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Shivraj Singh Chouhan NEW YORK • WASHINGTON D.C. • CHICAGO • ATLANTA • CALIFORNIA
MP CM meets World Bank officials Details on page 7
VOL 18, No. 943
October 12, 2012
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KRISHNA, CLINTON TALK VISA, SIKHS SHOOTING
Indian food truck in Vancouver
Fremont Temple celebrates Ganesh Visarjan Details on page 16
Ricky Gill's big fundraising event at Johals'
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Most of Indian Americans support Obama
Gujarat polls on Dec 13, 17; HP on Nov 4
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India-Pak come together for Gandhi event
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IN FIRM HANDS: Foreign Minister S.M. Krishna with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton before meeting at Waldorf Astoria hotel during 67th UN General Assembly
NEW YORK: India's concerns over the US visa fee hike, steps taken to improve trade ties with Pakistan and the Wisconsin gurdwara shooting were among the host of issues discussed between External Affairs Minister S M Krishna and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton here during their "positive" bilateral meeting here. Like previous meetings with Clinton, the 45-minute bilateral talks on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session on October 1 were "positive and productive" dur-
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ing which regional and global issues were discussed, Krishna told PTI. He said concerns over the US visa fee hike were raised with Clinton, but given that the US presidential elections are approaching soon, one cannot expect any immediate assurance or action from Washington on the visa issue. "The US elections are here. It would be too much to expect any assurance from that side," he said.
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ctober 2nd, the birth anniversary of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, is a national holiday in India - and that's all that many Indians today are thankful to the Mahatma for. It has become quite routine for the Indian media to question the relevance of the Mahatma, especially for the country's youth, which to my mind is caught somewhere between expressing their new found individualities in the post-liberalization, economically transformed India, mixing into their demographic specific attitudes a lot of western culture, a convenient bit of Indian culture, a lot of contemporary assertiveness and some bit of historic fall back. It doesn't seem to help them that they don't seem to be getting the right orientation from their primacy influencers - their parents and teachers. I say this in the context of a piece of news in one of the national Indian dailies that only foreigners are now keen on the Mahatma's philosophy because they are the only takers for any academic studies in India on Gandhian philosophy. The post-graduate degree course in Gandhian philosophy run by Gujarat Vidyapith, established by the Mahatma in 1920 has not found a single student for the past three years, the news report said. In 2009, only student was a girl from Japan. And the four-month residential certificate course in Gandhian philosophy run for foreign students remains packed, the report further said, averaging 10 students from across the world each year. In India today, it's not easy being a Gandhian either. More than six decades after Gandhi's death, when Indians, vexed with the oppressive corruption among India's political leaders, saw Anna Hazare, who calls himself a Gandhian, promising to lead the country through fasting (a la Gandhi) they believed him. But then, like I said, it's not easy doing a Gandhi. Hazare called off his fast recently apparently for health reasons! It's ironic that when people around the world are trying to find solace from violence and answers to wars in Gandhi's teachings, India, the Mahatma's birth place, should even be questioning his relevance. What would be relevant for Indians, unfortunately, are caricatured versions, Gandhigiri style.
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HIGHLIGHTS Bollywood: The moment Since Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor are getting married, they are more comfortable talking about their relationship.
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Cover Story: India, US talks India's concerns over the US visa fee hike and the Wisconsin gurdwara shooting were discussed by S M Krishna & Hillary Clinton.
Community: Ganesh festival San Francisco Bay Area devotees celebrated Ganesh Chaturthi festival for 12 days with religious fervor.
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Krishna, Clinton discuss visa, gurdwara shooting NEW YORK: India's concerns over the US visa fee hike, steps taken to improve trade ties with Pakistan and the Wisconsin gurdwara shooting were among the host of issues discussed between External Affairs Minister S M Krishna and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton here during their "positive" bilateral meeting here. Like previous meetings with Clinton, the 45-minute bilateral talks on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session on October 1 were "positive and productive" during which regional and global issues were discussed, Krishna told PTI. He said concerns over the US visa fee hike were raised with Clinton, but given that the US presidential elections are approaching soon, one cannot expect any immediate assurance or action from Washington on the visa issue.
"The US elections are here. It would be too much to expect any assurance from that side," he said. The US had raised visa fee in
The 45-minute bilateral talks on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session on October 1 were "positive and productive" during which regional and global issues were discussed 2010 to fund its enhanced costs on securing border with Mexico under the Border Security Act. Some of the top Indian compa-
nies - TCS, Infosys, Wipro and Mahindra Satyam - were affected by the US action and India is expected to soon seek consultations with the US at the World Trade Organization (WTO) on the issue. This was Krishna's third meeting with Clinton this year. The two had previously met in New Delhi in April and in June in Washington. A senior State Department official said Clinton also "welcomed the steps India and Pakistan have recently taken to develop closer trade and commercial ties." The official said that Clinton and Krishna expressed "sorrow" at the tragic shooting in August at a Wisconsin gurdwara in which six Sikhs were killed. Krishna expressed solidarity with the US over the attacks in the wake of an anti-Islam film and condemned the assassination of
the US envoy to Libya Chris Stevens. He also voiced his concern regarding protests at the US Consulate in south Indian Chennai
Besides reviewing the US-AfghanistanIndia trilateral dialogue, Krishna and Clinton discussed regional economic integration projects including the (TAPI) pipeline city. Sources said regional issues including Afghanistan, particularly in the context of the first ever
India-Afghanistan-US trilateral meeting, cooperation in South Asia and support for India's Look East policy were also discussed in a "frank and friendly manner" in the meeting, which was attended by Indian Ambassador Nirupama Rao as well. The State Department official said discussion between the two on a broad range of bilateral and regional issues was "positive." Besides reviewing the US-Afghanistan-India trilateral dialogue, Krishna and Clinton discussed regional economic integration projects including the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) pipeline. They also discussed joint efforts on energy, civil nuclear cooperation, trade and bilateral investment and expanding cooperation with India's neighbors and near-neighbors, the official said. PTI
India calls for UNSC reform to reflect contemporary realities UNITED NATIONS: India has made a strong pitch for a reformed UN Security Council to ensure that global governance reflects "contemporary realities", asserting that sticking to structures de-
temporary realities. "Sticking to structures designed at the end of the Second World War only constrains multilateralism from delivering on its promises," Krishna said.
External Affairs Minister S M Krishna speaking to the United Nations General Assembly on Oct 1. Pic Mohammed Jaffer-SnapsIndia
signed at the end of World War II constrained multilateralism from delivering on its promises. "The United Nations and the norms of international relations that it has fostered remain the most efficacious means for converting today's challenges into opportunities," External Affairs Minister S M Krishna said in his address to the 67th session of the UN General Assembly here. Krishna stressed on the need to ensure that the architecture of global governance reflects con-
"The reformed Council must include countries that are capable and willing to bear additional burdens relating to the maintenance of international peace and security and be able to sustain global campaigns against new and emerging global threats," he said in his 20-minute address. There are 15 members of the Security Council, consisting of five veto-wielding permanent members - China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
India along with Brazil, Germany and Japan have formed the G4 grouping and exchanged views on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly on UNSC reform. Calling for expansion in both permanent and non-permanent categories, Krishna said the "incongruity" of the lack of permanent membership from Africa in the 15-nation body should also be addressed. He said India remains firmly committed to scaling up its development partnership with Africa, including through the framework of the India-Africa Forum Summit. "Equally, India will promote and lend her weight for enhancing the voice and participation of developing countries in decision making in global economic and financial institutions," he said, adding that the International Monetary Fund's quota reform process must be accelerated with altered quotas reflecting contemporary economic weight. In particular, the safety and security of diplomatic personnel should be fully respected," he added. He reiterated India's commitment to addressing climate change challenges through a comprehensive, equitable and balanced outcome based on the principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities. As India hosts the 11th Conference of Parties of the Convention on Biological Diversity in Hyderabad, Krishna said the country seeks support of parties to derive an outcome that harmonizes a strong biodiversity action with
basic development objectives. Krishna stressed that efforts must be made to ensure achievement of the Millennium Development Goals by the targeted 2015 deadline. "In the global discourse on the post-2015 development agenda, the focus ought to be on the word 'development'. It ought to be firmly entrenched in the understandings and principles of Rio+20 and be anchored in the intergovernmental process in the UN," Krishna said.
health, environmental sustainability, unsustainable lifestyles and above all, economic growth," he added. He further stressed the need to ensuring gender equality and women's empowerment, which he said are essential to the pursuit of building inclusive societies and resilient economies. Krishna also voiced India's commitment to work on enhanced cooperation with the Least Developed Countries, the landlocked developing countries, and the
Calling for expansion in both permanent and non-permanent categories, Krishna said the "incongruity" of the lack of permanent membership from Africa in the 15-nation body should also be addressed "Priority must be given to the challenges of poverty, employment, food and energy, water,
Small Island Developing States within the framework of SouthSouth Cooperation. -PTI
External Affairs Minister S M Krishna at OPCW 2012 (meeting against Chemical Weapons) at the United Nations on Oct 1. Pic Mohammed Jaffer-SnapsIndia
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India, Pak back to verbal Will be patient with 26/ duel over Kashmir at UN 11 case with Pak: India UNITED NATIONS: India and Pakistan were back to sparring on Kashmir at the UN General Assem-
President Asif Ali Zardari continued after the claim of Pakistan's Deputy Permanent Representa-
External Affairs Minister of India, S M Krishna speaking at OPCW 2012 (meeting against Chemical Weapons) at the United Nations on Oct 1. Pic Mohammed Jaffer-SnapsIndia
bly, with External Affairs Minister S M Krishna rejecting the contention that Jammu and Kashmir is not an integral part of India. The war of words triggered by
tive at the UN, Raza Bashir Tarar, that Jammu and Kashmir has never been an integral part of India. Exercising Pakistan's 'Right of Reply', Tarar also maintained that
Zardari's reference to Kashmir in his speech last week seeking settlement of the issue in accordance with UN resolutions, which India had always rejected as outdated, was "not unwarranted". Last year, Pakistan did not make any provocative reference to Kashmir, with its Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar merely stating that Islamabad looked forward to resolving all outstanding issues, including Kashmir, with India. "I did not expect that President Zardari would make a reference to Kashmir and once a reference from Pakistan at the highest level in the UN is made, then it is certainly the responsibility of India to state its stated position," Krishna told PTI here. Krishna, in his address to the 193-member General Assembly said that "an unwarranted" reference to Jammu and Kashmir was made from the UN podium. "... We wish to make it abundantly clear that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India." -PTI
NEW YORK: India will show bring the perpetrators of 26/11 atpatience and perseverance in deal- tack to justice and has sought a ing with the 26/11 case with Paki- speedy end to the trial. stan with which it has a "difficult On the likelihood of Prime Minrelationship", External Affairs ister Manmohan Singh visiting Minister S M Krishna said here. Pakistan this year, Krishna said "In a difficult relationship like the timing of the visit is yet to be the one we have had with Paki- worked out. stan, one should have lots of pa"The question of Prime Ministience. India is known for its pa- ter Singh's visit was never seritience and perseverance. Patiently ously explored. It was mentioned we will move in the direction in which we want," Krishna told PTI ‘India is known for its here. patience and perseverHis remarks came when he was asked ance. Patiently we will whether there was growmove in the direction in ing frustration with the slow pace at which the which we want,’ Krishna Mumbai attacks trial is said moving in Pakistan. Krishna had earlier last month held crucial talks with in a press conference" when he his Pakistani counterpart Hina was in Islamabad early last month, Rabbani Khar in Islamabad, where he said. he had said that Pakistan has While both Zardari and former promised action against the per- Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf petrators of the 26/11 Mumbai at- Raza Gilani have extended an intacks. vitation to Singh to visit Pakistan, India has stressed that it has Krishna said a visit of such imgiven "more than adequate" evi- portance needs lots of preparadence to Pakistan to enable it to tions. -PTI
Brown University initiative for study of India
External Affairs Minister SM Krishna (right) greeted by Christina Hull Paxson, president of Brown University in Providence
NEW YORK: Prestigious Ivy League institution Brown University has launched an India-centric initiative that will focus on academic research and public discourse on India. The 'Brown-India Initiative' was launched by External Affairs Minister S M Krishna who visited the Rhode Island-based university and addressed students on 'India's Foreign Policy Priorities for the 21st Century.' Brown said the initiative would be an interdisciplinary hub for the study of contemporary India through research and a series of public lectures and events throughout the academic year.
SM Krishna with Nirupama Rao
The initiative would be based out of the university's Watson Institute for International Studies. "Developments in India are generating enormous intellectual and practical curiosities," International Studies and Social Sciences Professor and Brown-India Initiative director Ashutosh Varshney said. He said the rapid pace of change over the last two decades has led to exciting research puzzles and new challenges have also been posed for the politics and economics of the country. "By promoting research on questions of contemporary political and economic relevance,
Brown University can play a significant role in analyzing key issues and can influence public debates about the future evolution of India," he added. The initiative's goals would be to produce exemplary academic research and to contribute to public discourse on India through convergence of figures from academia, civil society, literature, public policy and journalism. The initiative would promote research in economics, politics, urbanization, national security and domestic conflict management and work with partners in
India to conduct the research. The partners include Bangalore based nonprofit organization Janaagraha, Center for Policy Research and the National Council of Applied Economic Research, both in Delhi. Krishna's lecture was the first in a series of year-long public presentations to be offered by the initiative. The initiative would also host other prominent public figures like World Bank chief economist Kaushik Basu, who would focus on two decades of India's economic reform. -PTI
External Affairs Minister SM Krishna during Q & A after his lecture on India's Foreign Policy at Brown University in Providence., Rhode Island. Ambassador Nirupama Rao is also seen
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MP CM discusses ambitious projects with WB officials WASHINGTON: Putting forth his development vision, Chief Minister of central Indian Madhya Pradesh state Shivraj Singh Chouhan discussed with World Bank officials prospects of fund-
welcomed at the World Bank by Akihiko Nishio, Acting Vice President, South Asia and Director, Operations, South Asia. During the meetings, the Managing Director World Bank
Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, interacting with the community at a reception hosted in his honour at the Embassy on October 1
ing a host of ambitious projects totaling USD 7.8 billion for the state. This included providing piped water supply to all urban cities in 10 years, mega urban road and metro rail projects, NarmadaMalwa Drinking Water project, higher education infrastructure and those related to women and child development. Visiting Washington at the invitation of World Bank, Chouhan throughout the day on October 1 held a series of meetings with top bank officials at its headquarters here. The officials appreciated his presentations and approach to development of a state such as Madhya Pradesh. Specifically appreciative of the e-governance initiatives for sustainable transparency and guarantee of public service delivery, World Bank officials are believed to have told Chouhan that such development initiatives can be easily replicated. The visiting Chief Minister was
Mulyani Indrawati assured cooperation and support from the funding body. She said proposals for financial support will be positively evaluated at different levels.
According to State Government officials, Chouhan apprised the World Bank officials about ambitions plan of providing piped water supply to all urban cities in coming ten years Chouhan told the bank officials that Madhya Pradesh was registering a high growth rate and its pace of development can be further accelerated with their financial support.
And in almost all the projects that he proposed or made presentations for, Chouhan said the Madhya Pradesh Government would be making a substantial contribution from its own resources, officials familiar with the discussions said. Explaining why NarmadaMalwa Drinking Water Project is important for the people living in Malwa region of the State, Chouhan said it will provide irrigation and drinking water in 3,000 villages and 70 towns in the region. This project will not only generate 1,000 MW power but also ensure irrigation on 16.8 lakh acre command area, he said adding this would entail a cost of USD 3.6 billion. Chouhan in his meetings with World Bank officials discussed projects worth USD 1.08 billion for women and child development and another USD 480 million worth of projects for higher education infrastructure and introducing vocational courses. According to State Government officials, Chouhan apprised the World Bank officials about ambitions plan of providing piped water supply to all urban cities in coming ten years. This project he said will cost USD 300 million, of which the State Government will arrange USD 200 million from its own resources. Holding discussions on mega urban development projects - like urban roads and metro rail projects - for the State, Chouhan said the Madhya Pradesh Government under the CM's Urban Infrastructure Development Project would contribute USD 200 million of the estimated cost of USD 300 million. The USD 180 million rural road development projects, he said, would improve road connectivity in rural areas. Chouhan also sought support for establishment of a network of Public Service Delivery Centers
Chouhan, addressing the guests
and equipping them with adequate IT enabled infrastructure, officials familiar with the discussion said, adding the solar, wind, small irrigation and bio mass energy projects were also discussed. Among other issues, Chouhan had discussions on expansion of Madhya Pradesh Water Sector Restructuring Project, which he said requires additional financial support of USD 181 million. He also urged to expand Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project up to 2016-17 and sought
Madhya Pradesh under the Bharatiya Janata Party rule has adopted. This included some of the initiatives like agriculture cabinet, agriculture budget, inclusive growth of urban areas, urban governance, and infrastructure building. He discussed the strategies in rural development, health, women and child development, women empowerment, social security, good governance practices and egovernance.
Guests in attendance at a reception hosted in honour of the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, to meet the community at the Embassy on October 1
USD 60. 19 million assistance from the World Bank for the purpose. The Chief Minister also apprised World Bank officials of the development strategies that
Later in the evening at a reception hosted in his honor by the Indian Embassy, Chouhan said he was proud of the achievements of the Indian American community. PTI
India-Pak come together for Gandhi's birthday at UN UNITED NATIONS: India and Pakistan came together to commemorate the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi at the UN, celebrated as the 'International Day of Non-Violence', a day after they sparred over Kashmir. India's Permanent Representative to the UN Hardeep Singh Puri hosted the commemorative event at the UN headquarters here and was joined by his Pakistani counterpart Abdullah Hussain Haroon.
External Affairs Minister S M Krishna, who had responded to Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari's reference to Kashmir in his address at the UN General Assembly, presided over the event. Krishna's response that Zardari's reference to Kashmir was "unwarranted" triggered a slew of right of replies from Pakistan and India with both sides talking tough on Kashmir. The General Assembly had adopted a resolution in 2007 de-
claring Gandhi's birthday on October 2 as the 'International Day of Non-Violence'. Puri underscored the increasing relevance for Gandhian ideals by citing the high number of references made to father of the nation during speeches by world leaders at the 67th session of the UNGA, including by US President Barack Obama. Puri further said Gandhi belongs jointly to India and Pakistan and his relevance is equally strong in current times.
"No matter which we way look at it, the Mahatma belongs jointly to us (India and Pakistan), sometime some of us claim that we are the rightful heirs but if you look at what the Mahatma preached, the relevance is equally strong," Puri said. Haroon described Gandhi as a "remarkable" man and recalled that Gandhi had visited his residence in Karachi and written a "lovely letter" to Haroon's family when his grandfather had passed away. The Pakistani ambassador
pointed out the greatness of Gandhi in having ensured that at the time of partition Pakistan was promptly returned its financial dues. "Pakistan owes a debt of gratitude to a person who put himself even further at risk in ensuring that the right thing is done. That is what embodies the entire life of the Mahatma. "We must never forget that it is from one base that we have all risen. We can have minor differences," Haroon said.-PTI
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Majority of Indian-Americans US wants defense ties with both India, China support Obama WASHINGTON: An overwhelming majority of IndianAmericans support US President Barack Obama against his Republican rival Mitt Romney in November presidential elections, a national survey has said. Romney has so far been able to gain support of a minority of Indian-Americans despite the frequent anti-Obama rhetoric by two leading Indian-American Republicans -- South Carolina Governor Nicky Haley and Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal. "Indian-Americans are by far the strongest supporters of Barack Obama, giving him an edge of 68 per cent to five per cent, with 25 per cent undecided and the rest voting for another candidate. Thus, while Governors Bobby Jindal and Nikki Haley are among the strongest critics of Barack Obama, they seem to be in a relatively small minority of Indian Americans who support Mitt Romney," said a survey carried out by National Asian American Survey (NASA). The NASA survey of Asian Americans is based on a national poll conducted between July 31 to September 19 through telephone of 3,034 people which included 386 Indian-Americans. According to the survey,
Obama has a favorability of 88 per cent among Indian-Americans while Romney has a favorability of just 30 per cent. Approval of the President's job is particularly high among IndianAmericans (82 per cent), and is conspicuously low among Filipinos (45 per cent) and Samoans (41 per cent), it said. The survey said that among likely voters, 43 per
the strongest support for Romney (38 per cent). Nearly one-third (32 per cent) of likely Asian American voters remain undecided. By comparison, recent surveys of the general population show that undecided voters are roughly seven per cent of the electorate. One in six Asian Americans (17 per cent) lives in a battleground state during the 2012 presidential election.
porters at a news conference. India, he said, is a "very important player" in the region, which is reflected in the recent visit of Defense Secretary, Leon Panetta. "China we believe is a very important partner in terms of our defense relationship. And as the secretary articulated in the region and has articulated since, China has a very constructive role to play, and we encourage them to do so," Little told Pentagon reporters. -PTI
India, US to enhance renewable energy cooperation
cent of Asian Americans support Obama while 24 per cent support Romney. There are some considerable differences by ethnic group, with Indian-Americans showing the strongest support for Obama (68 per cent), and Filipinos showing
Indian and Korean Americans constitute a greater share of the battleground state population than their respectively national population shares, and Chinese and Filipino Americans constitute a relatively smaller share in battleground states. -PTI
Tata gifts 15,000 new books to school children WASHINGTON: The Tata group of companies has gifted some 15,000 new books to students from low-income families in Washington DC as part of its continued partnership with First Book, an award-winning nonprofit organization which provides new books to such children. "Promoting children's literacy
WASHINGTON: The US wants to work with both India and China to advance peace and stability in the region and is working to boost defense relationships with both countries, the Pentagon has said. "We look forward to growing the defense relationship with both countries, and where it's possible, all three of us will work together to try to advance peace and stability in this very important part of the world," Pentagon Press Secretary, George Little, told re-
has long been an area of focus for Tata in North America. We are glad to encourage reading throughout Washington, DC," said Kapil Sharma, senior General Manager North America, Tata Sons. "As the children begin another school year, we hope our contributions continue to build self-confidence, and help them
find lasting joy in reading and learning," Sharma said after an event in this regard held at Savoy Elementary School in Washington DC. Since partnering with First Book in December 2007 Tata has distributed more than 150,000 books valued at well over USD 1.2 million to children across the United States. -PTI
WASHINGTON: To enhance Embassy, lauded successful cooperation in clean energy implementation of the decision by space, India and the US have de- Prime Minister Manmohan Singh cided to establish a working group and US President Barack Obama to discuss financing options for in November 2010 to establish a encouraging generation of power "virtual" Joint Clean Energy Rethrough renewable sources. search and Development Center The decision was taken here at (JCERD). the day-long India-US Energy This is the first bilateral initiaDialogue, which was co-chaired tive designed specifically to proby Planning Commission Member B K Chaturvedi and the US The two countries also Energy Secretary agreed to establish another Steven Chu. The two countries working group on 'low caralso agreed to establish another working group bon growth' for assessing on 'low carbon growth' the carbon dioxide emisfor assessing the carbon dioxide emissions sions from different industries from different industries and for initiating steps to reduce mote clean energy initiative by such emissions. team of scientists from India and Indian Foreign Secretary the US, with a total joint commitRanjan Mathai, Deputy Energy ted funding from both governSecretary Daniel Poneman and the ments of USD 50 million. Acting Under Secretary of Energy According to the statement, David Sandalow, were among top the India-US Energy Dialogue officials to participate in the en- noted enormous trade and investergy dialogue. ment opportunities, which have The two sides, according to a been opened up with discovery statement issued by the Indian of US shale gas.-PTI
Gujarat polls on Dec 13, 17; Himachal on Nov 4 NEW DELHI: Assembly elections in Gujarat will be held in two phases on December 13 and 17, while polls in Himachal Pradesh will take place on November 4, the Election Commission has announced. Counting of votes will take place in the two states on December 20, Chief Election Commissioner V S Sampath said. The notifications for the two phases of Gujarat elections will be issued on November 17 and 23 and for
Himachal on October 10. "The Model Code of Conduct has come into operation from this very moment (with the announcement of polls). The EC will enforce it strictly and will monitor all activities related to the elections in these states," Sampath said. According to the poll schedule, the last date for filing nominations in Gujarat is November 24 for the first phase and November 30 for the second phase. After scrutiny on November 26
and December 1 for the two phases, the last date for withdrawal of candidature is November 28 and December 3 respectively. In Himachal Pradesh, the filing of nomination will end on October 17 and scrutiny will take place on October 18. The last date for withdrawal of nominations is October 20. Sampath said, "The schedule of elections has been prepared keeping in mind the climatic conditions, academic calendar like exams, festivals, law and order
situation as well as availability of security forces and the time needed for their movement." A total of 44,496 polling stations will be set up in Gujarat for 3.78 crore voters, while 7,252 polling stations will be established in Himachal Pradesh for an electorate of 45.16 lakh. Gujarat has 182 assembly constituencies, of which 13 are reserved for SCs and 27 for STs, while there are 68 constituencies in Himachal Pradesh, with 17 reserved
for SCs and three for STs. The term of Gujarat's present assembly expires on January 17 and that of Himachal on January 10. . During the first phase of assembly elections in Gujarat, 87 assembly constituencies will go to polls, while the remaining 95 constituencies will go to poll in the second phase. The EC will also ensure videography of the entire poll process starting from the filing of nominations and scrutiny.-PTI
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October 12, 2012
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Indian Railway Express in Vancouver PREETI VERMA LAL
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n way to Vancouver on a Global Bloggers Culinary Tour organized by Canada Tourism Commission, food had encroached upon my mind space. Poutine. Bannock. Japadog. Moose droppings. Coffee at Caffe Artigiano. Thierry's macaroons. Charcuterie at Salt. Fusion at Diva in Metropolitan. With every mile flown, my mind space was getting further cluttered with food. And more food. However, little did I realize that in Vancouver I would shun all things ritzy and eat curried chickpeas and cassava fries slathered with tamarind chutney out of a truck. Yes, a truck. And that too from a Railway Express. Vancouver is living its latest
Chef Vikram Vij
food fad: Food trucks. From pinstriped bankers to plain Janes, everyone is having take-away lunch out of a food truck. And if you want to calibrate the mostpopular one, mosey up to West
Georgia Street around noon. On a good day, you'll find 400 people waiting for their favorite kebabs, chai or mango lassi from Railway Express, a food truck owned by Chef Vikarm Vij. This is not Vij's first foray into the food, he is one of the most known names on Vancouver's culinary Who's Who and his products adorn countless kitchen shelves. Started in June 2012, Railway Express, with Curry Art in Motion as its tagline, serves lunch everyday to hungry office goers. On the menu are rice puff with chickpea salad; Punjabi dhal with rice and naan; curried chickpeas; mushroom medley; lamb kebab; Kashmiri chai with almond and pumpkin-spiced lassi, raspberry l a s s i … All this piping hot straight out of the kitchen and very reasonably priced. At Vij's Railway Express, the menu changes every few weeks. Much before you queue outside the truck and want to know what's on the menu, just go to their Facebook/Twitter page. At the click of a mouse, you'd know what is being rustled up in Vij's mobile kitchen. That's how tech-savvy this saucy kitchen is. Vancouver is living its food fad. Topping the popularity chart is the Indian Railway Express. And on top of this food chain is lamb kebab!
