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Rana Kapoor

Indian banking leader wins Rutgers award Details on page 44

VOL 17, No. 895

November 4, 2011

50¢

Periodical Postage

RAJAT ARRESTED, PLEADS NOT GUILTY

N. Parthasarathi

New CG assures of initiating ‘liberal steps’ Details on page 16

Detroit accident kills 4 from Andhra

Mukesh Ambani richest Indian: Forbes

Details on page 10 Details on page 45

Now New Yorkers can order street food online

435 Tri-Valley students get transfers

Details on page 10 Details on page 5

PM Singh was reluctant to sign nuclear deal

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

Indian values are only for lip sympathy?

Details on page 6

Last week’s result

Does Rajaratnam deserve sympathy? YES 31%

CONTENTS

NO 69%

Bollywood ---------------------- 34-35 Classifieds ------------------------- 47 Community Post -------------- 10-20 Date Book -------------------------- 46

Rajat Gupta, former Goldman Sachs Board member, leaves a Manhattan court after he surrendered to Federal authorities October 26 in New York City

HealthScience Post --------- 40-42 Horoscope ------------------------- 23

India Post News Service

NEW YORK: It seemed inevitable, only it was a matter of when. Coming on the heels of the conviction of billionaire hedge fund manager Raj Rajaratnam recently, high flying financial consultant Rajat Gupta was arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in what prosecutors say is the biggest ever insider trading scam in American history. Details on page 5

Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”

Edit Page --------------------------- 49

Immigration Post ------------- 36-39 Life Style ----------------------- 24-27 Philosophy ------------------------- 48 Publisherís Diary ------------------ 4 TechBiz Post ------------------- 44-45 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 29-31

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Publisher’s Diary

guess this is what it means when they say 'How the mighty fall…!' And no, I'm not referring to the inglorious and tragic end to the regime and life of Muammar Gadhafi. I'm talking about Rajat Gupta, the Indian-born high profile management consultant who was arrested last week in connection with the largest ever insider trading scam in American history. As an aside, I think it's ironic that the titans in this clash are both Americans of Indian origin - Gupta and Preet Bharara, the US Attorney who is prosecuting him. Gupta, creditably, was a self-made man. Born to a journalist father and a Montessori teacher mother in Kolkata, both of who died when he was still a teenager, Gupta found his way through the portals of the IIT and then Harvard Business School and then into the then tight corridors of corporate America. He broke many glass ceilings as he established his career as management consultant at McKinsey & Co. and after retirement, as chairman of the Board of Directors of some of the biggest corporations in this country. Gupta enjoyed access to political leaders and at least some heads of state who valued his advice. His name associated with philanthropic institutions was worth its weight in raising millions in funds. With pay checks running into the millions, Gupta had a celebrated life that transcended the clichéd American Dream. Today, as one of the biggest names to fall from the venerated heights of Wall Street skyscrapers, he stands low as a symbol of corporate greed. In the backdrop of the 'Occupy Wall Street' protests, Gupta's indictment seems politically correct, although Bharara had set about his Wall Street cleansing program since assuming office in 2009. But the question that rankles many is if insider trading should really be punishable. It seems to some an oxymoron that when stock markets, by any stretch, encourage what amounts to legalized gambling, should consider it a crime when some investors trade on what essentially is accurate information obtained through sources. Indeed, there are experts who believe insider trading is not a crime. Their reason: There is no victim.

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HIGHLIGHTS Bollywood: Post-love, love Ranbir Kapoor is not reluctant about romancing Deepika Padukone on big screen even post break up.

Cover Story: Rajat arrested High flying financial consultant Rajat Gupta was arrested by FBI in the biggest ever insider trading scam in American history.

Community: Indians in crash Four Indians hailing from Andhra Pradesh died in a road accident in Southfield City (near Detroit area).

Health: Synthetic stimulants A South Carolina lawmaker tried to outlaw making synthetic stimulants like bath salts illegal even before federal action.

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November 4, 2011

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Rajat Gupta arrested, pleads not guilty India Post News Service

America. The charges were based on months of wire taps and phone recordings. Sixty-two year old Gupta, whose net worth is estimated at $100 million, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud and five counts of securities fraud. He faces a maximum penalty of 105 years in prison - five years on the conspiracy charge and 20 years on each of the securities fraud charges. In addition, with respect to the conspiracy charge, Gupta faces a

Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), while unsealing a six-count indictment against Gupta, said he had engaged in an insider trading scheme with Raj Rajaratnam, the founder and former head of the Galleon Group. Bharara stated: "Rajat Gupta was entrusted by some of the premier institutions of American business to sit inside their boardrooms, among their executives and directors, and receive their confidential information so that he could give advice and counsel for the benefit of their shareholders.

rooms of elite companies." FBI's Fedarcyk stated: "Today's surrender is the latest step in an initiative launched by the FBI in 2007 targeting hedge fund insider trading. The conduct alleged is not an inadvertent slip of the tongue by Mr. Gupta. His eagerness to pass along inside information to Rajaratnam is nowhere more starkly evident than in the two instances where a total of thirty-nine seconds elapsed between his learning of crucial Goldman Sachs information and lavishing it on his good friend. That information (captured by the FBI) was conveyed by phone so quickly it could be termed instant messaging."

Rajaratnam, in turn, caused the execution of transactions in the securities of Goldman Sachs and P&G on the basis of the Inside Information, and shared it with others at Galleon, thereby earning illegal profits, and illegally avoiding losses, of millions of dollars. The Inside Information included confidential information about the companies' earnings and financial performance, as well as certain corporate transactions that were being undertaken by Goldman Sachs and P&G. For example, in the late afternoon of September 23, 2008, shortly before the close of the market, Gupta participated tele-

He faces a maximum penalty of 105 years in prison - five years on the conspiracy charge and 20 years on each of the securities fraud charges. In addition, with respect to the conspiracy charge, Gupta faces a maximum fine of $250,000

Former head of global consulting firm McKinsey & Co. and former director at Goldman Sachs Group, Rajat Gupta (C) leaves federal court in New York, October 26

porate chairman and member of the Boards of Directors of Goldman Sachs and Procter & Gamble was released the same day on $10million bail, on a 'not guilty' plea on all six counts as charged. Gupta allegedly gave inside information about the earnings, financial performance, and business transactions of Goldman Sachs and Procter & Gamble, two of the biggest corporate boardrooms in

maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss derived from the crime. For each of the securities fraud charges, Gupta faces a maximum fine of $5 million or twice the gross gain or loss derived from the crime. Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Janice K. Fedarcyk, the Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York

As alleged, he broke that trust and instead became the illegal eyes and ears in the boardroom for his friend and business associate, Raj Rajaratnam, who reaped enormous profits from Mr. Gupta's breach of duty. Today we allege that the corruption we have seen in the trading cubicles, investment firms, law firms, expert consulting firms, medical labs, and corporate suites also insinuated itself into the board-

During all relevant times, Gupta and Rajaratnam maintained a personal and business relationship, the prosecutors said. Among other things, Gupta invested money in at least two different Galleon funds and formed separate investment and private equity funds with Rajaratnam. According to the indictment unsealed in Manhattan federal court from 2008 through January 2009, Gupta disclosed to Raj Rajaratnam material, nonpublic information that Gupta had learned in his capacity as a member of the Boards of Directors of Goldman Sachs and P&G with the understanding that Rajaratnam would use the Inside Information to purchase and sell securities.

phonically in a meeting of the Goldman Sachs Board. During that meeting, the Goldman Sachs Board agreed to accept a $5 billion investment by Berkshire Hathaway, a multi-national holding company. Approximately 16 seconds after Gupta disconnected his phone from the Goldman Sachs Board call, at approximately 3:54 p.m., his assistant called Rajaratnam and shortly thereafter, connected Gupta to the call. At approximately 3:58 p.m., just two minutes before the close of the market, Rajaratnam caused certain Galleon funds to purchase approximately 217,200 shares of Goldman Sachs common stock at a total cost of approximately $27 million.

435 Tri-Valley students get transfers India Post News Service

NEW YORK: As many as 435 Indian students of the now shut down sham Tri-Valley University in California have been allowed transfers to other US Universities by the authorities. Officials of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Department of State, ICE and USCIS met representatives of the Indian Embassy Oct 21, and discussed the issues relating to Indian students of Tri-Valley University. The US officials informed the Embassy that of more

than a thousand students who were being considered for transfer to other universities, 435 transfers were approved. However, while 145 students have been denied a transfer, 145 others have been issued with Notices of Intention to Deny (NOIDs). The remaining cases of transfer are still under examination. At the meeting, the Embassy was further informed by US officials that the cases of students have been examined individually after evaluating all the information provided by the students. They have advised that students who

have received NOIDs should reply to the notices in stipulated time with required / additional information/documents. The Embassy said that it has impressed upon the US officials that the Indian students of Tri-Valley University have undergone hardship since the closure of the University and that their cases should be viewed with understanding. At least 1800 students - almost 90% of them from India, mostly from Andhra Pradesh - were affected and their fates left in limbo when authorities shut down the

Tri-Valley University earlier this year. The University President Susan Xiao-Ping Su was indicted for running an illegal visa racket in May. It may be recalled that students under investigation were made to wear ankle monitors by the authorities, which had caused a furor in India as being discriminative. The matter has since been taken up by the Indian government through its Embassy in Washington DC to help innocent students who may have been duped. Pursuant to the Oct 21 meeting the Indian Ambassador Nirupama Rao spoke to Deputy Secretary of

the Department of Homeland Security Jane Holl Lute on Oct 24, and has also written to the US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, reiterating that the Indian students of Tri-Valley University have undergone hardship since the closure of the University and that their cases be viewed in their totality with understanding and in a fair and reasonable manner. The Embassy of India said it was continuing its efforts with US authorities for addressing the concerns of TVU students.

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PM Singh was reluctant to sign nuclear deal with US: Rice WASHINGTON: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was initially reluctant to give the go ahead to the Indo-US civilian nuclear deal and even did not want to see the then Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice because he did not want to say no to her. But it was the persuasive skills of Rice that he agreed to it when almost everyone in the Bush administration had given up on the "deal of a lifetime." The little-known, but critical insight, into how the nuclear deal was negotiated and inked is mentioned by Rice in her latest book 'No Higher Honor' which is scheduled to hit the stands on November 1. "I woke up at 4.30 am and sat straight up in bed. I am not letting this go down, I thought," Rice writes in her book, recollecting the early hours of the day when Singh was to meet the then US President George W Bush at his Oval Office in the White House. A day earlier, but for Rice, the entire Bush administration had given up on the nuclear deal, which the White House was desperately pushing for. In fact, contrary to perception, the then Foreign Minister Natwar Singh was in favor of the deal, but the Prime Minister was not as he was not sure if he can sell it in New Delhi. "Natwar was adamant. He

wanted the deal, but the Prime Minister wasn't sure he could sell it in New Delhi. We pushed as far

"The Foreign Minister tried, but the Prime Minister just can't sign on to the agreement," the then

"I called the President (Bush).'It isn't going to work. Singh just can't make it happen,'

A day earlier, but for Rice, the entire Bush administration had given up on the nuclear deal, which the White House was desperately pushing for. In fact, contrary to perception, the then Foreign Minister Natwar Singh was in favor of the deal, but the Prime Minister was not as he was not sure if he can sell it in New Delhi as we could toward agreement. Finally, Natwar said that he would take the document to the Prime Minister and let me know," Rice writes in the 784-page book.

Condoleezza Rice

Under Secretary of State Nicholas Burns is quoted as saying to Rice after Natwar Singh made a final pitch for the agreement with the Prime Minister.

I said. 'Too bad,' he answered and didn't press further. Later that night Nick called to tell me what I already knew There wouldn't be a deal," Rice

writes. As Rice woke up early in morning of the Bush-Singh meeting, she was a bit tensed but determined not to let this happen. She made a final effort to personally meet the Prime Minister and pitch for the deal. "'I am not prepared to let this fail. Arrange for me to see the Prime Minister, I said. The meeting with the President was set for 10. 'How about breakfast at eight?' Nick called while I was exercising to say that the Prime Minister didn't want to meet. 'Get the Foreign Minister,' I answered. Natwar picked up the phone. My heart was beating pretty fast -Maybe from the exercise, may be from the sense of an important initiative slipping through my fingers. Natwar, why won't the PM see me?" she wrote. "'He doesn't want to tell you no', he (Natwar Singh) said.'I've done my best'. I told him that the United States wants to take this thirty-year millstone from around your neck. You should do it. But he can't sell it in New Delhi. "I wasn't ready to surrender.'Ask him again,' I pleaded. A few minutes later, Natwar called to say that the Prime Minister would receive me at his hotel at 8 am," Rice wrote. PTI

New Obama proposal reduces student loan payments India Post News Service

NEW YORK: The Obama Administration announced Oct 25, a new "Pay As You Earn" proposal that will reduce monthly payments for more than one and a half million current college students and

borrowers. Starting in 2014, borrowers will be able to reduce their monthly student loan payments to 10 percent of their discretionary income. The new proposal will allow about 1.6 million students the ability to cap their loan payments at 10 per-

President Obama's greetings on Diwali India Post News Service

NEW YORK: On the occasion of Diwali, President Barack Obama has sent out his greetings to all who celebrate the festival. In an official statement, he said Oct 26, "Today, here in America and around the world, Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists will celebrate the holiday of Diwali - the festival of lights. Many who observe this holiday do so by lighting the Diya, or lamp, which symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance." The President said he was proud to be the first President to mark Diwali and light the Diya at

the White House (in 2009), and said that last year, he and First Lady Michelle Obama were honored to join in Diwali celebrations during their visit to India. "Diwali is a time for gathering with family and friends and - as we experienced in India -celebrating with good food and dancing," he added. "It is also a time for contemplation and prayer that serves as a reminder of our obligations to our fellow human beings, especially the less fortunate." To all who are observing this sacred holiday in the United States and around the world, the President said, "Happy Diwali and Saal Mubarak."

cent starting next year, and the plan will forgive the balance of their debt after 20 years of payments. Additionally, starting this January an estimated 6 million students and recent college graduates will be able to consolidate their loans and reduce their interest rates. "In a global economy, putting a college education within reach for every American has never been more important," President Obama said. "But it's also never been more expensive. Steps like these won't take the place of the bold action we need from Congress to boost our economy and create jobs, but they will make a difference. And until Congress does act, I will continue to do everything in my power to act on behalf of the American people." "College graduates are entering one of the toughest job markets in recent memory, and we have a way to help them save money by consolidating their debt and capping their loan payments. And we can do it at no cost to the taxpayer," said US Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. Current law allows borrowers to limit their loan payments to 15

percent of their discretionary income and forgives all remaining debt after 25 years. However, few students know about this option. Students can find out if they are currently eligible for IBR at www.studentaid.ed.gov/ibr. Last year, the President proposed, and Congress enacted, a plan to further ease student loan debt payment by lowering the IBR loan payment to 10 percent of income, and the forgiveness timeline to 20

have both a Direct Loan (DL) and a Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) that require separate payments, which makes them more likely to default. To address the needs of these borrowers, the Administration will allow borrowers the convenience of a single payment to a single lender for both loans. Borrowers who take advantage of this consolidation option, which begins in January, would also receive up to a 0.5 percent

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;College graduates are entering one of the toughest job markets in recent memory, and we have a way to help them save money by consolidating their debt and capping their loan payments years. This change is set to go into effect for all new borrowers after 2014-mostly impacting future college students. The Administration is also planning to offer student borrowers the chance to better manage their debt by consolidating their federal student loans. Today, approximately 5.8 million borrowers

reduction in their interest rate on some of their loans, which means lower monthly payments that would save hundreds of dollars in interest. Eligible borrowers will be contacted by their federal loan servicer early next year with information on how to consolidate. These changes carry no additional cost to taxpayers.

