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David Letterman with Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Modi discusses climate change with Letterman Details on page 5

Pakistan bar on journalist over rift report Details on page 7

VOL 22, No. 1150

October 14, 2016

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5 INDIAN-AMERICANS AMONG U.S. RICHEST

NEW YORK: Five Indian-Americans are among the richest in the US, according to a Forbes list of 400 people which has been topped by Microsoft's co-founder Bill Gates for the 23rd year in a row.

Symphony Technology founder Romesh Wadhwani, co-founder of outsourcing firm Syntel Bharat Neerja Desai, Airline veteran Rakesh Gangwal, entrepreneur John Kapoor and Silicon Valley angel investor Kavitark Ram Shriram have featured in Forbes' 'The Richest People In America 2016' list.

The list has been topped by 60-year-old Gates who has a net worth of 81 billion dollars.

Gates keeps pushing to save lives in the developing world through efforts to eliminate polio, attack malaria and expand childhood vaccinations as head of the world's largest private charitable foundation the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Forbes said.

Wadhwani, 69, has been ranked 222nd on the list with a net worth of three billion dollars.

Details on page 5

Raj Patel

Cybersecurity Excellence Award for Raj Details on page 25

Abusive lawsuits harming small businesses Details on page 24

Sikh made honorary cop in Rockford Details on page 6

2 arrested for assaulting Sikh-American

See on page 14-21

CONTENTS

Details on page 6

Bollywood -------------------------- 39 Classifieds ------------------------- 48

INDIA POST SURVEY

Community Post -------------- 24-32 Date Book -------------------------- 50

survey@indiapost.com

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

This week’s question

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

Can Pakistanis see through lies of rulers?

Horoscope ------------------------- 44 Immigration Post ------------- 48-49 Life Style ----------------------- 36-38

Last week’s result

China more dangerous for India than Pakistan?

YES 57%

NO 43%

Philosophy ------------------------- 49

PRIME DEVOTEE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi paying obeisance to the actors playing Ram and Laxman at the Aishbagh Ram Leela, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh on the occasion of Dussehra on October 11. Governor of Uttar Pradesh Ram Naik and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh are also seen.

Publisher’s Diary ------------------ 4 Real Estate -------------------- 22-23 TechBiz Post ------------------- 11-13 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 40-43

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or the first time during this election season - which, by the way, is turning out to be the longest one in decades, much like the warm weather outside - I am actually scared. It's kind of vague, but that unnerving feeling has been settling in deeper since I watched the second Presidential debate on Sunday last.

The debate left my innards with a gag-inducing knot at what we are faced with in terms of the unfair choice of candidates for President, the shaky future of this country and in effect, the world. While dreading another debate next week, I assure you I am not the only one wondering how in a nation of 300 million, we couldn't churn up better political leaders than what we have today.

As appalling as the applause from a section of the audience was when Trump said at the debate that Hillary Clinton would be in jail if he becomes president, it is scary to consider what that electorate would be like under a somewhat unpopular Hillary administration. For a nation that has considered itself politically elite as compared to what it condescendingly referred to as banana republics, we are fast decelerating into one ourselves.

It's scary how easily the nuclear word gets bandied about by Trump, who is stupid enough to ask 'why have nukes if you can't use them'. Much as I hate the dangerous, cold game that the US and Russia are engaging in right now, I can only see an escalation of that under either presidency, with a possibility of edging on the brink of a nuclear standoff what with Syria becoming a cauldron of strife and humanitarian reckoning for all nations.

A dysfunctional United States is what a host of inimical nations around the world are waiting to see emerge. Whether Trump or Clinton, a dystopian decade is in the offing, where I doubt if we can be stronger together or great again.

It takes very little for a globalized world to disperse and disintegrate. And you don't need nukes for that. You just need bad leadership. Can someone please tell me it's going to be ok.

Romesh K Japra

rkjapra@indiapost.com

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Cover Story: Among US richest Five Indian-Americans are among the richest in the US, according to a Forbes list of 400 people

Community: Abusive lawsuits More than 50 small business owners joined a summit in Walnut Creek to share their concerns about unwarranted lawsuits

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Immigration: UK crackdown The UK plans to further its crackdown on immigration making it difficult for British firms to hire professionals from India.

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Re-capitalizing World Bank Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has emphasized the need for re-capitalizing the World Bank to enable it to meet its goals

Tarkarli, Maharashtra Even a cursory look at the beautiful stretch of soft white sand beaches at Tarkarli is enough to enthrall anyone.

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5 Indian-Americans among US richest NEW YORK: Five IndianAmericans are among the richest in the US, according to a Forbes list of 400 people which has been

childhood vaccinations as head of the world's largest private charitable foundation the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation,

technology, healthcare and analytics companies that together take in more than USD 2.8 billion in annual revenue, Forbes

started in 1980 from their apartment in Michigan, now generates over USD 950 million in revenue and has nearly 24,000 employees

chairman of two drug outfits Akorn, which specializes in "difficult-to-manufacture" prescription drugs and Insys Therapeu-

Romesh Wadhwani

Bharat Neerja Desai

Rakesh Gangwal

John Kapoor

Kavitark Ram Shriram

topped by Microsoft's co-founder Bill Gates for the 23rd year in a row.

Symphony Technology founder Romesh Wadhwani, cofounder of outsourcing firm Syntel Bharat Neerja Desai, Airline veteran Rakesh Gangwal, entrepreneur John Kapoor and Silicon Valley angel investor Kavitark Ram Shriram have featured in Forbes' 'The Richest People In America 2016' list.

The list has been topped by 60-year-old Gates who has a net worth of 81 billion dollars.

Gates keeps pushing to save lives in the developing world through efforts to eliminate polio, attack malaria and expand

Forbes said.

Wadhwani, 69, has been ranked 222nd on the list with a net worth of three billion dollars.

said.

Last year, Wadhwani announced that he planned to commit up to USD 1 billion to fund en-

across the globe, Forbes said.

Gangwal is ranked 321 on the list with a net worth of 2.2 billion dollars.

The 63-year old IIT alumnus is an airline veteran who made his fortune from InterGlobe Aviation, the parent company of his budget airline IndiGo, India's largest by market share.

Gangwal co-founded IndiGo, headquartered outside Delhi, in 2006 with one aircraft. The Miami resident owns more than 40 per cent of the company and now serves as a board member, Forbes said.

Kapoor ranks 335 on the list and has a net worth of 2.1 billion dollars. The 73-year old is the

tics, which produces an opioid for cancer patients.

Shriram ranks 361 on the list and has a net worth of 1.9 billion dollars. An early Google backer, Shriram, 59, has sold of most of his stock but remains on the board of its parent company, Alphabet, Forbes said.

Since 2000, Shriram has been investing in young technology startups through his firm, Sherpalo Ventures.

His portfolio includes Paperless Post, an online card and invitation service; Optimizely, which provides web and mobile app testing; and Inmobi, a mobile advertising company.-PTI

The 63-year old IIT alumnus is an airline veteran who made his fortune from InterGlobe Aviation, the parent company of his budget airline IndiGo, India's largest by market share. Gangwal co-founded IndiGo, headquartered outside Delhi, in 2006 with one aircraft The IIT Mumbai and Carnegie Mellon alumnus is the chairman and CEO of Symphony Technology Group, an empire of 17 data,

trepreneurship initiatives in India.

Desai ranks 274th on the list with a net worth of 2.5 billion dollars. Their company Syntel,

Modi discusses climate change with Letterman NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi sat down for an interview with American television talk show host David Letterman to discuss India's vision to help fight climate change.

"If the world helps me with technology, helps me with resources, I will be the very first person to switch over to clean energy completely," says Modi in the interview with Letterman.

The interview is part of the Emmy award-winning documentary series "Years of Living Dangerously", which is shown on National Geographic channel.

Modi's interview is the first episode of the program where Letterman will also meet other key government officials, along with travelling to rural villages where 300 million people live without power, to understand whether India will continue to use dirty fossils fuels like coal, or will it be able to lead the way with the renewable energy program.

American TV talk show host David Letterman interviews Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a documentary series “Years of Living Dangerously�

The series investigates both the global and individual devastation wrought by climate change and features popular celebrity hosts including Harrison Ford and Matt Damon.

Modi talked about India's vision and the role it aims to play to fight the global issue of climate change.

The aim of the show is to find out whether India would continue using non-renewable sources of energy or shift to a cleaner source and how it plans to do so.

Letterman, 69, who had retired from TV in May 2015, was roped in by the Emmy award winning TV series by Nat Geo as the producers felt that he was invested in the cause.

After conducting the interview, Letterman said, "I don't know what that was, but thank you. It's one of those things that I would like to do again. I was hoping he would ask me to sleep over. I have nothing but questions for this man."-PTI

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Pakistan bar on journalist over rift report ISLAMABAD: A prominent Pakistani journalist has been barred from leaving the country after he reported on a rift between civilian and military leaderships during a key meeting in which the powerful ISI was told that its support for terror groups led to Pakistan's international isolation.

Cyril Almeida, a columnist and reporter for the Dawn newspaper, tweeted that he has been told that he has been put on 'Exit Control List' - a system of border control maintained by Pakistan government which allows it to bar people whose names appear on the list from leaving the country.

"I am told and have been informed and have been shown evidence that I am on the Exit Control List," Almeida tweeted.

"Puzzled, saddened. Had no intention of going anywhere; this

forgive," he said.

The government has not officially commented on the ban, but

Cyril Almeida

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had asked authorities to take "stern action" against people responsible for publishing the "fabricated" story.

Meanwhile Almeida's tweet

His report said the civilian government told the military leadership of a growing international isolation of Pakistan due to their alleged support to militancy.Pakistan government has repeatedly denied the story is my home. Pakistan. I feel sad tonight. This is my life, my country. What went wrong," he said.

Almeida said he had planned a trip abroad long time ago. "Was a long-planned trip, for at least several months now. There are certain things that I will never, ever

has been among the top trends in Pakistan and he has received support from several senior journalists.

Najam Sethi of Geo tweeted: "Civil-Military Establishment has given the international media a bigger story by stupidly target-

ing Cyril/Dawn. Media must stand by @cyalm and @dawn_com."

Ansar Abbasi, senior journalist with The News, said: "One can raise Qs on Dawn story but putting @cyalm name on ECL is wrong. After Dawn had published rebuttal, there was no need for all this (sic)."

Zahid Hussain said: "Travel ban on Cyril @cyalm for doing his job is shameful."

The development has come less than a week after he wrote a front-page story in the widelyread daily about a rift between Pakistan's civilian and military leaderships over jihadi groups operating from Pakistan but engage in war against India and Afghanistan. On October 6, Almeida, citing sources, reported about a verbal clash in a meeting of top officials of civilian government of Sharif and spy chief of militaryled Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) over alleged support to militants.

His report said the civilian government told the military leadership of a growing international isolation of Pakistan due to their alleged support to militancy.

Pakistan government has repeatedly denied the story. "(The) Prime Minister took serious notice of the violation and directed that those responsible should be identified for stern action," according to an official statement.-PTI

2 arrested for assaulting Sikh-American SAN FRANCISCO: Two persons have been arrested in connection with an alleged hate crime attack on a 41-year-old SikhAmerican IT expert in the US, police said here.

Maan Singh Khalsa was at-

yelling at him. Khalsa's head was pulled out of the window of his car, his turban was forcibly removed and his long hair was cut off, authorities said.

Dustin Albarado, 25, and Chase Little, 31, were arrested after the

The group argues that Khalsa, an information technology specialist and part-time caregiver, was targeted because of his ethnicity and religion. "The attackers caused physical injuries and deep harm tacked on September 25 in Richmond Bay area, California when a group of white men in a pickup truck began to attack him, completely unprovoked.

One of the men threw a beer can at his car while cursing and

attack. A third assailant and two remaining accomplices have not been apprehended, Richmond Police Lt. Felix Tan was quoted as saying by the Los Angeles Times.

The Sikh Coalition, a national civil rights organization, is urging

California law enforcement officials to file hate crime charges in connection with the attack that left Khalsa with several injuries.

The group argues that Khalsa, an information technology specialist and part-time caregiver, was targeted because of his ethnicity and religion.

"The attackers caused physical injuries and deep harm when they targeted my Sikh faith," Khalsa said in a statement.

"I urge a thorough investigation so we can address the tide of violence and bigotry in this country."

The Sikh Coalition had also written to Richmond Police Chief Allwyn Brown and Contra Costa County District Attorney Mark A. Peterson, urging them to investigate the incident as a hate crime.-PTI

Sikh made honorary cop in Rockford CHICAGO: An Indian-American Sikh has been made honorary police assistant in a US city to bridge gap and increase cooperation between policemen and com-

which is the need of the hour," he said.

Singh, who was administered the oath by chief of police Oshea, said it is important for religious

munity members in cases of hate leaders and police to work tocrimes and discrimination. gether for betterment of the comNanaksar Sikh Temple chief munity.

Baba Daljit Singh, 55, was sworn His duties include providing in as a new chaplain to serve the support and assistance to police Rockford Police Department and officers, firefighters, other emthe community. ployees and their families during Singh, the first Sikh to be made times of crisis. honorary police assistant in ChiSingh will assist police officcago, will bridge gap between policemen and community members in His duties include providing cases of hate crimes and discrimination. support and assistance to "That is the important thing, we religious police officers, firefighters, persons, spiritual per- other employees sons, will tell the community, the people of Rockford, the police serves you," ers and firefighters to communihe was quoted as saying by 13 cate with victims when required.

WREX.com news website.

The Chaplain Section of the "My goal is to serve humanity police department also assists and deliver the message of people in emergency-like situaSikhism in western community tions.-PTI

October 14, 2016

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Clinton 41-pts ahead among Asian-Americans India Post News Service

H

illary Clinton holds a 41point lead over Donald Trump among AsianAmerican registered voters headed into November's presidential election, according to a

to vote for Clinton compared to 14 percent for Trump. Eight percent intended to vote for a different candidate, and 16 percent had not yet decided, according to the survey. Seven percent of registered voters declined to give an answer.

Hillary Clinton

survey.

The Fall 2016 National Asian American Survey, taken between Aug. 10 and Sept. 29 in 11 different languages, found that 55 percent of registered voters intended

When taking into account voters leaning one way or the other, Clinton's lead grows to 43 points, with 59 percent of registered voters intending to or leaning toward voting for Clinton compared

to 16 percent for Trump and 16 percent who were undecided or refused to answer.

"The big takeaway is a continuation of what we saw in the Spring 2016 survey - an AsianAmerican population that was become more Democratic over time," Karthick Ramakrishnan, the survey's director, told NBC News. "We see that Trump is likely a significant reason for that shift. Trump's unfavorables are like nothing we've seen before."

The survey found that 67 percent of surveyed voters had a "very unfavorable" or "unfavorable" opinion of Trump, compared to 36 percent for Clinton.

When asked about what the most important issue facing the United States was, 26 percent of respondents said that the economy was most important, followed by 12 percent saying national security, and 10 percent saying racism, with 23 percent of Asian-American voters under the age of 34 said that racism was the most important issue facing the country.

Fifty-eight percent of respondents has a "very unfavorable" or "unfavorable" opinion of the Republican party, while nine per-

cent held "somewhat favorable" or "very favorable" views. Regarding the Democratic party, 30 percent of respondents held "very unfavorable" or "somewhat unfavorable" views compared to 60 percent who had "somewhat favorable" or "very favorable" views.

The survey also polled respondents on a variety of issues, including the Affordable Care

American voters cast ballots for Pres. Barack Obama, compared to 31 percent for Mitt Romney, according to a 2012 post-election review by the National Asian American Survey. As of 2014, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders represented five percent of eligible voters and six percent of the United States resident population, according to Ramakrishnan.

When asked about what the most important issue facing the United States was, 26 percent of respondents said that the economy was most important, followed by 12 percent saying national security, and 10 percent saying racism Act, federal assistance for college, allowing Muslims into the United States, Syrian refugees, and marijuana legalization.

When asked about the most important issues facing them personally, 19 percent of respondents said the economy, followed by healthcare at 13 percent, and both national security and education at seven percent.

In 2012, 68 percent of Asian-

"The electorate is important, one, for the presidential election, there are a few states like Virginia and Nevada and North Carolina where they will likely help to determine the outcome," Ramakrishnan said. "Even in states with a smaller AsianAmerican population like Ohio and Florida, they could play a role given how close those races are."

China ready to talk NSG but not Azhar BEIJING: Ahead of President Xi Jinping's visit to India, China has said it is "ready" for talks with India on its entry into the NSG but defended extending a hold on

India's bid for a UN ban on JeM chief Masood Azhar, saying Beijing is opposed to anyone making "political gains in the name of counter-terrorism".

Xi Jinping with Narendra Modi

Briefing media here on Xi's visit to India to take part in the BRICS Summit in Goa, China's Vice Foreign Minister Li Baodong again harped on the need to build consensus over the admission of new members in the 48-member Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

Asked if any progress on the issue of India's admission into NSG can be expected in the meeting between Xi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit, Li said NSG rules stipulate consensus among the members to admit new ones.

"These rules are not to be decided by China alone. On the issue, China and India have maintained good communication and we are ready to continue consultations with India to build consensus and we also hope India can go to other members of the NSG as well," Li said replying to a question on China's reservations on India's admission to the elite nuclear trading club.

"In this aspect we are also ready for discussions with India to explore possibilities but things need to be in keeping up with procedures, norms and regulations of the NSG. On this issue, China position

is consistent. That is why China has often said international law must be observed," he said.

Xi will travel to Goa to attend the BRICS Summit scheduled to held between October 15-16. The BRICS grouping consists of Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa.

While India has blamed one country, without naming China, for stalling its membership in the

ing: "China is opposed to all forms of terrorism."

"There should be no double standards on counter-terrorism.

Nor should one pursue own political gains in the name of counter-terrorism," he said in a veiled reference to India, which is pressing for the UN ban against Azhar over his role in the Pathankot terror attack.

China had announced the ex-

"There should be no double standards on counter-terrorism. Nor should one pursue own political gains in the name of counterterrorism," he said in a veiled reference to India, which is pressing for the UN ban against Azhar NSG, both the countries held talks recently to iron out differences.

After talks with India, China also has held similar talks with Pakistan, which also applied for membership in the influential grouping.

Replying to a question on criticism about China's move to stall India's bid for a UN ban on Azhar - head of Pakistan-based terrorist group Jaish-e-Muhammad - Li sought to justify Beijing's recent technical hold in the matter, say-

tension of its "technical hold" on India's bid to get Azhar designated as a terrorist by the UN on October 1, days before it was to expire.

The hold can continue for up to three months more.

During the briefing, Li said counter-terrorism cooperation will figure in the BRICS Summit. "On counter-terrorism, it is an important area for cooperation among BRICS members for political security.

Cont’d on page 35

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China downplays river water reports BEIJING: Playing down official media reports mooting a mechanism to share Brahmaputra river waters with India, China has said Beijing and New Delhi have "effective" cooperation to share data of the river flow and it is willing to continue it.

"China and India have appropriate cooperation mechanism on trans border rivers," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told PTI here.

"The mechanism has been functioning smoothly at present and has been effective. The Chinese side is willing to continue its

construction of the dam project on the tributary of the Brahmaputra started in June, 2014," it said.

While it is understandable that India is sensitive to China's water exploitation on the Brahmaputra as a downstream country, it said "China is unlikely to use the waters of the river as a potential weapon".

Pointing that China is the source of several trans-boundary rivers including the LancangMekong River, which runs through China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam,

While mooting a new mechanism, the Global Times article accused India of "making increasing efforts to exploit the Brahmaputra River through various forms, in a bid to develop the river's water resources". cooperation with the Indian side on this," he said in a written response to a question about an article in state-run Global Times that stated China is ready to join a multilateral cooperation mechanism involving India and Bangladesh to share the waters.

The article said China is willing to have multilateral cooperation with India and Bangladesh to share the waters.

The proposal is significant as China has no water treaty with India to share the river waters.

"It is easy to understand the anger of Indian people as they read recent news reports saying China had blocked a tributary of the Brahmaputra River, which is a trans-boundary river flowing from Southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region into the northeastern Indian state of Assam and later into Bangladesh, serving as an important water source for the regions," it said.

"Frankly, there is no need for India to overreact to such projects, which aim to help with reasonable development and utilization of water resources," it said.

"However, what is worrying is that some local Indian media outlets linked the blockage with India's recent water dispute with Pakistan, trying to create the false impression that China may be interested in taking part in the socalled water war between the two South Asian countries to give Pakistan silent support. However

it said "If China blocked the Brahmaputra for political reasons, such a move would cause panic among the five Southeast Asian nations and therefore damage China's relationship with them".

"We believe that China is willing to borrow from the experience of this mechanism when it comes to promoting cooperation among the Brahmaputra's three major riparian countries. This will be the most effective solution to the water dispute between China and India," it said.

On October 1, China an-

nounced the blockade of Xiabuqu River in Tibet as part of the construction of its "most expensive" dam.

The Lalho project on Xiabuqu River a tributary in Xigaze in Tibet involves an investment of 4.95 billion yuan (USD 740 million).

Later clarifying about the dam, China said "the reservoir capacity of the project is less than 0.02 per cent of the average annual runoff of the Yarlung ZangboBrahmaputra. It cannot have an adverse impact on the downstream".

China and India currently have Expert Level Mechanism (ELM) on trans-border rivers under which Beijing provides data on the river flows.

While mooting a new mechanism, the Global Times article accused India of "making increasing efforts to exploit the Brahmaputra River through various forms, in a bid to develop the river's water resources".

"Some efforts may have harmed the interests of downstream Bangladesh, but the lack of bargaining power for Bangladesh, whose economy is highly dependent on India, has resulted in limited public attention," it said.

"India may feel reluctant to establish a cooperation mechanism among the Brahmaputra's riparian countries because such a mechanism is likely restrain India from moves that might hurt Bangladesh's interests," it said.PTI

Valerie Vaz appointed to UK shadow cabinet LONDON: Valerie Vaz, the sister of Britain's longest serving Indian-origin Labor MP Keith Vaz, has been appointed the new Shadow leader of the House by the Labor Party.

The 61-year-old MP is the second Indian-origin MP to join Labor leader Jeremy Corbyn's newlyreshuffled shadow cabinet after Baroness Shami Chakrabarti was appointed the Shadow attorneygeneral.

Corbyn's frontline team now has 16 women and 14 men, seen as a boost for gender equality.

Goan-origin lawyer Vaz has been an MP for Walsall South since the 2010 general election.

She had backed Andy Burnham during Labor's leadership election last year but has since been seen as a Corbyn supporter.

She is also Vice Chairwoman of the Labor Parliamentary Party, having been elected by fellow Labor MPs. Vaz was born in Aden, to parents Merlyn and Tony Vaz who originated from Goa. She attended Cambridge University to undertake research.

She qualified as a solicitor in 1984. She has worked as a lawyer in local government in London Boroughs. She set up a community law firm Townsend Vaz and sat as a Deputy District Judge.-PTI

Sudha enthralls UN with classical performance PRAKASH M SWAMY

NEW YORK: Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary and Non-Violence Day was observed with a program that included, besides India's ratification of the Paris Agreement, performance by renowned classical music singer Sudha Raghunathan as well as the unveiling of a commemorative UN postage stamp of Indian music legend M.S. Subbulakshmi.

India deposited its Instrument

moon stressed the link between non-violence, peace and nature as he observed the International Day of Non Violence. "Every year on the International Day of Non-Violence, we re-commit ourselves to the cause of peace, as exemplified by the life of Mahatma Gandhi who was born on this day 147 years ago," Ban said. The UN General Assembly, through a resolution in 2007, designated 2 Octo-

UN Postal Administration unveils the commemorative stamp of M.S. Subbulakshmi, Indian music legend. The first copy is presented to musician Sudha Raghunathan (left).-UN Photo

of Ratification to the Paris Agreement under the convention on Climate Change, coinciding with the International Day of Non Violence. The day also commemorates the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi who epitomized a lifestyle with the smallest carbon footprint. With this India became the 62nd country to ratify the Agreement taking the cumulative emission of the countries that have ratified the Agreement so far to 51.89 percent.

This significant contribution towards the early entry into force of the Paris Agreement underlines Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment to global cause of environmental protection and climate justice and reaffirms India's responsive leadership in addressing the impact of climate change.

The speakers included UN Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson, General Assembly President Peter Thomson, and Professor Barry Gan, India's Ambassador to the UN Syed Akbraruddin, Director of Center of Non-Violence, St. Bonaventure University, New York.

The event was followed by a Carnatic Music concert by Sudha Raghunathan. The MC of the event was Manjunath Chennerrappa, Head of Chancery of the Permanent Mission of India to the UN. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-

ber as the International Day of Non-Violence to coincide with the birthday of Gandhi.

