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Dr Jasbir Kang is Physician of Year Details on page 21

VOL 15, No. 790

October 30, 2009

50¢

Periodical Postage

DESIS ARRESTED FOR WALL STREET FRAUD

SRIREKHA N. CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service

US reverses turban ban on Sikh guard Details on page 8

House approves resolution on Gandhi Details on page 8

NEW YORK: In what many view as a true coming of age of the South Asian American community, New York has become an apt stage for a Bollywoodian high stakes financial villains-versus-law enforcement heroes drama where the US Attorney for Southern New York District Preet Bharara swooped down on a multi-million dollar Wall Street insider trading scam arresting in the process billionaire hedge fund manager Raj Rajaratnam, a Sri Lankan Tamil, and five others including two Indian Americans Rajiv Goel of Intel Capital and Anil Kumar of McKinsey.

Details on page 6

AMA to work with AAPI on healthcare Details on page 40

US wants India to be partner in non-proliferation Details on page 9

Cong wins polls in Arunanchal, Maharashtra Details on page 43

Raj Rajaratnam, Founder of hedge fund Falleon, being led away after arrest in New York

175 years of Indian labor in Mauritius Details on page 44

Tharoor gets a 'rock star' welcome Af-Pak envoy Holbrooke being sidelined

PM for diffusion of climate change tech

Details on page 8

Mumbai case Pak judge wants to quit

Details on page 43

India, China ink MoA on climate change

Details on page 8

Details on page 43

US offers help to modernize armed forces

CONTENTS Bollywood ---------------------- 28-29

Details on page 9

INDIA POST SURVEY

Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor speaking at Diwali celebrations at Indian Consulate on Oct 18.

Pic Mohammed Jaffer-SnapsIndia

SRIREKHA N. CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service

survey@indiapost.com This week’s question

Is Preet Bharara targetting Indians?

Last week’s result

Will Obama benefit India more than Bush?

YES 47%

NO 53%

NEW YORK: Two and half years since he left New York to pursue a career in mainstream Indian politics and becoming the Minister of State for External Affairs, Shashi Tharoor came back to the Big Apple to a near "rock star" reception by the Indian American community over the last couple of weeks.

From a parochial welcome by the Malayalee commu-

nity groups to a large reception of the cream of Indian American community in the New York-New Jersey areas at a Diwali event hosted by the Indian Consulate, Tharoor was practically mobbed by admirers vying to pose for pictures with him.

The minister, who was in New York to address a UN General Assembly session, was admittedly thrilled by the homecoming welcome he received from the "security guards at the UN to the Secretary General".

Details on page 7

Classifieds --------------------- 48-50 Community Post -------------- 12-23 Date Book -------------------------- 51 Edit Page --------------------------- 53 HealthScience Post --------- 40-42 Horoscope ------------------------- 38 Immigration Post ------------- 44-47 Life Style ----------------------- 26-27 Philosophy ------------------------- 52 Publisherís Diary ------------------ 4 Real Estate ------------------------ 30 TechBiz Post ------------------- 24-25 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 32-35

Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”

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October 30, 2009

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ilicon Valley this past week was shaken by the arrests of two top Indian American executives in connection with the Wall Street insider trading scam. It was more shocking to the Indian American community which not only considered these two gentlemen - Anil Kumar of McKinsey and Rajiv Goel of Intel Capital - as rising stars in the world of finance, but as men of high integrity.

Well it is not unheard of for an occasional Indian American to be involved in a high profile criminal case, but sure, it's rare… and hence, I guess the shock factor.

While lawfully they are deemed innocent until proven guilty, I would think it is not necessary to get carried away in thinking that we, as a community, can never do any wrong; there are bad apples in every basket.

I wonder only why they would be so stupid as to go for a few bucks more, when they have everything going so well for them. Take the kingpin behind the scam, Raj Rajaratnam for instance… he is worth over a billion dollars but he gets caught trying to make a mere $20 million illegally. Now, isn't that totally unnecessary?

On the flip side, South Asians have really moved a long way in shedding stereotypes as gas station or convenience store owners to actually be seen as Wall Street biggies even if for dubious reasons.

Okay, I am not suggesting we should be proud of this, but if you consider that the vast majority of our community is made up of highly placed professionals and successful entrepreneurs, any bad apples among them would automatically make a splash by default.

I think of it as an eye-opener though. Since we do like to project ourselves as a model community, it is good to introspect once in a while when we are faced with such cases, on our failings.

While collectively there is very little anyone can do to completely eliminate crime of any nature in a society, individually we can strive to shed the stigma of corruption that India woefully suffers from.

Romesh K Japra rkjapra@indiapost.com

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Bollywood Raj Kapoor's favorite Raj Kapoor, the patriarch of the Kapoor family, doted on his first grandson Ranbir Kapoor.

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Cover Story: Desis in fraud Two Indian Americans Rajiv Goel of Intel Capital and Anil Kumar of McKinsey arrested for Wall Street fraud.

Community: Diwali fervor

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Indian Americans across Chicagoland celebrated Diwali and New Year with quite pomp, gusto and religious fervor.

India: Shock in Haryana The Congress coasted to power in Maharashtra, Arunachal Pradesh but fell short of majority in Haryana

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Cover/Top Stories

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October 30, 2009

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Desis arrested for Wall Street fraud SRIREKHA N. CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service

NEW YORK: In what many view as a true coming of age of the South Asian American community, New York has become an apt stage for a Bollywoodian high stakes financial villains-versuslaw enforcement heroes drama where the US Attorney for Southern New York District Preet Bharara swooped down on a multi-million dollar Wall Street insider trading scam arresting in the process billionaire hedge fund manager Raj Rajaratnam, a Sri Lankan Tamil, and five others including two Indian Americans Rajiv Goel of Intel Capital and Anil Kumar of McKinsey.

For the first time, investigators used court granted warrants to wiretap the suspects during investigation that resulted in the charging of hedge fund managers, Fortune 500 executives and a management consulting director in the $20 million insider trading case. Rajaratnam posted a bail of $100 million secured by $20 million in assets and guaranteed by his wife and four others.

Rajaratnam, who gave up his passport, may not travel more than 110 miles from New York City.

The other defendants arrested in New York were also freed after posting bonds between $2 million and $5 million. Goel was arrested in California, the government said.

A spokesperson for the US Attorney's Office told India Post, the preliminary hearing date is set for November 17 where a grand jury is likely to return an indictment in order to proceed to trial within the 30-day time stipulated under the Speedy Trial Act in New York, unless all parties agree on extending that deadline. While the US Attorney's office continues to investigate the case, the office would not comment on whether more arrests were in the offing.

Rajaratnam, 52, faces 13 fraud and conspiracy counts, many of which carry 20-year maximum sentences. Under federal sentencing guidelines, he faces 10 years in prison if convicted at trial.

"It should be a wake up call for every hedge fund manager and every Wall Street trader and every corporate executive who is even thinking about engaging in insider trading," said US Attorney Preet Bharara, while announcing the arrests and charges on Oct 16. " Today, we take decisive action against fraud on Wall Street. We have unsealed two complaints charging six defendants with allegedly making more than $20 million in profits through insider trading.

Three of the defendants manage

large hedge funds on Wall Street with literally billions of dollars under management - and virtually all of the alleged insider trading took place in those hedge funds."

Besides Rajaratnam, the others arrested were Danielle Chiesi, an employee at NewCastle Partners (formerly the equity hedge fund group at Bear Stearns); and Mark Kurland, a top executive at NewCastle.

The other three defendants were high-level corporate insiders - Rajiv Goel, a Director at Intel Capi-

For the first time, investigators used court granted warrants to wiretap the suspects during investigation that resulted in the charging of hedge fund managers tal; Robert Moffat, a Senior Vice President at IBM; and Anil Kumar, a Director at McKinsey and Company.

These 'insiders' allegedly gained (and then gave away) sensitive and confidential information about Fortune 500 companies. This information allegedly included advance information about earnings, planned joint ventures, and stillsecret corporate acquisitions.

On stock after stock - in companies like Hilton and Google and

On stock after stock - in companies like Hilton and Google and Advanced Micro Devices - these defendants allegedly conspired with each other to cheat the market and enrich themselves by trading on inside information Advanced Micro Devices - these defendants allegedly conspired with each other to cheat the market and enrich themselves by trading on inside information to turn profits of more than $20 million.

Emphasizing that "this is not a garden-variety insider trading case", Bharara said, "It is unprecedented for at least two reasons.

First, with alleged profits of more than $20 million, this case represents the largest hedge fund in-

sider trading case ever charged, criminally. Second, we believe this case represents the first time that court-authorized wiretaps have been used to target significant insider trading on Wall Street. All the defendants charged (today) were ultimately caught committing their alleged crimes over phones that we were listening to. This aggressive use of wiretaps is important: it shows that we are targeting white collar insider trading rings with the same powerful investigative tools that have worked so successfully against the mob and drug cartels."

The defendants worked across the securities industry - from hedge funds to Fortune 500 companies to an international consulting company. They used their access to inside information to gain an unfair trading advantage, Bharara reiterated.

In some cases, inside information was traded for money. In other cases, valuable inside information was traded for other valuable inside information. "The defendants, in a sense, operated in a cozy world of you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours," Bharara said.

Spouting philosophy, Bharara said that greed, sometimes, was not good. "This case should be a wake up call for Wall Street. As the defendants in this case have now learned the hard way, they may have been privy to a lot of confidential corporate information, but there was one secret they did not know: we were listening."

The case, he indicated, should serve as a deterrent to Wall Street insiders who are considering breaking the law.

Assistant Director-in-Charge of the FBI, Joe Demarest said, "Make no mistake -- the $20 million dollars in illicit profits come at the expense of the average public investor. Where knowledgeable businessmen are unscrupulous and act without control, the result is unadulterated greed. The FBI's role in combating white collar crime is to ensure integrity in the marketplace, to protect the average investor, and by extension, the economy."

Bharara was joined by his two law enforcement partners in this case: Joe Demarest, the Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Division of the FBI, and Robert Khuzami, the Director of Enforcement for the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, besides Ray Lohier, the Chief of this Office's Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force, and the AUSAs handling the prosecutions - Josh Klein, Jon Streeter, and Andrew Michaelson.

The Insider Trading Schemes According to the Complaint,

Rajaratnam engaged in overlapping schemes with Kumar, Goel, Chiesi and another insider-turned informant, to trade on the basis of Inside Information in several publicly traded companies. Specifically, these individuals engaged in insider trading in Polycom, Hilton Hotels Corp., Google Inc., Clearwire Corporation, Akamai, Advanced Micro Devices, and People Support, Inc. From approximately January 2006 until around July 2007, Rajaratnam and the others alleg-

‘They may have been privy to a lot of confidential corporate information, but there was one secret they did not know: we were listening’ edly engaged in schemes to trade on the basis of Inside Information pertaining to Polycom, Hilton, and Google.

Telephone conversations between Rajaratnam and Chiesi, intercepted based on court-authorized wiretaps of phones, as well as consensually recorded conversations with an individual who subsequently became a cooperating government witness, revealed that Rajaratnam, Kurland, Chiesi and himself routinely received in-

Fifty-two year old Rajaratnam, a Tamilborn Sri Lankan and American citizen, founded Galleon Technology Funds, a hedge fund firm focusing on technology and healthcare stocks, in 1997 - a company that grew to more than $5 billion in 2001 side information directly or indirectly from insiders and provided it to each other for the purpose of trading based on the information.

The material, nonpublic information pertained to upcoming earnings forecasts, mergers, acquisitions, or other business combinations -- the "Inside Information".

Intel's reaction When contacted by India Post, Chuck Mulloy, Corporate Spokesman for Intel said the company was

"surprised to say the least" and "disappointed that its name has been pulled into (the case)."

"We did not know in any advanced fashion that this case was being investigated," Mulloy said.

"We weren't contacted by authorities and didn't know in advance and so were quite surprised on Friday (Oct 16) morning as this news began to break. We are disappointed that our name has been pulled into it."

Stating that Rajiv Goel has been placed on administrative leave, Mulloy said Intel has launched its own investigation to determine what underlies the allegations. "It's important to keep in mind these are allegations and we need to get to the bottom of this from Intel's perspective. We have not been contacted by authorities, not the FBI, not the DOJ (Department of Justice), not the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to this case. If we are contacted, of course we will cooperate, but we are conducting our own investigation and Mr. Goel's on administrative leave."

Mulloy refused to comment on Goel's track record as an Intel employee stating company policy.

"It's not appropriate (to comment on Goel)," he said. "We have very strict rules with respect to privacy of individuals and even though his name has been made public by authorities and so on, there is a presumption of innocence under US law and we will respect his privacy; we have nothing to say except that he is on administrative leave."

The tainted ones Fifty-two year old Rajaratnam, a Tamil-born Sri Lankan and American citizen, founded Galleon Technology Funds, a hedge fund firm focusing on technology and healthcare stocks, in 1997 - a company that grew to more than $5 billion in 2001.

Galleon Management, the company's advisory business, oversaw more than $2.6 billion at the end of March this year, mostly on behalf of hedge funds, according to regulatory filings it submitted to the US Securities and Exchange Commission at the time.

Rajaratnam held a 50-75% controlling stake, according to the documents.

Galleon Partners, based in Manhattan, has offices in London, Singapore, Mumbai, and Menlo Park, California.

Silicon Valley was agog last week even as news of the arrest of Anil Kumar and Rajiv Goel -considered "rising stars" in the high tech global big business arena -- broke out.

Cont’d on page 7

Top Stories

October 30, 2009

India Post

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Shashi Tharoor gets a 'rock star' welcome SRIREKHA N. CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Two and half years since he left New York to pursue a career in mainstream Indian politics and becoming the Minister of State for External Affairs, Shashi Tharoor came back to the Big Apple to a near "rock star" reception by the Indian American community over the last couple of weeks.

From a parochial welcome by the Malayalee community groups to a large reception of the cream of Indian American community in the New York-New Jersey areas at a Diwali event hosted by the Indian Consulate, Tharoor was practically mobbed by admirers vying to pose for pictures with him.

The minister, who was in New York to address a UN General Assembly session, was admittedly thrilled by the homecoming welcome he received from the "security guards at the UN to the Secretary General".

At the Diwali reception at the Indian Consulate, Tharoor, who

has been making controversial headlines in the Indian media recently, was quick to point out that although it was like homecoming, his home now was in India.

To the amusement of the gathering, he said, "This is like homecoming, but I say that with some diffidence because I don't want the headlines in India to say that 'Shashi Tharoor says New York is Home'. My home is Delhi and Thiruvananthapuram. New York has been home for 18 and half years so it has a special place in my heart and all of you have a special place in my heart."

As a new politician in India, Tharoor said, "I am just excited to report with complete conviction that that I have really come to you from an India on the move."

Recalling Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's address to the newly elected Congress Party MPs following the general elections earlier this year, Tharoor said, "One thing he (the prime minister) said I will never forget -- he told us never to forget that so many young

Having a light moment with Ghazal singer Anoop Jalota

Desis arrested for Wall Street fraud Cont’d from page 6

Fifty-one year old, Santa Clara, California-based Anil Kumar is a graduate of the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology and the Wharton School. He started his career in McKinsey in 1986 in the US and was assigned to the firm's Silicon Valley office at the time of his arrest.

Kumar shot to fame in 1998 when he pioneered what is today popularly known as 'Knowledge Process Outsourcing' when he founded the McKinsey Knowledge Center in Gurgaon, outside New Delhi, India. He is also the Founding Director of the Indian School of Business in Hyderabad.

Rajiv Goel, also 51, resides in Los Altos, California. He worked at Intel Capital as a director in strategic investments. Before joining Intel, he worked in finance for India's Aditya Birla Group. With

an MBA from the Wharton School, he also served as a corporate banker with Bank of America in San Francisco and managed a large portfolio of securities for Metropolitan Life in New York.

Galleon hedge begins wind down Meanwhile, Galleon Group decided to wind down all its hedge funds, the Wall Street Journal reported on Oct 21. The news was reportedly conveyed to the company employees and investors by Rajaratnam in a letter. "I have decided that it is now in the best interest of our investors and employees to conduct an orderly wind down of Galleon's funds while we explore various alternatives for our business," Rajaratnam wrote in the letter. Despite the decision, investors will not receive their money until Jan 1, 2010, unless there's government intervention, added the report.

Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor ready to light the lamp to celebrate Diwali at Indian Consulate on Oct 18. With him are Consul General Prabhu Dayal, Mrs Dayal and Ghazal singer Anoop Jalota.

Pics Mohammed Jaffer-SnapsIndia

people turned out to support the UPA in the elections. And he said, 'We must always respect the impatience of the young'. The impatience of the young is what India is all about today."

Tharoor said India today was all about change, action and immediate progress, be it in the dramatic expansion of highways, the multiplying power generation levels or the exciting education projects. "There is change, movement in every part, but we are conscious as a government that 260 million Indians are still living below the poverty line. The challenge is huge and the idea is to distribute the pie to all. That's what this government has set out to do."

At the United Nations, Tharoor said India was pushing hard to get a permanent seat on the Security Council. "While we are pushing hard for reform of UN Security Council, we want to show the world that we want to play a responsible role in the international community."

While the UN is yet to decide on the creation of a permanent seat in the Security Council, Tharoor said India is a candidates for a nonpermanent Security Council seat the elections for which will take place a year from now. "We are prepared to serve in 2011-12 and we want the world to see what it is missing by not giving India an honored seat as a permanent member of the Security Council," he said.

As an ex-NRI, Tharoor said India was being transformed in many ways by the ideas, vision and international experience and exposure that NRIs have brought back to their home country. Lauding NRIs for their role in the adven-

‘My home is Delhi and Thiruvananthapuram.

New York has been home for 18 and half years so it has a special place in my heart and all of you have a special place in my heart’ ture that is India today, Tharoor urged the Diaspora to come back to India from time to time and give of their expertise. "In the present government there are people who are not just well meaning and have

hamara' in which the minister happily joined his vocals.

The more than 200 people gathered to celebrate Diwali with the minister at the Consulate enjoyed a sumptuous dinner thereafter.

Earlier in the week, Minister Tharoor attended an event in Long Island, jointly organized by the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO), the Indian American Kerala Cultural and Civic Center, the Long Island Malayalee Association, NRIs for Secular and Harmonious India, India Empowerment Group, National Indian American Association for Senior Citizens (NIAASC) and Indian Christian Forum.

At this interactive meet, Tharoor answered questions from the audience on issues ranging

Ladiesí man

their hearts in the right place, but also have the talent to make a difference," he added.

The Consulate event ended with renowned ghazal and bhajan singer Anup Jalota singing a couple of his favorite numbers and 'Sare jahaan se acha, Hindustan

from India's foreign relations; Pakistan vis-à-vis the terrorist attacks in Mumbai last year; Iran's nuclear proliferation issue; and others concerning overseas Indians such as the Overseas Citizenship Card, voting rights for Indian citizens living outside India, NRI property disputes in India and so on.

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House approves resolution on Gandhi anniversary India Post News Service

NEW YORK: The US House of Representatives approved a resolution commemorating the 140th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, recently.

Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (RFL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, who authored the legislation, while commenting on the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi said, "I am very pleased that the House will recognize the invaluable contributions of Mahatma Gandhi, who dedicated his life to helping those struggling to breathe free.

Gandhi also played an instrumental role in laying the groundwork for democracy to flourish in India, which is now the world's largest democracy and one of our strongest allies."

Specifically, the resolution recognizes the courageous life work of Gandhi, his philosophy of nonviolence, and his development of the term Satyagraha, meaning the vindication of truth through these methods.

"It is my hope that Gandhi's unbending commitment to freedom will continue to inspire our leaders today, and that the timeless and unalienable ideals for which he struggled will never be bartered or forgotten," the Congresswoman added.

Speaking on the House floor in support of the resolution, Rep. Ed Royce said, ""Gandhi dedicated his life's work to helping others. As a leader in the Indian National Congress, Gandhi led campaigns to ease poverty, expand women's rights, and build religious amity. Above all else,

however, Gandhi worked tirelessly to free his nation, and helped direct India into a new era of democracy."

In April of 2009, Rep. Royce traveled to India as part of a For-

Mahatma Gandhi

‘It is my hope that Gandhi's unbending commitment to freedom will continue to inspire our leaders today, and that the timeless and unalienable ideals for which he struggled will never be bartered or forgotten,’ the Congresswoman said eign Affairs Committee delegation.

During this trip, he had the chance to meet with several high ranking Indian officials, but the highlight of the trip was witnessing the first stage of the Indian elections.

"Gandhi would have indeed

been proud of how far his nation has come," said Royce, adding "under his guidance, India has become a pluralistic democracy of many religions and ethnic groups."

In addition to recognizing the life achievements of Gandhi, Royce also noted the holiday of Diwali, and gave his best wishes.

"As the co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, I am proud to be the lead cosponsor of H.Res.798, Conveying the best wishes of the House of Representatives to those celebrating Diwali. Celebrated by hundreds of millions around the world, Diwali is always a joyous occasion, and I wish all of those celebrating this holiday my very best wishes," said Royce.

Rep. Royce also commented on legislation that recently passed Congress that places tough restrictions on aid to Pakistan and is the subject of heated debate in Islamabad.

"Importantly, this legislation would prevent the sale of major weapons to Islamabad unless Pakistan is cooperating to fight proliferation networks, and has ceased its support to terrorists targeting neighboring India and US troops in Afghanistan. Given the troubled history of US aid to Islamabad, it is commonsense to lay down the principle that Pakistani actions will have consequences," said Royce.

Representative Ed Royce is a co-chair of the House Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans and is a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

US reverses turban ban on Sikh guard WASHINGTON: Sikhs in US will be allowed to serve in uniform with their beards and turbans under a legal settlement reached with the US Department of Homeland Security, a Sikh advocacy group claimed.

In a statement, Sikh Coalition claimed the Department of Homeland Security step had been prompted by the case of Raghbir Singh, who was paid compensation after being sacked from service in 2005 for sporting a beard and wearing a turban in accor-

dance with his religious beliefs.

"Holding the federal government accountable for discriminating against Sikhs sends a strong message to private employers. If the government includes SikhAmericans in its workforce, it should encourage other employers to do the same," said Harsimran Kaur, legal director, Sikh Coalition.

"Beyond monetary recognition, we're pleased the government recognized the need to edit its policies to accommodate for religious

differences," said Khari Tillery, who represented Singh along with the Sikh Coalition and Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights.

"Singh's turban and beard did not affect his ability to perform his job duties and he was an exemplary employee," he argued.

Singh is a former contracted federal security guard who was fired from his Fresno post in 2005 when his supervisors reported that his beard and religious turban failed to comply with homeland security uniform. -PTI

Pak judge hearing Mumbai case wants to quit ISLAMABAD/LAHORE: In a There are also reports that Rana possible setback to the trial of has received threats from the LeT seven suspects arrested by Paki- because the suspects were instani police for their involvement dicted in the absence of their lawin the Mumbai terror attacks, the yers during a hearing on October judge hearing the case has said he 10. . can no longer continue with the The hearing on October 10 coproceedings. incided with an attacked on the PaCiting "unavoidable reasons", kistan Army's headquarters in Judge Baqir Ali Rana of the anti- Rawalpindi by a group of terrorterrorism court, who has been con- ists. ducting the trial within the high-seRana reportedly said that since curity Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, has the situation outside the court was asked the Lahore High Court to be uncertain, those who wanted to excused from hearing the case. leave the premises could do so.

Rana sent a formal request to the Once the lawyers left the courtChief Justice of the Lahore High room, the suspects were formally Court, saying he could not con- indicted by the court. tinue with the proceedings because Their lawyers boycotted the of "unavoidable reasons".