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India assumes proactive role in combating Somali piracy

E. Ahamed, Minister of State for External Affairs, participating in adopting the resolution on 'Piracy off Somali Coast' at the UN Security Council in New York on October 24. Pic Mohammed Jaffer-SnapsIndia

SRIREKHA CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Recognizing the serious threat to international peace and security and maritime trade that piracy is posing off the coast of Somalia, the United Nations Security Council, on Oct 24, adopted a resolution sponsored by India and 10 other countries, on the prosecution of these pirates. E. Ahamed, India's Minister of State for External Affairs, attended the Security Council meeting for adoption of this resolution. For the first time, at India's initiative, the resolution deals with the issue of prosecution not only for acts of piracy but also for hostage taking. The resolution calls for international cooperation in sharing information for the purpose of law enforcement and for effective prosecution. It also urges States and international organizations to share evidence in this regard. India, actively supported by other partners, incorporated in the resolution provisions dealing with persons who intentionally facilitate piracy operations, including key figures of criminal networks involved in piracy. The resolution also calls for prosecution of those who illicitly plan, organize, facilitate, or finance and profit from such attacks. This resolution, India expects, will further strengthen the international legal framework for the fight against the menace of piracy and hostage taking. Adm. Verma calls Navy Chiefs for joint action

The issue of piracy was discussed at length at the International Seapower Symposium held in New Port, Rhode Island, under the aegis of the US Naval War College, attended by more than 110 nations with 75 heads of Navy and 22 heads of Coast Guard, including Admiral Jonathan Greenert, the Chief of Naval Operations, United States Navy.

For the first time, at India's initiative, the resolution deals with the issue of prosecution not only for acts of piracy but also for hostage taking. The resolution calls for international cooperation in sharing information for the purpose of law enforcement and for effective prosecution Addressing the inaugural session of the symposium on Oct 19, Chief of Indian Navy Admiral Nirmal Verma, drew attention of the world leaders of Navies and Coast Guards to the need for united action against piracy. Adm. Verma reflected the Indian stand that "the international efforts towards combating piracy would benefit if there were fewer

disparate task forces and independent naval operations. India's relative autonomy of efforts towards combating piracy off Somalia can be traced to its preference for a UN mandated operations which we believe if adopted would holistically enhance the efficacy of operations." "Piracy at sea which was previously primarily robbery has now morphed into an elaborate network of operations to extract enormous quantities of ransom," Adm. Verma said. "Ransom amounts have increased to an average of $5.4m per ship, from just $150,000 five years ago." According to a recent study by One Earth Future the economic cost of piracy maybe as high as $12 billion a year, which translates into increased operating costs, environmental expenses view rerouting of ships and most importantly, tremendous human costs. "Even as we speak, 9 ships with over 300 seafarers of a range of nationalities, including 53 of my own countrymen are presently hostages in this contentious conflict. Lethal force and physical abuse are increasingly being used by pirates to leverage ransom negotiations," Adm. Verma said. Stating that the root of piracy was political instability, Adm. Verma said the fundamental prerequisite to any solution is the collaborative engagement of a wide range of maritime nations and littoral states. Adm. Verma credited the work of the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia (CGPCS) under the aegis of the United Nations, for coordinating interna-

tional cooperation particularly information sharing. In the similar vein are the efforts of the Shared Awareness and Deconfliction (SHADE) initiative and that of UK Maritime Trade Operation (UKMTO) which functions from Dubai, he pointed out. "These engagements have facilitated an agreement between independently deployed navies like Japan

A recent UN report revealed that of the ransom paid in each incident of piracy only 20% reaches the pirates, while financers and sponsors hive off 50%. "The question that begs to be answered is that how do they manage to divert funds in so unfettered a manner?" and India to coordinate their anti piracy operations, so that international shipping has more flexible options for escort schedules," Adm. Verma said. Despite multinational efforts, the number of incidents and net effects of piracy are on the increase with seasonal variations on account of the monsoons and geographic shifts dependent on

the presence of naval units, the naval chief said. Pirates, Adm. Verma said, were changing their modus of operations as they have been observed to use hijacked merchant vessels as mother ships, giving them an extended reach of over 1000 nautical miles from the Somali coast. A recent UN report revealed that of the ransom paid in each incident of piracy only 20% reaches the pirates, while financers and sponsors hive off 50%. "The question that begs to be answered is that how do they manage to divert funds in so unfettered a manner?" the naval chief questioned. "Therefore, there is a need to build a strategy beyond multinational maritime counter piracy operations to facilitate tracking of the fiscal trail." Naval forces have been facing a major dilemma about apprehending pirates at sea, due to the inadequacy or ineffective legal mechanisms to prosecute pirates who have been arrested. It is estimated that 9 out of 10 apprehended pirates benefit from the 'catch and release' policy followed by most navies till now. India is presently faced with the challenge of prosecuting over a hundred pirates apprehended by the Indian Navy. The country is now moving to make new and effective domestic laws to deal with the apprehended pirates. "I am sure similar challenges are being experienced by other countries as well and if we can share experiences in this regard, it will be a positive step in our collective fight against piracy," Adm. Verma said.

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Rutgers, TISS launch center for talent development India Post News Service

NEW JERSEY: If strength truly lies in numbers, then India, with a population that includes more than 550 million citizens under 25, has the potential to develop one of the world's great workforces. At present, however, only a small percentage of those young people are gaining access to higher-level skills. A new joint initiative of Rutgers and the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) in Mumbai, the India Center for Sustainable Growth and Talent, will seek to correct that shortcoming. "Talent has been the key to India's emergence as a rapidly developing economic power since it liberalized its economy in 1991," said David Finegold, Rutgers' senior vice president for Lifelong Learning and Strategic Growth. "The country's large supply of well-educated, English-speaking graduates has helped attract investment from corporations around the world in its IT and business services. But for India to capture the benefits of its 'demographic dividend,' the largest single workforce for the global economy of the 21st century, India must urgently reform all stages of its education and training system." The new joint center will provide expert support for India's National Skill Development Strategy and the cooperative 21st Century Knowledge Initiative launched earlier this year by President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Its three core parts are: • Applied research through the India Talent Observatory, including the influential annual survey of Indian graduates studying abroad that was jointly developed by Finegold (then dean of Rutgers' School of Management and Labor Relations) and Professor B. Venkatesh Kumar of TISS in Mumbai. • Cooperative education and training programs, including stu-

‘We expected that more students would lean heavily toward remaining in the U.S., but our results suggest many young academics would be interested in pursuing a faculty career in India if policymakers can address some of the key issues’ dent exchange, development of dual-degree programs and short courses for continuing and executive education • Capacity building to enhance the governance and capabilities of India's education and training institutions through research fellowships for new and prospective Indian faculty, administrators and higher education policymakers.

The annual survey of Indian graduate students studying abroad was the institutions' first joint project. The research covered nearly 1,000 Indians who are either pursuing or have completed graduate study in the United States and found that only 8 percent strongly prefer to remain in this country. At the time, Finegold called the findings "surprising and encouraging" for Indian universities. "We expected that more students would lean heavily toward remaining in the U.S., but our results suggest many young academics would be interested in pursuing a faculty career in India if policymakers can address some of the key issues facing the Indian higher education system." Finegold added that India needs to recruit at least 1 million new faculty members for its colleges and universities if it is to meet the government's goal of making higher education available to 20 percent of young people by 2020. The partners' second version of the survey - to study Indians being educated in the United Kingdom and Australia and to also compare them with Chinese who have come to study in the US - will be carried out in November. Both Rutgers and the Tata Institute have contributed funding toward the initiative and will seek additional monies through the Obama-Singh Knowledge Initiative. Private sources of funding also are being sought, Finegold said.

Pak returning Indian chopper 'very good step': US WASHINGTON: The US has described Pakistan returning an Indian chopper which had strayed into its territory as a "very, very good step" and hoped to see progress in relations between the two South Asian neighbors to continue. State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland noted that this was a result of "increased dialogue" between India and Pakistan and the two countries reestablishing some hotlines and emergency procedures through which they were able to speak directly with each other. "So that's a very, very good step, and the kind of step - and the kind of progress we hope to see continue," she said in reply to a question about the incident that happened this week in the region in which a Cheetah helicopter of Indian Army's Aviation

Corps with four officers on board inadvertently crossed the border. "My understanding is this was actually, as these things go, a relatively good news story, that as a result of the increased dialogue between India and Pakistan and the fact that they have reestablished some hotlines and emergency procedures, they were able to speak directly, thereby avoiding an incident," Nuland said. The helicopter was forced to land in Pakistan on October 23, which immediately triggered urgent talks between the two foreign and military establishments. Less than five hours after the incident, the chopper with all its crew were allowed to return by Pakistan. This was for the first time in many years, that the two countries did not ratchet up an incident like this. -PTI

Anna Hazare to continue vow of silence MUMBAI/NEW DELHI: With his team under attack and facing questions of probity, Anna Hazare today said he will extend his vow of silence as verbal communication with people is leaving him "very weak". His decision to continue his 'maun vrat' (vow of silence), which he started on October 16, will mean that he will not attend the Core Committee meeting in the national capital on Saturday which is expected to discuss con-

troversies engulfing some of Team Anna's key members. Hazare's announcement came on a day when Congress leader Digvijay Singh stepped up his offensive against the Gandhian alleging that his anti-corruption agitation as well as that of yoga guru Ramdev and Sri Sri Ravisankar were part of an overall plan of RSS-BJP to divert attention from right-wing terror. "My health still does not permit me to give up my 'maun vrat'.-PTI

Leader of breakaway Hare Krishna group dies in India India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Kirtanananda Swami, a controversial former leader in the Hare Krishna society who was excommunicated by the parent organization for serious legal and moral transgressions, passed away Oct 23, in India. Expelled from the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in 1987, Kirtanananda (also known as Swami Bhaktipada) continued to lead a splinter group and maintained a small following of disciples, unaffiliated with the mainstream worldwide Krishna movement. "We express our condolences to his family and followers," said Anuttama Dasa, ISKCON's Minster of Communications. "At the same time, it's important to re-

state that Kirtanananda was no longer a part of our organization. He's had nothing to do with ISKCON for almost 25 years. " Born Keith Ham in 1937 to conservative Christian parents in Peekskill, New York, Kirtanananda was one of the first Americans to become a disciple of Hare Krishna movement founder A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, who brought the Krishnas' brand of monotheistic devotional Hinduism, or Vaishnavism, to the west in 1965. Kirtanananda was perhaps best known for helping to found New Vrindaban, an expansive Hare Krishna farm community in rural West Virginia whose ornate Palace of Gold and large temple became a major American tourist attrac-

tion in the 1980s, and continues to attract more than twenty thou-

Kirtanananda Swami

sand visitors and pilgrims each year. Disturbed by his having sharply deviated from the Krishna movement's principles - and strongly suspecting that he might be engaged in criminal activity - the movement's Governing Body Commission voted to strip Kirtanananda of his position and excommunicate him from the organization in 1987. ISKCON leaders also worked closely with local and national law enforcement agencies investigating the allegations of Kirtanananda's involvement in crimes. "Kirtanananda Swami will be remembered as a divisive figure," said Anuttama Dasa, "he never took responsibility for exploiting the trust that was placed in him, nor that he hurt

many people under his charge," Dasa said. "Although he played a positive role in the Krishna movement's earliest years, and rose to the position of a spiritual teacher, or guru, he later severely violated the strict standards expected of a Krishna devotee, especially a leader, and thus was expelled nearly 25 years ago." In 1990 the US Federal Government indicted Kirtanananda on five counts of racketeering, six counts of mail fraud, and conspiracy to murder. He pled guilty to one count of racketeering (mail fraud) and was sentenced to 20 years in prison. He was released early in 2004. Upon his release from prison, Kirtanananda maintained a relatively low profile. In 2008 he permanently relocated to India. He was 74 at the time of his death.

