IndiaPost_10-15-2010 by Ghanshyam Bisht

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Grand welcome to new CG by Chicagoans Details on page 11

Community’s mixed emotions on Ayodhya

VOL 16, No. 840

October 15, 2010

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Periodical Postage

FIFTY NATIONS JOIN GANDHI DAY AT UN

Dr. Pankaj Jain

GreenFaith appoints Hindu & Jain scholar Details on page 7

Gandhi peace walk gains world support Details on page 6

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3 Indian women in Forbes' ‘powerful’ list

USIBC announces Presidential Mission to India

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$100k donation for Indic Chair at Claremont Congress leader to take up Attri issue with MEA Details on page 12

‘Protectionist policies not acceptable’

UN HONORS GANDHI: United Nations celebrated Internal Day of Non Violence-Gandhi Jayanti on October 1. To mark the occasion, UN General Assembly President Joseph Deiss (3rd from right) releasing the book on Mahatma Gandhi "Imaging Peace-Truthand Ahimsa" by Birad Yajnik (second from right). Others in the picture are (from left) Ambassador Somduth Soborun of Mauritius, Chef De Cabinet of UN General Secretary Vijay Nambiar, India's Ambassador to UN HS Puri and South African Ambassador to UN Baso Sangqa (extreme right) -Pic Mohammed Jaffer-SnapsIndia ndia Post News Service

UN, Ban Ki-moon, was represented at the function by his Chef de Cabinet, Ambassador Vijay Nambiar. Ambassador H.S. Puri, Permanent Representative of India, exhorted the universal relevance of non-violence and the desire for a culture of peace, tolerance and understanding. Linking Mahatma Gandhi's thoughts and principles to the values of the UN, Ambassador Puri noted that in many ways Mahatma Gandhi was the linear progenitor of the UN. Details on page 5

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Delhi can host Olympics, says Sheila Dikshit Details on page 8

CONTENTS Bollywood ---------------------- 36-37 Classifieds ------------------------- 50

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INDIA POST SURVEY

Community Post -------------- 11-24

Interpol notice against 2 Pak Army majors

survey@indiapost.com This week’s question

Gandhi makes bigger impact in US than in India? Last week’s result

Will Ayodhya verdict end dispute? YES 34%

NO 66%

NEW DELHI: International arrest warrants were issued by the Interpol against five Pakistani nationals including two serving Army Majors for their alleged role in Mumbai terror attack and plotting to carry out more strikes in this country. The National Investigation Agency (NIA), which is probing the role of Pakistani-American LeT operative David Headley in India, had approached the court of

Additional Sessions Judge, Delhi which issued a nonbailable warrant against the five Pakistanis. The Interpol Red Corner Notice were issued against Illyas Kashmiri, Major Sameer Ali, Major Iqbal, Abdur Rehman Hashim alias "Pasha" and Sajid Majid alias Sajid Mir, a NIA official said. The action followed a request from India.

Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”

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Date Book -------------------------- 49 Edit Page --------------------------- 53 HealthScience Post --------- 40-41 Horoscope ------------------------- 48 Immigration Post ------------- 45-47 Life Style ----------------------- 25-30 Philosophy ------------------------- 52 Publisherís Diary ------------------ 4 Real Estate ------------------------ 44 TechBiz Post ------------------- 42-43 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 31-33

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October 15, 2010

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October 15, 2010

IndiaNewsweekly Post Mission Statement To empower the Indian Diaspora and make their voice strong and effective in countries of their adoption. RJ Media conglomerate offers a credible, professional and complete package of news, opinion, entertainment, networking and information.

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s an India follower, if you have been wondering in the past few weeks, who in the name of sports is Suresh Kalmadi, you are not alone. I have been hearing his name in the context of Indian sports over the years without any interest, but these past couple of weeks, whenever I have heard his name, it has been with much irritation for his mishandling the organization of the Commonwealth Games currently underway in Delhi. People like Kalmadi amaze me for how they manage to tick with little to show in terms of achievement, but what boggles me is a system that allows such individuals to remain at the helm without any accountability. Kalmadi happens to be the Life President of Athletics Federation of India and President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) since 1996. On his website, Kalmadi takes unabashed credit for getting the country the first ever gold medal in an individual event at the Beijing Olympics in 2008. Indeed it is an achievement for someone who led the country through four Olympiads and been heading at least half a dozen sports associations for over a decade and been organizing sporting events for 25 years. Today Kalmadi is a butt of jokes for bungling of CWG funds and gaffes in the glare of international media, but how is it that none in India asks what qualifies him as a sports administrator in a country of billion-plus people. What is indeed laughable is Kalmadi's statement that Delhi would bid for the 2020 Olympics. Here's a man who could not pull off a games event that involved 5,000 athletes from 71 countries without the city administration, the Prime Minister and other federal ministers besides the Indian army stepping in to save the country from international shame, and he aims to bid for an event that involves more than 10,000 athletes from 205 countries. Sure I'd be happy if India hosts the Olympics in future, but it will come at an unbearable cost for the country if Mr Kalmadi remains at the helm of affairs.

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Cover Story: Gandhi honored Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday was commemorated as "International Day of Non-Violence" at the United Nations.

Community: Tomar welcomed New Indian Consul General Mukta Tomar says she would make Chicago Indian Consulate all the more customer-friendly.

Cancer disparities UC Davis Cancer Center is now home to the National Center for Reducing Asian American Cancer Health Disparities.

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Offered role opposite hubby Abhishek in the remake of 'Italian Job', Aishwarya ended up recommending Katrina Kaif.

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Travel: Alappuzha Washed by the Arabian Sea, interlocked by a number of canals and bridges, Alappuzha is an exotic backwater site.

October 15, 2010

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Fifty nations join Gandhi Day at UN India Post News Service

NEW YORK: The Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations, New York commemorated the "International Day of Non-Violence" at the United Nations Headquarters, New York on Oct 1, with nearly 50 Permanent Representatives of UN Member States and other dignitaries in attendance. The President of the UN General Assembly, Joseph Deiss, was the Chief Guest. The Secretary-General of the UN, Ban Ki-moon, was represented at the function by his Chef de Cabinet, Ambassador Vijay Nambiar. Ambassador H.S. Puri, Permanent Representative of India, exhorted the universal relevance of non-violence and the desire for a culture of peace, tolerance and understanding. Linking Mahatma Gandhi's thoughts and principles to the values of the UN, Ambassador Puri noted that in many ways Mahatma Gandhi was the linear progenitor of the UN. His emphasis on human rights and people centric development was echoed in the UN charter and resonated in the Millennium Development Goals. Speaking on the occasion, the President of the General Assembly, Deiss said that honoring Mahatma Gandhi ensured that Mahatma Gandhi's "candle continues to burn". He added that by commemorating this day every year, the UN General Assembly hopes to reinforce the timeless message of non-violence, and to encourage Member States, UN entities, civil society organizations and individuals to step up their efforts to deliver this urgent message through education and public awareness. He also referred to the article 1 of the Charter of the United Nations on the need to settle international disputes in a peaceful manner. He mentioned that the efforts of the UN to promote tolerance, the respect of all human rights and fundamental freedoms, democracy, development and mutual understanding are all underpinned by one common idea: that to make lasting, sustainable change, our efforts must be undertaken peacefully and in the spirit of consent and cooperation. He concluded his remarks by quoting Martin Luther King Jr. and said, "Nonviolence is a powerful and just weapon, it is a weapon unique in history, which cuts without wounding and ennobles the man who wields it. It is a sword that heals." Ambassador Nambiar read out the state-

United Nation General President†Joseph Deiss paying tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on the occasion of†Commemoration of the ìInternational Day of Non Violenceî at United Nations in NY on Oct 1. Pics Mohammed Jaffer-SnapsIndia

Ambassador Somduth Soborun of Mauritius paying tribute

ment of the UN Secretary General on the occasion. The Secretary-General called the principle of non-violence as the "greatest force at the disposal of mankind". He noted that the United Nations strives to harness the power of non-violence to overcome prejudice, and conflict, and cultivate mutual respect and understanding among

United Nations celebrating Internal Day of Non Violence-Gandhi Jayanti

Indian Ambassador at UN HS Puri paying tribute

sen by their First Prime Minister, Sir Seewosagur Ramgoolam, in tribute to Gandhi's Dandi March of March 12, 1930. A book, MKG (Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi) - Imaging Peace, Truth and Ahimsa (a special edition for the International Day of Non-Violence) published by Birad Rajaram Yajnik, from India, was unveiled at the function and presented to the President of the General Assembly and the UN Secretary-General. This special book on Mahatma Gandhi is a work of art with a pictorial representation of the life and message of Mahatma Gandhi. The book has images that run a timeline covering major milestones in the life of Gandhiji, which influenced his philosophy, political awakening and his concept of Ahimsa in a concise illustrative format. Speaking at the event, Yajnik said that the world recognized Gandhi a long time ago and continues to find him. He added that it would be appropriate to ensure that the children of our world do not forget the power of peace and truth. Mentioning about one of the abilities of Mahatma Gandhi, he said that one of his strongest

peoples and countries. The Secretary-General underlined that peace may be achieved around the negotiating table, but it is sustained around community tables. Peace starts with people - it flows from the hearts of committed women and men. Communities, families, and individuals all have a critical role to play in defeating violence and creBirad Yajnik, author of the book on Mahatma Gandhi ìImaging ating a culture of peace. Peace-Truth- and Ahimsaî paying tribute to Mahatma Gandhi Ambassador Baso Sangqu, the Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United points was to be morally right and then Nations also spoke at the meeting. He men- your opponent's conscience is your bigtioned the historical association of Ma- gest ally. The UN General Assembly had adopted hatma Gandhi with South Africa and Gandhiji's fight against discrimination, so- resolution in June 2007, whereby it decial injustice and violence. Ambassdor clared October 2, the birthday of Mahatma Sangqu recalled the impact of Mahatma Gandhi's views on Nelson Mandela. Ambassador Somduth Soborun, Permanent Representative of Mauritius, in his address, extensively quoted Mahatma Gandhi and mentioned that violence in any form does not serve any useful purpose. He went on to say that violence perpetuates violence and leads to greater devastation. He said that Mahatma Gandhi's non-violence endeavored to lay the foundations for peaceful co-existence between different religious and faith with the end result to attain plurality and universality. He also recounted the brief rendezvous of Mahatma Gandhi with Mauritius and mentioned that in 1901 Chef† De Cabinet of UN General Secretary Vijay Nambiar, paying tribute on its way from Natal to Bombay, he had a brief stopover at Port Louis. During this halt, he encouraged the in- Gandhi, as the "International Day of Non dentured laborers to take active part in poli- Violence" and invited all Member States, tics and educate their children. He also UN organizations, regional and non -govmentioned that the date of March 12, 1968 ernmental organizations (NGOs) and indiwas decided as the date of accession of viduals to organize events to commemoMauritius to Independence as it was cho- rate this day.

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Gandhi peace and health walk gains international support India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Supported by a broad array of stakeholders that included the World Health Organization (WHO), the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), diplomatic representatives of India, Singapore and the Dominican Republic to the United Nations, the first ever Mahatma Gandhi Health and Peace Walk was held in Harlem, New York on Oct 2. This unique public health initiative of Arise India Foundation, led by Rahul Sur saw broad expressions of support from over 175 people, including New York Senator Bill Perkins representing District 30 and officials of the Asia Society. The Gandhi Health and Peace Walk sought inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi's life as a regular walker to encourage people to walk to enhance their wellness, fight diabetes and heart disease. On a picture perfect and sunny day, participants who had come from all over the tri-state area and overseas walked around the periphery of the Marcus Garvey Park in a highly positive ambience and finished the event with a non-denominational meditation for world peace. Anielies Richmond of the Art of Living Foundation led the meditation. October 2 is also the international day of non-violence in honor of Mahatma Gandhi's birthday. Manjeev Singh Puri, Deputy Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations quoted Mahatma Gandhi from his autobiography on how his habit of long walks had kept him in good health and underlined the support of the Permanent Mission of India to the UN for the Walk. Ambassador Vanu Menon, Permanent Representative of Singapore to the United Nations stated his admiration for Mahatma Gandhi's life and the need for such an initiative. Deputy Ambassador Francis Lorenzo of the Dominican Republic to the United Nations also offered his support for the Walk. Dr. Karen Sealey of the World Health Organization (WHO) outlined the health benefits of walking and her willingness to work with Arise India Foundation in the future. New Senator Bill Perkins of District 30 welcomed the Walk and announced the support of his office for this event in 2011. Nikita Desai of Asia Society recalled the profound effect on her grandfather of a brief meeting with Mahatma Gandhi and her support for the goals of the Mahatma Gandhi Health and Peace Walk.

Rahul Sur, President of Arise India Foundation, and creator of the Mahatma Gandhi Health and Peace Walk in his speech to the participants said that the Walk was necessary because of the increasing incidence of non-communicable diseases around the world. According to the projections of the International Diabetes Federation, the number of diabetics was expected to increase to half a billion in the next two decades. "That's why the Mahatma Gandhi

Nikita Desai of Asia Society recalled the profound effect on her grandfather of a brief meeting with Mahatma Gandhi and her support for the goals of the Mahatma Gandhi Health and Peace Walk Health and Peace Walk is World Diabetes Day event," he noted. His speech made four points. First, that if people integrated walking into their life to the extent that Mahatma Gandhi had in his, it was " a guarantee given by science" that they would be building the "cheapest, most robust and sustainable method of enhancing their wellness, fighting diabetes and heart disease." Second, he noted the strikingly similarity between the definition of health by the World Health Or-

ganization and that given by Gandhi many decades ago. Both the definitions emphasized that health meant more than an absence of disease but also included mental well-being. Third, he also sought to draw attention to Gandhi's views about the human body. According to Gandhi, the body was "the temple of the spirit" and an "instrument of service." Consequently, it was man's responsibility to look after his body so that it could practice the ideal of service to the best of his ability. Sur proposed that in these complicated times, people had the "right to simplicity" and that the easiest way of exercising that right was "walk everywhere like Gandhi." The Walk was also supported by the Permanent Secretariat of Nobel Peace Laureates Summits, the American Heart Association (AHA), World Diabetes Day (WDD), Adarsh Alphons Projects, Adharshila, Artimus, American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), Citibank, 5th on the Park, Fena Foundation, Gatorade, Harmonym, Incredible India, Kids Parliament, MDCS, Mount Morris Park Community Improvement Association (MMPCIA), Quaker, Sanskriti Center NY, Sulabh International Social Service Organization, South-South News, Tropicana, United Nations Association of the Dominican Republic, User Corporation, and World Of Hope International. Volunteers from the Mailman School of Public Health of Columbia University also supported its implementation. The Walk is also a World Diabetes Day Event.

Shinde in New York

Union Power Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde paying tribute to Mahatma Gandhi statue on the occasion of his 141st birth anniversary at Union Square in New York. Pic Mohammed Jaffer-SnapsIndia

Sushil Kumar Shinde speaking after paying tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. CGI NY, Prabhu Dayal can be seen in pic

Sushil Kumar Shinde being welcomed by AIA, the host for the South Street Sea port Diwali mela on Oct 3. Pic Mohammed Jaffer-SnapsIndia

The scenes from Diwali Mela

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Indian Americans express mixed emotions on Babri verdict India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Indian American organizations representing Hindu and Muslim interests respectively expressed mixed reactions to the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title verdict delivered recently by the Allahabad High Court in India. AFMI The American Federation of Muslims of Indian Origin (AFMI) congratulated the people of India for maintaining peace and calm on the day of the Ayodhya verdict. "We hope that the all parties to the dispute continue to maintain peace and not resort to any activity which would lead towards public disorder," the AFMI said

in a statement. AFMI, however, also expressed its disappointment with the decision of the court which it says, appears to ignore historical facts and appears to have mixed mythology with verifiable history. "The organization observes with grave concern the apprehensions raised by several legal luminaries about the future of justice in India. It may be noted that senior advocates Rajeev Dhavan, Prashant Bushan, P.P. Rao and others have criticized the decision 'which takes away the legal rights of Muslims and converts the moral sentimental entitlements of Hindus into legal rights'," it said. AFMI believes that justice is not served in this case and has

AFMI has also appealed to all parties to the dispute to let the legal process continue and agree to the final decision of the Supreme Court of India, and urged all parties to reSadhus celebrate after hearing the court ruling frain from resorting to any instead set a dangerous legal mass mobilization on the issue. precedent. However, it reaffirms The VHPA its faith in the Indian judiciary The Vishwa Hindu Parishad of and hopes that the eventual de- America (VHPA) has expressed cision of the apex court will de- "limited satisfaction" with the verliver justice. dict while welcoming the opinion of majority of the justices (who delivered the verdict) that by belief and practice, the Sanctum Santorum of the temple is indeed the birthplace of Bhagwan Sri Ram and should be allocated for building a temple for his worship. A majority of the court also accepted the findings of Archaeoto identify US Hindu and Jain lead- logical Survey of India and ruled ers concerned about the environ- that the structure destroyed on ment, and to connect them with Dec. 6, 1992 was constructed afGreenFaith's innovative pro- ter demolition of a Hindu temple. The VHPA says that it feels grams. The GreenFaith Fellowship Program is the world's only vindicated on its long standing comprehensive religious-environ- view on the Ram Janma Bhoomi mental training program. Through movement and the need to have a retreats, monthly webinars, and temple on that site, by the court extensive reading, Fellows receive which upheld the claim of Hindu education and training in eco-the- organizations that the Babri strucology, "greening" the operation ture was not a mosque, because it of religious institutions, environ- was not built as per the Islamic mental advocacy, and environ- tenets. The VHPA, however "respectmental justice. The GreenFaith Certification fully disagrees" with the High Program is the world's first inter- Court's decision to allocate 1/3 of faith environmental certification the land to Sunni Waqf Board. program for houses of worship. VHPA sees such a decision as inDuring a 2-year process, partici- consistent with the fundamental pants 'green' their worship ser- principles of justice and contrary vices, religious education pro- to the corollary flowing out of grams, facilities, advocacy, and High Court's very own considered their member's consumption hab- determination: that the disputed its. "GreenFaith's programs land is Bhagwan Sri Ram's birthpresent an important opportunity place to begin with and the to the Hindu and Jain commu- mosque was built over a razednity," said Dr. Jain. I look forward down pre-existing grand Hindu to connecting leaders of these temple. This decision is tantamount to appeasement of a parcommunities with GreenFaith." "The Hindu and Jain commu- ticular community which was not nities are an important part of the expected in judicial arena, the wider US religious community," VHPA says. "The Church of Nativity in the said Harper. "We all need their help in creating a world that treats heart of Bethlehem marks one of the environment in a way that Christianity's most sacred sites as the birthplace of Christ. It is not Gandhi would approve of." Founded in 1992, GreenFaith just another Church. Similarly the inspires, educates and mobilizes temple at the site of Bhagwan Sri people of diverse religious back- Ram's birthplace in Ayodhya, Ingrounds for environmental lead- dia, is most sacred to all Hindus around the world. It is not just ership.

GreenFaith appoints Hindu & Jain Scholar in Residence India Post News Service

NEW YORK: On the anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi's birthday Oct 2, GreenFaith announced Dr. Pankaj Jain as it Hindu and Jain Scholar in Residence. This leading US interfaith environmental coalition that works with diverse religious communities to educate and equip them to be environmental leaders said Dr. Jain will work with GreenFaith to strengthen Hindu and Jain environmental leadership nationwide. "Gandhi is an icon of sustainable living and an inspiration to millions of people globally," said the Rev. Fletcher Harper, GreenFaith's Executive Director. "On his birthday, we are thrilled to announce our partnership with Dr. Jain to engage Hindu and Jain communities in the United States on environmental issues." Dr. Jain is an Assistant Professor of Indian Religions and Ecology at the University of North Texas. He has taught Indian Films, Sanskrit, Hindi/Urdu languages and literatures at North Carolina State University, Rutgers, Kean University, Jersey City University, and at the University of Iowa. In his scholarship he connects the ancient Indic traditions of Hinduism and Jainism with contemporary issues - particularly the environment. He studied under Dr. Christopher Key Chapple, one of the world's leading scholars on Indian religions and ecology.

"It is indeed a pleasure to be able to partner with GreenFaith to engage the Hindu and Jain communities on the environment," said Dr. Jain. "Ancient Indic philosophy and religion can make important contributions to the development of a sustainable society. I look forward to helping educate and engage our communities on this vital issue." Dr. Jain has written "Ten Key

‘The Hindu and Jain communities are an important part of the wider US religious community," said Harper. "We all need their help in creating a world that treats the environment in a way that Gandhi would approve of’ Hindu Teachings on the Environment," which is featured on GreenFaith's website at www.greenfaith.org. In this essay, he lists the most significant Hindu teachings on the environment, citing Gandhi as an example of Hindu ecological values in action. Jain will work with GreenFaith

another Temple!" the VHPA says. Advising Hindus all over the world to continue to engage with Indian authorities, through all legal means, and impress upon them to hand over the entire disputed side to Hindus thereby facilitating the construction of a grand Ram temple, the VHPA says it does not view the current verdict as a victory or a defeat. "We view this as an important opportunity for all the people having ancestral or philosophical roots in the land of India to reunite and affirm their cultural and philosophical roots by building a grand temple to Bhagwan Sri Ram destroyed by a foreign invader." NRI-SAHI The Non-Resident Indians for Secular and Harmonious India (NRI SAHI) meanwhile said, "We Indians are bound by our constitution to obey law and order. All of us must concur with the judgment of the court whether we like it or not."

‘This is not the time to raise fingers and accuse one party or the other. We Indians must stand and work together for better India. Hindus and Muslims have lived in peace in India before and there is no reason to believe we can not do the same after the verdict is passed’ NRI SAHI has also appealed to all those who have been emotionally involved with the case to remain calm and let the course of action proceed. "This is not the time to raise fingers and accuse one party or the other. We Indians must stand and work together for better India. Hindus and Muslims have lived in peace in India before and there is no reason to believe we can not do the same after the verdict is passed," it said. "Hindus and Muslims in Gadak in Karnatka have looked after temples and mosques together for the last one hundred and fifty years. We can work together and find similar solution for the Babri Masjid."

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Interpol notice against 2 Pak Delhi can host Olympics, says Sheila Dikshit Army majors NEW DELHI: International arrest warrants were issued by the Interpol against five Pakistani nationals including two serving Army Majors for their alleged role in Mumbai terror attack and plotting to carry out more strikes in this country. The National Investigation Agency (NIA), which is probing the role of Pakistani-American LeT operative David Headley in India, had approached the court of Additional Sessions Judge, Delhi which issued a non-bailable warrant against the five Pakistanis. The Interpol Red Corner Notice were issued against Illyas Kashmiri, Major Sameer Ali, Major Iqbal, Abdur Rehman Hashim alias "Pasha" and Sajid Majid alias Sajid Mir, a NIA official said. The action followed a request from India. India had already secured a Red Corner Notice against founder of terrorist outfit Lashkere-Taiba (LeT) Hafeez Saeed, his close aide Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi and Mohammed Ramadhan Mohammed Siddiqui alias Abu Hamza. The court issued the non-bailable warrant against the five after the NIA submitted interrogation report of Headley conducted by its official during the visit of its

team to Chicago in June this year. The names of these five were also included in several dossiers sent by India to Pakistan. Headley helped NIA identify voices of handlers giving instructions to the holed-up terrorists during the 60-hour carnage in Mumbai in November 2008. The

The Interpol had on August 25 last year issued Red Corner notices to Saeed, Lakhvi and Abu Hamza. The notices were issued after a Mumbai court issued a non-bailable warrant against the two for their role in the Mumbai attack handlers included Abu Hamza, the man who carried out the attack on the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore, and a key planner, instructor and handler. He also identified Sajid Majid, a top LeT terrorist, who asked the terrorists in Chabad House to ensure that none of the Israelis were left alive.

Abdur Rehman retired in 2007 from the Pakistan army as a Major. He worked closely with Lashkar-e-Taiba and coordinated the activities of Headley. He was arrested in 2009 in Pakistan on unspecified charges and later released. Major Iqbal was Headley's handler who arranged funds and training in intelligence-gathering. Iqbal gave him 25,000 dollars in August 2006 to visit India. Another Pakistani Major Sameer Ali was also named by the PakistaniAmerican terrorist. The Interpol had on August 25 last year issued Red Corner notices to Saeed, Lakhvi and Abu Hamza. The notices were issued after a Mumbai court issued a non-bailable warrant against the two for their role in the Mumbai attack. India has also sent proof and request for issuing a similar warrant against Lashker commander Zarar Shah and Abu Al Qama, to which the Interpol has said that it was analyzing the evidence against them. Saeed had allegedly provided training to terrorists between 2007 and 2008-end at Muridke (LeT headquarters), Manshera, Muzzafarabad, Azizabad, Paanch Teni in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). -PTI

Antony regrets delays in defense purchases NEW DELHI: Defense Minister A K Antony has regretted defense procurement delays over the last two decades due to kickback scandals, even as he called India's dependence on imports for its military equipment as "a shame". "There are a lot of non-military persons who are concerned over the lack of equipment for our armed forces. But they should not forget the past controversies in defense procurements from 1980s to 1990s that engulfed the governments. As a result, we lost 20 years," Antony said addressing senior armed forces officers here. But he assured them that the government was trying to change the situation now through its defense production policy that was aimed at curbing corruption in defense deals. "We will continue that effort and try to get the equipment for the armed forces at the earliest. But I am confident as Defense Minister that our armed forces are ever ready to meet any challenge that the nation faces," he said speaking at the Field Marshal K M Carriappa Memorial Lec-

ture organized by the Army. Noting that he wanted to flag an issue of real concern, Antony said even with a large industrial infrastructure, "We are still importing about 70 per cent of our defense requirements." "A large country like India...a

Pointing out that imports posed a problem of another nature, Antony said the countries that sold the equipment also imposed conditions or did not provide proper product support later fast developing country like India...this large volume of import is not a healthy one. It is a shame for our country. We have to find a solution to this at the earliest," he said. The government, from now, would try to buy defense equip-

ment from the domestic market in areas in which India could produce them internally within the required time frame, he said, adding that only when that became difficult would the country look at imports to meet the defense requirements. Pointing out that imports also posed a problem of another nature, Antony said the countries that sold the equipment also imposed conditions after the contracts were signed or did not provide proper product support later. This was an apparent reference to the US, which had asked India to sign some enabling agreements such as communication interoperability and end-user monitoring after selling military hardware to India, and Russia which had perennially posed problems with spares supplies. "Many a times, there are pulls and counter-pulls by these countries. Hence we must development a strong defense industrial base within India in coordination with defense scientists. In the long run, indigenous capabilities are the only solution," he said.-PTI

NEW DELHI: Delhi can host the Olympics - the greatest international sporting event, says Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, deriving confidence from hosting of the Commonwealth Games and seeking to put behind the controversies surrounding it. Notwithstanding cynicism associated with the build-up to the Commonwealth Games, Dikshit pointed out that Delhi has already developed world class stadia and other infrastructure and the city is now "confident" of hosting Olympics. "Yes, I think so. Yes, we can. We are confident (of hosting Olympics)" she told PTI in an interview, when asked whether the city would be able to host the biggest sporting event. Her assertion assumes significance as questions had been raised by some quarters whether India has the capacity and capability to host a mega sporting event like the Commonwealth Games in which 71 countries are participating. However, Dikshit made it clear that the decision to host the Olympics rests with International Olympic Committee and Government of India. "That's not a decision for me to take. We naturally feel more confident but the decision will have to be taken by the Olympic committee...Then Government of India has to say (take the decision)," she said. The Indian Olympic Association and the Sports Ministry have been at loggerheads on bidding for the 2020 Olympics. Despite the controversymarred build-up to the Games, International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge last week had said India has set a "good foundation stone" for an Olympic bid in future. . They all are absolutely world class. Nobody is complaining about the venues. No player is complaining. Everything was ready before start of the Games,"

she said, terming criticism in the run-up to the event as "premature". Dikshit said the Tyagraj stadium, venue for netball events, built by the city government is one

Sheila Dikshit

of the best stadia in the world. "We built the stadium from scratch. It is now one of the best stadia in the world," she said. Spread over an area of 16,000 square meters, the Thyagaraj Stadium has been built with the latest green building technologies and eco-friendly material. The stadium is India's first eco-friendly sports complex. Asked about the cynicism and delays in some of the projects, Dikshit said the criticism was "premature" and media went a "little overboard" in criticizing the preparations. "Everything is ready before the Games. If you had made it six months earlier or 10 months earlier, they were not going to be used anyway...Now we got maximum number of athletes among all the Games," she said. She acknowledged that she had gone through "anxious moments" when there was widespread criticism and questions were raised over the preparedness as India's image was at stake but asserted that she never lost hope. Dikshit, who is the Chief Minister for the third consecutive time, equated preparation for the Commonwealth Games to winning elections.-PTI

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Protectionist policies not acceptable: Pranab NEW YORK: Rejecting the 'protectionist policies' of the US, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee has said free flow of goods, services and capital would ease the global financial crisis. "Protectionist policies are not acceptable," Mukherjee told PTI after landing in New York where he stopped for a day to address the India Investment Forum. The minister is expected to take up the issue of protectionist measures by the US with top government officials, including Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. "We shall have to keep in view that if the world economy is to come out of the present crisis, then protectionism is not the answer," Mukherjee said. Noting that the US protectionist policies could impact India's software companies, the minister said that the financial crisis would ease if "uninterrupted flow of goods and services and capital are allowed to take place". Protectionist measures like

Ohio state banning outsourcing of state IT contracts to companies in places like Bangalore had stirred a hornet's nest in India. The move was preceded by

Indian software exporters fear both these measures would hit the USD 50 billion Indian IT industry which earn more than 50 per cent of its revenues from America.

panies which move jobs overseas. The bill proposed a ban on government contractors from using American taxpayers' money to move jobs offshore.