The request is cur- Rana took the step as he felt he rently pending with the was under pressure from the Chief Justice's office, government and other quarters officials said. with regard to the trial of the However, sources told PTI that Rana took seven suspects, including key the step as he felt he Lashker-e-Taiba was under pressure operatives Zakiur Rehman from the government Lakhvi and Zarar Shah and other quarters with regard to the trial of the seven suspects, including subsequent hearing on October 17 key Lashker-e-Taiba operatives to protest the court's move.

Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi and Zarar The trial is being conducted at Shah.

Adiala Jail due to security concerns The sources said Rana was also and the media has been barred from facing pressure from the lawyers attending the proceedings. of the seven suspects, who are unRana was appointed the judge happy about the trial being con- for the Mumbai attacks case in July ducted in-camera. after the previous judge was reThe judge felt his position had moved as part of judicial reforms. been made "vulnerable" because Before his appointment, proceedings of the move to conduct the pro- were stalled for over a month as the ceedings behind closed doors. court was without a judge.-PTI

Obama sidelining special Af-Pak envoy Holbrooke?

WASHINGTON: Ten months after his appointment as President Barack Obama's trouble shooter in Afghanistan and Pakistan, US special envoy Richard Holbrooke seems to be sidelined from major events relating to the region, raising question marks over his future.

On the day when President Hamid Karzai and his main rival Abdullah Abdullah agreed to US plea for a run-off in elections in Afghanistan and Obama thanked them for this, Holbrooke was nowhere in action.

Holbrooke also did not figure on the thanksgiving list of President Obama, who at a joint press conference with Iraqi Prime Minister Noori al-Maliki yesterday, publicly acknowledged the efforts

of Senator John Kerry and US Ambassador to Afghanistan Karl Eikenberry.

But Holbrooke, who has been the Administration's pointsman and most powerful person in the State Department on Afghanistan, was neither mentioned by Obama nor Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

And instead of Holbrooke, it was Kerry and Eikenberry who made sure that Karzai agreed to the run-off in Presidential elections.

His absence from the scene has raised doubts about Holbrooke's future and also a subtle acknowledgement on the part of both Clinton and Obama that Holbrooke has not delivered what they expected of him. -PTI

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‘No substantive reason for hostilities between India, China’ SRIREKHA N. CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service

NEW YORK: The world is large enough for both India and China, said India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, Shashi Tharoor, who felt minor issues between the two countries should not be “blown out of context” even as he downplayed the recent border skirmishes on the IndiaChina border as mere “irritants.”

Minister Tharoor who addressed the Indian American media at the Indian Consulate in New York on Oct 18, said in response to a question on China protesting the visit of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to the state of Arunachal Pradesh in India (which according to China is a disputed region), “I think it’s important that everyone scale down a little bit the temperature. It’s not as if there is any substantive reason for hostilities between our countries.”

He, however, added, “Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of the territory of India and any Indian citizen going to Arunachal Pradesh is not the business of any third country.”

Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor speaking to the media at Indian Consulate on Oct 18, Prabhu Dayal, Consul General of India in New York, is at left. Pic Mohammed Jaffer-SnapsIndia

Stating that relations between India and China should be viewed in a broader context, Tharoor said, “It is a relationship which has featured so much development and trade that China is now our number one trading partner in manufactured goods.” He pointed out that as many as 7000 Indians were studying in China and Indian companies like Infosys were hiring Chinese workers to work for them in India. “The world is large enough for both India and China to fulfill the needs of their people and to be of service to humanity,” he said. “If you look at the nuts

and bolts of our daily interaction on economics we have Indian companies that have opened branches in Shanghai.”

Tharoor said at his meeting with the Deputy Permanent Representative of China in the UN, Liu Zhenmin, the Chinese diplomat had gone out of his way to be warm and friendly and to say how much he appreciated relations with India. “And I said this sort of thing should not be happening between our countries…and that we should put certain things behind us,” the minister said.

The minister made controver-

GUJARAT FAKE ENCOUNTERS CONDEMNED: A delegation of Muslim Indian-Americans and activists led by Saeed Patel and including Dr. Najma Sultana and New Jersey Councilman Mohammed Hameeduddin met with Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor at the Indian Consulate in New York on Oct 19, to condemn the alleged fake encounter killings in Gujarat. The delegation had a substantial conversation about inter-religious relations both in the US and in India. They condemned terrorism in all its forms and pledged their support to the US in its fight against terrorism.

US offers help to modernize India's armed forces AGRA: Pitching for robust Indo-US military ties, US Ambassador to India Timothy J Roemer has said that America is ready to support India's drive to modernize its armed forces.

"The United States is ready to support India in its drive to modernize its armed forces," Roemer said, inaugurating the five-day Cope India 2009 joint air exercises here.

The Ambassador also allayed fears over reliability of America as a supplier of defense equipment to India.

"I know that some are apprehensive about reliability of the

United States as a supplier of military equipment to India. I can tell you that our relationship is far different than it was even a few years back," he said.

Stating that the Indo-US relationship had come a long way since those apprehensions were formed, he said "this is a different world today. Our cooperation in the spheres of energy, science and technology, agriculture, education and development and trade - all point to an even stronger relationship. The defense realm will be no different."

Referring to the C-130 Super Hercules and the C-17

Globemaster transport aircraft, the US ambassador said both these aircraft were US air force's work horses. "I can assure you that IAF will be very pleased with the decision to purchase the C-130 J. Your first aircraft will arrive in early 2011, a little over a year from now, and it will be everything you hope it to be. We are proud to partner with you on this important program," he said.

India has ordered for six C-130 J aircraft for its special forces operations and these aircraft will be based at the Hindan air base in Ghaziabad near the national capital. -PTI

sial headlines in the Indian media recently for his regular feeds on Twitter. Responding to a question on what he thought of being labeled as “Twitter Tharoor”, he said, “I will not react to labels given by others.” However, he in his defense, he said Twitter was like an “interactive Akaashwani” through which he reaches 320,000 people regularly. “Any politician would love that – to be able to directly reach the people,” he said.

Seeing his Twitter success, he said, there was a surge of people – industry captains, celebrities

and film stars — using it although other politicians are still shy for fear of controversy. “Ultimately, the vision is to use all kinds of technology to our message out to the public; to improving understanding among the people of what the government is doing and to demystify governance,” he explained. “In the long term, people will see the advantage of such communication.”

Responding to a question by this Correspondent on whether he has developed the necessary thick skin to deal with mainstream Indian politics, considering his non-political background, Tharoor said, “Politics is the means to an end for me. I am not spending too much time on the process of politics as such. Having said that, I’d say politics is complex and I am learning everyday.”

On the issue of the US Congress approving a $7.5 billion aid to Pakistan, Tharoor said India has no issues with the US providing aid to Pakistan. “The only thing we want is that those funds should be used for the purpose intended and not for acts against India,” he said.

US wants India to be full partner in non-proliferation efforts WASHINGTON: Describing Clinton said, is embedded in a the Indo-US nuclear deal as part broader strategic dialogue that the of a broader strategic dialogue US is engaged in with the Indibetween the two countries, the ans.

Obama administration has said it "We view our relationship as wants India to be a major player one that is comprehensive and in its overall non-proliferation ef- very deep in terms of the issues forts and views the country as a that we wish to explore with our "full partner" on the issue.

Indian counterparts in the areas "We want them (India) to re- where we are either already or look ally be a major player at the table to cooperate," Clinton said. in trying to figure out how, starting from where we are right ‘We view our relationship as now, we go forward in an effective, verifiable one that is comprehensive manner to reinstate a non-proliferation re- and very deep in terms of gime that can prevent the issues that we wish to further countries acquiring nuclear weap- explore with our Indian ons, or even peaceful counterparts’ nuclear capacity without the safeguards that we envision," Secretary of "I think it is very significant State Hillary Clinton said. that the first official visit in the "So we see India as a full part- Obama administration will be in ner in this effort, and we look for- November, when Prime Minister ward to working with them as we (Manmohan) Singh arrives," the try to come up with the 21st cen- Secretary of State said. tury version of the NPT," she said The Indo-US nuclear deal, at the US Institute of Peace in re- Clinton said, is being supported sponse to a question on Indo-US by both her and President Barack civilian nuclear deal and the com- Obama. The agreement is one that mitment of the Obama Adminis- reflects the negotiations between tration towards this.

India and the United States, she The Indo-US nuclear deal, said.-PTI

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Pak SC fines federal, Punjab govts in Saeed case ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's Supreme Court hearing petitions against the release from house arrest of JuD chief Hafiz Saeed, blamed by India for masterminding Mumbai attacks, has imposed fine of Rs 10,000 each on federal and Punjab governments for delaying the case with their "noncooperative attitude".

An apex court bench headed

by Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry also adjourned the mater for a month.

During the hearing, the bench first temporarily adjourned proceedings after it was informed that Punjab government's counsel was pre-occupied with another case.

Later, the apex court adjourned the matter for a month after imposing the fine of Rs 10,000 each on the federal and Punjab governments for delaying the case and their "non-cooperative attitude."

Saeed, also the founder of LeT, was placed under house arrest in December last year after the UN Security Council declared the JuD a terrorist group. He was freed on

The apex court imposed the fine of Rs 10,000 each on the federal and Punjab governments for delaying the case and their ‘non-cooperative attitude’ the orders of the Lahore High Court on June 2.

Subsequently, the federal and Punjab governments filed two

petitions in the Supreme Court to challenge the High Court's order.

The case floundered after the Punjab government said it wanted to withdraw its petition and the province's Advocate General Raza Farooq resigned from his post in August.

On August 3, the Supreme Court had adjourned the hearing of the two petitions for an unspecified period.

Sources said the PML-N-led government in Punjab is apparently not keen on pursuing the case against Saeed as it believes there is no evidence linking him to terrorist activities.

Interior Minister Rehman Malik said that Pakistani authorities would not act against Saeed on the "dictation" of India.

He said action could not be taken against the JuD chief in the absence of evidence. -PTI

Obama Administration to consult India on its Burma policy WASHINGTON: As the Obama posed dialogues. They see that Administration moves ahead with the US is stepping up its overall its new policy of engaging the engagement in Southeast Asia.

Burmese military junta, a top US They are watching that carefully," official has said it will actively he said during a hearing on Burma consult India along with China on by the House Committee on Forits new strategy. eign Affairs.

Assistant Secretary of State for "I asked specifically for ChiEast Asia and Pacific Affairs Kurt nese assistance particularly in Campbell told US lawmakers that terms of establishing a dialogue he would be traveling to India in with internal parties in advance coming week to discuss with its leaders the objectives of the new He would be traveling to India Burma policy of restoration democracy in the in coming week to discuss country and protecting with its leaders the objectives human rights.

Campbell was in of the new Burma policy Beijing earlier and met senior Chinese officials who focus on Burma.

"I think it would be fair to say - of the 2010 elections, and I asked - to characterize those discussions for China's overall support for first by saying that the Chinese the US policy of engagement," are intensely interested in our pro- he said. -PTI

'Pakistan could be unwitting source Pak helping Jihadi groups of terror attack on US' consolidate in PoK WASHINGTON: If the continued bold terror attacks in Pakistan remains unchecked, the nucleararmed nation could be an unwitting source of a major terrorist attack on the US with weapons of mass destruction, a report by a bipartisan Congressional Commission has warned.

Noting that Pakistan remains the geographic crossroads for terrorism and weapons of mass destruction, the report said that the "increasingly bold attacks on well guarded military, police and UN targets indicate that the Taliban, al-Qaeda and other militant

IN NASHEEDíS HONOR: Under Secretary General, United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) Sha Zukang, Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh attend the Delhi High Level Conference on Climate Change Technology Development and Transfer in New Delhi on October 22. Singh inaugurated the two-day conference with the low-lying island nationís president as Guest of Honor

groups within Pakistan are a growing threat."

"The current trends, if left unchecked, will increase the odds that al-Qaeda will successfully develop and use a biological weapon or a nuclear device against the United States or its allies," the report by the Commission on the Prevention of Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferation and Terrorism said.

"Fear of continued turmoil in Pakistan reinforces the Commission's concerns that the country could be an unwitting source of a terrorist attack on the

United States, possibly with weapons of mass destruction," the Commission headed by former Senator Bob Graham said in its interim report.

The Commission is a legacy of the Joint Inquiry into Intelligence Community Activities Before and After the Terrorist Attacks of 9/11 and the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the US (the 9/11 Commission).

It was established by the US Congress to address the grave threat that the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction poses to the United States. -PTI

LONDON: Lashkar-e-Toiba and other Pakistani jihadi groups are entrenching themselves in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir and the local government apparently under pressure from Islamabad is providing them official facilities, a spokesman of the United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP) has said.

Mujtaba Ali Shah, Secretary of UKPNP, said that LeT and militants from other jihadi groups were being accommodated in state-run schools and madrassas in PoK. "I myself have witnessed the fact that the Lashkar-e-Toeba and

He said when local people protested the activities of the LeT militants in PoK, they were murdered or disappeared other jihadi groups have entrenched their positions in PoK and the puppet government there has instructed the local administration to accommodate the Pakistani and other jihadis by all means possible", Shah said while addressing the 'Black-Day Conference' on Kashmir in Watford, near here.

He said when local people protested the activities of the LeT militants in PoK, they were murdered or disappeared.

The comments by the Britainbased PoK leader of the presence and mushrooming of LeT and other Pakistani jihadi groups in occupied Kashmir comes as New Delhi has been pointing to the presence of militant camps across the border.

The Conference, organized by Kashmir National Party, condemned "tribal invasion" of Jammu and Kashmir in 1947, charging it was planned and supported by the government of Pakistan. -PTI

October 30, 2009

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Desi News Grand Diwali Parva at Jain Mandir HEMANT SHAH

CHICAGO: Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago (JSMC) at its Bartlett, Illinois temple celebrated Dipawali Parva that featured "Ghantakarna Veer Poojan", cultural programs, "Rangoli", "Mahavir Nirvan Ladoo", "Samadhi Maran Mala" and "Temple Dwar opening".

On this occasion, JSMC invited a noted Vidhikar Shri Narendra Nandu, from Mumbai who performed various rituals and poojans.

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA

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Gaiety & fervor at Fremont Temple Diwali

October 30, 2009

Details on page 18

Thousands celebrate Diwali in Chicagoland ANUPAMA PATEL

Details on page 13

Enchanting performance of Little Rani ASHWIN PATEL

ST. LOUIS: Dances of India presented a breathtaking spectacle of enchanting choreography, poetic narration, and creative staging and set design in its 32nd annual season Premiere Performance, The Little Rani. The event took place at Washington University's Edison Theatre last month.

Details on page 15

Yoga Science Camp at Gandhi Center ASHWIN PATEL

ST. LOUIS: A three-day Free Yoga Camp is being organized from October 30 to November 1 at Mahatma Gandhi Center (Hindu Temple) in Ballwin, St Louis, MO. A young couple, Sunil and Pooja Sharma, who have been inspired by globally famed Swami Ramdev would conduct this camp.

Sunil Sharma, a Software professional and Pooja holding a doctorate degree in Biotechnology learned Swami Ram Dev's methods of Yoga and have been practicing and teaching the techniques to others in USA free of charge.

Details on page 17

Diwali at Gayatri Gyan Mandir

CHICAGO: Indian Americans across Chicagoland celebrated Diwali and New Year with quite pomp gusto and religious fervor.

Thousands of devotees flocked to different temples and socio reli-

gious organizations where Diwali celebrations were held.

The biggest among all was the Bartlett facility of Bochasanwasi Akshar Purshottam Swaminarayan Mandir (BAPS) where a crowd of

Devotional singing at Gayatri Gyan Mandir.

eight to ten thousands devotees flocked for two days culminating on Annakut on Sunday October 18.

Other temples that had large gatherings were Hindu Temple of

Greater Chicago in Lemont, Balaji Temple in Aurora, Shree Ji Haveli in Addison, Manav Seva Mandir in Bensenville, Gayatri Gyan Mandir in Itasca and a few others.

Cont’d on page 13

Chicago Mayor joins Etihad celebration AQ SIDDIQUI India Post News Service

CHICAGO: The Etihad Airways has good reasons to celebrate - a successful launch of its non-stop Chicago Abu Dhabi and beyond service on September 2, an overwhelming response from travelers from the very first day of its service, and a sold out status for next two months for most India and Pakistan destinations.

The local office now headed by Etihad Vice-President Denise Harvill combined the celebration to welcome Etihad's Chief Executive Officer, James Hogan in Chicago from

Denise Harvill with Indian community members L-R Ranjit Ganguly, Anil Pillay, Denise Harvill, a guest, Iftekhar Shareef and Anwar Ali of Chicago Etihad

Abu Dhabi. Chicago Mayor Richard M Daley joined the crowded gala dinner celebrations adding more gusto and glory to the grand event.

The Etihad Airways success celebration fete was held at Hotel Peninsula in down town Chicago.

"I have been asked why there is no Premium Economy in Etihad, I said all seats in economy class are made premium class," said James Hogan. Amidst applause from the crowded gathering of travel agents, local media persons, prominent Indian, Pakistani and Arab communities, James Hogan briefly spoke about the success story of Etihad.

Cont’d on page 14

Community Across America

October 30, 2009

India Post 13

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Grand Diwali Parva at Jain Mandir HEMANT SHAH

CHICAGO: Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago (JSMC) at its Bartlett, Illinois temple celebrated Dipawali Parva that featured "Ghantakarna Veer Poojan", cultural programs, "Rangoli", "Mahavir Nirvan Ladoo", "Samadhi Maran Mala" and "Temple Dwar opening".

On this occasion, JSMC invited a noted Vidhikar Shri Narendra Nandu, from Mumbai who performed various rituals and poojans.

Newly inaugurated temple facility was reopened after beautiful marble floor work and special ceremony was conducted with a ritual of 18 Abhishek. This day about 40 JSMC Education Center students performed amazing concept in a play "Jain History. In the evening, Diwali-Milan and musical entertainment program was arranged. More than 2000 visitors prayed in this new temple facility during this weekend.

Alongwith "Mahavir Nirvan Ladoo" and "Samadhi Maran Mala" Jain Society also celebrated the "Varsi-tap" Parana of Ms. Ami Parekh who performed year-long fasting.

This fast is very rigorous since it entails a whole year of "tap" with eating no food on alternate days while following the prescribed rules.

Deepawali is the most important festival in India. For the Jains, it is the second most after the Paryusana Parva. For Jains Diwali marks the anniversary of Lord Mahavir's moksha. Mahavir attained moksha on this day in 527 B.C. (and also of the achievement of total knowledge, omniscience, by his chief follower, Gautama Indrabhuti). The festival falls on the last day of the month of Ashvina, the end of the year as per Indian calendar.

The celebration starts in the early morning of the previous day, for it was then that Lord Mahavira commenced His last sermon

AIIS offers language studies in India India Post News Service

NEW YORK: The American Institute of Indian Studies (AIIS) is offering language study in India between Sept-December 2010.

The languages on offer are Hindi (Jaipur); Bengali (Kolkata); Tamil (Madurai); Punjabi (Mohali); Sanskrit (Pune); Malayalam (Thiruvan-anthapuram); Marathi (Pune); and Urdu (Lucknow).

The deadline for applications is Jan 31, 2010. AIIS will offer instruction in Bengali, Hindi, Malayalam, Marathi, Sanskrit, Tamil, and Urdu as well as other languages if there is interest. Instruction in Bengali, Hindi and

New York Members of Jain Society offer Poojan to Ghantkaran

Illinois For Jains Diwali marks the anniversary of Lord Mahavir's moksha. Mahavir attained moksha on this day in 527 B.C. (and also of the achievement of total knowledge, omniscience, by his chief follower, Gautama Indrabhuti) which lasted till late in the night of Diwali. It is narrated that the eighteen kings of northern India who were in His audience decided

that the light of their master's knowledge would be kept alive symbolically by lighting of the lamps. Hence it is called Dipawali, (dipa means lamp), or Diwali Lord Mahavir is twenty-fourth and the last Tirthankara of the Jain religion. According to Jain philosophy, all Tirthankaras were born as human beings but they attained a state of perfection or enlightenment through meditation and self realization. Tirthankaras are also known as Arihants or Jinas. Jainism is a religion and a way of life.

Founded in 1970, JSMC is a non-profit body organizing various educational, religious and community activities on its 15.4-acre facility in Bartlett. JSMC is a member of the Federation of Jain Associations in North America (JAINA). Since 1993, this facility with a membership of more than 1,500 families, is the meeting place of Jains across Midwest.

Urdu will be offered at all levels. Students for other languages must have had two years of language study in order to participate.

Instruction will be offered at the AIIS Language Centers and the program will be administered in India by AIIS staff. The program fee for the fall semester program is $3,000, which includes a monthly stipend to cover living expenses. Fellowships are not available for the fall semester program so students need to procure their own funding and purchase their own plane tickets to India.

For applications and other information go to aiis@uchicago.edu or http://www.indiastudies.org The American Institute of Indian Studies is a cooperative, non-profit organization, whose members are American colleges and universities with a special interest in Indian studies.

Thousands celebrate Diwali in Chicagoland Cont’d from page 12

The heartening feature this year for all Indian Americans was that the US President Barack Obama took lead in joining Diwali celebrations at White House and Vatican Pope Benedict XVI greeting Hindus across the world. Locally, the City of Naperville issued a 'Diwali Proclamation' which declared Oct 17-19 as Diwali Indian festival of Light. The City of Aurora has already given Diwali proclamation to Hindu Swamyak Sevak Sangh that declared October17-19 Festival of Light days in Aurora.

This year HSS and Sewa International organized food collection drive with Diwali spirit of care and share. Many Indian grocery stores of Naperville and Michaels Veg. Market and others participated in this noble cause of giving back to the society in which we live.

It would be a gross understatement to say that Indian Americans across USA were overjoyed when they come to know that the US

President Barack Obama participated in Diwali celebrations at White House in Washington DC on last Wednesday. The stretching their joy further many now began hoping that the day is not far off when Diwali could be declared a holiday here also.

Vatican Pope Benedict also won the hearts of Indians here when he chose to greet Hindu friends on Deepavali. Titled "Christians and Hindus: Committed to Integral Human Development, and greeting millions of Hindus on the occasion of Diwali on Saturday, it called for greater unity and religious tolerance. The message reads: "Dear Hindu Friends...a happy Deepavali (Diwali)! Religious Festivals enable us to revitalize our relationship with God and one another," "Penn Masala", world's first Hindi a-cappella group of students at the University of Pennsylvania which combines South Asian music with a Western musical style, performed. Indian mithai (sweetmeat)

was distributed on the occasion.

Diwali celebrations across Chicagoland were galore with Lemont Hindu Temple at Lemont, Balaji Temple and Sai Temple in Aurora, Manav Seva Mandir in Bensenville, BAPS in Bartlett,

Gayatri Gyan Mandir in Itasca was another place where devotees flocked to have Diwali celebration. One of the highlights was devotional singing by Gayatri priests on the premise Itasca Swminarayan Mandir in Itasca, Wheeling Swaminaryan Mandir, Radhey Shyam Mandir in Bloomingdale Gayatri Gyan Mandir in Addison, Gayatri Shaktipeeth in Chicago, and hosts

of other socio-religious organizations announcing and holding celebrations on grand scale.

While the Diwali fervor is quite noticeable and visible across Chicagoland, the impact of adverse economic conditions is being felt too. Shopkeepers in general and Jewelers in particular seemed less enthusiastic over slackness in demand. A leading jeweler in Woodridge said that this "was probably the worst period that he faced in his two decades long business."