US eyes on China, Brazil and India to boost tourism WASHINGTON: The US has stepped up its effort to attract more foreign tourists, in particular those from countries like India, China and Brazil, with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton emphasizing on the need for a hassle fee visa processing and entry programs for tourists. "We want to use our global reach and our diplomatic tools to help drive that economic growth here at home and to advance our strategic interests around the world," Clinton told a meeting of strategic dialogue on travel and tourism. "And encouraging travel and tourism moves us toward these goals. The average tourist from overseas spends USD 4,000 in the United States. In July of this year, foreign tourists spent nearly USD 14 billion here," she said, adding that for every 65 international visitors, one American job is created. "In the last year, visitors from just China and Brazil supported more than 40,000 American jobs. And the number of tourists bound for the United States is growing
all the time. So in addition to trying to ease the way for Americans to travel, we have matched that commitment with trying to ease the way for foreigners to travel here," Clinton said. The United States, she said, is
In India, the United States has not only increased the strength of its staff, but also taken several other steps to reduce the visa interview waiting period. It also introduced interview waiver program making it easier for tourists to get here. "We have sped up visa processing times at our posts around the world -like in Sao Paulo in Brazil, it once took 140 days to get a
visa, that time is now under 48 hours; or in China, where the average wait time is five days, even though visa applications are up nearly 40 per cent; and in Mexico, where we issued more than two million visas and border crossing cards this year alone," she said, but noted that in doing so there is no compromise with the security of the country. In India, the United States has not only increased the strength of its staff, but also taken several other steps to reduce the visa interview waiting period. It also introduced interview waiver program for certain categories of applicants. "Just last week we implemented the Global Support Services Contract," James W Herman, Executive Director in the State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs, told PTI in an interview later, explaining that the application process that used to take up to 72 hours can now be completed in 20 minutes. -PTI
Pics Preeti Verma Lal
Govt will not roll back decision to allow FDI in retail NEW DELHI: Unfazed by the stakeholders including farmers, strong opposition to allowing FDI consumers and industry leaders. in retail even from some allies, the His assertion comes against Indian government has made it the backdrop of strong opposiclear that the decision will not be tion to FDI in retail with even rolled back as it is in the interest United Progressive Alliance conof farmers and consumers. stituent Dravida Munnettra Addressing a group of farmers Kazhagam saying that it would here, India's Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma said for- ‘This decision is final. This eign direct investment decision will not be rolled(FDI) in multi-brand retail trading will help back. We are not afraid of farmers in getting good anything. This decision is price for their produce besides creating lakhs taken in the interest of the of jobs. farmers and consumers’ "This decision is final. This decision will not be rolled-back. We are not back any opposition-sponsored afraid of anything. This decision resolution in Parliament on the isis taken in the interest of the farm- sue. ers and consumers," he told the Some UPA allies including farmers at the Congress head- Samajwadi Party are also opposed quarters. to the decision and another outSeeking to allay fears that small side supporter Jharkhand Vikas shopkeepers would be impacted by Morcha (P), with two members in big retail chains, Sharma said the Lok Sabha, has decided to withdecision was taken after compre- draw its backing to the governhensive consultations with all the ment.-PTI
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Realty Tidbits
SARE Homes to invest Rs 1,200 cr on township NEW DELHI: Real estate firm SARE Homes will invest about Rs 1,200 crore over seven years to develop an integrated township, comprising 3,600 houses, in Ghaziabad. As part of the township, the company has launched a residential project 'Springview Heights' that will offer 660 apartments. "Total investment in developing our Ghaziabad project is Rs 1,175 crore. The project will be completed by July 2019," SARE Home Executive Director David Walker told PTI. The company plans to sell 660 homes of Springview Heights out of a total of 3,600 units being developed in the 88.35 acre integrated township, he added. The flats in the newly launched project will start from Rs 29 lakh and will go up to Rs 45 lakh depending upon the sizes of each unit, he said. The township on NH-24 in Ghaziabad will have six residential towers. Realty consultant Jones Lang LaSalle has been appointed to manage the project. The project will house various facilities, including sports and recreation facilities, theme parks, clubs and swimming pool. -PTI
„ American Real Estate to set up 3 hospitals MUMBAI: US-based American Real Estate plans to open three multi- specialty hospitals and small clinics in Maharashtra, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. "We are looking at setting up 500-bed hospitals each in Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. We have identified land near Surat in Gujarat and Indore in Madhya Pradesh," American Real Estate CEO Hasan Merchant told reporters here. The company is also looking at setting up clinics in smaller towns of these three states, Merchant said, adding he will be meeting Chief Minister Narendra Modi to discuss investment plans in Gujarat. Merchant is heading three leading corporations in Chicago engaged in medical clinics and real estate activities. Merchant recently launched Merchant Capital Fund in US market to manage investors' fund. Merchant is now looking at launching international business solutions to help large corporations in US seeking SAP engineers from India. -PTI
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Everstone ties up with Jones Lang LaSalle India Details on page 11
Nirmal-US Open Apartments in Mumbai showcase the best Dharmesh Jain, Chairman and Managing Director for Nirmal, said, "We are proud to be the first Indian company sponsoring the US Open. Nirmal has always been committed to promoting healthier living through innovative design.
India Post News Service
QUEENS, New York: Nirmal Lifestyle, the leading developer of real estate in India, has become the first Indian company chosen to sponsor the US Open. The company has furthered its commitment to healthier living by introducing the first sports lifestyle apartment complex in affiliation with the US Open, the "Nirmal - US Open Apartments". In becoming the first Indian company sponsoring the 2012 US Open, Nirmal Lifestyle has once more shown its commitment to health and physical fitness. None was more evident than the development of a lifestyle living complex dedicated to the US Open philosophy of showcasing the best of the best. Nirmal - US Open Apartments in Mumbai offers extensive fitness facilities including a hi-tech gymnasium, Olympicsized tennis and basketball courts, jogging and cycling tracks and swimming pools. The complex is designed with the most state of the art amenities to ensure a healthy lifestyle. At a press conference attended by many prominent officials, Mr
Nirmal - US Open Apartments in Mumbai offers extensive fitness facilities including a hi-tech gymnasium, Olympic-sized tennis and basketball courts, jogging and cycling tracks and swimming pools Working with the US Open organization in developing the US Open Apartments in Mumbai reinforces Nirmal's commitment in supporting a more active life for young and old. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the US Open in the years to come."
No need of developer's NOC for sale of flats MUMBAI: It will not be mandatory for flat-owners and housing society residents to get NOC from builders while selling or transferring their property, Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan has said. "There is no need for flat owners to seek NOC from builders before sale or re-sale of flats. There is no such provision in the Maharashtra Ownership of Flats Act ( MOFA)," he said. Chavan has said such illegal activities of pressurizing flat-owners to seek NOC must be stopped. The decision has been taken following complaints received by the chief minister about flat owners being prevented from sale or re-sale of their flats on ground that an NOC from builders is re-
quired. It was also brought to Chavan's notice that after the building is constructed, formation of co-operative housing society and conveyance deed (transferring the land on which the building stands) to the housing society, is delayed. Builders fleece flat-owners by demanding charges per square feet for transfer of flats and NOC for re-sale. Flat-owners should bring to the notice of the government instances of government offices or officers asking for an NOC during sale or re-sale of flats. Flat-owners in buildings where the conveyance deeds have not been effected should get in touch with district authorities, Chavan said.
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Services sector to revive office Everstone ties up with Jones Lang LaSalle India space demand
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MUMBAI: At a time when the real estate sector is slowing down, the services sector is expected to keep good the demand for office space with an estimated absorption of 28-30 million sq ft by the year-end, industry experts say.
"Even while IT/ITeS sector remains the largest in terms of volume in office space demand, the real drivers will be the BSFI sectors coupled with telecom, consulting, etc, that will keep the momentum upbeat in the next few months" Being the largest contributor to the GDP (nearly 63 per cent), the services sector is likely to drive demand for commercial real estate, Jones Lang LaSalle India Senior Research Manager Subash Bhola said. "An 8.5 per cent growth in the services sector in FY12 is an indicator that a major slowdown in office real estate demand is not
likely to occur as it generates the highest demand for office space," Bhola said. The service sector comprises banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI), information technology, consulting, trade and communication. The absorption is likely to be stable in short-to-medium- term, mainly on the back of ready or nearready supply, Cushman & Wakefield South Asia Executive Managing Director Sanjay Dutt said. "The domestic office market is expected to remain stable in the short to medium-term and we hope to see stable absorptions to the tune of 28-30 million sq ft by 2012end," Dutt said. According to a survey, around
21 million sq ft of office space was absorbed in Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Chennai and Pune in the January-September period. "Even while IT/ITeS sector remains the largest in terms of volume in office space demand, the real drivers will be the BSFI sectors coupled with telecom, consulting, etc, that will keep the momentum upbeat in the next few months," he added. Dutt said office space is being looked at as attractive investment options at current values by both domestic as well as multinational companies, who are making strategic asset purchases here on the back of slight dip in prices.
Infrastructure development in Surat going skyward SURAT: Commuting in some of the most congested places in the city will become a tad easier. Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) is drawing up a plan to build skywalks and skybridges in several high-density areas. "Looking ahead, we have to think in terms of segregating vehicular traffic from the pedestrian traffic. Till now we have made huge provisions and work is underway in building infrastructure for vehicular traffic. The next stage is for making space for pedestrian traffic to easily move along in highdensity areas," said Bhimji Patel, chairman, standing committee of Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC). The ruling party is planning building skywalks and skyway bridges in few areas where walkers choke for space like railway station, Ring Road and highly-developed Athwalines and SuratDumas Road too.
"We plan to connect all the textile markets of Ring Road with skywalk or bridge facility," said Patel. A detailed note in this regard has been sent to the bridge cell.
The human movement is also very high with labor pulling hand carts and even shouldering huge sacks of materials on their back, resulting in heavy congestion Textile market stretches for 6.4 km on Ring Road and houses more than 120 markets. These markets are located on two sides of the
road. At present, during the day, the traffic density on this road is more than 25,000 vehicles per hour. The human movement is also very high with labor pulling hand carts and even shouldering huge sacks of materials on their back, resulting in heavy congestion. "Provisions will be made in the next year's budget to initiate the project," he added. In high-density areas of railway station too, skywalks on the lines of Mumbai are being planned. Mumbai has constructed 36 skywalks in many of its suburbs. It has country's and one of the world's biggest skywalk of 1,395 meters in Borivali west. "We need people to go safely and without wasting time once they get out from station junction. Eight different directions are most commonly used and we think skywalks of 200 to 500 metres could serve this purpose," said a top official of bridge cell.
verstone has tied-up with Jones Lang LaSalle India for providing retail property management services to four shopping malls at Pune, Kochi, Vadodara and Ahmedabad. Under this arrangement, Jones Lang LaSalle India will provide end-to-end services - from ensuring optimal year-round occupancy to creating and maintaining a superior retailer and customer experience. The mandate marks the introduction on Jones Lang LaSalle's globally proven Retail Asset Management services module in India "We are ramping up our business in the real estate domain. Jones Lang LaSalle India will bring in global best practices which should enhance retailer and customer experience and ensure strong mall occupancies," says Dhanpal Jhaveri, Partner and CEO - Everstone Capital Advisors. "This tie-up is a benchmark on the real estate market, as it is the first time that a private equity fund has entrusted its entire shopping centre management portfolio to a real estate consulting firm in India," says Anuj Puri, Chairman &
Country Head, Jones Lang LaSalle India. "Our Retail Asset Management services platform is a tried and tested vertical globally. It has been specially designed to ensure optimal year-round occupancy and seamless operations - thereby vastly enhancing the overall mall business proposition." The tie-up for retail property management services will com-
Jones Lang LaSalle India will bring in global best practices which should enhance retailer and customer experience mence from October 1, 2012. Under this unique arrangement, the firm will provide complete leasing services as well as take responsibility for operations, customer experience, marketing, property and financial management, for the following shopping malls having total gross leasable area of 1.91 million sq. ft.
Health
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Gov. Heineman submits option on health insurance
LINCOLN, Neb.: Gov. Dave Heineman has submitted a highdeductible health savings option for approval by the federal government. Heineman notified U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius of the ``Nebraska option,'' saying it will allow Nebraska residents a more affordable choice. He noted that the federal government hasn't supplied critical information, including regulations outlining the process that states are expected to comply. Heineman says the ``Nebraska option'' would be the minimal coverage plan out of hundreds of health insurance plans that Nebraska residents can choose. -AP
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New law makes it harder to buy key meth ingredient MONTGOMERY, Ala.: A new law has taken effect that's aimed at making it tougher for people to obtain a key ingredient needed to produce the illegal drug methamphetamine.
October 12, 2012
Details on page 14
Health Camp held at Yogi Divine Society in NJ
Peanut butter recall includes major retailers WASHINGTON: A recall of peanut butter and other nut products has some of the country's largest grocery stores pulling storebrand products off their shelves. New Mexico-based Sunland Inc. has expanded its recall of peanut butter and almond butter to include cashew butters, tahini and blanched and roasted peanut products. The company, which sells its nuts and nut butters to large groceries and other food distributors around the country, recalled products under multiple brand names last month after salmonella illnesses were linked to Trader Joe's Creamy Salted Valencia Peanut Butter, one of the brands it manufactures. -AP
Hawaii's insurance minimums for health care HONOLULU: Hawaii has set minimum standards for health care insurance plans that can be sold in Hawaii under new federal guidelines. Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie announced the minimums at a press conference. Abercrombie says the minimums will help Hawaii lead the nationwide health care transition. The minimums include things like ambulance services, hospitalization and prescription drugs. The guidelines will take effect in 2014. Hawaii is among the states that bet correctly that the U.S. Supreme Court would uphold Obama's law. The high court ruled in favor of the law in June. -AP
India Post News Service
NEW JERSEY: On Sunday, September 30, a health screening and disease awareness and prevention fair was organized by the dedicated volunteers of Indian Health Camp of New Jersey (IHCNJ) in collaboration with Haridham at Yogi Divine Society at Lincoln Avenue, Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey. Indian Health Camp of New Jersey, a nonprofit organization held this health camp for the seventh consecutive year at Haridham. Over 150 pre-registered participants between the ages of 45 and 64 without any medical insurance from the various areas of New Jersey attended this full day health screening activities and services provided by the volunteers of Indian Health Camp of NJ and Haridham. The health camp activity started with registration of the participants followed by the blood draw, EKG, vision screening for glaucoma and
diabetic retinopathy, physical examination, dental exams for oral cancer, cardiology evaluation, physical therapy and pain management counseling, cancer screening and prevention education, management of chronic diseases and patient education and pharmacy counseling from the
agement, medical students and other volunteers provided their service to screen and educate patients on diabetes, hypertension, cardiac diseases, high cholesterol, various types of cancer and other chronic debilitating diseases which is prevalent in South Asian community.
Over 150 pre-registered participants between the ages of 45 and 64 without any medical insurance from the various areas of New Jersey attended this full day health screening activities and services pharmacists and stroke prevention education and other sessions from various clinical providers for more than six hours. Over 75 people took the advantage of influenza vaccination. In all 15-20 physicians from various specialties of internal medicine, cardiology, ophthalmology, dentist, physical therapy, pain man-
Various other allied health care professionals such as EKG technicians, phlebotomists, nurses and social workers provided their services to support physicians for the health screening, disease prevention and awareness efforts during this health fair. The blood test services were provided by Quest Diagnostics Laboratory for all quali-
fied participants at no cost. The blood test reports will be reviewed by the physicians and mailed to all participants with a counseling note, if any abnormalities are detected in the test. The State of New Jersey, Commission for the blind and their dedicated team provided eye screening to approximately 150 eligible participants. IHCNJ Executive Committee and other committee members and dedicated volunteers worked with the dedicated members and volunteers of Haridham to have this event a huge success. The management team of Yogi Divine Society has been the biggest supporter in providing this service for past six years. The Indian Health Camp of New Jersey will hold their last health camp in 2012 on Sunday, December 2 at Shree Swaminarayan Temple in Secaucus, New Jersey. The health camp registration form will be available in Gujarat Darpan, Tiranga and masalajunction.com in the near future.
October 12, 2012
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Nurture yourself with therapeutic massage give you a healthier perspective on life. Restore your body, relax your mind, and rejuvenate your soul at Massage for Life.
JS BEDI India Post News Service
F
rom relaxation to rehabilita tion, the advantages of regular massage therapy have become increasingly evident to both consumers and medical professionals. Years ago, getting a massage was perceived as a luxury treatment you might only receive from a swanky spa. Today, doctors and educated health conscious individuals have come to recognize just how beneficial massage therapy can be for your overall state of mind and physical well-being. Health benefits of regular massage therapy include: stress relief, decreased blood pressure, im-
Dawn Bramhall of Massage for Life attended Harris School in Delaware and completed a 900 hour comprehensive program of
Owner Dawn Bramhall custom tailors her massage sessions to fit each individual client. The session begins with a brief consultation in which she discusses any problem areas, specific aches and pains, or health concerns you may have
proved circulation, diminished aches and pains, reduced muscle tension, headache relief, and enhanced postoperative recovery.
Treating yourself to massage on a regular basis will give you a chance to escape from the demands of your busy schedule and
Owner Dawn Bramhall custom tailors her massage sessions to fit each individual client. The session begins with a brief consultation in which she discusses any problem areas, specific aches and pains, or health concerns you may have.
study and practice in the art and science of Advanced Massage Therapy. Her training included: deep tissue massage, Swedish massage, neuromuscular therapy, orthopedic massage, and sports massage.
Ala. governor won't implement part of health law MONTGOMERY, Ala.: Gov. Robert Bentley has announced that he won't implement part of the federal Affordable Health Care Act in Alabama. Bentley's aides said the Alabama governor sent a letter to Secretary of Health Kathleen Sebelius explaining that he's an opponent of the act. Bentley said
he will not make a decision on establishing minimum benefits for those buying individual and small group policies in Alabama. He called it irresponsible to decide what Alabama's benchmark will be for essential health benefits without clear guidance from the federal government. ``As you are aware, I am a
staunch opponent of the Affordable Care Act,'' Bentley said in the Oct. 1 letter to Sebelius. ``As both a physician and a governor, I have determined that it is irresponsible and shortsighted to make a decision on essential health benefits by confining the decision to a select few plans and without hav-
ing been offered clear guidance from the federal government.'' Bentley said the law lacks options for innovative approaches. He advocated health savings accounts in place of the federal law. In his statement Bentley said that in order to control costs, ``consumers themselves must be
a part of any equation.'' He also told Sebelius that there wasn't enough valid information now to make an informed choice on such an important decision. That, he said, leaves governors and other state leaders in the position of having to make a critical decision based on little more than ``vague guidance and guesswork.'' -AP
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The true cost of outsourcing surrogacy pregnancies to India FRED SILBERBERG
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ince formally legalizing commercial surrogacy in 2002, India has become one of the world's most popular destinations for intended parents seeking to welcome a child into their families that is biologically their own. Cheap costs, a lax regulatory environment, relatively advanced private healthcare facilities, and an overwhelming number of women willing to serve as surrogates have combined to spur the development of a vast and still-growing commercial surrogacy industry in the country. While there are no official statistics which precisely measure the scale of India's "fertility tourism" industry, even conservative estimates indicate a commercial surrogacy market to the tune of $2.3 billion annually, with at least 25,000 children born through surrogacy each year. At first glance, the prospect of conceiving a child through surrogacy in India might prove intriguing to intended parents, particularly to those in the U.S. Even at the highest end of the spectrum, a surrogate's compensation almost never exceeds $10,000 in India, which amounts to barely half of the absolute minimum parents can expect to pay to a surrogate in the US. Factor in India's lower medical fees and the entire surrogacy process often costs intended parents roughly one half of what they'd be likely to spend in the US, even when accounting for travel and hotel expenses. But, if we look a bit further, the disconcerting truths behind India's booming surrogacy industry begin to emerge, exposing the true costs of outsourcing surrogacy pregnancies to the country. Given the size of the industry and seemingly incessant demand from intended parents around the globe, it comes as no surprise that surrogacy in India has attracted the attention of business interests seeking to generate a substantial profit from the production of a child. Indeed, surrogacy has become something of a commercial institution in India, with a blossoming of "baby factories" throughout the country, as they've come to be termed, which bring a cold, business-like approach to the birth of a new child. And it's an institution which tarnishes the miracle surrogacy can offer. Very often, a surrogacy arrangement in India enlists the service of a nearly destitute woman, who is drawn to a compensation sum which might be three times that of her annual wages. As part of the legal agreement, the surrogate might take on incredible risks,
releasing intended parents and the team of professionals involved in surrogacy's process from all medical and financial liabilities associated with the pregnancy. Worse yet, due to the socioeconomic circumstances of most Indian women who serve as surrogates, they lack the education to fully understand the manipulative agreements to which they're committing. Once an agreement has been reached, a surrogate in India is then routinely exposed to dangerous medical malpractices, even at well-run clinics. Award-winning writer Kishwar Desai conducted an equally eyeopening and heart-wrenching investigation into these tactics and their consequences. In a May 2012 article, she recounted her findings that Indian surrogates will often undergo an implantation of more than four embryos in their wombs to ensure a pregnancy, be subject to controversial fetal reduction techniques, and a have caesarean section to deliver the child not when her body has naturally signaled the appropriate time for birth, but instead on a timeline agreeable to the intended parents' travel schedule. The primary enabler of such malpractices is India's stark lack of regulation. While the legality of commercial surrogacy in India is formally recognized by the country's Supreme Court, to date, the only ground-level oversight comes in the form of voluntary guidelines. In 2005, the Indian Council of Medical Research issued its most recent voluntary, nonbinding surrogacy guidelines in an effort to steer the operations of the country's Assistive Reproductive Technology clinics. These guidelines, however, are reportedly ignored by clinics of all levels of stature and credibility. More formal regulations were drafted more than two years ago to better protect surrogates and newborn children, but they still await presentation and passage in parliament. Until then, stories such as that of Ms. Premila Vaghela are likely to remain much more than just an exception to the general practice of surrogacy in India. The death of the 30 year old woman this past May drew international attention and more fully exposed the unacceptable dealings of India's surrogacy industry. While awaiting a routine checkup at Pulse Women's Hospital, one of Gujarat's In Vitro Fertilization clinics, Ms. Vaghela, then 8 months pregnant, experienced a convulsion and collapsed on the floor. Instead of being immediately transferred to another hospital for treatment, medical professionals at Pulse Women's Hospital first per-
formed an emergency caesarean section, delivering a healthy boy one month premature. Following the operation, Ms. Vaghela was then sent to another hospital in critical condition, where she died shortly thereafter. Taken together, the sequence of events upholds what is common language in India's surrogacy contracts, stating that if a surrogate "is seriously injured or suffers a lifethreatening instance during her third trimester of pregnancy, (she) will be sustained with life support equipment to protect the fetus' viability and insure a healthy birth on the Genetic Parents' behalf." This emphasis on efficiency and cost effectiveness, regardless of the consequences, has converted surrogacy into a sheer
Indian surrogates will often undergo an implantation of more than four embryos in their wombs to ensure a pregnancy, be subject to controversial fetal reduction techniques, and a have caesarean section business transaction in India, with surrogates serving as a mere pawn in a larger deal. The country's flourishing surrogacy industry is just that - an industry, driven by a bottom-line profit motive which emphasizes quantity and scale of returns. Such an environment is hardly a nurturing setting to properly care for and deliver a child. These unsettling realities alone should be enough to convince intended parents from the US to look elsewhere when deciding where to conduct their surrogacy agreement. But there is another, more basic premise which should be considered, and that's the nature of the relationship which intended parents should have with their surrogates. Sure, legal agreements are drafted and executed, money exchanges hands, and a service is provided, but to think of surrogacy as a simple business deal is to rob the sanctity of the new life created by its process. Intended parents and surrogates are not merely separate business parties; they're partners, working together to bring new child into the world. There is far too much at stake for intended parents to "outsource" their child to a woman whom they've never met and with whom they cannot connect and support during the pregnancy.
