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

Nisha Desai Biswal

Senate confirms Nisha as Asst Secy of State Details on page 8

US: Not an 'iota of change' on Kashmir policy

VOL 19, No. 997

October 25, 2013

50¢

Periodical Postage

SHOCK OVER SINHA MURDER JUDGMENT Killers let off lightly

SUDHIR VYAS

OLD BRIDGE, NY: It was not surprising that members of the Indian community across Tri state area reacted the way they did on the sentencing of the culprits in Divyendu Sinha Murder case. Here are the observations: • A miscarriage of justice • Shameful sentencing. Take a life, get life. They'd be treated like rock stars in prison. Not long after we forget this tragedy

Indians entry to US being made easier Details on page 7

their names will be in the news again...wait for it.

• Is this is justice for a bunch of murdering savages seven months in jail? Shows where our country is and more to come. Human life means nothing, no wonder they kill each other so frequently.

• Simple assault, a fourth-degree crime, carries a presumption of non-incarceration.

• No faith in such biased jury system.

Daler Mehndi rocks Bay Area with hit numbers Details on page 29

Details on page 22

Details on page 8

US firm says arrest of crew ‘inappropriate’ Details on page 10 See pages 32-45

Use 'common sense', Dalai tells China

CONTENTS Bollywood -------------------------- 46 Classifieds ------------------------- 59

Details on page 11

Community Post -------------- 22-31 Date Book -------------------------- 60

INDIA POST SURVEY

Edit Page --------------------------- 66 HealthScience Post --------- 62-64

survey@indiapost.com

Horoscope ------------------------- 55

This week’s question

Immigration Post ------------- 56-58

Are courts biased against non-whites?

Life Style ----------------------- 12-13

Last week’s result

Is Naveen Patnaik better option than Modi?

YES 32%

NO 68%

Philosophy ------------------------- 65 Publisher’s Diary ------------------ 4

WARMTH & GOODWILL: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Russian President Vladimir Putin shake hands at a meeting in Moscow on October 21. (Details on page 6)

Real Estate ------------------------ 18 TechBiz Post ------------------- 19-21 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 49-51

Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”

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Publisher’s Diary E

lection fever is gripping Indian Americans. No, it's not the year for a Presidential election, nor are any major state level elections scheduled this year anywhere in the US. It's about elections in India.

Since the 2009 general election cycle in India, it has become a given among Indian Americans and in fact, NRIs across the world to actively and aggressively participate in the campaigning for candidates of the major political parties in various Indian states.

It's not just the general elections but also state elections. And no, it is not just about writing out checks, but actual physical campaigning.

So, this time around, I think the most prominent of NRI volunteer contingent will be for Narendra Modi, the Chief Minister of Gujarat and the Bharatiya Janata Party's prime ministerial candidate in the upcoming general elections.

They are calling it the "Cheer Duty for Campaign NAMO". By now of course, you must be familiar with what NAMO is. It's the sloganized acronym for Narendra Modi; and the "cheer duty" is about the tens of thousands of NAMO supporters from all over India and abroad who are volunteering towards his election campaign in cash, kind and actual leg work.

The prized chunk of these cheer leaders are the scores of Indian Americans and NRIs in various other countries, who are apparently flying down to India and camping out there to be part of the NAMO campaign.

Modi himself has been "virtually campaigning" in the United States over the past year and more, addressing various Gujarati meets across the country. He has an assured population of supporters not just among the Gujarati-American community, but among other Indian American communities also.

Now Modi is not the only candidate who has NRIs rooting for him. The Congress Party (UPA) and even Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party has a dedicated contingent of followers who will be campaigning for their respective candidates in India.

Apart from the cliché that you can take Indians out of India but not India out of Indians, I can think of only one thing - it's an interconnected world today, and in that, India matters.

Romesh K Japra

rkjapra@indiapost.com

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HIGHLIGHTS Bollywood: Keep off Aamir always gives his inputs but the makers of YRF's Dhoom 3 are keeping him miles away to close the work quickly.

Cover Story: Kudankulam project Manmohan Singh and Russian President Vladimir Putin have directed officials to resolve the Kudankulam project issues

Community: Shocking verdict The light sentences given to the culprits in Divyendu Sinha Murder case in New Jersey have shocked the community

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Immigration: Get out messages A row has developed over Britain sending messages to 60,000 illegal immigrants warning them to leave the country

Life Style: High-tech film Kochadaiiyaan - The Legend starring Rajinikanth transcends the technological capabilities of Hollywood masterpieces

Techbiz: Taste Graph An Indian-Singapore start-up is set to launch a "Taste Graph" data that could revolutionize trade-consumer ties

Travel: Imphal Imphal looks almost like a painting clouds hanging low over long stretches of lush green fields and numerous hills

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PM, Putin agree to resolve Kudankulam N-plant issues MOSCOW: Committing to push cooperation in the nuclear field, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Russian President Vladimir Putin have directed officials to resolve at the earliest outstanding issues on liability that have stalled work on Unit-III and IV of the Kudankulam project.

Singh and Putin, who held wide-ranging talks, observed that defense cooperation is a crucial element in the strategic partnership and decided to enhance cooperation in the fields of rocket, missile, naval technologies and weapon systems.

The two leaders, at their 14th annual Summit meeting, also discussed cooperation in the field of terrorism and looked at ways to enhance trade and investment among other subjects.

Singh later said the discussions were characterized by the warmth, goodwill and trust that permeate all aspects of the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.

"I conveyed to President Putin our commitment to fully imple-

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Russian President Vladimir Putin at a delegation level meeting in Moscow on October 21

He did not specify the outstanding issues but was clearly referring to the liability matters.

Russia's concerns over the operator responsibility in the Liability Act of India have stalled work on Unit-III and IV of the Kudankulam

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh meeting the Indian Business CEOs, on the sidelines of the 14th Annual India Russia Summit, in Moscow on October 21

ment the road map on civil nuclear cooperation that was signed during his visit to India in 2010," he said.

Singh described Kudankulam nuclear power project in Tamil Nadu as an important symbol of the strategic partnership and said he looked forward to commercial power production from Unit-I very shortly, and the completion of work on Unit-II next year.

"We have directed our officials to resolve all outstanding issues at the earliest," the Prime Minister said.

LIABILITY MATTERS

project.

The sides also agreed to expeditiously finalize the General Framework Agreement and the Techno-Commercial Offer for Units - 3 & 4 of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant.

A joint statement 'Deepening the Strategic Partnership for Global Peace and Stability' issued after the talks said the two sides noted with satisfaction the progress in regard to the commissioning of Unit-I of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant and agreed to take necessary steps to expedite the completion of Unit-II. The two sides reaffirmed their

commitment to the Agreement on cooperation in the construction of additional nuclear power plant units at Kudankulam site as well as in the construction of Russiandesigned nuclear power plants at new sites in India as concluded on December 5, 2008.

They also affirmed their commitment to the Agreement on Cooperation in the use of Atomic Energy for Peaceful Purposes and the Road Map for the Serial Construction of the Russian designed Nuclear Power Plants in India, concluded on March 12, 2010.

"President Putin and I agreed that our strategic partnership remains a matter of the highest priority for our two nations, based on our shared belief in the enduring value of this relationship, both for our mutual benefit and as a factor for global peace and stability," Singh said.

An agreement was signed on 'Program of Cooperation in the Field of Biotechnology' that aims to deepen bilateral cooperation in the field of biotechnology through implementation of joint programs and projects/exchanges etc.

An MoU was also signed between India's Bureau of Energy Efficiency and Federal State Budget Organization "Russian Energy Agency" (FSBO-REA) of the Russian Ministry of Energy in the field of energy efficiency.

An MoU was also signed in the field of Standardization and con-

tion with the aim of exchanging necessary information and expertise.

TERRORISM The two sides agreed that terrorism poses threat to Afghanistan and jeopardizes peace in South Asia and in the whole world and stressed the necessity of joint and coordinated efforts to defeat the menace in all its forms and manifestations, including elimination of terrorist safe havens and cutting off financial support to terrorism.

They emphasized on coopera-

FIVE AGREEMENTS The two sides also signed five agreements to enhance their strategic ties.

Under the 'Transfer of Sentenced Persons' agreement, Russia and India agreed to facilitate the process of social rehabilitation of sentenced persons of the other country by providing the opportunity to serve their sentences in their country of nationality, under certain conditions.

A pact was also signed on 'Program of Cooperation in the Fields of Science, Technology and Innovation' between India's Department of Science and Technology and Russian Ministry of Education and Science for the period 2014-17.

Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh exchanging the document with Russian Minister of Justice Alexander Konovalov after signing of a treaty on transfer of sentenced persons as Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Russian President Vladimir Putin look on

formity Assessment between Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and Federal Agency on Technical Regulation and Metrology (GOSTR).

The objective of this MoU is to facilitate closer technical cooperation in the field of standardiza-

tion between the states of the region, especially taking into account the expected drawdown of international forces in Afghanistan in 2014, in order to combat terrorism.

Cont’d on page 7

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'Global Entry program to revolutionize India-US travel' WASHINGTON: The decision of the Obama Administration to offer India membership to 'Global Entry' Trusted Traveler Network Program will revolutionize the travel and commerce between the two largest democracies of the world, a top American business body has said.

The offer in this regard was made by the US in the last month's visit of the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, during which he had met US President Barack Obama.

The offer was welcomed by India, which was also reflected in the joint statement issued thereafter.

"India welcomed the US offer

of membership in the US 'Global Entry' Trusted Traveler Network Program to facilitate expedited entry of Indian travelers to the US," said the joint statement.

"Twenty years ago, even 10

Global Entry is all about trust and the ability of nations to work together for pre-approving frequent travelers who can enhance culture, commerce, and global standing

years ago, such a program could not have been imagined," Somers told PTI, adding that Global Entry is all about trust and the ability of nations to work together for preapproving frequent travelers who can enhance culture, commerce, and global standing.

"With more than 3 million Americans of Indian origin, and with two-way trade now surpassing 100 billion, it makes perfect sense for the US and India to make it easier for our businessmen, families, artists, sportspersons, journalists, and students and academics to travel back and forth with ease to one another's countries," he said.

Cont’d on page 9

ONGC for Arctic exploration with Russians MOSCOW: Indian Public sector enterprise Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) is interested in exploration in the Arctic offshore region even as the possibility of pumping Russian hydrocarbons by pipeline to India is considered by both nations.

A joint statement, issued after Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in the Kremlin, said ONGC Videsh Ltd, the

overseas arm of the state explorer, "expressed interest in participating along with Russian companies in exploration for hydrocarbons in the Arctic region."

OVL already has a 20 per cent interest in the Sakhalin-1 oil and gas project in Far East Russia and owns Tomsk-based Imperial Energy.-PTI "Both sides also agreed to explore the possibilities of direct transportation of hydrocarbons

from Russia to India through the land route. The sides agreed to set up a Joint Study Group in this regard," the statement said.

Also, the two sides agreed on the significance of supplying Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) to India.

Russia's Gazprom has in recent months signed deals with Indian firms to supply LNG by ship.-PTI

PM, Putin agree to resolve Kudankulam N-plant issues Cont’d from page 6

"Terrorism, extremism and drug trafficking emanating from this area endanger security and stability in our region and beyond.

We have agreed to intensify our coordination and cooperation for promoting security and development in the region," Singh said.

"We also emphasized our shared interest in a peaceful and stable transition in Afghanistan next year," he added.

The two sides reaffirmed the UN's central role in combating international terrorism, and expressed their intention to make an active contribution to counter terrorism under the auspices of the UN. They also called for a speedy conclusion of the negotiations on the draft UN Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.

The sides also agreed to continue to address these issues in the format of the bilateral Joint

Working Group on Countering International Terrorism.

FREE TRADE AGREEMENT India agreed to initiate an exercise for a free trade agreement be-

The two countries pitched for implementation of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) quota reforms latest

by January to give more representation to the emerging economies tween New Delhi and the customs union of Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia to enhance economic ties.

"The sides agreed to work towards the creation of a Joint Study Group for studying the possibility of signing a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) between India and the Customs Union of Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia," a joint statement said.

IMF REFORM The two countries pitched for implementation of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) quota reforms latest by January to give more representation to the emerging economies in the multilateral institution.

The statement said, "Russia and India stressed the necessity to create a more representative and legitimate international financial architecture. They agreed that the primary task in this connection was to complete the Fifteenth General Review of IMF Quotas not later than in January 2014."

Ties should adapt to changing times: PM MOSCOW: In a clear attempt the intensity of our relationship to allay Russia's apprehensions, will remain undiminished, it must Prime Minister Manmohan Singh also adapt itself to the changing said here it will remain an "indis- times so that we can address the pensable" partner for India's de- full range of current opportunifense needs even as he under- ties and challenges. I am also sure lined that the bilateral ties should that, as in the past, we shall face adapt to changing times to ad- these challenges together." dress challenges.

At the bilateral level, the Prime Singh hailed the India-Russia Minister said, "While Russia will relations, saying it is marked by "abiding comfort with each other" and the warmth and goodwill between the people ensure that the strategic partnership will continue to grow in strength and relevance in the changing world.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh addressing after being He highlighted various conferred the Honorary Doctorate of the Moscow State Institute of International Relations by the Acting Rector, elements of partVictor Kirillov, in Moscow, Russia on October 21 nership covering the fields of nuclear energy, remain an indispensable partner defense, hydrocarbons and trade for our defense needs, our future besides cooperation in interna- defense partnership must be intional matters to portray the prom- creasingly based on technology ising future for the relationship. transfer, joint ventures and co"Even this brief overview of development and co-production." the fruits of our cooperation The statement assumes sigshould be enough to justify fully nificance as India has lately been the description of our relation- looking at new vendors like the ship as a special and privileged US and Israel for its military hardstrategic partnership," Singh ware, creating apprehensions in said in his address at the Mos- Russia which has been longcow State Institute of Interna- standing major supplier of the tional Relations. defense equipment.

Noting that observers may "We also see Russia as a key well ask how this relationship partner for our energy security. could be taken to greater We have an ambitious long-term heights," he said, "I am con- plan of cooperation in nuclear vinced that while the strength and energy. -PTI

Concern over uses of ICT against UN Charter MOSCOW: In an apparent reference to the US National Security Agency's worldwide mass surveillance operations, India and Russia have expressed concern at the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) for purposes that are "inconsistent with the UN Charter".

The two countries stressed the need to abide by the principle of non-interference in internal affairs and to respect internet-related human rights, including the right to privacy, in accordance with domestic laws.

"The sides expressed concern

at the growing threat of the use of information and communication technologies for criminal and terrorist purposes, as well as for purposes that are inconsistent with the UN Charter," said a joint statement issued after a summit meeting between President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Though the statement did not specifically refer to the NSA's controversial mass surveillance of phone calls, emails and text messages, both India and Russia were targeted by the US spy agency.

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Senate confirms Nisha Desai as Asst Secretary of State WASHINGTON: The US Senate has confirmed Indian-American woman administrator Nisha Desai Biswal as the assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asia, making her the first person from the community to hold the top diplomatic position.

Biswal, who is currently the assistant administrator for Asia at the US Agency for International Development (USAID), will replace incumbent Robert Blake to head the key bureau in the state department.

President Barack Obama had nominated

her for this top position on July 18.

The Senate foreign relations committee had held her confirmation hearing last month, during which she received bipartisan support and was praised by lawmakers from both the parties.

"I consider you another compelling argument for comprehensive immigration reform," said Senator John McCain of the Republican Party.

"Despite your misguided political affiliation, I would like to say that you're a great example to all of us of people who come to this country. I know you were very young ... and the opportunities that this country provides," McCain said in praise of Biswal, who is from the Democratic Party.

McCain who lost out to Obama in the 2008 presidential elections rarely praises someone from the Democratic Party.

From 2005 to 2010, she was the majority clerk for the state department and foreign operations subcommittee on the Committee on appropriations in the US House of Representatives. From 2002 to 2005, she served as the Policy and advocacy director at interaction.

Previously, she served on the professional staff of the US House of Representatives international relations committee from 1999 to 2002.

Daughter of first generation Indian Americans, Biswal draws her inspiration from her parents' story of journey far from rural India to pursue the American Dream and a better life for their children, which she told lawmakers during the confirmation hearing of her current position on July 21, 2010.-PTI

Not an 'iota of change' on Kashmir policy: US WASHINGTON: The US has said there has not been an "iota of change" in its policy on Kashmir, which remains a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan, as it dismissed Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's efforts to seek American intervention to settle the dispute.

"On Kashmir, our policy has not changed an iota," a senior Obama Administration official told reporters during a news conference as Sharif arrived on an official visit to the US, the first by a Pakistani premier in over five years.

Sharif, on a four-day official visit to the US, had sought American intervention in resolving the Kashmir issue.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, the senior official reiterated the Obama Administration's stated position that it is up to India and Pakistan to determine the "pace, scope and character of their dialogue on Kashmir".

Senior US officials, however, expressed concern at terrorism emanating from inside Pakistan and the impact this could have on peace talks with India that began after Sharif was voted to power in May.-PTI

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NRI couple arrested on black magic charges KENDRAPARA, Odisha: An NRI couple has been arrested in Saudi Arabia on charges of practicing black magic, official sources said here today.

Seikh Nizam and Noor Jehan, originally from Odisha's Kendrapara township, had shifted to Turba city of Saudi Arabia few years ago where they claimed to be a healer and mystic.

The couple was arrested last month after authorities reportedly found a variety of occult items in their possession, including herbs, Consulate General office of India office in Jeddah said.

Raj Kumar, the community welfare officer of the consulate in Jeddah told PTI over phone, "The couple had allegedly resorted to black magic and a complaint in this regard had been lodged by their Saudi employer Mohammad Safi in Turba town near Jeddah".

He said they are lodged in a jail and are facing trial as per Saudi law. If found guilty, they may have undergo minimum of two years of rigorous imprisonment.

'Global Entry program to revolutionize India-US travel' Cont’d from page 7

One of the most popular programs in recent history, Global Entry membership allows approved travelers to breeze across the globe, using a 'quick pass kiosk' at airports to avoid long lines at Customs and Immigration.

The US Customs and Border Protection Agency is making agreements to allow their citizens to take part in the program, most recently with countries like Britain, Netherlands, Germany, South Korea, Qatar, and now India.

USIBC has retained the services of a Washington-based law firm Steptoe and Johnson to work with US agencies and the Indian government to add India to the list of trusted traveler countries, the council said in a media release.

Under the program, expedited passport control and customs clearance speeds the processing of pre-approved, low risk international travelers entering the US and partner countries.

Its participants scan their machine-readable passport on the kiosk, place their fingertips on the scanner for fingerprint verification and make a customs declaration.

The kiosk will then issue the traveler a transaction receipt and direct the traveler to baggage claim and exit.

Such kiosks are located at major US airports and now some international airports.

So far, travelers eligible for enrolment in Global Entry include citizens and residents of the US, citizens of Mexico who hold a US visa, of Netherlands who are enrolled in Privium, citizens of South Korea who are enrolled in Smart Entry Service, and Members of Nexus and SENTRI. The program enhances security and reduces wait times for individual travelers by 70 per cent. -PTI

After the couple was arrested, their six children were left alone in their rented house and had to undergo harrowing ordeal in the alien country for three weeks.

They were flown back to their hometown in Odisha by the Indian Consulate after some expatriates raised the issue.

The children, eldest hardly 12-year-old and youngest hardly of 18 months, are now staying in their paternal uncle's house here.

"Some locals had taken care of the children and had informed us regarding their plight. The consulate office then shifted them to safety. They were flown back to

Delhi at consulate office cost.

Flight tickets were also booked for them from Delhi to Bhubaneswar. Competent authorities in India were informed of the children return journey to ensure their safe return to their home as they had no elders to accompany," Kumar added.

Abdul Rehman, eldest son of the couple said, "I know nothing of the crime committed by my father and mother. They are innocent. They have been arrested on false charges. I am shocked. I am feeling absence of dear parents. The Saudi police had badly beaten up my parents. I had met them in jail.

I saw injury-induced scars on their bodies. Seeing me, they cried like a child. I feel I am orphaned".

"My neighbors were caring and helping. They gave us food and treated with love. They cared for us as my parents were in jail. Only because they informed the consulate office, we could come back to Kendrapara," he recounted with tears welling up in his eyes.

"We are now staying in paternal uncle Seikh Fayaz's house. I appeal to the government to intervene so that my parents are freed," he said. -PTI

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Indian action to arrest crew Remaining two crew of US ship arrested inappropriate: Advanfort WASHINGTON: A US-based firm that owns the ship that has been detained off the coast of Tamil Nadu has termed the action as "inappropriate" and said it is working diplomatically and through the judicial system to prove the innocence of 35 detained crew members and get them released.

