IndiaPost_10-26-2012

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Saif Ali Khan & Kareena Kapoor married, at last Details on page 8

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VOL 18, No. 945

October 26, 2012

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SAI TEMPLE FIGHTS TO STAY EVICTION

VIDYA SETHURAMAN India Post News Service

SUNNYVALE, CA: Shirdi Sai Darbar temple, facing eviction from its present premises, is fighting a court case pleading for time to relocate to a new site. It has appealed to the Indian community at large to support them in their cause and help them fight to get enough time to vacate

Pragathi Guruprasad

Bay area kid shines in Indian reality show Details on page 31

the current premises.

This temple is facing a crisis in terms of the place where they are located. Existing temple building was sold to a software company, Fortinet on August 7 and the company served the mandir a 30-day notice to vacate the premises. The temple management has found an alternative place on 255 Geronimo Way, Sunnyvale and would get all the approvals on the same by January 27, 2013.

Details on page 16

Gandhi statue unveiled in Florida town Details on page 5

Zubin Mehta honored

by Israel

Pelosi seeks thumping win for Obama

Details on page 6

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Flipkart's Bansals, IndiGo's Ghosh in Fortune 40 list

US wants 'more jointness' with India military

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Anti-Obama documentary now online Details on page 7

INDIA POST SURVEY survey@indiapost.com This week’s question

Most Indian Americans support Obama?

Last week’s result

Will Krishna visit assuage feeling of Sikhs?

YES 73%

NO 27%

CONTENTS The under construction Gurdwara on fire in the southern Washington state community of Vancouver, near Portland

Gurdwara destroyed in Vancouver fire

Bollywood ---------------------- 28-29 Classifieds ------------------------- 51 Community Post -------------- 16-26 Date Book -------------------------- 50 Edit Page --------------------------- 54

VANCOUVER, WA: An under-construction gurdwara, which was set to serve Portland metro area's largest Sikh community in the Washington state, was destroyed in a massive fire apparently caused by gas leak.

The former athletic-club-turned-Sikh-gurdwara, valued at USD 213,000, burned to the ground on October 12 after the fire sparked just before 2:30 am local time at the 17,000 square-foot property in the east Vancouver Landover-Sharmel neighborhood, 'The Columbian' re-

ported.

The Guru Ramdass Sikh Community, the largest Sikh group in the Portland metro area with about 200 member families, had bought the building in 2008 and had nearly completed renovations.

They planned to move from their small Rose Village gurdwara on O Street to the new building in December, the Sikh group's member Gurjit Singh was quoted as saying.

Details on page 5

Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”

HealthScience Post --------- 11-15 Horoscope ------------------------- 48 Immigration Post ------------- 43-45 Life Style ----------------------- 30-33 Philosophy ------------------------- 53 Publisher’s Diary ------------------ 4 Real Estate -------------------- 46-47 TechBiz Post ------------------- 39-42 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 36-38

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t's not to compare but in terms of its shock value, the 26/11 attacks are to Mumbai what the 9/11 attacks were to New York.

So, it comes as a bigger shock that Mumbai city administration has found, of all the illegal constructions that proliferate the city, an innocuous memorial honoring the policemen who died in the line of duty during the 26/11 terrorist attacks, to be an illegal structure.

The Mumbai Municipal Corporation has apparently sent notice to the Mumbai police department asking why the memorial should not be demolished because it is not convinced the relevant permissions were taken before building it.

Now, even a casual visitor to Mumbai cannot miss the illegal encroachments that proliferate the city. And to think that the municipal corporation, which turns a blind eye to all of them, wants to raze a memorial to heroic police officers is preposterous.

Just as the world had helplessly watched the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center buildings in New York in 2001, many relived those horrific moments as they watched live on TV the siege laid by a bunch of terrorists on Mumbai over three days in November 2008.

It was not without the heroes among the Mumbai police force - those that laid down their lives in the line of duty and those that managed to nab one of the attackers alive - that Mumbai city managed to hold its head with pride for having salvaged a calamity that was fraught with some of the most glaring of systemic and administrative lacunae.

The modest memorial to honor Mumbai's bravest outside the Mumbai Police Gymkhana on Marine Drive is innocuous enough without the city administration wanting to erase even that memory off people's memory. It just speaks volumes of the utter callousness of bureaucrats.

Wonder how different in attitude the municipal corporation's bureaucrats are from the miscreant who was arrested for damaging another 26/11 memorial in the same city during a rally last month?

Romesh K Japra rkjapra@indiapost.com

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These are the results of a brand survey done at recent dental seminar.

Cover Story: Gurdwara gutted An under-construction gurdwara in Vancouver was destroyed in a massive fire apparently caused by gas leak.

Community: Temple crisis Shirdi Sai Darbar temple, facing eviction, is fighting a court case pleading for time to relocate to a new site.

Health: Overseas transplant Stem cells from a 50-year-old woman in Nagpur were donated to treat a 40-yearold South Asian patient in London.

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Under-construction gurdwara destroyed in Vancouver fire VANCOUVER, WA: An underconstruction gurdwara, which was set to serve Portland metro area's largest Sikh community in the Washington state, was destroyed in a massive fire apparently caused by gas leak.

The former athletic-clubturned-Sikh-gurdwara, valued at USD 213,000, burned to the ground on October 12 after the fire sparked just before 2:30 am local time at the 17,000 square-foot property in the east Vancouver Landover-Sharmel neighborhood, 'The Columbian' reported.

The Guru Ramdass Sikh Community, the largest Sikh group in the Portland metro area with about 200 member families, had bought the building in 2008 and had nearly completed renovations.

They planned to move from their small Rose Village gurdwara on O Street to the new building in December, the Sikh group's member Gurjit Singh was quoted as saying.

"It was devastating," group president Sarabjeet Teja said of the fire. "We've been working on

After the fire

this the last four years."

The gurdwara stood in charred ruins as smoke filled the neighborhood. Parts of debris of the building were spotted in yards

hundreds of feet away.

The building is a total loss, said Vancouver Fire Dept. spokesman Capt. Kevin Murray. According to county property records, it

Gandhi statue unveiled in Florida town WASHINGTON: A seven-foot tall bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi has been unveiled in a Florida town by former President A P J Abdul Kalam.

The mayor of Davie town, Judy Paul, who joined the former Indian President in unveiling the Gandhi statue on October 2, declared the day as 'World Peace & Mahatma Gandhi Day'.

The 800 pound statue was sculpted by Matt Glenn of Big Statues, Provo, Utah in cooperation with Sculptor's Guild.

As a token of respect to Gandhi, they also contributed toward the cost of the statue, a media release said.

Babu Varghese, a member of the Board of Trustees of the Mahatma Gandhi Square Florida - a corporation organized for the purpose - and an engineer by profession, designed the Gandhi Square with half an acre of land that houses the statue.

The square patterns with alternating colored step stones leading to the statue represent the

steps Gandhi took in his lifetime struggle to achieve freedom to his people.

These steps are bordered by lighted stone pillars which represent a "pathway of light" leading up to the Statue itself.

Then there are concentric circles with the curved wall behind it as if showing the letter G (for Gandhi) from above in an abstract form. Soon, the stately Palm

trees shall be there as they symbolize life, eternity, wisdom and victory.

Babu said: "What an honor for an Indian living in America to design a Gandhi Square here!"

Responding to the warm reception accorded him by the leadership of the town of Davie, Broward County and the State of Florida and the Indian American Community, Kalam reflected on

was valued at USD 213,000.

Murray said the fire was reported by neighbors. When the first engine arrived seven minutes later, the entire building was en-

gulfed in flames, he said.

"The captain on Engine 10 said it was the largest fire he had ever seen and he's a 25-year veteran," Murray said.

Two men, believed to be construction contractors, were staying in the building. They were awakened by the fire and escaped without injury, Murray said.

No one was reported inside and the building was unsafe to enter, Murray said, so firefighters used defensive tactics to prevent the fire from spreading.

The FBI and US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms were on the scene and will investigate the fire along with the city fire marshal, the report said.

Although it is unclear what caused the fire, Deputy Fire Marshal Chad Lawry told KOIN-TV a natural gas line may have fueled the flames.

Initially neighbors had opposed the construction work, but in 2009, a hearings examiner ruled in favor of it. Teja said the group has not had any issues with neighbors recently.-PTI

Flipkart's Bansals, IndiGo's Ghosh in Fortune 40 list NEW YORK: Bansals of eThe publication said the commerce company Flipkart and Bansals started Flipkart in 2007, Aditya Ghosh of low-cost carrier which originally sold books like Indigo have made into Fortune's Amazon, but has since become young achievers list for their ini- the largest e-commerce site in Intiatives in creating job opportu- dia. nities.

It further said," Last year, According to '40 under 40' list Flipkart hired 2,000 new employprepared by Fortune, Bansals - ees and says it will grow fast Sachin and Binny have bagged the 26th place while Ghosh was Marissa Mayer has grabbed placed 27th in the elite list. The ranking of the third rank within months young business stars is of joining Yahoo. The topped by Google CEO internet firm had appointed Lary Page, followed by Facebook Co-Founder Mayer, a longtime Google and CEO Mark executive, as President and Zuckerberg.

CEO of Yahoo in mid-July Besides, Marissa Mayer has grabbed the third rank within months of join- enough to hire 5,000 more in the ing Yahoo. The internet firm had coming year." appointed Mayer, a longtime Talking about reason behind Google executive, as President and the success of Ghosh, Fortune CEO of Yahoo in mid-July. said, "No frills, all the way. His Others in the top five are office is small, with no receptionGoogle co-founder Sergey Brin, ist and no marketing department.

Greg Jensen of Bridgewater As- On business trips he stays in budsociates and Twitter and Square get hotels with the rest of his co-founder Jack Dorsey. staff." -PTI

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Zubin Mehta honored with Israeli Presidential award JERUSALEM: India-born music conductor Zubin Mehta has been honored with the Israeli Presidential Award of Distinction for his contribution to the society through the language of music.

Mehta, 76, the first non-Jew to receive such an award, joins an elite group of people like former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, Judith Feld Carr, a Canadian-Jewish musician and human rights activist who helped smuggle thousands of Jews out of Syria, the Rashi Foundation, a non-governmental organization, Chabad Rabbi Adin Even Yisrael and attorney Uri Slonim.

"Zubin you came here to conduct an orchestra but you became the conductor of our hearts. You know I can't think of anybody else who has offered such a unique contribution to our country, to our people and to our mood," said Israeli President Shimon Peres conferring the award on the music conductor at a ceremony organized at his official residence.

"You have shown leadership, a leader was born to elate the spirit and the hopes of the people," he said.

"That's what you did. Israel used to be a drama and you made

Israeli President Shimon Peres awards Indian conductor Zubin Mehta during a ceremony with the Presidential Medal of Distinction

us into a dramatic symphony without compromising one for the other. You made our people feel at ease, feel together through the language of music. You and the orchestra carried a flag of friendship across the world and represented our country in an unbelievable manner," the elder statesman said praising Mehta's contribution to Israeli society.

"Music conducted by you became a message for peace, a mes-

sage of hope. I feel honored and privileged to express from the depth of our hearts our thanks to a person who is so unique," the Israeli President said.

"The award is bestowed upon those who have made an outstanding contribution to the State of Israel or to humanity, through their talents, services, or in any other form," the President's media adviser, Yair Zivan, told PTI. PTI

US wants 'more jointness' in military operations with India WASHINGTON: US command- with the Indian military. ers are keen to develop "more Comprising civilian and military jointness" in military operations experts, the group established in with India to enhance strategic 2009, is often referred as a "mini combat capabilities of both the think-tank" within the Pacific forces.

Command, which now has a roSuggesting that US forces un- bust exercise program with the der its Pacific Command Indian military.

(PACOM) were working to "ad"We are a small group. We advance and deepen" relationship vise the commander based on with India, a top US commander looking at the situation in South has said that currently American and Indian forces were engaged in Comprising civilian and as many as 56 military military experts, the group exercises every year.

"What we are really established in 2009, is often trying to do is to make (India-US military) rela- referred as a "mini thinktionship as routine, fortank" within the Pacific malize and functional in a way that great part- Command, which now has ners do. We have two different set of capabili- a robust exercise program ties in some areas and with the Indian military in other areas we have tremendous alignment in our capabilities," Director of Asia and it helps him so the straIndia Strategic Focus Group tegic focus of the group is large (ISFG) Col Michael Albaneze told relationship between the US and PTI. Indian militaries," he said explainAlbaneze heads the six-member ing the ISFG's role.

ISFG that advises Pacific ComIn one of the recommendamander Navy Adm Samuel J tions, the group has called for Locklear III on how to advance more co-ordination between the and strengthen the partnership Central and Pacific commands given that India is on the border of the two. It also advocated more engagement with India in the AfPak region.

"What I really want to do is to take that program from where it is at today and to continue to advance and deepen it.

I would like to look at more jointness in the way we do operations that really enhances the capabilities of both militaries when they are doing exercise," Albaneze said, adding that there are great engaging opportunities between the two militaries.

"We have so many common interests. When you look across the board from everything from national interest... align pretty well. There are a lot of areas where we do really come together and I think because of that it has develthe beautiful music, playing with oped into a very robust program Dandia and fast movements. where we are trying to do things Mataji's Arti was performed with each other that are mutually by 13 families and the whole beneficial," he said.

As a reflection of the defense program was sure to leave long lasting memories in the ties between the two countries, minds of the people. Ac- India and the United States are cording to the temple man- now engaged in as many as 56 agement, all the money military exercises every year.

Counter-terrorism and maritime saved from this program will security are huge regional chalbe added to the funds for lenges, he said in response to a the expansion of the mandir. question. The US and Indian navies collaborations are primaBaltimore singers rily in the Indian Ocean region, he and orchestra conducting Garba added. -PTI

Impressive Raas Garba by Jalaram Mandir YOGESH THAKKAR

PALATINE: Shree Jalaram Mandir of Hoffman Estates, Illinois organized a successful Raas Garba program on October 13 in Building M of Harper College in Palatine.

Parking was ample, the hall was huge, number of people was large and the enthusiasm was overflowing. It is estimated that more than 1,500 devotees of Jalaram Bapa and Mataji played Garba and Raas with intense energy and devotion. The melodious, popular and heart throbbing Garba and Raas numbers were provided by Dhwanit Joshi and Parul Pandya accompanied with music by Indian School of Performing Arts of Baltimore. The program started at 8-30 pm and continued up to 1-00 AM with couple of short breaks.

During the break, snacks, tea and soft drinks donated by Big Suchir Restaurant were enjoyed by the Garba participants. Volunteers put in hard work to make the program smooth and enjoyable.

Elders were enjoying watching their children and grand children in typical Gujarati dresses, swirling, moving in rounds and performing Garba in different styles.

Garba in progress

Children were enjoying trying to play Garba like their parents.

Dandia Raas was the longest program with everybody zooming at

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Secularism is oxygen of India: E. Ahamed India Post News Service

NEW YORK: India stands tall as a secular country only because the majority Hindu population is tolerant and believes in inter-faith movement, said E. Ahamed, India's Minister of State for External Affairs.

Addressing a reception hosted in his honor by the Indian National Overseas Congress (I), he said those who protested against and brought to light the massacre in Gujarat are not Muslims or Christians but Hindus themselves.

"Secularism is the oxygen of India."

The contribution of majority of Hindus to preserve the social fabric of India is commendable. They never fell prey to fundamentalism that is raising its ugly head now.

Their sacrifice and commitment to make India a truly secular country should be acknowledged and appreciated, the Indian Union Muslim League leader from Kerala said.

George Abraham, president of Indian National Overseas Con-

Anti-Obama documentary now available online WASHINGTON: An antiObama documentary, directed by an Indian-American filmmaker that became one of the most successful documentaries of all time has now been made available online and on DVDs. The documentary - 2016: Obama's America - directed by Dinesh D'Souza, a former staffer of President Ronald Reagan, had entered the top 10 at domestic box office early last month.

The hour-and-a-half-long documentary portrays a gloomy future if Barack Obama is reelected.

"We've heard from many people who want to watch the film and don't have a theater close by," D'Souza said in a statement.

"Now all Americans can watch the movie and make their minds up for themselves," he said.

The documentary is based on D'Souza's bestselling books Obama's America and The Roots of Obama's Rage and was produced by Academy Award winning Gerald R Molen.

The documentary which has grossed over USD 33 million at the US box office is now available for online purchase and was released on DVD on October 16.

The documentary has earned widespread praise from the Republicans, while drawing the ire of the Obama campaign.-PTI

Mohinder Singh Gilzian (Executive Committee member) presents plaque to E. Ahamed. Also seen are George Abraham (President) and Shudh Praksh Singh (Vice President)

gress (I), in his presidential address, said Mr Ahamed was the voice of India in the UN enunciating the nation's policies and concerns during the General Assembly sessions in the past years under various prime ministers.

Describing Ahamed as the tallest Kerala politician, he said the Minister held several important positions both in Kerala and federal government under various governments.

Consulate Reception

The Consulate General of India in New York organized a Reception-cum-dinner at the Consulate Ballroom in honor of Mr E. Ahamed, Minister of State for External Affairs, to meet members of

‘The contribution of majority of Hindus to preserve the social fabric of India is commendable. They never fell prey to fundamentalism that is raising its ugly head now. Their sacrifice and commitment to make India a truly secular country’

the Indian-American community as well as the media on October 10. Dharmendra Yadav, the youngest Member of Parliament was also present in the function, which was attended by about 80 people.

Consul General Ambassador Prabhu Dayal said that he is privileged to have known Mr Ahamed from the early 90s and has since then been in regular touch with him during his earlier assignments in Kuwait, Dubai, Morocco, etc.

He also welcomed the youngest Member of Parliament from Uttar Pradesh, Dharmendra Yadav.

Mr Ahmed thanked Ambassador Dayal for hosting a grand reception and providing him an op-

portunity to meet and interact with the vibrant Indian-American community. On India's foreign policy, MOS (EA) asserted that it is dictated by our national interest, and, therefore, there are bound to be differences even with friendly countries like USA. He also gave an example of Myanmar on which India differed with USA. Complementing the Indian Foreign Service officers for their acumen and foresightedness in chalking out India's foreign policy, he said that having been associated with the Ministry of External Affairs and working closely with these officers for several years, he has complete faith in their competence.

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Saif & Kareena married, at last MUMBAI: Bollywood star couple Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor on October 16 tied the knot here in a quiet affair after a five-year courtship.

Saif, 42, son of late Nawab of Pataudi and former Indian cricket captain Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi and actress Sharmila Tagore, sealed his relationship with Kareena, 32, at his residence in suburban Bandra through a registered marriage.

"It was a registered marriage with three witnesses - Kareena's father Randhir Kapoor, her mother Babita and Saif's mother Sharmila," marriage Registrar Surekha Ramesh told PTI. The couple who started dating in 2007, married in the presence of close friends and family.

The couple had officially declared their intention to tie the knot in the beginning of 2012 after the release of their film 'Agent Vinod' in March.

Randhir and his elder daughter Karisma later waved to the waiting fans and media from the balcony of the house.

Kareena wore a green salwarkurta with a heavy embellished

Bollywood stars Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor arrive at their balcony to greet fans after getting married in Mumbai on October 16

red dupatta wrapped around her.

She teamed it up with minimal

jewelry, red bangles and left her hair open.

Saif, simply dressed in a grey kurta and white pajamas, came

out with his new wife to greet fans from his balcony.

Although Saif and Kareena had maintained silence on their much awaited wedding, it was Saif's mother Sharmila who came out with the October wedding date.

Saif has two children - son Ibrahim and daughter Sara - from his previous marriage to actress Amrita Singh. Kareena was in a relationship with Shahid Kapoor earlier.

Saif and Kareena featured together for the first time in the 2008 movie 'Tashan', followed by 'Kurbaan'. They were last seen in Khan's home production 'Agent Vinod' in March this year.

The actor duo, popularly called 'Saifeena', have appeared in several advertisements also.

Sharmila had converted to Islam after her marriage to Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi. Earlier during an event, when asked if she would convert to Islam, Kareena had said, "It is a very personal question and I cannot answer it."

After the death of his father, Saif was anointed the new Nawab of Pataudi.-PTI

October 26, 2012

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'Poverty eradication should be focus of UN work' UNITED NATIONS: India has said that poverty eradication should be the focus of the United Nations operational activities for development, which must have the ability to respond and adapt to the evolving environment and expectations of individual countries.

For UN development system to be successful globally it needs to be firmly rooted in its core focus area, which has primarily to be development related only, Trinamool Congress MP Derek O'Brien, who is part of a visiting delegation of Indian Parliamentarians, said.

Noting that poverty eradication still remains the over- riding priority for developing countries and the greatest global challenge, O'Brien said India believes poverty eradication should be at the heart of UN's operational activities for development.

"In Bengal, the region of India I come from, we call this humanistic philosophy one of 'Ma, Maati and Manush' ? signifying equilibrium of the universally caring Mother, the Earth that nurtures us and the Human Beings who must be central to our developmental endeavors," he said in his address on Operational activities for Development in the Second Committee session here.

O'Brien said the development operational activities of the UN system must have the ability to respond and adapt to the evolving environment and expectations of

TMC MP Derek OBrien speaking at United Nation General Assembly in New York on October 15

individual countries, stressing that the programming activities need to be harmonized with the budgetary and planning cycles of recipient governments.

Amid the global economic slowdown, financing for development has been increasingly coming under acute pressure

and requirement of enhanced development assistance is all the more critical when developing countries are faced with curtailed capital flows, economic slowdown and increased programming requirements, he said.

"These needs must be met by efforts to

promote investment and trade that is prodevelopment and by facilitating transfer of and access to advanced technologies by developing countries, and by expanded and innovative financing of development activities," he said.

O'Brien further said even though 'SouthSouth Cooperation' continues to be the "buzzword" in the narrative of the developmental discourse, much more remains to be done to give it the necessary "muscle."

While South-South cooperation is distinct from North- South development cooperation, South-South cooperation can complement North-South Cooperation but cannot substitute or dilute the obligation and quantum of North-South cooperation, he said.

"Given the vast difference in development levels between countries of the North and those from the South, it is important that development projects under SouthSouth Cooperation are not strait-jacketed in terms of rigid rules and regulations or policy prescriptions.

"Flexibility and adaptability is the key to the success of South-South Cooperation. These must not be compromised," O'Brien said.

O'Brien noted that strengthening institutional capacity building in developing countries has to be a key focus area of any operational activity for the development agenda.-PTI

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10 India Post

October 26, 2012

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Govt to highlight big-ticket reforms in PBD NEW DELHI: Government will highlight the big-ticket reform measures and policy initiatives to woo overseas Indian investors at the next Pravasi Bhartiya Divas India's annual event to connect with its Diaspora - to be held in Kochi from January 7.

Attracting investment, highlighting resilience of the economy and explaining steps taken to reverse the growth slump will be the major focus of the three-day event. Over 2,000 overseas Indians, including top businessmen, entrepreneurs and economists, from 60 countries are expected to participate in the Divas.

"The main focus of the 11th Pravasi Bhartiya Divas will be to highlight resilience of Indian economy and to woo the investors to diverse sectors of the economy," Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi told a press conference.

Mauritius President Rajkeswur

Purryag will be the Chief Guest of the event, he said.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will address the high-profile event on January 8 while President Pranab Mukherjee will deliver

Mauritius President Rajkeswur Purryag will be the Chief Guest of the event, he said.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will address the high-profile event on January 8 the valedictory address the next day.

A number of Union Ministers will directly interact with the delegates to address their queries on

investment and other issues besides briefing them about the long-awaited reforms measures like increasing foreign investment caps in multi-brand retail and aviation to rebound the growth rate.

India's economic growth rate during 2011-12 slipped to a nine year low of 6.5 per cent. The government has announced a slew of reform measures to revive growth.

Chief Ministers of various states have been invited to the event for separate interaction with the delegates so that they can address various issues.

Ravi, whose Ministry organizes the event, said government will also use the platform to enhance engagement with young overseas Indians.

Pravasi Bhartiya Divas is being held in Kochi following a request from Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, he said. The last Pravasi Bhartiya Divas was held in Jaipur. -PTI

Obama is anti-India, says Republican Shivangi JACKSON: Citing US President Barack Obama's stance on outsourcing of jobs to India and work visas for IT firms, a leading Indian American Republican has said that Mitt Romney, not the incumbent, is the best bet for strong and enduring Indo-US relations.

Dr Sampat Shivangi, who was one of the three Indian American delegates to the Republican National Convention and a major fund raiser in Mississippi State, said the Democrats' Indiafriendly image is but just a myth.

Shivangi, the President of Indian American Forum for Political Education (IAFPE), told PTI that with Obama openly and unhesitatingly criticizing outsourcing to India, the future of ties between the two nations will be in safe hands only if a Republican occupies the White House.

He claimed that though majority of Indian-Americans do support the Democratic Party and Obama in particular, the trend was changing among second and third

generation Indians.

"They no longer carry the Socialist and Nehruvian baggage from India like some of us in the age group of 60 to 70 do.

