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VOL 22, No. 1148

September 30, 2016

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REIN IN ALL MILITANTS, U.S. TELLS PAKISTAN

WASHINGTON: The US has asked Pakistan to close all terrorist safe havens and target all militant groups, including those that target neighboring countries, after India made a strong pitch at the UN for isolating nations who nurture, peddle and export terror.

"Our focus with Pakistan is to enhance their capability and to deal with terrorist threats on their soil. They are fighting a serious and sustained campaign against violent extremism," White House deputy spokesperson Mark Toner said.

"We do believe that they are making progress and tak-

ing steps to counter terrorist violence, but at the same time we have been very clear that they need to target all militant groups, including those that target Pakistan's neighbors, and close all safe havens," he said.

Toner reiterated that it is the longstanding American position that the US believes India and Pakistan really stand to benefit from the normalization of relations. "We encourage both India and Pakistan to pursue and engage in direct dialogue that is aimed at reducing tensions," he said.

Details on page 5

US Golf Club makes Dhoni a member

Sushma Swaraj at U.N. headquarters

Isolate Pak: Sushma's war cry at UN Details on page 8

Hillary wins debate with 62% votes Details on page 12

India, China hold talks to combat terror Details on page 13

Ban lauds India on ratifying Paris pact

Details on page 21

Rs 15k cr worth investments in tourism

Details on page 12

CONTENTS

Details on page 34

Bollywood ---------------------- 28-29 Classifieds ------------------------- 48

INDIA POST SURVEY

Community Post -------------- 16-27 Date Book -------------------------- 50

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Edit Page --------------------------- 54

This week’s question

HealthScience Post --------- 45-47

Will tougher Modi actions subdue Pakistan?

Horoscope ------------------------- 44 Immigration Post ------------- 51-53 Life Style ----------------------- 30-33

Last week’s result

Philosophy ------------------------- 49 Can Pakistan be shamed by providing evidence?

YES 16%

NO 84%

ANTI-TERROR EXERCISE: Indian and US soldiers march at the closing ceremony of the Indo-US joint exersice Yudh Abhyas- 2016 at Chaubattia, in Uttarakhand on September 27

Publisher’s Diary ------------------ 4 Real Estate -------------------- 38-39 TechBiz Post ------------------- 34-37 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 40-43

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t's interesting how much our lives have become made-for-television spectacles. Be it a Presidential election or an ordinary citizen being shot by the police, it all plays out on our screens where we are forced to make judgment calls on serious life-and-death questions. Well, we are getting used to the idea anyway.

So I told myself that the first debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump being advertised for nearly a month; and the entire media circus tenting it out on the Hofstra campus a good four days before the actual debate, was normal. Still, election debates used to be a tad bit less complicated than today's TRP-aimed performances. The debate itself has been analyzed to death - before and after - so I am not going there.

But here's something to think about anyway. Donald Trump has been drilling it in that he is running for President of the United States of America and not the rest of the world, which makes one wonder. Sure, the President of America is not a presumptuous president of the world, but when a country has, for the better part of the past century, not only economically, diplomatically, culturally dominated the rest of the world, but has made it it's business to interfere in others' affairs, whether anyone liked it or not, it's already stuck its neck out long enough to want out now. Not when the rest of the world is in the throes of globalization, can the United States, as projected by Trump, try to change the rules that it unilaterally set down in the bully ring. You can't bicker and rant now because the little guys have learnt to play the game and are getting better at it, some of them even writing their own rules.

In his favor, Trump's business acumen as against Clinton's political jargon might appeal to many Americans. But what they need to realize is that it's a whole new world out there. International trade, ISIS, climate change, currency valuations, sovereignty of nations, and at home race relations and guns are all real issues. It takes more than a televised debate to tackle those subjects.

Romesh K Japra rkjapra@indiapost.com

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HIGHLIGHTS Bollywood: Swept off Asked if Ranveer Singh had managed to sweep her off her feet, Deepika nodded, declaring "He's all heart!"

Cover Story: Control all militants US asks Pakistan to close all terrorist safe havens, target all militant groups, including those targeting India

Community: Unsung Teresa of India Baba Amte devoted his whole life for treating and rehabilitating lepers. Now his family is following in his footsteps.

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Immigration: Gain, not drain Immigrants have contributed USD 2 trillion to the US economy in 2015-16 and Indians are "the most entrepreneurial"

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Tourism investors' summit India Tourism Investors' Summit witnessed signing of 86 pacts worth Rs 15,000 crore for the development of tourism

Ganapatipule, Maharashtra The Arcadian beauty of Ganapatipule village and beach is much more attractive since it is not touched by commercialism

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Control all militants, US tells Pak WASHINGTON: The US has asked Pakistan to close all terrorist safe havens and target all militant groups, including those that target neighboring countries, after India made a strong pitch at the UN for isolating nations who nurture, peddle and export terror.

"Our focus with Pakistan is to enhance their capability and to deal with terrorist threats on

their soil. They are fighting a serious and sustained campaign against violent extremism," White House deputy spokesperson Mark Toner said.

"We do believe that they are making progress and taking steps to counter terrorist violence, but at the same time we have been very clear that they need to target all militant groups, including those that target

Pakistan's neighbors, and close all safe havens," he said.

Toner reiterated that it is the longstanding American position that the US believes India and Pakistan really stand to benefit from the normalization of relations. "We encourage both India and Pakistan to pursue and engage in direct dialogue that is aimed at reducing tensions," he said.

"We have long said that with regard to Pakistan, with regard to India, with regard to the region, there is no zero-sum game here. We are pursuing very close relations with India," the deputy spokesperson said.

"We have a deep and broad bilateral relationship and multilateral relationship, or work our multilateral issues with India.

They are the world's largest de-

mocracy and we share a very similar vision of the world. And we obviously have very close trade and economic ties with India, and also that extends to security cooperation," he said.

"Similarly, we want to see Pakistan better able to respond to the threat that terrorism poses and terrorist groups that seek refuge in its territory," Toner added.-PTI

Pak demands international probe into Uri attack ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has demanded an international probe into the Uri terror attack with its Senate passing a resolution calling on the UN to conduct an independent inquiry into the incident.

The resolution was moved in the Senate, the Upper House of

tion also urged the international community to immediately take notice of the "grave human rights violations" in Kashmir, Radio Pakistan reported.

It also called upon the international community to make India "desist from war hysteria to distract attention away from Indian

Any such attack neither benefits Pakistan, nor Kashmir, Aziz said, adding that the attack diverts the world's attention from "human rights violations committed" by India in Kashmir the Parliament, by Leader of the House Raja Zafarul Haq of the ruling Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz (PML-N).

The resolution that was passed unanimously in the Senate said the House expresses its strong solidarity with the Kashmiri people.

Calling on the United Nations to hold an independent inquiry into the Uri incident, the resolu-

crimes against humanity" in Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan Prime Minister's Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz said Pakistan will provide support to a probe into the Uri attack provided such a probe was carried out by an international body.

Pakistan had not accepted the Indian "narratives" about the attack and during the investigation

all the evidence should be produced before the investigators along with details of the incident, Aziz was quoted as saying by Radio Pakistan.

"Pakistan denies all the allegations leveled by the Indian Prime Minister," he said.

Earlier, while speaking to BBC, Aziz said, "An independent international commission should be constituted to unearth the facts."

"It is not the first time India has leveled baseless allegations against Pakistan," he said.

Any such attack neither benefits Pakistan, nor Kashmir, Aziz said, adding that the attack diverts the world's attention from "human rights violations committed" by India in Kashmir.

Aziz, while speaking in the Senate, also claimed that Modi's efforts to isolate Pakistan had been scuttled as 56 countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), UN Human Rights Council and world countries have supported Pakistan's stance on Kashmir and did not pay any attention towards India's blame.-PTI

'Modi violating UN norms on non-interference' ISLAMABAD: Terming Prime Chaudhry said that it was unMinister Narendra Modi's recent fortunate that the Indian leaderspeech attacking Pakistan as a violation of the UN norms on non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries, Pakistan's top diplomat said such "irresponsible" behavior at the highest level was regrettable.

Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry said that Modi's statement shows India's nervousness over Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry the situation in Kashmir.

ship "continues to indulge in a vilification campaign against Pakistan by making provocative statements and hurling baseless accusations".

He said that such "display of irresponsible behavior at the highest political level was regrettable", Dawn reported.

"It is evident that, as an act of desperation", India is trying to distract the world attention from the "atrocities perpetrated by its forces against innocent and defenseless Kashmiris, including women and children", Chaudhry said.-PTI

US appeals for India, Pak dialogue WASHINGTON: The US has said it strongly "encouraged" India and Pakistan to engage in direct dialogue to reduce tensions, as the war of words between the two neighbors escalated over the Kashmir issue.

"The United States strongly supports all efforts between India and Pakistan that can contribute to a more stable, democratic, and prosperous region, including meetings between the Indian and Pakistani officials," a senior State Department official said after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address in Kerala.

"Our longstanding position is that we believe India and Pakistan stand to benefit from the normalization of relations and practical cooperation. We encourage India and Pakistan to continue to engage in direct dialogue aimed at reducing tensions," the official said.

Modi had launched a blistering attack on Pakistan in his first public address after the deadly attack in Uri. Modi said the sacrifice of the 18 soldiers will not go in vain while all out efforts will be made to isolate Pakistan globally.-PTI

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Don't exaggerate OIC's significance: Ansari ON BOARD SPECIAL AIRCRAFT: Vice President Hamid Ansari has said there was no need to exaggerate the significance of the OIC by asking it to rein in Pakistan from indulging in crossborder terrorism activities against India.

Ansari, who is on a five-day visit to Nigeria and Mali, was asked by reporters accompanying him whether India would take up this issue with these two West African nations which are members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

"The facts of the case are clear.

Cross-border terrorism activities are encouraged by state agencies or state agencies - groups sponsored and that is detrimental to peace anywhere in the world," he said, without naming Pakistan.

"You talk to OIC members individually and they say they know about it (the issue)," he added.

"OIC is a strange kind of organization where everything is done by consensus. So we should not exaggerate the significance of the OIC," he went on to

add.

The OIC is an international organization founded in 1969 consisting of 57 Muslim states

phenomenon and comes in different forms and shapes.

It may be in one form in India and another in Nigeria or any

Vice President Hamid Ansari

spread over four continents.

Ansari said terrorist networks are becoming global networks and so there was a need to have a solid system in place on exchange of information.

"Terrorism is an international

other country.

But wherever there is terrorism, social peace is disturbed.

And this hampers social progress and development. So everyone has to fight terrorism," he said.-PTI

India avoiding Kashmir resolution: Gen Sharif ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Army such as RAW," he said. chief General Raheel Sharif has The Pakistan army chief said a claimed that India was not seri- stable Afghanistan is a guarantee ous to resolve "historical dis- to a peaceful and stable region and putes" like the Kashmir issue and peace in the war-ravaged country accused its spy agency of "ex- could be achieved through a comploiting" the security situation on prehensive and coordinated stratthe border with Afghanistan. egy.

"India is unwilling to address "Route to a peaceful and proshistorical disputes like Kashmir that directly fan misunderstanding and feed into persistent regional culture of conflict," Gen Sharif said in Stutgart, Germany, where was on a day-long visit to attend a conference of Chief of Staffs of the Armed Force Pakistan Army chief General Raheel Sharif being held under the auspices of US Centcom. perous region runs through a He accused India of exploiting stable Afghanistan, which is the security situation on border achievable through comprehenwith Afghanistan and added that sive and coordinated approach," terrorists could move across bor- he said. ders because of no effective borHe said Pakistan is making "all der management systems in place out efforts" to eliminate terrorism there. and it has suffered the most due "This is exploited by the anti- to the menace compared to any Pakistan intelligence agencies other country in the world. -PTI

Pak envoy given evidence PoK resident: We live of Uri attackers NEW DELHI: A day after India told the United Nations that Pakistan was peddling, nurturing and exporting terrorism, New Delhi summoned the Pakistani envoy and informed him that two persons, who guided the Uri attackers to the Army camp, were from Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-occu-

stani control.

He said one of the two guides, now in custody, had identified one of the four terrorists from photographs and said he too belonged to Muzaffarabad. The guide also named two Pakistan-based handlers.

Separately, India said it had

During questioning, Faizal told the National Investigation Agency (NIA) that they had guided and facilitated the border crossing of the group that attacked the Army camp pied Kashmir.

India also named one of the four terrorists killed in the attack and their two handlers across the Line of Control. Eighteen soldiers died in the dawn attack on September 18.

Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar told Pakistan High Commissioner Abdul Basit that the government had evidence that the attack originated from territory under Paki-

also apprehended another person who confessed he had trained for three weeks with the Lashkar-eToiba and made donations to Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation, a Lashkar front.

Jaishankar offered Pakistan consular access to the three individuals in custody.

This was the second time since the Uri attack that the Pakistani envoy has been

summoned by the Foreign Secretary. He had earlier informed Basit about the recovery of several items from the terrorists GPS, grenades with Pakistani markings, communication equipment, food, medicines and clothes made in Pakistan.

Vikas Swarup, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, said villagers in the Uri sector apprehended two individuals on September 21 and turned them over to security forces.

They acted as guides for terrorists and helped them infiltrate across the LoC, he said.

The two men were identified as Faizal Hussain Awan, 20, s/o Gul Akbar, resident of Potha Jahangir, Muzaffarabad; and, Yasin Khursheed, 19, s/o Mohammed Khurshid, resident of Khiliana Kalan, Muzaffarabad.

During questioning, Faizal told the National Investigation Agency (NIA) that they had guided and facilitated the border crossing of the group that attacked the Army camp.-PTI

in subjugation

JAMMU: There is no freedom and prosperity," he told media. in 'Azad Kashmir' (PoK) and He said he had visited the Inpeople there are living in "subju- dian side a few years ago as well gation" of Pakistan while people and was a witness to the huge difon the Indian side of Jammu and ference between the two sides.

Kashmir are leading happy and "Our youth and our children are prosperous lives, a resident of not safe there, they live a life of Pakistan- occupied Kashmir said uncertainty and insecurity," he here.

Haji Fazal Hussain, who arrived here from "People on the Indian side Rawalakot in PoK by have all the freedom, the trans-LoC bus service, said people of PoK whereas on our side (PoK), are free only in name we are living a life of and the children and youth there are living a subjugation under Pakistan," life of uncertainty and insecurity. said.

"People on the Indian side have A batch of 39 people crossed all the freedom, whereas on our the sides on the weekly Poonchside (PoK), we are living a life of Rawalakote bus service. While 19 subjugation under Pakistan," said residents of PoK, including five Hussain who came to meet his women, arrived in the Indian side, relatives.

20 Indian citizens, including 11 "There is no 'azaadi' (freedom) women, returned after visiting in 'Azad Kashmir' (PoK) and our their relatives in PoK. life is pathetic while people on the No passenger from the Indian Indian side live a life of happiness side travelled to PoK. -PTI

September 30, 2016

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Isolate Pak: Sushma's war cry at UN PRAKASH M. SWAMY

UNITED NATIONS: Terrorism is undoubtedly the biggest violation of human rights. It targets the innocent and kills indiscriminately and has gone way beyond affecting individuals or nations - it is a crime against humanity itself, said India's Minister for External Affairs Sushma Swaraj.

Addressing the United Nations General Assembly on Sept 26, she said it is important to ask - who is behind this and who benefits from it? Terrorists do not own banks or weapons factories, so let us ask

recently, understand the pain inflicted by the same forces.

The Minister said on Sept. 21 the Prime Minister of Pakistan used this podium to make baseless allegations about human rights violations in my country. I can only say that those accusing others of human rights violations would do well to introspect and see what egregious abuses they are perpetrating in their own country, including in Balochistan.

The brutality against the Baloch people represents the worst form

Sushma Swaraj, Minister of External Affairs for India, speaks during the 71st session of the United Nations General Assembly at U.N. headquarters, September 26

the real question: who finances these terrorists, who arms them and provides sanctuaries?

Swaraj said the world has been battling this scourge for long.

However, despite the blood and tears of innocent victims, attacks this year alone in Kabul and Dhaka, Istanbul and Mogadishu, Brussels and Bangkok, Paris, Pathankot and Uri as well as daily barbaric tragedies in Syria and Iraq, remind us that these malevolent forces are yet to be defeated.

"If we want to defeat terrorism, there is only one way - that we unite across our differences, add steel to our resolve and inject urgency in our response. We need to forget our prejudices and join hands together to script an effective strategy against terror. This is not an impossible task provided we have the will. Otherwise our future generations will forever hold us to account. And if any nation refuses to join this global strategy, then we must isolate it," she said.

This month we marked the 15th Anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks on this city. Tragically, less than 15 days ago, another attempt at killing innocents was made through an act of terror in this same city. We, who have suffered in Uri

of State oppression.

The Prime Minister of Pakistan also said that India has placed preconditions for talks which are not acceptable to him. What pre-conditions? Did we impose any precondition before extending an invitation for the oath-taking ceremony of our Government? Did we impose any pre-condition when I went to Islamabad for the Heart of Asia conference and agreed to begin the Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue? Did we

to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, wished success to his cricket team, extended good wishes for his health and wellbeing. Did all this come with pre-conditions attached?

What did we get in return?

Pathankot, Bahadur Ali, and Uri. Bahadur Ali is a terrorist in our custody, whose confession is a living proof of Pakistan's complicity in cross-border terror. But when confronted with such evidence, Pakistan remains in denial.

It persists in the belief that such attacks will enable it to obtain the territory it covets. My firm advice to Pakistan is: abandon this dream. Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and will always remain so."

The CCIT was proposed by India in 1996. In 2016, despite the passage of two decades, we are yet to come to a conclusion. As a result, we are unable to develop a norm under which terrorists shall be prosecuted or extradited.

Therefore it is my appeal that this General Assembly acts with fresh resolve and urgency to adopt this critical Convention.

History proves that those who seed extremist ideologies reap a bitter harvest. The germ of evil has grown into a hydra-headed monster, backed by technological sophistication that threatens the peace and harmony of our world.

We will not be able to win against terrorism by making specious distinctions between your problems and mine, between terrorists who attack you and those who attack me.

In our midst, there are nations that still speak the language of terrorism, that nurture it, peddle it, and export it. To shelter terrorists has become their calling card.

We must identify these nations and hold them to account. These nations, in which UN designated

History proves that those who seed extremist ideologies reap a bitter harvest. The germ of evil has grown into a hydra-headed monster, backed by technological sophistication that threatens the peace and harmony of our world impose any pre-condition when Prime Minister Modi traveled from Kabul to Lahore? What pre-conditions? We took the initiative to resolve issues not on the basis of conditions, but on the basis of friendship, she asked.

"We have in fact attempted a paradigm of friendship in the last two years which is without precedent. We conveyed Eid greetings

terrorists roam freely, lead processions and deliver their poisonous sermons of hate with impunity, are as culpable as the very terrorists they harbor. Such countries should have no place in the comity of nations, she said.

Just as we need a more contemporary approach to combating terrorism, we also need a less outdated Security Council that con-

tinues to reflect the world order of an earlier era. The vast majority of nations share the belief that the UN should not remain frozen in 1945, just to serve the interests of a few. Whether it is institutions or issues, we must come to terms

with present day realities and the challenges that confront us. An expansion in the Permanent and non-Permanent membership of the Council to reflect contemporary realities is therefore, an urgent necessity.

Muslim spiritual heads to visit Kashmir NEW DELHI: A delegation of heads of Dargahs led by the chief of Ajmer Sharif has appealed to the people in the Kashmir Valley to remain calm, observe peace and help the government in bringing normalcy.

The delegation, which met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh here, said they would go to Kashmir to request their brothers and sisters to contribute in creating peace.

Led by Dewan Syed Zainul Abedin Saheb, Spiritual Head of

The Ajmer Sharif Shrine Head said the spiritual leaders are concerned and pained on the situation and the sufferings of the people in our country and all over the world.

"Worst, we see Islam, the religion of peace, being linked to many instances of violence and terrorism," he was quoted as saying in the statement.

The delegation said those creating disturbance in the world must know that there is no bigger power than the power of peace.

A delegation of heads of eminent Khanqahs and Dargahs led by the Chief of Ajmer Sharif, calling on the Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, in New Delhi on September 26

the Shrine and Sajjadanashin of Dargah Khwaja Sahab, Ajmer Sharif, the delegation shared their concern on the situation in Kashmir and expressed confidence that the Home Minister would do everything possible to bring normalcy in Kashmir in order to remove pain and miseries of the people, an official statement said.

The spiritual leaders said they were pained by the situation prevailing in Kashmir, which has been the centre of Sufism for over 700 years, it said.

The delegation conveyed that over the last many years, it saw a decline in social values and ethos, and onslaught of Western culture on one hand and increase of radicalism among Muslims on the other hand, doing incalculable loss to the shared cultural values, peace and happiness for the mankind.

Violence can only bring more sufferings and solve no problem of humanity. Together we make a beautiful country for all to live in peace and harmony and progress faster, the delegation members said.

The delegation highlighted that India is the land of Sufism and spiritual powers. Khwaja Saheb Dargah in Ajmer Sharif, Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya Dargah in New Delhi and hundreds of Sufi centers all over the country have been the source of spiritual strength and guidance to the people of India and the world for over 800 years.

The Dargahs have been removing pains and miseries of millions of people seeking divine help every year, irrespective of caste, creed and religion, the heads of Dargahs said in the statement.-PTI

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Message on Kashmir 'loud and clear': India UNITED NATIONS: The message that Kashmir is an integral part of India should be "loud and clear", India has told Pakistan, calling it a "dysfunctional state" that commits atrocities on its own people and preaches about tolerance, democracy and human rights.

Responding to Pakistan's Right of Reply (RoR), India also asked Pakistan if it can clarify how terror safe havens continue to flourish on its soil despite getting billions of dollars in anti-terrorism aid.

Pakistan's envoy to the UN Maleeha Lodhi, exercising the RoR to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's address to the UN General Assembly, said Pakistan rejects "all the baseless allegations" made by her and as-

Eenam Gambhir

serted that Kashmir never was and can never be an integral part of India.

She called Kashmir a "disputed territory, the final status of which has yet to be determined in accordance with several resolutions of the UN Security Council".

First Secretary in the Indian Mission to the UN Eenam Gambhir, in India's Right of Reply to Lodhi's remarks, said that it appears that the Pakistani envoy "did not hear clearly what our Minister of External Affairs stated during her address".

Quoting Swaraj that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India, and will always continue to do so, Gambhir said "we hope that the message is loud and clear".

In the RoR, Lodhi claimed that the attack on the Indian Army base in Uri, particularly its timing, has all the "hallmarks of an operation designed" to divert attention from India's "atrocities" in Kashmir.

"The international community is well aware that several such incidents have been staged in the past to serve India's tactical and propaganda objectives," she said, adding that India is utilizing the Uri incident to blame Pakistan for the current Kashmiri uprising and divert attention from its 'brutal' occupation.

Gambhir, who had given India's strong RoR to Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's UN General Assembly address, said the world heard from Pakistan "the views of a dysfunctional state" which builds atrocity upon atrocity on its own people, preaching about values of tolerance, democracy and human rights.

"We reject entirely these sermons," she said.

Gambhir said that the Pakistani envoy was making "a fanciful and misleading presentation" in her RoR on the situation in the Kashmir, in yet another attempt to divert international attention from her country's continued sponsorship of terrorism.

Gambhir said Pakistan is not answering questions that are being posed to it by the international community such as how is it that terror sanctuaries and safe havens in her country continue to flourish despite the Pakistan army's "much-vaunted counter terrorism operations, and the billions of dollars of international counter terrorism aid it obtains".

"Can the representative of Pakistan confirm that they do not use terrorist proxies and export terrorism as a matter of state policy?

"Can the representative of Pakistan deny that Pakistan had assured in 2004 that it would not allow its territories, or territories under its control, to be used for terror attacks against India? And can the representative of Pakistan deny that it has failed to honor that assurance given at the high-

silenced by the plethora of heavily armed militias that go by names such as 'Jaish' or Army, 'Lashkar' or Army, 'Sipah' or Soldiers and

Gambhir said that the Pakistani envoy was making "a fanciful and misleading presentation" in her RoR on the situation in the Kashmir, in yet another attempt to divert international attention from her country's continued sponsorship of terrorism 'Harkat' or Armed movement," Gambhir said.

Responding to Swaraj's call that nations who do not join the global strategy to fight terrorism should be isolated, Lodhi said India's government is "delusional" if it believes that it can "isolate" any country.

"It is India itself, which because of its war crimes in Kashmir and elsewhere, and because of its warmongering, is likely to be isolated in the international community," she said.

The Pakistani envoy said Swaraj's statement reflects the "deceit and hostility" of the Indian government towards Pakistan.

"These allegations are designed principally to deflect global attention from the brutalities being perpetrated by India's over half a million occupation force against innocent and unarmed Kashmiri children, women and men in the Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir," Lodhi said.

In an RoR exercised after Sharif's address to the UNGA, India had accused Pakistan of committing war crimes by using terrorism as an instrument of state policy.

Lodhi in her RoR said the call for freedom of the Kashmiri people has been met with Indian

Lodhi said India's government is "delusional" if it believes that it can "isolate" any country.

"It is India itself, which because of its war crimes in Kashmir and elsewhere, and because of its warmongering, is likely to be isolated in the international community," she said est level?" Gambhir asked.

India questioned whether the representative of Pakistan will deny that the armed forces of her country committed one of the most extensive and heinous genocides in human history in 1971.

"Will the representative of Pakistan deny that its armed forces have used air strikes and artillery against its own people repeatedly? Will the representative of Pakistan explain why is it that Pakistan's civil society is being

Rights and allow them access for the purpose," she said.

In response to Swaraj's reference to Pakistani national Bahadur

brutality.

"This is the worst form of state terrorism, a war crime, that India has continued to perpetrate in the situation of foreign occupation in Jammu and Kashmir for the past many decades," she said, adding that Pakistan demands a full and impartial investigation of the Indian 'atrocities and massive human rights violations' in Kashmir.

"We ask that India accept the investigation proposed by the UN High Commissioner for Human

Ali who was arrested in Kashmir, Lodhi said the recently captured "Indian spy, an intelligence officer," Kulbhushan Yadav, has "confessed" to India's support to such terrorist and subversive activities particularly in Balochistan and Federally Administered Tribal Areas.

"Indeed, it was Kulbhushan, who was financing, arming and supporting individuals and entities listed under the UN sanctions regime," Lodhi said.

She said India's "policy of interference" in Pakistan, especially its attempt to destabilize Balochistan, are now on record.

"This is blatant violation of the principles of the UN Charter," she said.

Lodhi blamed India for suspending talks with Pakistan more

than a year ago, saying New Delhi has refused to resume them despite repeated offers from Pakistan and advice from the international community.

"The latest offer was made by the Prime Minister of Pakistan from the rostrum of this very Assembly. But let us be clear, talks are no favor to Pakistan. They are in the interest of both India and Pakistan and the people of our two countries," she said.

Lodhi reiterated that Pakistan is "ready and willing" for serious and result oriented talks with India, especially to resolve the longstanding core dispute of Jammu and Kashmir, which is imperative for durable peace, stability and development in the region.

Maleeha Lodhi

In a second RoR, a Pakistani representative reiterated that Kashmir remains an internationally-recognized disputed territory.-PTI

10 India Post

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'India has not utilized Indus treaty to fullest' NEW DELHI: As the government reviews the 56-year-old Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan, experts feel that India has so far

Union Minister Yashwant Sinha, who had recently suggested that India should consider abrogating the treaty with Pakistan as re-

The Indus River

not utilized the agreement to its fullest to increase irrigation and hydropower potential in Jammu and Kashmir.

Senior BJP leader and former

sponse to the Uri attack, said if Islamabad is not prepared to honor any of its commitments, it should not be incumbent on New Delhi to honor them.

"Utilize the treaty to its fullest.

We are allowed to build hydropower potential and use the water for irrigation.

Under the agreement, we are allowed to do a lot more than what we have done," former Union Water Resources Secretary Dhruv Vijai Singh told PTI. He said the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly had passed two resolutions seeking more Indus water for the state. "We can legally do lot more in terms of irrigation...The terms of the treaty which are in India's favor need to be exploited more," he said.

He noted that in the past whenever India has tried to utilize the treaty provisions to help its people, Pakistan has accused New Delhi of violating the agreement.

Responding to a question on whether China can stop the flow of Brahmaputra and Indus rivers into India if New Delhi turns the tap off, he said India receives less than five per cent of Indus water from China and around 10 per cent of Brahmaputra water from it.