"We know that a culture of non-violence begins with respect for others, but it does not end there. To nurture peace, we must respect nature. I am pleased this year's International Day of NonViolence puts the focus on sustainability and the environment," Ban said.

"In all he did, Gandhi honored our obligation to all living things.

He reminded us that 'Earth provides enough to satisfy everyone's needs, but not everyone's greed.' Gandhi also challenged us to 'be the change we wish to see in the world,'" the Secretary-General noted. India's commitment is reflected in a momentous way, the UN chief said, as its government is depositing its instrument of ratification for the Paris Agreement on climate change.

There is no better way to commemorate Gandhi and his legacy for people and planet, he said, urging all countries to complete their domestic processes for ratification and also strive in all activities to achieve progress through non-violence. The Day is annually observed worldwide with commemorative events.

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Tech News India's surprise proposal to tackle HFCs KIGALI, Rwanda: India has come up with a surprise proposal to increase the ambition of developed and developing countries to tackle the menace of Hydroflurocarbons, amid intense efforts by negotiators from nearly 200 countries here to strike a deal to phase-down the harmful refrigerant gas.

At the Open Ended Working Group meeting at the Kigali Convention Centre, India agreed to consider an early baseline year for bringing down HFC consumption, provided developed countries agree to an early "freeze year" and drastically reduce the consumption of the climate-damaging greenhouse gas.

However, the proposal has not yet received favorable response from the developed countries.

The baseline is the maximum quantity of Hydroflurocarbons (HFCs) that a country can consume in a year. Freeze year is the year in which the baseline consumption has to be reached.

After that, countries have to start reducing HFC consumption from baseline.-PTI

Queensland govt to speed up Adani project MELBOURNE: India's energy major Adani's USD 21.7 billion Carmichael coal and mine project in Australia, bogged down by opposition from green groups, will be fast-tracked by the Queensland government which called it a "critical infrastructure" for the state.

State Development Minister Anthony Lynham issued a statement saying the combined mine, rail and associated water infrastructure have all been declared "critical infrastructure" and the project's special "prescribed project" status has been renewed and expanded to include its water infrastructure.

Lynham said his decision would mean less red tape for the proposed project and the jobs and business opportunities it offered.

"This step bundles together major elements of the project for the first time - the mine, the 389km rail line, and the water infrastructure, including a pipeline, pumping stations and a dam upgrade," he said.

Lynham said the declaration was based on advice from the independent Coordinator-General, who continued to meet regularly with Adani for the progress of the project.-PTI

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RJio enrolls 16mn users in 'world record', MUMBAI: Reliance Jio has claimed that it has created "a world record" by crossing the 16 million subscriber mark in its first month of operations -September.

Jio, a new entrant in the 4G market, has achieved this growth faster than any other telecom operator or start-up in the world, including the likes of Facebook, WhatsApp and Skype, Reliance Jio Infocomm said in a release. "We are delighted and humbled by the overwhelming response across India to the Jio Welcome Offer. Jio is built to empower every Indian with the power of data," said Mukesh Ambani, Chairman, Reliance Industries (RIL).-PTI

Jaitley makes strong pitch for re-capitalizing World Bank WASHINGTON: In view of the World Bank being capital-constrained, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has emphasized on the need for re-capitalizing the Bank to enable it to meet Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and twin goals of eliminating extreme poverty by 2030 and boosting shared prosperity.

"Unfavorable global scenario has made the achievement of twin goals of the World Bank Group and the ambitious SDGs even more challenging. Achievement of these goals requires trillions of dollars of development financing. This makes the role of the World Bank group even more critical both as a provider of finance and knowledge," he said.

Jaitley was representing the Constituency of Bangladesh,

quirement of USD 5-7 billion.

During the last spring meeting, Jaitley had called for a USD 100 billion bank.

The 'Forward Look Paper' has proposed annual lending of USD 40 billion per annum by IBRD. It also proposes doubling of IFC's annual investment capacity. This is necessary in view of the increasing role which IFC needs to play in ramping up private sector's capacities in developing countries.

"Increased financing measures need to be coupled with renewed efforts to find innovative solutions, active pursuance of knowledge sharing, coordinated responses with the private sector, other development partners and international organizations," Jaitley said.

On growth, the finance minis-

The Bank's active promotion of South-South cooperation, increased use of Country Systems and a pragmatic implementation of environmental and social standards would help considerably in making it a better Bank, he added.

Bhutan, India and Sri Lanka, at the 94th Meeting of the Development Committee (DC), the MinisterialLevel forum of the World Bank Group and IMF for inter-governmental consensus building on development issues, here yesterday.

The meeting focused on the 'Forward Look' exercise carried out by the World Bank and discussion on the Dynamic Formula of Shareholding of member countries in the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), a member institution of the Bank.

"In view of the Bank being capital constrained today, there is a need to expand the role of not only IDA, but also IBRD and IFC to enlarge the lending program of the Bank Group," he said.

For instance, in the case of India, during the last fiscal year, fresh commitments delivered were only USD 3.8 billion as against the re-

ter said: "Our constituency countries have displayed resilience and growth in this challenging environment where India is likely to grow at more than its last year's 7.6 per cent, Bangladesh at 6.3 per

cent, Sri Lanka at about 5.3 per cent and Bhutan at 6.8 per cent."

He shared the assessment that the Bank should not only be bigger but be more agile, efficient and less expensive to do business with.

The draft report, he said, dilutes this laudable goal by merely stating that the voting power of the developing and transition countries (DTCs) should not be reduced.

"Further, there should be at least 2 per cent increase in v o t i n g power of DTCs at the conclusion of the process," he suggested.

Jaitley said the International DevelopFinance Minister Arun Jaitley ment Association The Bank's active promotion of (IDA), part of the World Bank, is South-South cooperation, in- the single-most important creased use of Country Systems concessional platform to meet the and a pragmatic implementation of needs of low-income countries. environmental and social stan"Therefore, we fully support the dards would help considerably in replenishment effort that aims at a making it a better Bank, he added. base package of USD 75 billion for Jaitley also made the point that IDA 18 replenishment... I am happy the final outcome of the World to note that unreasonable burden Bank shareholding "must not lose which 'Acceleration Clause' imsight of the raison d'etre of the re- posed on the graduates has been alignment - to increase the voice recognized and it is proposed to susand voting power of developing pend its operation for the present. countries, which we had clearly This should in fact be done away stated in 2010 and reiterated in with entirely," Jaitley said.

2015 DC Communiques".

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India disappointed on IMF Quota reforms WASHINGTON: Expressing "extreme disappointment" with delay in completion of IMF quota reforms, India has stressed that the Fund should strictly abide by the new deadlines set for the 15th General Review of Quota (GRQ).

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley also said that since the forces of globalization and multilateralism can go a long way in expanding global growth opportunities, "we must focus on the coordinated policy actions and growth strategies".

"Let me say we are somewhat disappointed that the deadline for

completing the 15th Review will be pushed back to the 2019 Spring Meetings," he said at the International Monetary and Finance Committee (IMFC) plenary ses-

There is a "dire need" for increasing quotas since there is a broad agreement on maintaining the current overall lending capacity

sion.

While expressing India's extreme disappointment, the finance minister emphasized that the Fund should strictly meet the new deadlines, a release said.

Jaitley felt that there is a "dire need" for increasing quotas since there is a broad agreement on maintaining the current overall lending capacity of the Fund and its resource pool is excessively tilted towards borrowed resources.

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Global growth benefited too few: Lagarde WASHINGTON: Global growth has benefited "too few" people for "too long" and inequality remains high in many countries as trade has increasingly become a "political football", IMF chief Christine Lagarde has said calling on world leaders to focus on an inclusive

annual fall meetings of the IMF and the World Bank here.

"Putting it simply: growth has been too low, for too long, and benefiting too few," the International Monetary Fund Managing Director said.

"The social and political con-

IMF chief Christine Lagarde

development strategy.

"The first priority for inclusive growth is to escape the 'new mediocre' of low growth, low employment, and low wages.

That means using all policy tools monetary, fiscal, and structural: to maximize the synergies within countries and amplify the impact though coordination across countries," she said at the

sequences are becoming all too apparent. Inequality remains too high in too many countries. Conflict and migration exert a terrible toll. Trade has become a political football. And supporters of economic integration and cooperation are on the defensive," she said.

Lagarde said the world needs a "transition to the digital age - but a transition that benefits everyone. And

we need to accelerate now," she said.

The IMF has projected global growth at 3.1 per cent this year, with only a modest acceleration to 3.4 per cent next year, she said.

With interest rates at historic lows, there is no better time for public investment: to expand access to high-speed internet, promote energy-efficient transport, and build climate-friendly infrastructure, Lagarde asserted.

"Even where fiscal space is unavailable, governments can reallocate funds into R&D by offering tax credits and supporting public research institutions. Remember: all the technologies that make our mobile phones 'smart' have benefited from public funding wireless networks, GPS, touch screens. This shows that good public policies can boost growth for decades to come," she added.

Lagarde said the second priority for inclusive growth is providing everybody with a level playing field. For this, she called for increasing the equality of opportunity, promote fair burden-sharing and preserve competition and market access.

"This is especially important for the digital economy, where network effects can lead to increases in market concentration which harms innovation and concentrates wealth at the top. By injecting more and fairer competition, we can ensure that the vast potential of the digital age can be managed for the benefit of all," she said.-PTI

Pak, Iran in talks over CPEC joining ISLAMABAD: Iran, which is keen to join the USD 46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, has started talks with Pakistan to extend the ambitious project to the oil-rich nation.

Iran's envoy to Pakistan Mehdi Honardoost held talks with CPEC Projects Director Zahir Shah to

become part of the CPEC in a recent meeting between President Hasan Rouhani and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in New York last month.

"Iran's different private sectors have huge capabilities in different fields including technical, engineering, energy projects, road and

Shah praised Iran's willingness and readiness to participate in the projects of CPEC and emphasized the importance of cooperation between Iran and Pakistan in different fields.

"China-Pakistan Economic Corridor should be extended to Iran," Shah said discuss fields in which Iran would be able to participate and play an "active" role in the CPEC, Pakistan Today newspaper reported.

Iran had showed willingness to

construction, building energy transmission line and are fully prepared to participate in different projects of CPEC," said Honardoost.

The ambassador also stressed that Iran is ready to meet the energy needs of Pakistan, including natural gas and electricity, which is crucially important for Pakistan to move faster on completion of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

Shah praised Iran's willingness and readiness to participate in the projects of CPEC and emphasized the importance of cooperation between Iran and Pakistan in different fields.

"China-Pakistan Economic Corridor should be extended to Iran," Shah said.

India has already expressed concern over the USD 46 billion CPEC project that passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

The lifting of international sanctions against Iran has paved the way for resumption of economic relations between Iran and Pakistan.-PTI

World leaders stress inclusive growth WASHINGTON: Acknowledg- structural reforms, fiscal and moning that the current model of de- etary policies both individually velopment has increased dispar- and collectively," it said. ity between the rich and the poor, IMF Managing Director Chrisworld leaders, including US Presi- tine Lagarde stressed on the need dent Barack Obama, have called for more inclusive growth in the for global cooperation to promote absence of which she warned of inclusive growth strategy. the threat to growth from the po"We need to push back against litical backlash against globalizathreats to global cooperation and tion. build a global economy that works "We need growth, but we need for everybody," Obama said in his inclusive growth. We need transiaddress at a meeting of Interna- tion to the digital age, but a transitional Monetary Fund and the tion that benefits everyone. And World Bank leaders. we need to accelerate now," she The meeting was attended by said. finance ministers from countries all over the world. The Indian del- "We need growth, but we egation was led by Union Finance Minister need inclusive growth. We Arun Jaitley.

In his address, need transition to the digital Obama asked IMF to age, but a transition that continue promoting strong, inclusive and benefits everyone� balanced global growth, with fiscal policies to increase demand, support strucDeputy Prime Minister of Japan tural reform and reduce economic and Governor of the IMF for Jainequality. pan said inclusive growth was imHe asked the World Bank to portant for sustained macroecocontinue addressing the most nomic growth. pressing global challenges, from The issue of shrinking middle tackling climate change to re- class and labor market duality sponding to the global refugee have been pointed out in Japan, crisis, to championing investment too. in countries experiencing fragility, "Under these circumstances, violence and conflict. we plan to take measures that In its communique issued after would contribute to achieving inthe conclusion of the meeting, the clusive growth, such as raising the IMF reinforced its commitment to minimum wages by 3 per cent, strong, sustainable, inclusive, job- which was implemented this rich and more balanced growth. month, and ensuring equal pay for "We will use all policy tools equal work," he said.-PTI

China moots BRICS free trade area BEIJING: Ahead of the BRICS Summit in Goa, China has mooted a free trade area for the five-member bloc of emerging countries saying that such a move would constitute "significant form of cooperation".

By setting up a free trade area, BRICS countries would be able to remove tariff and non-tariff barriers, give play to their comparative advantages and advance trade and investment liberalization between them, China's Ministry of Commerce (MOC) spokesperson Shen Danyang told a press briefing.

China has not formally raised the issue for an upcoming BRICS meeting, but many experts have proposed a free trade area, he was quoted as saying by the state-run Xinhua news agency.

A free trade area would help BRICS nations - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - achieve mutual benefit and development and promote South-South cooperation on a global scale, Shen said.

Such a move would constitute "significant form of cooperation", he said.

BRICS trade ministers will meet in New Delhi later this week to discuss world economic trends and their influence on BRICS trade and investment which will be followed by the grouping's summit to be held on October 15 and 16 in Goa. The meeting is expected to deepen cooperation in areas including intellectual property rights, trade promotion and small businesses, Shen said.-PTI

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China makes new pitch for FDI BEIJING: China has liberalized rules of entry for foreign firms and announced new measures for them to access its domestic vast market, making a fresh pitch for FDI to reinvigorate the world's second largest economy amid continued slowdown.

Except for certain sensitive industries, foreign direct investment will now only require registration, rather than administrative approval, an official statement after central cabinet meeting chaired

by Premier Li Keqiang said.

Details on the working of the new system will be released online by the Ministry of Commerce (MOC), state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

Foreign companies will submit applications online and receive a response within three days.

That is to say, as long as their business is not on a "negative list", foreign investors will only

need to deliver business plans to local regulators, the report said.

The government estimates that this means over 95 per cent less procedures. The practice has been tested in various pilot free trade zones.

Law School was quoted as saying by the report.

"The move goes in line with foreign investors' anticipation of a wider opening Chinese market so as to further share the bonus of the country's growth," said Gmw.cn analyst Xie Weifeng.

Except for certain sensitive industries, foreign direct investment will now only require registration, rather than administrative approval, an official statement after central cabinet meeting chaired by Premier Li Keqiang said "A negative list for foreign investment, initiated by Shanghai pilot free trade zone in October 2013, will now be rolled out nationwide, which marks an end of an era dominated by administrative approvals," Ye Lin, professor of Renmin University of China

A report by the US-China Business Council found 90 per cent of US businesses operating in China were profitable in 2015, up from 85 per cent in 2014.

Despite an economic slowdown, China remains an attractive destination for foreign companies

India disappointed on IMF Quota reforms Cont’d from page 11

Recent work by the Fund also points to the need for realigning quota shares to reflect the changed economic realities, he said further.

"All this can be achieved as part of the 15th Review.

Delays in General Reviews of Quotas erode the Fund's legitimacy and credibility, and are against the provisions of the Articles of Agreement," Jaitley said.

"I do hope that the deadlines that will now be set for completing the 15th Review, including agreement on a new quota formula as the basis for realignment of quota shares, will be honored and adhered to in letter and spirit."

According to the finance minister, it is also important that the new quota formula should give more weight to PPP GDP to better reflect the true economic strength of emerging market and developing economies (EMDEs).

IMFC is a key body providing strategic direction to the work and policies of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The events were attended by select finance ministers and central bank governors.

Comprehensive review of the current quota formula was completed in January 2013, when the Executive Board submitted its report to the Board of Governors.

The outcome of this review will form a basis for the Executive Board to reach a broad consensus on a new quota formula as part of the 15th Review. Work towards the completion of the 15th Review are in progress.

Jaitley also said India broadly agrees with IMF's recent assessment of the global economy.

"The recovery from the global financial crisis has not been as healthy as we would have liked.

Growth remains subdued and the outlook is clouded by uncertainties emanating from both economic

paralleled pool of economic knowledge and experience and has a very important role to play in advising its membership on the way forward.

This is "particularly true of those members whose capacities of economic policy formulation and implementation are less developed". He suggested that IMF should continue working on removing perceptions of lack of even-handedness.

"The Fund's smaller members should be confident that they are considered as important as the

"We also broadly agree with the way forward proposed in the Managing Director's Global Policy Agenda. We particularly welcome the focus on measures to make growth more broad-based. We support the proposals for identifying policy space." and political sources," he said.

Against this backdrop, he said: "We also broadly agree with the way forward proposed in the Managing Director's Global Policy Agenda. We particularly welcome the focus on measures to make growth more broad-based. We support the proposals for identifying policy space."

Jaitley also supported the proposals for identifying policy space and said IMF represents an un-

larger ones, and Fund conditionality in programs is not unnecessarily burdensome for them," Jaitley stressed.

Referring to monetary policies in advanced economies, Jaitley said they have stayed accommodative for an unprecedentedly long time.

In today's inter-connected world, he added that these policies inevitably produce spillovers to EMDEs.-PTI

with an improving business environment.

Foreign direct investment (FDI) in China during the first eight months of 2016 increased 4.5 per cent year-on-year to USD 85.9 billion, MOC said.

Altogether, 18,538 new foreign-funded businesses were established in the same period, up 10.2 per cent from a year earlier.

FDI inflows have grown steadily since 1978 when China began reform and opening-up, but remained relatively low in the 1980s.

Former Chinese leader Deng

Xiaoping's tour of the southern province of Guangdong in early 1992 brought a massive wave of FDI, lifting inflows to over USD 45 billion by 1997-1998.

In 2001, China joined the World Trade Organization and FDI inflows have more than doubled since.

Hit by slowdown, China's economy grew 6.7 per cent in the second quarter of the year, the lowest quarterly growth rate since the global financial crisis in early 2009, but still within the government's target range of 6.57 per cent for 2016.-PTI

Jaitley makes strong pitch for re-capitalizing World Bank Cont’d from page 11

According to Jaitley, the World Bank stands at a crossroads as it has not only to reinvent itself as it embraces the challenges but design and execute its projects efficiently, nimbly and innovatively like never before.

"As shareholders, let us not shy away from adequately resourcing the bank and empowering the bank to enable us to meet SDGs and our twin goals," he said.

While addressing the gathering at forums like the Goldman

Sachs Growth Markets Conference and the FT-Citi Forum, he elaborated on the significant improvement in macro-economic fundamentals of investment and growth in the Indian economy.

Jaitley also highlighted the major transformative initiatives taken

by India which have "created a positive" business environment for Indian and global investments.

He also held a bilateral meeting with Philip Hammond, UK Finance Minister. The discussion centered on the various areas of mutual interest and cooperation.-PTI

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Triumph of good

D

iwali is the biggest Indian festival that celebrates the triumph of good over bad. It is a festival of lots of excitement, happiness, positivity and celebration of good over bad. It is a five-day long festival in which friends, family and loved ones gather together for a cheerful celebration of decorate home and illuminate home to eradicate darkness from everywhere as Diwali is celebrated on 'Amavasya' which is no moon day. It heralds the dawn of a New Year as per the Indian Hindu calendar.

Diwali signifies different meanings for its grand celebration in India. It is the day of celebrating Lord Ram's victory over

It is a five-day long festival in which friends, family and loved ones gather together for a cheerful celebration of decorate home and illuminate home to eradicate darkness from everywhere as Diwali is celebrated on 'Amavasya' which is no moon day

devil King Raavan. Also Diwali is the auspicious day for Lakshmi Ganesha Puja. So there is lot that signifies the cheerful festival of Diwali such as: The Tale of Ramayan: It is said that Diwali is celebrated on the account of Lord Rama's win and return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. In fact lighting and decorating of home is done actually to signify welcome of Lord Rama. The tale of Ramayan depicts all in detail.

Laxmi Ganesh Puja: Like the importance of Ramayana in the celebration of Diwali, Laxmi Ganesh Puja is also of great importance on Diwali. It is been believed by the people of India that worshipping Goddess Laxmi and Lord Ganesh on Diwali is the way of respecting God and getting blessed with healthy, wealthy, happy and prosperous life.

Tradition Diyas: The thing that best signifies the festival of lights, Diwali is the Traditional Diya. In fact the most important part of Diwali celebration is lighting traditional earthen diyas at home and everywhere around. Thus, the one thing that is on high demand is beautifully carved Diyas.

These days, a lot new varieties of Diwali Diyas are available the market.

C o l o r f u l Rangoli: Another very beautiful symbol of Diwali festival celebration is Rangoli. It is the name for the beautiful and colorful decoration of floors done with colored powder.

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Interesting facts about Diwali

Some well-thought out Diwali presents

D

iwali is the time for family and friends, heading back home and spreading the joy. And what spreads more joy than a well-thought out Diwali present. If you wish to think out of the box of typical Diwali presents of dry fruit boxes, sweet boxes, clothes, silver

pieces, regular jewellery, or Diwali hampers, then check out this list of some other cool Diwali gifts that you can gift your family and friends.

Copper Vessels Instead of going the traditional utensils route, why not try something that will shed a rosy glow in your loved one's kitchen.

There are plenty of funky copper vessel vendors you will find on the internet thanks to the blessing of online shopping that can provide you with the most unique gifting options.

Earthen Pots Designer earthen pots are also a cool gift idea for this Diwali. You are good with the brush, you can personalize them maybe

with a little painting, so that they can be used in multiple ways, as show-pieces, as flower pots, as flower vases, or just as simple knick-knack containers.

Innovative Table Lamps Some cool kitsch table lamps might be a cool, rather unusual gift as well as an interesting way to light up the halls and bedrooms. Unlike other Diwali lighting, they can use it all year round!

Unique Diyas Some interesting Diya sets might help them spread the Diwali joy and also light up their homes. They can be earthen, but in cool, interesting designs, or they can be metallic and slightly edgy looking. A set of such Diyas should be a pretty cool, minimalist yet useful gift to give this Diwali.

Interesting Candle Stands If there is Diwali, there are going to be

candles for sure. You can win this round of Diwali gifting by gifting some cool and funky looking candle-stands. But take care that the design of the candle stands goes with their home dĂŠcor theme.

Diwali Cupcakes Sweets are a part of every Diwali, but instead of going the much-walked upon route of traditional sweets, why not gift a box of cupcakes? And if those cupcakes have a Diwali theme running through them, then kudos to you for nailing the spirit of the festive season.

Cool Card Games Set Ask any uncle what he looks forward to the most during Diwali, and it will be those fun card games that are a riot of laughter and joy. Which is why you can't go wrong with a cool card games set. If you don't want to show up with only a

pack of cards, you can also bring other interesting Diwali themed knick-knacks - like magnets, keychains, etc.

Bracelet Watches Diwali follows right after Dhanteras, which is why there is such a surge of people rushing to buy jewellery presents. Set the mark a little different. Instead of buying your mom or sister or any other amazing woman in your life just another piece of jewellery, why not gift her a designer branded bracelet watch?

Kindle Your bookworm friends will tell you that you can never go wrong with the gift of the written word.

So why not just gift a Kindle, which will bring them the joys of hundreds of books!

Paintings Every house needs some amount of artwork to adorn their walls. You could take a cue from that and gift your loved one a piece of beautifully painted artwork to hang up on their wall. Even better if the painting is something that is meaningful to your relationship. It would add character to their home, as well as make them smile every time they look at it and think of you.

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W

e all know Diwali is associated with victory of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance, wealth and prosperity, Narakasura Vadha, Return of Lord Rama ... here are some more interesting fact on this grand festivity!

Hari Diwali: In Malaysia, Diwali is a National public holiday and is celebrated as Hari Diwali in the month of Aswayuja.

Tihar: Tihar or Swanti are the names referred to Diwali in Nepal and on the fourth day, the Hindu god of death, Yama is worshipped for longer life of people for a longer life of the people.

Sukhssuptika: According to Nilmal puran, Diwali celebrations is referred to as Sukhssuptika which literally means to sleep with happiness. Kashmiri Pandits still follow this age old ritual today.

Harvest Season: On Diwali farmers thank the deities for the harvests they had and pray for a prosperous harvesting season in the upcoming year as it marks the end of the harvest season and the onset of winter.

Celebrations in Odisha: There is a unique traditional practice in Odisha where people call upon the spirits of their dead ancestors. They burn jute stems to shed light on the dark path of the spirits on their

way to heaven.