"President Obama is very critical of outsourcing jobs to India and work visa from India for IT companies are being gradually dispensed with. It's only a myth

Dr Sampat Shivangi with Mitt Romney

that Democrats are India-friendly," said Shivangi.

"President Obama's tirade against India on outsourcing has really changed his image in majority of the Indian-Americans.

His television advertisements day in day out have taken war-

path to disgrace India as the problem for joblessness in US which is untrue," Shivangi said.

Shivangi helped raise USD 1.7 million for Republican contender Romney in Mississippi, the highest collected in the State so far topping USD 1.2 million collected for the then President George Bush, again with the help of Shivangi.

"President Obama is increasingly becoming anti-India," says Shivangi who has attend Republican conventions as a delegate for 12 years in a row, a record of sorts especially for any AsianAmerican.

He pointed out that Romney had publicly declared at the Republican National Convention last month that India is the strategic ally of the US, indicating the importance Republicans attach to India.

"It was President George Bush who initiated Indo-US Civil Nuclear deal and pushed hard for it in the Congress. Democrats like Hillary Clinton hesitated till the last minute even to support the Bill in the Congress," he said.-PTI

Sikh Americans raise $250,000 for students in Punjab WASHINGTON: A US-based that not only pulls that individual Sikh body has raised over USD out of poverty but potentially a 250,000 to fund scholarships for couple of generations before and bright but poor students striving certainly those that follow. to acquire higher professional "Unfortunately educating feeducation in Punjab and neigh- male members is often the last priboring states. ority in a financially marginalized The Sikh Human Development family," Chief Guest of the fund Foundation (SHDF) raised the raising event and philanthropist amount after it held a fund raising Dr Harshivinderjit Singh Bains, an gala in the Greater Washington ophthalmologist from Austin in Area.

Texas, said in his remarks.

In the 12 years, when SHDF According to Dr Rajwant started this project, it has awarded 2,400 scholarships to needy In USA, mobilization of funds students. is achieved primarily "Nearly 800 of them have graduated. Most through community support of them are working by appeals at local professionals in some Gurdwaras as well as by 31 disciplines. Often, their starting salaries word of mouth besides are up to ten times more through donations from than what their parents other sources are making," the foundation chairman and retired IAS officer, Amarjit Singh Singh, SHDF outreach director, Sodhi, said in his address to the this is the largest donation ever donors. collected by the Diaspora in the In USA, mobilization of funds name of financially struggling stuis achieved primarily through dents in Punjab. community support by appeals at Before the program began, local Gurdwaras as well as by guests observed a moment of siword of mouth besides through lence in remembrance of the vicdonations from other sources. tims and those affected by the re"We as contributors to SHDF cent shooting in a Wisconsin can extend a strong helping hand Gurdwara.-PTI

IAS officer probing Robert Vadra deal transferred CHANDIGARH: A senior Haryana IAS officer is at the centre of a raging controversy after he was transferred in the wake of his decision to probe alleged undervaluation of properties dealt with by Robert Vadra, son-in-law of Congress President Sonia Gandhi.

Significantly, on the last day of his posting as Director General of Land Consolidation and Land Records-cum-Inspector-General of Registration on October 15, Ashok Khemka also issued an order canceling the mutation of over 3 acre plot of land in Manesar-Shikohpur that Vadra had sold to DLF. Khemka, a 1991-batch officer, has attacked the decision to transfer him, saying it was "demoralizing and dehumanizing".

"If these problems are brought in sunshine, probably my decisions would appear to be normal and correct. But what happens is, inside, you are guided and directed to behave

differently.

"If you do take an action which you call strong but I would call as correct, and then action is taken against you, it's very demoralizing, dehumanizing and you feel ashamed of yourself that look, there must be something wrong with you that these things are happening.

"You get words like 'you don't get along well with others, 'there are shades of grey in life' etc.

These kinds of euphemism are created to deviate you from the correct path," he said pleading for security as he feels "threat" from "vested elements" whom he has been exposing from time to time.

In his October 12 letter, a day after his transfer orders were issued, addressed to the Deputy Commissioners-cum-Registrar, Gurgaon, Faridabad, Palwal and Mewat districts, Khemka's letter reads "inquiry regarding under valuation of some properties registered by Robert Vadra or his companies as vendor or vendee". -PTI

Health

Line

Feds seek full court review of cigarette warnings

RICHMOND, Va.: The U.S. government is asking a federal appeals court to rehear a challenge to a requirement that tobacco companies to put large graphic health warnings on cigarette packages.

A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington in August affirmed a lower court ruling blocking the Food and Drug Administration requirement.

The Justice Department filed a petition asking for the full court to rehear the case. The court rarely grants such appeals.

Some of the nation's largest tobacco companies sued to block the mandate to include warnings to show the dangers of smoking and encourage smokers to quit lighting up. -AP

Health changes spur test of more part-time workers NEW YORK: The owner of Olive Garden and Red Lobster restaurants is putting more workers on part-time status in a test aimed at limiting the impact of looming health coverage requirements.

Darden Restaurants Inc. declined to give details but said the test is only in restaurants in four markets across the country. The test entails increasing the number of workers on part-time status, meaning they work less than 30 hours a week. Under the new health care act, companies will be required to provide health care to full-time employees by 2014. That would significantly boost labor costs for businesses. -AP

Not enough hospitals to deal with mental health NEW DELHI: Rapid changes in lifestyle and work pressure contribute more to depression, but not many hospitals in India cater to such patients due to lack of training in dealing with mental health issues.

This view was articulated by National Human Rights Commission Chairperson K G Balakrishnan who said such issues should be given priority by medical practitioners.

"There are about 43 hospitals in the government sector and very few in the private sector that deal with these issues.

Also there are no specific courses in the MBBS too that deal with the issues of mental health, despite the fact that they are on the rise due to anxiety and depression in India," he said. -PTI

Health Science 11

India Post

www.indiapost.com

October 26, 2012

Kids' weight loss program being introduced NEW ORLEANS: A national health insurance company and the Louisiana Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs are bringing a 12-month program to help obese and overweight children lose weight.

Details on page 15

Indian NGO Datri sets a benchmark for overseas transplant CHENNAI: Setting precedence in the country for overseas transplant, stem cells from a 50-yearold woman in Nagpur were donated to treat a 40-year-old South Asian patient awaiting a transplant in a London hospital. The patient abroad was suffering from blood cancer.

Chennai-based NGO Datri monitored the entire process. The NGO is working to create a global database of potential donors which can be accessed by patient in need of stem cell transplant anywhere in the world.

Datri was contacted a couple of months ago by British charity Anthony Nolan looking for the donor cells. The charity manages and recruits donors for stem cell transplants for leukemia patients.

'The UK marrow registry had contacted Anthony Nolan who in turn contacted us after they saw the details of the donor we had put up on the Bone Marrow Do-

'There is always the chance that a donor might back out at the last minute despite counseling. However, in this case, donor availability, matching as well as patient requirement - all fit in successfully,' Rajagopal said nors Worldwide website. The Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) match which is essential to check the compatibility between donor and recipient was found to be a

perfect 10/10,' said Raghu Rajagopal, CEO and co-founder of Datri.

'I played the role of a human courier. There was a special con-

tainer which was carrying the blood cells to create the necessary atmosphere. Prior arrangements had to be made at the concerned airport for transportation of the container,' Rajagopal added.

Since this case was an overseas procedure, it was challenging. Datri has built a potential donor base of 21,000 over the last one year and has helped conduct 13 transplants so far.

'There is always the chance that a donor might back out at the last minute despite counseling.

However, in this case, donor availability, matching as well as patient requirement - all fit in successfully,' Rajagopal said.

Applauding the successful transplant, Dr Sunil Parekh, chairman of the Marrow Donor Registry of India said, 'It is fantastic that an overseas transplant has happened. It has set a benchmark for all other registries.'

- health.india.com

Precautions to keep Flu at bay VIDYA SETHURAMAN India Post News Service

I

t is estimated about 10 percent and 20 percent of Americans will get hit by the flu bug this year, but some simple precautions can keep you from becoming one of that number. Here are few imperative tips to keep the bug at bay.

1. Flu Shot The flu shot is the most effective method of preventing the flu and it is the number one precaution suggested by medical practitioners for their patients. It's important to get your shot early in the flu season beginning October and November and don't forget to get a shot every year. Everyone is eligible for a flu shot, and many places offer it for little or no cost.

2. Wash your hands regularly The advice you've probably heard dozens of times from your doctor is to wash your hands regularly throughout the day and that does prevent infections.

Warm water and soap will kill the

germs, but be sure you don't rush and wash for a minimum of 20-30 seconds. No matter how clean they may be, remember hands are veritable germ factories, so keep them away from your nose and mouth.

3. Keep cold and flu germs off surfaces Colds and flu are caused by viruses, which can easily pass from person to person, or from surface

from getting sick. Getting 20 to 30 minutes of cardio every day makes your heart pump effectively and strengthens your immune system.

Research indicates a study found that postmenopausal women who exercised for a year had one-third the colds of women who didn't work out.

5. Traditional preventive remedies There's been a lot of buzz about

A jog or cycling around the block a few times a week not only can do wonders for your physique, it also might prevent you from getting sick to person. Carry antiseptic wipes at all times, and regularly clean items which you share in work such as desktop and phone.

4. Physical exercise to improve immune system A jog or cycling around the block a few times a week not only can do wonders for your physique, it also might prevent you

herbal home remedies for preventing and shortening the duration of colds. Although the research on whether they work shows mixed results, some of the doctors recommend relief from natural remedies. There are tons of herbs which we use to prevent flu, basil, turmeric, ginger to name a few.

Even so, studies haven't found

much of how it prevents respiratory infections, it may help you feel better if you are already sick.

One note of caution if you do take herbal remedies "Check with your doctor first".

6. Vitamin C supplements According to latest research, Vitamin C doesn't prevent or make cold shorter or less severe. Although experts do not recommend upping your dosage for that purpose, some say it may help ward off germs if you've been exposed to physical or environmental stress. Generally it will reduce the length of the symptoms by at least a day or two and also will help with the severity and extra 500 milligrams a day is about all you need.

7. Food Doctors say over-the-counter decongestants and antihistamines work only when their symptoms are severe. Grandma's good oldfashioned "soup diet" is another great preventive technique.

Cont'd on page 15

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India Post

Health Science Post

October 26, 2012

www.indiapost.com

Rights groups object to Mental Healthcare Bill NEW DELHI: A section of disability rights groups have raised strong objection to certain provisions of the newly-drafted Mental Healthcare Bill, including on involuntary admissions, saying they are "antipatient" and can be misused.

These groups staged a protest outside the Health Ministry office in Nirman Bhawan, asking the Government to inter-

sions, the law allows for involuntary admissions "when such conditions exist as make supported admission unavoidable".

Disability groups are against involuntary admissions which are literally forced admissions and can be misused against people with mental illness. The groups are also advocating community mental healthcare and an end to establishment of more institutions such as psychiatric facilities. That is also what is stated by UNCRPD (UN Conven-

vener, Disabled Rights Group (DRG).

A petition submitted by such groups says, "We have been very critical of the recent Mental Health Care Bill that your Ministry has recently proposed...We demand that the Mental Health Care Bill process be stopped immediately."

"Our main concern about the Bill is that it maintains status quo on mental asylums, liberalizing the laws for involuntary commitments. The MHC Bill makes a mockery

Disability groups are against involuntary admissions which are literally forced admissions and can be misused against people with mental illness. The groups are also advocating community mental healthcare and an end to establishment of more institutions such as psychiatric facilities

vene and stop the legislation as it promotes 'institutionalization' of mental health care facilities and dilutes the rights of persons suffering from mental illness.

While stating that as far as possible all admissions into mental health institutions should be independent voluntary admis-

tion on Rights of Persons with Disability), which India ratified in 2007.

"While the world community is talking about de-institutionalizing mental health sector, the Bill proposes that anyone can set up mental health institutes. The penalty provisions for such institutes set up without permission are not deterrent enough, as there is only a fine of Rs 50,000 proposed on the first offence," said Javed Abidi, Con-

of medical ethics and patient consent. In the last couple of years alone, media has exposed gross human rights violations within these institutions," they said.

"The right to choose any kind of treatment or refuse has been removed in a step wise manner in the Bill," said Abidi, adding that "the Advance Directive procedure in the Bill is complex and impossible to achieve."

Advance Directive is a will of sorts which anyone can write in advance to mention the kind of treatment he/she wants or does not want in case of mental illness in future.

However, the law also gives caregivers, relatives and NGOs the right to seek cancellation of such directives by appealing before the Mental Health Review Commission, which has been proposed in the new law and takes away the role of judiciary in admission and discharge of mentally ill people into institutions.

The Bill aims at humanizing the treatment of mental illnesses and proposes to give patients the right to choose in advance the kind of treatment and recommends use

of electric shocks in rare cases.

The government also proposes to ban electro convulsive treatment (ECT) (electric shocks) for minors as well as its direct administering to adults and has recommended its use only in rare cases only under general anesthesia.

It also proposes grant of medical insurance for patients who till now are not covered for insurance.

The Bill also seeks to broaden the definition of mental illness and recommends decriminalization of suicide and proposes to ban tonsuring (of heads) of the sick under treatment in mental homes.

The NGOs, including the National Alliance on Access to Justice for People Living with Mental Illness (NAAJMI), say that a person has to prove to have 'capacity' to be able to exercise choice and autonomy.

"This is contrary to all medical ethics....

It provides for proxy decision making, by a nominated representative. It even allows research without consent," they said.

The Bill also proposes to bring Mental Health Review Commissions at district, state and national levels. In case of any violations of the provisions of proposed law, the Bill proposes imprisonment ranging from six months to two years and/or fine from Rs 10,000 to Rs five lakh, sources said.

The Bill, however, gives relatives the right to move a quasi-judicial body - the Mental Health Review Commission - to appeal against a mentally ill's decision to refuse treatment in case such a person is a threat to his own life or to that of the others.

"When the person recovers after treatment, that right will revert to him," the draft law says. "The law is pro-people. It says if anyone needs admission to a hospital, he or she should be given the same. Treatment of mental illnesses would have to be mandatory in all government-run and funded institutions and those below poverty line will get free treatment," Health Ministry sources said. -PTI

Govt nod to Rs 20,000-cr National Urban Health Mission NEW DELHI: The Government has given its nod to the ambitious National Urban Health Mission, a dedicated public health delivery system to address medicare challenges in town and cities, with focus on the poor living in slums.

The Rs 20,000-crore NUHM was cleared by the government's Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) at its meeting. The plan will now go to the Union Cabinet after the Health Ministry fine-tunes its proposals.

The NUHM will be on the lines of the Health Ministry's flagship National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) launched in 2005 to address the health challenges of rural India.

A revised note had been sent for approval after incorporating some concerns raised by the Planning Commission.

"The NUHM will be launched soon across the country. It will focus on the health needs of the urban population, with special focus on the urban poor in slums

and colonies," a senior Health Ministry official told PTI. The Mission is expected to cover cities and towns with over 50,000 people which would come to around 779 cities including Mumbai, New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Ahmadabad.

The NUHM will finally be a part of the National Health Mission, which will take care of both rural and urban health needs of the people in the country.

NUHM seeks to improve the health status particularly of slum dwellers and other disadvantaged sections by ensuring equitable access to quality health care through a revamped public health system.

The Mission would help improve the health indicators of urban poor. The National Family Health Survey-3 revealed that under-five mortality rate was 73 for every 1000 live births among the urban poor as against 48 among other city residents. -PTI

October 26, 2012

Health Science Post

India Post

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Horses provide therapy for Upstate children SPARTANBURG, S.C.: Bailey Zirpel stood beside a male Appaloosa and moved a brush across his silver fur.

The horse stayed still and docile, keeping his head low, as the 5year-old groomed and cleaned him.

It was a Monday afternoon at Hope Remains Youth Ranch in Boiling Springs. The clear sky overhead made it easy to see the Appalachian mountains on the horizon, rising beyond the tall pines that outlined the eight-acre property. The trees swayed side to side, as if dancing in the gentle breeze.

Bailey smiled as Silver, the horse, welcomed her gentle touch. ``Silver is my favorite horse,'' she said, as she brushed the horse's long, flowing mane. ``He's so soft. I love the horses.''

This is therapy.

No, there's not a quaint cozy office or soft, cushioned chairs.

There are no ticking clocks or prescriptions given out at the end of each session.

Here, the horses, in a way, prove to be the best medicine - an effective form of therapy for children with behavioral or social problems.

``The horses help calm a child down,'' said Melanie Watt, a licensed therapist, certified equine therapist and executive director of the nonprofit ministry, which has operated for about four and a half years.

She stood beside Bailey and helped her properly groom and tend to Silver. ``The children know that they can't talk, they won't

professional counseling with licensed therapists, along with parenting classes, academic services and equine therapy for youth, families, local businesses (corporate retreats) and public schools.

Tucked away behind a residence off state Highway 9, the ranch and the four horses that meander throughout aren't visible

"There's a lot of things a horse can do - the horse picks up on what's going on. If the child is a bully, the horse won't have anything to do with the child. The child will ask, `Why won't this horse let me put a halter on her?' or `Why won't the horse let me brush her?' judge them and they won't gossip. So the children feel much more comfortable talking to the horse than they do us.''

Hope Remains serves youth ages 5-17 who exhibit anger issues, defiant behaviors, ADD, ADHD, problems in school, depression and other issues, as well as youth who just want to ``hang out'' at the ranch in a positive Christian environment.

The ranch offers biblical and

from the road.

But one mother, who preferred not to be named to protect her son's identity, said it's a place everyone should know about.

Her 15-year-old son has been bullied his whole life, but he feels right at home and comfortable at Hope Remains, she said. The place, as the name indicates, gives him hope.

One purpose of each therapy session is to teach children les-

sons that can be transferred into the home or classroom setting, using the horse as a metaphor. ``There's a lot of things a horse can do - the horse picks up on what's going on. If the child is a bully, the horse won't have anything to do with the child. The child will ask, `Why won't this horse let me put a halter on her?' or `Why won't the horse let me brush her?' ``It's because the horse can tell the child is angry. If you're gentle with the horse, and the horse can tell you're being nice, the horse will cooperate. ... We tell children to treat others the same way they would a horse.''

On this particular Monday, after Bailey finished grooming Silver, Watt began discussing the different zones of a horse and how they relate to Bailey. ``Where is the `whoa' zone of a horse?'' she asked. ``In the front,'' Bailey said. ``Where is your whoa zone?'' ``In front of me.''

Watt said if you were to get in a horse's face and demand that it move, it wouldn't cooperate. But if you get in its ``friendship zone'' - to its side - the horse will be more likely to oblige.

``How does being friendly with a horse teach you how to be at school?'' Watt asked. ``I have to love on Silver, so I need to love on my friends at school and my mommy and daddy,'' Bailey said.

Bailey's mother said she got her daughter involved in the program, hoping it would help her behavior at home.

So far, she has seen good results. ``She enjoys it so far. She tells me when she gets home what she's learned and what she did during the session. It is making a difference so far,'' she said. ``I think it's a little bit of everything that helps make a difference, the reinforcement of how to change her negative behaviors into positive ones and deal with conflict, if she gets into a situation at school or at home, she's able to use what she learned here and other places.''

The ranch consists of four equine specialists, one licensed therapist and four South Carolina certified teachers. Watt says they try to keep the groups small, giving each child a horse and an individual counselor for each session. -AP

14

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October 26, 2012

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Lawmakers seek more regulation of compounded drugs WASHINGTON: Two Democratic lawmakers have called for stricter federal oversight of compounding pharmacies in the wake a deadly meningitis outbreak linked to contaminated injections made by a Massachusetts specialty pharmacy.

Representatives Rosa DeLauro and Edward Markey said in separate statements that they will draft legislation to give the Food and Drug Administration more authority to police the safety of custom-mixed medicines, known as compounded drugs.

Compounding pharmacies traditionally supply products that are not available commercially, based on an individual doctor's prescription. But some pharmacies have grown into larger businesses, operating across state lines and supplying drugs to thousands of hospitals, clin-

ics and physicians.

As many as 13,000 people received steroid shots from the New England Compounding Center of Framingham, Mass,

company has recalled the fungus-contaminated steroid, which was shipped to 23 states.

Meningitis is an inflammation of the lin-

Compounding pharmacies technically fall under the jurisdiction of state pharmacy boards, which also regulate traditional pharmacies, though experts say these organizations often lack the resources and expertise to inspect the more than 7,500 compounding pharmacies operating in the US according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The contaminated shots have now been associated with 119 cases of meningitis, including 11 deaths, the agency said. The

ing of the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms include severe headache, nausea, dizziness and fever.

Unlike drugs manufactured by large pharmaceutical companies, compounded drugs have never been reviewed for safety and effectiveness by FDA. Compounding pharmacies have long operated in a legal gray area between state and federal laws. Efforts to more tightly regulate the industry have been knocked down by federal courts, including the Supreme Court.

Despite that history, Markey said the FDA should have authority to bar compounding pharmacies from using ingredients that haven't been cleared by the agency. The Massachusetts congressman says his legislation would also require the pharmacies to report all safety issues to the FDA. ``Unfortunately, compounding pharmacies are a 19th century service operating in a 21st century industry, and we need to update and strengthen the rules that govern these operations so that patients can safely benefit from the unique service they offer,'' said Markey, who sits on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which oversees the FDA. Rep. DeLauro of Connecticut sent a letter to Department of Health and Human

Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, asking what additional powers would help the department improve the safety of compounded drugs. ``Because of the current vague patchwork of federal and state oversight and regulation of these pharmacies, consumers are left at risk and often unaware of the differences between these products and others,'' said DeLauro, who sits on the House committee that sets the FDA's budget.

Compounded drugs are not mentioned in the landmark 1938 law that gave the FDA authority to regulate virtually all drugs sold in the U.S. For more than 50 years, the FDA exercised little oversight over the space.

Compounding pharmacies technically fall under the jurisdiction of state pharmacy boards, which also regulate traditional pharmacies, though experts say these organizations often lack the resources and expertise to inspect the more than 7,500 compounding pharmacies operating in the U.S. In the 1990s, FDA regulators began to more closely scrutinize the industry, as some compounding pharmacies grew into larger operations that resembled small pharmaceutical companies.

In 1997, Congress passed a law bringing compounded drugs under FDA oversight, requiring that they meet certain standards for production, labeling and advertising.

Specifically, the law banned compounding pharmacies from advertising their products.

A 9th Circuit court ruled that this last requirement was unconstitutional, and the Supreme Court upheld the decision in 2002.

The court did not rule on the other portions of the law, though the FDA has not actively enforced them.

Since the decision, the FDA has generally only gotten involved in compounding drug cases that involved large numbers of products distributed across state lines. -AP

Why hating sprouts and broccoli could keep you healthy LONDON: People who find vegetables like sprouts and broccoli unbearably bitter are better at fighting off infection due to chemicals in their nose, a new study has found.

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania found that people who hate food like broccoli or sprouts have more receptors that pick up the flavor of these foods and also work as an early warning system about bacterial invaders, the Daily Mail reported.

The receptors were traditionally thought to be located only on the tongue but are now known to be in the linings of the nasal and sinus cavities as well.

These receptors are involved in activating the body's natural defenses against common infections.

However, almost a third of the population does not have the specific version of the bitter taste receptor gene called TAS2R38 that activates an immune response.

"If you are a supertaster, it is going to

be very rare you are going to get sinusitis," Dr Noam Cohen, of the University of Pennsylvania, said.

He added this bitter-tasting ability does not protect against all infections.

In the study, researchers grew cells in lab dishes, forming structures that resembled the multilayered lining of the nose and sinus, to test out how bitter receptors affect the initial stages of the infection process.

Chemicals produced by common bacteria called Pseudomonas aeruginosa activated the TAS2R38 bitter receptor, and caused the hair-like cilia that line the sinuses to start sweeping away microbial intruders.

The activation also resulted in the release into the sinuses of nitric oxide which kills bacteria.

The researchers looked at just one of 25 bitter receptors and it remains to be seen if the others affect the immune system.

The study was published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation. -PTI

Health Science Post

October 26, 2012

India Post

15

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Kids' weight loss program being introduced NEW ORLEANS: A national health insurance company and the Louisiana Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs are bringing a 12-month program to help obese and overweight children lose weight. The classes are only for families on the company's Medicaid plan in the New Orleans area.

UnitedHealthcare says the program, called Join for Me, gets families involved in lifestyle and behavior changes to help children lose weight. ``Children who are overweight and obese often want to lose weight, but can't figure out how to do it,'' said Dr. Ann K. Logarbo, chief medical officer for UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Louisiana.

For obese and overweight children, losing weight can reduce the risk of physical and emotional health problems.

Obese children are more likely to have high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes, all of which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

In the program, an otherwise healthy child and a parent attend 16 weekly group sessions to learn how to eat better and get more active. At each group session, they get worksheets with topics and goals for a session at home. Those are followed by monthly maintenance sessions for up to eight months more.