Move on Indus act of war, cries Pakistan ISLAMABAD/NEW DELHI: Sartaj Aziz, Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's Advisor on Foreign Affairs, has said that India cannot unilaterally separate itself from the Indus Waters Treaty according to the international law. He said that if India violates the treaty then Pakistan can approach the International Court of Justice, insisting the revocation of the treaty can be taken as an "act of war".

"The international law states that India cannot unilaterally sepa-

national Court of Justice.

"This Indian act can be taken as breach of international peace and hence giving Pakistan a good reason to approach the UN Security Council," Aziz said.

He said Pakistan is considering to draw attention of the international community on the dangers of such an action if it is considered seriously.

Between the two countries, this act of revocation can be taken as an act of war," he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Noting that India, a high riparian state, has been very "generous" to Pakistan, a low riparian state, with regard to the water sharing rights as a "goodwill" gesture, government sources told PTI that a "tough situation" has emerged after the recent terror strike in Uri rate itself from the treaty," Aziz, Advisor to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Foreign Affairs, said while briefing the National Assembly on the issue.

He said unilateral revocation of the treaty can pose a threat to Pakistan and its economy. He said that if India violates the treaty Pakistan can approach the Inter-

had chaired a review meeting of the 56-year-old Indus Waters Treaty during which it was decided that India will "exploit to the maximum" the waters of Pakistancontrolled rivers, including Jhelum, as per the water sharing pact. He said, "Blood and water cannot flow together."

Under the treaty, which was

signed by late Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Pakistan President Ayub Khan in September 1960, waters of six rivers Beas, Ravi, Sutlej, Indus, Chenab and Jhelum - were to be shared between the two countries.

Pakistan has been complaining about not receiving enough water and had gone for international arbitration in a couple of cases.

Noting that India, a high riparian state, has been very "generous" to Pakistan, a low riparian state, with regard to the water sharing rights as a "goodwill" gesture, government sources told PTI that a "tough situation" has emerged after the recent terror strike in Uri and it was "appropriate time" to review the treaty as to how it has worked or not worked.

The Inter-Ministerial Task Force, which is expected to have representatives from Ministries of Water, External Affairs, Power and Finance, will look into the details of India's rights pertaining to the western rivers, which are controlled by Pakistan.

Sources are also talking about government's decision to expedite work on three dams - Pakal Dul, Sawalkot and Bursar - on Chenab river.-PTI

"It is nothing," he said.

A former Indus commissioner said the government's decision to utilize the treaty to India's benefit is the step in the right direction.

"We have been following the treaty by the book. While contest-

Yashwant Sinha

ing cases of international arbitration against Pakistan, we have proved to the international community how serious India is in following the treaty. Pakistan has already been exposed in such cases," he said.

Writing for ndtv.com,

Yashwant Sinha said, "Terrorists keep attacking us, we keep discussing options. This is the unending story. I am in favor of action and all that I am saying is that this time India should act and not just go on discussing how to handle these attacks."

He said the basic point is that if Pakistan is not prepared to honor any of its commitments, why should it be incumbent on India to honor all of them?

"Because we are the good boys in the eyes of the international community and want to stay that way?

(Prime Minister) Nawaz Sharif and (Army chief) Raheel Sharif may be sharif only in name; we in India are the real sharifs," he wrote. -PTI

China's hold on terror listing to lapse UNITED NATIONS: The sixThe other 14 UNSC members month validity of the technical have already supported India's bid hold imposed by China on India's and the lapse of the technical bid to get JeM chief Masood hold, coupled with no further obAzhar designated as a terrorist by jection from China, will essentially the UN will "lapse" soon and the mean that there is no opposition Pathankot attack mastermind to the demand to get Azhar listed could be sanctioned if Beijing under the sanctions committee. does not block the move again.

Sources said that in the current On March 31 this year, China, a environment of "growing global veto-wielding permanent member of crescendo against terrorism", the UN Security Council, had blocked India's move to put a ban on the China was the sole member Jaish-e-Mohammed in the 15-nation UN organ to (JeM) leader under the Sanctions Committee of put a hold on India's applithe Council. cation with all other 14 China was the sole members of the Council member in the 15-nation UN organ to put a hold supporting New Delhi's bid on India's application to place Azhar on the 1267 with all other 14 members of the Council sup- sanctions list porting New Delhi's bid to place Azhar on the 1267 sanc- "can China still stand up alone" tions list that would subject him and block the designation of an to an assets freeze and travel ban. individual who heads an organiSources have said that the six- zation that was listed as a terrormonth validity of the technical hold ist group by the UN in 2001". is set to "lapse" in about a week-10 They said a possibility could days time and unless China again be that after the lapse of the techseeks to bloc or veto the resolution nical hold, China could seek more on some pretext, the resolution time on Azhar's application, in efcould stand passed automatically, fect allowing the technical hold to designating Azhar as a terrorist. continue.-PTI

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Hillary wins debate with 62% votes WASHINGTON: Hillary Clinton emerged as the clear winner in the first US presidential debate with nearly 62 per cent of voters giving an edge to the Democratic candidate over her Republican rival Donald Trump, who was deemed winner by only 27 per cent, according to a new poll of voters who watched the debate.

Clinton, 68, expressed her views more clearly than 70-year old Trump, and had a better understanding of the issues by a margin of more than 2-to-1, the CNN/ORC poll said after the fiery debate between the two contenders to the White House, which was marked by personal attacks on both sides.

The polls released last weekend had predicted a neck-to-neck fight between the former secretary of state and Trump, with the latter making a spectacular comeback in September after trailing by more than 8 points to Clinton in August.

Clinton, who was repeatedly questioned by Trump over her "stamina" and her recent bout of

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton spar during the presidential debate at Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y. September 26

pneumonia during the 90-minute clash, seemed to recover the lost ground with 56 per cent people terming her stronger leader, as opposed to 39 per cent who still reposed their faith in Trump's leadership.

Clinton was also seen as hav-

ing done a better job addressing concerns voters might have about her potential presidency by a 57 per cent to 35 per cent margin.

The gap was smaller on which candidate appeared more sincere and authentic, though still broke

Ban lauds India on ratifying Paris pact UNITED NATIONS: UN chief Ban Ki-moon has lauded India for its "swift action" over the decision to ratify the Paris pact on climate change, saying he is looking forward to receiving New Delhi's instrument of accession.

"The Secretary-General has made clear his hopes for the ratification of the Paris Agreement by a large number of states as early as possible, so he would be pleased by swift action by India.

He looks forward to receiving India's instrument of accession," UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's deputy spokesman Farhan Haq told PTI. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced in Kerala that India will ratify the Paris climate deal made in Paris last year on October 2, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

Earlier this month, the US and China, the world's two largest emitters, formally joined the Paris agreement, which was adopted by 195 parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change

last December in Paris.

The agreement calls on countries to combat climate change and to accelerate and intensify the actions and investments needed for a sustainable low carbon future.

Specifically, it seeks to limit

UN chief Ban Ki-moon

global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius, and to strive for 1.5 degrees Celsius.

The agreement will enter into force 30 days after at least 55 countries, accounting for 55 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, deposit their instruments of ratification or acceptance with the Secretary-General.

A total of 60 countries so far have deposited their instruments of ratification for the agreement, representing more than 47.5 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Ban said this week that since more than 55 countries have formally joined the Paris Agreement on climate change, a critical threshold has been crossed that will help bring into force the landmark pact that seeks to put the world on a path towards low-carbon growth and a more sustainable future.

"I am confident that, by the time I leave office, the Paris Agreement will have entered into force," the UN chief has said.

"This will be a major achievement for multilateralism," he said.

India, which along with the US and China is among the world's top greenhouse gas emitters, has maintained that the burden of fighting climate change cannot be put on the shoulders of the poor after decades of industrial development by the rich nations.-PTI

in Clinton's favor, with 53 per cent saying she was more sincere and 40 per cent on Trump's side.

Almost 50 per cent said the debate did not make any impact on their voting plans, but those who said they were moved by it tilted in Clinton's favor, 34 per

cent said the debate made them more apt to vote for Clinton as opposed to the 18 per cent who backed Trump.

On foreign policy, 62 per cent thought that Clinton will do a better job while 35 per cent favored Trump.

Clinton also outperformed Trump, 54 per cent to 43 per cent, on the question of dealing with terrorism.

On the economy front, the split is much closer, with 51 per cent saying they favored Clinton's approach vs 47 per cent who preferred real-estate tycoon and billionaire Trump, who was grilled by Clinton for not releasing his tax returns and for threatening to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement if he was elected.

Clinton's better performance in the debate also boosted some of the higher-risk currencies with the Mexican peso, Canadian dollar and Australian dollar all surging.

Clinton has also improved her chances of winning the 8 November election in the online betting market.-PTI

India improving road connectivity to LAC NEW DELHI: India is working "The road is supposed to be on better road accessibility up to shortest, but toughest as it is also the Line of Actual Control (LAC) shut for more than six-seven in Ladakh, often snapped due to months due to frequent landhostile terrain and bad weather. slides, harsh winters and snow India's move to upgrade the blocking the path," said a senior road infrastructure in the "strate- government official, adding that gically crucial" link comes against project is being monitored at the the backdrop of construction of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor India is keeping a close (CPEC) through the watch on CPEC that will Karakoram ranges in connect China and Pakistan the region.

The Border Roads through one of the Organization, which toughest terrains takes care of roads construction in strategic locations, had approached the Cen- PMO level. tral Road Research Institute The road is also considered as (CRRI), asking it to suggest pos- an alternative route to the LAC. sible solution for a patch on the The CRRI works under the ae55-odd km road, especially from gis of Council for Scientific and Sasoma to Saser Brangsa that Industrial Research (CSIR), an arm leads to LAC. of the Ministry of Science and India is keeping a close watch Technology (S&T). on CPEC that will connect China It specializes in road research and Pakistan through one of the and several state governments toughest terrains in the world. It and local bodies approach the inis preparing itself by upgrading stitution for rectifying the roads the road infrastructure in the in their jurisdiction. After the BRO "strategically crucial" link. had approached it, the CRRI un"Of the 55 km, 10 km patch is dertook topographical survey of affected due to hostile terrain and the area using radar and other tough weather conditions. technologies.-PTI

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Russia mulling e-visas for Indian tourists MOSCOW: Russia is considering the launch of e-visas for Indian tourists and direct flights between Mumbai and Moscow as part of its aggressive measures to woo Indian travelers to the country, famous for its rich cultural

Indian tourists, nearly 30,000 visit Russia annually.

"We are working on increasing the visibility of Russia in Indian media and TV. We are also working with our University officials to formulate Indian tourist friendly

The Agency's Deputy Head Sergey Korneev said Russian tourism authorities are also looking at measures like increasing the number of English/Hindi translators for Indian tourists, considering that language is perhaps the biggest impediment for travelers heritage, ornate cathedrals and subtropical beaches.

"We are planning to start offering e-visas to the Indian tourists to ease travel norms for those visiting our country," Valery Korvokin, Head of International Department of the Russian Federal Agency for Tourism, told PTI here on the World Tourism Day. "We are pursuing the e-visa issue with our foreign ministry. We expect a positive development on this important matter in the next few months," Korvokin said.

Out of the 18 million outbound

measures," Korvokin said.

Also in the offing are direct flights from Mumbai to Moscow and St Petersburg. "A decision on this issue is also expected soon," he said.

The Agency is also planning a certification/recognition course for Indian tour operators, specializing in Russian tours, he said.

The Agency's Deputy Head Sergey Korneev said Russian tourism authorities are also looking at measures like increasing the number of English/Hindi translators for Indian tourists, considering that language is perhaps the

Prachanda, Xi to meet during Goa summit KATHMANDU: Nepalese has been no official confirmation Prime Minister Prachanda is set about Xi's visit to Nepal. The to meet Chinese President Xi leader, however, said the proJinping during the BRICS summit posed visit has not been cancelled next month in Goa, where India has and the government was making invited the leaders of the seven- preparations for it to happen. nation BIMSTEC grouping.

Nepal government has previThe Nepalese prime minister will ously refuted reports that said the meet the Chinese President in Goa on the sideNepal government has prelines of the BIMSTEC meeting, a senior Maoist viously refuted reports that leader close to said the Chinese president's Prachanda told PTI. The eighth BRICS - visit was cancelled as China Brazil, Russia, India, was unhappy China and South Africa - summit and retreat is scheduled Chinese president's visit was canin Goa on October 15 and 16. In- celled as China was unhappy with dia has especially invited the lead- the new Prachanda-led governers from Bay of Bengal Initiative ment who visited New Delhi ahead for Multi-Sectoral Technical and of Beijing earlier this month.

Economic Cooperation Reports have said China was (BIMSTEC) countries to partici- unhappy over the lack of preparapate in the retreat that will follow tion for Xi's proposed visit and over the summit on October 16. implementing the pacts reached by BIMSTEC includes Prachanda's predecessor K P Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Sharma Oli's government to step up Lanka, Myanmar and Thailand construction of road and rail links and India. Xi was earlier due to to Tibet to reduce landlocked visit Nepal next month. But there Nepal's dependence on India.-PTI

biggest impediment for travelers from the sub-continent.

"Russia is hosting the 2018 FIFA world cup and can be a big draw for Indian tourists, as football craze is catching on in India," he said. During this period, Indian tour operators can plan FIFA special packages, he added.

With India's outbound tourism growing faster than China, the South Asian giant is an obvious target for Russian tourism promoters, said Paresh Navani, managing partner of the Russian Information Centre. "Russia has a lot to offer to Indian tourists, besides the beautiful nature and cultural heritage. Indians should visit Russia and experience the warmth of the Russian 'chai' (tea) and Russian people," Navani said. -PTI

India, China hold talks to combat terror BEIJING: India and China dis- Wang Yongqing, Secretary Gencussed ways to enhance security eral of Central Political and Leand cooperation to combat terror gal Affairs Commission of China. as officials from the two sides exThey exchanged information changed information on policies on respective policies, systems and legislation to deal with ter- and legislation to deal with terrorism at the first highlevel dialogue where they reached "impor- The two sides exchanged tant consensus". views on the international The two sides exchanged views on the and regional security situainternational and re- tion at the first meeting of the gional security situa- India-China High Level Diation at the first meeting of the India-China logue on Counter-terrorism High Level Dialogue on Counter-terrorism and Secu- rorism, and further enhance their rity held here. understanding on issues of maThe meeting was co-chaired jor concerns to both sides, acby R N Ravi, Chairman of Joint cording to a press release issued Intelligence Committee and by the Indian embassy here. -PTI

September 30, 2016

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Desi News Sonu Nigam & Atif Aslam enthrall 13,000 fans

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA

VIDYA SETHURAMAN India Post News Service

OAKLAND, CA: Indian and Pakistani superstar singers, Sonu Nigam and Atif Aslam delivered an electrifying performance here Sept. 24 in a four-hour concert billed as "Sonu and Atif Klose to You," presented by Instant Karma, Shor Media, Calcoast financial, Naeem Wahab, in association with Danny & Himesh Patel. Shree Balaji productions was the national promoter of the tour.

The popular duo proved that creativity and art has no boundaries and succeeded in bringing their fans from both countries together in great numbers to the Oracle Arena, Oakland for a completely sold-out show.

Details on page 18

AAHOA Upper Mid West meet a success RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service

Chicago: The AAHOA Upper Midwest Regional Meeting & Trade Show meet held here last week at Waterford Banquet hall met with a fair degree of success with 60 plus vendors participating and attendance running close to 200 plus members and guests.

Kalpesh Joshi, the regional director said that the highlight was the two informative and education seminars covering important topics concerning small and big motel owners. Both the seminars - implications of changed labor laws and SBA 504 refinancing - evoked good response.

Details on page 19

Tanikella presents discourse on 'Siva Tatvam' BABU TANGEWALA

DALLAS, TX: Telugu Association of North America (TANA) along with Sanatana Dharma Foundation (SDF) and Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple (KSTH) conducted "Siva Tatvam" a spiritual discourse by famous movie actor, writer and director Tanikella Bharani at KSTH. It was well received by a houseful audience who enjoyed each moment with a lot of devotion.

Gopal Ponangi of Sanatan Dharma Foundation introduced Mr Tanikella stating that he hails from a literary family with a lineage of eminent people like Sri Viswanatha Satyanarayana.

Details on page 25

16 India Post

US Golf Club bestows Membership on Dhoni Details on page 21

September 30, 2016

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Family following legacy of Baba Amte, the unsung Teresa of India COMPILED BY VASANT PANDAV

S

omeone asked me: Has any Indian done service to lepers like what Mother Teresa did? While Indians shunned lepers, Teresa cared for them!

The first response would be yes - Mahatma Gandhi. But then much of his time was devoted to ensuring India gains freedom. His time was also spent uplifting masses through self reliance and eradicating number of social evils.

But, yes there was another Indian who devoted his whole life for treating and rehabilitating lepers. He never shot into prominence because he liked to keep a low pro-

He was Baba Amte and his fam- Quit India movement. ily is now following his footsteps.

After Independence he started Baba was not a serving people religious title. It with leprosy and was a name given tribal people in to him. His original Gond through name was Anandwan. Do Murlidhar visit Anadwan Devidas Amte. He once, if you can. never involved reHe wanted to ligion in his work. prove that leprosy Baba Amte was is not contagious born in a rich famand so he inBaba Amte ily. He had his own jected upon himsports cars in self serum of a lep1920s. He was a lawyer in 1930s rosy patient to prove that. and had a great practice in He served, treated and rehabili-

Baba Amte’s sons Dr Prakash Amte and Dr. Vikas Amte

file and hence, many would not know who he was. He did not get Bharat Ratna nor was he nominated for Noble Prize.

All his life he wore khadi, lived with the poor and tribals and served them.

He never sought publicity in foreign countries or did photo op sessions for media. He didn't hobnob with politicians, so called netas or media personnel. He did not live a 5 star life or get treated in US hospitals.

He didn't take donations from dictators and smugglers. We don't hang his pictures in hospitals or public places or call him Father Amte. Hence we don't know his legacy.

Very interestingly and very ap-

Baba Amte's daughters in law Dr Mandakini Amte and Dr Bharati Amte

Wardha.

But he joined the freedom struggle, defended Indians imprisoned by British and went to jail in

tated millions of leprosy patients.

He sought hard to improve the economy of tribal areas in Maharashtra.

propriately, his whole family keeps up his legacy of serving the poor and needy.

Cont’d on page 20

Edhi, Father Teresa of Pakistan, remembered GEETHA PATIL

BOSTON: An Evening Group serve humanity the best way that Meeting recently at Cambridge, he could. The presentation was MA turned out to be a departure to an audience of MIT Wednesfrom the run of the day Evening Meet mill. There was a Group and the objecshort story type pretive was to encoursentation on the life age the audience to of Abdul Sattar Edhi, take initiatives, howa great humanitarian ever small, designed known as Father to bring about a posiTeresa of Pakistan, tive change in their who died last June at surrounding and enthe age of 88 vironment.

Ali Jafri ,a retired Kashif Huda, a engineer and curmember of the MIT rently living in CamWednesday Evening Abdul Sattar Edhi bridge, gave a short Group, introduced Ali presentation on Edhi's life and Jafri to the audience. Jafri also mission and how he worked to served as the dean of academics

for the offshore campus of the University of Southern Queensland, Australia. He was

who was regarded by many Pakistanis as a national hero, devoted his entire life in providing aid to

Ali Jafri making a presentation on Edhi

very much impressed and gripped by the work of Abdul Sattar Edhi

the poor and the needy.

Cont’d on page 20

September 30, 2016

Community Across America

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Ajay and Kajol promote magnum opus ‘Shivaay’ in Silicon Valley VIDYA SETHURAMAN India Post News Service

Ajay Devgn's Shivaay is up for release this Diwali and he is leaving no stones unturned to promote this magnum opus of his. As he is also the producer of the film, his wife, and actor Kajol is also joining him in promoting the film in US. The bollywood power couple addressed a press conference at Cine Grand Cinemas, Fremont on September 23. Shivaay, is the life of a Himalayan mountaineer who is an innocent and yet is capable of transforming into a mean destroyer when he needs to protect his family. The film also stars Sayyeshaa Saigal and Erika Kaar, will hit the screens on 28 October. The press conference was organised by Jingo media and sponsored by Wells Fargo. Reliance Entertainment will release the movie in US. This is Devgn's second directorial venture, and he has also produced and acted in the film, the trailer of which has already sur-

L-R: Mickey Randhawa, Wells Fargo, Kajol Devgn, Ajay Devgn, Sumit Chadha, Reliance entertainment. Photo credit: Rajkumaran Muthukrishnan

passed more than 25 million views on YouTube and social media, combined. Talking to the press, Ajay said, "I am thrilled by

Sayantan wins Voice of Bay Area 2016 He walked away with the MG Shah trophy at the show's grand finale for Individual performance, Audience Choice & Group PerMILPITAS, CA: After an exciting season formance. Sayantan hails from a musical that witnessed a battle between the Bay family of West Bengal, India. He started Area's most talented singers, Voice of Bay training in classical vocals at the tender age Area 2016 ended with a nail-biting finish on of 5.

His mother Srimati Subhra Bhattacherya September 25 at Jain Temple, Milpitas. Voice of Bay area was organized by Javanika En- and father Sri Surja Kanta Bhattacherya were tertainment, to hunt for the best singing tal- both involved in Rabindra Sangeet. His musical training started under the tutelage of Dilip Das, Pradeep K a r m a k a r, Bornali Chatterjee a n d Anirudha Bhattacharya of Kolkata.

He holds Masters in Indian Classical Vocal f r o m Rabindra Bharti University. He moved to Bay Praveen Chadha, Harjit Mehndi, Sayantan Bhattacharya, Parminder Guri, Dhananjay Kulkarni and Sameer Khera. Pics Ramesh Anand Mishra Area in October 2015, and ent in Bay Area and is considered a presti- would love to give joy of his music to Bay gious and most coveted competition in Sili- Area music lovers. He is extremely talented and mesmerizes the audience through his con Valley.

Sayantan Bhattacharya, the super-tal- flawless rendition.

Cont’d on page 19 ented from Campbell, has won VOBA 2016.

VIDYA SETHURAMAN

India Post News Service

the overwhelming response to the trailer of my film by worldwide audiences. I have not been to the States in more than a decade, so I am really looking forward to reconnecting with our American fans and sharing a film that is near and dear to my heart. I could not be more pleased that my wife Kajol will be by my side throughout this journey."

Speaking about the film which is directed and co-produced by Ajay himself, Kajol

said: "I think it's really amazing to see the kind of response we received for the trailer.

Thankfully, we have a very nice product (Shivaay) in front of us."

Ajay Devgn when asked about his inspiration and influence in filming breathtaking action scenes in Shivaay, he gave the credit to his father Veeru Devgan who was one of the best action director of Bollywood in 70s, 80s and 90s.

The actor revealed that he would be producing the film; however, the script does not demand him to act in the film. He said, "I am producing a female centric film starring Kajol. I cannot act in it because after her, the only important character in the film is her son and I can't play her son in it. Casting happens according to the script and we would work together once we get the right script."

"Meet the Devgns", upscale club event organized by M Asian fusion restaurant with Ankit Shah & Dembi prouctions, marketed by Bollywood Everything held at the Bay Club, Santa Clara. Though Kajol missed the evening due to ill health, Ajay was there for a brief while and he addressed his fans and talked about Shivaay. He gave out the M Inspirational achievers award to the Bay area residents who were achievers in their own right.

18 India Post

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September 30, 2016

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Sonu Nigam & Atif Aslam enthrall 13,000 fans VIDYA SETHURAMAN India Post News Service

OAKLAND, CA: Indian and Pakistani superstar singers, Sonu Nigam and Atif Aslam delivered an electrifying performance here Sept. 24 in a four-hour concert billed as "Sonu and Atif Klose to

You," presented by Instant Karma, Shor Media, Calcoast financial, Naeem Wahab, in association with Danny & Himesh Patel. Shree Balaji productions was the national promoter of the tour.

The popular duo proved that creativity and art has no boundaries and succeeded in bringing

Sonu Nigam and Atif Aslam with local and national promoters. Pics Kamram Rehman, Kamran Rehman Photography

their fans from both countries together in great numbers to the Oracle Arena, Oakland for a completely sold-out show.

Sonu Nigam, the one name known for transcending eras, lending his soulful voice to various successful tracks for over two decades, returned to the stage after a six-month hiatus. The singer was on bed rest following a knee sur-

Jewelers, gold sponsor of the concert and Vama Designs. PNG Jewelers is synonymous with able craftsmanship, purity, happy occasions, endurance and trust.

They have showrooms in Sunnyvale and Fremont.

The sold-out show with 13,000 fans from India and Pakistan, Atif Aslam took the stage for the first half with his band. As the band

The large audience

gery last March. This trip marks his first-ever tour with artiste Atif Aslam. In the past, the two singers have performed together at one-off concerts in Dubai, Malaysia and Singapore. "The purpose of this tour is to showcase the camaraderie between two artistes from different countries. In the past, our concerts together were great. Perhaps, that's why there is such demand for Atif and me to perform together," says Sonu Nigam.

The show started with a dazzling fashion show featuring gold and diamond jewelry from PNG

Model at fashion show featuring jewelry

played in high tempo, the Pakistani host welcomed him on to the stage. Aslam rendered most of his chartbusters Tere Sang Yaara, Karam Kudai Ka, Doorie Saha Jaaye Na, Jeene Lagaa Hoon, O Re Piya, and many more to the audience's delight.

He brought the crowd to their feet and near to the stage to interact with him as belted out his hits.

Atif Aslam has been instrumental in bringing Pakistan into the international arena. After making a name for himself in dozens of Bollywood films and then Hollywood with Man Push Cart and The Reluctant Fundamentalist, he has acted in 2011 Pakistani movie Bol and has also made special appearances in film songs.

With more than 500 chartbusters to his credit and a host of awards under his belt, an extraordinary talent with a zeal to surpass his own targets and a performer par excellence, Sonu Nigam is a superstar, an icon to millions of music lovers across the globe.

Cont’d on page 22

September 30, 2016

Community Across America

India Post 19

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AAHOA Upper Mid West meet a success

Left to right H P Patel Treasurer, Bhavesh Patel Vice Chairman, Kalpesh Joshi Upper Midwest Regional Director, Bruce Patel Chairman, Chip Rogers President

RAMESH SOPARAWALA

Sayantan wins Voice of Bay Area 2016

Javanika team and contestants

Parminder Guri, Geetesh Iyer, Dhananjay Kulkarni, Sameer Madhuvanti Bhinde, Harjit Khera were the esteemed panel of Mehndi, Praveen Chadha, judges for the evening which was sponsored by Dharma Civilization Foundation.

Jagruti Shah, Javanika Entertainment said, VOBA is her dream project and she is very happy to identify the best talent among us, provide them the platform in most authentic and credible judging process.

Javanika Entertainment brings quality entertainment shows, Gujarati movie premieres to the Bay area.

They are bringing the most authentic Garba to the Bay, Dandia queen "Falguni Pathak" on Oct 14 and the man of Jagruti Desai, Javanika Entertainment and timeless classics, Atul Swapnil Anand, Anjaneyap Purohit on Oct 22.

Cont’d from page 17

India Post News Service

Chicago: The AAHOA Upper Midwest Regional Meeting & Trade Show meet held here last week at Waterford Banquet hall met with a fair degree of success with 60 plus vendors participating and

Kalpesh Joshi with Sunil Shah, a member

attendance running close to 200 plus members and guests.

Kalpesh Joshi, the regional director said that the highlight was the two informative and education seminars covering important topics concerning small and big motel owners. Both the seminars - implications of changed labor laws

A scene at AAHOA Trade Show

and SBA 504 refinancing - evoked good response. Joshi said that this type of trade show was second during his stewardship and that members really were busily involved from 3 pm on and till the dinner in late evening.

Cont’d on page 21

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September 30, 2016

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Touching farewell to Telangana Dy. CM HARISH RAO

CHICAGO: FIA Trustee Iftekhar Shareef and Aftab Baig hosted a glittering dinner reception to bid farewell to Deputy Chief

Minister of Telangana Mohammad Mahmood Ali at Monty's Banquets in Bensenville (a north side suburb of Chicago) last week that

drew the attendance of a galaxy community and business leaders, eclipsed only by the hilarious slapstick performances by the visiting

movie artists.

The Deputy Telangana CM was in New York and Chicago for a brief visit and FIA Trustee Iftekhar Shareef not only received him while landing in Chicago but was instrumental in hosting a number of meet and greets Dy CM events in Chicagoland The Monty' Banquet reception also featured bevy of rising movie artists -

tistic presentation greeted with the tumultuous applause and unbridled laughter.