Gambling: Gambling during Diwali is admitted as there is a belief that it brings good luck and prosperity in the year ahead.

Accounting Books: Diwali marks the beginning of the new financial; year hence traders start it by opening the new book of accounts and offering prayers to Lord Ganesha.

Mahavira Moksha: The Jain community in India celebrates the next day of Diwali as New Year's Day. On Diwali it is said that Lord Mahavira attained his Moksha or Nirvana.

Diwali is a national holiday in India, Trinidad & Tobago, Myanmar, Nepal, Mauritius, Guyana, Singapore, Surinam, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Fiji. It is an optional holiday in Pakistan.

Sikhs also celebrate Diwali as it marks the release of their Guruji - Guru Hargobind Sahibji - and 52 other kings and princess of India that were made captives by the Mogul emperor Shah Jahan.

Triumph of good Cont’d from page 14

Diwali Rangoli is in fact the traditional symbol of Diwali which excel with creativity.

Delectable Sweets: Like any other festival, sweets sharing with near and dear ones is an important ritual of the celebration of Diwali. Thus many days prior to Diwali celebration, amazing varieties of Diwali Special sweets is available everywhere around. In fact in the range of Diwali gifts, sweets are much preferred option. Just like Diwali Messages, Diwali sweets are shared by all among near and dear ones.

The Ritual of Sharing Gifts: On Diwali, the ritual that spreads happiness, love and cheerful moments around is the ritual of gifting which is of great significance among the people of India during Diwali. It is the way of strengthening the

bond of love with near and dear ones, sharing happiness and love. In fact on Diwali, Corporate companies distribute Diwali gifts

to staff.

Diwali is one of the most cheerful festival celebrations. So celebrate it with utmost zeal and utmost safety with family and friends.

www.indiapost.com

India Post October 14, 2016

20

Planning party games Gujiya recipe for Diwali for Diwali

P

lanning some games is among those Diwali party ideas that are sure to add fun and excitement to your celebrations. You can organize a fireworks contest which will perfectly match the theme of your party. A fancy dress competition is also an interesting idea for Diwali games.

Alternatively, you may organize a diya lighting contest in which your guests may love to participate.

Party favors You should present exciting gifts

and a pack of sweets.

Silver idols of Goddess Lakshmi and

Lord Ganesha can be used as a token of appreciation for your guests who've attended your party Wall hangings or door hangings elegantly decorated with zari, embroidery designs, and mirror work can be gifted to your guests as party favors.

to your guests for having attended your Diwali party. Interesting party favors are: Set of beautifully decorated diyas and a box of floating candles available in a variety of colors.

Gift baskets full of chocolates, dry fruits,

You can offer gifts to kids, like chocolates and firecrackers which will add to their fun and enthusiasm on this festive occasion.

Conquering Naraka marks Diwali in South India

I

n the South, Diwali festival often com memorates the conquering of the Asura Naraka, a powerful king of Assam, who imprisoned tens of thousands of inhabitants. It was Krishna who finally subdued Naraka and freed the prisoners. Diwali Festival in the south is celebrated in the Tamil month of aipasi (thula month) 'naraka chaturdasi' thithi, preceding amavasai.

The preparations begin the day before, when the oven is cleaned, smeared with lime, four or five kumkum dots are applied, and then it is filled with water for the next day's oil bath. The house is washed and decorated with kolam (rangoli) patterns with kavi (red oxide). In the pooja room, betel leaves, betel nuts, plaintain fruits, flowers, sandal paste, kumkum, gingelly oil, turmeric powder, scented powder are kept. Crackers and new dresses are placed in a plate after smearing a little kumkum or sandal paste.

Celebrations In The Morning: Deepavali celebrations begins early in the morning. The eldest family member applies sesame oil on the heads of all the family members.

Then, it's off for a bath, beginning with the youngest in the family. They emerge with new clothes and a look of anticipa-

tion at the thought of bursting crackers, which symbolizes the killing of the demon king Narakasur.

Lehiyan: But before that comes Lehiyan, the bitter concoction, to cleanse the system of its festive over-eating!

Then to the crackers.

Murukku: A puja is performed for the family deities in the morning. Breakfast consists of murukku, a sweet dish and, of course, idli or dosa.

Wish fulfilment: Some communities believe that when Narakasur was to be killed, Lord Krishna asked him his last wish. Narakasura replied that he wanted to enjoy the last day of his life in a grand manner and Diwali was celebrated. That was the beginning and the practice continued.

In The Evening: In the evening, lamps are lighted and crackers are burst. As most of the cracker manufacturing units are in Tamil Nadu, there is no dearth of fireworks here.

During Thalai Deepavali, the newly weds go to the bride's parental home for revelry. Taking blessings from the elders, they burst the first crackers of the day.

Usually a vast range of crackers is bought, with costs running into thousands of rupees.

Gujiya - crisp flaky pastry stuffed with a sweet khoya filling.

Prep time: 45 mins Cook time: 30 mins Total time: 1 hour 15 mins Cuisine: north indian Serves: 10 to 12 gujiyas ingredients (measuring cup used, 1 cup = 250 ml) For the gujiya pastry: • 1 cup whole wheat flour/atta + 1 cup all purpose flour/maida or 2 cups of all purpose flour or 2 cups of whole wheat flour *check notes • tsp salt • ½ cup water or as required • 2 tbsp ghee For the khoya stuffing: • 1 cup khoya, tightly packed, 200 to 220 gms khoya • ½ tbsp ghee • ? cup chopped dry fruits, 10 cashews, 10 almonds, 10 pistachios, ½ tbsp raisins • ? cup powdered sugar or as required • ½ tsp cardamom powder or 6 to 7 cardamoms powdered in a small coffee grinder or a mortar-pestle. preparing the gujiya pastry: 1. take the all purpose flour, whole wheat flour and salt in a bowl.

2. heat ghee in a small pan or bowl.

3. pour the ghee on the flours.

4. rub the ghee with the flours, with your fingertips to form a bread crumb like texture.

5. then add water in parts and begin to knead. the amount of water needed will depend on the quality and texture of the flour.

6. knead the dough till firm.

7. cover the dough with a moist cloth and keep aside for 30 minutes.

Preparing the gujiya stuffing: 1. crumble and grate the khoya/mawa 2. chop the dry fruits and keep aside.

3. melt ½ tbsp ghee in a pan on a low flame.

4. add the crumbled or grated khoya.

5. stir the khoya continuously on a low heat.

6. cook the khoya, till it begins to gather around itself. switch off the flame and keep the pan down. let the khoya stuffing cool down completely.

7. then add powdered sugar, chop dry fruits and cardamom powder. better to seive the powdered sugar if there are lumps.

8. mix everything well and keep the stuffing aside. check the taste and add more sugar if you prefer.

Assembling & preparing gujiyas: 1. divide the dough into two parts.

2. make a medium log of each part and slice it into equal parts.

3. roll each part in your palms to make balls and place all the balls in the same bowl. cover with a moist kitchen towel.

4. dust the rolling board lightly with some flour. roll each ball with the rolling pin to a small circle having 4 to 5 inches diameter. don't add too much flour while rolling. if you can roll without the flour, then it is better.

5. with your fingertip, apply water all over the circumference edge.

6. place about 1 tbsp or 1.5 tbsp of the khoya filling on one side of the circle, keeping edges empty. don't add too much of stuffing as then its difficult to shape them and the gujiya may break in the oil.

7. carefully, bring together both the edges and join. gently press the edges.

8. with a small gujiya cutter or pizza cutter, trim the extra edges. when doing this method, its very important that the gujiya is pressed & sealed well. avoid this method if you plan to fry the gujiya. if baking then method is good. as even if the filling comes out, you don't have to worry as there is no mess.

9. however, its best to make pleated design at the edges. this way the stuffing does not come out while frying and the gujiyas look good too. just keep on folding and twisting the edges till the end.

10. prepare gujiyas this way and arrange them on a plate or tray. cover the guijyas with a moist napkin so that the dough does not dry out.

Baking method: 1. preheat the oven to 200 degrees celsius/390 degree fahrenheit. brush oil or melted ghee n the gujiya evenly all over.

2. place them in a baking tray.

3. bake the gujiya for 20 to 30 minutesat 200 degrees celsius/390 degree fahrenheit,

till they are golden. oven temperatures vary, so do keep a check while baking the gujiyas. place them on a wire rack for cooling. once cooled, store the baked gujiyas in an airtight jar or box.

Frying method: 1. heat oil for deep frying in a kadai or pan.

2. first test the temperature of oil, before frying. add a small piece of the dough in the oil. if the dough comes up gradually, then the oil is ready. if the dough sits at the bottom, the oil is still cold. if the piece of dough comes up briskly and quickly, the oil is too hot.

3. gently slid the gujiyas in oil. just add a few pieces and don't overcrowd. at a time depending on the size of the pan/kadai, you can fry 2 to 3 gujiyas at a time.

4. turn them over carefully as fry the other side. deep fry till the gujiyas have become golden.

5. drain on kitchen paper tissues. fry gujiyas this way and once they are cooled completely, store them in an air-tight box.

6. serve them to your family and guests when required.

Author: Dassana

www.indiapost.com

India Post October 14, 2016

21

Realty Tidbits

Naidu commends East Kidwai Nagar project NEW DELHI: Describing the East Kidwai Nagar project as a role model for redevelopment, Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said the Rs 5,298 crore project should be replicated at other places for development of cities.

The Urban Development, Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation Minister said this after inaugurating three components of the project.

Being implemented by state-run National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC), work on the 'East Kidwai Nagar General Pool Residential Accommodation (GPRA) Redevelopment Project' was started in December, 2014 and the entire project is scheduled for completion in November, 2019.

The entire project cost will be met from the revenue generated from sale of built-up area of the project on lease hold basis for 30 years to government departments, ministries and public sector undertakings, he said.

The Minister said the project is a role model which needs to be adopted at other places for the development of the cities.

"Redevelopment of properties is the way for optimal utilization of scarce land resources in cities and for generating resources required. Zero Waste generation and zero discharge shall be the guiding principle for smart city development.

Protest over delay in Land Pooling Policy NEW DELHI: Members of a housing society body held a protest here over delay in implementation of the crucial Land Pooling Policy, and appealed to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to expedite it.

Under the banner of Federation of Housing Societies and Developers in Delhi, scores of people, held a sit-in on the Parliament Street, which briefly affected the flow of traffic.

"Land Pooling Policy will benefit and give people affordable housing. We appeal to chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and Lt Governor Najeeb Jung to expedite its implementation," a member of the federation said. The Lt Governor is also the Chairman of the Delhi Development Authority.

DDA has not been able to make any headway in implementing the policy, as it still awaits the notification by Delhi government declaring several villages as development areas or urban villages.-PTI

Real Estate www.indiapost.com

22 India Post

October 14, 2016

Giant development planned for west Omaha OMAHA, Neb: Developers plan to transform nearly 500 acres of west Omaha from primarily farmland to a mix of retail and housing with space for a lake and miles of trails.

Lead developer Jay Noddle told the Omaha WorldHerald it could take up to 20 years to build out the development on farmland and property owned by Boys Town. When completed, Noddle says the development would have an assessed value of at least $1.2 billion.-AP

Bayshores lures with distinctive architecture, unique designs India Post News Service

NEWARK, CA: William Lyon Homes' Bayshores is creating a sensation in Newark with over 90 homes sold and an incredible amount of interest spurring more sales every day. A press release

by William Lyon says, "Located adjacent to the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Bayshores is unlike any offering in the area with diverse neighborhoods brimming with masterful craftsmanship, appealing architecture and innovative home designs. The setting away from freeways provides another distinction from other new home communities in Newark, offering a blend of tranquility and convenience with transportation networks just minutes away, including I-880, Highway 84 and I-101, as well as the ACE Train, BART and CAL Train.

The release invites you to "Visit today to see why so many homebuyers are turning to Bayshores for a home find they feel great about. For immediate details, go to www.LyonBayshores.com and join the Interest List.

"Since Bayshores' on-site sales gallery opened, word is spreading quickly and interest is soaring," said Kathy Floyd, Director of Sales for William Lyon Homes. "With valuable pre-model pricing oppor-

tunities available now, we encourage buyers to visit soon."

Bayshores' neighborhood offerings showcase The Cove's condominiums, The Strand's townhome style homes, The Bank's and The Tides three-story detached homes and the elegant

amenities, plus access to scenic walking and biking trails and the 30,000-acre Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

"The commuter-friendly location puts the region's major employment and business destina-

single-family detached designs at The Isles. Floorplans span from approximately 1,306 to 2,802 square feet with 2 to 5 bedrooms and up to 4.5 baths with prices starting from the low $600,000s to the mid $900,000s.

"Premier amenities include a 2,300 square-foot clubhouse, an expansive community park with

tions within reach, including San Francisco, Fremont, Silicon Valley and Tri-Valley. The nearby Dumbarton Bridge connects to Menlo Park, Palo Alto and the peninsula, while I-880 guides commuters to Oakland and San Jose."

To visit Bayshores from Interstate 880, take Exit 21 to merge onto CA-84 W towards Dumbarton

Bridge Exit 36 onto Thornton Ave/ Paseo Padre Pkwy. Turn left onto Paseo Padre Pkwy towards Thornton Ave. Turn Right onto Willow Street. The sales gallery is ½ mile up on the right at 37555 Willow Street and is open Monday: 1pm to 5 pm and Tuesday-Sunday: 10 am to 5 pm.

Call 628-222-7690 or visit www.LyonBayshores.com.

The release further says, "It matters who your builder is and William Lyon Homes is a company built upon a legacy of pride and integrity.

A team of visionaries who are passionate about homebuilding and committed to providing a high quality home buying and homeownership experience, William Lyon Homes has earned a solid track record for outstanding construction and customer service since 1956.

The company continues to expand its well-respected brand beyond California, Arizona and Nevada and into other market areas across the Western region with the acquisition of Polygon Northwest Homes, its division in Washington and Oregon, and its Village Homes division in Colorado. William Lyon Homes' shares are publicly traded on NYSE under the symbol WLH. For updated information and to learn more, visit www.lyonhomes.com."

Pledging PF to buy homes soon NEW DELHI: Over four crore subscribers of the retirement fund body EPFO would be able to pledge their provident fund to buy houses and use their accounts to pay equated monthly installments (EMIs) from next fiscal.

"We are working on a housing scheme for the subscribers of the Employees Provident Fund Organization (EPFO). We can launch the scheme in 2017-18 after introduction of our online service like settling PF withdrawal claims by March-end," EPFO Central Provident Fund Commissioner V P Joy

told PTI. Joy said that the scheme will enable subscribers to pledge their PF accumulations to buy homes and pay home loans EMIs through their EPF Account.

Under the scheme, the EPFO will act as facilitator for its subscribers so that they can buy affordable homes for themselves during their service period. The body has no plans to buy land or build houses for their subscribers.

Cont’d on page 23

Real Estate Post

October 14, 2016

India Post 23

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Fall trends: Not enough houses for sale As would-be homebuyers in a lot of markets know, there aren't enough houses for sale, and we need more new ones.

Supply isn't going to catch up with demand this fall: We're heading into the months when fewer people put their homes up for sale than they do in the spring and summer.

Housing economists say builders need to construct more houses, but that's a long-term solution because construction takes time.

Meanwhile, the lingering effects of the housing crash continue to prevent owners from putting their homes up for sale. According to CoreLogic, 7.1% of homes with mortgages had negative equity earlier this year, meaning that their homes were worth less than the amount owed on the loans. These negative-equity homes tend to stay off the market because the owners can't afford to sell.

"New construction is failing to keep up with household formation,

meaning that the low vacancies in rentals and the tight supply of homes for sale will continue to be a key theme for housing in the months ahead," says Jonathan Smoke, chief economist for Realtor.com.

Home sales slowed toward the end of summer. Normally, you would think that if fewer people

are buying homes, then prices wouldn't increase very much. But home prices went up 5.1% in August compared with 12 months earlier, more than double the overall inflation rate.

Home sales "inched backwards because inventory isn't picking up to tame price growth and replace what's being quickly sold," says Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of Realtors.

Yun says that, without more new construction, the housing recovery could stall. The signs are ominous this autumn: "There will be an expected seasonal decline in new listings in coming months, which could accelerate price ap-

preciation and make finding an affordable home even more of a struggle for would-be buyers," Yun says. He adds that in many areas outside of the Northeast, "prospective buyers appear to be either wavering at the steeper home prices pushed up by inventory shortages, or disheartened by the competition for the minuscule number of affordable listings."

Rents for apartments and houses keep going up. Nationwide, the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment was $940 in September, up from $932 in August, according to Abodo, a search engine for apartment hunters. Apartment availability is especially tight in Miami, New York City and the San Francisco Bay Area, says Sam Radbil, Abodo's communications manager.

Not everyone wants to live in an apartment. The number of singlefamily houses for rent has surged in the years following the housing crash. About 15.2 million houses were for rent in 2015, according to the National Multifamily Housing Council. In 2012, about 12 million houses were for rent.

Even with such rapid growth in the number of houses for rent, some markets have seen steep rent increases for 3-bedroom houses, according to RentRange, a data and analytics company for singlefamily rentals. The metro areas of Fort Myers, Florida, and New Orleans saw average year-over-year rent increases of more than 20% for 3-bedroom houses, according to RentRange. At least 25 metro areas had double-digit percentage rent increases for houses, RentRange reports.

Home sales expected to rise slightly in 2017 LOS ANGELES: Following a dip in home sales in 2016, California's housing market will post a nominal increase in 2017, as supply shortages and affordability constraints hamper market activity, according to the "2017 California Housing Market Forecast," released by the California Association of Realtors (C.A.R.) The C.A.R. forecast sees a modest increase in existing home sales of 1.4 percent next year to reach 413,000 units, up slightly from the projected 2016 sales figure of 407,300 homes sold. Sales in 2016 also will be virtually flat at 407,300 existing, single-family home sales, compared with the 408,800 pace of homes sold in 2015.

"Next year, California's housing market will be driven by tight housing supplies and the lowest housing affordability in six years," said C.A.R. President Pat "Ziggy"

California's housing market will be driven by tight housing supplies and the lowest housing affordability Zicarelli. "The market will experience regional differences, with more affordable areas, such as the Inland Empire and Central Valley, outperforming the urban coastal

centers, where high home prices and a limited availability of homes on the market will hamper sales.

As a result, the Southern California and Central Valley regions will see moderate sales increases, while the San Francisco Bay Area will experience a decline as home buyers migrate to peripheral cities with more affordable options."

C.A.R.'s forecast projects growth in the U.S. Gross Domestic Product of 2.2 percent in 2017, after a projected gain of 1.5 percent in 2016. With California's nonfarm job growth at 1.6 percent, down from a projected 2.3 percent in 2016, the state's unemployment rate will reach 5.3 percent in 2017, compared with 5.5 percent in 2016 and 6.2 percent in 2015.

Builders take prefab way to fast-track projects Racing against time to complete the real estate projects to avoid paying huge penalty, builders in the National Capital Region (NCR) have started adopting new and prefabricated building technologies for constructing dwelling units.

These technologies, including the precast concrete technology, not only reduce construction time by nearly 25-30% but also insulate projects from cost escalation.

Sources in the housing ministry said some of the major builders in the NCR are using this technology.

A prefabricated building uses factory-made components or units that are transported and assembled on site to construct the complete building. Since the components are manufactured in a factory environment, this helps reduce air and noise pollution.

"Some of us have resorted to this midway to expedite the construction speed. The quality of work and finish is much better in the case of using precast concrete technology than following the conventional method of construction," said Suresh Chandra Tripathi, vice president of Spartech, who was present at the

inauguration of Housing Technology Park by Hindustan Prefab Ltd (HPL), a company of the housing ministry.

HPL chairman and managing director Rajesh Goyal said prefabricated technologies are as good as conventional technologies in terms of strength and durability and even better in several respects like quality and finish, speed of construction and would be more cost effective when production increases. "Perception of users

needs to be changed to make them adopt these technologies. Private sector is now showing considerable interest in these technologies, "he said.

Though the cost involved in such technologies and their products is almost similar to the conventional method of construction, officials said the cost will reduce significantly once the scale of manufacturing increases. -Courtesy TOI

Pledging PF to buy homes soon Cont’d from page 22

Earlier an EPFO appointed panel had also suggested this scheme for low income formal workers who are EPFO subscribers and could not buy a house during their entire service period.

Under the proposed scheme, there will be a tripartite agreement between member, bank/housing agency and EPFO for pledging future PF contributions as EMI payment.

Last year, the proposal for facilitating the EPFO subscribers to buy low cost homes was listed on the agenda of the CBT meeting held on September 16.

A report of an expert committee on housing facility for the subscribers was also presented to the trustees during the meeting.

The committee has unanimously recommended a scheme to

facilitate subscribers to buy houses where they will get an advance from their PF accumulation and will be allowed to pledge their future PF contribution as EMI payment.

The panel had suggested that subscribers will purchase a dwelling unit with loans from bank or housing finance companies and hypothecation of property in favor of the latter.

It was suggested that the benefits under the scheme of Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation can also be extended to the beneficiaries of the scheme.

In May, Labor Minister Bandaru Dattatreya had told Lok Sabha in a written reply: "Government is exploring the possibility for providing a suitable low-cost housing scheme for subscribers of Employees' Pension Fund. It is in preliminary discussion stage."-PTI

Desi News Early Voting under way in Chicago SHOBHANA VERMA

CHICAGO: Early Voting and Registration Services are under way at 69 W. Washington St. This site is open Monday through Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm and on Sundays from 10 am to 4 pm.

"Registered voters may cast their ballots, and those who need to register or file a name or address change also may do so and cast a ballot during the same visit," said Chicago Election Board Chairwoman Marisel A. Hernandez.

"Those who need to register or file a name change or an address change need two forms of ID, at least one of which shows their address. These can include government letters, bank statements, pay stubs and utility bills."

From Oct. 10 through Oct. 23, Early Voting will expand to a "Super Site" at 15 W. Washington St., which can house three times as many voting machines.

Then from Oct. 24 through Nov. 7, Early Voting will expand again with a site opening in each Chicago ward. All early voting sites will offer registration services.

For more information, Chicago voters may visit chicagoelections.com or call 312.269.7900

Hindi Lovers Club fetes author from Singapore RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service

CHICAGO: Hindi Lovers Club in its bid to promote Hindi and related literary activities in Chicaogland for the past six years is now spreading its wings thanks to inspirational leadership of Gurbarachan Kaur, the founder president.

One of the projects chalked out is hosting a Kavi Darbar in November where local poets have been invited to participate and recite their poems. This is probably first time that this type of event is being organized in Chicago area.

Details on page 26

Bathukamma & Dassara Sambaralu celebrated India Post News Service

SACRAMENTO: Natomas Group celebrated Bathukamma, a festival of flowers, in Sacramento on October 2. Indian families in the Sacramento area attended the festivities.

Details on page 30

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA

24 India Post

www.indiapost.com

Sikhs help turban tying at Boy Scouts event

October 14, 2016

Details on page 31

Concern over abusive lawsuits harming small businesses

Deepak Klara, DNR Petroleum and Sanjiv Patel, Petro National meet up with Assemblywoman Catharine Baker

they have on their businesses and the jobs they create. The summit Assemblywoman WALNUT CREEK, CA: Califor- featured nia Citizens Against Lawsuit Catherine Baker of the 16th AsAbuse (CALA) and local busi- sembly District and CALA supness owners recently met for a porters who shared their concerns "Small Business Summit" to dis- and experiences with California's cuss lawsuits targeting small busi- legal climate, including abusive nesses. The event recognized lawsuits under the Americans with Lawsuit Abuse Awareness Week, Disabilities Act, Proposition 65, which occurs annually during the "wage and hour" laws and the California Environmental Quality Act first week of October.

(CEQA).

Business owners of the East Bay area discussed the increase in lawsuits harming local businesses.

These abuses occur when business owners are sued by personal injury lawyers over minor technical violations that become major class action lawsuits.

This new type of legal extortion is taking a big toll on the area forcing busiCity of Walnut Creek Mayor Pro Tem Rich Carlston nesses to spend welcomes attendees to the California thousands, or even Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse Small millions of dollars, to Business Summit settle the case, costMore than 50 area small busi- ing jobs or forcing the business ness owners joined the summit to to permanently close. Others have share their concerns about unwar- filed bankruptcy, laid off workers ranted lawsuits and the impact or even taken their businesses and India Post News Service

City of San Ramon Vice Mayor Scott Perkins, California Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse Executive Director Ken Barnes and Assemblywoman Catharine Baker

jobs, to more business friendly states.