Children are taught how to keep tabs on what they do, eat and weigh, and to limit screen time to two hours a day five days a week.

They're also taught a ``Yes!

and less'' system to help their daily calorie count. Fruits, vegetables, lean meats and high-fiber foods are ``Yes!'' foods that they should concentrate on while limiting high-calorie, lownutrition foods such as sweets, pizza, fried foods and sugary drinks to two servings a day.

A pilot program in Rhode Island was run through the YMCA. A report on that program, published

In the program, an otherwise healthy child and a parent attend 16 weekly group sessions to learn how to eat better and get more active. At each group session, they get worksheets with topics and goals for a session at home in the journal Pediatrics, said it can be run by people who don't have experience in treating pediatric obesity, making widespread use possible.

The insurance company and alliance were holding a community forum on childhood obesity Tuesday morning at the New Orleans bionnovation Center.

Classes will be held at some Boys & Girls Clubs for families enrolled in a UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Louisiana Medic-

Precautions to keep Flu at bay Cont'd from page 11

The ingredients in soup mostly carrot, onion, and celery might actually have a medicinal effect on the body's immune system, easing the inflammation caused by cold viruses.

8. Acupuncture The ancient Chinese medical tradition of using hair thin needles to stimulate pressure points

around the body has been used to treat everything from headaches to arthritis, and there's some suggestion it might help with colds as well.

There isn't any real evidence that acupuncture relieves colds, but considering the few side effects, trying it probably can't hurt.

Prevention is the key. Eat right, sleep right, exercise, and wash your hands.

aid health plan. The company says it plans to use the program in some areas as part of preventive care for families who have its employer-provided health insurance or government-sponsored Medicaid managed care plans.

``Poor diet and a lack of physical activity are taking a devastating toll on the health of children in Louisiana, which has one of the highest rates of childhood obesity in the country,'' said Pat Van Burkleo, president of the

Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Louisiana and the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Baton Rouge. Van Burkleo said the New Orleans program is a first step toward making it more widely available in Louisiana. -AP

Desi News 'Sikhs in West support justice, not terrorism' India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Challenging the claim by Lt. Gen. Brar and Indian officials that Sikhs living abroad are supporting revival of "terrorism," Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), an international human rights group, stated that Sikhs living in the Western world support revival of 'justice' and not terrorism. SFJ, which is leading an international campaign to prosecute those involved in violation of human rights against Sikhs, stated that demanding "justice" in no way an act of treason or waging war against India, "as depicted by the recent organized campaign initiated after the incident in London" involving General Brar.

Gauri promotes latest fashions in Jewelry India Post News Service

Gauri Collections is an online retailer selling Imitation Jewelry ranging from Finger Rings to Bridal Sets. It also sells Accessories catering to special Indian Custom Festivals. Gauri Collections brings to you latest fashionable products in Jewelry as well as clothing.

It also specializes in dresses catered to Weddings as well as for customs events. It also does Jewelry Exhibitions throughout the year, traveling on weekends. You may checkout these collections on www.gauricollections.com and on Facebook www.facebook.com/ gauricollectionsadmin.

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA

Details on page 21

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October 26, 2012

Sai temple seeks community support to stay eviction VIDYA SETHURAMAN India Post News Service

SUNNYVALE, CA: Shirdi Sai Darbar temple, facing eviction from its present premises, is fighting a court case pleading for time to relocate to a new site. It has appealed to the Indian community at large to support them in their cause and help them fight to get enough time to vacate the current premises.

This temple is facing a crisis in terms of the place where they are located. Existing temple building was sold to a software company, Fortinet on August 7 and the company served the mandir a 30-day notice to vacate the premises. The temple management has found an alternative place on 255 Geronimo Way, Sunnyvale and would get all the approvals on the same by January 27, 2013.

They requested the owner to extend the notice period till then.

But the company was stubborn and took the matter to court. The temple management is currently fighting the case in the court. They are ready to vacate the place and are only requesting the owners for

Inside view of Sai Temple

extension of time till January 2013.

Shirdi Sai Darbar is a non-profit organization serving the Bay Area from February 2011 and caters to over 15000 devotees residing in South Bay region. Baba's murthi weighs about 2000 lbs and was imported from India. It is a volunteer based organization operating

from 897, Kifer Road, Sunnyvale.

The temple activities include sai aarthi, abhisheka, rudram, Thursday annadhana, bhajan, sandwich seva to name a few. Special puja is performed every Thursday which is attended by over 2000 people.

Shirdi Sai Darbar organizers list the reasons why they need time

Re-elect Obama with thumping majority: Pelosi India Post News Service

CHICAGO: An exclusive gathering of 100 elite Democrats from Chicago land area was held on Friday October 9 at Holiday Inn, Skokie, Illinois, to support the Democratic National Congressional Committee.

This event was held under DNCCC with the support of Balvinder Singh Dr Mehboob Kapadia, Iftekhar Shareef, Chairman FIA-Chicago, and Vinesh Virani. The Chief Guest of the event was Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi who is also US House floor leader and former Speaker of US. Details on page 21

Sohan Joshi elected new head at NFIA Chicago convention

Protestors with placards

to relocate. The new place is not ready with license; they do not want to close the temple which serves about 15,000 Bay area devotees. There are also religious requirements such as auspicious day, time to install the Mool Murthi in its new place.

Cont’d on page 19

October 26, 2012

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Music, dance & fun at West Valley Diwali VIDYA SETHURAMAN India Post News Service

CUPERTINO, CA: "Diwali is the imperative Indian Festival. It is a festival of joy, color and beautiful beginning", says Mahesh Nihalani, Organizer of this gala event. The 10th annual Diwali festival was held at Cupertino's Memorial Park, 21267 Stevens Creek Blvd., 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 13. This free event brought approximately 10,000 people to beautiful Memorial Park in Cupertino, and was a showcase of multicultural music, dance, fun kids zone, workshops, arts and crafts, fun, frolic and food.

The event was hosted by Cupertino Chamber of Commerce and its Asian American Business Council. Their mission was to "promote, strengthen and enhance the inter-ethnic business environment in the Cupertino

Chamber". The organizers say "the Diwali Festival has proven to be an excellent way to bridge our business community with the residents of Cupertino." “The annual Indian event, which is practiced as a mega

event, marks the beginning of the new business year. It is a time to celebrate and traditions include buying new clothes, exchanging gifts, get-togethers with family and friends, offering traditional sweets and wishes for a prosperous New Year", says Mahesh.

When it was started way back in 2002, it had few stalls and crowd of 250 and now after 10 years it is one of the most important Bay area

the classical "Kathak" and "Bharatanatyam" to Bollywood to the folk "Koli". There were about 45 performances and it started at about 10:30 am and continued till 4:30pm. Students from Dance Karishma, Bollynitra, Little Champs, Kathakanjali, iDance, Ushanjali School of dance, BayArea Nritya Guru, Nupur Dance Academy, Sudanta Dance Academy, Kathak Kale Vicar and

There were about 80 booths and had vendors from all facets.

Booths showcased ethnic Indian art, clothing, jewelry, toys and children's books. Clothing, jewelry, yoga centers, insurance agents, realtors, non -profits, grocery stores had set up their stalls and catered to the community. Akriti Fashions, Desi Boutique, Mita Kapadia, Rais Design, Shashi Clothing, Sara Store and Vaama

events and had a stall of about 80 booths including food and kids play zone, says the board members. The festival itself has grown bigger and the organizers hope will grow manifold in years to come.

The event had kids dance performances with everything from

Dipti's Dance Group displayed brilliant performance which they did with utmost professionalism and perfection. The kids danced to famous foot tapping Bollywood numbers and classical works. It was a perfect blend of classical and modern dance event.

Clothing are to name a few in clothing. Non-profit organizations such as Shirdi Sai Darbar, Shirdi Sai Parivar, Hindu Swayam Sevak Sangh and Lil Krishna had their booth and explained the Indian roots and heritage to the crowd.

Cont’d on page 19

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Great enthusiasm for Ganapati Cruise after prayers RAKESH KAPOOR India Post News Service

Pandit Jhagendra Khatiwada at Ganesha Hawan.

Pics Neeloo Kapoor

Dr. Japra, Manorama Joshi, Vijay Thapar, Rajesh Verma, Govind P. and Hira Birla

NeelooKapoor (Photo Journalist), Dr. Japra, Veena Birla, Rakesh Kapoor. Dr. Japra riding the bus for Ganapati cruise

Dr. Japra with Ganapati on his head in the streets of San Francisco

FREMONT: Ganesha Chaturthi was celebrated as Ganesha Mahotsava at Fremont Hindu Temple with full devotion and enthusiasm from September 18-30. The events started with daily prayers and hawans and on the last day the main attraction was the "Ganapati Cruise".

Ganapati Cruise means that on the last day according to tradition, the all the idols were taken for immersion in the sea.

In India people take their Idols on their own for immersion but here the law is different. According to the law we cannot drop anything into the water without the permission of the concerned department. So all the Hindus bring their Idols to the temple and it becomes a joint immersion Utsav.

The highlight of this Utsav was the new shape and looks given to Lord Ganesha everyday. All the thirteen days the devotees enjoyed the craftsmanship of priest Viswa Prasad Kristipaty. It was his idea to give daily a new look to Ganesha.

All the materials were imported from India especially for this. He really had put lots of hours daily in changing the looks and on the top of that performing all the Yajna and Prayers and Aartis daily.

To make it happen successfully the credit goes of course to the Management Team of the temple like the vision of Dr RomeshJapra, Chairman and Rajesh Verma, Co-Chairman, Govind Pasumarthi as Program Coordinator, Deepak Chhabra, as Event Chair. Volunteers also played a big and pivotal role in making it happen.

Manorma Joshi, CFO took the responsibility of encouraging the volunteers. During the thirteen days of Ganesh Chaturthi, the food responsibility was taken by Sudesh Saini, Rekha Malik, Anita and Keshav Chopra. Daily cleaning volunteers were our temple trustees like Veena Birla, Manorma Joshi, Sunita Gupta, Dharminder Dewan, Neeloo Kapoor and Karuna Sharma.

All the priests like Pradeep Archakam, Jhagendra Khatiwada, Bhushan Kesar headed by Pt. Viswa Prasad Kristipati worked day and night for its success. Although the daily Pooja, Homam and other rituals were taken care by all the priests by turn but the volunteers team consisting of Govind P, Balaji Ganesan, Dev Roy, Shankar Radhakrishnan and Sandeep Deoukley were also actively involved in performing their duties as aides to the priests.

All the admins, Rakesh Kapoor, Moti Lal and Harish Babu were also very much instrumental in booking the tickets for the cruise and receiving the Idols from the devotees who were not able to join the cruise.

Apart from the routine bookings of inside and outside poojas and Hawans etc, Preeti Bhojs were also booked for all the days and for both the times, lunch as well as dinner.

The admin office was quite busy and crowded with the devotees. Over 800 idols were booked and about 500 cruise tickets were sold for the cruise for Ganapati Visarjan to go to San Francisco.

All Temple Admins and Priests of Fremont Hindu Temple with their families

Devotees waiting to enter the cruise ship

Rajesh Verma, Vijay Thapar, Govind P., Sudesh Kumari, Veena Birla, Manorama Joshi

Pandit Bhusan Kesar, Pandit, Jhagendra, Yogi Chugh, Dharmendra Dewan and Deepak Chhabra

Surendra Dalal, Rajesh Verma, Nandini Verma, Pandit Bhushan, Sunita Japra and Dr. Japra, Anita and Keshav Chopra, Neeloo Kapoor and Vikram Paul

Rajesh and Nandini Verma, Dr. Romesh and Sunita Japra with Temple family and friends

October 26, 2012

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Music, dance & fun at West Valley Diwali

Cont’d from page 17

This year's Diwali festival had a larger Kids Zone with magic show, face painting, petting zoo, pony rides, wood workshop, jump house, and a coloring contest.

Sai temple seeks community support to stay eviction Cont’d from page 16

The temple management says they would welcome the devotees to help the organization financially and the funds would be used for getting a permanent building for the

mandir on its own.

To show their protest on the issue, the management had organized silent rallies on October 8 and 9 from 12-1pm. The rallies were attended by over 150-200 devotees.

Grand finale was by Harjeet Mehdi, well established versatile artist who is currently based in United States. In spite, of being younger brother of world famous Bhangra pop star Daler Mehndi, this artist has created his fans in various communities throughout Canada and USA. In 1986, he migrated to USA and started his career as a professional tabla and keyboard player.

Inspired by his elder brother's style of singing, he developed primary passion to become a singer. His let his instincts lead the way and with dedication, hard work and determination become a big success.

The final event was enjoyed by a crowd of 5000 and he sang to fans' request.

Guests of Honor were from Cupertino Chamber Of Commerce, Mark Santoro, Mayor, City of Cupertino, Orrin Mahoney, Vice-Mayor, City of Cupertino, Rich Gordon, Paul Fong, Jim Beall from California State Assembly, Jose Esteves, Mayor, City of Milpitas, Ash Kalra and Sam Liccardo, Councilmember, City of San Jose, Cupertino Union School District, Fremont Union High School District, Rotary International, Cupertino-Hsinchu Sister City Association.

The board includes Mahesh Nihalani, Chamber of Commerce, Vicky Tsai, Asian American Business Council, Mike Foulker, Lym Chig, Joanne Mansch, Tamon Norimnto, Saldy James and Darcy Paul.

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Brahma Kumaris Center celebrates Navratri India Post News Service

NOVATO, CA: Brahma Kumaris' Anubhuti Retreat Center in Novato, CA hosted Navratri to bring out the significance of the festival as well as to celebrate the rich tradition associated with it. A mixed crowd of 300 people from different cultures attended the celebration from as far as Sacramento, Fresno and Tracy.

Live Garba music by Kirit Bavishi and company inspired people to join the harmonious dance. Those who were new to this tradition were taught the dance, until the floor was full with people swaying and clapping in unison.

Sister Vaishali gave a talk unraveling the significance of the festival and why the goddesses are worshipped in India during this season leading up to Dusshera.

Sister said "We worship 'Shivshakti' but what connection does Shiva have with shaktis?

The shaktis are the memorial of souls who were companions of Supreme Soul Shiva, the Ocean of all powers. This power from the

Sister Vaishali explaining the significance of Shivshaktis who are worshipped during Navratri

Supreme dispels the darkness of ignorance in the soul, resulting in the experience of peace, happiness and contentment. These shaktis radiate the powers even today from their idols in the

temples". Sister Hema led meditation with a guided commentary that took people to a deep state of peace.

The main attraction of the evening was the Jhanki or live

goddess pageant. Five young women were dressed as Amba, Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati and Kali, creating a powerful scene. A commentary explaining what each goddess represented along with

Lakshmi, one of the five goddesses in the Jhanki in Navratri celebration at the Anubhuti Retreat Center

a hymn sung to that deity were played as the spotlight shone on each of them. People described this experience to be awe-inspiring. The evening concluded with a sumptuous dinner.

Telanganaites celebrate unique Bathukamma Festival VIDYA SETHURAMAN India Post News Service

SUNNYVALE, CA: The 8th Annual Bathukamma Festival was held by Telangana Cultural Association at Ortega Park, Sunnyvale on October 14 from 11am to 4pm.

It was organized by Vijay Chavva, Bikshma Palabindela and their TCA committee members. It was a grand event and was attended by about 300-400 people from different parts of Bay area. The event commenced with auspicious puja for Sri Lakshmi, Sri Saraswathi and Sri Durga.

Bathukamma is a spring festival celebrated by the women of Telangana region in Andhra Pradesh, India. It is celebrated for nine days during Durga Navratri.

It starts on the day of Mahalaya Amavasya and concludes on Durgashtami. On the final day, the closing ceremony of Bathukamma Panduga is celebrated as a great festival known as Pedda Bathukamma, where flower decorations are immersed in a pond.

Bathukamma is a beautiful flower stack, arranged with seasonal flowers, in seven concentric layers of potter's clay, like a cone. It is celebrated for long life and prosperity. It is unique to Telangana region and it is undoubtedly an icon of cultural

L-R Renuka Chavva and Vijay Chavva

identity for Telanganites. This festival is not celebrated else where, though there are some known instances of festivals celebrated in association with water

and flowers, none of them resemble this one, says Vijay Chavva, Chairman, TCA. It is generally made from gunuka poolu, tangoed poolu,

banti, chemanti, nandivardhanam etc. As evening approaches the womenfolk dress colorfully in their best and put on lot of ornaments and place the Batukamma in their court yard.

The women of neighborhood also join them and they sing songs by going around it building a beautiful human circle of unity, love, sisterhood. They all sing in chorus after a lead singer starts off and the rhythms of the folklore songs reverberate in the neighborhood sounding the uniqueness of Telangana cultural identity.

After playing around, the "Batukammalu", is carried on their heads and they go as a proces-

sion towards a bigger water lake of the village or town and it is slowly immersed into water after some more playing and singing.

Why is Batukamma celebrated? Batukamma is a great celebration of preservation of nature's harmony. It is the season of blooming flowers and overflowing water ponds. Batukamma celebrates the inherent relationship between earth, water and the human beings. They pray to mother goddess Gowri that they should not face any difficulties and that their husbands live longer and their families be prosperous. That's why Batukamma is the icon of cultural identity of Telangana.

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Sohan Joshi elected new head at NFIA Chicago convention

The New NFIA team headed by Sohan Joshi Ramesh Soparawala & Harish Rao

CHICAGO: The culmination of the 33rd national annual convention of the National Federation of Indian Associations(NFIA) held in Chicago last week was the election of 'Son of the Soil' Sohan Joshi as its President for the coming year and induction of two other 'Sons of the Soil' Kanti Patel as Executive Vice President and Satheeshan Nair as Secretary

seminars and sessions were conducted. The highlight of the threeday Convention from October 12 at Holiday Inn in Rolling Meadows was the session on Investment in India and Tax Implication.

This was held on Saturday morning. Another session that generated great interest was on pulse reading by a great master from India, Dr Pankaj Naram.

The cultural show presentations during the Kick Off session

A source of concern for Indian Americans is the recent IRS cracking down on unreported gains from investment abroad .The concern got aggravated with two medical professionals - one in Wisconsin and the other in New York - landing themselves in huge trouble with fine and criminal prosecution Unlike the Convention that was held 10 years ago, this Convention achieved a fair degree of success, judging from the number of attendees not only from Chicagoland but also from other parts of the country, and the smooth manner in which various

on Friday and the Dinner Banquet on Saturday were well conducted affairs, although many felt that the Saturday event could have been better planned with more diversity and attractions like a fashion show and promoting young talent.

But that did not undermine the

overall performances.

At the Saturday Dinner Banquet there was presentation of Awards to a number of community activists from across the USA. Dr Hemant Patel, past president of AAPI was recognized for his contributions in the field of Medicine and Public Health, Sid Gautam for Promoting Entrepreneurship, Harkrishan Majumdar for Community Services, Nitin Shah for excelling in Hospitality and Financial business, Ratna Kumar for contribution in Performing Arts, Indo American Center for Extraordinary Services to the Community, Najma Sultana for Community Services, Sudhir Vaishnav for Art and TV, Rajiv Bhambri for his contributions in Print Media and Hema Potla for Community Services.

A source of concern for Indian Americans is the recent IRS cracking down on unreported gains from investment abroad .The concern got aggravated with two medical professionals - one in Wisconsin and the other in New York landing themselves in huge trouble with fine and criminal prosecution. It was in this context that a seminar on Investments in India ad Tax Implications assumed significance.

The tax seminar had four Tax attorneys participating - one from Chicago and three from India. It was moderated by a prominent Financial Advisor Ajit Gandhi and co-moderated by a Tax expert Sushila Gidwaney from New York The Chicaogland attorney was Michael Sawyier and he touched upon the essential requirements that IRS seeks in reporting income from investments abroad and penalties involved in failure to so. He eloquently distinguished the status in willful hiding and uninten-

tionally not reporting the gains, the different levels of penalties involved, including criminal proceedings. He also suggested voluntary disclosures which would save a lot of trouble in future.

The three Indian Attorneys Rajesh Dhruva from Rajkot, Anil Jain and Deepender Kumar from

an expert involvement and advice.

The question answer session that followed was lively too and many participants sought clarifications for their specific problems. As put

by Ajit Gandhi, the problems involved are so vast that they could not be compressed or addressed effectively in one hour session.

Three attorneys from India (at the top) Deepender Kumar, Rajesh Dhruva and Anil Jain. Below L-R Shushila Gidwaney, Moderator Ajit Jain and Chicago attorney Michael Sawyier

New Delhi - had telecast addresses from India. Rajesh Dhruva from Rajkot defined the status of NRIs and permissible areas of investments. He said that NRIs could not invest in RBI bonds or postal schemes and deposits in Indian companies. "NRIs are forbidden from investments in Post Office schemes; Public Provident Fund accounts ; Reserve Bank of India (RBI) bonds and deposits with Indian companies," he observed Ajit Gandhi moderated the session beautifully and observed that IRS regulations at some stage need detailed and minute interpretation which in turn would require

"Even the tax experts need time to explain and the constraint of time really came in the way of their furnishing explanation or exposition of the subject, or effective answering of the questions put," he said.

The following is the new NFIA Board for 2012 -2014: President: Sohan P Joshi, Exec Vice President: Kanti S Patel, Vice Presidents: Angela Anand, Chandrakant 'CK' Patel, Hari Har Singh, Secretary: Satheesan Nair, Joint Secretary: Yogendra Gupta, Treasurer: Anil Kumar, DirectorAt-Large: Rajasekhar Reddy, Arvind Joshi, Satish Mishra, Varghese Paramayil, Arvind Pillai, Ashwin Shah, Gulshan Bajaj.

Re-elect Obama with thumping majority: Pelosi House floor leader and former Speaker of US. Ms Pelosi, who is considered an extremely powerful and influential person in the Democratic party, praised the strong rising relationship between USA and India. Pelosi emphasized that President Barack Obama needs to be re-elected for another term in White House with a thumping majority. She urged all IndianAmericans to do everything possible to ensure the Democrats get back control in US Congress.

India Post News Service

CHICAGO: An exclusive gathering of 100 elite Democrats from Chicago land area was held on Friday October 9 at Holiday Inn, Skokie, Illinois, to support the Democratic National Congressional Committee.

This event was held under DNCCC with the support of Balvinder Singh Dr Mehboob Kapadia, Iftekhar Shareef, Chairman FIA-Chicago, and Vinesh Virani. The Chief Guest of the event was Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi who is also US

Nancy Pelosi honored with shawl by Balvinder Singh and Iftekhar Shareef

Cont’d on page 22

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Fundraiser for Hindu Temple exceeds goal ASHWIN PATEL

Board of trustees Chairman Sharad Parikh honoring temple manager Satish Babu

ST LOUIS: It was a resounding success. The Hindu Temple Capital Fundraising Kickoff Event on Saturday, September 29 helped raise in excess of $757,000 with pledges & donations, including Bal Vihar St. Louis commitment of $ 250,000 surpassing the goal for that day.

Fundraising committee had set a goal of $5 million for the community center and all other temple related projects. The time line for this goal is set at three years.

a classical dance. The kick off event showcased many entertainment programs from the kids in Balvihar and Hindu Temple Youth group.

The younger generation which is raised in this country talked about their experience in the program called Generation 2.0. At the end of the program, temple manager Satish Babu was honored with standing ovation.

Preparations for upcoming

The youth group performing Ramayana skit

Navarathri celebrations are in progress. Veena concert and lec-

tures are arranged for next three weekends.

Naveen Tekwani started the program as Master of Ceremony. Classical dance about Lord Ganesha was the first in agenda, then Sharad Parikh, Chair of the fundraising committee showed slides about how the temple started its divine journey from 1998 and how it progressed in the last 15 years. He also explained about the upcoming community center project a model of which kept on display.

The program commenced with

Audience at the fundraiser event

Balvihar children dressed in the style of different states

Re-elect Obama with thumping majority: Pelosi Cont’d from page 21

Earlier Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky introduced all the Congressional candidates from Illinois including Brad Schnieder, Bill Foster and others. Jan requested everyone to go out and vote and mobilize voters and get ready for the coming elections next month. She praised the leadership role played by Indian-American community leaders in organizing the event and hoped the Democrats would win all the seats in Illinois.

Balvinder Singh praised the leadership of Barack Obama and urged all to vote in Democrats to

Supporters of Democratic candidates with Nancy Pelosi

the US Congress.

Nancy Pelosi acknowledged the help of Indian Democrats and Balvinder Singh in their efforts to mobilize support for Democratic candidates. Singh presented a shawl to Nancy Pelosi on behalf of the Indian American community in Chicagoland.

Iftekhar Shareef said it was very important for the U.S

house to have a full Democratic majority so that agendas pushed by the Obama Administration get passed the House easily.

Shareef praised Ms. Nancy Pelosi's leadership role in the Democratic Party and DNCCC. He also honored the former House Speaker with a traditional Indian shawl and Kandwa and wished her good luck for the Democratic Party to win most of the seats around the country and re-gain control of US House.

