his life right now. Ranbir told a close friend, "So far, I've been linked with every co-star I've worked with, barring Konkona Sen-Sharma. I want to be left alone. I just want to focus on my work. There's no girl in my life right now. And that's the way I like it." To avoid controversies, Ranbir Kapoor is maintaining distance from Nargis. A friend of Ranbir said, "While shooting, Ranbir gives his shot and promptly disappears to be by himself. He spends all his post-shooting hours with Imtiaz. When Ranbir was working with Shazahn Padamsee in 'Rocket Singh Salesman of the Year', he barely exchanged pleasantries with her on the sets. But there were stories linking them together. That really put Ranbir off. This time he is making sure to remain as far away as possible from his co-star."

fter Aamir Khan who went out of his way to restore the school in Leh, it's now Neil Nitin Mukesh's turn who has done a noble act all for those stricken by the tragedy. A Nature photographer, Neil started his journey with a Nikon D300 camera and after progressing to Nikon D3X, he has put his love for clicking to charitable use. Neil Nitin Mukesh has put up his best Nature pictures for auction, the proceeds of which will go to charity. Sources say, "He has donated his best photos to an on ground fund raiser called SOS Ladakh campaign working towards the rehabilitation of survivors after the natural disaster." The photo exhibition will travel across different cities showcasing not only Neil's but also work of other renowned photographers who also have extended their support to the cause.

Bollywood

September 17, 2010

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ust a week after their much-hyped break-up, Salman and Katrina were spotted talking to each other, inside a vanity van at the Film City. Salman was there for a special screening for Dabangg, while Kats, along with Akshay Kumar was shooting for Farah's Tees Maar Khan. Says a source, "Katrina called Salman and asked him to come over. Salman went over to where she was in the next fifteen minutes." Another source says, "Farah went across to Adlabs where the special screening was being held. She brought Salman over. In fact, Salman had even invited Katrina, Farah, and Akshay for that screening. Once he came over, Salman was merrily talking to all three of them." Says a close friend of Katrina's, "The truth is that though they don't meet as a couple anymore, both Katrina and Salman are still confused about their relationship. They just can't decide if they should continue or not. At one moment, they feel they should call it off completely and at another they feel that they should sort out their differences."

Quiet wedding

Baker woman

n the presence of very close ones, Konkona Sen Sharma and Ranvir Shorey tied the knot in their Versova residence where the couple has been residing together for two years. It was a very hush hush affair and very limited number of people were present. They were married in Arya Samaj style. Present on the occasion were Konkona's mother Aparna Sen (with her husband Kalyan Roy) and father Mukul (with his wife Vinita). Konkona's elder sister Kamalini came down from Cincinnati. Konkona and Ranvir met each other in 2006 on the set of 'Mixed Doubles' and fell in love. Since then they were very steady in their relationship and never gave scope to the media to invade their personal life. They got engaged in June 2008. "They both wanted a discreet and intimate affair and that's how it was," said a family friend, adding that "around 100 guests" were present when Ranvir and Konkona took wedding vows.

Hooking ex-lovers

hahid Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor avoided shooting together for the patch work of their much delayed and now flopped film Milenge Milenge. The two ex-lovers have been avoiding each other like a deadly disease. But now, if things go as planned, director Siddharth Malhotra of 'We Are Family' might bring the two exes together. Siddharth had originally planned his second film with Kajol. But since the actress will be on a maternity break from work for about a year and a half, the director has penned another script, a father-daughter comedy. Siddharth hopes to rope in Rishi Kapoor and his niece Kareena, as father and daughter in the film. For the romantic angle (with Kareena obviously) the director might rope in Shahid who is his very good friend. "I was the Associate Director of 'Vivah'. Shahid and I have been close since then. Now we're even closer. I really value his judgment," Malhotra is quoted as saying by a news agency. Malhtora added that he will approach Shahid for the role only after getting the script approved from Karan Johar whom he calls his 'guru'.

t is not clear what kind of relationship Sidhartha Mallya and Deepika Padukone are sharing, but Sid does seem to be close enough to ask Deepika to bake a cake for him! "Bake me a cake," Sidharth Mallaya, posted to Deepika on micro-blogging site Twitter. The request came soon after Dips posted a picture of an oven and wrote: "Love this old fashioned industrial ovenâ&#x20AC;Ś Reminds me of the days when I would come back from school and bake chocolate cake for my mum!" The two are rumored to be dating each other and have been spotted together on several occasions.

Tech News After Vodafone verdict, I-T dept eyes more deals MUMBAI: The government will look into more cross-border mergers involving Indian assets, like the Vodafone-Hutchison deal, after the Bombay High Court rejected UK-based Vodafone's petition against the imposition of tax by authorities here. "This (Vodafone case) is a test case, we will look at similar cases," Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) acting chairman Sudhir Chandra said. Although he did not name the companies or deals that could be investigated, Chandra said, "There are already some cases under investigation." Sources, however, said the court order may have bearing on the deals like SABMiller-Foster and Sanofi Aventis-Shanta Biotech transactions. The second largest brewer in the world SABMiller had acquired 100 per cent shares in the Indian arm of Australia-based Foster.

JK Tyre to expand, enter new segments as autos boom MUMBAI: India's third-largest tyre maker JK Tyre & Industries Ltd is gearing to meet rising demand through aggressive expansion, new forays and smart pricing, a senior official said. The company plans to raise prices by 3-4 percent latest by the first week of October to offset high raw material prices and protect margins, A.S. Mehta, marketing director, said on the sidelines of a dealer meet. Tyre makers like Dunlop India, Falcon Tyres, Apollo Tyres, JK Tyre and Ceat have all raised prices to keep pace with spiralling cost of rubber.

TechBiz 38 India Post

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September 17, 2010

NEW DELHI: The government has approved disinvestment in manganese miner MOIL through public offer, where Centre will offload 10 per cent equity, in addition to 5 per cent each by Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. In all, the Nagpur-based company will see a total disinvestment of 20 per cent. Post the share-sale, Centre's equity in MOIL will come down to 71.57 per cent, while that of Maharashtra government will reduce to 4.62 per cent. Madhya Pradesh government will be left with 3.81 per cent share in the company.

KEC International to acquire Houston's SAE Towers Holdings NIDHI SOPARAWALA India Post News Service

MUMBAI: KEC International Ltd has signed a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of SAE Towers Holdings LLC ("SAE Towers" or the "Company") from an entity affiliated with ACON Investments, L.L.C. ("ACON"), a Washington, DC-based private equity firm, for USD 95 million (excluding adjustments for working capital) on a cash free, debt free basis. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, SAE Towers is the leading manufacturer of steel lattice transmission towers in America, with an annual production capacity of 100,000 metric tons. (Monterrey, Mexico - 35000 MT & Belo Horizonte, Brazil - 65,000 MT). The Company also manufactures steel poles for electrical transmission as well as related hardware. SAE Towers currently has over 750 employees. SAE Towers' management team

and employees will continue with the Company. Under the leadership of Luigi Ruggieri, SAE Towers' CEO. He had partnered with ACON in 2007 to acquire the as-

Ramesh Chandak, CEO SAE KEC International

sets that comprise SAE Towers from the ABB Group, The company will continue to provide its clients throughout the United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico and the rest of Latin America

SMS GupShup in partnership with Globe Telecom

Govt to ask Tata Steel, NTPC on coal mine delays NEW DELHI: The government today said it is issuing showcause notices to Tata Steel, NTPC, ArcelorMittal and 78 others to explain why their coal blocks should not be withdrawn for their failure to develop these within the stipulated timeframe. "We are in the process of issuing showcause notices to companies sitting on captive coal and lignite reserves for years. After reviewing their responses, we will decide on deallocation of the blocks," Coal Minister Sriprakash Jaiswal told PTI.