"Our vessel Seaman Guard OHIO has been detained in Tuticorin and 35 of our crew and guards are being held. We believe the entire issue is inappropriate, because we were asked to come into Indian territorial waters by the Indian Coast Guard, while we were outside the Indian territorial waters where we were operating, William H Watson, president of AdvanFort, told PTI. Wa s h i n g t o n - b a s e d AdvanFort International is the firm that owns the ship - Seaman Guard Ohio - which has been detained by authorities off the coast of Tamil Nadu for carrying heavy weapons and ammunition on board without clearance.

"So we are taking counsel. We are working diplomatically and through the judicial system to get these people released," Watson said.

"It (actions by Indian authorities) is inappropriate. The entire

mission of our vessel is to safeguard commercial ship from piracy," he said adding that many of these people are themselves Indians.

"That's what we do. We protect the Indian seafarers," he

William H Watson, president of AdvanFort

noted.

AdvanFort, he said, would represent its case before the Indian court.

"We would proclaim their innocence and try and arrange bail for them so that we can get them out pending the resolution of the inquiry. We are working both within the judicial system and the diplomatic channels to resolve this

matter," he said in response to a question.

The company, Watson said, has taken up the matter with the governments of the US, Britain, Estonia and Ukraine.

"Normally when we intend to call Indian port, we offload our guard and any arms that we have, before we enter the Indian Territory.

"In this particular case, we were asked to come into the port. So that's why the arms and guards were still on board," he said, adding that the Indian authorities have issued them certificates which say that they are pleased and satisfied by the documentation they have found concerning the weapons and ammunition onboard, as well as that having to do with personal protection equipment.

"I am very surprised with the actions of the Indian Coast Guard, Navy and Government, because it does not make any sense to me. Everyone on board the vessel is a decorated military veteran, who are serving now as a counter piracy guard. They are all closely vetted. They go through intensive background checks. These are not criminals.

These are brave men," Watson said. -PTI

Indian in HK fails to find burial site for wife HONG KONG: Six months after the death of his wife, an Indian-origin man in Hong Kong is unable to find a final resting place to bury her ashes, a media report said.

51-year-old Nirmala, wife of Indian-origin man Mariasusai Andrews, died in April this year after suffering from cancer.

After six months, Andrews said her urn of ashes still sits in a funeral home as he is unable to find a resting place, the South China Morning Post reported.

The family has been living in Hong Kong, a part of China, for the last 30 years.

Their ethnicity limits their burial options and as being Christian, they are not allowed to use the Hindu cemetery where many Indians are buried, the report said.

Andrews also approached the Chinese Permanent Cemeteries in Hong Kong, but was turned down. "[The situation] is making it hard

to settle and to move on. It seemed like they were not very earnest.

They are not genuine and they are

government-run cemeteries in June.

Andrews never expected to

Mariasusai Andrews

not respecting [us]," he said.

Andrews failed to secure a spot in the lucky draw allocation of

encounter such discrimination and he said the whole experience had been humiliating.-PTI

TUTICORIN, TN: A day after taking into custody 33 crew members of a US firm-owned ship, detained here for allegedly carrying arms in Indian waters illegally, Tamil Nadu police have arrested the remaining two persons who were left to take care of the vessel's maintenance.

Police also detained three locals, who were suspected to have illegally sold diesel to the ship 'M V Seaman Guard Ohio', owned by a private firm in US, police said.

High drama preceded the arrest of the two as ship's Chief Engineer Sedo, a Korean, allegedly attempted to commit suicide by hanging himself from the flag mast but alert port security personnel, including Central Industrial Security Force, foiled it and rushed him to the port hospital, police said.

After doctors at the hospital declared him normal, he was arrested, police said adding they also took into custody three local persons for allegedly selling 1500 liters of diesel to the ship, detained by Coast Guard on October 12.

Thirty-three crew members of ship were arrested earlier on

charges of illegally carrying arms and ammunition and straying into Indian territorial waters without permission and remanded to 14 days judicial custody by a court here. They are facing charges under the Arms Act and Essential Commodities Act.-PTI

India a critically key Asia-Pacific player: US WASHINGTON: Describing India as a critical important player in the Asia-Pacific region and a "highly capable" partner, a top Pentagon commander has said that Washington is looking to increase the opportunities of its military co-operation with New Delhi.

"India is a critically important player in the region, in every direction from India's geography west into Pakistan, North in the Central Asia, East and South it is a critically important player to the region. And (it is a) highly capable partner," General Vincent K Brooks, Commander, US Army Pacific, told reporters at a news conference.

The US is looking ahead to increase the opportunities as much as possible, "which is governed by the pace of our relationship," said Brooks, who had to cancel his first trip to India in his current capacity this month due to the over a two-week long government shutdown.

The opportunities for defense co-operation between India and the US are abundant, he said.

"We are seeking to increase

amount of work that we do together. It can be in a number of issues like disaster response, we have done some interoperability in high altitude, for example, our troops in Alaska go to India and train in the mountains," he said.

He said there are a number of areas of collaboration with India and one of the most important is maritime security.

"One of the things we are seeking is to increase the amount of land force cooperation and interoperability," Brooks said.

Later, Brooks emphasized on the significance of the "pace" at which India wants to increase its defense ties with the US. "The pace at which India wants to move, is I think is most important. It's India's pace. It is measured," the American general told PTI, cautioning against trying to rush against India's wishes.

"Otherwise, we would not improve the relationship, but put it in the position of friction within the government," he said adding that is not the way the US wants to move in its relationship with India. -PTI

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Gandhi's prized possessions Use 'common sense', Dalai tells China's leaders to be auctioned in UK LONDON: Over 60 of Mahatma Gandhi's most prized possessions, including a 'charkha' he used in Yerwada Jail during the 'Quit India Movement', will go under the hammer at a leading

enance and is unquestionably the most important Gandhi artifact we have ever had for sale."

Mullock's will auction over 60 Gandhi-related artifacts.

Highlights include important

One of Gandhiji’s most prized possessions, the ‘charkha’ will go under the hammer at a prestigious British auction house on November 5

British auction house on November 5.

The charkha (spinning wheel), with a minimum bid of 60,000 pounds, was used by Gandhi while he was in the prison in Pune and was later gifted to American Free Methodist missionary Revd Floyd A Puffer.

Puffer was a pioneer in Indian educational and industrial cooperatives. He invented a bamboo plow that was later adopted by Gandhi. Gandhi presented the charkha to Puffer for his work in Colonial India.

Auction house Mullock's specialist Richard Westwood Brookes said, "This would have been one of Gandhi's most prized possessions as he devised the workings of it himself.

The charkha was used by him in Yerwada Jail whilst fighting for the rights and independence of India. It has impeccable prov-

documents, photographs and books, including an early publication advising German Jews to take up 'Satyagraha' during the holocaust.

Under the British Raj, cotton grown in India was shipped to the UK for making garments, which

were then shipped back to India and sold at a price that the people could not afford.

In order to resist the British, Gandhi encouraged Indians to spin and weave their own cloth.

Since the traditional charkha was bulky and difficult to move, he needed an instrument that could be transported easily. During his imprisonment in Yerawda jail, Gandhi had devised the portable spinning wheel that folds and has a handle for carrying.

Gandhi often mentioned that his daily spinning was a form of meditation.

The sale will also include a number of historic items related to the Sikh and Mysore Kingdom.

Most notable of them are a 19th century painting of Tipu Sultan, a British school painting of the Sultan's daughter dated 1837, an early account dating to 1805 of Maharajah Ranjit Singh, the lion of Punjab and a rare miniature Koran printed for Muslim soldiers who fought alongside allied forces in the First World War. Westwood Brookes said, "We have a wide selection of Gandhi and India-related artifacts for sale.

They have been carefully selected based on rarity, quality and historical importance. I don't think we will ever witness a sale of this magnitude ever again." -PTI

terest of not only Tibetans but China, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

He added that Tibetans across the world, including in India and the US, have been demanding "complete independence" but do not know how to achieve it. "We have to be realistic, seek truth from fact."

He said the regime of Jinping's predecessor Hu Jintao focused on a "good idea" of promoting harmonious society but use of censorship and force by the regime was a "wrong method" and only brought more fear in the hearts of people.

Dalai Lama

Maldives sets new poll on November 11 MALE: The constitutional deadline of November 11 for electing a new President in the Maldives might be missed as the Election Commission announced that the first round of voting would be held on November 9 and the second round a week later.

In a message posted on a social networking site, Elections

Commission President Fuwad Thowfeek said, "Dear all, first round of presidential elections to be held on Nov 9 and second round on Nov 16." According to the provisions of the Maldivian Constitution, the election process should be completed in such a manner that a new President takes over on November 11.-PTI

11 NRI police stations set up in Punjab CHANDIGARH: The Punjab Government has established 11 NRI Police Stations for speedy redressal of complaints involving Non-Resident Indians.

The state government has issued a notification according to which all police districts come under the jurisdiction of these 11 NRI police stations.

Disclosing this here, Inspector General of Police and Head NRI Police Wing Punjab,

NEW YORK: China's new leadership should use "common sense" and seek truth from fact, Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has said here, as he expressed hope for some "indication of change" in approach during Xi Jinping's presidency to bring about harmony and unity in the region.

He gave a public talk on the 'Virtue of Non-violence' and told a packed theatre of hundreds of followers that he would like to talk with the Chinese government "when the opportunity comes" and stressed that Tibetans are not

Gurpreet Kaur Deo, said that earlier in 2008 government had set up 6 NRI police stations and now keeping in view the demand of people this number has been increased to 11.

The government has set up an independent Police wing which has been strengthened with more powers to solve NRI cases, IGP said.

These police stations would directly function under the NRI

Police Wing, she added. She assured that justice would be provided to the each complainant in a time bound manner.

The wing is connected online with all the state's police stations and Head Office and the cases are closely monitored by the DIG/ AIG Rank officers, the IGP said.

The complainant would also have the access to see the status of his file online from time to time, she added. -PTI

seeking independence from China but "genuine autonomy".

The public talk by the Tibetan leader capped two days of spiritual discourse which he gave to over 3,000 people in sessions hosted by Hollywood actor Richard Gere's foundation.

Stressing that Tibet's autonomy would be mutually beneficial to Tibetans and the Chinese, the 78-year-old Dalai Lama said he is not seeking a separate Tibet but one which remains within China.

"The middle way is in everybody's interest," he said, referring to his model of Tibetan autonomy which would be on the lines of a Hong Kong or Macau, which have been given political and economic autonomy.

"We want modernized Tibet.

Give us meaningful autonomy so that we can carry preservation of Tibet's culture, language and tradition...Preserving Tibet-Buddhist culture is also in the interest of Chinese Buddhists," he said. He added that preservation of Tibetan ecology is in the in-

"The new leadership (in China) should use common sense and seek truth from fact. Policy of the new leadership should be based on seeking truth from fact," he said, adding that this will help in creating harmonious and united society.

The Dalai Lama said he is "hopeful" that "there is possibility of some indication of change" that the new leadership in China will focus on harmony and unity.

He said that harmony is very essential in a country like China which has a huge population and many ethnic groups.

The Tibetan leader said events of the past like the Tiananmen Square protests created "resentment" among the people and added that harmony is related to trust, which can be build through respect and dialogue.

He said truthfulness and transparency are very important for building trust. "If you bring more security personnel and censorship, then more fear will come. Fear and trust cannot go together." -PTI

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T

he magnum opus feature film Kochadaiiyaan - The Legend star ring superstar Rajinikanth and the reigning queen of Indian cinema Deepika Padukone, is set to blaze a trail globally in cutting-edge motion capturing with photorealistic technology, as it rivals and transcends the technological capabilities of Hollywood masterpieces Avatar, Tin Tin and Beowulf.

Referred to as India's answer to Avatar, Kochadaiiyaan is the first Indian film to use full performance capture in its production process, a workflow that was pioneered and optimised on James Cameron's Avatar. The film is also the first film of its kind to be produced in its allocated budget and completed within the timescales set.

Director Soundarya Rajnikanth Ashwin has explored the use of full performance capture in Kochadaiiyaan in its full magnitude. The film's uniqueness also stems

from the fact this project combines many modern-era technologies to aid in visual storytelling and bring to life mythological India.

After garnering over 3.5 million views for its teaser trailer in a matter of only a few days, Kochadaiiyaan is set to blaze a trail globally in cutting-edge Photorealistic Performance Capture Technology, as it rivals and transcends the technological capabilities of Hollywood masterpieces Avatar, Tin Tin and Beowulf.

South Indian megastar Rajinikanth is cast as the archetypal superhero in the epic dramatisation of good versus evil.

He performs a dual role with the reigning queen of Indian cinema Deepika being paired opposite the younger character.

They are joined by current and veteran stars of North and South Indian Cinema such as Jackie Shroff and R. Sarathkumar for a global, Pan-Indian cinematic treat.

Music is by by A R Rahman.

India Fashion Show in NY India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Etihad Airways, along with Evolve, presents The Splendid Indian Closet, a fashion tour showcasing Indian couture, luxury fashion and prĂŞt lines by some of the biggest and brightest icons in the industry.

The event on Sunday Oct. 27 at Angel Orensanz Foundation for the Performing Arts, 195 Norfolk Street, Lower East Side, NY, is part of the India Unlimited platform, a series of multi-city fashion, dance, food, and cultural events

taking place around Diwali to bring India closer to the world.

The event includes: Lisa Ray for Satya Paul - "Ray of Hope" Saree Collection, first time in NYC; Genesis Colors' Sanjay Kapoor; Joy Mitra's "Chokher Bali" Collection, an ode to late filmmaker/actor Rituparno Ghosh, fresh off the Wills Lifestyle Fashion Week runway in Delhi last month; Soha Ali Khan, actress and host - show stopper for "Chokher Bali" collection; Etihad Airways; Shehnaai Couture; Local Celebrities/Models.

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Eastern mythological folklore for West India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: Detroit-based Exxodus Pictures and Freestyle Releasing have announced North

sion filled supernatural thriller. The film, written and directed by Ajmal Zaheer Ahmad was produced by Ahmad, Benjamin Dresser, Alan Noel Vega and stars Dominic Rains

Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace"), Faran Tahir ("Elysium") and William Atherton ("Die Hard"). Richard Mandell, Najam Syed and Shahid Syed ex-

A scene from Jinn

American wide theatrical release date of April 4, 2014 for Jinn, a ten-

("Flight 93"), Serinda Swan (USA's "Graceland"), Ray Park ("Star

ecutive produced the film for Exxodus.

The amazing story of Jinn involves ancient mythological beings that have rarely been explored in US cinemas. The premise of the Jinn concept, known to over 1 billion people around the world, involves ghost-like entities and revolves around creation mythology.

Synopsis: In the beginning, three were created. Man made of clay. Angels made of light. And a third made of fire. For centuries, stories of angels and men have captured the imagination and been etched into history crossing all boundaries of culture, religion and time.

These two races have dominated the landscape of modern mythology, shrouding the evidence that a third was ever created. This third race, born of smokeless fire, was named the

Jinn. Modern man has all but forgotten this third race ever existed.

It is time for him to remember.

This is the first film to accurately introduce and portray the jinn concept. Jinn is also unique in that the vehicle used in the action sequences in the film, known as the "Firebreather," was designed by the director, Ajmal Zaheer Ahmad, and is the first vehicle in motion picture history available to the public for purchase.

The "Firebreather" is a V8, 618 horsepower super exotic American muscle car with 50 limited editions being produced as the exact replica of the vehicle in the film. The car, several of which have already been sold, was designed by Exxodus to honor their hometown by creating modern design that fuses the soul of classic, American muscle.

The funny math of women's clothing sizes NEW YORK: When it comes to women's clothing sizes, there's some funny math going on.

The average American woman is about 25 pounds heavier than she was in 1960. Yet women's plussize clothing, generally defined as size 14 and up, still makes up only about 9 percent of the $190 billion spent annually on clothes.

What's wrong with this equation? It's not that plus-size women aren't into fashion. Rather, the fashion industry doesn't seem interested in them.

The fashion industry has long spent more time, money and marketing on clothing for taut bodies

than for curvier ones because it's easier and more profitable to do so. But retail analysts and plussize women say there's something else at play: Stereotypes about larger women not wanting to dress fashionably keep companies from making clothes that are flattering to them. And in turn, that discourages them from spending more. ``There is still an interesting stigma attached to plus-size fashion and the woman who wears it,'' says Marie Denee, who wears a size 16 and studies the industry via her website TheCurvyFashionista.com. ``Many think `Oh, she doesn't

want to draw attention, live life, date, be confident, wear fitted clothes with bold colors and patterns,' when the exact opposite is true.''

Carmen Barrington, 32, says that attitude has resulted in fewer plus-size options. Barrington, who wears around a size 22, lamented recently after a day of shopping at Forever 21, Lane Bryant and other stores that she sometimes can't even find decent plus-size clothing at retailers that specialize in it. ``It was a hot, annoying day, and I spent it trying on stuff, and came up with nothing,'' Barrington, who works in human resources, says. ``There's this aversion to being associated with plus-size clothes.''

To be sure, sizing is an inexact science. Women's sizes were developed in the 1920s as catalogues became popular and ready-to-wear clothing replaced tailor made or self-sewn items.

But while a system of men's standard sizing based on chest sizes in the Army had worked

well, a similar attempt to base women's sizes on bust measurements wasn't as reliable.

Women's bust sizes are more variable.

In the 1930s, retailers began adopting even-numbered sizes commonly ranging from 14 to 24, says Alaina Zulli, a dressmaker who studies costume history. But those sizes bore little resemblance to those used today - a size 24 back then, for instance, would be a size 14 today - so the issues of not having enough plus-size fashions likely was not as pronounced.

The sizes stayed the same but the numbers decreased gradually, Zulli says, about 1 size a decade.

This is known as ``vanity sizing'' because it gives women the allusion that they're fitting into a

smaller size.

Women's sizes, which today range from 0 to 24 but vary from store to store, haven't evolved much for decades. And for the most part, neither have the range of plus-size fashions.-AP

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Realty Tidbits

Chinese firm buys NYC office tower from Chase NEW YORK: A Chinese company has bought a landmark, 60story Manhattan office tower from JPMorgan Chase for $725 million.

The New York Times reports that Fosun International of China outmaneuvered half a dozen bidders for the building, 1 Chase Manhattan Plaza. -AP

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Govt lists draft rules to implement Land Act NEW DELHI: The Government has come up with draft rules to implement the Land Acquisition Act with focus on consent and social impact assessment to ensure that the rights of the farmers are protected when the land is acquired.

The draft rules have been put out in public domain to invite comments from all stakeholders. Comments should be submitted to the Rural Development Ministry in 45 days.

Sandy-damaged prison to be sold in NYC hotspot NEW YORK: On a recent morning on the west side of Manhattan, Wendy Featherstone showed off a prime piece of real estate that many New Yorkers don't know exists.

The eight-story brick building in Chelsea's gallery district has three terraces, one with views of the Statue of Liberty and cruise ships docking along the Hudson River. There's an indoor pool, basketball court and even a private chapel with stained-glass windows.

Featherstone isn't a pushy real estate agent - she's a prison superintendent. The property once was a medium-security women's lockup called Bayview Correctional Facility. And those terraces? They're really caged-in recreation areas.

The superintendent ran Bayview until Superstorm Sandy made the Hudson surge and sent a wall of water into a facility as she and her workers helplessly looked on. ``You know in the ``Ten Commandments,'' the way the water is when they part the sea? That's how the water was coming down,'' she recalled as she walked an empty cell block. ``It was the river. The river was in here.''

Featherstone rode out the storm on a cot in her second-floor office after the power went out. The

water receded and no one was harmed. But a year later, the Bayview Correctional Facility remains empty.

The 153 women - serving time for robberies, assaults and lesser crimes - were evacuated a few days before the storm to upstate prisons and never came back. The flooding destroyed boilers and damaged electrical equipment, causing $600,000 in damage.

The state's current budget called for the facility to close by the end of the fiscal year as a cost-saving measure, leaving the building in limbo.

The state has sold other shuttered prisons elsewhere to local governments that have turned them into business parks or to private buyers at auction.

The Empire State Development agency is still assessing the best use for Bayview, but its location alone suggests it has more potential than the typical redevelopment stepchild. -AP

Tech News NRI acquires 4.99 pc shares in Kerala bank KOCHI: NRI businessman M A Yusuffali has acquired 4.99 per cent share in Kerala-based Dhanalaxmi Bank after purchasing stakes in two other lenders in the state earlier this year.