Assemblywoman Catharine Baker shares her concerns about lawsuit abuse impacts businesses and jobs

Assemblywoman Baker and local East Bay business owners shared their deep concern about these abusive practices that are plaguing the area and all of California. To protect California businesses, Assemblywoman explained her reform efforts, such as AB 54 which would have streamlined the processing of plaintiff-attorney demand letters and complaints in construction-related Americans with Disability Act claims.

The Assemblywoman's reforms aim to defend local businesses against abusive lawsuits and eliminate the economic burden they bring.

Dublin City Councilwoman Doreen Wehrenberg with Assemblywoman Catharine Baker at the business summit

October 14, 2016

Community Across America

India Post 25

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Cybersecurity Excellence Award for Raj Patel

India Post News service

SACRAMENTO, CA: Raj Patel, Chief Information Security Officer of the City of Palo Alto, has received an Award of Excellence for Cybersecurity Leadership in

California for championing a forward-thinking and innovative cybersecurity strategy in the private and government sectors.

Raj is a multiple award-winning senior executive with 30+ years of experience in public and private

Beginning his career in the manufacturing sector, Raj has established a SixSigma based Quality Manufacturing System (QMS) that resulted in winning 1991 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award at Solectron Corporation Local Government. The award was presented at the Sept 29 Cyber Security Symposium event in Sacramento. Raj was recognized by his peers in cybersecurity filed and other government technology leaders from across the State of

sectors(at the City of Palo Alto, Oracle Corp., Sun Microsystems, Solectoron Corp., and Kaiser Permanente) in leading cybersecurity, digital innovation, and contributing to business values through the adoption of pro-

gressive technologies and the implementation of cost-effective strategies for information technology and cybersecurity.

Beginning his career in the manufacturing sector, Raj has established a SixSigma based Quality Manufacturing System (QMS) that resulted in winning 1991 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award at Solectron Corporation. Raj has also written an award-winning research paper on Just in Time Manufacturing and ERP-MRP II (Enterprise Manufacturing Resource Planning), published in the APICS (American Production and Inventory Control Society) journal.

In early 90s Raj transitioned to information technology (IT) and then to information security (IS) for planning and directing a forward-thinking and innovative technology strategy including

developing enterprise-wide strategies for Fortune 500 companies and local government, and management of world-wide cybersecurity functions.

Raj Patel

Prior to joining the City of Palo Alto in 2012, Raj held positions as Director of Information Security and Compliance at Kaiser Permanente, Chief Information Security Marshal at Oracle Corporation/Sun Microsystems, and Senior IT Manager for Development and IT Security at Sun Microsystems.

Raj has a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master's Degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering. He is a Certified Principal Auditor for ISO 27002 ISMS (Information Security Management Systems). He is also a Certified Outsourcing Professional (COP), Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT), Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) and Certified Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) professional.

Tulsi Gabbard condemns Pak-aided terrorism SURENDRA ULLAL

CHICAGO: US Congress Representative Tulsi Gabbard in no uncertain terms has come out against Pakistan's complicity in

government in its fight against cross border terrorism "Pakistan has continued to allow terrorist organizations to

The Pakistan government must fully cooperate in the investigation of these attacks; take clear, verifiable actions to put an immediate stop to these cross border attacks, and prosecute all of those responsible.

We stand in solidarity with India the recent attack on Indian armymen in Kashmir and has pitched her support to the Indian

operate within their borders, moving across borders and unchecked, allowing access into In-

dia. Most recently, there was another attack along the Line of Control on yet another Indian military camp in Kashmir; this, just after another attack that killed 19 Indian soldiers only two weeks ago. This is deeply troubling.

"People within the Pakistani government continue to provide tacit and overt support for terrorism. This is not new-this pattern of attacks has been occurring now for the past 15 years, and it must end.

That's why I've continued working in Congress to cut back U.S. assistance for Pakistan and

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard

increase pressure on Pakistan to stop this violence.

"In the past, the U.S. government took steps to increase pressure on Pakistan, and it's time to revisit that approach.

The Pakistan government must fully cooperate in the investigation of these attacks; take clear, verifiable actions to put an immediate stop to these cross border attacks, and prosecute all of those responsible.

We stand in solidarity with India in the face of these attacks and will continue to work together in this fight against terrorism," she said.

26 India Post

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October 14, 2016

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Hindi Lovers Club fetes author from Singapore RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service

CHICAGO: Hindi Lovers Club in its bid to promote Hindi and related literary activities in Chicaogland for the past six years is now spreading its wings thanks to inspirational leadership of Gurbarachan Kaur, the founder president.

One of the projects chalked out is hosting a Kavi Darbar in November where local poets have been invited to participate and recite their poems. This is probably first time that this type of event is being organized in Chicago area.

Hindi Lovers Club has commenced conducting Hindi classes to gain awareness about Hindi language among Indian Americans, especially second generation kids and children, here.

But the Club decided to go further than this and encourage Indian American authors to get a platform for their literary work and the start was with invitation to Sunita

The move met with success as a good number of guests and invitees turned up to meet the author Sunita Bhamray and have a first hand feel about the book and the author. Gurbachan Kaur welcomed the author and the invited guests presenting flower bouquet to the author Sunita Lad. Jigar Shah gave a brief introduction of Sunita Lad and gave a broad synopsis of the book contents In a small talk with this paper, Sunita said that a newspaper item three years ago triggered a hidden literary instinct in her mind to do a story woven around the lady struggling to get over a tragedy in her life "Days passed but the key facts about her worth-emulating struggle kept spinning in my mind, and an idea to write a book was born in order to send out a strong message of hope and optimism to the readers", Sunita said. She took three years to finish the book.

Essentially Ganga Jamuna is a tale of an enchanting woman from

Hindi Lovers Club Founder President Gurbachan Kaur presenting flower bouquet to Sunita Lad, the author

Lad Bhamray, an Indian origin author from Singapore, to meet and greet many an Indian who would be interested in reading and taking up books that essentially touch upon their thoughts and values.

Gurbachan Kaur was ably assisted by Rupali Chand of E3 Entrepreneurs, Inc (Educate, Empower and Evolve) who earlier had organized a book launch event in Naperville, a Chicago suburb. But Rupali and Gurbachan Kaur thought it would be a good idea to get wider exposure to the author and her third book inviting Chicago elites and media representatives to the event on Devon Avenue last week.

Chicago elite with Sunita Lad

mere filaments of hope, Abani chances upon answers in the elements of nature, which enable her to carry on and make her stronger than before.

Sunita grew up in India but currently lives in Singapore. She is an educator by profession and can talk to kids about becoming writers and why she chose this theme of women's empowerment. At the end, Rupali Chand of E3 Entrepreneurs proposed a vote of thanks.

Nepal. An inspirational story of Abani, a resilient, young woman and her journey to find medical care for her infants. She is true to her name, which means "mother earth" in Sanskrit.

Blessed with remarkable tenacity, Abani tries to tackle the unforeseen with a silent resolve.Singapore, the hallmark of modern medicine comes to the fore and she finds herself travelling across borders seeking solutions.

This journey proves to be a fulfilling experience and turning point in more ways than one as she discovers new allies in strangers.

Just when everything seems to be going right, another surge of misfortune strikes. Holding onto

Sunita Lad with MAFS Chief Santosh Kumar and Shivalaya President Jigar Shah

Chicago bans anti-immigrant threats by police BRANDON LEE

CHICAGO: A coalition of immi- more work remains to be done, grant rights organizations wel- coalition members said. comed the Chicago City Council's "There are still Chicagoans who passage of an amendment to remain excluded from protections strengthen the Welcoming City under the Ordinance," added Ordinance. While this action is a Tania Unzueta of Organized Comtestament to a two-year campaign munities Against Deportations, to further protect immigrants the coalition recognizes the need to "We still have questions support community-led efforts to assure real about cooperation during solutions to the prob- immigration raids, and like lem of police misconduct and violence much of Chicago, questions against communities of about real police color. accountability The amendment will prohibit all City employees, including Chicago Police of- "We still have questions about ficers, from questioning an cooperation during immigration individual's immigration status and raids, and like much of Chicago, threatening deportation. The questions about real police acamendment also re-defines coer- countability. cion and verbal abuse to include The members of the Chicago verbal threats, barring city em- Municipal Immigration Policy ployees from compelling a person Working Group include among to make statements, and making others Asian Americans Advancsuch behavior subject to disciplin- ing Justice | Chicago, the National ary action by an independent re- Immigrant Justice Center, the Illiview authority. nois Coalition for Immigrant and While the passage of the Refugee Rights, Organized Comamendment calls for celebration, munities Against Deportations.

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Uttarakhand Samaj launched in Chicago RAVINDER RAWAT

CHICAGO: The Uttarakhand Samaj of Greater Chicago (USOGC), a charitable organization, was formally launched in Chicago last week with the efforts of various Indian-American families who reside in the Greater Chicagoland region and also associate themselves with the state of Uttarakhand in India. The formal launch was a sequel to an USOGC meet held on Sunday September 25. Various board members were selected by the founding members and a draft of organizational bylaws was prepared.

Manish Upadhyaya, a spokesperson said that the USOGC would welcome everyone, especially those who identify themselves to be a native of Uttarakhand, to come together and become a member of this newly formed organization. USOGC is committing itself to preserve the culture, heritage, language, traditions, cuisine and values of Uttarakhand. And will also be working towards helping needy people in the economically deprived regions of Uttarakhand, he said.

Manish Upadhyaya, a spokesperson said that the USOGC would welcome everyone, especially those who identify themselves to be a native of Uttarakhand The USOGC will also be working with various other local organizations to help people in need, added President Rajeshwari Rawat. The president added that the USOGC is thankful to the following members who gracefully accepted the roles assigned to them through a collective nomination effort: President Rajeshwari Rawat, Vice President Richa Chand, Secretary Ruchi Dabral, Joint Secretary Shailendra Rawat, Treasurer Shashi Tiwari, Executive Director Ravinder Rawat, Director Vikram Negi, Director SP Nautiyal, Director Vikas Chandola, Director Chandan Singh, Director Rashi Upadhyaya, Director Prashant Pant, Advisor Hans Upadhyaya, Advisor Sudha Upadhyaya, Ambassador Priyanka Bijalwaan, Ambassador Meenakshi Bharadwaj, Spokesperson Vikas Chandola (Jr.), Spokesperson Manish Upadhyaya.

First ever event of USOGC is planned for Sunday November 6. This year’s Diwali celebrations is planned to be held at Schaumburg Golf Course, Schaumburg, IL

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60194. Members are encouraged to register online at www.usogc.org. USOGC says and preaches… “Garv se kaho hum Uttarakhand se hain”. Donations are being accepted through quick pay using accounts@usogc.org.

Uttarakhand Samaj of Chicago founding members

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City of Aurora to celebrate Diwali MADHU PATEL

CHICAGO: The Indian American Community Outreach Advisory Board (IACOAB) of the City of Aurora, a southwest suburb of Chicago, has organized its third Diwali

India, and other countries including Nepal, Sri Lanka, Mauritius and Trinidad.

The festival is also a big event among the Hindu expatriates living in North

Festival of Lights in Aurora

on Diwali this month.

For those unfamiliar with Indian culture the Diwali event at Waubonsie Valley High School promises a quick glimpse into Indian history expounded through dance ballets.

Among elected officials attending the event are Congressman Bill Foster, Aurora Mayor Tom Weisner, members of the Aurora city council, Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th district Democratic candidate) and others.

Among the sponsors for the event are Sivanathan Labs, M/I Homes, Biologix Solutions, Lubrication Engineers, BMO Harris Bank, ITPeopleNetwork & Nicor Gas.

The IACOAB's mission is to embrace, preserve and promote the heritage and contributions of Indian American's while promoting civic engagement and encouraging Indian Americans to increase their involvement in Aurora's growth.

In recent months the IACOAB has organized an interactive Public Awareness and Civic Education event with officials of the City of Aurora, the Aurora Public Library and the Aurora Police Chief. IACOAB also organized a Bollywood Night in Philips Park in August 2016 showing "Om Shanti Om" that was enjoyed by over a thousand residents of Aurora.

Kasim & Babu enthrall Bostonians GEETHA PATIL

celebration at the Waubonsie Valley High School in Aurora on Saturday October 22.

The evening will feature Indian folk dances, music, food and a display of ethnic apparel and jewelry. The event will culminate in a spectacular fireworks display.

Diwali, (the Eastern equivalent of Christmas) is celebrated by millions of Hindus in

America and Europe and is the community's biggest season of shopping. The festival which spreads over several days heralds the return of King Rama and celebrates the triumph of Good over Evil or Light over Darkness.

To commemorate Diwali, the United States Postal Service has released a stamp

BOSTON: Mithas (MIT Heritage Arts of raga alapana and Kriti in Gayaki style. Here South Asia), a well-known organization that are some of the songs they played for the seeks bringing quality South Asian music, audience as some of the audience were musicians, and arts from across the globe murmuring the songs: Mallari in ragam to Boston since 1993, presented front-rank- Gambeera Naatai; Tatvamariya in Ragam ing Nadhaswaram artists from Andhra Reetigowlai; Hiranmayeem Lakshimeeem in Pradesh, India to the music lovers of Greater Ragam Lalitha; Ranganayakam in ragam Boston area.

Nayaki; Ragam Hemavathi; bhOginDra On Sunday, September 25, brothers S. Shayinam in Ragam Kuntalavarali; Kasim and S.Babu offered one of its kind Aarabhimaanam in ragamalika; Sri performance at MIT Wong Auditorium, Raghuvara in ragam Kamboji; Visweswara Cambridge, MA. Hundreds of beautifully in ragam Sindhu Bhairavi; Kurai Ondrum Illai dressed people assembled at the auditorium in ragamalika. to relish the melodious duet Nadhaswaram They played very creatively and artistiCarnatic by the eminent brothers. cally a garland of ragas including arable, Kasim-Babu Brothers hail from Karavadi hamsadhwani, kalyani, anandhabhairavi, Village of Prakasam District, Andhra Pradesh.

They belong to a great family of musicians which preserved and fostered the art of Nadhaswaram by playing it from generation to generation continuously for the past 300 years.

They had a rare opportunity of getting trained in this Carnatic style at a very young age by their maternal grandfather and Guru, Dr.Sheik Chinna Moulana.They also played with Dr.Sheik Chinna Moulana for many years in many music concerts held throughout India and S Kasim and S Babu in Boston musical concert abroad. The brothers are not only renowned for their mastery and in-depth knowledge of this sama, saranga, mohanam, lalitha, darbar, particular style of music but also for being kamalamanohari and poorivikalyani. the torch bearers of Shri Chinna Moulana "The entire concert was marvelous and family's music tradition. enchanting. Shri Kasim and Babu are living With refinement and loveliness the lively proof of the fact that music in all its forms is sound of Nadhaswaram peers through the divine and endless and living in its tranears and into the space beyond scendental beauty" said one in the audiThe Brothers are renowned for both the ence.

October 14, 2016

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Mr India: The unlikely contender in politics ARCHANA ASTHANA

T

ing from the time of the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her own Sikh bodyguards in 1984, the play evolves into a head on satire of the absurdity of the political system in India, and elsewhere, where the suitability of the candidate is only to satisfy other power hungry politicians' agenda!

When a hung parliament is the result of the elections five years later, in 1989, corrupt and duplicitous characters set a machinery in motion, where the bumbling, half-blind common tea seller becomes the candidate of choice, fittingly with a cup of tea as his voter icon! Without any action on his part, Gopal Pandey is pushed to the center of the electoral drama, complete with a face lift! His usual shabby dhoti, broken glasses and cycle rides are changed to a khadi kurta and dhoti, riding around in a rickshaw with goons - yielding a more neta (politician)-like figure. His complete oblivion to the importance of his stature is comical, and the satire truly conveys how scapegoats are set up for profiteering in the real world.

During the anti-Sikh sentiment raging after the assassination, Sikh Corrupt and duplicitous lives were endangered, characters set a machinery and Gopal ends up saving the life of a Sikh in motion, where the merchant who takes refuge in his shop, and bumbling, half-blind cominadvertently leaves mon tea seller becomes the behind a half million rupees there. As a result, candidate of choice Gopal now becomes an attractive candidate in ative use of space, and through the eyes of other contenders, who clever stage props and settings, seek to benefit from such positiondepict a bustling Chandni Chowk ing. A parade of characters exemmarketplace in the heart of the city plify the theme of corruption, of Delhi, where the same charac- along with much dancing, singing ters occupy the same locales and story-telling, until we end up (shops). Gopal Pandey, the simple- with some normalcy restored to the ton at the heart of the play, has a lives of all involved.

Natraj Kumar, as the believable tea stall surrounded by shops owned by other merchants, as well Gopal Pandey is authentic, and as a brothel for good measure, and shows restrained, mature acting.

This is offset by the exuberance added diversity!

As for the story, enough details of all other characters. The transrevealed through promotional ma- formation of the brothel dwellers terials did not leave much to the into NGO runners is comical, yet imagination, and imparted a sense politically revealing, and Shruti of dĂŠjĂ vu at some point. Span- Mitesh Bhawsar is a convincing ning a five year period, commenc- Gulmohur and Gita, especially with he title "Mr. India" may evoke many images - from the movie by the same name, to body builders, and beyond. This, in fact, was the latest play by Naatak at Cubberly Theater in Palo Alto presented as a grand musical farce describing how a tea seller could end up being elected as a Prime Minister.

In times of election years, politics, political shenanigans are uppermost in the minds of the people.

In that sense, Mr. India, resonated more with the audience, given the current, uncertain political climate.

The playwright and director, Sujit Saraf, giving a brief history to the genesis of the play remarked that it was based on his 2007 novel Peacock Throne depicting the turmoil in city of Delhi, following Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's assassination. Though there are some tweaks, the plot is aligned with the theme, and the corrupt, exploitative nature of the political scenario in a time of dissent and chaos is explored.

Befitting a musical, the action is constant on stage, with numerous dance numbers representing varied dance forms - Odissi, Bharatnatyam and Kuchipudi, interestingly choreographed to move the story along. The spirited singing by Nachiketa Yakkundi and his team in real time was an added bonus which enhanced the audience engagement of the musical; enhancing the farcical nature of the production with original lyrics to match.

The collage of sets shows cre-

the leafleting in the audience. Great acting showing the rioting, looting and other violent acts hit home that while this was a stage, these

acts occur routinely in the aftermath of any political crisis.

Naatak, and, in particular, its founder, Sujit, the playwright and director of this production must be commended for pushing the envelope, and experimenting with layered approaches for story-telling. An exploration of linear events and trends combined with song, dance and sequences, though at times overwhelming, were the main tools for the unfolding plot; props such as real cycles and rickshaws passing through the stage were an interesting addition, and clever backdrops provided talking points when audience reaction was pulsed. While a decent rendition, it stops short of being remarkable.

The story and characters are already familiar, and there is hardly any more intellectual engagement expected from the audience, save the obvious situational satire.

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Bathukamma & Dassara Sambaralu celebrated India Post News Service

SACRAMENTO: Natomas Group celebrated Bathukamma, a festival of flowers, in Sacramento on October 2.

Indian families in the Sacramento area attended the festivities.

Bathukamma is a colorful and vibrant festival that is celebrated by women every year.

Though originated and celebrated mostly in the Telangana region, families across all regional and cultural boundaries join this auspicious festival in Sacramento reflecting the unity among Telugus.

Families brought Bathukammas, which are arrangement of seasonal flowers stacked in layers to form pyramid.

The venue was specially decorated for the celebrations. Women wore colorful traditional dresses and a choice of beautiful gold ornaments. Men and children in the

traditional attire added more color to the event.

The festivities started with Durga Pooja that set the tone for rich cultural events for the evening.

Women chanted mantras in praise

of Goddess Durga, who is the symbol of womanhood and universal Shakti, with utmost devotion.

Later, women and little girls danced in a circle with Bathukammas in the center. They sang devotional Bathukamma songs in unison.

Delicious homemade food, which was prepared by Natomas families, was served for dinner.

The later part was filled with entertainment and enthralled the audience with many cultural activities The organizers thanked all the attendees and volunteers who participated in the event.

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Seniors celebrate Enchanting Sarangi recital Navratri in Desplaines

by Harsh Narayan SURESH SHAH

GEETHA PATIL

BOSTON: The MIT Heritage Arts of South Asia (MITHAS) Fall 2016 session presented an exciting Sarangi Music concert by Harsh Narayan, a leading Sarangi player, teacher and performer of Hindustani Classical Music from Mumbai accompanied by Amit Kavthekar on Tabla at Wong Auditorium on October 8.

Harsh Narayan, grandson and disciple of Sarangi player Padma Vibhushan Pandit Ram Narayan, has performed with many Indian Classical musicians worldwide. He was introduced to the audience with his impressive background and achievements. He performed with Pandit Ram Narayan at the 57th Sawai Gandharva music fes-

USA. Harsh also continues to build and broaden his musical career, as a teacher and performer in India and abroad.

Harsh Narayan commenced his Sarangi recital with the enchanting melody raga Patdeep. He played very confidently and effortlessly three main ragas, namely, Raga Patdeep (afternoon Raga), slow tintal/med Chautal 14 beats; Raga Shri (Sunset Raga), fast Jhaptal 10 beats, tintal; and Bhairavi (misra), tintal. As an accompanist, Taal Mani A m i t Kavthekar added charm to the concert with his elegant tabla performance.

"We reSarangi player Harsh Narayan with Tabla player Amit Kavthekar ally enjoyed the concert.

Hundreds of music lovers of tival. While developing his musi- Amazing performance by a great Greater Boston area gathered to cal career, Harsh earned his MBA budding master Shri Harsh listen to the Sarangi presentation from K.C. College of Management Narayan! He has an excellent grip in the evening. The Sarangi, a tra- Studies in Mumbai (2007) and later over the instrument and produces ditional bowed fiddle, is a very celebrated his marriage as well. unforgettable sound of the uncommon instrument to hear in In addition to performing in all Sarangi and communicates the America as it is rarely seen in ac- the major cities of India, Harsh feelings of the ragas very well to companiment or even in featured Narayan has performed in the UK, the listeners," said one of the memperformance.

Spain, Portugal, Germany and bers of the audience.

Sikhs help turban tying at Boy Scouts event SURENDRA ULLAL

Booth manned by Sikhs attracts scouts to get turban tied

WAUCONDA: Sikh Religious Society Palatine, Illinois, participated in the Northeast Illinois Council's ScoutJam2016 wide

Rajinder Mago seen tying turban to scouts

world of scouting event, at Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda Illinois, on Saturday October 1. More than 1100 boy

scouts, leaders and parents attended this camp which ran from September 30 to October 2.

Cont’d on page 32

Seniors celebrating Navratri with aarti, Garba and Dandiya Raas

CHICAGO: More than 1000 members of senior group in Chicgoland participated in Rasand Garba event held Kathy Hall located in the town of Niles on Saturday October 1.

The event was hosted by United Senior Pariwar of Chicago.

leading members of the association , Kanubhai Patel as well as Manubhai Patel The event of Navratri Mahotsav started by Garba at about 8.30 pm and lasted till 10.15 pm. Aarti was performed with all the members as well as well wish-

The start of the ceremony was with the sthapanaji of Ambama. It was performed by leading members of senior association Mrs Manjulaben Chhitubhai Patel and her family members with the chanting of slokas. Acharya Rohit Joshi helped them with reciting Mantras.

Among other participants were Ramanbhai Patel President, Hasmukhbhai Soni Treasurer, Ramesh Choksi Secretary and

ers participating. After that all members took part in Dandia Raas.

Among those participating were Mafatbhai Patel, a leading businessman and an owner of Patel Brothers Store in Chicago area and a Board of Trustees of this senior association, Dr Hemali and Chirag Shah, Mrs. Chintal Mehta of Care Soul Health Service. Delicious food was provided

by Rasoi restaurant of Desplaines.

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Jyoti Rath welcomed at Umiya Mata ceremony HARISH RAO

CHICAGO: In the presence of over 3500 devotees, including dozens of distinguished community leaders and volunteers, Umiya

Annual Navratri Garba celebration & Chariot or "Rath" welcome ceremony on Saturday October 1 at Odeum Expo center Villa Park, Chi-

the South Hall followed by Shree Ganesh Stuti. Board members, invited guests and dignitaries then performed 'Deep Pragatum.'

Mataji Sanstha Chicago Midwest (UMSCM) presented a signature event of honoring and celebrating

cago suburb.

The event started with exhibition and Darshan of Jyoti Rath in

A renowned Sadguru by the name of Shri Madhavdasji Maharaj travelled all the way from his home

town of Sayla in Gujarat to attend the event. He was joined by Shri Arvindbhai Shashtriji of New York.