Manganese Ore to offload 20% equity

India Post News Service

anta Clara, CA/Mumbai, In dia: SMS GupShup, the world's largest Social SMS network, has entered into a partnership with Globe Telecom to launch the SMS Reply-All Chat service in the Philippines. Globe is one of the Philippines' leading telecommunication companies, and the service will enable its sub-

scribers to simultaneously communicate with multiple people using SMS. SMS Reply-All is simple and easy to use, similar to the CC and reply-all features on email. The SMS Reply-All Chat service extends the capabilities of SMS from basic person-to-person (P2P) messaging to many-to-many (M-to-M) messaging. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 39

with highly engineered structures critical for the construction of highvoltage transmission lines. The transaction expected to close in September 2010 is would

Headquartered in Houston, Texas, SAE Towers is the leading manufacturer of steel lattice transmission towers in America, with an annual production capacity of 100,000 metric tons be EPS accretive to KEC from the first year (FY 2010-2011) The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. KEC was designed by Sagent Advisors Inc. and Daiwa Capital Markets India Private Limited as financial advisors, KPMG as accounting advisor, and Khaitan & Co. and White & Case LLP as legal advisors on this transaction. SAE Towers was divided by Harris Williams & Co.

as financial advisor and Hogan Lovells LLP a legal advisor. Ramesh Chandak, Managing Director & CEO, KEC International Ltd said "This acquisition will strengthen KEC'S global leadership position in the large and growing markets of North America and Latin America. SAE Towers has a significant presence in geographic areas which are of substantial interest to KEC. The transmission and distribution spend in these regions are currently rapidly increasing. SAE Towers is well positioned to capitalize on these long term growth opportunities. Luigi Ruggieri, CEO of SAE Towers, concludes, "The development of power infrastructure in Brazil and Mexico will represent a compelling market opportunity for KEC for many years to come as power consumption out spaces GDP growth in these markets. In addition, KEC and SAE Towers are uniquely positioned to play a key role in the expansion and upgrading of the US and Canada power grid, where significant investment is required to improve reliability and support the development of new wind, solar and conventional generation.â&#x20AC;?

TechBiz Post

September 17, 2010

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Western Union's 60,000th location in India India Post News Service

ENGLEWOOD, Colo: The Western Union Company, a global leader in money transfer services, has announced the launch of its 60,000th Agent location in India. The Western Union India network is the largest single incountry Agent network across the company's global Agent network in 200 countries and territories. Western Union principal Agent Wall Street Finance Limited's (WSFL) new location in Mohali, Chandigarh - became a part of Western Union's 380,000 Agent location network across the globe, amidst a gathering of consumers, representatives of WSFl and Western Union. "Western Union plays an important role in connecting NRIs from around the world with their families, and we facilitate the inflow of remittances into India, by providing a formal channel for money transfer", said Anil Kapur, Western Union's Managing Director for South & South East Asia. With an extensive network of 60,000 Agent locations in India spanning over 7,000 cities, towns and villages, we are proud to uphold our commitment in facilitating financial access for Indian receivers through Agent locations close to their homes - whether that is in urban or rural areas

Speaking at the occasion, Ashok Goyal, Chairman of WSFL commented, "[WSFL's parent group] Spice Group has been at the forefront of the technological transformation of India. With the acquisition of Wall Street Finance Ltd, we intend to change the way people avail of and transact financial services. India being the largest recipient of global remittances, we are now poised for the next revolution in Money Transfer business." "We are pleased to be a part of an expanding global network to offer Western Union Money TransferÂŽ services, bringing in our enhanced commitment to the families of NRIs in providing them with easy access to international money transfer services," he further stated. Speaking at the inauguration event, Kiran Shetty, Regional Vice President - India, Western Union said, "At Western Union - we are have many things to be proud of this year we celebrated the 16th year in which the Western UnionÂŽ service has been available in India and now have inaugurated the 60,000th location but what we are most proud of is that we continue to uphold our commitment to provide the families of NRIs the convenience of receiving money close to their homes within minutes2." "We are honored that our

Mohali branch has been chosen as Western Union's landmark 60,000th Indian Agent location. With Western Union's support, we are now aggressively expanding our reach across non-metros, Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities, empowering even more consumers effective and efficient transactional access to fast, reliable and convenient money transfer services. We will conscientiously and aggressively compete with the existing established players in these businesses, providing convenient and reliable transactions to consumers." said Rajeev Maheshwari, Director & CEO of Wall Street Finance Ltd. Western Union has over 60,000 Agent locations in India spanning over 7,000 cities, towns and villages and includes multiple classes of trade such as the postal network, over 30 banks as well as retail institutions. According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), India received over US$52bn in remittances during the financial year 2009-10. A RBI study report released in early 2010 attributed 38% of remittances flowing into India originating from North America, followed by Gulf countries accounting for 27% and Europe at 18% of the total remittances received. The World Bank estimates remittances to account for 4.2% of India's GDP.

SMS GupShup in partnership with Globe Telecom Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 38

Similar to the commonly used "CC" and "Reply-All" features on e-mail, Globe's SMS Reply-All Chat service service works on every handset, is easy to use, requires no training, no software downloads, no data connectivity nor a change in handset. Globe subscribers will find it easier to be more social-whether they are organizing parties, meetings or any other activity that requires coordination among multiple individuals. Instead of relaying and forwarding messages from one person in the group to the other, everyone in a group can update everyone else at the same time with the SMS Reply-All Chat service from Globe. "Our vision at Globe has been to simplify communications and make it more relevant to our customers' needs. We are excited to launch a simple and useful service like Reply-All in partnership with a global technology leader like SMS Gupshup," said Rina Azcuna-Siongco, Head of ValueAdded Services at Globe Telecom.

Beerud Sheth, CEO of SMS GupShup, is optimistic that the SMS Reply-All Chat service will gain a strong following in the Philippines' market, which is widely

terparts in the United States. "SMS Reply-All is the next big innovation in mobile messaging since person-to-person (P2P) SMS, making social communica-

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Concern over all-round failures of Manmohan govt

ndian American community is very much concerned about the all round failure of Dr. Manmohan Singh government in India because of government's failure to contain corruption, price-hikes of essential commodities, terrorism or extremism, cronyism, and minority pampering against India's interests. Confusion on matters concerning Pakistan, China or the United States seem to be the hallmark of his foreign policy which makes India a weak nation in the world comity. The so-called clean image of Dr. Manmohan Singh is only a smokescreen to the endless list of corruption scandals of the Tharoors, Rajas, Kodas and Kalmadis, etc. Recently even judges were caught taking bribes, leave alone corruption of other ministers trickling in. As the compliant media gives clean chit to him, he undoubtedly presides over this massive corruption surpassing all scandals since 1947. He said that he could not sleep if something happens to a Muslim, but slept very soundly when Sikhs were burnt and innocent Indians were killed by Jehadis on 26/11 in Mumbai. He leads the government that constitutes openly biased commissions that recommends religious reservations in armed forces and jobs. Finally, his home minister is a failed minister who is always at odds with other cabinet ministers like railway minister, and finance minister regarding the response to Maoist menace which is being aided by the India's neighbors:

China and Pakistan. China has already encircled India but UPA government is still in deep slumber. While China has already entered POK close to India, our PM is more worried about the minority votes and shamelessly coins new terms such as Saffron terrorism, but denounces the term Islamic Terrorism. This policy is dangerous to the integrity of the country and will divide the society on communal lines. The recent arrest of Amit Shah (former minister of state of Home, Gujarat) is a good example. The PM is not able to see the fake encounters of a Naxalite Azad and acid throwing students in Andhra Pradesh but pursues relentlessly a case in Gujarat where a confirmed terrorist is killed. Further, it is very interesting to learn that the land acquisition reforms and tribal welfare policies only seem to be implemented whenever and wherever an opposition party is in power at the state level. General feeling among Indians at home and abroad reinforces the belief that the Prime Minister has lost control of his Government and has no influence in his own Congress party. He rarely seems to intervene in Parliament on critical issues. India needs to urgently address several serious issues at the international, national and state levels. If it cannot do so, Mr. Singh should resign, and go for fresh mandate to elect a new leader. Anupama Patel, Madhu Patel, Harish Chandra & others Chicago, Illinois

******

Scary case

Instead of relaying and forwarding messages from one person in the group to the other, everyone in a group can update everyone else at the same time with the SMS Reply-All Chat service from Globe described as the "texting capital of the world." In fact, a recent study by UK-based Portio Research showed that each Filipino mobile phone user sends as many as 788 text messages per month, or over 40% more than their coun-

Readers Write...

tions via SMS quick and easy," said Sheth. "We're excited to launch this service in partnership with a market leader like Globe Telecom, a company that is quick to bring newer and more innovative services to their subscribers."

ecently I came to know of a case from a friend of mine which is very scary. One of his friends was traveling to UK via Dubai. Unfortunately he was carrying a packet of Khas Khas which is a commonly used spice in some Indian curries and sweets. Khas Khas is also known as poppy seed which can be sprouted to grow narcotics (afeem etc.). This innocent person did not know that recently the laws in UAE and other Gulf countries have been revised and carrying Khas Khas is punishable with minimum 20 years of imprisonment or even worse with death penalty. Currently, the person is in a jail in Dubai for the last two weeks. His friends are frantically trying hard

for his release but are finding that this has become a very very serious case. Lawyers are asking huge fees amounting to AED 100,000 even to appear in the court to plead for his innocence. People in India should know the seriousness of this matter and should never ever carry even minutest quantities of the following items when traveling to Gulf countries: 1. Khas Khas whether raw, roasted or cooked. 2. Paan 3. Beetle nut (supari and its products, e.g. Paan Parag etc.) The penalties are very severe and it could destroy the life of an innocent person. Pratibha Shah