However late last month, Republicans in the US Senate successfully blocked the passage of an anti-offshoring bill that would have denied tax breaks to US com-

Mukherjee said India would be speaking out against protectionism at the meeting of the Finance ministers of G20 countries in South Korea later this month.

Mukherjee's US visit follows a bilateral meeting between Foreign Minister S M Krishna and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton last month, where India had voiced its concerns about the hike in visa fee, export controls and ban on government outsourcing

Washington's decision to hike fee for H-1B and L1 visas to fund a US border security fund. This had also invited strong criticism in India.

‘India to soon achieve 9 pc GDP growth’ NEW YORK: India, the world's second fastest growing major economy, has called the global investor community to participate in the growth story saying the country was poised to expand by 9 per cent. "In the short term it is reasonable to expect that the (Indian) economy will go back to the robust growth path of around 9 per cent average", he said addressing the seventh India Investment Forum meeting here. Recalling how the country managed to withstand the impact of global financial meltdown, which pulled down the economic growth to 6.7 per cent in 2008-09 from 9 per cent in the preceding three years, Mukherjee told the global investors that "India presents an opportunity for investment that you cannot afford to miss." India's economic growth rate was 7.4 per cent in 2009-10 and is expected to be over 8.5 per cent during the current fiscal. From over 9 per cent average for three years till 2007-08, growth slipped to 6.7 per cent in 2008-09 owing to the global economic crisis. Pointing out that GDP was 8.8 per cent in the first quarter (AprilJune 2010), Mukherjee said, "There has been a revival in investment and private consumption demand, though the recovery is yet to attain the pre-2008 momentum." The International Monetary Fund has projected the Indian

economy to grow by 9.7 per cent in 2010, driven by robust industrial production and macro-economic performance. The Minister further said that Indian exports were recording "impressive growth" since November-December 2009 and seen a substantial pick up in corporate earnings and profit margins. Besides improvement in capi-

Referring to the issue of opening up of retail sector for foreign investment, Mukherjee said, ‘The government has also started stakeholder consultations on opening up sectors such as multi-brand retail and defense production to greater FDI inflow’ tal flows and business sentiments, he said, "The manufacturing sector has been showing a buoyancy reminiscent of the preslowdown years." MORE PTI CS Stressing that economic recovery is broad-based, Mukherjee said, "The challenge now is to quickly revert to the high GDP growth path of an average 9 per cent plus and even find means to cross the double digit growth barrier in the coming year or two".

The government, he added, would endeavor to address weaknesses in governance with focus on improving the public delivery mechanism. He further added that government had been withdrawing the fiscal stimulus in a calibrated manner and would move towards the path of fiscal consolidation in the coming years. "There has been renewed effort to tackle the growing burden of fertilizer and petroleum subsidies," he said. Referring to the issue of opening up of retail sector for foreign investment, Mukherjee said, "The government has also started stakeholder consultations on opening up sectors such as multibrand retail and defense production to greater FDI inflow." On strengthening regulatory framework, he said the government would soon be setting up an apex-level Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) with a view to maintaining financial stability. "Without prejudice to the autonomy of regulators, this Council would undertake macro prudential supervision of the economy, including the functioning of large financial conglomerates, and address inter-regulatory issues", he said. Reserve Bank has been raising concerns about the dilution of its autonomy because of the measures being taken by the government. -PTI

"If there be no robust demand for exports from the developed countries then our exports may suffer...it may affect our trade balance in the course of time," he said. Mukherjee's US visit follows a bilateral meeting between Foreign Minister S M Krishna and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton last month, where India had voiced its concerns about the hike in visa fee, export controls and ban on government outsourcing. Touching upon the Indian economy, the finance minister said it was still too early to say that the country has come out of the financial crisis. "After watching the status of growth in the second quarter and third quarter I will be in a position stay whether we are total out of it or not," he said. Indian economy grew at 8.8 per cent during the first quarter of current fiscal. The government had projected a growth of over 8.5 per cent for the whole fiscal. -PTI

India for greater say to developing nations in IMF NEW YORK: India pitched for and fostering development. increasing the voting power of The Brussels Declaration on emerging economies in the Inter- more effective global economic national Monetary Fund by 5-6 governance, adopted at the conper cent, which will give develop- clusion of the eighth Asia-Europe ing countries a greater say in how Meeting, stated that IMF quota the 186-nation Fund is run. shares should be shifted to dy"Quota reforms in IMF is one namic emerging markets and deof our basic objectives... veloping countries by at least five We want at least 5 to 6 per cent per cent from over-represented to quota should be increased in IMF under-represented countries. and emerging market economies Like the United Nations' Secuof the world should have their rity Council, which is criticized for shares," Mukherjee told PTI here. In April this year, India wrested greater say Once their voting powers are in the affairs of World increased, developing Bank when member nanations would be able to tions approved a shift in voting rights. This influence how and where the saw India's voting funds are deployed, such as rights increase to 2.91 per cent from 2.77 per fighting poverty and cent - making it the sev- fostering development enth largest member. "This is one of the subjects that will emerge in the reflecting the political power struccourse of my discussions with the ture that existed after the Second authorities of the World Bank and World War, the International IMF," he added. Monetary Fund is rebuked for reMukherjee will raise the matter flecting the economic dynamics of at the annual meeting of the Inter- the same era. national Monetary Fund and the He pointed out that the develWorld Bank. oping countries were making a Once their voting powers are substantial contribution in the increased, developing nations world's output and GDP and "acwould be able to influence how cording to us the quota and govand where the funds are de- ernance structures of IMF does not ployed, such as fighting poverty reflect the ground realities." -PTI

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Pak reacts warmly to cheer Pak hopes Obama will take up Kashmir issue for its contingent ISLAMABAD: In spite of being deprived of watching the grand spectacle live, the Pakistani media acknowledged that the country's sportsmen had marched out to an "overwhelming reception" on Indian soil. "Its genuine love shown for the Pakistani contingent", commented the media on the thundering ovation the men in green got from a packed Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium for the opening of the Commonwealth Games. India and Pakistan should make efforts to build on this genuineness said prominent dailies 'The Dawn' and 'The Daily Times', as they praised the spectacular show put up by India for the opening of the Games that had been marred by controversies and delays. Both the dailies said the warm reception for the Pakistanis came despite frosty relations between the two nuclear armed neighbors. It was not only the media, eminent sportsmen also heaped praise on the colorful start to the mega event. "India dazzle the world with a grand ceremony", commented

Pakistani hockey wizard Shahnaz Shaikh. Though the opening of the Games was watched by a record billions of viewers worldwide, but the Pakistan Government's ban on Indian television deprived the fans of watching the ceremony live.

But after the pat for the opening ceremony, the media came down hard on Pakistani sports boards saying they had failed to prepare adequately for the event A day after the grand opening, a number of Pakistani sportsmen and officials came live on TV to say that the opening was impressive and would help India to build up for a grand holding of the Games. 'The Daily Times' and 'Dawn'

newspapers noted in editorials that the run-up to the Games had been marred by controversies and delays, especially related to the sports infrastructure created for the mega-event. Such setbacks had affected India's efforts to tell the world community of its coming of age, the dailies said. The Games should now focus on sporting achievements and building on the affection displayed at the opening ceremony on Sunday, they wrote. But after the pat for the opening ceremony, the media came down hard on Pakistani sports boards saying they had failed to prepare adequately for the event. 'The Daily Times' said, "Sports are not only about winning or losing; they are about doing so with an equal amount of grace...We should nevertheless support these games in India and build on the genuine love that was shown at the opening ceremony in New Delhi." 'The Dawn' said, "Beyond politics and controversies, the Games will hopefully turn out to be a showcase for sporting ability and memorable performances." -PTI

US, Afghan negotiating peace deal with Haqqanis LONDON: The US and Hamid Karzai-led Afghan government are negotiating a peace deal with the dreaded 'Haqqani network', a group of militants who are more powerful than the Taliban insurgents led by Mullah Omar, a media report said. Afghanistan government held direct talks with senior members of the Haqqani clan, a close alQaeda ally over the summer, the Guardian reported quoting wellplaced Pakistani and Arab sources. The US contacts have been indirect, through a western intermediary, but have continued for more than a year. The Afghan and US talks were described as extremely tentative. The Haqqani network has a reputation for ruthlessness, even by the standards of the Afghan insurgency, and has the closest ties with al-Qaeda. But Washington and Kabul have come to the conclusion that they cannot be excluded if an enduring peace settlement is to be reached. According to the report, a senior western official said the US

now considers the Haqqani network to be more powerful than the Quetta Shura, the 15-man leadership council headed by the Taliban's leader, Mullah Omar. "The Quetta Shura is still important but not as much as people thought two years ago. Its prestige and impact have waned, and they are increasingly less impor-

Kabul and the Haqqanis have also denied any contacts. The CIA chief, Leon Panetta, said in June that he did not believe the group had any real desire for reconciliation tant on the battlefield. Now the military threat comes from the Haqqanis," the official said. The twin poles of the insurgency are located at least 400 km apart along the Durand Line, the lawless Pakistani border. The

Haqqanis, who come from Khost in Afghanistan, are anchored in the Pakistani tribal area of North Waziristan. The Washington Post reported that there had been top-level contacts between Kabul and Quetta Shura, but not the Haqqani network. Kabul and the Haqqanis have also denied any contacts. The CIA chief, Leon Panetta, said in June that he did not believe the group had any real desire for reconciliation. However, the contacts were confirmed to the newspaper by western, Arab and Pakistani official sources, who all said the Haqqanis sense that a negotiated settlement is the most likely outcome of the conflict, which enters its 10th year, and are anxious not to be excluded. Speaking of Sirajuddin Haqqani, who has taken over military leadership of the Haqqani group from his ailing father, Jalaluddin, a diplomat involved in the discussions said: "The ice has broken. He realizes he could be a nobody if he doesn't enter the process." -PTI

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has expressed hope that US President Barack Obama would make efforts to resolve the Kashmir problem during his visit to India next month, saying it has always encouraged its "friends" to use their influence with New Delhi on the issue. "We hope that President Obama, during his visit to India, would take up this matter, particularly now that we are seeing every day peaceful protests in Jammu and Kashmir," Foreign Office spokesman Abdul Basit said. He was responding to a question at the weekly news briefing on whether Pakistan is looking to the US to help resolve the Kashmir issue. "We have always encouraged our friends to use their influence with India in encouraging it to resolve the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with UN resolutions," Basit said. Referring to the protests in Jammu and Kashmir, he said: "This is a very alarming situation and I think it is incumbent on the international community to take

up this matter with India." India has persistently ruled out international mediation on the Kashmir issue and insisted that it should be resolved bilaterally through negotiations. Basit said the Kashmiris are determined to get "their right to self-determination through a peaceful struggle." Responding to another question about the removal of bunkers and thinning out of security forces in Jammu and Kashmir, he said: "We have said earlier that half-hearted measures will not do. Such cosmetic measures have failed earlier." He maintained that a "just and viable solution" to the Kashmir issue cannot "be found within the framework of the Indian Constitution." "India, in our view, should seriously introspect and part with its untenable position. Instead of prevarication and procrastination, India should agree to implement the relevant UN resolutions and honor the democratic aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir," he said. -PTI

Indian convicted of planting virus in Fannie Mae servers BOSTON: An Indian computer 2008 and told to turn in all of his programmer was convicted by a Fannie Mae equipment, including federal jury of planting a virus on his laptop. Fannie Mae computer servers to On October 29, 2008, a Fannie destroy the US mortgage giant's Mae senior engineer discovered data. a malicious script embedded in a Rajendrasinh Babubhai routine program. Makwana, 36, of Maryland faces A subsequent analysis of the a maximum sentence of 10 years script, computer logs, Makwana's in prison. His sentencing is sched- laptop and other evidence reuled for December 8. vealed that Makwana had transA federal jury convicted Makwana of "computer intrusion arising from the trans- Makwana, a UNIX engineer mission of malicious who worked on Fannie script to Fannie Mae's computer servers," Mae's network of almost United States Attorney for the District of Mary- 5,000 computer servers, land Rod Rosenstein had pleaded not guilty in said. Makwana, a UNIX January to planting the virus engineer who worked on Fannie Mae's network of almost 5,000 computer mitted the malicious code the day servers, had pleaded not guilty in he was fired. January to planting the virus. The code was intended to He was a contractor working propagate throughout the Fannie at Fannie Mae's Urbana, Mary- Mae network on January 31, 2009. land facility from 2006 to October It could have destroyed all 24, 2008. data, including financial, securiAccording to testimony and ties and mortgage information on evidence presented at trial, Fannie Mae computer servers. Makwana was fired on October 24, PTI

Desi News Mahatma Gandhi remembered with several events JODH SINGH RAWAT & ASIAN MEDIA USA

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Anu's years of experience on City Council set her apart

October 15, 2010

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Grand welcome to new CG by Chicagoans

Details on page 12

Harvard receives $10m gift from Anand Mahindra India Post News Service

Turban branding rejected by Federal judge India Post News Service

Ms Sumitra Patel presenting a bouquet to new CG Ms Tomar (left)

RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service

CHICAGO: Indian Consul General Mukta Tomar said here that she would make special efforts to make Chicago Indian Consulate all the more customer-friendly and that she was quite amenable to any constructive suggestions offered by Indian Americans here to achieve this aim. She said the Consulate had in the past couple of years taken a good number of measures to streamline its operations, but as happens with all the agencies government or non government there is always room for further improvement and that she would welcome help in this direction. Ms.Tomar was the chief guest at an event organized by Med Star Laboratories at its facility in Hill-

The artist group headed by Santosh Verghese with Chief Guest Ms Tomar and dignitaries. Indian Consuls Shri Menon and Shri Vishwas seen sitting left.

side, a south west suburb of Chicago, on October 3. It was a reception in her honor and MedStar was joined in this effort by Dr Madhavan Aniruddha, a nutrition scientist who had bagged Pravasi Bharatiya Sanman two years ago.

that many prominent Indian Americas responded and attended the event. Patel also mentioned that it was also intended that "we celebrate 141st anniversary of Mahatma's birth day." Dr Aniruddhan in his brief ad-

Dr Aniruddhan in his brief address talked about Indian women coming out of their traditional housewife activities and breaking glass ceilings in many a field of human activity As put by Naren Patel, CEO of MedStar and the main host, "we Chicagoans wanted to welcome Ms Tomar and also introduce her to a cross section of our community." He said that it was a short notice event but then was happy

Dance from Musical Group artists

dress talked about Indian women coming out of their traditional housewife activities and breaking glass ceilings in many a field of human activity. Citing the examples of Indian President Smt. Pratibha Patil, Ms Sonia Gandhi,

Indian Ambassador Ms Meera Shankar and Ms Indira Gandhi a few years ago, he said he was heartened to see the Chicago consulate headed by a woman CG and that he was sure that Ms Tomar would go further up and even head the Embassy in here." Beena Patel, a community activist and a senior officer of Circuit court Clerk office in Chicago, emceed the event with aplomb. She welcomed the guests numbering over 100 and introduced Ms Tomar saying that this country was not knew to her as she had a good diplomatic assignment at UNO in New York. She was also Deputy High Commissioner in Bangladesh and would move up the ladder being young, energetic and intelligent. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 13

Indian Consul General Ms Mukta Tomar being welcomed by hosts (L to R) Dr Aniruddhan, Naren Patel, Ms Tomar and Ms Beena Patel

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Mahatma Gandhi remembered with several events

Congress leader to take up Attri issue with MEA

JODH SINGH RAWAT & ASIAN MEDIA USA A.Q. SIDDIQUI

CHICAGO: Chicago Indian Americans joined millions of individuals across the globe in celebrating Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary here. It was the 141st anniversary of the Father of Indian Nation and it was celebrated in a befitting manner by Skokie Indians. Midwest Asian American Center (MAAC), a no profit social organization based in Chicago, also pitched in with a three-hour event that did not forget Gandhiji. A birthday cake was cut by Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White in the presence of 100 plus guests and MAAC members. Homage to Mahatma Gandhi was also paid during an evening reception held in honor of newly appointed Indian Consul General Mukta Tomar by MedStar Lab in Hillside, a Chicago suburb. Association of Indian Americans (AIA) a premiere umbrella organization of Indian Americans, celebrated with a dance and music com-

India Post News Service

Gandhi Memorial Trustee addressing the gathering. (Pics Asian Media USA )

which aims to encourage peace in the diverse metropolis and in communities across the world. Indian Consul General Mukta Dutta Tomar made her first public appearance after recently arriving in Chicago. In her brief address, she commended the Gandhi Memorial Trust for their unwavering dedication. Trustee Satish Chander thanked the CG for her presence saying "Though it may be a chilly day in Chicago, you have warmed

CHICAGO: Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council Chairman and senior Gandhian leader Dr A Chakrapani said here that he would take up with the External Affairs Ministry the issue of functioning of Indian Consulate in Chicago under the charge of Ashok Attri, who is now manning the Indian embassy in Sweden. Dr. Chakrapani was in Chicago recently and was accorded a dinner reception by a group of Indian

such meetings offer an opportunity to interact with Indians living outside India, to take note of NRIs' problems and secure their investment for India. He said that NRIs should invest in industrial and development projects. In an interaction with the visiting leader, Babu Patel, a senior community leader, said that "instead of mixing with the community and sharing in Indian events, the Consul General maintained a bureaucratic attitude." Many voices joined Babu Patel disapproving of Consul General

He also mentioned the march occurring in Washington D.C. for justice, education, and jobs and how organizers had chosen Gandhi's birthday for the date of the important event. GMT trustee Mrs. Usha Kamaria gave a special vote of thanks to Consul General Mukta Tomar, Village of Skokie Mayor and Trustees, Park District President Mike Ried, Mark Schniderman, Carolyn Anthony from the Skokie

Dr A Chakrapani (third from right) with Indian community activists during a dinner reception. Host Shareef and activist Babu Patel are to his left

Gathering near Mahatma Gandhi's life size statue during Gandhi Jayanti in Skoki

petition among talented youth at Lemont Hindu Temple of October 9. The Gandhi Memorial Trust in Skokie held an inspiring ceremony to commemorate Mahatma's birth anniversary. The event took place at the statue of Gandhi in the Skokie Heritage Park. Representatives from more then 30 different communities and dignitaries placed roses at the statue's feet. The participants included Kenyan Presidential candidate Professor Wajackoyah. Peace songs were sung by the Niles West High School choir, university students and by the members of the international community. Skokie Mayor Van Dusen spoke fondly of when the statue was unveiled six years ago. He recalled how hundreds of people had gathered to join the memorable celebrations and how the busy McCormick Blvd. was closed off for the grand event. The Mayor also took the opportunity to promote Skokie's latest initiative, "World Peace and Unity Month",

Midwest Asian American Center had cakes cut on Gandhiji-Shashtriji birth anniversaries

us with your presence". Chairman of GMT, Omprakash Kamaria in his welcome remarks said that, "Gandhism is well and alive in the hearts of people of Skokie. We encourage children to visit the statue more often and get inspiration from Gandhi and know that with dedication, devotion, and determination, an ordinary human being can become extraordinary". He then introduced members of the Trustees Board.

Public Library, Dr. Nancian Gatta of District 219, the students from Niles West Choir, Yesoe Yon of Northeastern University, Susan Van Dusen, Santosh Kumar of Metropolitan Family Services community, Harendra Magrola of Gayatri Gyan Mandir, leaders from the different heritages, Gandhi Memorial Trust Trustees, volunteers. Jodh Singh Rawat, a Gandhian, distributed Gandhian caps saying "Give Peace a Chance".

Secretary of State Jesse White at Midwest Asian American Center and Hoffman Estate Mayor Bill McLeod in Gandhi caps with MACC leaders Ravi Rawat and Ms Vandana Dalal during an event in Schaumburg

Americans headed by Iftekhar Shareef at North Shore Banquet Hall here. Many distinguished community members, activist and FIA members joined the event to welcome the visiting dignitary. Babu Patel, a front ranking community activist and former president of the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) briefed the visiting dignitary about the way the Indian Consulate affairs were "mishandled by Attri" and that the community was sore as he left a legacy of factitious community. He urged Dr. Chakrapani to use his good offices with the Indian government to instruct the Indian Consulates in USA to be all inclusive with the Indian American community and seek its help in furthering economic, trade and political ties with the US administration. This was important in the light of the impending visit of President Barack Obama to India, he said. Dr Chakrapani, along with other Gandhian leaders, was in South Africa recently to join Mahatma Gandhi's birthday celebrations in Johannesburg. He made a stopover in Chicago on way back to India. Iftekhar Shareef and Keerthi Kumar Ravoori introduced the veteran political leader to the Chicago community. Although it was a working day evening in Chicago, the attendance for the reception was remarkable. Dr A Chakrapani remarked that

Attri's attitude. There was so much anger that the entire event turned into a protest ground against him. Dr Chakrapani assured the Chicago community that he would

He urged Dr. Chakrapani to use his good offices with the Indian government to instruct the Indian Consulates in USA to be all inclusive with the Indian American community and seek its help in furthering economic, trade and political ties with the US administration take up the matter with the External Affairs Ministry in New Delhi. The diplomats are sent to maintain a cordial relation with the government and be helpful to people of the country. Dr Chakrapani said he would be meeting with the new Consul General in Chicago before leaving. Later Dr Chakrapani individually met the Chicago Indian Community members and answered their concerns.

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October 15, 2010

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Four national groups pledge to work together India Post News Service

NEW YORK: In a significant move, four major national organizations representing the Indian American community pledged to work together on issues of common concern. Representatives of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA), American Association of Physicians from India (AAPI), Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO), and the National Federation of Indian American Associations (NFIA), gathered in New York at a recent meet in New York, agreed on a common agenda to work cooperatively on issues affecting the Indian American Community at large. The AAPI was represented by its president, Dr. Ajeet Singhvi, Dr. Shashi Shah, and Dr. Krishan Aggarwal. Chandrakant Patel, chairman of AAHOA, GOPIO's Chairman Inder Singh and Chairman Emeritus Dr. Thomas Abraham, and NFIA executive vice president Lal Motwani were the other representatives at the meeting that was coordinated by Niraj Baxi, a former president of the NFIA, and held in conjunction with the 16th biennial convention of the NFIA in New York. In welcoming the representatives of the four national organizations, Baxi said that all the four associations have been involved in conducting annually similar functions in Washington DC to advocate before the Congress their respective positions. "It would be much more productive if we all join our hands and show a united front before the lawmakers, when we have issues that affect the community at large," Baxi opined. "Each organization has been independently dealing with hate crimes and immigration and other issues of discrimination against Indian Americans. We have gathered here to explore the possibility of cooperation among the large national organizations to conduct some functions. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 14

Oregon State students, staff in Bollywood flash mob India Post News Service

CORVALLIS, OR: Oregon State University students and staff turned the Memorial Union Quad into the scene of a Bollywood film on the afternoon of Oct 3, when more than 70 people participated in a flash mob dance in the middle of the quad. The event, which was staged as a surprise event during the annual Beaver Fair for students in the quad, drew a large crowd as the dancers tossed off their jackets to reveal bright orange shirts as they began to dance to the Bollywood song "Salaam-EIshq" from the movie by the same name. Oregon State student Neha Neelwarne, a Bollywood instructor for Faculty/Staff fitness and a native of Mysore, India, organized and choreographed the dance and helped keep it a secret until Friday. "Since October is Diversity Awareness Month I wanted to do something to celebrate diversity on campus, but also to encourage individuals to put some effort into learning something new about other experiences," Neelwarne said. "What better way to achieve these goals than by doing a Bollywood Flash Mob?" "Many OSU Students, staff, and faculty members with different backgrounds and experiences put in a lot of effort to learn the dance. Students who work at many different cultural centers at OSU also participated. I hope that every individual at OSU and the community will take an interest in learning about diversity after watching the flash mob - visiting the cultural and resource centers is a great first start!" Neelwarne has spent the last two months training groups of dancers, most of whom had never performed publicly before, and some of whom had never even heard of Bollywood until they participated in the event. Kevin Gatimu, a graduate student in electrical and computer engineering from Kenya, was excited for the opportunity to participate. "The Bollywood Flash Mob was not only a forum that hosted different facets of

More than 70 Oregon State students and staff participated in a Bollywood flashmob outside the Memorial Union to celebrate Diversity Awareness Month on campus.

diversity, but it was a form of recreation too," he said. His brother Brian, a junior in biochemistry, biophysics, also participated. "I wanted

Oregon State student Neha Neelwarne organized and choreographed a Bollywood flashmob outside the Memorial Union to celebrate Diversity Awareness Month on campus.

to be a part of this Indian dance because I personally take interest in cultures differ-

Grand welcome to new CG by Chicagoans Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 11

Ms Tomar said that she was aware of the magnificent contributions that Indian Americans make in cementing the relations between India and USA, and that she would continue to depend on them for their support. She stressed the economic ties between the two countries and thanked Chicagoans for wonderful support and welcome they gave to her even during the first month of her stay here. Ms Tomar assumed charge as CG in last week of August this year and has already endeared herself with the consulate staff and mem-

bers of the Indian community by her gentle demeanor. Ms Sumitra Patel, wife of Naren Patel, pre-

Ms Tomar said that she was aware of the magnificent contributions that Indian Americans make in cementing the relations between India and USA sented a bouquet of flowers to her amidst applause. This was fol-

lowed with a photo session where most of those attending were recognized and participated. Earlier, there was a scintillating dance presentation by a host of local artists belonging to Musical Group headed by Rita Modi and Santosh Verghese. All those present applauded the novel way of singing Vande Matram in dance form. The Musical Group artists made a grand effort to bring out India's religions and diversity with underlying unity in this dance presentation, and all those present complimented the artists and leaders Rita Modi and Santosh Verghese.

ent from mine. Learning a cultural dance, in my view, is one of the best, fun and engaging ways to immerse yourself into one's culture," he said. "I challenge students out there to utilize the cultural centers in OSU in learning more about the diversity that is here in OSU." Oregon State University has made honoring and increasing diversity on campus a high priority. In Spring 2010, there were 3,274 Oregon State students who identified as US minorities, an increase of 8.5% from the previous year. And international student numbers rose 30.7%, to 1,180 students. There are currently six cultural centers on campus which offer a variety of services to students, and which host campus-wide events throughout the year. OSU is one of only two US universities designated a land, sea, space and sun-grant institution. OSU is also Oregon's only university designated in the Carnegie Foundation's top tier for research institutions, garnering more than 60 percent of the total federal and private research funding in the Oregon University System. Its nearly 22,000 students come from all 50 states and more than 90 countries.