Vinesh Virani proposed a vote of thanks and in a talk to this paper exuded confidence that Illinois would stand solidly behind the Democratic leadership.

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Masti Amasti - A feather in Art Circle cap

L-R Dush Shukla, Tabla player Richard Christian, Artist trio Saumil Munshi, Arati Munshi, Shyamal Munshi and Udghoshak Tushar Shukla

RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service

CHICAGO: Chicago Art Circle, a front ranking organization promoting Gujarati art and literature, did it again successfully by organizing at a very short notice an entertainment program of Gujarati songs - Masti Amasti - at Manav Seva Mandir in Bensenville, a north side suburb of Chicago.

The near three hour rendering Gujarati songs interspersed with lively commentary from Tushar Shukla enthralled and entertained 350 plus art lovers to the fullest.

One of the most notable things was the introductory remarks from Ms Dushben Shukla.

She spoke in chaste Gujarati which of late has become a rarity.

She introduced the artists to the audience and also talked about the excellent work being done by Chicago Art Circle in this part of the world in the field of art and literature. The artist trio from Gujarat Arati Munshi, Shyamal Munshi and Saumil Munshi - rendered one after another songs and poems with their own music compositions to the delight of all those present.

Gunvanti Gujarat especially drew

prolonged applause.

Tushar Shukla was in his elements and endeared himself with the audience through his lively and light hearted commentaries.

The program lacked elaborate orchestra accompaniment and that in a way, turned out to be a plus point as harmonium and tabla played by Richard Christian did a marvelous job. Volunteers Mukudrai Desai, Vinesh Champaneri, Nisha Kapasi, Shabirbhai Kapasi, Vinesh and Nisha Virani acquitted themselves exceedingly well by successfully organizing the show.

Indian Americans honor Frank Seddio India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Indian Americans of New York recently lauded the community service of Frank Seddio at a ceremony in New York City. Samir Chopra President- Elect said " Frank is a wonderful community servant who has worked diligently for the betterment of society having served the people of State of NY, the courts and the New York State Assembly. He is a wonderful friend of Indian Americans and we look forward to a continuing partnership" As a Judge he has presided over the estates of more than 3 million New Yorkers and he was responsible for making a myriad of changes in the policies and procedures in the Court to better adapt it to the needs of modern society. Frank served in the

New York State Assembly where he drafted and passed legislation

Samir Chopra with Frank Seddio

in regard to healthcare, transportation, real estate, employment and labor. He currently serves as Chairman of the Kings County Demo-

cratic Party - the largest county party in the United States responsible for six Congressional Districts; 7 Senate seats and 20 Assembly seats, representing over 900,000 registered constituents in the city of New York.

Samir Chopra, a marathon runner and triathlete and past recipient of the International Walter Upjohn Award has been honored by the United States Senate, NYS Governor and the United States Congress.

He has served as Director of the South Asian Bar Association and as Trustee of the Hindu Center. He serves as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Indian American Committee and Lota Nu Delta Brotherhood Inc. He completed his education at Emory University, INSEAD (France) and Harvard.

Sikh leaders meet lawmakers, discuss hate crime India Post News Service

WASHINGTON, DC: The Sikh community strongly voiced their concerns in Washington DC by meeting with over 20 members of Congress, the members of the Executive branch to advocate for Sikh civil and human rights at the 4th Annual Sikh Summit from Oct 1-3.

In the wake of the killings of six Sikhs in Wisconsin, Sikh members expressed their concern and fears of the growing rate at which hate crimes against Sikhs and other people of color have increased. In particular, the Sikh community faces a double trag-

edy; not only are their lives in danger because of the hate/bias but the hate crime itself goes unreported.

The major issues addressed were: hate crimes-focused primarily seeking an "Anti Sikh Category" in the forms, security at gurdwaras, employment discrimination, inclusion of Sikhism in educational curriculum, TSA policies and Sikhs being able to serve the armed forces of the United States wearing their article of faith.

The gathered Sikhs voiced their concerns singularly asking for recognition of who Sikhs are.

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Hindi Lovers Club celebrates Hindi Diwas Asian Media USA

CHICAGO: Hindi Lovers Club proudly celebrated 'Hindi Divas' on Sunday, October 7 at the Indo American Center, Chicago. The program included Musical Welcome by VNS Arts Group. Attendees were served snacks and dinner during the event.

Prominent community members who attended this event were Naren Patel, CEO, Medstar Lab, Santosh Kumar, Executive Director Metropolitan Asian Family Services, Dr. Subhash Pandey from UIC, Vandana Jhingan-TV Asia, Iftekhar Shareef, Chairman FIA, V. K. Kohli Managing Director VNS Arts Group, Sher Mohammad Rajput, Founding Trustee of Indo-American Center, Bina Patel, Dr. Munish Raizada, Jodhsingh Rawat, Ranjana Bhargav, Apna Ghar, Prafull Rami and others.

Vinita Gulabani served as Master of Ceremony for the evening

Hindi Lovers Club officials, members and supporters Vandna Jhingan, Vinita Gulabani, Gurbachan Kaur, Sudaksha Kapur, Nand Kapur, Naren Patel, Rohit Joshi, a guest, NFIA Convener Sohan Joshi and Usha Kamaria during Lamp Lighting ceremony

why it has been named Hindi Lovers Club. She said it would be con-

All the speakers advocated the promotion of Hindi. It was pointed out that Bollywood produces the largest number of films in the world. It also attracts highest number of viewers in the world, which itself is a proof of Hindi's popularity and importance and welcomed everyone with her delightful Hindi speech and couplets. Invited guests and Advisory Board members were called for the lamp lighting ceremony, when Mantra was recited by a young kid Lakshya, while Rohit Joshi of Northeastern Illinois University chanted holy mantras. It was followed by the rendition of National Anthem of both the countries by Shanu Sinha and kids of Balodyan and the audience present.

Vinita Gulabani introduced the dignitaries. Gurbachan Kaur Neelam, President of Hindi Lovers Club, in her address strongly pitched for supporting the Club mission. She explained the reason

Kamaria, co-founder of the Club, explained the importance of this organization in this foreign land.

All the speakers advocated the promotion of Hindi. It was pointed out that Bollywood produces the largest number of films in the world. It also attracts highest number of viewers in the world, which itself is a proof of Hindi's popularity and importance. We should nurture this and let our children know that Hindi is our National Language and try to promote its acceptance and training.

pointed out that within our country there are still some regions

Within our country there are still some regions which do not support our National Language and it is our responsibility to promote and spread it full heartedly. She urged the need to introduce this language in every household

L-R singer Iffta, Vinita Gulabani and Dr Munish Raizada

venient for the new generation to understand and attract foreigners who wish to learn Hindi. Usha

Mrs. Santosh Kumar in her short yet spirited speech emphasized the importance of Hindi. She

heartedly. She stated that first generation of Indians gave up their language and culture to adapt to the western culture. She urged the need to introduce this language in every household.

Iftekhar Shareef advocated a wider application of Hindi. Sohan Joshi as chairman of NFIA and also committee member of Hindi Lovers Club underlined the need to promote Hindi among our kids. Vandana Jhingan of TV Asia said, "Remember two things - pride and self-respect. Pride or arrogance never lets anyone move forward and self-respect never lets anyone down." She urged everyone to learn Hindi.

There was entertainment by Lakshya and his father, prayer and dance by Balodyan kids, poetry

by Rashmi Kheira, Kamal Gupta and Shanu Sinha, dances by Ayra, Aashman, Kavya, Astha, Ishita, Deepika and Santok Sing Bains, songs by V.K. Kohli and VNS Arts Group, Neeru Singh and many such performances.

which do not support our National Language and it is our responsibility to promote and spread it full

L-R Poet Chander Varma, Ranjana Bhargav, Ronojoy Ganguli and daughter, Vinita Gulabani and Usha Kamaria

Vandana Jhingan handled the inauguration of Hindi Patrika. Every one present enjoyed dinner with music by J. K. Kohli and VNS Arts Group. Vote of thanks was given by Gurbachan Kaur. Overall it was a beautifully colorful evening leaving a good message for the Indian community.

Hindi Lovers Club Hindi Lovers Club was officially formed as a Not-For-Profit Social Welfare Organization on September 24, 2010 by three Hindi enthusiasts: Gurbachan Shewakramani, Usha Kamaria and Manjit Gill. Their main goal is to promote Hindi in simple ways like day to day talking and writing our thoughts in Hindi.

Community Across America

October 26, 2012

India Post 25

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Radha Govind Temple for Las Vegas India Post News Service

LAS VEGAS: A new Hindu temple, Sri Sri Radha-Govinda Temple, is coming up in Las Vegas (Nevada, USA), also known as "Sin City".

"Groundbreaking and blessing of the site" ceremony of this Temple was held on Saturday October 14, which included bhumi pujan (earth worship), kirtan (sacred chant), fire yajna, etc.

According to reports, this temple will form part of a larger complex named Govinda's Sanctuary, which is termed as "a permanent place for the enlightenment of the soul" and which will include a reference library, yoga studio, vegetarian restaurant,

meditation sites, quarters for students-teachers-visitors-guests, etc.

The site has been purchased for this

With Malice to None:

Shall we have Federal Tax on Internet purchases?

A.Q. SIDDIQUI

T

he friends met again. Money Patel was in bad mood. "I am concerned what is happening back home in India?," he said to Chaudhry, "My fellow Indians were fans of Hollywood movies, American fashion, designs etc, even shoes, but what is happening now? American politics is sweeping through minds and hearts of Indians.

The presidential campaign debate between President Obama and Mitt Romney was live on all US TV Channels and here we were just shuffling between our own Hindi entertainment channel and main channel for the debate. I heard back home in India, the debate was live on many channels. Some advertising agencies have got instant promos before the live telecast of debate. The live telecast in India was similar to what we used to have for cricket matches in 90's. People were seen standing in front of large TV sets in restaurants, railways stations or public places listening to Obama-Romney economy debate.

As if the two gentlemen were soon announcing the visa lottery for India. And there are immediate reactions.

Now people are expecting similar debates between "Sonia Gandhi vs Gadkari", "Modi vs Rahul", "Rahul/Akhilesh/ Mamta/Mayawati/Modi/Nitish/Jaya and so on".

Back to our issue, the presidential debate in Denver, what was the debate about? Economy or tax cut? They said President Obama was not well prepared for the Romney fireballs. But where was the real issue? Both discussed about tax cuts and job creations, but do our politicians really know what ails the US economy? President Obama said, when he took over the Oval office, the economy was in shambles. And the President has announced job creation program - building highways nationwide.

So many professionals who lost jobs in the last few years, who were IT experts,

sales persons in big stores, travel agents, marketing executives, management experts etc wondered what job they will get in President's job promo on building highways. They were on one side. On other side were thousands of graduates coming out of American colleges with degrees in hand and looking for jobs.

And where are jobs for highly educated graduates? Federal jobs? Most Federal jobs are under "freeze." No one retires from a Federal job. Mandatory retirement is generally unlawful in the United States. So Americans work till they breathe their last.

An average Federal employee works till the age of 80 to 85 years, with exception in few sectors. So there is no way we can create Federal jobs for the new graduates. Many jobs have been lost due to uncontrolled internet sales practices. We have seen big stores closing in many cities as the stuff they sold was available cheaper online from vendors outside US. The only way to control this menace of killing millions of jobs in travel, sales and stores will be to impose a Federal Tax on any internet purchase. If only our policy makers will care for these two major reasons devouring many jobs in US, the economy will move towards better shape.

Well, what is political news from Pakistan?"

"Don't ask me, "Chaudhary murmured, "Earlier we had Military Generals taking over the reign, but I heard even military is now afraid to take over the government in Pakistan."

(To be continued, for comment email sidakl@yahoo.com).

Postscript a serious note: Let us all start campaigning for a retirement age in Federal/State/City and government owned agencies so young Americans get better jobs. Email your concern to your local senator for enacting a law and a law for a Federal tax on internet sales.

Sanctuary which aims to provide facilities for religious worship, education, social functions, and performing arts; serving as a center for preserving culture and source of spiritual inspiration. Surapala Dasa and Krishnamayi Dasi are said to be leading this temple initiative.

Internationally renowned gambling resort city of Las Vegas is also known by the nicknames of "Entertainment Capital of the World", "Capital of Second Chances", "Gambling Capital of the World", etc., and Lonely Planet has termed it as "ultimate escape".

Community Across America

26 India Post

October 26, 2012

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Bay Area dances to Dandiya tunes

Sanjay Saxena, Ritu Maheshwari, Shiksha Jain, Sangeetha Chowhan, Reena Goyal, Alka shingwekar

RITU MAHESHWARI India Post News Service

NEWARK, CA: As a prelude to Diwali and in celebrations leading to Durga Puja, most weekends are filled with denizens dancing to the tunes of Dandiya and Garba songs all over the Bay area. One of the leading Dandiyas is organized by Small Steps Foundation (SSF). This year SSF organized Dandiya on October 13 at Newark Memorial's hall packed to capacity. In order

to accommodate increasing number of participants, this year's hall was double the previous year's capacity and still all the tickets were sold out prior to the day of Dandiya.

Small Steps Foundation (SSF) is a non-profit organization. Its primary mission is to support projects targeted at formal and informal education for underprivileged children in India. More information on SSF can be found at http://www.smallstepsfoundation.org/about_ssf

Dandiya starts with prayers

Dandiya was supported by local businesses. Sonal Jagad, owner of Safari Kid (Mowry) said that they arranged for complimentary child care facility 'Kid's Corner' for parents to enjoy the night without worry.

Friends and families came in groups and enjoyed the night dancing to the tune of goddess Ambe's songs. The dancing lessons were provided by Purvi Bhansali of Bollynritya. Colorful dresses, shining sticks and well perfected dance steps made the whole event festive and mesmerizing.

Dandiya enthusiasts taking a break

Gill leads McNerney in latest poll India Post News Service

Ritu Maheshwari, Lakshmi, Hema Talreja, Tanuja Singh, Anu Bansal

Garba time

STOCKTON, CA: Congressional candidate Ricky Gill (RLodi) holds a 46-45 lead over incumbent Congressman Jerry McNerney (D-Pleasanton), according to a poll of likely voters conducted from September 30 to October 2.

The poll, conducted by the Tarrance Group finds that Gill has overtaken McNerney with only one month remaining until the election. Nine percent of likely voters remain undecided.

Gill leads McNerney by 20 points among Decline to State and independent voters, according to the poll.

Also significantly, the poll finds the proportion of voters who view McNerney unfavorably is equal to those who view him favorably. McNerney is viewed particularly unfavorably by voters in San Joaquin County,

by seniors, and by Latino voters.

The poll was completed prior

Ricky Gill

to the first presidential debate on October 3.

Ricky raises $720,000 Meanwhile, Ricky Gill has

raised over $720,000 in the fundraising quarter ending on September 30, continuing a trend of successful quarters in which he consistently has outraised incumbent Congressman Jerry McNerney.

Gill now has raised more than $2.3 million over the course of the campaign, almost exclusively from individual donors and largely from California's San Joaquin Valley and Delta region. Gill ended the third quarter with over $1.1 million cash on hand.

October 26, 2012

www.indiapost.com

India Post 27

TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

1 Gustakh Dil: English Vinglish 2 Aashiyan: Barfi!

3 Phir Le Aya Dil: Barfi!

4 Barfi!: Barfi!

5 Badla Nazara: English Vinglish 28

India Post

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6 Radha: Student Of The Year

October 26, 2012

7 Navrai Majhi: English Vinglish 8 The Disco: Student Of The Year 9 Tujhpe Fida: Heroine 10 Saiyaan: Ishkq in Paris

D

eepika Padukone has the best smile. These are the results of a brand survey done at recent dental seminar. Deepika's glowing smile has gained the highest amount of votes by the dental brand.

Amongst many other personalities of the film industry who were being short-listed for the same, Deepika bagged the highest number of votes. She is evidently pleased with the results and responds with a glowing smile.

When people congratulated her on winning the survey, she revealed that according to her Shahrukh Khan and Madhuri Dixit have the most pleasant smiles amongst others in the Bollywood industry. Well, you keep smiling Deepika!

H

immatwala', a Sajid Khan film starring Ajay Devgn and southern beauty Tamanna Bhatia, will see six item girls grooving with Ajay for a dance number. All the item heroines are fresh faces, coming from six different film industries across the country.

Reveals an insider, "Ajay will be seen shaking a leg with Sayantani Ghosh (Bengali actor), Rinku Ghosh (Bhojpuri star), Amruta Khanvilkar (Marathi actor), Mona Thiba (Gujarati actor), Surveen Chawla (Punjabi film industry) and Tamanna Bhatia (south Indian superstar)."

SIX ITEM GIRLS

The filmmaker apparently is keen on representing all the film industries in one item song, thus giving the track a pan-India touch. The ladies will be dressed in traditional garb, representing their states for the song.

Talking about the beauties, Sayantani Ghosh is a popular face on TV and is seen in a couple of dance tracks in Bengali films. She is also a participant on the new season of Bigg Boss. Surveen Chawla, a very popular host for many reality shows, has also done a few Punjabi films.

Rinku Ghosh has a couple of raunchy tracks to her credit and is a popular Bhojpuri actress. Mona Thiba, another hit face in the Gujarati community, has even done a few Hindi and Bhojpuri films. Amruta Khanvilkar, the Marathi mulgi is the winner of a reality show. She is seen in films like Phoonk and Phoonk 2. Ajay Devgn is definitely a lucky man!

October 26, 2012

Bollywood

India Post 29

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L

isa Ray's campaign for celebrities to donate their hair to women who have lost their hair to cancer intends to request topnotch actresses to part with their tresses for this worthy cause.

On top of Lisa's list of Bollywood divas are Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra.

Lisa explains: "Deepika and Priyanka are two of the popular faces of mainstream Indian cinema. They are beautiful and talented. These days Bollywood actresses experiment with their looks for roles, experiment with their hair lengths. I would love to see them cut and contribute their locks for the cause of creating a real hair wig for a cancer patient. What a statement that would make!"

Kalki Koechlin and Konkona Sen-Sharma are the two other actresses on Lisa's lustrous locks' list. "From alternative cinema these are the two actresses I admire for their sense of commitment. As Nandita Das, Shabana Azmi and I have at different times cut our hair for on screen roles, I feel these are the actresses right now who would do the same. Konkona has absolutely luscious

HAIR

DONATION Bengali locks."

Having gone through the trauma of losing her hair to cancer, Lisa knows the first-hand the trauma of a cancer-stricken woman's loss of self worth after hair loss. She says, "It just takes 8 inches of hair. My true purpose is to highlight awareness and invite people to care and act.

As someone put it so well... not everyone has money to spare, but most have hair!"

S BIGGEST CRUSH A

ctress Alia Bhatt confesses she has a huge crush on actor Ranbir Kapoor.

"I have always loved Ranbir and I love him even more after 'Barfi!'.

He is my biggest crush and he will always remain my biggest crush," the 19-year-old said at a promotional event of her forthcoming debut film "Student Of The Year".

Asked which Khan would she like to work with from Bollywood's popular Khans - Shah Rukh, Salman or Aamir - Alia said: "These three are such big stars, how can I choose one? I want to work with all three of them."

Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt's youngest daughter, Alia, is making her debut alongside two newcomers - David Dhawan's son Varun and model Sidharth Malhotra.

hah Rukh Khan has sent an application to the Trade Mark Registry that his often-used initials not be used without his permission Shah Rukh Khan is a brand by himself. And very soon his often-used initials SRK may become a very valuable property. The actor has recently applied for a trademark on his name SRK at the Delhi office of the Trade Mark Registry. However, he has not received a final confirmation on it. According to the rules, once his trademark SRK is published in the Indian Trademark Journal, anybody who has an objection can file a notice within three months.

A source close to the actor said, "SRK has become bigger with every project. He has taken this decision after a lot of thought. Career wise, it is a great decision to safeguard his brand." The application submitted by the actor to the Trade Mark Registry bars several industries from using his name.

For example, tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, water and even other non-alcoholic drinks can't use the actor's name. The same goes for fresh fruits, vegetables, salt, mustard so on and so forth.

SRK

BRAND

SURENDRA KUMAR

S

ince the first Indian silent film, Raja Harishchandra directed by Dada Saheb Phalke in 1913 and the first talkie movie Alam Ara made in 1931 which had a four-minute kissing scene (it would give Imran Hashmi an inferiority complex) up to the adorable deaf & dumb Barfi (already India's official entry for Oscar), the Indian film Industry has come of age.

With an annual turnover worth US$ 3 billion, offering direct and indirect employment to over 6 million people and churning over 800 films each year in half a dozen languages, Indian film industry is one of the largest in the world. In 2002 around, 1.3 billion cinema tickets were sold in India; on, an average, 43 millions film buffs flock cinema halls across the country every day.

Nowhere else do film actors exercise such a hold on the national psyche. College and University students and the youth in general try to emulate their favorite heroes and heroines in their dresses, hair style, mannerism and body language.

Manufacturers sign up reigning film stars for endorsement of their brands. Amitabh Bachchan, the Khans - Aamir, Salman, Shahrukh and Saif - Akshaya, Hrithik, Ranbir, Katrina, Kareena, Deepika, Anushka and Sonakshi are ruling the roost.

Fading actors endorse Shaktibhog atta, Annapoorna biscuits, Lux cosy underwear etc! Political parties woo actors, tired and retired, to attract audiences, add a dose of glamour and get votes; especially in a hotly

30 India Post

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October 26, 2012

Bimal Roy's Do Bigha Zamin Neecha Nagar

film to be nominated for an Oscar) whose soul searching dilemma between one's duty and personal relationship has influenced films like Ganga Jamuna, Deewar and Shakti.

K Asif's magnum opus Mughal e Azem wasn't just a royal drama of a prince's affairs with a nautch girl but a sharp edged clash of values, human relationships and a ruler's duty epitomized in its memorable dialogues. Presenting opulence of an era gone by, heart wrenching story and haunting music as in Pakeezah and Umrao Jaan touch upon customs, traditions and social norms of a decaying era.

Surendra Kumar interviewing Satyatjit Ray

contested election.

But doesn't this technology driven reach and enormous influence on account of larger than life filmy persona also put some moral responsibility on the shoulders of film artists?

At the dawn of Independence, film makers made films that raised social issues of their time. Chetan Anand's Neecha Nagar of (Grand Prix Cannes 1946) and Bimal Rai's Do Bigha Zamin (winner at Cannes & Karlovy 1953) were pioneers in

this trend. Satyajit Ray's trilogy, Raj Kapoor's Awara, Shri 420 and Jagte Raho and Guru Dutt's Pyasa, Kagaz Ke Phool and Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam were examples of neorealist cinema - believable, authentic & contemporary. They stressed Nehruvian idealism and raised social issues; many relevant even today.

Mother India was a timeless classic on rural India (first Indian

K Asif's magnum opus Mughal e Azem wasn't just a royal drama of a prince's affair with a nautch girl but a sharp edged clash of values, human relationships and a ruler's duty epitomized in its memorable dialogues Sadhna and Mausam raised the issue of prostitution; Dhool ka Phool of surrogate mother, Ganga Jamuna, Jis Desh Mein Ganga Bahti Hai and Mujhe Jeene Do of poverty, exploitation and dacoits and their rehabilitation. With different stories/treatment, Sant Gyaneshwar, Dosti, Sarda, Naya Daur, Char Dil Char Rahein, Phir Subah Hogi, Bandini, Sujata, Hum Dono, Parakh and Kanoon underlined morals, ethics, social values and one's call of conscience. Sholay, a mega hit, covers them all.

Cont’d on page 32

Kapoor's Awara

October 26, 2012

India Post

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Bay area kid shining in Indian reality show VIDYA SETHURAMAN India Post News Service

SAN JOSE, CA: Mission San Jose student Pragathi Guruprasad is a well known name among Bay area music lovers. This 14 year old, 9th grader is now well known among Tamilians all over the world through her entry into the most popular music reality show "Super Singer Junior" which is on air in Indian channel Vijay TV. Pragathi was auditioned for this show last year in June and was very excited when the show producers called her and informed her about selection.

She spoke to her parents and convinced them that she wanted to pursue her dream in music field and this is the best opportunity to do so.

This comes at a very high cost of missing school for a year if she progresses each round. With lot of hard work and dedication, she is now into the finals of the major reality event "Airtel Super singer Junior 3".She will be competing with four other finalist and the event is on October 26. 2012.

On behalf of Bay area Indian community, we wish her good luck.

To vote for Pragathi logon to

www.vijaytv.com/supersinger and her id is SSJO4.

She recorded her first film song, title track for the movie "Panithuli" in Chennai, India. She was awarded the prize for her voice and 2nd runner up for the Junior category in the Jaya TV "Carnatic music Idol USA" held at different

music competitions in school competing with American kids as well.