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

In Brief NH candidates debate AZ immigration law CONCORD, N.H.: A Republican US Senate candidate in New Hampshire is making the immigration debate a central issue of the campaign, far from Mexican border. Bill Binnie is a naturalized citizen who immigrated legally to the US with his parents from Scotland when he was 5 years old. The 52-year-old multimillionaire businessman has been running a television ad calling for English to be the country's official language. The ad has moved fighting illegal immigration, an issue that plays well with Republicans, to the center of the campaign. Binnie's move is risky, because it has drawn attention to his opposition to Arizona's controversial anti-illegal immigration law, which many Republicans and his three main rivals support. -AP

States file brief supporting Ariz. immigration law PHOENIX: Nearly a dozen states have filed a legal brief in support of Arizona's controversial immigration law. A``friend of the court'' brief filed with the San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals argues that a federal judge was wrong to block implementation of key provisions of the law. The brief submitted by Michigan Attorney General Michael Cox argues that the judge used the wrong legal standard to rule on the U.S. Justice Department's request for a preliminary injunction. It also says the judge erred in ruling that the law interferes with the executive branch's immigration enforcement priorities. -AP

Idaho backs Arizona in immigration lawsuit BOISE, Idaho: Idaho is backing Arizona's law meant to curb illegal immigration. Gov. C.L. ``Butch'' Otter has said he's filed a court brief backing Arizona's appeal with the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Otter says states should be able to concurrently enforce federal immigration laws, provided they don't create new categories of aliens. Arizona's law would generally require officers enforcing other measures to check immigration status of people they suspect are illegal immigrants. -AP

Immigration 40

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September 17, 2010

Polk County Jail checking immigration status DES MOINES, Iowa: The Polk County Jail is now using a fingerprint-identification system that flags illegal immigrant inmates and notifies federal authorities. -AP

The mosque controversy and other immigration excesses GARY ENDELMAN & CYRUS D. MEHTA

here is growing Islamophobia engulfing the country combined with a rise in xenophobia. The Islamophobia has been unleashed as a result of the unfortunate controversy over the Islamic center and mosque that will be built within two blocks of Ground Zero. Much has been written about this controversy, but there has been scant commentary about its impact on immigration and immigrants. It is time to step into this lacuna, which we do to link this Islamophobia to the xenophobia against immigrants. We are especially motivated to write after an immigrant Bangladeshi cabbie in New York recently was almost stabbed to death after the passenger, his assailant, realized he was a Muslim. More recently, arson has been suspected at a proposed construction site for a mosque and Islamic cultural center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Strangely, anti-Islamic sentiment, which was largely absent after September 11, has suddenly flared in New York City after the controversy surrounding the proposed Islamic center, even though two strip clubs, liquor stores and criminal defense attorneys who represent suspected terrorists thrive within two blocks of the WTC site. Ironically, two mosques

have always existed in the vicinity for years and not a word was said about them. An anti-Islamic sentiment seeped into immigration enforcement policy immediately after the September 11, 2001 attacks. Noncitizens from Muslim countries

also helped draft Arizona's SB 1070), invented Special Registration to target only males from countries with mainly Muslim populations. They were required to report within a short time frame or face both immigration and criminal

Alaska Governor and Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, have made political capital of the mosque near Ground The site of the proposed Cordoba House

were rounded up, and when they could not charge them with links to terrorism, they were detained and deported in secret for immigration violations unrelated to terrorism. In late 2002 and early 2003, the immigration agency, under Attorney General Ashcroft, and his lieutenant Kris Kobach (who has

Zero controversy consequences. Those who faithfully reported, thinking they were helping law enforcement, but were found to have immigration violations, were quickly put in removal proceedings. Although more than 80,000 males reported for Special Registration, no one was caught for terrorism. But over 13,000 men were

put in removal while their wives, sisters and daughters were not. The program was a spectacular flop, a waste of resources for the immigration agency and taxpayer, and most problematic of all, it antagonized immigrant communities who trusted that the government was neutral even after the September 11 attacks. Even though overt immigration polices against Muslims were disbanded, one still could not help notice the occasional visa applicant from a Muslim country not being approved for a visa or being denied naturalization for a flimsy reason. But all this pales in proportion to the recent hate and invective we have see against Muslims after political leaders such as former Alaska Governor and Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, have made political capital of the mosque near Ground Zero controversy in the Summer of 2010. Gingrich has even equated Islam to Nazism, forgetting that those who caused the September 11 attacks hijacked Islam in the same way as the pastor of a Christian church in Florida has just hijacked Christianity by organizing a Koran burning day on September 11, 2010. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 41

Ariz. governor says she was wrong about beheadings PHOENIX: Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer has said she was wrong when she claimed that headless bodies were turning up in the Arizona desert as part of borderrelated violence. ``That was an error, if I said that,'' Brewer said about beheadings occurring in Arizona. The Republican incumbent's June comments about beheadings were raised during a debate by Democratic chal-

lenger Terry Goddard, who said the comments were false and damaging to Arizona's image. Brewer didn't respond to Goddard's challenge about the beheadings claim -she instead changed the subject. Afterward, when reporters asked about the claim, she cut short the questionand-answer session. But she since is acknowledging in interviews with The Associated Press and other media or-

ganizations that she was wrong. She said she was referring to beheadings and other cartel-related violence in Mexico that she said could spill over into the United States and that she is sorry if people were misled. ``I misspoke, but you know, let me be clear, I am concerned about the border region because it continues to be reported in Mexico that there's a lot of violence going on and we don't want that going into Arizona.''

Brewer apparently first referred to beheadings during a June 16 interview with Fox News' Greta Van Susteren, talking about ``the kidnappings and the extortion and the beheadings and the fact that people can't feel safe in their community'' in discussing controversy surrounding the immigration law. She went further in a June 27 interview on Phoenix television station KPNX when asked about the beheadings claim. -AP

Immigration Post

September 17, 2010

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The mosque controversy and other immigration excesses Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 40

Also note the nauseating description of Islam by Franklin Graham on national television calling it a devilish faith and his discussion of the "Muslim seed" of Obama. Islamophobia is not growing in a vacuum and cannot be understood or appreciated without a reference to the pervasive economic anxiety gripping this nation and others in the developed world. It is the dramatic difference in economic conditions that accounts for the upsurge in Islamophobia now and its relative absence at the time of 9/11. This is not strange at all. Remember when Hitler came to power? The link between xenophobia and economic anxiety is a global rather than merely an American phenomenon. A dark tribalism has also engulfed Europe, with Switzerland constitutionally banning minarets and France outlawing the burqa. Migration itself is a global phenomenon and no country can frame immigration policies purely in a domestic context without reference to this wider movement of peoples across national boundaries. This is particularly the case throughout the developed economies of Europe, Japan and the United States where the population is aging, birth rates are dropping and only immigration can supply sufficient workers young enough to support complex and costly social systems. However, the very dependence on such migration in a time of economic anxiety also fuels a latent but increasingly emergent social dislocation, a sense that cultural realities are changing in a way that

seems both menacing and hard to understand. This is what you see in the many tea party rallies when people bring signs saying they want to take their country back. Once again, this is an international problem. Even countries like the Netherlands that have long and proud traditions of humane immigration policies are changing in response. The link between immigrants and radicalism goes back to the earliest days of the Republic. Federalists roundly condemned French immigrants as dangerous Jacobins and pressed President John Adams to sign the Alien and Sedition Acts in 1798 as a way to turn back the rising tide of Jeffersonian democracy.