14 India Post

Community Across America

October 15, 2010

www.indiapost.com

Harvard receives $10m gift from Anand Mahindra India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Indian industrialist and alumnus of Harvard University Anand Mahindra has given the prestigious university $10 million to support its Humanities Center in honor of his mother, Indira Mahindra. The Harvard University announcement said it was the largest gift for the study of humanities in Harvard's history, and will advance the unique interdisciplinary collaborations led by center director Homi Bhabha. In recognition, the center will be renamed the Mahindra Humanities Center at Harvard. "This remarkable gift is a significant affirmation of the importance of the humanities and the central place of the liberal arts in the University," said Drew Gilpin Faust, president of Harvard University and Lincoln Professor of History. "It comes at a time when it is vital to bring a humane and critical perspective to the urgent questions that confront the world. Anand Mahindra understands the essential role of the humanities in this work, and I am deeply grateful."

"I am happy to be able to contribute to the cause of the humanities," said Anand Mahindra. "To address complex problems in an interdependent world, it is vital to encourage the cross-cultural and interdisciplinary exchange of ideas in an international setting. I am proud to be part of the intellectual legacy of India's contribution to global thinking across the arts, culture, science, and philosophy. I am convinced of the need for incorporating social and humanistic concerns into the core values that inform the world of business and have sought to do so with tremendous support from my peers and colleagues at work and beyond." "The tradition of liberal arts education is at the heart of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences," said Michael D. Smith, dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences and John H. Finley, Jr. Professor of Engineering and Applied Sciences. "The Humanities Center is a showcase for this approach, creating fertile confrontations of perspectives, histories, and frameworks that probe our understanding of the human condition, our world, and ourselves. Anand Mahindra's un-

derstanding of this critical work is exceeded only by the generosity of his support. Under the guidance of Professor Bhabha, this gift will enable the Humanities Center to expand its offerings of critical interdisciplinary research and unique conversations."

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I am proud to be part of the intellectual legacy of India's contribution to global thinking across the arts, culture, science, and philosophy. I am convinced of the need for incorporating social and humanistic concerns into the core valuesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; "The Humanities Center's association with the Mahindra family, renowned for the cosmopolitan ethos of its business ventures in India and abroad, will emphasize the universal value of the humanities in both education and public life," said Bhabha, the Anne F.

Rothenberg Professor of the Humanities, Department of English, and director of the Humanities Center. "The humanities teach us the careful arts of interpretation and extend our understanding of the lives, works, and histories of others. We humanists build communities, not models. Anand Mahindra's gift will enhance the Humanities Center's presence as the crossroads of the Harvard community, encouraging the traffic of ideas across the campus and beyond. Our very name now signals the global reach of the humanities." The Mahindra Humanities Center will advance interdisciplinary exchanges among Harvard faculty, faculty from other area institutions, graduate students, undergraduates, and the public. It will sponsor a wide range of panel discussions, lectures, readings, conferences, performances, workshops, and seminars, as well as graduate and postdoctoral fellowships. The center will foster collaborations among the humanities, social sciences, and sciences in the belief that the humanities make a unique contribution in providing platforms for debate across

SAALT observes national day of service on Oct 2 India Post News Service

NEW YORK: The spirit of volunteerism and community service should be taken beyond a single day of service - that was the message at the 9th annual 'Be the Change' national day of service organized by the DC areabased non-profit organization, South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT), on October 2. Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's message, "You must be the change you wish to see in the world," over 1700 volunteers including students, retirees and professionals contributed their time and energy to service activities in nearly 80 locations nationwide, including Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Washington, DC. "Every year, Be the Change offers community members, young professionals and students the opportunity to cultivate a culture of volunteerism in their lives," said Deepa Iyer, Executive Director of SAALT. This year, the theme 'Leading a Movement' encouraged participants to take "the change" beyond just one day. "Anyone can do a day of service," said Ro Khanna, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Domestic Operations for the US & Commercial Service

in the US Department of Commerce and keynote speaker at the kick-off event in Washington, DC. Addressing a packed room of over 200 participants, Khanna said the spirit of community service is something "our country desperately needs today." Drawing from the example of the American civil rights movement, and the idea of Mahatma Gandhi, Khanna said, "[Gandhi or Martin Luther King] didn't just come out for a few hours and then go back to their lives. They

pantry in Rhode Island, to registering citizens to vote. This year, volunteers worked on gardens at the Sustainable Food Center in Austin, TX, sorting and packaging surplus medical supplies with Global Links in Pittsburgh, PA, and serving food to the homeless in Gainesville, FL. "Among the coalition of South Asian leaders that have come together in planning Austin's Be the Change event, the discussions have already begun on other initiatives and ways we can continue

Over 1700 volunteers including students, retirees and professionals contributed their time and energy to service activities in nearly 80 locations nationwide sacrificed because they believed in a better world. And that is what we need in this country again." The idea of celebrating a day of service started at the University of Michigan in 1998, and was turned into a national day of community participation and engagement by SAALT nine years ago. Through the years, the organization has encouraged participants to help their community by working for projects from restoring a water-damaged food

to foster the spirit of civic engagement from this day forward. The community after a long time found common ground through the planning of Be the Change, and we only hope that the ties that bind us only strengthen our presence in and contribution to the Austin community at large," said Sonia Kotecha, one of the volunteer organizers from Austin, TX. For Ankur Ponda from Baltimore, MD, the message reso-

nates too. "The key to success is not only to inspire people to be a part of their change, but to sustain that population and encourage them to continue to be pillars in their community," said Ponda. "It is important for the volunteers that participate to be aware of social issues in Baltimore, what kind of organizations address those issues, and the impact they can make. I am fully aware that time commitment is a huge concern for those skeptical about volunteering, but it is my genuine belief that it is about the small steps that create incremental and long-term value." Partners and sponsors affirmed the values of the event. "Be the Change brings together many cultures, age groups and backgrounds. To us, at Sodexo, embracing diversity is the key to community," said Jaya K. Bohlmann, Vice President of Public Relations at Sodexo. "We are all here today to be part of this change, indeed, to be the change. In your own personal way, whether you realize it or not, each of you today will lead change. Just by showing up today, just by taking even the smallest action, you are leading a movement that shines a light on the needs existing in our communities and then taking action to eliminate them."

various fields and forms of knowledge. These activities will take place during a year of increased emphasis at Harvard on the role of the humanities in the University and in public life. President Faust has indicated that she will charge a faculty working group, beginning in the spring semester, with exploring the role of humanistic study in the curriculum, in collaborative and interdisciplinary work across the University, and in public discourse at the national and international levels. The naming of the Mahindra Humanities Center at Harvard reflects the intellectual background of Anand Mahindra, who came to Harvard as an undergraduate in the film studies program of the Department of Visual and Environmental Studies, graduated magna cum laude, and went on to earn his MBA from Harvard Business School (HBS). Anand Mahindra is vice chairman and managing director of Mahindra & Mahindra, Ltd., the flagship company of the Mahindra Group, which is among the top 10 industrial houses in India. His extensive activities as a Harvard alumnus include membership on the Committee on University Resources, the Advisory Committee of the Harvard University Asia Center, the HBS Board of Dean's Advisors, and the AsiaPacific Advisory Board. He cofounded the HBS Association of India and received the HBS alumni achievement award in 2008.

Four national groups pledge to work together Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 13

Dr. Aggarwal from AAPI said that such efforts have been tried in the past with limited success. "But now the community has matured to a great extent and the cooperation has become possible," Aggarwal added. Dr. Singhvi said he had in fact, included the bringing together of such organizations as part of his agenda when he took office last summer. He hopes that other major associations too would join this endeavor. Among the India-centric issues of concerns for each of the four associations are passport surrender and visas to travel to India, Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, etc. The group of these representatives was named as the National Coordinating Council and Baxi was designated as the coordinator. The council agreed to meet again in fall in Washington DC.

Community Across America

October 15, 2010

Dorothy Brown's ten-years as Circuit Court Clerk

India Post 15

www.indiapost.com

Total Health Conference by Hindu University

Asian Media USA

ABHINAV DWIVEDI & LYNN VANNUCCI

CHICAGO: Friends of Dorothy Brown held a celebration in honor of Clerk Brown's ten years of service at Alhambra Palace which was attended by nearly 500 people. The auspicious occasion coinciding with her birthday Sohal Joshi, an FIA Trustee and Dorothy was held on September Brown Pics Asian Media USA 28. A Certified Public Accountant third term in November 2008, she (CPA) and holding a Master's De- is the official keeper of records for gree in Business Administration all judicial matters brought into (MBA) as well as a degree in law one of the largest unified court Dorothy Brown was elected as the systems in the world, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook Clerk Brown thanked everyone County in 2000. Re-elected to a for their immense support over the

Naren Patel CEO Med Star, Dr. Ram Gajjela President IADO, Dorothy Brown and Beena Patel, a Senior Officer at Circuit of Cook County Clerk office

years and reflected upon the achievements of the community. A lovely book was presented to Ms Brown comprising well wishes from various individuals, families, organizations across the Cook County area.

ORLANDO, FL: For the first time a group of well known scientists, researchers and educators from diverse disciplines of Modern Medicine, Yoga and Ayurveda came together for a three day conference on Total Health held at Embassy Suite in Orlando from September 24 to 26. The conference was organized

Delegates numbering 100 to the international conference came from all over the USA, Canada, as well as from India, and shared their findings and experiences by Hindu University of America (HUA), Orlando, VYASA Global Health Foundation (India), Department of AYUSH - Ministry of Health, Government of India undertaking, and the Center for India Studies of University of South

Do You Ride AC Transit? Paper Tickets Are Going Away. Clipper Is Now the Way to Pay. For a limited time, get a free* Clipper card! Local Adult 10-Ride and 31-Day tickets will be eliminated. You’ll need to use a Clipper card, or pay cash, to board. 10-Ride Youth/Senior/Disabled paper tickets will be eliminated. You’ll need to pay with either a free Clipper Youth card or a Clipper-enabled Regional Transit Connection (RTC) card* for Senior and Disabled passengers. Or pay with cash. October 31: Last day to buy these tickets. December 31: Last day they will be accepted on the bus. Clipper is the region’s all-in-one reloadable transit card that manages your passes, cash fares and transfers so you don’t have to. It automatically deducts the right fare. Starting in October, you can exchange unused paper tickets for the same value on a Clipper card. For details about this change, and to learn how to get a Clipper card and load value on it, visit www.actransit.org or call 511 and say, “AC Transit” (English only). Or call 510-891-7293 to request a brochure in English, Spanish, and Chinese. *RTC cards are $3. Clipper is the new name for TransLink.

THC-Valedictory-group- Standing Row back: Dr. BVK Sastry, David S.Khalsa, Dr.Sen Pathak, Dr.Vindo Deshmukh, Dr.Rao Rapaka, Abhinav Dwivedi Standing row second: Dr. Ramprakash Agrawal, N V Raghuram, Dr.Indranil Basu Ray, Dr.Saurbah Chokshi, Dr.Sheila Chokshi, Dr.Gurleen Grewal, Lakshmidevi, Dr.R.Nagarathna, Dr.Poornima Krishna Murthy Sitting: Braham Aggarwal, Swamy Sarvananda Saraswathy Maharaj, Gurudev Yogi Amruth Desai, Dr.H R Nagendra

Florida, Tampa. The international conference deliberated on the theme 'Total Health-Research Perspectives - Modern Medicine, Yoga, Ayurveda' sponsored by HUA- (College of Yoga and Ayurvedic Sciences Division) . Delegates numbering 100 to the international conference came from all over the USA, Canada, as well as from India, and shared their findings and experiences. Twenty researchers presented their findings on how the intricate machin-

ery of mind and body works together to heal and to provide quicker and more complete recovery from diseases, when the ancient techniques of Yoga, Pranayam, meditation and health principles of Ayurveda are used in conjunction with modern medicine. The conference presented evidence based papers to show the need to factor in body, mind and spirit in developing treatment for various diseases. Cont’d on page 16

Community Across America

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SALDEF recognizes two more awardees

K.P. Singh India Post News Service

WASHINGTON: SALDEF has included two more awardees for the 2010 SALDEF National Gala to be held in Washington D.C. on October 16. It will be recognizing Mr. K.P. Singh with the Bhagat Singh Thind Community Empowerment Award and Ms. Saba Ahmed with the Public Service Award for their service and impact on the Sikh American community and beyond. K.P. Singh, Indianapolis: An active member of the Indianapolis community since 1967, Mr. Singh is an accomplished advocate and supporter of historic preservation, cultural diversity, and the importance of arts to life and human spirit. Mr. Singh is a founding member of The International Center of Indianapolis and presently serves on many Boards including the Asian American Alliance, The Brooke's Place for Grieving Young

Saba Ahmed

Persons, The Butler University Center on Faith and Vocation, and Race and Cultural Relations Leadership Network. For his contributions, he recently received the Sarah Lewis Lifetime Achievement Award (United Way of Central Indiana - 2010). Mr. Singh is also an accomplished artist, writer and speaker. Saba Ahmed: Ms. Saba Ahmed, a patent lawyer in Portland, Oregon for her pivotal role in the Oregon Right to Teach Campaign which overturned the ban on Sikh Americans and other individuals of faith who wear religious garb from teaching in Oregon public schools. The leadership she displayed by working with the interfaith coalition and lobbying legislators across the state, ensured the campaign's success and as a result, observant members of faiths no longer have to make the false choice between their profession and practicing their religion.

MAFS fundraiser a big success ASIAN MEDIA USA & HARISH RAO

CHICAGO: The wonderful amalgamation of Indo-Pak community was seen at the 12th fundraising dinner of Metropolitan Asian Family Services (MAFS), a front ranking and burgeoning social organization. The event was held at Indian House Banquet Hall, Schaumburg, a north side Chicago suburb, with quite fan fare and grand success. The program that had its theme "Serving Seniors to Add Quality and Dignity to their Lives," displayed a fine juxtaposition of unity and brotherhood among communities hailing from various South Asian countries and Europe - India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and East Europe. The program started with the lamp lightening ceremony by Swami Purnatmanandji Ji Maharaj of Aurora based Bharat Seva Samaj, and bhajan prayer by Nalini Parikh. Opening the forum, Dr. Firdaus Jafri, president MAFS, thanked everyone for supporting MAFS and for taking its effort to next

Swami Purnatmanandji Maharaj lighting traditional lamp to start the event. Looking on among others are Exe Director Santosh Kumar and guests

level. However, it was the guest speaker Michael Gelder, Senior Advisor to Governor on Health Policy who captivated audience with his speech. He eulogized services rendered by MAFS Executive director Santosh Kumar through various community oriented outreach programs. Emphasizing various issues such as adult-care, homecare ser-

Ms Santosh Kumar, Nalini Goyal, Nikunj Baxi, Firdaus Jafri and other MAFS members thanking sponsors and supporters (Pics Asian Media USA)

vices, Mary Killough, CCP Program Manager IDOA, asked everyone to support MAFS and donate generously to carry its mission to next level. Later, addressing the audience Marlin Krolak, Executive Director DuPage Senior Citizens Council, stressed on realizing the importance of elderly parents in families and thanked Ms Kumar for moving ahead with such a noble mission. Ms Kumar stole the limelight with her passionate exhorting of guests and members of ethnic communities attending the program to render their help to take this social entity to a newer height. Attended by over 1000 individuals, the event helped MAFS raise $70,000 but this was not enough looking to the ever increasing needs of the organization and expansion project that it plans for the coming years. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 17

Total Health Conference by Hindu University Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 15

The following institutions collaborated in this conference: (i) VYASA Global Health foundation, Bengaluru, India (ii) Department of AYUSH, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India (iii) Center for India Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA. The concept of 'Total Health' was articulated by Dr. H. R. Nagendra, President HUA. He mentioned that this concept adopts all the forces behind the evolution needed today in the health scenario to synergize the physical, biological, mental, emotional, social and intellectual dimensions of health for prevention and promotion of positive health. He added that it takes it to the next step from the present matter-based to consciousness-

based Total Health Care delivery. Dr. Nagendra highlighted the criticality of the paradigm shift needed in present health care delivery systems focused on a symptomatic approach to a symbiotic model. Dr. Gopal Basisht, during his inaugural address, emphasized the need for this paradigm shift through an impressive documentary presentation. Dr. P. Vaidyanathan, Assistant Vice President, UCF corroborated the importance of this in his valedictory address when he highlighted the tangible and economic benefits that would accrue in health care delivery systems. A total of 20 presentations, ten invited talks and two panel discussions were made during the conference. The deliberations came from a wide spectrum of premier research institutions,

like: Dr. Rao Rapaka (Director, National Institute of Drug Abuse, Washington DC), Sen

Dr. Nagendra highlighted the criticality of the paradigm shift needed in present health care delivery systems focused on a symptomatic approach to a symbiotic model Pathak ( M D Anderson Cancer Research University, Texas), Dr. Ramprakash Agarwal (Miller

School of Medicine, University of Miami), Dr. David Shannahoff Khalsa (University of California), Dr. Ann Debaldo (University of South Florida), Gurleen Greal (Center for India Studies, USF), Dr. Krishnaswamy Guha (Tennessee State University), Dr. Indranil Basu Ray (University of Buffalo), Dr. Vinod Deshmukh (University of Florida). Some of the leading researchers who participated in the deliberations were: Dr. Lorenzo Cohen (M D Anderson Cancer Center), Dr. Saurbah and Sheela Chokshi (Tampa General Hospital), Dr.Gopal Basisht (Orlando), Dr. Naveen Visweswaraiah (SVYASA University, India), Dr. Poornima Krishnamurthy (India), Dr R. Nagaratna (Dean, Division of Yoga and Life Sciences, SVYASA University, Bengauru, Karnataka). Many leading researchers from

allied areas of Hindu traditions of health care participated and presented their views in relation to the conference theme, from the perspectives of life style, food, vastu and other aspects. Noted participants amongst these were Gurudev Yogi Amrit Desai (Kripalu Yoga). The conference was followed by three days of post conference Yoga therapeutics workshops specifically addressing ailments like cancer, diabetics, arthritis, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. The conference was blessed by the message of Swami Dayanada Saraswati and with the presence of Sarvananda Sarasvati Maharaj. Proceedings of the conference in the form of a set of DVDs will be available by sending a request to Hindu University of America (staff@hua.edu).

October 15, 2010

Community Across America

India Post 17

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MAFS fundraiser a big success Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 16

Santosh Kumar pitched that the financial part of the seniors benefiting from the programs of MAFS should be taken care of by other earning members and youngsters of the family. She requested them to spare 10 % of their income for MAFS by following the example of the Jewish community that makes provision in the will itself to spare 3 % of their property for the community. "This is the reason they never have to face a financial crisis," she observed. On the other hand, the organizations like MAFS face acute shortage of funds. She expressed gratitude to the leaders and members of all communities MAFS fashion show for attending the function. The other prominent speakers Award (European) to Rahima at the event were Greg Brownfield, Forto, Best Driver to Mohammad candidate for State Rep, Guest Malkani, Best Food Service Speaker Ms. Marta Pereyra, Ex- Award to Moneek Khan, Best ecutive Director CLESE, Guest Support Service Award to Julie Speaker Ms. Beth O'Grady, Sun, and Volunteer Award to Former Executive director CLESE, Harishji Mahajan. Guest Speaker Vipul Shah, Vice The other attraction of the president GOPIO, Guest Speaker evening was a dazzling dance perDr. Namarta Kundala, MD North- formance by Catherine Jafri and western University. friends, who through their dashThe other highlight of the ing and sizzling repertoires won event was award ceremony. The over everybody present. awards were presented to Ms. Other exhilarating perforMary Killough, Manager CCP, mances were pulsating numbers IDOA, Partnership Award to Ms. sung from Bollywood by Marylin Krolek, Executive Direc- Bhupendra Singh and Nalini tor, DSCC, Community Service Parikh which held the audience Award to Suresh Bodiwala, spellbound and sent the crowd Ms Santosh Kumar making a plea for larger financial help Chairman, Asian Media USA, into frenzy. Media Award to Ramesh Yet another attraction of the Soparawala, Editor, evening was a fashion show by India Post, Best RAAZ designers. Adult Daycare DiRaj, Rekha Rabani, Shyamal rector Award to and Bhumika have scorched the Surendra Shah, Best fashion barometer of the city with Employee of the their haute and prĂŞt collection. year Award to Gira The evening concluded with vote Ethindra, Best Suof thanks by Nikunj Baxi. pervisor of the year to Afaanbhai Muhammad, Public Benefits Award to Hina Trivedi, Best Homecare Aid Award (Asian) to Madhu Adhuria, Best Kitchen Helper to Sumitra Patel, Ten year Homecare Aid Award to Smita Shah, Fire dance by Catherine Jafri and friends Best Home Care Aid

Federal judge rejects turban branding

India Post News Service

NEW YORK: In a week of major legal momentum, a federal judge rejected a motion requesting legal sanction for the branding of Sikh turbans with the Metropolitan Transit Authority logo. At issue in the case is whether the New York City Transit Authority (TA) can force Sikh and Muslim workers to brand their religious headdress with its logo. The TA cites security concerns post 9/11 as the reason for the policy. In March 2005, the United States Justice Department released results from an investigation that found over 200 instances of TA employees wearing headdress without a TA logo over the course of three days. This included TA-issued Russian-style winter hats without a logo. The TA nevertheless insists that it must place its logo on Sikh turbans and Muslim hijabs so that they are identifiable as TA workers. The TA makes this assertion despite the fact that Sikh and Muslim workers worked for the TA successfully for decades before 9/ 11 without branding their headdress. The Justice Department filed its own discrimination suit against the Transit Authority in Septem-

ber 2004. In July 2005, the Sikh Coalition filed discrimination charges and a subsequent lawsuit on behalf of five Sikh station agents and a Sikh train operator. Recently, in a 41 page opinion in the United States' case against the Transit Authority, Judge Sandra Townes of the United State

In March 2005, the United States Justice Department released results from an investigation that found over 200 instances of TA employees wearing headdress without a TA logo over the course of three days District Court for the Eastern District of New York, rejected the Transit Authority's motion to rule in its favor without trial. Judge Townes essentially rejected the TA's attempt to end the discrimination suit. Her ruling means that the United States' case against the Transit Authority may proceed to trial.

Monty opens Kabob'z in Schaumburg

CHICAGO: Syed Monty, head of a front ranking entertainment company Shows2U, who was recently presented with a key to the city of Hoffman Estate by its mayor Bill McLeod, has added one more feather to his cap by launching Kabob'z in Schaumburg. This fast food facility has innovative tastes for a number of traditional Kabob style cuisine besides typical Afghani items and Indian, Pakistani dishes. Afghani items are done by Afghan Chef Mustafa while the India-Pakistani dishes are being taken care of by Bhabhi's kitchen chef. Monty (center) is seen with the Mayor of Hoffman Estate Bill McLeod and State Rep Fred Crespo.

Community Across America

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October 15, 2010

www.indiapost.com

Early Diwali Mela due to early winter

Fireworks at the South Street Seaport Diwali Mela. Early Diwali celebrations were held because of the arrival of chilly weather in New York. Hundreds of Indian Americans participated in this mela on Oct 3 (pics Mohammed Jaffer-SnapsIndia )

South Asia Heritage Fair Atina heads Indian students association a big success SURESH SHAH

ASWHIN PATEL

Classical Indian dance at St Louis Fair

ST. LOUIS: The Fourth South Asia Heritage Fair conducted at St. Charles Convention Center in St.Charles, MO, middle of last month was a Grand Success. There was an increase in vendor participation compared to last year. Vendor stalls selling ethnic art, handicrafts, jewelry, clothing and food were present. This year People belonging to

Food was served by Mayuri India Restaurant (representing both South and North India), Mid East Market (representing Pakistan), and Kabob Place (representing Afghanistan). Retail stalls and information stalls were set up by American citizens with origins in USA, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Thailand etc. Cultural programs were performed by

CHICAGO: A senior marketing and management student at University of Illinois Champaign Atina D'Souza has been elected as the President of the Indian Students Association for the academic year 2010-2011. Currently Atina is studying International Business for one semester at the University of Vienna, Austria. Following are the team members for ISA Board: Krupa Patel - Internal Vice President; Uma Patel - External Vice President; Gauarav Verma - Secretary; Chiraag Deora Treasurer; Reema Amin & Karan Talati - Production; Priyanka Doshi & Dinakar Vadlamani - Social; Keya Patel & Nirbhay Dhapodkar - Membership; Shawn Thomas & Hemal Patel - Cultural Awareness; Neil Mithipati & Sai Gudimella - Creative Design; Sapna Patel & Ruthvik Basavaraj - Philanthropy; Monisha

Atina with her parents - Austin Prabhu & Terry

Mani & Arpan Shah - Publicity. The Indian Student Association at the University of Illinois, UrbanaChampaign aims to increase South Asian cultural awareness, promote service and serve as a social aveneue for the campus commu-

Garba at Park Ridge Temple SOHAN JOSHI

Audience at St Louis Fair. (Pic Namskardesi.com)

India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and Thailand have set up their stalls. The fair was sponsored by Mayuri India Restaurant and Co-Sponsored by NamaskarDesi.com, Jim Moll of Coldwell Banker Gundaker and Vince O Brian of Heartland Bank Mortgage.

people representing different ethnicity. "It is good to see the increase in participation both by vendors and visitors every year." said Rao Chilakala, the organizer of South Asia Heritage Fair. He thanked all the people, vendors and sponsors for making the event successful.