When asked what her favorite genre of music is, her response is very simple. She says, "I like to sing all types of music with no specific preference at this time. Wherever I get opportunity to sing I just sing. I sing film music when I want to have fun; Carnatic music when I want to meditate; Hindustani when I want to relax; Western music when I am in a party mood; Play the Veena when I want to be challenged since I am still not good at it".

She says, "I speak both Tamil and Kannada fluently as my parents speak both. I learnt Sanskrit for couple years so that I could pronounce Hindi and Carnatic lyrics well.

titions. For last two years she is a regular "mini concert" performer in Chennai, India during the December Carnatic music festival season, a high profile prestigious event well known all over the world.

Couple of years ago when she was challenged by her American friends that she sings only Indian

This comes at a very high cost of missing school for a year if she progresses each round. With lot of hard work and dedication, she is now into the finals of the major reality event "Airtel Super singer Junior 3" centers all over the USA. She was also a winner in the "Jai Ho Idol" competitions (Hindi film songs) held in the Bay area and was selected to perform the opening act for the Sukvinder Singh event last year. Her accolades include winning Hindustani music competition titles, Carnatic music competitions at Cleveland Aradhana festivals and as an 8 year old, Spandana Junior title conducted by Telugu association.

Language is no barrier for her, as she sang a "Punjabi number" to win one of the radio show compe-

classical music she trained herself to sing Western Classical and started a channel on Youtube to release cover for few of the Adele numbers. She won a few Western

Pragathi Guruprasad

3 Indian filmmakers give out 'tricks of the trade'

The participants India Post News Service

NEW YORK: More than 150 people gathered at the Dream Downtown Hotel during Columbus Day weekend to glean "insider" information about directing, producing, writing, and financing Bollywood films from A-list Indian

filmmakers Imtiaz Ali, Zoya Akhtar, and Anuraadha Tewari. Presented

by New York and Mumbai-based Molecule Communications and Dar Motion Pictures (a division of DAR Media Pvt. Ltd.) and supported by Vikram Chatwal, the two-day educational conference titled 'Ticket2Bollywood' was

themed Bollywood: Beyond the Song and Dance. The event provided a platform for aspiring and established actors, directors, and producers to determine how they could potentially break into Bollywood.

"So many Bollywood directors are choosing to shoot their films abroad, whether in New York or other major cities around the world," says Ajay Shrivastav, Director of Molecule Communications. "These filmmakers are always looking for local talent, production crews, writers, directors, and music composers to give their films an international flare and perspective. Bollywood has truly gone global, and the main agenda for this conference was to make the general public aware about how much the Indian film indus-

try impacts the world's economy."

The roster of powerhouse Bollywood "household" names at the conference included:

Imtiaz Ali and Zoya Akhtar

• Imtiaz Ali: Nominated for Best Director for recent super hit Rockstar (Ranbir Kapoor) and 2007's Jab We Met (Shahid Kapur & Kareena Kapoor). Ali also di-

rected Love Aaj Kal and Socha Na Tha. Most recently, Ali wrote the script for Cocktail (Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone).

• Zoya Akhtar: Filmfare Award for Best Director for Zindagi Na Milege Dobara (Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar, Katrina Kaif). Also directed Luck by Chance (Konkana Sen Sharma) and writer of soon-to-be-released Taalash (Aamir Khan, Rani Mukherjee, and Kareena Kapoor).

• Anuraadha Tewari: Gold Medalist for Direction from Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, and script writer of Fashion, Jail and Heroine.

Local New York talent who participated in the conference included: music composer Wayne Sharpe, DJ Rekha, Vikram Chatwal, Nandana Sen and Melanie Kannokada, just to name a few.

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October 26, 2012 www.indiapost.com

Cont’d from page 30

100 years of Indian Cinema

Sharat Babu's Devdas (remade so many times) is not only an endearing love story but also a commentary on the Bengali society of its time. Love triangle and extra marital affairs have been eternal favorites of directors and have given high voltage dramas like Andaz, Gumrah, Sangam, Arth and Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna.

Earlier, the hero represented the good and the villain the evil and films ended with triumph of the good over evil. Raj Kapoor, Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand, Dharmendra and Amitabh have portrayed characters, at least once, which had shades of grey.

But none tasted success and mass adulation by enacting negative characters as did Shahrukh in films like Darr and Baazigar. He made negative characters menac-

Ritwick Ghatak's Meghe Daka Tara, Komal Gandhar, Subarna Rekha, Mrinal Sen's Bhuvan Shome, Khandhar and Parashuram and Rath Kaneer, Guna, Iruvar, Mundaram Pirai, Nayakan and Gauravam in Tamil are milestones of Indian cinema.

Jeetendra, Anil Kapoor and Salman have thrived on Tamil remakes.

100 crore earners: Ghazni, Wanted, Dabangg, Singham, Rowdy Rathore prove action still sells. Shirtless Salman with his eight packs and bulging muscles has inspired new entrants who show off chiseled physique. However, success of Three Idiots, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara and Barfi

guage; exposure of flesh and lewd double meaning dialogues/songs in films impact young and impres-

Mandi and others like Sardari Begam, Maqbool, Well Done Abba have strong social content.

ing but adorable and saleable.

Indian Cinema is not all Bollywood. More films are made in Chennai and Hyderabad than in Mumbai. Ray's Charulata, Aranyer Din Ratri, Shatranj Ke Khilari, Arvindan's Chidambaram, Vasthuhara and Uttarayan,

shows that films can touch million hearts without action!

Many viewers feel that films like Haqeeqat, Shaheed, Border and Gadar Ek Prem Kahani promote national fervor and depiction of extreme violence, use of abusive, profane and vulgar lan-

sionable minds negatively. But who should judge?

Unkind, ruthless, selfish, greedy, corrupt and exploitative society has been exposed in films of Mehboob Khan, Raj Kapoor and Guru Dutt. Shyam Benegal's films Ankur, Manthan, Bhumika,

Films like Aakrosh, Chakra, Paar, Ardh Satya, Garam Hawa, Bavandar raise inconvenient questions. Prakash Jha's films Damul, Ganga Jal, Mritudand, Apharan, Rajneeti and Aarakshan dissect society with all its ugliness. Films like Ghayal, Satya,

Gorgeous Veera lights up fashion show looked gorgeous in the beautiful, one of a kind white and gold gown.

The fashion show was orga-

nized by Virgelia Productions, the producers for the Miss and Mrs Asia, USA pageant to be held on

Veera is a strong, beautiful Punjabi Indian woman who is working in publishing business in Los Angeles area. She is the mother or two sons and is author of a book

JS BEDI India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: Veera Mahajan was part of the Miss and Mrs Asia, USA 2012 delegate group who showcased fashion designer Wilhem Zeda's beautiful gowns at Millenium Biltmore Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles, CA. Veera

November 17 in Redondo Beach.

Veera Mahajan is representing India in this very prestigious beauty pageant. Veera's comment to India Post, "I am proud to be representing India but since I am from Jalandhar, Punjab, I am also representing Punjab. You'll see, I am bringing a little bit of Punjabi Bhangra in my talent section".

Veera is a strong, beautiful Punjabi Indian woman who is working in publishing business in Los Angeles area. She is the mother or two sons and is author of a book coming out by the end of this year. Her book is based on a collage of stories of men and women who have come out strong and successful after abusive relationships.

Veera is passionate about women and children issues. She wants to promote self-care and self-respect which would lead to never letting anyone ever abuse or hurt you.

She believes her life story is a tale of hope and she is living the happy chapter of that story!

Shool, Chandni Bar, Page 3, Once Upon A Time in Bombay unfold the seamy underbelly of mega cities.

Middle of the path, where the Commercial and Art Cinema merge are best represented by Hrishikesh Mukherjee (Anand, Satyakaam & Chupke Chupke); Basu Chatterjee (Rajanigandha) & Basu Bhattacharya (Teesri Kasam); Gulzar (Parichay, Koshish, Namkeen). They gave meaningful and socially relevant and entertaining films.

Raj Kapoor used to say there are only two kinds of films; good films and bad films. The thin line dividing the Art Cinema and Commercial cinema is blurring; Amitabh

does Blue and Paa and Vidya Balan doesn't mind doing a Dirty Picture and Ranbir Kapoor is game for new characters. Shahrukh who became Badshah Khan with films like Dil to Pagal Hai, Kuchh Kuchh Hota Hai, Dil Wale Dulhania Le Jayenge does Swadesh, Chak De India and My Name is Khan. Aamir will always be remembered for his Lagaan, Rang De Basanti, Tare Zamin Per. Yet, Salman with success of Dabangg, Ready, Bodyguard and Ek Tha Tiger, collecting crores without a message, romancing heroines half his age, rules the Box Office!

Can films be a catalyst for action to fight the evils of our society? We see films, they get talked about; some even get rave reviews and awards and are then forgotten. They don't spur social change. But who is to blame?

Hasn't the society become insensitive, corrupt and callous beyond redemption?

Films like Wednesday, Iqbal, MMS Ragini, Vicky Donor, Kahani, Paan Singh Tomar, Gangs of Wasseypur show real slices of lives but can't match 100 crore grossers which offer action, Jhandu Balm and Sheila ki Jawani.

Even if films can't be agents of change, they can serve the society constructively by drawing attention, instigating discussion and debate and hopefully encouraging viewers to initiate action - not a mean achievement by any standard.

Surendra Kumar, a former diplomat, is an avid film buff.

October 26, 2012

India Post

33

www.indiapost.com India Post News Service

NEW YORK CITY: The South Asian International Film Festival; presented by HBO, is celebrating its ninth exciting year by delivering the very best in South Asia's most fiercely original, daring, and exciting cinema to New York City.

Stellar line-up for SAIFF Film Festival (with English subtitles). Narrative Feature. International Premiere.

152 min.

The Great Indian Marriage Bazaar. Directed by Ruchika Muchhala and Faiza Ahmad Khan.

Miss Lovely

Featuring over a dozen premieres, acclaimed international guests and an inaugural gala event hosted by Sunny Leone and Broken Lizard's Jay Chandrasekhar SAIFF 2012 is bigger and better on a grand scale!

SAIFF 2012 throws open the doors for their Opening Night Premiere of Un Certain Regard Winner Miss Lovely, thunders through Clearview's Chelsea Cinemas with the Centerpiece Premiere of Pratim D. Gupta's Stunning Paanch Adhyaay (Afterglow), and celebrates its Closing Night Premiere of Valley Of Saints at the SVA Theater - with filmmakers in attendance!

SAIFF 2012's competition lineup includes such highly-anticipated titles as: Akam (Palas in Bloom) Directed by Shalini Usha Nair. 2011.

India. In Malayalam (with English subtitles). Narrative Feature. North American Premiere. 97 min.

Blood Relative. Directed by Nimisha Mukerji. 2012. Canada/ India. Documentary Feature. International Premiere. 75 min.

The Bright Day. Directed by Mohit Takalkar. 2012. India. In Hindi (with English subtitles).

Fried Fish, Chicken Soup and a Premiere Show. Directed by Mamta Murthy. 2012. India. Documentary Feature. North American Premiere. 90 min.

Pune 52. Directed by Nikhil Mahajan. 2012. India. In Marathi (with English subtitles). Narrative Feature. International Premiere.

135 min.

Other titles to premiere at SAIFF 2012 include: Balak Palak. Directed by Ravi Jadhav. 2012. India. In Marathi (with English subtitles). Narrative Feature. World Premiere. 109 min.

Baromas. Directed by Dhiraj Meshram. 2012. India. In Hindi (with English subtitles). Narrative Feature.

International Premiere. 150 min.

Chakravyuh. Directed by Prakash Jha. 2012. India. In Hindi

and featuring the music of Shantanu Moitra, Paanch Adhyay is Gupta's directorial debut and the fist Bengali-language film for Bollywood actress Mirza. Remarkably, contrary to common practice

Directed by Musa Syeed. 2012.

India/USA. In Kashmiri (with English subtitles). Narrative Feature.

New York Premiere. 82 min.

Tuesday, October 30, 8 pm at SVA Theater (333 West 23rd Street)

Paanch Adhyay (Afterglow)

2011. India. In English and Hindi (with English subtitles). Documentary Feature. New York Premiere.

60 min.

Kokkho-Poth (The Sound of Old Rooms). Directed by Sandeep Ray. 2011. India/USA. In Bengali (with English subtitles). Documentary Feature. North American Premiere. 72 min.

Opening Night Premiere: Miss Lovely Directed by Ashim Ahluwalia.

2012. India. In Hindi (with English subtitles). Narrative Feature. US Premiere. 115 min.

Wednesday, October 24, 8:00 PM - NYIT Auditorium on Broadway Set in the 1980s, Miss Lovely follows two brothers who operate as C-grade shlock producers in the seedy cinematic underbelly of Bombay. Their fraternity is put to the test when they encounter an enigmatic ingĂŠnue. Atmospheric and daring, the film reveals the expected exploitation and corruption that accompanies the production of Grindhouse soft-core porn and pulpy horror films with and intoxicating and innovative panache.

The fist fiction feature from Ahluwalia, an acclaimed non-fiction filmmaker, Miss Lovely evolved from a documentary into this lurid, highlystylized hybrid thriller that garnered the "US Certain Regard" distinction from Cannes 2012.

Centerpiece Premiere: Paanch Adhyay (Afterglow) Directed by Pratim D Gupta.

2012. India. In Bengali (with English subtitles). Narrative Feature.

International Premiere. 113 min.

Saturday, October 27, 10:00 pm at Clearview Chelsea Cinemas (260 West 23rd Street) A film director pursues an aspiring teacher in this musical romance that stars Dia Mirza and Priyanshu Chatterjee. With sly references to Bela Tarr and JeanPierre Jeunet, this knowing and nuanced relationship drama traverses various chapters of the couple's journey. Set in Kolkata

where Bollywood stars are often dubbed by local voice talent when appearing in Bengali films, Mirza bucked the trend and recorded her own lines.

Closing Night Premiere: Valley Of Saints

their lake village, their relationship with Asifa, a visiting environmental researcher, threatens their plans to escape their war-torn home.

Widely-acclaimed - the film won the Alfred P. Sloan Feature Film Prize and Audience Award at Sundance earlier this year - Valley of Saints makes its hometown de-

Valley Of Saints

Set in the endangered lake communities of Kashmir, Valley of Saints is a lyrical examination of steadfast loyalty and earnest love.

When a military entrenchment traps Gulzar, a young tourist boatman, and his best friend Afzal in

but with New Yorker and director Syeed in attendance.

The Ninth Annual South Asian International Film Festival runs from Wednesday, October 24 to Tuesday, October 30 in New York City.

34

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October 26, 2012

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36 India Post

F

amous as a trekker's paradise, the Pindari Glacier in Uttarakhand is a must-have trekking experience for any trekking enthusiast. For those seeking an easier and achievable trek in Himalayan glaciers, the Pindari Glacier trek offers an opportunity to experience trekking in Himalayas with lesser challenges than most other glaciers.

Situated between the snow capped Nanda Devi and Nandakot mountains, the glacier marks the origin of the Pindari River. The glacier is picturesque with an altitude of 3353 meters.

The entire trek tour route is gifted, brimming with enchantments of natural beauty and vivacity. As the name suggests, the idea of the Pindari Glacier trek is to go up to the Pindari glacier, which is at the edge of Nanda Devi one of the world's great peaks (7816 meters). Nanda Devi stands tall and glorious in the center of a seemingly elevated platform of 110 kilometers circumference. The circumference comprises high mountains and Pindari glacier is at the lower edge of the platform.

Along the way, from Kathgodam one can see the mighty trees, feathered and festooned with ferns, pines, rhododendrons, and the forest floor a veritable carpet of flowers. Legions of long-leaved pines line the narrow road as it begins its snaking journey into the hills. The famed temple-town of Bageshwar stands aloof on the banks of the Gomti and Saryu rivers. Once

The glacier is picturesque with an altitude of 3353 meters. The entire trek tour route is gifted, brimming with enchantments of natural beauty and vivacity. As the name suggests, the idea of the Pindari Glacier trek is to go up to the Pindari glacier upon a time, the priests here were famed Tantriks.

Best time to visit: April to June and September to November Tourist attractions: The crunchy balmithais sold at the shops at Bageshwar take some of the bad taste of one's mouth. It is a sweet unique to the Uttarakhand region and one will not regret trying it.

Cont’d on page 37

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October 26, 2012

Travel & Hospitality Post

October 26, 2012

India Post

37

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Rs one crore package for Kaziranga BOKAKHAT, Assam: Union Environment and Tourism Minister Jayanti Natarajan has announced a Rs one crore package for world-famed Kaziranga National Park to tackle the situation arising there out of waves of flood and consequent death of animals this year.

The money was sanctioned from the Tiger Reserve Fund for the world famous Park where a total 39 rhinos have been killed in and around it in less than 10 months.

in wildlife protection.

Referring to recent incidents of poaching in the Park, she said the Wildlife Crime Control Board was conducting an inquiry into the killings and necessary action would be taken after the submission of the report.

The involvement of militants in poaching has been established and the concerned department was taking steps accordingly.

Measures were also being taken to increase the number of forest guards to en-

The recent steps taken by the state forest department to set up 152 anti-poaching camps would go a long way in controlling poaching, she said adding there is no emergency situation in Kaziranga and it has earned the distinction of being one of the country's best managed national parks Natarajan, who reviewed the situation in the Park following the devastating floods and recent incidents of rhino poaching, also announced that five country boats and four speed boats would be immediately sanctioned to the Park to help in the rescue and protection of animals.

The union minister, who was accompanied by Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, also stressed the need to strengthen the network between different agencies engaged

sure increased vigil and patrolling in the Park. There were plans to construct flyovers from Bokakhat to Jakhalabandha on NH 37 which runs through the Park to prevent killing of animals when they cross to the highlands in adjacent Karbi Anglong district during the floods, she said.

The Union Minister also held a closedoor meeting with the Chief Minister, state Forest Minister Rakibul Hussain and senior government officials.

Grasslands of Kaziranga National Park

Lauding the steps taken by the Assam Chief Minister and the state forest department in tackling poaching in and around the park, Natrajan stressed the need to create a buffer zone to prevent incidents of man-animal conflict.

The recent steps taken by the state forest department to set up 152 anti-poaching camps would go a long way in controlling poaching, she said adding there is no emergency situation in Kaziranga and it has

Pindari Glacier: An easier and achievable trek in Himalayas Cont’d from page 36

But the mountains call out and what a host of them: Nandakot (7,878 m) and Pawali Dwar (6,663m) while flanking the actual glacier are Kafini and Sunderdhunga glaciers.

Moving westwards, at Namik glacier one can see the headwaters of the Ramganga long before it becomes the mass of water flowing

Under the shadow of Nandakot, on the slopes too sharp to catch a foothold, the trail climbs towards Dhakuri Pass at 9,300 feet. Going towards Khati, just eight km away, one can hear the roar of the Pindar Ganga River through the Corbett National Park.

Under the shadow of Nandakot, on the slopes too sharp to catch a foothold, the trail climbs towards Dhakuri Pass at 9,300 feet.

Going towards Khati, just eight km

away, one can hear the roar of the Pindar Ganga River.

Ahead is a maple-lined thicket en route to Dwali at 8,900 feet.

Molten streams of quicksilver cascade in multitude of waterfalls, as one moves on towards Phurkia.

Now the destination is just another two-and-a-half thousand

The Great Sculptor has used his tools of ice here to carve a deep gorge into the face of the mountain and the waters have done the rest.

The magnificent peak of Nandakot rises to 22,500 feet above the glacier's edge. It is a sight fit for the gods and one has no trouble understanding why the poets of ancient India

earned the distinction of being one of the country's best managed national parks.

The union minister also gave the assurance that both the Centre and the state government would work together to solve the existing problems at the park.

Chief Conservator of Forests M K Vasu gave a power-point presentation while Forest Minister Rakibul Hussain submitted a memorandum to her highlighting the various requirements of the Park. -PTI

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www.indiapost.com feet to climb. The ascent is steep till one gets to around Martoli, where there is a small shrine dedicated to the goddess Nanda Devi, the one who keeps a watchful eye on her devotees. Ice-bridge spans the river, which has to be crossed most gingerly. Six hours later, after several breaks for rest, one arrives at Pindari and what a sight it is.

The primal forces are at work.

waxed eloquent about the mystical beauty of the Himalayas.

How to reach Air: Nearest airport is Pant Nagar, 206 km.

Rail: Nearest railhead is Kathgodam, 180 km.

Road: Bageshwar is well connected with all the major towns of the state. Taxis are available for local transport.

Travel & Hospitality Post

38 India Post

October 26, 2012

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Indian tour operators enjoy Kenya Travel Expo India Post News Service

NAIROBI: The Kenya Tourist Board recently hosted seven Indian tour operators in Kenya for the 2nd edition of the Magical Kenya Travel Expo from 22 September to 30 September.

The Expo is an annual, high profile international tourism exhibition organized by the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) that attracts participation from both local and international trade partners as well as the Kenyan public.

Last year, KTB hosted approximately 80 travel agents and tour operators from Kenya's key source markets to a mega familiarization trip and thereafter invited them to interface with local tourism industry partners in a two-day exhibition at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre, Nairobi.

Indian Trade at Ol Sabuk Lodge.

key source markets in Asia, Europe, the Americas, the Middle East and Africa participated at the Exhibition. The hosted buyers were decision-makers from key

Indian Trade at KICC - Magical Kenya Expo.

over 70 Kenyan suppliers and also other visiting overseas delegates.

The Indian trade delegation included senior member of travel trade fraternity from Delhi, Jaipur,

the world's most exciting wildlife tourism destinations Laikipia region of Kenya. In a setting dominated by the all-engulfing Mount Kenya, the combination of abun-

drive, bush breakfast, walking safari the trade also experienced an unforgettable sun downer at natures lap. They also visited and inspected other properties in the

Last year, KTB hosted approximately 80 travel agents and tour operators from Kenya's key source markets to a mega familiarization trip and thereafter invited them to interface with local tourism industry Indian Trade visiting Loisaba Conservancy.

The immense success and interest shown by both the local and international trade partners led to the establishment of the Magical Kenya Travel Expo. This year over 160 hosted buyers from Kenya's

tour operator and travel agency companies based in the source markets.

The Travel Expo offered a great platform to Indian Trade partners for creating trade networking with

Indian Trade on Ispction at Ol Malu.

Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Chennai. Kenya Tourist board also organized a familiarization trip to the un-explored areas of Kenya for the visiting trade.

The itinerary included one of

Roadshows in US, Canada will help J&K tourism SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir government has expressed the hope that its participation in road shows abroad, organized by Union Tourism Ministry, would help in removal of negative travel advisories issued by various countries in Europe and America.

The road shows aim to facilitate better understanding of tourism potential and improved security scenario in the state and help in removal of negative advisories issued by the governments of various countries in Europe and America, Minister of State for Tourism Nasir Aslam Wani told the state Assembly here.

Replying to a question raised by Peerzada Mansoor Hussain during Question Hour, Wani said the process of removal

of advisories has already begun with the government of Germany.

He said a high-level state delegation led by tourism minister had visited the USA and Canada recently to take part in the road shows to promote cooperation and dialogue between the tourism authorities, tourism and hospitality, trade and opinion makers of India and the two countries.

"Realizing the importance of these markets for revival of foreign tourist arrivals, state tourism minister led a delegation to attend these road shows," he said, adding, "Government incurred an expenditure of Rs 4.11 lakh at uniform rate on each individual member of the team on travel in economy class, accommodation and other expenses."-PTI

dant wildlife, spectacular scenery and extraordinary cultural make for an unforgettable experience.

The Indian trade was hosted there by one of the luxurious resort namely Ol Sabuk. Beside game

region like Loisaba lodge, Ol Malu and Sanctuary Ol Lentille. The second leg of the itinerary included stay at the very Famous Ark lodge in the Aberdare region and a lunch at Treetop Hotel.

Uzbek climbers missing after Nepal avalanche KATHMANDU: Two mountaineers from Uzbekistan have gone missing after they were hit by an avalanche while trying to scale the 8,091-metre Mount Annapurna in Nepal, an official said here.

Climbers from Uzbekistan, Ilyas Tukhvatullin, 54, and Ivan Lobanov, 51, were swept away and have not been found, Tilak Pandey, an official at the Mountaineering division of Tourism Ministry, said.

"They were at camp two at around 6,500 meters and we had been informed by their colleagues from the base camp after they were hit by an avalanche," Pandey told PTI. A helicopter had been sent to locate the missing climbers but had to return without success due to dense fog in the area, he said.

Mount Annapurna, the tenth highest mountain in the world, is known as technically difficult mountain to climb, where several other climbers have lost their lives in

A helicopter had been sent to locate the missing climbers but had to return without success due to dense fog the past.

After the chopper failed to find the climbers, a team of Sherpas has been dispatched to launch ground search, according to ministry officials.

Tech News Sistema row could have 'great repercussion': Russia NEW DELHI: Russia has said the row over its telecom firm Sistema in India will have "great repercussion" not only on bilateral cooperation but also for foreign investments in the country.