The number of devotees going to different temples however, showed a remarkable increase and most of the temples had gala celebrations and grand participation from the people. The limelight was stolen as usual by BAPS (Swaminarayan Temple) in Bartlett which had a crowded Annakoot celebration on Sunday. Indian CG Ashok Kumar Attri with his wife Ms Usha Attri were present along with Mayor of Bartlett Mike Kelly, State Senator John Milner, State

Representative Randy Ramey, Democratic candidate for Illinois Comptroller Raja Krishnamoorthi and Justice Ann Jorgensen and other dignitaries.

Gayatri Gyan Mandir in Itasca was another place where devotees flocked to have Diwali celebration.

One of the highlights was devotional singing by Gayatri priests on the premise. Over 500 had gathered and had Prasad. Shree Ji Haveli in Addison had thousands flocking to have Annakut darshan.

Shree Ji Haveli is a temple cum religious meeting place for Vaishnavites and has been established only three years ago. The management plans expansion for parking and other facilities.

Iskcon was another place where hundreds from Chicago Metro area went to participate in Annakoot and Govardhan Puja.

This is among the oldest temples in Chicagoland and has a huge number of followings, said Ajit Gandhi, a regular visitor to the temple.

14

Community Across America

India Post

October 30, 2009

www.indiapost.com

Chicago Mayor joins Etihad celebration Cont’d from page 12

He thanked Mayor Richard Daley and invited guests for joining the event. Denise Harvill also joined James Hogan on the podium and together they thanked all for supporting Etihad.

Mayor Daley in his address remarked that Etihad service has brought the city of Abu Dhabi closer to Chicago. He said Chicago has been a city of immigrants of diverse ethnicity and Arabs were among the earlier immigrants coming to Chicago. The celebration event was remarkable in many respects. While all the Etihad consolidator and their travel agents were invited, there were prominent persons from Indian, Pakistani and Arab communities.

All the FIA (Federation of Indian Associations in Chicago) men - former president Iftekhar Shareef, members Ranjit Ganguly, Keerthi Kumar Ravoori and others were present together with the other side of fence, the Pakistan Day Parade Committee members led by Syed Umar and Hameedullah Khan. From among Etihad consolidator travel agents, Umesh and Arvind Shah of Sky Bird Travel, Birju and Bhagat from Krisbi,

Chicago Mayor with CEO James Hogan

Mafat Patel from Air Tours, Sampat from Hari World Travel, Talath & Siddiqui from Evia Travel, Ali & Zubair from Pleasant Travel and Rizwan from RK Travel were also present. The unique assembly was a symbol of Etihad's well planned service flying maximum Indian and Pakistani community members from Chicago. The nonstop service from Chicago to Abu Dhabi has a feather in its cap - it

The unique assembly was a symbol of Etihad's well planned service flying maximum Indian and Pakistani community members from Chicago

Etihad CEO James Hogan with Denise Harvill

has ready non-stop flights from Abu Dhabi within two hours transit time to most cities in India and Pakistan. The timings both at arrival and departure for all cities from Abu Dhabi are well conceived and comfortable for travelers. The Indian and Pakistani passengers from Chicago will go direct to Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Trivandrum, and Delhi and to Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad in Pa-

kistan. The transit time remains at minimum for the returning passengers from India and Pakistan.

Etihad has also offered most competitive fares for all destinations in India and Pakistan. It announced special rebates on India and Pakistan Independence Day celebrations. The Etihad local office also announced a $25 discount as Diwali gift for Indian passengers through travel agents.

Community Across America

October 30, 2009

Enchanting performance of Little Rani ASHWIN PATEL

India Post 15

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Ramayana dance drama enthralls Chicagoans MOHINDER SHARMA

CHICAGO: International Ramayana Institute of North America (IRINA) presented its ninth Ramayana Dance Drama depicting the various Ramayana episodes last week at the auditorium of the Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago.

Illinois

A scene from the Little Princess dance performance

ST. LOUIS: Dances of India presented a breathtaking spectacle of enchanting choreography, poetic narration, and creative staging and set design in its 32nd annual season Premiere Performance, The Little Rani. The event took place at Washington University's

St. Louis Edison Theatre last month.

This dance-drama, based on the beloved children's classic The Little Princess, entertained both young-at-heart and the young with its seamless harmony of perfectly-chosen music, beautifully narrated script, and expertly performed Bharat Natyam.

Asha Prem, the Artistic Director of Dances of India, has a keen eye in assigning dancers to the

roles and dances that suit them best, thereby highlighting to the utmost each dancer's unique individual talent and skill.

An American girl played the lead role in the drama-a rare event in the world of Indian dance. Hope Gregory, at just 11 years old, played the role of The Little Princess with charm, confidence, and very well-executed expression and hand gestures.

The audience at the event, held at Washington University's Edison Theatre on the weekend of September 18-20, was truly taken by the visually stunning performance. Several spectators attended two performances of the event-indeed, one of the audience members was overheard saying, "I feel like we're at the Fox!" (a premiere St. Louis theatre which hosts Broadway musicals.)

This Institute was founded in year 2000 to promote and facilitate the literary, artistic, and scientific aspects of Ramayana throughout the world. IRINA has been continuously organizing dramas based on Ramayana for the past nine year consistently in collaboration with similar organizations in Indonesia and Thailand The presentation was the fruit of joint efforts of three nations

Ramayana episode performed by Indonesian artists

community organizations from Indonesia, India and Thailand led

by I Nyoman Mahartayasa (president), Dr. Subhash Pandey ( Past president & Trustee),and Jutarut Suntharanund ( immediate past

Ramayana episode performed by Indian artists

president & trustee), respectively.

The dance drama was choreographed and presented by three leading Asian dance Institutions namely: Indonesian performing Arts Chicago, Mudra dance Academy and Thai Cultural and Fine Arts Institute. This year India was represented by Mudra Dance Academy under directorship of Mrs. Kshama Shah. More than 300 people attended Ramayana dance drama which was performed by more than 100 artists from three countries.

The first episode was the Abduction of Sita called Sita Haran.

It was presented by Indonesia Performing Arts Chicago whose Choreographer was Putu Oka Mardiani Asnawa Cont’d on page 17

Children's Hope gala raises $500,000 India Post News Service

NEW YORK: It was a short trip from US to Rajasthan, no air travel involved. Over 500 people went on this magic journey when they came to the Grand Hyatt Hotel near Grand Central for the much anticipated Children's Hope Gala, An Evening in Rajasthan.

The ambiance was royal Rajasthan and the venue was made authentic complete with an ancient bazaar where one could buy Rajasthani crafts and puppets, gourmet chocolates and vegetarian cakes, silver jewelry and all the luxury delights of silent auction items.

The evening's host was Sarina Jain, the fitness celebrity who is herself Rajasthani. Dr. Dina Pahlajani, president of Children's Hope India, spoke about the many projects undertaken by this NY based non profit group.

"Today's Gala is a celebration of a successful partnership," she

Lotus award winners Ravi and Virginia Akhoury with CG Dayal

said. "It is a partnership between a group that is passionate about a cause and the generosity of people who believe that their good fortune is to be shared with the less fortunate on this planet, no matter where they may be. The end result of this partnership is the success story of CH."

New York The chief guest was Padmaja Kumari Mewar from the Royal House of Mewar, Rajasthan

Professor Surendra Kaushik receives the Making a Difference Award from HSBC Private Bank as CH board member Maya Rajani looks on.

The chief guests were Padmaja Kumari Mewar from the Royal House of Mewar, Rajasthan, and the Consul General of India, Ambassador Prabhu Dayal. Over 500 people from the worlds of finance, medicine, arts and business were there to support the cause.

Padmaja Kumari told the as-

sembled guests, "It is an honor to be here this evening celebrating not only the glorious culture of Rajasthan but also celebrating you for your generosity in support of Children's Hope India, which in turn supports so many aspects of children's lives.

Cont’d on page 17

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Community Across America

India Post

www.indiapost.com RAJPUT HONORED: Hamdard Center honored an Indian community activist and vice president of FIA, Sher Muhammed Rajput, with its prestigious "Outstanding Community Service Award" at its seventeenth annual gala on Saturday, October 10.

Hamdard Center is a Chicago-based premier health and human services organization, serving individuals and families by offering hope, help, and healing to Chicago and suburban communities for the last 17 years. The event was held at Donald E. Stephen Convention Center in Rosemont, IL. Seen in the picture Sher Rajput (left) with Dr. Hamid.

Children present Indian cultural show and an item from the popular movie, Slum-Dog Millionaire were done by the children exceptionally well, scores of non-south Asian Children participating with equal vigor and enthusiasm. Principal Craig Gaska and both teach-

Illinois

Cultural presentation by school children

SURENDRA ULLAL India Post News Service

CHICAGO: Students of the Foreign Language Club at Churchill (Elementary 3rd and 4th graders) School, Dist. 54 Hoffman Estate, a north side suburb of Chicago, presented an interesting program and superbly portrayed their understanding of South Asian languages, poems and folk dances last week at Readers Theatre of the School.

This was a cultural program choreographed and directed by

Rashmi Gandhi and Evelyn Jada, who were also the co-sponsors of the Club. Talking to India Post Rashmi Gandhi explained that this is the second anniversary of the Foreign Language Club in this school. Here children learn Hindi alphabet, reading and writing, recital of Hindi poems, both popular from popular Hindi movies and from the Indian folk lore, especially from the region of Gujarat.

They hoped that other linguistic itineraries would be added in future.

Performance of Raas Garba

Here children learn Hindi alphabet, reading and writing, recital of Hindi poems, both popular from popular Hindi movies ers, Rashmi and Evelyn joined the fray of entertainment and danced with children to the tunes of songs.

Rashmi Gandhi has been doing presentations on India throughout School District 54 schools in Schaumburg for the last 18 years. Rashmi Gandhi thanked the Principal, students and the media for their support at the conclusion.

October 30, 2009

Yoga Science Camp at Mahatma Gandhi Center ASHWIN PATEL

ST. LOUIS: A three-day Free Yoga Camp is being organized from October 30 to November 1 at Mahatma Gandhi Center (Hindu Temple) in Ballwin, St Louis, MO. A young couple, Sunil and Pooja Sharma, who have been inspired by globally famed Swami Ramdev would conduct this camp.

Sunil Sharma, a Software professional and Pooja holding a doctorate degree in Biotechnology learned Swami Ram Dev's methods of Yoga and have been practicing and teaching the techniques to others in USA free of charge.

They conducted a six-day Yoga Camp at Mahatma Gandhi Center in April of this year which was a huge success. That camp was attended by more than 120 peoples.

Sunil and Pooja will conduct two and half hour session each day on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. For the convenience of the participants the session on Friday will be from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. and on weekend the Yoga sessions will be conducted from 7:a.m. to 9:30 a.m. The session will be open for all irrespective of class, color religions, nationality and age.

Swami Ramdev advocates the

use of Pran (Oxygen) as a medicine to alleviate physical ailments.

This has helped in treating millions of grief stricken persons suffering from diseases like diabetes, blood pressure, blockages in arteries, obesity, migraine, thyroid, arthritis, cancer, etc. He has himself

St. Louis Sunil Sharma, a Software professional and Pooja holding a doctorate degree in Biotechnology learned Swami Ram Dev's methods of Yoga and have been practicing and teaching the techniques taught Yoga and Pranayama (breathing exercise) in person to millions of peoples worldwide and everyday he reaches out to millions more through electronic media like TV/Internet.

These yoga sessions are free and participants will be taken on "first come fist served" basis.

Prabhupada's 32nd disappearance anniversary Oct 21 SATCHITANANDA DASA

H

is Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada appeared in this world in 1896 in Calcutta, India.

He first met his spiritual master, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Gosvami, in Calcutta in 1922.

Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Goswmai, a prominent religious scholar and the founder of sixtyfour Gaudiya Mathas (Vedic institutes) in India, liked this educated young man and convinced him to dedicate his life to teaching Vedic knowledge. Srila Prabhupada became his student and, in 1933, his

checked the galley proofs, and even distributed the individual copies. The magazine is now being continued by his disciples in the West.

In 1950 Srila Prabhupada retired from married life, adopting the

St. Louis formally initiated disciple.

At their first meeting Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Goswami requested Srila Prabhupada to broadcast Vedic knowledge in English. In the years that followed, Srila Prabhupada wrote a commentary on the Bhagavad-gita, assisted the Gaudiya Matha in its work, and, in 1944, started Back to Godhead, an English fortnightly magazine.

Single-handedly, Srila Prabhupada edited it, typed the manuscripts,

A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

vanaprastha (retired) order to devote more time to his studies and writing.

He traveled to the holy city of Vrndavana, where he lived in humble circumstances in the historic temple of Radha- Damodara.

(For details logon to: indiapost.com)

Community Across America

October 30, 2009

India Post 17

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IAMA to hold its annual meet on Nov 7 Illinois

India Post News Service

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn

CHICAGO: Indian American Medical Association (IAMA) Illinois will hold its 29th Annual Meeting and Banquet on Saturday, Nov 7 at Waterford Banquet, in Elmhurst, a Chicago suburb, at 5-30 pm.

Dr. Utpal Parekh, IAMA president told Indian ethnic media that Illinois Governor Pat Quinn has agreed to attend the meeting and will be the chief guest of the event. He said that a high ranking AMA official has also consented to come if the health reform

has agreed to attend the meeting and will be the chief guest of the event

Illinois Governor Pate Quinn

Ramayana dance drama enthralls Chicagoans Cont’d from page 15

The second episode talked about the fight between Sugreeva and Vali, an integral part of Ramayan as with the help of Sugreeva, Rama's army could fight the demon Ravana. It was presented by Mudra Dance Academy.

The third episode related to the Construction of the Causeway to Longka - Ram Setu. It was presented by the Thai Cultural and Fine Arts Institute and Choreographers were Jutarut Suntharanund and Amman Jatuprayoon. Director of Thai Culture division, Patchara Subanajouy, did a remarkable job depicting in detail this topic. Ram Setu had sprung into controversy recently in India as many questioned its very existence.

Kus Folkers, Kismet Argoprodipto, Danny Nicky, Putri Aulia Kusumo - all emceeing the presentation did an outstanding job of introducing each episode with detailed narration of each episode.

On this occasion dance directors: Mrs. Kshma Shah, Mrs.

Jutarut Suntharanund, and Mr. Putu Oka Mardiani Asnawa were also recognized by IRINA for their outstanding choreography to this year's Ramayana Dance Drama.

The immediate past President, Mrs. Jutarut Suntharanund also received a plaque as a token of appreciation for her excellent service to the Institute as a president from 2007-2008.

Several dignitaries, such as congressman Bobby Rush, Governor Pat Quinn, Secretary of State Jesse White, Mayor Richard M. Daley, Consul General of Indonesia, Stephanus M Suwaryanto; Consul General of India, Ashok Kumar Attri; Consul General of Thailand, Narong Sasitorn conveyed their greetings on this occasion.

The next program by the institute in collaboration with Northern Illinois University and University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign will be the Third International Ramayana conference from September 17-19, 2010. The theme of the conference will be "Educational and Cultural Enhancement."

Children's Hope Gala raises $500,000 Cont’d from page 15

What strikes me the most is that CHI programs also support an intangible but no less important aspect: namely, children's self worth."

The evening honored AJ and Poonam Khubani, Founders of Telebrands International, with the Lotus Award for excellence in corporate social responsibility. Ravi Akhoury, former Chairman and CEO of Mackay Shields and a trustee of AIF and Rubin Museum, and Virginia Akhoury were also recognized with the Lotus Award.

The Making a Difference Award

was presented to Dr. Surendra Kaushik for the educational opportunities provided to young women in Rajasthan through the Helena Kaushik College.

The evening raised a whopping $ 500,000 for children's health and education, with pledges still coming in.

Children's Hope India is a volunteer organization of Indian women professionals in New York that has been raising funds for children's health and education since 1992. It supports over 20 projects across several major cities in India reaching out to over 20,000 children per year.

talks in Washington do not require his presence there.

Dr. Parekh said that IAMA website has

been receiving good number hits and is getting more and more popular. He also said that the nomination committee for the IAMA 2010 officers slate has approved the slate presented by President-elect Dr. Ashok Fulambarker. The nominating committee members were: Drs. Deepak Mittal, Utpal Parekh, Ashok Fulambarker, Raji Srinivasan and Kamal Patel.

The 2010 IAMA officers list is as follows: President Dr Ashok Fulambarker, Presidentelect Annita John, Secretary Dr Aruna Vade, Secretary-elect Dr Raj Arora, Treasurer Dr Kirti Talsania.

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Community/California

India Post

Anju Garg elected FIA-SC president India Post News Service

CERRITOS, CA: Board members of FIA-SC met at India CafĂŠ in Cerritos on October 8 to elect new office bearers. By majority vote, Anju Garg was elected President of FIA-SC for the year 200910. All other officers were elected unanimously.

Anju Garg has been living in Southern California for 23 years and has been an active member of the Indo-American community.

She is an Auditor by profession and co-owner and CFO of Auditing firm Insight Examination Services, Inc.

October 30, 2009

www.indiapost.com

Gaiety & fervor at Fremont Temple Diwali

Details on page 19

Preparations for Yuba City Sikh Parade ED VASQUEZ

YUBA CITY, CA: The 2009 Yuba City Sikh Parade celebrates another milestone this year. This marks the 30th anniversary of a parade that started with humble beginnings - one float and an estimated 5,000 Sikhs marching through Yuba City in 1970. In three decades the parade has grown from a local community event to an International one. Each year Sikhs travel to Yuba City from all over the world to partake in one of the largest devotional celebrations in the Western Hemisphere.

This year, weather permitting, more than 75,000 people are expected to participate in the 30th Annual celebration.

Details on page 21

Kanika Agarwal named Richter Scholar India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: Caltech celebrated undergraduate research with 269 students presenting their research posters, Footsteps, of over 6000 students who have participated in Surf and allied programs Murf, Amgen scholars. Collectively with support of their mentors and commentors they have contributed to body of scientific knowledge.

Kanika Agarwal, a sophomore premedical student, had a poster presentation 'Identification of lentiviral vector integration sites in a human fusogenic cell line.' She worked with David Baltimore, Robert Andrews Millikan Professor of Biology, Nobel Laureate, President emeritus.

Details on page 23

India Post News Service

FREMONT: The festival of Diwali was celebrated with gaiety and fervor in the Fremont Hindu Temple. The Diwali Mela organized at the temple had more than 25 booths showcasing jewelry, mehandi, kids corner, games, food stalls, insurance ,clothes , non profit , silver coins etc. The Diwali Mela Chair Deepak Chhabra said there were more than 4000 visitors this year in the Diwali Mela.

There was Quiz Competition for kids of age group 5 -12.

There were 4 teams with 40 kids participating. The Quiz was coordinated by Ajay and Vinita Bhutoria. Vinita Bhutoria and Manorma Joshi were the Quiz masters. Kids and parents enthusiastically answered the six rounds of quiz questions on India culture, religion, history and world current

affairs.

Vijay Aasuri, Chair of Cultural Committee, put together an awesome cultural program from 1pm -

6pm. Kids of all ages presented beautiful dance numbers based on Bollywood and classical music.

In the evening dignitaries attended and addressed the gathering. Dr Romesh Japra wished all the devotees Happy Diwali and reminded it was a great way to

share our culture with the younger generation. Senator Ellen Corbett addressed the gathering and said Diwali is the festival signifying the victory of good over evil, spreading light over darkness and dispensing knowledge over ignorance. Senator Corbett presented a Resolution to Honor Dr Romesh Japra for his Great Contributions to the Indian community. She also presented a Certificate of Honor to Fremont Hindu Temple received by Religious Chair Leela Mathur.

San Jose Council Member Ash Kalra addressed those assembled and wished them Happy Diwali. Kalra also presented a Certificate of Honor to Fremont Hindu Temple received

by Mela Chair Deepak Chhabra and Youth Committee Chairman Ajay Bhutoria.

Dignitaries awarded trophies and certificates to winners of Quiz competition. Raj Bhutoria (age 9) and his team won the first prize in Quiz competition.

Rajesh Verma, Manorma Joshi and Yogi Chugh also wished all the Temple devotees a Happy Diwali.

There were special Laxmi Pujan and Havan during the day and in

the evening at main hall in the Temple.

In the evening around 3000

people were seen doing darshan, enjoying the bhajans and live performances by Bay Area melody

Queen Alka Bhatnagar and her team. People were busy thronging the Food Stall, buying silver c o i n s , jewellery and clothes, exchanging gifts and sweets.

People from all religions forget their differences and get together to celebrate this festival of lights.

Visitors remarked the Temple looked very beautiful with lights and diyas. Folks came from all parts of Bay area to see the Temple lighting put together by Veeru Vuppala.

It is a great festive atmosphere and makes us feel at home, like we are in India, said Anita Kapoor, Temple Administrator. Anita Ji helped in coordinating the activities and Diwali events.

Community/California

October 30, 2009

India Post

19

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Riverside Temple lights up for Diwali celebrations VICTORIA TRUVER

Hundreds of assorted dishes were offered on the altar before Lakshmi Narayan

RIVERSIDE: The Shri Lakshmi Narayan Mandir here remained crowded for the Diwali weekend celebrations, which included Chopda Puja, Lakshmi Puja and Annakut/Govardhan Puja. Over 200 businessmen and women brought their books and laptops for Chopda Puja, Saturday evening.

Each bhakta was provided with a small table and samagris. While Pandit Vipul Jani instructed them, they performed the puja. Pandit Seshacharyulu and Pandit Vipul Jani officiated at the Lakshmi Puja, which followed. Since it was the third Saturday in October, the

Businessmen at Chopda Puja

monthly Durga Puja was held. Because it was Diwali, huge crowds attended and enjoyed listening to bhajans by Amit Anand.

Early Sunday morning Pandit Seshacharyulu and Pandit Vipul Jani dressed the deities in the finest garments and carefully prepared the altars for the evening's Annakut / Govardhan Puja. Steps were built to receive the offerings for Annakut, translating as anna meaning food and kut meaning mountain.

The four-foot papier mache Mount Govardhan placed at the foot of the altar completed the arrangements. That evening over 800

‘Traditionally these foods were the first to be grown after the monsoon and offered to the God of rain, Indra’ bhaktas filled the Mandir, each bringing a food offering which was set on the tiers before Lakshmi Narayan.

The color and variety of the dishes was amazing, including

Devotees sat in rows for Chopda Puja

many uniquely carved fruits and vegetables. "Traditionally these foods were the first to be grown after the monsoon and offered to the God of rain, Indra," Dr. Shukavak Dasa explained in his pravachan.

"Krishna's father Nanda explained that we live happily because Indra had given the rain to ensure the crops. But Krishna disagreed. The cause of happiness and sadness is due to man's karmas.

Krishna stated, "Since we are forest dwellers, from now on we should offer this food to the cows and to Mount Govardhan." When Indra discovered the offerings had

been stopped, he caused rains to flood Mount Govardhan in an attempt to destroy it. With one little finger, Krishna raised Mount Govardhan and sheltered the residents and cows beneath it."

After midnight the curtain hiding the altar from view was taken down and everyone was amazed by the darshan of Lakshmi Narayan. The entire Mandir was dark with all lights out except for a large diya burning on the altar.

The effect was mesmerizing.

After aarti the food was distributed as Maha Prasad. This sanctified Prasad signifies starting the New Year afresh.

Diwali celebrated with fun and festivity at BAPS Mandir India Post News Service

CHINO HILLS: People of all ages eagerly look forward to the festival of lights known as Diwali.