Raas Garba & Goddess Nav Durga

CHICAGO: Hindu Cultural Center (India Community Center) at 99 Dogwood Street in Park Forest, a south side suburb of Chicago, has organized a grand Navratri celebration with nearly six hours of Raas Garba beginning 7.30 pm on Saturday October 16 at its temple facility in Park Forest. Bhanwar Joshi and Vijal Gupta, spokespersons of the Center, have appealed to the community to sponsor this event.

nity. ISA is not just for Indian or Indian-American students; it is open to all students who are interested in South Asian culture. They welcome all to join ISA in their cultural shows, philanthropy initiatives, and various social events.

UP Association plans grand Diwali celebration MOHAMMAD GHOUSE

CHICAGO: The Uttar Pradesh Association of Greater Chicago (UP Association) will be celebrating its annual Diwali function at the Ashyana Banquets in Downers Grove, a south west Chicago suburb, on Sunday, October 24, starting at 5 p.m. This being the 20th celebration of the Diwali program, the association will do so on a grand scale with a banquet style dinner and a lively entertainment and cultural program which will include dance performances by talented youth members, according to Sujata Sharma, president The music and entertainment program will be provided by a well-known Bollywood singer in the Chicago Area, Bhupender Singh, who will be accompanied by several artists on other instruments. The UP Association of Chicago has been involved in consistently propagating and maintaining its literary and cultural heritage through different programs every year. One of the most popular programs that it hosts involves inviting prominent Hasya Ras poets from India every year since 1992.

Community/California

October 15, 2010

Cal News Therapeutic Ayurvedic Yagya on Diabetes India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: A special healing Yagya for Diabetes was performed on Sept 26 by Ayurveda Specialist Bharti Khatri and Durlab Borad. Herbs and wood in this yagya were offered which heal Diabetes and all its symptoms Bharti used six kinds of wood and 51 kinds of herbs. By inhaling in a certain way the herbal infused vapor helps control the diabetes and its symptoms. Bharti claimed that the herbs which were offered in the Yagya not only help to lower the levels of sugar but also help other complication caused by diabetes, like problems with eyesight, difficulty in wound healing and other metabolic complications which cause the disease.

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Anu's years of experience on City Council set her apart KAVITA ARORA India Post News Service

FREMONT: Anu Natarajan is running for re-election on November 2 for the Fremont City Council. The current incumbent has been on the City Council since 2004 and was elected in November 2006. She currently leads the "Realizing the California Dream" project of the American Leadership

nizations. About the challenges she faces, Anu says, "The first time was a fairly easy non-competitive race, with just four contestants for two seats, although we did a full campaign. It was a learning experience." For this race, there are the incumbents, Anu Natarajan and Bill Harrison, their two opponents from the Fremont Citizens Network and several other new-

Edison honors Network of Indian Professionals GARDEN GROVE, CA: Southern California Edison (SCE) recognized the Network of Indian Professionals-Los Angeles and Orange County chapter with a community service award at SCE's Harvest Moon Mixer, an annual event that celebrates the harvest moon by honoring leaders in the Asian and Pacific Islander communities. The Southern organization was one of five local nonprofit groups honored for their contributions to the community.

Arts degree in Architecture. She has been very involved in working on Fremont's General Plan, the City's vision for the next twenty years, which sets the policy and the direction in which the city wants to go and has been involved in over 80 community meetings and over 35 work sessions at the council. Regarding her vision for Fremont in the upcoming years, Anu

‘Probably the biggest asset we have is our diversity and how we need to not just embrace it but cherish it. We have people from over 150 countries that live in Fremont’

Details on page 20

India Post News Service

India Post 19

Anu Natarajan

Forum, Silicon Valley, which aims to create governance and fiscal reforms in California. The Fremont Firefighters, IAFF Local 1689 and Business for Good Government, an affiliated Political Action Committee of the Fremont Chamber of Commerce, have endorsed Anu Natarajan for Fremont City Council along with various other orga-

comers making a total of eight candidates for two seats. What sets Anu apart is that she has years of experience on the City Council and a solid city planning academic and professional background. Anu has earned a Masters degree in Urban Design and Planning from the University of Washington and a Bachelor of

wants to "lead Fremont into being a really healthy and thriving community in the future with great jobs, that it's a fun place to live in, not just for families with children, but for children that leave when they get to college, to come back and live in Fremont, and building on some of our assets, the good schools, the parks, and the abso-

lutely wonderful location." Since Anu has been on the Planning Commission and on the City Council for over five years, she has several key achievements. Her most memorable is Fremont's 50th anniversary celebration called, "Celebrate Fremont." Anu gathered a team of 800 volunteers showcasing Fremont's diversity, talent, and arts. She says, "for the first time, I think in a long time, people put aside their labels of I'm a Muslim American, I'm a Sikh American, and came together as Fremonters. Probably the biggest asset we have is our diversity and how we need to not just embrace it but cherish it. We have people from over 150 countries that live in Fremont." On the City Council itself other achievements include, funding and start of construction of Bart to San Jose, the dog park, the Aqua Adventure Water Park in partnership with Kristi Yamaguchi, the "Always Dream" park. The City has upgraded several tot lots, and has acquired over 100 acres of park land. The biggest challenge for Fremont, Anu says, is "balancing the budget, given the downturn in the economy, given the state taking away some of our funds, both in redevelopment and city revenues. Cont’d on page 22

Theology students impressed with visit to temple

Details on page 23

Be the cause presents Walk for Hope India Post News Service

LONG BEACH, CA: Be The Cause hosts its annual Walk for Hope on Oct 16 to help create more compassion in the world and raise awareness to various local and global humanitarian causes. A unique, one-of-a-kind event, the Walk for Hope is unlike any other walk-a-thon, as its main purpose is to unite the community by spreading more compassion in the world. The entire 3.5 kilometer (2.2 mile) route is graced with hundreds of carefully hand-made inspiring quotes, interactive activity stations promoting global consciousness, and various booths representing heart-felt causes throughout the world. Details on page 24

India Post News Service

FREMONT: A group of students of Asian and Oceanic Cultures and Faith Traditions (AOCFT) from Graduate Theologi-

interdisciplinary and cross-cultural program which takes advantage of the academic on Asia and Oceanic at the Graduate Theological Union, its member schools and affiliates. The aims of this program

This group of 15 students was received with the group leader Mosses & Lai Shan Yip at the temple by Religious chair Mrs. Leela Mathur and Temple Administrator & Joint secretary Mr. Rakesh Kapoor cal Union, Berkeley visited the temple to know about the American Hindus' traditions, faiths, religious practices and the challenges in US. The AOCFT program is an

are "Understanding of at least two Asian/Oceanic cultural and faith traditions, their major doctrines & practices. Behavioral skills to engage meaningfully, care for, and

minister to persons of different faiths & cultures." This group of 15 students was received with the group leader Mosses & Lai Shan Yip at the temple by Religious chair Mrs. Leela Mathur and Temple Admin-

istrator & Joint secretary Mr. Rakesh Kapoor. They were given a warm welcome at the temple. They were taken for a tour of the temple by Mrs. Mathur and Mr. Kapoor. Cont’d on page 23

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Therapeutic Ayurvedic Yagya on Diabetes

India Post News Service

vapor helps control the diabetes and its symptoms. Bharti claimed that the herbs which were offered in the Yagya not only help to lower the levels of sugar but also help other complication caused by diabetes, like problems with eyesight, difficulty in wound healing and other metabolic complications which cause the disease. In this seminar Bharti taught Yog asans and Pranayam just for

diabetes. Ayurveda Lifestyle was discussed and Ayurveda diet according to one's constitution (Prakriti) which would be Vaat, Pit or Kaph. Bharti did a consultation on each of the participants by checking their pulse and finding out their Prakrati (nature) and Vikruti (imbalances). She also examined their tongue to find what diseases or problems they had. She dis-

Annual Fulbright Lunch at Marwaha Ranch MAGDA MARCELLA India Post News Service

MALIBU: The 21st Annual Fulbright Scholar Luncheon was held at Dr. and Mrs. Amarjit Marwah's ranch in Malibu on Saturday, October 2. The Marwahs have generously donated their home and time for over two decades for Fulbright Scholars to mingle amongst one another and to meet established professionals in their respective industries. Dr. Marwah described the annual luncheons as an informal opportunity to make connections and share experiences. No pretentious awards, no forced speeches; simply the Malibu sun and sea, gourmet Indian food, and great conversation. There were over 150 people in attendance; over 100 of them Fulbright scholars from all over the globe. Being in the presence of such a diverse group of cultures and intellects, I was bound to find some interesting people. I met Chadan Naji, Omar, Nour, and Melena, four volunteers from Syria representing BASMA, a non-profit NGO that aids children suffering from cancer.

A view of the guests

BASMA (which also means "smile") has been in Syria for four years. The volunteer group I met with - led by Naji - are doing a three-week tour of the US to meet with other non-profit organizations, hospitals, doctors,

Dr Marwah with guests

nurses, and specialists in order to learn new technologies and approaches to battling pediatric cancer and enriching the lives of children suffering from it. Some of the organizations they have worked with are the Make a Wish Foundation, Ronald McDonald House, Cure for Cancer, the Children's Cancer Association, and the head of the UCLA oncology unit. Of particular interest to BASMA are the Ronald McDonald House camps for children with cancer. BASMA wants to create similar camps, and the organization met with the Ronald McDonald House to get guidance on how to implement U.S. standards in Syria. Naji says she and her team hope to make valuable contacts and become aware of advances in the battle against cancer. They will draft the outcome of their US visit upon their return to Syria. It is to Dr. And Mrs. Marwah's credit for creating such opportunities for the academic, the business, and the philanthropic spheres to come together.

cussed the herbs and also led a charka clearing meditation. She discussed how diseases are caused on sublimal level and how they can be stopped and gotten rid of. Dr. Vinod Patel, BAMS, an Ayurvedic physician, was present and he monitored everyone's sugar levels. He said, "We had everybody's sugar levels checked before and after the Yagya and the

levels dropped tremendously, up to 25 points." Bharti said, "I will be conducting series of Yagyas on every common disease like heart disease, high blood pressure, mental disorders, cancer, lupus, woman diseases & other ailments." Bharti said she has studied lots of healing methods, Ayurveda, meditation, Yoga, Chakra healing, Thetha healing and Pranic Healing.

$100k donation for Indic Chair at Claremont varsity VICTORIA TRUVER

LOS ANGELES: Influential members of the Indian-American community and University VIPs gathered Sunday, Oct 2, for a religious seminar organized by the Foundation for Indic Philosophy and Culture held at the School of Religion, Claremont Graduate University.

Graduate University, a member of the Claremont Colleges. In that time classes have been taught, seminars organized and cultural programs held. Now it is time to move on to the next level and endow this chair. Claremont Graduate University is a

Claremont Graduate University is a prestigious institution known to have the highest academic standards. It is the school that teaches future teachers. Chances are high your grandchildren and future generations will be taught by the excellent educators graduating from there Indic Foundation President Dr. Deepak Shimkhada and Vice-President Sushma Lal introduced the event to the audience of more than 200, saying, "Five years ago a foundation was formed with the goal of raising 2.5 million dollars to endow a permanent Chair of Hindu Studies at Claremont

prestigious institution known to have the highest academic standards. It is the school that teaches future teachers. Chances are high your grandchildren and future generations will be taught by the excellent educators graduating from there. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 22

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Anniversaries of Gandhi, Tagore celebrated

India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: Mahatma Gandhi's birthday was celebrated at Hilton Hall, Loyolo Marymount University, Los Angeles. The event started with two-minute silence as a significant prayer for world peace that Mahatma Gandhi worked and sacrificed his life for. Dr. Vikram Kamdar, Rashmi Shah, Navin

the program. He said, "I am thankful to Principal Keshavlal Patel for bringing this event here at the right time. This has brightened our program. Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore were very close to each other. Mahatma Gandhi used to call Rabindranath Tagore as "Guruji" & Rabindranath Tagore used to call Mahatma Gandhi as "Bapu". Gandhiji

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Keshav Patel explained the importance of October 2 as the step towards cooperation, co-existence and harmony between different communities and religions of the world Doshi, Uka Solanki, Prof. Debashish Banerji organizers of the Rabindranath Tagore's 150th Anniversary festival accepted Prof. Keshav Patel's proposal to celebrate Mahatma Gandhiji's birthday as the Non-Violence Day, and added it in regular program on October 2 at 4:30 pm as a special event. Prof. Dr. Abhik Roy, convener of the evening session said that the Gandhi Jayanti event was appropriate addition to

was first called Bapu but then was bestowed the addition, Mahatma to the beginning of his name." Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Keshav Patel explained the importance of October 2 as the step towards co-operation, co-existence and harmony between different communities and religions of the world. He narrated the incident about a meeting between Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore.

When Gandhiji visited Shantiniketan, Guruji explained meaning of micro-ahimsa. It being Rabindranath Tagore 150th festival, many professors from different universities of US, India & Bangladesh were present in the audience and as speakers. Prof. Bholabhai Patel, Makarand Bhagat, Uma Dasgupta, Patrick Hogan, Fakrul Alam, Kathleen O'Connell, Esha De, Debashish

Benarji appreciated the celebration of Gandhi Jayanti with Rabindranath Tagore Festival. They welcomed the Golden Jubilee of Gujarat-Kalash brought by Prof. Keshav Patel, who received it from Chief Minister of Gujarat Narendra Modi on occasion of Golden Jubilee of Gujarat state and praised the progress of Gujarat.

Community groups celebrate Gandhi birthday India Post News Service

NORWALK, CA: Forum For India Community Services (FFICS) and SC Indian American Community celebrated Mahatma Ganfhiji's birthday on October 2, Saturday evening at Sanatan Dharma Mandir, Pioneer, Norwalk. The event started with American and Indian anthems followed by Gandhiji's favorite e bhajanprayer 'vaishnav jan to' & 'vande mataram' Mayor of Cypress city Dr. Prakash Narain, chief guest for the event, spoke on the origin of International Peace Day, also known as the International Day of Non-Violence, by United Nations proclamation on October 2, 2007. The purpose was to "disseminate the message of non-violence through education and public awareness." He described the universal relevance of Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of non-violence to bring about peace, tolerance, and understanding, as this changed not only India's history, "but raised the consciousness of the entire human race." Mayor Dr. Narain introduced the Dr. Ramesh Gupta, as a retired head of the toxicology lab at USC Medical Center and as an authority on the life and written works of Gandhiji. Dr. Gupta delivered an inspiring talk on the interactions of Mahatma Gandhi with

various political and spiritual leaders of his time, such as Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Dr. Subash Chandra Bose, Raman Maharshi, and Paramahansa Yogananda. He explained how Gandhiji was first given the title of "Mahatma",

on Gandhiji. Dr. Kailash Dhamija, Sheela Bhandari and Veena Arora sang bhajans. Dr. Jay Shah, the Congress candidate and Bhikhubhai Patel were the other dignitaries present. Prof. Keshav Patel, speaking

Mayor of Cypress city Dr. Prakash Narain, chief guest for the event, spoke on the origin of International Peace Day, also known as the International Day of Non-Violence meaning "Great spiritual Soul", by Rabindranath Tagore in 1932, and why the spiritual leaders recognized this as an appropriate name for him. Dr. Gupta reminded hearing the voice of Subash Chandra Bose over the radio addressing Gandhiji with the phrase "father of our country" for the very first time. Mr.Venkatesh Hegde, the manager of State Bank of India, spoke about Gandhiji and mentioned some important facts about Gandhiji's life. Nitin Shah dressed up as Gandhiji also spoke and displayed his wonderful work of art

for the event explained his aim how to make Mahatma Gandhi's birthday more popular as the NonViolence-Ahimsa day and world peace day. Enthusiastic audience welcomed his request to celebrate October 2nd next time on a bigger scale. Speaking about the Organization, Executive Vice President, Dilip Butani mentioned that helping the families at that time of need is the greatest act of love and duty (dharma) of the community. Keeping this in mind, FFICS, was formed. . He mentioned that, FFICS is a non-profit volunteer

run charitable social and community welfare organization dedicated to the social needs of the Indian community. It is designed as a social network in the community to help the community to get the community involved. FFICS president Amrit Bhandari and Prof. Keshav Patel were main organizer of the program. Mohan Kumar, Geeta Ram and Shobhna Nandan worked hard to make this event successful. Prakash Pancholi proposed a vote of thanks. The executive Committee has Amrit Bhandari as the President, Dilip Butani as the executive vicepresident, Malli Varanasi as the secretary, Shobana Nandan as the joint secretary, Mohan Kumar as the treasurer, Padmini Iyer, Geeta Ram, Babubhai Gandhi, Prakash Pancholi and Keshavlal Patel as the members. The Trust Board

has BhikhubhaiPatel as the Chairman and R. Narayanaswami as the Co-Chairman.

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Anu's years of experience on City Council set her apart Cont’d from page 19

It's been a hard thing to do to keep the budget balanced and to keep the city services going as far as we can." Other significant achievements after the shut down of Nummi in April 2010, while laying off 4,000 employees, have been attracting green tech and clean tech businesses such as Tesla, Solyandra, and Solaria and President Obama's visit to Fremont. Despite these significant achievements, this time, the race is a full campaign and Anu says, "There has also been an increased awareness within the Fremont community as a whole and also in the Indian American community about being engaged, being on boards and commissions, and knowing the system." Also, she has used social media such as Facebook more effectively to reach out to people, along with

community walks with a group of dedicated volunteers. She says "as an Indian American community, get more people to register to vote, since the voter turnout has been significantly low compared to a lot of other groups." Fremont has a significant number of first generation immigrants who always have this fond dream of going back to India someday. We've got a lot of people who put off becoming citizens and getting involved. One of the things that I'm committed to doing is to get the younger Indian American's involved so they can see what a campaign is about, get engaged, get energized, and hopefully get involved in politics too." Before residents of Fremont can go out and vote, they must be registered to vote at least fifteen days before the election at www.acgov.org. For more information about Anu, visit her website, www.anu4fremont.org.

Navratri is more than just celebration and worship SATYA KALRA

avratri (Nav Durga) is a nine day festival to honor the Mother Goddess, twice a year. One is in spring, during March/April and the other is in fall, during September/October. The festival signifies the nine glorious aspects of the Divine Mother and is celebrated for nine days, not only in India but in many parts of the world.. Different types of pujas and ceremonies are performed by different communities on each of the nine days. Many people fast, do specific sadhana and visit temples on the eighth day. in some parts of India, the idol of Goddess Durga is immersed in the holy rivers on the 10th day (Dashehra), Mother Goddess is also called Shakti, the energy of God. She is the energy of the Trinity, as the creative aspect of Lord Brahma, sustaining aspect of Lord Vishnu and destructive aspect of Lord Shiva are all encompassed within Her. The Divine Trinity of Goddesses Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati together represent feminine energy that provides protection, love, prosperity and knowledge to all their devotees. Goddess Durga is known to remove evil, misery and pain from our lives... Goddess Lakshmi is the Goddess of Wealth and Goddess Saraswati is also known as the Goddess of Knowledge Nav Durga is therefore a special time to worship and sing the glories of the Goddesses, and pray for good health, prosperity, purity of mind, love, peace and Anandam/bliss. As large numbers of people pray during this time, the collective energy

becomes very powerful and it is said that the prayers offered are often heard. The nine days of Nav Durga (Navratri) also has great spiritual significance. It represents the three stages of an individual's spiritual journey: Self-Purification, Self-Transformation and Self-Realization. Self-Purification (eradication of the negative tendencies of our minds and hearts): During the first three days, the Goddess Mother is worshiped in her powerful, destructive and terrifying form of Kali/Durga. The devotee prays to Mother, asking her to use Her destructive power to destroy all imperfections

and faults to and purify him enough to r become a receptacle of her divine energy. Cont’d on page 24

$100k donation for Indic Chair at Claremont varsity Cont’d from page 20

In this fashion, your contribution to endow the chair trickles down to benefit future generations. Endow this chair at Claremont Graduate University." Joseph C. Hough, Jr., Interim President of Claremont Graduate University presented awards to Dr. Sreenivas Nakka, Bina Bhatia, Sushma Lal and Paula Fouce. Dr. Sreenivas Nakka, Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors for Riverside's Shri Lakshmi Narayan Mandir and Bina Bhatia, Treasurer for the Indic Foundation, were recognized for their $100,000 contributions. The screening of "Not in God's Name", a film by internationally known filmmaker Paula Fouce, was followed by a discussion made by a panel of eight religious scholars, moderated by Dr. Manohar Shinde. The panel consisted of: Paula Fouce and her film's producer, Timothy Kettle; Dr. Shukavak Dasa, Head Priest for Riverside's Shri Lakshmi Narayan Mandir, represented Hinduism; Islam was represented by Imam Shamshad Nasir of Baitul Hamid Mosque in Chino and Ayat Agag of CGU; Reverend Jan Chase, Minister of Unity Church of Pomona represented Christianity; Buddhism was represented by Professor and Bhikku K. Chandrananda and Bhikku M. Dhammapeethi of Los Angeles Buddhist Vihara; Pallavi Gala and Hasendra Shah of the Jain Center of Southern California represented

Jainism; Dr. Gurucharan Singh Khalsa of Innerworks Yoga Studio of Claremont represented Sikhism; Judaism was represented by Dr. Charles Wisemen; Mobed Behram Deboo represented Zoroastrianism and Professor Emeritus Marc Massoud represented Coptic Counsel. The panel commented on the film and looked at problems of religion from all religious perspectives. They addressed such topics as

The screening of "Not in God's Name", a film by internationally known filmmaker Paula Fouce, was followed by a discussion made by a panel of eight religious scholars, moderated by Dr. Manohar Shinde how all religions can live in peace. A question and answer period was followed by a commentary. The program became a successful fundraiser as pledges were given in support of an Indic Chair at CGU. In his acceptance speech, Dr. Nakka advised, "People of this generation must invest in our future culture and spiritual traditions or it won't get done. It is our responsibility to do this. We take out insurance on our buildings why not take out insurance in our future?"

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Edison honors Network of Indian Professionals

Theology students impressed with visit to temple Cont’d from page 19

They were astonished to see the temple from inside as they had never seen a Hindu Temple from inside before. They saw all the deities with keen interest and participated in the Aarti also which was performed by the priest Pt. Rangananth Sharma. Each one of them literally took the Pooja Thali into their hands and did pooja in the main temple. Leela Ji described about all most all the gods and deities in detail. Leela Ji said that although God is one but different religions and cultures have given him different names. "We all worship the same God. Our methods may be different but our destination is the same and one." Rakesh Kapoor talked about the definition of God. He said God means G-Generator, O-Operator and DDestroyer. As per Hindu mythology God Brahma is Generator, God Vishnu is Operator and God Mahesh is Destroyer. After the temple tour they enjoyed the question-answer session which was organized in the Saraswati Hall of the temple. Their main concern was about the challenges of being Hindu in US. And any difference between being Hindu in US and being Hindu in India. Leela Ji wisely satisfied them with her answers by quoting the examples of her own family. She said it is the tradition of the family that is followed by the children. The

India Post News Service

GARDEN GROVE, CA: Southern California Edison (SCE) recognized the Network of Indian Professionals-Los Angeles and Orange County chapter with a community service award at SCE's Harvest Moon Mixer, an annual event that celebrates the harvest moon by honoring leaders in the Asian and Pacific Islander communities. The Southern organization was one of five local nonprofit groups honored for their contributions to the community. The Network of Indian Professionals helps South Asian Americans to develop, refine, and achieve their full potential as community and corporate leaders. The group also supports activities that seek to raise cultural awareness and enhance the perception of South Asian Americans. "The Los Angeles and Orange County chapter of the Network of Indian Professionals is honored to receive a community service award from Southern California Edison," said Sapan Shah, president of the organization. "This recognition validates that all the hard

The Network of Indian Professionals helps South Asian Americans to develop, refine, and achieve their full potential as community and corporate leaders. The group also supports activities that seek to raise cultural awareness and enhance the perception of South Asian Americans work put in by our volunteers is having a positive impact within the South Asian community." Also presented with SCE's community service award at the event were Pacific Islander Health Partnership, The Cambodian Family, the Vietnamese American Arts & Letters Association, and Korean Community Services. Linda Sarno, director emeritus and past president of the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Orange County, accepted a leadership award, and Howard Wang, associate vice president for student affairs and executive director of the student health and counseling

center at California State University, Fullerton, was the keynote speaker. "SCE is proud to recognize the contributions of the Network of Indian Professionals to improve our communities," said Veronica Gutierrez, vice president, Corporate Communications, Southern California Edison. "The Harvest Moon Mixer is a great opportunity to celebrate the achievements and diversity of the Asian and Pacific Islander communities we serve and the rich ethnic and cultural diversity found within SCE's 50,000-square-mile service territory." Held at the Garden Grove Community Center, the Harvest Moon Mixer drew civic leaders, elected officials, and community members,

all celebrating the harvest moon, a traditional Asian holiday for thousands of years, while enjoying delicious Asian cuisine, networking, and learning about SCE's economic-assistance programs. This year's event theme, "Lighting the Way to a Greener Future," reflects SCE's commitment to environmentalism and highlights the tradition of the ancient town of Hoi An, Vietnam, where, on the 14th day of every lunar month, people float candlelit lanterns along the nearby banks of the Thu Bon River. The Vietnamese American Arts & Letters Association also donated artwork from its annual Moon Festival children's art contest to the event. A framed drawing was given to all honorees.

young generation does what they see their parents or seniors doing. When somebody asked about the problem when there is no temple nearby, Rakesh Kapoor revealed to them that in Hindu mythology our own house is considered the temple if you are following God's tradi-

Their main concern was about the challenges of being Hindu in US. And any difference between being Hindu in US and being Hindu in India. Leela Ji wisely satisfied them with her answers by quoting the examples of her own family. She said it is the tradition of the family that is followed by the children tions and teachings. The group went back more than satisfied after enjoying light refreshment and snacks and happy with the assurance to come back quite often with new groups to look at the Hindu mythology and religion.