Parents and surrogates should meet in person before entering into any agreement. Not through online profiles, not through emails across international borders, but in person. Surrogacy requires such profound levels of trust between parents and surrogates that both parties deserve a meeting to judge whether the relationship is a good match. Further, it should be prospective parents that select their surrogates, not a surrogacy agency, consultant, or lawyer, much less one which is willing to subject surrogates to medical malpractices to maximize the efficiency of the process. These professionals should provide services to help connect parents with surrogates, but the selection of the surrogate should be made by no one but the intended parents themselves. Once an agreement has been reached, parents should provide support to their surrogates in any way they can, and be involved to the greatest extent that it's welcomed by the surrogate. Parents are trusting their surrogate with the health of their own child, and it's in everyone's best interest to work in an environment of support and trust. But conducting a surrogacy agreement in India largely strips parents of this opportunity. One of the greatest joys of pregnancy is the ability to watch the child develop through modern medical technology, while ensuring that the child and mother have everything they might need during this dizzying period of stress and excitement. India, however, does not permit intended parents to be present when an examination or ultrasound takes place. The country does not provide parents the opportunity to discuss their questions and concerns with physicians. Further, though many parents offer their Indian surrogates an extra financial bonus to be sure that she's well-nourished and leading a lifestyle which supports a healthy child, the
wretched living conditions of India's most impoverished areas which are precisely those places where Indian surrogates are most likely to be from - pose extreme risks of malnutrition and exposure to harmful toxins to the child throughout the pregnancy. The savings afforded by conducting a surrogacy agreement in India, then, come at great cost. A child's healthy development is out of the parents' hands, left to the fate of a woman who is desperately poor and a surrogacy industry which is rife with abuse and malpractice. The relationship intended parents have with the woman who's carrying their child will be almost void of personal contact, leaving parents profoundly anxious over the health and safety of their new life. Surrogacy is not an arena for bargain-hunting. Parents are not buying a product; they're creating a life. With so much at stake, it's vital that intended parents find a supportive setting and build a nurturing environment which ensures they become the parent of a happy, healthy child. Outsourcing a surrogacy pregnancy to India might save money, but there are things which can't be quantified in monetary terms. It's a parent's natural instinct and desire to give their child every chance of success in life. They must listen to that calling, and see that their child's prenatal development and birth occurs not in a foreign country with often horrid treatment bestowed upon the carrier, but instead close to home, where they can build a relationship of trust and support with their surrogate, and know that they're giving their child the greatest possible start in life. Fred Silberberg is a Certified Family Law Specialist and Founder of Future Family Starter, a full-service surrogacy consultancy and legal practice in Beverly Hills, CA.
New law makes it harder to buy key meth ingredient MONTGOMERY, Ala.: A new law has taken effect that's aimed at making it tougher for people to obtain a key ingredient needed to produce the illegal drug methamphetamine. At the same time, the new law insures that allergy sufferers will still have access to the same substance, pseudoephedrine, which can mean the difference between clogged sinuses and being able to breathe. The new law stops a process called ``smurfing'' in which manu-
facturers of meth ask various people to buy pseudoephedrine in small amounts from different locations. Current state law limits the amount of pseudoephedrine one customer can buy to seven grams a month. A computer database prevents a person going from store to store buying the drug. But officials said those making meth have been getting around the law by getting several people to each buy small amounts of the drug and then sell them. -AP
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Playing video games at night, teenagers risk diabetes
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eenagers who stay up all night playing video games could be putting themselves at increased risk of diabetes, experts have warned. Research suggests that getting more sleep could help teenagers lower levels of insulin resistance and reduce their chance of developing the potentially lethal condition. The study's lead author Karen Matthews, of the University of Pittsburgh's department of psychiatry, said: 'High levels of insulin resistance can lead to the development of diabetes. Warning: Teenagers who stay up all night playing video games could be putting themselves at increased risk of diabetes, research suggests 'We found that if teens that normally get six hours of sleep per night get one extra hour of sleep, they would improve insulin resistance by 9 per cent.' The study, which is reported in this month's issue of the journal SLEEP, monitored the sleeping patterns and insulin resistance levels of 245 healthy teenagers.
'Disease of kings' on the rise as more people get gout because of increase in obesity Eating just half a cupful of cher-
Results showed that higher insulin resistance is associated with shorter sleep duration, regardless of other factors such as race, age,
the form that develops in adults and is linked to obesity - is rising rapidly. Professor Jun Wang, who led the study, said: 'We have demonstrated people with type 2 diabetes have a high level of pathogens in their intestines.'
Teenagers who stay up all night playing video games could be putting themselves at increased risk of diabetes, research suggests 'We found that if teens that normally get six hours of sleep per night get one extra hour of sleep, they would improve insulin resistance by 9 per cent'
ries can reduce the risk of gout by a third Diabetes 'may be caused by harmful bugs in the gut': Revelation as number of type 2 sufferers soars
gender, waist circumference, and body mass index. Danger: A woman tests her blood sugar levels. Research suggests that teenagers who
Smoking may trigger early pancreatic cancer at what age screening for pancreatic cancer should start - once widespread screening is available, says a Michigan statement. "As screening programs are developed, an understanding of how personal features influence the age of presentation will be important to optimize the timing of those screenings," gastroenterologist Michelle Anderson, assistant professor of internal medicine at Michigan and lead author of
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get too little sleep put themselves at increased risk of developing diabetes. The study claims to be the first to show a relationship between shorter sleep and insulin resistance independent of obesity. The research was published
hose who smoke and binge should read this carefully. A new study done in US has found that smokers and drinkers are on high risk of developing pancreatic cancer at an earlier age than those who don't have these habits. Researchers from the University of Michigan Health System came to the conclusion that heavy smokers with pancreatic cancer were diagnosed around 62 years and heavy drinkers at age 61 - which is 10 years earlier than the average age of 72. The American Journal of Gastroenterology says that smoking is a great risk factor for pancreatic cancer and alcohol also cause oxidative damage to the pancreas, that triggers the inflammatory pathways leading to cancer, To come to this result research was done on 811 pancreatic cancer patients. The research shows that these habits can lead to developing pancreatic cancer earlier in life. The study also shows a way to understand
Diagnosing pancreatic cancer in early stages is difficult and contributes to the poor survival rates. By the time pancreatic cancer is diagnosed, it is normally at an advanced stage the study has been quoted as saying. Diagnosing pancreatic cancer in early stages is difficult and contributes to the poor survival rates. By the time pancreatic cancer is diagnosed, it is normally at an advanced stage and has spread to other organs. Presently there is no test to find it in people who do not have symptoms. The study defines smokers as those who had more than a pack per day, and heavy drinking was measured at more than 39 grams a day, or about three average drinks per day. -newstrackindia.com
less than a week after another study concluded that diabetes could be caused by harmful bugs in our gut. Scientists at Copenhagen University in Denmark showed that people with the metabolic disease have more bacteria in their intestines - a breakthrough which could lead to quicker and earlier diagnosis. Patients with type 2 diabetes -
The findings, published in Nature, also demonstrated people with type 2 diabetes have a more hostile bacterial environment in their gut which can increase resistance to different medicines. Similar studies carried out on sufferers in Denmark also discovered a significant imbalance in the function of their intestinal bacteria and composition. -dailymail.co.uk
Desi News Ricky Gill's big fundraising event at Johals' India Post News Service
PLEASANTON, CA: The campaign of Ricky Gill, an IndianAmerican candidate for Congress in California's San Joaquin Valley, concluded a highly successful fundraising event on September 29 at the home of Joe and Baljeet Johal of Pleasanton, CA. The Gill campaign expressed its sincere gratitude to the Johals, and fellow host committee members Anil Yadav, Rahul Roy, Inder Dosanjh, Dr Romesh Japra, Amarjit Dulai and Ravi Johal for an event that yielded over $40,000 in contributions shortly before the campaign's important fundraising deadline.
COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA
Details on page 22
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October 12, 2012
Fremont Temple celebrates Ganesh Visarjan Finally, on September 30th, a huge procession started from Fremont temple towards Pacific Ocean for bidding adieu to the lord for this year. Over 500 devotees filled up a caravan of buses on their way to San Francisco's Pier 3, some 40 miles away. Everyone got into a waiting ship and went on board a 3 hour long journey for the final leg of visarjan. Along with them, they carried over 300 Ganesh idols that local bay area residents gave for immersion. Everyone on board participated in offering the idols to ocean. On board the ship, I talked to Dr. Romesh Japra, who painstakingly organized the whole event. Dr. Japra said that this Visarjan was modeled along the lines of Ganesh Visarjan held in Mumbai. "The aim is to bring the same enthusiasm, pomp and show here. We are trying to recreate the same festivities here. This is the third successful year of Visarjan being held.
Details on page 19
Balpreet turns cyber bullying into inspiration
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fter someone snapped a photo of her and posted it on online, Balpreet Kaur was ridiculed for following the tenets of her Sikh faith. But instead of hiding or lashing out, she politely posted a reply - and turned a bullying situation into a inspiring example of tolerance, support, and inspiration. The photo was taken apparently without Kaur's knowledge while she was waiting in line at the Ohio State University Library. In the photo, Kaur's hair is hidden by a large, black turban. She's wearing a T-shirt and yoga pants, glasses, and is looking down at her cell phone; her sparse facial hair is clearly visible.
Mayor Bloomberg endorses Grace Meng for Congress
Ganesh Visarjan
Cont’d on page 18
RITU MAHESHWARI India Post News Service
Details on page 20
Guru Chandra Bhanu Satpathy honored in Seattle India Post News Service
SEATTLE, WA: The Washington State India Trade Relation Action Committee (Wasitrac) presented Guruji Dr. Chandra Bhanu Satpathy Ji with the "Building Bridges Across the Nations award" on Sept 27 at the Intiman Playhouse, Seattle Center for his immense contributions in connecting the whole world though his literary excellence and humanitarian endeavors. The event was celebrated as part of the opening reception of first Washington state summit on US-India Trade. Mr. Debadutta Dash and Mr. H. Habib Co-Chair of Wasitrac hosted the event. Details on page 21
FREMONT: San Francisco Bay Area devotees celebrated Ganesh Chaturthi festival for 12 days with religious fervor. Every day was
Dr. Japra said "The aim is to bring the same enthusiasm, pomp and show here. We are trying to recreate the same festivities here. This is the third successful year of Visarjan being held� marked with decorating Ganesh ji in different styles and incarnations. This period bound Bay area closely to their roots and traditions.
Ganeshji in Palanquin - Dr. Japra doing parikrma in the temple with priests and devotees.
October 12, 2012
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Magically melodious ambassadors from India RAKESH KAPOOR India Post News Service
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ocal magicians from India, Prem Bhatia and Sadhna Bhatia, have been visiting the US creating an atmosphere of good music wherever they go. They can easily take you to the Olden Golden era of Lata and Mohammad Rafi. They have been in Indian entertainment industry, Bollywood, since the last 30-35 years. Prem Bhatia, one of the finest singers, is a well known personality in India and abroad. He has performed on more than 10,000 shows in India and overseas which is a world record. He has received awards from many Bollywood personalities like Raj Kapoor, Dilip Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan and so on. They were both honored with the prestigious “Kala-Shree” award by former President of India Giani Zail Singh. In an interview with Rakesh Kapoor, they lauded the colorful Independence Day organized in Fremont. Excerpts from the interview: Usually on every India Independence Day you are with your family or fellow Indians. What are your feelings this time thousands of miles away from India but still amongst a lot of Indians, celebrating Independence? Prem Bhatia: It is really amazing that you guys are celebrating India’s Independence Day thousands of miles away from India and the way you are doing it here, I mean with full devotion and enthusiasm. It is really remarkable. Hats off to your FIA team and to Dr Romesh Japra and Rajesh
Prem Bhatia (Pic: Neeloo Kapoor)
name selected for this prestigious and dream opportunity? PB: Actually my cousin Vijay Bhatia, who is GM here with San Jose Airport Garden Hotel, called me and invited me to this prestigious Federation of Indo Americans Parade and Mela. I am really indebted to him for associating me with this kind of gala event. Vijay and Dr Japra were having the talks on Hindu Mandir Executive Conference, that time my name was suggested and I am here. As far as our feelings are concerned, you have made our life. Whenever you guys will talk about FIA Festival of India & Parade, you will talk about us
“Being in same profession has both positive as well as negative aspects. Positive is that we can discuss the nitti gritty of any upcoming program beforehand to make it successful and the negative part is that we bring home the problems and failures related to work and keep on discussing which we should not. There is no such competition as was shown in “Abhiman”
During performance
Verma who have built up your team so nicely. It is amazing. We are really feeling proud of being Indians today. Sadhna Bhatia: Yeah, I really liked the way everybody works in a team here and not for a second felt that we are far away from India. It was a wonderful experience for us. We have visited many countries but this is going to be unforgettable. Top Bollywood personalities have been Grand Marshalls at this festival. Sonu Sood (Dabanng fame) is Grand Marshall this year and both of you have been very successful to share the FIA poster with Sonu Sood. How was your
not know how the singing became my obsession and I started singing and sharing the stage with Premji. As I remember my mother had a very good voice and she used to sing while working. Since when I started copying her, do not know, but now I love singing. Tell us briefly about you and your background PB: I was born and brought up in Delhi only. My parents came from Bannu, Pakistan after the partition. My father had a cloths business. SB: I also belong to Delhi. We are three sisters – one is in New York and the other in Delhi only. They are both housewives.
also. We are honored. Did you want to be a singer or something else? PB: I do not have even any slightest idea that I wanted to be something else other that a singer. Whenever I looked back I found myself holding a mike in my hand before the audience. I was singing as a child, singing as a youth and now as I have matured I do not find any other more lucrative and interesting job to which I can switch over as a profession. (Sings) “jab bhi ye dil udaas hota hai, na jane kaun aas paas hota hai” SB: I actually wanted to be a doctor but do
Do you face any problems being in the same profession, as Amit and Jaya in the film Abhiman? PB: There is always a difference of opinion in certain situations. No two persons can be alike in thinking. Difference of opinion cannot be termed as a problem. So if we see that there is a problem, we sort it out amicably and do not indulge in unnecessary conversation. SB: Being in same profession has both positive as well as negative aspects. Positive is that we can discuss the nitti gritty of any upcoming program beforehand to make it successful and the negative part is that
Sadhna Bhatia
we bring home the problems and failures related to work and keep on discussing which we should not . There is no such competition as was shown in “Abhiman”. Actually in Abhiman Amit was jealous of Jaya’s success and here we work as a team to make any program successful. Any prestigious projects you have done and want to share with our readers? PB: I have released some very good audio collection such as, Rafi Ki Yaaden, Sona Chandi, Nain Haseenoke, One Two Ka Ten, AaNach le Mere Naal and Ae Gulbadan Shammi Kapoor Hits. Oh yes I love to listen your Ae Gulbadan. It always keeps running in my car. SB: My projects are “Jhoomo Jhoomo”, “Sona Chandi” and LataJi’s “Popular Songs” and “Payal Bol Padi” (Mata Ke Bhajan) How do you engage yourself when you are not singing, I mean off the stage? PB: Other than singing my passion is to watch cricket game, whether it is Test Match, One-day or 20-20. SB: Apart from being a singer I am a housewife also. I am usually short of time because of cooking and the responsibility of children. So Premji does not help you in all these? SB: No, at times he does help but most of the time he is busy with the program organizing or with the new CD releases. What do you like more about your profession & why? PB: Singing is my hobby and now it has become my profession too. I am really enjoying it. Best part of singing from stage, face to face with audience, is that you get an immediate response which is not possible with CDs or DVD releases. Sadhna Ji. what do you have to say about it? SB: I love my profession the most because it is like a prayer to god. It is like pooja, meditation. You do the prayer or meditation to clear up your soul. It is like that. When you are doing practice or actually singing you enjoy it and you are not in touch with the rest of the world. You are focused on what you are doing. That is the best part I like about it. Cont’d on page 18
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Fremont Temple celebrates Ganesh Visarjan
Visarjan Puja inside the ship. Cont’d from page 16
"Symbolically, as both Pacific and Indian Ocean meet, both Bay area and Mumbai Visarjans unite people across the world. Ganesh Utsav every year gives our devo-
event increases in size and hopeful thousands will participate soon, creating an atmosphere that is unimaginable. "The main motivation in holding these events is community service and desire to bring all
Mr. Sandeep Deogokule, former president of the Maharashtra Mandal, was also involved in establishment of Siddhi Vinayaka idol tees and children an opportunity to participate and learn our spiritual thinking, traditions and rituals. There is no better way to teach our children than this. It has been a wonderful experience for everyone involved. Every year, this
devotees together and create an atmosphere similar to what exists in India. For last 30 years, Karma yoga and community service have been the driving force behind temple activities. It gives lot of happiness and gratification look-
ing at so many devotees enjoying. Community is increasingly involved and benefiting from these functions. People are welcome to volunteer and get involved in temple activities. Every Tuesday there is a volunteer meeting and this is a great way of giving back to community." Mr. Sandeep Deogokule, former president of the Maharashtra Mandal, was also involved in establishment of Siddhi Vinayaka idol in the temple. Mr. Deepak Chhabra helped in organizing Visarjan. For those participating in the event, Visarjan brought back memories from India where Ganesh Visarjan is one of the major events that brings people together and creates an atmosphere of peace, brotherhood and revives traditions.
Getting ready for the Visarjan with Sandeep Deokule and Sunita Chopra.
Magically melodious ambassadors from India Cont’d from page 17
Have you ever tried your hand at acting? PB: I never tried for acting but I acted in one tele serial named “Doosra Kewal” under the direction of Lekh Tandonji. I played the role of father of Shah Rukh Khan. Actually I was assigned to sing in that serial and they needed an artist also to play the role of Shah Rukh’s father, so it was done by me. I sang a song in that serial the wording was “Gud ton mithhimeriboli, phullan to vi pyari, merimaanboli punjabi” Oh! You worked with Lekh TandonJi, I also worked with him in Serial “Phir Wohi Talash” as “Sagar”. I played Poonam Rehani’s husband. It was my first serial. After that I worked with Rama Nand Sagarji in “Ramayan”. In all I acted in about fifteen serials. SB: OMG, RakeshJi, I was offered the role of Padma (played by Poonam Rehani), your wife in this serial, but I refused as I was
Rafi sahib. Rafi Saheb is still an iconic singer. He is still at top, I cannot reach him but I love to sing his songs. People say that I copy him, yes I copy him, and if I am copying such a great and versatile singer then it is OK. Even Rafi sahib copied Mr Durrani. Lataji used to copy Noorjahan, Kumar Sanu copies Kishore Kumar and Sonu Nigam copies Mohd Rafi. You need some help to reach where other legends have reached. They were really magical people. So for me Rafi Saheb is and will be a great magician because of his young and melodious voice. SB: LataJi & AshaJi. They both are the living legends. For me they are the incarnation of Saraswati. Because without the blessings of Maa Saraswati you cannot achieve this much, you cannot be good at throat. The melodious voice blessed to them is because of that Goddess of knowledge. Do you ever do volunteer work or charity?
I never tried for acting but I acted in one tele serial named “Doosra Kewal” under the direction of Lekh Tandonji. I played the role of father of Shah Rukh Khan. Actually I was assigned to sing in that serial and they needed an artist also to play the role of Shah Rukh’s father, so it was done by me focusing on my singing. I remember you now. I was thinking that we have met earlier. May be we met at Lekhji’s house in Delhi. Yes I remember because Lekhji had thrown a party at his house to celebrate the success of “Phir Wohi Talash” & “Doosra Kewal”. I remember when we were leaving Lekhji’s house, Shah Rukh had just arrived as a newcomer. Nobody was paying attention to him and he asked me, “Is this the Lekhji’s house?”, I said yes go ahead and then all of a sudden I realized that he is the guy who was playing in Col Kapoor’s “Fauji” also. What a coincidence we all were around Lekhji at Lajpat Nagar and we did not see each other. May be you (Sadhna Ji) saw us there. PB: Now once again the destiny has brought us together that too thousands of miles away from India. I cannot believe it. Once you start singing then the magic begins, but who is your hero, who is magical to you? PB: Rafi Saab. I love Rafi saheb, I live Rafi sahib, I dream
PB: Yes we do but I do not want to disclose as in India they say donate as much as you can but do not mention or reveal it otherwise it is not effective. SB: We do lots of charity programs for the orphanages or blind schools. I personally want to help the poor and deprived and will continue it till God gives me the strength to do it. What do you like most about the audience and what you hate about them? PB: I like the most when they appreciate your performance and some time they get on the stage to dance in the masti. I hate the most when in the middle of the song they come for another request. It is disturbing; you lose your concentration. See singing is also a serious work though it is entertaining for you. We have to engross ourselves into the wording and tunes. We have to balance with the music. So I do not like such disturbance. Cont’d on page 19
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Ricky Gill's big fundraising event at Johals'
L-R Dr. Mehta, Inder Dosanjh, Dr. Romesh Japra, Joe Johal, Ricky Gill, Anil Yadav, Rahul Roy, Vijay Thapar India Post News Service
PLEASANTON, CA: The campaign of Ricky Gill, an IndianAmerican candidate for Congress in California's San Joaquin Valley, concluded a highly successful
and Ravi Johal for an event that yielded over $40,000 in contributions shortly before the campaign's important fundraising deadline. Gill, the only California candidate to speak at this year's Republican National Convention, is a
campaign.
McNerney lies exposed Meanwhile, according to a press note by Ricky Gill's campaign, Jerry McNerney is known
cratic Party is sending mailers on his behalf - making absurd claims, including the unfounded allegation that Ricky still lives with his parents. The Record's conclusion -
McNerney's claims as follows: • Gill still lives at home. False. • He receives an allowance from his parents. Also false. • Gill "was caught making up jobs." False and confusing. • He's a college kid. Also false.
The Gill campaign expressed its sincere gratitude to the Johals, and fellow host committee members Anil Yadav, Rahul Roy, Inder Dosanjh, Dr Romesh Japra, Amarjit Dulai and Ravi Johal for an event that yielded over $40,000 in contributions L-R Anil Yadav, Ricky Gill
fundraising event on September 29 at the home of Joe and Baljeet Johal of Pleasanton, CA. The Gill campaign expressed its sincere gratitude to the Johals, and fellow host committee members Anil Yadav, Rahul Roy, Inder Dosanjh, Dr Romesh Japra, Amarjit Dulai
small businessman, family farmer, and former member of the California State Board of Education. He is running a tightly contested race against three-term incumbent Congressman Jerry McNerney, whom he has significantly outraised over the course of the
to have lied to voters about his residence. Apparently unsatisfied, McNerney is now lying about Ricky's. In a fact-check article, the Stockton Record thoroughly examines the claims McNerney makes in his campaign advertising. McNerney is running TV ads - and the Demo-
McNerney's claims are "false." (Some claims are even "false and confusing.") The mailers go "beyond misrepresentation of facts." The mailers even cite a nonexistent article that allegedly appeared in the Record on August 15th. The Record describes
Coming from the largest newspaper in the district, that's a resounding indictment of the central themes of McNerney's campaign. Even McNerney's response to the fact-check - his campaign asserts that Ricky is "registered to vote at his parents' address" is false.
Magically melodious ambassadors from India Cont’d from page 18
You are a public figure. You are seen by all the angles or sides but still there is a side the public never sees of you, what is that side? PB: (Smiling) When we are in Green Room. SB: People are surprised to see us working in the kitchen or doing the laundry or going to school meetings etc. They think that we are out of the world and we do not have to go through all this. I mean they always see us singing at the stage either crowded with the fans or being clapped after the performances.
Your future assignments or program you want to share? PB: I am singing for a film, name not fi-
As a playback singer I am doing one film named “Border Hindustan Ka.” I am singing a duet with Jaspinder Narula. I also acted
‘We liked the Parade and Mela so much that we want to be part of it every year, if possible. We want to thank you FIA for such a nice and mega display of cultural, social heritage. Even in India we are not doing it the way it is done here’ nalized yet, and working on music CD “Sai Jadugar Hai.” We both are singing for it, plus our routine stage programs Jagran etc.
in one film called “Sangam Ho Ke Rahega” Any message you want to give to the audience here and to the readers of India Post?