The evening's performances were applauded along with the entire 'The Angrez ' movie team including Srivastava "Ismail Bhai, Model Feroz Khan, actress Dolly Tomar, actress Kavya Sharma and other artists who are currently shooting their new movie sequel "Hungama in Chicago" The

Honoring Deputy Chief Minister Mahmood Ali [L to R] Hanumanth Reddy, Ajai Agnihotri, Iftekhar Shareef, Ms. Trivedi, Aftab Baig, Ms. Agnihotri, Keerthi Ravoori, Babu Patel and H. Kolasani

Edhi, Father Teresa of Pakistan, remembered Cont’d from page 16

Jafri said that Edhi was appalled at the filth experienced by the inhabitants of the slums of the sprawling cities. Injustice, bribery and robbery were common and basic medical care was absent in such places.The experience had a profound effect on him after he moved to Pakistan following Par-

street. A large donation from a local businessman helped him to buy his first ambulance, which was a pre-runner to the setting up of a huge public welfare organization which now provides various humanitarian services such as hospitals, orphanages, shelters and drug rehabilitation centers, as well as ambulance services to millions of people a year. His foundation

A section of the audience

tition. He set up his tented pharmacy and helped people of all creeds, castes and religions. In the late 1950s he set up the Edhi Foundation, after arriving in Karachi from India aged 20.

Edhi set up a simple pharmacy in a tent in the Jodia Bazaar initially. In 1957, when the Asian flu epidemic had spread in Karachi, he begged for donations on the

ambulances are often the first ones to appear at the scene of terrorist attacks.

The Edhi Foundation is currently the largest welfare organization in Pakistan. Since its inception, it has rescued more than 20,000 abandoned babies, rehabilitated some 50,000 orphans and has trained more than 40,000 nurses.

It also runs the world's largest am-

bulance service with 1,500 vehicles and offers 24-hour emergency service. In 2005 the Foundation donated $100,000 to the victims of Hurricane Katrina in the United States.

Edhi's wife Bilquis, a nurse by profession, and children continue to run the Foundation.He and his family lived a modest life in a tworoom apartment near the Foundation's headquarters.

Edhi never drew a salary from the funds.

Both husband and wife worked together during1965 war between India and Pakistan, looking after the injured and dying. He used to say that his religion is to serve humanity and he believed that all the religions of the world have their basis in humanity.

Jafri concluded his presentation by hoping that late Abdul Sattar Edhi's tireless work may influence the minds of our younger generation to do more secular humanitarian services and make a difference in the lives of the poor and oppressed.

Iftekhar Shareef greeting Dy CM Mahmood Ali on his visit to Chicago

Mast Ali aka Saleem Pheku, Aziz Naser"Jahangir" - from Hyderabad and they proved to be a big hit with all those attending the near three hours program with each ar-

movie is produced by Ms Uroosa Rahim of Chicago and directed by Syed Hussain of Hyderabad.

Cont’d on page 23

Family following legacy of Baba Amte, the unsung Teresa of India Cont’d from page 16

Baba Amte's two sons, Dr. Vikas Amte and Dr. Prakash Amte, and two daughters-in-law, Dr. Mandakini and Dr. Bharati, are all doctors. All four have dedicated their lives to social work and philanthropic causes similar to those of senior Amte.

Son Dr. Prakash Amte and his wife Dr. Mandakini Amte run a school and a hospital at Hemalkasa village in the underprivileged district of Gadchiroli in Maharashtra where people belonging to the "Madia Gond" tribe. After marrying Prakash Amte, Mandakini Amte left her government medical job and moved to Hemalkasa to eventually start a hospital, a school, and an orphanage for injured wild animals, including a lion and some leopards.

Their two sons, Dr. Digant and Aniket have also dedicated their lives to the same causes as their parents.

Baba Amte's elder son Dr. Vikas Amte and his wife Dr. Bharati Amte run the hospital at Anandwan and co-ordinate operations between Anandwan and satellite projects.

Today, Anandwan and Hemalkasa village have one hospital each. Anandwan has a university, an orphanage, and schools for the blind and the deaf.

Currently, the self-sufficient Anandwan Ashram has over 5,000 residents. The community development project at Anandwan in Maharashtra is recognized around the world. Besides Anandwan, Amte later founded "Somnath" and "Ashokwan" ashrams for treating leprosy patients.

Media at large may be chary reporting this as by and large it selects and gives only Masala besides carrying all the stupid things netas and celebrities do or say.

This is an edited reproduction that came to me. I salute the person who collected this info.

Community Across America

September 30, 2016

India Post 21

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US Golf Club bestows Membership on Dhoni India Post News Service

METUCHEN, NJ: The Board of the prestigious Metuchen Golf and Country club bestowed an honorary membership to Indian Cricket Team Captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

The Metuchen Golf and Country Club is a 101 year old cornerstone institution and this was a

Sharma initiated Dhoni to the club and recommended the board to consider the honorary membership.

"It's really a big deal when an athlete of his stature feels comfortable playing golf at a club. I wanted to be able to show him our acknowledgement of his trust," said Sharma.

The honor was bestowed after

Dhoni, knows what an exceptional athlete he is, but we were particularly impressed by his humbleness and ability to quickly assimilate with the membership. We welcome him with open arms to the club."

Club Pro and PGA professional Andy Brock introduced Dhoni to the larger membership and also announced that Dhoni

From Right to left: Arun Pandey, Producer of the film MSD, Rajiv Sharma, Member of the Country Club and honoree MS Dhoni, Indian Cricketer

first ever honor to be given to an international athlete.

Dhoni first played at the club in 2014 during a vacation here in the United States and has recently been seen playing often with the members. Club member Rajiv

the culmination of the one day Member Guest game on Friday September 16. Club President John Gorman bestowed the honorary membership and welcomed Dhoni to the club.

"Anyone who knows the name

AAHOA Upper Mid West meet a success Cont’d from page 19

Among the top AAHOA brass coming to Chicago were HP Patel, treasurer, Bhavesh Patel , vice chairman, Bruce ( Bharat) Patel Chairman and Chip Rogers President. Kalpesh Joshi welcomed the guests and members and talked about the slow but steady progress of AAHOA in Midwest regions.

Bruce Patel underlined impor-

tance of PAC funds and the need to voice Hotel Motel industry concerns at the right place with the lawmakers. Chip Rogers highlighted the progress of AAHO over the past few years with the membership now approaching a near all time high at 153,000. The consensus was that more needs to be done to widen the AAHOA base inducing more and more Motel owners to join the organization.

NEWS

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and Rajiv Sharma finished first in the tournament hitting a 61 on the private course.

Speaking to the membership and a select press gathering, Dhoni stated that he's looking

MS Dhoni addressing the membership after being conferred the honorary membership. Pics: Gunjesh Desai/Masala Junction

forward to continuing his golf at the club as a member and participate in the next MemberGuest as a member. "Today was a great game and I think the trees on the course knew I was going

to be a member because twice my OB shots ricochet back to the fairway," he quipped.

The Metuchen Golf and Country Club is located on Plainfield Road in Edison, NJ.

Community Across America

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September 30, 2016

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Gala for cancer-hit South Asian families India Post News Service

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ: Victims and survivors of cancer were honored at the SKN Foundation's annual gala, a sold-out event with more than 400 guests that took place on Saturday, September 17

personality Vipp Jaswal emceed the evening's program, which highlighted keynote speaker Lisa Ray's battle with Multiple Myeloma. The colorful event culminated with a runway fashion show by international designer Joy Mitra and a performance by Indian

Packed house at SKN Gala

at the Marigold in Somerset, New Jersey. The evening's event included powerful messages and poems from the founder, Dr. Naveen Mehrotra, and his mother, both of whom have lost loved ones to the disease.

Fox News radio and television

singer/songwriter Falu Shah.

The evening's efforts were coordinated by lead event organizer, Sonalika Ahuja from Beyond Media, with support provided by Urvashi Mishra of Electric Karma International and Ayesha Hakki of Bibi Magazine.

"The amount of support we have received from activists and philanthropists in the tristate area is truly heart-warming and hum-

of diseases in our community; we hope events like these will help lift the veil of silence and allow those affected and impacted to speak out and seek support."

In addition to Joy Mitra's fashion show, the evening also spotlighted "real people" who are crea t i n g change in their communities Founder Dr. Naveen Mehrotra with actor and and walked activist Lisa Ray the ramp in bling," said Ahuja. "This is an is- support of the cause. They insue that affects all of us, and the cluded: monies raised from this gala will • Giving Back Foundation go toward educating people about founder Meera Gandhi the disease, while creating an ac• NY1 and AVS host Joya Dass cessible support system for South • Actor Sonny Chatrath Asian families."

• Actor Deepti Nair "We could not have doubled • Actor & Restaurateur Roni our efforts from years previous Mazumdar without the generous support of • Cancer Survivor Chiara our sponsors and friends," said D'Agostino Dr. Mehrotra. "South Asians are Models Nayab Ahmed and usually silent and ashamed when Rishi Agnani at Joy Mitra it comes to addressing the impact fashion show

Lead event organizer Sonalika Ahuja of Beyond Media

Sonu Nigam & Atif Aslam enthrall 13,000 fans Cont’d from page 18

The most popular and loved singer in Bollywood, Sonu Nigam's concerts are a rage worldwide. Sonu Nigam clad in yellow kurta and dhoti-style pyjama, came onto the stage with great fanfare at around 9:45pm.

From the very beginning, Nigam owned the stage and showed that

he is not only a great singer but also a complete performer and an entertainer. He started off with the song Shukran Allah followed by

patriotic number from Rang De Basanti with the Indian flag colors lighting up the stage.

Sonu rendered his other evergreen melody and hit numbers, Tere Haath Mein Mera Haath Ho from Fanaa, Saathiya, Main Hoon Na, Agneepath. He dedicated "Abhi Mujh Mein Kahin" from

Agneepath to his mother, who passed away few years back.

Sonu dedicated a special song, which he sang for the first time in any concert, "Sapna Jahan" from Brothers to Bhavini Joshi, CEO of Instant Karma, who was the local promoter of this unforgettable concert.

At 18, Sonu began training with classical maestro Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan and subsequently moved to Mumbai to try his luck in Bollywood. It was in the mid1990s that Nigam started to come

into his own and found fame with the song Sandese Aate Hain from the 1997 war drama Border.

During the third segment of the concert, Sonu Nigam and Atif Aslam paid rich tribute to the musical legends of both the countries such as Rafi sahab, Mehdi Hasan, Reshma and many others. There was never a dull moment in the program. The grand finale was a special Jugalbandi. They sang each other's hits and concluded with "Kal Ho Na Ho," together

capturing everybody's hearts in the arena and bringing the biggest Bollywood show of 2016 to an end.

The concert, presented by Instant Karma and team, will be remembered by all music lovers for a long time. Instant Karma is Bay Area's premier entertainment company founded by Bhavini Joshi.

Instant Karma covers all aspects of the entertainment spectrum including live concerts, dramas, Bollywood parties, personal celebrations, networking events, mela, plays, concerts, trade shows, property shows. Mike Singh, Live in Concert on Nov 6 at City National Civic, San Jose is their upcoming show.

Sponsors of this grand concert : Grand Sponsor Cal Coast Financial Corp Roger Bakshi , Intero Real Estate Kaajal Shahani, Gold Sponsor PNG Jewelers Inc, Travel Partner Rolls Royce ,Shalimar Sunnyvale, Kukkis Cusine, Peacock Restaurants Dublin and Cakes N Bakes, Beazer Homes Jasmine Sunkara , Care Life Jawed Wahab, Maha Vaastu Gautam Rana,United Tax, Tea India, Munshiji 24X7, Calcoast Insurance Shahab Siddiqui, Nirmalya Modak, Charity Partner Yours Humanly, Matrix Insurance, Eve Decor, Tariq and Rajwant Abedi and Lyca Mobile.

September 30, 2016

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India Post 23

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The Birds soar to search for truth within

W

e all know how hard it is to interpret someone else's words, thoughts, and actions…especially when that person is from a different country with different mores and norms…It is even harder when, one is asked again to form their own interpretations of the first ones! That seemed to be the task at hand at the final night of the musical, "Conference of the Birds", a joint production of Enacte Arts and Sangam Arts last weekend at the Mexican Heritage Plaza.

This musical is based on a celebrated Sufi poem, written in Persian by the poet, Far dud Din Attar. In her opening remarks, Usha Srinivasan, of Sangam Arts revealed the complex layering of the piece where the birds may not be of the same feather, but when they flock together they can soar.

The very complex tale was pieced together as a series of dances depicting the flight of a

flock of diverse birds as they journey to discover their king, interspersed with myriad story-telling.

Hoopoe, the wise leader bird seeks to bring peace among the birds of the world and claims that "a bird with a lion's heart can make the trip". She suggests they look for the legendary Simorgh, roughly equivalent to the Western Phoenix, as their king.

The long journey with seven lakes to cross requires the birds to look within their hearts to continue onwards when they cite their frail abilities. Only thirty birds endure the grueling journey, at the end of which they are faced with a lake which mirrors their own reflection. Thus, ends the search for the legend, and begins the search for the truth within.

The ambitious production was put together with heart and hands, the passion, dedication, commitment of each member involved, whether on stage or back stage was apparent. The statistics themselves deserve applause....10 choreographers, 30 dancers representing diverse dance styles, 15 actors aged 5-84, the musical composer, Randy Armstrong, the dance director, Antara Bharadwaj who joined hands with Vinita

ARCHANA ASTHANA

Belani and Usha Srinivasan from the producing organizations, clearly felt empowered at accomplishing the narration of a Persian, Sufi tale as a dance musical.

The layering of dance, music, acting, gelled very well to stimulate the senses and present pleasing images on stage; the changing backdrops and lighting and sound worked very well with the technical mastery of movement of the birds' journey. The most impressive aspect, of course was the carefully curated costumes, unrelenting attention to detail of stance and movements that transformed each dancer into the bird they represented as a total persona. The flock, present together on stage for most of the duration of the play was pure joy to watch, as they strutted, glided, swam, bobbed and dipped about in characteristic bird movements and sounds.

The Chinese dancers depicting the peacocks, regal in their irides-

cent, swaying tails; the partridges belly dancingtheir way; the Samoan ducks bobbing and gyrating; the Mexican folkloric herons resplendent in their elegance; the African Macaws impressive in their stature; the cute, childlike sparrows; and the rigid Russian falcon were brilliantly cast and coached in their roles, along with the nightingales who charmed with their romantic antics.

This production was marketed to the hilt, setting high expecta-

unison, with extraordinary results.

At various instances during the journey of the birds, the stage was transformed into a glorious cacophony of the feathered creatures in their gorgeous and varied hues.

A particularly memorable moment was the rising of the Phoenix, cleverly executed with the addition of a little Phoenix at the climax!

The audience reaction that I captured ranged from "Outstanding", "enjoyable", "colorful" at one end of the spectrum, to "confusing", "dragging", " unclear" at the other end of it. As I pondered the disparate experiences related to me, I began wondering about how one even begins to get into another's mind to represent in their own art form the thoughts of another. It is routinely done, of course in plays, music and dance forms as stories written by others are narrated. The challenge here was also to take a lyrical poem, layered with nuanced meanings and transform it into dramatic and musical theater.

In this case, I concluded that the abstract message, while universal, was depicted through some very specific stories interspersed with the dance numbers that were sometimes hard to follow. One such story was the scene with the dervish and his beard….while the story was clear, it lacked a con-

tions from the get go, and it is creditable that majority of those expectationswere met with excellence of the production as a whole.

Getting immersed in someone else's storytelling requires trust, and the birds displayed that in

nection with the audience. This production perhaps had an overdose of narration, when the narrator happened to be the leader bird, Hoopoe, and remained focused on the audience that she narrated to, rather than with her flock. Lack of

fluidity between some scene changes hampered transitions in storytelling, however, the dance interludes showing the changing journey were superbly delivered.

Where there was a bit of a gap between expectations was the

whole did not seem to be bigger than the sum of its parts; somehow the components retained their jigsaw feel. The parts, as components were extremely enjoyable, however, the entirety lacked

the expected punch.

Usha of Sangam Arts has always produced stellar results in her curation of dance forms and dancers from the various Bay Area companies, and did not disappoint. Vinita of Enacte Arts, has also delivered tall orders in the variety of quality productions offered thus far.

The duo has much to be proud of, and their attempt at undertaking a project of this magnitude must be lauded. Exceptional music

by Randy Armstrong that sets the desired mood must be commended, as should the connection to the greater community where actors of all ages and ethnicities were enthusiastically brought under one roof to create harmony among the cacophony of the conference!

Touching farewell to Telangana Dy. CM Cont’d from page 20

Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mohammed Mahmood Ali thanked the host Iftekhar Shareef and all attendees gathered to bid him farewell. He especially extolled Chicago's NRI community for their undying passion in being eager to lend partnership in investing and promoting the state of Telangana and pledged his support to the Indian Diaspora that seeks to strengthen ties with the state of Telangana.

The reception host Iftekhar Shareef talked highly about energetic Deputy CM Mahmood Ali who came to Chicago and New York to meet the NRI communities in back-to-back programs. He addressed a series of public meetings, community receptions and one-on-one meetings with business/ community leaders. Shareef said Deputy CM's visit to Chi-

cago and New York opened up huge opportunities for NRIs to forge partnership with the state of Telangana and play a vital role as Telangana Ambassadors. He also thanked the Angrez movie team for their performances and praised their hefty cinematic contribution.

Keerthi Kumar Ravoori, FIA's Trustee, in his remarks said under his able leadership Telangana is poised to register big growth and prosperity. Later the Trustees of FIA, community leaders including co-host Aftab Baig joined together to present a colorful traditional shawl and a floral bouquet.

Among the prominent attendees include Dr. Muzzafer Mirza, Syed Iqbal, Sharafat, Mir Khan.

The entire event was filmed to be added into the upcoming feature film Naubahaar Team and the reception ended with a traditional Hyderabadi 11 course dinner.

24 India Post

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September 30, 2016

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Sadhguru's tips to bring joy into your life India Post News Service

S

adhguru's 'Inner Engineering: A Yogi's Guide to Joy', his first book for western readers, was launched in North America in this month. His book release tour in North America was planned with an event in Boston

The Book cover

on September 17 at Back Bay Events Center.

In this book, Sadhguru provides instructions on how to improve our experience and the quality of life to

create joy in our everyday life. He presents a refined guide to selfempowerment based on the teaching and principles of traditional yoga.

According to him, this system helps create a framework of inner stability in those who practice it and become engineers of a joyful life. Sadhguru's insights and his teachings are different. As per Sadhguru, "Joy is a rare visitor in most people's lives."

"The intention of this book has been to make it your lifelong companion". He says joy is not any elusive spiritual goal but it is simply a background setting that is needed for any aspect of life to unfold magically and wonderfully.

This book is based on his personal experiences rather than any theoretical approach.

Sadhguru is the founder of Isha Foundation, headquartered in the hills in southern India. It is a volunteer organization that guides individuals to have a spiritual awakening, thus creating joy in their lives. In this book, he discusses some significant practices such as meditation, diet, ways of living, physical exercise, and various branches of yoga and also sug-

gests various means or tools or Sadhana to achieve them.

Sadhguru says that practicing these tools enhance our experi-

Book Review ence, perception, or ability to receive life, just as it is.

He further states that paying attention to our inner nature transforms the quality of our life in significant ways. He mentions both

Inner Engineering: A Yogi's Guide to Joy

by Sadhguru.

New York: Spiegel & Grau, 2016. 288pp. comical and inspiring stories to explain his ideas. He suggests some exercises in simple terms that would help create a more joyful life.

Most of the tools presented in the book are very down-to-earth.

However, sadly, some aspects of the tools are abstract and lead to ambiguity in the minds of readers.

This book is divided into two

parts. Part one lays out maps of oneself.

This book is engaging and gives the terrain of series of fundamental insights and part two presents many short useful tips but at the more practice-oriented engineer- same time, it seems that the book is ing based on those insights. This highlighting the experiences of life part includes significant insights of Sadhguru that helped him in into five chapters namely: 1) achieving a shift in his consciousWhen I lost my sense, 2) The way ness/ own awakening. Although out is in, 3) Design your destiny, there is some helpful information 4) No boundary, no burden 5) And in the book, most of the examples are given from his own life. now, yoga.

Sadhguru in his book, 'Inner According to Sadhguru, these Engineering: A insights refer to the Yogi's Guide to Joy' perspectives that presents a philoemerge as a result sophical and practiof awareness. cal introduction to Part two includes the power and unthree chapters: 1) derstanding of body, 2) mind, and yoga. As he states 3) energy that focus that, "Yoga is not on how to architecjust acrobatics or ture the physical, metaphysics, but it the psychological, is an empirical sciand the energetic ence that makes you ideas based on exthe master of your ercises given in the Sadhguru pic in his book own destiny, and sections of 'Sadhana.' He says that these prac- engineer of your own inner bliss. tices provide a chance to every- In short, this book emphasizes one to test these hypothesis in our some useful strategies that are indaily living and thereby improve tended to achieve a particular goal one's experience and the quality of obtaining joy in life by being a of life along with spiritual awak- dynamic participant on an ecstatic ening, thus creating joyous life for journey inward.

September 30, 2016

Community Across America

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Tanikella presents discourse on 'Siva Tatvam' BABU TANGEWALA

DALLAS, TX: Telugu Association of North America (TANA) along with Sanatana Dharma Foundation (SDF) and Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple (KSTH) conducted "Siva Tatvam" a spiritual

Sri Tanikella Bharani

discourse by famous movie actor, writer and director Tanikella Bharani at KSTH. It was well received by a houseful audience who enjoyed each moment with a lot of devotion.

Gopal Ponangi of Sanatan Dharma Foundation introduced Mr Tanikella stating that he hails from a literary family with a lineage of eminent people like Sri Viswanatha Satyanarayana and one of Telugu poet duo Tirupathi Venkata Kavulu Divakarla Tirupati Sastry. Bharani garu acted in more than 650 films in various roles and won prestigious Nandi awards three times.

Tanikella Bharani narrated Shiva Tatvam in colloquial Telugu language filled with a lot of humor

and sang many songs melodiously penned by him. He referred and appreciated the great works of famous poets like Dhurjati Kavi who wrote Sri Kalahastiswara Satakam. Tanikella explained and connected Siva Tatvam in our day to day lives. Two and half hours long splendid spiritual journey ended with an emotional touch

by Bharani garu singing his own famous song "Aatagadhara Siva" expressing his devotion to Lord Siva.

Dr. Prakash Rao Velagapudi, President of Global Hindu Heritage Foundation (GHHF) &Chairman of (KSTH) reiterated the objective and mission of GHHF which is to protect, preserve, promote, and maintain Hindu culture, Hindu temples, mutts, peethams, endowments, trusts and other institutions globally. Sri RK Vellanki, the President of the Temple gave overview of the Temple.

Dr. Prasad Thotakura, former President of TANA, highlighted multifaceted talents of Tanikella who touched so many hearts with his spiritual, acting and directing talents.

Srikanth Polavarapu, TANA SW Regional Representative, in his vote of thanks appreciated the support of SDF, KSTH, musicians Srinivas Prabhala, Raju, scores of volunteers and all attendees who made the event successful.

TANA Team comprising Treasurer Murali Vennam, Regional

Sri. Tanikella Bharani being presented with a Plaque by Dr Thotukara and a group of organizers

Representative, Srikath Polavarapu, Director, Chalapati Kondrakunta, Former President, Dr. Prasad Thotakura; SDF & KSTH team -Gopal Ponangi

Madhumathi Vyasaraju, IV Rao, Mahesh Choppa, Vijay Todupnoori, Laxmi Tummala, Sriram Cheruvu, Jayesh Thakker and Sriram Cheruvu felicitated and

conferred "Siva Tatva Visarada" title on Sri. Tanikella Bharani for his superb job in spreading Siva Tatvas to reach out to the common people.

A section of the audience at Tanikella Bharani event

'Anti-national elements have field day in Bengal' JAYANTI OZA

CHICAGO: The Overseas Friends of Bharatiya Janata Party (OFBJP) Chicago chapter organized a meet & greet program for BJP West Bengal president Dilip Ghosh and BJP West Bengal Karyakarta Somnath Chatterjee on Thursday September 15 at Gayatri Temple, Chicago.

Program began with Deep Prajavlan and Vedic shlokas were recited by OFBJP coordinator Rohit Joshi. OFBJP National Gen Secretary Amar Upadhyay welcomed Shree Dilip Gosh, Somnath Chatterjee and all OFBJP, HSS, and VHPA karyakartas and appreciated work of OFBJP Chicago Youth

team specifically chapter coordinators, including the Youth Convener Nirav Patel and Amitabh Mittal.

Amar Upadhyay presented OFBJP history, ideology, and OFBJP belief in the core values of Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) in serving India's cause. After giving all OFBJP chapters overview he appealed to join OFBJP to support India cause.

Amar introduced BJP West Bengal president Dilip Ghosh and BJP West Bengal karyakarta Somnath Chatterjee.

Deep Pragatya ceremony L to R Nirav Patel (Chapter Youth Coordinator), Somnath Chatteree (Active member of BJP), Dilip Kumar Ghosh (President of West Bengal BJP and MLA of West Bengal Assembly), Rohit Joshi (Chapter Coordinator), Amar Upadhyay (OFBJP National Secretary)

Cont’d on page 26

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413 benefit at Swaminarayan Temple Health Fair JAYANTI OZA

CHICAGO: The 39th Health Fair held on Sunday, September 18 at Midwest Swaminarayan Temple in Itasca, a northwest suburb of Chicago, was a grand success providing free medical checkup for

healthcare professionals provided their volunteer services on this day. Registration and front desk services were provided by Bharatbhai Thakkar, Naliniben Shah, Bhupendrabhai Thakkar,

reviewed by doctors and blood report will be mailed to each patient within three weeks.

Urine analysis was performed

by Dimple Thakkar, Alkaben Patel, Harshida Parikh, Khushi Thakkar

All volunteers with Health Fair Coordinator Jayantibhai Thakkar and Organization presidents and doctors

more than 413 participants.

The near five hours fair sponsored by the temple, Lohana Association of Greater Chicago (LAGC), Gujarati Samaj of Chicago (GSC) and Kadva Patidar Samaj (KPS), was conducted in the main hall and dining hall of the temple.

'The goal was to provide medical check up to all those who may not be able to afford medical services due to insurance and medical coverage problems," said Jayanti Thakkar, one of the main organizing spokesmen.

More than 18 doctors and 100

Nareshbhai Dekhtawala, Bhartiben Desai, Kamlesh Shah and Alpeshbhai Thakkar.

Vital data such as height, weight, blood pressure, pulse, were checked for each participant.

The blood sugar testing and consultation were provided by Kishore Chugh, Vivek Patel, Urvashi Thakkar and Rajesh Chotalia.

Volunteers were seen very busy at the blood draw tables. Blood samples of 413 patients were collected and sent to the UIC laboratory for testing. The report will be

and Vineet Patel There were 5 EKG machines were used to provided EKG for males and females over age 55 and continually operated by many volunteers. The EKG results were interpreted to the patient by Cardiologist Shailesh Zaveri.

Physical examination and physical consultation were provided by primary care physician doctors including Dr. Ashok Shah, Dr. Jayashree Raju, Dr. C. M. Modi and Dr. Vijay Patel.

Dental examination and consultation were provided by Dr.

Priyanka Patel and Dr Neha Sheth.

There was nutritional, diet and diabetes education. Karishma Thakkar conducted demonstration for Hand on CPR and taught many people how to save a person's life in a critical situation Bone density test was performed for women over age of 45.

The bone density testing was performing by Jigna Thakkar and Carla Zang. Mammogram and Peps registration was done by Harshita Mehta and Sarah Rao, from Xilin Association in Naperville. Oby/Gyn services and bone density consultation was provided by Dr. R. Gardi Eye screening and consultation were provided by Dr Parag Majmudar. Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) consultation was provided

by Dr Ramesh Patel.

Chiropractic examination physical therapy and hearing testing were also part of the health fair.

Many people received information and were offered consultation.

This year, Flu shots were also provided and about 300 flu shots were administered to patients.

This is the 27th year that Jayantibhai Thakkar is coordinating Health Fair in various temples in Chicago land area (1989-2016).

This is his 39th Health Fair providing his continued services to the Indian Community.

The Temple provided tea, coffee, gotta and light food to all patients and launch for volunteers.