Diwali is the mostly widely celebrated Hindu festival, signifying the victory of good over evil and marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year. People clean their homes and illuminate them with colorful lights and divas. New clothes are worn, traditional Indian sweets are shared and good wishes to family and friends are sent.

The festivties leading up to Diwali included various rites and rituals beginning with Dhan Teras, in which ones wealth is purified and offered to God. It is followed

by Kali Choudas during which Hanuman puja is performed to ward off evil. On Saturday October 17, devotees participated in chopda pujan, a special prayer ritual during which account books are purified and prayers are said for a prosperous New Year.

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Chino Hills, CA was

As visitors entered the brightly glowing mandir, they were greeted with an elaborate Rangoli, a beautiful floor design made with colored rice and powder buzzing with joy and excitement on Sunday October 18 as devo-

tees congregated to celebrate Diwali. As visitors entered the brightly glowing mandir, they were greeted with an elaborate Rangoli, a beautiful floor design made with colored rice and powder.

Explaining the spiritual significance of Diwali, Pujya Sarvadarshan Swami said, "Just as everyone experience joy today, every day would be Diwali, if we rid ourselves of the ignorance that we are this body and if we believe ourselves to be atma.

Cont’d on page 21

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Community/California

India Post

October 30, 2009

www.indiapost.com

Japanese Americans recognize CAIR's work

Anju Garg elected FIASC president Sothern California to the best of her ability. She reiterated the need for a unified Indo-American community in Southern California and welcomed all associations to work together for a strong lobby that can represent all interests.

The FIA-SC team for the year is, Chairman Ajmer Singh, Execu-

JS BEDI India Post News Service

COSTA MESA, CA: On Saturday, Oct. 10, the Japanese American Citizens League Pacific Southwest District (JACL PSW) gave an award to the Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) for its work in building bridges of understanding.

The award was given at JACL PSW's 2009 Annual Awards Dinner, the theme of the event being "Bridging Communities: the Tradition of Working Together." Over the past 13 years, the awards dinner has honored people who have made a positive impact in the community.

Also honored individually were CAIR-LA Executive Director Hussam Ayloush, Civil Rights Manager Affad Shaikh, Deputy Executive Director/Staff Attorney Ameena Qazi, Communications Manager Munira Syeda, Membership & Administrative Manager Anbar Mahar, former Special Projects Coordinator Arefa Simjee, and former Government Relations Manager Sharaf Mowjood.

"The JACL Pacific Southwest District is grateful for its partnership with CAIR in 2009," said Craig Ishii, regional director for JACL PSW. "To us, CAIR exemplifies an

Anju Garg

organization willing to reach beyond its own community to advance civil rights for Asian Pacific

The award was given at JACL PSW's 2009 Annual Awards Dinner, the theme of the event being ‘Bridging Communities: the Tradition of Working Together’ Americans as well as Muslim Americans. We're honoring both the organization as well as the in-

dividual staff members for unprecedented dedication to our Bridging Communities program in 2009."

Over the past three years, CAIR-LA worked with JACL PSW and Nikkei for Civil Rights and Redress (NCRR) to organize the Muslim community's participation in an annual visit to Manzanar, one of several concentration camps established during World War II to detain Japanese Americans.

At Manzanar, about 11,000 men, women and children were held, but none was ever charged with espionage. Last year, CAIR-LA filmed the Muslim community's visit to Manzanar and the bonds of friendship that were established between the two communities.

India Post News Service

CERRITOS, CA: Board members of FIA-SC met at India Café in Cerritos on October 8 to elect new office bearers. By majority vote, Anju Garg was elected President of FIA-SC for the year 200910. All other officers were elected unanimously.

Anju Garg has been living in Southern California for 23 years and has been an active member of the Indo-American community.

She is an Auditor by profession and co-owner and CFO of Auditing firm Insight Examination Services, Inc. On the occasion Anju said that she would work hard to represent the Indo- American community of

Anju Garg has been living in Southern California for 23 years and has been an active member of the Indo-American community. She is an Auditor by profession and co-owner and CFO of Auditing firm Insight Examination Services, Inc tive VP Aparna Hande, Executive VP Rajinder Dhunna, Treasurer Suresh Patel, Secretary Gunjan Patel, VP Planning Swaran Dabgotra, VP Community Balwinder Garcha, VP Public Relations Ravinder Verma, VP Fundraising Sunil Garg, VP Cultural Harjit Bhogal, VP Women's Affairs Smita Bagla, and VP Youth Preeti Tilve.

Indian Medical Association celebrates Diwali

India Post News Service

DIAMOND BAR, CA: On the eve of October 15, doctors from all over Southern California came together with the Indian Medical Association of Orange County to celebrate Diwali at Diamond Palace in Diamond Bar. The evening started off with a Rangoli competition which drew great enthusiasm.

Beautiful Rngolis with vibrant colors were designed by several attendees and the first prize was awarded to Jayashree Shah, second to Western University of Health Sciences and third to D. Choudhary.

Once appetizers had been served, an

evening of music and dance ensued. Dr Smita Tandon, President of IMASC, wished everyone a very happy Diwali and invited them to attend the annual convention of IMASC to be held from Oct 30 to Nov 1 at Sheraton Anaheim.

Aziz Ihani was the master of ceremonies and challenged the audience with a Diwali quiz.

This event was made possible by coordinated efforts of Dr Vandana Agarwal who welcomed the guests on this auspicious day. In the spirit of Diwali, she wished everyone a very happy Diwali and a prosperous New Year.

The festivities began with a first year medical student Samiksha Choudhary singing a bhajan. It was followed by solo and group dance from Bollywood. Shruti Mishra performed to aaja nach le and Phorum Sheth performed to chaiya chaiya.

Dr Bud Kurwa, an ophthalmologist, played melodious tunes on flute. Arshad Ali and his orchestra performed live music.

Dr. Mahesh Vyas sang melodious songs.

Afterwards, dinner was served.

Dr. Vandana Agarwal arranged this function with the help of unrestricted grant from Aziz Ihani of the Nexus group of Smith Barney.

Community/California

October 30, 2009

India Post

21

www.indiapost.com

Preparations for Yuba City Sikh Parade ED VASQUEZ

YUBA CITY, CA: The 2009 Yuba City Sikh Parade celebrates another milestone this year. This marks the 30th anniversary of a parade that started with humble beginnings - one float and an estimated 5,000 Sikhs marching through Yuba City in 1970.

In three decades the parade has grown from a local community event to an International one. Each year Sikhs travel to Yuba City from all over the world to partake in one of the largest devotional celebrations in the Western Hemisphere. This year, weather permitting, more than 75,000 people are expected to participate in the 30th Annual celebration.

Kulwant Johl, a board member of the Sikh Temple Gurdwara, was the Board Secretary 30 years ago when the community banded together to support the concept of a celebration commemorating the receipt

by Sikhs of the Guru Granth Sahib (Sikh Scriptures).

"These were growing times for the Yuba City Sikh community", said Johl. Only ten years earlier the community had successfully built the second Gurdwara in the entire state of California. "Prior to the Sikh Temple Gurdwara Yuba City there would be a line of cars leaving town every Sunday to attend the Stockton Sikh Temple", said Johl.

Friday morning, October 30th, will begin the traditional start of 48 hours of continuous readings of the Guru Granth Sahib.

Friday evening will end with a spectacular fireworks display sure to be attending by thousands in the community. "It's the Sikh way of saying thank you to the community", said Balraj Singh Dhillon, President, Sikh Temple Gurdwara.

On Saturday, October 31st, there will be an Open House featuring a short presen-

Nearly 50 floats are expected to participate in the 4 1/2 mile long parade through the streets of Yuba City. They will be ornately decorated in themes that reflect the vibrant nature of the Sikh Culture, Sikhism and of the Sikh way of life tation to recognize elected officials and dignitaries along with an educational video.

The video, Cultural Safari, is a 17-minute video aimed at educating America's schoolchildren, teachers and school administrators about what it means to be a Sikh Ameri-

can. Dr. I.J. Singh, N.Y.U professor and a writer of several books on Sikhism from a western perspective and a scholar of Sikhism will be the keynote speaker. Dr. Singh has authored a collection of essays, Sikhs and Sikhism: A View with a Bias, The Sikh Way: A Pilgrim's Progress, and his newest collection, Being and Becoming a Sikh.

On Sunday morning, the community will be treated to the 30th Annual Sikh Parade.

Upon the ending of the 48 hours of prayer, the Guru Granth Sahib will be carried onto a lavishly decorated float and make its way through the streets of Yuba City, with thousands following the procession.

Nearly 50 floats are expected to participate in the 4 1/2 mile long parade through the streets of Yuba City. They will be ornately decorated in themes that reflect the vibrant nature of the Sikh Culture, Sikhism and of the Sikh way of life.

In the Sikh tradition of sharing taught by the Guru's, more than 250,000 meals will be prepared and distributed to attendees at absolutely no charge.

This year, due to the rough economic conditions facing this nation, the Sikh Temple Gurdwara Yuba City will also be collecting canned food and non-perishable food items for the areas food banks. Everyone is encouraged to clean their pantry and bring the items to the Sikh Temple Gurdwara, 2468 Tierra Buena Road, Yuba City.

Festival films on Sikhs from across the world India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: SikhLens has announced the "Sikhs from Across the World" cluster, as part of the Sikh Art and Film Festival, to be held on Sunday November 15 from 10:45 am to 1:30 pm, which will showcase three films and a panel discussion.

Opening the cluster is the film For the Record. Directed by Kuldip Powar, For the Record takes the viewer on a fascinating journey into the lives of those who passionately collected and sold vinyl records in the 1960's, 70's and 80's in Southall, West London. Several award-winning singers and artists give us insight into how vinyl records impacted on their musical careers. The film also discusses the issue of piracy that ultimately led to the demise of Indian vinyl production Next on the docket is the world premier of the film The Rebel Queen, directed by Michael Singh. The film reveals the turmoil, murder, mayhem, heartbreak and diplomatic intrigue surrounding an extraordinary woman, Maharani Jinda, the wife of one Maharajah and mother of another. Forcibly separated from her son, escaping from captivity, and finally reunited with him, she sets in motion the wheels of justice that threaten to chase the British out of India.

Cont’d on page 23

Diwali celebrated with fun and festivity at BAPS Mandir friends to the celebration. Robin Darie from La Habra said, "I thought it was a great cultural experience for the whole family. It was a great way to educate the community about Hinduism. I learned in a presentation here about the impact of a vegetarian diet on the environment. I am really astonished."

"Diwali is that time of the year when family, friends and relatives get together and strengthen their bonds through various festivities.

Being away from India should not

Cont’d from page 19

Diwali is a festival to be aware of the inner light of God, and once we understand this, we will experience joy in every moment of our lives."

This past Sunday marked the culmination of weeks of planning and preparation, setting the stage for the most significant ritual of the Diwali events, 'Annakut.'

Annakut, which literally means 'a mountain of food', is traditionally offered to God to celebrate the beginning of the Hindu New Year.

"The preparation begins at 5 am in the morning for us," explained Krupali Patel of the BAPS youth wing. "The vegetarian food is traditionally arranged in tiers or steps

in front of the murtis of God. The sweets are placed nearest. As the tiers descend, other foods such as vegetables, pulses and fried savories are arranged. A mound of cooked rice, symbolic of Mt. Govardhan, is placed in the center. Today over 1500 food items have been offered to God," said Chandrika Patel, a BAPS volunteer.

Devotees arrived continuously from early morning dressed in new shervanis and colorful sarees to behold the beautifully adorned deities in the Mandir. The atmosphere was filled with festivity and divinity as devotees greeted each other. The young touched the feet of the elders and sadhus, receiv-

ing their blessings. The first aarti (Hindu ritual) of the New Year was performed at 7:00 am followed by prayers for world peace and wellbeing.

"Diwali is my favorite festival because of the excitement that fills the air when the festival nears. But having recently migrated to US, I did not know what to expect." said Heena Prajapati "But after coming to the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Chino Hills, I felt like I was in India. I experienced Indian culture while getting a taste of fine Indian cuisine. Every person I met had an expression of warmth and happiness on their face. I truly felt at home."

Many brought their American

dren look forward to the joy it brings. On Sunday October 18 beginning at 9:00 am, the Children's Diwali Celebration took place, which included a carnival and exhibition exhibiting the various occasions that lead up to Diwali such as Bhai-Bhij and Dhanteras. The celebration was as much fun as it was educational.

The atmosphere was filled with joy and celebration. The children learned the history and origins of this festival, played a variety of exciting games, and were given an

‘I experienced Indian culture while getting a taste of fine Indian cuisine. Every person I met had an expression of warmth and happiness on their face. I truly felt at home’ cause a lapse in our traditions", said Ravi Patel "Preparations for the festivities begin months in advance. Devotees, young and old, sacrifice their time to help in creating decorations, food preparation, children's Diwali celebration arrangements, as well as decorating the stage for the most significant ritual of Diwali, the Annakut," concluded, Ravi Patel.

Diwali is also a time when chil-

assortment of gifts and goodies.

This year His Divine Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj celebrated Diwali and Annakut in Gondal, Gujarat, India. He blessed the devotees on the New Year day.

In his blessings he said, "Everyone's devotion could be seen today. If we develop Dharma and Bhakti in our hearts, God becomes pleased, and thus He graces us with His blessings."

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Community/California

October 30, 2009

www.indiapost.com

Glimpses of Bandhhi Chhor Diwas and Diwali at Walnut Gurdwara

Details next week

Community/California

October 30, 2009

Rajput Association celebrates Diwali

India Post 23

www.indiapost.com

Kanika Agarwal named Richter Scholar India Post News Service

India Post News Service

ORANGE, CA: Members of Rajput Association of America (RAOA) gathered at Tandoor Restaurant in City of Orange to celebrate Diwali (Festival of Lights) as its annual function.

The Diwali function began with Puja performed by senior member Karam Chand Sehdev. Board of Trustees Kewal Kanda opened the festivities by wishing the members Happy Diwali. President Rajesh Dhunna welcomed the members.

School children from high, middle, elementary, and kindergarten categories were honored with certificates of excellence and awarded cash prizes based on their GPA or progress reports. Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez's office

honored the executive committee members with certificates of Congressional Recognition for their dedicated community service.

Senior members Karam Chand Sehdev and Shadi Lal Chauhan were honored with flower bouquets for guidance and support.

After the awards ceremony Master of Ceremony Manish Dasaur took over the program and pumped everyone into Diwali spirit. Kids, young children, and adults all danced to the tunes of Bhangra music.

It was a fun filled night. In the end the RAOA members enjoyed the sumptuous food and sweets.

Newly elected president of Federation of Indo American Associations Anju Garg and her husband Sunil Garg were the chief guests.

LOS ANGELES: Caltech celebrated undergraduate research with 269 students presenting their research posters, Footsteps, of over 6000 students who have participated in Surf and allied programs Murf, Amgen scholars. Collectively with support of their mentors and commentors they have contributed to body of scientific knowledge.

Kanika Agarwal, a sophomore premedical student, had a poster presentation 'Identification of lentiviral vector integration sites

Kanika feels that through Surf she has learnt to navigate research, deal with scientific challenges and roadblocks, collaborate with colleagues, and perhaps most importantly, communicate her work to others

Dr Jasbir Kang is Physician of Year

in a human fusogenic cell line.' She worked with David Baltimore, Robert Andrews Millikan Professor of Biology, Nobel Laureate, President emeritus.

Kanika feels that through Surf she has learnt to navigate research, deal with scientific challenges and roadblocks, collaborate

with colleagues, and perhaps most importantly, communicate her work to others. She felt it was important for her to celebrate her personal growth under the shadow of a Nobel laureate. Dr Baltimore provided her support, guidance and opportunity to Kanika who was named Richter Scholar.

Festival films on Sikhs from across the world Cont’d from page 21 Physician of the Year India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: The Fremont Rideout Foundation (non profit) at its annual event honored Dr Jasbir Singh Kang by awarding him the Physician of the Year award 2009-2010. Carol Ramirez vice President of the foundation recognized Dr Kang for his efforts

to educate Medical community and increase awareness about Diabetes amongst general public at large in Mid Valley, California.

Dr Kang is a Chief of Staff at both local hospitals in Yuba Sutter area. Also he was recently nominated as a Board of Director of non profit Great Valley Foundation of California.

Michael Singh, whose "Prisoner's Song" has won several awards, brings to life the triumphant and tragic life of one of the most-feared challengers to the mighty British Empire.

A very interesting feature of this cluster is the panel discussion: The Rise and Fall of the Kingdom of Punjab. World renowned historians and filmmakers will delve in to the untold history and as-

pects of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Maharani Jinda, and Mahraja Duleep Singh.

This cluster will conclude with the film My Mother India, followed by an open Q & A with the filmmakers. This is a passionate film told by the child of a mixed marriage and set against the tumultuous backdrop of modern Indian history.

Director Safina Uberoi depicts her own life, it's uniqueness, her journey from India to Australia,

and how the events of 1984 have shaped and changed her life like she could never expect. Safina delves into the depths of her own family and how her mixed background led to a unique perspective on various historical events from partition in 1947 to the turmoil of 1984.

SikhLens will be holding its inaugural Sikh Art and Film Festival 2009 at the historic Egyptian Theater in Hollywood, California from November 13-15th, 2009.

Tech News Premature to exit fiscal stimulus: FM NEW DELHI: Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee has ruled out any immediate plans to exit the fiscal stimulus as the global economy is still to show robust recovery but was optimistic about domestic economic growth.

Ahead of the monetary policy review on October 27 by Reserve Bank, he said he will hold discussions with the apex bank and would not like to comment on issues like where interest rates are headed.

"We took that (decision on stimulus). We took some risks, there is no doubt about it. Unless the world economy firmly recovers -- signals are strong -- perhaps it would be premature to think of exit policy. Therefore, I would like to watch the situation for some more time," Mukherjee told PTI. He was asked if fiscal concessions given to the industry to overcome the global financial crisis that started last year would be withdrawn given the inflationary concerns.

He was optimistic about domestic growth prospects, saying even the Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council's projection was on identical lines. The PMEAC expects the economy to expand by up to 6.75 per cent this fiscal, while pegging inflation at near six per cent

by March 2010. -PTI

Workers' stir hits auto production in Gurgaon GURGAON: Auto and auto component production, including that of Hero Honda, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India, was hit here on account of a day long strike by workers to protest the death of an employee during a group clash.

Thousands of workers gathered at the gate of Rico Auto, an auto component maker, demanding among other things a compensation of Rs 50 lakh to deceased worker's family and Rs five lakh for about 60 workers injured in the clashes between two sections of employees of the company.

The striking workers got political support from the Left, with CPI Member of Parliament Gurudas Dasgupta, who is also the General Secretary of All India Trade Union Congress, calling for the Prime Minister's intervention.

"I want Prime Minister to intervene and resolve the matter. We will offer unconditional dialogue with the government to resolve the matter," Dasgupta said.

The agitating workers, under the umbrella of Trade Union Council, claimed that their strike was successful. -PTI

TechBiz 24 India Post

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October 30, 2009

India may grow by 6.75 percent this fiscal: PMEAC NEW DELHI: Stressing that India has been able to weather the global financial crisis, the Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council (PMEAC) has said the country's economy may grow by 6.75 percent this fiscal despite bad monsoon affecting farm sector output.

The PMEAC, in its Economic Outlook for 2009-10 submitted to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, said India's GDP growth rate could range between 6.25 percent and 6.75 percent. On average, it could grow around 6.5 percent. -PTI

Smita & Kohli named South Asian Business Persons India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: Smita Salgaonkar of Saffron, Artesia, CA has been awarded South Asian Business Person by Southern California Edison Company. Bhoopi Kohli of Financia Inc. Orange, CA has been awarded South Asian Biz Person of the Year by Orange County Presidents Council (OCPC), the largest multicultural business organization of the nation in recent events.

SC Edison Company, the largest power and electricity company in the nation, celebrated the third annual Harvest Moon Festival on September 29 at Garden Grove Comm. Center, Garden Grove, CA. The event was well attended by over 400 guests of business entrepreneurs and community leaders. The state Senator, Lou Correra and Edison Company's vice president of communication Veronica

Smita Salgaonkar

Bhoopi Kohli

The Awards to Smita Salgaonkar and Bhoopi Kohli are truly recognitions by the mainstream America of South Asian Business community Gutierrez handed the award to Smita Salgaonkar as South Asian Entrepreneur. Smita is the owner of Saffron, an exotic ice cream parlor and products, in Artesia, CA. Smita has a long history of work-

ing with the community, business and economic empowerment activities.

Another event, Bizcon 2009, the largest multicultural business expo and conference was organized by

Indian satellites to study climate change NEW DELHI: Union Minister of State for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh along with G. Madhavan Nair, Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) said to a host of media personnel that India is all geared to launch two dedicated satellites into the polar orbit to study climate change making it one of the few countries in the world to do so.

The two satellites will be launched to study climate change through atmospheric research and detection of greenhouse gases, ISRO Chairman G. Madhavan Nair said.

"The satellites will be launched in 2010 and 2011. The first will be a 50 kg micro-satellite to conduct atmospheric research. The second will be a remote sensing satellite to monitor emission of greenhouses

gases like methane and carbon dioxide," Nair told reporters here.

Union Minister of State for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh said: "Only Japan and some European countries have launched dedicated satellites to

‘The satellites will be launched in 2010 and 2011. The first will be a 50 kg micro-satellite to conduct atmospheric research’ monitor emission of greenhouse gases. India will be one among them by 2011 when we will have our own satellite for studying the greenhouse emission."

The dedicated satellites will make India one of the few countries in the world to have such advanced facil-

ity to study the impact of climate change due to emission of greenhouse gases. The use of satellite technology will also demonstrate that India is serious about global warming and committed to protect the environment.

"The world's attention is engaged in climate change and environment. We are taking major initiatives for an integrated approach to the study of effects of ocean, land and atmosphere. The Indian space agency is already involved in this exercise through its mini satellite (IMS-1)," Ramesh recalled.

ISRO launched the 83 kg small earth observation satellite (IMS1) in April 2008 with two optical instruments - a Multi-spectral camera and a Hyperspectral camera to operate in the visible and near infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum.

OCPC, on September 2 at the Sheraton Park Hotel, Anaheim, CA. Over 800 guests of business owners and entrepreneurs attended the event. At the Reception and Award presentation event, Congressman Ed Royce and OCPC President Kim Yen handed the South Asian Business Person of the Year award to Bhoopi Kohli, President, Financia Inc. Orange, CA. Kohli is well known in the business arena and involve with other Chambers and business associations.

The Awards to Smita Salgaonkar and Bhoopi Kohli are truly recognitions by the mainstream America of South Asian Business community. It builds the image and encourages the community to unite and work together for community at large. The awards are nominated and recommended by SABAN-South Asian Biz Network.

Google Voice service 'simply too good'

E

ver since it's stunning success in revolutionizing the internet search market eight years ago, Google has been searching for a second act that would help the company diversify.

The first phone utilizing the company's Android operating system launched in October 2008.

In the last week, Google has quietly notched up several achievements that will boost the hopes of Google lovers and frighten those who believe that the technology colossus already has too much power over our daily lives.

Sportswear rep Greg Willis shares those concerns, but he finds the use of the company's Google Voice service simply too good to pass up.

"It's the first phone system for the 21st century," says the traveling salesman.

TechBiz Post

October 30, 2009

India Post

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Barnes & Noble announces e-book reading device

B

arnes & Noble world's larg est book seller formally for ays into the electronic reading devices domain with the announcement of certain specs for it e-Book reading device "nook" scheduled to ship in late November this year.