SB: Yes of course. We wish that you guys keep celebrating this Independence Day every year with full bang and with the same spirit and enthusiasm. Never stop it. Celebrate it for yourselves for ourselves and for the generations to come that way you can pass on this culture and values to them. We liked the Parade and Mela so much that we want to be part of it every year, if possible. We want to thank you FIA for such a nice and mega display of cultural, social heritage. Even in India we are not doing it the way it is done here. The highlight of the parade was the open convertible cars with the celebrities waving to the crowd on both sides of the road.
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Balpreet turns cyber bullying into inspiration
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fter someone snapped a photo of her and posted it on online, Balpreet Kaur was ridiculed for following the tenets of her Sikh faith. But instead of hiding or lashing out, she politely posted a reply - and turned a bullying situation into a inspiring example of tolerance, support, and inspiration. The photo was taken apparently without Kaur's knowledge while she was waiting in line at the Ohio State University Library. In the photo, Kaur's hair is hidden by a large, black turban. She's wearing a Tshirt and yoga pants, glasses, and is looking down at her cell phone; her sparse facial hair is clearly visible. A Reddit user posted it to the "Funny" forum with the
have to maintain and take care of it while cherishing its original form." That means that going to the hospital and taking medicine is fine, because one should be healthy in order to be of service to others. But cutting one's hair or removing one's facial hair is forbidden, even if societal norms dictate otherwise. "My hair doesn't stop me from being normal or doing service so its not a hindrance," she said in a later post. "I've been to the doctor regarding this and it's just a side effect of my hormone levels during my teenage years. The hormones have returned to normal, but the hair is still there. That's fine :) I don't regret anything, nor do I view it as an unfortunate thing."
"My hair doesn't stop me from being normal or doing service so its not a hindrance," she said in a later post. "I've been to the doctor regarding this and it's just a side effect of my hormone levels during my teenage years. The hormones have returned to normal, but the hair is still there. That's fine :) I don't regret anything, nor do I view it as an unfortunate thing" quip, "I'm not sure what to conclude from this." Comments started pouring in, making fun of her appearance, asking if she was transgendered, and taking her to task for not plucking, waxing, or shaving. After a friend told her about the thread, Kaur decided to respond to the taunts herself - and take the opportunity to educate people at the same time. "Hey, guys. This is Balpreet Kaur, the girl from the picture," she wrote. "I'm not embarrassed or even humiliated by the attention [negative and positive] that this picture is getting, because it's who I am." As a baptized Sikh woman, Kaur - who is from Ohio - said that she is forbidden from altering her body, as it is considered a sacred gift from God. "The overarching principle is this body is a tool for service," she explained. "We
"Yes, I'm a baptized Sikh woman with facial hair. Yes, I realize that my gender is often confused and I look different than most women," wrote Kaur, who is the president of the Ohio State University's Sikh Student Association. "My attitude and thoughts and actions have more value in them than my body… by not focusing on the physical beauty, I have time to cultivate those inner virtues and hopefully, focus my life on creating change and progress for this world in any way I can." Her words quickly inspired readers on Reddit and elsewhere to reevaluate their reactions. A cross-post on the Facebook page for Kaurista garnered more than 6,750 likes and more than 850 comments. "I know that I don't have the courage to live that purely," Shannon Dolce commented on Facebook. "I am inspired to live
Balpreet Kaur
more true to how my creator sees me, though." "I think we can agree that even the nonreligious can benefit from taking a page from your book - thank you," wrote a Redditor named "anothertimearound". "You are awesome. If your faith has made you this well-adjusted and positive and secure in your own skin, and focused on the things in life that truly matter, then I am glad that there are Sikhs in this world." Reddit reader "Anna Mosity" wrote. "The world could use more people like you."
A few days later, the Reddit user who posted the picture started a new thread to apologize to Kaur. "I felt the need to apologize to the Sikhs, Balpreet, and anyone else I offended when I posted that picture," the Redditor wrote. "Put simply it was stupid. Making fun of people is funny to some but incredibly degrading to the people you're making fun of. It was an incredibly rude, judgmental, and ignorant thing to post." Cont’d on page 26
11th Celebrity Crab Fest on Nov 2 India Post News Service
DUBLIN, CA: One of Bay Area's favorite evenings is back for another year. The 11th Annual Celebrity Crab Fest, hosted by NFL Hall of Famer and Oakland Raiders legend Fred Biletnikoff, gives Oakland Raiders fans the opportunity to rub elbows with Raiders legends and help raise money to support the Biletnikoff Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting youth who are "at risk" to the realities of drug and alcohol addiction, as well as domestic and gender violence. This fun-filled, celebrity-stud-
ded event will be held on Friday, November 2, from 6 p.m.-midnight at the Bishop Ranch Marriott, 2600 Bishop Drive, San Ramon, California. Tickets are $130 per person, and include food, wines from Robert Mondavi, Steven Kent Winery, and J. Lohr Vineyard and Winery, music, dancing, and much more. The Celebrity Crab Fest includes a silent auction as well as a live auction, hosted by Mark Ibanez, the Emmy-Award-Winning Sports Director from KTVU Channel 2. This great evening will also include live entertainment from Top Shelf, a special guest appearance by Bobby Kimball of Toto; the World's Fastest Speed Painter,
The live and silent auctions will feature many exclusive items available for bid, including a drawing for a $10,000 diamond bracelet, a trip for two to the NFL Pro Bowl in Honolulu, Hawaii, a trip for two to the 2013 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
Rock DeMarco; a drum line performance by Stellar West Productions; and a special appearance by Football's Fabulous Females, the Raiderettes! The live and silent auctions will feature many exclusive items available for bid, including a drawing for a $10,000 diamond bracelet, a trip for two to the NFL Pro Bowl in Honolulu, Hawaii, a trip for two to the 2013 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and tickets to the Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio, and much more. In keeping with the tradition, the Biletnikoff Foundation will be giving back even more to the community by awarding $2,500 scholar-
ships to aid lucky high school seniors to fulfill their dreams of entering college. Confirmed celebrity guests include Fred Biletnikoff, NFL Hall of Famer, MVP of Super Bowl XI and Oakland Raiders legend, as well as: • Tim Brown, Heisman Trophy Winner, Raiders Legend • Zach Crockett, Raiders Legend • Marvin "Marv" Hubbard, Raiders Legend • Lincoln Kennedy, Raiders Legend • Pete Banaszak, Raiders Legend • Raider Coaches, Players and Staff
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Guru Chandra Bhanu Satpathy honored in Seattle
L to R: Mr H.Habib, Co-Chiar, WASITRAC, Mr H.S.Das, Principal Secretary Finance and Tourism Dept, Govt of Assam, India, Mr. N. Parthasarathi Consul General of India, San Francisco, Dr. C. B. Satpathy, Honoree Lt Governor Brad Owen, State of Washington, Mr. James Matthew "Jim" Kastama, Senator Washington State Senate, Mr. Debadutta Dash, Co-Chair, WASITRAC. India Post News Service
SEATTLE, WA: The Washington State India Trade Relation Action Committee (Wasitrac) presented Guruji Dr. Chandra Bhanu Satpathy Ji with the "Building Bridges Across the Nations award" on Sept 27 at the Intiman Playhouse, Seattle Center for his immense contributions in connecting the whole world though his literary excellence and humanitarian endeavors. The event was celebrated as part of the opening reception of first Washington state summit on US-India Trade. Mr. Debadutta Dash and Mr. H. Habib Co-Chair of Wasitrac hosted the event. On this occasion, the City of
Seattle recognized Guruji's contribution in spreading the message of humanism, purity, love, compassion and tolerance as taught by Shi Shirdi Sai Baba. The recognition from the office of the Mayor, City of Seattle, Mike McGinn was delivered by Mr. Thao Tran. Further, Lieutenant Governor Brad Owen recognized Guruji on behalf of state of Washington noting that the message Guruji brings to the world comes at a time when events should cause us to reflect upon the need for greater humanity and compassion as taught by Guruji. The State of Washington invited Guruji to return to Seattle many more times to celebrate Shirdi Sai movement. Consul General N. Parthasarathi
and Washington State Lt. Gov. Brad Owen were the guest of honors and chief guest respectively
Brad Owen offered assistance to help Indians in all their needs. The program was also attended by a high level delegation from the state of Assam who addressed the gathering on this occasion. Consul General congratulated Guruji for the award and wished him more such awards
Dr. C. B. Satpathy addressing the gathering
in future. This was followed by cultural program of Indian dance and music and then of Pacific Islanders. Speaking on the occasion Brad Owen offered assistance to help Indians in all their needs. The program was also attended by a high level delegation from the state of Assam, India comprising senior civil servants. Accepting the award, Guruji Dr. Chandra Bhanu Satpathyji emphasized the need of involving cultural, educational and need based initiatives among nations to build better bridges and fill gaps. He further said, that the gaps can be filled by encompassing two vital principles in addition to existing models in planning ventures at all
levels, first is to create happiness in the people involved in the processes; and second is to ensure maximum happiness among the maximum number of people for the maximum period of time for those who will benefit by the venture. He acknowledged the influence of spiritual perfect master Shri Shirdi Sai in his life. In his closing remark he thanked the organizers, City of Seattle and state of Washington for the honor. Christine Gregoire, Governor State of Washington and Secretary of State, United States, Hillary Clinton and Kiran Ahuja, Execute Director, White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders sent best wishes and congratulatory messages for the event.
In military testing case, court certifies veterans class India Post News Service
SAN FRANCISCO: Representing Vietnam Veterans of America, Swords to Plowshares, and eight individual disabled veterans pro bono, Morrison & Foerster have succeeded in its motion for class certification in its three-year battle against the U.S. military's alleged secret testing of chemical and biological weapons on soldiers. The class is estimated at as many as 100,000 veterans. Trial is set for the middle of 2013. This lawsuit does not seek damages, but rather: 1. To require the Department of Defense and the Army to notify the test participants of the substances they received, the doses, the method of administration (e.g., inhalation, injections, spinal injections, dermal tests), and the known health effects. 2. To require the Department of Defense and the Army to provide health care for veterans who have suffered diseases or other
conditions related to their participation in the tests. Despite explicit regulations and instructions from Congress, the defendants have long resisted any efforts to notify or provide health care to the surviving test par-
in a manner that comports with due process. The Department of Veterans Affairs has denied between 97% and 99% of all disability or death claims arising out of the alleged exposures. The claims process has
It requires the Department of Defense and the Army to provide health care for veterans who have suffered diseases or other conditions related to their participation in the tests. Despite explicit regulations and instructions from Congress, the defendants have long resisted any efforts to notify or provide health care to the surviving test participants ticipants, arguing that none of them can prove that they have experienced any adverse health effects associated with the tests. 3. To require the Department of Veterans' Affairs to adjudicate test participants' claims
been complicated by Department of Defense claims that it cannot find records to substantiate most of the veterans' participation in the tests, causing Veterans Affairs to automatically deny those claims.
The research programs at issue, many of which were concentrated at the Army's facilities at the Edgewood Arsenal and Fort Detrick, Maryland, allegedly tested more than 400 different chemical and biological substances during a period spanning five decades, and involved an estimated 100,000 active duty military personnel. The substances tested ranged from drugs or chemicals (LSD, mescaline, BZ, amphetamines, mustard gas, sarin, and a THC analog called "red oil") to biological weapons such as anthrax, botulism, plague, tularemia, Q fever, and a host of other biological substances, as well as crop destruction agents such as dioxin. None of the "volunteers" for the program gave informed consent, and some experiments were conducted on unwitting participants. Studies have shown that the so-called "testvets" experience a disproportionate incidence of post traumatic stress disorder, and a variety of other diseases or ailments associated with the test substances.
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Mayor Bloomberg endorses Grace Meng for Congress India Post News Service
NEW YORK: Assemblywoman Grace Meng, the Democratic candidate for Congress in New York's 6thdistrict, has received the endorsement of Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Mayor Bloomberg has been active on the national stage, particularly on the issues of reviving the economy, push-
Washington that puts the needs of the taxpayers ahead of partisan politics. Grace Meng will be the independent voice in Congress that middle-class families in Queens deserve. Whether it's her outspoken support for sensible gun legislation to help make our streets safer or her advocacy for common sense immigration reform, Grace embodies the values that Queens' residents
"New Yorkers demand representation in Washington that puts the needs of the taxpayers ahead of partisan politics. Grace Meng will be the independent voice in Congress that middle-class families in Queens deserve. Whether it's her outspoken support for sensible gun legislation to help make our streets safer or her advocacy for common sense immigration reform, Grace embodies the values that Queens' residents care about most ing common sense immigration policy, advocating for stricter gun laws and pursuing solutions to the issues that many in Congress do not want to tackle. "New Yorkers demand representation in
care about most. Grace Meng can be counted on to deliver for the constituents of the 6th Congressional District, just as she has as a bridge-builder in Albany," said Mayor Bloomberg.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg with Grace Meng
Assemblywoman Meng said, "I am proud and honored to have the support of Mayor Bloomberg, whose leadership has helped make New York City and the nation stronger. Like the mayor, I have made the tough, but necessary choices to deliver for my constituents as an Assembly Member - a habit I plan to continue as a member of Congress.
Partisan bickering isn't creating jobs, making our streets safer, or ensuring the preservation and long-term solvency of critical entitlement programs like Social Security and Medicare. Now more than ever, middleclass families in Queens need consensusbuilders to deliver on the issues that matter most to them."
Gandhi Jayanti celebrated in Skokie SURESH SHAH
Gathering at Gandhiji statue to pay homage to the Mahatma
CHICAGO: Gandhi Memorial Trust (GMT) celebrated the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhiji, Father of the Indian Nation, with dignity and lot of enthusiasm at the Heritage Park in Skokie, (a north side suburb of Chicago). The only statue of Gandhiji in the State of Illinois was installed on Oct, 2, 2004. The program started promptly
at 10 am as planned. Om Prakash Kamaria, the chairman, welcomed all those present at the function, and observed that this man born in 1849 changed the course of history affirming the bond of humanity, love, respect, and equality for all. Gandhiji, he pointed out, used the weapon of non-violence to achieve his goals and it is this principle which is applied globally
by now right minded people as a civilized means for realizing their ends. He invited Mayor of Skokie, VanDusen who had proclaimed Oct, 2, as a Peace Day in Skokie. The Mayor was instrumental in the installation of the statue, which, he said, had enriched the community. Cont’d on page 23
Gandhiji's statue in Skokie
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MAFS raises over $100,000 for expanding its services HARISH RAO
MAFS staff recognizing Mr and Mrs Kumar for their successful mentoring MAFS
CHICAGO: Another yardstick that showed that the fund raiser event Metropolitan Asian Family Services (MAFS) held recently helped was a huge success was the amount that it raised - over $100,000 for expanding its activities base in coming years As put by its Executive Director Ms Santosh Kumar in her emotion laden speech"MAFS is one and very unique organization with eight facilities for seniors offering a full spectrum of services with a pool of hardworking individuals. It has come a long way as a winner in spite of many challenges of economic downturn and lack of understanding of certain media with poor understanding of its functioning of programs and findings. "No funding covers the full expenditure of the pro-
Illinois Secretary Jesse White getting Award
gram and we need community support for our activities," she added The event was attended among others by Jesse White, Illinois Secretary of State,
State Representative 56th District, Dr. Firdaus Jafri, President MAFS, Mayor William McLeod, Hoffman Estate, Mary Killough, Senior Health Care Policy Advi-
MAFS is one and very unique organization with eight facilities for seniors offering a full spectrum of services with a pool of hardworking individuals. It has come a long way as a winner in spite of many challenges of economic downturn and lack of understanding of certain media with poor understanding of its functioning of programs and findings Michael Gelder, Policy Advisor to Governor Pat Quinn, Gopal Lalmalani, Village President Oakbrook, Michelle Mussman,
sor to Governor Pat Quinn, Naren Patel, CEO Medstar, Marta Pareyra, Executive Director of the Coalition of Limited English Speak-
ing Elderly (CLESE), Jamie Boyce from Age Option, and foreign ministers including Amrish Singh Gautam, Deputy Speaker Delhi Vidhan Sabha and Karan Singh Pawar, king of Dhar, Madhya Pradesh India. MAFS board members present were Nalini Goyal, Nikunj Baxi, Rakesh Asthana, Beena Patel and Noor Tejany. Ms Santosh Kumar appreciated the huge support from the government and community and had MAFS recognized it thru presenting Awards. The "Excellence Service," awards were given to Jesse White and Michael Gelder, SS Bhatt was given "Lifetime Achievement," Leadership Award was given to Dr. Firdaus Jafri, Public service award was given to Michelle Mussman, Cont’d on page 24
Gandhi Jayanti celebrated in Skokie Cont’d from page 22
The first lady of Skokie, Mrs Susan VanDusen, spoke about her new initiative Coming Together in Skokie The purpose of this new initiative is to celebrate each culture/nationality. Greek Culture will
tries were living together in Skokie in harmony. Among others who spoke at the event were State Representative Daniel Bliss, Library Director Carolyn, Anthony, Senior Parivar president Raman Patel. Speaking in Hindi, Patel said if every one followed Gandhiji's
The first lady of Skokie, Mrs Susan VanDusen, spoke about her new initiative Coming Together in Skokie The purpose of this new initiative is to celebrate each culture/nationality be celebrated this year and she invited everyone to attend the kick off event on Saturday January 27, 2013 at Niles West High School. Kamaria thanked the first lady and said that people from 70 coun-
teachings, there will be no problem in the world and there will be peace. Also present were Priest Rohit Joshi, community leader Sohan Joshi and TV Anchor Ravi
Gathering at Gandhiji statue to pay homage to the Mahatma
Baichwal with his daughter .Trustees Michael Lorge, Pramod Shah, Edie Sutker were present and also spoke at the event. Dr Sonty the
trustee of GMT sang Gandhiji's favorite bhajans. Trustees of GMT Dr. Modi, Satish Chander, Dr. Sonty, Mrs Dina Modi, Mrs. Mira
Chander, and Mrs. Usha Kamaria managed the program efficiently. The event concluded with universal peace prayer and Prasad.
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Texas Physicians Society supports charities sistant Professor of Medicine, Director of Palliative Education, UTHSCSA, addressed the audience on "Communicating the Bad News Effectively." Ronald L. Blumoff, MD, MBA FACS, Vascular Surgeon and Adjunct Clinical Professor of Healthcare Management at Jindal School of Management, University of Texas at Dallas, provided the participants with an insightful lecture on "Physician
total money raised this year, $25,000 is being donated to St PJ Children's Home, while $10,000 is given to AAPI Charitable Foundation, and $5,000 has been donated to start a scholarship program for medical students at University Health Science Center in San Antonio. While the audience cheered loudly, Dr. Sanjana, announced that TIPS-SW Chapter has gener-
Dr. Hormaz Sanjana, Gala Chair and Treasurer of the SW chapter, hosted the evening with much fanfare, glitz and glamour. The theme was "An Evening in Paris" which was also a tribute to the beloved late actor Shammi Kapoor
L-R: Dr. Neela Patel, President, TIPS SW chapter, Dr. Anupama Gotimukala, TIPS SW President Elect, Dr. Nandkishore Gurram, Secretary, TIPS SW chapter, Dr. Jayesh Shah, President Elect, AAPI, Dr. Hormaz Sanjana, Treasurer and Gala Chair 2012, TIPS SW Chapter. India Post News Service
SAN ANTONIO, TX: During the fourth annual Charitable Gala and Leadership conference organized by Texas Indo American Physician Society SW Chapter (TIPS-SW), an association of physicians of Indian origin in the Southwest region, over $40,000 was raised to support local charities, international causes and towards a new scholarship program. The annual event sponsored locally by physicians, local hospitals and medical vendors of San Antonio, TX, was held on Septem-
ber 15 at the Holy Trinity Banquet Hall in San Antonio, TX and was attended by more than 450 local physicians and medical fraternity of Indian origin. TIPS SW has been an annual and one of the few local Chapters contributing annually to the parent organization, AAPI charitable trust, four years in a row, for operating charitable clinics in India and US. The Leadership Conference, organized by Dr. Monika Kapur and Dr. Shankar Sanka, had three distinguished speakers. Dr. Sandra L Oakes MD, Associate Professor, Department of Family
and Community Medicine, Geriatric Division, UTHSCSA, spoke on "Geriatrics for the Subspecialties." Dr. Jennifer Marie Healy DO, As-
Leadership-Look Within." Dr. Hormaz Sanjana, Gala Chair and Treasurer of the SW chapter, hosted the evening with much fanfare, glitz and glamour. The theme was "An Evening in Paris" which was also a tribute to the beloved late actor Shammi Kapoor. The crowd swayed to the tunes of Shammi Kapoor hits performed live by Dr. Sanjana. He said, of the
ated local and national leaders like Dr. Vijay Koli, former President of AAPI, Dr. Rajam Ramamurthy and Dr. Jayesh Shah, President elect AAPI. The 32nd annual AAPI convention will be held in San Antonio, TX from June 25 -29, 2014 coinciding with the Presidency of Dr. Jayesh Shah. Cont’d on page 26
MAFS raises over $100,000 for expanding its services
Shankar Prasad Bhatt, one of the oldest team members recognized. Cont’d from page 23
Support Service Award given to Dr. Hong Lui and Community Service Award was given to Dr. Gopal Lalmalani. In foreign awards Public Service Award was given to Amrish Singh
Gautam and Excellence Service Award was given to Karan Singh Pawar. MAFS staff and employees recognized Ms Kumar and Pramod Kumar for their successful mentoring the organization over twenty years. The celebration cul-
minated with raffle draw and honoring Amit and Sumeet Kumar and team of musicians by presenting shawls and souvenirs. Vote of thanks presented by Noor Tejany, board member MAFS. The evening was compeered by Masala T, Hollywood actor.
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A case for MBC TV Serial Omar Why it must be seen by Non-Muslims & Muslims as well A.Q. SIDDIQUI India Post News Service
CHICAGO: "Omar" the world's most expensive TV serial ever produced in Arabic and released with 30 episodes for the 30 days of Ramadan of 2012 in Middle East and Turkey has stirred an old controversy over the issue of depicting Muslim characters on screen. The serial is produced by Dubai based MBC and Qatar Media corporation jointly. Many scholars of Islamic law have reviewed the serial and some of them, including Salman AlOdah and Yousuf Al-Qaradawi believe that it should be aired. The Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, Abdul Aziz Aal Al-Sheikh, has however, rejected the serial saying that impersonating the role of the companions is wrong. Some big TV production distributors in India and Pakistan are ready for dubbing the serial and its release on leading channels but afraid to do so for the response from the orthodox feelings. The 30-episode serial is based on the life of
case for the life of Omar but depicts in details the true story of Islam from the very first day. All important characters from the history of Islam are shown on screen with exception to the character of Prophet (pbuh). The story of Islam and Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is
rial shows how the religion was practiced by Prophet (pbuh) and his companions. Electronic or TV media is a powerful source of depiction of a story. It is same like depicting a story in the book. While not all could read a book but many more like to watch the historical movies or serial on
companion of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), Omar bin Al Khattab the second Caliph of Islam who ruled soon after Abu Baker Siddiq and created history as the most impeccable and infallible ruler the mankind history has ever recorded. The serial is just not a show-
mostly based on Adil Salahi's famous book Muhammad the man and prophet. And here we have a case in favor of TV serial Omar why it must be seen by NonMuslims and Muslims as well. For non-Muslims the TV serial Omar removes many wrong notions about Islam For Muslims, the se-
screen. The epic movies Ten Commandments & Ben Hur depicted the characters of Moses and Jesus, equally revered by Muslims all over the world as the Prophets of God. The companions of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), Omar bin
Khattab, Abu Baker Siddiq, Uthman Bin Affan and Ali bin Abu Talib along with others have been depicted in person. The great
He implemented the Shoura (consultation) in politics. The first ruler in the world to prohibit the hoarding of essential commodities by a single businessman and keep open market for farmers. The first ruler in the world to check for the quality of goods sold in market for the people. He ruled that no married soldier in army should be away for more than four months from his family battles of Khalid Bin Waleed, Abu Ubaidah and Amar al nas have been shown in details. The details of struggle and persecution
of early Muslims has been shown in details. But the serial stands out for the most powerful personification of the great character of the Caliph Omar bin Khattab. Known for his piety, justice and hard rulings, Omar's rule has been depicted in details and will surprise to many non-Muslims that he was the first ruler to introduce treasury system, taxation and administration. He implemented the Shoura (consultation) in politics. The first ruler in the world to prohibit the hoarding of essential commodities by a single businessman and keep open market for farmers. The first ruler in the world to check for the quality of goods sold in market for the people. He ruled that no married soldier in army should be away for more than four months from his family. And for his justice, there is a scene in episode 28 when an old man comes to Omar and tells him that his daughter has committed adultery and confessed to him and a young man has sent marriage proposal for her. Shall the man speak the truth about girl to the young man? Cont’d on page 26
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Texas Physicians Society supports charities Cont’d from page 24
Dr. Jayesh Shah, President Elect of AAPI, in his keynote address, applauded the contributions of TIPS SW chapter and it's present and past leaders for their continued charitable giving over the years. Dr. Shah, the youngest president-elect of AAPI, said, "I consider it a great honor and a rare opportunity that one receives in a lifetime to be the President elect of a prestigious organization like AAPI, the largest ethnic medical organization in the US and the second largest medical organization, second only to AMA. I promise to put my heart and soul into this fine organization to serve its members. I am committed to give back to the community and to enhance the opportunities for the professional growth of over 100,000 Indian origin physicians including 25,000 fellows and residents." As presidentelect, his goals will be to increase involvement of young physicians and enhance their participation at all levels of AAPI and real-
Balpreet turns cyber bullying into inspiration Cont’d from page 20
"I've read more about the Sikh faith and it was actually really interesting. It makes a whole lot of sense to work on having a legacy and not worrying about what you look like. I made that post for stupid internet points and I was ignorant." he continued. "Balpreet, I'm sorry for being a closed minded individual. You are a much better person than I am. Sikhs, I'm sorry for insulting your culture and way of life. Balpreet's faith in what she believes is astounding."