Jayantibhai Thakkar thanked all volunteers for their continued support and services.

Jayantbhai Thakkar (Health fair organizer) with food server volunteers (left) and (right) Dietician giving information to Diabetic patient

'Anti-national elements 108 take part in Asian Golf Tournament have field day in Bengal' ASHWIN PATEL

ST LOUIS: The two-day St. Louis Asian Open Golf Tournament was held at the Gateway National Golf Course in St. Louis, MO on September 17 and 18.

St. Louis has been hosting this tournament for the last 18 years.

Rajiv Shah is the Tournament Director and he commented "We had 108 golfers participating this year.

Contestants came from all over the country.

This year Crisis Nursery will benefit from this Charity golf tournament. Overall winner for this

Cont’d from page 25

In his address, Dilip said that the situation in West Bengal was grossly unsatisfactory under the rule of Mamta Banerji as the people at large have to suffer rapes, mur-

tivities by anti-India group because they need their votes.

He described that during last Vijyadashmi celebration, West Bengal government stopped Dussehra procession due to Moharram festival occurring the same day. He pro-

Andy Patel giving trophy to senior champion Sharad Shah OFBJP USA members of Indian Diaspora in USA

Dinesh Tamakuwala giving trophy to junior champion Gulshan Kodwani

tournament was Nand Kodwani from St. Louis. Gulshan Kodwani from St. Louis became the junior champion. Affan Chaudry from Atlanta, GA came 1st place in A flight, Vaidya Subramaniam from Indianapolis came 1st in B flight, Ganpat Bhakta from Carona, CA came 1st in C flight, and Peter Gariepy from Chicago, IL came 1st in D flight.

ders and gangsterism while the police were getting indifferent to the plight of the people and victims alike.

It is not uncommon for anti national elements to shout "Pakistan Zindabad" and state Government is not taking any action against anti India groups. State government totally ignores anti-India ac-

vided various incidents of anti-India activities in West Bengal and appealed everyone to join OFBJP in order to support BJP work in West Bengal so that BJP can get majority in next election.

There was a question answer session at the end. The program was attended by 50+ persons from various organizations.

Community Across America

September 30, 2016

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Sonia Shah school in Pak educating girls Asian Media USA

CHICAGO: A capacity crowd of over175 members and guests attended a multicultural fundraising

"Sonia was a gift who keeps giving and tonight I want to share what we have achieved with your generosity and support," Iram said. "We have come a long way.

Sonia Shah School in Kangra village in Pakistan

event held by Sonia Shah Organization - "Bringing the Worlds Together," - on Saturday September 17 at the Museum of Contemporary Art-Chicago.

Notable guests - including author and humanitarian Greg Mortenson and the Consul Generals of Pakistan and Macedonia enjoyed Mediterranean cuisine, wandered the open galleries and were treated to hours of traditional Sufi qawwali music performed by the Fanna-Fi-Allah ensemble.

Sonia Shah Organization (SSO) board members Zahir Lavji and Dr. Saira Alvi began the program.

Saira recited poetry and Zahir set the stage for updates on SSO's progress and plans.

Although Sonia died suddenly in a car accident in 2012, her dream lives on through her mom, Iram Shah, extended family, and a dedicated team of volunteers who run the Chicago-based nonprofit organization.

We have now 75 children in the school. Our filtration plant continues to provide clean drinking water to the village.

"Schools are being bombed

Iram Shah (Sonia's mother) addressing audience

and destroyed" across Pakistan and Islamic militants have twice attacked the school the Kangra

village, she said. "But at the Sonia Shah School in the same village is fully functional, due to excellent security, with round-the-clock guards and new closed-circuit TV cameras.

Additionally, all three major initiatives announced in 2015 are complete or well under way to completion• Solar panels to be installed on the Sonia Shah Memorial School by the end of this year providing uninterrupted electricity and security all the time • A vocational center teaching women skills that can give them economic independence last June and 40 women registered the first day. It has a wait list of 100 women."

• SSO's first two scholarship recipient students, Aimon Wadood and Zuleyma Codero, started college in Chicago this fall..

Zuleyma said the scholarship has made what she thought were impossible dreams a reality. "It is

Some of the participants in the Peace Day event. Rajan Zed is sixth from left.

NEVADA: The International Day of Peace celebrations in Nevada opened with the chanting of Gayatri-Mantra, considered most sacred mantra of Hinduism, on September 21.

Rajan Zed, President of Universal Society of Hinduism, chanted the

Mantra and also read from Upanishads and Bhagavad-Gita, ancient Hindu scriptures, on the occasion; stressing unity, selfless service of mankind, working together, etc.

This Peace event was sponsored by "Life, Peace, and Justice Commission" of Roman Catholic Diocese of Reno, Sierra Interfaith Action for Peace, and Alternatives

to Violence Project Nevada. People from diverse faith groups and peace groups participated.

The International Day of Peace (Peace Day), observed worldwide on September 21, "provides an opportunity for all humanity to come together, in spirit and in action, to forward the ideals of and conditions for peace".

by poverty and violence," said Mortenson, an SSO board member and author of Three Cups of Tea. Sonia Shah's determined works on behalf of girls' education make her a part of what humanitarian Greg Mortenson called "the greatest revolution of our time."

All money raised at the event helps SSO to continue its life-changing work on behalf of "young girls in Pakistan who otherwise would never have gone to school” in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Sonia "came up to me and told me how she wanted to help change the world."

This remarkable young woman spoke five languages, was the youngest intern on President Obama's 2012 re-election campaign, and took a gap year between

Sonia Shah Organization (SSO) board members, volunteers and Invited guest

Peace Day opens with Gayatri Mantra

India Post News Service

just a whole new experience for me.

It gives me hope that I can ensure financial status for my family."

Mortenson in his speech remarked how "I first met Sonia at the Northshore Country Day School, where she was a student" and he was talking about his work

high school and college to spend time in Kangra in Pakistan, her mother's ancestral village.

"This is a remote area, plagued

When Sonia's life was cut short, her family and friends decided the Sonia Shah Memorial School and other programs would be her legacy. "Schools are being abandoned" across Pakistan, "but at the Sonia Shah School, the lights are on."

SSO's continued success is due to people like 13-year-old Ruby Writer, who along with her friends brought the film "Girls Rising" to her Chicago school. "We invited parents and friends and explained how hard it is" to promote girls' education in these remote areas.

"We raised $600."

All money raised at the event helps SSO to continue its lifechanging work on behalf of "young girls in Pakistan who otherwise would never have gone to school, young adult women who had given up on higher education, and mature women learning skills to be economically independent," Iram said.

"But the journey is not done, we have many mountains to climb together," she said. "It is a journey of hope and promise, she said.

"Please join us."

Umiya Mata temple opens in Massachusetts FOXBORO, MA: Shree Umiya Mataji Mandir has been opened in Foxboro MA to the great delight of devotees in the area.

Sanskar Culture Society bought an industrial building for $4.1 million and then converted it into the temple, which opens daily and caters to about two hundred families in the region.

This temple aims to provide "an outlet for cultural, educational, social, religious & spiritual needs" of the community members; keep the culture alive and guide the youth. It plans

to offers Gujarati and Hindi language classes, activities for youth and seniors and volunteers for the community activities.

Kaushik D Patel is the president, while Harshad Patel and Vijay Kumar Patel are vice presidents. Raj is the priest. All are welcome to this temple.

Umiya Mataji is described as "mother goddess of the universe" on its website. There is a Shree Umiya Mataji Mandir in Macon (Georgia, USA) and Shri Umiya Mataji Sansthan in Unjha (Mehsana district, Gujarat, India).

TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

1 Kala Chashma: Baar Baar Dekho 2 Tere Sang Yaara: Rustom 3 Jag Ghoomeya: Sultan 4 Sau Tarah Ke: Dishoom 28 India Post

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September 30, 2016

5 Baby Ko Bass Pasand Hai: Sultan 6 Toota Jo Kabhi Tara : A Flying Jatt 7 Sau Aasmaan: Baar Baar Dekho 8 Tu Hai : Mohenjo Daro 9 Ikk Kudi : Udta Punjab 10 Beat Pe Booty : A Flying Jatt

D

eepika Padukone recently appeared on a chat show with the steely resolve of a veteran who can evade personal queries with calculated ease. However, the team had other plans. Even before the rapid-fire round, they surprised the actress with her favorite dense chocolate cake so she'd be more forthcoming in fielding googlies.

The first came when she was asked who, between Ranbir Kapoor and Ranveer Singh, would win in a dance-off. "She was silent for a good 45 seconds, exclaiming that she couldn't answer the question as it could land her in trouble.

"After a lot of back and forth, she took a big bite of her cake and bobbed her head in Ranveer's signature style, giving her answer," reveals a source.

The highpoint was when the statuesque beauty was asked if Ranveer had managed to sweep her off her feet. Bajirao's Mastani nodded, folding her hands into a heart and declared, "He's all heart!"

K

riti Sanon, who has been in the limelight for rumors linking her to 'Raabta' co-star Sushant Singh Rajput, says such things are part and parcel of the industry and she can deal with them. Kriti entered Bollywood with 'Heropanti' opposite Tiger Shroff. After that she was seen romancing Varun Dhawan in Shah Rukh Khan-Kajol starrer 'Dilwale'. She will next be seen in the romantic film 'Raabta', opposite Sushant.

Since the time the 26-year-old actress and 'MS Dhoni: The Untold Story' actor began working in 'Raabta', rumors of their romance started. "It's my third film and one link-up story is fine. I will deal with it," Kriti says.

The 'Heropanti' actress, being an outsider, is trying to get used to alleged link-ups with co-stars in Bollywood. "I am still getting used to it," she said, though she feels such stories divert focus from work. "My film is yet to come. I think my work will speak for itself," Kriti said.

K

alki Koechlin says she is not get ting any offers to be part of a commercial film, and feels that she is a victim of her own image.

The actress has been lauded for bringing versatility on to celluloid with her diverse roles.

Kalki, who made her TV debut with 'Kalki's Great Escape' show, feels 'people kind of slot you after each and every performance'.

"You have to constantly break that which is what I keep on doing. And yes, it will come back," added Kalki, who is seen on the FOX Life TV show with her father Joel.

Talking about her other projects, she said: "I am doing a documentary 'Azmaish - Trials of Life'. It is about travelling through our country and asking people what they think of the country and what they think can improve their country."

Kalki, feels 'people kind of slot you after each and every performance'.

September 30, 2016

Bollywood www.indiapost.com

K

atrina Kaif was recently honored with Smita Patil Memorial Award by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari in Mumbai. Katrina expressed her gratitude for the late actress and thanked Priyadarshni academy for the award. In her acceptance speech she said the world of cinema was often referred to as a man's world and gradually things are changing. In such a scenario, it is a matter of pride to have an award that recognizes and acknowledges contribution of women in cinema. She added that Smita Patil was one of the most accomplished actresses of India and her roles were an inspiration and touched the lives of millions of women. "I would like to accept this award on behalf of every woman who excels in her field," she said.

The news that Katrina will be honored with the award was met with mixed reaction and many on social media questioned it. Katrina said that for her, love of people is her biggest reward. She said that she will remain sincere to the craft that has largely given her the purpose of life in last few years.

J

acqueline Fernandez who was seen in all installments of the hit comedy franchise, Housefull, may not be seen in part four of the franchise. And the reason is reported return of Sajid Khan in director's chair for Housefull 4. He didn't direct Housefull 3.

Speculations are already rife that the director is not keen on casting Jacqueline in the film.

When asked if she is not a part of Housefull 4, Jacqueline said, "I don't know but even if that's so, I got to be part of all three so that's amazing."

Jacqueline's answer gave inkling that perhaps she too is prepared to give the next installment a miss. For the moment, grapevine is abuzz with reports of new actors and actresses joining the other two lead actors Akshay and Ritiesh in the next one.

F

or an accomplished actor like Irrfan, each role that he undertakes, has to be unique and something that he hasn't done before. Known for doing a variety of roles in his long career, both in the West and in India, Irrfan says that when he picks a role, he wants it to stay with him long after the movie releases.

His upcoming movie, Inferno, which stars Tom Hanks and Felicity Jones, is all set to release next month and

the actor admits that expectations are at an all-time high.

Speaking to a daily, he says, "I'm the one who has created these standards and I am happy about that because that is what I expect of myself, too. I can't do formula films. I have to do movies that stay with me for some reason or the other. I believe that a film should speak to the audience once they leave the theatre. We have a fantastic audience. They have surprised me and how. I exist because of them. They have appreciated and acknowledged my films."

"I'm the one who has created these standards and I am happy about that because that is what I expect of myself, too. I can't do formula films

India Post 29

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30 India Post

LOS ANGELES: For Angelina Jolie Pitt and Brad Pitt, it started with tequila and dancing in the rain in Bogota and ended on the French seaside with white wine, pills and tears.

Hollywood's most storied modern couple only appeared together twice in the movies. The first time, in 2005's ``Mr. & Mrs. Smith,'' they fell in love.

A decade later, ``By the Sea'' would come just a year before their relationship would come to an end with Jolie Pitt filing for divorce. Both times they played a childless husband and wife whose passion had turned to resentment.

Their real life together was full of public declarations and displays of love, children, philanthropy, humanitarian work and glamour. In the movies, though, their surface beauty was only a mask for the rot and boredom underneath. Still, even through tears and gunfire, they always smoldered. ``You can absolutely madly love the same person you want to kill,'' Jolie Pitt said in 2015, seated on a silksheeted bed next to Pitt on the set of ``By the Sea,'' filmed on their technical honeymoon, but it could have easily been about either. In ``Mr. &

September 30, 2016

Their real life together was full of public declarations and displays of love, children, philanthropy, humanitarian work and glamour.

Mrs. Smith,'' they are actually trying to kill each other after all.

It was a strange story to fall in love to, but not uncommon in the entertainment business, even if Pitt was married at the time to Jennifer Aniston. Jolie had already been married twice, to Billy Bob Thornton and Jonny Lee Miller. ``We just became kind of a pair. And it took until, really, the end of the shoot for us, I think, to realize that it might mean something more than we'd earlier allowed ourselves to believe,'' Jolie Pitt told Vogue in 2006.

The divorce filing comes after 12 years together and two in marriage. The couple wed in August 2014, privately at their French chateau in the Provence hamlet of Correns with their children serving as ring bearers and throwing flower petals.

An attorney for Jolie Pitt, Robert Offer, said Tuesday that her decision was made ``for the health of the family.'' She is petitioning for physical custody of 15-year-old Maddox, 12-year-old Pax, 11-year-old Zahara, 10-yearold Shiloh, and 8year-old twins Knox and Vivienne, with visitation rights for Pitt, who said in a statement to People how ``saddened'' he is.

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P

riyanka Chopra recently made news when she became the only Indian actor to present an award at the Emmys. Besides that, the second season of her American TV show, now on air, is also creating quite a buzz.

Here, Priyanka talks about her Hollywood debut, and why she will never "play a sidekick".

What's the best compliment you have received from your co-stars in the west?

Whenever I am shooting in New York, USA, or anywhere else, massive crowds gather and wait outside the sets. They (her co-actors) find that fascinating. They are intrigued by how people find out where I am shooting. I don't know how to explain to them that this is how it works with Indian actors. Our fans are amazing. They love us, and always come to give us that love and support. I find it amazing to see their reactions.

How was the experience of shooting for your debut Hollywood film, Baywatch?

We finished the shoot in April. The film will release in May next year. Shooting for the movie was fun. I have played negative characters before in Aitraaz (2004) and Saat Khoon Maaf (2011). I enjoyed playing an antagonist in this film too. In fact, the interesting part was that the villain's role was actually written for a man.

A role written for a guy, but played by a woman - that was a big win for me.

I never like to walk the path of convention.

I didn't want to play a sidekick. I was clear about this even when I signed my TV show.

I said I am a lead actor, and I am used to seeing my face on a poster. I am never going to settle for less. The same rule applies even to my movies.

So, you're content with the role?

I wanted to play something different.

Often, girls end up being glam dolls or are cast in a film just for the glamour quotient. I didn't want to be only that. I wanted to add to the movie. I am glad that I could do that, whether it's in India or America. I believe in choosing roles that excite me.

Apart from Hollywood, are you also looking at acting in other international film industries?

I am a Hindi film actor. I will go where my work takes me, whether it is the US, UK or Germany. My show now airs in about 216 countries. I am speaking different languages.

I'm meeting people in different countries.

So, it will be fascinating to be part of world cinema.

September 30, 2016

India Post 31

Taapsee Pannu has arrived as actor

T

he success of Pink has marked the arrival of Taapsee Pannu, the actress. Her powerful portrayal of Minal, an independent woman who stands her ground against the hypocritical society, has been the highlight of the film. Here, she opens up on life after 'Pink'.

tears. Of the many messages I got, what touched me the most was a woman saying what she couldn't teach her teenaged daughter in 14 years, the film taught her in two hours. When your job touches people so deeply, it's a great feeling.

Also, what makes it special is the fact that the film portrays the

in Bollywood...

My mom's first reaction after watching the film was, "Wow, you can act!" It took a while for people to believe that I can do substantial roles. I'm happy to play characters that are not mere arm candies. I am not a trained actor, don't have a godfather, haven't signed deals with big studios and yet, here I am.

How similar are you to your character in 'Pink'?

I'm unapologetic and headstrong in real life as well. I'm from Delhi, and given how eve-teasing is common there, your experiences make you courageous. Also, I was sick of the way Delhi girls were portrayed in films. We are neither over-the-top in our dressing, nor do we use cuss words.

Did you expect this kind of response to the film?

We knew it's a good film but the magnitude of response was unexpected. It moved people to

times we live in. It holds a mirror to our society. More than womencentric, it's the 'need-of-the-hour' film.

It seems you've now arrived

Did the film drain you emotionally?

I actually started believing that something bad had happened to me. I took off for a few days to get over the intense character.

India is like my second culture: Oscar-winner NEW DELHI: Mychael Danna, the Oscar-winning composer of "Life of Pi", says India is like a second culture to him and he is looking forward to meeting Bollywood filmmakers in Mumbai next month.

Mychael's India connect comes from his wife, Aparna, besides collaborations with directors Mira Nair and Deepa Mehta on movies like "Kama Sutra: A Tale of Love", "Vanity Fair", "Monsoon Wedding" and "Water".

"I definitely have a connection to the culture. I am married to an Indian and have spent many happy months in India... It's kind of my second culture and something I am very comfortable with. I treasure the films that I have done with Mira and Deepa," Mychael told PTI in an interview over phone from Los Angeles.

The 58-year-old composer, who has worked on the original soundtrack of Warner Bros' animation film "Storks" with his brother Jeff, will be in India next month to attend a film festival.

"We have worked in all kind of genres for over 25 years.

We both have kids. There is something appealing about a film that you can enjoy with your children.

"It's important to work on films that are positive and life affirming.'Storks' is wonderful and in true Warner Bros tradition, it is goofy and fun and at the same time warm and moving."

Jeff, a frequent collaborator with his brother, says they have been working together since they were children so there is an ease.

"It's very natural for us as we have been doing this since we were kids. We believe that two heads are better than one if they are in the same place and ours are. These films need enormous amount of work in a really short time. If there are two people at the wheel pushing hard, it is going to be better. It's pragmatic and has worked out really well for us."

The target audience of "Storks" may be children but Jeff

'Trump Tombstone' on display NEW YORK: A granite tombstone bearing the name Donald J. Trump that police confiscated in Central Park months ago is now on display at a Brooklyn gallery.

The year of Trump's birth and the words ``Made America Hate Again'' also are chiseled into the 500-pound slab.

Artist Brian Andrew Whiteley said he created it to remind the Republican presidential nominee that he has ``stirred the pot of racism, anger and fear and to help Donald reflect on the legacy he's leaving behind.''

Dubbed ``The Trump Tombstone,'' it first appeared last spring in Central Park's Sheep Meadow.

At about 4 a.m. ``my accomplices met me there, and we sneaked in by clipping off the metal twist-ties on a gate,'' Whiteley recalled. ``Then we rolled in the tombstone and just plopped it on the ground.''

After dawn, the sensation drew crowds snapping pictures as police moved in.

Police held the stone for months while tracking down

Whiteley by visiting various New York tombstone businesses.

Then came the visits to his home from the New York Police Department and the Secret Service who interrogated him ``to make sure I wasn't mentally ill,'' he said.

in Central Park.

This weekend, the tombstone reappeared in the Christopher Stout Gallery in Brooklyn's Bushwick neighborhood where it's on display through Oct. 9. Then it will be moved to a gallery in

Along with hate mail he received from right-wing publications, ``I was terrified,'' he said.

With the help of an attorney who pushed authorities to release Whiteley's work, the artist ended up paying a $300 fine for littering

Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood.

It's ``very Trumpian,'' said Whiteley, who contends that the candidate ``is an egomaniac who loves putting his name on stuff even a tombstone.''-AP

Mychael Danna, says India is like a second culture to him and he is looking forward to meeting Bollywood filmmakers in Mumbai next month

"I will attend the Mumbai film festival. I am going to be a part of the jury. I will be watching many Indian films and meeting directors.

I will certainly have a great overview of what is current in Bollywood right now... I am looking forward to that," says Mychael when asked whether he would like to work in Bollywood.

The Canadian composer duo loved working on "Storks", which released in India, as it was something that they could share with their children.

says they brought a "mature sensibility" to the soundtrack.

"The story often suggests the level of sophistication needed in the music. We knew there had to be a side of the score that had to be animated, energetic, and strenuous and lot of fun but also needed genuine emotion.

"So, we could go crazy and acrobatic with the music at one moment and very heartfelt and emotional at the other moment. It was just about honoring the story in the best possible way." -PTI

32 India Post

September 30, 2016 www.indiapost.com

Women are buying more luxury vehicles DETROIT: Kelly Dahle remembers leaving work one day several years ago at the same time as the CEO of her company. When they arrived at her car, he was startled. ``Great car! But why do you need a BMW?'' he asked.

Dahle didn't respond - ``I wanted to keep my job,'' she says with a laugh - but she could have told her boss to get used to it.

Women are buying more luxury vehicles than ever before, thanks to growing earnings, better marketing and a richer mix of products designed to appeal to them.

In the U.S., 41 percent of luxury vehicles sold so far this year were bought by women, up from 37 percent five years ago, according to car shopping site Edmunds.com.

Historically, women were considered the practical car shoppers.

They needed family haulers and didn't want to shell out extra cash for flashy, powerful Mercedes sedans or Porsche sports cars.

But the luxury market has changed. In 1998, Lexus introduced the midsize RX SUV and marketed it specifically to women, emphasizing its reliability, spaciousness and soft, quiet ride.

Since then, sales of small and midsize luxury SUVs have exploded, with even die-hard car makers like Maserati, Porsche and Jaguar joining the fray. The percent of women buying small luxury SUVs - like the BMW X3 or Acura RDX - has

nearly tripled over the last five years. ``The idea of the luxury vehicle has changed. Performance is just one corner of the market,'' says Jessica Caldwell, a senior analyst with Edmunds.

Women have changed, too.

They still earn less than men do,

luxury Lincoln brand, which recently introduced its small MKC and midsize MKX SUVs, says sales to female buyers have surged 13 percent so far this year, more than double the luxury industry average.

Lexus remains the market leader, with 47.5 percent of its sales go-

Kelly Dahle is shown with her BMW X5 in Downers Grove, Ill.

but the gap is slowly closing as more women earn college degrees.

Thirty-eight percent of women now out-earn their husbands, up from 30 percent in 2000, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Luxury SUVs now outsell luxury cars, thanks in large part to women, who like their space, safety and taller ride height. Luxury brands see immediate growth in female buyers when they introduce SUVs. Ford Motor Co.'s

ing to women so far this year, Edmunds says. Acura, Volvo, Lincoln and Mercedes-Benz round out the top five.

Meanwhile, makers of performance cars struggle to attract women. Only 9 percent of Ferraris and Lamborghinis have been bought by women.

The growing number of small and midsize SUVs in the luxury market also has made the brands more affordable, helping women justify their purchases. A Lexus LS

Romance & divorce The real & reel life of Jolie and Pitt Cont'd from Page 30

``What matters most now is the wellbeing of our kids,'' Pitt said, requesting space for the children.

The gossipy, tabloid origins would always at least partially define ``Brangelina.'' But after the media upheaval, Jolie and Pitt eventually settled into their own unique kind of globe-trotting domesticity. They were seldom-seen Hollywood royalty, their image predicated more on parenting than partying.

The pair adopted children from Cambodia, Vietnam and Ethiopia.

In 2006, they formed the Jolie-Pitt Foundation, to which they funneled many of the millions they made selling personal pictures to celebrity magazines.

Jolie Pitt, who became special envoy for the United Nations in 2012, was an outspoken voice for refugees, as well as for breast can-

cer treatment after undergoing a double mastectomy herself. Pitt built homes in New Orleans for victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Both expanded creatively, too, but mostly separately, Jolie Pitt as a burgeoning and ambitious director of both war epics like ``Un-

``By the Sea,'' which Jolie Pitt wrote while grieving for her mother, who died in 2007, was sold nonetheless as the big on screen reunion of the couple who changed tabloid culture and our expectations of what exactly is possible on a movie set just 10

``By the Sea,'' which Jolie Pitt wrote while grieving for her mother, who died in 2007, was sold nonetheless as the big on screen reunion of the couple who changed tabloid culture broken,'' and languid melodramas like ``By the Sea,'' and Pitt as a producer of socially relevant films through his Plan B production company, including the Academy Award-winning ``12 Years a Slave,'' last year's ``The Big Short'' and the recently debuted festival hit ``Moonlight.''

years earlier. But it fizzled with critics and audiences, making a mere $538,000 at the box office domestically. The ``Mr. & Mrs. Smith'' spark that enveloped its own stars and titillated audiences to the tune of $186.3 million domestically had given way to something infinitely more real.

full-size sedan starts at $72,520, but the NX compact crossover costs less than half that. A rise in leasing, which lowers the monthly payments, has also helped.

Caroline Eichholz, who works for a property management company in Savannah, Georgia, bought a 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 earlier this year for some very practical reasons. The Mercedes dealer is a family friend and the dealership is a few blocks away, so she can walk home when she drops off the compact SUV for service. She wanted a newer vehicle for its safety features and amenities, like wireless phone connectivity. She also got a good deal, since the GLK has since been replaced with the GLC. ``It's compact and cute.

It fit me and fit my budget,'' Eichholz said.

Dahle, who lives in Downers Grove, Illinois, recently bought her first new BMW after decades of driving used ones. She decided on the BMW X5, which has the space to haul her daughter but can still fit into her modest garage. She liked the powerful V8 engines in her old BMWs, so she opted for one in her new BMW. But she bypassed BMW's M-series performance model; she didn't like the sportier styling and

low-profile tires because they don't work well in snow. Mostly, she said, she wants a BMW because of its solid, safe feel. ``I trust it if I need to make a sharp turn,'' she said.

Automakers have grown more sophisticated in marketing to women. Gone are the days of the 1955 Dodge LaFemme, a pink car that came with a matching purse, lipstick and umbrella.

Ian Beavis, a marketing expert and chief strategy officer at the vehicle testing and consulting firm AMCI, says luxury car makers are increasingly advertising during television programs that appeal to women, such as evening dramas, the ``Ellen DeGeneres Show'' and NFL football games.

Even though the ads may feature men, like Lincoln's quirky ads starting Matthew McConaughey, they show things that interest women, like luxurious, quiet interiors and safety features. One Acura ad shows an engineer putting lifelike crash-test dummies that look like members of his own family into a vehicle before a test.

Beavis said luxury brands also are hosting fashion shows, art exhibits and other things that help them interact with women. ``No one buys a luxury car for a rational reason. You really have to make sure you reach people at an emotional level,'' Beavis said. -AP

``When we first worked together it was very different because we didn't really know each other and we were young and, it was really a fun film, so we thought, maybe `By the Sea' was

going to be that kind of fun, but realized very quickly that it wasn't,'' Jolie Pitt told The Telegraph in 2015. ``Then we joked that this is what happens after 10 years of marriage.''-AP

Milind for holistically healthy lifestyle for women

A

ctor Milind Soman, who won the title of 'Ironman' last year for being fit as a fiddle at 50, says it is important for women to understand the value of a 'holistically healthy lifestyle'.

The actor, who keeps taking part in several runs to propagate the importance of healthy living, also asserted that women should focus on mental, physical and emotional well-being.

"Indian woman plays a pivotal role in influencing and inspiring both her family and her world, and it is important for her to understand the value of a holistically healthy lifestyle, be it for mental, physical or emotional well-being, for her own health and the health of everyone around her," Milind

said in a statement.