Entering in a competitive and cluttered electronic reading devices market, some reports pertaining to the launch of "nook" consider the device to be the Amazon's Kindle killer. Not sure about that yet, let's take a look at the revealed specs for the device.

B&N has created this e-book reading device in accordance with the need of the readers globally.

"We asked our customers what they wanted in an e-Book reader, and specifically designed nook to be the most full-featured, fun, stylish and easy-to-use e-Book reader on the market," said William J. Lynch, President of Barnes & Noble.com.

B&N describes nook as a device that "marries innovative technology and sleek minimalist design." The nook has been devised with the incorporation of variety of features that makes it stand out

from the other similar devices available in the market.

Well, to start, nook comes as the first electronics reading device that is based on Google's Android platform. Besides, it also reaches as the first to offer a color touch screen for navigation along with a best-in-class E Ink display for an immersive, enjoyable e-reading experience. The nook features a six-inch gray and white reading screen for easy readability.

The nook has been priced at $259, a price that matched the latest edition of the Kindle A move that is seen as a strategy to offer consolidated services by the company, nook will have access to AT&T's 3G network and Wi-Fi. In other words, the users of B&N's nook will have access to download various titles (books, newspapers, magazines) from the Barnes & Noble online bookstores

anytime, anywhere. nook has the capacity to hold up to 1,500 eBooks and other printed content, while a 16GB MicroSD card holds up to 17,500 e-Books.

Another differentiating factor of the nook is that customers can "lend" books to friends (LendMe technology), though only one time, for a total of 14 days and send it to your friend's nook or iPhone, iPod touch, select BlackBerry and Motorola smartphones, PC or Mac with Barnes & Noble e-Reader software. The nook supports PDF and ePub formats, as well as legacy Fictionwise, but not, Microsoft Word.

The nook has been priced at $259, a price that matched the latest edition of the Kindle. Amazon currently dominates the electronic reading market followed by Sony's eReader. B&N's nook definitely sounds a better e-reading device with the unique additions and the access to the millions of titles available at the Barnes & Noble's largest online bookstore launched in July this year. But will it turn out to be a Kindle Killer, still remains a question till the launch of "nook"!

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JS BEDI India Post News Service

HOLLYWOOD: The Dastoli Digital production "Who Stole the Electric Car" premiered earlier this month.

It's a delightful comedy featuring Carl Fieler, Chris Shields, John Brody, Megan Brotherton and Heleya De Barros. The movie is directed by Robert and James Dastoli.

www.indiapost.com

car and drives it cross-country to win back his environmentalist girlfriend. It also deals with environmental issues Ranjit Singh Sandhu, a Bellflower resident, has a cameo role in this movie.

Sandhu is a former Major from the Indian army's elite Parachute Brigade and a veteran of the 1971 war and also of the Sri Lanka war. He has done several brief roles in Hollywood and

October 30, 2009 Magda Marcella with a co star

actresses Magda Marcella and Luz Maria Utrera.

Magda Marcella (born Magda Orlowski) was born in Munich, Germany, to Polish parents.

She speaks fluent Polish and some German and of course English. She moved to Austin, Texas when she was three years old and spent most of her childhood there. She always dreamed of a career in the arts and started taking ballet lessons soon after moving

Ranjit Singh Sandhu at the Red Carpet

Luz Maria Utrera

The movie is road-trip-comedy about a guy who steals an electric

also for the small screen.

The red carpet brought together a collage of Hollywood's famous and glamorous. Amongst them were aspiring and upcoming

to Austin and was set to become a professional ballerina. She graduated from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in May of 2009.

She is currently filming "The

Screening Room" written and directed by Tony Young.

In her debut "Z: A Zombie Musical" written and directed by John McClean, in Austin Texas, Magda played a bit part, as an actress auditioning for the film.

Luz Maria Utrera is a native of Argentina. Fluent in English, Spanish and Chinese, Luz Maria is a lawyer by profession. She has acted in several English and Spanish movies and TV sitcoms both here and in her native Argentina.

October 30, 2009

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Hollywood stars at Ravi Shankar concert India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Ravi Shankar along with Anoushka Shankar performed for their annual concert at Carnegie Hall. Hollywood stars like Richard Gere, Philp Glass, Edward Norton, Nora Jones, Olivia Harrison (late George Harrison's wife) attended the concert.

The concert was mind blowing. India's Consul General in New York Prabhu Dayal and his wife attended the concert. In the two hour concert three Ragas were performed.

After the concert there was a reception which was organized by "The George Harrison fund for UNICEF" which is a joint undertaking between the Harrison family and the US Fund for UNICEF that aims to support UNICEF programs, providing lifesaving assistance to children caught in humanitarian emergencies.

natural disaster, and poverty-countries where children and vulnerable to malnutrition, disease, exploitation, and abuse. As with Bangladesh in the 1970s, many of these emergencies are still virtually ignored by the media and critically underfunded.

Philp Glass, Edward Norton, Nora Jones, Olivia Harrison (late George Harrison's wife) attended the concert Consul General Prabhu Dayal along with Mrs. Dayal and Pam Kwatra attended the reception.

They are seen with Anoushka Shankar

The reception was organized by "The George Harrison Fund for UNICEF"to honor and award Pandit Ravi Shankar with the humanitarian award for social conscious.

Modern Indian art to be displayed at MFA Boston

Mrs. George Harrison in her speech said this award represents the social conscious Raviji evoked in George Harrison and other Beatles. It was Ravi Shankar's idea to arrange a Bangladesh con-

Miss India Northern California on Nov 7 India Post News Service

India Post News Service

heritage of mankind. Since Egyptian, Greek, and Chinese art are BOSTON: Sixteen paintings by part of my heritage, it follows that luminaries of modern Indian art will I also believe that Indian art is, or be featured in "Bharat Ratna! Jew- should be, part of the heritage of els of Modern Indian Art", on America, Europe and other review at the Museum of Fine Arts, gions of the world. Bravo to the Boston (MFA), from November 14, MFA for taking the leadership role in this area."

2009 to August 22, 2010.

Bharat Ratna! offers a visually These vibrant 'Jewels of India' are drawn from the renowned col- exciting dialogue between the lection of Payal and Rajiv Jahangir evolving modernism of western art Chaudhri, who have assembled and the deeply rooted traditions of India and the some of the finest different examples of post‘Avisually exciting multiple approaches that Independence InIndian artists took, dian art. The exhi- dialogue bein the aftermath of bition represents tween the evolvto the first time that a ing modernism of Independence, define their own significant number and "Indian" art. of works from this western art and Rajiv and Payal collection will be the deeply Chaudhri have lent displayed pubrooted traditions several of their licly. It is also the works to the MFA first exhibition of of India’ in recent years and modern Indian art at the MFA, and the first exhibi- have enhanced the Museum's distion of Indian art at a major Ameri- plays of contemporary art from South Asia. They are Patrons of can museum in nearly 30 years.

"The Chaudhris have collected the MFA, and members of its Art of some of the most outstanding ex- Asia, Oceania, and Africa Visiting amples of modernist and contem- Committee. Chaudhri is President porary Indian art, which document of Digital Century, a financial serthe evolution of a vibrant and in- vices firm that he founded in 1997. fluential artistic period in India," Payal Chaudhri is a marketing stratsaid Malcolm Rogers, Ann and egy consultant and has been an art patron in New York for Graham Gund Director of the MFA. "The MFA is grateful for more than a decade. She serves the opportunity to display such on the boards of the Guggenheim International Directors Council, exquisite treasures."

Chaudhri says, "I am a firm be- the Asia Society's Chairman's liever in the idea that the art of all Circle, and the Tate Modern's Inages and regions is the common ternational Council.

cert. UNICEF has earned over 15 million dollars from that album and still counting.

Every year, UNICEF identifies countries and territories suffering from the results of civil conflict,

In the tradition established by George Harrison and Ravi Shankar, the George Harrison Fund for UNICEP pledged to continue to support UNICEP programs in Bangladesh while expanding its influence to include other countries in crisis where children are at risk.

MILPITAS, CA: Finesse events & films will present the Miss India Northern California 2009 Beauty Pageant on Saturday, November 7 at the prestigious India Community Center, Milpitas, CA. Finesse is known for successful endeavourers in fashion shows and beauty pageants.

This will be a glamorous event in par with the other reputable international pageants.

The winner from this pageant will represent Northern California for the finals of Miss India USA. Prominent celebrities would judge Miss India Northern California 2009.

Miss India Worldwide Pageant is produced by the IFC, an organization established in 1974 and based in New York City. The IFC is a pioneer organization in conducting Indian pageants and fashion shows in the USA and worldwide. The committee has also been conducting the Miss India New York and the Miss India USA Pageants annually since 1980.

In 1990, Mr. Dharmatma Saran, Chairman and Founder of the IFC, decided to take the pageant one step further to an international level and started The First Miss India Worldwide Pageant.

For the first time ever, AsianIndian communities from all over the world came together in New York for this event. The pageant was an instant success and was acclaimed as 'the most glamorous Indian function in the world." To

the best of our knowledge, no other ethnic organization has ever conducted a pageant of this magnitude on an international level.

In line with other prestigious international pageants, we have also started staging Miss India Worldwide in various parts of the world. In 1997, the pageant was organized in Bombay to salute In-

Miss India Worldwide Pageant is produced by the IFC, an organization established in 1974 and based in New York City dia on its 50th anniversary of independence. In the year 1998, the pageant was organized, in association with UTV International, in the exotic and beautiful city of Singapore.

The IFC selects distinguished local organizations in various parts

of the world and authorize them to conduct national pageants in their respective countries. At this time IFC have affiliates in over thirtyfive countries.

The contestants in all the pageants are of Indian origin, between the ages of 17 and 25, never married, and are citizens, residents, or born in the country which they represent. The pageant consists of four segments - Evening Gown, Indian Dress, Talent and QuestionAnswer. The winners of all the various national pageants from all over the world vie for the glamorous and prestigious title of the Miss India Worldwide.

The IFC motivates and guides its winners and contestants to take up charitable causes. Many of our past winners have raised substantial funds for various charities, especially for handicapped children. The name Miss India Worldwide was registered under the trademark act of USA and has been granted Trade Mark by the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks of the United States Government.

1 Dont Say Alvida - Main Aurr Mrs Khanna 2 Mann Ka Radio - Radio 3 Rehnuma - Blue 4 Haan Hain Jitni Martaba - All The Best 5 Yeh Jism - Acid Factory

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India Post

B

October 30, 2009

ollywood's very own chocolate boy has been the favorite of someone much older than the current generation of swooning girls. Raj Kapoor, the patriarch of the Kapoor family and the first original performer of Bollywood, doted on his first grandchild Ranbir.

The young star fondly remembers his grandpa. He told a news daily recently, "Whenever my mom shouted at me I would call him up and he would fire her. I, being his first grandson, was special. Every weekend, the grandkids used to go to his home in Chembur. He kept a bag of toffees and gave us one every time we greeted him. I once asked him for a suit when he was visiting Russia. He got back two bags of suits in every color possible. He never shopped for anyone else."

Perhaps as an aftereffect of those suits, Ranbir became an ardent fan of his movies. He said, "It was during my last days of school that I realized I wanted to be part of the film industry. The first RK film I saw was Shri 420. It influenced me deeply."

Ranbir's father Rishi Kapoor wanted his son to get a formal education before he became an actor. "I completed my Standard 12 in Mumbai. Then I went to a film school in America although everyone suggested I go to business school. But I don't think I ever could do anything apart from movies. My father supported that and agreed to send me to acting school," he added.

N

ow that Shatrughan Sinha has allowed Salman Khan to launch his daughter Sonakshi as a leading lady in Dabangg, the Bollywood hunk is taking his duty as the protective guardian very seriously. Initially, the Sinhas were opposed to the idea of a film career for their daughter.

But Salman convinced them by promising to look after the girl. And so far he has more than lived up to his word. Apparently, Salman has not only advised Sonakshi to lose more weight, he has also told her not to do too many films at the same time.

Shatru, who visited Salman on Eid with his family, is bowled over by Salman's concern. "I think that's sound advice. We used to work round the clock and did multiple shifts. Salman understands the way to work better than we did," said Shatru.

Of his daughter's debut, Shotgun said, "Salman is making sure that Sonakshi has the best possible launch. We used to work round the clock and did multiple shifts. Salman understands the way to work better than we did," said Shatru. Of his daughter's debut, Shotgun said, "Salman is making sure that Sonakshi has the best possible launch.

D

eepika Padukone has trashed rumors of her younger sister, Anisha, joining Bollywood.

"She is not doing any Bollywood films. She is least interested in this industry. And even though she is very supportive of my career, I know for a fact that this is not her area of interest," said Deepika, adding that they do like watching movies together.

Talking about beau Ranbir Kapoor's Wake up Sid, Deepika says, "I saw the film and they all have done a fantastic job in it."

I think their chemistry worked really well," she said.

Ask her if Ranbir is anything like his character in real life, and she interrupts, "Not at all, he is not a slacker boy at all. No one has ever needed to wake him up. He is always very focused about what he wants to do."

6 Iktara - Wake Up Sid 7 What`s Your Raashee - What`s Your Raashee?

8 Tu Hi Haqeeqat - Tum Mile 9 Ek Haqeqat Tum Lagte Ho Shaabash! You Can Do It 10 Daata Sun Le - Jail

Bollywood

October 30, 2009

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B

ipasha Basu says she didn't realize that she would be adept at comedy till she tackled a small portion of it in Dhoom 2, and later did the full blown comic caper 'No Entry' that became a huge success. "When I got a chance to then do Devgn Films' All The Best, I said to myself, this is something I'm not going to miss out on," says the Bengali bombshell, who insists that she rolled with laughter while shooting and dubbing for this situational comedy.

Bipasha says the entire Goa schedule was like a picnic... with everyone stationed in the same hotel for over a month. "Ajay Devgn, Sanjay Dutt, Fardeen Khan and I worked together, and worked out together at the gym," she says. "We also bonded over cricket and swimming after pack-up... and it was one big happy family atmosphere."

Bipasha says she has great respect for Rohit Shetty's earlier comedies - Golmaal and Golmaal Returns, and she feels that All The Best also has the right entertainment quotient for the Diwali festive season. Of her co-stars Ajay, Sanjay and Fardeen, she says, "All of them have tackled more comedy than I have in my career; so it was a cakewalk for them.

A

jay Devgn, who's known to pull a fast one on unsuspecting souls, probably had never imagined that he would ever face payback.

And guess who fooled the Devgn dude? The one-film old in Bollywood, Asin, who'll be seen with him in London Dreams. One day while shooting in a mall, Devgn was shocked to learn that Asin had got into a major panga with Rannvijay Singh, who also plays a role in the musical. On probing further, Ajay heard that the two had a tu tu main main and Asin had slapped Rannvijay.

Naturally, he was astounded because he believed her to be a rather chilled out gal. So in an attempt to play peacemaker, Ajay went to sort out the differences between his warring co-stars.

That's when director Vipul Shah burst out laughing and Ajay realized that he had been taken in.

India Post

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„

Realty Tidbits

ASSOCHAM to host Investment Mart at Jaipur

Real Estate

T

he Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) is planning to host an investment mart at Jaipur in next February to attract investment for Rajasthan.

ASSOCHAM president Swati Piramal said that the association aims at attracting around Rs 5-lakh crore over next three years.

"Rajasthan will be the focus state for the next 5 years. It has a huge untapped potential and we want to rope in investment in various sectors including food processing, dairying, organic farming, cultivation of herbal plants, education, creation of supporting infrastructure and manufacturing.

The investment will generate around 10 lakh direct jobs in the state," she said.

„ BPTP sells housing projects worth Rs 1,600 cr

R

eal estate firm BPTP has sold properties worth Rs 1,600 crore during the first half of the current fiscal from its three housing projects in Faridabad in the national capital region. On the back of improved sentiment in the property market, BPTP has sold nearly 7,000 units in these three projects, part of a 1,900 acre integrated township 'BPTP Parklands'.

"All the three projects are completely sold out. We have sold more than 6,000 independent floors since April in two projects.

The company has also sold about 800 premium flats," BPTP Director Sudhanshu Tripathi said. The company has earned revenues to the tune of Rs 1,600 crore by selling these units, he added. Asked about investment on these three projects, Tripathi said it would be close to Rs 1,000 crore.

„ Residential Prices go up in Mumbai

30 India Post

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MUMBAI: Police has arrested a real estate agent for allegedly cheating an air hostess and stealing cash and other belongings valued at Rs 16 lakh from her rented flat here. Acting on a tip off, police nabbed Mehboob Khan, who owns the flat in suburban Andheri, from Oshiwara area in this connection, Police Inspector Datta Sankhe said. According to police, Ritu Sajdeva (22), who hails from Delhi and is working with Air India, had gone to the national capital on October 12 to celebrate Diwali with her family members. -PTI

When will your housing market recover?

MARCIE GEFFNER

P

undits love to make predictions as to when home prices will stabilize in US housing markets. But even wellrespected forecasters and analysts may disagree, and even if a forecast proves true nationally, your local market may behave in a wildly different way. This disconnect between broad-stroke forecasts and small-scale local markets presents quite a puzzle for homebuyers and home sellers, who need to make major financial decisions on the basis of facts, not fiction. If you want or need to sell your home, how do you know the best time to put it on the market?

The national housing market is more than large enough to encompass a wide variety of trends in different places and on different timelines. And that means, at the end of the day, you'll need to rely on your own best judgment to

make decisions for yourself and your family.

Local data may be more meaningful for homebuyers, sellers So how can you figure out when home prices and sales hit bottom and begin to recover in your neighborhood? You may need to

NEW DELHI: India's largest realty firm DLF Ltd has been conferred with the best global developer award for 2009 by Euromoney -- a leading financial market magazine.

The company also bagged awards for the best developer in Asia and in India. 'Euromoney's

Fifth Annual Real Estate Awards' was held in London.

"To be named as the best developer, not just in India, but across the globe, is definitely an achievement," DLF Chairman K P Singh said after receiving the award.

Euromoney's annual realty survey is based on the opinions of

quite a lot of time and thoughtful analysis. If you're tempted to skip out on what may seem a burdensome homework assignment and instead rely on your own gut instincts, you might want to take a tip from Stuart Gabriel, director of UCLA's Ziman Center for Real Es-

Dig up facts and figures about your own city or town and then combine that data with information about national trends to formulate your own conclusions do your own research to find the answer. Dig up facts and figures about your own city or town and then combine that data with information about national trends to formulate your own conclusions.

Plenty of data are as close as your keyboard, though the process of sifting through it may take

DLF gets best global developer award

M

umbai's residential property prices are on the rise even as the buyer is not in a hurry to finish a deal. According to the city's property registration data, there has been a 13% month-onmonth drop in the number of apartments registered in August 2009 this year as compared with the previous month. This trend was holding out in September as well.

"As prices increase, customers shy away and this is evident from the registration data," said Ram Yadav, CFO, Orbit Corporation.

October 30, 2009

Real estate agent held for theft

developers, financial institutions, investors and end-user worldwide. The respondents were asked to name, which firms they thought were best at providing various real estate products and services in their market in the last 12 months.

"In an increasingly challenging financial environment, the winners of the 2009 Euromoney Real Estate Awards are those that exhibited the ability to react at speed, innovate and make best use of the inherent strengths of their organization," Euromoney Editor Clive Horwood said.

While DLF was accorded third position in these awards last year, it moved to being named the best global developer this year, the statement said.

DLF has projects in more than 30 cities in India and is present in all the verticals of realty such as housing, office, retail, SEZs, IT Park, hotels and townships. -PTI

tate in Los Angeles. He says, "Some investors are very instinctual and this has worked out well for them, but most of us rely on the acquisition of information."

Supply of for-sale homes a key indicator If you don't want to indulge in that much research, zero in on the most important statistic, which, Gabriel suggests, may be the supply, or "inventory," of homes that are for sale in your local area.

"There is a whole litany (of factors that affect housing) -- home sales, housing starts, building permits, house prices -- and all of those are important indicators," he says, "but the inventory numbers in particular are really important."

The inventory of for-sale homes in a local area is usually measured as a number of months' supply at a current pace of sales.

The general rule is that more months of supply indicates a

weaker housing market. Many months suggests plenty of homes are for sale or the pace of sales is slow. Those conditions are indicative of a market that favors buyers. Few months suggests a limited number of homes for sale or the pace of sales is fast. Those factors are indicative of a market that favors sellers.

Many local Realtor associations and multiple listing services, or MLS, collect and publish this type of information. Ideally, the data should be segmented by locale, type of home and price range, though that degree of specificity is rarely on offer.

Housing starts increase supply of for-sale homes Two other important housing market indicators are residential building permits and new-home construction starts, according to Gabriel. Bernard Markstein, senior economist at the National Association of Home Builders, or NAHB, in Washington, D.C., agrees. These indicators are measured by local government building officials and the U.S. Census Bureau. A spike in permits or starts may indicate more optimism among homebuilders, but can also suggest a dramatic rise in the supply of for-sale homes in the near future.

Housing starts generally are a better leading indicator than housing permits because "housing starts turn into homes for sale very quickly," Gabriel says.

October 30, 2009

www.indiapost.com

India Post 31

D

eeg is a small town situated in the north Indian state of Rajasthan, around 152 km away from Delhi. Once the summer resort of the rulers of Bharatpur, it served as the second capital of the region. This interesting town is strewn with massive fortifications, beautiful gardens, magnificent palaces, and a colorful bazaar.

The Jats, a dynasty that dared challenge the power of the Mughals, once ruled Deeg. The living testimony to their rule is a fort constructed during the reign of Surajmal in 1730s. Surajmal was also responsible for the development of the town of Deeg.

In 1776, the reign of Jats ended following their defeat at the hands of the imperial Mughal army under Mirza Nazaf Khan. Nevertheless, Deeg was returned after a decade, but it did not remain free for long. It was again seized, this time by new rulers, namely, the British with their peculiar style of gun power and diplomacy. The British set it free not long afterwards in 1805.

Tourist Attractions: Deeg is in the district of Bharatpur. Approaching the town, one can see the battlements of the fort built by

32 India Post

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Deeg

City of massive fortifications, beautiful gardens

Surajmal. This was constructed in the form of a square, measuring about 274 m.

The walls are about 20 m high and rise impressively, although the outer coating of plaster has peeled off in many places and shrubs grow from the bottom of the ramparts.

The entrance to the fort is from the north. An outer gateway leads to an L-shaped bridge. Inside the fort is a palace (haveli). This is now in ruins, but one can still see what was once its entrance, an ornate red sandstone construction with a pointed arch.

The forecourt was added later and for many years served as a prison. One can see a couple of canons on nearby mounts and, at the top of the northwestern battlement, known as Larkha Burj, another canon lies on its side discarded.

It is from the top of the western wall of the fort that one may view the palace below, built beyond a pond-the Rup Sagar-and alongside the former Purana Mahal. The entrance is to the north. Known as the Singh Pol, it is ornately but simply carved with a couple of lions above the gateway. This building apparently dates from a later period, but was never finished.

Once through it, one is at the edge of the gardens that are built

The style of both the gardens and buildings are from the Mughal period and yet with a distinctive flavor-a result of the Jats' own aesthetic vision

in the char-bagh style, essentially four separate gardens around the same center.

The style of both the gardens and buildings are from the Mughal period and yet with a distinctive flavor-a result of the Jats' own aesthetic vision that flourished at a time when the Mughal architecture started to deteriorate. The most striking feature are the fountains numbering about 500. One can see the bases of these sticking up all around the palace, but unless one visits on a Saturday in August, one is unlikely to see the water display operational for it requires a great amount of water.