Both of them were honored with shawls. In their speeches, they encouraged those assembled to donate generously now and in future.

Welcoming the guests and members, UMSCM Secretary Devandra Patel briefed the audience about the mission of the Shree Umiya Dham. The project will start with construction of Umiya Mataji Mandir with a large community hall and eventually

pants took active role in Umiya Mataji's Shobha Yatra (parade) in Mataji Palkhi, in outdoor perimeter of the great hall. Subsequently Uchamani or auction items brought in over $51,000 pledges with each pledge followed deafening cheers and chants of "Shree Umiya Matajiki Jai." The curtain fell after the Maha Aarti and dinner/presidium and thrilling colorful Garba with live music provided by famous Rex D'souza and his orchestra.

Hasmukhbhai Patel, Jt. Treasurer

adding a sports complex, and a retirement home - all of which should serve the needs of communities for decades to come.

This will provide a forum to gel generations of our community members and will contribute a platform to bring religious, cultural, social and educational events under one roof.

Despite pouring rain partici-

proposed a vote of thanks UMSCM executive board: Jayantibhai P. Patel (Chairman), Shailesh R. Patel (Vice Chairman), Lalbhai M. Patel (President), Dipal G. Patel (Vice President), Devandra Patel (Secretary), Jignesh H. Patel (Jt.Secretary), Saurabh Patel (Jt. Secretary), Ambalal P. Patel (Treasurer) and Hasmukhbhai P. Patel (Jt. Treasurer).

Sikhs help turban tying at Boy Scouts event Cont’d from page 31

The Sikhs were part of an Interfaith Religious Relationships tent that aims to create partnerships with and awareness about religious diversity and to teach respect for each other to strengthen bonds of scouting. Rajinder Singh Mago coordinated Sikh participation with the help of about a dozen dedicated volunteers.

"Participation in this event provided invaluable exposure to hundreds of local young Americans about Sikhs who usually are mistaken due to their beards and turbans," said Rajinder Singh Mago, coordinator of the Sikh booth under the interfaith tent.

Despite rain showers and continual drizzling all day, the spirits of the boy scout campers and the volunteers were not dampened.

There were many fun activities at the camp like canoeing, sailing,

biking, archery, kayaking, fishing, wall climbing, scuba diving, rope bridge crossing etc. There were also exhibits and displays including Fire Trucks operation, K-9 Patrol Demonstrations and the interfaith tent where Sikh American volunteers had set up their booth.

Most popular activity under the Sikh tent turned out to be turban tying where there were long lines of scouts waiting to get a turban fixed on their head. About 200 turbans were tied and given away for free before they ran out of the turban fabric, disappointing many waiting in line. The scouts wore their colorful turbans most of the day during their camping activities.

Sikh prayer hymns were also sung at the after dinner prayer assembly by the Sikh youth group Harnoor Kaur, Jasleen Kaur, Gurleen Kaur and Harjot Singh coordinated by Jaswant Singh.

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RSS chief lauds Army for surgical strikes NAGPUR: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has lauded the army for carrying out surgical strikes, saying it has enhanced India's prestige in the world and given the message to trouble-makers that there is a limit to its patience.

The ongoing unrest in Kashmir, tension on the border and the issue of cow protection, which has brought BJP much flak, was the focus of the annual Dussehra address of the RSS chief, who vowed to root out social discrimination.

Referring to Jammu and Kashmir, he said the situation there is

us is getting isolated. We are delighted with the velour shown by the army," he said.

The whole world is aware that the subversive activities constantly promoted from the across the border are mainly responsible for disturbances in the Kashmir valley, he said.

With thousands of RSS functionaries in their new uniform of dark brown trousers instead of khaki shorts in attendance, he said the "firmness and efficiency shown in the matter of diplomacy and defense should permanently

"A sense of disappointment among people all over the country has vanished due to acceleration of developmental work by the government," Bhagwat claimed."The government has built some measure of confidence, therefore the nation, it appears is moving forward," of concern and said the commitment of our leaders that the whole of the state, including PoK, belongs to India is good.

"What is needed is that this strength of statement is reflected in action as well," he said.

"Under our government, the army has recently given a befitting reply. The army's and India's prestige in the world have gone up. The trouble-makers have been given this message that there is a limit to patience... The one (Pakistan) which has been inimical to

reflect in our policies".

"A level of perpetual co-ordination and co-operation is needed among the defense forces and intelligence agencies as we have to pay a heavy price for a moment's distraction," he said.

Bhagwat also stressed on the need for maintaining a strict vigil on maritime boundaries as well as frontier areas and said the government and administration should engage the locals to stop infiltration from across the border.

On Kashmir, Bhagwat said that

Penalize States harboring terrorists: India BANGKOK: India has said the global fight against terrorism should not only seek to disrupt and eliminate terrorists and terror groups, but also identify, isolate and penalize States who encourage and provide sanctuary to them.

Terming terrorism as the "single most significant threat to peace and stability in our region", Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh said there was an urgent need for measures to counter and prevent the spread of violent extremism and radical ideologies.

"We need to stand united against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations," he said at the 2nd Summit of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) here.

Singh said there can be no justification for acts of terror on any ground whatsoever.

"Terrorism knows no boundaries. We need to resolve to eradi-

cate this evil from our region and beyond.

"We strongly believe that the global fight against terrorism should not only seek to disrupt and eliminate terrorists, terror organizations and networks, but also identify, isolate and penalize States who encourage support and finance terrorism, provide sanctuary to terrorists and terror groups, and falsely extol their virtues.

"There should be no glorification of terrorists and there is nothing called a 'good terrorist," he said.

He said the countries would be failing their people if they do not pledge to use all the mechanisms available to us bilaterally and multilaterally to rid us of this fundamental threat to our societies, communities and nations.

Cont’d on page 35

"whole of Kashmir including Mirpur, Muzzafarbad, Gilgit and Baltistan are an inseparable and integral part of India."

He also said that the "discriminatory" approach of the Jammu and Kashmir government and the state administration towards Jammu and Ladakh should end immediately.

"Only if Jammu and Kashmir government and the administration act with a nationalistic feeling and perform (their duties) in a clean, considerate, impartial and transparent way, the people of the state will have simultaneous feeling of victory and confidence, and the process of assimilation of the people in the valley will move forward," he said.

"There is an urgent need to promote, consolidate and establish nationalistic activities and forces in those areas.

The Central and the state government must work in tandem," he added. Expressing concern over the prevailing condition in Jammu and Kashmir, Bhagwat said the diplomatic moves at international level and strong resolve of the government and Parliament are welcome initiatives but need to be implemented with firmness.

He also advocated that Hindus who had returned to India from Pakistan should be rehabilitated with dignity and should be given citizenship rights.

Bhagwat also lauded the Central government for inspiring con-

fidence among people across the nation.

"A sense of disappointment among people all over the country has vanished due to acceleration of developmental work by the

istration.

Dirty tricks being played are a matter of grave concern, he said warning people against fundamentalists, extremists, divisive and selfish forces area working in

Mohan Bhagwat

government," Bhagwat claimed.

"The government has built some measure of confidence, therefore the nation, it appears is moving forward," he said.

He also targeted the Opposition, saying those who could not make it to the echelons of power are busy formulating strategies for political gains.

Bhagwat said they are finding shortcomings and inadequacies of the government and the admin-

the world.

Former bureaucrat, Satyaprakash Rai, an Indian Economics Service (IES) officer of the 1976 batch was the chief guest on the occasion.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Union Minister for Transport and Shipping, Nitin Gadkari and playback singer Anuradha Paudwal were among those present on the occasion.-PTI

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Parmeshwar Godrej passes away MUMBAI: Industrialist Adi Godrej's wife Parmeshwar Godrej passed away on Oct 10 at a city hospital after prolonged illness, family sources said here.

world of entertainment and business.

One of her biggest initiatives in philanthropy was joining hands with legendary Hollywood actor

Parmeshwar Godrej

Parmeshwar, 70, a socialite and philanthropist who championed many social causes, was suffering from a lung illness and breathed her last at a South Mumbai hospital.

A multi-faceted person, Parmeshwar was also referred as a 'style icon' and was well connected with the who's who in the

Richard Gere, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Clinton Global Initiative to combat AIDS through the launch of the 'Heroes Project' in 2004.

Pakistani cricketer Imran Khan, who had been photographed in the past at the Godrejs' home, was among the first to offer tributes to her, saying he is "devastated" by

the news of death of his "close friend".

Parmeshwar had worked with national carrier Air India briefly as an air hostess and had also designed clothes for noted actress Hema Malini on the insistence of director friend Feroze Khan for a film in 1975.

Parmeshwar and Adi married in 1965, and have three children daughters Nisa Godrej and Tanya Dubash who are associated with the flagship company Godrej Consumer Products, and son Pirojsha who leads the group's listed realty arm.

She had teamed up with acclaimed director Shekhar Kapur to launch a production house called 'Starlight' in 2000, which was preceded by co-producing the Merchant-Ivory production 'The Perfect Murder' in 1988.

Not just the glamour world, her network of friends were from diverse fields and in a recent book, Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen had spoken richly about her, calling Parmeshwar a "brilliant conversationalist" and "wonderful company".

As the word spread about her death, microblogging website Twitter was filled with rich tributes to her.-PTI

Indian pays $9 mn for unique car number DUBAI: An Indian businessman has paid a whopping USD 9 million to buy a single-digit car registration plate in Dubai, adding another coveted number plate to his collection.

Balwinder Sahani bought number plate "D5" for 33 million Dirhams at the Roads and Transport Authority s number plate auction.

Sahani, also known as Abu Sabah, is the owner of RSG International, a property management company, with interests in the UAE, Kuwait, India and the US. "I like collecting unique number plates and I am proud to have got this number. I like number nine and D5 adds up to nine, so I went for it," Sahani was quoted by saying by the Gulf

News.

He said that last year he bought the vehicle number plate O9 for 25 million Dirhams.

"I have collected 10 number

plates so far and I am looking forward to having more. It's a passion. This number will go to one of my Rolls Royces," he added.

The number generated great in-

terest among the participants with the bid starting at 20 million Dirham.

More than 300 bidders participated at the live auction which takes place every two months, witnessing fierce battle between bidders for some unique numbers.

Eighty unique numbers were on offer ranging from one, two to five digits.

The other number plate that attracted big money was "Q77" which was bought by an Emirati bidder for 4.52 million Dirhams.

A few other numbers bagged more than a million including "P27" that went for 2.14 million Dirhams.

In June this year, Emirati businessman Arif Al Zarooni, bought Number 1 plate for 18 million Dirhams in Sharjah.-PTI

Sonal Shah was hounded by ethnic Indian press WASHINGTON: Sonal Shah, that have been circulating on the the first Indian-American ap- Internet," she wrote in another pointed to the presidential transi- email the same night. tion team of Barack Obama had "First, I've never been affiliated written that the "frenzy" ethnic - in any way, shape or form - with Indian press accused her of Hindu any Indian political party or simifundamentalism in 2008 to dis- lar group. To clear up one false credit him and having her quit, rumor: I've never been affiliated according to data released by with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad WikiLeaks.

Shah, a top economist who was appointed to then president-elect Obama's transition team in 2008, wrote to the team's top leadership that the accusations of her being a right-wing Hindu fundamentalist and that she supported the communal violence in Gujarat, was mainly aimed at discrediting Obama, the emails released by WikiLeaks said.

Sonal Shah "I am writing to get some guidance from you in managing the India (VHP), the Rashtriya press frenzy about my alleged Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), or any right-wing politics and terrorist such organization. I've never been tendencies," Shah wrote on No- involved in Indian politics, and vember 10, nearly a week after never intend to do so," Shah Obama became the first non- wrote.

White male to win the US presi"Second, my personal politics dential elections. have nothing in common with the She was being accused of sid- views espoused by such groups. ing with Hindu fundamentalists I've always condemned any politics and was alleged of being support- of division, of ethnic or religious ive of their cause. hatred, of violence and intimidation As her opponents launched a as a political tool," she said. media campaign against her, Shah "Third, some Internet rumors sought guidance from her party have attempted to link me to Hindu leadership fearing that this might nationalist groups through a vatarnish the image of Obama. riety of tenuous connections: Re"There are hundreds of blog lief work I'm proud to have helped posts and articles on this and with- coordinate following the Gujarat out any responses, the rumors are feeding on each other.

Shah was later appointed in More interestingly, they were planning a the Obama administration. public campaign to em- From April 2009 to August barrass the president2011, she served as the elect and have me resign. I had several calls Director of the Office of from prominent folks in Social Innovation and India saying the best way to counter the lies Civic Participation and rumors was to put something out there denying the earthquake of 2001, or cultural and allegations. Others suggested religious affiliations of some of my doing a controlled interview," she family members, or apolitical huwrote. manitarian work... I have no ties Denis McDonough, who is to any such groups, and never currently the Chief of Staff, asked have," Shah said. her to draft a defense for them to Shah was later appointed in the look into.

Obama administration. From April "A presidential transition is al- 2009 to August 2011, she served ways a time of wild rumors and as the Director of the Office of Sounfounded gossip, so I'd like to cial Innovation and Civic Particiset to rest a few baseless reports pation in the White House.-PTI

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October 14, 2016

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India opposes Russia-Pak exercise NEW DELHI: Ahead of their annual bilateral Summit, India has conveyed its opposition to Russia over its joint exercise with Pakistan, a nation which "sponsors and practices terrorism as a matter of State policy", saying it will create further problems.

"We have conveyed our views to the Russian side that military

the bilateral meeting in Goa between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin, who will be arriving in India on October 14. Apart from bilateral Summit, Putin will attend the Brazil-Russia-IndiaChina-South Africa (BRICS) meet on October 16.

India has been communicating

"There are some burning issues before the world today which the BRICS countries will certainly address and this includes the question of terrorism and the threat of terrorism faced by all the countries in the BRICS group. cooperation with Pakistan which is a State that sponsors and practices terrorism as a matter of State policy, is a wrong approach and it will only create further problems," Indian Ambassador to Moscow Pankaj Saran said in an interview to Russian news agency Ria Novosti.

Saran's remarks come ahead of

its unhappiness to Russia over its joint military exercises with Pakistan. However, these concerns have been played down by the Russians who maintain that they hold similar military drills with other countries of the region as well.

Saran also said, "There are some burning issues before the

world today which the BRICS countries will certainly address and this includes the question of terrorism and the threat of terrorism faced by all the countries in the BRICS group. So this will be a major item of discussion during the Summit apart from the regional conflicts and the global situation."

On Indo-Russia ties, the envoy said as far as India s relations with Russia are concerned, the two countries share a special and privileged strategic partnership.

"We see no change in this. On the contrary, this has only strengthened in all areas, including in the field of military-technical cooperation. This partnership is an anchor of peace and stability in the region and the world.

"We have a regular system of military exercises with Russia. We have been holding these exercises for the last few years with Russia and we will continue to do so. The plan for these exercises is drawn up between the relevant agencies of the two sides. This will continue even next year," he said.

Penalize States harboring terrorists: India Cont’d from page 33

"All our resolve to create a peaceful prosperous community will fail unless we cooperate with each other to end this menace," he said.

Calling ACD an important forum that brings together so many of our people, Singh said, "This organization was born out of a felt

need to address challenges faced by countries of Asia from the global financial and economic crises.

This Summit is therefore timely, given the challenges that our nations face today."

ACD is an inter-governmental organization created on June 18, 2002 to promote Asian cooperation at a continental level and to help integrate separate regional

NUMBER ONE INDIA: Indian Cricket team players pose for a photo with ICC trophy for No.1 test team after winning the test series against New Zealand in Indore on October 11

organizations such as ASEAN, SAARC, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and the Eurasian Economic Union.

Singh said, "If the 21st century is to truly be an Asian Century, if Asia is to emerge as the engine of world economic growth, our nations have to be far more interconnected than what we are. This connectivity has to begin at the sub-regional level, progress to the regional and then expand to link regions.

"In our sub region of Bangladesh, Bhutan India and Nepal, we are already seeing significant progress in this connectivity through roads, railways, waterways, pipelines and electricity grids.

"The trilateral highway through Myanmar will connect this sub-region with Thailand and eventually to other ASEAN countries. India has offered a billion US dollars to ASEAN countries for connectivity projects including digital connectivity," he said.

Singh said India is reaching out to Afghanistan and Central Asian countries through port and highway development with Iran.

"Our SAGAR initiative (Security And Growth for All in the Region), maritime cooperation and emphasis on Blue Economy seeks to enhance cooperation among coastal and island nations of the Indian Ocean and the Pacific," he said. -PTI

Saran also talked about the cooperation in the field of civil nuclear sector, trade and investments. Russia had held first-ever joint military exercise with Pakistan in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa region in September.

Saran said as far as nuclear cooperation was concerned, the ties were "historic".

"We have five other units for Kudankulam project. Unit-2 is in the process of achieving critical-

ity and work on Units 3 and 4 is in the process of beginning. As far as Units 5 and 6 are concerned, we are working with the Russian side to finalize a General Framework Agreement and a Credit Protocol," he said, hoping to conclude the negotiations to mutual benefit for the two countries.

On commercial ties, he said the two sides were "actively" working to meet the bilateral trade target of USD 30 billion by 2025.-PTI

China ready to talk NSG but not Azhar Cont’d from page 8

regional organizations and regional countries," he said.

Li also spoke highly about emerging consensus between BRICS leaders on issues relating to international security and politics.

"This year marks 10th anniversary of BRICS. With 10 years of cooperation, BRICS cooperation has expanded and deepened.

In addition to the economy and trade, finical and people's cooperation on political security is also deepening," he said.

Li said in recent years, the BRICS countries have deepened co-operation on cyber security.

"We have also set up working group on counter-terrorism.

Work in this aspect is making

Cooperation on this front will enhance BRICS communication and coordination and will contribute to world peace and security.

That is quite obvious," he said.

He said BRICS Foreign Ministers reached agreement on counter-terrorism during their meeting on the margins of the UN General Assembly last month.

"We hope and believe that this Goa summit will build on the past consensus and continue to strengthen cooperation in counter-terrorism and other issues of political security and contribute to world peace and security," he said.

Li was guarded in his reply to a question about Pakistan being "kept out" of "China appreciates India's interaction between BRICS and BIMSTEC arrangements for the Goa leaders in Goa. summit and is grateful for There is "no attempt to form a clique" to keep that," he said and referred to any country out, he interactive meetings besaid.

"China appreciates tween BRICS and BIMSTEC India's arrangements for the Goa summit and is grateful for progress. Leaders have been that," he said and referred to in- meeting periodically to exchange teractive meetings between views on important security isBRICS and BIMSTEC leaders be- sues of regional and international sides representatives of BRICS importance.

Business council on the sidelines "All this show cooperation of the summit. politics and security is deepening Skirting any references to Pa- and making its contribution to the kistan, he said "all of this shows international security. But of that BRICS members are ready to course such cooperation is not have dialogue and communication targeted at any third country. It is with others". mainly uphold consensus and "Such dialogue is transparent. build international peace and proIt is an inclusive process and not mote global development," he targeted at any third party," he said. said. "Not forming cliques to exChina other BRICS members clude any particular country. are ready to strengthen coopera"Such dialogue is an inclusive tion on issues relating to internaone. Hope such dialogue will en- tional security and politics, he hance cooperation about BRICS said, adding "it is not about havcountries and strengthen coop- ing an exclusive small circle but eration between BRICS and other (are) open for cooperation".-PTI

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October 14, 2016

Elliot Storey races through the mud pit while carrying his wife, Giana Storey, to win the North American Wife Carrying Championship at the Sunday River Ski Resort in Newry, Maine

NEWRY, Maine: Carrying your wife over the threshold means good luck in your new marriage. Carrying your wife over the threshold of an obstacle course featuring log hurdles, sand traps and water hazards means beer and cash prizes.

A Maine husband and wife were the winners of the North American Wife Carrying Championship held on October 8 in Newry, Maine.

Elliot and Giana Storey, of Westbrook, will bring home 11 cases of Goose Island October fest beer and $665. They bested 43 other

couples to win the 17th annual competition.

The Storeys completed the 278-yard (254meter) course in 59.18 seconds. Their prizes were the weight of Giana in beer and five times her weight in cash.

The couple qualifies to participate in the world championship next year in Finland, where the event got its modern start.

What started as a light-hearted attraction in the small town of Sonkajärvi in Finland has become a world recognized (although bizarre) sporting competition.

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Mystique & glamour of birthday girl Rekha A

t 62, Rekha might no longer believe in celebrating birthdays as she has reportedly said. However, ever since this Southern beauty entered Bollywood, she has lost none of the mystique and glamour that have made her a figure of national fascination over her many years in the industry. We celebrate her birthday with a journey through her life and times.

Rekha was born Bhanurekha Ganesan to Tamil actor Gemini Ganesan and Telugu actress Pushpavalli. With act-

ing in her blood, it was only natural that she should took to the silver screen.

However, it wasn't easy. The actress has led a controversial life and it began with her birth.

Rekha's parents were not married and her father Gemini Ganesan refused to acknowledge her. On her part, Rekha kept her identity secret and revealed her origins and the story of her father's neglect much later in her career. She was famously estranged from her father after she made it big and ignored his attempts at reconciliation. Gemini Ganesan already had four daughters with his first wife, Alamelu. He had a second daughter with Pushpavalli, and another daughter and a son with second wife Savitri. Rekha has one sister, five half-sisters and a half-brother.

Credited as Baby Bhanurekha in the Telugu film Rangula Ratnam (1966), Rekha made her acting debut at age 12.

Rekha made her Bollywood debut in 1969 with the movie Anjana Safar (later retitled Do Shikari). She bagged her first role as a lead actress in Sawan Bhadon (1970) opposite Navin Nischol.

The film was a big hit and Rekha became a star overnight.

Despite her new-found stardom, Rekha's first few years in Bollywood were harrowing. She struggled with the Hindi language and was bewildered by the barrage of criticism about her dark complexion, voluptuous figure and 'South Indian looks'. It took a complete reinvention of her image, helped by a strict regime of diet and yoga, for Rekha to be

acknowledged as one of Bollywood's beauties After a string of mostly forgettable films, Rekha's breakthrough came with 1976's Do Anjaane. Critics heaped praises on her performance as an ambitious wife, but Do Anjaane, was notable for one other reason - it was her first film oppoScene from the movie Muqaddar Ka Sikandar site frequent collaborator and rumored off-screen paramour Amitabh Bachchan. series Return To Eden (1983).

Rekha delivered a power-packed, realistic and sensitive The movie was very well received by the critics and performance as the traumatized rape victim in the 1978 film, fans alike and won Rekha her second Filmfare Best AcGhar, one of her many woman-oriented tress Award in 1988. films. Ghar earned her a nomination for Rekha's career graph showed a dip at the dawn of the Best Actress at the Filmfare Awards, '90s and she started losing lead roles to younger acher very first. tresses. Once again, she put her talent for reinvention to Then came a blockbuster hit oppo- good use with roles in Mira Nair's risquĂŠ Kama Sutra: A site Amitabh Bachchan in Muqaddar Tale of Love (1996) and the commercially successful Ka Sikandar. In the immensely popular Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi (1996) opposite Akshay Kumar. film, Rekha's 'smoldering intensity' as In the latter, she played the role of a gangster (which the courtesan Zohra brought her a Best won her another award) and earned her the nickname Supporting Actress nomination at the 'Madam X'.

Filmfare Awards.

Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi was a major grosser and earned The light-hearted family flick Rekha several awards, including the Filmfare Best SupKhubsoorat (1980) allowed Rekha to porting Actress Award and the Star Screen Award for showcase her comic timing. Her viva- Best Villain. cious acting earned her the first Best In 2001, she played the role of Ramdulari, a simple Actress Award at the Filmfare Awards. village woman, in Rajkumar Santoshi's Lajja, based on In 2014, the film was remade by actor the plight of women in rural India.

Anil Kapoor and his daughters proIn that same year she played the senior wife to Manoj ducer Rhea Kapoor and actor Sonam Bajpayee in another Shyam Benegal movie Zubeidaa. The Kapoor with Sonam in the lead. films also featured actress Karisma Kapoor as Manoj In 1981, Yash Chopra made Silsila Bajpayee's second wife. and executed a casting coup with After playing Preity Zinta's mother in Kundan Shah's Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan playing Dil Hai Tumhaara (2002), she played Hrithik Roshan's a married couple mother in and Rekha playKoi...Mil Gaya, ing the 'other again directed woman.' by Rakesh Silsila was Roshan. widely considered She gave stela case of art imitatlar performances ing life as Rekha's even in her limalleged personal ited appearance alliance with the married Amitabh had in films like gathered notoriety amongst filmgoers.