“I made that post for stupid internet points and I was ignorant." he continued. "Balpreet, I'm sorry for being a closed minded individual. You are a much better person than I am” Kaur says that she's happy to spend time explaining her religion and her appearance to people. "I do not think explaining myself and the way I am is a waste of energy because storytelling in itself is a way to fight the apathy in this world," she explained in a followup post. "By simple interactions like this, we can better understand each other and make this world more open and loving even if it is just one person or many."
ize AAPI's vision of AAPI 2020. "With its extensive knowledge network, AAPI could advance the science of healing all over the world. AAPI should be respected for its service and advancement of medicine" he added. Expressing concern over the many chal-
we feel that we are spending more time in electronic medical records than holding hands and speaking to our patients. It is time to say, we are going to take responsibility and shape the health care that is best for this country." Dr. Neela K. Patel, President of TIPS-SW
“I promise to put my heart and soul into this fine organization to serve its members. I am committed to give back to the community and to enhance the opportunities for the professional growth of over 100,000 Indian origin physicians including 25,000 fellows and residents” lenges faced by physicians across the United States, Dr. Shah, who has been Past Chair of American Medical Association International Medical Graduate (AMA -IMG) Governing Council, said, "Every day we feel that we are losing our autonomy. Every day
announced a new legacy of starting an annual TIPS SW scholarship for deserving medical students and presented a check for $5000 to the chief guest of the evening Dr. Francisco Gonzalez Scarano, Dean of the Medical School at the University of Texas
Health Sciences Center in San Antonio. She also thanked the TIPS SW members for helping over the years to collectively donate to AAPI Charitable Foundation, Hope for Haven, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, and this year to St PJ's Children Home. TIPS SW also contributes to the local India Association of San Antonio, annually and plans to donate a check of $5,000 during it's annual Diwali function this year, she added. Describing the goals and objectives of TIPS-SW Chapter, Dr. Patel, said, it is a forum to facilitate and enable Indian American Physicians in the Southwest region to excel in patient care, teaching and research, and to pursue their aspirations in professional and community affairs. Through AAPI Charitable Foundation, AAPI members support and promote philanthropic activities in India and in the US. The distinguished faculty offers medical education programs throughout year.
A case for MBC TV Serial Omar Cont’d from page 25
Omar rebuked him saying when God is all forgiving why he wants to keep the sin of his girl alive? In another scene, a young man complains to Omar that he cannot marry a good girl as he is not able to pay dowry (mehar) as demanded. Omar announces in Mosque that the Mehar amount be fixed to 400 dirhams only. A woman in mosque re-
He asks his wife Atika to stay at home and pray at home and she reminds him that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) has not prohibited women from coming to mosque then how can he do so?
minds Omar that God has ordered in Quran that Mehar be paid as per the capacity of giver. Omar immediately accepts his mistakes and repents. In another scene he asks his wife Atika to stay at home and pray at home and she reminds him that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) has not prohibited women from coming to mosque then how can he do so? He repents immediately and takes his wife to mosque. He
is shown as the ruler of Kingdom of Arabia, Persia, Syria, Egypt, Byzantine and Jerusalem. An emissary of King of Byzantine visits Omar and shocked to see the ruler of Muslim empire sleeping in a corner of mosque on a hard mat. All thirty episodes of serial are available on YouTube with English sub-titles. (comment or question, please email sidakl@yahoo.com).
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TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS
1 Gustakh Dil: English Vinglish 2 Aashiyan: Barfi! 3 Phir Le Aya Dil: Barfi! 4 Barfi!: Barfi! 28
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October 12, 2012
5 Badla Nazara: English Vinglish 6 Radha: Student Of The Year 7 Navrai Majhi: English Vinglish 8 The Disco: Student Of The Year 9 Tujhpe Fida: Heroine 10 Saiyaan: Ishkq in Paris
S
ince Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor are going to get married soon, the couple now are more comfortable talking about their relationship that began on the sets of Tashan. Kareena finally reveals how she fell for Saif. She said: "We were in Ladakh to shoot Tashan. I had just broken up with Shahid Kapoor. Even though I had met Saif socially, we hadn't spoken much. When I spotted him near the hotel pool, he was tanning on a lounge chair, clad in just jeans. I told my friend, "Oh my God… he's so hot!…After our first shot, we chatted and he made me laugh a lot. I hope it always stays that way. Today, we are best friends. I hope marriage only adds to what we share." That's not it. Bebo also spoke about how Saif went to her mom to ask for her hand. She said: "So, he came and met my mother and told her, 'She's my woman, I want to spend the rest of my life with her. We want to live together…' My mom was pretty cool about it. I just got my stuff together and that was it. No fuss." When asked about the moment Saif Ali Khan said those three words "I Love You" to her, Kareena responded: "Actually, he never really said it… he isn't that romantic."
BUOYANT LOOK
for PAAN BANARAS WALI V
idya Balan was in Varanasi for a brand endorsement. The actress all of a sudden, urged for the famous Banarasi paan. Besides the paan, Vidya also wanted to purchase a few Banarasi sarees. An adventurous lady that she is, Vidya dressed up in the traditional attire, covered her face with the dupatta and ventured out on a cycle rickshaw. Says a friend close to the actress: "Vidya was staying at a five-star hotel when she expressed her desire to go to the local market and buy some Banarasi sarees. She was also keen to eat the famous Banarasi paan. However, her staff cautioned her that she would be mobbed and it would be a tough task to travel to the local markets without being recognized." Her friend added: "She took one of her staff members along on her secret trip. She not only shopped but also managed to eat a paan without being recognized."
D
id you notice, Shahrukh Khan is looking all young and fit in the trailer of his upcoming film 'Jab Tak Hai Jaan'? Wondering what's the secret behind this youthful look? News was doing the rounds that SRK's fitness format had to be changed completely and that he had to be trained in a different way to achieve this new buoyant look. However, now we know the man who is behind Shahrukh's fit look. The secret lies with SRK's personal instructor, Prashant Sawant. Reportedly, Prashant has trained Shahrukh Khan in a new exercise format called VIPR. Prashant says, "VIPR (Vitality, Performance and Reconditioning) is a fitness routine great for staying fit and flexible." Prashant had earlier too, prepared Shahrukh Khan for the six pack abs in Om Shanti Om.
Bollywood
October 12, 2012
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ANGRY GIRL F
or Parineeti Chopra, her values and sensibilities are her first priority. Media trying to trample with it might just get a tight slap on their faces. Ms Chopra was recently announced as the show host of the Great Indian Music Awards (GiMA). At the presser, the actress got into a hissy fit when she was questioned about her reported romantic link with director Maneesh Sharma. The furious actress shot back, "How can I date him? He's 10 years older than me." "I'm going to slap the next person who asks me this. It's irritating to read such reports when none of them hold any truth," she added The actress confirmed the news about her next film with Maneesh Sharma, which will go on floors this December. The Chopra girl also wants to try her luck at singing, following her cousin Priyanka Chopra's footsteps. "I have heard a few songs from the album and they're great. All of us in the Chopra family are singers. I'm glad that Priyanka did this; now we can all follow."
HRITHIK'S H
COMEDY
rithik Roshan's next flick is said to be a remake of Tom Cruise, Cameron Diaz headlining 2010 action-romance-comedy, 'Knight and Day'. The film will be directed by Siddharth Anand. The film will be produced by Fox India and the filming will start early next year. Presently, Hrithink is shooting for his home production Krrish 3. "A call will be taken soon on who will play the leading lady. It is a tough choice to make since the actress will have to match Cameron Diaz's onscreen charisma," a source told. It is heard that the remake will be shot in various locations across the globe. If all goes well, the remake will be Hrithik's third back to back actioner after Agneepath and Krrish 3.
OUT OF S
favor
onakshi Sinha was on top of the list for the leading lady's spot in Farah Khan's next directorial Happy New Year (HNY) with Shah Rukh Khan. But no more. Reports state that Farah Khan is miffed with the actress for having shown no enthusiasm in promoting their previous film Joker. Farah had to finally promote the film with Chitrangada Singh, who merely featured in an item song. Says an insider, "Farah was always fond of her. But she is miffed with the fact that Sonakshi didn't promote Joker the way she should have. As things stand now, she is no longer in the consideration list for HNY." Sonakshi, rubbishing the rumors said, "It's not true".
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fake singing. Suddenly, I got an opportunity to audition for a film. Raju and producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra were looking for someone different. As I was sure that I would not get the role, I went in there and did eveything Bindas and was very confident. They saw my acting and really liked it. That's how I got my break. Tell us more about your role as Chatur. I was asked not to lose any weight and not learn Hindi to Omi Vaidya talking to India Post
RITU MAHESHWARI India Post News Service
B
ollywood Star Omi Vaidya became household name after his role in the movie '3 Idiots'. Who doesn't remember lovable, Americanized Chatur? He has been into acting and theater since childhood. He has also directed and acted in US shows. Omi is very jovial and has great sense of humor. He can make people laugh in no time. In the interview, Omi describes his path to stardom, his experience while doing the movie '3 Idiots'. Ritu Maheshwari talked to Omi on his childhood, acting career and aspirations. Tell me about your childhood. Where were you born and brought up? I was born, I grew up and I am here. Well, you want more details? I grew up in Palm Springs, Southern California and started acting early on in Marathi Nataks. I was good in Science and Math but never cared about. Normally it would be a bad thing, but my parents were very supporting and let me do acting and plays, that I wanted to do the most. How did you get into acting? What training did you take for acting? I went to UCSC. I made some films that got me a few awards and helped in getting into NYU for film school. After that I came back to Los Angeles and started acting in films and some TV shows such as Office. I was struggling as people didn't know who I was. How do you compare show industry in Hollywood vs Bollywood? In US, there are now many good roles. Earlier there weren't that many good roles. I was a bit frustrated as I was never able to move up. In Bollywood, I became a big star with one movie. However, Bollywood is a bit disorganized. You work 180-200 days shootings for a movie and get script at the last moment. In US, it is more structured, but it is more like office work. There is no masala or masti. You don't go out in the middle of shoot to drink chai or eat snacks etc. It is lot of fun working in Bollywood Tell us about your experience in 3 idiots. How did you get role? When I went to India, I was trying to make a film. I never spoke Hindi, didn't know how to dance and could only do
October 12, 2012
on Indian TV here and am going to direct a few more films. Are you working in any other language movies? I am Maharashtrian, so have a soft place for Marathi films. I would love to do one. I am trying to find a right film for myself. Who is your inspiration? People who don't take no for an answer like Martin Luther
BOLLYWOOD GREAT FUN
No masala & masti in Hollywood
play old Chatur. So I gained weight, shaved my head to look bald, put dentures to look bad. Then I only had 2 months to get back in shape for young Chatur. I worked out to fit into the role again. I worked on getting South Indian accent, learn special way of walking and the mistakes in language such as 'Kya hui' and 'Tofu kabul karo' it came
Exclusive interview with Omi Vaidya In the film I was not supposed to Aamir Khan, so I tried to stay away from him as it is difficult for me to not like him. He is a perfectionist and originally. I did this as I wanted to do a good job and just not to become famous. Tell us your experience with Aamir Khan? He is very nice person. Even though I was not a big actor, he was very welcoming. Invited me to come with them and play games with him. In the film I was not supposed to like him, so I tried to stay away from him as it is difficult for me to not like him. He is a perfectionist and works hard. What role would be your dream role? In films, I want to do many different types of roles. I want to challenge myself and do a variety of roles and language movies. I do not want to be type cast. I want to take chances. Tell me about your upcoming projects I am doing a few exciting films. Have a few ads coming
King, Gandhi, and Amir Khan. One should find one's own inspiration. What is your message to youngsters? Nothing is guaranteed in life. There is no such thing as safe career. We should do what we like. This will make you happy. You should enjoy and do what you like. You will never regret this. You need your family's support in this journey, but it will be a rewarding journey, even if it is a little different than others. If you have the talent and persevere, you will get your chance.
October 12, 2012
India Post
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Jagran Film Festival awards presented various elements of the film. The Festival is conducted across 12 towns including Kanpur, Allahabad, Varanasi, Agra, Meerut, Dehradun, Patna, Ranchi, and Jamshedpur with the Grand Finale at Delhi with an Awards Ceremony. This makes it the larg-
India Post News Service
NEW DELHI: Jagran group successfully hosted its third edition of Jagran Film Festival 2012 (JFF) on Sunday 30 September at Hotel Sheraton, Saket, New Delhi. Jagran Film Festival has been conceptualized with the objective to bridge the gap between good quality cinema and its intended audience. It's an initiative to highlight parallel, low budget and meaningful movies in smaller towns can draw an overwhelming response. The festival screens films across genres, documentaries
The Best Actor award went to Irfan Khan for his heart winning performance in Paan Singh Tomar. Vidya Balan bagged the Best Actor (female) for her performance in Kahaani est film festival of India in terms of sheer geographical coverage. Om Puri, Anurag Kashyap, Sudhir Mishra and Anil Kapoor are part of the mentor panel that steers the festival. The last day of the Jagran Film Festival 2012 in New Delhi remained a testimony to the presence of array of prominent Bollywood dignitaries along with
Mr Sanjay Gupta addressing audience
and world classics. A unique feature of JFF is that the cast and crew of a few films are invited to a discussion with the audience on
top brass of Jagran group. The impetus of the group on low budget and meaningful cinema was appreciated by all and sundry
present in the grand event at Hotel Sheraton, Saket, New Delhi. Distribution of major awards on the final day of JFF 2012 made the occasion an even more special one. Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan recipient and noted prolific Indian director and screenwriter Shyam Benegal was felicitated with the Life Time Achievement Award for his outstanding
contribution to the Bollywood industry. The Best Actor award went to Irfan Khan for his heart winning performance in Paan Singh Tomar. Vidya Balan bagged the Best Actor (female) for her performance in Kahaani. Tigmanshu Dhulia received the Best Director award for Paan Singh Tomar, while Best Script award went to
Sanjay Chauhan for Paan Singh Tomar. The Best Film award went to 'Das Kapital' and the Best Music award went to AR Rehman for Rockstar. While, the first day of the festival at Russian Cultural Centre, Connaught Place, New Delhi commenced with the screening of movie like Raja Harishchandara, Cont’d on page 32
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October 12, 2012 www.indiapost.com
Jagran Film Festival awards presented
The audience
Ila Arun receiving the award on behalf of AR Rehman Cont’d from page 31
Das Capital, Choker Pani, Handover, Rang Rasiya, the second day showcased films like Prague, Riding Solo to the Top of the World, Mushroom and Antardhan, which connected with genre of people. Films like 'Rang Rasiya, 'Das Capital' 'Choker Pani'
per million in France and 117 screens per million in US. According to a UN study, a country with India's population should have 100,000 screens compared to around 10,000 currently present. There is a huge audience waiting out there‌ While a few large studios con-
While India is one of the leading film producers in the world with over 1200 films annually, the Indian consumer is highly underserved with 12 screens per million as compared to 77 screens per million in France and 117 screens per million in US More pics on page 33
Dr Sarfaraz Alam receiving award
Dr Chandra Prakash Dwivedi giving award for best Director
and 'Handover' Partly Right met appreciation from the viewers. CEO and Editor Jagran Sanjay Gupta and Vice President - Brand Strategy of Dainik Jagran Basant Rathore were present on the occasion. About Jagran Film Festival: While India is one of the leading film producers in the world with over 1200 films annually, the Indian consumer is highly underserved with 12 screens per million as compared to 77 screens
trol the industry and churn out the big budget movies, over the last few years a parallel stream of low cost film makers has emerged. They have challenged conventional norms of the industry and their films tackle issues that have caught public imagination. Their reach is limited beyond a few large towns. This creates a gap between good quality cinema and it's audiences in far flung towns of India. This gap has fuelled the genesis of Jagran Film Festival.
Manoj Srivastava and Sanjay Chauhan
October 12, 2012
India Post
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Chicago premier for NRI movie 'Pyar Mein Kyun'
Premiere of PMK at Des Plaine Theater in Des Plaines, a Chicago suburb. L-R Sunil Shah Sponsor, A Sharief, Ms Nutan, Obaid Kadwani, Khatera Hakimi, Paul Singh, Hyder Bilgrami
Parikh. Nutan Kalamdani of Cineviews, a co-producer is releasing the movie for premieres in New York and Chicago. National Bankcard and Sahil were among
A scene from Pyar Mein Kyun
A.Q. SIDDIQUI India Post News Service
CHICAGO: A cheering crowd of Indian-Americans greeted the glittering stars of NRI movie, "Pyar Mein Kyun" at Des Plaines The-
atre on Sunday afternoon as they arrived for the red carpet premiere of movie in Chicago. The film, a "romantic thriller", is written and directed by Hyder Bilgrami and produced by Anant Goel, Anurag Jain and Ritesh
and Khatera Hakimi as the lead romantic pair. Both Obaid Kadwani and Khatera Hakimi walked the red carpet and met the movie fans in Chicago before the film screening
Khatera Hakimi is a New York based model and dancer. Her passion in dancing has attracted her to movies. She is keen to join Bollywood family in Mumbai sponsors of movie premier in Chicago. Ashfaq Sharief of National Bank card welcomed the media persons and other guests on behalf of promoters Cineviews. The film stars Obaid Kadwani
in Des Plaines Theater. Obaid Kadwani is an actor and host for television show Namaste America. Obaid has also acted in Bollywood films produced by Yash Raj Films.
Khatera Hakimi is a New York based model and dancer. Her passion in dancing has attracted her to movies. She is keen to join Bollywood family in Mumbai. Nutain Kalamdani introduced both leading stars of the movie to audience. Nutan also introduced the writer and director of movie, Hyder Bilgrami hailing from Hyderabad. Hyder Bilgrami has written and directed plays in Hyderabad. He is involved in Bollywood since 1987. Hyder Bilgrami has also directed movie Chath A Roof Without Walls was shown in eight film festivals. Pyar Mein Kyun is released on DVD and it will soon be released in India.
Jagran Film Festival awards presented
Vidya Balan receiving Award
Shyam Benegal's daughter Pia on the Award
34
India Post
October 12, 2012
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D
andeli is a small town situated in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. It is located amidst lush green forest ranges of the Western Ghats along the banks of River Kali. Dandeli is famous for its adventure and eco-tourism. As per ancient texts, Dandeli is the mythical "Dandakaranya" mentioned in the epic Mahabharata. The name 'Dandakaranya' was derived from the word 'Dandvalli' (green bamboo). Dandeli lies at a varying altitude of 100m to 970m and is intersected by river Kali and a large number of streams. Dandeli is a popular destination as it rears rare species of flora and fauna, which are typical of Western Ghats. This place consists of Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, which is the second largest sanctuary in Karnataka. Set in the heart of dense deciduous forests of Western Ghats, Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is home to about 200 varieties of avian spe-
cies. Spread along a sprawling area of 834. 16 sq km, Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary was declared as Dandeli Anshi Tiger Reserve, in the year 2006. Dandeli also holds the designation of
inhabitants here are migrants from across India, who have settled here for employment. Hindi, Kannada, Konkani, Marathi, Telugu, Tamil and Malayalam are the com-
Dandeli tourism offers a wide array of activities that range from jungle safari, trekking, white water rafting, canoeing, ab-sailing, rappelling, fishing, boating, swimming, bird watching and coracle rides. There are also many sightseeing attractions in and around Dandeli
ing, rappelling, fishing, boating, swimming, bird watching and coracle rides. There are also many sightseeing attractions in and around Dandeli like Naghjari view point, Ulavi, Syntheri rocks, Maulangi, Kulgi nature camp, Supa dam, Supa catchment area, Ganeshgudi, Shanmukha view point, Vincholli falls, Magod falls etc. Dandeli is located at a distance of 125 km from Goa and 480 km from Bangalore and is easily accessible as it is well connected by road with all the major destinations within the state of Karnataka. Cont’d on page 39
being a Hornbill reserve and Crocodile reserve. The town of Dandeli is an emerging educational and industrial hub in the South. It is also termed as 'Mini-India' as majority of the
monly used languages at Dandeli. Dandeli tourism offers a wide array of activities that range from jungle safari, trekking, white water rafting, canoeing, ab-sail-
October 12, 2012
Travel & Hospitality Post
India Post
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Kargil finds place on 'world map of tourism' SRINAGAR: After hitting the headlines during Operation Vijay launched by the Indian Army to regain control of outposts taken over by Pakistan in 1999, Kargil district of frontier Ladakh region is on the path to find a place in world tourism. "Kargil will be brought on the world map of tourism shortly after
thority is also focusing on exploiting tourism potential areas," a spokesman said, adding that river rafting, mountaineering and trekking will be encouraged. The meeting was informed that Kargil Development Authority has submitted a proposal for an amount of about Rs eight crore under Circuit Development in
Nearly 1.8 lakh tourists, including 36,662 foreigners, enjoyed their holiday in the region last year. Adventure tourism in Ladakh has gained much popularity necessary infrastructure is developed in the district," senior government officials told a meeting chaired by Tourism Minister Nawang Ringzin Jora here. The meeting, convened to review the functioning of Kargil and Leh Development Authorities, was informed that the main focus of the Kargil Development Authority is on the development of tourism-related infrastructure. "The Kargil Development Au-
Kargil, to the Centre for approval. With regard to tourism activities in Leh, the meeting was informed that nearly 1.8 lakh tourists, including 36,662 foreigners, enjoyed their holiday in the region last year. "Adventure tourism in Ladakh has gained much popularity in the recent times," the spokesman said. The Tourism Development Authority, Leh, has taken up various works in the district at an estimated
The Kargil Development Authority is focusing on exploiting tourism potential areas. River rafting, mountaineering and trekking will be encouraged.
cost of Rs 11.02 crore under state sector during this year. Under the Centre sector, works for an amount of Rs 18.21 crore have been taken up by the Authority, out of which several schemes have been completed and others are in final stages, the spokesman
J-K govt woos foreign tour operators SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government is hosting a delegation of foreign tour operators with the objective of projecting Kashmir as a peaceful tourist destination, leading to revocation of negative travel advisories on travel to the Valley.
for themselves the peaceful situation in the valley and persuade the tourists to visit Kashmir. "They will move around, explore places, see for themselves that the situation is peaceful and when they go back they would persuade people that it is safe to
ism Atal Dullo said Kashmir is a 360-degree and all season destination and appealed to the operators to hard-sell it as an important and peaceful place. Many delegates expressed happiness over the improvement in the overall situation and vowed to pro-
said. Local youth are also being trained in the tourist trade to meet the growing demand of skilled manpower to run professional establishments. "A Food Craft Institute has been approved for an amount of Rs 5.83 crore for which land measuring 24 kanals has been allot-
ted," the spokesman said. The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Tourism Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Executive Councilor, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh, Rigzin Spallbar, Chief Executive Councilor, LAHDC, Kargil, Kachoo Ahmad Ali Khan among others. -PTI
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to visit Kashmir Interacting with the delegation here, Minister for Tourism and Culture Nawang Rigzin Jora appealed the foreign tour operators, who are on a visit, to promote Kashmir as a peaceful and beautiful destination on the world tourism map and help in persuading various countries to lift their adverse travel advisories. The delegation, comprising of more than 30 delegates, is on an exploratory visit of the valley. Jora said the aim of hosting such a delegation is to let them see
visit Kashmir," Jora told reporters. The minister said the situation in Kashmir has improved considerably and expressed hope that many countries will follow Germany to lift their respective travel advisories. Germany has modified its adverse travel advisory to Kashmir last year. "If Britain lifts the advisory, then every Commonwealth nation will. New Zealand, Australia and Canada, all will follow," he said. Commissioner-Secretary Tour-
mote Kashmir in their countries vigorously. "It is incredible to be here. I am enjoying my stay. People are very warm and caring here. We are not used to such a care in the UK," a tour operator from the UK said. A Singaporean tour operator labeled Kashmir as the "best place in Asia". The delegates interacted with their counterparts here and assured them that they will do their best to promote tourism in Kashmir. -PTI
Travel & Hospitality Post
38 India Post
October 12, 2012
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US adds Taiwan to visa waiver program LAS VEGAS: The US government has added Taiwan to its visa waiver program as part of a strategy to expand tourism to the United States, the White House said. The move will allow Taiwanese visitors to enter the United States for 90 days without visas, a privilege already extended to people of 36 nations. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had linked up to designate "Taiwan as the newest member of the visa waiver program," White House spokesman Jay Carney said. The move was a logical development in the "close security, economic and peopleto-people relationship between the US and Taiwan," he said.