This builds up during the monsoon and is collected in a huge tank at the top of one building that can be seen almost directly opposite the entrance.

October 30, 2009

It is from the tank that, when the sluices are open, the water flows down and out of the many fountainheads below. These can be seen all around the garden area.

A full tank takes only a few hours to empty and about a week to fill.

This was achieved by means of bullocks that brought up the water in leather buckets through special chutes at the side of the tower.

The main building in the complex is the Gopal Bhawan, which

The most striking feature are the fountains numbering about 500. One can see the bases of these sticking up all around the palace was the actual residence of the Raja. Here one can see a spacious hall where the Raja was able to greet and address guests while upstairs were the Royal apartments. These can still be seen as they were when used; in one room, there is a raised elliptical dining table, while at the back there is a dining room in the western style.

From the Gopal Bhavan, one can have a good view of the charbagh. A marble archway forms the support for a hindola (swing). Inscribed on the base is the name of the seventeenth-century Mughal ruler, Shah Jahan.

Cont’d on page 34

Travel & Hospitality Post

October 30, 2009

India Post

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www.indiapost.com

Tips for traveling to US RAMAA SHANKER AIYER

T

ravel, like food and water, has become inevitable for existence and even the common man extends that last rupee, or dollar, to gain a worldly insight into different countries. Given the limited income, time and experience, one has to extract useful tips from mistakes and learn methods of travel to savor new pastures, gain new memories and feel like a monarch, of all that they survey.

Having selected the airlines and the destination Chennai to Lax, I found myself, enjoying the unique, old-fashioned method of booking a ticket across the travel counter.

I had always heard, from business associates, about how wonderful, it was to fly Singapore Airlines and did not regret the experience of trying it. For the first time traveler, checking in, can be more cumbersome than labor pains, but with correct guidance and all paper work in order, they can proceed to a comfortable flight. The first priority is to see that the baggage fits in with international requirement.

There are two transits to Los Angeles Singapore and Tokyo. At Singapore, a change of aircraft gives one sufficient time to use the airport facilities and reach the

Los Angeles International Airport

served with meals. Always carry a small bottle of water with you, once security is cleared and water can be bought, at one of the duty free zones. A bottle of water, aspirin and an antacid are the security symbols of a good, stress free flight. Food arrived first for me as I had, elected the spe-

‘I decided LA was apt to choose as a destination given the new aura of a destination spot, no more just famous for Disneyland and Hollywood but also for its yoga retreats, Ayurvedic spas and meditation center’ new terminal. Toilets are clean and beverages available at all time.

Ask for the aisle seat to facilitate easy movement during the long flight. Plenty of water should be drunk and temptation to help oneself to the free liquor and wine should be curtailed as dehydration sets in pretty fast, at that altitude. Shaking a leg and hand literally keeps your blood circulation glowing and going.

Time for the longest leg of an air journey - SG to LAX. The economy seats could do with a little more room space. Peak season is the worst time to travel as the flights are bursting full. I made the mistake of asking for water, which I was told, would be

cial Indian vegetarian. For some reason, the video and music channels were not working, so ensure they do, because it is a long flight. We are served two meals to Tokyo and two to LA. We descend at Tokyo airport, ready to stretch our legs. Since security checks are mandatory at all airports, one must keep one's boarding pass and passport ready.

The website is the best place for great deals. So if one does some groundwork, one can save up to 300 dollars on a ticket.

Singapore Airlines has a very informative and good website and easy to log on and book.

The quality of the food was maintained

Pahalgam, Gulmarg to get Wi-Fi tech SRINAGAR: Asking the tourism industry to provide to provide international levels of hospitality, Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Minister Nawang Rigzin Jora announced that Pahalgam and Gulmarg will be provided with Wi-Fi technology for internet connectivity this year.

At a function organized by the tourism department in connection with 'World Tourism Day' at Institute of Hotel Management Rajbagh near here, Jora said the same facility will be extended to the Dal area next year.

The minister also asked the tourism industry to organize a peace march so that the

message of peace in Kashmir circulates in the entire country.

He said the government was contemplating a strategy for retaining tourists for longer periods of time in the state by offering multiple tourist spots and activities.

"We have to be innovative, creative and have out of the box thinking especially at the planning and policy level so that true potential of the tourism industry is optimally harnessed," he said.

A debate and painting competition was also held on the occasion in which school children from government and private institutions participated. -PTI

throughout. We awoke to refreshing tea, coffee and snacks. We also have two forms to fill, if we are visitors to the US. One needs passport details and stay and travel details including the address and phone number during the course of one's stay. The forms have to be filled carefully as there is a limit on the value and kind of things which are brought into the US. On landing, one needs passport, boarding pass [with baggage tag]

and the two forms.

The aircraft lands and now, one has to make sure, that all one's belongings are picked up. Having landed and de-planed, one follows the herd, to the immigration line.

One must be careful in answering the precise questions of the immigration officer.

One last tip to remember is not to change money at an airport because the exchange rate is apt to be high. Using travel prepaid credit card, you will generally get a higher exchange rate than normal bank rates, and these cards are usually commission free.

Once the immigration has been cleared, one can claim one's baggage and rush to meet your loved ones, or friends.

I decided LA was apt to choose as a destination given the new aura of a destination spot, no more just famous for Disneyland and Hollywood but also for its yoga retreats, Ayurvedic spas and meditation center.

"I am large; I contain multitudes," wrote Walt Whitman - an appropriate motto for Los Angeles if ever there was one. Yes, LA was the home of Walt Disney but also of Paramahansa Yogananda, who lived and wrote near downtown Los Angeles, for 30 years.

Although LA is synonymous with Hollywood, this vast collection of individual neighborhoods, cultures, and lifestyles rubbing against one another is so much more.

34

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October 30, 2009

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Deeg: City of massive fortifications, beautiful gardens Cont’d from page 32

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Beyond the Gopal Bhawan is the Suraj Bhawan. This houses its own fountains and is remarkable for its plant decorations on marble slabs that were probably looted from Agra. Other parts of this building also appear to have been taken from other Mughal residences.

On either side of the Suraj Bhawan are two detached pavilions, Sawan and Bhadon, which are designed to look like pleasure barges. During the rains, they allow water to fall down a specially

carved chute and later out onto a verandah in a charming display.

The meeting hall (Kisan Bhawan) lies in the southeastern corner of the complex and sports a series of fountains on its terrace.

Here the Raja would discuss with advisors and some affairs of state were debated and decided upon.

As elsewhere, one can see the use of Persian carpets.

The other bhawans are the wrestling hall (Nandi Bhawan) and the Kesav Bhawan, a place for members of the public to air their views. This building, situated on

the edge of the Rup Sagar, is surrounded by a row of small and larger fountains and now has a support in the middle to prevent it from collapsing.

Places around Deeg Bharatpur, 32 km from Deeg, is famous for its bird sanctuary.

Many species of migratory birds, including Siberian cranes, come to Bharatpur during winter.

Around 35 km from Deeg is Mathura, one of the most sacred places for Hindus. It is considered the birthplace of Lord Krishna.

Alwar is 75 km from Deeg. It was once the capital of a princely state.

Surrounded by a wall, the city has

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The other bhawans are the wrestling hall (Nandi Bhawan) and the Kesav Bhawan, a place for members of the public to air their views several sites to visit, including the 14th-century tomb of Tarang Sultan, a picturesque lake, a museum, and several ancient mosques.

Fairs & Festivals: All the major festivals of north India and Rajasthan are celebrated in Deeg including Teej, Diwali, and Gangaur (festival in which women invokes Parvati, wife of Shiva).

How to Reach Road - Deeg is an easy day trip from Bharatpur,Agra, or Delhi by road.

Rail - Bharatpur is also the nearest railway station from where one can take trains to Delhi, Jaipur, and Mumbai.

Best time to visit: October to March Language: Hindi, English, and Rajasthani

October 30, 2009

Travel & Hospitality Post www.indiapost.com

AI launches direct Washington DC - Delhi service India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Air India announced the launch of its daily direct service from Washington, DC's Dulles International Airport to Delhi with new Boeing 777LRs, effective December 1. The flights will depart from Washington at 12:10 P.M., stop en-route at New York's JFK Airport, and continue non-stop to Delhi, arriving at 4:45 P.M. the following afternoon. Con-

tinuing service is offered to Kolkata. Passengers bound for Mumbai will be able to transfer at JFK to the carrier's evening nonstop JFK-Mumbai flight.

All of the flights from Washington offer a choice of Economy, Executive and First Class service.

Commenting on the new flights, Chitra Sarkar, Air India's Executive Director, Americas, said, "Air India is pleased to be inaugurating the only direct service from Wash-

ington to India, and to provide an authentic taste of Indian hospitality to travelers from the Capitol region. Travel to Delhi, whether for business or leisure, has just become much more convenient and comfortable."

Air India currently offers daily non-stop flights to Mumbai and Delhi from JFK, and daily direct service to India from Chicago and Newark (via Frankfurt), and Toronto (via London).

LA Zoo's Boo at the Zoo extended India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: This year the Los Angeles Zoo's annual Boo at the Zoo, presented by Nestlé, has been extended to two weekends!

Taking place on October 24, 25, 31 and November 1, the Zoo transforms into four themed areas for this festive event.

Families can visit the Creepy CreatureEncounter in the Winnick Family Children's Zoo, Pumpkin Patch Place at Eucalyptus Grove, Halloween Down Under in Australia and the Birds of Halloween located across from World of Birds Show.

Boo at the Zoo features amazing pumpkin-carving demonstra-

Gorilla Kelly eating pumpkin

tions, face painting and trick-ortreating throughout the Zoo. Don't

Time to rebuild tourism infrastructure: Omar SRINAGAR: Describing tourism as the backbone of the economy of Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has said time has come to rebuild tourism infrastructure in the state and recover from losses suffered due to militancy.

"Time has come to rebuild our tourism infrastructure in such a manner so that besides having international compatibility this sector shall be able to recover from all the losses which this industry has suffered in the recent past," Abdullah said while interacting with representatives associated with the sector at a function organized by Travel Agents Society of Kashmir here.

The chief minister agreed with some representatives that rumors regarding presence of Taliban in

Kashmir in the international media affected tourist arrivals but said the government had effectively refuted them.

"The communication by (state tourism minister) Nawang Rigzin Jora helped to restore the confidence of the tourist," he said.

The chief minister said he daily monitored tourist arrivals to the state.

The flow of visitors from other states, neighboring countries, China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea and Central Asia was increasing though the graph of arrivals from the west showed a dip, he said.

"This is the time for tourism department to concentrate on this shift of tourist flow and play its role in attracting people from these countries," he said. -PTI

miss entertaining Halloween performances and the chance to get up close with spiders, bugs and snakes at the Creepy Creature Encounter! There are exciting keeper talks about owls, the shadows of the night, and learn about what these night flyers eat while dissecting owl pellets at Birds of Halloween. See the Zoo's animals Stomp 'n Chomp pumpkin treats on both weekends!

This year, the L.A. Zoo is offering a dollar off the price of admission for children ages two through 12 that comes to Boo at the Zoo in a costume! Boo at the Zoo is sponsored by Nestlé and supported by Farmers Insurance Group® and FedEx®.

JK govt for more pvt investment in tourism JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir government has favored more private sector investment in the creation of tourism infrastructure in the state.

At a seminar on tourism organized at Katra, 50 km from here, Tourism Minister Nawang Rigzin Jora said the private sector could invest in transport, construction of rest houses and even road networks.

"For the last over 50 years the government took on itself the burden to harness the tourism potential and build it but now the onus ought to be shared as is the case in the developed countries," he said, adding the focus must be on developing the infrastructure in tourism circuits of state. -PTI

India Post

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Horoscope

38 India Post

October 30, 2009

www.indiapost.com

ARIES Mar 21-Apr 20 Planets help you overcome many difficulties and changes in career just around the corner. Financially you will continue to meet your commitments though worries will not leave you alone either. Isolating from world will not help rather you should call friends and arrange get together. You will work hard to resolve an issue involving a child.

LEO Jul 23-Aug 22 You have the right tools, but if you hesitate, you will lose a huge opportunity. You will be going on an important trip. Meetings will go well and you will receive the clearance. People will try to cause distraction but will fail. You will become more popular in social circle and will be invited to couple of important parties.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23-Dec 22

October 30 to November 5

Extra money will bring some relief.

Claim will be approved and you will be issued the check. Do things within legal parameters and handle all government related matters carefully.

Changes at work will leave you unhurt but still shake you up. You will be travelling to a nice area with family to attend a social event.

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NEWS

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TAURUS Apr 21-May 20 Things will once again start moving in right direction. You may be slowly working towards starting a new venture in partnership. You will start preparation for an upcoming trip also. Spouse will be under lots of pressure for some reasons. People who promised big will not keep up their words as a result you will discard them from your list.

VIRGO Aug 23-Sept 22 Focus on today rather than worrying about future. Expenses will come down a lot. You will feel tired of slow or no progress in the past and will take some drastic steps. Gamble will pay off. You will come across few very compatible people and may decide to use their expertise. You will be excited about an upcoming big reunion.

CAPRICORN Dec 23-Jan 19 Changes you were working on will finally materialize. It may not be rewarding right away but in long term. Believe in your expertise and march forward with your plans. Family may be leaving for the overseas trip soon. You will get all the help from superiors and those in high places. You may be thinking of taking off from work for few days.

GEMINI May 21-Jun 20 You will need to put in extra hours but sales will be kind of flat. People who you helped in the past will start to maintain distance and will not be there in case of need. People in job will have some changes pretty soon. Do not take any chance with weather. Do not be double minded and do not put off things for another day.

LIBRA Sept 23-Oct 22 It will be an expensive week though the money will be well spent. It will be beneficial week for brokers. You will continue to have few fears about job for some more time. You may be double minded about an opportunity that requires change of residence.

You will buy some high end gadget for personal use.

AQUARIUS Jan 20-Feb 18 Some of you will be getting ready for an upcoming trip and spend most of the evenings in mall. You will have better controls of the things at work.

Business will also improve but not to satisfactory level. You will be meeting an influential person. Transiting Venus in twelfth can cause intimate relationship with a beautiful person.

CANCER Jun 21-Jul 22 If you try little harder and sincerely, you will achieve lot. Planets are sill favorable for money through speculation or lottery. You will gain friendship of a very useful person. Throw all the fears out of your mind and enjoy what you have. You may be thinking of having some special prayers done at your place and start inviting friends.

SCORPIO Oct 23-Nov 22 You will be going on a short but interesting trip. Concentration of Planets in first will boost your Morales and provide extra ordinary success in career.

You will finish an important project well before deadline. Boss will be happy and make necessary approval for next level. You may redevelop taste for very spicy food and desert.

PISCES Feb 19-Mar 20 Stress at work will reduce but will not go away completely. After paying off all the bills you will have enough money left in your pockets. People creating trouble in the past will start paying attention elsewhere. All meetings and trips will bring instant results and rewards. You will call or get in touch with a trusted person for advice.

October 30, 2009

www.indiapost.com

India Post 39

Health

Line

Patient exposed to radiation at hospital sues LOS ANGELES: A patient who was exposed to an overdose of radiation during a CT scan has sued Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and the maker of the scanner.

Trevor Rees's lawsuit, filed in Superior Court, seeks class action status on behalf of the 206 patients who received radiation overdoses because of an equipment error that went undetected for 11/2 years.

The lawsuit claims the hospital's staff and the scanner's manufacturer, General Electric Healthcare, were negligent in performing the scans. -AP

Pot advocates: Looser guidelines leave questions SAN FRANCISCO: A new Obama administration policy loosening guidelines on federal prosecution of medical marijuana signaled to users that they had less to fear from federal agents but still left their suppliers to contend with a tangled mesh of state laws and regulations.

The Justice Department told federal prosecutors that targeting people who use or provide medical marijuana in strict compliance with state laws was not a good use of their time.

Marijuana advocates and patients called the memo an encouraging step forward from the strict anti-pot policies of the Bush administration. But many worried that the web of laws in the 14 states that allow medical marijuana use could still leave medical marijuana providers vulnerable to prosecution. -AP

Review of escape from Ariz. hospital PHOENIX: State officials are pledging a thorough investigation of apparent security flaws that enabled a sex offender from the state mental hospital in Phoenix.

The Department of Health Services says 40-year-old Jorge Murillo escaped from a treatment center in the hospital complex after climbing two fences. He escaped less than a week after arriving at the hospital after completing a 10-year prison sentence on a sexual assault conviction in Maricopa Community committed in 1999.

Murillo remained at large as department interim Director Will Humble said the investigation into his escape will review procedures, staffing, the facility's design. -AP

Health Science 40

India Post

www.indiapost.com

October 30, 2009

RI students to receive swine flu vaccine in Nov. PROVIDENCE, R.I.: School children in Rhode Island are scheduled to receive the swine flu vaccine starting in November.

Health Department Director David Gifford has sent letters to parents explaining free clinics will likely start next month. -AP

AMA to work with AAPI on healthcare reforms HARISH RAO India Post News Service

SAN ANTONIO, TX: Physicians of Indian origin have emerged as leaders of American medical community and international medical graduates make up about 25 percent of one million strong physicians in the US, according to Dr. J. James Rohack, president of American Medical Association (AMA) Addressing the fall governing body meeting of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) as guest speaker recently here, he said one in four of every international medical graduates went to a medical school in India and there are more than 33,000 IMGs as members of the AMA. The AMA and the AAPI are working together hand-in-hand on several areas of interest to Indian-American physicians such as speeding up of visa application process and securing J-1 visa waivers for physicians to practice in underserved areas access.

"These issues don't affect only the

AAPI President Dr. Vinod Shah with AMA President Dr. J. James Rohack at the AAPI event. -(Photo courtesy: AAPI)

One in four of every international medical graduates went to a medical school in India and there are more than 33,000 IMGs as members of the AMA physicians but the medical education system, delivery of quality patient care, especially those in the underserved areas," he said.

The two premier organizations are also working on equal opportunity to residency programs, closer state licensure parity with

graduates of US medical schools, license portability from state to state and the AMA is working hard to find solutions to the issues important to the Indian community, Dr. Rohack said. "The international medical graduates have made AMA a better organization that more accurately reflects the diversity in American medicine."

"Covering the uninsured is a top priority of AMA and there should be comprehensive health system reform that will cover the uninsured, improve healthcare delivery system and place affordable high quality care within the reach of all Americans," he said.

"America's fight for health system reform like the song Jai Ho is building toward a crescendo."

The AMA supports the efforts at reform because physicians see what's broken in the current system every day. Rising healthcare costs strain individuals, businesses and government budgets and the disease burden of widespread obesity portent a tidal wave of costs that may drown the nation, he observed.

Cont’d on page 41

Public Option is good in principle: Dr. Raj Gandhi SRIREKHA N. CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service

NEW YORK: The healthcare overhaul set about by the Obama Administration has stirred up unprecedented and frenzied public debate like no other in recent times.

In a perfectly timed exploration of the overall healthcare system in the country, Dr. Raj K. Gandhi, renowned thoracic surgeon and member of the World Medical Association, has come out with a book 'Sense of Direction - It Needs To Be Restored: Park 1 Healthcare', in which he explains why restructuring - and not replacing - is the answer to the broken system.

In his book, Dr. Gandhi dissects some of the proposed healthcare amendments and controversial topics including: How the very high and rising cost of

healthcare in the US is related to excessive utilization, excessive profits, and 'maladjusted capitalism'; how 47 million uninsured people can be insured by enrolling those below age 50 into Medicaid

introduces drug discount cards to seniors with limited incomes; and proposes a fund -- the Social Security Insurance Fund - which

Dr Gandhi also puts forth his own law, the Medicare Fair Drug Pricing Act, which prohibits direct consumer drug advertising and those above 50 into Medicare; why excessive utilization near the end of life is the main cause of high cost among Medicare beneficiaries.

Dr. Gandhi also puts forth his own law, the Medicare Fair Drug Pricing Act, which prohibits direct consumer drug advertising and

Dr. Raj Gandhi

taxes small amounts on incomes over $200,000 to help boost Social Security and reduce the budget deficit and national debt.

Challenging physicians, hospi-

tal administrators, AARP members, and high school, college and university students alike to help fix the broken healthcare system, Dr. Gandhi urges each reader to send his copy of the book to the President, US Senator, Congressperson and other government officials involved in healthcare. His goal is to have one million copies sent to Washington in a Million-BookMarch. "This book is not meant to just read," he says. "I wrote it to inspire people to band together to find it for our country's healthcare system. Although severely broken, Medicare and Medicaid have stood the tests of time and served their beneficiaries well, for most part. By strengthening these services, our nation can bring down the cost of healthcare and improve its quality."

Cont’d on page 42

Health Science Post

October 30, 2009

India Post

41

AMA to work with AAPI on healthcare reforms Cont’d from page 40

Those without health insurance, who can't afford a visit to a personal physician and who access care only through an emergency department live sicker and die younger. This is unacceptable in the wealthiest and most technologically advanced society in the history of the world.

AMA will work closely with AAPI in finding a solution, he added.

Julian Castro, Mayor of City of San Antonio, said he was happy that Indian-American physicians chose the great city for the meeting and praised their services to the nation.

Dr. Vinod Shah, AAPI president, in his key-note address, said Indian-American physicians give back to the society not only in India but in the US as well. On lack of residency slots to qualified medical graduates, he said:" I have met many bright young men and women from around the world who arrived in America in much the same manner as I had 40 years ago.

"Many of these are international medical graduates, and easily some of the world's brightest minds; many have already successfully completed the rigorous American Board examinations.

"Thousands of these very motivated professionals are floundering in the dark because they are unable to practice what they have been educated for, are committed to, and excel in. It is a tragic irony that individuals with the potential to help others are languishing in their untapped potential.

"This group can easily become part of the solution for the prob-

'Thousands of these very motivated professionals are floundering in the dark because they are unable to practice what they have been educated for' lem our healthcare system is facing. What lies between our country's success and their failure is three years of residency," he said.

Dr. Shah said that the third Indo-US Healthcare summit will be held in New Delhi in January 2010 and next year's annual convention in Washington DC, he said.

Dr. Jayesh Shah, treasurer of AAPI, chair of AMA International

Medical Graduate section and organizer of the event, said the purpose of combining the governing body and the Charitable Foundation dinner was to encourage participation of physicians in foundation activities in a big way.

The Texas Indo-American Physicians Society Southwest Chapter (TIPS-SW), the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI)-Charitable Foundation, and the India Association of San Antonio (IASA) in cooperation with the local ethnic associations had staged a benefit program called "Dancing for the Millions-Jai Ho" and the proceeds will benefit the Charitable Foundation of AAPI that runs 17 free clinics in India and AAPI doctors' runs more than eight free clinics in the US, he added.

The governing body meeting was followed by a meeting of the executive committee and board of trustees of AAPI. A gala event to raise funds for AAPI Charitable Foundation and charity dinner and ball were also held in the evening with silent auction and presided over by Dr. Shashi Shah, president of the charitable foundation.

David Deanda, president of Lone Star National Bank was hon-

ored for his support to the event.

A seminar for International Medical Graduates was conducted and was presided by Dr. Stephen Seeling, vice president of operations, Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) and Dr. Rajam Ramamurthy, professor of Neonatology, UTHSCA. Another seminar on business

of medicine was conducted for young practicing physicians in conjunction with Bexar County Medical Society and Southwest General Hospital and was presided over by Sarah Fontenat and Dr. Vijay Koli, past president of AAPI. Dr. Ajeet Singhvi, president-elect, welcomed the guests and Dr. Narendra Kumar, secretary, proposed a vote of thanks.