Expressing this view, Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin hoped a solution that is acceptable to both parties can be reached in the wake of cancellation of Sistema's 2G licenses.

"This is a big project involving USD 3 billion, some part of which is state money. It is not possible to renew the terms when the contract is concluded. The Sistema contract was concluded based on Indian laws," he told reporters here ahead of the Inter-Governmental Commission meeting.

Rogozin said the problems in Sistema's investments in India will have "great repercussion" for future cooperation not only of Russian partners but also flow of foreign funds into the country.-PTI

TechBiz 39 India Post

www.indiapost.com

October 26, 2012

'Traditional mktg system favors traders' CHANDIGARH: Traditional marketing system of fruits and vegetables is unfavorable for farmers as major share of consumer rupee is pocketed by the traders, an official of the Punjab Agriculture Department has said.

Farmers get low price for their produce whereas the consumers had to pay higher price for poor quality products available in the markets, said a spokesman of the Punjab Agriculture Department here.

Punjab State Marketing Board had already started 'farmer's market' with a view to give boost to the small farmers around cities so as to provide direct access to the consumers, by eliminating the middlemen, he added. -PTI

Europe's fiscal austerity steps should not affect growth: India

Punjab formulates strategy to improve livestock CHANDIGARH: The Punjab government has formulated an extensive strategy to preserve, protect, strengthen and improve livestock thereby increasing milk production in the state.

The Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Department is engaged in the breed improvement of the livestock species in order to raise their productivity, an official release said here.

Besides this, quality healthcare and preventive vaccination services are also being rendered to the livestock population of the state, the release said.

Superior quality germ plasm from the best bulls of exotic origin would be imported for giving fillip to breed improvement program launched in the state, it said. -PTI

BANGKOK: India has said the fiscal austerity measures adopted

by Europe should not affect growth as a slowdown could lead to repercussions affecting economies around the world.

Finance Minister P Chidambaram told a gathering of Finance Ministers from Asia and Europe here that fiscal prudence, coupled with liberalized trade and investment into major economies of Asia, would benefit all.

Chidambaram's remarks in an intervention came during the day long 10th ASEM Finance Ministers meeting here.

After reviewing the economic situation in Asia and Europe, finance ministers and officials from the two continents decided to set

up a working group for suggesting ways for enhancing trade and investment.

Speaking at a press conference, European Commission Vice President Olli Rehn attributed the slowdown in world trade to "creeping protectionism" among other

He said, "We should not give in to any further protectionism, the best way would be conclude Doha round of trade talks under the WTO," he added.

At the 10th ASEM (Asia-Europe Meeting) Finance ministers meeting here, the ministers, includ-

After reviewing the economic situation in Asia and Europe, finance ministers and officials from the two continents decided to set up a working group for suggesting ways for enhancing trade and investment things.

He said world trade had slowed recently on account of micro economic conditions and also "creeping protectionism".

ing India's P Chidambaram, and officials also discussed the importance of Europe implementing medium-term crisis resolution to reduce volatility of financial markets.

This included plans to reform financial sector and strengthen banking supervision such as implementation of Basel III and single supervisory body.

Rehn said: "Looking at the European economic situation, I am today less pessimistic, there is reason for optimism." The work on reforms was on, he added.

The ministers and officials also exchanged views on lessons learnt from the Asian and Eurozone crisis, including the role of independent surveillance in early warning of future crisis.

They also underlined the importance of having timely and available data and breaking the linkage between bank and sovereign risks.

Cont’d on page 42

Gates, Annan come out in support of Rajat Gupta NEW YORK: Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and former UN chief Kofi Annan have written to a US Judge in support of Indiaborn Rajat Gupta, who will be sentenced on October 24 for insider trading, highlighting his philanthropic work.

Gupta, the most high-profile Wall Street executive convicted of insider trading, will be sentenced by US District Judge Jed Rakoff.

"I know most personally that the poor of the world have a profoundly capable and articulate advocate in Rajat Gupta," Gates said in his letter.

Goldman Sachs' former Indian-American director Rajat Gupta.

The Microsoft founder said he had worked with Gupta when the Goldman executive had served as chair of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

Gates said while he was "not in a position to comment on any of the particulars of the case against him," he wanted to lend his voice "to round out Rajat's profile as you consider the appropriate sentence for him.

"Many millions of people are leading better lives - or are alive at all - thanks to the efforts he so ably supported," Gates said in his letter.

Cont’d on page 42

40

TechBiz Post

India Post

October 26, 2012

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Supreme Court refuses to stay FDI in retail NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court of India has refused to stay the FDI in retail sector but said the government policy suffers from lack of legal sanction which could be cured by amending the regulations in the Foreign Exchange Management Act by the RBI. A bench of justices R M Lodha and A R Dave, said the policy suffers from "curable" irregularity as the RBI has not amended the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) regulations which should have been done before the Centre issued its notification. It allowed the Centre two weeks time to get the regulation amended by the RBI saying it is a legal requirement before implementing the policy.

"It is a legal process which has to be taken to logical conclusion. It is a routine thing and it has to be done," the bench said adding "there is no question of any stay on the policy."

The court was hearing a PIL filed by lawyer M L Sharma challenging the Center's policy on a technical ground that retail trading is strictly prohibited under FEMA for which the power to come out with a circular

is vested with the RBI which has not issued any regulation after 2008.

Agreeing with the contention raised in the petition, the bench, however, said that it is "curable" irregularity and it cannot be alleged that RBI was not aware of the policy as the regulator has recently issued a circular regarding the policy.

A bench of justices R M Lodha and A R Dave, said the policy suffers from "curable" irregularity as the RBI has not amended the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) regulations which should have been done before the Centre issued its notification. It allowed the Centre two weeks time to get the regulation amended by the RBI "At best it can be said that it is an irregularity that is curable and as soon as amendment is brought it would be cured," the bench said. "This (FDI policy) is done by the Central Government and it is not that RBI has been kept in the dark by the Centre.

RBI has already issued circular amending FDI limit yet it has not formally amended

Indian mutual fund industry to be Rs 20 lakh cr DUBAI: Reliance Capital Asset Management (RCAM) expects the mutual fund industry in India to grow to Rs 20 lakh crore by 2020 on the back of regulatory changes and shift in investors' savings pattern.

Reliance Capital Asset Management (RCAM) has about 12 per cent market share in the mutual fund industry, which is pegged at Rs 7.53 lakh crore at present, making it the second largest fund

Sebi Chairman U K Sinha had earlier said the industry has to go beyond top 15 cities for "good and sustained business".

Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) had last month notified wideranging reforms for mutual fund sector in India house in the country.

"We expect the mutual fund industry to grow to Rs 20 lakh crore by 2020, mainly due to the change in regulatory environment as well as shift in investment patters," RCAM President and CEO Sundeep Sikka told reporters here.

At present, bank deposits account for 56 per cent of the total

the regulations and we want to know from the Attorney General when this amendment will formally take place," it added.

Attorney General G E Vahanvati assured the court that he would talk to the RBI Governor to take immediate steps for bringing amendment in the FEMA regulations and the process would be expedited.

financial household savings and RCAM expects about 5-10 per cent of bank investors to shift to mutual funds during the period.

The shift from physical assets (like gold) to financial assets (like gold ETF and funds) would contribute about Rs 60,000-Rs 90,000 crore to the mutual fund industry, Sikka added.

Due to the change in regulatory environment to manage pension and insurance assets, the AMC industry expects an increase of 27 per cent in the overall growth of the sector.

This could add additional Rs 5 lakh crore to Rs 7 lakh crore in the next 5-7 years for the industry.

Terming market regulator Sebi's recent guidelines for the sector as "most forward looking road map laid down by any regulator", Sikka said it is now for the companies to push the growth in the industry.

Sebi Chairman U K Sinha had earlier said the industry has to go beyond top 15 cities for "good and sustained business".

Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) had last month notified wide-ranging reforms for mutual fund sector in India, which would provide incentives to fund houses for expanding to small cities but might result in additional costs for investors.

According to industry estimates, the smaller cities (beyond 15 cities) contribute 28 per cent to the mutual fund sector and in the next seven years the number is expected to be 50 per cent. -PTI

"We adjourn the matter but you have to give the policy a legal shape by amending the regulation. These matters have huge impact," the bench said after recording AG's submission and adjourned the matter till November 5.

The apex court had on October 5 had sought the assistance of top law officers in

hearing the PIL against opening the multibrand retail sector to the FDI saying there was a need for clarification since some link is missing pertaining to the RBI regulation on the issue.

Sharma's plea for stay of FDI in retail sector was declined by the bench which said "we are broadly concerned with compliance of legal aspects" which can be done in a week or 10 days and "heavens will not fall" by the time steps are taken by the RBI. Sharma has said in his petition that that retail trading is strictly prohibited under the law of FEMA under which the power to come out with a circular is vested with the RBI which has not issued any regulation after 2008.

He has alleged in his PIL that the Center's notification was issued without the authority of law as approval of neither the President nor the Parliament was secured.

The apex court had, however, rejected the allegation saying "this assumption that the policy has to be in the name of the President is flawed and unfounded."

It further said a policy is never required to be placed before Parliament. -PTI

Govt to act on ad blitz against gutkha ban NEW DELHI: Government is are spreading false and mislead- and Standards Act which governs contemplating strict action against ing information about food safety all aspects related to food safety. companies manufacturThe Ministry officials ing smokeless tobacco also did not rule out initiaproducts for their media tion of contempt of court blitzkrieg against the reproceedings against the cent move by 14 states errant smokeless lobby, to ban the manufacture saying through their "misand sale of gutkha. leading" advertisements in Smokeless Tobacco newspapers, they were Association, All India "disregarding the direcKattha Factories Associations of the Supreme Court tion and the Central and the High Courts which Arecanut and Cocoa Marhave both ruled that gutka keting and Processing is a food product as it is Cooperative have been isconsumed?. suing advertisements in "The smokeless tonational dailies against the bacco firms are challengHealth Ministry's notifica- The Ministry officials also did not ing the orders of the SC tion describing gutkha and HCs. They could have rule out initiation of contempt of containing tobacco as a gone in for review of these food product and thereby court proceedings against the orders but they have chobanning it under the pre- errant smokeless lobby sen to question these. vention of food adulteraThis is a clear case of contion law. tempt of court and we can The Health Ministry is "con- aspects," ministry sources said. initiate proceedings in that directemplating legal action against the They said the legal action could tion," Health Ministry officials smokeless tobacco firms which be taken under the Food Safety said. -PTI

CBI registers two fresh cases in Coalgate NEW DELHI: Central Bureau of Investigation has registered two fresh cases against two companies for alleged forgery and cheating in connection with its probe in the coal block allocation scam in India and carried out searches in 16 locations, including Delhi and southern city of Hyderabad.

The agency has booked an in-

frastructure and a steel company on charges of forgery and cheating while applying for captive coal blocks, CBI sources said.

The agency, after registration of cases, launched search operations spread across 16 locations in Hyderabad, Satna, Secunderabad, Vishakhapatnam, Jaipur, Rourkela and Delhi at the

premises of these companies, they said. They said the companies allegedly misrepresented their networth to claim eligibility for getting coal blocks.

The new cases pertain to coal block allocation during 2006-09 in which the CBI had earlier registered seven FIRs in connection with the probe. -PTI

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High commodity prices risk to India's growth: FM

G-24, Chair, Mr. Palaniappan Chidambaram, (C) Minister of Finance, India holds a joint press conference October 11 at the Tokyo International Forum in Toyko, Japan.

TOKYO: Expressing concern over uncertainty in global economy, Indian Finance Minister P Chidambaram said high commodity prices, particularly energy prices, pose a major risk to the country's growth and inflation.

At the meeting of International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC) here, he said capital flows to emerging economies remain volatile and global commodity prices have remained elevated.

"The sharp rise in global food prices is another major challenge that many emerging economies may have to contend with," said

Chidambaram, who is here to participate in the IMF-World Bank annual meet.

Talking about India, he said "global commodity prices, particularly energy prices, pose a major risk to growth and inflation".

Commodity prices are on the rise due to geo-political tensions and huge liquidity injected in financial systems by the US, Europe and Japan to stimulate their economies.

Chidambaram said inflation in India has remained above the comfort zone of the Reserve Bank and to check the demand side pressure the central

bank has kept the key policy rate unchanged at 8 per cent since April.

"However, in order to ensure that credit flows to productive sectors of the economy, the RBI has been managing liquidity actively.

In the near-term, inflation is expected to remain sticky," he said.

India's economic growth fell to a nine-year low of 6.5 per cent in 2011-12 and in the first quarter of the current fiscal, the GDP expansion stood at 5.5 per cent.

In a recent report, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected India's economic growth at 4.9 per cent in 2012. -PTI

Dreamliner begins long-haul international operations

Air India's Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

NEW DELHI: Air India's newly-acquired Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft has started its long-haul international operations with a flight to Frankfurt.

"Air India's Dreamliner to Frankfurt marks a new era of its operations with the state-of-the-art aircraft on the long haul routes as well," a statement from the national carrier said.

The airline received the first 787 Dreamliner from the US-based aircraft manufacturer Boeing on September 8, after a wait of four years. So far, Air India has received three Dreamliners. The aircraft is equipped with 18 business class seats and 238 in the economy class.

Touted as the game changer for Air India, the ailing national carrier had earlier

planned to operate Dreamliner planes for flights to Australia and Southeast Asian countries, including Japan.

Till now, these aircraft were being deployed on the domestic sectors - apart from operations between Delhi and Dubai, a medium-haul sector.

The flight (AI 121) from Delhi to the German city took off from the IGI airport here with Captain A Soman in Command and Captain Nikhil Dongre as co-pilot, the statement said.

With eight more planes joining the airline's fleet by March, Air India plans to start new routes between India-US, IndiaEurope and India-Australia with the help of these aircraft. Air India has ordered for 27 Dreamliners. -PTI

DERC never ordered cut in tariff: Delhi govt NEW DELHI: Under attack for tions are totally baseless," Tripathi sharp rise in electricity tariff, Delhi said in a statement. government has rejected the alleBJP had alleged DERC had degation that it had stalled Delhi Elec- cided to cut tariff by 23 per cent tricity Regulatory Commission's but after knowing about the move decision to cut tariff in May 2010 a conspiracy was hatched to saying the regulator never came thwart it. Two members of the out with any such order. three-member DERC later refused BJP had filed a police complaint against Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, a number of officials of the three private power distribution companies and two members of DERC alleging their involvement in a "conspiracy" to stall the regulator's move to slash the Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit tariff by 23 per cent.

Delhi Chief Secretary P K Tripathi, rebutting the to sign the order despite agreeing charges, said the Delhi High Court to cut the tariff, the party alleged. had in an order in May, 2011 ruled In the complaint filed with that no such tariff order had been I P Estate Police station, BJP issued by the Delhi Electricity alleged that as part of the Regulatory Commission (DERC). "criminal conspiracy", DERC "Allegations have been made was restrained from issuing that though the then Chairman of the tariff order on May 5, 2010 DERC had notified a tariff order in which it had planned to cut reducing power tariffs in Delhi, this the electricity rates by 23 perwas not enforced. Such allega- cent.-PTI

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Govt rules out rollback of decision to cap subsidized LPG NEW DELHI: The Indian government has ruled out a rollback or modification of its decision to cap supply of subsidized cooking gas (LPG) at 6 cylinders per household in a year as it will cast a "shadow" on the whole reform process.

"No, absolutely not. There is no change (in the September 13 decision)," a top government source said.

The government had on September 13 decided to cap supply of subsidized LPG with a view to check burgeoning subsidy bill.

Any requirement over and above the six subsidized bottles would have to be procured at market price.

Accordingly, households will get six cylinders of 14.2-kg each at subsidized price of Rs 410.42 in Delhi and for any requirement above this, they would have to pay Rs 895.5 per bottle.

"If we are to change this, then there will be a shadow (of rollback) cast on the recent reforms like FDI in retail," the source said.

On his part, India's Oil Minister S Jaipal Reddy said, "I have nothing new to say on this."

He, however, clarified that all consumers, irrespective of how many subsidized LPG cylinders they may have consumed in the first half of current fiscal that began in April, will get will three 14.2kg LPG cylinders at subsidized rates during the period till March 31, 2013.

"There is no ambiguity on that," he told reporters here.

There is no restriction in the number of domestic non-subsidized cylinders that consumers can avail beyond the three subsidized LPG refill cylinders allowed in current year.

Effective April 1, 2013, LPG consumers can avail six domestic sub-

He, however, clarified that all consumers, irrespective of how many subsidized LPG cylinders they may have consumed in the first half of current fiscal that began in April, will get will three 14.2-kg LPG cylinders at subsidized rates

sidized LPG refill cylinders per financial year.

There will be no restriction on the number of domestic non-subsidized cylinders that consumers can avail, beyond the six subsidized cylinders to meet their genuine demand.

Officials said for reticulated LPG consumers or piped LPG, the number of cylinders to be supplied at subsidized rates to the Housing Society will be limited to the net entitled quantity based on individual consumption but not more than 3 cylinders of 14.2 kg till March 2013 and not more than 6 cylinders per annum from April

1, 2013.

The entitlement will be fixed based on the number of flats occupied at the beginning of the capping year.

Consumers using reticulated system will not be allowed to hold individual LPG connections.

The Oil Marketing Companies have also undertaken the Know Your Customer (KYC) exercise in a phased manner starting with the consumers identified as having multiple connections, he said.

New connections are also being released after receipt of completed KYC forms and multiple connection check. -PTI

Gates, Annan come out in support of Rajat Gupta Cont’d from page 39

Annan said Gupta had worked on many projects with him, including one on management reform at the UN in which Gupta was an adviser.

"I came to respect his judgment, and we became good friends," the former UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan, said in his letter.

"I urge you to recognize Rajat for the good he has done in the world, to give him the credit that he deserves for helping others and to take into account his efforts to improve the lives of millions of people," he said.

Gupta faces a maximum sentence of 25 years.

The India-born ex-McKinsey head was found guilty by a Federal jury in June this year of passing confidential company information about Goldman Sachs to hedge fund founder and close business associate, Raj Rajaratnam.

Letters by Gates and Annan are among the more than 200 that have been sent to the judge.

India-born Ajit Jain, a top Berkshire Hathaway executive and possible successor to Warren Buffett, has also written to judge

Rakoff in support of Gupta.

Jain said in his letter that the impression of Gupta at his trial of someone who abused his position "for personal gain or aggrandizement" is "wholly inconsistent with the character of the man I know".

"On no occasion of our meetings did Rajat ever seek to inap-

had earlier testified as a defense witness by videotape at the trial, said in his letter.

Many letters have been written by company heads, academics, friends and family, including his wife and four adult daughters.

"I know I have to accept the decision of the jury but I cannot but feel that who my husband is

The India-born ex-McKinsey head was found guilty by a Federal jury in June this year of passing confidential company information about Goldman Sachs to hedge fund founder and close business associate, Raj Rajaratnam propriately obtain or leverage information," he wrote, adding that Gupta "has already paid a terrible price" and "been disgraced personally and professionally".

Jain said in the years that he has known Gupta socially, "he customarily chided me to become more active in philanthropic causes."

"I suspect that there are more meaningfully redemptive possibilities for Rajat than a substantial period of incarceration," Jain, who

and what he stands for did not fully come out at the trial," Gupta's wife, Anita said in her letter to the judge.

Corporate leaders in India, including Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani, Godrej group head Adi Godrej, and Ajit Rangnekar, dean of the Hyderabad-based Indian School of Business which Gupta had cofounded, had also written letters in support of Gupta ahead of the trial. -PTI

Europe's fiscal austerity steps should not affect growth: India Cont’d from page 39

Finance ministry officials said the working group on sharing information flow with Asia was set up as Asia is seen as a major contributor to global GDP. By 2020, 52 percent of the global GDP will be contributed by Asia of which the main contributors will be large

seven economies.

The ministers and officials also discussed the importance of Europe implementing medium-term crisis resolution to reduce volatility of financial markets.

Asia and Europe need to create more investment and employment opportunities to combat economic troubles, as a spark of cri-

sis in one area could cause turmoil in the other region of the world, Thai Finance Minister Kittirat Na-romang said.

"We shared views on regional financial arrangements in Asia and Europe and also exchanged views in lessons learnt in the Asia and Europe crisis," Kittirat Na-romang told media here.-PTI

In Brief Rwandan woman gets 21 months for lying to feds BOSTON: A Rwandan woman who came to the United States in 2004 has been sentenced to 21 months in prison for lying to U.S. immigration authorities about her ties to the 1994 genocide in the African nation. The Boston Globe reports that 47-year-old Prudence Kantengwa was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Boston.

She was convicted in May on charges of immigration document fraud, visa fraud, perjury during testimony before an immigration judge, and obstruction of administrative proceedings.

Federal prosecutors said Kantengwa did not participate directly in the atrocities, but she at one point failed to disclose her prior affiliation with a political party that played a prominent role in the killings, and lied about her family's connections to the genocide. -AP

Critics of Ariz. law seek dismissal of appeal PHOENIX: A coalition of groups challenging Arizona's immigration law are backing away from their appeal aimed at thwarting a U.S. Supreme Court ruling over the statute's most contentious section.

The challengers had asked the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to bar enforcement of the law's requirement that police, while enforcing other laws, question the immigration status of those they suspect are in the country illegally.

The court has since denied the request, and the questioning requirement has been in effect since Sept. 18. -AP

Florida panel views immigrant tuition case ORLANDO, Fla.: The State Board of Education is considering whether to appeal a court decision that would let U.S.-born Florida residents who are children of illegal immigrants pay in-state tuition.

Discussion of the issue is on the board's agenda in Orlando.

U.S. District Judge K. Michael Moore last month in Miami ruled that public colleges and universities cannot charge students higher out-of-state tuition simply because their parents are illegal immigrants.

The board, though, likely will not make a decision on an appeal until after Moore issues a final written order. -AP

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Immigration sting hits 'pedicab' drivers SAN DIEGO: U.S. authorities say nearly 40 bicycle cab drivers have been arrested on immigration violations in downtown San Diego.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokeswoman Lauren Mack said the arrests include many with student visas that didn't allow them to work. -AP

Americans less threatened by immigration, says survey CHICAGO: The number of Americans who consider a large influx of immigrants to be a "critical threat" to the United States has shrunk to 40 per cent, a survey has found.

It was a sharp drop from a peak of 72 per cent in 1994, and the first time since then that the number of Americans who feel threatened by immigrants fell below 51 per cent in a survey by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs.

Meanwhile, the number of respondents who said that controlling and reducing immigration was a very important foreign policy goal fell to 53 per cent from 59 per cent in 2010, down from a peak of 72 per cent in 1994.

For the first time since the question was asked in 2002, the bi-annual survey found that more Americans support keeping immigration at present levels (42 per cent) than favor reducing the number of immigrants admitted (37 per cent).

"This is a striking change in opinion from ten years ago when six in ten Americans favored decreasing immigration levels," the council said in a press release.

The number of Americans who support expanding legal immigra-

Some 55 per cent of Republicans considered large inflows of immigrants to be a threat, while only 40 per cent of independents and 30 per cent of Democrats felt threatened.

A decade ago, the partisan di-

When asked if they favored reform which included "securing the border, penalizing employers who hire illegal immigrants, and requiring illegal immigrants to either leave the country or enter a program toward citizenship that involves paying back taxes and learning English," 87 per cent of Republicans, 76 per cent of independents and 75 per cent of Democrats agreed tion more than doubled over the past decade from seven percent to 18 per cent.

The survey found a "wide partisan divide" on issues of immigration, however.

vide on the issue was both reversed and much narrower: 62 per cent of Democrats surveyed in 2002 felt immigration was a threat while only 58 per cent of independents and Republicans said so.

While immigration has not played a large role in the current presidential election, the survey found strong bipartisan support for immigration reform.

When asked if they favored reform which included "securing the border, penalizing employers who hire illegal immigrants, and requiring illegal immigrants to either leave the country or enter a program toward citizenship that involves paying back taxes and learning English," 87 per cent of Republicans, 76 per cent of independents and 75 per cent of Democrats agreed.

The survey also found that people in the midwest were more threatened (45 percent compared with 39 percent) and inclined to put a high priority on reducing illegal immigration (58 percent compared with 51) than people in other regions.

The survey was conducted in May, June and August and has a three percent margin of error. -PTI

NM sheriffs may fight immigrant license law ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.: A newly formed sheriffs group says it may lobby for the repeal of a New Mexico law allowing illegal immigrants to obtain driver's licenses.

A number of sheriffs oppose the law, saying it could lead to illegal immigrants using fake addresses, and criminal syndicates getting licenses for those living illegally in the country, said Jack LeVick, executive director of the New Mexico Sheriffs' Association. ``We just have a whole lot of concerns,'' LeVick said. ``Different problems keep surfacing for law enforcement here in New Mexico.''

LeVick said members will vote in 10 days on whether the group will launch lobbying efforts to repeal the law during the next legislative session.