Yusuffali had earlier acquired close to five per cent stake each in Federal Bank and Catholic Syrian Bank this year, according to a statement by the LuLu Group.

Yusuffali is the founder and Managing Director of EMKE Group which owns the LuLu Group.

With this latest acquisition, Yusufflai has invested close to Rs 510 crore in just the banking sector in Kerala, this year itself.

Commenting on his recent banking investments, Yusuffali said he had always been a "keen investor in Kerala and wishes to play his part in further strengthening these prominent Kerala based banks to make them more competitive in sync with the new generation banks." -PTI

Increase in biz by global buyers may fetch $3bn NEW DELHI: Apex apparel body AEPC has said increase in business by global buyers such as Walmart and Zara from India may help in fetching business worth USD 3 billion during the fiscal.

Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) Chairman A Sakthivel said there is a surge in factory compliance, under DISHA program, by garment manufacturing units in India.

The DISHA program is aimed at encouraging better social practices to meet global standards on issues like child labor.

"Global buyers such as Walmart and Zara have preferred to expand their merchandise sourcing from Coimbatore and other parts of India which may fetch business of USD 3 billion in 2013-14, as factory compliant manufacturing in India has surged," Sakthivel said in a statement.

Walmart and Zara source several products, including garments from India.

"The Indian apparel industry aims to chart for itself a course to make India a preferred and chosen destination for the global textile and apparel trade and DISHA is providing that platform to achieve sustainable competitiveness," he said. -PTI

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L&T Infotech eyes Polaris FT's services in big deal NEW DELHI: Financial technology firm Polaris FT is gearing up to sell its services business unit and L&T Infotech is believed to be leading the race to acquire this business estimated to be valued at about USD 400 million.

Chennai-headquartered Polaris Financial Technologies provides solutions for core banking, corporate banking, wealth & asset management and insurance, while, L&T Infotech, part of the engineering and construction major Larsen & Toubro (L&T), provides IT services and solutions.-PTI

India-Singapore start-up to launch 'Taste Graph' SINGAPORE: An IndianSingapore start-up is set to launch next year a "Taste Graph" data that could revolutionize consumers relationships with service-based business houses through information technology.

The Taste Graph would provide simple data on specific requirements of consumers to marketing businesses, giving them more knowledge to provide specific services to the people, said Suresh V Shanker, co-founder of the start-up, Crayondata.

The data would be used by retail outlets, banks, telecom and hospitality companies.

The final product, Choice Engine, would be for businesses to use the Taste Graph data to meet their customer and consumer requirements, said Shanker, an Indian-origin IT industry veteran who has worked with international groups for the past 17 years in Singapore.

Crayondata is currently working on the Taste Graph data covering consumers in India and Singapore.

"We aim to make big data simple for companies providing services to the people," Shanker added.

Taste Graph aims to collate es-

the demand of end-product users, he said.

Crayondata, incorporated in October 2012, has 50 IT engineers in the Chennai-based back office and 25 in the Singapore-headquartered front office working on the new IT package to be launched in

The Taste Graph would provide simple data on specific requirements of consumers to marketing businesses, giving them more knowledge to provide specific services to the people, said Suresh V Shanker, cofounder of the start-up, Crayondata. sential choices of consumers or customers from a wide variety of choices, and in some cases as many as 1,000 and that remains a challenge for service-based houses to understand and match

the next six months.

He further said Taste Graph/ Choice Engine would be one of the many new products to be developed by the one-year old Crayondata as consumer-driven

Asian markets grow in the coming years.

Shanker said he also expected more and more Asia-based companies to innovate and develop products in the sector, given the huge potentials in the growing regional markets in the coming years.

"But Asians need mindset change and think bold and big with their inventions. There is enough talent to develop innovations from the region," he told PTI. Taking this forward-looking and thinking approach, Crayondata has started tapping the engineering expertise from India and the brand-oriented market development from Singapore.

"Crayondata is to tap the best of both India and Singapore," Shanker added.

The Crayondata team includes co-founder Srikant Sastri, former chairman of Vivaki India, a solutions-integrated marketing service company in India. -PTI

Tata Motors' JLR to recruit 1,000 Chinese workers LONDON: Indian automotive giant Tata Motors plans to recruit 1,000 local Chinese workers for its 1-billion pound Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) joint venture in China, which will include a new engine plant.

The West Midlands based car maker has been training 50 of those workers at its Halewood plant in Merseyside, according to 'The Sunday Times'.

The workers are due to return to China at the end of the month, where they will pass on their skills to others.

JLR wants to cash in on the huge demand for its vehicles in China by launching its own giant manufacturing operation in Changshu near Shanghai.

Its best-selling Evoque "baby Range Rover" will be the first car to roll off the pro-

duction line.

Sources told the newspaper that the factory, built under a joint venture with Chery, the

rising to 200,000.

This would put it on a par with JLR's operations at Solihull, which builds Range Rover and

Chinese car manufacturer, will produce up to 130,000 cars a year,

Halewood.

The iconic luxury car brands

clocked up record pre-tax profits of 1.7 billion pounds in the financial year 2012-2013.

The firm has also signed a letter of intent with the government of Saudi Arabia and is in "intensive" discussions with Brazil.

The talks could lead to new factories in these countries.

"We expect the Brazil decision before Christmas," said Ralf Speth, CEO of JLR. The company under the Tata Group's ownership is now Britain's biggest exporter of manufactured goods, generating export revenues of 11 billion pounds a year.

It has also hired more than 11,000 people in the past three years, including last month's announcement of an additional 1,700 at Solihull. -PTI

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US firm to install water treatment system in Jamnagar VADODARA: Water technology company Xylem Inc has won a contract to work with Essar Projects (India) Ltd to install a biological treatment system in a wastewater plant in Jamnagar.

Under the contract, the USbased firm will install its `Sanitaire' biological treatment system in the facility.

Xylem will be responsible for the installation as well as providing service and maintenance for the 70 million liters per day capacity wastewater treatment plant for the Jamnagar Municipal Corporation, the company said.

The treated wastewater will be

reused for non-potable industrial purposes, providing a cheaper alternative to the region's reliance

on water from the Narmada River.

"We are proud to be working with Essar Projects to install this

treatment system to help solve the water issues in Jamnagar," Xylem India Managing Director H Bala said.

"This project showcases our extensive expertise and advanced wastewater technology solutions.

We are committed to meeting our customers' needs and are confident that we are providing the best solutions in the industry," he said.

Xylem employs 200 people in India and operates a manufacturing and testing facility as well as a Research, Development and Engineering Centre on Vadodara's outskirts.

Xylem is a leading global water technology provider, enabling customers to transport, treat, test and efficiently use water in public utility, residential and commercial building services, industrial and agricultural settings. -PTI

Twitter says revenue potential limited in India WASHINGTON: As it gears up for the much-touted USD one-billion IPO next month, Twitter says revenue generation may be limited in international operations and its inability to offer full features in markets like India may adversely impact its business and results.

According to a latest regulatory filing made by Twitter, 77 per cent of its average MAUs (Monthly Average Users) during the last quarter ended September 30 were based outside the US, but its international operations accounted for only 26 per cent of its consolidated revenue.

The US-based social networking platform, which has made great inroads across the world including in India, said in its filing dated October 15 that its average advertising revenue in the US is substantially higher than the same in the rest of the world.-PTI

Wells Fargo participating in financial education India Post News Service

OAKLAND, CA: More than a thousand Wells Fargo & Company team members are volunteering in classrooms and nonprofits throughout the country as part of Get Smart About Credit, a national financial education program about the responsible use of credit.

"Understanding how to build credit and how to use it responsibly helps consumers make decisions that lead to financial success," said Jim Foley, Greater Bay president for Wells Fargo. "Making wise financial decisions is easier when you're well informed and we want to give our customers tools to chart a path toward a successful financial future."

The education outreach is part of the 11th annual American Bankers Association National Get Smart About Credit Day on Oct. 17. This is the eighth year Wells Fargo has participated in the initiative, and the company is continuing to expand its participation to include schools and nonprofit organizations during the entire month of October. In 2012, more than 1,000 team member volunteers donated 4,000 hours of time to teach 1,400 credit classes that reached more than 65,000 people.

Throughout October, Wells

Fargo team member volunteers will use the company's free, online Hands on Banking速/ El futuro en tus manos速 money management program to discuss topics such as lending and trustworthiness, credit and spending limits, credit histories and the cost of credit. Hands on Banking, which debuted in 2003, saw a 77 percent increase in traffic in 2012 with 280,000 unique visitors from more than 190 countries.

The article titled "About Credit Cards" was by far the most popu-

lar.

"Promoting financial education is one of Wells Fargo's core values," said Angel Zapata, national Hands on Banking manager.

"Credit-related education is one of the most popular subjects within our free Hands on Banking program, so we're very pleased that we can put some special focus on it during our annual participation in Get Smart About Credit and help individuals and families learn more about how to manage their credit wisely."

Yahoo again tops Google in US Web visitors NEW YORK: For the third month in a row, more Americans visited Yahoo's websites than Google's, according to comScore Inc's Internet traffic data for September.

The research firm said that Yahoo Inc's websites had 197.8 million unique US visitors last month, while Google's had 191.4 million.

Yahoo was ahead of Google in July and August, too. The last time that Yahoo was ahead of Google be-

fore that was in May 2011.

That said, Yahoo is still far behind Google in making money from the people who visit its websites.

Research firm eMarketer estimates that Google will generate USD 38.83 billion in worldwide digital ad revenue this year, more than any other company. Facebook Inc is at No 2 with an estimated USD 5.89 billion, while Yahoo is No 3 with USD 3.63 billion expected. -AP

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Mahindra to launch first small aircraft in India in 2 years NARSAPURA, Bangalore: Mahindra Aerospace, the aircraft and components manufacturing arm of Mahindra group, will start producing the first eight-seater aircraft in India in the next two years.

"You can expect that within a time-frame of two years, we will have a full-fledged eight-seater aircraft being manufactured in India," said Hemant Luthra, President of Mahindra Systech - of which Mahindra Aerospace is a part, during the inauguration of its new aerostructure manufacturing facility here.

The company presently manufactures eight-seater - GA8 utility aircraft, in its Australia-based companies Aerostaff and GrippsAero which it acquired in 2010 to get into the aviation sector.

It has so far exported from Australia around 250 planes, which are used for tourism, humanitarian aid, adventure sports and other activities in the US, Canada, Europe and other countries.

Mahindra is also producing 10-seater GA10, which is under certification process and is likely to available for commercial operations by 2014. The company is working on development of 18-seater GA 18.

Inaugurating the facility, Mahindra Group CMD Anand Mahindra said he aims to turn India from "a global consumer in aviation sector to global producer" and the manufacturing facility was an attempt make India's entry into the global aerospace industry and "leave a footprint in global aerostructure supply chain".

"It is the first aerostructure facility (in private sector) in India. Our utility aircraft are capable of landing in rugged terrains where no one has reached. It will be like our

Mahindra jeep, which used to tread rugged terrain without roads and where no other vehicle used to go," Mahindra said.

There was immense opportunity for the

Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra and Mahindra Systech President Hemant Luthra at the inauguration of the company’s aero-structures manufacturing facility at the Narasapura Industrial Estate near Bangalore on Monday.

aircraft business in India as around 100 million pilgrims, 100 million holiday goers and businessmen could benefit with small aircraft, which shows the immense potential for the aircraft, Luthra said.

Elaborating the future plans, he said the Rs 150 crore plant would be a service provider for multiple original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and has received RFQ

Bangalore tops list of best business destinations NEW DELHI: Bangalore tops the list of 21 best business destinations in the country ranked on the basis of socio-economic and infrastructure factors, according to a combined study.

Chennai is at the second position, followed by Mumbai and Pune, in the list of Global Initiative for Restructuring Environment and Management and property consultant DTZ. Ahmedabad is ranked 8th behind Indore (5th), Bhubaneshwar (6th) and Coimbatore (7th). Nagpur and Kochi are at ninth and tenth positions, respectively, while Hyderabad is ranked 12th.

In the NCR region, Noida is at the 17th position while Gurgaon ranks 19th.

Kolkata is placed towards the bottom of the list at 18th position. Visakhapatanam is at 21st place.

Gurgaon, one of the leading financial and industrial centers in the country, is rated relatively low as the city "loses out on availability of power, safety and environment, schools & colleges, healthcare facilities and climate".

Global Initiative for Restructuring Environment and Management, a not-for-profit

(Request for Quote) from them. "We would be like to progress from build-to-print towards design-to-delivery offerings in the future."

organization working in the fields of urbanization, future cities, among other things, said that some cities in the list are already established, while others have the potential to emerge as major business destinations.

The ranking rates the cities based on factors such as human capital, energy, water, transport, housing, healthcare, climate, office space availability and city culture, amongst others.

The ranking rates the cities based on factors such as human capital, energy, water, transport, housing, healthcare, climate, office space availability and city culture, amongst others.

These constitute basic eco-socio-economic factors critical in determining the growth of the city, the study said in a statement. -PTI

Mahindra Aerospace has collaborated with Spanish aerostructure manufacturing company Aernnova Group to get the stringent certification for export to European countries and also get into the defense sec-

tor.

Government is looking for components for its fighter aircraft, helicopters and other defense aircraft, which is around USD 2040 billion proposition, he said, adding that of this, at least 20 per cent should go to local business and "we are looking at that opportunity."

The state-of-the-art 25,000 square meter aerostructures manufacturing facility, has the ability to accurately craft large, complex sheet metal parts using CNC routing (a computer controlled shaping machine), stretchforming, bladder press, heat treatment and other specialized equipment.

The facility also features a fully-automated surface treatment line, priming and painting capabilities for parts and assemblies and nearly 10,000 square meters of space for the manufacture of major airframe assemblies and sub- assemblies.

With its comprehensive mix of capabilities, the facility is intended to assist OEMs and Tier 1?s mitigate concerns on singlepoint responsibility for cost, schedule and quality of deliverables, Luthra said, adding that the new plant was currently in the process of gaining industry-standard AS9100C and NADCAP accreditations, alongside stringent quality approvals.

"It is also investing in skilled aerospace sheet metal, special processing and assembly workers, and will generate significant employment as operations ramp up over the next five to seven years," Luthra said. -PTI

Desi News Free English classes at Metropolitan Family Services HARISH RAO

CHICAGO: Metropolitan Family Services (MAFS) has announced holding of regular English Second Language classes every Monday at its Chicago Facility and Friday at its Niles and Chicago facilities.

Himali Bharucha, one of the organizers said, classes that besides being free are open to all who want to buttress their knowledge of English language. "Seniors are most welcome as they find it difficult communicating at different social and government levels," she added The timings are quire convenient -10:30am to 12:30pm.

For further information, call Himali Bharucha 773-465-3105

Daler Mehndi rocks Bay Area with hit numbers RITU MAHESHWARI India Post News Service

HAYWARD, CA: "Tunak Tunak Tun", "Bhangra King", "Indian Pop Baadshah" all conjure up one name - Daler Mehndi. Coming from a family of music lovers, Daler hit it big with his first album "Bole Ta Ra Ra" and ever since has created a music genre of its own. He used his strong background in music, love for Punjabi and a passion for experimenting with different styles to give hit songs one after another.

Over past two decades, Daler Mehndi has been entertaining music lovers with non-stop music hits and has performed to packed halls across the world. His latest hit song is " Besharam: Chal Hand Uthake Nachche" for movie Besharam.

Details on page 29

Dr Meshri gets rare recognition in Oklahoma RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service

CHICAGO: It is an old saying by now that states "Think Globally and Act Locally". A globe trotting Indian scientist Dr Dayal Meshri however has modified the saying thru his actions - Act locally and also Act globally - through sharing his knowledge and expertise in Specially Chemicals with many a global firm in East, West and South.

Details on page 26

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA

Fabulous show of Alice in Wonderland in Bay Area Details on page 31

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October 25, 2013

Community shocked over Sinha murder case judgment SUDHIR VYAS

OLD BRIDGE, NY: It was not surprising that members of the Indian community across Tri state area reacted the way they did on the sentencing of the culprits in Divyendu Sinha Murder case.

Here are the observations: • A miscarriage of justice • Shameful sentencing. Take a life, get life. They'd be treated like rock stars in prison. Not long after we forget this tragedy their names will be in the news again...wait for it.

• Is this is justice for a bunch of murdering savages seven months in jail? Shows where our country is and more to come. Human life means nothing, no wonder they kill each other so frequently.

• Simple assault, a fourth-degree crime, carries a presumption of non-incarceration.

• No faith in such biased jury system These were some of the reactions from the people, not just Indians but everyone present in the court room when the sentencing was being read out in the Divyendu Sinha murder case. The entire Indian community was flabbergasted after the sentencing and cried for justice. "We have no more faith in this kind of judicial system where these thugs are shown leniency for a grave charge like murder".

For Cash Johnson and Christian Tinli, charged with murder, aggravated assault and other counts in the beating death of a 49-year-old computer scientist Divyendu Sinha of Old Bridge, the pronouncements meant almost certain freedom. But for Alka Sinha, the wife of the deceased, they meant a sentence of her own.

She felt as if she had lost Divyendu once again. That last glimmer of hope of justice for her late husband was also lost.

It was a scene of contrasts in a New Brunswick courtroom as jurors cleared Johnson and Tinli, both 20, of every felony count against them, finding the pair guilty only of simple assault in a wolf pack-style attack on

Divyendu Sinha three years ago.

Two other young men, Julian Daley, 19, and Christopher

The five, former Old Bridge High School students, had been drinking earlier in the night and

Divyendu Sinha

Conway, 20, previously pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter in the case. A third, Steven Contreras, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit aggravated assault after he was acquitted of more serious charges. All three have yet to be sentenced.

William Fetky, who argued at trial that Johnson never struck Divyendu during the encounter, said jurors made "the right decision." While Tinli and his family

"wanted to (expletive) someone up," the prosecutor told jurors. On Fela Drive in Old Bridge, the group happened to attack the Sinha family who were out for a walk. Four of the five converged on Divyendu, a former professor at Stevens Institute of Technology.

Alka Sinha identified Tinli as the one who powerfully punched her husband on the right side of his face, sending him sprawling.

Divyendu died three days later of

It was a scene of contrasts in a New Brunswick courtroom as jurors cleared Johnson and Tinli, both 20, of every felony count against them, finding the pair guilty only of simple assault in a wolf pack-style attack on Divyendu Sinha three years ago. declined to comment. His lawyer, Joseph Mazraani, called the verdict "fair and just."

a massive hemorrhage.

The jury, after five days of deliberations, found Tinli guilty of

simple assault for taking part in the attack but did not link him to the fatal blow. Johnson was found guilty of the same charge for striking one of Sinha's sons, who tried to intervene on his father's behalf.

"I was truly shocked," Gaurang Vaishnav, a family friend said. "We had hoped there would be some justice, that they would get convicted, especially Tinli. These guys have been set free, maybe to hurt somebody else."

Well known community leader Peter Kothari, "justice has not been served. A very productive person in society has lost his life.

A child has lost their father and a wife her husband," Kothari said.

"The Indian-American community is very upset. These thugs will be roaming the streets of New Jersey very soon and will target others in the days to come".

Contreras and Conway testified that they had been drinking earlier in the evening and after a road rage confrontation fizzled, they drove around looking for a fight. Shamefully and without remorse Tinli, 21, turned to the Sinha family and said to them, "I deeply send my deepest apologies. I've been praying for your whole family since June 25, 2010 and I will continue to do so for the rest of my life. Everything that happened changed my life and affected my family as well. I'm sorry for being a part of this."

Even though Judge Bradley Ferencz, who said Johnson's actions the night of June 25, 2010 were "despicable and heinous" the judge believed that Christopher Conway, 20, who pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter in July and faced up to eight years in prison, was given seven years by the judge who believed "he won't ever again get into an automobile and set out to harm anybody."

The judge postponed sentencing for Daley, who has been held in the county jail for more than a year after his bail was revoked when he was charged with burglarizing his neighbor's house.

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October 25, 2013

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Navratri & Ravan Dahan at Lake County Temple GEETHA PATIL

Various Alankars (decorations) of Ma Durga reflecting her various blessings

CHICAGO: The word 'Ma' brings to our mind the images of love. To experience this very love, thousands of devotees gathered at Hindu Mandir of Lake County to celebrate the festival of 'Dasara' and offer their obeisance.