China regards Taiwan as a renegade province and the two have been ruled separately since the end of a civil war in 1949.
wan as "the latest country to join this program" although earlier in his briefing here referred to the island as a "member."
Napolitano and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had linked up to designate "Taiwan as the newest member of the visa waiver program," White House spokesman Jay Carney said. The move was a logical development in the "close security, economic and people-to-people relationship� But Beijing still claims sovereignty over the island and has threatened to invade should it declare formal independence. In one remark that may anger China, Carney briefly mistakenly referred to Tai-
He also insisted that no message was being sent to any other country, implying China, with the move. "It is simply a new development in the visa waiver program, another member of the
18th century Amber-Jaigarh tunnel reopened JAIPUR: A 325-metre long 18th century open air tunnel, connecting Amber Palace to Jaigarh fort in Jaipur, was inaugurated by Rajasthan tourism Minster Bina Kak after its excavation and renovation. "It is being inaugurated before the beginning of tourism season here and I hope that it will attract tourists, and also help elderly people to reach Jaigarh fort from Amber in a convenient manner in the carts," Kak told reporters. The tunnel or passage was already open for tourists from Janana Dyodi to Rang Mahal in Amber fort and now it is open from Madho Singh Than near Rang Mahal (Amer) to Ganesh Pol in Jaigarh fort after the inauguration. The open air tunnel (Madho
Singh Than to Ganesh Pol), believed to be of 18th century, and inaugurated, is a 325-metre long
Jaigarh fort, which houses the largest cannon on wheels called Jai Ban, is nestled in the Aravali hills ranges and below that, there is Amber fort and palace complex traditional cobbled pathway which was used by erstwhile rulers and now excavated by the government.
From Ganesh pole (a resting point) to Awani Gate (entry to Jaigarh) battery operated golf carts will be available to facilitate the visitors to reach the fort. The project was undertaken in PPP mode between the government of Rajasthan and Jaigarh Public Charitable Trust. Jaigarh fort, which houses the largest cannon on wheels called Jai Ban, is nestled in the Aravali hills ranges and below that, there is Amber fort and palace complex. It is believed that the pathway was constructed probably in 18th century as a defense mechanism so that in case of an attack on Amber palace, the royal family and others could be evacuated undetected from the palace to the fort through this structure. -PTI
Gandhi farm part of new heritage tourism JOHANNESBURG: The Phoenix Settlement, founded by Mahatma Gandhi in 1904 near Durban in South Africa to experiment with non-violence, is now part of a new heritage tourism route established by the KwaZulu-Natal government. The Inanda Heritage Route has significant links to Gandhi and some of the most eminent local leaders like John Dube, the first President of the African National Congress and a very close friend of Gandhi. "It was on this route that a young barrister, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, started his philosophy of satyagraha - nonviolence - and spent 21 years of his life in this city before he went back to the Indian subcontinent," said former Deputy Mayor of Durban Logie Naidoo while unveiling a bronze statue of South Africa's first democratic president
Nelson Mandela at the site where Mandela cast his first vote in 1994. Gandhi got involved in the struggle of the Zulu people against British oppression soon after he
The cottage that he lived in and the shed from where Gandhi published his newspaper 'Indian Opinion' are part of what tourists can see on the Inanda Heritage route arrived in the region. During the Bambatha Rebellion in 1906 when the Zulus rose in revolt against British rule and taxation, Gandhi looked afresh at British colonialism and started his
campaigns which eventually took strong roots both across South Africa and in India. Gandhi started his fight against oppression at the Phoenix Settlement. It was in Phoenix Farm on March 5, 1913 that Gandhiji wrote, "refuse to believe that you are weak, and you will be strong." The cottage that he lived in and the shed from where Gandhi published his newspaper 'Indian Opinion' are part of what tourists can see on the Inanda Heritage route. Another important site nearby is the Ohlange Institute, an educational organization started by Dube in 1901 to empower the indigenous communities. Most of the sites on the tour, like the Phoenix Settlement and the Ohlange Institute, are still in use and undertake a variety of activities of benefit to the local community, rather than being just static museums. -PTI
program, Taiwan," Carney said. The European Union granted visa-free travel to visitors from Taiwan in 2010, even though like Washington, it does not recognize the island as a sovereign state. A senior official at the US State Department said the addition of Taiwan to the visa waiver program "did not, from our perspective, require any kind of a special communication or interaction with Beijing." "They were very much aware of this because (Clinton) had made a designation late last year. So no, we did not engage with the Chinese government," the official said. "The visa waiver program decision is consistent with our commitment to have robust unofficial relations with Taiwan." -AFP
More Indians visiting Australia NEW DELHI: The number of Indians visiting Australia has increased with a majority of them going to the continent country to spend their holidays, a new survey has found. "A total of 1,52,500 Indians visited Australia for the year ending June 30 this year, an increase of 5.6 per cent in the corresponding period. This year, till June, 80,300 Indians visited the continent country, which is an increase of 5.4 per cent over the same period last year," a statement by Tourism Australia said. Of the 1.52 lakh Indians, a high proportion -- 83,704 -- was of those went on a leisure trip, of these 54,250 were visiting friends and relatives while 29,454 for holidaying. About 27,898 Indians visited for business purposes while 13,933 for education and 26,917 for other purposes. "This makes India the 10th largest in-bound market for arrivals as on June this year," the statement
said. A total of 5.98 million visitors landed in Australia for the year ending in June, which is an 1.2 per cent increase compared to previous year. Australia's Tourism Forecasting Council expects 1.53 lakh visitors from India in 2011-12, an increase of 5.7 per cent over 2010-11, which witnessed 144,000 actual arrivals. India has also turned out to be the 11th largest source market in terms of expenditure and accounts for three per cent of all international expenditure. An Indian spends an average of 5,230 Australian Dollars and stays for an average of 62 nights, which was much higher than the global average of 36 nights. Indian leisure visitors stayed an average of 47 nights in Australia, the study has found. Tourism Australia is responsible for promoting Australia worldwide as the world's best destination for business and leisure. -PTI
Arunachal records big rise in tourist flow ITANAGAR: Arunachal Pradesh recorded a substantial increase in flow of both domestic and foreign tourists in the past three years, state's Tourism Minister Pema Khandu said. "An amount of 1.65 crore was earned as revenue by the department from tourists in the period," Khandu said in reply to a question raised in the Assembly. The Minister informed that his department was giving more stress on advertisements, capacity-building of stakeholders and promotional activities to raise tourists' flow in the state.
"Apart from focusing on rural tourism, the department is resolute to encouraging local entrepreneurs to take up tourism as industry for their income generation as well as for uplifting state economy," Khandu said. He said during 2009, over 1.99 lakh tourists (including 3,945 foreign), visited the state while the figure rose to over 2.32 lakh (3,395 foreign) in 2010 and last year over 2.37 lakh (foreign 4,753) tourists visited the state. "The state government has constructed 23 tourist lodges in various tourist circuits during the period," he added. PTI
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Dandeli: Famous for adventure and eco-tourism
The vicinity of Goa, Belgaum, Karwar, Dharwad and Hubli makes Dandeli a favorite destination of holiday makers. Best time to visit Dandeli would be Oc-
from the Dandeli National Park. This camp has small museum, nature interpretation centre. It is located on the Ambika Nagar Yellapur Road. Main highlight of this museum is the stuffed remains of a 13-ft king cobra which was caught few years back in
tober to June. What to see Kavala Caves: Ancient Kavala caves are a perfect destination for tourists to visit while their trip to Dandeli. This place is located at a distance of 25 km from Dandeli. Tourists will have to trek some thousand steps through a dense forest to reach Kavala caves. These caves are revered as the abode of Lord Shiva - the Hindu god of Destruction. Kulgi Nature Camp: Kulgi Nature Camp is located at a distance of around 14 km
this area. What to do Dandeli Wild Life Sanctuary and Anshi National Park is dominated by river Kali, be it from its banks or from atop a mountain. The activities at this national park includes: Coracle Rides (in water, would be able to spot crocodiles, hornbills and other birds), Rock Climbing (small), Mountain Biking, Rafting/Kayaking/Canoeing, Camping, Jeep Safari ride, Trekking in the forest, bird watching. Other nearby places to visit includes:
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Kavala Caves, Syntheri Rocks, Sykes point, Siroli peak. Dandeli Wildlife sanctuary is very calm and peaceful. It nestles some very rare birds and animals. It has unspoilt and not much explored hidden treasure of wildlife, which can surely leave any nature lover speechless. Rafting: Kali River is a great location for the rafting. There is a route of around 9-14 km for rafting. This route is of class III and continues for around 2 to 3 hours.
Getting There Air: Closest airport: Belgaum (110 kms), Hubli (75 kms) and Goa (150 kms). Air Deccan has daily flights from Mumbai and Bangalore to Belgaum, Goa and Hubli. Train: Closest rail head: Alnavar (32 kms), Londa (48 kms), Dharwad (57 kms), & Hubli (75 kms). Road: Dandeli is well connected to Bangalore, Mumbai (Bombay), Goa, Belgaum, Karwar and Dharwad, Hubli by road. Several buses ply to Dandeli everyday.
Tech News India can recover faster than China: RBI BEIJING: India can recover from global economic slowdown faster than China as the economy is driven by domestic consumption, but the country needs to "get its act together" for this to happen, Reserve Bank Deputy Governor Anand Sinha said here. Speaking to PTI, Sinha also said "confidence issues like the general pessimism and not-sogood-feel factor also affected the economy". "Both economies (India and China) are affected by the global economic slowdown but India being a domestic consumption driven economy could recover faster," he said.
‘India's rice exports helped ease global prices’ BANGKOK: India has exported about 8 million tonnes of rice in the last one year, helping in reducing the global prices of the grain to affordable levels, India's Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar said here. Pawar expressed concerns over rising trends in global food prices. According to an official release, Pawar said the spike in prices in rapid succession badly hits developing countries where a large number of poor live. Referring to the initiative called 'SAARC Food Bank' to service the needs of member-countries; Pawar said there is a need to strengthen such regional cooperation to respond to the developing global food crisis.
Commission proposes super regulator NEW DELHI: A governmentappointed panel has proposed a super regulator for the financial sector which would subsume the functions of key agencies like SEBI, IRDA, PFRDA and Forward Markets Commission (FMC). The Approach Paper brought out by Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission, headed by former justice B N Srikrishna, has also suggested creation of a financial redressal agency (FRA) to address consumer complaints against companies across the financial sector.
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Union Minister for Urban Development, Kamal Nath and the Federal Minister of Transport, Innovation and Technology, Austria, Doris Bures, at the delegation level talks, in New Delhi on October 2
Indians account for one-third of immigrant-led startups in US WASHINGTON: Business units set up by Indian-Americans continue to be a critical component of the US economy even as immigrant-founded startups are facing a decline in the country, a latest report has said. The Indian-origin people, known for their entrepreneurial skills, stand ahead of others by owning 33.2 per cent of the engineering and technology companies founded by immigrants during the period of 2006-12. "Of the total of immigrantfounded companies between 2006 and 2012, 33.2 per cent had Indian founders, up about seven per cent from 2005," said the "America's New Immigrant Entrepreneurs: Then and Now" report. Indians have founded more such companies than immigrants born in the next top seven countries combined, says the 32-page report released by Kauffman Foundation, showing that the proportion of immigrant-founded companies nationwide has slipped from 25.3 per cent to 24.3 per cent since 2005. The drop is even more pronounced in Silicon Valley, where the percentage of these startups
declined from 52.4 per cent to 43.9 per cent, it said. According to the report, the top 10 countries which sent immigrant entrepreneurs during this period were India (33.2 per cent), China (8.1 per cent), the UK (6.3 percent), Canada (4.2 per cent), Germany (3.9 per cent), Israel (3.5 per cent), Russia (2.4 per cent), Korea (2.2 per cent), Australia (2 per cent), and the Netherlands (2.0 per cent). Indians tend to dominate the immigrant-founding groups of the
York (five per cent), New Jersey (five per cent). Of Indian-founded companies, 26 per cent were founded in California and eight per cent in Massachusetts. Similarly of Chinese-founded companies, 40 per cent were founded in California and 16 per cent in Maryland. While immigrant groups tended to concentrate mostly in California, German immigrants demonstrated a preference for starting
The southern states of Florida and Texas each show a greater proportion of immigrant founders from South American and Latin American countries, the report said. Furthermore, Indians are dominant founders of companies in all seven industries top six states with the greatest representation of immigrant founders. The states with highest concentration of such companies were California (31 per cent), Massachusetts (nine per cent), Texas (six per cent), Florida (six per cent), New
businesses in Ohio (22 per cent), followed by California (17 per cent). Authored by Vivek Wadhwa, Anna Lee Saxenian and F Daniel Siciliano, the report says Indians account for the greatest number of immigrant founders across Cali-
fornia, Massachusetts, Texas, Florida, New York, and New Jersey. The study shows an even more pronounced trend of Indian-led immigrant entrepreneurship since 2005, particularly for Massachusetts. In 2005, Indians comprised 10 per cent of immigrant founders in Massachusetts, second only to Israelis (17 per cent). Indians now account for the greatest number of immigrant founders in the state at 28 per cent, whereas Israelis rank second at 16 per cent. The southern states of Florida and Texas each show a greater proportion of immigrant founders from South American and Latin American countries, the report said. Furthermore, Indians are dominant founders of companies in all seven industries -- biosciences (35 per cent) computers and communications (28 per cent), innovation and manufacturing services (29 per cent), semiconductors (32 per cent), software (33 per cent), environmental (39 per cent), and defense and aerospace (23 per cent). Cont’d on page 44
Over 50 cos to attend Indian American job fair in Chicago WASHINGTON: Over 50 major companies, including IBM, Infosys and Abbot Labs, will participate in a job fair being organized in Chicago by an IndianAmerican organization. The day-long job fair to be held on October 17 is being organized by Indo-American Community Services (IACS) and will see participation from companies like IBM, Abbot Labs, W.W, New York Life Insurance, Caterpillar, Walgreens, Infosys, Grainger, Mass Mutual, HCL Global Systems and Bourntec, a media release said. Participating companies are expected to have open positions for entry-level, mid-career and senior level positions in varied career
fields, including financial and accounting services, information technology, engineering, healthcare, marketing and sales, it added.
"IACS is the first Indian organization in the US to host such a job fair," its Chairman Sreenivas Katragadda said. "We have done this for the past
two years and have had an excellent response from employers and career seekers in the Greater Chicago area. The community, at large, benefits from this job fair," he added. Founded in 2010 by a group of technology executives, entrepreneurs and professionals of Indian origin based in the Chicago area, IACS is a not-for profit association based in the Greater Chicago area. Its mission is to nurture and foster the development of the South Asian community in the region through job fairs, women's empowerment forums, student internships and professional networking opportunities, the statement added. -PTI
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ADB lowers India's growth projection to 5.6 pc NEW DELHI: Asian Development Bank (ADB) has lowered India's growth forecast for the current fiscal to 5.6 per cent, from 7 per cent projected earlier, citing falling global demand and impact of delayed monsoon on agricultural production. India, however, can reverse the trend of falling growth by promoting economic reforms and taking steps to improve investment climate, said the ADB's Asian Development Outlook 2012 Update. For the Asian region as a whole, the ADB Update expects the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate to drop to 6.1 per cent in 2012 from 7.2 per cent in 2011. The growth rate for the region has been projected at 6.7 per cent in 2013. "The deceleration of the region's two giants - the People's Republic of China and India - in tandem with the global slowdown, is tempering earlier optimism," ADB said. As for India, it said that growth rate will decelerate to from 6.5 per cent in 2011-12 to 5.6 per cent in the current fiscal. ADB had earlier projected the country's growth rate at 7 per cent for 2012-13. The growth rate for 2013-14,
according to the ADB Update, has now been estimated at 6.7 per cent, down from 7.5 per cent projected earlier. Falling global demand and a delayed monsoon curtailing agricultural growth have exacerbated
climate and expediting reforms," ADB Chief Economist Changyong Rhee said. The delayed monsoon and weaknesses in the agricultural supply chains, coupled with rising costs of fertilizers and irrigation,
to take its toll on exports, ADB said. Rhee further noted: "Tight monetary policy to counter persistently high inflation and a high deficit leave little room for policy to stimulate growth. However, re-
Rhee further noted: "Tight monetary policy to counter persistently high inflation and a high deficit leave little room for policy to stimulate growth. However, restoring investor confidence can help jump-start critical infrastructure projects� India's recent economic slowdown, and have led to reduced growth forecasts by the ADB for fiscal years 2012 and 2013, ADB said. "India can start reversing this trend by improving its investment
are likely to result in subdued farm growth and sustain pressure on food prices. Moreover, industrial output is expected to remain subdued in 2012-13, while weak demand from industrialized countries continues
storing investor confidence can help jump-start critical infrastructure projects that could get the economy moving." In its mid-quarter monetary policy review last month, RBI had kept the lending rate (repo rate)
unchanged in view of high inflation but reduced the Cash Reserve Ratio - the portion of deposits that banks keep with the RBI. "The government has made some headway in addressing these challenges recently," ADB said, adding, "These steps have boosted business sentiment and raised hopes for further policy actions." The government has recently taken a number of reform initiatives like opening the multi-brand retail sector to FDI, hiking diesel prices by over Rs 5 a litre, capping the number of subsidized LPG cylinders to six per family a year, allowing foreign carriers to pick up stake in domestic airlines and liberalizing FDI rules for broadcasting sector. "FDI in retail will result in substantial investment in a modern agricultural supply chain that will reduce huge food losses from farm to market, helping farmers and consumers," ADB said. As regards to developing Asia, ADB has significantly scaled back 2012 and 2013 growth forecasts saying that "after years of rapid growth, the region must brace for a prolonged period of moderate expansion amidst an ongoing slump in global demand". -PTI
Consumer confidence slips AI Dreamliner to Dubai gets Water Canon Salute in urban India: BluFin NEW DELHI: Concerns over rise in prices of essential commodities and worries about employment prospects have dragged down the confidence of urban consumers in India this month, says a study by financial services provider BluFin. BluFin's Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) slipped by 2.9 points from August to 36.7 in September. This was the biggest month-onmonth decline to date. The index is a key 'aggregate' indicator that assesses the pulse of urban Indian consumers with regard to the economy, spending behavior and employment. It reflects pessimism at below 50 score and optimism above that. The study is based on the interviews of 4,000 urban consumers in 18 Indian cities, including metros and smaller cities. "The overall CCI has declined indicating that consumers remain gloomy about the economy and its prospects, inflation sentiment has become more pessimistic indicating that consumers are worried about prices of basic necessities and, finally, the one relatively
bright aspect of the survey over the last one year, overall employment sentiment, has become more pessimistic, and that is a worrying sign," BluFin CEO Rashid Bilimoria said. "It is also important to note that this month's CCI does not include
The index which measures spending behavior witnessed a decline in the period under review by 2.2 points to 24.3 points, suggesting consumers are highly averse towards discretionary spending consumer reactions to the diesel price hike, so overall I expect consumer sentiment to dampen even further going forward," he added. A sub index, which rates employment sentiment, has reflected increased pessimism about employment across the country. The
employment sentiment continued to slide, falling to 42.9 a fall of 3.1 points over August. Similarly, the index which measures spending behavior witnessed a decline in the period under review by 2.2 points to 24.3 points, suggesting consumers are highly averse towards discretionary spending. "The sub index (spending) tracks spending plans on basic necessities and discretionary products such as durables, twoand four-wheel vehicles and home purchases. There has been a significant decline in spending plans on discretionary products while expenditures on necessities has been going up primarily due to rising prices," the study noted. Consumer sentiment on inflation, at 24.2 in this month has declined by 2.1 points from August. Another sub-index, which measures future expectations was 33.7, indicating consumers were still pessimistic about the economy's prospects. Although, consumers were more comfortable about their present situation with a score of 44.-PTI
DUBAI: Air India's Dreamliner was welcomed with a traditional Water Canon Salute on arrival at the Dubai International Airport. The senior management of Air India in the UAE held a traditional function at Check-in area of Dubai International Airport. Traditional lamp was lit by the dignitaries as a mark of new be-
Dreamliners six years ago, would get two more of these planes in the next few weeks. A total of eight of them would arrive by March next year, including five by December, while the national carrier would get six more in the 2012-13 fiscal. The aircraft would ultimately become the mainstay of Air India's global operations and is key to its
ginning, which was followed by cutting of a cake during the function on September 30. All incoming and outgoing passengers were greeted with rose buds and first passengers were also felicitated with memento. A lucky draw of two complimentary business class tickets was also held. Air India, which ordered 27
turnaround plan. For Air India, the plane has been configured to have 256 seats - 18 full-flat Business Class seats and 238 in Economy. It features a host of sophisticated technologies, including mood-lighting inside the cabin and large LCD display screens for inflight entertainment. -PTI
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India one of top 25 leading India among top FDI countries into Dubai exporters: Lamy WASHINGTON: India has emerged as one of the top 25 leading exporters in the world along with countries like Brazil Mexico and Malaysia, WTO chief Pascal Lamy has said. "In addition to China, many new trading powers have emerged Brazil, India, Mexico and Malaysia are all in the top 25 leading exporters' table and all posted export growth of 15 per cent or better in 2011, "Lamy said at the Brookings Dialogue here. He said developing countries' share has increased to about 50 per cent compared to around 33 per cent of the global trade in 2008. Also trade as a share of the world GDP has risen from roughly 40 per cent in 1980 to around 60 per cent today. However, Lamy said that increasing use of non-tariff measures by different countries are impacting trade. "...governments are implement-
ing a variety of non-tariff measures which impact trade flows, sometimes profoundly," he said on October 1. These measures are regulatory in nature and are aimed at protect-
Pascal Lamy
ing consumers? health and safety, he added. They include standards, testing and certification procedures. "But removing these types of regulations is often neither desirable nor politically feasible," Lamy added.