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Yatra for India, not for me or BJP or elections: Advani NEW DELHI: Before embarking on the second phase of his 38-day journey, BJP leader L K Advani rejected criticism that through the yatra, he was seeking to repackage himself. "Frankly, I do not quite understand why I would like to repack-

UPA government. "My yatra is to reinfuse confidence in the people that the failings of the UPA should not be allowed to demoralize the country, and that we the people should concentrate on making the twenty-first century India's cen-

and self-esteem that had been building up in the people has been seriously undermined because of the happenings of this last year-numerous scams surfacing, several central ministers being removed and even jailed because of corruption, and the cash-for-

plank of "Ram Bhakti". "This yatra is my sixth one. Two of my six yatras that evoked a greater response than even the Ram Rath yatra were the Swarna Jayanti Yatra of 1997 and this Jana Chetana Yatra of 2011. "This last one has really set an

speeches that if Rama Bhakti has an appeal for the average Indian, Rashtra Bhakti (patriotism) has no less an appeal.... "I have often been recounting a speech delivered by Swami Vivekananda in 1897 at Madras after his return from a visit to Eu-

Senior BJP leader L K Advani addressing a public meeting during his Jan Chetna Yatra at Cuttack in Orissa

age myself. Also, I would wish to stress with all the emphasis at my command that this yatra has nothing to do with L.K. Advani. Nor even with the BJP or the next elections. It is concerned essentially with India," he said. Writing in his latest blog, while on a two-day Diwali break from the "anti-corruption" yatra, he said his campaign was aimed at reinfusing among people the confidence they had lost in India's glory due to the "failings" of the

tury in spite of all the failures of the UPA," Advani said. Blaming the Congress-led coalition for the recent scandals, he said that in the last couple of decades, India had earned a reputation as a remarkable democracy and a country on its way to becoming a major economic power in the 21st century. Again hammering India's cause, which, he said, had been damaged due to UPA's corruption, he said, "The sense of confidence

votes scandal in which instead of the bribe-givers, it was the whistle-blowers, who had exposed the scandal, who have been put behind bars." PTI SKC SC VSC Harping on the cause of "Mother India", Advani said that the ongoing yatra received greater support than even the Rama Rath Yatra from Somnath to Ayodhya. He said he placed people's sense of "rashtra bhakti" (patriotism) above even the BJP's pet poll

‘Army has given its inputs on AFSPA’ NEW DELHI: Amid talk of withdrawal of AFSPA from some areas of Jammu and Kashmir, Army Chief General V K Singh today said his force has given its inputs on the issue, but refused to specify those saying the matter was under the purview of the Home Ministry. "This (Armed Forces Special Powers Act) is within the purview of the Ministry of Home Affairs. They are debating this and we have given our inputs. I would not like to say anything more," he told reporters on the sidelines of Infantry Day celebrations here. Asked about NC leader Mustafa Kamal's remarks that the October 25 grenade blasts in Srinagar were orchestrated by the Army, Singh said, "Whosoever has given that comment, I think that does not deserve the cour-

tesy of any remark from me". Army has been advocating for continuing the Act on the grounds that it needed to deal with terrorism in the state. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Min-

‘Even the process of removal of AFSPA from certain areas of Jammu and Kashmir is being done in close consultation with the Army’ ister Omar Abdullah had yesterday said that the withdrawal of the Act from some districts of the state such as Srinagar, Badgam,

Samba and Jammu was in no way an effort to undermine the role of the Army. "The army is essentially playing a major role in anti-militancy operations in Jammu and Kashmir", he had said. "Even the process of removal of AFSPA from certain areas of Jammu and Kashmir is being done in close consultation with the Army and other central paramilitary forces and their inputs and security concerns will be evaluated and considered while removing the footprint of AFSPA from certain parts of the state," he had said. The Chief Minister had said that an attempt is being made to create an impression that the state government and the Army are working on divergent paths, which is not correct. -PTI

all-time record not only in respect of the rallies formally organized during the yatra, but even in respect of the numbers who lined up all along the route of the Rath," Advani wrote, seeking to play to people's sense of Indianness rather than their political affiliations. Making a reference to Swami Vivekenanda, Advani sought to lend an apolitical color to his yatra by saying that Mother India was greater than all the Gods. "I have said it in some of my

rope in the course of which he observed: For the next fifty years, this alone shall be our keynote this, our great Mother India. Let all other vain Gods disappear for the time from our minds." The BJP leader qualified the reference to Vivekananda by observing, "The exhortation of the great saint was made in 1897. "Next fifty years, he had said. What a prescient remark; Independence came precisely in 1947, exactly fifty years later!" -PTI

Desi News Gujarat Samaj Chicago celebrates Deepawali ASIAN MEDIA USA

CHICAGO: The Gujarat Samaj Chicago organized a gala Diwali dinner and musical evening on October 21 at India House restaurant in Schaumburg, a north side Chicago suburb, attended by 600 plus members and guests from across Chicagoland. Started with social hour, the event was emceed by Bharati Desai who by all account did a remarkable job. The Deep (lamp) lighting ceremony was performed by President Suryakant Patel and his wife. Details on page 12

Maryland gurdwara hosts health fair

India Post News Service

Rishi brings a 'Grow Your Food' revolution

India Post News Service

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA

Hindus applaud Senate Resolution on Diwali Details on page 14

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November 4, 2011

And now New Yorkers can order street-food online India Post News Service

NEW YORK: "Fast, free, and flexible" are words New York City customers are using to describe the latest revolution in ordering food online through www.FoodtoEat.com, a new food pick-up and delivery web site. Foodtoeat.com is an online food ordering company that has just bridged the gap between consumers and food trucks by coordinating with the mobile vendors to allow New Yorkers to preorder from their favorite trucks and skip the line altogether. Food trucks have been a lunchtime staple for New Yorkers for some time, and with this new website, customers can track specific trucks, or order from those closest to their geographic location. More than 250 restaurants and 35 food trucks, including Souvlaki

GR Truck, Biryani Cart, Big D's Grub Truck, Kim's Aunt Kitchen, and Uncle Gussy's, just to name a few, are already using the site to take and fulfill orders all around Midtown Manhattan and the Wall Street area.

the wave of digitalized ordering services now available. With recent police-enforced truck relocations, foodtoeat.com offers customers a simplified means to track food trucks, firmly embedding them into New York's lunch scene.

This is how it works: customers pick a restaurant or food truck in their zip code, place their order online, pick it up in 20 minutes, and pay for it with cash or credit cards - all without any fees Customers can simply input their location, search through dining options or choose based upon price or food style. The implications for this new entrant marks the first time food trucks have become involved in

The company currently offers free services to its customers, and charges vendors a negligible rate per order. Over time, the website hopes to engage customers in a variety of sharing options online, to locate friends, find favorites

and recommend dishes to others. Company founder and CEO Deepti Sharma hopes for foodtoeat.com to become integrated in New York's diverse food community. "Every single day new restaurants open and close all over the city," says Sharma. "These restaurants, mostly small Mom-and-Pop shops owned by real people trying to make a living while competing with massive chains, rely on loyal customers and word of mouth to keep their doors open. We are offering food retailers, especially food cart vendors, an opportunity to use our services for just 10 cents per transaction, thus helping them stay in business longer." This is how it works: customers pick a restaurant or food truck in their zip code, place their order online, pick it up in 20 minutes, and pay for it with cash or credit cards - all without any fees. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 13

Detroit accident kills 4 from Andhra ASHOK JAIN

SOUTHFILED: Four Indians hailing from Andhra Pradesh met with a road accident early morning on Sunday October 23 in Southfield City (near Detroit area) and all of them died in the crash. The victims were Satyendra Akula, 30, of Bhimavaram, Sumant Rajan, 32, of Visakhapatnam, Venkatachalam Pasala, 28, of Tadepalli Gudem and his fatherin-law Rajendra Prasad Jonnala, 50. While these four people, returning from Detroit downtown were traveling on M-10 near I696, a person who was driving on the wrong way came and hit their SUV causing both cars to burst into flames. Southfield police are investigating the case to get more details and if alcohol was the possible cause of the accident. Satyendra, Sumant and Venkatachalam were IT Consultants and worked for the same company in Detroit. The bodies

have been taken to County Medical Examiner's Office in Pontiac, MI, for autopsy. According to information available, Venkatachalam Pasala 30, is married with a 2 month old baby girl. Rajendra Prasad Jonnals 50,

Miracle Software Services, where the fatal car accident victims worked, is making arrangements to send the bodies to their families in Andhra Pradesh, India. Detroit Telugu Association has been active addressing the grim

Scene of the accident

is Pasala's father-in-law visiting with his wife. Satyendranath Akula 35, his wife and 2 year old baby recently arrived from India. While Sumanth Rajana 32, married 6 months ago and his wife is in India.

situation. It has been receiving many calls from community members conveying condolences to the family members besides expressing desire to extend their help. DTA has suggested that if any-

one is interested to make any donation to the family members, please mail the check to DTA Treasurer, 26662 Island Lake Drive, Novi, MI 48374. Check should be payable to: Detroit Telugu Association with a note: Oct 23rd car accident victims TANA Team Square members Satheesh Manadalappa, Vamsee Karumanchi, Jitendra Bondada and DTA President Jogeswara Rao Peddiboyina, Vice President Venkat Akka and scores of other volunteers are attending the case." It is very shocking and a sad day for the whole Telugu community to see four people losing their lives in one single accident. We express our deepest condolences to these families. TANA is making all efforts to send the remains of these people to Andhra Pradesh once the autopsy report comes out" said Prasad Thotakura, TANA President.

November 4, 2011

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India Post 11

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First Bank & Trust 'Green' branch in Skokie RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service

CHICAGO: First Bank & Trust officers and staff hosted a hard hat tour for customers and business leaders to preview the bank's newest branch office at 4007 Dempster Street in Skokie. The 3,600 square foot branch has been designed to

tute (GBCI). Amidst an economic environment that has seen an increase in banks closed by regulators, and a decrease in new bank openings in the Chicago area, First Bank & Trust is scheduled to open its eighth branch in 16 years. LuAnn Stempel, the Bank's Assistant Vice President and

Directorâ&#x20AC; Jay Lytle addressing the gathering during ground breaking ceremony

meet the requirements of a LEEDÂŽ gold-certification as established by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and verified by the Green Building Certification Insti-

Branch Manager of the Skokie Branch, was among the staff who greeted guests of the hard hat tour. "Our new branch will continue to offer the Skokie community all the

great products and service that our existing Skokie branch and all of our other branches do," said Stempel. "Additionally, I hope the building and our green philosophy will be a source of discussion and discovery." Stempel added that she hoped to influence her customers and co-workers to adopt green habits by walking and bicycling to work, and buying locally. The Bauer Financial, Inc., the nation's leading independent bank rating and research firm, recognized First Bank & Trust with its highest 5 Star rating, making it the only bank on the North Shore to be acknowledged for its strong financial condition. "Because the bank is financially strong and healthy, it allows us to make this long term investment," says Director Jay Lytle. "The new ecofriendly branch should provide a dramatic economic boost to Skokie." The bank was also recognized with a 2010 Beautification Award by the Mayor of Skokie. Interestingly, the village Skokie houses a large number of Indian population and it is here that a life size statue of Mahatma Gandhi was installed two years ago. Many

LuAnn Stempel

of the Indian community activists serve on the village council. It is expected that the First Bank & Trust coming to Skokie would be welcomed by members of the Indian community. First Bank & Trust is a locally owned and managed community bank founded in 1995 by Bob Yohanan, Howard Kain and Jay

Lytle, with a mission to put community first, and provide personalized banking and investment services to individuals, owner-managed businesses and the not-forprofit community. Now in its 16th year, First Bank & Trust has grown from a staff of 12 to a staff of over 100, with seven locations, and an eighth on the way.

12 India Post

Community Across America

November 4, 2011

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Gujarat Samaj Chicago celebrates Deepawali ASIAN MEDIA USA

everybody present, Suryakant in his presidential address touched upon the objectives of the Samaj. He said that one of the goals is to keep and promote Gujarati culture and language in this part of the world, especially among the young ones and then touched upon the successful past events organized by the Samaj like bowling, summer picnic and Navratri. Thanking the younger generation for giving their time for Gujarati Samaj activities he encouraged them to carry on the good work

Some of the guests at the Gujarat Samaj event

Local artists performing dance at Gujarat Samaj Deepavali event. Pics Asian Media USA

for the benefit of the community. There was an attractive cultural program presented by Manpasand and Mumbai Masti who provided live music. Tarana Dance Group provided dances. The event concluded with delicious authentic

Gujarati dishes Executive Committee members for 2011 to 2012 are Suryakant Patel (President), Kamlesh Shah (Vice President), Gopali Sheth (General Secretary), Jayesh Parikh (Joint Secretary), Deepen Modi

(Treasurer), Devang Desai (Joint Treasurer), Avani Shah (Cultural Secretary), Manish Pandya (Joint Cultural Secretary) and Board Members are Amit Desai, Ashok Shah, Nishant Modi, Bhavesh Shah, and Bhupendra Bhatt.

November 4, 2011

Community Across America

India Post 13

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Garba with Vinod Rathod for Shreeji Haveli ASIAN MEDIA USA

CHICAGO: Vaishnav Samaj of Midwest (VSM) hosted Raas/ Garba by Bollywood celebrity and playback singer Vinod Rathod on October 23 for the benefit of Shreeji Dwar Haveli located in Addison, a Chicago suburb. This was the second time such an event was held by the Samaj in Chicago metropolitan area. It attracted thousands of participants at the Bolingbrook High School in Bolingbrook, a northwest suburb of Chicago

Raas Garba hosted by Vaishnav Samaj in progress at Bolingbrook School Auditorium

Indulged by mesmerizing voice and music by Vinod Rathod and his orchestra, the program started with hundreds of participants wearing colorful dazzling clothes doing Two of the best dressed participants. Pics Asian Media USA

whirling dances

Boston Telugus organize Entrepreneur Meet India Post News Service

NEW YORK: The Telugu Association of Greater Boston (TAGB) organized an Entrepreneur Meet for the first time for the benefit of the Telugu community, aiming to provide a stage for ambitious and successful entrepreneurs among local Telugu community members to meet, greet and share their entrepreneurial experiences. In his address to the guests, TAGB President Koteswara Rao Kandukuri said he felt it was essential for TAGB to play its role in

these economic conditions to strengthen this group's efforts by providing additional information

Indulged by mesmerizing voice and music by Vinod Rathod and his orchestra, the program started with hundreds of participants wearing colorful dazzling clothes doing whirling dances with clapping hands. Dandiya and Raas were performed with equal ease and enthusiasm with matching rhythm synchronizing with sound of wooden sticks struck together. Vinod Rathod, son of singer Pandit Chhaturbhuj Rathod ("Dholi Taro Dhol Baje" fame), is a renowned Bollywood playback singer. All proceeds for the event went to the Shreeji Dwar Haveli.

And now New Yorkers can order street-food online Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 10

and tools. This meet opened a window for networking among the participating individuals. A recent survey found 40plus Telugu entrepreneurs in Greater Boston area in the fields of IT, BioTech, Marketing, Academics, Entertainment, etc. Among the speakers on the panels - apart from Board Chairman of TAGB, Paparao Gundavaram and Dr. Govinda Rao Bhisetti (Vice Chair of TAGB) were Subu Kota, Chairman/CEO, The Boston Group; Mohan Nannapaneni, President/CEO,

Sigma Systems; and Dr. Balaji Bhyravabhotla, CEO/COO, Xtal Biostructures. The speakers shared their valuable experiences in entrepreneurship and encouraged all aspiring entrepreneurs to take the plunge without fear, guided by their heart and high ethical standards. The audience participated enthusiastically in Q&A session following the speeches. In the second part of the event, all members of the audience were given the opportunity to speak about their companies or their ideas for a new business. About 30 people came forward to share their experience of success and failure.