Navaratri celebrations were conducted at the temple in a traditional way with lots of religious spirit from 5-13 Oct and concluding it with Ravan Dahan. Temple priests Anil Joshi and Ganesh performed Kalash Sthapana with Ganapati and Devi poojan. Different community people participated in this event by bringing their family kalash for the blessings of Ma Durga. Everyday Ma Durga Saptasati chanting was done by the devotees.

Ma Durga and Sarva Deva Abhishekam were performed everyday with Vaidic mantras. Everyday different nevedam and alankarams were performed. Traditional Gujarati community Aarti and Archana were performed by a large group of people in the morning sessions. Evening programs included Ma Durga's aarti followed by Ras Garba and Dandiya dances organized by Vipin Patel and Garba team with the help of sponsors. This event was made attractive by tradi-

Ram Lila by children

tionally dressed youth and adults.

Eleven Kunda Ashtami yagnam was performed first time in the temple by Pt. Anil Joshi along with 150 different Indian community devotees. In addition to this, other rituals were simultaneously performed. Amidst these rituals, Pt. Joshi continuously chanted vari-

ous hymns from the Vedas, joined by all the devotees present at the Yagna mantapam. Homemade prasadam was distributed to all the devotees.

Geetha Patil and Pt. Anil Joshi made the dhanya alankars for Ma Durga which made special attraction of Asthami day for thousands of people followed by Maha chowki celebration lead by Anu Gupta and team. Pushpam, phalam and sag (vegetables) alankars were also performed for Ma Durga.

Pt. Joshi pointed out that "we are paying our thanks to Mataji for all we get from the Bhomi Mata who herself is Devi Ma by making all these unique beautiful alankars to her. In addition to alankaram weeklong rituals were conducted in the divine Devi presence for the welfare of the whole world. The flowers that we offer in worship to Ma are not those that grow on plants but they need to be our virtues like non-violence, peace, and love."

The Dasara celebrations came to an auspicious close on October 13.

About 60 children from different Indian communities and age

groups performed Ramlila which turned out to be a great attraction for thousands of people who had gathered to encourage the children to preserve our Hindu culture and tradition. The children expatiated

on various virtues by depicting scenes from Ramayana where the characters embodied these virtues, practiced them in their lives and thus attained ever-lasting fame and honor.

The Ramlila event was lead by Anu Gupta, Naveen Mishra and their dedicated team. Devotees relished different traditional items such as Chole Bhatura, Papadi Chat, Bhel Puri, Dhai Vada, Mix Pakoda, Dosa, Idli, Vada, Jilebee, Gulab Jamun and ice-cream prepared by Kamal Gupta, Neelkant and their committed team members. At the end, the procession of Lord Ram, Laxman and Hanuman was taken with Jai Shree Ram chanting by thousands of people in front of 20 feet high Ravan cutout made by Raj Pothdar, Madhu Dhon and team.

Both priests performed Lord Ram pooja and finally set fire to the Ravan statue.

About 3000 people observed the beautiful fireworks and Ravan Dahan. President Harsh Kumar gave vote of thanks to hundreds of volunteer teams for making this celebration a grand success.

Community shocked over Sinha murder case judgment Cont’d from page 22

The judge set November 12 as the new sentencing date at which time Daley faces up to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty earlier this year to aggravated manslaughter and burglary.

What is even more interesting and proof enough that the sentencing was biased was that even though Judge Ferencz noted that like Johnson, Tinli told the probation officer who wrote his pre-sentence report that he smoked marijuana about twice a month and drinks alcohol, the sentencing was so mild that it would not act as a deterrent.

The judge also said that a forgery charge pending against Tinli from an incident that occurred after the Sinha beating and while he was free on bail cannot be used against him in the sentencing because there has been no verdict on the charge.

As if taking a soft stand in the sentencing judge Ferencz said, "'You had to know they were kids and a mom and a dad and not teenagers but you slapped around a young man. You knew the kid was trying to help out his dad." The judge said he has to "send out a message that this kind of conduct cannot be tolerated."

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Visually challenged dancers win over Chicagoans Asian Media USA

CHICAGO: Visually challenged students from Deepa Academy of Bangalore presented a potpourri of classical and folk dances under the banner "Empowerment of the Girl Child" on Saturday, October 5 at Sri Venkateswara Swami temple in Aurora, a south west Chicago suburb.

The free event was hosted by North America Telugu Society (NATS), Chicago Telugu Association (CTA), and the Balaji Temple, but voluntary donations were collected with all proceeds going to the school The danseuses were six students Suma Rajanna, SJ Sowmya, Gulab Sha, K Rashmi, KR Pallavi and GV Lathamani, accompanied by their two dance teachers Shweta Venkatesh and Kavyashree Nagaraj. Founded in Bangalore in 2006, the Deepa

Shweta Venkatesh, Suma Rajanna, Gulab Sha, K Rashmi, SJ Sowmya, GV Lathamani, KR Pallavi, Kavyashree Nagaraj, Lathashrinivasan Naidu, and CJ Sandhyarani

Academy is a voluntary empowerment center for the blind who are otherwise quite talented, especially from rural Karnataka. It seeks working towards their education and rehabilitation, with the aim of

Yogic Shatchakra in Bharatanatyam style

making them self supporting and integrated into mainstream society.

R. Swaminathan, who is group head and coordinator, began and ended by thanking all the sponsors and facilitators of the event.

He underlined the challenges of training the visually challenged in such a diverse variety of dance forms. The young danseuses were led around the unfamiliar stage to internalize its spatial dimensions.

Strips had been laid across and through its center as aids in orientation.

Nevertheless, the individual and group coordination exhibited by the six students indicated that this artistic medium had enhanced their awareness of responsiveness towards their immediate changing environment and in their interactions with otherwise barely seen others. They were able to remain in formation while traversing the stage, rotate their arms to form a moving circle, slither, cross swords in battle, and even perform acrobatics.

They began with two Bharatanatyam items. Mallari set to raga Gambhira Nattai depicted the procession of the mobile icon of the deity around the templetown to the accompaniment of drums, wind pipes, cymbals, and conch, with offerings of flowers.

Shatchakra enacted the raising of Kundalini from the base of the spinal column upwards through the six centers (chakra), each presided over by a specific mantra, element, and deity, until it blooms at the thousand-petalled lotus above the crown of the head to immerse the yogi in perpetual

with their first folk number, the Kolata stick dance from Andhra and Karnataka. In solos, in duets, in trios the revelers struck their sticks to create an audio trail that followed their geometric movements that seemed to produce an invisible fabric of dance.

The acrobatic Kamsali is derived from the performances improvised by wandering Veera Shaiva mendicants (jangama) as they awaited food at doorsteps in the Karnataka hamlet that is home to their deity. The brass plate and cup used to receive alms were rhythmically clashed to the accompaniment of songs that extolled the play of Lord

Acrobatic Karnataka folk dance Kamsali

Students offer homage to India's ancient martial arts tradition

bliss.

Venkatesh and Nagaraj performed two duets in Kathak style.

Ramdas' Prabandh was a technical composition set to Teen Taal highlighting its various technical elements. Their subsequent twopart Tirwat mainly in raga Madhukauns was first set to different melodies then to different rhythms, ending in competition between pakhwaj and tabla, where they rivaled each other in displaying dexterous footwork with the ankle bells.

The six students continued

Mahadeshwara.

After their Tirwat, Shweta and Kavyashree joined their students to pay homage to two ancient martial art forms of India and the warriors who had preserved them.

Using the motifs of Thang-Tha and Kalari Payattu, the dance was also performed with swords and shields.

The student presentation concluded with Bhangra, the virile harvest dance from Punjab performed with martial movements but as an expression of joy, nowadays also by women.

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First Bank & Trust celebrates LEED Gold Certification India Post News Service

SKOKIE: First Bank & Trust and the Skokie Chamber of Commerce co-hosted a Gold Celebration on September 24 to celebrate the Gold-Level LEED certification of its 3,600 square-foot ecofriendly branch at 4007 Dempster Street.

This certification by the U.S. Green Building Council under its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program identifies and rewards the best practices for a building's energy, water and natural resource performance. Highlights of 4007 Dempster Street building design include floor to ceiling "daylight harvesting" windows, a green roof and a geothermal heating and cooling system.

Approximately 100 guests attended including Skokie Mayor George Van Dusen, Illinois State

Senator Daniel Biss, Skokie Chamber of Commerce President Howard Meyer, Project Architect Joseph Behles and First Bank & Trust Managing Director and CEO, Robert Yohanan and Managing Director, Jay Lytle were among the guests and speakers at the LEED Gold Celebration.

"This is an important lesson about the mutual positive interaction of running a suc-

L to R: Proudly showing the official LEED Gold Certification, First Bank & Trust Assistant Vice President David Putrus, First Bank & Trust Assistant Vice President Lu Ann Stempel, First Bank & Trust Managing Director Jay Lytle, Illinois State Senator Daniel Biss, Skokie Mayor George Van Dusen, First Bank & Trust Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Robert Yohanan, and Skokie Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Howard Meyer.

Pic Duron Studio Photography

cessful profitable business, giving back to the community, and engaging in a very visionary long-term approach to sustainability," said State Senator Daniel Biss. "I'm pleased to be included today in the celebration of the work you're doing."

In presenting the Gold-Level LEED certificate to Robert Yohanan and Jay Lytle, Skokie Mayor George Van Dusen said, "Not only have they led in sustainability and within the Skokie Chamber of Commerce, but First Bank & Trust also helped the Village of Skokie in a time of need.

When the bank told the Village that they wanted to put in a building at Crawford and Dempster that would be a monument to what the Village stands, we couldn't have been happier. We felt that by stabilizing this corner, it would bring in additional business. And in fact that is what it has."

Indian scientist Dr Meshri gets rare recognition in Oklahoma

L to R Julie Meshri, Dr Dayal Meshri, Sanjay Meshri

L to R Rana Sangha, Dr Dayal Meshri, Rani Lal, Baljeet Bhinhar

profit organization Tulsa Global Alliance (TGA) should choose him to be one of the three recipients CHICAGO: It is an old saying for its prestigious Global Vision by now that states "Think Globally Award last month.

TGA, established 36 years ago, and Act Locally". A globe trotting Indian scientist Dr Dayal Meshri is dedicated to increasing global however has modified the saying awareness, understanding and opthru his actions - Act locally and portunities in Northeastern Oklaalso Act globally - through shar- homa and it annually recognizes ing his knowledge and expertise and honors an outstanding individual and an outstanding organization for significant and lasting Tusla Mayor Dewet Bartleet contributions to citizen Jr was one of the celebrity diplomacy, global understanding, world poguests and a keynote litical stability, religious speaker. He eulogized the accord, international services that Dr Meshri has trade or cooperative efforts to solve health, rendered social or environmental challenges.

With decades long efforts in in Specially Chemicals with many a global firm in East, West and this direction, Dr Meshri was choSouth. And in the process he has sen as one of the three recipients. earned recognition from around The foremost reason, as put by TGA sources, is that he lives and the world.

It was a fitting recognition breathes citizen diplomacy therefore for this dour scientist through his business and personal that a Tulsa-Oklahoma based no relationships and through his genRAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service

Dr Meshri seen receiving the award

erous home hospitality of so many international visitors brought to Tulsa through TGA sponsored programs. He significantly contributes to global understanding of other cultures and for visitors from other countries to better un-

derstand America, Oklahoma and Tulsa.

Dr Dayal Meshri, who heads Advance Research Chemicals was presented the award at a glittering function held at Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame in the presence

Recognition Certificate from Tulsa Mayor Dewey Bartlett

L to R Tulsa Mayor Dewey Bartlett, Dr Dayal Meshri

of nearly 400 guests and invitees.

Dr Meshri was recognized along with his son Sanjay Meshri, vice president and managing director of the company. Interestingly, Dr Meshri is the first Indian American to be so recognized by TGA. The two other recipients were Raymon and Nancy Feldman, and the Rotary Club of Tulsa.

Tusla Mayor Dewet Bartleet Jr was one of the celebrity guests and a keynote speaker. He eulogized the services that Dr Meshri has rendered to the City and its citizens and also presented him with an appreciation certificate from the City Of Tulsa for his global vision and understanding. The other speakers were Phil Lakin Jr and Ken Busby who acted as emcee too.

Community Across America

October 25, 2013

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Natraj blossoms into top travel firm of Chicagoland SURENDRA ULLAL

CHICAGO: With twenty years experience under its belt, Natraj Travel headed by CEO Deepak Shah and President Madhu Shah is bracing for further improvement in its services and meet new challenges head on.

In a talk to this paper, Deepak Shah said that from a modest start in 1993, Natraj Travel has now established itself as a premier travel firm bagging awards and high accolades from members of the airline industry and the traveling public at large. "The prime reasons for our success and huge confidence that we enjoy in our business are just two: High level of integrity with the airliners and our clients alike and second, the customized care that we and all members of our staff have been bestowing to our valued custom-

Chicagoland area. "After taking a few years off to raise the kids, it was time to get back into the business , and here she is serving all of us as a rock star," Deepak said "As with most new businesses, we experienced a fair share of growing pains. However, Madhu's knowledge and expertise in the travel field was clearly valued by her customers. While customers clearly appreciated her insight, we needed to differentiate ourselves from other travel agencies. In September 1996, we moved to 3601 West Devon Ave and two years later added agents, and I decided to come aboard full time, "he added.

With the expansion, it was time to set a strategic direction. The management decided to be the first full service agency with airline con-

CEO Deepak Shah and President Madhu Shah

ers all the time," he said.

Madhu Shah, President, he pointed out, has been in the travel industry since 1976. Taking to the industry in Mumbai, she continued to refine her craft while working at various agencies in the

tracts selling directly to customers.

It was also the call of the time to be tech savy and the company can boast technically savvy staff with a sharp customer focus.

"Our first major break was in 2001. We were offered contracts

Natraj Travel Team with CEO and President

for Air India and Kuwait Airways.

With time, we also acquired contracts with Jet Airways and Kingfisher Airlines," Madhu Shah said recalling yesteryears.

Concurrently, Natraj is a preferred vendor for local small and medium size software companies.

Access to the corporate world allowed it to increase the customer base tremendously. "We had best of both worlds, direct corporate business plus the employee personal travel," Madhu Shah added.

"By 2007, we had established ourselves as one of the premier agencies in the US with the business improving to about 8-9% every year with total sales in 2012 jumping to $10M. Over the years we must have serviced over a million customers," Deepak Shah pointed out.

Natraj partners with multiple airlines including Etihad, BritishAmerican, and Lufthansa-United for over $1M. The biggest partner is Air India, where it has consistently been doing business over $1.5M. "Our newest endeavor is with Qatar Airlines, which we have already grown to over half a mil-

lion in less than two years.

"As said, the secret to our success is and will always be our great staff and management style. We have an extremely talented team with extensive backgrounds in the travel industry and customer relations. I consider them to be the cream of the crop" Deepak added.

"The future of the travel agent industry presents unique challenges. Airlines are cutting commissions and the Internet is now a resource for customers. I say there will always be a need for a good reputable travel agent who is available almost 24/7, that provides personalized customer ser-

"The future of the travel agent industry presents unique challenges. Airlines are cutting commissions and the Internet is now a resource for customers. I say there will always be a need for a good reputable travel agent who is available almost 24/7�

"To meet the needs of continually growing operation, the management has added more full time reservation agents, as well an inhouse accounting staff. With customers across the country: Our motto is to keep it simple...One satisfied customer at a time. With first class personalized service we drive repeat business, while continually expanding our customer base.

vice at an affordable and competitive price.

"We understand the growing needs of our customers and would like to be a one stop shop for all international travel. Expanding on our strong expertise in international air tickets, we will offer customized Group Vacations, Event Planning and Honeymoons," he concluded.

Yale provides Hindu Prayer Room in its complex SURENDRA ULLAL

CHICAGO: Close on the heels of the University of Chicago establishing a Vivekananda Chair, one of the most prestigious centers of learning not only in USA but the world across, the New Haven based Yale University has now set up a Hindu Prayer Room.

This Hindu Prayer Room includes a traditional temple hanging bell, images of Swami Vivekananda, Nataraja statue and Hindu deities. It is open Sunday to Thursday 7-11pm in the basement of Bingham Hall.

Yale University on a 342-acre campus in New Haven (Connecticut), founded in 1701, with an operating budget of $2.82 billion, has about 15

million volumes in its library and its acceptance rate is 7.1%. About 12,000 students attend Yale, whose undergraduate tuition, room and board cost $55,300. Joseph R. Crespo, Peter Salovey and Sharon M.K.Kugler are Trustees Chair, President and Chaplain respectively.

Indians across Chicago land and Midwest have welcomed the resurgent interest in Hinduism and as put

by Sohan Joshi, president of National Federation of Indian Associations; this gives a shot in arm to Indians across the world to shore up their activities in promoting Indian culture and thoughts globally.

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Yale University in New Haven, CT

October 25, 2013

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Daler Mehndi rocks Bay Area with hit numbers RITU MAHESHWARI India Post News Service

HAYWARD, CA: "Tunak Tunak Tun", "Bhangra King", "Indian Pop Baadshah" all conjure up one name Daler Mehndi. Coming from a family of music lovers, Daler hit it big with his first album "Bole Ta Ra Ra" and ever since has created a music genre of its own. He used his strong background in music, love for Punjabi and a passion for experimenting with different styles to give hit songs one after another.

Over past two decades, Daler Mehndi has been entertaining music lovers with non-stop music hits and has performed to packed

Harjeet Mehndi, Meera and Daler Mehndi performing hit songs.

Pics Venkatesh Bukka from Venkys Photography

Mehta Entertainment organized his latest tour in US. Daler performed his musical magic in Las Vegas and San Francisco Bay area. His tour was widely anticipated and his fans were eagerly

Meera had the stage on fire with her exotic dance numbers and performances. Everyone became an instant fan of hers. Daler Mehndi and his crew performed hit songs one after another halls across the world. His latest hit song is " Besharam: Chal Hand Uthake Nachche" for movie Besharam.

waiting for the day. Deepak Mehta, CEO of Mehta Entertainment said that all his shows were grand successes and fans enjoyed to the hilt.

Daler Mehndi performed in Bay area at Chabot College Performing Arts Center, 25555 Hesperian Blvd, Hayward, CA. Performing along with him was Meera, a leading singer from Pakistan and his singer brother Harjeet Mehndi.

Meera had the stage on fire with her exotic dance numbers and performances. Everyone became an instant fan of hers. Daler Mehndi and his crew performed hit songs one after another and entertained the audience. As the show progressed, many people gathered in front of the stage and it converted into a full fledged Punjabi dance fest.

In wrapping up his hectic tour, Daler won hearts of his audience in Bay area.

Daler Mehndi had the audience enthralled

Mrs and Mr Srinivasa, Deepak Mehta, Dr Japra and Vijay Thapar

Yale provides Hindu Prayer Room in its complex Cont’d from page 27

Dr K.J. Srinivasa, Daler Mehndi, Dr Romesh Japra and Vijay Thapar

Rajan Zed, President of Universal Society of Hinduism, described it as "a step in the right direction".

Zed commended Yale for recognizing the intersection of spirituality and education, which was important in Hinduism.

Nand Kapoor, former chief of

Association of Indians in America joined Rajan in urging USA universities and colleges, both public and private, to respond to the spiritual needs of diverse student bodies and provide dedicated Hindu prayer/meditation rooms for quiet reflection, festivals and spiritual exercise; which would help in their personal growth.

Community Across America

30 India Post

October 25, 2013

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Fairfield City Council opens with Hindu prayer India Post News Service

FAIRFIELD: Fairfield City Council in California (USA), incorporated in 1903, had its first historic Hindu invocation on October 15, containing verses from world's oldest existing scripture.

Rajan Zed, President of Universal Society of Hinduism, delivered the invocation from ancient Sanskrit scriptures before the City Council. After Sanskrit delivery, he then read the English translation of the prayer.

Zed recited from Rig-Veda, the oldest scripture of the world still in common use, besides lines from Upanishads and Bhagavad-Gita (Song of the Lord), both ancient Hindu scriptures. He started and ended the prayer with "Om", the mystical syllable containing the universe, which in Hinduism is used to introduce and conclude

Just before the Fairfield City Council Hindu invocation, from left to right, are Vice-Mayor Rick Vaccaro, Councilmember Pam Bertani, President of Universal Society of Hinduism Rajan Zed and Mayor Harry T. Price.

religious work.