Milind is also the founder of Pinkathon Empowering Indian Women, a women's marathon to raise awareness about the importance of a healthy lifestyle for women and issues like breast cancer.

And the actor says that "Pinkathon is not just a run, it is a seed of change and a celebration of a healthy lifestyle for women".

Milind is also the founder of Pinkathon Empowering Indian Women, a women's marathon to raise awareness about the importance of a healthy lifestyle for women and issues like breast cancer.

And the actor says that "Pinkathon is not just a run, it is a seed of change and a celebration of a healthy lifestyle for women".

September 30, 2016

India Post 33 www.indiapost.com

Nerd with braces wins hottest girl

H

ailing from Chandigarh, Ayushmann Khurrana started off as a reality TV star, pursued his passion for singing and eventually graduated to being a Bollywood star. But besides acting, there's lot more to the Vicky Donor (2012) actor that even his fans don't know about.

Off camera, he describes himself as a "very subtle, simple and quirky at the same time" person.

In a candid chat, Khurrana talks about his early memories in Chandigarh, falling in love, becoming a young father, moving to Mumbai and how life has been great ever since: Chandigarh words you miss?

'Kiddan' is like a typical what's up? 'Kaim' is the answer that means I am good. 'Changa fir' is I am okay.

These three are often used.

Your favorite ride?

I have always been a thorough crazy biker since my college days.

Back then, I owned the legendary RX 100, and I got the last model because after that they stopped manufacturing the 2-stoke bikes. I have no bike right now. I crave for biking experience these days. I would love to purchase a cafĂŠ racer bike - a simple, normal, black triumph - I am not a cruiser fan. I would hate to go out during traffic hours in Mumbai so early morning or late night is when I'd love to go for a ride.

How did your love story start?

We met at physics tuition. She was the hottest girl in the class and I've always been a nerd with braces and glasses. I got to know from someone that she has a crush on me and that was something not believable because I always thought I cannot have a crush on her because she's beyond my

league. It was too good to be true.

But finally I was the one who pro-

on, I was only 17 that time.

Are you good at babysitting?

I suck at babysitting. But having a baby is a different dimension.

I am glad to be a young father because I have all the energy to run around and do crazy stuff with my son Virajveer. I think I am boyish because of my son.

Do you have a tattoo?

Nah, I am not a tattoo person at all. I believe in the transitory nature of life, nothing is permanent, so even tattoos should not be permanent.

Ayushmann Khurrana

posed first. We were friends for a while. I took my own sweet time as I was an introvert. And come

If not a singer or actor, what would you be?

I am Post Graduate in Print Journalism from Punjab University, so I guess I would have been a journalist. Or somehow I would have been in media only.

When you are not working

(acting), what keeps you busy?

I like to read and play cricket.

Between shots, we play a lot of cricket. I always carry my cricket kit.

Do people still call you Vicky Donor?

In a span of four years, I have won two national awards and you are generally judged by your last film. Anyway I know I can't get rid of Donor tag and honestly I don't want to either.

From TV to Bollywood, have you changed as a person?

Cricket and cinema are the biggest identities in India. TV is a mass medium and when you enter films, people see you in a different light altogether, as you get into spotlight and get more attention.

But I have not changed as a person. I still listen to my heart when it comes to taking decisions.

Dahl believed dreams could come true: Wife NEW DELHI: Roald Dahl had his own misfortunes despite being from a fairly privileged background but fought relentlessly for his causes as he always believed dreams could come true no matter what the circumstances are, says the wife of one of the world's most loved children's authors.

Felicity Dahl also says Roald did not enjoy parties on his birthday and preferred to be at home having a glass of wine and some good food but would have really been tickled by the Roald Dahl Day parties happening in schools.

As his fans and followers gear up to celebrated his centenary, Felicity shared her views on several topics including her husband's works, his popularity among children and movie adaptations of his works.

She says her husband, who died in 1990 at the age of 74, would have been overwhelmed by the worldwide celebrations to mark the centenary of his birth.

"However he didn't enjoy parties and preferred to be at home with his family where he could celebrate with a glass of wine and some good food - that is what he really enjoyed. He also enjoyed visiting children in schools and feeling he had helped the teachers to inspire literacy in their pupils, so I think he'd be especially tickled by the Roald Dahl Day parties happening in schools - and other venues - on his birthday," Felicity says.

On his views on life and childhood connect to those one finds

in his books, she says, "During sleepless nights he would create dreams of glory, which of course were then included in 'The BFG'.

As he wrote in 'The Minpins', 'those who don't believe in magic will never find it.' He believed that dreams could come true no matter what the circumstances.

Matilda, James and Charlie's dreams all came true. Roald was

Asked which story was Roald most proud of, she says "The BFG" - he thought this was his classic. I would say one among many classics."

The BFG was written in 1982 and illustrated by Quentin Blake.

It is an expansion of a short story from Dahl's 1975book "Danny, the Champion of the World".

Roald shared a unique chemis-

Roald Dahl

from a fairly privileged background but he had his own misfortunes his father died when he was a young boy and he experienced family tragedies later in life.

"However, he fought relentlessly for his causes, whether private such as the rehabilitation of his first wife after her strokes, or public, namely his passion for children's literacy. He was practical and a realist too. When he was asked by young people how to become a writer, he would tell them to become a mechanic or a plumber first, then write later. The rent always has to be paid!" says Felicity.

try with Blake. Says Felicity about it, "For me, without doubt, it's their observations of people. Quentin interprets Roald's characters with a visual humor and irresistible wickedness. There was a mutual admiration and trust of each other's work. They had fun working together - it's as simple as that!"

Since Roald's death in 1990, Felicity has set up two charities in his name - Roald Dahl's Marvelous Children's Charity (formerly The Roald Dahl Foundation) and The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre.

"The two charities are immensely important to me. Literacy was Roald's crusade in life and medicine his passion. He thought good teachers like Miss Honey were essential. His admiration for doctors and nurses, and the work they do to save lives and cure people, was immeasurable."

One of the most exciting new publications is The Oxford Roald Dahl Dictionary, which includes both conventional language (as used by Roald) and many examples of Gobblefunk - the language he made up himself.

Asked about her favorite Gobblefunk word, Felicity answers "Whizzpopping".

On Steven Spielberg's version

of "The BFG", she says, "Spielberg and Melissa Matheson have kept so true to the book and it captures the powerful bond between Sophie and the BFG which I think is the heart of the story. I think he (Roald) would applaud Mark Rylance's cinematic BFG - an extraordinary performance - Ruby Barnhill's feisty interpretation of Sophie and Penelope Wilton's marvelous queen."

Roald was born in 1916 in Wales of Norwegian parents. Educated in England, he started work for the Shell Oil Company in Africa. He began writing after a "monumental bash on the head," sustained as an RAF pilot during World War II. -PTI

Tech News Facebook apologizes to advertisers for error SAN FRANCISCO: Facebook is apologizing to advertisers for what it calls an error that overstated the average length of time users watched videos on the site.

The measurement didn't affect how much Facebook charges to run video spots, but analysts say ad agencies may have used the Facebook estimates as a key metric when they plan campaigns and decide how much advertising to place on Facebook or competing sites.

Facebook executive David Fischer said his company recently discovered its method of calculating the average viewing time didn't include times when people watched a video for less than three seconds. That had the effect of making average times seem longer.

Fischer said Facebook has corrected the error, but analysts say it underscores the need for independent verification of such advertising metrics. -AP

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September 30, 2016

Snapchat debuts recording 'Spectacles NEW YORK: Social media app Snapchat is introducing video-recording glasses called Spectacles and is changing its company name to incorporate the new product.

The glasses can record video 10 seconds at a time by tapping a button on the device. The video is then uploaded to the popular imagemessaging app via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. The glasses are the first hardware from the Los Angeles-based company.

The glasses record so-called ``circular video,'' meaning it plays fullscreen on any device in any orientation.

They will be available in the U.S. in the fall on a limited basis and cost $130. In a way, the Spectacles recall Google's venture into eyewear, Google Glass, which took photos and video. But that device also had a screen that let you surf the web as well and cost $1,500.-AP

86 MoUs worth Rs 15k cr signed at tourism investors' summit NEW DELHI: The first Incredible India Tourism Investors' Summit witnessed signing of 86 pacts worth around Rs 15,000 crore for the development of tourism and

desk and task force to promote tourism. We will assist and support investors for making India the tourist destination of choice," a statement by industry body CII

port and assistance of the Ministry of Tourism for investment projects.

He referred to the tourist helpline in 12 languages and high-

PM for scientific solution to increase crop yield NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sought a scientific solution to increase crop yield while taking into account the shrinking land and water resources.

"I have always said, per drop more crop. We must also think about - an inch of land and a bunch of crops," he said addressing scientists on the occasion of the platinum jubilee of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).

The Prime Minister said the 21st century is a technology driven century and India's requirements can be met through a scientific solution. "It is important to connect science with the common citizens in this century, which is technology driven," he said here.

Highlighting CSIR's contribution, Modi hoped that it would continue to do so.

"It is a matter of pride for every Indian that CSIR is celebrating 75th year of committed contribution to the development of modern India. You have contributed so much to India in the last 75 years and am sure you can contribute so much more in the years to come," he said.

He said the CSIR needs to create an ease of doing technology business platform.

"CSIR needs to create 'Ease of doing Technology Business' platform to bring in right stakeholders so technologies reach beneficiaries," the Prime Minister said. -PTI

Tourism and Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma addressing the summit.

hospitality projects.

The first investment summit for tourism held in India came to a resounding close with several announcements being made to promote investments in the sector.

"This summit will be organized annually to boost tourism in the country. Besides, there are plans to set up an investor facilitation

quoted Tourism and Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma as saying.

He was speaking at the valedictory session of the 'Incredible India Tourism Investors Summit (IITIS) 2016' organized by the Ministry of Tourism in partnership with the CII and the Tourism Finance Corp.

The Minister assured the sup-

lighted that a portal is being opened for inviting suggestions.

"Let us join hands to give tourists a memorable experience," Sharma said.

Among the major announcements are: institutionalization of IITIS to be held annually with the next summit to be organized in September 2017; setting up of a

task force headed by Secretary, Tourism, with membership from relevant ministries, states, and industry associations to undertake strategic planning and setting up of an investor facilitation desk to handhold investors and facilitate projects.

Besides, such meets will be organized in states with the support of the Ministry of Tourism, Tourism Secretary Vinod Zutshi said at the valedictory session.

States like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Uttarakhand and Chattisgarh exchanged 86 MoUs during the session and many more are in the pipeline, aggregating close to Rs 15,000 crore, the statement said.

Gujarat exchanged MOUs worth around Rs 9,000 crore, Karnataka with Rs 2,600 crore, Rajasthan Rs 1,000 crore, Uttarakhand Rs 500 crore and Chhattisgarh Rs 12 crore.

Also B R Shetty group is keen to invest Rs 450 crore and Costa Cruise Rs 750 crore, Triveni Singapore close to Rs 800 crore in the country. Global Director, Trade and Competitiveness, World Bank Cecile Fruman noted that the tourism sector is among the top sectors with potential to create jobs.

The World Bank is supporting India's Buddhist Circuit development and will provide support for sustainable tourism development including through funds, she added.-PTI

US welcomes India's move to sign Paris climate deal NEW DELHI: The US has welcomed India's surprise decision to ratify the key Paris Climate Change agreement on October 2.

"We welcome the news India will join the #ParisAgreement October 2," US Ambassador to India Richard Verma said. "Congrats Prime Minister @narendramodi for your leadership to #ActOnClimate," Verma tweeted.

In a surprise move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced that India will ratify the

Paris Climate Change agreement on October 2, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

"There is one work left in the CoP21 (Conference of Parties).

Ratification is yet to be done and

India too is yet to do it. Today on the birth anniversary of Deen Dayal Upadhyay, I announce that India will ratify the decisions on October 2, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi," he said while

During the Paris climate meet in December last, more than 190 nations had agreed on setting ambitious goals for capping global warming and funneling trillions of dollars to poor countries facing climate catastrophe.

addressing BJP's National Council meet in Kozhikode, Kerala.

Modi said he had chosen the date as Mahatma Gandhi's life was an example of minimum carbon footprint.

During the Paris climate meet in December last, more than 190 nations had agreed on setting ambitious goals for capping global warming and funneling trillions of dollars to poor countries facing climate catastrophe.

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Korean help to develop rivers as waterways NEW DELHI: India is in talks with South Korea, known for its maritime technology prowess, for long-term partnership to develop its rivers to drive economic

sengers via rivers and reduce transportation cost substantially.

"We are in talks with a Korean government company to develop our rivers," Shipping, Road Trans-

Gadkari said waterways unfortunately had taken a backseat in India, with only 3.5 per cent of trade being done through the mode here as against 47 per cent in China, 40 per cent in Europe, 44 per cent in Japan and Korea and 35 per cent in Bangladesh. growth.

Earlier this year, Parliament had enacted a legislation to convert 111 rivers across the country into National Waterways, a move that would boost movement of goods and pas-

port and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari told PTI. "We have offered them to select out of 111 rivers and develop these. Once we start getting profit, we can return their investment in

15-20 years."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had opened a mega Maritime India Summit earlier this year with Korea, a world leader in shipbuilding, as the partner and has promised to personally handhold investors for a "safe, secure and satisfactory" berthing so as to transform the country's 7,500-km long coastline an "engine of growth".

Gadkari said waterways unfortunately had taken a backseat in India, with only 3.5 per cent of trade being done through the mode here as against 47 per cent in China, 40 per cent in Europe, 44 per cent in Japan and Korea and 35 per cent in Bangladesh.

According to the minister, if developed properly, inland water

Govt to get Ola, Uber ride sans 'surge' NEW DELHI: Looking to save on huge taxi bills, government departments and PSUs are now turning to popular ride-hailing apps like Ola and Uber for their transportation needs and have been promised service without any 'surge pricing'.

Both Uber and Ola are looking at offering taxi services to government departments at special rates and have registered at the portal of government e-marketplace (GeM).

Besides, Ola is also in discussions with various public sector units (PSUs) for its 'Corporate' offering.

The GeM was launched last month for buying goods and services by central ministries and departments for greater transparency in government procurement, which is estimated at Rs 10,000 crore a year.

According to an official, the government is looking at significant savings as various departments currently shell out as much

as Rs 40,000 every month per taxi.

"What has been agreed is that they will give a monthly bill to us, something they have never done.

Second, for the government, there will be no surge pricing," the official said.

The official added that the organizations need cabs everyday and "if you get the Uber and Ola, it is economical and it is efficient. You also get a complete tracking of distance and clearcut billing".

The demand for taxi services in government departments is growing and companies like Uber and Ola are keen on tapping this segment.

Besides, home-grown taxi hailing app operator Ola is planning to offer its 'corporate' service to PSUs. Ola Head (Corporate) Ankit Jain said the company is in discussions with various public sector units (PSUs) for its 'Corporate' offering.

This, the company expects, will play an important role in its target of getting the top 100 companies in the country on board its platform.

Jain said many private companies/government organizations continue to follow the conven-

tional route of booking, where they outsource their travel needs to be managed by a travel agency or facilitate the reimbursement mechanism for the expenses incurred by employees.

"With corporate houses spending a considerable percentage of their annual expenditure on travelling requirements, there was an immediate need/scope for technology intervention in order to make this process seamless and thus increase productivity. With Ola Corporate, these entities have access to a wide range of mobility options at a fraction of the cost as against the existing corporate travel options," he said.

While no immediate comment was available from Uber, it has reportedly also created a separate mobile app for government offi-

cials to provide the services.

As per estimates, the government procures goods worth Rs 10,000 crore per year for various departments and ministries.

The GeM has seen several vendors register on the online portal to provide goods at competitive prices to government departments.-PTI

transport, which is an environment-friendly and cost-effective mode of transport, will reduce the high logistics cost - currently at

economy, accounting for 90 per cent of export-import trade by volume and 72 per cent by value.

He said a total of one billion

Shipping, Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari

18 per cent - and boost the economy.

Gadkari said that if all the 111 rivers are developed as waterways, it will "revolutionize" the Indian economy.

Maritime development is high on the priority list of the government as it has the potential of opening a new era of foreign investment in ship-building, repair, ship breaking, inland water transportation, cruise shipping and hinterland connectivity, to name a few.

Maritime logistics is considered as a key component of the Indian

tonne of cargo is being handled by over 200 ports, including 12 major ones, in the country and is expected to grow to 2.5 billion tonnes by 2025.

Talks are also on with Singapore for development of cruise shipping in the country.

The maritime summit was held on April 14-16 this year and was billed as a flagship event to harness India's immense natural maritime advantages with a 7,500 km coastline and 14,500 km of navigable and potential navigable waterways. -PTI

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Kashmir Tourism suffers loss of Rs 3,000 cr

SRINAGAR: Tourism sector in Kashmir has suffered a loss of around Rs 3,000 crore as the 77day ongoing unrest in the valley resulted in sharp decline of tourists.

According to preliminary estimates, tourism department officials said the key sector of state's economy has suffered a loss of around Rs 3,000 crore due to the unrest which broke out on July 9 following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in an encounter with security forces a day earlier.

"The tourism destinations and hotels both in private and government sector have been worst af-

fected and most of the hotels are left with zero occupancy," they said.

While around three lakh tourists had visited Kashmir between July and September last year, the tourist footfall in the Valley for the corresponding period of the current year is just about a trickle, the officials said.

They said a total of 10,059 tourists visited the valley between August 1 to 12 against 89,243 tourists during same period last year.

The officials said several film crews who were scheduled to be in Kashmir for shooting of films during summers also changed their destination in view of the pre-

vailing situation in the Valley.

Managing Director, Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation (JKTDC), Shahid Iqbal Chaudhary said most of the Corporation's properties in Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg,

People apprehend that the prevailing situation could adversely affect the tourist arrivals during the next year as well

Yousmarg and other destinations have two-four per cent occupancy which ought to have been 90-100 per cent around this time of the year.

Similarly, accommodations of Tourism Department and Tourism Development Authorities have also witnessed a shortfall of 90-95 per cent compared to last year.

"Not only the tourist arrivals, most of the major infrastructure projects which were to be taken up in Kashmir under Prime Minister's Development Plan (PMDP) have also come to a halt," the officials said.

They said Rs 400 crore were available to the department under

PMDP for infrastructure development at new and existing destinations.

"Under this program, the department had formulated projects for infrastructure development at Daksum, Doodhpathri, Kokernag, Verinag, Pahalgam and Salamabad (Uri).

All these projects are now in limbo because of the prevailing situation," the official said.

The people associated with tourism trade apprehend that the prevailing situation could adversely affect the tourist arrivals during the next year as well with disastrous implications for the local economy. -PTI

US guidelines on self-driving cars TOKYO: U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx has said that his counterparts in the Group of Seven nations welcomed U.S. guidelines on regulating self-driving cars and have agreed to work together on creating such standards to maintain safety. ``There was actually a very en-

spectrum questions and many other issues, he said, while noting that reaching a resolution might take years, meaning the technology would be moving faster. Foxx called the U.S. guidelines released earlier this month the most comprehensive on autonomous vehicles, coming out ahead of the

``One of the things I think that autonomous vehicles suffer from is that they get compared to perfection, and not to the 94 percent of car crashes that are attributable to human factors. We have to make the right comparisons,'' Foxx said thusiastic reception to the policy,'' he said. ``We did a good job of inventorying what each country is doing and laying out areas that we want to explore further.''

Such issues include cyber security, ethics and privacy, wireless

rest of the world.

Foxx and other transportation officials from the G-7 met over the weekend in the Japanese resort town of Karuizawa. Speaking by telephone with The Associated Press, Foxx stressed road tests on

autonomous vehicles must continue to encourage innovation.

U.S. electric car maker Tesla's Model S that was using the semiautonomous mode crashed in May. The driver died after crashing into a tractor-trailer. Tesla is introducing improvements to its Autopilot system to make it safer. ``One of the things I think that autonomous vehicles suffer from is that they get compared to perfection, and not to the 94 percent of car crashes that are attributable to human factors. We have to make the right comparisons,'' Foxx said, while declining comment on the ongoing investigation on Tesla. ``These vehicles will not be absolutely perfect in terms of having no accidents, but by comparison they can be markedly better.''

Many automakers besides Tesla are testing or have rolled out automated vehicles, including Ford Motor Co., based in Dearborn, Michigan, and Nissan

Motor Co. and Toyota Motor Corp. of Japan.

The new U.S. guidelines are meant to bring order to the technology's development. Proponents say such technology can make cars safer because machines can react faster and they are less

prone to human error. But even experts remain cautious.

Among the recent forays into self-driving technology are the partnership between Chinese-

owned Volvo Cars and the Swedish-based automotive safety group Autoliv Inc., as well as Volvo teaming up with U.S. ride-hailing company Uber.

Ford has announced a $75 million investment in Velodyne Inc., which makes laser sensors. BMW Group, Intel Corp. and Mobileye have joined together to develop and sell autonomous driving technology.

Hans Greimel, Asia Editor for Automotive News, believes the new U.S. guidelines are an important ``proactive'' step in seeking powers to approve autonomous vehicles before they're brought to market, marking a departure from the past, when regulators enforce rules after the cars are already sold.-AP

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Tata Steel set for trade union talks in UK LONDON: Indian steel giant Tata Steel is set for what are believed to be crunch talks with trade union representatives of its UK steelworks to settle the deadlock over a 15-billion-pound pension scheme for its workers, the main obstacle in its merger with German rival ThyssenKrupp.

The company has reportedly called two days of pension talks to try to secure a merger of its European operations with those of ThyssenKrupp.

According to 'The Sunday Times', the main focus will be on

breaking a deadlock over a 15-billion-pound pension scheme the main obstacle to a rescue of its Port Talbot unit in Wales.

A source close to the talks told the newspaper that Tata Steel and ThyssenKrupp could formalize the deal within weeks, even if the pension issue has not been resolved,

with the pensions of 130,000 retired and working members.

The government under former Prime Minister David Cameron had proposed a law change to reduce payouts by altering the inflation link for rises.

However, the new Theresa May led government is not in favor of the plan.

The required change to the UK Tata Steel said it "con- Pensions Act 1995 would probably tinues to responsibly have faced heavy develop options to opposition in the House of Commons identify the best prosbecause of fears of pects for the future setting a precedent sustainability of our UK for other companies that want to operations offload their final salary pension burdens. but the tie-up would be contingent Tata Steel said it "continues to on resolving the pensions dis- responsibly develop options to pute. identify the best prospects for the The British Steel Pension future sustainability of our UK Scheme is in huge deficit and Tata operations and the best outcome and ThyssenKrupp are reluctant for members of the British Steel to saddle their new joint venture Pension Scheme". -PTI

Pak calls off key trade exhibition in India ISLAMABAD/NEW DELHI: Pakistan has cancelled a trade exhibition which was scheduled to be held next month in India, amid heightened tension between the two neighbors in the aftermath of the terror attack in Uri. "Due to current situations between Pakistan and India which are beyond TDAP's control, the event planned for 2016 has been called off," Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) said in a statement.

The third edition of 'Aalishaan Pakistan exhibition' was scheduled to be held in October in New Delhi.

Reacting to the development, the

Press Attache in Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi said, "Yes the environment here is not conducive for such an event. We have seen in the past how right wing parties reacted to such Pakistan events. The latest move by MNS against Pak artistes is a point in case."

The TDAP was already working on holding the trade show after the success of similar exhibitions held earlier in 2012 and 2014.

The exhibition was meant to promote bilateral trade between the two countries and bring buyers and sellers together on one platform, the Express Tribune reported.-PTI

Bihar to go for branding of khadi PATNA: Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has said the Bihar government would go for branding of finer quality of khadi clothes made in the state to attract the "newer generation" through designer garments made of it.

He said this at a function to mark the 'Rashtriya Charkha Diwas' here in a bid to promote the khadi industry in Bihar.

Proper branding of khadi clothes would raise its demand among the people, the chief minister said, adding that the state Industries department has entered into an agreement with NIFT for "new design" khadi garments. In a bid to promote the khadi industry in Bihar, the state government would erect a Rs-17 crore building for it to set up showrooms, he added.-PTI

MFN or not, India-Pak trade 'abysmally' low NEW DELHI: Amid reports that India is considering withdrawal of most favored nation (MFN) status to Pakistan in the wake of the Uri terror attack, Assocham has said the special privilege has not made much of a difference as trade between the two remains "abysmally" low.

Out of India's total merchandise trade of USD 641 billion in 201516, Pakistan accounted for a meager USD 2.67 billion.

India's exports to the neighboring country worked out to USD 2.17 billion, or 0.83 per cent, of the total Indian outward shipments while imports were less than USD 500 million, or 0.13 per cent, of the total inward shipments.

"In all, trade with Pakistan was equivalent to 0.41 per cent of India's global merchandise commerce," said D S Rawat, Secretary General of Assocham.

"Thus, the MFN status or no MFN has not made much of a difference on the bilateral trade. While India has granted Pakistan the MFN status, Islamabad had not responded... even with the MFN status, Pakistan's exports to India remained less than half a billion dollar," explained Rawat.-PTI

Know daily consumption with Tata Power NEW DELHI: Tata Power con- lakh consumers by April 2018 unsumers in the city will soon be able der the project which will be rolled to know about their daily electric- out in early next year," Sinha told ity consumption and access vari- PTI. ous other details like reasons for He said TPDDL is also augtechnical fault in transmission line menting its infrastructure for inwith the company working on a troduction of the Time of Day meRs 100-crore project to introduce tering (TOD), which involves di"new-age" technology. viding the day, month and year into Under the first of its kind initia- tariff slots and with higher rates at tive in the country, domestic con- peak load periods and low tariff sumers of Tata Power Delhi Distri- rates at off-peak load periods. bution Ltd (TPDDL), will be no Delhi's power regulator DERC longer required to report to the has planned to introduce TOD, a company about snapping of elec- concept borrowed from European tricity supplies as real time monitoring of power transmission to "We are working on techeach and every connology through which consumer will be ensured through a communica- sumers will be able to contion network, currently trol power consumption used by very few counthrough smart metering.� tries.

TPDDL CEO and Managing Director Praveer Sinha said consumers, by countries, under which price of using an app in their smart phones, power is much lower in off-peak will be able to access a host of in- hours of the day compared to peak formation such as consumption hours of 7 to 10 PM. during peak and off-peak hours, de"We are working on technoltails of consumption for any period ogy through which consumers will in the current fiscal compared to be able to control power consumpsame period a year ago etc. tion through smart metering.

He said technology for the am"For example, if a consumer bitious smart metering and com- wants to run washing machine munication network project is be- during off peak hours always or if ing sourced from across the globe somebody wants to use other apand a number of leading compa- pliances during a specific period nies like General Electricals, IBM of time, they will have the option," have been roped in. he said.

"It will totally be a whole new He said under the smart meterexperience for our consumers in ing project, TPDDL will be able to Delhi. Such an ambitious project know about consumption of power is being implemented for the first by consumers every half an hour time in the country. and can share the information with "We are planning to cover 2.5 them.-PTI

US welcomes India's move to sign Paris climate deal Cont’d from page 34

The pact will come into force after it is ratified by at least 55 countries that account for 55 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Talking about the need to ratify the COP21 decision, Modi said there is a looming threat due to global warming to many coastal countries and cities. Even Kerala, where the conclave was being held, is also a coastal area.

While Western countries, including the US, had been supporting an early ratification of the pact, India had been seeking more time to complete its national processes as it fears that any hasty decision

may impact its developmental projects.

The issue of India ratifying the Paris deal had come up for discussion between Prime Minister Modi and US President Barack Obama on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Vientiane, Laos earlier this month.

Climate change is a vital aspect and one of the centerpieces of Obama's legacy and the US president has been quite vocal about the affects that climate change may unleash.

He has often said Climate change is the greatest long-term threat facing the world, manifesting itself as droughts, storms and flooding. -PTI

„

Realty Tidbits

California home sales post solid gains SAN DIEGO: California recorded its strongest August for home sales in three years as prices climbed modestly, a research firm reported, providing fresh evidence of sustained gains in the housing market.

An estimated 43,542 new and existing houses and condominiums sold last month, up 5.6 percent from 41,247 sales in July and up 5.2 percent from 41,387 during the same period a year earlier, CoreLogic Inc. said. It was the highest August sales tally since 2013.

The median sales price was $432,000, barely changed from $430,000 in July and up 5.8 percent from $408,500 August 2015.