Throughout our history, the tenor of our immigration laws reveals a great deal about the national mood The nativist appeal of the Know Nothing movement in the 1840s and 1850s was fueled, in large measure, by the economic anxiety that swept through the industrialized North, especially among working class voters most fearful about competition for lowwage jobs that the enormous wave of recently arrived Irish immigrants presented. Throughout our history, the tenor of our immigration laws reveals a great deal about the national mood. The adoption of the first immigration restrictions in 1924 arose

out of the disillusionment with foreign entanglements in reaction to the First World War. After the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941, 120,000 people of Japanese American ancestry were kept in internment camps from 1942 to 1946 (and approved by Cal. AG Earl Warren of all people!), which illustrates how the scapegoating of immigrants can come back to eviscerate the rights of citizens as well. The numerous ideological exclusionary grounds in the 1952 McCarran-Walter Act, unsuccessfully vetoed by President Truman, spoke of a frightened nation in the grip of Cold War hysteria. The abolition of the national origins quota in 1965 should properly be considered one of the hallmark civil rights measures of the Great Society. Passed the same year as the Voting Rights Act and only a year after the 1964 Civil Rights Act, the 1965 immigration law was the product of a confident and prosperous nation ready to embrace the world. The American Competitiveness in the 21st Century Act, passed at the peak of the dot.com boom in 2000, displayed an economic vitality whose expansion seemed to know no limit. The Schumer assault on H/L fees against companies that hire more than half their work force on H-1B and L visas, mainly Indian IT companies, most recently speaks of a frightened people who feel that they can no longer compete and worry that their time has past. (To be continued) * Cyrus D Mehta, may be contacted at 212-425-0555 or info@cyrusmehta.com

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ASU grad who deported himself back as a citizen

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PHOENIX: Oscar Vazquez knew he was taking a risk when he returned to Mexico for the first time in his adult life, starting what could have been a years-long odyssey to earn legal US residency. Turned out the wait was just 361 days, thanks to some political intervention. Vazquez was back in the US, visa in hand. “Even though it took a year, I feel it came out good,'' Vazquez said. The illegal immigrant, a recent Arizona State University graduate, knew he would need to obtain the necessary documents if he ever wanted to put his hard-earned engineering degree to work. Last year he essentially deported himself, leaving behind his wife and infant daughter to do what he said was the right thing obtain legal residency. And as he settled into Mexico after filing all the paperwork, he feared the wait could stretch on for years. But the timely intervention of a U.S. Senator played a key role in Vazquez's return. Vazquez, who received international media attention as a high school student when his robotics team won a collegiate competition, had another splash of publicity with his struggle to reverse his illegal status. His story was told in the The Arizona Republic, on CNN and on the floor of the U.S. Senate. When Vazquez graduated from Arizona State University in 2009, he was one of the featured graduates whose tale was told in front of the stadium, where attendees included commencement speaker President Barack Obama. But Vazquez knew his legal status would prevent him from using his degree. So, he decided to turn himself in at the consulate in Juarez, Mexico, admit his illegal presence, and apply for permission to re-enter. The government initially denied Vazquez's request and asked for additional paperwork, documenting the hardship to his wife and daughter, both U.S. citizens. Officials told him to expect a final answer in March. Meanwhile, Vazquez was living in Magdalena

del Kino, a dusty town in Sonora, Mexico, working a night shift at an automobile parts factory. Vazquez said he was contacted by the office of Sen. Dick Dubin, D-Illinois. Durbin, the Senate Majority Whip, is a proponent of the Dream Act, legislation that would grant legal status to illegal immigrants who entered as children and had attended college or joined the military. Vazquez said he once Durbin was involved, ``it was fast.'' A Durbin aide, who would only speak about the case on the condition his name wasn't used, said the office did make the Department of Homeland Security aware of the case. Vazquez's story was told in the Republic on July 4. On July 14, his

Vazquez expects to receive his Social Security card in about two weeks and will start looking for work in the engineering field wife, Karla Vazquez, received the letter saying her husband's visa waiver had been approved. Karla Vazquez, who had been taking regular trips to Mexico, to visit with her husband was about to head down for another trip when she decided to check the mail and saw the letter from the government. ``It just said, your waiver was approved,'' Karla Vazquez said. She didn't tell Oscar the news until she drove down to Magdalena and saw him in person. ``We were just looking at it,'' Oscar said, ``just to make sure it was true.'' Oscar Vazquez had his appointment at the US Consulate. He received a packet of paperwork later that allowed him to cross back into the United States. It was a much different entrance than his first one, at age 12. He

and his mother dashed across the border near Douglas into a car waiting at a Wal-Mart parking lot. This entry was short on ceremony. Vazquez, 24, said a nearly emotionless-clerk told him that with his visa he was allowed to live and work in the United States. Vazquez walked out onto American soil and waited to catch a bus into Phoenix. Before then, he had a meal of KFC. His wife met him at the bus station. `Ìt's just hard to describe,'' Oscar Vazquez said, about seeing his wife and daughter. `Ìt's amazing just to be back home.'' Vazquez said he realized his was a unique case and that he was aided by political pressure. Had it not been for the publicity and a politician's intervention, he thinks he would have been denied. `À lot of people think that: 'Why don't you do it the right way?''' he said. ``But many people can't.'' Had Vazquez been denied his waiver, he would have been barred from entering the United States for 10 years. He and his wife had discussed plans of moving to Mexico City, Canada or Europe. Vazquez expects to receive his Social Security card in about two weeks and will start looking for work in the engineering field. Vazquez was on the Carl Hayden High School team that beat out several colleges, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, in an underwater robotics competition. The triumph of the four undocumented high school students was featured in Wired magazine. Other national media outlets picked up the story. Movie offers followed. Vazquez showed up at Carl Hayden High School to talk with his robotics coach, Faridodin Lajvardi. Two other members of that four-person team also showed up, making for an impromptu reunion of that victorious team from 2007. Lajvardi gathered his current Carl Hayden students around him in the hallway and introduced Vazquez. His students had seen video of Durbin telling Vazquez's story on the Senate floor. -AP

Datebook

September 17, 2010

India Post

www.indiapost.com

NEW YORK

ILLINOIS

NEW JERSEY

Upcoming

Sat Sept 18

Every Sunday

• Carnatic Music Idol

• Ramayana Conference, DeKalb, IL @ NIU

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

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

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

Sun Sept 19 • CRY Chicago Walk 2010

• Professional Sikh Speed Dating

Venue: Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve, 2220 W 83rd St, Naperville, Illinois Time: 8:30am Contact: (630) 440-8718

Venue: Katra Lounge, 217 Bowery Street, New York Time: 7pm to 9:45pm Contact: 776-677-1757

Sat Sept 18 • New York CRY Walk 2010

Thurs Sept 24

Venue: Riverside Park, West 116th Street, New York City, NY Time: 9:30pm Contact: 201-220-4490

Venue: The North Share Center, for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie, Illinois Time: 8pm Contact: 630-964-6061

• Vachikam Presents Salaam India

Thurs Sept 23 • Professional South Asian Muslim Matchmaking

Sun Sept 26

Venue: Katra Lounge, 217 Bowery Street, New York Time: 7pm to 9:45pm Contact: 776-677-1757

Venue: Deer Grove East Forest Preserve, PALATINE, IL, Illinois Time: 8:30am Contact: 812-603-4210

Sun Sept 26

Fri Oct 1

• Over 28 All Indian Wine & Chocolate Mixer

• The Merchants of Bollywood Chicago North American Premier

Venue: Ayza Wine & Chocolate Bar, 11 West 31st Street (Between 5th Ave & Broadway), New York Time: 5pm to 8pm Contact: 776-677-1757

Venue: Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress Parkway, Chicago, Illinois Time: 8pm to 11pm Contact: 317-222-1325

• Family Fun 5k Run/Walk

Sat Oct 2 Mon Sept 27 • Paresh Rawal in Krishan VS Kanhaiya Venue: The EGG, at Empire State Plaza, Albany, New York Time: 7:30pm Contact: 518-852-4142

• Ishq 2010 Venue: North Shore Center Of Performing Art, Skokie, Illinois Time: 7pm to 9pm Contact: 847-230-7977

Upcoming Wed Sept 15

Sat July 31 to Sat Sept 18

Fri Sept 17

WASHINGTON DC

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

Sat Sept 18 • Tamil Entertainment Event at Parsippany, NJ Venue: Parsippany High School, 309 Baldwin Road, Parsippany, New Jersey Time: 4pm to 8pm Contact: 973-503-1315

Sun Sept 19 • Know Your Child Workshop Venue: Trinity Lutheran Church, 131 Mountain Way, Morris Plains, New Jersey Time: 4pm to 6pm Contact: 973-400-9191

Thurs Sept 23 • Sannvi Presents Rahman Live In Concert Venue: Prudential Center, 165 Mulberry Street, Newark, New Jersey Time: 8:30pm Contact: 732-372-3021

Fri Sept 24 • Varsha's GAO DIL SE Karaoke Club Venue: Holiday Inn, 3050 Woodbridge Ave, Edison, New Jersey Time: 7pm to 11pm Contact: 908-217-5838