Reciting

from

Brahadaranyakopanishad, Rajan Zed said, "Asato ma sad gamaya,

Tamaso ma jyotir gamaya, Mrtyor mamrtam gamaya", which he then translated as "Lead me from the unreal to the Real, Lead me from darkness to Light, and Lead me from death to Immortality."

Reciting from Bhagavad-Gita, he urged councilmembers to keep the welfare of others always in mind. Councilmembers, city employees and public were seen standing in prayer mode with their heads bowed down during this invocation.

Zed presented a copy of prayerbook Srihanumanchalisa to Mayor Harry T. Price, who introduced Zed. "It is a historic moment

of pride for the community when the prayers from ancient Sanskrit scriptures are being read in this great hall of democracy of this great city of Fairfield", Zed stated before starting the invocation.

Located almost midway between San Francisco and Sacramento, Fairfield is known for its Jelly Belly jelly bean factory. Notable people associated with it include actor Pat Morita, football players Desmond Bishop and Steve Johnson, baseball prayer Brad Bergesen and chef Cat Cora.

Rick Vaccaro and Sean Quinn are Vice-Mayor and City Manager respectively.

CAIR-CA testifies at civil rights hearing

India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: A representative of the California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CA) testified at a state assembly hearing entitled "Diversity in California: A Conversation About Us." The hearing was held by the Assembly Select Committee on Human Rights, Di-

versity and Race Relations.

Panels drawn from civil rights groups, university researchers and local government provided testimony in order to help lawmakers identify policy remedies for preserving security without compromising civil liberties at the local and national level.

Cont’d on page 31

October 25, 2013

Community Across America

India Post 31

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Fabulous show of Alice in Wonderland in Bay Area ALEXANDRA DRECHSLER

ported by the City of Milpitas Mayor Jose Esteves, City of San Jose Councilmember Rose Herrera, Santa Clara County Third District Supervisor Dave Cortese, and ABS CBN Foundation International.

The show is produced by the director of Norcal Academy, ElvieTeodoro and is being directed by Leilani Amour.

Norcal Academy of Performing Arts is a nonprofit organization

T

he Northern California Academy of Performing Arts in conjunction with Evergreen Studio of Music and The Arts presents Walt Disney's classic story of Alice in Wonderland. After a recent successful production of Hairspray that appealed to a more mature audience, the production has returned to bring the Bay Area a fabulous show performed by a cast of highly talented child actors.

For the past several months, this show has been underway with casting, stage building, and costume designing. Not to mention dancing, singing and acting rehearsals for the cast in addition to their schooling. The large cast is split into two smaller cast groups.

Cast A and Cast B gives more opportunities to their actors to take on bigger roles with more stage time.

The production is being sup-

CAIR-CA testifies at civil rights hearing Cont’d from page 30

against American Muslims, but it's a threat to our American values," said Ayloush. "Through changing and improving policies, we can bring our nation closer to achieving liberty and justice for all individuals."

Ayloush provided lawmakers with recommendations on how to combat the Islamophobia industry and its efforts to undermine the values in our U.S. constitution.

CAIR-LA Executive Director Hussam Ayloush testified alongside representatives from several prominent groups, including Brian Nelson, special assistant attorney general to the California Department of Justice, Robin S. Toma, executive director of the Los Angeles County Human Relations Commission, Simran Kaur of the Sikh Coalition, and others.

Ayloush testified on the increasing normalization of civil rights "It is essential for our state abuses targeting Ameri- lawmakers to understand cans - and in particular American Muslims. that Islamophobia is not only Ayloush highlighted a threat against American findings from CAIR's Muslims, but it's a threat to recent report, "Legislating Fear: Islamophobia our American values," said and its Impact in the Ayloush.

United States," which comprehensively examines groups promoting anti-MusThe committee chair, Assemlim sentiment in our society and bly Member Isadore Hall (Dthe negative impact those groups Compton), Compton Mayor Aja have locally and nationally.

Brown and committee members This includes a rise in mosque including Reginald Byron Jonesopposition cases, the passage of Sawyer (D-Los Angeles), Sr., anti-Islam bills in six states, a rise Bonnie Lowenthal (D-Long in employment discrimination Beach), Paul Fong (D-Cupertino), against Muslims and the creation Ian Calderon (D-Whittier), Jimmy of America's secret no-fly list, Gomez (D-Northeast Los Angewhich disproportionately affects les), Rich Gordon (D-Menlo Park), American citizens from Muslim- Melissa Melendez (R-Lake majority countries.

Elsinore), V. Manuel Perez (D"It is essential for our state Coachella), Katcho Achadjian (Rlawmakers to understand that San Luis Obispo), and others were Islamophobia is not only a threat present at the hearing.

that assists children and provides funding and scholarships for those with a strong love for music. Part of their mission states, "As a community we have a responsibility to give every child every opportunity to succeed and pursue their talents."

The rendition that the production will be performing is centered on the 1951 Disney classic with additional lines from David

Simpatico. The music was adapted for the screenplay with lyrics from Bryan Louiselle.

The performance can be seen at the Mexican Heritage Plaza Theater near Alum Rock Avenue in San Jose. Cast A can be seen Friday, October 25 @7:00 and Saturday, October 26, @ 2:00. Cast B performances will be shown on Saturday, 26 @ 7:00 and Sunday, October 27 @ 3:00.

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10 Reasons to Celebrate Diwali

T

here are 10 mythical and historical reasons why Diwali is a great time to celebrate. And there are good reasons not just for Hindus but also for all others to celebrate this great Festival of Lights.

1. Goddess Lakshmi's Birthday: The Goddess of wealth, Lakshmi incarnated on the new moon day (amaavasyaa) of the Kartik month during the churning of the ocean (samudra-manthan), hence the association of Diwali with Lakshmi.

2. Vishnu Rescued Lakshmi: On this very day (Diwali day), Lord Vishnu in his fifth incarnation as Vaman-avtaara rescued Lakshmi from the prison of King Bali and this is another reason of worshipping Ma Larkshmi on Diwali.

3. Krishna Killed Narakaasur: On the day preceding Diwali, Lord Krishna killed the demon king Narakaasur and rescued 16,000 women from his captivity. The celebration of this freedom went on for two days including the Diwali day as a victory festival.

4. The Return of the Pandavas: According to the great epic 'Mahabharata', it was 'Kartik Amavashya' when the Pandavas appeared from their 12 years of banishment as a result of their defeat in the hands of the Kauravas at the game of dice (gambling). The subjects who loved the Pandavas celebrated the day by lighting the earthen lamps.

5. The Victory of Rama: According to the epic 'Ramayana', it was the new moon day of Kartik when Lord Ram, Ma Sita and Lakshman returned to Ayodhya after vanquishing Ravana and conquering Lanka. The citizens of Ayodhya decorated the entire city with the earthen lamps and illuminated it like never before.

6. Coronation of Vikramaditya: One of the greatest Hindu King Vikramaditya was coroneted on the Diwali day, hence Diwali became a historical event as well.

7. Special Day for the Arya Samaj: It was the new moon day of Kartik (Diwali day) when Maharshi Dayananda, one of the greatest reformers of Hinduism and the founder

of Arya Samaj attained his nirvana.

8. Special Day for the Jains: Mahavir Tirthankar, considered to be the founder of modern Jainism also attained his nirvana on Diwali day.

9. Special Day for the Sikhs: The third Sikh Guru Amar Das institutionalized Diwali as a Red-Letter Day when all Sikhs would gather to receive the Gurus blessings. In 1577, the foundation stone of the Golden Temple at Amritsar was laid on Diwali. In 1619, the sixth Sikh Guru Hargobind, who was held by the Mughal Emperor Jahengir, was released from the Gwalior fort along with 52 kings.

10. Kali Pooja in Bengal: The much celebrated Kali Pooja of West Bengal coincides with the Diwali Festival. Gusto and enthusiasm for Kali Puja in West Bengal is same as seen for Diwali in rest of India. The only apparent difference is that while rest of India worships Goddess Lakshmi on this day, in West Bengal Goddess Kali is the chief deity for the occasion.

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Ranbir Kapoor celebrates Diwali at Times Square

B

ollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor along with his parents Rishi and Neetu Kapoor celebrated Diwali at Times Square, New York as a part of promotions for their film 'Besharam'.

Indians here got off to an early start to the festivities with day-long celebrations at Times Square showcasing Indian culture, cuisine and bringing together renowned artists from the Indian film industry.

Hundreds of Indian-Americans gathered at the popular tourist destination here for the 'Diwali at T i m e s Square' extravaganza presented b y Maharashtra Tourism.

Ranbir Kapoor, his parents Rishi and N e e t u Kapoor and s i n g e r Shankar Mahadevan made a special appear-

ance at a concert that showcased traditional Indian dances and music.

Dressed in a black 'sherwani', the young Kapoor danced and interacted with his fans as his father recalled visiting the city years ago and expressing gratitude for the adulation shown to him and his family.

Later, the Kapoor trio danced to popular songs from their movies, enthralling the audience with their performance.

A section of Times Square was bustling with people dressed in traditional attire as they lined up before booths set up to showcase Indian cuisine, music and fashion.

Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation Managing Director Jagdish Patel told PTI that the event was an opportunity to bring one of the most important and vibrant Indian festivals to New York and invite people from the city and across the world to experience Diwali in India.-PTI

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India Post October 25, 2013

Women artisans' crafts bazaar in Delhi NEW DELHI: A blend of colorful diyas and artworks by differently-abled children and fine Indian fabrics like Chanderi and leather bags from Shantiniketan are all part of a crafts bazaar which opened here ahead of Diwali.

"I am happy to see this crafts bazaar and I think it enhances our culture. I will only tell the artisans to embrace modernity but not to veer away from our traditional

Conference (AIWC).

Some 50-odd stalls have been put up by AIWC free of cost to promote artisans and handicrafts from around the country.

AIWC President Bina Jain said the fair was as an opportunity to "help our sisters".

"Stalls like 'Humari Udaan' display diyas done by differentlyabled girls... We are very happy and proud of that," she said.

handicraft styles," Culture Minister Chandresh Kumari Katoch said.

She was inaugurating a threeday women artisans' crafts bazaar, 'Shilpkala Utsav', at the Aga Khan Hall here. The fair is being organized by the All India Women's

"There is no commercial motive behind the event. AIWC's aim since its inception in the 1920s has been to only empower women and prepare them to earn their livelihood. At this bazaar, we are also promoting NGOs and state and nationally awarded artisans,

among others," Jain said.

A separate room at the fair has been allotted to the Air Force Wives' Welfare Association (AFWWA) which features some 10 or so stalls put up by representatives from different Commands across the country. One of the stalls displayed artwork by mentally-challenged students from Air Force's 'Umeed' centre situated at Subroto Park of Delhi Cantonment.

Soon after the opening, visitors were seen at the stalls, browsing items like Bihar's papier mache artefacts, Chanderi, kantha stitches, meenakari, kalamkari design fabrics, block prints, Kota doria, Mirzapur carpets and durries, Shantinektan leather bags, Kashmiri shawls, polystone dots statuettes, among others.

The first 'Shilpkala Utsav' was held in 2001, but the fair was suspended for a few years in between before being revived last year, said event coordinator, Ritu Singhal. -PTI

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50 pc rebate to tourists in J&K this Diwali SRINAGAR: In an effort to boost tourist arrivals during offseason, Jammu and Kashmir government has announced a 50 per cent rebate on lodging and transport charges to those visiting the Valley on the eve of Diwali and Saffron festival.

"Jammu and Kashmir Tourism

Development Corporation will provide 50 per cent rebate on lodging and transport charges to the tourists visiting Kashmir," Tourism Minister G A Mir said.

Mir chaired a meeting to review the arrangements made by various departments for three-day Kashmir Saffron festival sched-

uled to commence on October 29 at Visoo village of Pampore, known as "golden bowl" of Kashmir for high Saffron produce.

The Minister said private tourism players are also going to give concessions in boarding and lodging to the tourists during the Saffron and Diwali festivals.

He said tour and travel operators of Katra would also organize a familiarization tour to encourage Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrims to participate in the Saffron festival.

"During the festival days several tourist attractions will be showcased including saffron run, cultural programs, laughter shows, flower plucking, painting competition besides setting up different stalls of agro-based products and traditional dresses for photography," he said.

The main objective of organizing the festival is not only to promote the rare and world famous saffron of Kashmir but also to encour-

age and support the educated youth in taking tourism related entrepreneurial activities, he added.

The Minister also emphasized on carrying out a mass publicity campaign about the Saffron festival especially outside the state to attract more and more tourists to the Valley. He also instructed authorities for proper regulation of traffic on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway near the festival site for smooth movement of vehicles. -PTI

Donate for relief this Diwali: PM NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has urged his well-wishers to donate money in the PM's National Relief Fund instead of sending gifts to him on the occasion of Diwali.

"He has appealed to his well wishers to make donations to the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund instead of sending gifts for him," a Prime Minister's Office statement said.

The Prime Minister's statement comes at a time when natural disasters have struck Uttarakhand, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh in the last few months and large-scale rehabilitation and relief work is being carried out there.

The Prime Minister also conveyed his heartfelt thanks to all those who are sending him greetings and good wishes on the occasion of Diwali. -PTI

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Diwali celebrations in Trafalgar Square LONDON: Sitar player Anoushka Shankar, the half-sister of Norah Jones, will be performing at this weekend's Diwali celebrations in Trafalgar Square.

The composer, the daughter of the legendary Ravi Shankar, who passed away last year, will play a set including tracks from her new album Traces of You, which she

ing and activities for children.

Shankar said: "I am thrilled to be a part of this wonderful event and am excited about performing to the multi-cultural crowds of London during this beautiful festival.

"It feels really special to me to be connected to Diwali in London especially as I was born here and recently moved back to the city."

"It feels really special to Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated over me to be connected to five days by Hindus Diwali in London especially across the world.

Sunday's event in as I was born here and Trafalgar Square has been organized by the recently moved Mayor's office in partnership with media partner back to the city�

Zee and the Diwali in London committee. collaborated on with musician and London Mayor Boris Johnson composer Nitin Sawhney, and said: "London would not be the which also features Jones. exciting and dynamic city that it The free event on Sunday will is without the many communities also include traditional Garba danc- that contribute to its dynamism

Anoushka Shankar

and prosperity, something that is reflected in festivals like our Diwali celebrations.

"It has a powerful message, about peace, mutual respect and the victory of light over evil, which is important for Londoners as well as to Hindus, Sikhs and Jains.

"I wish everyone celebrating in London and beyond a happy and prosperous Diwali."

With TV presenter Asad Shan from Zing as compere, events will kick off with the traditional Garba and dancing in the middle of the square, accompanied by live music from Bali and Angrez. Other performers will include the singersongwriter Chirag Rao, who will be performing a range of Hindi music.

Ameet Aggarwal, Diwali in London chairman 2013, said: "Diwali is a beautiful festival that can be enjoyed by every community and I am delighted Trafalgar Square is hosting the Diwali celebrations yet again.

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Outdoor campaigns steal sparkle from TV ads CHENNAI: TV ads seem to be losing steam as companies are exploring media beyond television to reach out to customers.

Out-of-home (OOH) media such as hoardings/billboards, bus-back panels, bus shelters and cinema screens are gaining attention this festive season, along with other platforms like print and digital media.

High ad rates and the growth seen in other forms of advertising are encouraging advertisers to

look outside the TV. TV ad tariffs over the last few months have shot up following a recent regulation by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) capping ad time on channels to 12 minutes per hour.

Mobile phone retailer UniverCell, for instance, has gone completely off-air. "The rates have been pushed up because of the regulation, so we have no TV ads this season. Social media have been growing rapidly and we are also aggressive on outdoor me-

dia," said Soumya Menon, V-P of marketing and brand strategy, UniverCell Telecommunications.

Apparel discount chain Europa too finds other modes of advertising to be more effective this Diwali.

Though the spends are still high in value terms for TV ads because of the rates, the company has focused more on OOH media and print ads, says Raghunath Narayanan, managing director of Europa Group.

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TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

1 Party All Night: Boss 2 Gulaabi: Shuddh Desi Romance 3 Main Rang Sharbaton Ka: Phata Poster Nikhla Hero 4 Boss (Title Track): Boss 5 Nagada Sang Dhol: Ram-Leela October 25, 2013

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46 India Post

6 Hum Na Tode: Boss 7 Laal Ishq: Ram-Leela 8 Besharam ( Title Track) : Besharam 9 Ye Tune Kya Kiya: Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai Dobara 10 Ram Chaahe Leela: Ram-Leela

Aamir always gives his views and decisions but things might be a little different for YRF's Dhoom 3.

A

amir Khan does things to the tee and his reputation as Mr Perfectionist precedes him. While Aamir's new avatar in Dhoom 3 is highly awaited (he plays a villain, the actor has apparently been kept from giving his inputs.

In most of his films, Aamir always gives his views and decisions but things might be a little different for YRF's Dhoom 3.

According to a report in Zoom, the makers of the film are keeping Aamir miles away to close the post production work quickly.

From his early days starting from Lagaan till now, the star has always been privy to the rough cuts of his movies. From Ashutosh Gowarikar to Reema Kagti, Aamir has provided his inputs to all and every director has incorporated his wishes in the final cut as well.

K

angana Ranaut, who will be seen doing a lot of action in "Krrish 3", says etching out the role was physically taxing.

"It was difficult because it was physically challenging for me. The action was a bit unreal. It was very raw and a normal human beings can't do it," Kangana says.

"Our action director had come from China and the fight sequences were very difficult.

Overall, I had to learn a lot for the film. I feel my experience with 'Krrish 3' was physically challenging," she added.

A sci-fi thriller, "Krrish 3" will take forward the story of a superhero, played by Hrithik Roshan, while Kangana is the superwoman in it.

"Trying different roles is my priority. I have got acceptance in each genre and that's a great achievement for me," said the actress who won a National Award for her work in "Fashion".

D

Since Dhoom 3 is slated for release this Christmas, the banner probably intends to start promotions with a bang post the release of Krrish 3. Given that the release isn't too far, the producers fear a delay in promotions if the icon demands changes!

eepika Padukone has struck a profit-sharing deal with the producers of her upcoming short film 'Finding Fanny Fernandes'.

In a rather interesting quid pro quo arrangement, the actress has taken a pay cut for the film being directed by Homi Adajania, instead adding a clause in her contract which stipulates that she will get a share in the profits if the film crosses a certain mark on the box-office.

A source in the film which is currently being shot in Goa said, "Deepika was very keen to be a part of the film and she has a close relationship with Homi and Dinesh Vijan, the producer of the film. She has worked with the producers in 'Cocktail' and 'Love Aaj Kal' so didn't mind taking her price down for the film. But there is a clause which mentions that if the film makes money Deepika will get a share as well."

October 25

, 2013

India Post 47 www.indiapost.com

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mphal, the tiny capital city of the northeastern state of Manipur, is an ideal destination off the beaten track.

The landscape of green-blue hills, lush fields and low clouds is like an exquisite painting.

It is one of the few places in India where nothing seems to have changed. It is a tiny valley tucked away in the northeastern state of Manipur. Relics of an old, historical palace, well-planned temples and ceremonial houses in all their splendor amidst the tall pine and jackfruit trees, speak of Imphal's ancient past.

At places, Imphal looks almost like a painting - clouds hanging low over long stretches of lush green fields and numerous small hills of the green-blue Koubrou and Namaijing ranges forming a garland around the valley. Adding a riot of color are hundreds of orchids.

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The best way to visit the places in Imphal is to hire an auto-rickshaw or a cycle-rickshaw on an hourly basis. It will take you to all the interesting sites and finally to the central market where you can spend as much time as you like.

Lying at the center of Manipur valley, Imphal is one of the most ancient towns in the Indian subcontinent and has much to offer to a discerning tourist.

Tourist attractions Eight kilometers from Imphal, at the foot of the pinecovered hillocks, you will find a wealth of rare birds, animals and reptiles at the Manipur Zoological Gardens. In the zoo's sylvan surroundings, you will even get a glimpse of one of the rarest species of deer in the world, the graceful brow-antlered thamin deer.

Then there is the Khonghampat Orchidarium that has

October 25, 2013

more than a hundred rare varieties of orchids. The best time to visit the orchidarium is in the months of April and May when the orchids are in full bloom.

One of the main features of Imphal is the Khwairamband Bazaar. What makes this market different is that it is run by women. Split into two sections on either side of the road, it has tribal women clad in colorful, traditional Cont’d on page 42attire, selling everything from hand-woven shawls, skirts, vessels, mugs and mats to fish, lotus, oranges and orange-flavored honey. And if you wander in the quaint bylanes around the market, you will get a glimpse of Manipur's customs and traditions.