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Built in bias of the WTO VANDANA SHIVA

(Continued from last week)

'Members may exclude from patentability inventions, the prehe haste with which vention within their territory of the WTO has given a commercial exploitation of which ruling on the US-India is necessary to protect public or TRIPs dispute is an example morality, including to protect huof the built in bias of the man, animal or plant life or health WTO. or to avoid serious prejudice to The first submission of the environment, provided that the US to WTO against such exclusion is not made merely India's 'patent protection for because the exploitation is proDr. Vandana Shiva pharmaceutical and agriculhibited by their domestic law.' tural chemical products' was made on 6 Quite clearly, EMRs cannot be granted March 1997. The submission referred to for products which would violate our pubArticle 5 of the Indian Patent Act which ex- lic morality, our environment, our public cludes from the scope of patentable sub- health and nutrition, and our socio-ecoject matter pharmaceutical and agricultural nomic and technological development. chemical products. Clauses 70.8 and 70.9 of TRIPs which reArticle 5 of the Patent Act provides quired an instant creation of a mail box ar'In the case of inventionsrangement and granting of EMRs when the (a) claiming substances intended for use, WTO agreement came into force thus in efor capable of being used, as food or as medi- fect negated the transition period available cine or drug, or to countries to evolve legislation appropri(b) relating to substances prepared or ate to their contexts. This is further compliproduced by chemical processes (includ- cated by the fact that without changes in ing alloys, optical glass, semiconductors US patent laws many patents will be based and intermetallic compounds), no patent on biopiracy. shall be granted in respect of claims for the Should India give an EMR to a corporation substances themselves, but claims for the which has a pharmaceutical patent or an methods or processes of manufacture shall agrichemical patent based on indigenous be patentable.' knowledge systems of India or should the sysIn particular, the US submission averred tem to prevent biopiracy be put in place first? that: Suppose a corporation like W R Grace 'India has not yet made available prod- applies for an EMR for neem- based pestiuct patent protection for pharmaceuticals cides in India, will India grant it? Suppose a and agricultural chemicals, and thus has corporation asked for EMRs for hepatitis chosen to take advantage of at least part of drugs derived from Phyllanthus Niruri, is it the exclusive marketing rights. Thus, India in our interests to give such EMRs? has violated its obligations under Article Unless we have a system in place which 70, paragraphs 8 and 9, of the TRIPs Agree- prevents the granting of EMRs on the bament to (1) establish a mailbox system in its sis of patents obtained through biopiracy, law, and ensure that no applicants are de- EMRs will basically become an instrument nied eligibility for patent protection because of destruction of our economy. of the delay in establishing the mailbox sysReal test tem, and (2) establish a system for the grant We have a legitimate method under our of exclusive marketing rights.' international legal obligations to stop India has until 1 January 2005 to make avail- biopiracy and protect our indigenous innoable product patent protection for pharmaceu- vations. We need to evolve legislation to first ticals and agricultural chemicals. We need to protect our own innovations. Foreign claims utilize this transition period to the fullest to to innovation should be protected after our ensure that our patent laws do not violate the own systems have been put in place. order public or have a negative impact on aniThe Convention on Biological Diversity mal and human health or the environment. does allow us mechanisms to frame laws to Article 27.2 of TRIPs allows exclusions prevent biopiracy. In particular Article 8 (j) on grounds of public morality. recognises that each contracting party shall

'... subject to its national legislation, respect, preserve and maintain knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous and local communities embodying traditional lifestyles relevant for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity and promote their wider application with the approval and involvement of the holders of such knowledge, innovations and practices and encourage the equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilisation of such knowledge, innovations and practices'. It is in India's interest to implement our national biodiversity legislation before granting EMRs or changing the Indian Patent Act. The determination and will to defend our national interest and our public interest and to protect our innovation should be stronger than the determination and will to defend US interest and protect US biopiracy. This is a real test of our freedom and sovereignty. We need to do a rapid stock-taking of the scale and extent of our biodiversity-based economy. We need to show how much the potential loss to India is in the form of both global markets and domestic markets due to biopiracy by countries like the US. We need to go through this exercise to protect our sovereignty and make our rightful claims with trading partners. The exercise of the potential loss due to biopiracy also needs to be done to avoid unnecessary and illegitimate trade action by the US due to the TRIPs dispute ruling. When the US introduced IPRs in the Uruguay Round as a new issue, it accused the Third World of 'piracy'. The US owes $2.7 billion to the Third World. This debt will not be paid by the US unless we have our biodiversity legislation in place. India needs to take stock of her biodiversity-based economy for both ecological survival and economic and political survival in the 50th year of her independence. It is not the US submission, or the ruling of the WTO Dispute Panel, which will determine whether we will act as a sovereign country. It is the parliament and people in whose hands the exercise of our sovereignty lies. (TWR No. 86, October 1997) Vandana Shiva is a scientist and activist. She is also a contributing editor for Third World Resurgence.

Navratri is more than just celebration and worship Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 22

Self-Transformation: After Self-Purification, in the next three days of Navaratri, the Goddess is worshipped in Her prosperity-bestowing form as Mahalakshmi. Goddess Mahalakshmi does not merely bestow material prosperity, but also grants qualities which a sincere spiritual seeker requires, namely, calmness, peace, equanimity, compassion, and love. By worshipping and praying to Her, one starts developing positive attributes and experiences inner prosperity, peace and happiness. Self-Knowledge: During the last three days, Goddess Saraswati is worshipped as the bestow-er of the true light of knowledge, wisdom and

Goddess Mahalakshmi does not merely bestow material prosperity, but also grants qualities which a sincere spiritual seeker requires, namely, calmness, peace, equanimity, compassion, and love understanding. Once one is purified by Goddess Durga (vices being annihilated), transformed by Goddess Mahalakshmi by receiving the spiritual wealth of inner peace, calmness, compassion and love, then the devotee is ready to receive the true light of understanding. By worshipping and praying to Goddess Saraswati, the devotee is now blessed with true wisdom (Self-Knowledge). Navratri, therefore should not be just a time to celebrate Goddess Durga's victory over the demons but should be the time to pray to Goddess Durga to remove our enemies/vices within us, such as anger, selfish desires, greed, ego and undue attachments. We must pray to her to destroy our inner enemies/vices.

Be the cause presents Walk for Hope India Post News Service

hundreds of carefully hand-made inspiring quotes, interactive activity stations promoting global consciousness, and various booths representing heart-felt causes throughout the world. The event also features live international entertainment, a hearty lunch and snacks, a complementary commemorative tshirt and much more! The Walk can also be optionally used as a way of raise community awareness about your favorite nonprofit group!

The entire 3.5 kilometer (2.2 mile) route is graced with hundreds of carefully hand-made inspiring quotes, interactive activity stations promoting global consciousness

Be the Cause is a community of individuals that creates enriching opportunities of service. In the process, we benefit the community at large and change our own lives, as well. The entire organization is run virtually with no office space and entirely through the efforts of volunteers. Everyone gives freely of their own time. The organization started in early 2002 with a few simple questions: "What is our purpose here?", "How can we change the

world?", "Can one person really make a difference?" Although the answers continue to elude us, the questions themselves have become more meaningful. This journey has somehow led us to believe that we can change the world, but only by making examples of our own lives. In addition to the Walk for Hope, members participate in regular community service projects, annual service trips to a developing country in need, and many local and global projects.

October 15, 2010

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India Post

India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Filmmakers, aficionados and critics celebrated the closing night of the I-View Film Festival 2010, Sept 26 in New York after a weeklong showing of bold and contemporary cinematic works from South Asia. The festival screenings encapsulated a stimulating discussion on gender and queer themes among the panelists and attendees. Vinay Shukla's directorial return, 'Mirch' had its world premiere as the closing night feature. The screening received an overwhelming response from audiences, followed by an emotional Q & A with the director and the leading ladies, Konkona Sen and Raima Sen. A star-studded red carpet at the Asia Society followed. Appearances on the carpet included directors and actors Onir, Aparna Sen, Konkona Sen, Rituparna Sengupta, Raima Sen, Sanjay Suri, Maradona Rebello, Sudipto Chattopadhay, Jitin Gulati, among others. Mother and daughter fashion designers and icons Bina and Malini Ramani were also present. Reacting to the Best Film Award, Kaushik Ganguly, director of 'Just Another Love Story' said "There have been a lot of films on homosexuals before but nobody has ever made a film about their emotional journey. I have focused on their psychological aspects and so people have been moved. Not just the homosexuals but people in general were moved." The closing night celebration included a specially themed fashion show 'Desiring Bodies', showcasing collections by Bollywood favorite Manish Malhotra, Bina Ramani and this year's Lakme Fashion Week's show closer Malini Ramani. I-View 2010's Engendered Award for Outstanding Contribution to Women's Cinema went to Aparna Sen; Award for Outstanding Contribution for Raising Awareness through Cinema to Onir; Award for Outstanding Cinema to Just Another Love Story; and Award for Outstanding Popular Choice Award to Mirch. "We are glad to be able to acknowledge the international quality of film and their makers through the Engendered Awards for I-View Film 2010. Whether it is Aparna Sen's outstanding and continuing contribution to women centric cinema in a male dominated industry, or Onir's courage to make compelling and sensitive cinema around difficult issues, they both resonate tremendously with Engendered's mission," said Festival Di-

rector, Myna Mukherjee. "Also we were unanimous in our selection of 'Just Another Love Story', one of India's first cinematic explorations of 'Trans' identity, featuring award winning director Rituparno Ghosh in his first starring role, as outstanding cinema in every way, especially so in its attempt of weaving issues of gender and

The closing night celebration included a specially themed fashion show 'Desiring Bodies', showcasing collections by Bollywood favorite Manish Malhotra and Bina Ramani sexuality, with the ritual and religion of South Asia. Finally, we felt compelled to give the Outstanding popular choice award to Vinay Shukla's Mirch, that

drew such a great response from its audience during closing night at I-View Film," she concluded. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 29

26 India Post

October 15, 2010 www.indiapost.com

Bappi Lahiri releases 'World Peace' album KAVITA ARORA India Post News Service

SAN JOSE: Bappi Lahiri has delivered a message of international unity in his new album entitled 'World Peace Love & Harmony' while collaborating with acclaimed musicians such as Grammy Award nominated saxophonist Gerald Albright. When I met him at the Holiday Inn in San Jose on Saturday evening, October 2, he was dressed as usual in his signature bling, bling style with gold jewelry, dark glasses, and a black jacket. A very down to earth and happy Bappida was a pleasure to interact with. One of the best things about Bappida was his positive energy and generosity as a person. He said, "All the newcomers are good and they should all sing well. Mein sabko ashirwad deta hoon" (I bless everyone). We chatted about his new music album release, 'World Peace Love and Harmony,' his early influences, and his favorite songs and artists. Ben Reiss, President of Planet LA Records, said, 'World Peace Love and Harmony' is the first international super star that Planet

From L to R: Amitabh Bhargava, Bhavini Joshi, Bappi Lahiri, Ben Reiss and Mark Nguyen

LA Records has had the pleasure to release. It's less disco and more organic. It's definitely a musician's album. This recalls his days when he began playing the table at the age of three." Event promoter for the Bay Area Press Conference and the Bappida's performance at Avalon, Bhavini Joshi, of Instant Karma noted that "It's a major honor to have Bappida over here. 'World Peace Love & Harmony' is launching on a very good date in the Bay

One of the best things about Bappida was his positive energy and generosity as a person Area, on October 2nd, Gandhi Jayanti. It's the perfect day for the launch." Event promoter, Deepa

Pabla, of Radio 5 Events had hosted the album launch party in Hollywood earlier on September 29. Bappi Lahiri said, "This album is my baby. I've never played tabla, my instrument of choice, for any album, but for this album. It's important for me to spread the message of peace through this album. My message to people through this album is that "we should stop the violence, we have such a beautiful world, we should enjoy our world, and we should live in

peace." He further went on to say that "I was troubled by the violence going on in the world and wanted to send a message of peace but I am not a politician, I'm a musician and singer. I thought I should write something about world peace love and harmony and that is why I recorded this album." The album style is fusion and is more musical than lyrical, with Sanskrit shlokas, and some Hindi and English lyrics. With this album, he gave slum children the opportunity to sing one of the songs, truly a dream come true for them. His hit songs, especially the ones with Usha Uthup such as Ramba Ho and Hari Om Hari were chartbusters in their time. Bappida feels that today's music is good but the melody and lyrics are missing and although there are several good writers, they cannot write for many films at a time. His favorite type of music is melodious with good lyrics and he begins to sing, 'manzil aur bhi jaghah hai', 'intehan ho gayi,' 'aayo tumhe chand pe lejayen,' without even being asked. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 27

October 15, 2010

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South Asia Film Fest debuts in Chicago with his exceptional performance as a 12-year-old mute and handicapped youth. The film was screened in festivals across the United States and will be releasing in India soon. The must see movie ended with the eloquent saying, "Love is not about being with someone who can make

Aparna Sen cutting the ribbon

ASIAN MEDIA USA

CHICAGO: The first ever Chicago South Asian Film Festival was off to a formal start recently at the renowned Chicago Cultural Center in the presence of hundreds of cinema patrons, several highly talented filmmakers and artists. The stars included Deepti Naval, Aparna Sen, Rajit Kapur, Ajay Naidu, Baljit Sangra, Meera Simhan, Ann Feldman, Ravi Kapoor, Sandeep Sharma and more. The magnificent event was presented by NetIP Chicago and Vachikam Inc., hosted by Colum-

bia College Chicago and supported by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs. Opening night was a grand affair that left attendees in awe with the splendor of the stars and the heartwarming opening film of Deepti Naval, Do Paise Ki Dhoop Chaar Aane Ki Baarish. The masterpiece was Deepti's directorial debut which starred Manisha Koirala and Rajit Kapur who played the controversial roles of an aging prostitute and a struggling gay lyricist. This was also the debut of Sanaj Naval, a child actor who captivated the audience

The masterpiece was Deepti's directorial debut which starred Manisha Koirala and Rajit Kapur who played the controversial roles of an aging prostitute and a struggling gay lyricist you feel complete, but with whom you can share your incompleteness", and as the credits began to roll, all the individuals present inside the Claudia Cassidy Theater gave a standing ovation applause. After the screening, there was a brief question and answer session with those involved in the film, which was followed by delicious decadent h'orderves and cocktails while guests mingled.

Aparna Sen, Rajeshwari Sachdev, Deepti Naval lighting ceremonial lamp -Pic Jose Bustos

There was also a brief presentation by Snehal Patel that previewed his weekend Canon DSLR workshops. Overall, the opening of the first

Chicago South Asian Film Festival was very successful in highlighting the exquisite array of independent cinema stemming from South Asia.

Far-East Movement debuts 'Free Wired'

MAGDA MARCELLA

LOS ANGELES: Asian-American sensation, Far-East Movement, held a press briefing in Los Angeles on Tuesday, September 28, for their debut album, "Free Wired," out on October 12. The hip-hop group, comprising J-Spif, Kev Nish, DJ Virman, and Prohgress, is signed with CherryTree/Interscope Records and is the first Asian-American group to reach the Top 10 on U.S. Pop Charts. Their single "Like a G6" reach #2 on iTunes and #10 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart. Far East Movement (FM) was introduced by Jimmy Lee, the VP of IW Group, Inc., and was accom-

panied by Andrew Flad, their marketing director at Interscope who has seen their rise to success from the ground up. FM got its start

They wanted to create music that would resonate with people in the same way - whether it's a club, online, or just living life when Kev Nish and Prohgress interned at Interscope Records five years ago. Growing up in Los Angeles, they were heavily influ-

enced by the music and club scene, and wanted to create a sound that reflected their lifestyle. The inspiration behind their music is their fans, they say. They remember going into a club and seeing how they and other clubgoers reacted to the DJ. They wanted to create music that would resonate with people in the same way - whether it's a club, online, or just living life. "We want people to feel free to 'geek out' however they feel comfortable and stay wired with us whether partying or home online. Life Free and Stay Wired is where it stems from," Kev Nish explains. Their previous hit was "Girls on the Dance Floor," which topped the playlists in Los Angeles. Their music has been featured in Get Him To The Greek, MTV's America's Best Dance Crew season 4 finale, CSI Miami, So You Think You Can Dance, Gossip Girl, Entourage, Lincoln Heights, the 2009 Miss America Pageant and in both the film and game version of Fast and Furious. Far East Movement has toured with Lady Gaga, N*E*R*D, Robyn/Kelis, and LMFAO. They hope to further inspire fans and audiences with their catchy tunes and flashy shades.

Deepti Naval, Aparna Sen and Rajit Kapur with Ketki Parikh, organizers, and guests -(Pics Asian Media USA)

Bappi Lahiri releases 'World Peace' album Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 26

Even until recently, Bappida has been giving popular songs. In 2006, he sang the popular song, 'Bombai Nagaria,' for the movie 'Taxi Number 9211' and in 'Guru,' the song 'Jod jod.' Several folks received an autographed copy of Bappida's new album at the launch. Mark Nguyen, noted that Planet LA Records has submitted 'World Peace Love and Harmony' for the 53rd Annual Grammy Nomination." The album is also on digital release on itunes and amazon. Grammy nomination, like the Oscars, is through publicity and voting and raising awareness publicly beyond the South Asian community. Mark

further said, "Bappida has such a diverse body of work. It's really an honor for us to distribute the album and release it in the U.S." Bappi Lahiri, known as Disco King, has composed music for more than 460 films, collaborated with world artists such as Boy George, his music has western disco influences, although his early training in music is based on classical music and his favorite instrument is the tabla. Bappida, as he is fondly known, has given hit soundtracks for films such as Namak Halaal, Disco Dancer, Taufa, Sharabi, and Chalte Chalte with chartbusters such as 'Jhoom jhoom jhoom baba,' 'Pag ghungroo baadh meera,' 'I am a disco dancer.'

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John Travolta honored in Mumbai MUMBAI: Hollywood actor John Travolta, who was in Mumbai with his daughter Ella, was honored at Man of the Year awards event, conducted by a leading men's magazine, here along with his counterparts in B-town, Aamir Khan and Arjun Rampal. The 56-year-old actor, known for hit films like Saturday Night Fever, Grease and Pulp

Fiction, was given the Legend of the Year award, a day after the star flew down to India in his private Jet with his daughter. While Aamir was awarded the Cinematic Icon of the Year, Arjun was given the Most Stylish Person trophy. Aamir was so excited that John was attending the event that the actor made it a point to be there too.

"I am a big fan of John Travolta. I have seen a lot of his films. When I heard that he has come for this function, I made it a point to attend it. I'm also wearing a suit because of that," Aamir, who was dressed formerly in a black suit and bow tie, said. Travolta presented the award to Aamir Khan. He is aware of Khan, having watched Lagaan sometime back. Otherwise, the Hollywood actor's exposure to Bollywood is limited to Slumdog Millionaire and Bride and Prejudice. He's optimistic though about a possible Bolly-Holly synergy. Interestingly, he feels, Hollywood studios need Bollywood talents more than Indians need them. "Your industry is financially independent and you guys have a great pool of talent. Your amazing filmmakers can really contribute to the world. In that sense, our studios need you guys more," he said. John, who was on a two-day visit to India, launched a new model of watches. His wife Kelly Preston has not accompanied him as she is pregnant with their twins.

Warm welcome When Travolta trooped in to Mumbai, he was pleasantly surprised with the "warm welcome" that awaited him at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport.

Interestingly, he feels, Hollywood studios need Bollywood talents more than Indians need them. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Your industry is financially independent and you guys have a great pool of talentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; "About 50 journalists and cameramen welcomed me to your country. It felt great," he said. It took just a few minutes to whisk him, his daughter, Ella, two sisters and their 16member entourage to the waiting cars, but Travolta, 56, says his reception had managed to create quite an impression on him.

October 15, 2010

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Cont’d from page 25

Other than exploring human rights, women's, queer and transgender themes, the festival saw a never-before attendance together in New York of filmmakers Vishal Bhardwaj, Mira Nair, Mehreen Jabbar, Onir, Vinay Shukla, Abhishek Chaubey, Surbhi Dewan, Sudipto Chattopadhyay; leading movie stars Sanjay Suri, Purab Kohli, Rahul Bose, Raima Sen, Monica Dogra, Aasif Mandvi, Manu Narain, Shenaz Treasurywala; Melanie Kannokada and Pakistan's eminent designer Nomi Ansari.

Enumerating his fascination for gender-based themes in his films, award-winning director Vishal Bhardwaj, a panelist at the opening-day of the festival, paid glowing tributes to women power, so did many of the other speakers. The opening-day documentary was Sundance Festival favorite "Bhutto," accompanied by a special preview of critically acclaimed director Cary McClleland's "(Women of) Without Shepherds." The films provoked a very timely conversation around questions relating to the realities of contemporary Pakistan.

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Feel the Euphoria for a Cause Hollywood hairstylist wants JS BEDI India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: Dr. Palash Sen and his well-known Indian rock band Euphoria are all set to rock the West Coast during their upcoming "Follow Your Dreams" tour of the USA in Oct-Nov 2010. The Los Angeles chapter of AID will be hosting the performance at the Heritage Forum in Anaheim on Nov 14th. As fundraiser events for the volunteer based non-profit group Association for India's Development (AID), Euphoria will perform after a very long time in the US, with concerts at Seattle, Los Angeles and the Bay Area. Euphoria was one of the first Indian bands to bring the rock culture into Indian music in the 1990s, as an alternative to the Bollywood and classical Indian styles. Dr. Palash Sen's captivating voice and the unique style of the band has continued to mesmerize Indian youth despite the changing profile of the band over the years. Their chartbusting hits

Dr. Palash Sen

The Los Angeles chapter of AID will be hosting the performance at the Heritage Forum in Anaheim on Nov 14th include Dhoom, Maeri and Mehfuz .They have also recently composed the official anthem "Dilli Meri Jaan" for the Commonwealth Games to be held in New Delhi. Their latest album "Follow Your Dreams", released by Sony Entertainment,

shares the name with their US tour. As a message to the youth, Dr. Palash Sen said "Don't give up on your dream. Don't give up hope". To add substance to the message of hope and resilience, Euphoria has joined hands with the volunteer-based non-profit AID to support the latter's grassroots development and sustainability projects across India. With most of its volunteers, in 40 chapters across the globe, belonging to the young adult community, it is only fitting that AID and Euphoria resonate in bringing the message of hope during these tumultuous times. The Los Angeles chapter of AID will be hosting the performance at the Heritage Forum in Anaheim on Nov 14th. AID has a distinguished record of fundraising activities and the revenue collected is channelized into developmental programs and projects in India. AID also strives to promote Indian talent and has held sold out concerts of leading bands like Indian Ocean etc. It is a worthy cause and an evening of fun entertainment and top quality music.

Dish launches IPTV platform

to groom Ash, SRK MUMBAI: He has styled the tresses of Hollywood divas like Heather Graham, Drew Barrymore and Sharon Stone but Los Angeles-based celebrity hair expert Jamal Hammadi is in awe of Bollywood stars Aishwarya Rai and Shah Rukh Khan. And he would love to style them too. 'I'd love to work with Aishwarya Rai. I haven't yet. She's got long, gorgeous hair and my god, those blue eyes. I'd definitely love to work with her. She is a beautiful lady and it'll be fun and something different,' Hammadi said in interview, while on his third trip to India. 'I think Aishwaya Rai is gorgeous...Then, you have Priyanka (Chopra), who is awesome. I worked with her about a month ago. We did a Sunsilk Stunning Black Shine (Shampoo) commercial. She is so cool and fun and open. She is pretty talented as well and I like her attitude,' said the global shine expert, who is the co-creator of the shampoo. What about Priyanka's hair? 'Priyanka has good hair,' said Hammadi, who was in India just for a day but is looking forward to heading 'north to the Himalayas for a whole spiritual thing' on his next visit. Isn't he aware about any Bollywood hero? 'Yes. There is Shah Rukh Khan. He is everywhere. He is huge. He

'I think Aishwaya Rai is gorgeous...Then, you have Priyanka (Chopra), who is awesome’ India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Dish Network, the satellite television service provider, has introduced Dish World IPTV, a new service that distributes Dish Network's international programming via broadband to the television without the need for a satellite dish. For consumers who live in apartment buildings, high rises or dormitories, or are otherwise unable to receive satellite service, the new Dish World IPTV service offers a simple solution to view Dish Network's international programming lineup. The service works by delivering programming to the television through a small, plug-and-play set top box that uses a home's broadband Internet connection instead of a satellite antenna. Ordering is

completed through the dishworldiptv.com website and the set top box is mailed directly to the customer. The option is particularly ideal for customers who

‘With the launch of our IPTV service, we are significantly expanding our reach and offering South Asians a ‘plug-andplay’ solution’ live in urban areas with apartment buildings and condos, or college dormitories and buildings that currently do not offer a choice of programming providers, as well as customers who move frequently. "Dish Network is not only the leader in international program-

ming, but also a leader in innovation, and we're proud to be able to deliver an option that ensures that anyone in the United States will have access to our international channels, no matter where they live," said Chris Kuelling, Vice President of International Programming for Dish Network. "With the launch of our IPTV service, we are significantly expanding our reach and offering South Asians a "plug-and-play" solution." The service will offer a broad range of international programming options, beginning Sept 24 with Hindi and Urdu programming. Channels include aapka Colors, B4U Movies, B4U Music, SET Max, Aaj Tak, Headlines Today, Sahara Samay and Sahara One, as well as GEO TV and ARY Digital, all available exclusively through Dish Network.

is really big. I see him everywhere. And he is funny too. He has a great personality and sense of humour. I have seen his interviews. He seems cool...,' said Hammadi. So, would he like to work on Shah Rukh's hair? 'Sure. Absolutely! Why not,' exclaimed the hairstylist, who grew up with Eastern influences, does yoga and loves gorging on Indian food, especially 'tandoori chicken and naan'. Born in Paris, Jamal began styling in the early 1990s and is now well-known for creating glamorous looks for Hollywood celebrities and countless supermodels on the New York and Paris runways. Known for his natural approach to achieving healthy hair shine, his clientele includes the likes of Linda Evangelista, Eva

Mendes, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Julianne Moore, Kirsten Dunst, Naomi Watts and Maya Rudoph. Evangelista is one of his most dedicated clients so much so that she flew him over to London to style her hair for a Vogue cover shoot. So who possesses the best hair in Hollywood? 'Heather Graham has amazing hair. She has got gorgeous, thick, wavy and beautiful hair. You can do anything with that,' said

Hair expert Jamal Hammadi

Hammadi, whose last job was with Barrymore. Despite his skill, Hammadi conceded that even he faces tough times. 'It's most challenging when I'm working in Paris in the shows. It's beyond hairstyles. At that point you are creating sculptures and things like that. That's the most challenging and the most rewarding for me,' he said. 'I have been doing this now for 15 years and I am confident enough with all kinds of textures, but it's more about when you start creating these crazy, eccentric looks. You are more theatrical and it pushes you to the next level. Fashion shows really help you get that expertise,' he added. He also has his own line, Hamadi (eds: correct) Beauty, that embodies products combining 100 percent essential oils and plant extracts. So has he thought of setting up shop in India? 'No. Not yet. There was a company that had contacted us. So we are working on that and hopefully in the future we'll be there,' Hammadi said. His future projects include 'fashion shows and more of ads right now. And I might be working with James Franco next and probably Drew (again)'.