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

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

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

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

Sat Sept 25 • Singing and Dancing with the Stars Bollywood Karaoke Night Venue: Indian Experience, 1706 L Street NW, Washington, DC Time: 7pm Contact: 202-347-7923

Sat Oct 2 • Gandhi Jayanti Venue: Gandhi Memorial Center, 4748 Western Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland Time: 4pm to 5:30pm Contact: 301-320-6871

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Upcoming

Sat Sept 18

Every Sat (start from Sat Aug 8)

• Salaam India

• Gurukul Classes for Children

Venue: Santa Clara Convention Center, 5001 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara, California Time: 5pm to 7pm Contact: 408-436-8393

Sat Sept 18

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

• Grammy Award Winner Pt. Vishwa Mohan Bhatt Concert

Tues Sept 19

Venue: Spangenberg Theatre - Gunn High School, 780 Arastradero Rd, Palo Alto, California Time: 11:30am to 2:30pm Contact: 510-771-7598

Sun Sept 19

• Samoohika Ganesh Pooje Venue: Jain Temple, 8072 Commonwealth avenue, Buena Park, California Time: 10:30am to 4pm Contact: 714-478-4520

• A. Kanyakumari & Embar S. Kannan - Violin Duet

Thur Sept 23

Venue: CET, 701 Vine Street, San Jose, California Time: 3:30pm Contact: 408-252-5231

Venue: White House Event Center (West Wing), 1238 South Beach Boulevard, Anaheim, California Time: 6:30pm 10:30pm Contact: 509-487-3040

• An Evening at the White House

Sat Sept 25 • Maharajapuram Ramachandran - Vocal

Sat Oct 30 & Sun Oct 31

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

• Fun At "Boo At The Zoo"!

Sat Sept 25 • The DNA Lifeprint Child Safety Event Endorsed by john Walsh Venue: 650, East EI Camino, Sunnyvale, 94087 Time: 9:30am to 2pm Contact: 1-800-841-6585 Highlights: New Biometric Fingerprinting & DNA Identification kit

Fri Oct 1

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

Sum Oct 3 • CRY San Diego Walk For Child Rights 2010 Venue: Balboa Park, San Diego, California Time: 9am Contact: sandiego@cryamerica.org

• The Chitresh Das Dance Company & Chhandam School Celebrate their 30th Aniversary

Sat Oct 16

Venue: Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, San Francisco, California Contact: 415-333-9000

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

Sat Oct 2

Sun Oct 17

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

• The Special Event Soiree'

• Diwali Expo 2010 Venue: Hilton Hotel Fremont/ Newark, 39900, Balentine Dr Newark, CA, Newark, California Time: 11am to 5pm Contact: 510-894-3047

Realty Tidbits

Ahmedabad's Dharmadev forays into Mumbai

Real Estate

hmedabad-based Dharmadev Infrastructure is planning to foray into commercial realty market in Mumbai. The company will come up with 'Swaminarayan Mall' in Malad. The company has already acquired land for the mall and is in the process of acquiring various permissions, according to a report published in DNA. "This is a commercial complex-cum-mall, which will be developed on 2 lakh square feet land," said Umang Thakkar, chairman and managing director of Dharmadev Infrastructure. The proposed mall will be located just outside Malad station. "We want to develop it purely as a commercial centre without mixing it with entertainment and other things," he said.

From mall concepts to management

ll this while foreign players have come into India in the real estate sector trying to peddle newer technologies and knowhow. But we must be the first Indian company to go abroad and set retail malls using our expertise in India", says Susil Dungarwal, Chief Mall Mechanic of Beyond SquareFeet. In what is seen as a new trend among the real estate developers and consultants, Beyond SquareFeet has become the first boutique mall advisory company in India which provide endto-end solutions from mall conceptualisation to management. The concept of mall management services involves providing in-house advisory team to the developer and the investor.

Sobha Developers' luxury project in Bangalore

obha Developers announced the launch of a super luxury project - Sobha Classic - on Sarjapur Road in Bangalore, that would develop 243 units across 6.9 acres. The apartments will range from 1,752 sq ft to 2,070 sq ft priced between Rs 76.71 lakh and Rs 90.10 lakh, a company press release said. The project is expected to be complete by December 2013. The project will include amenities such as a fully-equipped clubhouse with gyms for weight training and cardio, swimming pool, steam room, billiards, table tennis, carrom, jogging track, half basket ball court, rappelling wall, meditation room and two community halls (indoor and outdoor), it added.

44 India Post

www.indiapost.com

September 17, 2010

Abus to Enter into India's realty sector

bus Security Center, a wholly owned subsidiary of Abus Group of Germany plans to tap India's booming realty and hospitality sectors. The mechanical and electronic security technology company has already tied up with Bengal Peerless Housing Development Company and Calcutta Medical and Research Institute (CMRI) for providing security solutions, said Philippe Bremicker, managing director, Abus Security Centre. "The complete security solutions market in Germany alone is estimated to be Euro 2.6 billion. Given India's population, particularly the size of its middle class, we expect this market in India to be much larger," he said.

Rated real estate projects to ease buyer woes

any projects which are launched may not see the light of the day. Often flats are sold to more than one or more prospective buyers. Harried property buyers can now look forward to rated real estate projects, which will help them to choose higher quality properties while buying or leasing them. In response to this specific need, CRISIL unveiled the 'CRISIL Real estate Star Ratings'. These ratings will provide a city specific all round assessment of real estate projects and help buyers benchmark and identify quality projects within a city. The project ratings will include five major parameters- project sponsor quality, project construction quality, project legal quality, financial strength and innovativeness. Speaking at the launch, Roopa

Kudva, Managing Director and CEO, Crisil said, "In our endeavor to provide products which are relevant to the real estate sector, we launched the Real estate Ratings. It will help customers identify projects that meet their quality re-

DLF changes mind on selling non-core assets DLF, India's largest real estate company, has put on hold its plan to sell its non-core assets including ultra-luxury hotel chain Aman Resorts and wind energy business for the next three quarters, said Rajeev Talwar, MD at DLF Developers In July, the realtor had indicated that it plans to raise around `2,500 crore in the next 15-18 months by selling its non-core assets. The firm had raised around `290 crore for the quarter-ended June through sale of land parcels. "Properties assume different prices at different times. Since prices in the real estate sector have started firming up, we have deferred our divestment plan for three quarters. We will rather wait for the right market condition," said Mr Talwar. Reasons for holding onto the two business are different. "The valuation of our wind energy business was high so we decided to wait. In case of Aman, we want to check how the travel industry fares before selling our stake in it," he said. DLF saw improved cash flows from

operations in the past few months in the backdrop of recovery in the realty space. With commencement of construction of many projects, the cash flows are expected to improve further. The builder saw its total debt increase 25% to `18,463 crore during the June quarter due to the acquisition of debt-laden

DLF Assets. For DLF, the average cost of debt came down to 10.5% in June 2010 from 11.9% in December 2008. The firm said it will continue to use all free cash flows to reduce debt. Recently promoter billionaire KP Singh picked up 92% stake in its wholly-owned retail subsidiary DLF Brands through fresh issue of shares for around `92 crore, by which DLF Brands ceased to be a subsidiary of DLF.

quirements." The ratings are different from credit ratings, which comment exclusively on the credit worthiness of the borrowing entity. "It does not talk about the builder's ability to repay the financier but talks about the quality any home buyer will expect from the project, she said. The ratings aim to address two issues namely improved transparency and objective benchmarking of projects. The real estate ratings are the result of an extensive feedback obtained from market players, including developers, customers and bankers. "We conducted a survey of over 300 home buyers along with 99acres.com. The result indicted an unmet need with respect to the availability of adequate information when acquiring property. Around 70 per cent of respondents expressed preference for rated projects over unrated ones, while 50 per cent expressed willingness to pay a higher price for rated projects," she elaborated. The results of the survey indicate the hunger of the buyer for more knowledge about a project.

In countries like Singapore and US, detailed information about the project is readily available. However in India, no such means to measure the builders or projects was available till date. CRISIL has attempted to fulfill this gap. "This offering will be fruitful because it will not only rate the projects but it will provide information about the procedures and techniques adopted for analyzing and evaluating various projects. Nevertheless it will also provide detailed and updated photographs of the project," she added. Hereafter a customer need not visit a real estate broker's office or website to get detailed information about the project or do analysis of various parameters which he might find difficult to comprehend. He can now rest assured after seeing the star ratings that all analysis has been done by an independent research body as CRISIL. The key factors which would be evaluated in the rating process would include the quality of legal documentation, construction related risks, financial viability of the project besides the background and track record of the project sponsor. It will be involve interaction with contractors and sub-contractor. The project will be analyses from land acquisition stage to the final stage. The rating will be specific to each city- from City 7-star, the highest to City 1-star. While one star is the lowest, seven stars will be the highest rating and eight stars will be 'non-deliverable project' in the eight-point scale. "While a project is given a particular rating initially, the rating may go up or down as the project progresses," said Akash Deep Jyoti, Head corporate and infrastructure sector ratings, CRISIL.