Parineeta (2005) The two actors gave a string of hit and Krrish (2006). films together spurning reams of gosIn 2010, Rekha sip about their 'relationship'. Silsila, was awarded the however, turned out to be their last prestigious collaboration.

Padma Shri for her But if her life off-screen was lancontribution to guishing, Rekha's career was blazing Indian cinema.

Scene from the movie Umrao Jaan away, firing on all engines. She was Many conmesmerizing in 1981 film Umrao Jaan sider her unlucky and her portrayal of the titular courtesan poetess won in love, however. In 1990, Rekha married Delhi-based busiher the National Film Award for Best Actress nessman Mukesh Aggarwal, a relationship that ended in The latter half of the '80s saw her venture into art tragedy when Mr Aggarwal committed suicide a year later. house cinema with independent directors.

Shyam Benegal's award-winning drama, Kalyug (1981), Govind Nihalani's Vijeta (1982), Girish Karnad's Utsav(1984) and Gulzar's Ijaazat (1987) were some of Rekha's memorable films from this era.

One of her other notable films, revenge tale Khoon Bhari Maang, showed a completely different side of the actress. She played the role of a shy, homely woman in the first half, who transforms herself into a femme-fatale later in the film. The film was directed and produced by Rakesh Roshan and was a remake of the Australian mini-

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October 14, 2016 www.indiapost.com

'Mughal-E-Azam' to be staged as a play NEW DELHI: Director Feroz Abbas Khan is bringing K Asif's "Mughal-E-Azam" to the stage and he is confident that the inherent conflict and drama in the story will translate beautifully into a grand Broadway style musical.

The 1960 romance, starring Dilip Kumar, Madhubala and Prithviraj Kapoor, is one of the

doing a musical play on a large scale the film came to my mind. It was made in 1960 but people are attracted to the story even today," Khan told PTI in an interview.

The director says he has been careful in respecting K Asif's vision while lending the stage adaptation modern sensibilities.

"It is a great challenge. One has

"When you take on something new, you are always factoring in that it is going to be challenging. If you are going to take a simple play that would be fine but the fact that you are doing 'Mughal-E-Azam' puts a lot of pressure on you most important films in India's cinematic history.

Khan, known for directing critically acclaimed plays "Tumhari Amrita" and "Mahatma Vs Gandhi", calls the stage adaptation of the movie his most ambitious and exciting project so far.

"Mughal-e-Azam was adapted from a play. It has a very theatrical structure. When I thought about

to respect the memories of the people and yet we are in 2016. I am bringing modern sensibilities to the play. It is modern theatre.

"There will be live singing.

Eight of the original songs from the movie will feature in the play.

We are doing the stage adaptation as a tribute to Mr K Asif. It is his work, I am only translating it into play. I am inspired by his madness

Jio MAMI Fest brings spooky horror movies India Post News Service

MUMBAI: The Jio MAMI 18th Mumbai Film Festival with Star has lined up a series of 'After Dark' movies exploring horror, sci-fi and

suspense genres for its weeklong festival from October 20 to 27.

The film festival will be showcasing a huge repertoire of films from cutting-edge, independent cinema alongside traditional Bollywood genres, Hollywood and cult international films.

The festival is gearing up to startle its delegates by presenting them with night line ups of spooky horror movies.

After Dark will provide exposure to filmmakers working within the horror, sci-fi and suspense genres. It is also an excellent platform where upcoming horror directors can showcase their work.

Each film has been handpicked by Jongsuk Thomas Nam, the curator of 'After Dark' Section at the festival. The movies to be screened are: Babak Anvari's writing-directing debut 'Under the Shadow' -a supernatural thriller set in 1980's Tehran; 'The Greasy Strangler' is a shocking story of a slimygreasy serial killer. Also the first feature film from Jim Hosking; 'The Wailing', a detective-horror story will leave the viewers nerves in jitters, thanks to brilliant writing of South Korean film director and screenwriter Na Hong-jin. Director Isaac Estban serves up The Similars (Los Parecidos), a Twilight Zone-style fantasy suspense film; First-time feature director Agnieszka Smoczynska's movie, The Lure (Corki Dancingu) is the world's first 80s inspired mermaid musical horror film.

and passion. I have grown up loving the story."

The play will be performed at the NCPA (National Centre For Performing Arts), where it will play daily from October 21 till first week of November for a limited engagement of two weeks followed by the staging at Siri Fort Auditorium in New Delhi in November.

Khan, a theatre veteran, is known for his sensitive handling of stories and the success of "Tumhari Amrita", starring Farooq Sheikh and Shabana Azmi, is a testament to that. For him, "Mughal-E-Azam" is a passion project.

"When you take on something new, you are always factoring in that it is going to be challenging.

If you are going to take a simple play that would be fine but the fact that you are doing 'Mughal-EAzam' puts a lot of pressure on you. " "I am going to do my best...

This is a legacy and I am very respectful towards what I have with me". He has roped in some of the biggest names such as costume designer Manish Malhotra, awardwinning lighting designer David Lander, Emmy award nominee projection designer John Narun, production designer Neil Patel and choreographer Mayuri Upadhya.

Shapoorji Pallonji who financed the film is presenting the

play along with NCPA. "I would have ordinarily not made it this big but it needed to be done on a scale that befits 'Mughal-E-Azam'. I decided to bring in true collaborators and I

"Gandhi My Father" and "Dekh Tamasha Dekh". He also made a TV show "Main Kuchh Bhi Kar Sakati Hoon" on the theme of women empowerment.

Khan says theatre gives him a

have been very lucky in that respect."

Khan says he normally works with a small crew but the play demanded a different kind of infrastructure.

"It is very heavy on set, technology and lighting. I have a team of 60 -70 people besides the supporting team. I have done this before in a Gujarati musical but this is the biggest."

Khan, who has been associated with Prithvi theatre for a long time, is most comfortable with working in theatre though he has successfully ventured out into films

chance to explore and experiment like no other medium can.

"I am very happy with theatre.

I have spent most of my life not just doing plays but also being a part of Prithvi theatre almost from its inception to even now...

"Theatre allows me the freedom to explore so many subjects and ideas...I need not worry about money.

"And since I am slightly more comfortable with the language of theatre, I can break a lot of rules here. The whole process of working in theatre is very enriching. I see a growth".-PTI

Wife-carrying winner Cont'd from Page 36

Origins Despite the comedic nature of

The World Wife-Carrying Championship is yet another tongue-in-cheek event from those crazy folks in Finland. Other events include the Air Guitar Championships and the Rubber Boot Throwing Competition.

Young men would go to nearby villages, steal another man's wife (often carried away on his back) and then force her to marry him.

These days, the ladies are willing participants in the competition and gladly volunteer to be carried.

the competition, the WifeCarrying Championship is deeply rooted in Sonkajärvi's history. There are many rumors on how the Wife-Carrying Championship originated, but it appears to have been inspired partly by the practice of wife-stealing, once

commonplace in the villages of eastern Finland and partly due to a notorious local robber n a m e d RosvoRonkainen from the late 1800s. Legend has it that he made potential gang members complete an arduous obstacle course while carrying big, heavy sacks on their backs as a way to test their speed, strength, and endurance.

Apparently young men would go to nearby villages, steal another man's wife (often carried away on his back) and then force her to marry him. This was referred to as "the practice of wife-stealing." These days, the ladies are willing participants in the competition and gladly volunteer to be carried.-AP

TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

1 Kala Chashma: Baar Baar Dekho 2 Tere Sang Yaara: Rustom 3 Jag Ghoomeya: Sultan 4 Sau Tarah Ke: Dishoom 39 India Post

October 14, 2016

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

S Tiger Shroff and Disha Patani have done the unthinkable. The two have called time on their sweet romance

trange are the ways of our Bollywood folk. Just weeks after returning from what can be called a very modern holiday (taking your girlfriend with your parents we mean), Tiger Shroff and Disha Patani have done the unthinkable. The two have called time on their sweet romance. Rumors have it that Disha and Tiger's mum Ayesha barely get along, and that they only shared cold vibes while on vacation. No big deal, or so we thought. But the cleft seems to be deeper. Ayesha apparently has asked Disha to stay away from Tiger, and the two are not to sign any films together. Hmm, our question is: why call him Tiger then?

I will never say yes to a script because I'm scared to hurt someone or afraid they'll get back at me for my refusal. But I say no honestly, I don't lie about (my reasons).

A

nushka Sharma, now working on 'The Ring' with Shah Rukh Khan, in a recent interview opened up about her Bollywood journey, declining Tamasha, and of course, her relationship. Talking about turning down Imtiaz Ali's film she is quoted as saying, "Film people are portrayed as very petty and stupid, but it's not true. I will never say yes to a script because I'm scared to hurt someone or afraid they'll get back at me for my refusal. But I say no honestly, I don't lie about (my reasons). You have to respect the person enough to do that and usually they'll understand."

As for her love life - as she and Virat Kohli are dating each other - she said, "I won't hide (the relationship) behind dark car windows or use the back entrance, but I won't talk about it because it eclipses everything else I do or say."

10 Beat Pe Booty : A Flying Jatt

R

adhika Apte, who was recently seen in Parched, was infuriated when a journalist asked her about the leaked video from the film.

Giving him a piece of her mind, the 31-year-old actress said, "I am an artiste.

If I am required to do a certain job then I will do it."

The actress went mad when she was asked if controversies are mandatory to be successful, referring to the leaked sex clip from her recently released 'Parched' at a press conference in Mumbai.

"Sorry, but your question is very ridiculous. Controversies are made by people like you. You saw the clip, you shared with other people, you are the person... controversies are made out of," she said angrily.

"People, who are ashamed of their bodies, have curiosity about other people's bodies. So if you want to see a naked body tomorrow, look at yourself in the mirror," she said.

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I

f the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan, mesmerized by the beauty of Kashmir, called it heaven on earth then one look at the beaches across the Konkan strip in Maharashtra might have evoked a response like Paradise on Earth from him.

Even a cursory look at the beautiful stretch of soft white sand beaches at Tarkarli is enough to enthrall anyone. Located in the Malvan area, Tarkarli is an ideal spot to spend a weekend.

There is a great amount of variety available in Tarkarli. The choice ranges from a long stroll along pristine white sand (powder in fact) beaches to revisiting the past glory of Maratha bastion and forts. Also include in the list the backwater boat ride and temples for the religious minded followed by sumptuous Konkani meals. What you are looking at here is a fascinating journey into the heart of Konkan and the history of Maratha warriors. Besides, the

8 km long beach of Tarkali is also a perfect place to see.

The locals are mostly fishermen. They are happy with daily fishing and consumption of their catch. The idea of storage and business has not yet polluted the minds of these simple folks. They revel in simple lifestyle and celebrate with gusto, the festivals such as 'Anganewadi and Bramhan Dev Jatra'. The months of August-September see the influx of Non-Resident Konkanis returning to their abode for celebrating the 'Ganesh Festival" and the 'Birth of Lord Ram'.

An archetypal scruffy Indian village, however, comes alive when the market is in full bloom. Fish and seafood are the main commodities which are sold every day.

There is also a variety of cashew nuts, beetle nuts, Kokum powder and drinks and delicious Amla juice available in the market.

Cont’d on page 42

October 14, 2016

Travel & Hospitality Post

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1 lakh meetings at Kerala Travel Mart KOCHI: The ninth edition of the Kerala Travel Mart (KTM), witnessed around one lakh business meetings both scheduled and unscheduled during the three-day event, its organizers claimed as KTM-2016 concluded.

KTM, the largest conclave of tourism stakeholders in Kerala and the only such gathering in India focusing on a single destination, saw 60,000 meetings over the first two days, they claimed.

"As the final day was open to the public, there were around 40,000 unscheduled meetings held at the Mart. Overall, the response from buyers and sellers has been overwhelming," KTM Society president Abraham George said during a press briefing.

Besides tourism and trade officials from Kerala and other neighboring states, tour operators, travel agents, hoteliers, as well as owners of resorts, houseboats and home-

stays participated in KTM 2016.

"The sellers had quality appointments with potential buyers during the Mart. Even the first-timers are excited as the platform helped them improve business volume," Abraham said.

With 265 stalls over an expansive venue, KTM 2016, which saw registrations from 1,380 foreign and Indian delegates, showcased

a wide array of products and services from across Kerala.

KTM 2016 had as its core themes: 'Responsible Tourism' and 'Muziris and Spice Route'.

"KTM aims to develop tourism by empowering the local community. Hence, we adopted the agenda nine CSR activity to promote eco-friendly and responsible tourism," Abraham said.

Three airlines announce special fares NEW DELHI: Three domestic carriers have announced special fares for domestic and interna-

mestic flights and Rs 3,699 for international travel on a first-comefirst-serve basis.

The four-day sale will remain open till midnight of October 7.

The travel period will be between

tional fliers for travel between November and April next year, covering even the peak season for air travel when fares usually go sky high, a move that will bring cheers among air travelers.

Other players are also expected to join the low fare competition, following the move by Jet Airways, SpiceJet and AirAsia India.

AirAsia India was the first airline to reduce its ticket prices when it announced discounted fares across its flights for a period between October and April next year.

The Bengaluru-based budget carrier is offering fares as low as Rs 999 for travel period till April 27, 2017 with a four days tickets sale window, which has been made available to the customers from as part of its year-end sale offer.

Taking a cue from its rival, Gurgaon-headquartered no-frills carrier SpiceJet also came out with a matching offer, announcing starting airfares at Rs 888 for its do-

November 8 to April 13, 2017, the airline said.

Considered as the peak season

for air travel in India, the OctoberDecember period generally witnesses an increase in fares by 2030 per cent each year.

No sooner than the SpiceJet's offer hit the market, full service carrier Jet Airways also said it had lowered its base fares for economy class travel on its domestic flights by a significant amount.

Under the four-day special festival offer, the base fares for Jet Airways flights will be as low as Rs 396, the bookings have already commenced, the airline said.

The four-day special fare offer is effective from October 4 to October 7 and valid for travel from November 8 onwards on the airlines' select domestic network, it said.-PTI

The nine-point agenda for action calls for measures to tackle waste management, promote organic farming, efficient use of energy and extensive use of local produce and products.

Other key areas are rainwater harvesting, reducing the use of plastics and improving greenery.

KTM has also arranged postMart familiarization tours that will

convey delegates to selected popular destinations around the state to give them a feel of Kerala by way of its heritage of art, culture and cuisine.

The Mart's valedictory function in the evening was attended by Abraham, KTM Society secretary Jose Mathew, treasurer Jose Pradeep, and past presidents Jose Dominic and Riyas Ahamed.-PTI

Tour operators discuss Kerala tourism KOCHI: A panel of experienced travel and tour operators explored a range of issues affecting Kerala's tourism industry and mooted solutions to develop the state s destination profile at KTM 2016, the ninth edition of the Kerala Travel Mart here.

Over the course of a seminar titled 'Buyer's perspective of the evolving Kerala destination', the panel featuring long-time visitors to the state highlighted its de-

there really are very few places that can match Kerala in this aspect," said Anderson, who stressed the importance of retaining core competencies and authenticity.

This was further emphasized

by Sandeep Dayal, who works in inbound tourism sales, a KTM release said here.

Gilles Guillot, who works for a French tour operator, said he discovered Kerala in 1977 and

cades-long transformation into a must-visit tourist hotspot.

Noting that Kerala was a special place, Karen Anderson, a Canadian food writer and tour operator, said, "Food is a way to connect authentically with people.

The style, mis-en-place, diverse platter and preparations make Kerala's cuisine an excellent ambassador for the state."

"The spices one finds here,

praised the state's progression over the four decades.

"A destination s culture and tourism potential complement each other and Kerala is blessed with both. A better relationship between the two is needed. In this regard, the Kochi-Muziris Biennale and the Muziris Heritage Project are steps in the right direction building connections between art and travel," Guillot said.-PTI

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www.indiapost.com Cont’d from page 39

Not to forget the variety of pickles (made from seafood).

TOURISTATTRACTIONS Dhamapur Lake: If you like water and the shores minus the large sea waves then Dhamapur Lake is the ideal picnic spot for you. Located near the western region of Sindhudurg, it is famous for crystal clear waters. It's possible to see the bottom of the lake during clear and turmoil free weather.

Tarkarli, Maharashtra Fascinating journey into the heart of Konkan

Achra Beach: Have you ever seen the waves rise to 2 meters and still display a clean and crystal clear bottom at more than 25 feet? Have you ever seen a beach where even the most prim and proper gentleman would roll on the sand without giving a thought to removing his formals? Well then, you have never been to Achra.

Karli Backwaters: If a Keralite ever told you that Backwaters at Kerala were the best, tell him to have a look at the Karli Backwaters.

The influence of Karli River where it meets the Arabian Sea near the Karli creek provides one the most picturesque scenes in the area.

Kolamb Beach: If you have ever dreamt of owning a huge and beautiful beach to yourselves then Kolamb beach would swell your chest with pride for the crowd on this mesmerizing beach is so thin that it's possible to wonder if you own and have the beach all for yourselves. Hardly a soul will be visible on the beach; unfortunately neither would you find any food or drink vendor in the vicinity. Left all to yourselves if you have your rations packed and raring to move then Kolamb is the place for you.

Kolamb beach ends up in a creek from one side called the Kolamb creek.

Kolamb Beach

ever, his son Rajaram decided to create a temple dedicated to his father. Thus came up the Shri Shivchhatrapati temple on the Sindhudurg in 1695.

Deobagh: Deobagh (God's Garden) is in reality an overgrown village. The villagers, mostly fishermen have a strongly bound community. The fishermen replace their fishing activities with tourism and provide their boats to venture into deep seas. If luck is on your side, you might be able to sight a few dolphins.

Achra Beach

Karli Backwaters

Tarkarli Beach: Tarkarli has been bestowed with a long coastline which is ideal for those long romantic and nostalgia filled walks. The feeling of soft sand under your nimble toes and the presence of clear water and sky along with the cleanest of breathing air provides a heady feeling. Not to forget that the beach is also the trusted zone for female turtles. It is not uncommon to find a turtle lazing on the beach or hatching and protecting its eggs.

Shree Shivchhatrapati Temple: The Maratha King Chhattrapati Shivaji believed in residing in his followers' hearts. How-

Tarkarli Beach

Best time to visit here is from October to March.

HOW TO REACH

By Train: Nearest railway station is Kudal which is about 45 km away and is in the Konkan rail line.

By Air: Nearest airport is Dabolim in Goa, which is about 190 km away from Tarkarli.

By Bus: Tarkarli is easily accessible from Malvan, which is just 6 km away. Malvan is well connected by state owned bus services and private tourist bus services from many cities in and around.

Dhamapur Lake

October 14, 2016

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Maharajas' Express pact Wi-Fi services at 100 tourist places with Amex Cards

NEW DELHI: The Maharajas' Express has joined hands with Amex Cards offering special privileges to its cardholders in an attempt to promote the train in the niche market.

The 23-coach Maharajas' Express, a signature product of the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), currently runs on five routes with choices of 7 Nights/8 Days and 3 Nights/4 Days itineraries.

The itineraries cover destina-

tions like Agra, Jaipur, Ranthambore, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Balasinor, Ajanta, Gwalior, Khajuraho, Varanasi and Lucknow.

Indian nationals booking the Maharajas' Express directly on the train's official website www.themaharajas.com using an Amex Centurion or platinum credit card will be allowed one pre-or postnight hotel stay either in Delhi or Mumbai, depending upon the journey they choose.

They will also be offered vouch-

ers worth USD 250 which they need to spend on the train on optional excursions and shopping at the in-house boutique.

The offer is valid for the season 2016-17, according to IRCTC. The train, which took its inaugural journey in 2010, has stateof-the-art features with in-room temperature control, on-board water filtration plant, spacious cabin sizes, two bar-cum-lounges, two restaurants and an on-board team to serve the guests.-PTI

Foreigners can now explore new areas in Leh SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir government has relaxed the Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime to enable foreigners to visit restricted areas in Leh district of Ladakh, a decision which is expected to increase the footfall of tourists and give considerable boost to the local economy.

With this decision, foreign tourists would now be permitted to visit a number of unexplored areas like Panamik, Phukpochey, Hargam, Taksha, Sasoma, Chaglung, Kobet, Aranu, Khemi, Warshi, including Yarma Gompa/ Yarma Gonbo Monastery of the Nubra Valley in Leh. An official spokesman said that the Government has ordered relaxing the Protected Area Permit

(PAP) regime for allowing foreigners to visit the hitherto restricted areas in district Leh. He said these areas were thrown open for the local tourists in 2015, thus creating a positive impact on the life and livelihood of the people residing in these remote areas.

Situated at an average altitude of 10,000 feet, the Nubra Valley is known for its breathtaking beauty, gushing rivers, Buddhist monasteries and Pashmina goat rearing.

The spokesman said after taking note of the positive dividends emanating from the initiative and to further augment the opportunities of employment and income generation for the local youth, the

State Government has decided to open up the area for foreign tourists as well.

With this decision, a long pending demand of the people of Nubra Valley and Ladakh has been fulfilled, which in effect, is expected to give considerable boost to the local economy of Nubra Valley, he said, adding the flow of foreign tourists to the new areas from Panamik to Warshi, is expected to substantially enhance earnings of the people and transform their socio-economic profile.

Ladakh has over the years emerged as a prime tourist destination and is attracting tourists, both domestic and foreigners, in significant numbers.-PTI

NEW DELHI: BSNL and MTNL will provide Wi-Fi facilities at 100 tourist destinations across the country with the Union Tourism Ministry inking agreements with the state-run telecom service providers to this effect.

A total of 100 tourist places, including world heritage sites, will be identified where the service will be provided within the next six months, Tourism Secretary Vinod Zutshi said.

BSNL and MTNL will provide the service for seven years with the Tourism Ministry bearing the operational cost for the first three years, he added.

Zutshi, however, said a call was yet to be taken on the charges for using Wi-Fi which are expected to be free for the first few minutes.

The ministry has already started providing Wi-Fi services at 30 tourist places, including Trimula

temple in Andhra Pradesh, Bodh Gaya in Bihar, Khajuraho (Madhya Pradesh), the ghats of Varanasi, Fatehpur Sikri and Taj Mahal (Uttar Pradesh).

Zutshi said another 70 locations would be added to the list over the next six months, taking the tally to 100.

The initiative will enable tour-

ists to upload photos and videos on the social media in real time.

Union Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma has repeatedly said the Centre has accorded top priority to tourism which reaps benefits such as earning foreign exchange, providing employment to the youth and empowering the women.-PTI

No senior citizen concession for foreigners NEW DELHI: Foreigners travelling by trains will no longer be eligible for concessions meant for senior citizens, with the railways deciding to tighten the purse strings and restricting such rebates to Indian nationals permanently residing in the country.

Though Indian Railway charges concessional fares with regard to people belonging to various categories including sportspersons, the differently abled, patients and eminent artistes among others, rebate extended to senior citizens has major financial implications for the national transporter.

Of the Rs 1400 crore cost that the public sector behemoth incurs on extending the benefit of concessional fares to various classes of people every year, a whopping Rs 1200 crore is on account of senior citizens.

According to an Indian Railway notification, senior citizens' concession shall not be admissible to foreign nationals and NRIs with effect from September 29.

Men aged above 60 years and women over 58 are considered senior citizens entitled to concessional fares. The rebate for men is 40 per cent and for women 50 per cent.-PTI

Scoot starts Singapore-Jaipur flight JAIPUR: Singaporean longhaul low-cost carrier Scoot has launched a flight to Jaipur and the inaugural flight touched down here on Oct 3.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner flights will operate from Singapore to Jaipur on Monday, Friday and Sunday and from Jaipur to Singapore on Monday, Tuesday and Saturday, airline officials said.

"Jaipur is the third destination after Chennai and Amritsar where we have started operations," Bharath Mahadevan, country head of the airline, said.

The airline started the flight connecting Jaipur to Singapore as per its expansion plans and is targeting the youth, who love traveling and exploring new destinations, he said.-PTI

Horoscope

44 India Post

October 14, 2016

www.indiapost.com

Oct 14th - Oct 20th 2016 Please send your birthday, place of birth and time, so I can give you your zodiac sign, according to Vedic astrology. Send to Jaysastrology@gmail.com

T

he professional matters look better. The week carries some obstructions and concerns. Some of you may have to change journey plans due to sudden obstructions. The students need better concentration. The health of father needs care. Handle all matters with patience. It is better to avoid haste and conflicts. Avoid unnecessary driving and take care of your health.

he professional matters look better. Some additional income is likely. Social interaction with friends and communications increases.

Avoid conflicts and disputes.

Take care of your health, specially the digestion and cardiovasicular. The child brings some concerns. The new professional opportunities are likely. Avoid conflicting situations during 2016, and take due care of your health.