It was the 54th straight month that prices have increased from a year earlier, though gains have moderated over the last two years.

In Southern California, job growth and low interest rates helped propel the six-county region to its highest August sales in a decade, said CoreLogic analyst Andrew LePage. The region had 23,278 sales in August, up 8 percent from 21,557 sales in July and up 9.5 percent from 21,263 sales in August 2015.

Southern California's median sales price was $465,000, matching a nine-year high set in June and July and up 6.2 percent year from $438,000 a year earlier. -AP

„ GIC to raise Rs 1,000 cr through bonds NEW DELHI: GIC Housing Finance has said that it plans to raise Rs 1,000 crore through bonds.

The resolution for the same was passed at its annual general meeting on July 27 to raise money by issuing non-convertible debentures (NCDs). "...approval of the members (shareholders) accorded to enter into agreements/transactions with related parties for raising funds through NCDs/bonds, to take property/properties on lease/rent, to avail/render any services or any other kind of transactions which construe to be related party transactions up to an aggregate limit of Rs 1,000 crore," it said in a regulatory filing.

Further, the company said its board has also declared a dividend of 50 per cent or Rs 5 per equity share on the paid up equity capital for the year 2015-16.

Company's loan portfolio as on March 31, 2016 was Rs 7,980 crore, registering a growth of 20 per cent. -PTI

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Godrej acquires 12-acre land in Bengaluru NEW DELHI: Realty firm Godrej Properties has acquired a 12-acre land parcel in Bengaluru to develop a housing project. The company plans to develop a housing project covering about one million sq ft area on this land parcel off Sarjapur Road in South Bengaluru, the Mumbai-based developer said in a regulatory filing. However, it did not disclose the seller or the transaction amount. The project will be developed in partnership with Godrej Residential Investment Program II. This is the second project under this USD 275 million fund.-PTI

Marriott world's largest hotel chain after buying Starwood NEW YORK: Several of the best-known names in travel are now united in one hotel company.

Marriott International closed on its $13 billion acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, bringing together its Marriott, Courtyard and Ritz Carlton brands with Starwood's Sheraton, Westin, W and St. Regis properties.

In total, 30 hotel brands now fall under the Marriott umbrella to create the largest hotel chain in the world with more than 5,700 properties and 1.1 million rooms in more than 110 countries. That's more than 1 out of every 15 hotel rooms around the globe.

Marriott now eclipses Hilton Worldwide's 773,000 rooms and the 766,000 that are part of the Intercontinental Hotels Group family, according to STR, a firm that tracks hotel data. ``We've got an ability to offer just that much more choice. A choice in locations, a choice in the kind of hotel, a choice in the amount a customer needs to spend,'' Marriott CEO Arne Sorenson told The Associated

Press in an interview.

Starwood's guest loyalty program - Starwood Preferred Guest was also a ``central, strategic rationale for the transaction,'' Sorenson said. The program's members are deeply loyal to it,

will be able to link their accounts together. Gold elite members in one program will get gold status in the other. Platinum elite members will get platinum in the other.

Marriott silver members will see Starwood's lowest category, Pre-

A Marriott hotel in Cranberry Township, Pa.

have generally higher incomes and tend to spend many nights on the road.

Members of Starwood and Marriott's two loyalty programs

ferred Plus.

Each Starwood point will be worth three Marriott Rewards points.

Starwood put itself up for sale

in April 2015. The Stamford, Connecticut, company had struggled to grow as fast as its rivals, particularly in ``limited service hotels,'' which are smaller properties which don't have restaurants or banquet halls. They are often located on the side of the highway, near airports or in suburban office parks.

To get Starwood, Marriott had to outbid China's Anbang Insurance Group. U.S. and European anti-trust regulators were quick to approve the sale but the Chinese government hesitated, delaying the sale by months. ``We may have been a little too optimistic about how fast we could get this thing closed,'' Sorenson said.

Marriott and Starwood - like other hotel chains - own very few individual hotels. Instead they manage or franchise their brands to hundreds of individual owners, often real estate development companies. Those individual hotel owners are responsible for setting nightly room rates. It isn't uncommon for a developer to own a Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt and Sheraton in the same city.

Details on Page 39

Smart city list big boost for realty sector NEW DELHI: Realtors' body NAREDCO has hailed the government's announcement of 27 more cities for the development of smart cities, saying the move would provide business opportunities for the real estate developers.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Lok Sabha constituency Varanasi along with holy cities of Amritsar and Ajmer has made it to the additional list of 27 smart cities.

Under the Smart City Mission, the government aims to have 100 smart cities by 2022. Sixty have been chosen so far, including 20 in January and 13 in May this year.

NAREDCO President Parveen Jain said the inclusion of cities like Agra, Amritsar, Ujjain, Varanasi, Tirupati and Vellore etc

will boost the tourism sector as well as bringing up these cities on global tourism map.

immense opportunities for the real estate industry in transforming these selected cities.

Commenting on the development, Arindam Guha, Senior Director, Deloitte in India, said: "The Smart City Challenge continues to generate significant enthusiasm throughout the country. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi the addition of He said the development of these 27 cities, a total of 60 cities smart cities would lead to well are now eligible for funding under planned urbanization with aes- the program." thetic beauty comparable to interThe high interest and particinational standards. pation levels in the Smart City plan National Real Estate Develop- development phase now needs to ment Council (NAREDCO) sees be sustained through quick imple-

mentation on the ground, he added.

Shrinivas Kowligi, Partner Smart Cities and Urban Transformation, EY India, said: "With now 60 cities across India eligible for funding support from government of India, the biggest challenge is going to be talent and expertise - both within and outside the government."

The competencies needed for addressing the myriad challenges Indian cities face, and to handhold them in their journey to get smart, requires diverse technical skills, project development and management expertise.

"Ministry of Urban Development now needs to drive transformational initiatives to scale up human resource capacity in the country to address this challenge," Kowligi said. -PTI

September 30, 2016

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Marriott world's largest hotel chain after buying Starwood Cont’d from page 38

The purchase gives Marriott more leverage with corporate travel departments who often look for one giant chain to house all of their employees. It also gives Marriott more power over Expedia and Priceline, the two giant online travel agencies that sell rooms on behalf of hotel companies in exchange for a commission. The hotel industry has spent the last year trying to get travelers to book directly with them instead of the travel agencies to avoid paying those fees.

There are still many details to work out.

Marriott has thrived as an ``asset light'' company, owning a handful of hotels. Starwood has been selling off properties, while singing long-term management agreements for

Sebi proposes fresh relaxation for REITs MUMBAI: Markets regulator Sebi has decided to further relax in norms for REITs and InvITs in a bid to make these instruments more attractive for raising capital.

Several attempts are being made to garner due attention from business houses in the country but all the efforts failed leading to Sebi reconsidering the proposal to give further relaxations. In order to facilitate growth of REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) and InvITs (Infrastructure Investment Trusts), the Sebi board in its meeting here decided to ease norms further in this regard. The decision was taken after extensive public consultation.

Sebi had notified the REIT and InvIT Regulations in 2014, allowing setting up and listing of such Trusts, which are very popular in some advanced markets.

However, no single Trust has been set up as yet as investors wanted further measures, including tax breaks, to make these instruments more attractive. Sebi has granted approval to three companies - IRB Infrastructure, GMR and MEP Infrastructure - to launch InvITs. While the government provided for certain tax benefits in the Budget this year, Sebi board has now decided to amend REITs and InvIT regulations.

It allowed REITs and InvIT to invest in two-level (special purpose vehicle) structure through holding company. This is subject to sufficient shareholding in the holding company and the underlying SPV. It removed the limit on the number of sponsors. Currently, three sponsors are required. Besides, such trusts are allowed to have right to appoint majority directors in the SPV. Further, holding company would be allowed to distribute 100 per cent cash flow realized from underlying SPVs and at least 90 per cent of the remaining cash flow. Regarding REITs, Sebi proposed to allow such trusts up to 20 per cent investment by such trusts in under-construction projects, up from a maximum of 10 per cent allowed currently.

Sebi also proposed to rationalize the requirements under the Related Party Transactions, under which approval of 60 per cent unit holders apart from related parties, is required for passing a related party transaction.

Further, approval is required of 75 per cent unit holders, apart from related parties, for passing special resolutions such as change in investment manager, investment strategy and delisting of units. The board also clarified the definition of real estate property in the regulations. With regard to InvITs, Sebi's board approved a proposal to reduce mandatory sponsor holding in InvIT to 15 per cent. It also rationalized the requirements for private placement of InvIT. It is also amending the definition of the valuer. -PTI

those same hotels. As of June 30, it still owned 23 properties. Sorenson said he believes there is a strong market to continue selling off many of those iconic hotels. ``There is always a market for the St. Regis in New York,'' he said, adding that other assets in the portfolio have comparable stature. ``In great global cities, real estate like that always has a value.''

The new company will keep Marriott's Bethesda, Maryland headquarters but hasn't announced if it will keep any presence at Starwood's Connecticut or New York offices.

Then there are the 30 brands. Some have performed better than others but Sorenson said all of them will probably survive the merger. ``I think so. Every one of them has hotels in them,'' he noted.

For now, Starwood and Marriott will keep separate loyalty programs. Starwood has a credit card deal with American Express as well as close partnerships with Delta Air Lines and Uber. Marriott has a much larger program with partnerships with Chase and United Airlines. ``Nothing changes immediately. We have to see how those partnerships evolve,'' Sorenson said.

Gary Leff, who writes about points and miles at ViewFromTheWing.com, called the three-to-one exchange rate of Starwood points to Marriott points ``just right.'' ``It's one of the many reasonable and positive steps that Marriott has taken along the way as it acquires Starwood,'' Leff said. ``But there's a whole lot still to happen between now and the programs actually being combined.'' -AP

40 India Post

G

anapatipule, a captivating village in Maharashtra, is important to Indian nationalists as it is the birthplace of famous leader Lokmanya Tilak. It is a sleepy village in the Ratnagiri district of southwest Maharashtra in India. Since it is not touched by commercialism, the Arcadian beauty of the village is much more attractive. There is a 6- kilometer virgin beach on the fantastic Konkan coastline.

It is the belief of the locals that the village of Ganapatipule is blessed. In the days when men were devotees and miracles took place, the four Dwardatas were welcomed to the sub-continent and Ganapatipule is believed to be the western deity.

According to legend, once a villager was running away from the

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September 30, 2016

clashes and when he made his way through the jungles he stumbled on Lord Ganapati's idol. He built a temple around the idol. For the past 400 years, people have been caring and making additions to the shrines and the temple is how it looks today.

The village of Ganapatipule is famous for its 400-year-old Ganesha temple. The idol is carved from one massive rock. The idol is a Swayambhu Ganpati shrine which means that it is a self-created monolith of Lord Ganesha.

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Focus on cleanliness, security to boost tourism NEW DELHI: Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma has said the government is addressing cleanliness, connectivity and security to boost tourism.

Speaking at the plenary session on 'Why Invest in Incredible India?' at the Incredible India Tourism Investors' Summit here, the Minister also noted that this is the right time to invest in the tourism sector of the country.

The Minister of State for Tourism said the government is addressing cleanliness, connectivity and security to boost tourism.

Among others, the Ministry has introduced a helpline in 12 languages for tourists and the new aviation policy would also give a huge fillip to air connectivity, he added.

Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore said films and advertisements can play a key role in popularizing India. To make filming in India easy, the Ministry has set up Film Facilitation Office as single window for all clearances and approvals. This should be replicated in the states, he added.

Tourism Secretary Vinod Zutshi said ease

of doing business, the policy landscape, sector-specific parameters, and availability of finance would attract investors.

Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant noted that

Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma

digitization and urbanization provide huge opportunities for tourism in India. Industry body CII's President Naushad Forbes said industry and government need to work to-

Assam urges UK, Aus to rectify advisory GUWAHATI: Assam Tourism Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has asked United Kingdom and Australia to rectify their travel advisory to its citizens on Assam.

The clubbing together of Assam with some disturbed parts of the country and alluding to the state as a forbidden destination was a "careless oversight which must be immediately addressed to," Sarma said in a statement.

"Assam is a fine abode of natural beauty and its peace loving people give immense love and affection to all those who come here. Any misrepresentation of the actual situation creates unnecessary fear and impacts the tourism potential of the state," he said.

The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) issued advisory to its citizens saying, "Although the overall security situation in the North-East of India is improving, some areas within the North-Eastern states, especially in Manipur and Assam,

still experience sudden and random outbreaks of violence.

The minister said the law and order situation in Assam is "perfect and any fear or apprehension is unfounded".

The Australian advisory also urged travelers to reconsider their need to travel to these areas due to the "risk of armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion, and separatist and insurgent violence," including in rural areas.

"I wish to reassure my distinguished friends in the Governments of UK and Australia that Assam is a wonderful land of peace loving people comprising various tribal groups, rich flora and fauna, magnificent cuisines, mesmerizing landscapes and the world famous Kaziranga National Park, which is home to the very rare single horned Rhino, he said.

Assam will highly appreciate if the two countries withdraw the said advisory, Sarma added. -PTI

Tourism spending hits $3 billion in Arlington ARLINGTON, Va.: Arlington officials say tourism in the county set a record in 2015, breaking the $3 billion mark.

The county, citing data from the U.S. Travel Association, said visitors spent $3.06 billion in Arlington in 2015. That's a 3 percent increase from the previous year and the highest total in Virginia.

Fairfax County ranked second with $2.9 billion in tourism spending, according to the study. Loudoun County ranked third

and Virginia Beach fourth.

Arlington County, which sits just across the Potomac River from the nation's capital, has led the state in economic impact from tourism since 2009. It accounts for more than 13 percent of all tourism spending in the state.

Arlington National Cemetery, the Pentagon and Air Force memorials and Reagan National Airport are all situated in the county. -AP

gether to ensure greater tourist traffic into the country. This can be achieved by changing perceptions through campaigns, word of mouth, and changing reality of tourist experience, he added.

Investment Desk Earlier, Tourism Secretary Vinod Zutshi told reporters that the ministry was "examining" a proposal from Invest India to set up an Investment Desk at the Tourism Ministry for project monitoring and follow up actions.

"Invest India has given us an offer to set up an invest desk. We are examining the proposal and looking into the modalities. With the investment desk in place in the Tourism ministry, we will continue not only conceiving various projects and organizing meetings (with states and

potential investors) but also hand-hold the state and see that things get culminated into actual projects," Zutshi said.

He was interacting with media on the eve of the first Incredible India Tourism Investors Summit.

Invest India is a not-for-profit joint venture between the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, state governments and industry body Ficci.

The three-day first-of-its kind summit, has been organized in association with industry body CII and Tourism Finance Corporation of India. It is expected to attract investments to the tune of over Rs 50,000 crore from around 700 investable projects.

The Summit would also see as many as 3,000 B2B (business-to-business) and B2G (business-to-Government) meetings, Zutshi said.

Some 250 investors from across the globe including those from China, Dubai, Hong Kong, Qatar, and Singapore, among others, are expected to discuss various investment proposals during the event.-PTI

India to boost cruise tourism MELBOURNE: India will soon unveil steps to tap cruise tourism in a big way along its 7,500 km-long coastline and is trying to address the issues of cleanliness, connectivity and security to improve the country's image in global tourism market, a senior minister has said.

"Tourism ministry along with Surface and Waterways ministry are taking cruise tourism in a big way," Culture and Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma, who was here to officially launch the 10-week festival "Confluence: Festival of India" for Australian cities, said.

"At present, we have a small share of cruise tourism of one per cent.

We have 7,500 kms of coastal belt with us and both the ministries have a joint group headed by secretary tourism. Very soon we are going to define the path of how to take cruise tourism in a big way," Sharma said, adding that this sector will also include cruise tourism to Australia.

The issue of developing cruise tourism with Australia was raised

by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Australian government and top industry leaders in Melbourne during his first official visit in 2014.

Sharma said the government was also seriously looking at and addressing the four main issues of cleanliness, hospitality, connectivity and the safety and security to improve the India's image in global tourism market.

"We have launched the helpline which is in 12 languages.

We have deployed tourist police, tourist friends and retired volunteers in all tourist destinations," Sharma added.

The regional connectivity and the new aviation policy launched two months ago will also further help tourism sector, he said, adding that the Tourism Ministry along with Railway Ministry was also launching special tourist coaches for international visitors.

"For example there is a Banaras bound train, there will be a tourist coach in that and priority will be given to international visitors," Sharma said.

"In World Economic Forum, we were ranked 65th, now we are 52 which is a jump of 13 points, we are not lagging behind," he

said.

The minister also met his Australian counterpart Richard Colbeck to discuss the areas of cooperation to increase the flow of tourists both ways.

"There is already a cultural exchange program between the two sides but we are looking at what else can be done," Sharma said.

An MoU inked during the 2014 Modi visit is being followed and has resulted in big projects like 'Festival of India' in Australia and Oz Fest in India, he said.

The inflow of tourists into India from Australia and vice a versa stood at almost same at over 230,000 tourists. -PTI

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September 30, 2016

www.indiapost.com Cont’d from page 40

The village has a beautiful beach where the river meets the Arabian Sea and the hill that is shaped like Ganpati enchants the visitors. The climate of the village is moist and humid.

Tourist attractions Jaigad Fort: Jaigad is a sea fort which is located at the tip of a peninsula in the district of Ratnagiri. The Fort is cuddled on a cliff which overlooks a bay. The bay is formed where the Shastri River enters the Arabian Sea. The Fort is 35 km from Ganapatipule.

A lighthouse and a jetty port is situated near the fort. Even though the fort is in ruins, the exterior wall and the bulwarks can still be seen. A deep fosse fences the fort side which is not facing the cliff edge. But there is no fortification on the east side.

Jaigad Lighthouse: The Jaigad light house was built in 1832. It is situated in one of the bastions known as Siddha Uruj. The lighthouse is still functional. It is located on the western edge of the

Jaigad Fort. The spectacular lighthouse has stood here for years and is still strong.

Ganapatipule Beach: The Ganapatipule Beach is clean with fine silvery white sand. The beach is not safe for swimming because it contains stretches of rocks. There is also a lagoon. The adventurous tourists can try their hands at balancing a kayak. The place is fit for the entire family to enjoy a holiday or a vacation.

At the end of the beach there is a small cliff. The view from atop is really enchanting. Trails of cashew and mango trees can be seen lined along the beach.

Swayambhu Ganpati Temple: The idol of Ganapati at the Swayambhu Ganpati Temple is built

of pule which is nothing but white sand and is believed to be self originated - it is not man made.

sports.

Best period to visit here is October to February.

How to reach

By Train: Ratnagiri, the convenient railhead is located at a distance of 45 km from Ganpatipule and is connected to various cities across the country.

By Air: The nearest airport is

the Ratnagiri (50 km). Other airport is at Belgaum (300 km).

By Bus: The State Transport plies buses from Mumbai (291 km), Pune (235 km) and Belgaum (300 km).

Goa to Mumbai in 6 hrs with new highway PANAJI: With the construction of 4-lane Mumbai-Goa highway, to be completed by 2018, travel time will reduce to six hours, Union Transport Minister of India Nitin Gadkari said here.

"We have already started the work on Mumbai-Goa four-lane cement concrete road. Our target is to complete Mumbai-Goa highway by 2018. Once it is completed, it will take only six hours from Goa to Mumbai," Gadkari told a gathering in presence of the West Indian Goa state Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar.

The road will help to boost tourism of the coastal state, he said, adding that he has agreed to link the Mumbai-Goa highway to Pollem in South Goa against the earlier plan to connect it up to Patradevi on Goa's border touching the west central Indian state of Maharashtra.

Another idol of Ganapati which is made of copper is placed in the Sanctum Sanctorum. It depicts the Lord astride on a lion. The idol is so set that at sunrise and sunset, the golden light of the sun penetrates and lights the idol.

Water Sports: The Ganapatipule beach is a good place for water sports. It has a lagoon nearby. There is a hot spot for water sports which is arranged by the MTDC. The water sports complex is closed between June and October. Tents on the beaches are also an attraction for tourists.

Different type of water sports can be enjoyed here There are row boats, water scooters, and motor boats. In addition to this the aero boats and the pedal boats also form part of the water

The minister was addressing a gathering after chairing an event to sign an agreement between Mormugao Port Trust and Vedanta s Goa Sea Port Private Limited for the re-development of cargo berth

Nitin Gadkari

number 8 and 9 besides barge berths and inauguration of roof top 200 KV capacity solar power generation plant at MPT. "When I had taken charge, the road construction was 2 km per day, then it was 22 km per day, and now we are targeting at 42 km per day by

next March. The life of the road will be at least 50 years," Gadkari said.

Stating that 5 lakh accidents occur every year in the country, Gadkari asserted that special attention would be given to reduce road mishaps.

"By making four lane concrete road we will save the lives of the people on Goa-Mumbai highway.

At the same time we are identifying the accidental 'black spots' across the country.

We have already invested money for improvement of 786 black spots," he said.

"We have made it a point that 10 per cent of the fund would be reserved to improve the black spots on highways, state roads and municipal roads. States should identity the black spots.

We will definitely give money to improve them. It will also save lives," the minister added. -PTI

Oman Air to start operating from Kolkata KOLKATA: As part of its plans to connect more destinations in India, Oman Air would start operating from the city from early next year.

"We are expecting to start operating from Kolkata from early next year. We are waiting for the nod from the Civil Aviation Ministry and hopefully we will get it soon. Kolkata is a potential market and we will be happy to start our operations from this city," Oman Air Regional Vice President Sunil V A told PTI here.

In fact, besides, Kolkata, Oman Air is also planning to start operations from Tiruchirappalli in Tamil Nadu and Ahmedabad in Gujarat, he said.

Asked whether the commencement of the operations from the other two cities would be at the same time, the Oman Air official said, "Still the talks are on. The operations from these cities may start from the same time but we are surely going to operate from next year."

At present, Oman Air is operating from 11 destinations in India with 126 flights every week, offering onward connections to a number of European and African cities.

Elaborating about the operations from the city, the Oman Air official said, "From Kolkata it (the operations) will be double daily basis to all points in India. We are planning to have flights to Europe and African nations also.

"And with the number of people from West Bengal working in Oman we think there will be a good response. And we are bringing the flights here because lots of Omanis come to India for education, health check up."

Asked whether they have spoken to the state government, Sunil, who is part of a Oman Tourism delegation seeking to woo Indian tourists, said, "Once we finalize the operations we will have a word with them." -PTI

September 30, 2016

Travel & Hospitality Post

India Post

43

www.indiapost.com

Why visitors love Scotland's Misty Isle of Skye MICHELLE LOCKE

PORTREE, Scotland: Bonny Prince Charlie saw Scotland's Isle of Skye on the run. He was fleeing government troops after his Highland rebellion ended disastrously at the 18th century Battle of Culloden.

My visit was hurried, too, although due to nothing more exciting than a tight schedule - no redcoats on my tail.

Luckily, even a short stay is long enough to glimpse why the Misty Isle of Skye is one of Scotland's most popular tourist attractions.

Here are a few reasons.

DREAM SCENES Rain or shine, most likely both in the same day, Skye is a stunner, from the stark grandeur of the Black Cuillin, the jagged mountain range looming over the island, to the cheerfully pastel houses of Portree harbor. You can take in the views by driving Skye's winding roads, get out for a shoreline amble or, if you've got the skills, go mountaineering. Guides can be hired for more challenging itineraries; a good option is http:// www.skyeguides.co.uk .

Recommended spots include the Trotternish ridge, known for rock formations like the Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing pinnacles. Also a must-see, the Fairy

Pools, a series of crystal clear and flowing pools on the River Brittle. http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/ skye/fairypools.shtml .

HIGHLAND HISTORY Are you a fan of the Starz TV

prince, Charles Edward Stuart, who was the grandson of the deposed James II and was trying to win back the British throne for the Stuarts, escaped government troops aided by several Highlanders including the brave Flora

A woman walks past a cairn commemorating the Highlanders who died at the Battle of Culloden in 1746 on Isle of Skye off the west coast of Scotland

series ``Outlander''? You should already be familiar with the beauty of the Highlands, the setting for that time-traveling drama.

The series hasn't gotten into Prince Charles' flight yet; Season 2 ended just as the Battle of Culloden started. The show's been renewed for two more seasons, but we don't know a lot of details on what's coming. In real life, the

MacDonald who got him to Skye dressed as her maid.

If you are headed into the Highlands by way of Inverness, you're close to the Culloden Battlefield and Visitor Center, which does a good job of explaining the rise and fall of the doomed campaign.

You can't go far in Scotland without finding a castle, and Skye's Dunvegan Castle is billed

as the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland, home to the chiefs of Clan MacLeod for eight centuries. Open daily 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. March 25-October 15, admission to castle and gardens about $16.

For more island history visit the Skye Museum of Island Life in Kilmuir, which features a recreation of a Highland village. Open daily Easter-late September. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission about $3.25.

DINING & DRAMS Think Scottish cuisine begins and ends with broth and haggis?

You're in for a surprise (not that there's anything wrong with broth and haggis). Skye boasts a variety of dining choices including the Michelin-starred Kinloch Lodge and The Three Chimneys, which lost its Michelin star after a change in chefs in 2015 but continues to put out excellent food. If you're there for lunch, look for the Crispy Croft Egg starter, a perfect mix of rich, dense egg and crisp crust.

On the drinks side, Skye has one whisky distillery, Talisker in Carbost. And it's the home of another Scots libation, Drambuie, now made in Glasgow but first developed and served at Skye's Broadford Hotel in the 1870s. The liqueur, a blend of aged scotch, spices, heather honey and herbs,

is said to be based on a recipe of the bonny prince himself, who gave islanders the secret to his private elixir in gratitude for their help.

If You Go...

SKYE: https:// www.visitscotland.com/destinations-maps/isle-skye/see-do/ GETTING THERE AND GETTING AROUND: A bridge connects Skye to the mainland, so the easiest way to get to, and around, Skye is by car, either your own or on booked tours. Some island roads are single-track with places where you can pull over to let others pass.

LODGING: B&B's, hotels and self-catering cottages. Rooms fill up quickly at high season (spring and summer) so book ahead.

PORTREE AND BOAT TRIPS: Skye's largest town, Portree, has a supermarket and other shops. It also has a visitor center (Bayfield House, Bayfield Road) with information on walks, attractions and boat trips. You can even arrange a boat tour to the coastline of Elgol, on the southern end of the island, home to a cave where the prince is said to have hidden. No telling whether you'll feel the presence of Highlanders gone. But keep an eye out for men in red coats. -AP

88 Japan animation spots to boost tourism TOKYO: Eighty-eight places in Japan are going to be designated ``animation spots'' to encourage tourism - using train stations, school campuses, rural shrines and other fairly everyday places where popular ``manga'' characters are depicted.

Such landmarks number in the tens of thousands, given the popularity and volume of ``manga'' comics In Japan. But this is being billed as the official list for any fan's animation ``pilgrimage,'' as the places are known as ``seichi,'' or ``sacred spots.''

People around the world can vote on the landmarks through a website set up in several languages, including English and Chinese. ``Japanese pop culture has grown to rival American Hollywood,'' Tsugihiko Kadokawa, chairman of Kadokawa Corp. publisher and film studio, one of the officials behind the effort, said at a Tokyo news conference. ``Animation can change the times.''

The project highlights Japan's recent push to make tourism a valuable boon for a stagnant economy, as dynamic as the export of the

long-hailed Toyota cars and Sony video-game machines.

Tourists from abroad have grown, under a ``Cool Japan'' initiative, reaching 20 million people last year - five years ahead of a goal set by the government, prompting officials to raise its 2020 target to 40 million tourists.

Kadokawa and other officials behind the newly formed Japan Anime Tourism Association said they would compile a travel route of 88 animation spots by December, including where manga and animation works took place, as well as the homes of manga artists and museums dedicated to their works.

Votes from fans will be taken into consideration in compiling the list. ``Vote for the special spot you want to share with everyone,'' the site says.

One shoo-in for the list, according to organizers, is Washinomiya Jinja, a picturesque shrine in Saitama prefecture on the outskirts of Tokyo, a familiar scene in comics by Kagami Yoshimizu, which later became a TV animation series, ``Lucky Star'' or ``Raki Suta.''

The shrine is not as grand or famous as others in the country,

such as Meiji Shrine in central Tokyo, but it's still the one to visit for those who love the manga series, which depicts friendship among schoolgirls, all illustrated with the huge eyes and colorful hair characteristic of manga.

The shrine shows up in the opening sequence to the TV show, whose typical episode will feature

``I'm all for it, 'said Teruko Masaki, owner of a restaurant near the shrine, which sells noodles and other products with the manga characters splashed on the packaging.