The challenge before the WTO and other multilateral organizations is to reduce such discrepancies so that they do not conflict and unnecessarily restrict trade, he said. Besides, regional or bilateral preferential trading arrangements may include elements not covered by the WTO agreements such as social and environmental standards, recognition of standards or qualifications. "There is a danger that the regulatory elements of each accord may not only differ but clash, creating perhaps unintended but very real barriers to trade," Lamy said. He emphasized the need for global co-operation to address these measures. -PTI
Airline industry may record modest profits next year NEW DELHI: Crisis-hit global airline industry may stem its growing losses and even record modest profits next year, with air carriers in Asia-Pacific estimated to post profits this year, IATA has said.
cast titled 'Downward Pressure Starting to Ease'. Noting that the European sovereign debt crisis continued and China was experiencing moderate growth, IATA Director General and CEO Tony Tyler said, "While
A major reason for this upward revision by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) was better performance by the airlines through better matching of capacity to demand and various cost-cutting measures, IATA estimated in its latest financial fore-
some of these risks have diminished slightly over recent months, they continue to take their toll on business confidence. The outlook improvement is due to airlines performing better in a difficult environment." The global airlines' body esti-
mated that Asia-Pacific airlines were set to post a USD 2.3 billion profit for 2012, which was USD 0.3 billion better than previously forecast. But these carriers, which catered to 40 per cent of the global cargo market, were "the most exposed to weak cargo demand". While European airlines were expected to post the largest loss of any region at USD 1.2 billion, worse than previously forecast, those from North America were estimated to post profits of USD 1.9 billion in 2012, up USD 0.5 billion from the previous forecast, IATA predicted. In its first look at 2013, IATA estimated a rise in industry profits to USD 7.5 billion, as forecasts pointed to "slightly stronger economic growth and lower oil prices". -PTI
DUBAI: India has emerged ments, compared to 88 per cent in among the top FDI countries into the first half of 2011. Moreover, Dubai in the first half of 2012, ac- almost 45 per cent of the projects cording to official data. came from companies that had not India was listed alongside previously had a project recorded USA, UK, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, in Dubai. Germany, Switzerland and France Dubai attracted USD 4.5 billion among the top 10 countries. (16.5 billion dirhams) in FDI durThey accounted for 83 projects, ing the first six months of 2012, or 72 per cent of the total, and their according to statistics compiled combined investment of USD 4.2 by Dubai FDI, the foreign investbillion (15.5 billion dirhams) was ment office in the emirate's Depart94 per cent of the January-June ment of Economic Development 2012 foreign direct investment (DED). (FDI) into Dubai. The first half of the year saw The UK and India accounted 115 FDI projects being initiated in for 29 per cent of the FDI projects, Dubai by 113 companies, which mainly in business services. accounted for 1.5 per cent of total "More and more firms and investors worldwide are now convinced of the unique India was listed alongside growth opportunities USA, UK, Saudi Arabia, Dubai provides as a regional hub and busi- Qatar, Germany, Switzerland ness centre. The rise in number of multination- and France among the top als relocating to Dubai and in FDI across key 10 countries industry sectors in the emirate validate this," Fahad Al Gergawi, Chief Executive global FDI projects. Officer of Dubai FDI, said. The first half of the year saw According to him, it is notewor- 115 FDI projects being initiated in thy that a new breed of investors Dubai by 113 companies. January is finding Dubai the place to be. saw the highest average capital "Dubai's world- class infrastruc- investment while the highest numture, convenient links to the East ber of projects in a single month as well as West and distinguished 26 - was recorded in April, 2012. lifestyle is especially appealing for Total FDI that flowed into this generation of ambitious and Dubai during January-June 2012 innovative entrepreneurs," he was seven per cent up from the said. first half of 2011. The presence of Almost 93.9 per cent of the FDI larger projects is the most notable projects initiated in Dubai during feature of the FDI inflow during January-June 2012 are new invest- H1 2012. -PTI
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Industry for criminalizing private sector bribery NEW DELHI: The country's industry bodies have supported a proposed law to criminalize private sector bribery saying such an attempt would help in checking corruption. Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) has noted with approval the government attempt to amend the Indian Penal Code (IPC) to make corruption in private sector a criminal offence. "We believe that such a provision could be an effective deterrent and help curb corruption," it said. The Central Government has proposed to make bribery in private sector -- both giving and accepting it -- a criminal offence by amending the IPC. However, FICCI, said that it was necessary to ensure that the amended law does not cause undue harassment to businessmen in the country. "It is imperative that such a law be implemented only after a thorough cleansing of the existing regulations and legal provisions... "It is also important to ensure that the amended law does not cause undue harassment to private businessmen in the country," the industry body said. The Government's move was
also supported by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham). Assocham Secretary General D S
Government has proposed to make bribery in private sector -- both giving and accepting it -- a criminal offence by amending the IPC. However, FICCI, said should amended law does not cause harassment Rawat said that the body favors such a law which was the need of the country. Whereas, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) said it was "examining the matter internally". The draft Indian Penal Code (Amendments) Bill, 2011, circulated to states and Union Territories by the Centre for their comments, would cover graft by an individual, firm, society, trust, association of individuals, company, whether incorporated or not, which undertakes any economic
or financial or commercial activity. At present, there are no legal provisions to check graft in the private sector. As per the draft law, whoever in the course of economic, financial or commercial activity promises, offers or gives, directly or indirectly, any gratification, in any capacity, for a private sector entity, for the person himself or for another person shall be punishable. The Centre has asked all States and UT administrations to give their views on the proposed amendments in the IPC. According to an expert of Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC), a consultancy firm, penalizing errant private firms could be a way to check corruption. "Strengthening of corporate governance norms and increasing disclosure requirements thereby creating a market mechanism to penalize errant private firms could be a way to check corruption," said Kunal R Gupta, Associate Director, PwC India. He also cited a US Law which deals with foreign bribery saying it had a "tremendous impact" in the manner in which companies and persons in that country do business. "We understand that in the US
Global economy needs to create over 600 mn new jobs NEW YORK: The global economy needs to create an additional 600 million new jobs to absorb the increasing working-age populations mainly in Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, the World Bank said in a report. According to the World Development Report 2013, at a time when the world is struggling to emerge from the global crisis, some 200 million people including 75 million under the age of 25 are unemployed. Looking forward, to keep employment as a share of the working-age population constant, in 2020 there should be around 600 million more jobs than in 2005, with a majority of them in Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. "The youth challenge alone is staggering," World Development Report Director Martin Rama said in a statement. Rama added that "More than 620 million young people are neither working nor studying. Just to keep employment rates constant, the worldwide number of jobs will
have to increase by around 600 million over a 15-year period". The report emphasized the importance of jobs and said that they are critical to achieving economic and social development. "They are critical for reducing
poverty, making cities work, providing youth with alternatives to violence," the report said, adding that a good job can change a person's life, and the right jobs can transform entire societies. According to World Bank Chief Economist and Senior Vice
President Kaushik Basu, "jobs are the best insurance against poverty and vulnerability. Governments play a vital enabling role by creating a business environment that enhances the demand for labor." Governments need to move jobs to centre stage to promote prosperity and fight poverty, World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim said. "It's critical that governments work well with the private sector, which accounts for 90 per cent of all jobs. Therefore, we need to find the best ways to help small firms and farms grow. Jobs equal hope. Jobs equal peace. Jobs can make fragile countries become stable," Kim said. According to the report, while some countries have experienced very large increases in their labor force - nearly 8 million new entrants a year in China since the mid-1990s and 7 million in India while others face a shrinking population, the report said.-PTI
context US Foreign Corruption Practices Act (FCPA) of 1977 which, in a slightly different context of foreign bribery, deals with
"Strengthening of corporate governance norms and increasing disclosure requirements thereby creating a market mechanism to penalize errant private firms could be a way to check corruption" the supply side of bribery, has had a tremendous impact in the manner in which the US companies
and persons do business and on their compliance policies," Gupta said. The expert hinted support to a regulatory body close on the lines of the US's Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the UK's Financial Services Authority (FSA). "Purely based on our experience and information available in public domain, SEC in the US and FSA in the UK have had a discernible impact on the corruption in private sector," the expert said when asked whether there was a need to have a regulatory body to check corruption in the private sector. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has of late declined to play a CVC-like role to check corruption in private firms saying it was not its mandate. -PTI
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World economy's difficult phase to continue: Basu WASHINGTON: The global economy is not doing well especially with the European debt crisis and the difficult phase would continue for some more time, World Bank chief economist Kaushik Basu has said. Basu, who till recently was the chief economic advisor to the Indian government, assumed the new post on October 1. "It's not doing well. It's a very difficult phase, and the difficult phase will live with us for a while," Basu told the Wall Street Journal on his thoughts about the global economy, in an interview. According to him, the subprime mortgage crisis of 2007 and 2008 in the US, exposed another problem - the construction of the euro zone. "This is no one's fault. The construction of the euro zone is one of the biggest human-made experiments of a system being brought into place. It's a gigantic experiment. It's not surprising that some fault lines would show up," Basu noted. The persisting European sovereign debt turmoil is hurting the world economy, which is on a fragile recovery path. "In today's world, the global economy is becoming one economy. These are problems with globalization, with the construction of Europe I think we will have to live with for a year or more. But the world will come out of that and we will get back to growth," he said. With sovereign debt spilling over into the financial world, Basu said there is a drying up of credit. "... It's also making it very difficult for just doing your business and sending the goods over. Once problems set in - and you can see
this across the world, whether it's Brazil, India or China - you rush to amend things. When you do that in a rush, yes, you're making some
hands-on policy. It's a tumultuous country right now - politically and economically, lots happening. I was being tossed into about as
World Bank chief economist Kaushik Basu
blunders as well," he added. In response to a query on what framework he was bringing to the World Bank from his India experience, Basu said that he was bringing in something interesting. "India was my first exposure to
much hands on policy as one could think of when I took up the Indian job in December 2009. "That experience, with the professional economist's training, I feel is really a great combination," he noted. -PTI
In the biosciences and innovation and manufacturing services industries, China follows next with 10 per cent in both industries. In semiconductors, Israel contributes 11 percent of the companies, while the UK accounts for 12 per cent of such companies in software, it said. In defense and aerospace, immigrants from the Netherlands made up the second-greatest number of immigrant founders.
BEIJING: Think tanks of five possibility of creating a new demembers - Brazil, Russia, India, velopment bank. China and South Africa- BRICS It was decided at the summit to bloc, representing the emerging convene expert meetings to execonomies, reached consensus on plore the possibility. creating a BRICS development Being the first think-tank forum bank to complement existing glo- of its kind, briefed to advise govbal financial institutions like World ernments of each BRICS country, Bank. experts at the event said that their Liu Youfa, deputy director of the China Institute of International "The consensus was Studies, said, "At the reached between experts previous forum before the BRICS summit meet- from the think tanks from ing in March, we were five emerging world ecostill discussing whether nomic powers during the to create this bank, but now we are talking two two-day forum held last about how to create this week at Chongqing city in bank. China," Chinese state run "The consensus was reached between ex- Xinhua news agency perts from the think reported tanks from five emerging world economic powers during the two two-day agreement on the necessity and forum held last week at Chongqing practicality of creating the bank city in China," Chinese state run would be presented to officials for Xinhua news agency reported. further action. The 2012 BRICS Think-Tanks H H S Viswanathan, a fellow of Forum is a follow up to the under- India's Observer Research Founstanding reached at the BRICS dation, who took part in the meetleaders summit in New Delhi in ing, said no report was worked out March this year to consider the at the meeting. But, he said, discussion will surely be included in the report of the next forum, set to take place in South Africa before the next BRICS proposal following a review of life summit to be held there in 2013. India expects to see the bank insurance sector in consultation established as soon as possible, with heads of various companies and Chairman of Insurance Regula- he was quoted by Xinhua as saytory and Development Authority ing. Although no timetable was set, (IRDA) J Hari Narayan. "Department of Revenue will ex- a road map has become clear after amine whether, in addition to NPS, this week's forum and all five sides some insurance pension products are clear what to do next that is to as approved by IRDA may be in- figure out the form of organization for the bank, equity shares, head office and other issues, he said. The slew of incenLiu Youfa said think tanks are a preliminary step in government tives being considpolicy-making and the influence of ered by the Finance their ideas in part depends on their Ministry for boosting feasibility and thoroughness. According to Liu, the consenlife insurance industry sus reached at the forum included include reduction in the need to build a legal framework, establishment of a theoretical service tax on first framework and the discussion on premium, separate technical issues. tax exemption limit The first of the concerns was defining the legal status of the for pension plans bank, the second was to explain and greater incenits purpose, and the third was tives for agents sellabout how the bank should be run, its capitalization and other specific ing policies matters, he said. Leonid Grigoriev, deputy direccluded in the separate limit over and tor of the Russian Energy Agency above the limit of Rs one lakh under and professor of the Higher section 80C of the IT Act for the pur- School of Economics, said, "We pose of income tax deduction on pre- generally agreed to create this mium paid," Chidambaram said.-PTI bank.-PTI
Govt looking at tax sops for LIC policy holders NEW DELHI: Life insurance policyholders can look forward to more tax concessions with Indian Finance Minister P Chidambaram asking the revenue department to look into the possibility of removing service tax on first premium and creating separate exemption limit for pension schemes. Chidambaram said he has asked the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) and Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) to give their
report on the changes in the tax structure for life insurance companies by October 10. The slew of incentives being considered by the Finance Ministry for boosting life insurance industry include reduction in service tax on first premium, separate tax exemption limit for pension plans and greater incentives for agents selling policies. The Ministry has formulated this
Indians account for one-third of immigrant-led startups in US Cont’d from page 40
Think tank consensus on setting up BRICS Bank
The report says in 2005, Indian founders accounted for a significant proportion of such companies in all industries. "Since then, Indians have become primary leaders in all industries. It is interesting to note that although China remains a notable contributor across all industries, Taiwanese immigrants have become a very small minority," it said. In the Silicon Valley, while Indians accounted for one-fourth of all immigrant startups for the period between 1995 to 2005, it has
now increased to nearly one-third for the period between 2006 and 2012. Trailing behind Indian founders in the creation of Silicon Valley startups are immigrants from China (5.4 per cent), the UK (5.4 per cent), Japan (4.8 per cent), and Canada (4.1 per cent). Since 2005, the percentage of businesses founded by Chinese immigrants has declined from 12.8 per cent to 5.4 per cent, and those founded by Japanese immigrants from 13.6 per cent to 4.8 per cent. -PTI
In Brief UH prof: Mexican immigrants targeted in HI HONOLULU: An ethnic studies professor at the University of Hawaii at Manoa says state and federal immigration officials have disproportionately targeted Mexicans in Hawaii for detention and deportation. Professor Monisha Das Gupta told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser in a report that the number of immigration cases in Hawaii involving Mexicans goes against demographics in the state. Das Gupta says roughly 10 percent of the 40,000 illegal immigrants in Hawaii are Mexican. But of the 767 cases handled by Honolulu Immigration Court during fiscal 2011, 22 percent involved Mexicans. Cases involving Chinese nationals make up 24 percent of the cases, while Filipinos are involved in 20 percent of the cases. The Department of Homeland Security says nearly 7,300 foreign nationals were granted legal permanent residence in Hawaii in fiscal 2011. -AP
Beaufort County man charged in immigration scam HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C.: The owner of a Beaufort County immigration services business has been charged with scamming customers out of thousands of dollars. Authorities say Michael Wyman was arrested and charged with 10 counts of breach of trust with fraudulent intent. Wyman opened a business called Immigration Angels in March, advertising ``full service'' immigration assistance. But investigators say Wyman's customers reported that he took their money but never provided services for which they had paid. So far, 10 potential victims have been identified, but authorities say they seized hundreds of files from Wyman's office. -AP
California voters favor immigrant citizenship BERKELEY, Calif.: More than two-thirds of California voters favor a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants, but many voters don't want them to get the same entitlements as legal residents, a University of California, Berkeley-Field Poll showed. Details on page 46
Immigration 45
India Post
www.indiapost.com
October 12, 2012
Ariz sheriff loses appeal on immigration law limit PHOENIX: A federal appeals court has denied an Arizona sheriff's request to reverse a lowercourt decision barring his deputies from detaining people solely on the suspicion that they're illegal immigrants. Cont’d on page 46
Calif. Gov. OKs bill on illegal immigrant licenses SACRAMENTO, Calif.: Some illegal immigrants could get California drivers licenses under a bill that Gov. Jerry Brown announced he signed into law recently. AB2189 by Assemblyman Gil Cedillo, D-Los Angeles, will let the Department of Motor Vehicles issue licenses to illegal immigrants eligible for work permits under a new Obama administration policy. The bill requires the department to accept as proof of legal residence whatever document the federal government provides to participants in its deferred action program. Cedillo said his bill will make roads safer while letting young immigrants drive to school and to work. His reasoning drew support from several Republican lawmakers, while other Republicans argued the state should leave immigration issues to the federal government. ``It is a victory for those who were brought here through no choice of their own, played by the rules, and are only asking to be included in and contribute to American society,'' Cedillo said in a statement. He said California is the first state to grant drivers' licenses to
Gov. Jerry Brown
The so-called Trust Act would have let California opt out of some parts of a federal program that requires local law enforcement officers to check the fingerprints of people they arrest against a federal immigration database the group singled out under the Obama administration's policy. Cedillo praised Brown for choosing ``public safety over politics'' by signing the bill.
``President Obama has recognized the unique status of these students, and making them eligible to apply for driver's licenses is an obvious next step,'' Brown spokes-
man Gil Duran said. Meanwhile, Brown vetoed AB1081, which could have protected illegal immigrants from deportation if they committed minor infractions. The bill has been dubbed ``anti-Arizona'' legislation, a reference to that state's immigrant identification law. The so-called Trust Act would have let California opt out of some parts of a federal program that requires local law enforcement officers to check the fingerprints of people they arrest against a federal immigration database and hold those who are in the country illegally. It would have barred local law enforcement officers from detaining suspects for possible deportation unless they are charged with serious or violent felonies. Brown backed comprehensive federal immigration reform, and said in a veto message that federal agents ``shouldn't try to coerce local law enforcement officials into detaining people who've been picked up for minor offenses and pose no reasonable threat to their community.'' Cont’d on page 46
Details released on DV-2014 Lottery Program CYRUS MEHTA
O
nline registration for the DV-2014 Program began October 2 at EDT and concludes on Saturday, November 3 at noon EDT. Applicants must submit entries electronically during this registration period using the electronic DV entry form (E-DV) at dvlottery.state.gov/. Paper entries will not be accepted. The Department of State strongly encourages applicants not to wait until the last week of the registration period to enter. Heavy demand may result in website delays. Selectees for the DV program are chosen by a computer-generated, random drawing. The visas are distributed among six geographic regions, with a greater number of visas going to regions with lower rates of immigration to
the United States, and with no visas going to nationals of countries sending more than 50,000 immigrants to the United States over the past five years. No single country may receive more than
cause the countries sent more than 50,000 immigrants to the United States in the previous five years: Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China (mainland-born), Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El
Beginning May 1, 2013, DV-2014 entrants will be able to use their confirmation number provided at registration to check online through Entry Status Check at http:// www.dvlottery.state.gov. seven percent of the available diversity visas in any one year. For DV-2014, natives of Guatemala are now eligible to enter the program. Natives of the following countries are not eligible to apply be-
Salvador, Haiti, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, South Korea, United Kingdom (except Northern Ireland) and its dependent territories, and Vietnam. A "native" ordinarily means someone born within a particular
country, regardless of the individual's current country of residence or nationality. Persons born in Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR, and Taiwan are eligible. For DV-2014, the Department of State once again will implement an online process to notify entrants of their selection and to provide information about the immigrant visa application and interview. Beginning May 1, 2013, DV2014 entrants will be able to use their confirmation number provided at registration to check online through Entry Status Check at http://www.dvlottery.state.gov. Successful entrants will receive instructions on how to apply for immigrant visas for themselves and their eligible family members. Cont’d on page 46
46
Immigration Post
India Post
October 12, 2012
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Ariz sheriff loses appeal on immigration law limit PHOENIX: A federal appeals court has denied an Arizona sheriff's request to reverse a lowercourt decision barring his deputies from detaining people solely on the suspicion that they're illegal immigrants. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco issued a 23page ruling after considering the narrow question of a preliminary injunction while a Phoenix trial court considers the merits of the entire lawsuit against Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, who is known for his tough policies on curbing illegal immigration. The appeals court ruling focused only on the lower court's limit on Arpaio's immigration powers and doesn't confront the case's ultimate question of whether deputies in Arizona's most populous county have racially profiled Latinos on their patrols. A three-judge panel ruled U.S. District Judge Murray Snow didn't abuse his authority in granting the order and said the ruling didn't impair the sheriff's ability to enforce state and federal criminal laws. A small group of Latinos claim Arpaio's deputies pulled over some vehicles only to make immigration status checks during regular traffic patrols and the sheriff's 20 special immigration patrols. A federal judge in December ordered Arpaio's department to refrain from conducting such traf-
fic stops while the class action suit was being considered. Arpaio appealed, arguing his deputies had probable cause to make the stops. The American Civil Liberties Union and other attorneys filed a federal lawsuit in 2007 against the self-proclaimed ``toughest sheriff in America.'' The Latino group also accuses Arpaio of ordering some of the pa-
There has never been a finding by a court that Arpaio's office has racially profiled Latinos, though a case that made such an allegation was settled last year for $200,000 trols not based on reports of crime but rather on letters from Arizonans who complained about people with dark skin congregating in an area or speaking Spanish. Arpaio has repeatedly denied the allegations, saying his deputies only stop people when they think a crime has been committed and that he wasn't the person who picked the location of the immigration patrols. Both sides are awaiting Snow's verdict after a seven-day trial with-
out a jury ended Aug. 2. Snow hasn't indicated when he would rule. The lawsuit marks the first case in which the sheriff's office has been accused of systematically racially profiling Latinos, and will serve as a precursor for a similar yet broader civil rights lawsuit filed against Arpaio in May by the U.S. Department of Justice. There has never been a finding by a court that Arpaio's office has racially profiled Latinos, though a case that made such an allegation was settled last year for $200,000 without an admission of wrongdoing by the sheriff's office. Earlier, the 9th Circuit turned back the latest effort by a civil rights coalition to bar police from enforcing the most contentious part of Arizona's immigration law. Opponents of part of the law requiring police to question some people they contact about their immigration status wanted the federal appeals court to block its enforcement. That provision survived a U.S. Supreme Court review and it went into effect Sept. 18 after a federal judge in Phoenix said it could be enforced. The 9th Circuit denied the coalition's emergency motion for an injunction pending appeal and their request for certification to the Arizona Supreme Court. An attorney with the National Immigration Law Center said the coalition is assessing its next step. -AP
Calif. voters favor immigrant citizenship BERKELEY, Calif.: More than two-thirds of California voters favor a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants, but many voters don't want them to get the same entitlements as legal residents, a University of California, Berkeley-Field Poll showed. Registered voters were asked whether they favored mass deportation, temporary work permits or a path to citizenship. Sixty-seven percent favored a path to citizenship. Some 14 percent favored allowing temporary
work permits and 13 percent want to ``deport all illegal immigrants back to their home country.'' The poll is based on 1,183 telephone interviews earlier this month with a random sample of California registered voters. The sampling error margin is plus or minus 4.3 percentage points. Fifty-six percent of those questioned oppose allowing illegal immigrants to get driver's licenses. And about 65 percent oppose giving illegal immigrants the same health benefits and social services
as eligible legal residents. The poll's authors told those taking the survey that there are about 11 million illegal immigrants living in the United States, with 2.5 million in California. The poll's results varied when considering subgroups of the California electorate. In a breakdown of political parties, 79 percent of Democrats and 69 percent of independents support granting illegal immigrants a path to citizenship, while 47 percent of Republicans agreed with that concept. -AP
Details released on DV-2014 Lottery Program Cont’d from page 44
Confirmation of visa interview appointments will also be made through Entry Status Check. The Department of State also noted that DV-2013 entrants should keep their confirmation numbers until at least September 2013, even if they were not selected on May 1, 2012. The Department said it may select more DV-2013 entries on October 1, 2012. Entrants in the DV-2013 program may check the status of their entries through Entrant Status Check dvlottery.state.gov/ESC/) through September 30, 2013. STEM Bill Fails in House On September 20, the U.S. House of Representatives rejected the STEM Jobs Act (H.R. 6429), sponsored by Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Tex.) by a vote of 257-158. (288 votes were required to pass under suspension of the rules.) The bill would have provided permanent residence to 55,000 foreign students each year who graduate with advanced degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics from U.S. universities and agree to work for at least five years in the United States in a STEM field. The bill included requirements for an employer to petition on the student's behalf and a labor certification process. Democrats who voted against the measure signaled that they were in favor of similar legislation but objected to a provision that would have eliminated the diversity visa program. Congress may take up this and similar bills in November, after the presidential election. October Visa Bulletin Shows
Backlogs in Some EB Categories The Department of State had expected that the worldwide EB2 visa numbers would become current once the new fiscal year began on October 1, 2012. However, this has not happened. Similarly, the EB-2 category for India and China, which became unavailable in June, has not budged much. China remains at
Democrats who voted against the measure signaled that they were in favor of similar legislation but objected to a provision that would have eliminated the diversity visa program. Congress may take up this and similar bills in November, after the presidential election July 15, 2007, and India advanced but only to September 1, 2004. Additional movement is not expected in this category for India and China for the first half of the new fiscal year. The EB-3 worldwide, India, China, and Philippines categories are also backlogged. The EB-1, EB4, and EB-5 categories remain current for October. * Cyrus D Mehta, may be contacted at 212-425-0555 or info@cyrusmehta.com
Calif. Gov. OKs bill on illegal immigrant licenses Cont’d from page 44
However, he said the list of serious or violent felonies in the bill is ``fatally flawed because it omits many serious crimes.'' He said those include child abuse, drug trafficking, and weapons violations, among others. He promised to work with lawmakers to fix the bill's wording. California law enforcement officials have turned over about 80,000 illegal immigrants for deportation since 2009, though fewer than half had committed a serious or violent felony. The majority of those deported by the federal government under the Secure Commu-
nities program have come from California. Supporters say the program targets otherwise law-abiding immigrants who commit minor traffic infractions, sell food without a permit or are arrested on misdemeanors charges but never convicted. Assemblyman Tom Ammiano, D-San Francisco, said the program wastes local resources and causes mistrust between immigrants and law enforcement agencies. Several Republican legislators objected that Ammiano's bill would have removed a valuable tool for ridding California of lawbreakers. -AP
Immigration Post
October 12, 2012
India Post
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Immigrant advocates blast Brown vetoes in Calif. SANTAANA, Calif.: Immigrant advocates blasted Gov. Jerry Brown for last-minute vetoes of bills that could have brought sweeping change to the state's large foreign-born population. The criticism of his decision to nix measures to expand the rights of nannies and house cleaners and protect some illegal immigrants from deportation muted cheers for a bill to give driver's licenses to some illegal immigrants. The advocates said Brown's signing of the bill offering driver's licenses to young immigrants who qualify for two-year federal work permits - while welcomed by many immigrants - doesn't have the farreaching impact that backing the other measures could have had. They said signing those bills could have further distinguished California as immigrant-friendly compared to states such as Arizona and Alabama, which have been cracking down on illegal immigration. ``It is disappointing that Jerry Brown doesn't want to be the antiJan Brewer,'' said Aarti Kohli, senior fellow at the Warren Institute on Law and Social Policy at University of California, Berkeley School of Law. ``The advocates feel very betrayed. They feel like the immigrant and particularly the Latino community have been behind the governor ... and that he hasn't really shown a deep understanding of these really serious issues.'' Brown vetoed the so-called TRUST Act, which would have barred local law enforcement officers from detaining suspects for possible deportation unless they were charged with serious or violent crimes, and another bill to provide overtime pay, meal breaks and other labor protections to domestic workers. Immigrant advocates questioned what drove the Democratic governor to take the positions right before the deadline to sign or veto legislation. Some speculated that pressure from the federal government to protect its flagship immigration enforcement program, known as Secure Communities, and opposition by some California law enforcement officials - including Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca - may have played a role. Advocates had hoped that Brown - who supported Cesar Chavez and a number of farmworker issues during his first stint as governor - would have backed the TRUST Act, which aimed to curtail Secure Communities. The program, which checks the immigration status of arrestees,
Gov. Jerry Brown
is touted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement as a vital crimefighting tool but reviled by immigrant advocates who say it erodes immigrants' trust in police. Brown said in his veto message that federal agents ``shouldn't try to coerce local law enforcement officials into detaining people who've been picked up for minor offenses and pose no reasonable threat to the community.'' He also noted the bill omitted too many serious crimes that would warrant detention. ``He is willing to work with
Duran called the driver's license bill an “obvious next step'' to the Obama administration's immigration policy. But some immigrant advocates said the signing of the bill was a bittersweet victory that could help thousands of young people move around the state once they obtain work permits stakeholders to address major concerns and improve it,'' Gil Duran, a spokesman for the governor, said about the bill. ``Everyone should take a deep breath and recognize the tremendous opportunity here.'' Duran called the driver's license bill an ``obvious next step'' to the Obama administration's immigration policy. But some immigrant advocates said the signing of the bill was a bittersweet victory that could help thousands of young people move around the state once they obtain work permits
from the federal government but won't help their families get relief from the threat of deportation. Juan Santiago, 24, said he was pleased he would be able to get from his home in Madera to his college classes 30 miles away once his work permit application is approved. But he said the measure does little for his mother, who brought him across the Arizona desert into the U.S. when he was 11. ``It was a happy and a sad day for us,'' Santiago said. ``The fact that the governor vetoed the TRUST Act, it means there's nothing to protect the rest of my family members.'' Angela Chan, senior staff attorney at the Asian Law Caucus, said the governor failed to step up and show bold leadership on immigration with his veto. But she said she saw a silver lining in Brown's veto message, in which he offered to work with lawmakers to fix the bill's wording to include crimes such as child abuse, drug trafficking and weapons violations. Assemblyman Tom Ammiano, the bill's sponsor, said he already had received a call from California sheriffs and they agreed to discuss the measure, which he took as a good sign. He said he'd like to reintroduce the bill as early as January. Brown also took a mixed approach on other immigration-related bills. He signed a measure that aims to keep families together when a parent faces deportation and vetoed a bill to strengthen regulations requiring growers to protect farm workers from extreme heat. Louis DeSipio, a political science professor at University of California, Irvine, said making these decisions on deadline is a sign the bills were among the tougher issues Brown faced in a state where immigration has, at times, played a critical role in politicians' fate. He cited former Gov. Gray Davis, who saw a recall effort spurred after he supported driver's licenses for illegal immigrants. ``He hasn't been a strong immigrant advocate,'' DeSipio said of Brown, but added that perception could change if he works with advocates on revamping the TRUST Act. If not, he questioned how Brown might fare among Latinos in a future election. ``Would he have that same level of Latino support should he run for re-election?'' DeSipio said. ``I don't think so.'' -AP
PRADEEP ROY-SINGH B.A. LL.B. M.B.A. J.D. Attorney-at-Law
Former Assistant StateÂ’s Attorney
Civil & Criminal Litigation Felonies, Misdemeanors, Inc DUI 1 Personal Injury, Business, Divorce etc. 1 Property Tax for Commercial Properties 1 1
http://www.proy-singh.com
2335 W. Devon Ave., Suite 204, Tel: 773-381-1820 Chicago, IL 60659
Horoscope
48 India Post
October 12, 2012
www.indiapost.com
Your Weekly Future by Pandit Parashar
SEPTEMBER 28TH - OCTOBER 04TH (November 23 to December 22)
(March 21 to April 20)
O
T
bstacles will be followed by good solutions. Advice from a learned person will steer you towards safer grounds. Money wise it looks like a promising week and all you financial plans will will be successfully implemented. You will become more religious and visit a holy place. Very good week for people in retail business.
here will be some interesting developments at work. Some one may leave and you may become one of the contenders for the job. You will be little tough on the phone but will get few jobs done. A relative will call to invite you to a party. You will take time out of busy schedule and spend quality time with children.