Briefs

Nuclear scientist Homi N Sethna passes away MUMBAI: Former Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) chairman and the guiding force behind India's first nuclear test, Homi Nusserwanji Sethna, died at his Malabar Hills residence here after a prolonged illness, family members said. He was 86 and is survived by a daughter and son. Sethna, a nuclear scientist and chemical engineer, was responsible for setting up of India's first plutonium plant at Trombay in 1959. He was also the director of Indian Rare Earth in Kerala before moving to Mumbai. He retired as AEC Chairman in 1984 and served as chairman of Tata Power from 1989-2000. He also was a director in the Board of Tata Sons, Bombay Dyeing and few more companies. -PTI

India News 45

India Post

www.indiapost.com

September 17, 2010

MTNL says no records of phone calls between PMO and US NEW DELHI: The circumstances under which United Carbide Chief Warren Anderson suddenly fled the country after he arrived in the aftermath of Bhopal Gas Tragedy will continue to remain in mystery with MTNL, which could also have thrown some light, unable to provide phone call details. The state-owned telephone company has expressed its inability to provide records of call details between the Prime Minister's Office(PMO) and the US government during the days immediately after the tragedy on the intervening night of December 2-3, 1984, saying such information prior to 1997 are "not available" with it. -PTI

Hyderabad, Ramadan, Iftaars, Haleem & Charminar! AQ SIDDIQUI

BJP MLA convicted in Kandhamal riot case PHULBANI, Orissa: Sitting BJP MLA Manoj Pradhan has been sentenced to rigorous imprisonment for six years by a fast track court for a murder during the 2008 communal riots in Orissa's Kandhamal district. Fast track court-II judge C R Das convicted Pradhan for the murder of Bikram Nayak, a Christian from Budedipada of Tiangia village under Raikia police station limits on August 26, 2008. He was convicted under section 304 (punishment for culpable homicide not amounting to murder) of IPC. The judge also slapped a fine of Rs 15,500 on the convict, representing the communally sensitive G Udayagiri assembly constituency, for setting ablaze houses of people belonging to the minority community and inciting communal violence. -PTI

IITs propose appointing foreign faculty NEW DELHI: Facing shortage of teaching staff in the wake of capacity augmentation, IITs have proposed to appoint foreign nationals to its faculty positions. The move, if accepted, could enable the prestigious institutes to appoint foreign teachers on permanent positions which could be up to 10 per cent of the faculty strength, said IIT officials. The proposal is expected to be deliberated at the next IIT council meeting here. -PTI

Preparing Haleem

Holy Ramadan in Hyderabad

ome Ramadan and Hyderabad has a new air. No other Indian city has a flamboyant change of heart for Ramadan as Hyderabad reflects in India. For Muslims, shopping spree begins with Mid Ramadan. For non-Muslims the taste of Haleem begins with the very first day of Ramadan. In fact, Ramadan is known for Haleem among Hyderabadi non-Muslims. The spicy cuisine is prepared by equal mixture of wheat and meat or chicken. Some call it "Do Ghosta Haleem" as the quantity of meat is double in comparison to wheat. Hyderabad Hindu-Muslim culture has a unique unity. Beef is avoided by and large in Muslim management restaurants upholding the sentiments of Hindu brethren. Haleem is also prepared by goat meat or chicken only. Twenty years before you could see Haleem stalls only in Charminar area or few select hotels in Hyderabad or Secunderabad. Now Hyderabadi Haleem is the synonym with Ramadan in city. There is no corner or spot in city where you will miss a "Haleem" stall coming to life just before fast breaking time. Haleem is so popular now that it is exported daily to all Middle-East countries and part of Europe. "Pista House Haleem" the company is mailing Haleem packets to most countries outside India. Iftaar parties are the other side of Ramadan activities in

Hyderabad. Social Iftaars, political Iftaars and even business Iftaars keep everyone busy for the last 2 weeks of Ramadan. Most popular among all Iftaars is the traditional Iftaar by Majlis

tum. The Odd nights prayers are carried out in mosques throughout the nights. Many Muslims take leave from jobs for last ten days of Ramadan in Hyderabad. There are thou-

Vehicular traffic, including public buses is suspended from Madinah building to the Charminar. Both sides, vendor put up their stalls for Eid Bazaar. 'Chute Ki Sewiyan' or those famous Hyderabadi bangles are mostly picked by shoppers' Etihad Ul Musleemeen (MIM) party. The political party that keeps Hyderabadi Muslims knotted to each other. As the month draws to the last ten days, religious activities get more momen-

sands of Muslims visiting Hyderabad from Middle-East countries, U.S. and Canada for Ramadan. Shopping, along with religious fervor gets to its peak momentum for the last week of

Ramadan as men, women and children throng to Charminar by-lanes for Eid shopping. Vehicular traffic, including public buses is suspended from Madinah building to the Charminar. Both sides, vendor put up their stalls for Eid Bazaar. "Chute Ki Sewiyan" or those famous Hyderabadi bangles are mostly picked by shoppers. The last Friday of Ramadan, Juma-tul-vida has its own significance. But in Hyderabad it is a special day. The Makkah Masjid close to Charminar gets the largest Friday congregation in the country with prayer lines stretched as far as to Madinah building a distance of almost two miles. Perhaps, Hyderabad and Ramadan has a traditional linkage which no other city in India reflects.

Khangura takes a dig at Sukhbir CHANDIGARH: Qila Raipur MLA Jassi Khangura (an NRI) has asked Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal on the status of the Ludhiana Metro, which the latter had promised to the people of the city before coming to power. In a statement, Khangura reminded the deputy chief minister of his failure to fulfill "his promise to turn Ludhiana into Paris". "Paris remains a dream too far but Ludhiana has not remained

even what it was before Sukhbir's party came to power," he remarked, adding that potholed streets, garbage dumps, choked roads and drains had become the norm of the day for the people of Ludhiana. "What to speak of the metro rail in Ludhiana, we are yet to hear anything about the City Bus Service despite centre having provided special grant for the purpose under Jawahar National Urban Renewal Mission," Khangura said.

Referring to a flurry of activity Sukhbir has been projecting to be doing for development, particularly in Ludhiana, Khangura said it was for the second time that the foundation stone had been laid down for the passenger underpass in Aggar Nagar. Most of the development projects Sukhbir claims to have started or executed are funded by the Central government or were started by the previous Congress government.-Agencies

Horoscope

46 India Post

September 17, 2010

www.indiapost.com

Sept 17th to Sept 23rd

ou may find it difficult to defend your self properly in any ongoing legal matter. You may be spending more time in office or away from home in other state. You will need to overcome one more hurdle before deal is finalized. Major changes in career just around the corner. You may be in touch with an old confidant for advice.

pportunity will come from distant place and will be hard to ignore. Confusion will clear and you will see lots of money coming your way. An important issue involving your child may take little longer to settle. All meetings will go well and you will get the assurance quickly. Value of stocks recently purchased will appreciate considerably.

unning around will not go waste but you will end up making useful contacts that are going to help you in near future. People in business will see new clients and business growing this week. You will be writing a big check to government also this week. Any relationship started at this point can become permanent in time to come.

ou may end up just re newing the contract for the time being. Property related papers will get finalized too. Time is ripe to cash those profit making stocks. Some one in the organization will move out making room for your promotion. You will meet few political figures at the party. Do not take a chance with changing weather.

by Pandit Parashar

ou will start to feel better and more confident. There will be several fortunate developments in life. You may be offered a dream opportunity in career. Since the luck is on side, you will get many jobs done without any difficulty. You will recover money long overdue and may dispose off some stocks for a decent profit.

ank balance will grow and from now and on expenses will come down a lot too. You may be suggested minor surgery as a permanent solution to overcome an old health issue. You will come across an interesting personality during the course of a business meeting. Children will finalize a short vacation.

ong cherished desires can get fulfilled if you are ready to pay a price. A close friend will call to seek your advice and may offer a part in the venture. Some one close will make wrong allegation just to put you down. You will be slowly working towards an upcoming trip also. You will make final payment on couple of old bills this week.

pportunity will be of fered on a silver platter. Do not let past scare you. Take your chance, it's a sure thing. You will write a check to government but hold it for some time before mailing it out. Some of you may replace your old vehicle with a newer and expensive model. You may be seriously thinking of legal action to prove your point.

eople involved in re search and development work will see sudden success. An important person will make an offer that will be hard to turn down. Finances issues will start resolving and soon you will be free of many small debts. You may come out with flying colors in a c highly competitive exam.

ou will go on an impor tant trip. You will need to pour in more money into your business or project. Gambling instincts will surface and you will not be scared to take few risks this week. Rewards will be huge. Some of you will start shopping for an upcoming trip. Drive carefully and look out for traffic cops, small error will cost you.

aturn in your sign will make you work extra hard from now and on. You will need to develop more patience. Soon you will reap rich rewards for the hard work being performed this week. Strong wordings will get the job done and you will recover what belonged to you in first place. Eye sight may start to give some trouble.

ou will be able to control and trim your expenses. People in business will get rid of old and find new and better suppliers. You will be still double minded about making an offer on a property. Some of you will be taking a break from busy schedule and go on a trip with family soon. It will be better to dispose off money making stocks.