The pieces of wood on which visitors write their wishes, such as getting accepted at a college or having a healthy baby, are, at

A man walks by an eatery with its facade painted with letters that read "Welcome to Washinomiya" and the characters of a TV animation series "Lucky Star" or "Raki Sta" near Washinomiya Jinja shrine in Kuki, Saitama prefecture, north of Tokyo

a heated discussion in cute, cooing voices on the correct way to eat a pastry.

Hopes are high at Washinomiya Jinja to be picked for the honors.

Washinomiya, covered with drawings of the ``Lucky Star'' girls.

Other possible animation spots include the ``Gundam'' giant robot statue on Odaiba, an artificial is-

land in Tokyo Bay, and the Ghibli Studio of Hayao Miyazaki, the Oscar-winning animator who made ``Spirited Away.''

Louis Lee, an editor from Hong Kong, who was at the Tokyo launch of the Japan Anime Tourism Association, said he was an avid manga fan, especially of ``Slam Dunk,'' a story about a high school basketball team. ``It teaches you not to give up until the end,'' he said.

Manga fans like Lee say manga has proven useful for studying the Japanese language and culture.

They say animation spots should have manga character costumes that visitors can wear in photos, as well as manga-related products for sale.

The government's Japan Tourism Agency has recently begun to study not only the numbers of tourists coming to Japan, but what was the emotional driver behind their visits. The agency's survey of French and Thai people found that, although the two groups varied on what they hoped to do, they both said they became interested in Japan through movies and other entertainment content. -AP

Horoscope

44 India Post

September 30, 2016

www.indiapost.com

Sept 30th - Oct 6th 2016 Please send your birthday, place of birth and time, so I can give you your zodiac sign, according to Vedic astrology. Send to Jaysastrology@gmail.com

T

he professional matters look good. This week makes you feel good and happy. Some of you may plan some excursion trip. The students need better concentration, focus on your studies The health of father needs care. Handle all matters with patience. It is better to avoid haste and conflicts. Avoid unnecessary driving. Avoid risky activities. Patience is the Mantra for you.

he professional matters look better. Some of you may get promotion/reward.

Some of you may go for outing. The child brings happiness. Some additional income is likely. Social interaction and communications increases. The new professional opportunities are likely.

Avoid conflicting situations during 2016, and take due care of your health see a doctor.

T

P

he professional matters look better. Some of you are likely to get promotion/reward/ recognition. Some obstructions are seen. Things look better on health front.

Financial position becomes better. Take care and avoid unnecessary driving. Postpone new ventures or starting to expand businesses.

Conflicts with younger siblings handle with care. Immune disorder is likely.

T

rofessional matters face challenges. With your understanding and patience you are likely to be able to manage things. Avoid manipulations. Handle relationship matters with patience.

Child may need help. Avoid haste, conflicts, speculation, aggressive behaviour and unnecessary driving. Conflicts and financial concerns are likely to continue. Take care.

Enemies are likely to trouble.

P

he professional matters look better. Some additional expenses are likely.

Those who are appearing in selections may get good results. Stay away from manipulations people trying to take advantage of you.. It is better to keep new ventures pending. The week may bring some short lived concerns. The child may also bring some happy news.

T

rofessional matters look better. Property matters need care to avert losses.

Some sudden obstructions and stress are seen. The parents need care. Better to avoid unnecessary driving.

Work with patience. Take care of relationship matters.

Prolonged transit planetary influences caused by Rahu/ Ketu are difficult for those whose ascending degree is around 18.

he professional matters look better. Avoid manipulations someone trying to take advantage of you. Students and those who are appearing in selections have better chances of success.

Some of you may be rewarded. Some new rewarding opportunities are likely, good time to act on it. Due to rahu and ketu around 18 degrees be vigiliant and avoid risky situations.

T

he professional matters look good. The mental peace looks better. Some pleasure trip is likely. Stay away from manipulations, and cheaters who try to take advantage of you. Some additional income is likely. Avoid aggressive behaviour and haste. Silence is golden for you. Better to avoid conflicts.

It is better to settle conflicts by even by apologizing. Patience is your remedy.

T

T

T

T

T

he professional matters look better. Work with patience and things remain manageable. Keep new ventures pending, avoid expanding business as well. The health of parents needs better attention. The week may involve some additional expenses.

Avoid haste, aggressive behaviour, conflicts, unnecessary expenses and driving/ travel. Handle obstructions and relationship matters with care.

he professional matters look better. Some additional income is likely. Some good news is in the making.

Child may bring happiness with good news. The new business opportunities should be put on hold up to January, 2017. Avoid speculation. Always invest in safe assets. Patience is the best medicine up to January, 2017.

Some income constraints are likely.

he professional matters look better. Fortune helps. Some new opportunities are likely, think it out before pursuing it. Delays and obstructions are likely in the sources of income. Manage obstructions and delays with patience. It is better to avoid manipulations or people trying to take advantage of you. The health of spouse may cause sudden concerns.

he professional matters look better. The incidence of conflicts continues.

Health of the spouse is improving. It is better to avoid driving. Manage things with patience. Avoid conflicts, debts and financial litigations by avoiding being taken advantage off. Avoid in investing stock market. Focus on children, pay attention to their whereabouts. Depression and anxiety can be seen.

This weekly horoscope is more focused and accurate as these are based on ascending signs. The ascending sign is worked out on the basis of your date, time and place of birth. You will find the predictions at other places based on your Sun sign or Moon sign. The Sun remains in one sign of zodiac for one month whereas the Moon remains in one sign for about 54 hours. It is the ascending sign, which changes every couple of hours." That is how this site offers you more focused predictions.

JATIN P - ACHARYA MIHIR • JAYSASTROLOGY@GMAIL.COM • 630-675-7148

„ Health

Line

Mohalla Clinic pilot scheme extended NEW DELHI: The Aam Aadmi Mohalla Clinics pilot project has been given an extension for a period of one year by the Delhi government which intends to set up 1,000 such new clinics in the national capital by the end of this year.

The AAP government had launched the project on a trial basis for an initial period of six months which has ended. The decision to extend it was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal here.

Mohalla Clinics scheme is one of the flagship projects of the AAP government, with 105 clinics set up by the Health Department so far.

"The Aam Aadmi Mohalla Clinics Pilot Project has been extended for a period of one year with effect from September 22 onwards. The cabinet approval given earlier was till this date," said a senior government official.

These neighborhood clinics were set up as a pilot project for the 1,000 clinics that the government had promised to open by the end of the year to improve primary healthcare and reduce the burden on the tertiary care centers.

Kejriwal and other AAP ministers have praised the project on several occasions, terming it a "revolutionary step" in the health sector in the national capital.-PTI

„

'Unnecessary platelet transfusion harmful'

NEW DELHI: Unnecessary platelet transfusion causes "harm" and puts dengue patients "at risk" of developing complications such as sepsis, say health experts.

The national capital is grappling with rising cases of the vector-borne disease in the city, which has claimed at least 19 lives and affected over 1,300 people.

In dengue patients, platelet count registers a fall, and if it is not replenished, it may lead to fatality.

"It is crucial that the public is educated about the fact that platelet transfusion is not the only solution and is not required in most of the dengue cases," cardiologist and President-elect of Indian Medical Association, Dr K K Aggarwal said.

Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and IMA have jointly held a webcast on the subject of platelet transfusion.

Platelet is one of the major components of blood that is affected by dengue and its normal value is between 1.5 to 4.5 lakh. -PTI

Health Science

Country facing shortage of doctors: Nadda

45 India Post

www.indiapost.com

September 30, 2016

Details on Page 47

Anti-microbial resistance is slow-motion tsunami: WHO UNITED NATIONS: World leaders have approved a wideranging declaration aimed at addressing the rising number of drug-resistant infections - something the World Health Organization says has the potential to kill millions and undermine the global economy, likening it to ``a slow-motion tsunami.''

The declaration recognizes the size of the problem and encourages countries to develop plans to cut back on antibiotic use, make better use of vaccines and fund development of new drugs to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which currently claims the lives of an estimated 700,000 people each year and is expected to rise sharply. ``This is already an historical moment for countries of the world.

Heads of states and heads of governments agreed to address a neglected issue,'' WHO Director General Margaret Chan said. ``AMR is not a new issue, but it is a multidimensional issue, it has to be addressed at the national level ... because no single sector, be it the agriculture sector, the health sector or trade sector can act on its own.''

A 2014 report commissioned by the United Kingdom projected that by 2050 drug resistance will

kill more people each year than cancer and cost the world as much as $100 trillion in lost economic output. The World Bank estimates that drug-resistant infections have the potential to cause at least as much economic damage as the 2008 financial crisis.

ral illnesses.

Meanwhile, pharmaceutical companies don't want to spend the money needed to develop new antibiotics because patients don't need them for very long, so they don't buy many, and the new drugs are only used when the older, cheaper ones don't work.

A surgeon disinfects his hands before starting procedures to clean the wound of an amputee patient with MRSA (Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus Aureus).

Drug resistance is driven by the widespread use of antibiotics in commercial agriculture, as a way to prevent costly infections among livestock, and misuse and overuse of antibiotics by doctors who often prescribe them to patients seeking some kind of relief for colds and flu _ even though they do not work for vi-

Speaking at the adoption of the declaration, U.N. SecretaryGeneral Ban Ki-moon said the dimensions of the problem were rapidly becoming apparent. ``Antimicrobial resistance poses a fundamental, long-term threat to human health, sustainable food production and development,'' Ban said. ``In all parts

of the world, in developing and developed countries; in rural and urban areas; in hospitals; on farms and in communities. We are losing our ability to protect both people and animals from lifethreatening infections.''

Ban cited several examples including an epidemic of multidrugresistant typhoid now sweeping parts of Africa, rising resistance to HIV/AIDS drugs and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis that has been identified in 105 countries.

Some critics say the declaration falls short because it lacks firm commitments to getting antibiotics out of agriculture and for funding new drugs.

The medical-humanitarian group Doctors Without Borders, known by its French initials MSF, praised the adoption of declaration even though it is legally nonbinding. ``MSF welcomes the U.N.'s Political Declaration on Antimicrobial Resistance, which recognizes the need to address - at the highest political levels - the complex issue of drug-resistant infections,'' MSF President Dr. Joanne Liu said in a statement. ``Now, governments have the responsibility to turn these words into action.''-AP

Child mortality rate falls; UP, Assam lead NEW DELHI: The under-five child mortality rate fell by an average of four points during 2014 with Uttar Pradesh and Assam among the best performing states registering a 7-point decline each, the government has said.

It said the country is on track to bring the Under-5 Mortality Rate (U-5MR) further down and achieve the Millennium Development Goal (MDG).

The RGI Sample Registration Survey (SRS) on U-5MR for 2014 found 15 states/UTs registering a decline of four points and 16 that of three.

States like Bihar and Andhra

Pradesh registered a decline of one point.

The SRS also found that Kerala was the only state to register an increase in U-5MR, by one point.

Union Health Minister J P

2015 data comes, the country would have achieved the MDG target.

He said there was an 8.16 per cent decline in under-five mortality during 2013-2014 as compared

It said the country is on track to bring the Under-5 Mortality Rate (U-5MR) further down and achieve the Millennium Development Goal (MDG). States like Bihar and Andhra Pradesh registered a decline Nadda said focused, committed and targeted interventions by the government have borne "positive fruits" in 2014 and by the time the

to 5.76 per cent decline during 2012-2013.

In 2012-13, U-5MR had reduced from 52 to 49 (per 1000 live births)

and to 45 the subsequent year, which is a decline of four points, he said.

"We have been able to save lives of approximately 1.26 lakh children," Nadda said.

Noting that achieving U5MR of 42 (per 1000 live births) is the MDG goal, he expressed hopes that when the SRS report for 2015 are available, "we would have achieved (the goal)".

"Lot of intensive programs have been undertaken in 2014 so we believe we will cover the three points (to reach the target)," Nadda said.

Cont'd on Page 46

46 India Post

Health Science Post

September 30, 2016

www.indiapost.com

Young docs urged to improve healthcare NEW DELHI: Concerned over the spurt in dengue and chikungunya cases, President Pranab Mukherjee has asked young doctors to strive for overcoming the deficiencies in the healthcare system so that such vector-borne diseases become a thing of the past.

Noting that the ratio of doctors in the country is far less in comparison to international standards especially in rural areas, Mukherjee said the cooperation of young doctors will help the government to build the health infrastructure in the country.

Recalling his years of growing up in his native West Bengal, Mukherjee while speaking at the centenary celebrations and convocation of Lady Hardinge Medical College here, said he witnessed villages falling prey to epidemics like cholera, small pox, tuberculosis and plague.

"Invariably I used to see advertisements in railway stations and in every post office issued by the public health department of the then state government - be careful of mosquitoes - mosquitoes are the death symbol. It was so prevalent," he said.

"Of course new situation has emerged.

Old diseases are no longer prevailing. Due care has been taken to remove them from society. Medical research and science has made substantial contribution.

"But at the same time, in the new century and in the new millennium we have to face new problems. I request you (young doctors) to always keep in mind certain

basic facts - our deficiencies. It is on your young shoulders again to substantially meet that deficiency," Mukherjee said.

He said India has one doctor per 1,700 people against international standard ratio of one doctor per 1,000 and the situation is more alarming in the rural areas, where the shortage of surgeons is as high as 83.4 per

ral sector and your (young doctors) cooperation and sympathetic hands will no doubt help the government of the day to overcome the problem," he said.

The President advised the young graduating doctors to be proud of the skills instilled in them by the college to face challenges of the competitive world.

President Pranab Mukherjee with a meritorious student during the centenary convocation of Lady Hardinge Medical College. Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda is also present.

cent.

"So we can apprehend and also appreciate the huge dimensions of building up the health infrastructure particularly in the ru-

"Be truthful, be virtuous, have compassion and never deviate from your own conviction," he said.

He further asked them to be learners, students, and innovators and researchers as they go forward in their profession.

President Mukherjee said that during the 190 years of "colonial exploitation", India was "forced" to get accustomed with names of the rulers and most of them have been forgotten but certain names like Lady Hardinge left a permanent impression in the minds.

"In our long history of 190 years of colonial rules, we were forced to get accustomed with so many names of our colonial rulers and personalities. Most of them we have forgotten today. We wanted to forget along with the end of 190 years of colonial exploitations.

"But certain names which are associated with the colonial era have left a per-

manent impression in our mind like Bethune, and one such name is Lady Hardinge who thought of providing medical education to girl students and establish an exclusive college," Mukherjee said.

He said that while the college was established in 1917, the British women got the right to vote in the Parliament elections in 1924.

"Seven years before, Lady Hardinge thought of providing modern scientific medical education to Indian women, I appreciate that," Mukherjee said.

The President termed doctors as the most important component of society, who have a tremendous responsibility to provide healthcare to the needy.

He asked them to focus on providing their services in the rural and far flung areas to strengthen the medical infrastructure in the country.

Terming the convocation as an important milestone in the life of both teachers and students, Mukherjee said that while the students are rewarded for their hard work, faculty members have satisfaction as they feel that from raw materials they have produced a finished product which will be of immense service to the nation.

Noting that public health needs are ever increasing in India, Mukherjee called on the young doctors to regularly focus on medical facilities away from the cities, in the smaller towns and villages.

Talking about the shortage of doctors in rural areas, Mukherjee said the shortage of obstetricians and gynecologists is 76.3 per cent, pediatricians 82.1 per cent and general physicians 83 per cent at the level of the Community Health Centers (CHCs).

"The overall shortage translates to 81.2 per cent as of the year 2015," he said.

Asking doctors to be consistently sensitive and empathetic towards the patients, Mukherjee said it is this attitude that should always guide them, before the drugs and medicines prescribed by them begin to give their required effect.

"While clinical detachment is certainly required, this detachment should not lead to taking monetary advantage of a patient and his family who have entrusted their lives in the doctors' hands with full faith," he said -PTI

Child mortality rate falls; UP, Assam lead Cont'd from Page 45

According to the data, 15 states have achieved a decline of more than four points, with Uttar Pradesh and Assam registering the highest decline of seven points each followed by Rajasthan and Odisha which registered a decline of six points each.

Other states in this category include Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, West Bengal (all recording a decline of 5 point); Gujarat, Chattisgarh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab (all recording a decline of 4 point).

Sixteen states/UTs, however, registered a decline of three points. U-5MR declined by two points in Tamil Nadu.

"The success has been possible due to dedicated efforts during the neonatal period through establishment of special newborn care units (SNCU), systematic home visits by ASHA workers and improvement in quality institutional delivery," Nadda said.

The rural-urban differential in U-5MR is reduced to 23 points in comparison to 26 points in 2013 indicating good progress in rural areas.-PTI

September 30, 2016

Health Science Post

Don't approve GM mustard, PM urged

India Post 47

www.indiapost.com

NEW DELHI: Former Union Health minister Anbumani Ramadoss has sought urgent intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make sure that GM mustard is not approved by the country's biotech regulator GEAC. In a letter to Modi, Ramadoss said that it is apparent that testing for GM mustard, which has received a safety clearance from a technical panel of experts in the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) has not been "adequate".

"When Bt brinjal was being debated for approval in India, as the then Union Health Minister, I had ensured that the ministry took a rigorous, pro-people and pro-science stand and I expect the Government to do the same with GM mustard, given that mustard is more widely grown and consumed and in more ways than Brinjal.

"If we want to protect citizens' health

pate in the assessment processes.

"Quite apart from this is the fact that GM mustard underwent very little testing on the health front," he said.

The body claimed that the present GM Mustard like any other GM crop, will have serious health and environmental impact and the herbicide tolerance technology used in developing it will have "far reaching implications".

It also referred to the recommendations of a Parliamentary Standing Committee on Agriculture (2012) and Supreme Court Technical Expert Committee (2013) that such technology should not be introduced in India.

"Farmers are already reeling under increasing weed problem and use of hazardous herbicides, and this crop would force us to use more and more herbicides to combat "superweeds"," it said.

and environment, this GM mustard should not be approved at all and I urge you to intervene urgently and make sure that it is not permitted to be grown in India," Ramadoss said in his letter.

GEAC had constituted a sub-committee of scientific experts to examine the biosafety data on GM mustard.

After the committee examined it, the report was placed on the Environment Ministry's website inviting comments from stakeholders within a period of 30 days before the biotech regulator took a decision.

The report claimed that the hybrid variety did not pose any risk to biodiversity or agro-ecosystem.

Ramadoss said that he had also written to the Union Health Minister JP Nadda in November last year pointing out that there is absolutely no need for opting for this "unsafe" technology.

"In fact, the very basis on which this GM mustard is being pushed its yield superiority has not even been verified by the regulators," he said.

Ramadoss also said, "There are reports that the one health safety expert put into the technical panel represents a conflict of interest that should not have been there, and is also someone who did not partici-

They said that India's unfortunate tryst with GM Crops is today clearly visible amongst the Bt cotton-farmers in Punjab, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka and Maharashtra.

"In the last two years, their Bt Cotton farms were destroyed by the same bollworm that Monsanto's Bt Cotton technology was supposed to destroy and by other pests like whitefly.

"This much hyped technology has failed in such a short time, Monsanto and its subsidiaries and franchisees have made crores of profit and farmers are being forced to carry the burden of the failure of this technology. We farmers strongly believe that this technology, inherent with unnatural processes and risky manipulations, cannot be deployed anymore in our farms," they said.

They said that the GM Hybrid Mustard is less productive than at least five different varieties already in the market, and yet the productivity of GM Mustard was deceptively compared to low yielding varieties.

"We also call for a re-launching of the Yellow Revolution with a focus on organic and agro-ecological approaches, higher assured prices and increased protection from cheap imported oil," they said.-PTI

Country facing shortage of doctors: Nadda NEW DELHI: Union Health Minister JP Nadda has said the country is facing shortage of doctors but the government is taking several measures to address the issue as "health for all" is its objective.

"India faces a crippling shortage of doctors. The government is tackling this by rapidly increasing the capacity for training undergraduates and postgraduates in existing medical colleges and also by establishing new ones," he said.

The government is working to improve training capacity and establish new medical colleges to tackle the situation arising out of the "shortage" of doctors, the Health Minister said.

Speaking at the centenary celebration and convocation of Lady Hardinge Medical College, the Minister said, "Health for all is a national goal and a priority for this government."

He said the government has "grand" plans for redeveloping and modernizing Lady Hardinge Medical College.

"This government has grand plans for redeveloping and modernizing LHMC to make it comparable with the best in the

world. The redevelopment plan, with superspeciality block and other associated structures, on completion will decongest the present campus, provide enhanced infrastructure for teaching and research and wholesome environment for patients," Nadda said.

He said the government aims to improve the standards of medical education in the country.

"AIIMS-like institutions in different parts of the country are being established to set standards of medical education and healthcare at par with the best in the world.

"Existing premier medical colleges are also being upgraded with top class infrastructure and facilities. Medical teachers will also be closely involved in policy planning, regulation and enforcement of standards in medical education," he said.

The Health Minister urged the students not to forget the larger purpose of working to improve the health of the poor, the needy and the underprivileged.

"No patient should be denied treatment on account of being poor or belonging to lower strata of society," he said. -PTI

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Philosophy

September 30, 2016

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Page Sponsored by Sahanis MAHATMA GANDHI

I

f we turn our eyes to the time of which history has any record down to our own time, we shall find that man has been steadily progressing towards ahimsa. Our remote ancestors were cannibals.

Then came a time when they were fed up with cannibalism and they began to live on chase.

Next came a stage when man was ashamed of leading the life of a wandering hunter. He therefore took to agriculture and depended principally on mother earth for his food. Thus from being a nomad he settled down to civilized stable life, founded villages and towns, and from member of a family he became member of a community and a nation.

All these are signs of progressive ahimsa and diminishing himsa.

Had it been otherwise, the human species should have been extinct by now, even as many of the lower species have disappeared. Prophets and avatars have also taught the lesson of ahimsa more or less.

Not one of them has professed to teach himsa.

And how should it be otherwise? Himsa does not need to be taught. Man as animal is violent, but as spirit is non-violent. The moment he awakes to the spirit within he cannot remain violent.

Either he progresses towards ahimsa or rushes to his doom.

That is why the prophets and avatars have taught the lessons of MA AMRITANANDAMAYI

T

he gift of India to the world is her culture of Self-Realization, her vision of raising human beings to the heights of God-consciousness. Modern society, disillusioned with the empty grandeur of materialism, looks to the perennial philosophies of the East for guidance and refuge.

From ancient times to the present day, an unbroken succession of God-realized souls have taken birth in India to lead seekers of Truth to their goal.

It is not surprising that some self-seeking individuals have put on the garb of enlightened masters to take advantage of the thirst for spiritual guidance. The West has suffered much from this deception and has developed paranoia toward "Gurus." Because of a few charlatans, we need not lose faith that genuine Masters exist.

Because some quacks are practicing medicine, do we cease to look for a reputable doctor to free us from our illness?

"Why does one need a spiritual guide?" you may ask. "After reading a few books, can't I make my own way along the spiritual path?"

If one desires to become a doctor, one must study under the in-

truth, harmony, brotherhood, justice, etc. -all attributes of ahimsa.

And yet violence seems to persist, even to the extent of thinking people regarding it as the final weapon. But, as I have shown, history and experience are against him. If we believe that mankind has steadily progressed towards ahimsa, it follows that it has to progress towards it still further.

Nothing in this world is static, everything is kinetic. If there is no progression, then there is inevitable retrogression. No one can remain without the eternal cycle, unless it be God Himself.

The present war is the satura-

The Congress has pledged itself to ahimsa however limited. I invite the doubters to shed their doubts and plunge confidently into the sacred sacrificial fire of ahimsa. Then I have little doubt that the Congress will retrace its step. 'It is always willing.' Well has Pritan, our poet, sung: Happiest are those that plunge in the fire, The lookers-on are all but scorched by flames.

Fasting in non-violent action If the struggle which we are seeking to avoid with all our might has to come, and if it is to remain

against it as part of a political struggle. It has a recognized place in religious practice. But it is considered a vulgar interpolation in politics by the ordinary politician though it has always been resorted to by prisoners in a haphazard way with more or less success. By fasting, however, they have always succeeded in drawing public attention and disturbing the peace of jail authorities.

My own fasts have always, as I hold, been strictly according to the law of satyagraha. I have, however, been driven to the conclusion that fasting unto death is

Man is steadily progressing towards ahimsa Nothing in this world is static, everything is kinetic. If there is no progression, then there is inevitable retrogression. No one can remain without the eternal cycle, unless it be God Himself.

Mahatma Gandhi

tion point in violence. It spells to my mind also its doom. Daily I have testimony of the fact that ahimsa was never before appreciated by mankind as it is to-day. All the testimony from the West that I continue to receive points in the same direction.

non-violent as it must in order to succeed, fasting is likely to play an important part in it. It has its place in the tussle with authority and with our own people in the event of wanton acts of violence and obstinate riots, for instance.

There is a natural prejudice

an integral part of satyagraha program and it is the greatest and most effective weapon in its armory.

Excerpted from Harijan, 26th July 1942. The 147th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi will be celebrated on Oct 2

struction of learned professors.

Even after graduating from medical school, one interns in a hospital under the guidance of practicing doctors. We spend many years to fulfill our dream of becoming a doctor. What then of aspiring to realize the Supreme Truth? If we desire spiritual wisdom, we must seek out true spiritual Masters who have studied, practiced and experienced Truth.

What distinguishes a true teacher from an impostor? In the

of a true Master serves to awaken people spiritually. No trace of ego or selfishness exists in a Mahatma, who, with open arms, receives and serves all.

The true Guru cannot be known by the intellect; a Satguru is beyond all logic and judgment, for the Satguru is an experience. The Satguru is not to be known by intellectual calisthenics but is recognized spontaneously by those of pure heart. Recognition can only be of that which was once

only when the disciple himself or herself goes beyond the self-imposed limitations of individuality and merges with the Self, which is none other than the Guru.

The same principle is known as Iswara, as Guru or as the Atma (the Self) - there is no difference among the three; the difference, if any is perceived, is due to our marred perception. We see the Guru, God or the Self as we are. So if we approach the ocean with a cup - then we get a cupful of water, the bigger the

True Guru cannot be known by intellect In the Presence of an Enlightened Being, one feels a tangible aura of love and tranquility.

Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.

-Confucius Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.

- Sun Tzu Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend.

-Albert Camus It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.

-Mark Twain

Ma Amritanandamayi

vessel the more we are able to carry.

There is no meaning in blaming the ocean for what we have.

Excerpted from amritapuri.org.

The 63rd birth anniversary of Mata Amritanandamayi will be observed on Sept 27

It is easy to believe we are each waves and forget we are also the ocean.

-John J. Muth

receive regardless of status known and the Satguru seems to be a new factor in our lives, so how is it that one recognizes the Satguru? The Satguru is recognized for the true teacher is none other than our true self, our innate nature. The Guru is truly known

We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.

-Epictetus

Find a place inside where there's joy, and the joy will burn out the pain.

-Joseph Campbell

We can observe the equal treatment that all

Presence of an Enlightened Being, one feels a tangible aura of love and tranquility. We can observe the equal treatment that all receive regardless of status or fortune, religion or race, from one immersed in Divinity. Each word and action

"Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it."