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Ex-astronaut aims for stars as travel destination HOUSTON, TX: Most people can't fathom the vast distances between the sun and even its closest neighbors.

Consider the Voyager 1 spacecraft, which earlier this year made international headlines after becoming the first man-made object to depart the solar system after nearly 40 years of zipping away from Earth. Were the sun in Houston and the nearest star system in Los Angeles, Voyager would have traveled less than one mile of an interstellar journey.

The interstellar chasm is so great it's audacious - some might say preposterous - to consider sending humans to visit worlds around other stars. But Mae Jemison, a former astronaut, is having the time of her life dreaming just that dream. ``All my life I've liked challenges,'' said Jemison, the first black woman to fly in space.

This seemingly crazy notion of flying to distant worlds has begun to shake off some of the ``giggle'' factor in recent years, however.

Foremost, in 2011, U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and NASA's Ames Center offered $500,000 to an organization willing to begin thinking about and planning a mission to a nearby star. ``The 100 Year Starship study is about more than building a spacecraft or any one specific technology,'' Paul Eremenko, Defense Advanced's coordinator for the study, said at the time. ``We endeavor to excite several generations to commit to the re-

search and development of breakthrough technologies ... to advance the goal of longdistance space travel but also to benefit mankind.''

A group organized by Jemison won the grant and created the 100 Year Starship program, based in Houston.

exoplanets, said the scientists are well aware that their work is akin to the first primitive efforts 500 years ago to map the Western Hemisphere. ``That's something that keenly, achingly informs their work and their thoughts,'' Billings said. ``These researchers realize they

The idea of interstellar human travel has gained further credence during the last decade because, for the first time, scientists have begun to find Earth-sized planets around other stars.

Lee Billings, who wrote ``Five Billion Years of Solitude,'' a book about the astronomers who pioneered the discovery of

are part of what may be a much greater, grander story that begins but does not end upon the Earth and perhaps even extends out beyond the solar system into the vast frontier of interstellar space.''

It is one thing, of course, to glimpse shadows of these planets on their stars. It is quite another to fly humans to them. Of this, Jemison is aware.

During an interview, she cited a 1901 novel written by H.G. Wells about a fanciful

trip by a businessman and scientist to the moon, titled ``The First Men in the Moon.''

There they found a civilization of insectlike extraterrestrials. ``We knew very little about anything in terms of space technology and rocketry when that book was written, and yet 70 years later we were on the moon,'' Jemison said. ``Our technological arc is much steeper now.

We're at a point where our knowledge and our ability to research and find out things is much greater than it was in 1901. So while it may be a really, really hard problem, I don't think it's beyond human capabilities.''

The project has captured the imagination of some notable public officials, including former President Bill Clinton, who served as the honorary chair of the first annual meeting in 2012. ``This important effort helps advance the knowledge and technologies required to explore space, all while generating the necessary tools that enhance our quality of life on Earth,'' Clinton said at the time.

Last month, the organization held its second annual meeting in Houston. It included technical discussions of propulsion systems to cover light-years of distance as well as softer sciences such as what these intrepid explorers would wear. It was a mix of science and science fiction, of physical and social sciences, of professional scientists and amateur observers. ``Some of the hard-core technical people are disappointed,'' said Planetary Society Emeritus Executive Director Lou Friedman, in a podcast for his organization, after attending. -AP

56 pc Union tourism budget spent on North East ITANAGAR: Union Tourism ministry has spent 56 per cent of its budget during the last six months in the northeast to increase the inflow of domestic and foreign tourists.

Union Tourism Secretary Parvez Dewan informed this while talking to reporters on the sidelines of International Tourism Mart2013 in Tawang district.

Dewan appealed to 68 delegates from 23 countries to become ambassadors of Arunachal tourism to facilitate flow of tourists from their respective nations to this part of India.

Responding to queries, Dewan said India records 105 crore domestic tourists and 65 lakh foreign tourists annually yielding revenue of $18 billion from foreigners which amounted to 6.5 per cent of national GDP, besides generating about 10 per cent direct or indirect employment.

"NE India has been receiving about 59,000 foreign tourists but this event would hopefully increase the inflow of tourists by 10 per cent a year,"

he said.

On relaxation of restricted area permit (RAP) for foreigners in Arunachal Pradesh, tourism consultant P Sivaraman informed that the relaxation has been given to many tourist circuits and more would be given on receipt of request from the state government.

Chief Minister Nabam Tuki, who inaugurated the ITM-2013 said that in the next few years, the Trans-Arunachal Highway connecting Tawang to almost all district HQs up to Kanubari in far east Longding, fourlane highway, four-lane East West Corridor connecting Assam and Arunachal Pradesh would bring a sea change by removing communication bottlenecks.-PTI

October 25, 2013

Travel & Hospitality Post

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Imphal Cont’d from page 49

The core of Imphal's traditions, however, lies in its various temples. The most important of these is the Shri Govindajee Temple, a historic center for Vaishnavites. A simple, twindomed structure, it adjoins the magnificent palace of the former rulers of Manipur. Constructed in the early 18th century under the Rajarishi Bhagyachandra regime, the temple comes alive during festivals when thousands of people come to offer prayers.

The best time to visit it is during Holi, also known in Manipur as Dolijatra or Yaosong when boys and girls do the Thaba Changba folk dance, all night. In the center of the temple stands the presiding deity, Lord Vishnu flanked by the shrines of Balarama and Krishna on one side and Jagannatha on the other. The temple also has a paved court and a large raised congrega-

tion hall.

The Manipur State Museum is also worth a visit. The museum has a rich collection of Manipuri costumes, war implements, historical documents and relics, and gives you a sample of the state's complex history. Here, the visitors can also see sculptures of the local forest gods, and the motif of the Phakangba, the man who could turn himself into a dragon. Represented in his dragon form, Phakangba is considered as the ancestor of all Vaishnavites. All these things speak about the importance that the Manipuris attach to the organic relations of human-

Green-blue hills, lush fields and low clouds ity with nature.

Right in the heart of the city is the tall Shahid Minar at the Bir Tirkendrajit Park that was built in memory of Manipur's martyrs who sacrificed their lives for India's independence.

From another era, there are the famous cemeteries of the British and the Indian armies that commemorate those who died in the Second World War. Well maintained by the Commonwealth Grave Commissions, it has stone markers and stone plaques, each of which has a record of the sacrifice made by the soldiers.

Yet another special feature of Imphal is the Archery Stakes that are held everyday on various lowlying stretches of ground just below a stand of conifers. Evolved from an ancient tribal sport, it is still very popular in Manipur and one can see archers shooting as many as 500 arrows within a span of a few minutes.

For the history buffs, there is in the heart of the city the Old Palace with interesting ruins of an old fortress wall and a palace.

If you want to add a touch of glamour to your visit, plan a trip to the city during November when Imphal becomes the stage for a national festival of classical dance on the lines of the Khajuraho, Ellora and Badrinath festivals.

Imphal boasts of the biggest freshwater lake in the country, the Loktak.

Places around There are a number of places an hour or two away from Imphal,

each more beautiful than the other.

Moirang is just 45 km away and it is here that Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose first hoisted the flag of the Indian National Army (INA) on Indian soil. There is an INA museum, which contains letters, photographs, badges of rank and other articles associated with this movement. There is also a statue of Netaji. The graceful KhambaThoibi dance originated here.

Keibul Lamjao National Park, at a distance of 53 km, is supposed to be the last natural habitat of the thamin deer.

Ukhrul (83 km) is the highest hill station of the state; Moreh (100 km) is close to the Burma border and is a commercial center.

Tengnoupal is 69 km away and from here one can have a full view of the valley of Manipur.

Best time to visit: October to March How to reach: Indian Airlines connects Imphal with Delhi via Guwahati on a daily basis. Dimapur,

215 km from Imphal, is the nearest railhead for Manipur. Imphal is connected by road with Dimapur by National Highway 39 and Silchar

by National Highway 53.

52 India Post

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54 India Post

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October 25, 2013

Horoscope

October 25, 2013

India Post

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Your Weekly Future

by Pandit Parashar

OCTOBER 25 TH - OCTOBER 31 ST, 2013 (March 21 to April 20)

P

lanets in seventh will bring you close to an interesting personality. You will continue to make progress in your efforts to locate a better job. People in business will do better as one of the competitor may call it quit. Money wise you will stay comfortable and hope to make some money through investment made in the past.

(July 23 to August 22)

E

fforts will not go waste and you will be able to dodge financial crunch this time also. A very favorable week for people in sales and communication. Travels and business trips will get instant results. Investing in property may not be a good idea at the moment.

You will get to see many old friends at the party this week.

(April 21 to May 20)

Y

ou will end up allowing some one take undue advantage of your generosity. Competition will be too much so you will need to come up with a fool proof plan. You may be able to get rid of property chewing up your savings for quite some time. Spouse may not agree on your ideas and have some better plans. There is no harm in listening.

(August 23 to September 22)

P

lanets in second can take you deeper into Red if you are not careful and so are other family members. You will make big change in business strategy in order to come way ahead of competitors. It will be better to stick to your plans as friends will give conflicting opinion. You will pay surprise visit to a sibling.

(May 21 to June 20)

I

t will be slightly hard to decide on a major issue so you may seek outside help. You will try to clean up your desk and find few letters that require immediate attention. Some of you may be away from home to attend some important business. Time spent on phone will not go waste at all. You will be working on a great idea in career.

(September 23 to October 22)

H

ealth will improve with change in diet and little exercises. Mercury in first will make you little hyper so control the excitement.

New developments in career and in personal life will be the reasons to celebrate. You will buy some expensive gift for some one. You will be calling overseas more frequently this week.

(June 21 to July 22)

V

alue of your stocks will appreciate and you may buy another car or make a bid on a nice property. This is the right time to make your claim with boss or approach a government official for favor. You may be thinking of going into partnership with successful people. A very interesting person will come in your life this week.

(October 23 to November 22)

Y

ou will have to be very careful with new relationship or will find yourself in trouble soon. You will be excited about the short term course you are going to start in near future. You may dispose off stocks recently purchased for a small profit and wait. Business will be slow but you will make few new clients.

(November 23 to December 22)

Y

ou will receive help and lead from least expected places. You will continue to fight for the recognition in the office. Judgement in legal cases will come in your favor only. Some of you will be looking for another place to live. News of a new member joining family soon will cause lots of excitement.

(December 22 to January 19)

T

here will be some interesting developments in career and soon you could be moving to next level. Some of you may be in touch with right people to publish your work. You will try to make good use of extra time on hands by helping spouse. Slowly you will be working towards a long distance trip for family reunion also.

(January 20 to February 18)

Y

ou will be just lucky in all matters. Things will once again start moving in right direction. Soon the big contract will be in your hands. You will gain knowledge and learn trade secrets from a younger person. It will be another good week for people connected with finance industry. You will cut down on sweets.

(February 19 to March 20)

Y

ou will not only learn something new and useful but will have the opportunity to share the wisdom with close friends. Boss may add little pressure by reminding about upcoming deadline. A child will keep you busy at home with homework. Money wise you will be able to meet all commitments and still have some left.

Pandit Parashar, CEO & COO Astro Scan USA is also available for individual consultations. He can be reached at: parashar@parashar.com

510-886-4370 website: www.parashar.com

In Brief Australia warns against abuse of 457 visa program MELBOURNE: Australia has issued a stern warning to anyone who abuses the 457 visa program saying they will be punished just as harshly as people smugglers.

"If you abuse it then you can expect for me to be as tough on that as the people smugglers will find that we will be on our borders," Immigration Minister Scott Morrison was quoted as saying by the AAP news agency.

"If the 457 program is abused, it will be undermined, and its critical values to Australia will be diminished. I'm asking you - and I'm asking industry and employers - to help the government protect this vital asset for the Australian economy by making sure it is used properly, in the right circumstances and is not abused," he said.

Earlier this year Labor government launched a crackdown on the 457 skilled visa program, saying it was being abused by employers who had not adequately sought to employ locals first.

In June, the government passed laws that forced employers to do local labor market testing to prove they could not find an Australian citizen to do the job before sponsoring an overseas worker on a 457 visa.

The new government has faced pressure from business to take urgent action on the visa class.-PTI

„ Lawmakers say shutdown affected farmworker visas ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.: Sen. Bill Nelson and a handful of other lawmakers are asking the Department of Labor, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service and the State Department to speed up the processing of agricultural visas so crops aren't left to rot.

In a letter to Secretary of State John Kerry and other federal officials, Nelson and nine other senators said the recent government shutdown slowed the processing of visa petitions for foreign agricultural workers.

The senators add that they've heard from growers that delays could prevent them from getting the needed workers during harvest season, which could result in economic harm and crop losses.

The voluntary H-2A program allows employers to hire and bring foreign workers to the U.S. for seasonal work when there's a shortage of domestic employees. -AP

Immigration 56 India Post

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Green card delays for overseas spouses Details on page 57

Illegal immigrants asked to leave Britain via text messages LONDON: Britain sent messages to nearly 60,000 illegal immigrants warning them to leave the country, but the campaign sparked a controversy after some legal migrants, including an Indian-origin rights activist, received the alert.

The Home Office claims only 14 out of a total of 58,800 people contacted via text, email and post were mistakenly asked if they had overstayed their visas, but campaigners believe the true number is far higher.

Indian-origin human rights and anti-racism campaigner Suresh Grover expressed shock after he received the message. "I was absolutely shocked and quite horrified to receive the text. I thought it wasn't meant for me," he said.

"I came here with my parents in 1966, I was born in East Africa and have always had a British passport," said Grover, who is now consulting his lawyers on the matter.

The controversy gained further ground after Prime Minister David Cameron's office was asked to justify the campaign.

"The prime minister agrees with the principle of the texts. It is one of various means the Home Office

contacts people who may not have the right to remain in the UK," the PM's official spokesperson said.

He acknowledged that the wording of the texts had changed since the campaign began. Originally, they included the phrase: "You are required to leave the UK

The messages were sent by private contractor Capita on behalf of the UK Border Agency (UKBA), which received 140 complaints.

"Most complaints occurred in the early part of the contract where Capita was, as part of the contract, updating sometimes out-of-date

Indian-origin human rights and anti-racism campaigner Suresh Grover expressed shock after he received the message. "I was absolutely shocked and quite horrified to receive the text� as you no longer have the right to remain."

The messages now read: "Our records show you may not have leave to remain in the UK. Please contact us to discuss your case."

Home Office records," Capita claimed.

The Opposition Labor party described the Conservative-led government's tactic as "shambolic and incompetent".

News of the latest campaign came as it emerged that the UKBA plans to extend another controversial scheme by introducing "Go Home" vans across Britain.

The vans, which carry posters telling illegal migrants to leave the country or face arrest, could appear in more British cities following a trial in London, Immigration Minister Mark Harper said.

During July, they were driven around the London boroughs of Barking and Dagenham, Redbridge, Barnet, Brent, Ealing and Hounslow for a week, triggering widespread anger among antiracism campaigners.

The country's Advertising Standards Agency had cleared the campaign of being offensive but ruled the statistics carried on the van were inaccurate.

The campaign had caused tensions within the Tory and Liberal Democrat coalition, with Lib Dem leader and business secretary Vince Cable branding it as "stupid and offensive".

Jeremy Browne, the home office minister who has since lost his job, had said he would not allow them to come back. -PTI

Raise UK visa bond issue with Prince Charles: Assocham NEW DELHI: Indian Industry body Assocham has said it wants the controversial 3,000 pounds visa bond scheme for Indians visiting the UK to be abandoned and that the government should raise the issue with Prince Charles during his visit to India next month.

Emphasizing that the visa bond policy for Indians must be discarded, the chamber said India must demand treatment at par with China and also make it clear to the UK that the move would be challenged in the WTO as it impairs fair international trade.

"We want the controversial visa bond policy, by which visitors to the UK from six Commonwealth countries including India will be required to furnish a bond for 3,000 pounds for a six-month

visa, to be abandoned," Assocham said.

Earlier this week, UK Chancellor of the Exchequer George

investment.

Pointing out that there was no merit in the argument that visa bond policy would be imple-

Assocham has said it wants the controversial 3,000 pounds visa bond scheme for Indians visiting the UK to be abandoned.

Osborne unveiled a liberal visa policy for the Chinese visiting Britain in a bid to woo Chinese

mented on pilot for so-called 'high-risk visitors,' Assocham said: "It is bound to be misused,

and create confusion".

"In fact, India should make it clear to British authorities that the move would even be challenged in the World Trade Organization as it impairs fair international trade," it added.

Osborne announced relaxed visa rules for visitors from China during his ongoing trade mission to the country.

"As an economy, we are as important as China, both in terms of trade and investment as also exchange of tourists.

Students from India and China not only fund their education abroad but also pump in hard currency into the British universities which are starved of funds," Assocham said.

Cont'd on Page 58

Immigration Post

October 25, 2013

India Post 57

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Green card delays for overseas spouses CYRUS D. MEHTA

O

ne of the most fundamen tal benefits under immi gration law is for the ability of a US citizen to quickly sponsor a foreign national spouse for a green card. While the granting of immigration benefits is contentious in today's political environment, no one has disputed, even immigration restrictionists, that a US citizen cannot swiftly bring into this country a foreign national whom he or she has married overseas.

Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, the spouse of a US citizen qualifies as an immediate relative, and falls outside the quotas that other relatives of US citizens may be subject to such as adult sons and daughters or siblings. Minor children and parents of US citizens also qualify as immediate relatives.

The Form I-130 petition is used to sponsor a spouse, minor child or parent of a US citizen who is outside the US. In the recent past, such an I-130 petition filed with the United States Immigration and Citizenship Services on behalf of an immediate relative got approved in about 3-4 months. The case was then sent to the National Visa Center, a clearing house for the consular posts of the Depart-

mont Service Center states that I130 petitions received on October 22, 2012 for immediate relatives are being adjudicated presently.

The California Service Center does not indicate any processing time for a similar I-130 petition. This is quite frankly a shocking state of affairs. The reason for the delay is that the I-130s are being shunted to local USCIS offices for processing rather than being processed at the California or Vermont Service Centers, which is how they were processed previously.

Still, this is no excuse for the USCIS to cause so much delay. It makes no sense to allow spouses of US citizen to wait for so long outside the US before they can join their loved one in the US. The USCIS is capable of far greater efficiency as it demonstrated when it more quickly adjudicated thousands upon thousands of applications under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

While the filing of a concurrent I-130 petition with an I-485 application for adjustment of status may process more quickly, the foreign spouse has to be in the US in order to adjust status. If a spouse enters the US on a nonimmigrant visa, such as a tourist visa, with

Once the petitioner submitted the required documents to the NVC, the file was dispatched to the consular post and an appointment was quickly scheduled. The entire process generally took about six months or a little over. ment of State.

Once the petitioner submitted the required documents to the NVC, the file was dispatched to the consular post and an appointment was quickly scheduled. The entire process generally took about six months or a little over.

More recently, I-130 petitions filed on behalf of spouses and other immediate relatives are reportedly taking much longer. This author has heard that I-130s filed in January or February 2013 have still not been approved. The Ver-

the intention to adjust status, such an I-485 can be denied if the spouse had a preconceived intent to apply for permanent residence while entering the country as a tourist. If, on the other hand, the spouse came genuinely as a tourist, but changed his or her mind after arriving in the US, then it can be demonstrated that there was no preconceived intent, or worse, fraud or misrepresentation with respect to the purpose of entering the US on a tourist visa.

Of course, if the spouse enters

on a nonimmigrant visa, such as an H-1B or L visa, which allows for dual intent, then the spouse's intent to apply for a permanent immigrant benefit is not an issue.

The number of people on H or L visas who become spouses of US

3 visa to allow spouses of US citizens to enter the US if the I-130 processing got delayed. In recent times, K-3 petitions have not been filed due to the fact that I-130 petitions were processed in a few months. It now makes sense to

The filing of an I-130 petition for consular processing, when the spouse is based overseas, is thus the legally appropriate method to apply. The USCIS should not discourage this process by inordinately delaying the approval citizens is relatively few, though, and many people are unable to apply for a tourist visa to even visit the US temporarily to meet their spouses while the I-130 petition remains pending. People who are nationals of Visa Waiver countries can visit the US for 90 days without applying for a visa, but they too may risk being questioned about their intent at the port of entry.

The filing of an I-130 petition for consular processing, when the spouse is based overseas, is thus the legally appropriate method to apply. The USCIS should not discourage this process by inordinately delaying the approval of an I-130 petition, and thus encourage people to circumvent the process by coming on tourist visas, or other nonimmigrant visas that do not allow for dual intent, with the intent to apply for adjustment of status.