Ramanaidu honored with Dada Saheb Phalke award NEW DELHI Movie mogul D Ramanaidu, a veteran producer with 130 films in a dozen languages in five decades, has been conferred the prestigious Dada Saheb Phalke award for 2009 for rendering outstanding contribution to the world of Indian cinema. 64-year-old Ramanaidu, the legendary and prolific film maker from Andhra Pradesh who has worked with a galaxy of actors, will be presented the honor during the International Film Festival of India to be held in Goa in October, it was announced here. The award consists of a 'Swarn Kamal', a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh and a shawl. Some of the well-known films produced by Ramanaidu in various languages are 'Prem Nagar', 'Dildar', 'Bandish' in Hindi, 'Srikrishna Tulabharam', 'Preminchu' 'Ramudu Bheemudu', 'Bobbili Raja', 'Ahana Pellanta', 'Andhra Vaibhavam', 'Kathanayakudu' in Telegu and 'Asukh', 'Sudhu Ekbar Bolo' in Bengali. Born in Karamchedu in Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh in 1936, Ramanaidu en-

tered the film world in 1963 with his first film 'Anuragam' followed by the superhit 'RamuduBheemudu' starring legendary actor N T Rama Rao in 1964. Over the last 47 years, he has produced over 130 films in several Indian languages and has found a mention in the Guinness Book of Records. Apart from Telugu films, he has the distinction of producing movies in Hindi, Bengali, Oriya, Assamese, Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada, Gujarati, Marathi and Bhojpuri.His film, "Surigadu" was selected for the Indian Panorama in 1993. "Asukh", a Bengali film, won the National Award for the Best Film in 1999. Apart from this, his films have been honored with several awards from the Andhra Pradesh Government. The galaxy of artistes who have worked in his films include N T Rama Rao, A Nageswara Rao, Sivaji Ganesan, Pandari Bai, Jamuna, Padmini, Sobhan Babu, Kamal Haasan, Jayaprada, Chiranjeevi, Rajnikanth, Rajesh Khanna, Hema Malini, Rekha, Jeetendra and Sreedevi. -PTI

Classifieds

September 17, 2010

India Post 47

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PART TIME POSITIONS AVAILABLE Virtual Investments is looking for part time workers for the post of a payment representative sales, and A bookkeeper. The requirements for these positions underline that you are computer literate, have two to three hours of access to the internet weekly, If you are interested or just need more information. Please Contact

ETHAN MIN by email ethan1955@gmail.com

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Philosophy

India Post

September 17, 2010

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Page Sponsored by Sahanis SWAMI SIVANANDA

ome time ago, there lived in Karur, a big mercantile town, in Trichinopoly District, a fully developed Raja Yogi, by name Sadasiva Brahman. He was as famous as Trilinga Swami of Benares. He used to sit in Samadhi for six months. He was a great Titikshu and a Vairagi. He used to have a Kowpeen only and sleep on bare ground. Once, there was a huge flood on the Cauveri River, and Sadasiva Brahman, who was in Samadhi, was carried away by the floods and deposited in some other place. One day, he was lying on the bare ground and had two pieces of bricks as his pillow. Some boys who were tending the cows mocked at him saying: "Look at this Mahatma; he has nothing except a Kowpeen and yet, he wants comforts. He wants a pillow. Can he not lie down without pillow?" This little word produced a sudden vibration in his mind and affected him a bit. He immediately threw away the bricks. This goes to show that even great saints who can remain in Samadhi even for months together are liable to be affected by praise or censure. Such is the force of Samskaras. From time immemorial, praise and censure have produced

PS VASU

says he is not afraid. B says he is not afraid and he is also not afraid of being afraid. The first statement comes from a mind that is tight and assertive-a mind that clings to fixed viewpoints. The second statement comes from a mind that is nimble and free-flowing-a mind that does not cling to fixed viewpoints. The first type of mind is an 180º mind, represented by a half circle. The second is a 360º mind, represented by a full circle. The 360º mind does not have any preconceived notions-not even the preconceived notion that there should not be any preconceived notions. The 360º mind is open, flexible and uncontrived. It is without blocks and always change-ready. White belt When a novice starts learning martial arts, he wears a white belt, symbolic of innocence. After months of practice, the white belt gets dirty and turns brown, symbolic of the first degree of attainment. After more practice, the belt gets soiled and eventually turns black, symbolic of full attainment. If the practitioner does not stop learning even after full attainment, the black belt starts getting frayed, turning almost white, symbolic of return to innocence. The

their impressions of exhilaration and depression on the mind. Most of the difficulties in our daily lives come from being unable to hold our minds in proper check. For instance, if a man does evil to us, instantly we want to react evil, to revenge, to pay him in the same coin, to extract tooth for tooth, tit for tat policy-to re-

hatred, or feelings of anger, it is so much good energy stored up in our favor and that energy will be converted into higher power. Anger, when controlled properly, becomes transmuted into an energy so powerful as to move the world. The sum total of impressions always remains in the mind. Impressions, though they become

The weaker the man is, the less he has the power of restraint. Measure yourself always with the standard of restraint. When you are going to be angry or miserable on hearing some news, reason it out, for yourself and see how it has thrown your mind into such Vrittis. Restraint does not come in a day, but by

Inability to hold mind in proper check The weaker the man is, the less he has the power of restraint. Measure yourself Swami Sivananda

always with the standard of restraint

turn anger for anger. Every reaction of evil shows that we are not able to hold the Chitta down. It comes out in waves towards the object and we lose our power. Every reaction in the form of hatred or evil is so much loss to the mind and every evil thought or deed of hatred, if it is controlled, will be laid in our favor. It is not that we lose by thus restraining ourselves but we gain infinitely. Each time we suppress

latent for a time, remain in the mind all the same and as soon as they get the right kind of stimulus, manifest themselves. The vibrations of the Chitta subside externally, after each direct perception, but continue to go on in it like atomic vibrations, and when they get the right kind of impulse, come out again. Only a word is uttered and we do not wait to consider its meaning, but jump to a conclusion immediately. It is a sign of weakness.

long continued practice. Suppose, when you are passing through the bazar, a man comes and takes away forcibly your nice walking stick. That throws your Chitta immediately into the form of a wave, termed anger. Do not allow that wave to develop. If you can prevent the formation of that wave, you have strong will-power, renunciation and Vairagya. The 123rd birth anniversary of Swami Sivananda was observed on September 8

frayed white belt represents technical competence of an experienced martial artist, combined with the innocence and receptivity of a beginner. It signifies going beyond technique and embracing no-technique-coming full circle. The virtuous king When Boddhidharma visited China in the sixth century, he was invited to the King's court. The king was proud of his spirituality and the good deeds he had done for his people. He narrated what

you wear the badge of spirituality. Taking off the badge is coming full circle. Nothing great Once there was a conference of religions to which all faiths sent their representatives. Every representative stated forcefully that his religion was great. When it was the turn of Zen's representative, he stated truthfully: "There is nothing great in Zen." A member of the audience with a deep understanding of Zen got

180º mind. The alternative seems to be the view that there is no free will. A well-meaning, emerging school of thought in Mumbai, India, has been hammering into people's minds that free will is an illusion and without God's will you can't make the slightest move. This viewpoint is also indicative of a 180º mind. Insisting that it is all God's will is as much a concept as insisting that you have free will. When something happens, it just hap-

Zen and the art of coming full circle The 360º mind does not have any preconceived notions-not even the preconceived notion that there should not be any preconceived notions all he had done to promote religion and then asked Boddhidharma's opinion about the merit he earned. Boddhidharma's reply was blunt: "No merit." Obviously, being virtuous was not a great virtue in Boddhidharma's scheme of things. The king had a 180º mind. Boddhidharma had a 360º mind. You can't be spiritual as long as

up and said: "Your saying that there is nothing great in Zen actually makes Zen sound as something great. So you should not have said there is nothing great in Zen." The Zen representative had an 180º mind. The member of the audience had a 360º mind. The Mumbai school Do you have free will? If you believe you do, then you have a

pens. Sometimes it seems that you made it happen. Some other times it seems that it happened by itself or God (or the totality) made it happen. How you view the happening is more a question of perspective than of fact. Which means that the so-called your will and God's will are both labels. Taking off the labels is to come full circle.