The event organizers, volunteers and Chairman of the Board of Trustees did a fine job successfully organizing the event that included prizes for the best female and male dancers for Garba and Raas as well as best dressed couple. The VSM Board consists of Rajesh Shah Chairman Board of Trustees, Dr. Umang Patel President Board of Trustees, Kamlesh Shah Founder Trustee, Jyotin Parikh Founder Trustee, Prashant Sheth Chair Public Relations and Kamlesh Sheth.

When the order, which averages about $10, is placed, vendors receive an email notification on their smart phones or through a unique GPRS printer, a technology no one in the food industry is currently using. "Thanks to FoodtoEat, we no longer have to wait in long lines at our favorite food carts, which get crowded due to their popularity," says Soumanjoy Das, a customer who orders from the site daily. "It makes ordering a cinch, and the food is ready for pick up by the time we reach." "Food trucks are great for NYC," says Sean Basinski, Director of the Street Vendor Project, a non-profit organization that teaches vendors about their rights and responsibilities. "They stimulate culinary innovation, draw tourists, provide jobs, and contribute revenue to the city. They offer a valuable service to New Yorkers, help energize the streets, and are an important part of the social fabric of the city." Biryani Cart owner Meru

Sikder, who is currently using the web site, added: "With Foodtoeat.com, I have come to expect a set amount of online orders each day. The employees there have been so helpful, coming to my truck to help sort through orders, offering $1 discount coupons to my customers, and, finally, introducing me to a GPRS printer that gives me printouts for all my orders. Over the past month, I have worked closely with Foodtoeat, have made friends with its staff, and look forward to working with them on a regular basis in the near future." Founder and CEO of FoodtoEat.com, Deepti Sharma was inspired by her love of gourmet food and the need to connect a growing class of small business owners in this industry with their customers to start this novel web site. Sharma developed her entrepreneurial spirit by working with her family in establishing their own small businesses. She graduated from SUNY Stony Brook University in 2008 with degrees in Business Management and Political Science.

Community Across America

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Hindus applaud Senate Resolution on Diwali India Post News Service

NEW YORK: The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) applauded US Senator Robert Menendez (DNJ) for introducing S. Res 291, "recogniz[ing] the religious and historical significance of the festival of Diwali" for Hindu, Jain, and Sikh Americans. The two co-chairs of the Senate India Caucus, John Cornyn (RTX) and Mark Warner (D-VA), cosponsored the legislation along with Senators Sherrod Brown (DOH), Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), and Joe Lieberman (I-CT). "In recognition of the impressive contributions made by the Hindu, Sikh, and Jain communities in the United States, as well as the religious and historical significance of the festival of Diwali, I am very proud to sponsor a resolution in the United States Senate marking this special occasion and expressing our deepest respect for these communities," said Senator Menendez. "Diwali also marks the beginning of the New Year for many Hindus, and I hope you enjoy a healthy and peaceful festival of lights." The Senate Resolution said it recognizes the religious and his-

torical significance of the festival of Diwali, a festival of great significance to Indian Americans and South Asian Americans, celebrated annually by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains throughout India, the United States, and the world, during which celebrants light

The two co-chairs of the Senate India Caucus, John Cornyn (R-TX) and Mark Warner (D-VA), cosponsored the legislation along with Senators Sherrod Brown (DOH), Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), and Joe Lieberman (I-CT) small oil lamps, place the lamps around the home, and pray for health, knowledge, peace, wealth, and prosperity in the new year; where the lights symbolize the light of knowledge within the individual that overwhelms the darkness of ignorance, empowering each celebrant to do good deeds and show compassion to others;

Diwali falls on the last day of the last month in the lunar calendar and is celebrated as a day of thanksgiving for the homecoming of the Lord Rama and worship of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and bestower of blessings, at the beginning of the new year for many Hindus; and for Sikhs, Diwali is celebrated as Bandhi Chhor Diwas (The Celebration of Freedom), in honor of the release from prison of the sixth guru, Guru Hargobind; and for Jains, Diwali marks the anniversary of the attainment of moksha, or liberation, by Mahavira, the last of the Tirthankaras (the great teachers of Jain dharma), at the end of his life in 527 B.C. The Senate therefore resolved that: (1) it recognizes the religious and historical significance of the festival of Diwali; and (2) in observance of Diwali, the festival of lights, expresses its deepest respect for Indian Americans and South Asian Americans, as well as fellow countrymen and Diaspora throughout the world on this significant occasion. "Senator Menendez will continue to increase awareness in this country of a festival so important to millions of Hindu Americans

Bharatiya seniors enjoy Diwali party JAYANTI OZA

with this resolution," said Jay Kansara, HAF's Associate Director based in Washington, D.C. "We urge other members of the Senate to demonstrate their support for the community by cosponsoring the resolution." "As a long time resident of New

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Senator Menendez will continue to increase awareness in this country of a festival so important to millions of Hindu Americans with this resolution,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; said Jay Kansara Jersey and supporter of HAF, I am proud that Senator Menendez has introduced this Diwali resolution," said Dr. Umesh Gidwani. "As the Senator of a state with approximately 300,000 Indian Americans, this is a nice way for Senator Menendez to reach out to his constituents in New Jersey. We hope this resolution draws more aware-

AAA organizing retreat for Asian youth India Post News Service

Bharatiya seniors feted on their October birthdays during Diwali celebrations

CHICAGO: More then 300 people attended the Diwali Party organized by Bharatiya Citizens of Chicago (BSCC) at the Shri Nathji

Temple Addison IL on Oct.15. Parsottam Pandya, Secretary of BSCC, welcomed members, invitees and guests besides the

Singers Nita Patel and Bindu Patel entertaining Bharatiya seniors

Chief Guest Mahendra Patel. Haribhai Patel, president of the organization, introduced and extended welcome to the event President Upendra Pandya. Among the notable dignitaries present were Randy Ramey, Illinois Representative and Chairman of Du Page County. Shri Nathji Temple Trustee Hansaben, Founder of the BSCC Mansukhbhai Patel and Past President Batukbhai Shukla offered New Year and Diwali greetings to all those present. Nita Patel, Bindu Patel, Vikram Patel of Sur Sangam Sangit Group sang Happy New Year and Diwali songs. Seniors who marked their birthdays in October were presented with flowers and birthday cards. The evening ended with a delicious meal.

ness to the significance that Hindu traditions weave into the diverse fabric of American culture." Kansara said that increasing awareness of major Hindu festivals is necessary to establish a place for the Dharma traditions in the American mainstream. A Presidential proclamation would demonstrate the relevance of Diwali to Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs. The Foundation has scheduled its annual National Teach Diwali in School Day on Oct 24, 2011 as another front to raise awareness. Parents will be asked to give a presentation on Diwali in their children's classrooms using the HAF-provided toolkit. "While Diwali is widely celebrated within the Hindu American community, many of our neighbors, teachers, and friends don't know much about it," said Pooja Deopura, HAF Executive Council Member. "The National Teach Diwali in School Day is a way for our members to engage their children's teachers and classmates with a fun Diwalitheme presentation using the Diwali Toolkit complete with coloring pages, arts and crafts ideas, and classroom activities."

INDIANAPOLIS: Asian American Alliance, a no profit body in Indiana, is organizing for the second year in succession a retreat for youth at the Purdue University Ruth Learning Center in Indiana on November 19 from 8 a.m. till 3 p.m. Rupal Thanawla, the chair of the Retreat for Asian Youth 'Unleash Your Potential 2011,' said that this would be a great opportunity for our students to meet fellow Asian students, executives and share their opinions on variety of topics. "We had over 19 high schools and 14 nationality students attend the Retreat for Asian Youth last year and they had a very good experience. This event is free to Asian high school students from Indiana. We got tremendous response from students, corporations, community and universities and our two speakers are flying in from California at their own expense. We have found enough sponsors so as to organize a free event and gifts for students," she said

Thanawla also pointed out, "We do give out scholarships to IPS and Asian American students in Spring and we will be sharing that information also during the conference. This is a free event and we provide food and gifts as well. We limit the event to only 75 to 100 students so they can have 1:1 dialogue with executives. We have had first to fifth generation Asians to refugees from Burma. I think this will be a great event that other cities can also organize similar retreats," she added Retreat for Asian Youth-Unleash Your Potential is an all-day leadership, networking and mentoring conference for Asian High School students. The forum presents students a platform to share their ideas, challenges and opinion about political, social, career and cultural topics. This year the keynote speakers are Tennis Pro Rajeev Ram and Senior VP Wellpoint Dr. Anthony Nguyen. Registration closes on Oct 31 and the event is on Nov 19. For more information call Rupal Thanawla at 317 457 0200

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Maryland gurdwara hosts health fair India Post News Service

WASHINGTON: Leading Indian physicians from across the Washington area converged recently to give their free advice at a health fair at one of the gurdwaras in Washington area. Organized and hosted by the Indian American Medical Association (IAMA) and Guru Gobind Singh Foundation, this health fair turned out to be one of the largest outreach efforts by Indian doctors to the community at large. During this fair held at the facility of Guru Gobind Singh Foundation in Rockville, Maryland, over 30 well known area physicians and medical professionals were present to support the event. 60 volunteers, mostly young, assisted in every aspect of the health fair. Over 150 community members from across the Washington area took benefit of the health advice, screening and free flu shots. Many elderly individuals were seen going table to table to get advice from physicians and they appreciated that the consultations were conducted without much time constraints and atmosphere was cordial. Shady Grove Adventist Hospital in Rockville sent its own volunteer group to participate in this operation. One of the other highlights was free 90 flu shots that were offered to the community. Many people came ahead of the start time to get their names on the list. Dr Sudhir Sekhsaria, a leading allergy specialist and the president of IAMA and Ravi Singh, presi-

L-R: Mrs Harjinder Malhotra, Dr Baljit Singh Moonga, Dr Sudhir Sekhsaria, Dr Gagan Singh, Dr Vijay Varma, Ravi Singh, Dr Harminder Sethi, Dr Harvinder Singh, Dr Ameet Singh, Dr Balbir Singh, Dr Jaspal Ahluwalia, Dr Sharon Ahluwalia, Dr Jatinder Sekhon, and Dr Rajwant Singh

dent of a healthcare IT Company and a member of Guru Gobind Singh Foundation, coordinated the entire operation of bringing the

medical experts and volunteers to make this initiative a grand success. Dr Sudhir Sekhsaria said, "Our focus was elderly and indigenous population. The twenty specializations included in the health fair were allergy, cancer, cardiology, dermatology, diabetes, dietitian, ENT, gastroenterology, ophthalmology, orthopedics, pediatrics, physical therapy, plastics, primary care,

screening services, social services, thyroid, travel medicine, urology, and yoga. Various screening tests were conducted including lung function, hearing, body mass index, grip, blood pressure and others." He added, "What makes it a unique health fair is that besides 20 leading specialists for counseling, there was a Yoga session with live yoga lessons and counseling for medical, dental and pharmacy school admissions with a seminar." Ravi Singh said, "The other group we wanted to focus on was youth. Two areas we identified for this group were volunteer work to support the Health Fair, getting the youth involved in doing community service, and brining some well known counselors to provide advice to the youth on getting admission to the medical, dental and

pharmacy schools in the US. Around 20 school and college going youth took advantage of counseling for admissions to medical, dental, and pharmacy schools." Mr. Rajan Narayanan, a well know yoga instructor was on hand to answer various yoga related questions and conducted a full 60 minute live yoga session. He taught the audience various yoga exercises for a healthy living for mind, body and soul. The session was a big hit with a full hall and demand for more sessions in the future. Dr. Reena Jha from Georgetown, Dr. Baljit Singh Moonga from NIH, and medical and pharmacy school students Kunal Angra and Natasha Chopra provided the counseling for high school and college students about medical, dental and pharmacy school admission process. Dr. Jha and Dr. Moonga also conducted a group session for the students to address specific admissions questions. Dr Seksaria added, "Our special thanks to all the physicians, medical professionals, volunteers, GGSF board of directors, head priest of GGSF and management for everything they did to make this event a success. We look forward to seeing everyone at the Health Fair 2012."

Sarabjit Singh Sidhu, Chairman of Guru Gobind Singh Foundation, said, "We thank all the medical experts for this kind gesture of providing their free advice to the community at large. This shows that they have a kind heart and have a desire to make a difference in the lives of so many people. May God bless them and give them the wisdom to continue this noble work." Dr. Rajwant Singh, Secretary of GGSF, said, "Many members of Indian community and American society took advantage of this initiative. It is an important step taken by the Indian medical community to offer their help in the face of challenges in the health care in this country. Doing this at a religious

sanctuary certainly adds the moral component. We will continue to pray that this kind of volunteer work is repeated at other places and in other temples and Gurdwaras." Indian American Medical Association is based in the Washington area and it brings together 300 medical professionals for networking, educational and community activities.

Uttar Pradesh Association celebrates Diwali ASIAN MEDIA USA

CHICAGO: The Uttar Pradesh Association of Chicago (UPA) celebrated Diwali and its annual day on Sunday, October 23 at the Ashyana Banquets, Downers Grove, a south west Chicago suburb. About 200 people attended this festival which included a live music program and dance performance by very talented artists. Mrs. Sujata Sharma, President UPA welcomed the members and guests, wishing them a happy and prosperous Diwali and talked about the successful programs the Association organized this year. Dr. Ghanshyam Pandey, Founding President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, said that Diwali celebration this year has a special meaning in that the Association is celebrating its 10th anniversary. The Association, which was inaugurated in 1991 by the Governor of Bihar, Dr. A. R. Kidwai,

has been actively organizing the programs and activities without any interruptions to meet its aims and objectives. This was followed by a lively cultural program. Two colorful

was presented by Naresh Vashist, a well known artist and singer from India. A vote of thanks was presented by Ravi Arora, Vice-President. A sumptuous dinner was served by the

UP Association members with Ms Sujata Sharma, President and Founding President Prof Ghanshyam Pandey

A dance item during UP Association Diwali party in progress. Pics Asian Media USA

dance items were presented by the Kala Padma Academy. A very interesting music performance

Ashyana Banquet and Mr Jain was thanked for the facilities and the food.