31 India Post

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October 15, 2010

lappuzha (Alleppey) is an exotic backwater site of India's southern state Kerala. Washed by the Arabian Sea, interlocked by a number of canals and bridges, this tiny marketplace is also famous for its Nehru Trophy boat race held every year. Alappuzha attracts tourists not only by its natural beauty but also through its locally made coir products that are of a very superior quality. Location: Separated out from the former districts of Kottayam and Quilon, Alappuzha consists of seven taluks spread over an area of 1414 sq km. It is bounded by Kochi and Kanayannur taluks on its north; Vaikom, Kottayam, Changanassery Thiruvalla, Kozhencherry and Adoor taluks on its east; Kannathur and Karunagappally taluks on its south and the exotic Lakshadweep of the Arabian Sea on its west. Best time to visit: The climate of this small town is temperate and humid in general and relatively more pleasant in the winter season. The temperature ranges from 22 to 35Â°C in summer and 20 to 32Â°C during winters. The best time to visit Alappuzha is during the winter season. The months from August-September and February-March are ideal for a visit. The backwater cruises in the exotic houseboats, which also serve

Washed by the Arabian Sea, interlocked by a number of canals and bridges, this tiny marketplace is also famous for its Nehru Trophy boat race held every year. Alappuzha attracts tourists not only by its natural beauty but also through its locally made coir products that are of a very superior quality

Keralan cuisine delicacies, are an eternal experience. The Nehru Trophy boat race is the major attraction of this place, which is held during Onam festival celebrated in the month of August. The festivities of the Mullakal temple during the month of December are highly recommended as some of India's finest temple musicians perform in the main hall during this festival. Besides these, the locally made coir and carpets of coconut fibers are also attracting tourists these days. History: Before the Dutch took over, the Portuguese were the predominant rulers of this place. Later Maharaja Marthandavarma came to power and he gave ample impor-

tance to developmental works. Slowly it became a very busy commercial center attracting merchants from all over. This resulted in the establishment of a number of coir factories producing coir-related goods of quality. The first coir factory was developed by an English sea captain and soon others followed. The first Anglican Church was built in 1816 by the Christian missionaries whose headquarter was in Alappuzha. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 32

Travel & Hospitality Post

India Post

October 15, 2010

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Nepal, Bangla team to Rajastan, Goa pact to promote tourism scale virgin peak KATHMANDU: A 17-member team of Nepali and Bangladeshi mountaineers will attempt to scale the 6,257 meter Mt Chekigo, an unconquered peak in Nepal. The expedition is expected to reach atop the virgin peak, located in North-east Nepal, within next two weeks. It would be named as NepalBangladesh Friendship peak if they successfully scale the unclaimed or virgin peak. Second Secretary at the Embassy of Bangladesh, Kathmandu, Nasrin Jahan Lipi termed the joint expedition as a 'symbol of friendship' between the two countries. The joint expedition will contribute to promoting mountain tourism in the country, said Jimba Jangbo Sherpa, President of Nepal Mountaineering Association. Team leader of Bangladeshi team Abdul Mohit expressed confidence that the joint expedition would be successful in fulfilling its aim and it would help enhance friendly relations existing between the two countries. Chief of the Nepali team Pemba Dorjee said the expedition would help make the Nepal Tourism Year-

2011 a success by attracting a large number of Bangladeshi tourists to Nepal. Executive chief of the Nepal Tourism Board Prachanda Man Shrestha said foreign tourists are getting lured to mountain tourism day by day. The joint expedition comprises

Second Secretary at the Embassy of Bangladesh, Kathmandu, Nasrin Jahan Lipi termed the joint expedition as a 'symbol of friendship' between the two countries a total of five women - three Nepalese and two Bangladeshis. The mountain has not been formally named as no one has successfully scaled it yet. Five attempts have been made by European trekkers, the latest in 2009 by a Norwegian team, but all failed due to technical difficulties. -PTI

PANAJI: Rajasthan has signed a memorandum of understanding with Goa tourism to promote its tourism products and market its destinations, a top official has said. "Goa and Rajasthan have joined hands to promote tourism product. An MoU with Goa tourism has been signed to market its destinations," Rajasthan Tourism development Corporation's General Manager J P Pathak told reporters in Goa. The tourism officials from Rajasthan are in Goa as part of their road show to attract more tourists to the desert state. Pathak said that the MoU basically speaks of a marketing tieup between two states. "Whenever people come to Goa, they will be informed about Rajasthan and whoever comes to Rajasthan would be told about

Goa," he said. Rajasthan attracted 14.8 lakh

"Whenever people come to Goa, they will be informed about Rajasthan and whoever comes to Rajasthan would be told about Goa," he said.Rajasthan attracted 14.8 lakh foreign and 283 lakh domestic tourists in the year 2008 which was 20 per cent more than the year before, he said

foreign and 283 lakh domestic tourists in the year 2008 which was 20 per cent more than the year before, he said. "The state's popularity is primarily owing to its incredible tourism products, its rich heritage, its forts, palaces, lakes, colorful and lively fairs and festivals, golden sand dunes and rich wildlife," Pathak said. Rajasthan which had coined slogan 'Padharo Maro Des', inspired from outstanding and immensely catchy traditional composition of rustic charm from the heart of the villages, has now adapted slogan 'Rajasthan Calling'. "The campaign is held in 19 cities across the country including Kochi, Chennai, Mumbai, Bangaluru, Patna, Kolkatta, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Lucknow and Chandigarh. -PTI

Rajasthan to make plans for eco-tourism JAIPUR: Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has directed officials to work for wildlife protection and prepare plans for developing eco-tourism in the state. During his inspection of a re-

habilitation center at Nahargarh biological park, one of the five rehabilitation centers for tigers and lions in the country, Gehlot enquired about the facilities being provided to the animals there.

The chief minister said a concrete action plan was needed to develop eco-tourism in the state. He also asked concerned officials to take care of animals in the biological park and zoo. -PTI

Alappuzha: Exotic backwaters, natural beauty & coir products

The entrance of the Haripad Subrahmanya Swami temple Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 31

Tourist attractions Punnamada Kayal, the mustvisit place of Alappuzha where the annual Nehru Trophy boat race takes place. During the month of August-September, the backwaters become crowded with thousands of spectators and a large number of competitors who come to participate in the famous Nehru Trophy boat race. The long boats, designed to resemble snakes, can accommodate 120 people, making two rows of 60 each. The energy, coordination, and the feeling of getting ahead in the competition make this

game quite engrossing. Krishnapuram Temple, the twostoried building, displays the typical Keralan style of architecture. The largest mural painting, Gajendra Miksham, is displayed in a museum here. Ambalapuzha Temple, where Lord Krishna is worshipped, is also an important place to visit. Here one can see the typical temple architecture and culture of Kerala along with the chance to taste the Keralan delicacy, payasam, which is served to the visitors during the festival times of March/April. St. Andrew's Church, established by the Portuguese missionaries, celebrates the feast of St.

House Boat, Punnamada Backwaters, Alappuzha

Sebastian in a fun-filled, festive way. Situated in the heart of the town,

The Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple is believed to have miraculous powers and hence visited by number of pilgrims every year Mullackal Temple, dedicated to goddess Rajarajeswari, is also a place worth visiting.

Surrounded by thick-green forests, Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple is a holy place where the king of serpents is worshiped. Number of devotees from all over India and abroad visit this place every year. The Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple is believed to have miraculous powers and hence visited by number of pilgrims every year. Kottamkulangara Mahavishnu Temple and Devi Temple are the oldest temples of Alappuzha and are sites worth visiting, especially during the time of festivals. How to reach Air - Alappuzha is accessible

by all the means of communication. The nearest airport is Kochi at a distance of 64 km north. The Trivandrum airport is located 159 km south of Alappuzha. Water - This exotic place is also well connected through waterways. It is linked by boat and ferry services through the scenic backwaters to Cochin, Kottayam, Kevalam, Changanassery and Chengannur. Road - Cities like Cochin, Chennai, Howrah, Bangalore and Bokaro are well connected to Alappuzha. National Highway 47 goes through Alappuzha connecting it with almost all the nearby places of South India.

October 15, 2010

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Direct air service between Mumbai & Maputo MUMBAI: The President of the Republic of Mozambique Armando Emilio Guebuza has said that the opening of direct air service between Mumbai and Maputo will promote tourism and increase business cooperation between the two countries. "At present there is no direct flight between India and Maputo, the capital city of Mozambique and opening of direct air service between Mumbai and Maputo will promote tourism and increase business co-operation between the two countries," Guebuza said during his meeting with Maharashtra Governor K Sankaranarayanan last evening, a Raj Bhavan release said. Guebuza expressed satisfaction over the huge interest shown by Indian businessmen in coal and

mining in Mozambique and said, "India's partnership with Mozambique, especially for pro-

Minister for Rural Development Jayant Patil, who was present at the meeting, told Guebuza that farmers from Maharashtra would be keen to do farming in Mozambique viding infrastructure to utilize coal for power generation, would create a win-win situation for both the countries."

Welcoming the visiting President to Maharashtra, Governor Sankaranarayanan explained to him the importance of the state as one of the most progressive ones in the country in terms of economy, education and development, it said. Minister for Rural Development Jayant Patil, who was present at the meeting, told Guebuza that farmers from Maharashtra would be keen to do farming in Mozambique. "Some of the farmers have already gone to African countries like Ethiopia and Kenya for farming," he said, adding that even agricultural institutions in Maharashtra could help Mozambique in the development of agriculture. -PTI

Tourists to get information at police cabins JAIPUR: Selected 18 cabins of Jaipur traffic police would double up as Tourist Information Centers. They will supply booklets and other material containing information regarding tourist places. Under the joint initiative of the Jaipur traffic police and state tourism department, traffic police would provide the material to tourists in order to help them find their destinations in less time without any problem, traffic police sources said. 18 cabins at key areas like

Rambagh circle, Ramnivas Garden circle, Sanganeri Gate, Badi Chaupad, Choti Chaupad, Ramgarh mod, Government hostle, Ajmeri Gate, Sindhi campinterstate bus terminal, railway station etc. have been identified where such material would be available soon, they said. Tourists, mainly domestic, who visit city on their own, face problem due to lack of proper information and are trapped by touts and so the initiative would help people visiting the city, they added. -PTI

US terror warning could hurt Europe’s economy MADRID: A rare advisory for US travelers to beware of potential terrorist threats in Europe drew American shrugs from Paris to Rome, but tourism officials worried that it could deter would-be visitors from moving ahead with plans to cross the Atlantic. The travel alert is a step below a formal warning not to visit Europe, but some experts said it could still hurt a fragile European economy already hit hard by the debt crisis. “I think if someone was looking for an excuse not to travel, then this is just the ticket,” says George Hobica, founder of Airfarewatchdog.com. “However, I don’t think most people will alter

their plans unless the threat is very specific.”

“I think if someone was looking for an excuse not to travel, then this is just the ticket,” says George Hobica, founder of Airfarewatchdog.com. “However, I don’t think most people will alter their plans unless the threat is very specific” The State Department alert advised the hundreds of thousands of US citizens living or traveling in

Europe to take more precautions about their personal security. Security officials say terrorists may be plotting attacks in Europe with assault weapons on public places, similar to the deadly 2008 shooting spree in Mumbai, India. Without a specific threat, however, American visitors were not letting the alert disrupt their travels. “We live in New York. So in New York we think about these things all the time,” said Richard Mintzer, a 55-year-old American visiting Italy with his wife. “I wouldn’t say we are particularly worried in Rome, no more than we would be at home, or anywhere in the Western world.” -AP

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of a two-day, fourth meeting of Nepal-Tibet (China) Joint Tourism Coordination Committee meeting, according to Nepal Tourism Board. The MoU provides for the operation of buses between Nepal and Tibet, allowing regular Nepali helicopter and charter services in the sacred Mansarovar area, promoting Nepal Tourism Year 2011 in Ti-

bet through media and hoarding boards at major crossroads, and providing Tibet visa to international tourists from Nepal and operating more Chinese airlines in between Lhasa-Kathmandu, among others. The next round of meeting between the top tourism officials from the two sides would be held in November 2011 in Kathmandu. -PTI

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TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

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

Pee Loon: Once Upon A Time in Mumbai

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Hairat: Anjaana Anjaani

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

t's not everyday when you come across B-town divas recommending each other's name for plum Bollywood offers. Recently, when Vipul Shah approached light-eyed beauty Aishwarya Rai to cast her opposite hubby Abhishek Bachchan in the remake of 'The Italian Job', she ended up recommending Katrina Kaif. Buzz has it that Abhishek and Katrina are all set to be a part of Shah's Bollywood remake of 'The Italian Job'. Apparently, with Ash recommending Kat's name, this puts an end to rumors about their alleged animosity. Earlier, gossips included that Katrina declined 'The Italian Job' because of the presence of Aishwarya's hubby Abhishek and there was another instance that Aishwarya prevented Abhishek from signing any films with Katrina. Talking to a news daily, a source said, "Vipul`s first option was to cast Abhishek and Aishwarya. It was Aishwarya who prompted Vipul to cast Katrina instead." When contacted, Shah confirmed the reports and said, "All I can say at the moment is that Aishwarya has absolutely no objections to the AbhishekKatrina pair on screen." Katrina has also denied any rift with Abhishek as she said, "All these ridiculous rumors about me not working with Abhishek started when my dates for 'The Italian Job' didn`t work out, and 'Dostana 2' got postponed. Abhishek is a great guy. I did 'Sarkar' with him at the start of my career. There were other offers but I felt they were not good enough to do justice to our pairing.â&#x20AC;?

eepika Padukone and Ranbir Kapoor ended their relationship and went their separate ways last year, but the actress still wants to work with her ex-beau as she is "very fond" of him. "Ranbir is someone I'm very fond of, I'm really looking forward to working with him because I think we have not worked enough together," said the 24-yearold actress. Deepika and Ranbir were last seen in "Bachna Ae Haseeno". Talking about how she got over her break-up, Deepika said: "I think everyone has a different way of dealing with it. Some people immerse themselves in work. I feel everyone has a certain strength within themselves to come out of any situation whether it's a break up or anything else. So, as long as you believe in yourself, you can challenge anything." When asked about what helps her in coming out of painful moments or problems in life, the actress gave credit to her positive thinking. "My support system like my family and friends play a major role. Apart from that I'm also someone who is very positive. I don't give up very easily and I think that's my strongest point," she said. So what is the kind of guy Deepika would like to tie the knot with? "He needs to be my friend most importantly, a great companion, someone with whom I can spend the rest of my life, someone I can make good conversations with and also someone who understands my silence as well."

eems gowns are turning out to be a nuisance for Bollywood beauties making them trip on the ramp with their flow. While Sridevi tripping on the ramp thrice for Neeta Lulla has not faded from the news archives, Sonakshi Sinha adds one more trail to the tripping spree as she walked onto the ramp with a golden gown wear as the showstopper for the designer Gavin C Miguel. The gown, which had intricate and delicate embroideries, was supposed to be pulled up by Sonakshi after three steps to climb down the stairs but the actress missed the part and ended up tripping on her outfit. Sonakshi was extremely upset but when the audience offered its support by cheering and applauding the actress, she composed herself and finished the walked but did not come back on the stage with the designer as is done by the showstopper. Well, this is just the start for the pretty newcomer. There will be a lot of trips before she finally reaches the top slot in Bollywood!!

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October 15, 2010

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hen 'Lafangey Parindey' was released, criticisms cropped up saying that Neil Nitin Mukesh did not look like a 'tapori' with his clean and 'chikna' looks. Neil had vehemently retorted back saying, "Don't even remind me of that time. I was appalled when some felt I was too good looking for my part of a tapori. Come on, can't people in bastis and chawls be good looking." However, Neil plans to shut up his critics and impress his fans with his new transformed look in the role of the 'bad man' he is playing in Abbas Mastaan's remake of 'The Italian Job'. He will sport beard and long hair for the role. "I can't be talking much about my look since it is still under the process of being finalized. But yes, to give my character a mean look, I would most likely be seen in a beard and long hair. It will stand out for sure", says Neil with hope.

irector Mohit Suri has been dating actress Udita Goswami for some years now. The couple has had its ups and downs. But the duo has been together long enough to be sure that they want to spend their life together. Mohit is all set to get married to Udita, but on one condition. His film on racism in Australia Crook It's Good To Be Bad becomes a success. Absurd reason for a long-standing relationship to be solemnized? Not in this practical day and age. Reasons Suri, "I need money to support the lifestyle Udita is used to. There's no point in getting married and then thinking of practical matters. So yes, Crook has to be a success. The day it's declared a hit I'll propose to her. Then the ball is in her court." Apparently Udita has been praying hard for the film to succeed. Though Crook is about racism in Australia, Mohit is wary of the film being branded socio-politically purposeful.

aya Bachchan considers Vidya to be lucky for ABCL. According to a source, when the two met recently at Shabana Azmi's party they greeted each other warmly. Jaya Bachchan was all praise for the southern beauty and spent a considerable amount of time chatting with her. Says sources." At Shabana's party Jayaji hugged Vidya and was so glad to see her there. She is very fond of Vidya and considers her to be lucky for the production house since Paa did extremely well. If sources are to be believed Vidya Balan may soon be signing on their next venture.

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38 India Post

XIX Commonwealth Games 2010

October 15, 2010

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SPECTACULAR OPENING CEREMONY

A.R. Rahman, Oscar Winningâ&#x20AC; Musician, concludes the Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony by singing JAI-HO at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium New Delhi on 3 Oct. All pics by Mohammed Shamsuddin/Snaps India

XIX Commonwealth Games 2010

October 15, 2010

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Anisa Sayyed 25m pistol women single category

Geeta 55 kg wrestling

Anil Kumar 96 kg wrestling

Gagan Narang 10m Air Rifle single category

Ravi Kumar Katulu Men’s 69 kg weightlifting

Renu Bala Chanu Yumnam Women’s 58kg category weightlifting

Sanjay Kumar 74 kg wrestling

India’s gold rush

Abhinav Bindra and Gagan Narang; during the India proud

Omkar Singh Men’s 50m pistol shooting

India Post

Vijay Kumar and Gurpreet 25 meter rapid firing

Rajender Kumar 55 kg wrestling

Ravinder Singh 60 kg wrestling

Health

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Obama praises Calif health reform bills

SACRAMENTO, Calif.: President Barack Obama has congratulated California leaders for passing legislation that will prepare the nation's most populous state for federal health care reform. Obama issued a statement saying the state is taking ``an important early step'' toward implementing federal regulations, which will take full effect in 2014. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger had signed seven major health care bills, including measures establishing a Web-based insurance exchange that will allow consumers to comparison-shop for coverage. California is the first state to approve an oversight board for insurance exchange marketplaces since the federal law was enacted earlier this year. -AP

Pawlenty declares lead poisoning awareness week ST. PAUL, Minn.: Public health officials in Minnesota say they've made progress in preventing childhood lead poisoning, but more needs to be done. Gov. Tim Pawlenty has declared a Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week in Minnesota. National lead poisoning prevention week runs from Oct. 24-30. Children with elevated blood lead levels can face many potential health issues, including slow growth, hearing problems and, at very high levels, serious neurological damage or death. Lead-based paint in older homes remains the primary source of lead poisoning for children. In Minnesota, there are an estimated one million homes that contain lead paint. -AP

Flu shots now available in Iowa CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa: Health experts in Iowa said there are plenty of flu shots available in the state this season and it's causing competition to rise between local pharmacies. "We're stunned at seeing the competition from our local pharmacies,'' said Suellen Novotny, executive director of the Visiting Nurse Association of Johnson County. Novotny's group uses money made from their flu shot clinic to serve Medicaid patients and uninsured people, she told The Gazette newspaper in Cedar Rapids. "There's a profit to be had and it brings in people to shop,'' she said. -AP

Health Science 40

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October 15, 2010

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S. Dakota health officials urge breast cancer screening SIOUX FALLS, S.D.: State health officials are urging women to be screened for breast and cervical cancer in October during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. -AP

Asian-American Center to reduce disparities in cancer India Post News Service

SACRAMENTO, CA: UC Davis Cancer Center is now home to the National Center for Reducing Asian American Cancer Health Disparities, the only such national center for Asian-Americans designated by the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities to research populations disproportionately affected by the disease. The $5.6 million research grant builds upon more than a decade of accomplishments by the Asian American Network for Cancer Awareness Research and Training (AANCART) that has increased cancer awareness and builds community-centered research capacity to address cancer issues among Asian-Americans. The center will continue to function as a consortium of organizations, including UC Davis, UC San Francisco, Chinese Community Health Resource Center in San Francisco, Hmong Women's Heritage Association in Sacramento, UCLA, University of Hawaii and the University of Washington. AANCART was established in 2000 and housed at UC Davis Can-

UC Davis Cancer Center

'Asian-Americans are the only US racial group that experiences cancer as the leading cause of death. Our cancer burden is unusual in that we experience disproportionately high rates of cancers' cer Center since 2002 under the leadership of Moon Chen, professor of hematology and oncology. "Funding of the national center is a stewardship responsibility given to us by the National Cancer Institute to address the unique, unusual and unnecessary cancer burden confronting AsianAmericans," said Chen, the lead principal investigator for the effort.

"Asian-Americans are the only U.S. racial group that experiences cancer as the leading cause of death. Our cancer burden is unusual in that we experience disproportionately high rates of cancers due to infectious origins such as liver cancer, as well as increasing rates of colon cancer. The center will focus on reducing this unnecessary cancer burden."

Chen will share leadership of the center with two AANCART colleagues: Tung T. Nguyen, professor of clinical medicine and co-director of the Vietnamese Community Health Promotion Project at UC San Francisco and AANCART research director, and Edward A. Chow, chair of the Chinese Community Health Resource Center in San Francisco. The research grant funds four components to reduce disparities in cancer prevention and incidence in Asian-American populations. These include: Research project on how to reduce disparities in colorectal screening rates using a controlled trial at multiple sites. Asian-Americans have significantly lower colorectal screening rates than non-Hispanic whites. This study will target KoreanAmericans in Los Angeles, FilipinoAmericans in Hawaii and HmongAmericans in Sacramento to increase colorectal cancer screening rates in these populations. This will be the first-ever controlled, community-based intervention trial to be simultaneously conducted and coordinated among three AsianAmerican ethnic groups. Cont’d on page 41

Abandoned psychiatric hospital gets makeover FAIRLAWN, Va.: An abandoned former boys school and psychiatric hospital may not seem like the most likely place for lodging, eating, healing and convening. But that's exactly what a local businessman with a shared history with the building sees in the future of the St. Albans site on the New River near Radford. Tim Gregory, who, along with his wife, Victoria, owns New River Trail Outfitters in Galax and Ice House Bikes in Blacksburg, plans to invest $3 million in rehabilitating the abandoned structure that has been the site of theft, vandalism and late-night parties since it closed seven years ago. ``When I heard it was up for sale, I knew I had to do something with it,'' Gregory said. Scheduled to be finished in stages during the next year, it will be

renamed the St. Albans Center for Research and Enlightenment. Gregory envisions it as a peaceful place for seminars, retreats and vacations. ``I see people with all different ideas coming to seminars,'' Gregory said. ``I want poets, writers and everyone else to come and be inspired.''

nearby King House, the sale of which the parties are negotiating. That was the family home of Dr. J.C. King, who opened St. Albans Sanatorium in 1916. Although in very early stages of development, the building and its future have become a project for a class of Radford University

Tim Gregory, who, along with his wife, Victoria, owns New River Trail Outfitters in Galax and Ice House Bikes in Blacksburg, plans to invest $3 million in rehabilitating the abandoned structure Gregory said he has a $500,000 purchase agreement with Shah Development, the owner of the property since it was purchased in a 2008 auction from the Radford University Real Estate Foundation for $777,000. The 2008 sale also included the

students. Students in a commercial recreation class taught by Radford University professor Teresa O'Bannon have created a business plan for the St. Albans center. They are giving guided tours of the building each Saturday.

The project falls into the category of ``dark tourism,'' a specialty of O'Bannon's that involves visitors flocking to sites that are known for tragic events. ``It needs to be treated as a historic landmark to survive,'' she said. ``I always tell the students, 'Respect the building.' `` Built as the St. Albans boys school in 1892, one building held classes and the other was a dormitory. The school closed in 1911, and, five years later, King opened the sanatorium. Later, it became the St. Albans Hospital, a part of the Carilion Health System. The hospital moved in 2003 when it was folded into the Carilion New River Valley Medical Center near Interstate 81. It was given to the university in 2004 as part of the school's plans for a separate campus called RU West.-AP

Health Science Post

October 15, 2010

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Survey says South Dakota has rising obesity rate SIOUX FALLS, S.D.: When Dr. Stephanie Broderson was growing up in Hawarden, Iowa, Curry Seed hauled teens by the busload to fields near Elk Point to ``bean walk.'' Pulling weeds in soybean fields was hard, physical labor and a rite of passage for rural youths until soon after the 1996 introduction of pesticide-resistant beans. Fewer youths spend summers detasseling corn these days, too. ``All those jobs are gone,'' she said. Broderson thinks the loss of such farm labor for youths could help explain why South Dakota's self-reported obesity rate _ once one of the best in the nation _ has soared from 13 percent to more than 30 percent since 1995 _ faster than any other state. South Dakota tied with Michigan as the ninth worst in the country. None of South Dakota's neighboring states made the top 10 list for highest obesity rates. The nation as a whole has gone in the wrong direction when it comes to weight, however. In 2000,

the Centers for Disease Control initiated a policy measure called ``Healthy People 2010'' that aimed to trim the obesity rate in 10 years to 15 percent or less in every state. No state made the mark. Only Colorado residents reported an obesity rate of less than 20 percent.

Another recent nutrition study also might help explain the problem, she said: The CDC recently reported that South Dakotans eat the least amount of vegetables in the nation The CDC's Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System enlists state health departments to conduct phone surveys on a variety of health-related topics. To find the obesity rate, surveyors asked residents their weight and height and used the numbers to calculate their body mass index. A person with a BMI of higher

than 30 is considered obese. The self-reported numbers are not completely reliable, but the percentage is unlikely to be any lower. ``We do know, if anything, that people under-report their weight,'' said Kristin Biskeborn, South Dakota's state nutritionist. There are a few statistically significant reasons why South Dakota's rate would rise faster than in other states, Biskeborn said. High school dropouts, people from 50 to 69 years old and Native Americans are more likely to be obese, she said, and South Dakota has significant populations of each group. Another recent nutrition study also might help explain the problem, she said: The CDC recently reported that South Dakotans eat the least amount of vegetables in the nation. Portion sizes are a common culprit to being overweight, said Teresa Beach, a registered dietician for Sanford Health. The 6-ounce glass soda bottle gave way long ago to the 20-ounce plastic bottle in most vending machines. -AP

Asian-American Center to reduce disparities in cancer Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 40

Outreach: Partnerships between community groups and university researchers and an NCI-funded community-health educator are part of the new National Cancer Institute-funded National Outreach Network focusing on cancer education particularly for Chinese-, Filipino-, Hmong-, Korean- and VietnameseAmericans in their native languages. Pilot study on biospecimen collection: Researchers will assess understanding, attitudes and behaviors relating to biospecimen collection among Chinese-Americans. This information will help researchers understand cultural and other factors that affect the collection of biospecimens needed to advance cancer research. Training program: This program will develop the careers of young Asian-American investigators whose research interests span a variety of cancer health disparities affecting Asian Americans. "Five years ago we set out to make reducing health disparities a major focus of this cancer center," said Ralph deVere White, UC Davis Cancer Center director. "Because of all we have achieved during that time this new national center grant

means that it has truly been recognized that UC Davis is the center of the country's fight to eliminate cancer-health disparities in Asian-Americans." Chow, a charter member of AANCART, San Francisco health commissioner and leader in the Chinese-American health care community, said the grant strengthens the pioneering work already established to address Asian health disparities. "I am so thrilled that the NCI has seen fit to build upon our short 10 years of building an infrastructure to address the cancer burden confronting Asian-Americans and to recognize the central role of the community in this fight against cancer," he said. Nguyen, of UC San Francisco, said the Center will deepen the collaborations in research that have been established by the university with the Asian-American communities in the Bay Area and nationally. "We are especially proud of the fact that Dr. Chow is a principal investigator on this grant from the NCI," Nguyen said. "This exemplifies the priority that UC San Francisco and UC Davis place on conducting collaborative research with the surrounding communities with respect to cancer disparities."