The announcement came after Gov. Susana Martinez said

the law has kept New Mexico from complying with a nationwide law imposing security standards for driver's licenses.

In a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, Martinez asked for clarification of what will happen to New Mexico

Martinez, who supports a repeal of the New Mexico law, said she intends to press lawmakers again on the move during the next legislative session.

In April, sheriffs from New Mexico's 33 counties organized under the New Mexico Sheriffs'

A number of sheriffs oppose the law, saying it could lead to illegal immigrants using fake addresses, and criminal syndicates getting licenses for those living illegally in the country, said Jack LeVick, executive director of the New Mexico Sheriffs' Association and other states if they fail by 2013 to meet the requirements of the Real ID Act, enacted in 2005.

The National Conference of State Legislatures said 17 states have passed laws that prohibit compliance with the Real ID program.

Association to offer deputies advanced training and to build a lobbying force to help change state laws and beef up sheriff's departments.

The group promises to educate sheriffs on budget matters, create a pipeline for developing

future law enforcement leaders, and lobby state lawmakers on issues.

Marcela Diaz of Somos Un Pueblo Unido, a Santa Fe-based immigrant advocacy organization, said she's not surprised that the new group would lobby to repeal the driver's license law, since some sheriffs did the same during the last legislative session.

She said immigrant advocates don't see how repealing the law would make the state safer since it would mean law enforcement wouldn't be able to keep track of immigrants at all. ``This is being framed as a political issue not a policy issue,'' Diaz said. ``We would be happy to work with law enforcement on fraud issues.''

Diaz said a coalition of immigration advocates, religious leaders and students also plans to lobby to keep the law. -AP

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US immigration program causes extra school work YAKIMA, WASH: The new federal immigration program that delays action against young people living in this country illegally has created a pile of work for the Yakima School District and other districts with a large number of immigrant children.

Yakima School District registrar Sheila Miller estimates she has responded to as many as 800 requests for transcripts and other records since the school year began, mostly because of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, The Yakima Herald reported.

Most Yakima valley schools get a handful of transcript requests each month. Now dozens are arriving each week. ``We're having to go through boxes and boxes,'' said Rachel Romero, counseling secretary and

registrar for Grandview High School. She has fielded 265 requests since August.

Teachers have volunteered to

Yakima School District registrar Sheila Miller estimates she has responded to as many as 800 requests for transcripts and other records since the school year began help and principals are hiring substitutes to pitch in.

In Yakima, the registration of-

fice has spent up to 400 hours filling records requests, said Roy Knox, director of central registration. An exact cost wasn't readily available. But school officials said that at rates of $10 to $20 an hour for extra help, the requests have cost the district $4,000 to $8,000.

The deferred action program allows immigrants age 30 and younger to request a two-year reprieve from deportation risk. Applicants must have moved to the country before age 16; graduated from high school, enrolled in college or served in the military; kept a clean criminal record; and lived in the United States since 2007.

School records, both high school transcripts and cumulative elementary school enrollment data, help prove some of those requirements.

The Obama administration announced the program in June and began accepting applications Aug. 15.

She had to tell one 24-year-old graduate anxious to continue his college education that he would not receive his data in time for an upcoming meeting with his attorneys Nationwide, more than 82,000 people had applied as of Sept. 13, according to the most recent sta-

tistics from the Department of Homeland Security. Only 29 had been approved, but officials warned that paperwork and background checks could take months.

School districts in the Yakima valley have waiting lists of as long as a month to keep up with the crush of records requests.

In Grandview, Romero calls the surge of requests exciting, exhausting and touching.

For example, she had to tell one 24-year-old graduate anxious to continue his college education that he would not receive his data in time for an upcoming meeting with his attorneys. ``He was almost in tears,'' she said. ``It's quite heartbreaking. As excited as I am for him, it's really draining us.'' -AP

US targets violent, Central Mississippi joins American street gang immigration lawsuit WASHINGTON: The Obama administration has labeled a violent Central American street gang as an international criminal organization subject to U.S. government sanctions, the first time this designation has been given to such a group.

The designation applies to an organization known as MS-13, which started as a local street gang composed largely of immigrants from El Salvador, mostly in the Los Angeles area, and is believed to have as many as 10,000 members in 46 U.S. states and Central America. Members have been accused of crimes ranging from kidnapping and murder to drug smuggling and human trafficking.

MS-13 stands for Mara Salvatrucha, and the decision being announced by the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control will smooth the way for federal authorities to seize assets associated with the organization, which is considered one of the world's most dangerous gangs.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement gang investigators

have long targeted the group, arresting thousands of suspected members in recent years.

ICE Director John Morton described the designation as a ``powerful weapon'' for his agency's continuing effort to dis-

By declaring the group a transnational criminal organization, the government is also making it more difficult for gang members to use banks and wire transfer services to move profits from the group's crimes mantle the gang. ``This designation allows us to strike at the financial heart of MS-13,'' he said.

The administration's decision to declare MS-13 an international criminal group will now make it easier for ICE and other federal

investigators to target and seize millions of dollars in profits from drug smuggling, human trafficking and other crimes, the official said, adding that those profits are routinely funneled back to the group's bosses in Central America.

By declaring the group a transnational criminal organization, the government is also making it more difficult for gang members to use banks and wire transfer services to move profits from the group's crimes.

MS-13 members are known for being particularly violent and in the past have been blamed for gruesome murders, including the 2003 stabbing death of a pregnant Virginia teenager who left the gang and became an informant. Brenda Paz, 17, was stabbed to death and her body was left along the Shenandoah River.

Other international criminal groups that have been subject to similar sanctions by the Treasury Department include the Yakuza, a Japanese organized crime group, and the ruthless Mexican drug cartel, Los Zetas. -AP

Feds won't act against Filipino journalist in US MINNEAPOLIS: Immigration authorities say they won't take action against a Filipino journalist arrested in a traffic stop who attracted national attention earlier this year when he revealed he's an illegal immigrant.

Jose Antonio Vargas was in Minnesota to speak at Carleton

College, when a trooper stopped him for driving with headphones on. The State Patrol says Vargas produced a canceled driver's license. He was booked into jail, then released pending an Oct. 18 court date.

U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement spokeswoman Gillian

Christensen said the agency intends to leave Vargas alone because he's not a high priority.

Vargas was on a Washington Post team that won a Pulitzer in 2008 for coverage of the Virginia Tech massacre. He revealed his immigration status in the New York Times Magazine. -AP

JACKSON, Miss.: Mississippi sissippi, said in a separate news Gov. Phi Bryant has said that he release that President Barack has joined in a lawsuit against the Obama's executive order ``had Obama administration over its given numerous young people, plan to stop deporting many many of whom came to the United young illegal immigrants and grant States as babes in arms, the opthem work permits. portunity to pursue the American Bryant's action drew swift criti- dream.'' cism from the American Civil Lib``Now, Gov. Bryant is trying to erties Union of Mississippi. snatch that opportunity away The lawsuit was filed in August from them,'' Kohsin-Kintigh said. in federal court in Dallas on behalf ``If Gov. Bryant is truly concerned of 10 U.S. Immigration and Cus- about the economic impact of untoms Enforcement employees. It documented immigrants, why contends that the Obama would he deny these young administration's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals “The fact remains that illegal plan violates federal law and forces immigration is a real issue with ICE employees to real consequences, and ignorbreak the law by ing the rule of law is irresponnot arresting certain illegal immi- sible. As governor, I cannot grants. turn a blind eye� ``States must protect their borders while the federal government people the opportunity to get work continues to ignore this growing permits and become taxpayers?'' problem,'' Bryant in a news release.

Bryant, a Republican, has said ``I believe this action by the for years he wants to tighten imObama administration is uncon- migration enforcement because he stitutional and circumvents Con- believes the federal government gress' authority,'' Bryant said. has done a poor job. ``The fact remains that illegal imDuring the 2012 session, the migration is a real issue with real Mississippi House passed an imconsequences, and ignoring the migration-enforcement bill but a rule of law is irresponsible. As Democratic chairman, Hob Bryan governor, I cannot turn a blind of Amory, killed the bill by chooseye to the problem of illegal immi- ing not to bring it up for debate in gration and its costs to Missis- the Senate Judiciary B Committee. sippi.''

Bryan said the bill attempted to Nancy Kohsin-Kintigh, pro- micromanage the way law-enforcegram director at the ACLU of Mis- ment officers do their jobs. -AP

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Flake, Carmona face off in Senate debate in Ariz.

PHOENIX: Republican Jeff Flake tried to link Democrat Richard Carmona to President Barack Obama's policies as the two US Senate candidates debated for the first time.

Carmona, meanwhile, charged that Flake's fierce opposition to special funding requests known as earmarks has hurt economic development in Arizona. He said business leaders and a mayor in metro Phoenix have complained that Flake's ideological opposition to earmarks for roads, public-works and water projects has hurt efforts to attract new businesses to the state.

Flake, a six-term congressman, and Carmona, who served as surgeon general under former President George W. Bush, are running for the Senate seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Jon Kyl. Libertarian Marc Victor, a criminal defense lawyer who served in the U.S. Marines, is also running.

Flake said Carmona is an ``echo'' of the Obama administration in that he believes that job creation is the job of the government rather than private enterprise. ``He has adopted the Democratic playbook,'' Flake said during the one-hour debate produced

by KAET-TV in Phoenix.

Carmona responded, saying he has been an independent his whole life.

``I am not here to defend the Obama administration,'' he said.

Flake has portrayed Carmona as a hand-picked rubber stamp for Obama. Democrats recruited Carmona, who until late last year was a registered independent, to run for Kyl's seat after it became clear that then-Rep. Gabrielle Giffords wouldn't campaign because of head injuries she suffered

Carmona said he opposes Ryan's plan because it transfers financial risks from the government to seniors and that seniors with chronic conditions will have difficulty getting coverage during the January 2011 shooting rampage in Tucson. One of the recruiting pitches came from the president.

Flake touted his opposition to earmarks as a move away from patronage and a move toward basing funding for projects on merit. ``Arizona is far better without earmarks,'' Flake said.

Carmona said some earmarks

aren't government pork spending, but rather an investment in communities.

Flake and Carmona agreed that Medicare needs to be overhauled, but differed on how to go about it.

Flake supported a GOP budget authored by Rep. Paul Ryan that would change how future Medicare beneficiaries now under age 55 would get health care coverage.

Ryan's plan would provide future seniors with subsidies to help buy a private health plan or buy coverage through a government-run program modeled after the current system.

Carmona said he opposes Ryan's plan because it transfers financial risks from the government to seniors and that seniors with chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure will have difficulty getting coverage. Carmona proposed reducing health care costs for the elderly by focusing more on preventing diseases and by getting rid of more waste and fraud.

One clear difference between the candidates is on immigration.

Carmona said he admires Bush and the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy for their attempts at legislation to toughen border security and give illegal immigrants already in the United States a pathway to citizenship. -AP

Heller, Berkley spar on health care, immigration LAS VEGAS: Republican Sen. Dean Heller and Democratic challenger Rep. Shelley Berkley quarreled over health care, immigration and tax breaks for oil companies in the second debate of their acrimonious campaign.

The encounter began with Heller proposing the candidates treat each other ``respectfully'' - a notable request after millions of dollars of slashing, personal attack ads and a contentious first debate in Reno last month. Heller tried to cast himself as a champion of bipartisan, sensible solutions, while

Berkley contended the Senator was really supporting big corporations like insurance and oil companies. ``We need ideas and solutions in Washington, D.C., and we need someone who recognizes that and is willing to work with both sides,'' said Heller, who was appointed last year to fill out the term of Sen. John Ensign after he resigned in a sex scandal.

Berkley, a seven-term congresswoman from Las Vegas, defended her own behavior amid a Congressional ethics investigation of whether she improperly interceded

to help the business interests of her husband, a nephrologist. ``I'm working every day to make sure we create good-paying jobs right here in the state of Nevada,'' Berkley said. ``At a time when Nevada families need a champion in the United States Senate, my opponent is playing for the wrong side.''

The live televised debate was interrupted by a five-minute power outage due to a violent storm tearing through Las Vegas. The power cut out just as Heller was arguing that the country needs more energy generated in North America.-AP

Gov. Cuomo puts NY state services in 6 languages ALBANY, N.Y.: Gov. Andrew Cuomo said state agencies now offer and explain government services in six languages other than English to better serve a growing immigrant population statewide, including a third of New York City's population.

His 26th executive order a year ago began the effort. It is aimed at 2.5 million New Yorkers considered to have limited proficiency in English. State agencies across New York are now equipped to provide free interpretation in Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Italian, Korean and Haitian Creole. ``New York State government needs to be able to serve all of its residents no matter what language they speak,'' Cuomo said, saying the state needs to work for diverse

cultures. ``Today our agencies are ready to provide assistance in the foreign languages that are spoken by most non-English speakers in our state.''

Immigrant leaders say the translation of essential documents and the ability to phone an interpreter is vital for the growing population. ``We believe that language will no longer be an impediment to access government resources for Asian Americans and immigrants throughout New York,'' said Steve Choi of the MinKwon Center, a Korean-American community group.

The U.S. Census reports that immigrants constitute 27 percent of the workforce and a language other than English is spoken in 30 percent of New York homes, most of them in New York City.-AP

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

Former Assistant StateÂ’s Attorney

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

1 Property Tax for Commercial Properties 1 1

http://www.proy-singh.com

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

Realty Tidbits

Uniform building bylaws in Punjab soon CHANDIGARH: Punjab government has moved a proposal to have uniform building bylaws in the state so as to ensure planned growth of urban areas and check harassment of public by multiple authorities.

The announcement was made by deputy chief minister Sukhbir Badal.

"Bylaws for different buildings have been creating confusion for both developers and public who often get harassed. Plus, these laws have resulted in haphazard growth in the urban areas. There is a need for uniformity," Badal Jr said.

At present, bylaws in Punjab are different for buildings under state's IT department, municipal corporations, local bodies and urban development bodies.

The government has tasked the urban development authorities to come out with a model set of building byelaws which would be applicable to all buildings whether industrial, commercial, IT sector or residential.

The simplification would also result in early clearance of building plans submitted by the people.

"A separate procedure on decentralization of building plan approval system has been conceived to encourage people to opt for sanctioned plan and ensure uniform development of urban areas" said Badal.

Slum dwellers to pay housing rent?

MUMBAI: Concerned over the loss the state exchequer may suffer due to allocating free houses to slum dwellers till 2000, the Maharashtra government is mulling over framing a policy whereby the slum dwellers will have to pay for the cost of housing.

"We had taken an unfortunate decision of giving free houses to slum dwellers. It is now difficult to uphold that plan. We are planning to bring some policy that will make these people (slum dwellers) pay for it (the housing)," Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan said at an event here.

The policy will be in line with that for mill workers, according to which, housing was provided to them at affordable rates on a noprofit-no-loss basis.

The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (Mhada) in June allotted low-cost houses to 6,925 mill workers at a subsidized price of Rs 4.81 lakh to Rs 9.35 lakh.

Real Estate 46

India Post

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October 26, 2012

Govt looking at transit oriented development option NEW DELHI: Lamenting the poor state of urban planning in India where 40 million people are living in unplanned areas in the capital itself, Urban Development minister Kamal Nath has said government was looking at Transit Oriented Development as an option.

"Just in Delhi, we have 40 million people living in unauthorized colonies….40 million people…Over 1600 unauthorized colonies, that was the assessment as per a survey done in 2007. We are in 2012, I shudder to think if we were to do a survey now," he said.

Cont’d on page 47

FICCI flays move to apply Land Acquisition Act retrospectively NEW DELHI: Industry body FICCI has opposed moves on application of the proposed Land Acquisition Act on retrospective basis, cautioning it would trigger a number of litigations and create an uncertain business environment.

"We would like to submit that if this law is implemented on retrospective basis, it would lead to a number of litigations and create a lot of uncertainty in the business environment," FICCI said in a representation to Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar heading a GoM on Land Acquisition Bill.

Any law implemented on retrospective basis reduces investors' confidence in the system and "I don't think that at this juncture we can afford to do that," said FICCI president R V Kanoria, seeking implementation "only on prospective basis".

FICCI's appeal came on a day when the GoM on Land Acquisition Bill remained divided over the issue of retrospective acquisitions and the consent required from land owners with Pawar saying two-three more meetings are required to finalize the Bill.

According to the industry

Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar

body, acquisition process varies from state to state and it would not be possible to apply this law

cause compensation has not been paid and possession is held up due to legal challenges by land owner.

"The 100 per cent solatium as provided in the compensation is more than three times the current norm of 30 per cent. We would request you to consider lowering this amount to 50 per cent” on uniform basis across India on retrospective basis.

It noted that in many cases, land has not been taken over be-

Similarly, in many states possession precedes compensation as per the State Act but government is yet to conclude the com-

pensation process or complete its obligations.

All such cases could not be held invalid and governed by new Act, FICCI contended.

Noting that it has always advocated that in case of willing buyer and willing seller transaction (i.e. private purchase and not acquisition), no R&R provision should apply, FICCI said adding moves contrary to this will escalate the cost of the land many times.

It said the R&R provisions of the Bill will increase the cost of land at least by three to four times.

"The 100 per cent solatium as provided in the compensation is more than three times the current norm of 30 per cent. We would request you to consider lowering this amount to 50 per cent so as to make project cost viable", FICCI said in its representation.

For the benefit of land owners and farmers, it suggested land use changes could be notified beforehand so that landowners could get a better price for their land as they would be better aware of the development that will be carried out on their land.

DLF SEZ too had Vadra connection NEW DELHI: Activist-turnedpolitician Arvind Kejriwal has hit out at the Haryana government calling it "DLF's agent" for showering the realtor with favors. He demanded a White Paper from the Haryana government on all the land it had given to the company, even as Vadra's "mango people (aam aadmi)" comment referring to Arvind Kejriwal and his associates and "banana republic" for India refused to die down.

Addressing a press conference in a packed hall at the Capital's Constitution Club, less than a km from Parliament, Kejriwal gave out papers to show Vadra's company, North India IT Parks Pvt Ltd, became a 50 per cent shareholder in DLF SEZ Holdings Pvt Ltd in October 2008. Of a total of 50,000 shares in DLF SEZ Holdings Pvt Ltd, Vadra's company bought

25,000 for Rs 2.5 lakh. After a year, in 2009, Vadra sold back the shares to DLF. DLF SEZ Holdings Pvt Ltd was set up in 2007.

DLF did not deny that Vadra's company was a 50 per cent shareholder in DLF SEZ Holdings. It

adding that "Mr Vadra neither had nor has any interest in the various SEZs of DLF in any manner".

Giving a background, India Against Corruption's Kejriwal alleged that while 30 acres of land in Gurgaon was supposed to be used for con-

Kejriwal gave out papers to show Vadra's company, North India IT Parks Pvt Ltd, became a 50 per cent shareholder in DLF SEZ Holdings Pvt Ltd in October 2008 added that these shares were bought back by DLF at the face value of Rs 2.5 lakh as the proposal to develop SEZs could not take off due to deep recession in the market in 2009. "No gain or benefit was made by Mr Vadra or DLF, in this regard," DLF said,

structing a hospital, the Haryana government issued notifications in 2006 and 2007 to allow DLF to use it for an SEZ. He also cited judgments by the Punjab and Haryana High Court on the SEZ issue to establish the alleged nexus between DLF and the Haryana government.

The Haryana government has denied the allegation that land meant for setting up a hospital was released in favor of DLF. While the Punjab and Haryana High Court had reversed the state government's SEZ decision, the Supreme Court had stayed it subsequently. DLF, in its reaction to Kejriwal's allegations, pointed out the Supreme Court stayed the high court's SEZ order through its orders of June 20 and September 26, 2011. "The matter is sub judice and awaiting hearing," DLF said.

Besides DLF, Kejriwal named two other real estate companies BPTP and IndiaBulls - for their political linkages without providing any documentary evidence.

He urged the people of the country to provide whatever proof they could on these companies.

Cont’d on page 47

Real Estate Post

October 26, 2012

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47

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Lease rent revision leads to Maharashtra windfall MUMBAI: In a significant decision that is likely to fill its coffers, the Maharashtra government has approved sharp increase in lease rent on private properties given during the British period.

The state is expecting "hundreds of crores of rupees" in revenue from the revised rent on lease properties given during the British Raj, state Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan told reporters after the cabinet meeting here.

Giving an example, Chavan said with the decision to hike lease rent, Rs 17.71 rent (payable under old lease rates charged by the British Raj) will approximately go up to Rs 3.4 lakh (through ready reckoner) for the 570 sq km land while for the 3,070 sq meter land, the rent will go up from Rs 74.49 to Rs 33 lakh.

To a question on what would be the government's strategy if the decision is again challenged in court, Chavan said people cannot be stopped from moving the courts.

There are several properties on government land given on long

lease by the British for period varying from 50 to 99 to 999 years, he said.

"Some have expired in the 1970s and 90s and amount of rent needs

Chavan said there are 1,282 properties on lease in Mumbai island city out of which the lease of 517 have expired, while in the suburbs there are 295 properties and the lease of 149 have expired.

"The hiked leased rent will be related to the ready reckoner price of the year when the lease is renewed" to be re-looked when they come for renewal. In Colaba area of South Mumbai, government gets

a mere Rs 17.71 as rent for a 570 sq meter land while for a 3,070 sq meter land, the rent is only Rs 74.49 annually. This is not acceptable," the chief minister said.

The state government had decided to hike the rent through a cabinet decision but it was challenged in the court and the government had to go through litigation process. "In 2006, the cabinet withdrew its 1999 decision. But today we are revisiting that decision," he added.

Chavan said there are 1,282 properties on lease in Mumbai island city out of which the lease of 517 have expired, while in the suburbs there are 295 properties and the lease of 149 have expired.

"The hiked leased rent will be related to the ready reckoner price of the year when the lease is renewed," he said adding that the long lease will not extend to more than 30 years.

There will also be an option to convert the lease into occupancy class II ownership on payment of some percentage of the prevailing market rates.

DLF SEZ too had Vadra connection Cont’d from page 46

Pointing out that the DLF-Vadra deals were a perfect case for income tax raids, Kejriwal argued that Finance Minister P Chidambaram sent out a veiled signal to the income tax department while defending Priyanka Gandhi's husband. "If the FM says there's no quid pro quo, the I-T department is unlikely to take any action on the DLFVadra deals," Kejriwal said.

Elaborating on the favors allegedly granted by the Haryana government to DLF, Kejriwal referred to the international bids for 350acre land in Gurgaon. While bids were invited, only three companies participated: DLF, Unitech and Country Heights. According to Kejriwal, only the DLF bid was opened as others did not have experience in constructing and main-

taining golf courses, a condition introduced at the time of evaluation of technical bids. "The other

Calling DLF's earlier clarification "a bunch of lies", Kejriwal contested the company's claim that a business advance of Rs 65 crore was given to Vadra rather than an unsecured loan two bids were much more than DLF's," Kejriwal said.

To this allegation, DLF only maintained that this land was al-

lotted through an international bidding tender.

Among other favors granted to DLF, he alleged an increase in the FAR (floor area ratio) for the company in Manesar and cancellation of the land acquisition provision once the realtor had taken possession of a majority of the land.

Calling DLF's earlier clarification "a bunch of lies", Kejriwal contested the company's claim that a business advance of Rs 65 crore was given to Vadra rather than an unsecured loan. He asserted an interest-free loan was given by DLF to Vadra. The amount loaned to Vadra was much more than Rs 65 crore, he said. DLF defended itself by saying all developments undertaken by DLF over the last four decades were strictly in compliance with the rules.

Govt looking at transit oriented development option Cont’d from page 46

"When the capital of India has 40 million people living in unplanned areas, forget about the unauthorized, completely unplanned. How do we deal with this legacy?" he asked.

The Urban Development minister was speaking at a conference organized by the Royal Institute

of Chartered Surveyors.

"We in India, have most restrictive FAR, which even by Asian standards is exceptionally low.

This needs to be revised looking at the infrastructure and the location where it can be increased," he said.

"One of the possibilities being discussed is Transit orientated development, where we can have

mixed use and higher and more intensive development.

Invariably we are looking at transit oriented development where there is a huge wide road, there is a metro in the middle, so that people can come in metros, go to work, have their entertainment and recreation and sit in the metros and go back home," he said.

Hotel sale to Robert Vadra above board: Kapur NEW DELHI: Independent directors on the board of DLF were party to its 2009 decision to sell 50 per cent stake in a hotel at South Delhi to Robert Vadraowned Skylight Hospitality, according to D V Kapur, an independent director.

In a statement uploaded on the company's website, D V Kapur on behalf of independent directors of DLF said the board approved the stake sale to Skylight Hospitality at an enterprise valuation of Rs 150 crore.

"During its meeting on October 15, 2009, the board deliberated and approved the formation of a partnership with Skylight Hospitality Pvt Ltd including the transfer of the company's hotel property in Saket to the partnership firm at an enterprise valuation of Rs 150 crore," Kapur, also an independent director on board of Reliance Industries, said.