Indian singer Naresh Vashist, with his associates

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Doctors' event to support distressed Bangla kids M ZAFAR ULLAH

Seniors' Day in San Francisco Valley JS BEDI India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: Los Angeles City Councilman from District 12 encompassing West San Fernando Valley, Mitchel Englander graced the 2nd Annual Seniors' Day, organized by the LA Sargam group at the Royal Delhi Palace Banquet Hall, Canoga Park on Sunday, October 16. He was honored in traditional Indian fashion with the presentation of a saropa-shawl by Ravinder Chadda. Details on page 19

Christian missionaries at NY Diwali Mela VIJU SIDHWANI

New CG assures community of initiating 'reasonably liberal' steps SRIREKHA CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service

NEW YORK: In just one week since he assumed duty in his new posting, the new Consul General of India in San Francisco N. Parthasarathi has already seen that there is so much that can be done. "But the good thing," he says sincerely is, "there is so much that one can actually do." Indeed Consul General Parthasarathi, who served as Ambassador of India to Senegal in West Africa prior to taking charge on Oct 13, in San Francisco, is all set to have a productive three years, in every sense of the word, as he puts it, through promoting goodwill among all stakeholders with interests in India and the US. Prior to his current posting, Consul General Parthasarathi served as Ambassador of India to Senegal during which time he was concurrently accredited as Ambassador to Mali, Mauritania, Guinea Bissau and Cape Verde Islands, as well as High Commissioner to The Gambia; and before that he was Ambassador to South Korea. He has served, since joining the Indian Foreign Service in 1981, as a diplomat in countries throughout the world including Belgium, Pakistan, United Kingdom and Syria. Given his experiences in so many different countries - whether a Third World nation like Senegal or the US - Consul General Parthasarathi told India Post in a telephonic interview, "Moving from place to place you realize each place has its own tremendous advantages and opportunities." Africa offered its own share of excitement for him as a representative of India. "India provides $5

billion for cooperation projects in Africa, which generates substantive engagement," he said. "It was a challenging and satisfying experience to find projects which are going to be mutually beneficial to both countries." More importantly, he said, "The African government and people look up to India and the goodwill there for India is unbelievable you just have to walk on the streets to see that."

ate Diploma in Industrial Management from Bangalore University in India. He joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1981. As a priority in his latest posting, Consul General Parthasarathi intends to reach out to not only the Indian American community but also to all stakeholders who are interested in two-way investment, technology and trade. He hopes to act as facilitator to the many entrepreneurs looking for

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I love the people here, they are tremendous achievers, each one in their own right is an achiever. Obviously, their needs and demands are different; their contributing capabilities are different and their issues are differentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

N. Parthasarathi

Coming from there (Senegal) to a completely different place like the US, Parthasarathi says, "I love the people here, they are tremendous achievers, each one in their own right is an achiever. Obviously, their needs and demands are different; their contributing capabilities are different and their issues are different. We are proud of whatever the community has achieved here, deeply appreciative of their contribution." Parthasarathi graduated as a Mechanical Engineer from Mysore University, an MBA in International Marketing and Post Gradu-

opportunities in both countries. "We have to act as a catalyst and ensure there is matchmaking. We have to arrange special events where the special groups of entrepreneurs, big and small have a platform to engage themselves. There are institutions in India and here who are enthusiastic and willing to do it, and we, as facilitators, should just show adequate willingness to see that they get to meet and push forward." Parthasarathi is aware of the Indian American community's complaints in recent months over fees and penalties for passport

surrender, and other issues with regard to visas and OCI card processing. In that regard, he said, "Whatever we do here will be in complete harmony with our other consulates and the Embassy in Washington DC so that there is no discrepancy in services from one place to another. Secondly, these facilities are evolving processes and the consulate is definitely going to be more understanding and empathetic, and to the extent we can we would like to be liberal and use whatever discretion we have for the benefit of the people." The Consul General said he has already started meeting with community leaders and associations and groups to discuss these issues. "It is one thing to provide the services but quite another to be perceived by the people as being fair and transparent," he said. "We plan to show that that we are being fair and transparent and if there is something lacking it is not for not trying or having the will. I am sure we will be initiating steps to make it relatively easier and much more reasonably liberal." As for the beleaguered Indian students of the sham Tri-Valley University in California, he assured them of any specific help they may be looking for. "They are Indian students who have come here and for whatever reasons they have become victims now. I think it is our duty to continue to support them in whatever manner we can." Apart from being a seasoned diplomat, Parthasarathi wears a creative hat - that of being a writer. He has published two books: ' Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 17

Community Partner Award for Sahara India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: Sahara (South Asian Helpline And Referral Agency) has been awarded the "Community Partner Award" by the Asian Pacific American Legal Center of Southern California (Apalc) for its commitment to serve the growing community of South Asians in Southern California. It cited its efforts to serve the community by providing them with information, referrals, skills development and other cultur-

ally sensitive support services needed to meet the unique challenges they face and also to deal with the personal crises of survivors of domestic violence. S i n c e 2001, Sahara and Apalc have been collaborating through

legal clinics and outreach events. Apalc is the nation's largest legal organization serving the Asian and Pacific Islander ( A P I ) communities. Founded in 1983, Apalc is a unique organization that com-

bines traditional legal services with civil rights advocacy and leadership development. The mission of Apalc is to advocate for civil rights, provide legal services and education and build coalitions to positively influence and impact Asian Pacific Americans and to create a more equitable and harmonious society. Sahara thanked Apalc for recognizing its work. It said it was it is especially meaningful this year as it celebrated its 20th anniversary.

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Rishi brings a 'Grow Your Food' revolution India Post News Service

DIAMOND BAR, CA: When Rishi Kumar began his undergraduate Computer Science degree at UCSD on a full scholarship, he could never have envisioned what would come after graduation. Rishi says "Computer Science was never that challenging for me." It was this relative ease that enabled him to seek out other interests through his college career. Rishi, a resident of Diamond Bar, CA, now runs a local sustainable community education center called The Growing Home as well as an edible organic garden installation business called Growing Your Home. While studying at UCSD, Rishi discovered his passion for agriculture. He decided to spearhead a campaign to start the Neighborhood Community Garden @ UCSD, which is now the most prominent of three on-campus

inequality, and caste division. At Navdanya, Rishi's eyes were opened to a world which he had never known. "Food is something so basic that connects us all. India is still a predominantly agricultural society. The globalization of food commodities has had a huge impact on rural communities." He continued, "Going back to India

gardens at UCSD, with over 50 volunteers a week. Even during his summer vacations, Rishi devoted himself to learning more about agriculture and sustainability. He spent the past two summers interning at Navdanya, an organization which runs a sustainable organic farm in Dehradhun. The farm is run by nuclear physicist turned environmentalist, Dr. Vandana Shiva. Dr. Shiva focuses her efforts at Navdanya on resolving issues facing Indian agriculture, including the patenting of seeds, land

really got me in touch with my heritage. I come from a family of Punjabi farmers, and now to be farming in the US is a way to connect with my ancestors." Rishi returned home and realized he could use his recently acquired knowledge to make changes to his childhood home. He began to rip out his lawn and transform the house into a suburban homestead and model of sustainability. Rishi and his family have been working on green improvements to the house since 2008. Looking at the house now,

one might never believe that there was ever a lawn where there is now a thriving garden. His mother Manju Kumar, father Vinod Kumar, and older brother Rohit Kumar, have helped along the way as well. Rohit finished his undergraduate degree at UC Berkeley and was accepted into Harvard, Yale and Stanford Law. Instead of law school, he chose to build a start-up called localblu.com, which focuses on powering local economies (it's kind of like Craigslist 2.0). Rohit says, "Growing your own food puts you in touch with the community around you. That's something I'm trying to push further with localblu.com." He added, "Now, we're all healthier than ever before - no pesticides in our khana!" Rishi had been exposed to gardening from a young age. Growing up, there was always fruits or vegetables growing in the backyard. In fact, even his grandparents have an extensive backyard garden at their home in Fremont, CA. Rishi says, "My Nana, Manohar Sethi, drinks wheatgrass juice daily, grows his own food, and plays golf better than I do. I want to be as strong as he is when I'm his age." During high school, Rishi maintained his interest in gardening as his interest in computers grew. He juggled entrepre-

neurship with academics - he was both his high school valedictorian and founder of a successful computer repair service called Nerd On Call. Rishi's entrepreneurial spirit has served him well in his latest endeavor. He has been able to turn his passion for gardening into a sustainable business. The Grow-

stalled by Growing Your Home are all 100% organic and feature water saving measures, such as drip irrigation systems. He also specializes in growing crops from India and Asia: curry leaf, tulsi, mango, jamun, Indian jasmine, neem, and much more. The Growing Home is gaining momentum and truly making a

ing Home is now a learning and community center for all things 'green', and also sells produce through a Community Supported Agriculture program. Rishi regularly hosts classes and workshops. He recently started a business called Growing Your Home, which installs vegetable gardens at homes and businesses. The gardens in-

difference throughout LA area. Currently, The Growing Home, along with the installation service Growing Your Home, has plans to work with three local schools to install educational gardens. Rishi has also been giving lectures at local schools and libraries. He is growing his business and looking forward to a brighter, greener future.

New CG assures community of initiating 'reasonably liberal' steps Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 16

The Reluctant Assassin', a fictional thriller, published in Delhi, in 2005 and 'Bi Dan Hwang Hoo' (Silk Empress), a fictional novel linking the ancient history of India and Korea. The latter was translated in the Korean language and published in Seoul in 2007. So what inspires him to write? "One should have a hobby where you can vent out your feelings,

you need some outlet, if it is creative nothing like it. My books have been kind of supportive of my diplomatic career; in the sense my last book (Silk Empress), is about an Indian princess who went there (South Korea) and married a king there; and millions of kings there think they are descendants of this princess. It was not only a novel for them it also helped my work. Wherever I went they knew I was the one who

gave them that novel." Still, writing is more than a professionally linked expression for Parthasarathi. "Honestly, if you can produce a book or a painting or a sculpture, the creative thing is so satisfying and there is no other work, professional or otherwise that is comparable," he says. "Also, you feel you are a bit intellectually alive. One needs to be a bit truthful, people should be able to believe youâ&#x20AC;Ś that is all."

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Doctors' event to support distressed Bangla kids M ZAFAR ULLAH

BUENA PARK, CA: The Bangladesh Doctors Association of California held a gala dinner on October 22 at the Knott's Berry Hotel in Buena Park. The purpose of this dinner was to support Distressed Children and Infants of Bangladesh (DCII). The DCII is a nonprofit organization established and founded in 2003 in Connecticut by Dr. Ehsan Hoque. It first started helping disadvantaged children and combating preventable blindness in Bangladesh where the poverty level is one of the highest in the world. DCI strength comes not from its size but from the connections it nurtures and sustains between passionate individuals and like minded organizations. It has a great system of sponsorship where it takes only $15 a month to sponsor a child in Bangladesh. About 1100 underprivileged village children have been sponsored for continuing their education and receiving health care and vision care. It also serves healthcare to pregnant mothers thru prenatal care

DCII Goodwill Ambassador actress Babita

and preventive healthcare support. It also provides free eye care, cataract surgeries to the

poor and needy. One of the donors and an Adviser Dr. Ruby Hossain, says,

"DCII covers a complete package of sponsorship help and support to the poor and needy

children in Bangladesh." Dr. Ehsan Hoque, Founder, DCII outlined and gave an excellent video presentation on the history and achievements of DCII Bangladesh. Well known and respected movie actress Babita, who works as a "Good will Ambassador" of DCII, came all the way from Bangladesh to support the cause. She highlighted the program of DCII and requested the Bangladeshi American doctors and other guests present to be a "Sponsor" for an unfortunate child in Bangladesh. The Bangladesh Consul General in Los Angeles Enayet Hossain was the Chief Guest. He reminded that the poor and unfortunate children in Bangladesh deserved to be treated as normal human beings. After the induction of the new executive members of the Bangladeshi Doctors Association in Los Angeles for 20122013, a spectacular cultural program was the main attraction of the evening which was followed by a sumptuous dinner attended by over 150 guests.

Congressman Shumway endorses Ricky Gill India Post News Service

LODI, CA: Former Congressman Norman Shumway, who represented the San Joaquin Valley for more than a decade in Congress, has endorsed Congressional candidate Ricky Gill in his campaign to unseat Rep. Jerry McNerney, D-Pleasanton. "Today, I am pleased to announce my endorsement of

Ricky Gill to represent California's 9th District in the U.S. Congress," said Shumway. "Ricky is a strong conservative, a devoted native of the San Joaquin Valley, and a concerned citizen who is deeply committed to serving the Valley and Delta communities of the 9th District." Shumway, then a San Joaquin County supervisor, was elected to Congress in 1978 after defeat-

ing an 11-term incumbent. He represented a district including San Joaquin County until 1990, when he chose not to seek reelection. Shumway has served as a member of the campaign's advisory team since Gill's announcement of his candidacy in May 2011. Shumway offered the following additional comments on his endorsement:

"I represented the San Joaquin Valley in Congress for 12 years, and I know what it takes to lead on behalf of this community. Ricky Gill is the only candidate in this race with the energy, experience, and local roots to give the new 9th District the represen-

tation it deserves. With his record of experience in his family's small business, proven commitment to agriculture, and distinguished service on the California State Board of Education, Ricky is wellequipped to serve this community honorably in Congress."

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Seniors' Day in San Francisco Valley JS BEDI India Post News Service

the need of its senior citizens. He complimented Avtar Chadda of LA Sargam for starting this event and presented him a certificate of appreciation from the City of Los Angeles for his contribution to the arts. The Councilman also presented a saropa to Los Angeles County Supervisor Mahesh Parekh for his dedicated community service of three decades. Englander similarly honored veteran actor Kumar Pallana who is still active as an actor at the age of 93. Pallana, who has a major lead role in the Steven Spielberg movie, "The Terminal", said the secret of his longevity was that he always stayed happy and considered age a mere number, not an impediment. Sheree Adams, the Senior Citizens' Specialist for City Councilman Dennis Zine of District 3, invited the seniors to contact her for any assistance after outlining services which were available for them. The seniors' group, served with dedication by coordinators Umi Mukherji and Nasim Jinnah with their team of volunteers, was entertained by Avtar Chadda, Sunny Singh, Supriyo

Chakraborty, Gurdeep Grewal, Aslam, Noori and child artiste Shruti Chakraborty, singing ageless Indian melodies. Dr. Parvin Syal, compere and coordinator of the event, said, "The elders of our community are isolated and do not have access to live entertainment which they would enjoy. LA Sargam and Avtar Chadda have provided a vehicle for this, ensuring a healthy and satisfying interaction". Co-organizer Mobin Khan proposed a vote of thanks, especially to Baljit Bhullar, who treated the seniors to a sumptuous meal, and Raj Nangia of T.V. Asia for their support.