Tech News ‘Stock markets decline when India loses ODIs’ WASHINGTON: New research shows that when India's cricket team loses one-day internationals, the stock market takes a beating, but if master blaster Sachin Tendulkar is on the losing side, the damage to the bourses is even worse. Research by economists Russell Smyth and Vinod Mishra of Monash University, in Australia, suggests the performance of the Indian cricket team in one-day matches can significantly impact the fortunes of the Indian stock market, an official release said. "While a win by the Indian cricket team has no statistically significant upward impact on stock market returns, a loss generates a significant downward movement in the stock market," Smyth, the Head of Monash University's Department of Economics, said. -PTI

Afghanistan can export goods to India through Pak ISLAMABAD: Landlocked Afghanistan will now be able to export goods to India through Pakistani territory after Islamabad ratified a landmark transit trade agreement with Kabul. The Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement, approved during a meeting of the federal cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, will give Afghan goods access to India through the Wagah land border route and Karachi and Qasim ports. Under the agreement, Afghan trucks will be allowed to take goods up to Wagah and the two ports, from where Indian importers will receive the consignments and carry them further using their own sources of transportation, Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira told a news conference after the cabinet meeting. -PTI

India may export nuke-reactors to Thailand, Vietnam KOLKATA: The Nuclear Power Development Corporation of India is in talks with some countries of the Asia-Pacific region for the sale of its mainstay 220 MWe and 540 MWe reactors, its chairman S K Jain said here. "We are having detailed discussions (about sale of the reactors) with Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam," Jain told newsmen on the sidelines of a technical session at Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre auditorium here. -PTI

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India, China see Dubai as best business location Details on page 43

October 15, 2010

USIBC announces Presidential Mission to India India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Pre-empting the White House announcing President Barack Obama's first ever visit to India next month, the US-India Business Council (USIBC) has announced its Presidential Executive Mission to India, Nov 6-9. The four-day mission will commence with a Business and Entrepreneurship Summit, jointly organized with the US Department of Commerce, to take place in Mumbai on November 6, featuring President Barack Obama. When President Obama travels to India he will be the sixth-ever US President to set foot on Indian soil. In follow up to the Business and Entrepreneurship Summit, the USIBC Presidential Executive Mission will participate in business conferences in New Delhi on November 8 and 9 to explore opportunities in bilateral investment, trade and innovation. The Summit in Mumbai on November 6, in partnership with the

The four-day mission will commence with a Business and Entrepreneurship Summit, jointly organized with the US Department of Commerce, to take place in Mumbai on November 6, featuring President Barack Obama US Department of Commerce and Confederation of Indian Industry, will highlight the benefits of export-led American growth being generated by India's rising

economy and new purchasing power, the new investment flowing from India reviving American businesses, and the innovation by young entrepreneurs utilizing US

know-how and technology. "This Business and Entrepreneurship Summit in India's financial capital will be the President's first stop with the business community in India, enabling the President to experience first-hand the excitement underway, generated by the entrepreneurial spirit that unites our business communities, and which binds our two countries. The fact the President has agreed to address this Business Summit demonstrates the priority this President places on creating jobs for America by cultivating deeper commercial ties with India, the world's largest free-market economy," said USIBC President Ron Somers. "As only the sixth US President to visit India, and the first to travel there during his first term, President Obama's aspirations for a stronger US-India partnership will help align our two great democracies to shape the economic destiny of the 21st Century. Cont’d on page 43

TiECon 2010 convention on October 16 India Post News Service

CERRITOS, CA: The Southern California chapter of The Indus Entrepreneurs will host TiECon 2010 convention on October 16 here. The premier annual gathering for leading entrepreneurs and an assembly of the talents of key industry visionaries will provide their insight of new and emerging opportunities in the new economy. There are 600 + attendees expected at 2010 TiECon. This year's conference, "Prospering in the New Decade" is designed for aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs, corporate executives and senior industry professionals looking to better understand the dynamics of change, the influence of new technology, the competitive threats and the solutions required to navigate through this ever-changing landscape.

TiECon 2010 features keynote speakers at 9:00-10:30 a.m. Deepak Chopra, MD New York Times Bestselling Author opens the conference. Mr. C P Gurnani, CEO of Mahindra Satyam and Mr. Deepak Chopra, Chairman of OSI Systems

Iqbal, Nasir Javed, Sunil Joshi, Jay Joshi, Rajeev Kapur, Karan Khanna, Nitin Khanna, Neeru Khosla, Bhoopi Kohli, Ketan Kothari, Siva Kumar, Sumant Mandal, Kevin McFarlane, Vibhu Mittal, Diaz Nesamoney, Ashok

This year's conference, "Prospering in the New Decade" is designed for aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs, corporate executives and senior industry professionals along with 50 prominent speakers and 10 panels will be active throughout the day. The prominent industry leaders scheduled to speak at TiEcon'2010 are Tarun Anand, Colin Barceloux, Dr. Binesh Batra, Reshma Dordi, Alan Edrick, Avichal Garg, Prakash Grama, Neel Grover, Randall Gusikoski, Naz Haider, Amar Hanspal, Saleem

Rao, Raju Reddy, Venkatesh Roddam, Tom Scharning, Tarang Shah, R. Paul Singh, Piyush Singh, Venkat Tadanki, Dilip Venkatachari, Sandeep Walia, Ranjit Walia and Faruk Zia. TiE Southern California's President Navneet S Chugh, will give the opening and closing remarks. The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) is a global organization de-

signed to facilitate business networking, entrepreneur mentoring, and mind-sharing. With 54 chapters around the globe, TiE was founded in 1992 as an organization to help entrepreneurs of Indus origin network, integrate, and succeed in the worlds of business and technology. Since its inception, TiE has evolved into an all- inclusive organization, benefiting all entrepreneurs. TiE Southern California was formed in 1997. TiE-SC has helped aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs, as well as corporate executives, network with industry leaders, and succeed in their chosen field. The unique organization has no political or religious affiliation or agenda. TiE SoCal venues include monthly events in Cerritos, West LA, South Orange County, and San Fernando Valley, and its annual conference TiECon.

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October 15, 2010

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3 Indian women in Forbes' powerful women list

Indra Nooyi CEO of Pepsi Co

Shikha Sharma Axis Bank's Chief Executive

Chanda Kocchar ICICI Bank

BOSTON: Three Indian women, including Pepsi Co's head Indra Nooyi, figure in the Forbes' 100 most powerful women in the world topped by US First Lady Michelle Obama. Nooyi, the Chennai-born CEO of Pepsi Co, ranks 6th on the list. The other Indian women giving her company on the list are Axis Bank's Chief Executive Shikha Sharma and ICICI Bank's Chanda Kocchar. Sharma is ranked 89 while Kocchar comes in at the 92nd spot. This year, Forbes has divided the 100 power women candidates into four groups of politics, business, media and lifestyle. It ranked the women in each group, and then group against group. Nooyi, Sharma and Kocchar have also been ranked separately under the 'business' category. Nooyi is the second most powerful woman in the world in the field of business after Kraft Foods Chief Executive Irene Rosenfeld.

Out of the 39 women listed in the business category, Sharma's rank is 33 and Kocchar's is 35. Nooyi, whose total annual compensation package last year was USD 10.6 million, nudged a USD 20 million slice of the company's

stipends to build a shelter for animals whose owners lost their homes to the oil spill and to provide mental health services and job training. "Brands have to speak to millenniums; young people want to make a difference," Forbes quoted 54-year old Nooyi as saying. Referring to Sharma, Forbes said with the first year of her threeyear term as CEO of India's thirdlargest private bank behind her, "it's time look forward" for the 49 year old. For Sharma, "much of the tough transitional work is over, including fighting the very public opposition to her getting the job from outgoing Axis chairman PJ Nayak." (More) PTI YAS For some one who had never previously worked in a bank, Sharma is focusing on introducing a retail broking platform and the possibility of expanding internationally. "Every job comes with its tough decisions, and this has not been any different," Sharma says, pointing specifically to "getting the right organization structure in place" and "mapping the team to the best fit roles." The upside is a net profit for Q1 2010-2011 of USD 160 million and for FY 2009-2010 of USD 542.5 million. Kocchar, who is "the first woman to run a large Indian bank," expanded her role as chief with her recent acquisition of Bank of Rajasthan, a private sector bank with 463 branches and 4,000 employees. Last month, ICICI, India's largest private bank and the country's fourth largest, launched its first retail branch in Singapore 48, Forbes said. The Forbes list of the '100 Most Powerful Women' in the world in topped by US First Lady Michelle Obama, followed by Rosenfeld and media mogul Oprah Winfrey. -PTI

For some one who had never previously worked in a bank, Sharma is focusing on introducing a retail broking platform and the possibility of expanding internationally USD 616-million-a-year ad budget away from traditional to social media spends. Forbes said Pepsi's worldwide campaign, Pepsi Refresh, allocates USD 1.3 million each month for a US project, such as the recent "Do Good For the Gulf," which offers

India, China see Dubai as best business location DUBAI: Indian and Chinese firms see Dubai as the leading business centre in the Gulf region, but negative perceptions regarding occupancy costs still remain, a new report has said. The report, 'Retreading the Silk Road', by Cushman and Wakefield Middle East (C&W), was based on feedback from the firm's agency division which suggested that commercial leasing by companies from South Asia and Asia Pacific has been on the rise. C&W conducted a series of interviews with Chinese and Indian companies already established in Dubai as well as with those companies considering setting up in

the region. According to the report, across the board, Chinese and Indian companies believe that Dubai offers the best business environment as a result of its location, as well as its superior infrastructure and transport links in comparison with its regional peers. However, there remains a perception in the market that Dubai is as expensive and overcrowded as it was in the boom years of 2006-2008. Despite being part of much larger organizations, the majority of businesses are currently operating small satellite offices, with limited space requirements and minimal head-count. -PTI

USIBC announces Presidential Mission to India Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 42

The commercial focus of this visit will unleash jobs and opportunities that will benefit the American economy at a time when jobs are needed, while providing nurturing collaborations in technology that will ensure inclusive growth in India for decades to come." USIBC is the primary business advocacy organization at the forefront of the bilateral commercial relationship, driving closer relations between the world's largest freemarket democracies. USIBC is launching its largest and most important Executive Mission to India to participate in the President's Nov 6 visit. Enhancing$50b two-way trade USIBC's goal is to greatly enhance two-way trade, now surpassing $50 billion; spur investment by India into the United States; create opportunities for greater US export-led growth of high technology and high-end manufactured goods that will support India's $1.7 trillion infrastructure build-out; and foster new frontiers of technology collaboration that will help address the global challenges facing both countries - energy security, food security, water security, and environmental protection. "The scope for cooperation on every level by our companies and their Indian counterparts is limitless," said Somers. Benefits to US economy "Our aim is to organize a Business Summit that highlights these opportunities for American companies, and which results in new business partnerships and collaborations." "One simple example of how a rising India translates into greater

prosperity for the United States," said Somers, "is Mumbai's new airport, which involved US highend manufacturing. The largest petroleum refinery in the world at Jamnagar was recently completed by Bechtel. Boeing aircraft are filling India's skies - helping India maintain a growing civilian airline industry growing at 30% annually. This list goes on and on." American companies are exporting billions of dollars worth of goods and services to India, driving growth, job creation, and innovation throughout the United States. As Indian companies with strong balance sheets continue to invest billions of dollars into the United States, these investments have become important engines for the US economic recovery. The USIBC Presidential Executive Mission and Business Summit hopes to underscore the synergies for growth that bind us as partners and highlight why increased trade and investment is a 'win-win' for both countries. This relationship of mutual reward, investment, and discovery will foster new and innovative solutions to key challenges, including clean water, green energy, health care, improved agriculture, technology cooperation, as well as modern infrastructure development - all areas where American and Indian entrepreneurs can excel together, according to the USIBC. "This is the time when the governments and private sectors of both countries must focus on sustained economic growth and job creation. USIBC stands ready with its partners to support the President's ambitious and vital agenda in India," said Somers.

Realty Tidbits

Ajay Devgan ventures into real estate MUMBAI: Actor-turned-producer Ajay Devgan has now ventured into real estate and plans to develop a residential and commercial complex in the metropolis. Devgan has allied with the Roha Group, which has been in the sector for the last seven years, for its expertise in the segment. "I am a regular investor in this space. I felt there is a huge scope for coming up with branded products and was waiting for the right associates. Roha Infrastructure (a group company) brings in seven-years of experience in realty sector and so the alliance came into place," Devagn told reporters on the sidelines of a real estate event here.

Dawood gang trying to invest in real Estate

n a report to Mumbai Police, the Intelligence Bureau (IB) has warned that India's most wanted man - Dawood Ibrahim - is preparing a blueprint to expand his business in Mumbai. The intelligence report says the underworld don is preparing to enter real estate business instead of extorting money from builders. He is investing more than Rs 19 crore in real estate, the report says. The report mentions alleged extortionist Ahmed Langra as Dawood's man who takes over land where he can invest. Asif Sheikh, brother-in-law of Dawood's key aide Chhota Shakeel, reportedly looks after Dcompany's real estate work. He manages real estate accounts and shares profit with Dawood, the IB report says.

Mahindra Group buys plots in suburbs

ahindra Lifespaces Devel opers Ltd, the real estate and infrastructure arm of the Mahindra Group, has bought two plots in suburban Mumbai from group companies to build homes. The firm bought 150,000 sq. ft of land in Kandivali previously used as a warehouse by the group's tractor factory. In Ghatkopar West, it bought 225,000 sq. ft of land. "We will keep looking at such opportunities whenever they are available," managing director and chief executive Anita Arjundas said, without disclosing the purchase prices. Property analysts peg the estimated revenue from the properties at around Rs.338 crore, based on an average market price of Rs.9,000 per sq. ft.

Real Estate 44 India Post

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October 15, 2010

Vigneshwara to invest Rs 1,600 cr in Gurgaon

nfrastructure and realty major Vigneshwara Develop ers is planning to invest around Rs 1,600 crore into various projects in Gurgaon by 2013. The company that has joined hands with Commonwealth Games 2010, Delhi as official real estate licensee, has projects worth Rs 450 crore under construction as on date. Talking to FE Vigneshwara's managing director Sunil Dahiya said three projects are being undertaken by the company in Gurgaon region that include a business park, technology park and a commercial hub.

Banks urged to help construct affordable houses S

eeking viable solutions to make India slum-free, the Government has invited banks, other financial institutions and the real estate sector to use its interest subsidy scheme for construction of affordable houses for urban poor. "There is a need for credit enhancement through appropriate fiscal, legal and institutional mechanism to ensure the flow of capital to realize the vision of slum free India," Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation Minister Kumari Selja said here on the occasion of World Habitat Day. "I invite all the stakeholders particularly the banks, financing institutions and the real estate sector to come forward to make

use of the opportunities offered by our schemes such as Interest Subsidy Scheme for Housing the Urban Poor and the Scheme for Affordable Housing in Partnership and to work hand-in-hand to find

viable solutions which make a positive lasting impact on our cities," she said. Urban population is expected to increase manifold in the next two decades. In the absence of proper homes, people

are forced to reside in inhabitable and often unsafe places. According to the ministry, the total urban housing shortage was 24.71 lakh as on 2007. Seeking ways to deal with housing shortage, she said, "The housing deficit cannot be addressed only by government programs. A strategy is required which converts the housing shortage into a market opportunity and mobilizes private investments." Lamenting that urban poor face financial exclusion, she said, "Financial institutions are reluctant to lend to the lower income segments in view of perceived credit risks, lack of credit history and difficulties in foreclosure of loans. This outlook requires a change."

Rs 2 crore average cost of a new house A

recent study by property research firm Liases Foras covering 482 new housing projects across the city has revealed that the weighted average cost of a new house is close to Rs 2 crore. The weighted average cost is the sum of the sticker prices of all new houses available in the market, under construction or ready for possession, divided by the total number of such houses. To buy a Rs 2-crore house, you got to be making Rs 40 lakh a year because as per widely accepted principles of affordability, no bank will offer you a housing loan that is more than five times your annual income. And that is not all, banks cover only 80% per cent of the cost of the house. Which means, in this case the buyer will have to raise Rs 40 lakh on his own. Pankaj Kapoor, managing director, Liases Foras, said the survey proves that Mumbai is a waiting to go pop. "Such surveys indicate whether the growth in the real estate sector is realistic. This survey shows it is not," he added. Several other real estate experts agree that at Rs 2 crore, the weighted average is way too high for a city like Mumbai. "Even if you push very hard and exclude people liv-

Pankaj Kapoor

ing in the slums, majority of the people in this city don't earn more than Rs 5 to 10 lakh per annum," said Pranay Vakil, chairman, Knight Frank. "Which means for a vast majority it's next to impossible to buy a new house. Now if that is the case, where is the demand to warrant such high valuations coming from," he asked. Vakil said where lending is concerned , the EMIs are not expected to exceed 50 per cent of a buyer's monthly take home. "Even with Rs 10 lakh as your annual income, you will not be able to buy a house costing more than Rs 50 lakh." And even for those who make Rs 40 lakh a year, it's not an easy ride. The weighted average cost for a new house downtown, where

average has gone up by 50 per cent just between June 2009 and June 2010. This has reflected in home sales dropping to half in the same period, though developers continue to claim brisk business. "Most of the buying is being done by investors and not end-users. This shows that there is a lot of black money finding its way into the market," said Kapoor.

‘Which means for a vast majority it's next to impossible to buy a new house. Now if that is the case, where is the demand to warrant such high valuations coming from,’ he asked

somebody making that kind of money would aspire to be, is an astonishing Rs 6.85 crore. In western suburbs, it is Rs 1.44 crore. What is scary is that the weighted

In Brief Immigration check program goes statewide in Texas SAN ANTONIO: A federal program that automatically checks the immigration status of arrested people has gone statewide in Texas. Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced that the fingerprint sharing program Secure Communities has been activated in all 254 counties in Texas as of this week. Many local jail bookings have used the program for years. ICE says the program has led to more than 41,000 deportations of illegal immigrants nationwide. Critics say the program makes people fearful of reporting crimes and does not protect against racial profiling. The Obama administration wants Secure Communities operating nationwide by 2013. -AP

Orange County jails see influx of immigrants SANTA ANA, Calif.: Hundreds of detained immigrants are being transferred to Orange County jails under a deal with the federal government that could bring the cashstrapped Sheriff's Department $30 million a year. By mid-October, over 800 immigration detainees will reside at the Theo Lacy Facility in Orange and the James A. Musick Facility near Irvine, the Orange County Register reported. The first detainees, most of whom are awaiting deportation hearings, started arriving Aug 9. After initial resistance from some local politicians, the county Board of Supervisors approved a plan in July to rent 838 jail beds to U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement. -AP

Record number of illegal immigrants flown home PHOENIX: Immigration and Customs Enforcement says a record number of illegal immigrants from Mexico voluntarily accepted plane rides back to their homeland. Repatriation flights were offered for nearly four months this summer compared with 36 days last year and more than 23,000 illegal immigrants accepted the flights. The Arizona Republic reports the joint operation between the U.S. and Mexican governments was created to reduce deaths among illegal border crossers while combating human smuggling. -AP

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October 15, 2010

Whitman, Brown tangle on illegal maid FRESNO, California: Republican gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman and Democratic rival Jerry Brown traded barbs over immigration policy and Whitman's illegal immigrant housekeeper during a heated debate that was aimed at California's growing Latino population. Details on page 46

Media moguls urge Congress to reform immigration WASHINGTON: They weren't as funny as television Comedy Central host Stephen Colbert, but media moguls Rupert Murdoch and Michael Bloomberg made a similar appeal to Congress: Do something about immigration. Murdoch, the founder of News Corp., urged lawmakers during a hearing to match attempts to secure the border with efforts to ensure that employers can't hire people illegally. For his part, Bloomberg, the mayor of New York as well as the founder of the financial news and information service bearing his name, told lawmakers that they should show some leadership on the issue. ``We need immigrants,'' Bloomberg said. ``That's the future of this country and whether the public understands that or not it's Congress' job to lead.'' The pair made their pleas before the same House immigration subcommittee that heard tonguein-cheek testimony on the plight of farm workers from the ``Colbert Report'' star. However, Murdoch and Bloomberg did not pack the

hearing room as Colbert did for his appearance. ``I'm not a fan of the government doing anything,'' Colbert told lawmakers, ``but I've got to ask, 'Why isn't the government doing anything?''' Murdoch and Bloomberg lead a coalition of businesses and mayors to push for immigration reform. The group supports providing a path to legal status for those in the U.S. illegally.

speak up for immigration policies that will keep America the most economically robust, creative and freedom-loving nation in the world,'' he said. The illegal immigrant population has tripled in the U.S., even as the government has increased enforcement spending almost every year since 1992, Murdoch said. The wave of immigrants only started to crest when the country hit a recession, he said.

Rep. Maxine Waters, a Democrat, told Murdoch she thought his support for immigration reform did not match coverage of the immigration issue by Fox News, which is a large part of his News Corp. Empire Murdoch himself was born in Australia and, while expanding his interests in U.S. media, became an American citizen in 1985. Citizenship allowed him to own U.S. television stations. ``As an immigrant, I chose to live in America because it is one of the freest and most vibrant nations in the world. And as an immigrant, I feel an obligation to

Murdoch and Bloomberg said they believe Congress needs to help employers discern between workers authorized to work in the U.S and those who are not. The Obama administration has been auditing employers to find those hiring people illegally. Rep. Maxine Waters, a Democrat, told Murdoch she thought his support for immigration reform did

not match coverage of the immigration issue by Fox News, which is a large part of his News Corp. Empire. She said his testimony was contradictory to Fox News ``talking about anchor babies.'' The term, considered derogatory by some, is a reference to children born to at least one illegal immigrant parent. “Why don't you use your power to help us to promote what you are talking about?'' Waters asked. “I would say that we do,'' Murdoch said. ``We certainly employ a lot of immigrants at Fox ... and we do not take any consistent anti-immigrant line.'' Murdoch said he would have no trouble supporting his hearing testimony on Fox News, ``nor would a great number of the commentators on Fox News.'' Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-Calif., chair of the subcommittee, said the hearing lays the groundwork for ``sensible reform'' in the months ahead, though not likely this year. Separately, Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., filed a comprehensive immigration bill. -AP

Reconsider after departure rule not uniform DAVID A. ISAACSON

s interpreted by the Board of Immigration Appeals ("BIA"), regulations in effect for more than 50 years have long been thought to prevent an alien who has departed the United States under an order of removal from filing a motion to reopen or reconsider a decision of the BIA or an Immigration Judge ("IJ"), or continuing to pursue such a motion that was previously filed. Recent case law, however, indicates that this rule is not as uniform as many had previously supposed. The traditional view can be readily gleaned from the text of the current regulation governing motions before the BIA: A motion to reopen or a motion to reconsider shall not be made by or on behalf of a person who is the subject of exclusion, deporta-

tion, or removal proceedings subsequent to his or her departure from the United States. Any departure from the United States, including the deportation or removal of a person who is the subject of exclusion, deportation, or removal

2008) that in its view, these regulations and their predecessors dating back to 1952, as interpreted in its case law, establish "that reopening is unavailable to any alien who departs the United States after being ordered removed." Un-

A substantial number of Court of Appeals and BIA cases have opened up the possibility that certain aliens may be able to file or pursue motions to reopen and reconsider even after departing from the United States proceedings, occurring after the filing of a motion to reopen or a motion to reconsider, shall constitute a withdrawal of such motion. 8 C.F.R. § 1003.2(d). A similar regulation, 8 C.F.R. § 1003.23(b)(1), applies to motions before an IJ. The BIA explained in Matter of Armendarez, 24 I&N Dec. 646 (BIA

der this traditional view of what is sometimes referred to as the "departure bar", departure from the United States, whether voluntarily or through forcible deportation, results in the withdrawal of any pending motions and precludes the filing of future motions. The traditional view, however,

has not survived entirely intact in recent years. Although the trend is not a uniform one, a substantial number of Court of Appeals and BIA cases have opened up the possibility that certain aliens may be able to file or pursue motions to reopen and reconsider even after departing from the United States. One exception to the departure bar, recognized by the BIA itself subsequent to Matter of Armendarez, is of nationwide application. In Matter of BulnesNolasco, 25 I&N Dec. 57 (BIA 2009), the BIA distinguished the case in which a motion is made to rescind an order of deportation or removal that was issued in the respondent's absence, where the motion is based on the respondent's claim of lack of notice of the proceedings. Cont’d on page 47

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October 15, 2010

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Whitman, Brown tangle on immigration, illegal maid FRESNO, California: Republican gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman and Democratic rival Jerry Brown traded barbs over immigration policy and Whitman's illegal immigrant housekeeper during a heated debate that was aimed at California's growing Latino population. Whitman acknowledged early on that she cannot win the governor's race without Latino votes. Whitman had planned to use the debate at California State University, Fresno to move on from a controversy that has dominated headlines after it was revealed she had an illegal immigrant housekeeper for nine years. The billionaire former eBay chief executive, who has spent $119 million of her own money on the race, tried instead to focus on her campaign themes of creating jobs and improving the state's public school system. But with so much attention on issues related to immigration policy, Whitman was forced to explain her conservative positions while Brown had many opportunities to bring up the housekeeper. When the debate moderator asked Whitman about her treatment of the worker, she accused Brown's campaign of orchestrating the controversy and sacrificing the maid ``on the altar of your political ambitions.'' Brown fired back that Whitman has not taken responsibility and is not fit to be governor. ``Don't run for governor if you can't stand up on your own two feet and say, 'Hey I made a mistake,''' Brown said in a moment

fraught with tension as the two candidates, neck-and-neck in the polls, turned away from the audience and faced each other directly. ``You have blamed her, blamed me, blamed the left, blamed the unions. But you don't take accountability.'' Whitman's campaign has worked hard to win support among independents and Latinos, who are crucial to the campaign of any Republican running in a state in which Democrats hold a 13.4 percentage point edge among registered voters.

Whitman fired the woman in June 2009, immediately after she said she found out the housekeeper was in the country illegally But Democrats hope to exploit the housekeeper controversy as a way to question Whitman's character. Whitman fired the woman in June 2009, immediately after she said she found out the housekeeper was in the country illegally. She then refused to help when the woman asked for help pursuing legal residency. Whitman said the decision was the right one at the time. She said she had no reason to believe the housekeeper, Nicky Diaz Santillan, was illegal, and had to act within the law. ``We hired Nicky because she had all the appropriate documents, we

went through a hiring agency, and then in June of 2009 she came to me to tell me that she was here illegally and did not have the appropriate documents,'' she said. ``I made the hardest decision I have almost made in my life, which was to let her go. ... So it broke my heart. It was incredibly difficult for me to do.'' Brown said it was shabby for Whitman not to offer at least initial help to the housekeeper, whom Whitman has described as being like a member of her extended family. ``When someone works with you, you do have familial bonds and ties, and I think if that story is to be believed, I think Meg flunked the most fundamental test of all, and that is to treat people with respect and decency,'' he told reporters in a postdebate news conference. Whitman also is addressing allegations from the housekeeper's attorney that she and her husband, a Stanford neurosurgeon, should have suspected the worker's status because of a Social Security Administration letter mailed to their home in 2003. Gloria Allred, the housekeeper's attorney, is a longtime supporter of Democratic candidates. Whitman told reporters after the debate the controversy is a sideshow from the issues Californians want to focus on, such as jobs and education. Brown and Whitman had several lengthy exchanges over highprofile immigration issues, including whether illegal immigrants already in the country should be able to seek citizenship and whether the government should crack down on employers who hire illegal workers. -AP

Immigration Post

October 15, 2010

India Post

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Reconsider after departure rule not uniform In such a case, the BIA explained, "[a]n in absentia . . . order issued in proceedings of which the respondent had no notice is voidable from its inception and becomes a legal nullity upon its rescission, with the result that the respondent reverts to the same immigration status that he or she possessed prior to entry of the order." Thus, the BIA held "that an alien's departure from the United States while under an outstanding order of deportation or removal issued in absentia does not deprive the Immigration Judge of jurisdiction to entertain a motion to reopen to rescind the order if the motion is premised on lack of notice." Beyond this exception, several Courts of Appeals have recognized the ability of an alien to reopen even an order issued with proper notice. These cases fall essentially into two categories: those which allow the filing of a motion to reopen or reconsider subsequent to an alien's departure, and those which hold only that a motion filed before the alien's departure remains viable if the departure is a result of forcible deportation by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, whose jurisdiction encompasses Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, and

South Carolina, held in William v. Gonzales that the general bar on post-departure motions to reopen contained in 8 C.F.R. § 1003.2(d) is categorically invalid because it conflicts with the governing statute. Specifically, the Fourth Circuit found a conflict with INA § 240(c) (7) (A), also known as 8 U.S.C. § 1229a(c) (7) (A), which states, inter alia, that "[a]n alien may file one motion to reopen proceedings under this section....".