Moreover, it is worth noting that with Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act being declared unconstitutional in United States v.

Windsor, same sex spouses of US citizen can also for a green card through an I-130 petition. These spouses were unjustly deprived of a benefit for years on end as a result of an unconstitutional statute, and they should not be required to wait that much longer for the I130 petition to get approved.

In light of long delays in the processing of the I-130 petition, it may be worth considering filing an I-129F petition for a K-3 visa. Congress specifically designed the K-

revive the K-3, and to file for it after the I-130 petition has been filed.

Both the Vermont and California Service Centers indicate that K-3 processing is taking 5 months.

If that time frame is accurate, then the beneficiary of a pending I-130 petition, which is expected to take a year or longer under current processing times, can at least unite with the US citizen spouse through a K-3 visa. Once the spouse is here on a K-3 visa, it is permissible under law to file an I-485 application for adjustment of status. While this is not a perfect solution as it involves two steps, the spouse can at least expect to unite with the US citizen spouse somewhat sooner.

(This advice is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice).

* Cyrus D Mehta, may be contacted at 212-425-0555 or info@cyrusmehta.com

PRADEEP ROY-SINGH B.A. LL.B. M.B.A. J.D. Attorney-at-Law

Former Assistant StateÂ’s Attorney

Civil & Criminal Litigation Felonies, Misdemeanors, Inc DUI 1 Personal Injury, Business, Divorce etc.

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2335 W. Devon Ave., Suite 204, Tel: 773-381-1820 Chicago, IL 60659

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Israel allows 899 Indian Jews to immigrate JERUSALEM: Israel has allowed 899 Indian Jews from Manipur and Mizoram, the members of the "lost" Bnei Menashe tribe, to immigrate to the Jewish state.

The cabinet decided to allow the immigration of the Indian Bnei Menashe community to Israel in multiple groups with the first batch expected by the end of the year.

Bnei Menashe (literally sons of Menashe), a group of indigenous people from north-Eastern border states of Manipur and Mizoram, trace their roots in one of the ten "lost tribes" of Jews exiled by the Assyrian regime over 2,700 years ago.

Hundreds of Bnei Menashe are already living in Israel, having made aliyah (immigration) with the help of an NGO, Shavei Israel, dedicated to bringing "lost Jews" around the world to Israel.

Michael Freund, the founder and chairman of the Shavei Israel organization that lobbied for their aliya, said he wishes to see the entire community come to Israel soon.

"Our goal is to bring all the remaining members of the Bnei Menashe community here to Israel as quickly as possible," he was quoted as saying by The Jerusalem Post.

Freund said the cabinet's decision will allow 200 Bnei Menashe people to be brought to Israel by the end of the year, 400 in 2014

and another 300 in 2015.

All of the immigrants will be housed in a private absorption center run by Shavei Israel and will then be settled around the country.

Their immigration to Israel was facilitated by the ruling of the former chief Sephardic Rabbi in

The Chief Rabbinate does not consider the Bnei Menashe to be Jewish according to Halacha (Jewish norms), but the members of the community consider themselves to be of Jewish ancestry and are committed Zionists and observant Jews whose goal is to return to the land of their ances-

FREMONT, Neb.: The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals has rejected a request to re-hear a case challenging a Fremont ordinance requiring people to prove they're in the country legally before they can rent an apartment.

The Lincoln Journal Star reports the federal court denied the petition for the full court to rehear the case.

Challengers have 90 days to petition the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the case.

The case challenged a 2010 ordinance approved by Fremont voters requiring potential renters to pay a $5 fee for an occupancy license and show proof of

being in the country legally.

Attorneys representing several groups challenged the law in federal court. A three-judge panel up-

held the ordinance in June and reversed a judge's ruling that parts of the law violated federal law. AP

Murder suspect sentenced to 65 years Indian Jews from Manipur and Mizoram, the members of the "lost" Bnei Menashe tribe,arriving in Israel

2005 who declared them descendants of Israel amid intense debate over their Jewish ancestry.

Some 274 members of the northeastern Indian Jews arrived in Israel earlier this year.

However, in 2004 Israel's then Interior Minister Avraham Poraz had put a freeze on the immigration of the group raising questions on their Jewishness.

tors, Freund said.

He said Bnei Menashe are unable to convert in India and have come to Israel in small groups at irregular intervals to convert here.

Some 2,000 members of the Bnei Menashe have arrived in Israel since the 1980s and around 7,000 members of the group still live in India. -PTI

Dad of Roma girl expelled from France speaks out MITROVICA, Kosovo: The father of a Roma immigrant girl who has become a cause celebre in France says he pretended his family was from Kosovo in hope of gaining pity - and political asylum.

The lie didn't work, and he and his family were expelled as illegal immigrants. His revelation is the latest twist in a tale that has shaken the French government and sent thousands of French high school students into the street, protesting on behalf of deported classmates.

The girl, 15-year-old Leonarda Dibrani, was taken by police from a school field trip, then sent to Kosovo with her family. While such expulsions occur regularly as France tries to stem illegal immigration, the circumstances of the

Court rejects request to re-hear Fremont case

arrest - in front of Leonarda's classmates and teachers - shocked many.

France's Socialist government is investigating. Interior Minister Manuel Valls said he would get the results of the investigation.

Meanwhile, questions have surfaced over the Dibrani family history.

Activists who worked with the family initially said they had fled Kosovo because of discrimination against Roma, or Gypsies, and limited opportunities.

But Leonarda's father, Reshat Dibrani, told The Associated Press on that the Kosovo story was a lie aimed at achieving a better life for his six children.

Presenting copies of their birth certificates, he said he was born

in Kosovo but moved to Italy years ago, and that his children were born in Italy but don't have Italian citizenship. He believed they had a better chance at permanently settling in France than Italy, so he moved the family to France, claiming the whole family was from impoverished, post-war Kosovo. ``We said in France that we had come from Kosovo so that we could get the papers,'' he said in Mitrovica in northern Kosovo. ``If I had told them that I am Kosovar and that (the children) were born in Italy, then France would say go back to Italy.''

He said many immigrant families try similar stories. ``You look to do what's best for the family,'' he said.-AP

ANCHORAGE, Alaska: A man facing an Anchorage first-degree murder charge has been sentenced to 65 years in prison for breaking immigration, identity theft and weapons laws.

The Anchorage Daily News reports 49-year-old Javier Antonio Martinez was sentenced in federal court.

He is charged in state court with shooting and killing his boss at the Millennium Alaskan Hotel, Kerry Fadely, on Oct. 29, 2011, and

faces a trial in that case Dec. 2.

The Dominican Republic resident was convicted in June of making false claims of U.S. citizenship, aggravated identity theft, reentry after deportation and possession of a gun as an illegal alien.

U.S. District Judge Ralph Beistline backed prosecutors' recommendations for the maximum sentence.

He called Martinez a ``very dangerous, dangerous man,'' violent and a ``narcissist.'' -AP

Raise UK visa bond issue with Prince Charles: Assocham Cont'd from Page 56

Under the plan, Chinese nationals visiting the European Union will not need to submit separate UK visa applications if they book with selected travel agents.

"Several Indian companies, notably the Tatas have invested billions of dollars in Britain creating and saving jobs in that country" "As its economic clout increases, India must seek a treatment from the UK which is no less different and inferior to the one meted out to China," the chamber said.

At present, Chinese visitors can apply for a single visa to visit much of Europe but a separate visa is required to travel to the UK. A mobile visa scheme has been made operational for the Chinese tourists.

"Several Indian companies, notably the Tatas have invested billions of dollars in Britain creating and saving jobs in that country," the chamber pointed out.

Prince Charles and his wife Camilla Parker-Bowles will make a nine-day visit to India next month on their way to Sri Lanka for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

This will be the royal couple's third official visit to India together.

The trip, from November 6 to 14, will take them to Dehradun, New Delhi, Mumbai, Pune and Kochi. PTI

October 25, 2013

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NEW JERSEY

NEW YORK

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Upcoming

ILLINOIS

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Sat, Oct 26 • Vijay Siva - Carnatic Vocal concert presented by Sruti Venue: Agnes Irwin School - West Wike Theatre, 275 S. Ithan Ave, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010 Time: 4:30 pm

Fri, Nov 1 • Diwali Dhamaka in BollyHouse Jersey City Venue: VB3 Lounge, 475 Washington Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 07310 Time: 10:00 pm Contact: 212-203-2861

Fri, Nov 8 • Bollywood Bhangra Night Venue: The Lucky Dublin Bar and Grill, 30 Minue St, Carteret, NJ 07008 Time: 9:00 pm Contact: 908-208-8882

Sat, Oct 26 • 2nd Grand Gala Dinner Venue: World Fair Marina Banquet Hall, 1 Worlds Fair Marina Flushing, New York, NY 11369 Time: 6:30 pm Contact: 917-318-9396

Sat, Nov 2 • DIWALI by Asavari Venue: Valimar Clubhouse, 166 Valimar Blvd, White Plains, NY 10603 Time: 3:00 pm Contact: 9149488969

Sun, Oct 27 • 16th Annual LA Cancer Challenge Venue:

Veterans

Administration

Grounds , 11301 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90073 Time: 6:00 pm Contact: : 310-473-5121

Sun, Oct 27 • Bringing Democratic

Sat, Oct 26

• J K Yog Satsang and Bal

• Carnatic Keyboard Arangetram

by Varsha Sarveshwar

Mukund Hindi Classes are held every 2nd and 4rth Sunday of Month

Venue: Agoura hills High school,CA, 28545 W Driver Ave, Agoura Hills, CA 91301 Time: 5:00 pm Time: 818-584-4677

Thu, Nov 7 • Diwali Tabletop Competition and Industry Mixer Venue: Glow Lounge in Marina Del Rey Marriott , 4100 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292 Time: 6:00 pm Contact: 562-366-3640

Thu, Nov 7 • DJ Rekha Presents Basement

Reforms in India: Will New Political Parties Make a Difference?

Bhangra

Panel Discussion sponsored by The

Venue: Le Poisson Rouge, 158 Bleecker Street, New York, NY 10012 Time: 7:30 pm Contact: 718-207-0058

Thu, Nov 14

Stanford India Association and

• NetIP Presents Affordable Care Act Outreach & Education

ASHA for Education Venue: Havana Room, Graduate Community Center, Stanford University...750 Escondido Road, Stanford, CA 94305 Time: 2.30 pm to 4.30 pm Email : roshankar@gmail.com

Fri, Nov 1 • Buster Keaton's "Steamboat Bill, Jr." Venue: Smith Center at Ohlone College 43600 Mission Boulevard, Fremont CA

Venue: Tanzore Restaurant, 50 North La Cienega Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211 Time: 7:00 pm Time: 424-456-8429

ATLANTA Upcoming Sat, Nov 2 • Diwali Mela & Garba Night Venue: Atlanta Event Hall, 3750 Venture

Contact: : (510) 659-6031

Dr, Duluth, GA 30096

website : www.smithcenter.com

Time: 2:00 pm Contact: 404-934-9991

Mon, Nov 4 • Information Seminar - Fully Accredited MD Program

Fri, Nov 8 • Devotional Bollywood Night

Venue: DoubleTree By Hilton Los An-

Venue: Book Your Show Now, 3750

geles Downtown, 120 S Los Angeles St,

Venture Dr, Duluth, GA 30096

Los Angeles, CA 90012 Time: 6:00 pm Contact: 778-785-0400

Time: 9:00 pm Contact: 315-591-3921

Chicago Satsang Information: J K Yog, Chicago - Swami Mukundananda Venue: Clarion Inn/Waterford Banquets, Board Room, 933 South Riverside Drive, Elmhurst, IL 60126 Time: 3:30pm-5:30pm Contact: Ajay & Arti Chandhok @ 630-561-4807 Website: www.jkyog.org

1st and 3rd Sunday of Month • Chicago Children's Bal Mukund Character Building Program and Hindi Literacy Classes Venue: Vogelei Center, 650 W. Higgins Road, Hoffmann Estates, IL 60192 (Next to Nissan Dealership) Contact: Ajay & Arti Chandhok @ 630-561-4807 Website: www.jkyog.org/bal-mukund

Mondays and Fridays • Free ESL - English as Second Language Classes Where: Metropolitan Asian Family Services Venue: 9015 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL, Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm Contact: 773-465-3105

Every third Tuesday • Hindi Kavi Manch Organized by Hindi Lovers Club Venue: Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago Lemont Il...0915 Lemont Road IL Time: 6:00 to 8:30 pm

October 25, 2013

www.indiapost.com

India Post 61

„ Health

Line

Thousands participate in Delhi Walk for Health NEW DELHI: More than 16,000 participated in the second Max Bupa Walk for Health initiative, flagged off by tennis ace Sania Mirza here.

Max Bupa Walk for Health is a first of its kind initiative which aims to encourage people to walk more.

The five kilometer walk in Delhi was flagged off by Sania. The Mumbai walk was flagged off by Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor.

Expressing her belief in the initiative, Sania said, "More and more people are realizing the importance of being fit and healthy."

"I personally believe that walking is a great way to stay fit and I encourage everyone to start walking as it is the easiest and the best way to get healthier."

The event was attended by people of different age groups including celebrities, health enthusiasts, school children, customers, agents, partners and employees of Max Group companies with their friends and family.

Celebrities like Manish Paul, Pooja Bedi, Kunal Kohli, Dilip Tahil, Raza Murad, Meiyang Chang and Smriti Irani also participated in Mumbai.

This year the initiative focused on Delhi and Mumbai, as owing to a sedentary lifestyle, people living in these metropolises are more prone to stress and lead an unhealthy life. -AP

„ Stuck in hospital, cancer patient marries his love ORANGE, Calif.: Dennis Lyman wasn't about to let an extended hospital stay get between him and marrying his girlfriend of nearly 30 years.

So on Oct 18, Lyman exchanged vows with Barbara Monds from his bed at St. Joseph Hospital in Orange.

The Orange County Register reported that the couple had talked about getting married for a long time, and planned a ceremony for last week. But after radiation therapy for prostate cancer, the 68-year-old Lyman wasn't able to make it to the courthouse.

So hospital staff arranged a ceremony, and wheeled Lyman's bed to the chapel.

There, a doctor played violin as Monds walked down the improvised aisle.

Nurse Roberta Nelson helped dress Lyman in a white shirt and black tie, and even got her sister's veil for Monds. -AP

Health Science 62

India Post

www.indiapost.com

October 25, 2013

WHO call to prevent lead poisoning in kids Details on Page 64

476,000 Obamacare applications filed; President frustrated by flawed rollout WASHINGTON: Administration officials say about 476,000 health insurance applications have been filed through federal and state exchanges, the most detailed measure yet of the problem-plagued rollout of President Barack Obama's signature legislation.

However, the officials continue to refuse to say how many people have actually enrolled in the insurance markets. Without enrollment figures, it's unclear whether the program is on track to reach the 7 million people projecting by the Congressional Budget Office to gain coverage during the sixmonth sign-up period.

Obama's advisers say the President has been frustrated by the flawed rollout. During one of his daily health care briefings, he told advisers assembled in the Oval Office that the administration had to own up to the fact that there were no excuses for not having the website ready to operate as promised.

Cabinet members and other top administration officials will also be

traveling around the country in the coming weeks to encourage sign-ups in areas with the highest population of uninsured

who invested significant time and political capital in getting the law passed during his first term.

The officials said technology

people.

The first three weeks of signups have been marred by a cascade of computer problems, which the administration says it is working around the clock to correct.

The rough rollout has been a glaring embarrassment for Obama,

experts from inside and outside the government are set to work on the glitches, though they did not say how many workers were being added.

Officials did say staffing has been increased at call centers by about 50 percent. As problems

persist on the federally run website, the administration is encouraging more people to sign up for insurance over the phone.

The officials did not want to be cited by name and would not discuss the health insurance rollout unless they were granted anonymity.

Despite the widespread problems, the Obama administration has yet to fully explain what went wrong with the online system consumers were supposed to use to sign up for coverage.

Initially, administration officials blamed a high volume of interest for the frozen screens that many people encountered. Since then, the administration has also acknowledged unspecified problems with software and some elements of the system's design.

Interest in the insurance markets appears to continue to be high. Officials said about 19 million people had visited HealthCare.gov Oct 18 night.

People seeking insurance must fill out applications before selecting specific plans.

Cruz: Senate won't make same mistake in next fight AUSTIN, Texas: U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz has said that Republicans lost the government shutdown budget battle because some members of his own party in Congress turned on their colleagues, but that he doesn't think they will make the same mistake during another political impasse. ``I am hopeful that in the future the Senate will listen,'' Cruz, the favorite of the hardcore conservative tea party movement and first-term senator from Texas, told a convention in Austin of the Texas Medical Association.

Cruz in late September staged a 21-plus hour speech on the Senate floor, helping spark a budget fight in the Republican-led House that partially shuttered the government in an attempt to defund President Barack Obama's signature health care law.

Then, with the country facing a debt default over Congress' failure to raise the country's borrow-

ing limit, leaders in the Democratic-led Senate brokered a deal to end the standoff - which Cruz

what happened, and that's what led directly to this lousy deal, is when Senate Republicans de-

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, speaks to members of the Texas Medical Association about the Affordable Care Act on Oct. 19

dismissed as ``selling the American people down the river.'' ``You don't win a fight when your own team is firing cannons at the people who are standing up and leading, which are the House Republicans,'' he said. ``That's

clined to unify and declined to support House Republicans.''

The deal sets up the potential for another budget showdown in January. Senate Republican leaders, however, have suggested that there won't be a repeat of the shut-

down or a potential default crisis like in recent weeks.

But addressing reporters after his speech, Cruz would not say that another fight won't be coming. ``There will be plenty of time to consider the particular practical or strategic decisions,'' Cruz said.

Asked if he was worried about retaliation from more-senior Republican leaders in the Senate, Cruz said, ``I try very hard not to worry about the politics and the internal back-and-forth in Washington.'' ``My focus is on doing my job,'' he said.

The crowd was mostly sympathetic, with many convention attendees giving Cruz a standing ovation at the end of his speech.

Some stayed seated, though. ``Obamacare isn't working, and not only is it not working, it's not working badly,'' Cruz said.-AP

October 25, 2013

Health Science Post

India Post 63

www.indiapost.com

SD doctors urge state to expand Medicaid program RAPID CITY, S.D.: Fearing a long-term rise in private insurance premiums, South Dakota doctors are renewing pressure on Gov. Dennis Daugaard to expand the state's Medicaid program under President Barack Obama's health care overhaul.

Daugaard has not yet decided whether to expand Medicaid. He has said he is worried that the federal government will not live up to its promise to fund the expansion in the long term, which could force the state to pay more than 10 percent.

Dr Daniel Heinemann, president of the South Dakota State Medical Association, told a group of 50 physicians in Rapid City that failure to expand Medicaid could have an effect on all South Dakotans.

Heinemann said if Medicaid is not expanded, low-income people without insurance will continue to get expensive care in hospital emergency rooms, and hospitals will shift the cost of unpaid bills to patients with private insurance. ``The citizens of South Dakota are going to continue to get care, but it's going to be more expensive and it's not going to have the same kind of outcomes,'' Heinemann

told the Rapid City Journal.

Under the federal health care law, states have the option of expanding Medicaid, the state-federal program that covers health care for low-income people. If South Dakota expands Medicaid eligibility, an estimated 48,000 additional people would be covered.

The federal government would cover about 100 percent of the cost of the additional patients until 2016. From 2020 onwards, the federal government would cover 90 percent of the cost, with the state paying the other 10 percent.

Daugaard has not yet decided whether to expand Medicaid. He has said he is worried that the federal government will not live up to its promise to fund the expansion in the long term, which could force the state to pay more than 10 percent.

Heinemann said the governor's argument is flawed because all South Dakotans would pay more if the state chooses not to expand Medicaid and hospitals shift the cost of unpaid bills by charging more to people with insurance.

An expansion of Medicaid would provide preventive care to more low-income patients, reducing emergency room visits, Heinemann said. That could reduce the growth of private insurance premiums, he said.

In addition, South Dakota has a moral obligation to help its most vulnerable people, Heinemann said. ``We know that people who are uninsured are more likely to live longer and have healthier lives,'' he said. -AP

Evansville health care campus moves forward EVANSVILLE, Ind.: Efforts to expand A site for the campus has not been semedical education in southwestern Indiana lected yet. IU is expected next month to have taken a major step forward with lead- issue a request for proposals for possible ers of four higher education institutions locations, and its board of trustees is exsigning letters of intent to participate in a pected to select the site in February or April, new interdisciplinary Becker said. health science research Groundbreaking is and education campus.