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Christian missionaries at New York Diwali Mela VIJU SIDHWANI

ver since we were young, we have been attending the annual Diwali mela at South Street Seaport. Each year our family drove in to downtown Manhattan from the surrounding suburbs. The ride itself was fun, providing gaping city views of skyscrapers and gigantic bodies of water that would straddle New York City, namely the East River and the Hudson River. Traffic on the roadways was a nuisance to most drivers; to us children it provided an extended opportunity to breath in the panoramic views of the big apple with the backdrop of a powerful and glorious sunset. The sun always seemed to retire with an exhalation of relief as if it was exhausted from its radiation of fire during the daylight hours. The sunset was our indication that an evening of shows involving live dance performances, puppet shows, and a late night display of exquisite fireworks bursting on a blanket of stars was soon to follow. This was our idea of Diwali. This was better than an extended lunch time recess because here we would meet some of our family friends and relatives. We ate and played together. We celebrated together. We held hands and jumped up and down with excitement. We are the Hindu and Sikh American youth

of the New York metro area. I have consistently attended the Diwali Mela here at South Street Seaport on most years except for a few. Aside from a few years during which college and medical school consumed all of my time I have been able to time and again celebrate Diwali in a way that is special to me. Not only because it is the biggest Hindu celebration of the year, but also because it is a tradition that binds me intimately

I came across a group of people who prominently identified themselves as Indian Christian missionaries. They were present not for the purpose of enjoying the Diwali mela but with the intention of generating awareness of Jesus Christ to other Hindu and Sikh youth of the New York area, even if we didn't know one another growing up. Every year I have enjoyed the crowds, delicious food, and divine music that is characteristic of the street fair. However this year for the first time I came across a group

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Donations for eye camp in India

ellow members of our Sikh community, it is with great pride and utmost humbleness that United Sikh Mission is able to announce the dates for its upcoming 7th annual Eye Camps to be held in India. These very worthwhile events would be impossible without the financial assistance of so many of you within the Sikh community. Whilst we understand that this year many of us are struggling in this current economic climate we appeal to you for financial assistance in this very worthwhile cause. Donations can be made by visiting us at our website www.unitedsikhmission.com where you can find information on all previous and upcoming events. Please view both attachments for info too. Whether you can assist us in our quest to raise money or not (every little contribution helps) please forward this urgent appeal for monetary funds to at least 10 more fellow members of our wonderfully generous Sikh community. Rashpal Dhindsa President United Sikh Mission, Fontana, CA Disclaimer :- India Post does not endorse opinions expressed in the letters.

of people who prominently identified themselves as Indian Christian missionaries. As I would later come to observe the missionaries were present not for the purpose of enjoying the Diwali mela or for observing the sacredness of the special occasion, but with the intention of generating awareness of Jesus Christ and of converting Hindus and Sikhs to Christianity. Members of the Indian Christian missionary group gathered to set up a table along with other street vendors at approximately 11:00 am. As the morning went on more and more people joined them and by 12:30 there were over fifteen people surrounding a single table. One person among them brought color-coordinated Tshirts proclaiming that Jesus is the only one. They set up their table to distribute Christian literature and free water to passersby. People at that table were somewhat disturbing to others in the area because of their large numbers in a relatively small space. However, as the afternoon progressed the motivated evangelists dispersed among the crowds in the streets and began handing out literature on Jesus and Christianity. For much of the early afternoon I saw them mobbing innocent visitors and insistingly handing them bottled water and literature. At one point when I walked past two men standing in the middle of the street I was also handed a pamphlet and asked if I was interested in attaining peace. I accepted the literature and briefly perused it before I asked the two men to tell me more about their offer. I then asked them why they were preaching Christianity at a Diwali mela. One of the men rudely responded by saying that America is a free country and that he had the right to freedom of speech. His counterpart immediately followed by stating that Diwali was over three weeks away, playing on the technicality of time. He arrogantly added that his presence was not disturbing anyone because this was a community event and that anyone was

able to attend. I continued conversing with the two of them to ascertain what they were looking for even though I was already well aware.

I ended the conversation indicating to them that their presence was unwarranted at a Diwali mela and that their aggressive propagation of Christianity on such a noble occasion was impolite and indecent I eventually told one of them that I was very happy being Hindu to which he replied "I'm here to offer you something better". At this point I was turned off and insulted by their remarks. I ended the conversation indicating to them that their presence was unwarranted at a Diwali mela and that their aggressive propagation of Christianity on such a noble occasion was impolite and indecent. The competitive antagonism brought by the missionaries did not add to the festivities and to

Hindu and Sikh American youth need the opportunity to explore our culture and beliefs, and enjoy our festivals without facing the threat of conversion the celebration of Diwali. Rather it detracted from the event and was an effort to persuade members of our Hindu and Sikh community to attend church and eventually convert to Christianity. Conversion of faith is fundamentally offensive to the benevolent and peaceful dharmic traditions of Hinduism and Sikhism. While we as a uni-

fied community are pluralistic in our beliefs and encourage diversity amongst ourselves, we cannot welcome people who alienate us from our native ancestry and intend to annihilate a tradition that is thousands of years old. My family and I originally hail from the province of Sindh, now in Pakistan. My parents reluctantly left Pakistan and migrated to India as Hindu refugees for the very reason that Indian leaders failed to stand up for the beliefs and traditions of our people and did not effect public policy or military defense measures to substantiate our presence in the land that is natively ours. As a result, millions of Hindus and Sikhs have been murdered, butchered, forcibly converted to Islam, and displaced from their homeland. This series of events spans over a thousand years and reached its zenith during the partition of 1947. It still continues to this day and is the price Indians paid for independence. Notably the most profound lesson to be learned from this is that we cannot continue to be so accepting of other schools of thought that we compromise the standards that allow our own people to flourish and our own faith to be nourished. Hindu and Sikh American youth need the opportunity to explore our culture and beliefs, and enjoy our festivals without facing the threat of conversion by missionaries who wish to lure today's youth toward a belief system that does not accept our tradition's antiquity, greatness, and accepting nature. In closing, I strongly resent the presence of any foreign religious missionary group at the Diwali mela celebrated at the South Street Seaport or at any other festival celebrated by our community. As a young Hindu who participated in community festivals and holidays throughout my earlier years I wish for that same tradition to be extended to those who now take the limelight of that stage to allow our vibrant traditions to continue uninterrupted for eternity. On this auspicious occasion of Diwali let us illuminate the lives of those who live in darkness and foolishly and mistakenly believe that they are "chosen" and inherently superior to followers of Dharmic traditions. Let us propagate the true spirit of love and embrace our brothers and sisters, be them of different faiths, on the condition that we Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists are venerated to a degree that is commensurate with our benevolent outlook of love and acceptance for all.

November 4, 2011

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Realty Tidbits

CREDAI welcomes Allahabad HC decision

Real Estate

elcoming the "balanced" decision of the Allahabad High Court to quash land acquisition in three villages in the Noida, Greater Noida and Noida Extension areas of Uttar Pradesh, real estate developers' body CREDAI claims that home buyers will not be affected by the ruling. "It's a balanced judgment by the Allahabad HC. It will allow projects to come up in Noida Extension again. Investors and home buyers who have put their money in the Noida Extension projects will now be safe," Confederation of Real Estate Developers' Association (CREDAI) NCR President Pankaj Bajaj said. "Farmers will now get 1.5 crore per acre after this judgment as against about 90 lakh per acre earlier," he said. The Allahabad HC has quashed the acquisition of over 3,000 acres of land by the Uttar Pradesh government in three villages - Deola, Chak Shahberi and Asadullahpur - and has directed the return of the area to farmers subject to compensation amounts already paid being returned. According to Bajaj, "This will not have any major impact as home buyers of Shaberi village have been already shifted.”

Akshaya to strengthen presence in South India

eal estate developer Akshaya has chartered out plans for the next five to 10 years with an aim to strengthen its presence in South India. The expansion plan is also part of the city-based firm's foray into new verticals like developing commercial properties, Information Technology parks, health care and schools. "Next five years to 10 years we will be in these businesses healthcare, commercial property, retail, schools.. it may be through township projects," Akshaya Chairman and CEO T Chitty Babu told reporters.

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November 4, 2011

Ambuja acquires RMZ's Business Park

n one of the largest real estate deals in Kolkata, Ambuja Realty has acquired the RMZ's Ecospace Business Park in New Town in Rajarhat for little over Rs 300 crore. The acquisition will provide Ambuja Realy a large chunk of premium commercial property adjacent to its existing one, Ambuja Realty Campus. The project, which is 80% complete, is spread over about 9 lakh square feet constructed area. International property consultant Jones Lang LaSalle facilitated the deal. JLL said the deal signified the importance of Rajarhat in Kolkata's business landscape.

Govt ready with Bill to regulate real estate sector

onths after the Noida Extension fiasco left 6,000 home buyers in the lurch, the government is ready with a bill to regulate the real estate sector and protect property buyers from unscrupulous developers. The Centre has finalized the draft Real Estate (Regulation & Development) Bill, pending since 2009, and plans to introduce it in the winter session of Parliament after getting cabinet approval. The bill makes it mandatory for developers to register themselves with a real estate regulatory authority to be set up in each state. Developers must also submit project details - approved layout plan, timeline, cost, sale agreement - to the regulator before launching projects. This information will be displayed on the regulator's website. Only those developers who fulfill this clause will be per-

mitted to advertise their projects. The bill also ensures the booking amount isn't diverted. The developer will have to create an escrow fund, where a percentage of the money collected from the buyer will be parked, to be used for the specified project. The draft comes with stiff penal provisions

his license. "From the buyers' perspective, the proposed bill provides sufficient safeguards. Disclosure of detailed information about projects will create awareness and curtail pre-launch," said Sunil Tyagi, senior partner, ZEUS Law Associates. The draft proposes a two-tier griev-

‘The bill should protect buyers' interests but at the same time have safeguards for developers. Otherwise, it would be counter-productive’ for errant developers. Defaulting on contract or deviation from the layout plan will lead to the developer being penalized 10% of the project cost or jailed for a maximum of three years. In extreme cases, a developer could even lose

ance redressal system. The state regulator and an appellate tribunal at the Centre. At present, the only option open to buyers is to move the civil courts - a time-consuming process. "Had a regulator been in place,

Less fireworks for builders this festive season

he period around Diwali is usually the best time in the building trade, but this festive season a triple cocktail of volatile markets, double-digit interest rates and poor consumer confidence in a slowing economy has hit sales volumes, portending hard times for India's real estate sector. Some brokers and market experts are bracing themselves for a 25-30% drop in transaction volumes in the country's top six property markets during the OctoberDecember busy season, which, if it happens, could trigger a com-

petitive spiral of discounting to get rid of mounting inventories and restore depleted cash levels. But builders are holding on to price levels while buyers, reluctant to book flats at current price levels and interest rates firmly in

‘Usually, during the festive season, prices firm up and there are new launches as well. But this season, both the inventory and prices of residential properties have remained static’ double digits, remain convinced that it's only a matter of time before the penny drops. Which side will blink first is still not certain, even though some builders concede all is not hunky dory. "There may not be much of a light for developers during this Diwali," said

Niranjan Hiranandani, chief of Mumbai-based builder Hiranandani Group. "It may not turn out to be a good one in terms of sales activity." Property developers are trying their best to woo buyers with festive offers, although these have failed to have much of an impact so far. With high inflation eating away at their earnings and financing costs high, buyers are looking for a significant correction in property prices rather than some festive season freebies. "Builders need to accept reality. This acceptance will lead to price correction and revival in volume," said Pankaj Kapoor, managing director of Liases Foras Real Estate Rating & Research. Kapoor attributes the drop in sales volumes to steep property prices, rising interest rates and poor supply of socalled 'affordable housing' projects. "Usually, during the festive season, prices firm up and there are new launches as well. But this season, both the inventory and prices of residential properties have remained static," said Samarjit Singh of Agni Property, a property brokerage.

we would have had a platform to lodge our complaint instead of running pillar to post," said Ravikant Pandey, member, Noida Extension Owners and Members. He is one of the thousands of buyers caught in the land acquisition stir between developers, authorities and farmers. Developers reacted cautiously. "The bill should protect buyers' interests but at the same time have safeguards for developers. Otherwise, it would be counter-productive," said Lalit Kumar Jain, president, Confederation of Real Estate Developers' Association of India, which represents over 6,000 developers. The bill does have some safeguards for developers. Buyers who default on payments will be fined. "The draft bill is balanced and has clearly defined obligations for both the promoter and the buyer," said a source.

SEBI to probe allegations against DLF

ndia's capital markets regulator has said it will investigate allegations leveled against real estate company DLF Ltd. that it violated certain provisions of disclosure and investor protection rules during its initial public offering in 2007. The investigation by SEBI the Securities and Exchange Board of India - follows a complaint filed by Kimsuk Krishna Sinha, alleging that Sudipti Estates Pvt. Ltd. is an associate company of DLF and had defrauded him of about 340 million rupees. DLF has maintained that the group or its units had no connection with Sudipti. The matter was challenged by Mr. Sinha in the Delhi High Court, which recently ordered the matter to be investigated by SEBI. According to a SEBI statement issued on its website, an officer will soon be appointed to investigate the matter. SEBI whole time member Prashant Saran said in the statement: "If any violations are brought out in the investigation, the Securities and Exchange Board of India shall proceed in accordance with law."

Horoscope

November 4, 2011

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Your Weekly Future by Pandit Parashar

NOVEMBER 4th - NOVEMBER 10th ARIES (MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20)

TAURUS (APRIL 21 TO MAY 20)

ou will try to reorganize things and yourself in a short time. Contract you had been working on will be in your lap soon. An old health issue will flare up again but you will be able to avert that surgery. Spouse will be shopping in big way and may buy few unnecessary items too. A new associate will be friendly and will take the pressure off too.

ou will be negotiating with a known company and assurance is only a few days away. Trip will bring instant rewards. You will also gain friendship of an interesting personality. Avoid unnecessary stress and eat at regular intervals. There will be major changes in career soon.

GEMINI (MAY 21 TO JUNE 20)

CANCER (JUNE 21 TO JULY 22)

ou may not get the support you were expecting all the times. Avoid all arguments and try to solve issues one at a time. Legal matters will get postponed for another date. Some of you will be taking a trip far away from home this week. Timely actions could save you from many complications.

pouse will stay nervous and tense. You will sincerely make the efforts to help the situation but may not succeed right away. Old bills will drain you out but you will be able to fulfill your commitments and even make full payments on all. Something major is brewing up as far as career is concerned; it's a matter of little patience only.