Out of Rs 150 crore of enterprise value, the equity valuation was Rs 70 crore and therefore 50 per cent stake was sold for Rs 35 crore, the statement added.

Skylight Hospitality has been in news after civil society activists Arvind Kejriwal and Prashant Bhushan alleged that DLF had given unsecured loans to Robert Vadra for the stake purchase as a

'quid pro quo' for favors.

The statement on DLF website was issued by the independent director D V Kapur, former chairman of NTPC, on behalf of all the independent directors.

"All the above statements fully reflect the views of all the independent directors particularly those who were then the members of the audit committee such as K

Out of Rs 150 crore of enterprise value, the equity valuation was Rs 70 crore and therefore 50 per cent stake was sold for Rs 35 crore, the statement added N Memani, M M Sabharwal, D V Kapur and B Bhushas," the statement said. "‌ they (independent directors) were always aware and involved in the matter to the extent it was required in a listed company keeping in view the interest of large number of small shareholders," the statement said.

48 India Post

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October 26, 2012

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50

Datebook

India Post

October 26, 2012

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NEW JERSEY

ILLINOIS

NEW YORK

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Upcoming

Upcoming

Upcoming

Upcoming

Sat Oct 27 • Falguni Pathak-Navratri Celebration Venue: New Jersey Expo-Edison, 97 Sunfield Ave, Edision, NJ Time: 9pm Contact: 718-639-9200

Sat Nov 03 • Diwali Mela NJ

Fri Oct 26 • Mika Singh- Bollywood King performing Live Venue: Sears Centre Arena - 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway Hoffman Estates, IL 60192 Time: 7:30 pm Contact: 773-441-7904, 847-909-3798

Fri Nov 9 • Bhangra Night!

Sat Oct 27 • Halloween Masquerade BallThe Salon Hudson Terrace Venue: The Salon Hudson Terrace, 621 W 46th St, New York Time: 9 pm Contact: 516-345-8110

Fri Nov 2 • Runway Princess-The Super Model Pageant

Venue: Garden State Exhibit Center 50 Atrium Drive, Somerset, NJ Time: 12pm Contact: 732-763-0118

Venue: Old Town School of Music-Gary and Laura Maurer Concert Hall, 4544 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL Time: 8:30pm Contact: 773-728-6000

Sat Nov 10

Sat Nov 10

• Kali Puja 2012

• Kiran Ahluwalia

Sat Nov 3

Venue: Judd Elementary School, 1601 Roosevelt Ave, North Brunswick, NJ Time: 2pm Contact: 732-816-5302

Venue: Old Town School of Music-Gary and Laura Maurer Concert Hall, 4544 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL Time: 7:30pm Contact: 773-728-6000

• Diwali & Eid 2012

Venue: Hammerstein Ballroom-Manhattan Center, 311 W 34th St., New York Time: 7pm Contact: 732-310-3456

Venue: Valimar Club House, Valimar Blvd, White Plains, NY Time: 2:30pm Contact: 914-948-8969

Mon Dec 10 & 11 • Childrens Film Festival: Celebrating Children's movies from Bollywood Venue: Plainview Old Bethpage, Public Library, 999 Old Country Road, Plainview, NY 11803 Time: 5:30pm Contact: 516-349-7119 Highlights: Festival Starting with the movie curated by Award winning Producer and Director Mr. Tirlok Malik (Little magician).

Upcoming Sat Oct 13, 20 & 27

Fri July 20 to Sat Dec 15

• 3 Days Raas-Garba

• Turning Rumi: Singing Verses of Love, Unity and Freedom Part2 : The Art of Salma Arastu

Venue: Anaheim Convention Center, 800 W Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA 92802 Time: 8 pm Contact: 951-318-7375

Venue: Dominican University of California, 50 Acacia Avenue, San Rafael, California Time: 2:30pm to 4:30pm (Artist Reception on Sat Sept 15at Community Gallery, Alemany Library) Contact: 415-482-2453

Fri Oct 26

Sat Oct 27 • Diwaloween Party 2012 Venue: Normandie Casino- Showroom Nightclub, 1045 W Rosecrans Ave, Gardena, CA Time: 9:30pm Contact: 714-243-8246

• Jhilmilati Gungunati ShaamMusical Nite with live Singers

Fri Nov 2

Venue: Mehran Restaurant, 5774 Mowry School Rd, Newark, CA Time: 6:30pm Contact: 925-999-8747

Sat Oct 27

Venue: Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St. Stamford, CT 06901 Time: 8pm Contact: 203-322-9862 Highlights: Dr John And 5-time Grammy award winners Blind boys of Alabama.

• Concert by Padmashri Smt. Aruna Sairam

Sat Nov 3

Venue: Spagenberg Theater, 780 Arastradero Road, Gunn High School, Palo Alto, CA Time: 5pm Contact: 510-648-8355

Sat Oct 27 • Garba Night Venue: San Jose City College, 2100 Moorpark Ave, San Jose, CA Time: 7pm Contact: 408-623-4970

Fri Nov 2

ATLANTA

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

• Karva Chauth Celebration

• Spirituals to Funk

• Smith Center Presents! Master Musicians from India and China Venue: Smith Center at Ohlone College, 43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont, CA 94539 Time: 8:30pm Contact: 510-659-6031 Highlights: Demonstrating expert skills on their traditional instruments, Verma and Chen each offer audiences an electrifying, emotionally revealing performance that gives a new and exciting voice to their cultural experiences.

From India: Aditya Verma, sarod and Vishal Nagar, tabla and from China: Yihan Chen, pipa and Ann Yao, zheng.

Venue: Kendra Hall, 897 Kifer Rd, Sunnyvale Time: 3pm Contact: 408-400-0629

Sun Nov 4

• Karva Chauth Celebration

Fri Nov 10

• Ravi Shankar Celebrating His tenth Decade

Venue: Brimingham Temple Auditorium 1927 Mt Olive Road, Gardendale, AL Time: 3pm Contact: 205-982-4908

• Children’s Day

Upcoming Sat Nov 3

Venue: Windmere Ranch Middle School, 11611 E Branch Pkwy, San Ramon, CA Time: 1pm Contact: 615-397-2066

Venue: Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center, 300 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach CA Time: 7:30pm Contact: 858-442-1586

October 26, 2012

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India Post 51

Horoscope

52 India Post

October 26, 2012

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Your Weekly Future

by Pandit Parashar

OCTOBER 26TH - NOVEMBER 01ST (November 23 to December 22)

(March 21 to April 20)

S

L

aturn in seventh sign will make you work extra hard from now and on. You will need to develop more patience. Soon you will reap rich rewards for the hard work being performed this week. Strong wordings will get the job done and you will recover what belonged to you in first place. Eye sight may start to give some trouble.

ong cherished desires can get fulfilled if you are ready to pay a price. A close friend will call to seek your advice and may offer a part in the venture. Some one close will make wrong allegation just to put you down. You will be slowly working towards an upcoming trip also. You will make final payment on couple of old bills this week.

(April 21 to May 20)

(December 22 to January 19)

R

O

unning around will not go waste but you will end up making useful contacts that are going to help you in near future. People in business will see new clients and business growing this week.

You will be writing a big check to government also this week. Any relationship started at this point can become permanent in time to come.

pportunity will be offered on a silver platter. Do not let past scare you. Take your chance, it's a sure thing. You will write a check to government but hold it for some time before mailing it out. Some of you may replace your old vehicle with a newer and expensive model.

You may be seriously thinking of legal action to prove your point.

(January 20 to February 18)

(May 21 to June 20)

Y

ou will go on an important trip. You will need to pour in more money into your business or project. Gambling instincts will surface and you will not be scared to take few risks this week. Rewards will be huge. Some of you will start shopping for an upcoming trip. Drive carefully and look out for traffic cops, small error will cost you.

B

ank balance will grow and from now and on expenses will come down a lot too. You may be suggested minor surgery as a permanent solution to overcome an old health issue. You will come across an interesting personality during the course of a business meeting. Children will finalize a short vacation. You may dispose off some stocks.

(February 19 to March 20)

Y

(June 21 to July 22)

ou will be able to control and trim your expenses. People in business will get rid of old and find new and better suppliers. You will be still double minded about making an offer on a property. Some of you will be taking a break from busy schedule and go on a trip with family soon. It will be better to dispose off money making stocks.

Y

ou will start to feel better and more confident. There will be several fortunate developments in life. You may be offered a dream opportunity in career. Since the luck is on side, you will get many jobs done without any difficulty. You will recover money long overdue and may dispose off some stocks for a decent profit.

(July 23 to August 22)

P

eople involved in research and development work will see sudden success. An important person will make an offer that will be hard to turn down. Finances issues will start resolving and soon you will be free of many small debts. You may come out with flying colors in a c highly competitive exam. Spouse will give many good ideas.

(August 23 to September 22)

Y

ou may find it difficult to defend your self properly in any ongoing legal matter. You may be spending more time in office or away from home in other state. You will need to overcome one more hurdle before deal is finalized. Major changes in career just around the corner. You may be in touch with an old confidant for advice.

(September 23 to October 22)

O

pportunity will come from distant place and will be hard to ignore.

Confusion will clear and you will see lots of money coming your way.

An important issue involving your child may take little longer to settle. All meetings will go well and you will get the assurance quickly. Value of stocks recently purchased will appreciate considerably.

(October 23 to November 22)

Y

ou may end up just renewing the contract for the time being.

Property related papers will get finalized too. Time is ripe to cash those profit making stocks. Some one in the organization will move out making room for your promotion. You will meet few political figures at the party. Do not take a chance with changing weather.

Intuitive Kalki will figure in many good projects

B

orn to French parents in Pondicherry, Kalki Koechlin made her Bollywood debut with a bang in Dev D as the modern day Chandramukhi. Being a Capricorn she can easily magnify her life chart and pick up the best things in life. She is filled with positivity and this is what encourages her to communicate with ease. She has the tendency to crave for freedom and success. She has that individual streak and she is original and resourceful.

Ruled by number 9, her love life is very passionate. She is married to Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap. The ideal partner for a Capricorn is a Virgo and Anurag Kashyap is a Virgo. Kalki and Anurag both are very organized, intelligent and good with numbers. Such couples do well if they work together.

Kalki is a very intuitive thinker and amenable to new ideas which she proved again with her film 'Shaitaan' where she stood out prominently despite the presence of other actors. She has done extremely well for herself so far. So, how will the coming months be for this rare beauty? She will once again be involved in many good projects and make quite an impact. Opportunities and good news will come Kalki's way this year.

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

925-833-7170

website: www.parashar.com

Philosophy

October 26, 2012

India Post

53

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Page Sponsored by Sahanis SWAMI SIVANANDA

O

utwardly, the nine-day worship of Devi is a celebration of triumph. This nine days' celebration is offered to the Mother for Her successful struggle with the formidable demons led by Mahishasura. But, to the sincere spiritual aspirant, the particular division of the Navaratri into sets of three days to adore different aspects of the Supreme Goddess has a very sublime, yet thoroughly practical truth to reveal.

In its cosmic aspect, it epitomizes the stages of the evolution of man into God, from Jivahood (the state of individualization) to Shivahood (the state of Self-realization). In its individual import, it shows the course that his spiritual practice should take.

Let us examine the spiritual significance of Navaratri.

The central purpose of existence is to recognize your eternal identity with the supreme Spirit.

The aspirant, as his initial step, has to get rid of all the countless impurities, and the demoniacal elements that have come to cling to him in his embodied state.

Therefore, on the first three days, the Mother is adored as supreme power and force, as Durga the Terrible. You pray to Mother Durga to

DR ROBERT SVOBODA

R

amayan is ram=atman (soul) + ayan =progress (journey) = Journey of the

Soul There are several characters in this mythology and they symbolize, as under: Ram symbolizing Atma Shakti/ The Power of Soul; Bharat symbolizing Deh Shakti / The Power of Body; Lakshman symbolizing Manah Shakti / The Power of Will, Shatrughna symbolizing Karma Shakti / The Power of Action; Dashrath=10 Indriyas (Dash = Ten; Rath = Chariot…Mind is like a chariot with ten horses, which are our external & internal senses…eyes, nose, ears, tongue, skin, hands, legs, genitals, etc…i.e. 5 karmendriyas and 5 gyanendriyas, Kaushalya=Satva Guna, Kaikeyi=Tamo Guna, Sumitra=Rajo Guna.

It is simple to understand that, Dashrath (the indriyas) under influence of Kaikeyi (tamo guna) disregards its duty towards Ram (the atma/soul) in order to offer undue favour towards Bharat (the body)…something that we all are doing 'all the time.'

Poor Lord Rama has been sent in exile along with his wife Sita (who is the Kundalini Shakti) Also, he faces his worst plight when Sita Mata is abducted by

destroy all your impurities, your vices, your defects. She is to fight with and annihilate the baser animal qualities in the spiritual aspirant, the lower, diabolical nature in him.

Also, She is the power that protects your spiritual practice from its many dangers and pitfalls.

Thus the first three days are set apart for the worship of the destructive aspect of the Mother.

The next step is to build up a sublime spiritual personality, to

steady, calm and serene effort to develop purity. This pleasanter side of the aspirant's Sadhana is depicted by the worship of Mother Lakshmi. She bestows on Her devotees the inexhaustible divine wealth or Deivi Sampath.

Lakshmi is the wealth-giving aspect of God. She is purity itself.

Thus the worship of Goddess Lakshmi is performed during the second set of three days.

Once the aspirant succeeds in

solute. The sound of Her celestial veena awakens the notes of sublime utterances which reveal the Truth, and the sacred monosyllable, Om. She bestows the knowledge of the supreme, mystic sound and then gives full knowledge of the Self as represented by Her pure, dazzling snow-white apparel. Therefore, to propitiate Saraswathi, the giver of knowledge, is the third stage.

The tenth day, Vijaya Dasami, marks the triumphant ovation of the

Spiritual significance of Navaratri & Durga Puja

Mother Durga

On the first three days, the Mother is adored as supreme power and force, as Durga the Terrible. You pray to Mother Durga to destroy all your impurities, your vices, your defects

acquire positive qualities in place of the eliminated demoniacal qualities. This stage is as important in an aspirant's career as the previous one.

The essential difference is: the former is a ruthless, determined annihilation of the filthy egoistic lower self; the latter is an orderly,

routing out the evil propensities, and develops Sattwic or pure, divine qualities, he becomes competent to attain wisdom. He is fit to receive divine knowledge.

At this stage comes the devout worship of Mother Saraswathi, who is divine knowledge personified, the embodiment of knowledge of the Ab-

soul at having attained liberation while living in this world, through the descent of knowledge by the Grace of Goddess Saraswathi. The soul rests in his own Supreme Self or Satchidananda Brahman. This day celebrates the victory, the achievement of the goal. The banner of victory flies aloft. Lo! I am He! I am He!

Ravana (the ego). The Ego (Ravana) is supported by various warriors who are extremely powerful. One among them is Ravana's son…Megh-nad (literally means, The Sound of Clouds). It's not difficult to understand that our ever agitating Mind is clouded with the commotion of "Thoughts"…which never ever allows us to seek rest into the deeper solitude of our Inner Self.

Megh-nad (The Sound of Clouds/

whole Monkey Army is nothing but, forces of the Life Force transmitting Air (Pran Vayu). Thus, with the help from Hanuman (Pran Shakti) and Lakshman (Concentrated Mind), Ram (Atma) defeats Ravan (Ego) in order to come in union with Sita (Kundalini Shakti).

What a beautiful story! Isn't Ramayana after all, "Journey of the Soul"?

Now for the other side. Ravan = The Upright "I" (Ego),

companies Kaikeyi (Tamo Guna) from her paternal home, i.e., both have same origin. Gunas (Symbolized by 3 Ranis of King Dasharath) are always malleable by nature. Kaikeyi (Tamo Guna) while in the company of Manthara (Vices) acts differently, however, when Manthara (Vices) has been driven out by Shatrughna, she repents for her past actions.

Sugriva = Su means Good +

The esoteric meaning of Ramayan characters With the help from Hanuman (Pran Shakti) and Lakshman (Concentrated Mind), Ram (Atma) defeats Ravan (Ego) in order to come in union with Sita (Kundalini Shakti) Thoughts) who is the son of Ravana (the Ego) is too powerful to overcome.

But no one has ever been able to stop the Power of the Soul (Ram). Ram seeks help from Lakshman (Laksh means Goal; Man means Mind…Focused or Concentrated Mind) & Hanuman (who is son of the wind god). It's through the Wind that Life Force (Pran Shakti) flows within us. The

Vibhishan= The Humble "I" (Surrender). Who is Kumbhakarna?

Let us understand. Kumbhakarna sleeps for 6 months and is awake for 6 months. 50% ignorant + 50% wise. It is the "I" of a commoner, like you and me. Wise enough to advise Ravana to withdraw from fighting with Lord Rama, yet ignorant enough to join the fight.

Here are three new characters: Manthara = Vices. Manthara ac-

Rama for you should mean the Path He trod, the ideal He held aloft, and the Ordinance He laid down. They are eternal and timeless.

-Sri Sathya Sai Baba Only the timid and the weak leave things to destiny (daivam) but the strong and the selfconfident never bank on destiny or luck (bhagya) -Valmiki Ramayan One's elder brother, father and the teacher who gives knowledge all these three, treading the path of dharma, are to be considered as one's father.

-Rama Not getting depressed, frustrated or dejected is the basis for all prosperity and happiness.

-Hanuman If you judge people, you have no time to love them.

-Mother Teresa

Lord Rama

Griva means Throat = A Throat that is energized/cleansed thru Yoga/Pranayam. Sugriva being the King of Vanaras supplies Hanuman (Pran) and the whole Vanar Sena (Pran Vayu) to assist Ram. (Based on views of Aghori Vimalanand in author's Aghora II) The festival of Dussehra will be celebrated on Oct 24

Surrender will not diminish, but increase; it will not lessen or weaken or destroy your personality, it will fortify and aggrandize it.'

-Mother of Pondicherry

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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October 26, 2012

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Religious-extremism on the rise in Kashmir ZAINAB AKHTER

K

ashmir is considered to be the land of Sufi saints.

It is bestowed with immense religious wealth in the form of numerous shrines and places of worship, enjoying reverence and allegiance of people from different faiths. But slowly a religious trend antagonistic to the Sufi-culture is mushrooming in the valley. What is the role of this group in bringing socio-religious change? How has it come up in the recent years?

Beginning of a change The most significant factor that stood between the valley of Kashmir and the wave of change is its peculiar geographical isolation. With the establishment of the Dogra rule and construction of the Banihal tunnel the Kashmir valley became fully exposed to influences from the outside world. With this began the migration of huge chunks of people from the valley to other parts of India, thus bringing Kashmir closer to other parts of India.

The Hindus and Muslims of the Valley had lived together for centuries and the influence of both religions on each other could be well observed. For example, Kashmir is the only place in India where Muslims have surnames such as 'Pandit' and 'Bhat'. But this hitherto composite culture and the Sufi way of life came under stress due to the rise of other staunch religious groups led by certain militant groups whose deliberate effort is to alter the nature of Islam in the valley. Due to their preaching a new section amongst the youngsters seems to be interested in ideologies beyond Sufism.

The movement: Jamiat-iAhlihadees Jamiat-i-Ahlihadees has come out as one of the most prominent group among them. The Jamiat-iAhlihadees is growing by leaps and bounds since its establishment in 1946 (although it was formally registered as a non-political religious organization in 1958) and today it manages 700 mosques and 125 schools in the valley. Its ideology is very close to the Wahabi sect in Saudi Arabia. It believes in the supremacy of Allah, to whom everything else is subordinate and oppose several aspects of Sufi culture. This organization and its offshoots have been promoting radical ideologies.

The Ahlihadees movement in Kash-

mir has raised a strong voice against tomb-worship, grave worship and over glorification and veneration of Sufi Saints.

They have attacked the un-Islamic practices associated with the visiting of shrines in Kashmir. They believe that majority of the people in the valley, though Muslims by faith need to be converted afresh in view of the dichotomy existing between the normative Islam and Islam as practiced in Kashmir.

Mosques which would traditionally be run by people of Hanafi thought, influenced by the Sufi ways of religious practice, are increasingly being overtaken

by Wahabi ideologues. This trend makes space for transformation, which over a period of time attains a degree of radicalization, both social and political.

It's upsurge In Kashmir one can witness two different strands of thought

ing and had even issued a fatwa against it, earning abuse and death threats for himself. His death is an indication of the divide in the people on religious grounds, and the jostling for religious one-upmanship that is rending the once wholesome fabric of Kashmiri society into tatters.

Changing dynamics Religious dynamics within the Valley are currently in a fluid state with rise in radicalization. While there has been an increase in the construction of mosques, changes in its architecture are to be noted as well. Whereas earlier mosques had stupa-type ceilings, resembling Buddhist or Hindu temples, they now feature domes and minarets.

The radical factions have also started to adhere to certain archaic traditions, such as forcing the womenfolk to observe purdah (wearing of the veil).

Some places named after Hindu

Prayer gathering

amongst the common people.

Education is creating a mass of people who are willing to understand, respect and co-exist with people of other faiths, while on the other hand, for some sections, religion remains a key instrument for furthering vested interests and exposure to global political developments evokes sentiments of radicalization. The Jamiat-iAhlihadees in particular has been exclusively focusing on religious activities and it is generally believed among its cadre that this school of thought does not permit indulgence in political activities unless these are part of an Islamic state.

The prominent leader and head of this religious faction Moulvi Showkat Ahmad Shah was killed in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast outside a mosque in Kashmir on 8 April 2011. He was the Valley's most vocal critic against incidents of stone pelt-

culture, such as Anantnag and Gulshan Nagar, have been renamed as Islamabad and Gulshanabad. The women's radical Islamic women group DeM (Dukhtatran-e-Millat) has begun to impose strict Islamic practices and is against the celebration of popular youth culture like the Valentine's Day and other un-Islamic celebrations.

The failure of meaningful political engagement by moderate groups is also a vital cause of radicalization and extremism. Renunciation of armed struggle has not given them any substantive political alternative, thereby strengthening the forces which resort to religious radicalization as the only means to achieve Kashmir's political objectives, which has further led towards this change in the socio-political structure and dynamics in the valley.

The writer is Research Officer, IReS, IPCS

Recipe for chaos

A

t the receiving end of daily exposures of misdeeds, the ruling Congress party is being made to look unfit for governance. That bodes ill for its prospects in 2014. But if the other national party, the BJP is gloating at the discomfiture of the Congress, it needs to be cautioned that it is in the same boat. It has not received any certificate of good governance in the states it is ruling, except for Gujarat where its leader is besmirched by graver charges. The two parties combined at the Center have made sure that no issues of concern to the common people are addressed. While the Congress rulers may be preoccupied with feathering their own nests with public money, the BJP leaders are waiting to do so. Their main aim is to destabilize the Congress-led UPA-II and they are doing so by disrupting their functioning and not providing any alternative model of governance. The policies that they were themselves pursuing while in power they are now opposing just for the sake of opposition. That doesn't inspire confidence among people that the BJP is a responsible party. The issues that it should be raising are now being raised by the India Against Corruption group led by Arvind Kejriwal. And it won't be long before some of its own will come under the exposure glare of the IAC. The Kejriwal group, when under Anna Hazare, had leveled corruption charges against nine cabinet ministers of the present government and had asked the Prime Minister to institute inquires against them. As expected, nothing of the sort happened.

Now, released from the constraints imposed by Hazare conglomerate of better behaviour, the Kejriwal group is targeting the same ministers one-by-one by securing documents proving their malfeasance. It is not certain that something of substance will emerge from these allegations but the Kejriwal group has done enough to muddy the waters. And this is likely to be the scenario until the actual elections and the Congress government will continue to remain on the back foot, unable to take positive measures that can prove it is capable of governing this large country for another five years.

The IAC has been accused by some Congressmen of being the "B" team of the BJP. With the BJP also coming under its anticorruption scanner, Kejriwal has gleefully claimed that the BJP will soon become the "B" team of IAC. By exposing the two major national parties the IAC seems to be making the way for the powerful regional parties. The only thing going for the regional parties is that they have strong support of the people of their region. Leaders of such groups may not be able to enjoy stability at the helm even if they are placed there by circumstances. A motley group of regional parties supported from the outside by a truncated national party does not make for a very rosy picture. It doesn't inspire confidence of investors either from within the country or abroad.

The IAC, which hopes to convert itself into a political party soon, has so far shown its capacity and guts to target the powerful in government or in the ruling party. But its hopes and claims to become a major national party to put the BJP into second or third position are too much to be believed. Once it enters the election fray, it will know that exposing corruption and winning elections are two different things. Past records show that such parties have often fallen by the wayside when faced with large electorates. They may have an exaggerated voice due to media support but in the vast arena of India's villages and small towns their appeal is likely to get drowned by the visible veterans who promise goodies to the electorate. One of the promises of the Anna Hazare group was to educate the electorate. That need has not been addressed and the IAC party will find itself wiped out.

October 26, 2012

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