IU wants to create a planned for next summer Representatives of the the opening for Ausite that would allow and Indiana University School gust 2017. of Medicine-Evansville, students to finish their The IU School of the University of Evans- medical education Medicine's current Evansville, the University of ville program, at the UniSouthern Indiana and Ivy in Evansville and versity of Southern IndiTech Community College offer residency opana, serves students for signed letters of intent to portunities at nearby only their first two years. develop a 40,000-squareIU wants to create a site foot center to be used for hospitals. that would allow students training, research and to finish their medical possibly product development, The Evans- education in Evansville and offer residency ville Courier & Press reported. opportunities at nearby hospitals. Four re``When this health care campus is gional hospitals are expected to participate opened, it will be home to 1,600 to 2,000 in the campus. health care students from all four universiIU also may locate a dental clinic at the ties,'' said Steven Becker, director and as- new campus, Becker said. IU dental stusociate dean of the IU medical school dents would perform clinical rotations there branch. serving needy patients.-AP

Ball State pesticide pulled after parents complain MUNCIE, Ind.: Ball State University has canceled plans to spray herbicides on the lawns around its K-12 school after objections from parents worried that it would expose their children to chemical toxins.

The Star Press reports Burris Laboratory School Principal Cathlene Darragh sent an email to Burris parents saying the school decided against the spraying.

Dave Ring, owner of an organic grocery store, helped lead the fight against the use of the weed killer Trimec 992. A petition Ring started against the spraying had gathered more than 130 signatures.

Ring says he's ``very happy and grate-

ful'' to Ball State President Jo Ann Gora and her administration for being responsive to parents' concerns. -AP

Medical facility in Missoula eliminating positions MISSOULA, Mont.: Community Medical Center in Missoula is eliminating the equivalent of about 60 full-time positions through a combination of furloughs and 20 job cuts.

Hospital CEO Steve Carlson tells the Missoulian that a decreased demand for

acute care services has forced the reduction at the facility that employees more than 1,020 full- and part-time workers.

Managers have been taking a one-day furlough each pay period the last two months as the center attempts to attain about $3 million in savings.. -AP

Health Science Post

64 India Post

October 25, 2013

www.indiapost.com

WHO call to prevent lead poisoning in kids India Post News Service

GENEVA: Lead poisoning has devastating health consequences in particular for children, with childhood lead exposure estimated to contribute to 600,000 new cases of children with intellectual disabilities every year. Overall, 99% of children affected by high exposure to lead live in low and middle income countries, says WHO on the occasion of International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week of Action, and calls on countries to strengthen national actions to eliminate lead paint.

Lead paint is a major source of potential lead poisoning for young children. It may be found in the home, on toys, furniture and on other objects. Decaying lead paint on walls, furniture and other interior surfaces creates lead-contaminated dust in the home that young children easily ingest.

Mouthing lead-painted toys and other objects also exposes young children to lead.

The sweet taste of lead paint means that some children even pick off and swallow small chips of paint.

"Lead poisoning remains one of the most important environmental health concerns for children globally, and lead paint is a major flashpoint for children's potential lead poisoning," says Dr Maria Neira, WHO Director for Public Health and Environment.

"The good news is that exposure to lead paint can be entirely stopped through a range of measures to restrict the produc-

tion and use of lead paint."

It is estimated that 143 000 deaths per year result from lead poisoning and lead paint is a major contributor to this. Its use creates a health problem for many years into the future. Even in countries that have banned leaded paint decades previously, such paint continues to be a source of ex-

public on renovation of homes where lead paint may have already been applied.

"Paints with extremely high levels of lead are still available in most of the developing countries where paint testing has been conducted as part of the efforts of the Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint. In most of the countries with lead paint, equivalent paint with no added lead is At high levels of exposure, lead damages also available, suggesting that the brain and central nervous system to alternatives to cause coma, convulsions and even death. lead are readily Children who survive such poisoning are available to manufacturoften left with intellectual impairment and ers," says behavioral disorders.

David Piper, Deputy Direcposure until it is finally stripped and re- tor, UNEP DTIE Chemicals Branch. The Inplaced. ternational Lead Poisoning Prevention The cost of replacing lead paint means Week of Action, provides an excellent opthat people living in older, poorly-main- portunity to raise awareness of the widetained housing are particularly at risk, and spread availability of lead paint. this disproportionately affects economically-deprived communities.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified lead as one of ten chemicals of major public health concern, and lead requires action by Member States in order to protect the health of workers, children and women of reproductive age. Such acSANTA FE, N.M.: State Attorney Gentions include adopting regulations and proeral Gary King has released part of an aucedures to eliminate the use of lead decoradit that led to a shakeup in New Mexico's tive paints and provide information to the mental health system, but most of the details are redacted.

The Santa Fe New Mexican says the report confirms a criminal investigation into Medicaid billing fraud is ongoing. But virtually all specific information about the 15 New Mexico providers audited in search of possible financial fraud is blacked out.

In a state court filing, King said releasing the rest of the information could jeopardize the investigation. He asked for a judge to review the complete audit pri-

Worldwide, 30 countries have already phased out the use of lead paint. The Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint, co-led

by WHO and UNEP, has set a target of 70 countries by 2015.

At high levels of exposure, lead damages the brain and central nervous system to cause coma, convulsions and even death. Children who survive such poisoning are often left with intellectual impairment and behavioral disorders.

At lower levels of exposure, which cause no obvious symptoms and that previously were considered safe, lead is now known to produce a spectrum of injury across multiple body systems. In particular, lead affects brain development in children, resulting in reduced IQ, behavioral changes such as shortening of attention span and increased antisocial behavior, and reduced educational attainment. These effects are believed to be irreversible. Adults are at increased risk of kidney disease and raised blood pressure.

NM's AG releases a redacted mental health audit vately and then determine if releasing additional sections or pages is appropriate. ``The withheld portions of the audit are precisely that - evidence in connection with the criminal investigation that the AG received from an outside source,'' King said. ``The substance of the document contains confidential sources, methods, information and evidence received or compiled in connection with a criminal investigation. To require public disclosure of that information would fatally undermine the law-enforcement exception, as it would unduly interfere with the ongoing criminal investigation.''-AP

476,000 Obamacare applications filed; President frustrated by flawed rollout Cont'd from Page 62

The applications include personal information, including income figures that are used to calculate any subsidies the applicant may qualify for.

More than one person can be included on an application.

Of the 476,000 applications that have been started, just over half have been from the 36 states where the federal government is taking the lead in running the markets.

The rest of the applications have come from the 14 states running their own markets, along with Washington, D.C. The White House says it plans to release the first enrollment totals from both the federal and state-run markets in midNovember.

An internal memo obtained by The Associated Press showed that the administration projected nearly a half-million people would enroll for the insurance markets during the first month.

Officials say they expect enrollments to

be heavier toward the end of the six-month sign-up window.

In an ironic twist, the problems with the rollout were overshadowed by Republican efforts to get changes to the health care law in exchange for funding the government. That effort failed and the government reopened with the health care law intact.

Stung by that defeat, some Republicans are now calling for the resignation of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. The White House says it has complete confidence in her.

House Republicans have scheduled a hearing to look into the rollout problems.

White House allies say they're confident the problems are being addressed. ``There's no question the marketplace website needs some improvement,'' said Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., one of the architects of the law. ``The administration needs to fix the computer bugs and I'm confident that they're working around the clock to fix the problems.'' -AP

Philosophy

October 25, 2013

India Post 65

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Page Sponsored by Sahanis SWAMI RAMATIRTHA

F

lattery is not looked upon as a deadly sin, but it is universal.

How is it that from the lowest vermin to the highest god, flattery is welcome? How is it that everybody is a slave of flattery, and everybody wants to be complimented, humored, patted, and be thought highly of? How is it?

Even the dogs, when you pat and flatter them, are full of joy at it. Even the dogs like flattery.

Horses like flattery. The master of the horse comes up and pats him, strokes him, the horse pricks up his ears, is filled with energy.

In those countries where the people worship gods, we find that even the gods are appeased by flattery. And what are the prayers of some monotheists? What are their invocations?

Examine them disinterestedly, impersonally, and you will see that they are nothing else but flattery.

How is it that flattery is universal? Everybody loves flattery, while at the same time, there is not a single man who deserves that kind of flattery which pleases him.

There is not a single man who deserves the unnecessary compliments that are paid to him by his admirers.

Vedanta explains it by saying that in every individual, in every person, in everybody, there is the PAUL BRUNTON

B

uddha ascetically turned in disgust from the human body. He could see it only as an assemblage of loathsome elements. Plato artistically turned towards it in joy. He received inspiration through its beauty. Neither Indian nor Greek was quite right nor quite wrong.

Each deliberately unveiled only a part of the picture. Whoever wishes to see the whole picture must put together both the bright top part and the dark lower part.

He must comprehend that the body is doomed to decay and die but that its informing life is destined to grow into grandeur. Thus the finite form becomes a portal to the infinite reality.

The body is not to be despised with the ascetic nor neglected with the mystic. It is to be understood and rightly used. It is to be cared for as one of the instruments whose total contribution will enable us to fulfill the spiritual purpose of life on earth.

We use our minds and our bodies badly. And we do this through ignorance, through the lack of instruction on their proper use. The right use of the body and the correct provision of its needs are arts to be learned. The civilized man is

real Self, the real Atman, which is, as a matter of fact, the greatest of the great, the highest of the high.

There is in realty something in you which is the highest of the high and that makes its existence felt.

When the flatterer comes, and begins to admire us and pay us compliments, we feel elated, we feel cheered. Why? The cause is not that these statements are true, but Vedanta says that the real

glory are to be rendered unto the real Self. It ought not to be rendered to the body, to the little self it ought not to be given. "Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's and render unto God the things that are God's."

In this topsy-turvy state lies the sinfulness of our being slaves to flattery. Herein lies the sinfulness. The cart is put before the horse.

tery and aggrandizement for the body. Herein lies the mistake.

A certain gentleman came to Rama and said, "Look here. Our religion has got the largest number of people as its devotees, as its converts, therefore, our religion must be the highest.

We have the largest majority of mankind belonging to our religion, therefore, it must be the best." Rama said, "Brother, do you

Why is everybody a slave of flattery?

Swami Ramatirtha

There is something behind the scenes, some potent force, something stern and indestructible, the greatest of the great, the highest of the high, which is your real Self and deserves all flattery,

cause lies in our real Self.

There is something behind the scenes, some potent force, something stern and indestructible, the greatest of the great, the highest of the high, which is your real Self and deserves all flattery, all compliments; and no compliments, no flattery, no aggrandizement can be unworthy of the real Self.

But from this nobody should draw the conclusion that flattery is justified. Flattery, praise and

If you realize the Self and feel and become one with the Greatest of the great and the Highest of the high, and know it to be your Atman, rise above the body, above the mind, you are really the Greatest of the great, the Highest of the high; you are your own Ideal; no, you are your own God. Realize this and you are free, but the mistake is made in giving the glory of the Ataman, the real Self to the body and in seeking flat-

believe in Satan?" He said, "Yes".

"Then please say whether Satan's religion has got the largest number of followers or yours.

If truth is to be judged by majority, then Satan has the supremacy over all."

Excerpted from the lecture delivered on December 20, 1902, in the Academy of Sciences, San Francisco. The 140th birth anniversary of Swami Ramatirtha falls on Oct 22.

not born with them. He is the unfortunate hereditary victim of generations of faulty modern habits.

There is a better way to use the bodily mechanism than the habitual one of most Westerners.

Philosophy, knowing the mindbody relationship, is just as applicable to such apparently simple

truth when it deals with metaphysical and mystical subjects, cannot recognize it when it deals with physical regimes! If we ask why this should be so, the answer is to be sought in the power of prevalent custom and inherited habit.

The body's presence and ac-

we read beautiful poetry: again with the body. Let us not decry the body.

If enlightenment is to be full, and completely balanced, it must not only occur in the thinking intellect and emotional feeling; it must also occur in the acting physical body.

Enlightenment must occur in the physical body too If enlightenment is to be full, and completely balanced, it must not only occur in the thinking intellect and emotional feeling; it must also occur in the acting physical body. and trivial - but hygienically and psychologically important - matters as our use of this mechanism in sitting, walking, standing, breathing, and even bending. It prescribes wise rules for living, eating, and drinking.

Knowing the laws of mental and physical hygiene and obeying them will make him a better student of truth than will being ignorant of them.

How many, who recognize

tivity, importance and influence, its demands for health and strength and care, can be ignored in his experience only for a short time. Sooner or later he must turn to notice them, and if he seeks meaning, to account for them.

We need the body - all of us, not materialists nor ordinary persons only - therefore we must respect it. It is with the ears that we listen to Beethoven: that is, with the body. It is with the eyes that

But if you do not find an intelligent companion, a wise and well-behaved person going the same way as yourself, then go on your way alone, like a king abandoning a conquered kingdom, or like a great elephant in the deep forest.

-Buddha In the end, after all our successes and failures, the value of our life will be how much we have loved.

-Amritanandmayi When effort is needed, effort will appear. When effortlessness becomes essential, it will assert itself. You need not push life about. Just flow with it and give yourself completely to the task of the present moment.

-Nisargadatta Maharaj To love anyone personally is bondage. Love all alike, then all desires fall off.

-Swami Vivekananda

Paul Brunton

The physical body is each person's responsibility. The failure to care properly for it makes it complain. The only language in which it can do so with most men and women is that of sickness, disease, or malfunction; with others, a silent intuitive feeling is enough.

Excerpted from The Notebooks. The 115th birth anniversary of Paul Brunton falls on Oct 21.

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

-Reinhold Niebuhr I have a theory that the truth is never told during the nine-to-five hours.

-Hunter S. Thompson

You Insure all your Valuables, all are replaceable except YOU! So Insure yourself FIRST. Call Sahanis, (Arish, Priya or Shiv) for your Insurance needs 718- 271- 0453. Serving for last 35 yrs

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Where are the regional research institutions & think-tanks?

D SUBA CHANDRAN

I

n the last few years, one of the American Universities has been publishing an index of leading think tanks and research institutions at the global level. While the index has been questioned by many in terms of the parameters used, it provides an indicator of where think tanks and research institutions are placed.

What is significant in this index is the huge gap in terms of how many think tanks from South Asia figure in the top fifty at the global level. The Asia list is dominated

by China and some think tanks/ research institutes from New Delhi.

What is surprising is the absence of think tanks and research insti-

made between the NGOs and think tanks/research institutes at the national and regional levels. In terms of space, they are much needed, not only because of the contemporary needs and issues, but also because what happens in their absence.

Two things happen, when there are not significant research institutions/think tanks at the regional level. First and foremost, it results in the absence of serious alternative inputs and strategies to the government as policy recommendations.

While there are always numerous do's and don'ts in the opinion pages of newspapers in the English and vernacular media, they

Institute of Defence Studies and Analyses, New Delhi

tutions from the regions - from J&K to Kerala and from Rajasthan to Nagaland.

Why are they missing? Are they missing because there is no space for such institutions in the regions? Or are they missing because of the lack of efforts and regional initiatives? Or, are they missing, simply because there is no capacity?

In terms of space, clearly they are much needed and important, given the contemporary issues and problems. While the regions either within India or in other countries of South Asia are dotted with numerous NGOs for different purposes, there is a huge gap in terms of independent and non-partisan initiatives outside the government, which have credibility and acceptability.

While there are good and bad NGOs, the primary activity of them, irrespective of whichever category they belong to, they are more populist and activist in nature, rather than policy or research oriented.

Clearly, a difference should be

are more a response and opinion to a current issue, rather than a well thought out and structured alternative.

While the Universities in the regions undoubtedly produce voluminous reports in terms of thesis and dissertations, for a policy maker and even the common public, to make practical sense of them is a Herculean task. Besides these thesis and dissertations are not aimed at policy prescriptions or providing alternatives; they are scholarly and academic discourse.

At least, that is what they are supposed to be!

Second, in the absence of quality think tanks and research institutions at the regional level, their partners from the national capitals usurp the role in thinking and providing alternatives for the regions.

While none can deny that the think tanks and research institutions based in the capitals have a role to play, given the reach and distance, it is not practical for those institutions from the capital to think through long distance and provide alternative strategies for

the regions.

Given the general mistaken belief that the government and its bureaucracy is the fountain of all knowledge and they know everything, it is important that there are independent research institutions and think tanks outside government to provide alternative approaches. More importantly, they are also needed to have a reality check.

The concept of checks and balances being the fundamental principle of democratic governance, it is important these institutions exist and perform a great duty not only to the public, but also to the government by providing alternative approaches.

Clearly, the sub-regions in India, for that matter in the entire South Asia, need quality think tanks and research institutions. Where is the problem then? Why are they absent?

Certainly, there have been few initiatives at the regional levels, both inside and outside the University structures to establish independent research institutions and think tanks.

Except for few in Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata and Chennai, they have not taken substantial roots in other cities and subregions.

Even if there are, they are one man or few men/women institutions, lacking quality research and an actionable policy recommendations to the State and federal governments.

Undoubtedly, funding for such institutions is a major issue. Even at the national level, there is a constant struggle to attract adequate funding support and yet remain independent and neutral. If the governments - at the federal and State levels are a major culprit, philanthropic institutions and foundations within India are equally responsible for not supporting such independent initiatives which are the need of the hour.

While it is always surprising to find how the NGOs (good and bad) succeed in mobilizing support and resources for their activities, for research institutions and think tanks, it is a Herculean task.

The State governments have to take the lead, and support such initiatives both within and outside the University systems. Though some of the findings and recommendations may not be palatable to the government, they are needed and in the interest of everyone.

The writer is Director, IPCS

India Post Middle class

R

ight from the times of Indira Gandhi, the Congress party has been sloganeering about removing poverty. Their intent moves the poor and they have been voting Con gress. If poverty had been removed by now, who would then vote Congress? The Congress has a vested interest in keeping the poor poor. If the poor do not remain poor, they move up the economic ladder, then they look for someone who can give them better roads, electricity, water and other amenities. They move out of the Congress radar. So in order to remain in power, what should the Congress party do? Talk a great deal about the lot of the poor, shed tears over their plight, give them lot poverty removal programs, but actually do nothing about implementation.

The Congress has also recently accused BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi of being pro-rich. That his Gujarat development model is pro-rich. That he doesn't care about the poor and that in Gujarat, the rich are becoming richer and the poor are becoming poorer. That means that comparatively, at the Center and in the States ruled by the Congress party, the rich aren't getting richer and the poor are being lifted up from poverty. If that were the case, the Congress rule would not have been so unpopular.

Let us assume, as claimed by the two major political parties, that the Congress heart bleeds for the poor and the BJP cares only for the rich. Where does that leave the middle class? What about those who are neither rich nor poor, which would make a majority of the Indian people. Does anybody care for those who have raised themselves up from poverty and are looking for encouragement from the state to better their lives?

They are the ones who are hit by the price of onion and other essential commodities. They live in towns and cities which lack basic amenities. In their rich-poor debate, the political parties are ignoring the needs of the middle class.

The coming election marks a departure from past elections because it is this class which has become more demanding. Which sees through the rhetoric of political parties of promising the moon and delivering not even a road without potholes.

The Congress believes the middle class is not a large enough constituency to be wooed. It dismisses them as the internet junkies whose numbers or clout would not matter in the ultimate result.

Since the poor are a larger majority they have to be pleased, but not educated or lifted out of poverty lest they join the ranks of these junkies.

The middle class is increasingly demanding accountability. It wants better jobs, education, infrastructure, security. The poor would also like to have these facilities but they are at present content if they can have some food grain to prevent starvation.

They do not ask uncomfortable questions. They believe it when the Congress says it is going to remove poverty in the next six months.

The vote of the poorer classes has kept the Congress in power for decades. They pass bills which promise the poor the right to this and that, but when it comes the time to deliver, the Congress party pleads there are no resources to implement these promises.

Is the BJP disregarding the poor? The appeal of Modi is largely aimed at the educated middle class which may have grown but is it enough in numbers to cause an upset? Modi's rhetoric has mainly been negative, attacking the Congress which is very vulnerable at this moment. But he has not set out a positive alternative. Questioning the Center's foreign policy on Pakistan and China is ok. We all can do that. But what about presenting an alternative program which would appear more credible and workable?

The BJP is guilty of not setting out its blueprint of an economic policy. A sober believable manifesto is the need of the hour.

October 25, 2013

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October 25, 2013