LEO (JULY 23 TO AUGUST 22)

t will be better to put off all major financial decisions for another week or even month. You will be in constant touch with people overseas and try to resolve an important issue. Home may need minor repairs or you may need to change some heavy electric gadget in the house. You will attend an important meeting or go for an phone interview.

VIRGO (AUGUST 23 TO SEPTEMBER 22)

ou will accept the challenge and go for the opportunity to prove your expertise. Money will come but will be hard to preserve. Search will be over and you will find nice and compatible company. Self employed people will sit down and reevaluate the situation and make drastic changes in their business strategy. You will arrange a small get together.

LIBRA (SEPTEMBER 23 TO OCTOBER 22)

SCORPIO (OCTOBER 23 TO NOVEMBER 22)

nly aggressive attitude and positive thinking can get the results, wait and patience will not help now. You will be exploring new ways to improve revenue. You will be invited to an upcoming party at a friend's house. You may delay your plans to by a property for the time being only. You may visit an government office for some work.

ajor improvements in career just around the cor ner. Don't be shaky as the events will take place at lightning speed. People will benefit from your advice and expertise and you will get a needy person out of a messy situation. You will be paying off several bills in full.

SAGITTARIUS (NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 22)

CAPRICORN (DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 19)

ou will have many reasons to celebrate. You will be rewarded for past performance now. You will be paying many bills and even write a check to government. You may also visit a holy place with family and get some special prayers done. Money anticipated will get delayed for another week, but its coming. You will become very diplomatic.

ou have some real easy money coming now and for next few weeks. Uncertainty developed recently will disappear and you will get the correct picture. All government related matters should be handled carefully or will be penalized soon. You may become slightly double minded about a relationship.

AQUARIUS (JANUARY 20 TO FEBRUARY 18)

PISCES (FEBRUARY 19 TO MARCH 20)

trong Venus will create protection and neutralize all negative energy coming towards you. Try to recognize enemy among friends. You will be offered a very lucrative deal by someone you know for long. You will be looking for ideal partners to invest in your idea. It will be a fruitful week and you will get many things out of your way.

ou will be relaxed and feel motivated. Answer will come in positive only and soon you will have the money to play with. You will learn from competition and change your strategy little bit. Push yourself a little harder and you will make it impossible for others to ignore your abilities and talents. You will visit an old friend this weekend.

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

925-833-7170 website: www.parashar.com

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India Post

November 4, 2011

‘She's very dedicated and a real professional. She felt like the most natural part of the movie for us. There was no question that we wanted Freida Pinto’

India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Actress Freida Pinto plays the role of Phaedra in visionary director Tarsem Singh's stylish and spectacular 3D action adventure Immortals, which opens on November 11. Trained as a priestess since birth, Phaedra is a gifted Oracle, capable of divining glimpses of the future, but unable to control or even interpret her visions. Immortals producer Mark Canton knew they'd found their

Phaedra in Pinto, the young actress of Indian descent who had just made her film debut in the Academy Award-winning film Slumdog Millionaire. "It was time for her to step up and be a real movie star," he says. "She's phenomenal looking. She's very dedicated and a real professional. She felt like the most natural part of the movie for us. There was no question that we wanted Freida Pinto." Producer Gianni Nunnari agrees: "There are certain actors or actresses that grow within the time of the shooting, and that was Freida." Pinto's striking beauty and otherworldly air won Tarsem Singh's immediate approval. "Phaedra needed to be exotic compared to most of the people in her world," says Singh. "People might expect that because it's a Greek film, she would be Greek, but that's not what I envisioned. When I met Freida I

just said, she's it." Pinto had been a fan of Singh's since seeing his 2006 fantasy, The Fall. "I was impressed by the way it appealed to all the senses," she says. "I thought this film had the potential to do the same. When I first met him, I did not know what to expect.

He explained the reason behind doing this film, what he expected the film to look like, and what was expected of me and the other actors. It all sounded larger-than-life and fantastical. I really wanted to be part of it." Cont’d on page 26

November 4, 2011

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Akshay honored at The Asian Awards India Post News Service

LONDON: On a night of triumph, internationally acclaimed Bollywood star Akshay Kumar was awarded the coveted Outstanding Achievement in Cinema Accolade at The Asian Awards. Akshay Kumar is one of the most sought after acting talents in the Indian film industry and has reached an outstanding status in India and throughout the South Asian Diaspora. With over 100 films under his belt, he is a global phenomenon winning praise from film directors, audiences and critics alike. From humble beginnings and with no filmy background, Akshay Kumar began his career teaching martial arts to students in Mumbai getting his first break into show business when he was offered a part in a furniture showroom advertisement. Today, he acts and produces films not only in Bollywood but recently in Hollywood also, being the first Indian film star to do so, working alongside worldwide names such as Sylvester Stallone, Denise Richards, Kylie Minogue

& Ludacris. As well as his awardwinning film work, Akshay Kumar is one of the most renowned social activists and humanitarians from the Indian film industry supporting initiatives such as the Asian Heart Institute, United Na-

Akshay Kumar was awarded on the merits of his talent, his ambition and unique charm that has captivated audiences for over 20 years tions for its work to curb global human trafficking, HIV/Aids Awareness in rural India with celebrity Ashley Judd and his role as ambassador for the Special Olympics. Akshay Kumar was awarded on the merits of his talent, his ambition and unique charm that has captivated audiences for over 20

years. Through his many collaborations which he pioneered in the industry, Akshay Kumar has been instrumental in the embracing of Indian cinema into the global mainstream, making him the undisputed Global Brand Ambassador of Bollywood. Lord Sebastian Coe KBE, Chairman of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, and host for the evening, welcomed award-winning British director Gurinder Chadha on stage to announce and present the award to Akshay Kumar. She commented: "This evening's winner is a true superstar - a national and international icon. He's acted in over 100 films many critically acclaimed and international box office successes. He's not only a hugely accomplished actor but adding to his sex appeal he is one of the few leading stars of the Bollywood film industry to do all their own action stunts! I'm delighted to say that the winner of the Outstanding Achievement in Cinema is … Akshay Kumar." Due to prior filming commitments, Akshay Kumar was unable

to attend the event but distinguished guests with a pre-recorded message. He said: "To all the great achievers in front of me

now, I applaud you, for your talent, for your dedication to Greatness, you inspire so many. Cont’d on page 28

‘Freida is phenomenal’ Cont’d from page 24

Phaedra has lived all of her life in the company of her fellow priestesses and is reputed to have an especially strong gift for clairvoyance. But her visions, while accurate, are ambiguous. "It's a very disturbing experience for her, because she doesn't know exactly what will happen," explains Pinto. "She first sees Theseus in a vision, but she doesn't know who this person is. He is holding the emperor's belt, which means he could be the savior. But she doesn't completely trust him, because she doesn't know what the vision really means. It's only as things progress that she begins to believe he is going to save the people."

For her first big studio film Pinto says she feels lucky to have had Singh to guide her. "Tarsem is one of the most encouraging directors you will ever meet," she says. "Working on a big-budget project like this, time is literally money, but he was always patient and open to suggestions. When you work on a film like this, the emotions that you go through are so explosive. I'm just so excited, and that's exactly what I want the audience to feel."

November 4, 2011

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Guru Singh as emcee at Sikhlens film festival India Post News Service

ORANGE, CA: SikhLens has announced that the enigmatic Hollywood actor Guru Singh will be emceeing the Opening Night festivities of the 2011 Sikh Arts and Film Festival to be held from November 18 - 20 at Chapman University's Dodge College of Film and Media Arts. Singh, well known as "Ajeet" from the NBC series Outsourced, is a talented actor who proudly represents his identity. As a turbaned Sikh, his image is unique and often specific roles are limited, but he has carved a niche for himself and admits that he would not have gotten the role of Ajeet with-

ized his passion for acting after performing in his high school's version of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. In college, he

tion Systems. Singh credits his success to a positive and inspirational attitude. He landed the role of Ajeet

Singh, well known as ‘Ajeet’ from the NBC series Outsourced, is a talented actor who proudly represents his identity. He admits that he would not have gotten the role of Ajeet without the ‘turban on [his] head’

out the "turban on [his] head." As a Texas native, Singh real-

balanced his interest in performing with a mother-friendly dedication to computer-related work, graduating from the University of Houston with a B.B.A. in Theatre and Management Informa-

within one year of moving to Los Angeles and attending regular auditions. He also continues to hone his art by actively participating in various aspects of the acting industry, including read-

ing plays, taking classes, and producing short films.

Ra.One fails to break Bodyguard's record

espite the hype and marketing overdrive, Shah Rukh Khan's Ra One has not managed to break the record of Salman Kahn's Bodyguard set during the Id weekend. Media professional and industry observer Abhijit Mhamunkar says, "The opening day collections of Ra.One are somewhere between Rs 15 and Rs 16 crores. In spite of the ticket prices being increased and the film opening in more screens than ever, the movie doesn't even seem to come close to the first day collections of Bodyguard (Rs 21 crores)." While Bodyguard had opened in 2,800 screens across India and the first-day occupancy ranged between 85 per cent and 100 per cent, Ra.One opened in around 3200 screens with the first day occupancy ranging between 75 per cent and 80 per cent. To make things worse, the movie received a mixed response from the critics as well as the iniCont’d from page 26

The Asian Awards, it is wonderful of you to acknowledge so many outstanding achievers in this World, and I am truly humbled to be amongst them. Thank you kindly for this honourable award. My fans are probably the only people that really know the story of my life, and it is only them I dedicate this to, you know me, and where I came from, and it is only you I aim to please and inspire every day. Thank you for your love and support throughout my career. I am so sorry I couldn't be there tonight, but as always I am in the middle of hopefully my next adventurous blockbuster mission, so

pundits the uniqueness of seeing their superstar in 3D could have driven the collections in smaller towns. However Khan and his team failed here too as the 3D prints of the movie failed to reach several cinema halls on time.

ONE FOR LONDON: Shah Rukh Khan, Kareena Kapoor and Arjun Rampal attending the UK premiere of Bollywood science fiction film Ra One at the O2 Arena on October 25

tial audience (that can sometimes be crucial in driving the collection). Many from the audience

felt that Shah Rukh did not live up to the hype that he created. One of the things that was

supposed to work in Shah Rukh Khan's favor was the 3D version of his film. According to trade

Akshay honored at The Asian Awards please forgive me. My Love and Prayers to everyone, Thank you." Taking place amid the grandeur of Grosvenor House, Park Lane London, the spectacular night of glitz and glamour were attended by the showbiz and business glitterati comprising state dignitaries, business tycoons, cultural icons and global celebrities who gathered to celebrate the highest levels of achievement and excellence from within the global Asian community across a multitude of industry sectors. Attendees included global mu-

sic icon Asha Bhosle, Anushka Shankar and Jay Sean; the family of music legend Freddie Mercury; Indian TV personality and international comedy sensation Russell Peters; Mayor of London Boris Johnson; actress and writer Meera Syal; Film Director Gurinder Chadha OBE; Lord Sebastian Coe KBE; fashion icon Christian Louboutinand entrepreneur and Dragon's Den panellist James Caan. Other awards recipients included Freddie Mercury, Google's Amit Singhal, named by Fortune as one of the smartest

people in tech, Anand Mahindra, who has built a US$12.5 billion organisation, Mahindra & Mahindra, as Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Amir Khan, the youngest British World Champion boxer ever; comedian, producer and actress Meera Syal, Jay Sean, the most successful British/European male urban artist in US chart history, worldclass cricketer and legendary bowler Muttiah Muralitharan, philanthropist Shiv Nadar, music maestros Asha Bhosle and Ravi Shankar and comedy king Russell Peters.

To make things worse, the movie received a mixed response from the critics as well as the initial audience (that can sometimes be crucial in driving the collection). Many from the audience felt that Shah Rukh did not live up to the hype that he created Bollywood trade analyst Komal Nahta said that the movie points out that the movie may have done better had it released on October 27, a day after Laxmi Puja. According to him too the movie has collected around Rs 15-16 crore on the first day, which he says is 'stupendous'. "Ideally the film should have released a day after Laxmi Puja, which is traditionally not good for business since in almost every house the puja takes place in the evening. (So it wasn't surprising to see) the collections take a beating in the evening. Taking into consideration these factors, I feel that the first-day collection has been are stupendous," he says. He also suggests that 'Although the film may have failed to break the opening day record of Bodyguard, Ra.One has set a new record for Diwali day collections.'

Hindu mythology has it that Lord Brahma, the creator, chose a piece of land on earth, on which the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati would flow into a quiet confluence. He referred to it as 'Tirtharaj' or the 'king of all pilgrimage centers'

llahabad lies 135 km west of Varanasi in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh and is at the confluence of the Ganga (also Ganges), Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati River, the point of their mingling known as Sangam. Also known by its old name of Prayag, the city is an educational hub and a great pilgrimage center, especially the world-famous Kumbh Mela. Best time to visit: The climate of Allahabad is one of extremes with annual range of temperature differing by around 12°C. The temperature varies from a maximum of 45.6°C to a minimum of 1.1°C. The

India Post

weather is one of the finest in the month of January and February. Annual rainfall is 1935.5 mm and the maximum being 914.7 mm (August) and minimum 68.3 mm (December). Monsoon touches Allahabad by 15th of June. History: Allahabad finds mention in the holy scriptures - the Vedas and the grand epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, and in the Puranas - as Prayag. Hindu mythology has it that Lord Brahma, the creator, chose a piece of land on earth, on which the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati would flow into a quiet confluence. He referred to it as 'Tirtharaj' or the 'king of all pilgrimage centers.' Allahabad's antiquity attracted curious itinerants from even the Far East. Huen Tsang and Fa Hien,

www.indiapost.com the Chinese travelers, who visited it in the fifth and the seventh centuries respectively, found it a flourishing state. As time wore on, Allahabad found playing itself host to the royalty, including the illustrious Harsha, Akbar, Dara

November 4, 2011 Shikoh, Khusro, and Queen Victoria. In 1575, the Mughal Emperor Akbar named it 'Illahabas.' Akbar realized its strategic importance and built a magnificent fort on the banks of the holy Sangam. Cont’d on page 30

Travel & Hospitality Post

30 India Post

November 4, 2011

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Travel advisories obstructing tourism: Sahai NEW DELHI: Describing travel advisories and strict visa regimes enforced by some countries as impediments to tourism growth, India has asked countries to take steps to promote "least barrier travel". "Strict visa regimes enforced by some countries are a major deterrent to the growth of tourism," Tourism Minister Subodhkant Sahai said in the Tourism Ministers' conference in Paris. Sahai also expressed deep concern about the travel advisories issued by some countries obstructing the growth of tourism. "It is very important that countries along with the stakeholders are sensitized about these issues and we together take concrete steps to work towards barrier free or least barrier travel to promote tourism globally," the Minister said. Sahai expressed the hope that the conference would focus on creation of job opportunities in the tourism sector, thereby expanding the reach of economic benefits to larger segments of the world population. "Creation of employment opportunities is one of the main concerns worldwide, more so in the wake of the economic slow-down.