T

he professional matters face challenges. With your understanding and patience you are likely to be able to manage things. Keep new ventures pending. Avoid manipulations. Handle relationship matters with patience.

Child may need help. Avoid haste, conflicts, speculation, aggressive behaviour and unnecessary driving. Conflicts and financial concerns are likely to continue. Take care.

he professional matters need care. Some obstructions and conflicts are seen. Take care of your health, might need to see doctor get regular check up especially if you have cardiovascular issues and digestion problems.Financial position is ok. Take care and better to avoid unnecessary driving.

Look after younger sibling.

Loss of sleep. Mental stress at home.

T

T

P

he professional matters look better, Status improves. Some additional expenses are likely. Those who are appearing in selections may get good results. Stay away from manipulations, people trying to cheat you. It is better to keep new ventures pending as Jupiter is badly placed will cause losses. The child may also bring some happy news.

Take care of digestion and cardiovasicular issues.

T

rofessional matters look better. Property matters need care to avert losses.

Some sudden and short lived obstructions and stress are seen. The health of parents need care, look after them.

Due to sudden setbacks and obstructions its better to avoid unnecessary driving and doing risky activites.

Work with patience. Take care of relationship matters.

Stay calm.

he professional matters look better. The time is specially good for those in the field of communications, politics and international marketers. Students and those who are appearing in selections have better chances of success. Some of you may be rewarded. Some new rewarding opportunities are likely.

Enjoy time with your partner as Saturn is well placed.

Overall good week.

T

he professional matters face problems especially those working for government. The mental peace helps in managing professional matters. Stay away from manipulations. Some additional income is likely.

Avoid aggressive behaviour and haste. Silence is golden for you. Better to avoid conflicts. Problem is sun and mars are afflicted. This week is rough.

T

T

T

P

T

he professional matters look better. Work with patience and things remain manageable, meaning don't rush project or decisions making. Keep new ventures pending. Health of parents needs attention. The week may involve some additional expenses.

Avoid haste, aggressive behaviour, conflicts, unnecessary expenses and driving/travel.

Handle obstructions and relationship matters with care be nice.

rofessional matters look better. Some additional expenses are likely. Some good news is in the making.

Child may bring happiness.

The new business opportunities should be put on hold up to January, 2017. Avoid speculation. Always invest in safe assets. Patience is the best medicine up to January, 2017. Look after younger sibling.Avoid travel to foreign land. Moon will disturb mental peace.

he professional matters look better. Fortune helps. The new opportunities should be seen with care.Delays and obstructions are likely in the sources of income. Manage obstructions with patience.It is better to avoid manipulations, people trying to take advantage of you. Handle relationship matters with care, even business partners. Since sun is weak please take care of digestion.

he professional matters look better. The incidence of conflicts continues, remedy is stay calm and be patience. Take care of your health, see a doctor is required. Due to sudden setbacks and obstructions, It is better to avoid driving, and even being at wrong place at wrong time. Manage things with extra patience. Sun being weak look at digestion and cardiovasicular issues.

This weekly horoscope is more focused and accurate as these are based on ascending signs. The ascending sign is worked out on the basis of your date, time and place of birth. You will find the predictions at other places based on your Sun sign or Moon sign. The Sun remains in one sign of zodiac for one month whereas the Moon remains in one sign for about 54 hours. It is the ascending sign, which changes every couple of hours." That is how this site offers you more focused predictions.

JATIN P - ACHARYA MIHIR • JAYSASTROLOGY@GMAIL.COM • 630-675-7148

„ Health

Line

20% Indians suffer from chronic diseases NEW DELHI: Over 20 per cent of the country's population suffers from at least one of the noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), which are estimated to cost India USD 6.2 trillion during the period 2012-2030, according to a report said here.

As per the World Health Organization, non-communicable diseases or chronic diseases, such as cancer, heart ailments, respiratory diseases and diabetes, kill 38 million people globally every year.

The advocacy paper - 'NCDs in the Development Agenda' - has been prepared by global nonprofit organization Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD) with technical support from the National Health Systems Resource Centre (NHSRC), an agency under the National Health Mission.

The report is an attempt to sensitize decision-makers at all levels towards the growing burden of non-communicable diseases and help shape their opinion towards a multi-stakeholder approach, an official of PFCD India said.

"Of the estimated 98.16 lakh deaths in India in 2014, NCDs hold over 60 per cent share (5,869,000).

It accounts for 53 per cent of the disease burden," Executive Director of NHSRC, Sanjiv Kumar was quoted as saying in a statement released by PFCD.-PTI

„ Serious challenges in diet-related diseases NEW DELHI: South Asian countries including India will face "serious" challenges in preventing increase of diet-related noncommunicable diseases including cancer, stroke and diabetes, according to a new report.

The report, "Food Systems and Diets: Facing the Challenges of the 21st Century" was launched by the Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel.

"The report highlights the risks posed by the double burden of malnutrition in South Asia, where overweight and obesity exist alongside undernutrition.

"But the long and damaging path that high-income countries have taken to slowing down rise in obesity rates is not a fixed route," said K Srinath Reddy, President of the Public Health Foundation of India.-PTI

Health Science

First Medical Park to be set up in Chennai

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India recorded highest number of under-five deaths in 2015 NEW DELHI: India has recorded the highest number of deaths of children under the age of five in 2015, according to a latest Lancet study which also said that the country performed poorly in terms of tuberculosis and maternal survival.

The Global Burden of Disease study 2015 published in the Lancet which assesses the state of

world's health, said over a million under-five children have died in 2015.

The study said that cardiovascular diseases account for a large and increasing proportion of deaths in India.

"Most countries in the region did better than expected at reducing health loss from strokes (like India, Pakistan) and lower respiratory infections (like Bangladesh, Nepal).

"India performed much worse than expected on tuberculosis, whilst Bangladesh did poorly on drowning. All countries in the region did much worse than expected at reducing deaths in children under-5, with India recording the largest number of under-5 deaths of any country in 2015, at 1.3 million," it said.

The study said that while Bangladesh has improved maternal survival much faster than expected, India and Nepal have fared poorly.

"In this analysis we have estimated that there were more deaths due to chronic kidney disease than in previous analysis because of improved estimates within countries with large populations such as China, India, and Russia," it said.

The study found that although life expectancy has risen but seven out of 10 deaths now occur

due to non-communicable diseases while headaches, tooth cavities and hearing and vision loss each affect more than 1 in 10 people across the world.

It said that progress has been made on reducing unsafe water and sanitation, but diet, obesity, and drug use are an increasing threat. It also said that more than 2,75,000 women died during pregnancy or childbirth in 2015 across the world.

Interestingly, the study found that in 2015, self-harm was the second-leading cause of death from injury and nearly half of all selfharm deaths occurred in India and China.

It, however, said the trends in these countries have reversed, decreasing significantly in China but rising in India from 1990 to 2015.

"Over the past two decades China and India have both experienced rapid economic growth and urbanization, and therefore the opposing trends might be explained by other factors," it said.

The study said the number of annual deaths has increased from roughly 48 million in 1990 to almost 56 million in 2015 globally.

Around 70 per cent (40 million) of global deaths in 2015 were due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs including ischemic heart disease, stroke, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, and

ern European countries such as Spain had significant reductions in total deaths which indicate that not only are there specific interventions that can work, but also that population level reductions are possible in a short period.

"A reverse trend is apparent in low-income and middle-income countries, partly because the growth in motorization and traffic

The study said the number of annual deaths has increased from roughly 48 million in 1990 to almost 56 million in 2015 globally. Around 70 per cent (40 million) of global deaths in 2015 were due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs drug use disorders).

In 2015, an estimated 1.2 million deaths were due to HIV/AIDS (down 33.5 per cent since 2005) and 7,30,500 were due to malaria (down 37 per cent since 2005), the study said.

Another aspect of the study said that during 2005 to 2015, west-

density is outpacing the reductions associated with infrastructural development and levels of law enforcement.

"This trend is particularly the case for major fast-growing BRICS economies (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa)," it said.PTI

British scientists on verge of HIV cure LONDON: British scientists are on the verge of confirming a treatment for HIV, an incurable virus that leads to deadly AIDS disease, if a new treatment trial proves successful, a media report has claimed.

A British man with HIV hopes to become the first in the world to be cured of the disease by using the pioneering new therapy designed to eradicate the virus, 'The Sunday Times' reported.

The 44-year-old is the first of 50 people to complete a trial of the ambitious treatment, designed by scientists and doctors from five of Britain's leading universities universities of Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, University College London and King's College London.

It is the first therapy created to track down and destroy HIV in every part of the body including in the dormant cells that evade

current treatments.

If successful, it offers hope of an irreversible cure for HIV and could save millions of pounds spent on drugs. Early tests show the virus is undetectable in the man's blood.

But he will have to wait some months before confirmation on whether the treatment has permanently cleared the disease.

It is possible that the absence

of the virus could be down to the conventional drugs that he has also been taking which can temporarily clear the body of the disease.

Mark Samuels, managing director of the National Institute for Health Research Office for Clinical Research Infra structure, which set up the medical consortium, told the newspaper: "This is one of the first serious attempts at a full cure for HIV. We are exploring the real possibility of curing HIV. This is a huge challenge and it's still early days but the progress has been remarkable."

Cont'd on Page 47

Health Science Post

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Jail for bias against AIDS patients NEW DELHI: Discriminating against people with HIV and AIDS may soon land the offenders in jail for a maximum of two years besides a fine of up to Rs one lakh, with the government approving amendments to a draft law.

The draft law seeks to protect the interests of AIDS patients and those infected with HIV virus by bringing in legal accountability and establishing a mechanism to probe complaints against those who discriminate against such people.

The Union Cabinet approved amendments to 'The HIV and AIDS Bill, 2014' under which those discriminating against such persons will get a minimum of three months and a maximum of two years imprisonment and have to cough up a fine of up to Rs one lakh.

Union Health Minister J P Nadda said the bill makes it mandatory for state and the central government to provide Antiretroviral therapy (ART) "as far as possible".

The bill lists various grounds on which discriminat i o n against HIV positive persons and those living with them will be prohibited including denial, termination, discontinuation or unfair treatment with regard to employment,

educational establishments, health care services, residing or renting property, amongst others.

Under the proposed bill, organizations with 100 employees must have a complaint officer to look into the grievances of the persons with HIV and AIDs, while every state has been mandated to have an ombudsman who will look into the violations under this Act once it has been passed.

Under the proposed law, even the insurance companies cannot discriminate against an HIV positive person and deny them the facility of an insurance.

"This bill seeks to address the issue of stigmatization towards AIDS/HIV positive cases and the discrimination meted out to them.

The second motive is to give such persons an enabling environment so that just like other citizens they can work and have the right to every facility," Nadda said.

The requirement for HIV testing as a prerequisite for obtaining employment or accessing health care or education will also be prohibited.

"As far as punitive and preventive measures are concerned, the bill seeks to ensure that no environment of hatred or discrimination is disseminated in the society.

"We have made it punishable. It will also be mandatory for central and state governments to provide ART treatment to all patients as far as possible," Nadda said.

The Bill requires that "no person shall be compelled to disclose his HIV status except with his informed consent, and if required by a court order".

Establishments keeping records of information of HIV positive persons shall adopt data protection measures.

According to the proposal, every HIV infected person below the age of 18 years has the right to reside in a shared household and enjoy the facilities of the household. (MORE) NAB TDS SK Regarding guardianship of minors, the proposed Bill says that a person between the age of 12 and 18 years who has sufficient maturity in understanding and managing the affairs of his HIV or AIDS affected

are even 20 people, will also have to keep a complaint officer.

"The punishment under this have been proposed at a minimum of three months to a maximum of up to two years of imprisonment and a fine of up to one lakh fine," Nadda said.

The Bill has a provision for appointment of an ombudsman by state governments to inquire into complaints related to the violation of the Act and penal actions in case of non-compliance.

"If a person with HIV or AIDS feels that an insurance company has discriminated, he or she can go to the ombudsman.

The latter will enquire. Under the proposed law, the Ombudsman has been given the power to immediately impose a fine of Rs 10,000, and if that is not deposited, then there will be an increase of Rs 5,000 every day till it is paid. This (Being HIV positive)

Under the proposed bill, organizations with 100 employees must have a complaint officer to look into the grievances of the persons with HIV and AIDs, while every state has been mandated to have an ombudsman who will look into the violations under this Act once it has been passed family shall be competent to act as a guardian of another sibling below 18 years of age.

This provision will be applicable in matters relating to admission to educational establishments, operating bank accounts, managing property, care and treatment.

Nadda said, under the proposed law, blood testing has to be done after obtaining the consent of the person and confidentiality of information will be the patient's right.

"Whoever discloses it will be liable to punishment," he said.

Nadda said every organization which has got 100 people working under it must have a complaint officer who will look into grievances. Health institutions, where there

cannot become criteria for denial," Health secretary C K Mishra said.

Approximately 21 lakh people are estimated to be living with HIV virus in India.

Even though the prevalence of HIV/ AIDS has been decreasing over the last decade, the Bill would provide essential support to National AIDS Control Program (NACO) in arresting new infections and thereby achieving the target of "Ending the epidemic by 2030" according to Sustainable Development Goals.

"Presently, we were addressing the issue of discrimination through executive orders. But after this draft law is passed, persons with HIV and AIDS will get it as their right," Nadda added.-PTI

Cohort study centre inaugurated at AIIMS NEW DELHI: A centre for the first of its kind cohort study being undertaken to determine genetic, lifestyle and socio-economic elements that are protective or risk factors for the occurrence of heart ailments or dementia in old people, has been inaugurated at AIIMS here.

The study is a collaborative project between the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Erasmus University in the Netherlands and National Brain Research Centre at Manesar in Gurgaon. It is supported by the Department of Biotechnology.

Cohort studies are type of medical research used to investigate the causes of disease, establishing links between risk factors and health outcomes. They are planned in advance and carried out over a future period of time.

The Indo-Dutch study launched in Sep-

tember 2014 will assess participants aged 50 or above. It has a sample size of 15,000, with equal number from urban and rural areas, the AIIMS said.

"We began the enrollment last year and with this new facility, now we have a dedicated centre for the research work. Before this, we had a stop-gap arrangement and we were using facilities of other departments," Head of Department of Neurology and Principal Investigator of the study Dr Kameshwar Prasad said.

The centre was inaugurated by Union Health Secretary C K Mishra in the presence of Secretary of Department of Biotechnology K Vijay Raghavan, AIIMS Director M C Misra and Head of Department of Neurology and Counselor for Science, Technology & Innovation at the Embassy of the Netherlands, Jelle Nijdam. PTI

October 14, 2016

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First Medical Park to be set up in Chennai NEW DELHI: Giving a push to local production of hi-end medical equipment, the government has given its nod to PSU HLL Lifecare to sub-lease over 300 acres of land in Chennai to set up the country's first medical devices manufacturing park.

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave its nod to the PSU under the Health Ministry to sublease 330.10 acres of land at Chengalpattu near Chennai to set up the Medipark through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) with shareholding of HLL at 50 per cent.

"The Medipark project will be the first manufacturing cluster in the medical technology sector in the country, envisaged to boost local manufacturing of hi-end products at a significantly lower cost, resulting in affordable healthcare delivery, particular in diagnostic services to a large section of people," an official statement said.

The proposed Medipark would contribute to development of medical devices and technology sector and allied disciplines in the country, which is still at a nascent stage besides generating employment and give a

boost to the government's "Make in India" campaign.

The medipark will be developed in phases, spread over seven years for completion and in the first phase, physical

Medicine Nobel Prize for Japanese STOCKHOLM: Yoshinori Ohsumi of Japan has won the Nobel Medicine Prize for his pioneering work on autophagy - a process whereby cells "eat themselves" which when disrupted can cause Parkinson's and diabetes.

A fundamental process in cell physiology, autophagy is essential for the orderly recycling of damaged cell parts and under-

Yoshinori Ohsumi

standing it better has major implications for health and disease, including cancer.

Ohsumi's discoveries "have led to a new paradigm in the understanding of how the cell recycles its contents," the jury said.

"Mutations in autophagy genes can cause disease, and the autophagic process

is involved in several conditions including cancer and neurological disease," the jury added.

Researchers first observed during the 1960s that the cell could destroy its own contents by wrapping them up in membranes and transporting them to a recycling compartment called the lysosome - a discovery that earned Belgian scientist Christian de Duve a Nobel Medicine Prize in 1974.

It was de Duve who coined the term "autophagy", which comes from the Greek meaning self-eating.

In what the jury described as a "series of brilliant experiments in the early 1990s", Ohsumi used baker's yeast to identify genes essential for autophagy.

He then went on to explain the underlying mechanisms for autophagy in yeast and showed that similar sophisticated machinery is used in human cells.

Ohsumi's findings opened the path to understanding the importance of autophagy in many physiological processes, such as how the body adapts to starvation or responds to infection.

When autophagy breaks down, links have been established to Parkinson's disease, type 2 diabetes and other disorders that appear in the elderly.-AFP

British scientists on verge of HIV cure Cont'd from Page 45

The HIV virus is mostly transmitted by sex. Once in the body it targets T-cells, part of the immune system, splicing itself into their DNA. If the T-cell is active the HIV hijacks it, turning it into a tiny factory spewing millions more viruses to infect other T-cells.

It is this aspect of HIV activity that is targeted and suppressed by anti-retroviral therapies (ART). What ART cannot do is pick out the millions of infected T-cells lying dormant around the body but waiting to spring into life should ART fail. It is the

HIV reservoir in these dormant cells that the research group is targeting.

"It would be great if a cure has happened. My last blood test was a couple of weeks ago and there is no detectable virus.

However, that could be the anti-retroviral therapies, so we have to wait to be sure," the London-based patient said.

The new trial is being backed by the UK's state-funded National Health Service (NHS) because it could save millions by removing the need to treat HIV patients with ART, which costs around 380,000 pounds per person over their lifetime.-PTI

infrastructure will be developed while the plots will be leased from the third year onwards.

Knowledge management center will be developed in the second phase. HLL will sublease the land to investors, through a transparent bidding process to investors desirous to set up manufacturing units for medical equipment and devices.

"In the initial phase, the land cost to the qualifying entrepreneurs from medical device and equipment, manufacturing industry will be at a subsidized rate to attract others and the rate will go up gradually as the demand picks up.

"Thus the Medipark project will play an important role in enhancing quality health care delivery in India," the statement said.

The project will also reduce the dependence on imports and create a strong base for the growth of indigenous and domestic industry by providing access to state-of-the-art infrastructure and technology.

The domestic manufacturing of medical devices and equipment will not only usher in a regime of assured and affordable health care delivery but also deepen and strengthen the penetration of quality health care services.-PTI

In Brief Court rejects Obama plea on immigration WASHINGTON: The Supreme Court has declined an Obama administration request to break its recent tie over plans to protect millions of immigrants.

The justices rejected the appeal with no comment. The high court had split 4-4 in late June, effectively killing the White House's plans to shield from deportation immigrants who are in the country illegally and provide them work permits. The administration had asked the court to reconsider the case once a ninth justice is on the bench.

The court has been shorthanded since Justice Antonin Scalia died in February and will have to wait for the Nov. 8 presidential election to get a sense of who might join them as the ninth justice. President Barack Obama has nominated Judge Merrick Garland, but Senate Republicans have refused to act, saying the next president should fill the Scalia seat.

The immigration case still could return to the court, but probably not until a later term.

White House spokesman Josh Earnest said the administration was disappointed by the immigration decision and called on Senate Republicans to ``confirm a ninth justice to the Supreme Court so that the business of the American people can be conducted in the Supreme Court.''-AP

„ 56 illegals found in two Texas apartments MISSION, Texas: Border Patrol officials say a search of two apartment units in South Texas resulted in the discovery of 56 people who admitted to being in the U.S. illegally, including five people from Mexico who admitted to being smugglers.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection said that they received information about the apartment units - both in the same complex in Mission - and obtained consent to search them. They then arrested 56 people. Officials said those found in the apartments were from Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras. They were taken to a Border Patrol station where they were processed.

Officials say the five smugglers, two men and three women, were referred for prosecution.-AP

Immigration 48 India Post

www.indiapost.com

October 14, 2016

Immigrants to get $50,000 in back wages DENVER: A Steamboat Springs restaurant has reached an agreement with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to pay $50,000 in back wages to eight immigrant workers who weren't paid on time and often didn't receive payment for working overtime. -AP

New UK plans to crackdown on immigration will hit Indians LONDON: The UK has unveiled plans to further its crackdown on immigration through "work and study routes" from non-EU nations, in a move expected to make it difficult for British firms to hire professionals from countries like India.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd told the annual Conservative Party conference in Birmingham she will be looking at a range of options to cut migration.

"Leaving the EU is just one part of the strategy. We have to look at all sources of immigration if we mean business...We will be looking across work and study routes. This will include examining whether we should tighten the test companies have to take before recruiting from abroad," Rudd said as she announced a new consultation on tightening immigration.

New rules are expected to make it tougher for British companies wanting to bring in foreign professionals from outside the EU, including countries like India.

"The test should ensure people coming here are filling gaps in the

labor market, not taking jobs British people could do. But it's become a tick box exercise, allowing some firms to get away with not training local people.

who have no right to be in the UK will be committing a criminal offence and could go to prison. Immigration checks will be a mandatory requirement for those want-

"We won't win in the world if we don't do more to upskill our own workforce... I want us to look again at whether our immigration system provides the right incentives for businesses to invest in British workers," she said.

She also announced that from December, landlords that knowingly rent out property to people

ing to get a license to drive a taxi.

From next year, banks will have to do regular checks to ensure they are not providing essential banking services to illegal migrants.

The crackdown will affect students from India planning to study in the UK; their numbers are already at an all-time low.

"We will also look for the first time at whether our student immigration rules should be tailored to the quality of the course and the quality of the educational institution...

We need to look at whether this one size fits all approach really is right for the hundreds of different universities, providing thousands of different courses across the country," the minister said.

However, she stressed that the new rules will be brought in after consultation with businesses and universities.

"This isn't about pulling up the drawbridge. It's about making sure students that come here, come to study. We're consulting because we want to work with businesses and universities to get this next stage of our reforms right," Rudd added.

For migration within the EU, the home minister unveiled plans to overhaul legislation to make it easier to deport criminals and those who abuse UK laws while Britain negotiates its complete exit from the economic bloc.-PTI

'Trump policies will damage US, not India' BENGALURU: British IT Guru and 'Internet of Things' inventor Kevin Ashton said here that Republican candidate Donald Trump will not come out trumps in the US

Kevin Ashton

Presidential elections and that his stance on outsourcing industry and immigration policies will do

"damage to US and not to India."

"Donald Trump is not going to come out trumps in the US Presidential elections because his organizational skills are poor. The damage will be done not to India, but to the United States," he told reporters at the eighth edition of NASSCOM Design and Engineering Summit here.

Trump is a candidate for the US President's post and is criticized by many quarters in India over his stance on the outsourcing industry and existing immigration policies.

"Trump is playing a dangerous game," Ashton said.

The tech expert said that even if Trump wins the election, he will not execute half of the things he had been saying, but will try to

enrich himself.

NASSCOM President R Chandrashekhar, on the other hand, said India needed to wait and watch, rather than panic, on the outcome of the US Presiden-

sibly in United States. Therefore, we need not press panic buttons," he said.

The Internet of Things (IoT) market in India stands at USD 5.6 billion with 200 million connected

"India can afford to sort of wait and see the circumstances because the Indian IT industry actually helps create jobs even ostensibly in United States. Therefore, we need not press panic buttons," he said tial elections.

"India can afford to sort of wait and see the circumstances because the Indian IT industry actually helps create jobs even osten-

units in 2016 and is expected to grow to USD 15 billion with 2.7 billion units by 2020, Chandrashekhar said.

Cont'd on Page 49

Immigration Post

October 14, 2016

India Post 49

www.indiapost.com

Indians in sham marriages US tried to deport man killed by police in immigration scam JACKSON, Miss: Tarunkumar and Sachin Patel wanted to find a way so that more of their friends and business associates from India could get permanent legal status to remain in the United States.

But they have admitted their plans

Massachusetts, coming back to Jackson only once every two or three months. ``They were married just for the convenience of getting the citizenship,'' said Patel's lawyer, Ross Barnett Jr. ``That was the No. 1

were federal crimes.

Now they and up to 17 others face prison time.

The men said that in 2011 they arranged four sham marriages between their friends and American women the two Patels had met.

The two are business acquaintances. Then in 2014, Tarunkumar Patel said he began bribing a Mississippi police officer to create false crime reports in an effort to get immigration authorities to grant them special visas for victims of certain types of crimes.