Less West Nile virus detected in Tenn NASHVILLE, Tenn.: There was less West Nile Virus this year in Tennessee compared to 2008, and unusually cool weather in July and August is probably the reason, a state health expert said. ``We've not had a very hot summer, compared to previous years,'' said Dr. Abelardo Moncayo, an epidemiologist with the Tennessee Department of Health. ``That's important to mosquito development and also to development of the virus.''

Moncayo explained that mosquitoes, which spread the virus that causes the disease, spawn

more vigorously in hot weather.

Higher temperatures also aid replication of the virus itself, he said.

August is usually the peak month for West Nile.

Moncayo said the best indicator is tracking tests done on pools of mosquitoes, explaining that there could be late reporting of human cases of the disease.

The mosquito testing ended last week and Moncayo reports a significant drop. In 2008, 14.6 percent of the samples tested came back positive for West Nile, compared with 11.7 percent this summer. -AP

42

Health Science Post

India Post

October 30, 2009

www.indiapost.com

Public Option is good in principle: Dr. Raj Gandhi Cont’d from page 40

In an emailed interview with India Post, Dr. Gandhi, who has practiced thoracic surgery in community hospitals in Atlanta since 1977, talked more on the subject.

IP: To say the American healthcare system is a mess seems to me like an understatement going by your book. What, in your opinion, has precipitated the system so severely?

Dr. Gandhi: There is no single precipitating cause. Multiple factors are contributing to the mess as described in detail in the book.

These basically include excessive utilization, excessive profits and 'maladjusted capitalism'. The fundamentals of US healthcare system are good, but they have become mired with these negative elements, some of which have even a greater negative effect than others, like the medical liability system.

IP: Who would you say are the biggest culprits to have brought about this mess -- the insurance companies, the hospitals, the government or the doctors or would you say it is a collective failure?

Dr. Gandhi: All are to blame, some more than others. Doctors, in my opinion, are least to blame although they bear some responsibility.

IP: What is your opinion on President Obama's proposed healthcare reform, especially the proposed public option?

Dr. Gandhi: Public option is good in principle and would provide insurance coverage and competition. But I do not see the need for a new government bureaucracy as proposed by President Obama. We already have two well established government programs with a long history and track record. We need to improve and reform them and make them more cost effective and then use them as public options also. I have described this at length in the book.

IP: The insurance companies have started their organized campaign against the Public Option -- how exactly would they be af-

fected if it comes through?

Dr. Gandhi: Yes, insurance companies and HMOs will be adversely affected because they love their profits and power. They will have to lower their premiums in order to compete with public option. Some hospitals will also be adversely affected. In the long run pharmaceuticals and medical device manufacturers may also become affected.

IP: Why are the Conservatives so against Obama's healthcare

system. Government knows and so do the special interest groups, who exert tremendous influence on senators and congresspersons through lobbyists and similar influence on the public through media advertisements. Conservative radio talk show hosts, whose real name should be ITFs (incessant talking fanatics) as I have described in the book take this agenda and bombard the airwaves day in day out with powerful language against the public option.

It literally becomes impossible for anyone to convince the public under these circumstances.

IP: Do you think Obama will win against the powerful insurance and drug companies to push through with his reform proposals?

ing down. But the healthcare cost will not go down. If at all it will go up, in my opinion. All bills being considered in various committees of the US Congress are limited and not comprehensive.

The final bill which President Obama will sign will have a limited effect. But it will still be good because it will reform the insurance industry, and it may set the stage for a comprehensive healthcare reform down the road. If I can convince the public to participate in "Operation: Save Healthcare Save America" as described on my book's website, .sodhealth care.com, a real and comprehensive healthcare reform will occur.

It will carry the voice and the will of the people to Washington

Conservative radio talk show hosts, whose real name should be ITFs (incessant talking fanatics) take this agenda and bombard the airwaves day in day out with powerful language against the public option

reform proposals -- is it only political or is there more to it?

Dr. Gandhi: Good question. I think it is both political and philosophical. Their DNA, for some reason, is against everything that government does. Some of them have yet not forgiven FDR for starting Social Security; and LBJ for starting Medicare and Medicaid, programs which have served this country so well.

IP: Why is the government not able to convince the general public about the Public Option choice?

Dr. Gandhi: Very good question again. General public does not have an in-depth knowledge of how healthcare system works. It consumes 17% of GDP, obviously a huge sum of money. Even very educated and well informed people do not know where this money goes, because it is a complicated

Dr. Gandhi: He will get one inch from these very powerful entities and spin it into victory. That is what politicians do. He deserves at least a foot to be able to make a dent. They are sitting on several yards.

IP: Given the present scenario -- political and economic -- what will be the situation of the healthcare industry as a whole in the near future?

Dr. Gandhi: In the near future it will not be much different than it is now. Perhaps in three to four years the number of people without health insurance will start go-

and educate the politicians and give them courage and strength to stand up to the lobbyists representing special interest groups, which are standing in the way of meaningful healthcare reform.

IP: Personally, how happy/ frustrated are you to be practicing medicine in the present-day America as compared to when you started out in your career here?

Dr. Gandhi: The pleasure of being able to help someone heal and get better always brings happiness. This kind of happiness is as good today as it was when I started my career. There was no

frustration then, caused by HMOs or insurance companies. The reimbursement rates were adequate.

Medical liability insurance premiums were affordable. Patients were less demanding. The fear of potential law suits was there but much less compared to now. From patients' viewpoint also, things were better. Health insurance premiums were affordable. There were not too many people without health insurance. Now there are 47 million.

IP: The US has been a coveted career destination for many Indian doctors over the years -- is it still so? What is your advice for new aspirants wanting to migrate from India?

Dr. Gandhi: The US still is and will remain a coveted destination, and rightfully so, especially for young doctors coming from abroad. It is the U.S. doctors who are being adversely affected by the present health care mess.

Here, young doctors coming out of medical school carry a burden of debt of $150,000 to $200,000 to start with. Years ago it was easier to pay off this debt, which itself used to be lower. Foreign doctors have challenges of different kind, like USMLEs and difficulties in getting into residency programs.

For new aspirants wanting to migrate from India, my advice is to keep full faith in the US and its ability to correct itself. They should, however, be prepared for some hardship. On the other hand India has been coming up over the years and is now able to provide better opportunities than in the past. For someone ambitious and adventurous, US is still the place.

Ariz. agency says behavioral health would be cut PHOENIX: Previous funding cuts in public health programs mean that a new reduction in state Department of Health Services funding to close a midyear budget shortfall would largely fall on services for the mentally ill and put the state in violation of court orders, officials said.

In a report on how it would implement a 15 percent budget cut, the Department of Health Services said it would eliminate services for roughly 35,000 people who don't qualify for Medicaid.

That would place new burdens on emergency rooms and crisis services, the department said.

By default, the state would be out of compliance with longstanding court orders to improve services for the seriously mentally

ill in Maricopa County, said Laura Nelson, acting deputy director. ``It's more of a reality than a position at this point.''

Hoping to prod lawmakers to go along with her proposal for a

The Department of Economic Security said it would increase fees for some child-support enforcement services temporary increase in the state sales tax, Gov. Jan Brewer last month ordered departments to report on impacts if the state elects to close the budget gap only with cuts.

In another report, the Department of Economic Security said it would increase fees for some child-support enforcement services and programs for individuals with developmental disabilities.

DES said it also would eliminate some smaller programs, including aid for grandparents caring for grandchildren, and eliminate much of an early intervention system for infants and toddlers either with developmental delays or disabilities.

Combined with previous reductions, further cuts ``will have devastating long-term consequences for thousands of Arizona's most vulnerable residents,'' DES Director Neal Young said in the report. -AP

„

Briefs

India, China ink MoA on climate change; set up JWG NEW DELHI: Moving closer on climate issues, India and China have announced setting up of a Joint Working Group to exchange views concerning international negotiations on global warming.

The Joint Working Group (JWG), which will hold meetings alternately in China and India every year, is also expected to discuss respective domestic policies and measures and implementation of related cooperative projects.

The JWG is part of the steps of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to boost cooperation on climate change issues signed by Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh and China's Vice Chairman of National Development and Reform Commission Xie Zhenhua. -PTI

„ India confident of solving border dispute with China NEW DELHI: Downplaying the recent war of words with China, India has expressed confidence that the boundary dispute with it will be resolved amicably through dialogue.

These recriminations over the border are "not sudden", Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee told PTI while pointing out that such issues have been cropping up earlier also as China has not accepted the McMohan Line since 1914.

Mukherjee, who held the External Affairs Ministry portfolio in the previous UPA government, disagreed when it was suggested that China had been "strident" recently while India's response was being perceived as soft. -PTI

„ IAF top brass reviews readiness in operations NEW DELHI: Top IAF commanders here reviewed the force's operational readiness, new acquisitions and replacement of ageing equipment, apart from its rapid strides in building capabilities in net-centric operations and the entire spectrum of warfare.

Inaugurating the four-day IAF commanders' conference at the Air headquarters here, IAF chiefAir Chief Marshal P V Naik unveiled his vision for the Air Force in view of the enhanced capabilities being acquired and the three-pronged approach taken towards modernization of the force.

"The modernization process would include preserving, maintaining, upgrading and improving the current assets, as well as processing the cases for acquisitions and replacements on a fast track," Naik said in his opening remarks. -PTI

India News 43

India Post

www.indiapost.com

October 30, 2009

Phalke award God's gift, says Manna Dey BANGALORE: For the nonagenarian legendary singer Manna Dey, who has mesmerised audiences world over with his lilting voice, the news of being chosen for the coveted Dada Sahab Phalke award came as God's gift.

"It's very flattering, the government, thinking it is right to confer the award on me. It came as a pleasant surprise. It's Gods gift, I accept it with all humility," Manna Dey told PTI. -PTI

Cong wins Maharashtra and Arunachal, Haryana throws up hung House NEW DELHI: The Congress coasted to power in Maharashtra for the third consecutive term and won a landslide victory in Arunachal Pradesh but its gamble in Haryana failed to pay off when it fell short of majority.

The Congress-NCP combine, which has been ruling Maharashtra for the past ten years, got 148 seats out of the total 288 seats. The combine has marginally improved on its performance in the last elections when it got 140.

Congress, which will continue to have the Chief Minister's post.

The fledgling Raj Thackerayled MNS which made its debut in the assembly by scoring a dozen seats, played the spoilsport for the Shiv Sena-BJP combine.

The saffron combine (BJP and Shiv Sena) secured 92 seats, less than their 2004 tally of 116.

Shock in Haryana The outcome in Haryana however has come as a shock for the Congress with the party scrambling for numbers to cobble up a majority in the 90-member House. In the fractured verdict, Congress emerged as the single largest party winning 40 seats, six short of majority.

The Congress has opened channels of communication with Bhajan Lal-led breakaway faction

Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan holds up a victory sign during his visit to the party office in Mumbai

The Congress in Haryana has opened channels of communication with Bhajan Lal-led breakaway faction for support and is wooing the seven successful Independent MLA for support and is wooing the seven successful Independent MLAs to help form the next government in the state.

Requiring 46 MLAs to form the government in the 90-member assembly, Congress is short of the magic figure by six.

Party sources said of the 7 Independents, four are Congress rebels while three have their loyalties to INLD chief Om Prakash Chautala.

As both Congress and INLD are in a close race to form government in the state, sources in Congress said channels of communications are open with Bhajan Lalled Haryana Janhit Congress-BL which has six MLAs. "Bhajan Lal is an old Congressman...Our channels of communications are open with him," a senior party leader closely associated with Haryana affairs said.

However, the leader said the party does not know what Bhajan Lal would ask for in return for his support.

Congress had denied party ticket to Bhajan Lal's son Chander Mohan alias Chand Mohammed after his controversial conversion to Islam and then reconversion.

Arunachal triumph ITANAGAR: The ruling Congress stormed back to power with a two-third majority winning 42 of the 60 seats in Arunachal Pradesh assembly while UPA allies Trinamool Congress and NCP emerged victorious in five constituencies each and BJP two.

Of the 42 seats won by Congress, Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu and two others were elected unopposed. The party had contested all the seats.

Trinamool Congress, which contested the elections for the first time in the state, and other UPA ally NCP, won five seats each. Trinamool had contested 26 seats, NCP 36 and opposition BJP 18 seats.

The Congress, however, received a setback as seven- time MLA and former chief minister Gegong Apang and his son Omak lost to their NCP and BJP rivals respectively. -PTI

PM for diffusion of climate change technology NEW DELHI: Making it clear that the country will not compromise on development in the fight against global warming, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has said India and other developing nations must do their bit to keep their emissions footprint within "sustainable and equitable" levels.

Inaugurating the New Delhi High Level Conference on Climate Change: Technology Development and Transfer, he made a strong pitch for diffusion of technology which "will be a key element in meeting the challenge of climate change."

"Developing countries cannot and will not compromise on development. But, as responsible members of the global community, we also do recognize that we,

along with other members of the global community, must do our bit to keep our emissions footprint within levels that are sustainable and equitable," Singh said.

The Prime Minister said that India was acting in its own limited capacity in pursuing its commit-

technology under a multilaterally supervised mechanism.

"We need to act across all the stages of the technology cycle? from research leading to new breakthroughs, to the development and adoption of new technologies and to the transfer of

'We need to work towards a significantly enhanced and scaled-up set of arrangements for technology under a multilaterally supervised mechanism' ment to sustainable growth and a "comprehensive, balanced and equitable outcome" of the climate change talks at Copenhagen "will enable us to do much more".

"We need to work towards a significantly enhanced and scaled-up set of arrangements for

existing and mature technologies," Singh said.

Singh said India will adopt "purposive domestic actions" to enhance its climate change management with a focus on achieving time-bound outcomes related to the energy efficiency of its

economy, the share of renewable in our fuel mix and several other sector specific initiatives.

"We should endeavor to create a global platform to bring together the best scientific and technological resources from across the world in a collaborative effort to deliver transformational technologies for the future," he said citing the fusion energy project ITER as an example.

Singh reiterated that India's per capita carbon emissions will never exceed the average of the per capita carbon emissions of developed countries.

"Equating GHG emissions across nations on a per capita basis is the only just and fair basis for a long-term global arrangement on climate change which is truly equitable," he said. -PTI

In Brief $12K reward offered in attack on Mexican NEW YORK: A Mexican immigrant was so badly beaten in an apparent bias attack that he cannot remember where it happened or when, police said as they announced a $12,000 reward in the assault.

Mario Vera, a 38-year-old construction worker who has lived in the US for nearly 20 years, sustained brain damage in the attack and has been hospitalized since Oct. 1, police and a family spokesman said. ``He can barely walk. He can't hear. He doesn't talk,'' said Walter Sinche, the family's spokesman and executive director of the International Ecuadorean Alliance, a community group. ``He's completely lost.'' -AP

Disabled vets upset over citizenship policy SALT LAKE CITY: Thousands of disabled military veterans are being asked to prove their U.S. citizenship to qualify for a property-tax break in Salt Lake County, a side effect of a new stricter state immigration law that is generating criticism.

According to the county, disabled veterans aren't exempt from the law passed earlier this year by the Utah Legislature that requires governments to verify that those receiving a ``public benefit'' are living in the country legally.

The treasurer's office has sent notices to more than 3,500 wounded or ill veterans requiring them to attest to their citizenship or provide paperwork proving their legal status to qualify for the tax break. -AP

Sheriff's deputies arrest 9 in immigration sweep SURPRISE, Ariz.: An Arizona sheriff whose powers were stripped by a federal agency last week continued his office's immigration sweep.

Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio said in a news release that 34 suspects were arrested in the crime sweep's first eight hours.

The second day of the sweep, nine people at a Peoria car wash were arrested.

Maricopa County sheriff's spokesman Aaron Douglas said seven people at the car wash were arrested on immigration charges and two on identification theft charges.

The arrests came after deputies served a search warrant at the On Your Way Car Wash and Quick Lube, Douglas said. -AP

Immigration 44

India Post

October 30, 2009

www.indiapost.com

Mexican official in custody doesn't want asylum EL PASO, Texas: A Mexican human rights official who has publicly said he feared for his life has been detained by US immigration authorities as an asylum-seeker - even though he doesn't want American protection, his lawyer said. -AP

175 years of Indian indentured labor in Mauritius

Photographs and details of the earliest immigrants are now archived in the Mahatma Gandhi Institute

PREETI VERMA LAL

N

ame: Hurloll. Age: 19.

Caste: Hajam. Father's name: Bheenuch. Village: Khudecha. Pargana: Nouranga.

Zilla: Sahibganj. Identifying mark: Mark on right leg. In the red ledger stacked neatly in the Mahatma Gandhi Institute (MGI), Hurloll's details are written in calligraphed hand in black ink.

The sepia pages are blotched and Hurloll's name certainly looks misspelt. Perhaps he was Harlal or Harilal, but when he landed in Mauritius as an indentured laborer to work in the British sugarcane plantations the British agents registered him as Hurloll, handed him a tin ticket, signed a 5-year con-

tract for a monthly salary of Rs 5, vaccinated him, and sent him to an estate… Hurloll lost his real name, Harlal/Harilal, the strapping young boy of 19 from Sahibganj, became an identity number. He was not the only one, though.

Aapravasi Ghat on November 2, 1834 - Soorop, Sabaram, Bhoodoo, Champak, Bhoowan, Bhumarah, Bhagyaruth, Dookhun, Gungaram…. Slavery had been abolished by the British Parliament and 'indenture' became the new system

In the Folk Museum of Indian Immigration at MGI, a photocopied framed sheet bears the names of the first 36 Indian indentured laborers who arrived in what is now the Aapravasi Ghat on November 2, 1834 He was the not the first one, either. In the Folk Museum of Indian Immigration at MGI, a photocopied framed sheet bears the names of the first 36 Indian indentured laborers who arrived in what is now the

of recruitment of cheap labor.

The 'Great Experiment' of the indentured system was launched in Mauritius as a test case and GC Arbuthnot, an enterprising private recruiting agent, signed an agree-

ment on September 9, 1834, in the presence of the Chief Magistrate and Superintendent of Police, Calcutta, to recruit Indians as indentured laborers. In 1834, 75 male laborers reached Mauritius, the number going up to 1182 men and 72 women in 1835, soaring to 30,218 men and 4307 women in 1843, 31,643 men and 12,754 women in 1859… Between 1834 and 1910 when the indentured system was abolished in Mauritius, 346,145 men and 105,896 women arrived from India, mainly from what are now Bihar, Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Maharashtra. Of the total 452,041 arrivals, only 167,570 returned to India after the completion of their 5-year contract.

Cont’d on page 45

The crisis of unrepresented individuals in removal proceedings CYRUS D. MEHTA

A

noncitizen who is placed in removal proceedings has a right to a lawyer at his or her own expense, but unlike a criminal proceeding, there is no constitutional right to counsel. Securing representation in immigration proceedings cannot be at the expense of the government. As a result, many poor immigrants in removal proceedings are unable to afford hire a lawyer. If a person is criminally charged, he or she must be given counsel, regardless of the ability to pay for one. This is not so in removal proceedings despite the fact that the consequences of deportation from the country may be more drastic than a criminal sentence - which most of the times results in permanent ban-

ishment from the United States and from loved ones.

Even if an immigrant in removal proceedings can pay for a lawyer, it is difficult to find one since Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the enforcement arm of Department of Homeland Security,

cover the entire population of people in removal proceedings.

A recent New Jersey Law Journal editorial is spot on in advocating that it is necessary for Congress to step in to create a corps of competent lawyers to represent individuals in removal proceed-

Removal proceedings are bewilderingly complex, and it is impossible for the unrepresented respondent to effectively navigate the process and identify legal grounds to remain in the United States can incarcerate this individual in remote detention centers such as in Oakdale, LA, even if this person was initially arrested in New York.

Moreover, while many lawyers undertake pro bono representation, this in itself may not be enough to

ings, blackstoneto day.blog spot.com/2009/09/deportationwithout-representation-nj.html.

About 300,000 people face removal proceedings each year before 200 immigration judges. According to the Executive Office for

Immigration Review, only 40% of them were represented in 2008.

The plight of detained persons facing removal is far worse. Only 1 in 10 had representation. In a great democratic nation like the United States, people deserve competent counsel so that they can effectively assert their rights.

Removal proceedings are bewilderingly complex, and it is impossible for the unrepresented respondent to effectively navigate the process and identify legal grounds to remain in the United States. The odds of winning relief in removal are greatly improved when such a person is represented by a competent lawyer.

Cont’d on page 47

Immigration Post

October 30, 2009

India Post

45

www.indiapost.com

175 years of Indian indentured labor in Mauritius Cont’d from page 44

As I walk up the 16 steps of the wharf at the Aapravasi Ghat where Atlas, the ship, had moored with the first batch of Indian laborers, I go back 175 years in time, to that date of November 2, 1834, when Soorop,

in Port Louis were used as depots for laborers.

At the end of the 16th step, I saw the ruins of the stone building where the laborers bathed and were later registered. The dilapidated adjacent wall stands as a mute testimony to the shelter that the Indians were huddled into for two days before being carted to the sugar estates with a tin identity ticket that they had strap on their arms or wear around their necks.

I think of the contract clauses Contract of 5 years; free to & fro passage; Rs 5 per month as wages of which Rs 1 was deducted as repatriation charges; 6 months advance pay, free ration, accommodation and clothing. I walk by the privies and hospital, and the

The first temple built by the Indian immigrants in Phoolyar village

nation; some left, other stayed back to throw in the ubiquitous dash of Indianness in Mauritius.

After disembarking, the immigrants walked up these 16 steps at the Apravasi Ghat to be registered and then sent to work in the sugar estates

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"Let's go to Phoolyar village, the first settlement of Indian immigrants". Nostalgic about India and Cont’d on page 46

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India Post

Immigration Post

October 30, 2009

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175 years of Indian indentured labor in Mauritius Cont’d from page 45

her roots, Sarita Boodhoo, writer and activist, prepped to be my guide/historian for the day.

Driving past miles and miles of sugarcane plantations, Boodhoo tells me that the British started meticulously registering arrivals in 1842 and in 1865 a photographic unit was set up - a photographer took two photographs of each immigrant, one attached to the immigrant's ticket and the other retained in the records; that in 1987 Coolie Ghat was renamed Aapravasi Ghat and in 2001, November 2 was declared A sculpture at the Apravasi Ghat marks the landing place of the indentured laborers

from home.

Perhaps it was in Phoolyar village that at the end of hard day's work, Hurloll flipped through the pages of Ramayana that he had brought from village Khudecha.

Ramayana written in Kaithi script brought by the earliest Bihari immigrants

as a public holiday in memory of the arrival of the first Indian indentured laborers.

In Phoolyar village amidst the ruins of sugar mills and barracks, I saw the statue of Hindu gods and goddesses in the first temple built by the Indians and the barracks that lie in a shambles - it was here that Indians made their home more than 5,000 miles away

fulfilled - on January 15, 1873, he boarded the Merchant Man ship to go back to his family in Arrah.