Self is what gives breath to Life. You need not search for It, It is Here. You are That through which you would search. You are what you are looking for! And That is All it is. -Poonjaji All growth is a leap in the dark, a spontaneous unpremeditated act without benefit of experience. -Henry Miller If you do what you've always done, you'll get what you've always gotten. -Tony Robbins All the world is full of suffering. It is also full of overcoming. -Helen Keller Age does not protect you from love. But love, to some extent, protects you from age. -Anais Nin A broad margin of leisure is as beautiful in a man's life as in a book. Haste makes waste, no less in life than in housekeeping. Keep the time, observe the hours of the universe, not of the cars. -Henry David Thoreau At fifteen life had taught me undeniably that surrender, in its place, was as honorable as resistance, especially if one had no choice. -Maya Angelou

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Chinese military power & the politics of reports BHARTENDU KUMAR SINGH

hile many are aware that China overtook Japan as world's second largest economy in 2010, very few are aware that, as per a report generated by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) and corroborated by reputed think tanks like SIPRI, China has also emerged as the world's most powerful military after the US, relegating Russia to the third position. While China's military rise is globally accepted, many countries that could be at the receiving end of its increasing military might are busy reporting various issues related to China's military modernization, its exact quantum of growth, strategic intentions and the likely impact on the security situation in Asia - Pacific region. Sadly though, politics and diplomacy, rather than objectivism, have crept into some of these reports, as evident in the latest US report on Chinese military power - 2010. Pentagon has been reporting on Chinese military power since 2001 as mandated by the 2000 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Since then, it has systematically profiled China's ascending military power and has been credited on at least three counts. First, it has been highlighting non-transparency issues in Chinese military and security affairs. As the 2010 report reveals, there are still many uncertainties regarding how China will use its expanding military capabilities. These uncertainties could increase the potential for misunderstanding and miscalculation. While China never purchased the 'non-transparency' theory being marketed by Pentagon, it has, nevertheless, taken incremental steps such as biannual white papers on defense and exclusive websites for the Chinese PLA and Ministry of National Defense (MND). Second, these reports also highlight various aspects of Chinese military modernization such as strategic changes and defense budget, reliable information on which are not available from other sources. Third, the American initiative has also encouraged other countries to study Chinese military modernization and prepare reports reflecting their threat perspective. Although not regular, Japan and Taiwan have been reporting on Chinese military modernization,

often sounding more alarmist than their American counterparts. The Defense of Japan 2009 (Annual White Paper), for instance, has been critical of China's decisionmaking and behavior concerning its military. Its 17-page exclusive section on China calls upon Beijing for increased transparency concerning its military affairs by disclosing specific information pertaining to China's defense policies and military capabilities. The US report was initially be-

Chinese army

ing published in February every year, since the 2000 NDAA stipulates that the report has to be submitted to the specified congressional committees not later than March 1 every year. However, in 2010, the report was not published in time adding to the anxiety of lawmakers in US Congress and China watchers elsewhere. Washington perhaps did not want to rub China the wrong way

The reports by Pentagon may not be of much help since they are Taiwan-centric and do not study in detail Chinese capacity building exercises near Indian borderlands since it needed the latter's participation in the Nuclear Summit at Washington in April 2010. Also, there were reports that China, which had criticized all such reports in past, was exerting diplomatic pressure on US to either do away with the report or tone down the contents. The 2010 report is, therefore, less probing than previous reports. It does little justice to its congressional mandate of reporting on 'current and

future military strategy of China'; rather it is veered around 'military and security developments involving the PRC' as evident from this year's title of the report. The pacifism is further evident from an exclusive chapter on Sino-US military contacts, reflecting Pentagon's desire to reach out to China. The US report is not the only one to soft peddle Chinese military modernization. A series of SIPRI reports under its program 'China and global security' have been projecting a benign view of China's military modernization and pooh-pooh any threat perceptions of the neighboring countries. Even in areas where China's contributions have been rather negative (read nuclear non-proliferation) or marginal (read peacekeeping operations), China has been portrayed as a lead player. It is debatable if China with a history of nuclear collaboration with Pakistan (in flagrant violation of international norms) or with less than 2000 active personnel in UN peacekeeping operations (sent with business interests) could be called a responsible military power. It would be interesting to watch how long other prominent think tanks like RAND and Brookings, largely funded from domestic American sources, will not join the bandwagon and stop adhering to objective canons while assessing and reporting on Chinese military power. Either way, the clamor to publish primary reports on China's military modernization is here to stay. Subjectivity apart, these reports do help in developing different perspectives on Chinese military modernization and facilitate the engagement policies of many countries with China. Unfortunately, India is a laggard in this global race for reporting on Chinese military power or its military expenditure. The sporadic couplets in India's Ministry of Defense's Annual Report notwithstanding, there is hardly any study to substantiate India's concerns. The reports by Pentagon may not be of much help since they are Taiwan-centric and do not study in detail Chinese capacity building exercises near Indian borderlands. There is, therefore, a need to study Chinese military modernization from an Indian perspective as well. The writer is with Indian Defense Accounts Service. Courtesy IPCS

India Post Perceptions

erceptions in the media about the state of the country may not be the whole truth, but they do matter. They could be closer to the truth than the government versions. And when the government of the day is not willing to communicate, speculations abound. That is why it is necessary for leading government functionaries to talk to the people. Impressions had been gaining in the last few weeks about the UPA-II government at the Center being indecisive on crucial issues and instead of initiatives by men in charge there was public squabbling between ministers and partymen. It was rumored that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was in lame duck mode till 2014 when crown prince Rahul Gandhi was expected to take over. Rotting food and the poor going hungry is bad publicity for a government already accused of tolerating corruption and spending mindboggling amounts on organizing games for the rich. The Jammu & Kashmir violence and firing demanded intervention, the Maoist problem was growing worse and the Chinese were exploiting any opportunity to embarrass India, be it denying visas or putting troops in Pakistan occupied Kashmir. The strong impression of a government adrift had to be countered otherwise a situation could arise where every little group would get up to blackmail on demands sensing the government was weak. Dictators like Pervez Musharraf often addressed people directly through live TV. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh chose to speak to a group of select editors. This is better than a TV address or a general press conference. A TV address can generate alarm about crisis and a press conference often meanders into frivolous questions taking too much time and producing little result. Talking to select journalists the PM could focus on the real issues and his views could percolate to the people without putting him to inconvenience. What the PM said did assuage concerns about the direction his government was taking and cut down much of the guesswork on policy. He agreed that China was seeking to expand its influence in South Asia at India's expense and was trying to use India's "soft underbelly" of Kashmir to keep it in "low level equilibrium." On the issue of reaching grains to the hungry he advised the Supreme Court not to interfere in policy matters as it was not possible to issue grains free. In that case the farmers will lose the incentive to produce. He did not agree there was squabbling between the party and government. He called it a public debate in a democracy, and it was healthy. He could however not wipe out the impression that his government was indecisive. Many of his answers led to negative vibes in the Press. While Rahul Gandhi seemed to be shaping policy on several issues, Manmohan asserted he had "no plans to retire." He admitted there have been lapses and delays in the Commonwealth Games preparation. On Maoism, he said there is no quick fix. He sought to lay out positions on everything from national security and foreign policy to crony capitalism and financial reforms. But there seemed to be nothing new in what he said nor was there a promise of new initiatives. Conscious of his age and that of his cabinet, he did promise inducting younger people in his cabinet at the next reshuffle expected before the next parliament session. In short, his message to the country was to counsel patience and that everything will be done in due course. However the kind of patience the PM demanded isn't available in a rapidly growing India.

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