-Jalaluddin Rumi

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NEW JERSEY Upcoming Sat, Oct 1 • Apna Bazar Navratri 2016 Venue: Jk Golden mall, 1680 Oak Tree Road, Edison, NJ 08820 Time : 8:00 pm

Fri, Oct 7 • Art of Living Navratri Raas Garba 2016 Venue: STV Asia Auditoriam, 76 National Rd, Edison, NJ 08817 Time: 7:00 pm Contact: 732-738-4457

Fri, Oct 14 • Patel Brothers and India House Navratri 2016 Venue: Garden State Exhibit Center, 50 Atrium Drive, Somerset, NJ 08873 Time: 09:00 pm

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Sun, Oct 1 • Navratri & Dandiya 2016 Venue: Brien McMahon High School, Norwalk,CT, 300 Highland Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06854 Time : 6:00 pm Contact: 203-545-8088

Fri, Oct 21 • Dopehri a Play with Pankaj Kapur and Supriya Pathak in New York

Fri, Sep 30 • GCA Raas Garba 2016 Venue: Washington High School, 38442 Fremont Blvd, Fremont, CA 94536 Time: 8:00 pm Contact: 510-502-0405

Sat, Oct 1 • Raas Garba With Hemant Mehta & Leena Benjamin Group

Venue: AHindu Temple Auditorium - Flushing, 143-09 Holly Ave, NY 11355 Time : 8:00 pm

Venue: Anaheim Convention Center, 800 W Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA 92802 Time: 07:30 pm

Sun, Oct 23

Wed, Oct 5 • BAYVP - Raas Garba Festival

• Atif Aslam Live in Concert 2016 New York Venue: Colden Center, 6530 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, NY 11367 Time : 6:00 pm

Venue: Shreemaya Krishnadham, 25 Corning Ave., Milpitas, CA 95035 Time: 7:30 pm

Sat, Oct 8 • Amitesh Mishra Live in Concert 2016 Venue: Studio 8 (SJS-Live) Night Club, 8 South 1st Street, San Jose, CA 95113 Time: 7:00 pm Contact: 510-589-3505

Sat, Oct 8 • Laser Dandiya and Bollywood Night in support of Tri-Valley youth cricket Venue: Harvest Park Middle School GYM, 4900 Valley Avenue, Pleasanton, CA 94566 Time: 5:30 pm

Sun, Oct 9 • Ketakiand Suvarna Musical Concert VALLEY Venue: Indian Oven Indian Cuisine, 10110 Topanga Canyon Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 91311 Time: 02:00 pm

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Fri, Sep 30 • BAYVP - Raas Garba

1st and 3rd Sunday of Month • Chicago Children's

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Bal Mukund Character Building Program and Hindi Literacy Classes

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Sun, Oct 9 • Education Expo Fall 2016 "Roadmap To College" Venue: Quinlan Community Center 10185 N. Stelling Rd. Cupertino, CA 95014 Time: 1:00-4:30pm Contact: cupertino@flexcollegeprep.com Contact: 408-252-7742

ATLANTA Upcoming Sun, Oct 2 • Thaikkudam Bridge Live In Atlanta Venue: Lassiter Concert Hall, 2601 Shallowford Road, Marietta, GA 30066 Time: 4:30 pm

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Tue, Nov 22 • Thanksgiving tour to New York City, Penn, and Washinghton DC Venue: College Park, Norcross Global Mall, Atlanta, GA, 5288 Riverdale Road, Atlanta, GA 30349 Time: 1:00 pm

Venue: Vogelei Center, 650 W. Higgins Road, Hoffmann Estates, IL 60192 (Next to Nissan Dealership) Contact: Ajay & Arti Chandhok @ 630-561-4807

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

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

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

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

In Brief West Pak refugees demand action against Pak NEW DELHI: A delegation of West Pakistani refugees met Union Minister Jitendra Singh and demanded action against Pakistan in the wake of Uri attack resulting in the martyrdom of at least 18 Indian soldiers.

In a meeting lasting over 45 minutes, the members of delegation said that they are among the earliest victims of Pakistan hostility towards India and have suffered injustice for nearly seven decades since the time of partition.

They said, as true patriots, while they have constantly suffered for their genuine rights, they also feel extremely distressed by the losses suffered by Indian brave hearts.

The delegation was led by Labha Ram Gandhi, President of the refugees association.

Singh, Minister of State in Prime Minister's Office, assured them that whatever future strategy the government of India decides, will be in the best interest of nation and in keeping with the expectations of 125 crore people of India.

The Minister Singh assured the delegation that the Modi government is seriously ceased of their concerns and a mechanism is being worked out to address each of them.

Singh noted that the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has started a special recruitment drive for West Pakistan refugees, but they were facing problems because of the non-issuance of Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe and Other Backward Class certificates by the state government, since they did not figure in the list of state citizens. -PTI

„ Plea to address anti-immigration backlash PARIS: The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development is urging governments to improve reception conditions for migrants in order to address antiimmigration backlash.

In a report on international migration, the Paris-based international organization recommended countries address the local impact of the arrival of migrants.

The OECD said ``large and sudden'' inflows of migrants are often concentrated in the most disadvantaged areas and that governments should scale up public services in those areas.

The organization is also suggesting that countries step up international cooperation and is urging the international community to ``significantly increase its effort in terms of resettlement''. -AP

Immigration

World leaders at UN approve plan to deal with refugee crisis

51 India Post

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September 30, 2016

Details on page 52

New report challenges immigrants drain on US economy theory WASHINGTON: Immigrants have contributed USD 2 trillion to the US economy in 2015-16 and Indians are "the most entrepreneurial" of all groups, a new report has claimed challenging the premise that immigrants are a drain on the world's largest economy.

The National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine in its report - The Economic and Fiscal Consequences of Immigration - said the estimated GDP growth due to contributions of immigrant workers amounted to nearly USD 2 trillion between 2015 and 2016.

The report takes a comprehensive look at the fiscal and economic impact of immigration and confirms research from the past decade that showed immigrants and their descendants make valuable contributions to economic growth, innovation, and entrepreneurship in the US. "Indian immigrants are the most entrepreneurial of any group including natives, and immigrant businesses represent more than a quarter of businesses in the transportation, accommodation, and recreation and entertainment sec-

tors," it said.

It also found that immigration helps to slow the ageing of American society, and labor force growth from 2020 and 2030 will "depend completely on immigrants and their US-born descen-

who did not graduate high school."

The question whether immigrants are a drain on the US economy has been at the heart of a furious debate. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump

dants."

There is little to no negative effects on the wages or overall employment levels of native-born workers, it asserted saying "any negative effects were small and were experienced primarily by other recent immigrants and those

has called for a crackdown on illegal immigrants, saying they "compete directly against vulnerable American workers."

His Democratic rival Hillary Clinton has said immigrants contribute to the US economy whether they are here legally or not.

The report has observed that the children of immigrants are among the strongest economic and fiscal contributors in the US population overall and educating all children is an important investment that will reap rewards in the future.

However, while on average, first generation immigrants are costlier to governments than the nativeborn (mainly because they earn less and pay less in taxes), by the second generation, they are better-educated, pay more in taxes, and are strong economic and fiscal contributors, the report said.

"Immigrants have also contributed to the reduction in the cost of consumer goods and services such as child care, food preparation, house cleaning and repair, and construction - meaning Americans spend less," it said.

The report said immigrants complement the native-born workforce in important ways, and as the Baby Boomers age and retire, immigrants and their children will be key to supplying the new workers and taxpayers the US economy needs. -PTI

India quietly shining light on refugee crisis

E

arlier this summer, around mid-July, India intro duced a bill to amend its 1955 Citizenship Act. The bill, if passed, will not only prioritize foreign ethnic and religious minorities for citizenship, but will cut their naturalization wait time from eleven to six years.

"Provided that persons belonging to minority communities, namely, Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan ‌ shall not be treated as illegal migrants for the purposes of this Act," reads the proposed amendment to India's Citizenship Act. This bill is in response to the many minority groups, most with Indian origins, who have emigrated to India because of reli-

JOSEPH D'SOUZA

gious persecution.

Take Pakistan's Christians as an example.

Though they barely make up 2 percent of the country's population, Christians in Pakistan have endured, in the last few years, wave after wave of violence. In

in Lahore. And just a few months ago, on Easter of this year, another suicide attack, again in Lahore, left 73 dead and wounded hundreds more. Many of them were children who were intentionally targeted.

Islamic extremists aimed to eliminate not only Christians, but

In the last year and a half, 48 people have been killed in Bangladesh by Islamic extremists. Among these are a 55-year-old Hindu priest and a 65-year-old Christian man, both hacked to death in June 2013, a set of double suicide bombings against a church in Peshwar killed 80 Christians. Then in 2015, another set of bomb blasts killed 14 people outside two churches

their next generations. Pakistani Christians live under a constant and increasing threat of persecution. Coupled with this is Pakistan's strict blasphemy law,

which, usually abused for the sake of personal revenge, makes the idea of justice, for Christians, an illusion.

The situation in Bangladesh is not so different.

In the last year and a half, 48 people have been killed in Bangladesh by Islamic extremists. Among these are a 55-yearold Hindu priest and a 65-yearold Christian man, both hacked to death in June as the first was picking flowers and the second managing his grocery store.

In the terrible attack against customers at a Dhaka restaurant in July those who were killed or held hostage were first asked if they were Muslims. Muslims were freed and Christians and others were held captive or killed.

Cont'd on Page 53

Immigration Post

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September 30, 2016

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World leaders at UN approve plan to deal with refugee crisis UNITED NATIONS: World leaders on Sept 19 approved a declaration aimed at providing a more coordinated and humane response to the refugee crisis that has strained resources and sparked divisions from Africa to Europe.

The issue of what to do about the world's 65.3 million displaced people took center stage at the U.N. General Assembly with leaders from the 193 member states taking part in the first-ever summit on Addressing Large Movements of Refugees and Migrants.

Advocacy groups worried that the New York Declaration on Migrants and Refugees - an outcome document which contains no concrete commitments and is not legally binding - falls short of what is needed, while U.N. SecretaryGeneral Ban Ki-moon, himself a refugee during the Korean War, hailed it as historic.

"Today's summit represents a breakthrough in our collective efforts to address the challenges of human mobility," Ban said.

Around the world, there are currently about 21.3 million refugees, 3.2 million asylum seekers, and 40.8 million migrants, according to the U.N. Refugee Agency. The agency defines refugees as people forced to flee due to armed conflict or persecution, while migrants choose to move in search of a better life.

Philippe Bolopion, deputy director of global advocacy for Human Rights Watch, said the inter-

national community still had a long way to go in dealing with the crisis.

"I would say if you measure this document by what is at stake here, it certainly falls short of the mark.

We're facing an historic crisis and the response is not historic," Bolopion said on the sidelines of the meeting. He added that in many areas refugee protections were backsliding with a growing

ations and provide better education prospects for the children who make up over half of the world's refugees.

It also looks to improve working opportunities for refugees who are now spending nearly 20 years in exile on average.

There are also plans for a campaign to combat xenophobia.

All of this may prove an uphill struggle at a time when refugees

bigots, who seek to gain, or retain, power by wielding prejudice and deceit, at the expense of those most vulnerable," Zeid told the meeting.

Several countries shot down an earlier draft of the declaration that called on nations to resettle 10 percent of the refugee population each year, something that has led several human rights groups to criticize the document as a missed opportunity. The U.S. and a number of other countries also objected to language in the original draft that said children should never be detained, so the agree-

ment now says children should seldom, if ever, be detained.

Zeid praised the political consensus reached in approving the declaration, but warned against self-congratulation.

"The bitter truth is this summit was called because we have been largely failing. Failing the longsuffering people of Syria, in not ending the war in its infancy. Failing others in now chronic conflict zones, for the same reason. Failing millions of migrants who deserve far more than lives marked by cradle-to-grave indignity and desperation," said Zeid.-AP

51 firms pledge $650M in refugee support United States Secretary of State John Kerry speaks during the Summit for Refugees and Migrants at U.N. headquarters

number of countries trying to turn back refugees in violation of international law.

"Is the outcome document up to the challenge? No, unquestionably it's not. Does that mean the summit is pointless? No, because it's precisely at moments like this that you need to regroup," Bolopion added.

The declaration seeks to standardize responses to refugee situ-

and migrants have become a divisive issue in Europe and the United States.

Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein, the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, said xenophobia has been a major factor contributing to the failure of the international response thus far.

"Defenders of what is right and good are being outflanked in too many countries by race-baiting

NEW YORK: More than four dozen U.S. businesses have pledged $650 million in support to help some of the world's refugees, the White House announced as President Barack Obama highlighted the refugee plight before world leaders gathered for the annual U.N. General Assembly session.

Fifty-one corporations, including Facebook, Twitter, MasterCard, Johnson & Johnson, yogurt maker Chobani and other companies, have committed to easing access to education, employment and financial services for some 6.3 million refugees in

more than 20 countries.

Criticized for not doing enough to help desperate people fleeing their countries because of war and or for other reasons, Obama hosted a refugee summit with the leaders of Jordan, Mexico, Sweden, Germany, Canada and Ethiopia, along with U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

Countries participating in the summit announced individual pledges that are in line with a U.S. goal of increasing humanitarian aid by $3 billion, doubling resettlement and providing access to jobs and education, said Samantha Power, U.S. ambassador to the U.N.-AP

800 immigrants mistakenly granted citizenship WASHINGTON: The U.S. government has mistakenly granted citizenship to at least 858 immigrants from countries of concern to national security or with high rates of immigration fraud who had pending deportation orders, according to an internal Homeland Security audit.

The Homeland Security Department's inspector general found that the immigrants used different names or birthdates to apply for citizenship with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and such discrepancies weren't caught because their fingerprints were missing from government databases.

DHS said in an emailed statement that an initial review of these cases suggest that some of the individuals may have ultimately qualified for citizenship, and that

the lack of digital fingerprint records does not necessarily mean they committed fraud.

The report does not identify any of the immigrants by name, but Inspector General John Roth's auditors said they were all from ``special interest countries'' - those that present a national security concern for the United States - or neighboring countries with high rates of immigration fraud. The report did not identify those countries.

DHS said the findings reflect what has long been a problem for immigration officials - old paperbased records containing fingerprint information that can't be searched electronically. DHS says immigration officials are in the process of uploading these files and that officials will review ``every file'' identified as a case of possible fraud.

Roth's report said fingerprints are missing from federal databases for as many as 315,000 immigrants with final deportation orders or who are fugitive criminals. Immi-

gration and Customs Enforcement has not reviewed about 148,000 of those immigrants' files to add fingerprints to the digital record.

The gap was created because

A view of the Homeland Security Department headquarters in Washington.

The U.S. government has mistakenly granted citizenship to at least 858 immigrants who had pending deportation orders from countries of concern to national security or with high rates of immigration fraud, according to an internal Homeland Security audit

older, paper records were never added to fingerprint databases created by both the now-defunct Immigration and Naturalization Service and the FBI in the 1990s. ICE, the DHS agency responsible for finding and deporting immigrants living in the country illegally, didn't consistently add digital fingerprint records of immigrants whom agents encountered until 2010.

The government has known about the information gap and its impact on naturalization decisions since at least 2008 when a Customs and Border Protection official identified 206 immigrants who used a different name or other biographical information to gain citizenship or other immigration benefits, though few cases have been investigated.

Cont'd on Page 53

Immigration Post

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India Post 53

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Clinton says Trump gives 'aid, comfort' to ISIS recruiters ESTERO, FLA.: Hillary Clinton accused Donald Trump of giving ``aid and comfort'' to Islamic terrorists, declaring his anti-Muslim rhetoric helps groups such as ISIS recruit new fighters. Trump showed no sign of changing and insisted the U.S. should ``use whatever lawful methods are available'' to get information from the Afghan immigrant arrested in last weekend's bombings.

As Trump supporters at a packed rally in Florida shouted ``Hang him!'' the Republican presidential candidate mocked the fact that Ahmad Khan Rahami, a 28year-old U.S. citizen originally from Afghanistan, would receive quality medical care and legal representation. ``We must deliver a just and very harsh punishment to these people,'' he said. ``These are enemies, these are combatants and we have to be tough, we have to be strong.''

Both candidates moved swiftly

to capitalize on investigations into a weekend of violent attacks bombings in New York and New Jersey and stabbings at a Minnesota mall - casting themselves as most qualified to combat terrorism at home and abroad.

Clinton touted her national security credentials at a hastily arranged news conference outside her campaign plane, accusing Trump of using the incidents to make ``some kind of demagogic point.'' ``I'm the only candidate in this race who's been part of the hard decisions to take terrorists off the battlefield,'' Clinton, a former secretary of state, told reporters. ``I know how to do this.''

The possibility of a homegrown terrorist plot cast a new shadow over the presidential race, diverting both candidates' attention from the daily controversies of the campaign and giving them a high-profile opportunity to make their case to undecided voters.

Clinton and her team see her experience and what they say is her steady judgment as key selling points for her candidacy. On the campaign trail, she frequently invokes her role in the 2011 raid that killed Osama bin Laden, describing to voters the tense atmosphere in the White House alongside President Barack Obama at that moment.

But while much of the foreign policy establishment has rallied around Clinton, Trump's anti-immigrant rhetoric, promises to close U.S. borders and vows to aggressively profile potential terrorists have fueled his presidential bid.

He has called for tougher policing, including profiling foreigners who look like they could have connections to terrorism or certain Mideastern nations. ``This isn't just a matter of terrorism, this is also really a question of quality of life,'' he said. ``We want to make sure we're only admitting people into our country

India quietly shining light on refugee crisis Cont'd from Page 51

The Islamic extremists came to target Christians, Hindus and others.

"One is vulnerable to a killer attack just because he is Hindu, Christian or Buddhist," said Nirmol Rozario, secretary general of the Bangladesh Christian Association, when interviewed recently.

The persecution of minorities, both ethnic and religious, in these Asian countries worsens by the day, and the plight these people suffer is only aggravated by the lack of empathy and action from the international community. The Christians in Bangladesh and Pakistan may soon face the same threat as those in Iraq and Syria. Those in Afghanistan already have.

The truth is that the international community is afraid - afraid of the cost of intervening in these violent affairs, and afraid of allowing within our borders the refugees displaced by war, terrorism, and religious persecution - and rightly so.

These are turbulent times, and our nations' leaders must act with great precaution and sensibility to protect their countries and citizens. Yet this doesn't mean we should not do as much as we can to help provide a way for the destitute and the wandering to find peace, especially those religious minorities facing a particular threat.

With 1.26 billion inhabitants,

India has the second largest population in the world. The United States' population is 324 million, almost one fourth of India's population. And while India's gross domestic product (GDP) has grown to $2 trillion a year, the seventh largest in the world, the U.S.'s soars at $17.9 trillion, almost twice as much as China's, who has the second largest GDP in the world.

In terms of space and wealth, India does not boast the comfort

These are turbulent times, and our nations' leaders must act with great precaution and sensibility to protect their countries and citizens. and power some other countries could offer (though Prime Minister Modi's economic policies have the country well on its way); yet this doesn't mean we are to withhold what we do have, a home, opportunity for employment, and civil rights, from our persecuted neighbors. Compassion is not measured in dollars or square feet, but by what we do with what we have. Perhaps if each nation contributed to ending this global crisis, it would not seem so daunting

and unsolvable.

I applaud the Indian government for lobbying for the inclusion of persecuted minorities in the Citizenship Act. This is not only a compassionate and brave move, but also a demonstration of progress. India, as the world's largest democracy, is quietly shining a light on one of the most important issues of our day.

There is no question that the legacy of many nations across the world will be bound to what their leaders will do about the persecution of religious minorities. Hungary, which recently became the first European nation to establish - despite much criticism - a government office dedicated to helping persecuted Christians from the Middle East, has set an admirable precedent for other nations to follow. Their courageous action is an affront to the general christophobia that is growing across the world.

I believe India has also taken a step in the right direction. If we continue working for the protection of persecuted religious minorities, the greatest refugee crisis the modern world has seen can turn into a great testament of unity and humanity.

Beauty can come from these ashes.

Dr. Joseph D'Souza is the Moderating Bishop of the Good Shepherd Church and Associated Ministries of India.

who love our country.''

Pointing to her comment that Trump's words give ``aid and comfort'' to Islamic extremists, his campaign said Clinton was accusing him of treason, going beyond the bounds of acceptable campaigning and trying to change the subject from her own failures.

in Philadelphia. At Temple University, she acknowledged she needs to do more to get millennials on board. ``Even if you are totally opposed to Donald Trump, you may still have some questions about me. I get that. And I want to do my best to answer those questions,''

She insinuated that Islamic militants, particularly those affiliated with ISIS, are rooting for Trump to win the White House. She said, ``We're going after the bad guys and we're going to get them, but we're not going to go after an entire religion.''

Trump agreed terrorists have a preference: They ``want her so badly to be our president.''

Clinton briefly turned her focus from national security, wooing younger voters at a midday rally

she told several hundred students gathered in an ornate, wood-paneled lecture hall.

This election marks the first presidential campaign where millennials make up the single largest generation among U.S. adults, having surpassed baby boomers during the past four years. The group helped anchor Obama's support, but Clinton has failed to attract them in the same numbers.

-AP

800 immigrants mistakenly granted citizenship Cont'd from Page 52

Roth's report said federal prosecutors have accepted two criminal cases that led to the immigrants being stripped of their citizenship. But prosecutors declined another 26 cases. ICE is investigating 32 other cases after closing 90 investigations.

ICE officials told auditors that the agency hadn't pursued many of these cases in the past because federal prosecutors ``generally did not accept immigration benefits fraud cases.'' ICE said the Justice Department has now agreed to focus on cases involving people who have acquired security clearances, jobs of public trust or other security credentials.

Several members of Congress criticized the Obama administration Monday in the wake of Roth's report, though the report suggests that the gaps extend several years earlier than the Obama administration.

Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee Michael McCaul said ICE should quickly investigate all of the cases at issue and ensure that all immigra-

tion fingerprint records are digitized in short order.

Mistakenly awarding citizenship to someone ordered deported can have serious consequences because U.S. citizens can typically apply for and receive security clearances or take security-sensitive jobs.

At least three of the immigrantsturned-citizens were able to acquire aviation or transportation worker credentials, granting them access to secure areas in airports or maritime facilities and vessels.

Their credentials were revoked after they were identified as having been granted citizenship improperly, Roth said in his report.

A fourth person is now a law enforcement officer.

Roth recommended that all of the outstanding cases be reviewed and fingerprints in those cases be added to the government's database and that immigration enforcement officials create a system to evaluate each of the cases of immigrants who were improperly granted citizenship. DHS officials agreed with the recommendations and said the agency is working to implement the changes. -AP

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South Kashmir to Uri: The strategic connect

India Post

LT GEN (RETD) SYED ATA HASNAIN

T

he long festering Kashmir street disturbances and the four-hour en counter at the Uri administrative base have a distinct connect, which is easy to identify if one knows the entire dynamics of the sponsored proxy war under way in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K).

But first, a short focus on the street turbulence after Burhan Wani's killing.

What went wrong?

Firstly, it seems we just took our eyes away from the scanner. We felt that the absence of high levels of violence and reduced strength of terrorists meant a returning peace. We rarely looked at the people's dimension, the alienation index. In all the experi-

electrifying effect the tournament had on the Awam. The Army brass and the MO Directorate were not in sync with Northern Command and the issue was never pushed.

There were many such initiatives that languished due to sheer lack of understanding in the military civil bureaucracy.

Second, the system took democracy for granted. The conduct of elections was not democracy; the translation of the election to a sustained outreach by political functionaries to their electorates would have been. It did not work that way.

The security situation precluded such activity and the governance was just not energetic enough to make a marked difference. From 2014 onwards, the time

Stone throwing in Kashmir

ments we did with outreach to the populace (Awam) in 2010-12, this author always harped that this peaceful period was not due to our success but due to the end of agitation stamina, with reference to the 2008-10 agitation; and it happens to even the most resilient ethnic groups or nationalities of the world.

What we generated with some of our initiatives of grass roots outreach, sports tournaments, interactive seminars, skill development, employment opportunities and change of force ethos to friendly soldiering, surprised the people and created lots of excitement in the Kashmiri society and media. We could not sustain it.

Much of it happened due to apathy and much due to bureaucratic obstacles. For example, the goodwill annual cricket tournament, Kashmir Premier League, started by the Indian Army in 2011, did not last beyond 2012 because the MoD (Finance) had objections to the use of the Sadbhavana budget for a cricket tournament.

No one bothered to check what

was spent in election mode, overcoming the effects of floods, government formation and stabilization.

Why is the youth so alienated and up in arms?

The social effects of conflict on youth are extremely marked.

Those born around 1989 have grown up with the sounds of gunfire and gun culture around them.

They have abhorrence for the uniform, however much the Army's soft power efforts.

They have seen their parents humiliated at check points and seen uniformed men barge into their homes to search for militants.

It is difficult taking this hatred out from their psyche unless some deep psychological efforts are made.

Burhan Wani and his comrades were from this generation. This is a different and more difficult generation to understand.

No one yet has clear explanations for the Islamic State (IS/ Daesh) phenomenon. That their elders hounded out the Kashmiri Pandits and destroyed the pristine

environment and inclusive culture of Kashmir has never been brought home to them because the mosques have been speaking a rabidly radical language for years.

There was no effort towards bringing them around to an alternative narrative.

Pakistan's Deep State sensed its opportunity. Pathankot had effectively demonstrated its ability to upset a fast moving peace process. With a low terror footprint in Kashmir's hinterland, it could not demonstrate a similar relevance.

The Indian Army's stranglehold over the infiltration routes could not guarantee success of any attempt to execute a high profile action on an objective in the hinterland that would spur the young Kashmiris to continue their stone throwing agitation with greater vigor.

The choice was limited since the past two years, which is why the focus of high profile strikes shifted to Jammu division and North Punjab.

When the vigil in Punjab also increased, attempts were made to penetrate the frontlines in Kashmir for strikes at places where the Anti-Infiltration Obstacle System was well inside the LoC. Tangdhar was one such place but success eluded there. Poonch again failed.

It, unfortunately for us, finally succeeded at Uri. Yet, the losses due to circumstances were so high that it generated concern beyond what Pakistan had ever catered for.

The idea was to bolster the morale of the youth in the streets of Kashmir's hinterland.

Instead, it has led to crossing of the Rubicon of India's tolerance and demands in India for retribution are no longer cosmetic.

Looking ahead When public anger rises, nations undertake tactical responses to cool it down and await a more opportune moment for a response that will deliver a bigger punch. It is never standalone. In the world of hybrid warfare, which is what we are being subjected to, the response should also be in the hybrid domain.

That means a vast scope to choose the areas of activity. The different kinds of military operations, strategic diplomacy and communication strategy are the obvious choices for the moment.

The writer is Member, Governing Council, IPCS, & former GOC, 15 Corps, Srinagar

No holds barred I

n his boldest move yet on the chessboard that is India-Pakistan relations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given notice to Pakistan that the Indus Water Treaty could be revoked if Pakistan continues with its terrorism sponsorship and attacks on Indian targets.

As of now he has only ordered that India utilize whatever is its right of water shares under the treaty which India had in its largesse and goodwill gesture allowed to flow into Pakistan.

At a meeting of high officials, the Modi government decided that the meeting of the Indus water commissioners of the two countries can "only take place in an atmosphere free from terror". This means that the meetings of the commissioners, held twice a year, stands suspended with immediate effect.

Pakistan has immediately jumped to call it an act of war and is threatening to take the case to UN Security Council. If Pakistan were to correctly read the move, India has not abrogated the treaty.

It has only decided to utilize its share in full. India has abandoned any possibility of talks on this issue with Pakistan as it doesn't need its permission to utilize its own share of water, and in any case, with Pakistan not abandoning its push of terrorists into Kashmir, there is little point in talking with its representatives in this vitiated atmosphere.

Modi is also considering withdrawing the Most Favored Nation (MFN) status that India had unilaterally conferred on Pakistan. Pakistan has not reciprocated by providing MFN status to India. Although there is little trade that goes on between India and Pakistan, India continued to grant this and other favors to Pakistan.

There is little meaning in continuing the MFN status since Pakistan has made no move to respond. So that is the next casualty.

There could be a few more as Modi is casting a look at all the options available in the absence of a military response as India had indicated after the Uri attack that it will hit back at a time and place of its own choosing. The nature of response also will be at India's choosing.

What India has gained by trying to befriend Pakistan was specially highlighted by Sushma Swaraj, India's External Affairs Minister, during her speech at the United Nations. She described PM Modi's attempts to woo Pakistan by inviting PM Nawaz Sharif to his swearing in. Modi even traveled from Kabul to Lahore to greet Sharif on his birthday.

Trying to resolve issues on the basis of friendship, she said, "We conveyed Eid greetings to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, wished success to his cricket team, extended good wishes for his health and wellbeing‌ But what did we get in return? Pathankot, Bahadur Ali, and Uri." Now that India's patience has been exhausted by the instigation of stone throwing in Kashmir by Pakistani agents and the latest attack from across the border in Uri, Modi has decided that enough is enough. From now on, Pakistan will be dealt the full cost of its actions.

It seems PM Modi is working on a multipronged strategic option.

Before leaving for Kerala for the BJP meeting, Modi had met Army Chief, Air Force Chief and Naval Chief apparently to know defense preparedness and look at the various possible dimensions involved.

Earlier, he had been in the war-room of the Defense Ministry located in South Block. Since then he has met civil and intelligence people and now the MFN status for Pakistan is on the chopping block.

Modi's working style has been such that nobody, not even his senior colleagues, get to know till the very end of his actual action plan. Therefore no one can be sure of the timeline of the action proposed, but it looks as though the government is evolving a multi-tiered strategy of actions that will be unveiled one after another in due course.

September 30, 2016

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