I do not know what Hurloll, that strapping lad of 19, looked like, but 175 years later I can imagine him

The Folk Museum of Indian Immigration chronicles the arrival of first indentured laborers on November 2, 1834 Pics by Preeti Verma Lal (Archival documents photographed with special permission from Mahatma Gandhi Institute, and Folk Museum of Indian Immigration)

Perhaps it was here that Kunty of village Moreemoe sang the Bhojpuri jhumar in the silence of the night, and Beesony from Noonur Pargana with scar on the outside corner of the right eyebrow waited for the day that he would return home. His dream was

hunched over, toiling in a sugarcane field wearing his tin ticket on his arm‌I do not know Hurloll, but standing by the wharf in Trou Fanfaron in Port Louis I thought of him. I am back home, but I cannot forget Hurloll. (www.deepblueink.com)

October 30, 2009

Immigration Post

India Post

47

www.indiapost.com

The crisis of unrepresented individuals in removal proceedings Cont’d from page 44

can be paired up with expert immigration On February 28, 2007, Judge Katzmann lawyers from AILA, so that the volunteer in the Court of Appeals of the Second Cir- lawyers are also ably guided through the cuit challenged lawyers at a New York City labyrinthine process. It would be far more Bar annual lecture, both within and outside effective to leverage the resources of large the immigration bar, to find ways to increase law firms in increasing the representation representation to the immigrant poor of persons in removal proceedings. AILA through pro bono services, to advance ac- lawyers, who are often sole practitioners cess to justice as well as the administration and already providing low bono services, and operation of our immigration laws. can provide their expertise to the large law His speech, www.probonoinst.org/wire/ firms working on these cases.

Even if pro bono representation is emy078.pdf, inspired an interdisciplinary group of lawyers, bar groups, non-profit or- stepped up, it may not be enough. All immiganizations, other judges and law firms to grants in removal proceedings, especially conduct an in-depth exploration of this prob- in remote detention centers in rural areas, lem. The group is known as the Katzmann faraway from where attorneys practice, may Study Group, which meets frequently in the not be covered by these laudable efforts.

The program may be further stepped up Judge's chambers at 7.30 am! A New York Times article describing Judge Katzmann's through corporate funding, and this is hapextraordinary efforts is worth reading, http:/ pening for minors in removal proceedings /www.nytimes.com/2009/03/13/nyregion/ through KIND (Kids In Need of Defense), 13immigration.html. which is supported in part by Microsoft and One project, known at the Varick Street the Angelina Jolie Foundation. Ultimately, though, as the NJ Law JourDetention Representation nal Editorial suggests, ConProject, started in Decem- ‘The importance of gress will need to step in to ber 2008 in which pro bono attorneys from large multi- quality representafund a corps of competent practice law firms, after be- tion is especially lawyers, so that every indiing trained by Legal Aid, acute to immividual in removal will have the City Bar Justice Center grants, a vulnerable counsel.

The vulnerability of (where a dedicated those in removal proceedFragomen Fellow coordi- population who nates the project), and the come to this country ings was eloquently deAmerican Immigration Law- searching for a scribed by Judge Katzmann yers Association-NY Chapin Aris v Mukasey, 517 F.3d 595 (2d Cir. 2008): ter, consult with detained better life’ "The importance of qualimmigrants about whether they can obtain relief from removal. ity representation is especially acute to immiAILA lawyers serve as mentors to the grants, a vulnerable population who come to volunteers and assist them in spotting the this country searching for a better life, and issues and avenues for relief. The screen- who often arrive unfamiliar with our language ings are held each week. The next stage is and culture, in economic deprivation and in to encourage firms to take on representa- fear. In immigration matters, so much is at stake tion, either on a limited basis or more fully - the right to remain in this country, to reunite on the merits in deserving cases. a family, or to work."

It is hoped that the Varick Street model is But providing counsel to every immigrant replicated across the country, and that more in removal proceeding is not just some warm lawyers from a non-immigration law back- and fuzzy charitable gesture. The Board of ground take up the representation of indi- Immigration Appeals in Matter of Lozada, gent persons in removal proceedings on a 19 I&N Dec. 637. recognized that there was pro bono basis. These volunteer lawyers a Fifth Amendment right to a fair hearing,

and this right would be undermined if an immigrant received ineffective assistance from counsel. Several Courts of Appeal have upheld this right, See e.g. Aris v. Mukasey, supra. Attorney General Holder also reaffirmed this right recently. If there is a Fifth Amendment right to competent representation, and a fair hearing, it can be logically extended to all immigrants in removal pro-

ceedings. It makes little sense to give this right only to people who hired a lawyer but received ineffective assistance and not for people who were unable to seek a lawyer in the first place and not able to adequately present a good defense. * Cyrus D Mehta, may be contacted at 212425-0555 or info@cyrusmehta.com

48

Classifieds

India Post

October 30, 2009

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MATRIMONIALS

NEED HELP

BRIDEGROOM WANTED

Parents looking for a groom for their beautiful daughter, American Citizen, 31years, 5'3" tall, Caste No Bar. Please send your picture and biodata to P.O.Box # 342, India Post 29274 Union City Blvd.,

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PUNJABI SIKH PARENTS INVITE CORRESPONDENCE FROM WELL ESTABLISHED FAMILIES FOR DAUGHTER, 24 YRS, BEAUTIFUL, SLIM, 5’3", MASTERS-HUMAN GENETICS, LIVING IN INDIA. PROFESSIONALS PREFERRED. PLEASE SEND BIODATA WITH PICTURE. gundeepsingh8@gmail.com PH:562-201-1130

Punjabi Khatri parents

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ALLIANCE INVITED FOR A 26 YRS, 5.3 SINDHI GIRL. BEAUTIFUL, INTELLIGENT AND SOPHISTICATED, BORN & RAISED IN THE U.S. LOOKING FOR SINDHI BOY BELOW 30 YRS OF AGE, HANDSOME AND SOPHISTICATED. WELL SETTLED IN U.S. OR EUROPE. PLEASE REPLY WITH PICTURE & BIODATA TO EMAIL:

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handsome, tall, non-

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abowry25@yahoo.com

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Email: RKGTA@HOTMAIL.COM

or Call 416-464-7471

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inquiries to Guiseppina

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with Bio data and Photo

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Fax: 212-944-1932 pinky@indiapost.com

Classifieds

October 30, 2009

India Post 49

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Executive Chef San Francisco based restaurant looking for a EXECUTIVE CHEF/culinary graduate.

Must have 10 YEARS of experience.

(650) 271-2849

MOTEL FOR SALE AMERICAN NEEDS COMPANION

A 62 units economy Franchise motel on Interstate I 80 / 35 in Des Moine Iowa with two separate houses near to it is for sale.

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Staybridge 98 Room Project For Sale in Spring/Houston TX ;Includes land , Plan and Permit . pls Contact Listing for further info Agent

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Datebook

October 30, 2009

India Post 51

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NEW YORK Upcoming

NEW JERSEY Upcoming

ILLINOIS Upcoming

Sat Oct 31 • Masquerade Ball Venue: Astor Hall, 5th Ave & W 42nd St, New York Time: 9pm Contact: 914-498-8347

Sat Oct 31

Sat Oct 31

• Bhangra & Gidha Competition

• Diwali Dinner & Show

Venue: Waterford Banquets, 933 S. Riverside Dr, Elmhurst, Ill. Contact: 312-226-4425

Venue: Moorestown High School, 350 Bridgeboro Rd, Moorestown, New Jersey Time: 5:30pm Contact: 856-339-5332

Sat Oct 31 and Sun Nov 1 • Seventh International Conference Finding Innovative Strategies to Alleviate Poverty and Mitigate Climate Change

Sun Nov 1 • Prathanjali '09 Venue: Hindu Temple Auditorium, 143-09 Holly Avenue, Flushing, New York Time: 9pm Contact: 718-806-1286

Thurs Nov 5 • Exclusive Management Workshop

Venue: Illinois Institute of Technology, Rice Campus-201 East Loop Road, Wheaton, IL 60187 Contact: 630-303-9592

Sun Nov 8 Thurs Nov 5

• Boogie Woogie Chalo America Chicago Finals 2009

• Sahaj Samadhi Meditation Course Venue: Art of Living Center, 127 West 25th Street 3rd Floor, New York Contact: 917-509-5036

Fri Nov 6 • Tera Pati Sirf Mera Hai Venue: Hindu Temple, 45-57 Bowne St, Flushing, New York Time: 8:30pm Contact: 732-763-0018

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA Upcoming Fri Oct 30 • The Ohlone College Psychology Club Speaker Series: Kim Peek ëThe Real Rain Maní Venue: Smith Center at Ohlone College, 43600 Mission Boulevard in Fremont Time: 7pm Contact: 510-659-6031

Venue: 33 Wood Avenue, 6th Floor - Suite 672, Iselin, NJ Time: 6pm to 9pm Contact: 732-777-4666 Highlights: The 3 hour workshop"Prosperity and Wellness when nothing seems to work"will be conducted by Rajeev Sharma, President of Dyna Lead Inc.

Fri Oct 30 • Halloween Havoc Venue: B412, 412 Emerson St, Palo Alto, California Time: 9pm Contact: 408-685-6044

Sun Nov 1

Sun Nov 1

Venue: The Meadows Club, 2950 W Golf Rd, Rolling Meadows, Illinois Time: 6pm Contact: 847-566-2029,

• Dharam Ki Vastavikta

• Evening of Wisdom with Rajshree Patel

Venue: Knights of Columbus Hall, 116 Grand St., Iselin, NJ Time: 10am to 11:30am Contact: 732-207-7592

Venue: Rancho Cordova City Hall, 2729 Prospect Park Drive, Rancho Cordova, California Contact: 916-281-4033

Fri Nov 20

Sat Nov 7 • India Exhibit 2009

Sun Nov 1

• Delhi 2 Dublin Venue: Funky Buddha Lounge, 738 W Grand Ave, Chicago, Illinois Time: 9pm

Venue: Garden State Exhibit Center, 50 Atrium Drive, Somerset, New Jersey Time: 10:30am to 8pm Contact: 718-472-3700

Venue: M. A. Center, 10200 Crow Canyon, Castro Valley, California Time: 2:30pm to 5pm Contact: 408-219-1169

Thurs Nov 5

VEDIC DHARMA SAMAJ

• Beginner Tabla Class

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• Eco Day Fall 2009

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Venue: Home, Berkeley, California Time: 7pm to 7:45pm Contact: 510-486-8266

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BHAJAN GROUP (11 AM - 11:45 AM)

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52

Philosophy

India Post

October 30, 2009

www.indiapost.com

Page Sponsored by Sahanis stroyed.... except the truth of the Worldly Law. The Worldly Law says that what this is, that is; this arising, that arises."

If we can see the truth of the causes of worldly sufferings, we will not be attached to the view of nothingness.

If we can see the truth of cessation in the world, we will not be attached to worldly existence.

Contd from last week he following are some quotes on the middle path.

It is not easy to make any improvement on these words.

“What this is, that is; this arising, that arises" is the principle of the Law of Dependent Origination; the Conditioned Genesis that says that, "Through ignorance volitional actions or karma-formations are conditioned" is the content of the Law of Dependent Origination.

"When one is born, one will die.

One who admires high status will fall one day."

This is the natural Law of Cause and Effect. It is also an inner implication of the Law of Dependent Origination. It can be called the Cessation Process of the Law of Dependent Origination.

"When the eyes see, the scene comes from nowhere.

When they shut, it goes nowhere.

Thus the eyes see unreality.

All that arises will be de-

W

DR KRISHNA BHATTA

By avoiding the two extremes, the Tathagatha teaches us the Middle Path, which is, what this is, that is; this arising, that arises…"

(Chapter 12, Samyuktagama) We have discussed a lot of these points before in some form or the other. When we are born, this whole world is born with us.

TF Sr. in our last example was born on a certain day and time. This world did not exist for him before that day.

"This arising that arises" is

sides…"nothing arises and nothing ceases" for them.

This is the missing part…There is the law of "dependent origination" that exists for us. There is just existence at the level of a Buddha or Krishna. They can see the origin and they can see the destruction; this is suma-drishti, or the middle path. This understanding will bring that understanding.

AWARENESS: Buddha calls it mindfulness.

This is the process of all medita-

The riches of the whole world represented by the body of Alexander on one side, and all the outward poverty represented by the saint on the other side! But you have simply to look at their faces to be convinced of the poverty or riches of their true souls.

Alexander, the Great, was struck

riches. I will just flood you with worldly pleasures. All sorts of things that people desire, all sorts of things which captivate and charm people will be in wild profusion at your service.

Please accompany me to Greece."

The saint laughed at his reply and said, "There is not a diamond, there is not a sun or star which

‘If this body dies, there I remain the power that makes your hands move. I am the power that makes your muscles move.’ The sword fell down from the hands of Alexander

The monk lay there on the sands, bare-footed, naked, wearing no clothes and not knowing wherefrom his tomorrow's food was to come, just lying there and basking in the Sun. Alexander, the Great, with his crown shining, dazzling with the brilliant diamonds and gems that he had got from Persia, stood beside him in all his glory. Beside him was the monk with no clothes on! What a contrast!

It is night; it is dark

There comes a time when TF Sr. dies. That is the time when this world ceases for him.

‘This ceasing that ceases’ happens to him relative to this world

The naked monk who defeated Alexander the Great SWAMI RAMA TIRTHA

tions. Awareness forms the basis of vipassana. Krishna is trying to raise the awareness of Arjun.

What am I talking about?

I am alive and I am awake. I know what is going on. I am aware of my surroundings. How is this awareness or mindfulness different than this? Krishna has this shloka: ya nisa sarva-bhutanam tasyam jagarti samyami yasyam jagrati bhutani sa nisa pasyato muneh

Karma-formations are conditioned through ignorance

T

hen Alexander, the Great visited India after conquering all the other countries in the world that were known to him, he wanted to see the strange Indians of whom he had been hearing so much. He was led to a monk or priest on the bank of the Indus River.

what happened when he was born.

The whole infrastructure is there to support him. Health of this infrastructure is what Dharma is.

There comes a time when TF Sr. dies. That is the time when this world ceases for him. "This ceasing that ceases" happens to him relative to this world.

Another world starts for him that did not exist for him while he was here with us….he can see what the meaning of 'this arising that arises' again. Buddha and Krishna can see both the

by his appearance. He fell in love with him, and just asked the saint to come with him to Greece.

The saint laughed, and his answer was: "The world is in Me. The world cannot contain Me. The universe is in Me. I cannot be confined in the universe. Greece and Rome are in Me. The suns and stars rise and set in Me." Alexander, the Great, not being used to this kind of language, was surprised. He said, "I will give you

shines, but to Me is due its luster.

To me is due the glory of all the heavenly bodies. To Me is due all the attractive nature, all the charms of the things desired.

“It would be beneath my dignity, it would be degrading on my part, first, to lend the glory and charm to these objects, and then go about seeking them, to go begging at the door of worldly riches, to go begging at the door of flesh and animal desires to re-

We rest and we sleep It is night and it is dark He (the awakened one) is awake He is alert; he is observing It is daytime; we are busy in the market We think we are awake; we are alert He (the awakened one) is uninterested Our daytime is night time for Him ||2:69|| To be continued ceive pleasure, happiness. It is below my dignity. I can never stoop to that level. No, I can never go begging at theirs."

This astonished Alexander, the Great. He just drew his sword and was going to strike off the head of that saint. And again the saint laughed a hearty laugh and said, "O Alexander! never in your life did you speak such a falsehood, such an abominable lie. Kill Me, kill Me, kill Me! “Where is the sword that can kill Me? Where is the weapon that can wound Me? Where is the calamity that can mar my cheerfulness? Where is the sorrow that can tamper with my happiness?

Everlasting, the same yesterday, today and for ever, pure and holy of holies, the Master of the Universe, that I am. Even in your hands I am the power that makes them move, O Alexander!

“If this body dies, there I remain the power that makes your hands move. I am the power that makes your muscles move." The sword fell down from the hands of Alexander.

The 136th birth anniversary of Swami Rama Tirtha falls on October 22.

Your children are not your children. They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.

They came through you but not from you and though they are with you yet they belong not to you.

-Kahlil Gibran Whatever you have in your mind - forget it; Whatever you have in your hand - give it; Whatever is to be your fate - face it!

-Abu Sa'id (Essential Sufism) Service is the highest spiritual discipline. Prayer and meditation, or knowledge of scripture and Vedanta (holy scriptures of India), cannot help you reach the goal as quickly as service can. Service has a double effect, it extinguishes the ego and gives bliss.

-Sathya Sai Baba When you're deluded, every statement is an ulcer; when you're enlightened, every word is wisdom.

-Zhiqu The wise sees knowledge and action as one; they see truly.

-Bhagavad Gita Meditation is painful in the beginning but it bestows immortal Bliss and supreme joy in the end.

-Swami Sivananda Watch and see with what endless variety of beautiful forms He plays the play of his maya with Himself alone.

-Anandmayi Ma

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October 30, 2009

India Post 53

www.indiapost.com

Value of 'pause' in India, Pakistan dialogue ALI AHMED

I

ndia-Pakistan relations are once again in a trough, per haps this is fallout of the terror unleashed by the jihadis on 26/ 11. While cutting off of the dialogue can be seen as fallout of their action, persisting with the 'pause' has moved beyond mere 'fallout' to become 'strategy'. Ostensibly it

stan and in doing so extract Pakistani compliance with Indian interests.

A possible outcome is Pakistan not delivering on Indian demands, particularly the prosecution of mastermind, Hafiz Sayeed. While this is likely, by demanding it, India is compelling Pakistan to at

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh (R) and his Pakistani counterpart Yousuf Raza Gilani at Sharm-el-Shaikh in Egypt.

is a way to keep up the pressure on Pakistan to act against the handlers of these jihadis. By now, some forward movement could have been expected, particularly because of the need to avoid another 26/11.

Why has this not happened?

What accounts for India persisting with the strategy of 'pause'?

India is mindful that response to terror directed at India would require Indian pressure, separate and in addition to any pressure mounted by its friend and partner, the US. It is the success of such pressure that results in Pakistani complaints - exaggeration apart about Indian action in Afghanistan and allegedly also in Baluchistan.

By refusing to resume the talks, India is driving home its advantage. In case it succeeds in pushing Pakistan to deliver, then it achieves its aims. In case Pakistan takes some action, this can be taken as success of the pressure.

In case Pakistani action results in an extremist backlash, then the reaction would force the Pakistani state to keep up the action, if not enlarge its scope.

This is a situation not averse to some in India. Pakistan has taken limited, if reluctant, action. It has not done any more, lest the largely Punjabi jihadi groups combine with the Pashtun Taliban and destabilize Pakistan's core areas. India may then, along with the international community, assist Paki-

least go after the smaller fish. It would also serve to justify India's stand that Pakistan is not doing enough. This would permit India to pursue its containment of Pakistan by intelligence means.

'No talks' implies that no politically difficult concessions need be made. India cannot be held to the

Just as the military action, Operation Parakram, lost its sting after a while, the 'pause' strategy too could meet the same fate Pakistani requirement in the Islamabad joint statement. There being no buffer of talks, India's possible recourse to military means in response to another 26/ 11 would deter Pakistani state complicity. In case of another 26/11, the Indian state cannot be put on the defensive internally for having resumed talks prematurely.

India does not need talks anymore for controlling the situation in Kashmir since it appears to have arrived at a position of strength there. More importantly, talks serve little purpose in light of the political schizophrenia in Paki-

stan. The 'talks as strategy' route was to propel forces in favor of peace in Pakistan within its polity.

This has not happened. Lastly, India, looking for parity with China, would like to end the hyphenation with Pakistan that talks only serve to reinforce.

For its part, Army-controlled Pakistan is hoping to transit its period of potential instability without overly compromising on its political ends and strategic means, both in Kashmir and Afghanistan.

In retrospect, would India's strategy of 'pause' be seen as time lost?

Pakistan has now tasted 'blowback' intimately. It is barely managing to roll back Islamists and would not want them to rise inordinately again. There are also internal forces in Pakistan, such as a growing middle class, the civil society and the media, which are not in favor of continued hostility with India.

Some sections, especially the commercial class, instead may want to profit from engaging with an economically vibrant India. There is also an increasing pragmatism in the political class on the issue of Kashmir, as seen in statements by President Zardari and former President Musharraf from time to time.

The fact is that anti-American and anti-Indian sentiments exist.

Therefore, the regime cannot go overboard in meeting aims either of the West or of India. It would not do so at the risk of compromising Pakistan's stability. Pakistan can be pushed only so far. It follows that strategic prudence requires that these limits be respected.

There is no escaping the fact that only talks can help tackle the outstanding issues between the two states. Just as the military action, Operation Parakram, lost its sting after a while, the 'pause' strategy too could meet the same fate.

Therefore, India needs to change gears soon. 'Pause' is not an 'end' in itself, but an instrument of pressure. The pressure having succeeded to the extent it has, it is time to change gears.

The opportune moment to resume talks seems to be the first anniversary of 26/11. It has been a year since the last terror incident outside of Kashmir. Perhaps an announcement may be made prior to the PM's state visit to the US and as with the Islamabad meeting, the postponed SAARC summit of this year could witness a replay of Islamabad 2004.

The writer is Security Analyst.

Courtesy IPCS

India Post Benefits of terrorism

G

oing by the law of karma, that is you reap what you sow, Pakistan is not going to have peace anywhere in the near future. Not that peace is an impossible dream. It is very much possible. Only it doesn't benefit Pakistan or those who have come to rule it alternately.

Suppose they decide to have peace in Pakistan, what would it involve? Discourage rich and poor gap, focus on the poor and neglected areas, build schools and colleges, give education to children and when they come of age, provide them jobs. Invest on research in agriculture, water resources so that farmers and farm workers who are not equipped for education are provided enough help to carry on with their vocation which brings food for all. With decentralisation, villages are given enough powers to solve their own disputes. Modernized roads and railways provide smooth access to different areas and industry can thrive on transport and communication.

And if people in neighbouring India are being similarly taken care of as is likely in a democracy, there might develop a brotherly, fellow feeling for them. The two people might want to talk and laugh with each other, deal with each other. The existence of borders might become irrelevant. Indians could just walk into Pakistan and vice versa!

You mean the raison d'ĂŞtre of Pakistan as a separate entity might disappear, someone might query from the Pakistani side. What India can never achieve by fighting we would be giving to it on a platter by ushering in peace. If there is peace, India wins, Indian thought wins, Indian system wins. The domination against which we fought would be back by the back door. Who wants such a peace?

Those in charge of the Pakistan status quo would lose their preeminent positions. The Pakistani military would lose its clout. Why bother about the peace and life of the small farmer and the uneducated poor? They are dispensable. If some die, more will be born.

More pressing issues are protection of the life-styles of the "leaders," and their mentors in the Gulf.

The problems of the poor will however not go away. If they are getting restive over the disparity, the lack of food and jobs, there is a great solution. Give them Kalashnikovs and ask them to fend for themselves. Raise the spectre of Islam in danger and let them loose in the neighbourhood. Better still, enlist them in the private armies of the "Pure" who in turn would do the bidding of the state. And since the protectors of Islam in the Gulf are rolling in money, they would finance these armies which could be kept trained to keep the neighbourhood on the boil so that there is "peace" for the rulers of Pakistan.

Pakistan sees great benefits from terrorism. Having lost the art of living peacefully and with no vision for being a self-sufficient country, it produces terrorists for both home consumption and export.

There is nothing else this country is now good for. It enjoys unparalleled fame for at least something. Even the game of cricket has been battered when it tried to rival it in fame. Whenever there is a terrorist incident in world, the needle of suspicion automatically turns to Pakistan. Be it Iran, China, Afghanistan, India, Europe or America, Pakistan has to acknowledge its hand. Even now when these terrorists are training their guns on their own mentors, the Pakistanis have not lost sympathy with them. There is little regret for what the world thinks was an outrage in Mumbai. There is in fact admiration for what they did to hurt India. The courts repeatedly free the suspects or keep them in protection.

So Pakistan needs the terrorists to keep the frightening prospects of "peace" at bay.

54 India Post

www.indiapost.com

October 30, 2009

October 30, 2009

www.indiapost.com

India Post 55

56 India Post

October 30, 2009

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