The Patels, former Jackson officer Ivory Harris and lawyer Simpson Goodman pleaded guilty in federal court in Jackson to conspiracy charges, as did two of the men who benefited from the fake police reports. The Patels and Goodman face up to 10 years in prison, having pleaded guilty to both marriage fraud and the police report fraud.

A seventh defendant also pleaded guilty and more guilty pleas from others in the scheme are scheduled this month. Nineteen people were indicted in two linked cases in April.

The 50-year-old Tarunkumar Patel, who operates a store in a poor area of Jackson, said he arranged the first marriage when a friend came down from Massachusetts. That friend, Virenda Rajput, met a woman who was a frequent customer of the store. ``My friend told me, `I want to marry her,''' Tarunkumar Patel told U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate.

And they did. The woman took Rajput's name, becoming Javona Shanice Rajput. But Virenda Rajput returned to his own job in

purpose.''

Sachin Patel persuaded another woman with whom he had worked at an Indian restaurant to marry a friend in 2013, and two more marriages were arranged in 2014.

The Patels said they paid the women money on behalf of their

his beat.

Harris said Patel paid him $500 per report at first. ``Then one time, when I had questions about it, he told me, `Don't worry about it,' and gave me $1,000,'' Harris said. The reports usually claimed the people had been assaulted or robbed at gunpoint. ``In fact, these noncitizen Indians were not victims of crime in Jackson, Mississippi,'' Assistant U.S. Attorney David Fulcher said.

Doing the paperwork with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services was Goodman, an acquaintance of Sachin Patel. A 2012 law school graduate, Goodman said he was spiraling into abuse of the stimulant Adderall and marijuana.

More recently, Goodman said he has been treated for drug abuse, hospitalized once for suicidal thoughts and a second time after attempting suicide.

Goodman said he stopped representing Virenda Rajput in his immigration application but continued representing two others.

The Patels provided him with documents meant to bolster the claim, such as joint bank account

Harris said Patel paid him $500 per report at first. ``Then one time, when I had questions about it, he told me, `Don't worry about it,' and gave me $1,000,'' Harris said. The reports usually claimed the people had been assaulted or robbed at gunpoint friends, although not very large sums. Tarunkumar Patel said the most he ever gave Javona Rajput at one time was $300.

Tarunkumar Patel was also the prime mover in the fake police reports, approaching Harris, who visited the store often as part of

statements, life insurance statements and apartment leases. He said the applications were never completed, with the efforts essentially abandoned before Citizenship and Immigration Services would have interviewed the people.-AP

Smugglers hiring young women as drivers BROWNSVILLE, Texas: Authorities in the Rio Grande Valley say jail records indicate human smugglers are targeting young women to hire as drivers.

La Joya Independent School District Police Chief Raul Gonzalez told The Brownsville Herald the activity was ``bound to happen'' because police along the border have been cracking down on smugglers using young men and boys as drivers.

Authorities say the money is enticing - $1,250 a day - and no experience and even no valid license is necessary.

In one recent bust, an 18-year-old woman from Mission was pulled over just north of the Rio Grande for a routine traffic offense and was found carrying five wet and muddy passengers who were in the U.S. illegally. It was her second arrest in four months for the same offense.-AP

SAN DIEGO: U.S. authorities leading to his release in 2003 untwice tried to deport a black man der an order of supervision. who was fatally shot by police in Olango later was convicted on a San Diego suburb last week but a weapons charge in Colorado, his native Uganda refused to take sentenced to nearly four years in him. prison and ordered to be deported Then last year, he stopped re- in 2009 after his release. porting to immigration authorities Uganda again refused to issue as required under terms of his free- travel documents allowing him to dom and it's unclear whether the return. government made any attempt to Olango was told to check in find him. monthly with immigration authoriAn explanation for why Alfred ties and did so until February 2015.

Olango remained in the country Uganda accepted 11 people lies in a 2001 U.S. Supreme Court who were deported from the U.S. ruling that generally prohibits the during the 2015 fiscal year but it detention of foreign nationals for was unclear how many were demore than six months if deportation is unlikely.

Olango later was convicted on The nation's highest court said a weapons charge in Coloin the 5-4 decision that holding people rado, sentenced to nearly four indefinitely only years in prison because no country will take them violates the constitutional right to due nied. process.

John Sandweg, a former ICE Some of the thousands of im- director who left the agency in migrants who have been released 2014, said U.S. officials had little after being ordered deported went recourse once Olango stopped on to commit crimes, making the checking in. Under the Supreme Zadvydas vs. Davis decision a Court decision they could have lightning rod for critics who say it held him only six months and then illustrates a broken system. would have to let him go because Olango, who arrived in the United failing to report to immigration States as a refugee in 1991, was authorities is not a crime. among those who committed crimes. ``When you have a recalcitrant He was ordered deported by an country who won't take that indiimmigration judge in 2002 follow- vidual back - won't give permising his conviction for transport- sion to return them to their own ing and selling narcotics, U.S. Im- country or denies their identity, migration and Customs Enforce- denies that they're actually citiment told The Associated Press. zens of that country - ICE has no However, Uganda wouldn't take choice but to release those indihim back after multiple requests, viduals,'' Sandweg said. -AP

'Trump policies will damage US, not India' Cont'd from Page 48

The global IoT market is expected to grow to over USD 3 trillion by same period, and both consumer and industrial applications are expected to drive overall IoT growth, he said.

The term 'Internet of Things' describes a system where the Internet is connected to the physical world via ubiquitous sensors.

The IoT ecosystem in India comprises around 120 organizations from across the value chain, the NASSCOM chief said.

Expressing his thoughts on the upturn of applied IoT in India, Ashton, who is also an author, said

the ecosystem was rapidly expanding, owing to demand for both Industrial and Consumer IoT applications and is set to be a critical part of the next level of growth for the IT industry.

Chandrasekhar said IoT as a concept has seen vested interests from across industries globally and was set to become a major differentiator in driving the next generation of services and products.

"In India, while the industry is at a nascent stage, industrial applications of IoT primarily in manufacturing, automotive and transportation and logistics are expected to drive IoT revenues by 2020," he said.-PTI

Datebook

50 India Post

October 14, 2016

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NEW JERSEY

NEW YORK

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

CHICAGO

Upcoming

Upcoming

ILLINOIS

Upcoming

Upcoming

Upcoming

Fri, Oct 14 • Patel Brothers and India House Navratri 2016

Sat, Oct 15 • Diwali Dinner and Musical Evening 2016 Venue: Marquise Majestic, 88-03 101st Avenue, Ozone Park, NY 11416 Time: 07:00 pm

Venue: Alameda County Fair Grounds, 4501 Pleasanton Ave, Pleasanton, CA 94566 Time: 11:00 am

Fri, Nov 04 • A Tribute to Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan performance

by Rizwaan Muazzam Ali Khan LIVE in Concert

1st and 3rd Sunday of Month • Chicago Children's

Venue: Garden State Exhibit Center, 50 Atrium Drive, Somerset, NJ 08873 Time: 09:00 pm

Sat, Oct 15 • FOG Diwali and Fireworks Festival of Lights

Sat, Oct 15 • IFMP Navratri 2016

Fri, Oct 21

Venue: MThe Meadows Club, 2950 W.Golf Rd Rolling Meadows, Chicago , IL 60008 Time: 08:00 pm

Venue: Vogelei Center, 650 W. Higgins Road, Hoffmann Estates, IL 60192 (Next to Nissan Dealership) Contact: Ajay & Arti Chandhok @ 630-561-4807

Venue: West Windsor Plainsboro High School North, 90 Grovers Mill Road, Plainsboro, NJ 08536 Time: 07:00 pm

• Dopehri a Play with Pankaj Kapur and Supriya Pathak in New York

Venue: Melvin H. Kreps Middle School, 5 Kent Lane, Hightstown, NJ 08520 Time : 3:00 pm

• Armaan Malik live in Concert – CHICAGO

Venue: AHindu Temple Auditorium - Flushing, 143-09 Holly Ave, NY 11355 Time : 8:00 pm

Sat, Oct 22 • Workshop with Shri.Vikku Vinayakram

Fri, Nov 18

Sun, Oct 23 • Atif Aslam Live in Concert 2016 New York Venue: Colden Center, 6530 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, NY 11367 Time : 6:00 pm

Fri, Oct 14 • Falguni Pathak Live Concert The Dandia & Garba Queen 2016 in San Jose Venue: Santa Clara County Fairgrounds 344 Tully Rd, San Jose, CA 95111 Time: 8:00 pm

Sat, Oct 15 • Golden Hindi & Marathi film Music by Actress/Singer Ketaki Mategaonkar Venue: Cubberley Auditorium, 4000 Middlefield road, Palo Alto, CA 94303 Time: 6:00 pm

Sat, Oct 22 • Super Masti Live In Sacramento Venue: Center At Twenty Three Hundred, 2300 Sierra Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95825 Time: 5:00 pm

Sun, Oct 23 • Gadathgajan comedy drama

by Crazy Mohan and Maadhu Venue: Rosemont High School Auditorium, 9594 Kiefer Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95827 Time: 4:30 pm

Venue: Copernicus Center, 5216 West Lawrence Avenue, Chicago, IL 60630 Time : 6:00 pm

ATLANTA Upcoming Sat, Oct 15 • Dussehra & Diwali Festival 2016 Venue: Skeeters Stadium, Stadium Drive, Sugar Land, TX 77498 Time: 4:00 pm

Sat, Oct 29 • Punjabi Society Inc Diwali Dhamaka Venue: Ashiana Global Mall, 5675 Jimmy Carter Blvd, Norcross, GA 30071 Time: 7:00 pm

Tue, Nov 22 • Thanksgiving tour to New York City, Penn, and Washinghton DC Venue: College Park, Norcross Global Mall, Atlanta, GA, 5288 Riverdale Road, Atlanta, GA 30349 Time: 1:00 pm

Bal Mukund Character Building Program and Hindi Literacy Classes

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

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

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

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

October 14, 2016

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MATRIMONIALS BRIDE-GROOM WANTED

BRIDE WANTED Chicago based Gujarati Shah/Patel doctor parents invite correspondence from parents of Jain/ Vaishnav/ Leuva Patel well educated US Greencard holder or Citizen daughter for their India born British Citizen, American Green card holder son.

He is MBA/ 38years/5'7" working as General Manager in Pharmaceutical company in London, UK, divorcee with one son (Custody of son with ex wife).

Please send biodata with full picture to dr. Shailendrashah@gmail.com and Vivshahmib@gmail.com pr contact by phone at 773-807-9636 after 6 PM Monday to Friday or any time on weekend.

He is visiting Chicago for two weeks on October 24th.

Philosophy

October 14, 2016

India Post 53

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Page Sponsored by Sahanis PAPAJI (HWL POONJAJI)

Interviewed by David Godman avid: When you look at people who come to you and tell you, 'Papaji, I suffer,' do you feel compassion for them, and when they wake up, do you rejoice?

Papaji: I do feel compassion.

What else is there for me? I have compassion for all beings who are suffering and who are dreaming. I just tell them, 'Wake up, my dear friends. My dear children, wake up. There is no suffering at all. It's only a projection of your mind. It's not real. You are dreaming. Wake up from the dream, and all the suffering will end.'

D: I would like you to tell the story of the Japanese professor with one lung who couldn't stop laughing. I think that it is a very good story about your teaching.

Call you tell the whole story?

P: [Papaji laughs] When he arrived I was upstairs in my house, giving satsang to some people there. He asked the people downstairs if I would come down and see him because he had been told by his doctor that he should not climb stairs.

He was told, 'Papaji is very busy right now. He is giving satsang upstairs. If you cannot wait, you must go up and see him.'

This man had a great desire to see me, so he decided to climb the stairs, rather than wait for me to fin-

D

FRIEDRICH NIETZSCHE

W

hen Zarathustra came into the town, he found many people gathered together in the market place; for it had been promised that there would be a tightrope walker. And Zarathustra spoke thus to the people: "I teach you the overman. Man is something that shall be overcome. What have you done to overcome him?

"All beings so far have created something beyond themselves; and do you want to be the ebb of this great flood and even go back to the beasts rather than overcome man? What is the ape to man? A laughingstock or a painful embarrassment. And man shall be just that for the overman: a laughingstock or a painful embarrassment.

You have made your way from worm to man, and much in you is still worm. Once you were apes, and even now, too, man is more ape than any ape.

"Whoever is the wisest among you is also a mere conflict and cross between plant and ghost.

But do I bid you become ghosts or plants?

"Behold, I teach you the overman. The overman is the meaning of the earth. Let your will say: the

ish. The people downstairs helped him, but even so, he climbed very slowly, and with great difficulty.

When he arrived everyone in the room, including me, was laughing. For the whole time he was there, there were no verbal teachings given out. There was just continuous laughter. He also joined in, even though he didn't know why we were laughing.

Then, as it was lunchtime, we all went downstairs to eat.

During lunch he remarked, 'I only have one lung. The other has been surgically removed. My doctor has told me not to climb stairs and not to laugh because these

fact, I feel as if my other lung has been replaced.'

And then he started laughing again. During all the time he was with me, he never asked any questions. He only laughed and laughed and laughed. It put no strain on him and he never needed to take his medicine.

Later, after he had returned to Japan, he sent one of his students to see me. This student told me that after his professor had arrived back in Japan he was asked, 'What have you brought from Lucknow?

What is the teaching of Poonjaji?'

His only response was to start laughing. He laughed and laughed

no mind, no thought, no problem, no suffering.

D: So long as the laughter persists, there is no mind.

P: No mind. You try! [Laughter] Those who don't laugh, they have got minds. They look very serious and have many problems. They have minds because for any problem, for any suffering, you need to have a mind. It's the mind that suffers, you see. So laugh away your problems. If any problem comes, laugh it away!

D: When all the mental problems go, then spontaneously laughter arises?

P: Of course, yes. Only the man

When a person laughs he has no mind

If you shut up truth and bury it under the ground, it will but grow, and gather to itself such explosive power that the day it bursts through it will blow up everything in its way.

-Emile Zola

'Wake up, my dear friends. My dear children, wake up. There is no suffering at all. It's only a projection of your mind. It's not real. You are dreaming. Wake up from the dream, and all the Papaji (HWL Poonjaji)

suffering will end.'

activities put too much strain on the lung. If I laugh or climb stairs, I am supposed to take some medicine to help my lung recover from the exertion. But here I don't feel any need to take the medicine. In

and laughed. When the laughter finally subsided, he was asked again, 'What is the teaching of Poonjaji?' and he replied, 'Laughing. Laughing and dancing.'

When a person laughs he has

who has got rid of all his problems, he alone laughs, he alone dances.

Excerpted from davidgodman.org. The 106th birth anniversary of Papaji will be celebrated on October 13.

overman shall be the meaning of the earth! I beseech you, my brothers, remain faithful to the earth, and do not believe those who speak to you of otherworldly hopes! Poison-mixers are they, whether they know it or not. Despisers of life are they, decaying and poisoned themselves, of whom the earth is weary: so let them go.

"Once the sin against God was the greatest sin; but God died, and these sinners died with him. To sin

dangerous on-the-way, a dangerous looking-back, a dangerous shuddering and stopping.

"What is great in man is that he is a bridge and not an end: what can be loved in man is that he is an overture and a going under.

"I love those who do not know how to live, except by going under, for they are those who cross over. I love the great despisers because they are the great reverers and arrows of longing for

"I love him who lives to know, and who wants to know so that the overman may live some day.

And thus he wants to go under.

"I love him who works and invents to build a house for the overman and to prepare earth, animal, and plant for him: for thus he wants to go under.

"I love him who loves his virtue, for virtue is the will to go under and an arrow of longing.

"I love him who does not hold

Man is a bridge between beast & overman "Once the sin against God was the greatest sin; but God died, and these sinners died with him. To sin against the earth is now the most dreadful thing, and to esteem the entrails of the unknowable higher than the meaning of the earth against the earth is now the most dreadful thing, and to esteem the entrails of the unknowable higher than the meaning of the earth.

"Man is a rope, tied between beast and overman - a rope over an abyss. A dangerous across, a

the other shore.

"I love those who do not first seek behind the stars for a reason to go under and be a sacrifice, but who sacrifice themselves for the earth, that the earth may someday become the overman's.

The mark of a moderate man is freedom from his own ideas. Tolerant like the sky, all-pervading like sunlight, firm like a mountain, supple like a tree in the wind, he has no destination in view and makes use of anything life happens to bring his way.

-Laozi Unless you drop your personality you will not be able to find your individuality. Individuality is given by existence; personality is imposed by the society.

-Rajneesh

We hardly ever realize that we can cut anything out of our lives, anytime, in the blink of an eye.

- Carlos Castaneda

It's funny. All you have to do is say something nobody understands and they'll do practically anything you want them to.

-J. D. Salinger Friedrich Nietzsche

back one drop of spirit for himself."

Excerpted from the Prologue in 'Thus Spake Zarathustra.' The 172nd birth anniversary of Friedrich Nietzsche will be observed on October 15

I think we ought to read only the kind of books that wound and stab us. If the book we are reading doesn't wake us up with a blow on the head, what are we reading it for?

-Franz Kafka

Insure yourself FIRST. Call Sahanis, (Arish, Priya or Shiv) for your Insurance needs 718- 271- 0453. Serving for last 35 yrs

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October 14, 2016

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Why isn't the world interested in Kashmir?

India Post

OWEN BENNETT-JONES

F

or years, Pakistani bureaucrats, politicians and army chiefs have wondered: 'how can we get the world to take an interest in Kashmir?' The state's diplomats have presented the case to their counterparts in foreign capitals. The military men have raised it with their opposite numbers abroad and the spin doctors have implored foreign journalists to write about the issue. And yet it never seems to happen.

After all, other national causes do attract international sympathy.

Islamabad's close relationship with Beijing may mean that the Tibetans don't enjoy much support from Pakistanis, but around the world there is significant moral backing for Tibetan rights.

Similarly, the Kurds have managed to convince many that they have suffered a historical injustice.

Others such as the East Timorese, the South Sudanese, the Bosnians and the Kosovans have managed to break free of those who they believed were oppressing them. Why is Kashmir different?

Certain characteristics of the Kashmir dispute are unusual. First and foremost, Kashmir is the subject of an international bilateral dispute. Many of the currently active independence movements around the world - take for example the Scots, the Uyghurs and the Baloch - consist of local nationalists using various tactics, violent and

The long-standing ambivalence of Kashmir's leading political family reveals another aspect of the problem. In their less idealistic moments, some Kashmiris fear what independence would look like. I once asked Farooq Abdullah why he was not more supportive of those Kashmiri

Owen Bennett-Jones

youths who refused to give up on their commitment to Kashmiri selfdetermination.

With a sense of world-weary resignation he outlined his perspective, sitting in Srinagar. Kashmir, he explained, was a small landlocked country surrounded by three nuclear powers; it was impossible to go it alone.

The economic disparity between India and Pakistan is also important. Most Western governments crave access to the Indian

Perhaps understandably, given the number of short-term crises it has faced, the Pakistani military has never understood that the advancement of Pakistan's national interests lies as much in reforming the economy as it does in securing big defense budgets peaceful, to struggle against their government. And although many Kashmiris may see their campaign in those terms, the involvement of Islamabad and New Delhi has always made it more complicated.

Were the Kashmiris to achieve some of their objectives, New Delhi would not only suffer the loss of territory but also a defeat at the hands of Islamabad. Put another way, the juxtaposed interests of Islamabad and New Delhi have made it more difficult for Kashmiris who want to break free of India to couch the demands as a straightforward battle for their rights.

market. The more the Indian economy powers ahead, the more acute the craving.

If Pakistan's 200 million consumers had the wealth to buy significant amounts of Western goods then the country's diplomats would find it easier to get heard.

Perhaps understandably, given the number of short-term crises it has faced, the Pakistani military has never understood that the advancement of Pakistan's national interests lies as much in reforming the economy as it does in securing big defense budgets.

Pakistan's projection of power on the world stage depends not so

much on its stock of guns as on the excellence of its schools and the ability to produce citizens who can generate economic growth.

The Kashmiris face yet another problem. Independence movements associated with violent jihadism run counter to the post 9/11 policy of the great powers Russia included - to resist Islamic extremism wherever they see it.

Back in the late 1980s when the Kashmiri insurgency began, it was led by the predominately nationalist JKLF. Because the latter was committed to Kashmiri independence rather than union with Pakistan, the security establishment decided to switch its support to a group with more pro-Pakistan sentiment and which it could more easily control: Hizbul Mujahideen.

While the move made sense to those promoting the interests of the Pakistan state, it has colored the Kashmiri movement ever since.

And few in the international community are going to be very enthusiastic about transferring power from the secular Indian government to local politicians in Kashmir who may, at some stage, be unable to resist the jihadists in their midst.

In the weeks after 9/11, when the US needed Pakistan's support, Islamabad's generals and diplomats were successful in deftly managing to decouple Kashmir from the rest of the so-called war on terror.

Despite occasionally going off script - Donald Rumsfeld, for example, said in 2002 that Al Qaeda was training in Kashmir - US officials took great care to avoid describing the Kashmiri struggle as part of the same phenomenon they were combating in Afghanistan, northwest Pakistan, the Middle East and North Africa.

But even if the Kashmiri movement has never been directly in the Pentagon's sights, it is quite another thing to expect Western capitals to back a movement that uses jihad to fire up some of its supporters.

And to those who indignantly argue that it is exactly what the US did when it paid the mujahideen to expel the Soviets from Afghanistan comes the obvious riposte: once bitten, twice shy.

The writer is a British journalist and author of Pakistan: Eye of the Storm.

Courtesy Dawn, Pakistan

'Please help us' W

e are in a mess but do not wish to get out of it; please help us.

That is in short the current cry from Pakistan. It has gone with its begging bowl to many countries, and particularly to the US, its ally, but which now is giving no encouragement to it, no money and no arms. It is beginning to see at last the subterfuge that is Pakistan.

In fact, in its attempt to internationalize the Kashmir issue, Pakistan has totally exposed itself. First it has taken up the role of igniting trouble in Kashmir. When there is reprisal from the State against the mischief makers, it goes up on housetops and cries to the world, "Look, atrocities by India." Please help us to "solve" the Kashmir issue. And what is the solution? Help us to grab Kashmir. Press India to surrender Kashmir, otherwise‌And then comes the blackmail.

The latest edition of blackmail has come from Mushahid Hussain, the Senator from Pakistan who had been assigned to go and impress the US to intervene to "save" Kashmir. He told the US in so many words, that if you want peace in Kabul then first ensure "peace" in Kashmir. The way to peace in Kabul lies through Pakistan. And if you abandon Pakistan, you won't find peace in Afghanistan. And then throwing all caution to winds, he boasted Pakistan will join the Russia-China-Iran axis if the US refuses to help.

This is an open admission by Pakistan that it is responsible for the mayhem in Afghanistan. And that it will continue stoking trouble there (and in Kashmir) unless the West (or China) comes to its rescue.

The world is now familiar with Pakistan's trick of playing the international suicide bomber. If you don't assist me I will kill myself and take you along with me. This trick has been party exposed by India's surgical strikes on jihadi launching pads in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. Before the strikes Pakistan defense minister was threatening a nuclear attack if India took any aggressive action. After the surgical strike, he meekly told a TV channel that India had only conducted cross border firing in which two Pakistani soldiers were "martyred" and that Pakistan is a responsible power and is exercising caution.

Mushahid Hussain in Washington tied himself into knots trying to coax his benefactors. While justifying terror in Kashmir as freedom struggle he said there is no evidence available against Masood Azhar, a UN ban against whom has been blocked by China. Even as the Pakistan Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz proclaimed that no peace is possible with India as long as Narendra Modi is at the helm in India, Mushahid Hussain declared the opposite, clutching at some straw, "Modi is 'not from the Indian Delhi establishment as he is an outsider."

And therefore he felt Modi is flexible enough to do U turns. "I expect a good U turn probably in the coming months in our relations and we might see pleasant surprise in relations with South Asia, because Mr Modi and Mr Sharif have a good rapport and I think, Mr Modi is preparing his people for this U turn."

And what will be this u-turn? He predicted that there would be SAARC Summit in Islamabad; Modi will come there and embrace Nawaz Sharif."

Lovely scenario. Kashmir in pocket and Modi gratefully embracing Nawaz. Only that it is not going to happen. Mushahid Hussain should take a look at the internal churning in Pakistan where the civil-military rift was recently exposed by the newspaper Dawn. The report was so true that the establishment was constrained to take action against the journalist who wrote it. Since there are so many lies that the people of Pakistan have been fed, they are not allowed to know truth. But by trying to suppress another truth, Pakistan has exposed itself even further.

October 14, 2016

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