(April 21 to May 20)
(December 22 to January 19)
O
pponents will try to corner you and you may feel your defence not working out quickly. You will have several issues on mind and start working on one at a time. Idea of investing in a property will continue to occupy your mind. Very favorable week for people in food business. You will be closer to finishing the project on time.
T
here will be lots of conflict in your mind initially but advice from a trusted person will clear all confusions. It is very favorable time to take decisions about career and even ask boss for a raise or moving to a better position. You may change your earlier plans to go to a party because of hectic schedule. (January 20 to February 18)
(May 21 to June 20)
P
lanets will help those doing research or working in emergency room. Changes you had been waiting will start taking place at work now and soon you will be in line for what was supposed to come months earlier. You may make some money through stocks also. You will be on lookout for a nice property for investment purpose.
A
move will become certain but you will still have lots of time for preparations. Pressure at work will increase and you may be asked to clean up mess created by others. You may be taking a short business trip to another state this week. You may dispose off some stocks and put money away. A close friend will come up with business idea.
(February 19 to March 20)
M
(June 21 to July 22)
oney you were promised will be delivered with slight delay. You will share your knowledge with few new recruits. Spouse will make commitment to a friend to help with some cooking for a party. You will slowly working on a travel plan but will not be completely sure. Health will keep improving with new diet plan and exercises.
L
egal battle can come to a pleasant end with large financial gains. Some of you may sign papers to buy a property with lots of greenery around. With the blessings and guidance of a holy person you will continue to do well in all areas of life. You may be taking a short trip to a slightly warmer area for some urgent business.
(July 23 to August 22)
B
e careful with money. Mistakes made earlier could catch up now. Be careful and read before you sign any contract this week. In laws will offer help but you may decline for the time being. People in business should keep an eye on help recently hired. You have a small refund coming via mail. You should take advice and change strategy. (August 23 to September 22)
M
oney will come in plenty but expenses could exceed your earlier budget. You may want to keep an eye on other family members charging heavily on your cards. You will be working on an important proposal and may discuss it with a colleague before sending it out. Some of you may get another job offer from out of state.
(September 23 to October 22)
D
ecisions taken in a hurry will prove to be blessings in disguise. You may invite or take few important people out for dinner this week. You will be exploring more ways to dispose off a property draining you out lately. Spouse will be little upset with one of your business decisions but will support your idea later on. (October 23 to November 22)
E
njoy the new relationship but watch out and keep it to yourself. You will start to reap rewards for work done few months ago. Material will be useful and sharpen your skills. You will be happy the way things are making progress about a child. You may be thinking of relocating your office to more accessible place.
Prateik-Amy relationship may work out well
P
rateik Babbar and British model-turned-actress Amy Jackson's bonding is growing strong like never before. Born November 28, 1986, Prateik belongs to the sun sign Sagittarius and Amy (January 31, 1991) is an Aquarius. This combination usually has a great chance for success, as the temperaments of both star signs are very similar. This is a combination on a purely social level that will revel in large groups of friends and public-spirited associates. Sagittarius readily understands the moods and peculiarities of his Aquarius mate and makes necessary allowances for the same. He, in turn, expects the same consideration from Aquarius but this may not be forthcoming too often, causing an occasional rift between the two. As both share a common love for change, travel and excitement, this relationship should work well over the long term. There is a good chance for this relationship to be successful as both partners are quite alike and hold similar values. In addition, both understand the need to let the other be whenever he/she requires some freedom. In his 26th year, Prateik will have to still wait for a while before he could establish himself firmly in the industry.
Pandit Parashar, CEO & COO Astro Scan USA is also available for individual consultations. He can be reached at: parashar@parashar.com
925-833-7170
website: www.parashar.com
October 12, 2012
www.indiapost.com
India Post 49
50
Datebook
India Post
October 12, 2012
www.indiapost.com
NEW JERSEY
ILLINOIS
Upcoming
Upcoming
Fri Oct 12
Fri October 12
• UTSAV- UCarnival New Jersey
• Ratri Before Navratri - Raas Garba with Master Rana & Group
Venue: Hilton Garden Inn Edison/Raritan Center, 50 Raritan Center Pkwy, Edison, NJ Time: 11am Contact: 510-578-8728
Sun Oct 14 • Hindustani Classical Music Concert Venue: Roman Catholic Diocese Of Mutuchen, 146 Metlars Ln, Piscataway Township, NJ 08854 Time: 4pm Contact: 732-310-3617
Venue: Forestview Educational Center, 2121 S. Goebbert Rd, Arlington Hts, IL Time: 8 pm
Fri Oct 12 • Raas Garba with Master Rana Venue: Forestview Educational Center, Arlington Heights, Il Time: 8:30pm
Sun Oct 14
Sat Oct 20
• Debashish Bhattacharya
• India House Navratri
Venue: Old Town School of Music-gary and Laura Maurer Concert Hall, 4544 N, Lincoln Ave, IL Time: 7pm Contact: 773-728-6000
Venue: Garden State Exhibit Center, 50 Atrium Drive, Somerset, Nj 08873 Time: 8 pm Contact: 732-283-9696
NEW YORK
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Upcoming
Upcoming
Venue: 35 Great Jones St., New York NY 10012 Time: 6pm to 9pm Contact: 212-725-6092 Highlights: Featuring M. F. Husain, Ram Kumar, Anjolie Ela Menon, S. H. Raza, Jenhangir Sabavala, F. N. Souza and the Anonymous Masters of the Past. In Partnership with Nayef Homsi
Fri Oct 12 • Officially launch the Year of India with a free concert, Hindustani Music of North India Venue: LeFrak Concert Hall.NY Time: 10am Contact: 718-793-8080 Highlights: The concert is also the first performance of the Aaron Copland School of Music's Chamber Music Live fall season. As it inaugurates the Year of India initiative, the program's steering committee and music school.
Saturday, Oct 20 • Light The Night - Diwali Cruise
Fri July 20 to Sat Dec 15
• Non Stop Bhangra
• Turning Rumi: Singing Verses of Love, Unity and Freedom Part2 : The Art of Salma Arastu
Venue: 161 Erie Street SF, CA Time: 9:00pm - 3:00am Contact: 415-694-9080
Venue: Dominican University of California, 50 Acacia Avenue, San Rafael, California 94901 Time: 2:30pm to 4:30pm (Artist Reception on Sat Sept 15at Community Gallery, Alemany Library) Contact: 415-482-2453
Sat Oct 13 • Navratri Festival 2012 Venue: Anubhuti Meditation & Amp, Retreat Center, 820 Bel Marin Keys Blvd, Novato, CA Time: 5:30pm Contact: 415-884-2314
• 3 days Raas-Garba Venue: Anaheim Convention Center, 800 W Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA 92802 Time: 8 pm Contact: 951-318-7375
Fri Oct 19 • Royal Drummers and Dancers of Burundi Venue: Palace Theater, 61 Atlantic St. Stamford, CT 06901 Time: 8pm Contact: 203-325-4466
Sat Oct 20
• Vibha Dandia
• Raga Spirit 2012
Venue: Centerville Junior High School, 37720 Fremont Boulevard, Fremont, CA Time: 7:30pm Contact: 480-225-8508
Venue: The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, 445 Charles E Youth Dr S, LA Time: 9:30pm Contact: 949-300-8912
WASINGTON DC Upcoming • LMFAO Comedy Night With Vijay Nathan Venue: Diya Banquet Hall, 2070 Chain Bridge Road Vienna, VA 22182 Time: 8pm Contact: (202) 656 3374
Tue Oct 23
Fri Oot 12
• The South Asian Rising Star Film Awards 2012 Gala Dinner
• A Life Transforming Event
Venue: Guastavino's (Under the 59th Street Bridge), 409 E 59th St, New York, NY 10022 Time: 6 pm Contact: 646-330-4172
Sat Oct 13, 20, 27
Sat Oct 20
Fri Oct 12 Venue: Hornblower Hybrid, 353 West St, New York, NY 10014 Time: 7 pm Contact: 612-220-3617
Upcoming Sat October 13
Fri Sept 11 to Sat Oct 20 • Aicon Gallery present Iconic Processions: Sacred Stones to Modern Masterpieces, an exhibition of works by India's Modern Masters
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Venue: RJE Cultural Center, Northern Virginia Community College, Annandale Campus, 8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA 22003 Time: 8 pm Contact: 240-529-5633
Fri Nov 2 • Spirituals to Funk Venue: Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St. Stamford, CT 06901 Time: 8pm Contact: 203-322-9862 Highlights: Dr John And 5-time Grammy award winners Blind boys of Alabama.
Sun Nov 4 • Ravi Shankar Celebrating His tenth Decade Venue: Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center, 300 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach CA Time: 7:30pm Contact: 858-442-1586
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Philosophy
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October 12, 2012
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T
hirty years ago, on that evening when I shook my self out of a flood of ecstasy and realization, I thought, 'This is it, this is so simple. I am going to set the whole world on fire.' Since then, very slowly but steadily, the world has been trying to humble me to reduce the size of my geographical boundaries. I am not complaining about the world. I think as life comes, internally there is no question, it has come in the best possible way to me. Even externally, it has come in the best possible way to me, so I cannot complain. But still, it intrigues me, it bothers me, I have still not learnt a lesson in thirty years. Though I have started speaking to people with reduced goals, within myself I still burn with the passion, 'Why can't it happen to everybody?' Because logically, I cannot find a single reason why everybody cannot have it. I cannot find a single reason in my intelligence as to why it is not possible. There are many glorious names to this which are out of people's understanding. People call this 'enlightenment' - that means, of course, it is beyond you. People call this 'God-realization' - it is up in heaven, you cannot touch it. People call it simply 'self-realization' - a more
SWAMI SIVANANDA
A
disciple is one he who follows the instructions of the Guru to the letter and spirit, and who propagates the teachings of the Guru to less evolved souls in the path till the end of his life. A true disciple is concerned only with the divine nature of the Guru. The Guru's action as man is not the disciple's concern. He is totally oblivious of it. To him, the Guru is Guru even if he acts unconventionally. Always remember that the nature of a saint is unfathomable. Judge him not. Measure not his divine nature with the inadequate yardstick of your ignorance. Criticize not your Guru's action which is done on universal vision. True discipleship opens the vision. It kindles the spiritual fire. It awakens the dormant faculties. It is most necessary in one's journey along the spiritual path. Guru and disciple become one. The Guru blesses, guides, and inspires the disciple. He transmits his spiritual power to him. He transforms and spiritualizes him. To approach a Guru, you must be a proper Adhikari (qualified person). Correct understanding, nonattachment to worldly objects, se-
humble description. Or, it is just an 'awakening'. I call it a reminder. You can be reminded in many ways. Tomorrow morning, you have to wake up at a certain time. You could be reminded by yourself; if you cannot, you can have an alarm bell which beeps. Otherwise, somebody will beat a drum, or somebody will kick you awake. The choice is yours, but you could be awakened, or we can remind you. It is just a reminder, it is
will I go to heaven?' The children in unison said, 'No!' Then he asked, 'If I serve the poor, wash the leper's feet and wipe the tears of a child's face, will I go to heaven?' The children said, 'No!' Then he asked, 'If I love my wife, love my children, take care of my family, do my duty to my nation, will I go to heaven?' They said, 'No!' Then he asked, 'Then what should I do to go to heaven?' Little
kill 'this one'. You have no business to kill the body because you didn't make it. You have every right to kill all that you have created; you have no right to kill what the Creator has created. Nobody has any business to kill anything that you cannot create. But the person that you call as 'myself' is all your making. If you just kill that one guy, everything, the whole universe is yours. This is a tradeoff - me or the
You have no right to kill what Creator has created What you think as 'yourself' is a makebelieve projection of your mind. If you kill it, then everything is right here, life Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev
is a flood of ecstasy
not an achievement. It is not about going somewhere. In a Sunday school, a teacher wanted to inspire the children to aim for the highest. In Sunday school, in a church school, the highest is heaven of course, not God. So the teacher asked the children, 'If I give my wealth away to the church and serve the church,
Tommy from the backbench said, 'You got to die.' That is all it is, you got to die. This is the only problem. It is just a reminder that what you think as 'yourself' is a make-believe projection of your mind. If you kill it, then everything is right here, life is a flood of ecstasy. You don't have to kill the world; you just have to
cosmos? One who makes the deal is not asking for currency, just you. This is all the tradeoff is, this is all the whole business of enlightenment is. 'God-realization', 'awakening', 'reminder' - whatever you call it, this is all it is. Just kill what you have created; the Creator's creation will explode within you.
renity of mind, restraint of the senses, absence of base passions, faith in the Guru, and devotion to God are the necessary equipment with which the aspirant has to approach the Guru. The Guru will impart spiritual instructions only to that aspirant who thirsts for liberation, who duly obeys the injunctions of the Shastras, who has subdued his passions and senses, who has a calm mind, and who possesses vir-
by protracted service to the Guru. Serve your Guru with divine Bhava (feeling). The cancer of individuality will be dissolved. The captain of a ship is ever alert. A fisherman is ever alert. A surgeon in the operation theatre is ever alert. Even so, a thirsting hungry disciple should be ever alert in the service of his Guru. Live to serve the Guru. You must watch for opportunities. Do not wait for invitation. Volunteer
your inner motives while doing service to the Guru. Service must be done to the Guru without expectation of name, fame, power, wealth, etc. Obedience to the Guru is better than reverence. Obedience is precious virtue, because if you try to develop the virtue of obedience, the ego, the arch-enemy on the path of Self-realization, slowly gets rooted out. Only the disciple who obeys
Disciple concerned with only divine nature of Guru Only the disciple who obeys his Guru can have command over his lower self. Obedience should be very practical, wholehearted, and actively persevering tuous qualities like mercy, cosmic love, patience, humility, endurance, forbearance, etc. Initiation into the mysteries of Brahman will fructify only when the disciple's mind becomes desireless, and will produce Jnana in it. Aspirants should direct their whole attention in the beginning towards the removal of selfishness
yourself for the Guru's service. Serve your Guru humbly, willingly, unquestioningly, unassumingly, ungrudgingly, untiringly, and lovingly. The more your energy you spend in serving your Guru, the more the divine energy will flow into you. He who serves the Guru serves the whole world. Serve the Guru without selfish ends. Scrutinize
Swami Sivananda
his Guru can have command over his lower self. Obedience should be very practical, wholehearted, and actively persevering. True obedience to Guru neither procrastinates nor questions. A hypocritical disciple obeys his Guru from fear. The true disciple obeys his Guru with pure love, for love's sake.
The biggest mistake is: "My mind has created the thought, my brain has created the thought." No! Every thought, however simple or complicated, comes from outside, and your brain reacts to that thought according to your genes and conditioning. -Ramesh Balsekar So the question Who am I? is not an idle one. How you answer the question will determine how you live the rest of your life. It will determine the quality of your life. -Neale Donald Walsch All thoughts achieve the same outcome. They take you out of the truth of life, out of the present moment, and into a world of illusion. -Leonard Jacobson Either you live in the world of desire and fear, or you live in freedom. - Sri Nisargadatta Practice not-doing. And everything will fall into place. - Tao Te Ching
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Indo-US relations: Economic respite? SUDESH RANI
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mid domestic political opposition by various states and political parties, the Indian government issued a notification clearing the way for the implementation of economic reforms. New Delhi announced massive set of reforms viz. 100 percent Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in singlebrand sector (earlier it was 51 per cent), 51 per cent FDI in multibrand retail (prohibited so far), 49 per cent in aviation and 74 per cent in broadcast sector (except the TV news channels and FM Radio). The move is not surprising as the proposal regarding the reforms was approved by the cabinet in November 2011. But the implementation of the proposals had been deferred because of lack of a broader consensus among the various states. Some states and union territories extended their support in written and asked for its implementation, while other states expressed their reservations on the proposed reforms. Following the announcement, there has been widespread criticism amongst various political parties. They argue that through this step the government is trying to divert the people's attention from corruption issues faced by the government. According to them, the small scale industry sector will be adversely affected by these reforms. However, the government justified these reforms in terms of capital infusion and employment opportunities. These economic reforms are being seen as a second wave of reforms after 1991, when reforms were introduced to save India from the severe balance of payment crisis. India integrated its economy with the world economy by adopting the policy of liberalization. However, despite the opposition, this move will strengthen the bilateral relations of India with other countries as the foreign companies would get a chance to invest more in many sectors. The US media and corporations have hailed the Indian reforms as the biggest positive development in the last decade. US-India Business Council (USIBC) President Ron Somers said that these big bang reforms send a crystal clear signal that India is open for business. In fact, the leadership in the
US had been pushing India for economic reforms for a long time. Earlier, US President Barack Obama had expressed concerns over deteriorating investment climate and stated that India has delayed decisions on FDI proposals in many sectors. However, corporate minister Veerappa Moily had countered such statements by stating that the US President was not properly in-
indicated the US desire of the economic reforms as its business corporation can get benefits from the large Indian market. So, one of the motives of Hillary Clinton's visit to India was to push India for further reforms particularly in the multi-brand retail sector. While in 1991 Indian policy of liberalization was one of the major factors that led to the gradual improvement in Indo-US rela-
President Barack Obama with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh
formed about the country's strong economic fundamentals. Thereafter, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during her Indian visit in May this year expressed her expectations from In-
There is no doubt that these reforms will make way for better Indo-US relations and especially in the economic realm. But signing the Bilateral Investment Treaty is a must if both the nations want to gain full advantage from each other's markets dia regarding economic reforms. This visit was significant because she visited China just before arriving in India. During this visit she met with her Indian counterparts and the Chief Minister of West Bengal. There were media reports that during her meeting with Indian officials, Secretary Clinton discussed the investment issue that
tions, India's hesitance of late was now being deemed by analysts in both the countries as an area of discord in Indo-US economic relations. The recent reforms in India can be deemed as bonhomie in the Indo-US relations. Despite this, US investors may be hesitant on the absence of Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) between India and the US. According to this treaty, the government commits to protect investment in their territory by other countries (82 of them currently). At the instance of lack of security assurance the US investors will find themselves in a disadvantageous condition as compared to other foreign competitors. There is no doubt that these reforms will make way for better Indo-US relations and especially in the economic realm. But signing the Bilateral Investment Treaty is a must if both the nations want to gain full advantage from each other's markets. At the same time, the Indian decision to put on hold its complaint against the US over the visa fee hike in the World Trade Organization (WTO) is also a welcome move from New Delhi as it will strengthen the bilateral relations further. The writer is Research Associate, NMF
Alternative party
A
rvind Kejriwal of the Anti-corruption movement has broken away from Anna Hazare to form a political party. He must be a brave man as his yet to be born political party has already been written off by most observers. Anna Hazare himself has disowned him for venturing into the cesspool of politics. But it is also true that the political vacuum at the Center is crying for an alternative as most of the national and regional parties have failed to meet the expectations of the people. In fact it is the most opportune moment to occupy the opposition space unwittingly vacated by the BJP and some eccentrics like Mamata Banerjee of the Trinamool Congress. None of these parties have been able to assess the people's mood, their requirements in the modern times, nor have they been able to provide a vision for the future. The proposed Kejriwal party has a vision. As a beginning he has postulated that citizens will be drafted in framing laws which affect them. These are interesting ideas. To deny dynasty politics, the bane of India, no more than one member from a family will be allowed to contest elections. For transparency, donations made to the party will be shown on the website. No party MP/MLA will flaunt red beacon on vehicles and would not move around with security personnel. Also citizens would have the right to reject and recall elected representatives. His plans to contest the coming Delhi assembly elections would be a good beginning. Starting on this modest scale, the party is sure to make some impact in this atmosphere of disgust against corruption. Even Anna Hazare has promised to support the Kejriwal party candidate if he contests against people like the present Telecom and Human Resource Development (Education) Minister Kapil Sibal who is regarded as a major opponent of Anna movement's pet project, the Jan Lokpal Bill. The party's prospect could become brighter with the BJP increasingly ceding the opposition space. At its recently concluded National Council meeting in Delhi, what was more apparent was the BJP's dilemma over Narendra Modi. It can neither dump him nor go with him on the national stage. If he wins the coming Gujarat Assembly poll in December, he could make a claim for national leadership. And if Modi is allowed to dominate the BJP, the chances of prospective allies having second thoughts are strong. That will leave the BJP once again isolated. The most interesting part of the BJP meeting was the attempt by veteran BJP leader L.K.Advani to advocate secularism so that the party could end its pariah status and be more acceptable to regional parties. In the speech he wrote for delivery at the closing session, he pleaded for "an imaginative repositioning of our commitment to secularism'' to reassure potential allies that "they have nothing to be apprehensive about partnering with the BJP''. But while actually reading out the speech he omitted this portion as he did not have the guts to forward this idea openly at a gathering whose mood was ready for only listening to Narendra Modi, the Hindutva champion. The present isolation must be galling for the BJP. The last time it suffered such isolation was after the Babri Masjid demolition. But after that event it found a savior in Atal Behari Vajpayee who apparently had no hand in the demolition. He also had the gift of being an umbrella personality with whom all parties were on comfort level. But no such figure is available to the BJP today to bail it out of its predicament. And unlike the Babri event, Modi is not a past event. The secular minded parties with stake in Muslim votes will never touch the BJP with a barge pole. In fact even the JD (U) of Nitish Kumar in Bihar, which is part of the NDA combine, is flexing its muscles making it clear that if the BJP projects Modi as the prime minister for 2014, it will walk out of the alliance. As for Kejriwal, it is an opportunity for him to demonstrate what a political party should be. And as for politics being dirty business, you can't wash dirt without soiling your hands.
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