Several Courts of Appeals have recognized the ability of an alien to reopen even an order issued with proper notice As the Fourth Circuit explained: We find that § 1229a(c)(7)(A) unambiguously provides an alien with the right to file one motion to reopen, regardless of whether he is within or without the country. This is so because, in providing that "an alien may file," the statute does not distinguish between those aliens abroad and those within the country-both fall within the class denominated by the words "an alien." Because the statute sweeps broadly in this reference to "an alien," it need be no more specific to encompass

within its terms those aliens who are abroad. Thus, the Government's view that Congress was silent as to the ability of aliens outside the United States to file motions to reopen is foreclosed by the text of the statute. The statutory language does speak to the filing of motions to reopen by aliens outside the country; it does so because they are a subset of the group (i.e. "alien[s]") which it vests with the right to file these motions. Accordingly, the Government's view of § 1229a(c)(7)(A) simply does not comport with its text and cannot be accommodated absent a rewriting of its terms. This holding was deemed unpersuasive by the BIA in Matter of Armendarez, and was specifically rejected by the Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit (covering Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Kansas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico) in Rosillo-Puga v. Holder, 580 F.3d 1147 (10th Cir. 2009), but it is still binding for cases arising within the jurisdiction of the Fourth Circuit. The same argument could also be pursued in circuits that have not yet addressed the issue. (To be continued) * Cyrus D Mehta, may be contacted at 212-425-0555 or info@cyrusmehta.com

Tracking immigrant costs difficult, auditor says

Candidates say Feds have failed on immigration

JACKSON, Miss.: Legislators have been told it's difficult to calculate the economic impact of Mississippi's illegal immigrant population because few entities track the data. Sam Atkinson, who works at the state Auditor's Office, told the Senate Judiciary A Committee that some estimates are based federal reports, including those from the US Department of Homeland Security. Atkinson says the auditor's office is awaiting the latest Census statistics to update a 2006 report that said illegal immigrants cost the state $25 million in medical, educational and correctional services. The committee held hearings to examine a proposal similar the law passed in Arizona that lets law enforcement check the status of individuals suspected of being illegal immigrants. -AP

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.: Republican Roy Blunt and Democrat Robin Carnahan both contend the federal government is failing to adequately secure the nation's borders. But Missouri's leading U.S. Senate candidates disagree about whether states should start filling that gap. Blunt, a congressman from southwest Missouri, says he supports an Arizona law authorizing its police to check people's immigration status. Blunt also says he would support a federal law giving similar powers to local police nationwide. Carnahan, Missouri's secretary of state, says such a hypothetical federal law would impose an unnecessary burden on local police. -AP

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Horoscope

48 India Post

October 15, 2010

www.indiapost.com

Oct 8th - Oct14th

verseas trip will take final shape. You will be entertaining some important people at your place this week. Things will keep improving at work place. Boss will listen to your request but may not have any answer right away. Keep an eye on family members charging heavily on cards. Do not take any chance with changing weather.

ou will be investing big time in a project. Rewards will be huge and quick. You will have several other reasons to celebrate as most of your plans will go through. Do not feel disheartened if you don't get the property. You will be invited to a big social event. You may temporarily develop taste for hot and spicy food.

e polite with spouse or people you are involved with. Boss may surprise you with the news. Some of you will be going on an important trip this week. People will take undue advantage of your generosity if you are not careful. Check you have been waiting for will come in mail. You will sign an important contract this week.

ars will bring energy and confidence back. You will enforce your plans with full thrust. You will continue to enjoy the company of a new friend. You have very good chances of making money through stocks or even lottery this week. Boss will take serious notes and consider your proposal. You will also visit an old friend.

by Pandit Parashar

oney could go on buy ing some fine item for the home or even a car. There will be some interesting developments in career and soon you could be moving to next level. People self employed will get more business this week. Some good friends who were out of touch will call again. You will make big contribution towards charity.

ew courageous actions on your part will get the jobs done and will take you closer to big deals. You may be travelling to a warm area for business purpose. You may also need to sign few legal documents this week. You may make some changes or clean up your home properly. You will be on the move most of the time this week.

ou will feel relieved after paying off few debts. Next several months looks very good for all financial matters. You may at the same time dispose off money making stocks and pocket the profit. Changes you have been waiting for at work will start taking place and you will have a discussion with boss about new assignment.

eople creating distur bance will not bother you any more. You will be selected among number of others to do the job. Planets will bring confidence back and you will start working on a short vacation with children. Your search for like minded people who can help you with your plans will continue. Bank balance will keep growing.

n overseas trip is in the air. You will be making an important presentation this week and patiently wait for the reply.Financial juggling and cutting corners will help in long term. You will help spouse in clean up things piling dirt for long. Just do not take chance with weather and read all contracts twice.

torm will be over and things will calm down at work. You may be able to dispose off a property chewing your savings for long time and even get little money back. Money wise you will stay comfortable and make final payment on a big bill. Have little patience with spouse who will be more emotional this week.

t will be better to hold on to what you have in the bank and not to put it in any risky scheme. You will start keeping a tab on expenses made by other family members. Some of you will very impulsive and look for a change in career. An old friend will give some useful leads. Spouse will prepare some delicious food.

oney wise it looks like a very promising week. Entrance of Mars in house of luck will resolve many financial issues and you will be comfortable from now and on for next several months. Knowledge acquired recently will come handy. You will be invited to a big celebration or party. You will start eating more healthy food.

Relatives of militants should get passports: CPI-M SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir unit of CPI (M) has asked the state government to issue passports to the applicants who were not involved in subversive activities but were relatives of militants or separatist leaders. "Government should not punish its innocent citizens for the wrongs committed by their kin. It should honor the commitment of Chief Minister (Omar Abdullah) that relatives of militants and those not convicted by any court would get passports like normal citizens," CPI (M) State Secretary and MLA Kulgam M Y Tarigami said. Tarigami, who raised the issue in the state Assembly here, pointed out that while separatist leader Hashim Qureshi has been issued a passport his brother Mohammad Aslam has been denied the travel document for being Qureshi's relative. He said the people released from preventive detention and not convicted by any court of law should be allowed to lead normal life. "These people, if desire to travel

abroad for Haj, business or study purposes should be given passport without any hitch," he said adding it would serve most important internal Confidence Building Measure. He said many people have been denied passports on trivial and flimsy grounds including the reason of their relatives being militants and having been detained.

He said the people released from preventive detention and not convicted by any court of law should be allowed to lead normal life Tarigami also referred to the case of Ghulam Rasool Lone, a resident of Kulgam, who has been denied passport on the ground that he visited Pakistan in 1990. "Lone has performed Hajj and Umrah several times since 1990 but the CID came to know about his Pakistan visit only this year," he said. -PTI

Datebook

October 15, 2010

India Post

www.indiapost.com

NEW YORK

ILLINOIS

Upcoming

Sun Oct 17 • 10th Muslim matrimonial hosted by MillanUS.com Venue: Adria Hotel & Conference Center, 22033 Northern Blvd., Queens, Bayside, NY Time: 3pm Contact: 516-840-0396

Thurs Oct 21 • D'Arranged Marriage - Oct 21st Venue: Triad NYC, 158 West 72nd Street, 1st Floor, New York Time: 9pm Contact: 212-362-2590

Fri Oct 22

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Upcoming

• Hemant Chauhan - Dandiya Raas

Thurs Oct 14

Venue: Harper College, 1200 West Algonquin Road, Palatine, Illinois Time: 8pm Contact: 708-975-0076

• The Merchants of Bollywood Newark

Sun Oct 17 • Vachikam Presents Shabana Azmi In Broken Images Venue: North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie, Ill Time: 6:30pm Contact: 630-964-6061

Fri Oct 22

Sat Oct 30

• The 7th Annual International Sikh Film Festival

• Bharatam Dance Showcase 2010

Venue: 1410 Broadway, Suite 301, New York Time: 11am Contact: 203-300-1784

NEW JERSEY

Venue: Oswego East High School, 1525 Harvey Rd., Oswego, Illinois Time: 4pm to 7pm Contact: 630-922-3107

Venue: New Jersey Performing Arts Center Prudential Hall, One Center Street, Newark, New Jersey Time: 8pm Contact: 317-222-1325

Sat Oct 16 • Navratri Garba Oct 16 Venue: Navratri Celebration, Sayreville, New Jersey Contact: 732-656-7654

Sun Oct 17 • Dharam Ki Vastavikta Venue: Knights of Columbus Hall, 116 Grand St, Iselin, New Jersey Time: 10am to 11:30am Contact: 732-207-7592

WASHINGTON DC

Upcoming Sat Oct 16 • Dashera, Lord Shri Ramchandra's Vijay ot sava Celebration Venue: Hare Krishna Temple, 103110 Oaklyn Drive, Potomac, Maryland Time: 4pm Contact: 301-299-2100

Sat Oct 9 • New Frontiers in Leadership 2010 Venue: Durga Temple & Also Chinmaya Mission, 8400 Durga Place, Fairfax Station, Virginia Time: 3pm to 6pm Contact: 301-340-2983

Sat Oct 16 • Kailash Kher Live Venue: Chabot College, Hayward, California Time: 8:30pm to 11:30pm Contact: cultural@prabasi.org

Fri Oct 15 • Ohlone College Smith Center Presents! Piano Duo: McCray and Nagai Venue: Smith Center at Ohlone College, 43600 Mission Boulevard, Fremont Time: 8pm Contact: (510) 659-6031 Highlights: California pianist Mack McCray teams up with Japanese pianist Yoshikazu Nagai to combine their artistry on two pianos at the Smith Center at Ohlone College.

Every Sat (start from Sat Aug 8) • Gurukul Classes for Children Venue: Sindhu Center, South California Time: 2pm to 4pm Contact: 818-541-1754 & 909-576-1114 Highlights: Children between the ages of 5 and 18. Children will be taught the Fundamentals of Hinduism, Prayers, Shlokas, Bhajans and Values of our culture.

Sat Oct 16 • The Special Event Soiree' Venue: Agua Caliente' Casino Resort & Spa, 32-250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage, California Time: 4pm to 9pm Contact: 509-487-3040

Sat Oct 16

• Reverse Osmosis: An amazing night of vocal performances

• Be The Cause Present The 9th Annual Walk For Hope

Venue: Smith Center at Ohlone College, 43600 Mission Boulevard, Fremont Time: 8:00 pm Contact: (510) 659-6031

Venue: El Dorado Park - 7550 E. Spring Street, Long Beach, CA 90815 Time: 9am to 12pm Contact: www.bethecause.org

Sun Oct 17

• Diwali Expo 2010

• "The Seeds of Hope" Lecture by Dr. Vandana Shiva

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

Fri Oct 22 • Grand Diwali Celebration Venue: New Heritage Of India Restaurant, 167 South Main Street, Milpitas, CA 95035 Time: 7:30pm to 10:30pm Contact: 408-515-3905

Wed Oct 27 • Ravi Shankar & Anoushka Shankar Venue: 28th Annual San Francisco Jazz Festival, Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, California Time: 8:30pm Contact: 866-920-5299

Venue: 5000 Clark Avenue, Lakewood, CA Time: 6:30pm to 9:30 pm Contact: (310) 544-2667 Highlights: The Friends of Navdanya are hosting a special event, "The Seeds of Hope" where Dr. Vandana Shiva will be sharing her experiences and ideas on sustainable solutions for social and environmental justice in India.

Sun Oct 17 • Diwali Expo 2010 Venue: Hilton Hotel Fremont/ Newark, 39900, Balentine Dr Newark, CA, Newark, California Time: 11am to 5pm Contact: 510-894-3047

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India Post 51

Philosophy

India Post

October 15, 2010

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Page Sponsored by Sahanis DR ROBERT SVOBODA

(Based on views of Aghori Vimalanand) Ramayan is ram=atman (soul) + ayan =progress (journey) = Journey of the Soul There are several characters in this mythology and they symbolize, as under: Ram symbolizing Atma Shakti/ The Power of Soul; Bharat symbolizing Deh Shakti / The Power of Body; Lakshman symbolizing Manah Shakti / The Power of Will, Shatrughna symbolizing Karma Shakti / The Power of Action; Dashrath=10 Indriyas (Dash = Ten; Rath = Chariot...Mind is like a chariot with ten horses, which are our external & internal senses...eyes, nose, ears, tongue, skin, hands, legs, genitals, etc...i.e. 5 karmendriyas and 5 gyanendriyas, Kaushalya=Satva Guna, Kaikeyi=Tamo Guna, Sumitra=Rajo Guna. It is simple to understand that, Dashrath (the indriyas) under influence of Kaikeyi (tamo guna) disregards its duty towards Ram (the atma/soul) in order to offer undue favour towards Bharat (the body)...something that we all are doing 'all the time.' Poor Lord Rama has been sent in exile along with his wife Sita (who is the Kundalini Shakti) Also, he faces his worst plight when Sita Mata is abducted by Ravana (the ego). The Ego (Ravana) is supported by various FRIEDRICH WILHELM NIETZSCHE

ave you not heard of that madman who lit a lantern in the bright morning hours, ran to the market place, and cried incessantly: "I seek God! I seek God!"---As many of those who did not believe in God were standing around just then, he provoked much laughter. Has he got lost? asked one. Did he lose his way like a child? asked another. Or is he hiding? Is he afraid of us? Has he gone on a voyage? emigrated?---Thus they yelled and laughed The madman jumped into their midst and pierced them with his eyes. "Whither is God?" he cried; "I will tell you. We have killed him--you and I. All of us are his murderers. But how did we do this? How could we drink up the sea? “Who gave us the sponge to wipe away the entire horizon? What were we doing when we unchained this earth from its sun? Whither is it moving now? Whither are we moving? Away from all suns? Are we not plunging continually? Backward, sideward, forward, in all directions? Is there still any up or down? Are we not stray-

warriors who are extremely powerful. One among them is Ravana's son...Megh-nad (literally means, The Sound of Clouds). It's not difficult to understand that our ever agitating Mind is clouded with the commotion of "Thoughts"...which never ever allows us to seek rest into the deeper solitude of our Inner Self. Megh-nad (The Sound of Clouds/Thoughts) who is the son of Ravana (the Ego) is too powerful to overcome. But no one has ever been able

Shakti) and Lakshman (Concentrated Mind), Ram (Atma) defeats Ravan (Ego) in order to come in union with Sita (Kundalini Shakti). What a beautiful story! Isn't Ramayana after all, "Journey of the Soul"? Now for the other side. Ravan = The Upright "I" (Ego), Vibhishan= The Humble "I" (Surrender). Who is Kumbhakarna? Let us understand. Kumbhakarna sleeps for 6 months and is awake for 6

have same origin. Gunas (Symbolized by 3 Ranis of King Dasharath) are always malleable by nature. Kaikeyi (Tamo Guna) while in the company of Manthara (Vices) acts differently, however, when Manthara (Vices) has been driven out by Shatrughna, she repents for her past actions. Sugriva = Su means Good + Griva means Throat = A Throat that is energized/cleansed thru Yoga/Pranayam. Needless to say, Sugriva being the King of Vanaras

Clues on the esoteric meaning of Ramayan Ram symbolizing Atma Shakti/ The Power of Soul; Bharat symbolizing Deh Shakti / The Power of Body; Lakshman symbolizing Manah Shakti / The Power of Will, Shatrughna symbolizing Karma Shakti to stop the Power of the Soul (Ram). Ram seeks help from Lakshman (Laksh means Goal; Man means Mind...Focused or Concentrated Mind) & Hanuman (who is son of the wind god). It's through the Wind that Life Force (Pran Shakti) flows within us. The whole Monkey Army is nothing but, forces of the Life Force transmitting Air (Pran Vayu). Thus, with the help from Hanuman (Pran ing, as through an infinite nothing? “Do we not feel the breath of empty space? Has it not become colder? Is not night continually closing in on us? Do we not need to light lanterns in the morning? Do we hear nothing as yet of the noise of the gravediggers who are burying God? Do we smell noth-

months. 50% ignorant + 50% wise. It is the "I" of a commoner, like you and me. Wise enough to advise Ravana to withdraw from fighting with Lord Rama, yet ignorant enough to join the fight, lacking Vibhishan's wisdom of Surrendering at Lord's feet 'at any cost'. Here are three new characters: Manthara = Vices. Manthara accompanies Kaikeyi (Tamo Guna) from her paternal home, i.e., both “What festivals of atonement, what sacred games shall we have to invent? Is not the greatness of this deed too great for us? Must we ourselves not become gods simply to appear worthy of it? There has never been a greater deed; and whoever is born after us---for the sake of this deed he will belong to a higher his-

supplies Hanuman (Pran) as well as the whole Vanar Sena (Pran Vayu) to assist Ram (The Atma) in his endeavors to free Sita (The Kundalini Shakti) from Ravan (The Ego). A sincere practitioner of Pranayam and Meditation can experience and comprehend this phenomenon in a relatively short span of time. The festival of Dussehra will be celebrated on Oct 17 Lightning and thunder require time; the light of the stars requires time; deeds, though done, still require time to be seen and heard. This deed is still more distant from them than most distant stars---and yet they have done it themselves. It has been related further that on the same day the madman forced

Parable of Madman who said 'God is dead' Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche

ing as yet of the divine decomposition? Gods, too, decompose. God is dead. God remains dead. And we have killed him. "How shall we comfort ourselves, the murderers of all murderers? What was holiest and mightiest of all that the world has yet owned has bled to death under our knives: who will wipe this blood off us? What water is there for us to clean ourselves?

Led out and called to account, he is said always to have replied nothing but: "What after all are these churches now if they are not the tombs and sepulchers of God?" tory than all history hitherto." Here the madman fell silent and looked again at his listeners; and they, too, were silent and stared at him in astonishment. At last he threw his lantern on the ground, and it broke into pieces and went out. "I have come too early," he said then; "my time is not yet. “This tremendous event is still on its way, still wandering; it has not yet reached the ears of men.

his way into several churches and there struck up his requiem aeternam deo. Led out and called to account, he is said always to have replied nothing but: "What after all are these churches now if they are not the tombs and sepulchers of God?" Excerpted from The Gay Science (1882) The 166th birth anniversary of Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche will be observed on Oct. 15

All that we are is the result of what we have thought. If a man speaks or acts with an evil thought, pain follows him. If a man speaks or acts with a pure thought, happiness follows him, like a shadow that never leaves him. -Buddha A man is relieved and gay when he has put his heart into his work and done his best; but what he has said or done otherwise shall give him no peace. -Ralph Waldo Emerson A morning-glory at my window satisfies me more than the metaphysics of books. -Walt Whitman Effective action is always unjust. -Maya Angelou Behavior is what a man does, not what he thinks, feels, or believes. -Emily Dickinson I find hope in the darkest of days, and focus in the brightest. I do not judge the universe. -Dalai Lama A 'No' uttered from the deepest conviction is better than a 'Yes' merely uttered to please, or worse, to avoid trouble. -Mohandas Gandhi

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Iran emerging new regional player in Afghanistan SIDDHARTH RAMANA

S President Obama's declaration on Afghanistan that "We are going to stay there until the job is done," does little to reassure regional allies that American interests in the region can be promoted. Conversely, the proposed troop withdrawal in 2011 would embolden a new regional power - possibly a nuclear-armed Iran. Iran was engaged in supporting (with Russia and India) the Northern Alliance, a group that displaced the Taliban. Iran's role in the region has been conflicting, including the initial support to the American plans in Afghanistan post 9/11. Initial cooperation however unfortunately soon unraveled. Invading armies have never

against Indian companies that conduct business activities in the US, forced them to abandon projects in Iran. However, India continues to evince interest in the IPI project. Iran has allegedly played a deceitful role in Afghanistan to push forward its energy and hegemonic interests. For example, it is reported that despite being publicly allied against the Taliban, senior Taliban official Khirullah Said Wali Khairkhwa met Iranian officials in November 2001, gaining assurances of support against the US invasion of Afghanistan. Weapons seizures and testimonies of captured fighters too have collaborated allegations that Tehran is fuelling the insurgency in Afghanistan. In July 2010, additional documents indicated how Iran supp o r t s Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, a noted terrorist leader in South Asia. Iran's reAfghan President Hamid Karzai, right, with Iranian President gional inMahmoud Ahmadinejad in Kabul terest in Afsuccessfully conquered Afghani- ghanistan has resulted in a masstan, which has become notorious sive influx of investment and aid for its reputation as the 'graveyard to the country in order to of empires'. However, regional strengthen its presence in the players have managed to take country. It has taken significant dominant influencing positions on measures to infiltrate itself into the the governments in the country. political leadership of the country From the time of Soviet influence over the country, to the more Despite being pubrecent Pakistan-Saudi combine in the form of the Taliban, Afghanilicly allied against the stan is presently stretched beTaliban, senior tween the interests of its neighTaliban official bors and the United States. Khirullah Said Wali Afghanistan's strategic importance lies in its transit point for Khairkhwa met Iraenergy rich states in Central Asia. nian officials in NoFor example, the trans-Afghan Oil vember 2001, gaining pipeline by American company Unocol proposed to transport oil assurances of support from Azerbaijan and Central Asia against the US invathrough Afghanistan to Pakistan sion of Afghanistan or India. Iran seeks to rival this and the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India pipeline as well, including through (TAPI), with its own pipeline Afghanistan's Vice President through Pakistan and India and Karim Khalili, a Shia Muslim, who possibly China (IPI-C). is known to be close to Iran. ProvIranian energy resources gar- inces neighboring Iran such as nering regional support against Herat too have senior government the United States is a cause of officials who are known to be symconcern for Washington, which pathetic to Iran. has attempted to utilize its influTehran's clout over the internal ence in Afghanistan to push for- stability of Afghanistan can also ward alternatives to the Iranian gas, be gauged from the potential huwith limited success. For example, manitarian catastrophe, which was invoking the Libya Sanctions Act averted when Iran did not expel

Afghan refugees back as it had threatened in 2007. It is believed that it took the personal intervention of Afghan President Hamid Karzai to soothe matters with Iran's Mahmoud Ahmedinijad, which resolved the matter. Ahmedinijad has taken advantage of this sway even using the opportunity to embarrass Karzai in an official joint press brief in Kabul by questioning American presence in the country. Scholars have described Iran's policy in Afghanistan as "managed chaos". The ploy is to tie down the American military in the state with an insurgency that is supported by both Iran and Pakistan, and ensuring that when the Americans leave, the country is left under the greater influence of Iran. While Pakistan is not collaborating with Iran on Afghanistan, its own end goal wants to see the end of the American presence and the restoration of the Taliban. This is where Iran's resourcefulness comes into play. Over the years, Iran and Pakistan have been mending troubled relations, including to the degree of Pakistan prioritizing Iranian aid over Indian aid, and consistently advocating for an energy relationship with Iran. Iran has made significant security inroads into Pakistan, including securing cooperation from its intelligence agency to capture wanted Sunni militant leader Abdolmalek Rigi and also reportedly launching a cross-border operation to rescue a kidnapped Iranian diplomat. These can be seen as indications that Pakistan may acquiesce to an Iranian influence in the region. Iranian attempts to bolster proxies have met with considerable success in the Middle East, with Lebanon, Syria and the Gaza Strip under Tehran's stewardship. Alliances with groups such as Hamas have shown tenacity in overcoming ideological rivalries relating to the Shiite-Sunni dispute. Such an alliance with the Taliban cannot be deemed as farfetched. For the Taliban and allied extremist groups, cooperation with Iran under a nuclear umbrella would be the boon they would be greatly seeking. Fears of the Shiite ascendancy reaching South Asian shores cannot be ignored, and with Iran's rise in Afghanistan, the clock may well be turning back with a new regional player at the helm of Afghanistan. The writer is Research Officer, IPCS

India Post Ayodhya Park

he Allahabad High Court has divided the disputed site in Ayodhya into three parts giving one third each to the claimants - Hindus, Muslims and the Nirmohi Akhara. The verdict has soothed tempers although some Muslim leaders and ultra-secularists have expressed dismay at the allegedly faith-based judgment which seems to go in favor of Hindus' claim that Babri Masjid was built on the ruins of a temple. It is certain the rival claimants will go to the Supreme Court but the issue no longer excites the imagination of Indians. The Central government also did well in making extraordinary security arrangements all over the country and peace was secured. It was claimed in the media that the country has moved on and the youth of the country, whether Hindu or Muslim, is more interested in jobs and development than in a temple or mosque. Indeed India is not in need of more temples and mosques. There are enough already. The politicians have also discovered it is an issue they can no longer exploit. And no one favors taking to the streets and shedding of blood. What has drawn admiration, and heightened expectations, is the transformation of Delhi into a modern city with world-class facilities. Although tainted by corruption and delays, the infrastructure prepared for the Commonwealth Games is going to make life much easier for the citizens of Delhi and that of visitors. The new giant international airport with ultra-modern facilities has drawn appreciation from even experts. The marvel of easy, quick, cheap and long-distance travel provided by the Metro is transforming lives. And the people are maintaining discipline, following rules. The flyovers too are making a difference. An Indian any day would trade such development for a temple or mosque. What has worked is providing people a better, development alternative. If a child is up to mischief, his attention can be diverted by giving a him a better toy or engaging him in some useful activity. The attention of people can also be diverted by engaging them in useful activity or providing them a better alternative. Like everywhere else in the country, people of Ayodhya would not mind having world class facilities at their door. How about giving large tracts of land for development to the Ambanis or Tatas across the Saryu (river in Ayodhya). They could build a huge amusement park with emphasis on cleanliness. Admission would be free but there would be fines for littering, defacing or spitting etc. A large number of clean modern toilets would be provided which would also be free, but there would be fines for leaving them dirty. Local youths would be trained and posted as cleanliness inspectors. Alongside could be constructed a modern hospital and a school. Even if a temple and a mosque come up side by side at the disputed site, the amusement park and other developments would be a rival attraction. It would be instructive to see what draws more people. And even if people visit both, it would be a boon for the city of Ayodhya. In the biography of Swami Rama of the Himalayas, At The Eleventh Hour by Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, it is described how the Swami was very keen on setting up a great ashram for Vedantic studies in India. Somehow he could not succeed. He took the idea to Nepal and succeeded in setting up a great ashram. Then a murder took place in the Ashram. It disturbed the Swami very much. He went into deep meditation and totally wound up the ashram. He came back to India and set up a hospital, medical institute and rural development initiatives near Rishikesh which are flourishing today. Is there a message here?

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56 India Post

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October 15, 2010