Tourism plays a vital role in creating job opportunities for all strata of society that includes skilled, semi skilled and unskilled," he said. Sahai emphasized that tourism in recent

Sahai said the government is formulating national and local developmental strategies in order to ensure that tourism plays a meaningful role in the overall socio-economic development at grassroot level years has developed into one of the world's largest industries and a major engine for economic growth. Hoping to attract more foreign tourists

to India, he said Tourism Ministry has set the target to increase the country's share in international tourists arrival from 0.6 per cent to one per cent by 2016 which in turn will be able to create 25 million additional jobs in India. Sahai said the government is formulating national and local developmental strategies in order to ensure that tourism plays a meaningful role in the overall socio-economic development at grassroot level. "Tourism plays a vital role in creating job opportunities, throws open the doors for participation to all sections of the society in the process of development which in turns contributes to the inclusive growth not just in India but across the world," he said. The Minister said that travel and tourism is increasingly intertwined with environmental sustainability. "In spite of growing relevance and proving contribution to GDP, tourism still lacks due political and economic recognition," he said adding "Government of India, UNWTO and WTTC have decided to join hands for making tourism as global agenda". -PTI

India wants Lanka visa fee reduced COLOMBO: India has asked Sri Lanka to reduce the USD 50 visa processing fee for its nationals and tourists from SAARC nations, with Indians topping the list of holiday makers in the picturesque country. "India through its High Commission here told us that the visa fee is high. They wanted it reduced for all visitors covering SAARC nations", Chulananda Perera, Immigration Controller told PTI. The Indian concerns assume significance as it has now replaced Britain as Sri Lanka's top inbound travel market. In September year on year, the Indian tourist arrivals had risen by 50 per cent contributing to a 27 per cent rise overall tourism authority said early this month. Under Sri Lanka's new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system coming into force on 1 January 2012 all tourists to the island must pay a US dollar 50 processing fee. Only the travelers from Maldives and Singapore would be granted on arrival visas without a fee. -PTI

Allahabad: Vedic era pilgrimage center & Kumbh Mela venue Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 29

Over the centuries that followed, Allahabad remained on the forefront of national importancemore so during the days of the Indian independence struggle. The chequered history of Allahabad with its religious, cultural and historical ethos also gave rise to several renowned scholars, poets, writers, thinkers, and political leaders. Allahabad today is an important city where history, culture, and religion create a confluence-much like the sacred rivers that caress this God-graced land. Tourist attractions The meeting point of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers, Sangam is around 7 km from Civil Lines. This is one of the most sacred places of Hindu religion. It hosts the Maha Kumbh Mela (the largest gathering of Hindus) and Ardh Kumbh. At the point at which the brown Ganges meets the Greenish Yamuna, pandas (priests) perch on small platforms to perform puja and assist the devout in their ritual ablutions in the shallow waters. Boats are available for visitors. Near the Sangam is situated the Allahabad Fort built by Akbar in the AD 1583. Unrivalled for its design and craftsmanship in its heydays, the fort is now used by the army and only a part of it is open to the visitors. This huge, majestic fort has three magnificent galleries flanked by high towers. The visitors are allowed to see the Ashoka Pillar, Saraswati Kup (a well said to be the source of the river Saraswati), and Jodhabai Pal-

Allahabad fort

ace. The Patalpur temple and the much-revered Akshaya Vat (immortal Banyan tree) are also here. Swaraj Bhawan, the historical building built by Motilal Nehru, was donated to the nation in 1930 to be used as the headquarters of the Congress Committee. The former prime minister of India Mrs. Indira Gandhi was born here. A fine museum today, Anand Bhawan was once home to one of the most powerful families of Indian politics, the Nehrus. Today, it houses memorabilia of the GandhiNehru family. Khusro Bagh is a large garden where tombs of Khusro, son of Emperor Jahangir, and Shah Begum are located. Hanuman Mandir is a unique temple famous for the supine image of Hanuman. This is the only temple to have Hanuman in a reclining posture. Mayo Memorial Hall is situated near the Thornhill and Myne Memorial. This large hall has a 180-feet high tower. Professor Gamble of the South Kensington

Anand Bhavan, a large mansion which once belonged to the Nehru-Gandhi family, is now owned by the Government and has been converted into a museum.

Museum, London, ornamented the interior of this memorial hall with designs. Completed in 1879, this hall was meant for public meetings, balls and receptions in commemoration of the assassinated Viceroy.

At the point at which the brown Ganges meets the Greenish Yamuna, pandas (priests) perch on small platforms to perform puja and assist the devout in their ritual ablutions Other place to visit are Shankar Viman Mandapam, Mankameshwar Temple, All Saints Cathedral (Patthar Girjaghar), Minto Park, Allahabad University, Allahabad museum, Minto park, Muir College, Jawahar Planetarium, Chandra Shekhar Azad Park, and

public library. Places around Situated 9 km from Allahabad, Jhusi (Pratisthanpuri) is a place for people wanting peace of mind and soul. It has many ashrams and temples and can be reached from Allahabad by taxis, buses, and boats, etc. Kaushambi (62 km) is a place traditionally associated with the Mahabharata. The city was once a great Buddhist center. Lord Buddha is believed to have visited Kaushambi twice to deliver discourses. The ruins of an ancient fort bear witness to the antiquity of the place. There are also remains of a monastery. Shringverpur (40 km) was once the capital city of the kingdom of Nishadraj (King of Boatmen). Legend has it that Lord Rama stayed here overnight while going to the forest. Before steering Rama across the Ganga in his boat, his feet were washed by Nishadraj. Fairs and festivals The Kumbh Mela is the greatest of north Indian festival-fairs

and it has exerted a mesmeric influence over the mind and the imagination of the ordinary Indian from time immemorial. It is held once every three years by rotation, on the banks of holy rivers-the Godavari in Nasik, the Shipra in Ujjain, the Ganga in Haridwar and the Sangam in Allahabad. The Purna (complete) Kumbh, the biggest and the most auspicious fair, which falls once every twelve years, is always at Allahabad. When the particular configuration of the Kumbh at Allahabad falls on a Monday, it is called the Somvati Amavasya and the spiritual benefits increase manifold. The Purna Kumbh is followed by the Ardh Kumbh in importance and this fair falls every six years when millions of devout congregate at Allahabad on the banks of the holy river, braving the hazards of cold, disease, hunger and a myriad other privations, to gain spiritual salvation and contentment. Other fairs include the Magh Mela, which is celebrated in the month of February. How to reach Air - Allahabad does not have an airport of its own. The nearest airports are at Varanasi (147 km) and Lucknow (210 km). Road & Rail - Allahabad is situated on the Delhi-Calcutta route and can be reached from any part of India by rail or bus. We would provide you all India tourist permit vehicles for the local transportations and also for the intercity drives too.

Travel & Hospitality Post

November 4, 2011

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Kerala has great potential in medical tourism KOCHI: Kerala has "immense potential" to develop and tap the opportunities in medical tourism which is expected to touch USD 4 billion by 2017 in the state, Sri Lankan Minister of Minor Export Crop Promotion, Reginald Cooray, said. "The state has immense potential to develop the scope of health tourism in the country. If Kerala is able to cater to the growing demands of health tourism, it can surely become the hub and one of the most preferred destinations in the world for prospective and potential health tourists," Cooray said after inaugurating the twoday conference and exhibition on 'Health Tourism' here. Kerala is famous for its traditional alternative treatments such as Homeopathy, Ayurveda, Yoga.

It is estimated that by 2012, India could achieve a target of 200 crore dollars a year in medical tourism

With the tourism sector bouncing back after the recent downturn, opportunities in innovative concepts like Health Tourism, Ayurveda and Eco Tourism need to be explored, Cooray said sector, which would constitute about 8 per cent of GDP, he said. Thus in this sector, growth rate per

annum would be around 30 per cent, as per estimates, he said. With the tourism sector bouncing back after the recent downturn, opportunities in innovative concepts like Health Tourism, Ayurveda and Eco Tourism need to be explored, Cooray said. The minister also invited investors to participate in the 3-day 'Sri Lanka Expo' to be held in the island nation from March 28 next year. Chairman of Kerala Health Tourism 2011, Dr Philip Augustine, said India had the potential to attract one million health tourists a year, which would contribute USD 5 billion to the economy. The CIIMcKinsey report has suggested medical tourism could bring in as much as USD 2 billion by 2012 as compared to an estimated USD 333

million by 2006-07, he said. Kerala was attracting medical tourists for health restorative treatments through a combination of Ayurveda, Acupuncture, Yoga,

Herbal massages and natural therapies, Augustine, who is also Managing Director and CEO of Lakeshore Hospital and Research Centre Ltd, said. -PTI

'Incredible India' campaign has run its course PANAJI: The award-wining 'Incredible India' campaign, an initiative by the government to promote tourism in the country, has run its life and needs to be revamped, travel firm experts said. "The campaign has lived its life and it needs to be reinvented," Arjun Sharma, Managing Director of Le Passage to India, a travel firm said. While addressing a session organized as part of the three-day Goa International Travel Mart (GITM), Sharma said there is no denying that the campaign had helped to increase tourist inflow. He said the foreign tourist in-

flow has increased from 2-3 million to 5 million per year. He welcomed the Union

Quoting figures, Ganju said more than 30 per cent of the world population is online government's decision to hike tourist revenue target from USD 1 billion to USD 5 billion.

Nikhil Ganju, Country Manager of travel site www. TripAdvisor.com said the Centre should spend significant chunk of revenue on online media. Quoting figures, Ganju said more than 30 per cent of the world population is online. "India has the third largest number of Internet users in the world after China and US," he added. The Ministry of Tourism had launched the campaign to promote Incredible India as a tourist destination in 2002. The initiative had won the World TravelAward 2009 for being the best campaign of the year. -PTI

India stands to lose if it ignores LGBT tourism PANAJI: India stands to lose if it chooses to ignore visitors from the LGBT community, experts said during an international tourism event that kicked off in Goa. Rika Jean-Francois, a representative of the ITB Berlin - a renowned tourism and travel mart and Thomas Bomkes, managing director of Munich-based Diversity Tourism, said it was unfair to project lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders as equivalent to "pedophilia practices, sex tourism, sex tourism or escort service". "India can close its eye, but gay tourism is going to be there. It's up to India to see if they can tap

this sector. If not, gay tourists will go elsewhere," Bomkes said. The three-day Goa Interna-

She clarified that the discussion was not aimed to promote anything that is nondecent or sleazy tional Travel Mart (GITM) was scheduled to discuss prospects of LGBT for the state, which was dropped after protests from right-

wing Hindu organizations and a local church. Francois, who was supposed to participate in the knowledge session on LGBT, said, "We are disappointed that the discussion was dropped." ITB Berlin had tied up with GITM organizers to have a knowledge session on this emerging tourism trend. She clarified that the discussion was not aimed to promote anything that is non-decent or sleazy. GITM, which was inaugurated by Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, has 400 delegates from 28 countries participating in it. -PTI

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TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

1 Saada Haq: Rockstar 2 Tum Ho: Rockstar 3 Hawaa Hawaa: Rockstar 4 Bhare Naina: Ra.One 5 Raftaarein: Ra.One 34

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November 4, 2011

6 Criminal : Ra.One 7 Chammak Challo: Ra.One 8

Madhushala: Damadamm

9 Habibi Habibi: Azaan 10 Khuda Ke Liye: Azaan

Rani's Raja?

ormer flames Deepika Padukone and Ranbir Kapoor are quite comfortable with each other even post break up. The duo will be working together in Ayan Mukherjee's film Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani. The most amazing part is that RK is not reluctant about romancing DP on big screen. Talking to a daily, Ranbir Kapoor revealed about his relationship with

Deepika, before and after their breakup. Ranbir puts it in this way: "Never harbor negativity." "I've grown up as a person with her, which is why I never share intimate details of our relationship with anyone. I have to ensure her future doesn't get into trouble because of our past. I'd be really happy to see her settled some day."

Ayan Mukherjee's movie Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani is about age romance. It's about how urban youngsters treat love nowadays, the crazy things they do when they fall for each other, etc. Katrina Kaif was Ayan's first choice. However now, Deepika is confirmed to be playing the leading lady in the film.

Making up to Salman

ccording to sources, Katrina Kaif might be requesting in her own way to get back to relationship with Salman Khan. If resources are to be believed, Katrina Kaif is happy to be performing 'Ek Tha Tiger' with Salman Khan. The last movie that Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif worked together was "Yuvraj" that was shown on the big screen in 2008. These two have not acted together onscreen together after that film. So almost four years have passed! With Salman's super ratings at the box office, and her own razzle dazzle in the film, Katrina is more hopeful regarding "Ek Tha Tiger" than she ever was. It is also said that Katrina has approached Salman to do a sequel to the film "Partner" very soon. With Salman performing in so many super duper hit films right from "Wanted" to "Dabangg" and "Ready" and "Bodyguard", Katrina Kaif feels and expects that the upcoming film "Partner 2" will be able to join the list of super hit movies unquestionably. So, making hay while the sun shines.

ani Mukherjee speaks out her heart on Simi Garewal's show, India's Most Desirable and the actress reveals some of her deepest secrets. She even confesses to the world that yes she is in love. Did Rani experience romantic love? Rani Mukherjee said, "Yes, I have". The actress has found the love of her life and is very sure to spend the rest of her life with him. However, she refuses to reveal the name and has asked all her eager fans to wait and watch. She also says among all her co stars like Kamal Haasan, Saif Ali Khan, Aamir Khan, etc, she shared the best on screen kiss with Abhishek Bachchan. She wasn't hesitant to admit to the fact that Shahrukh Khan is the only actor she was physically attracted to.

Bollywood

November 4, 2011

India Post

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Birthday in the air R

anbir Kapoor seems totally smitten by his 'Rockstar' co-star and debutant Nargis Fakhri. He planned a surprise birthday celebration for Nargis. The two were flying together for Nagpur and Ranbir had a small yet special birthday cake of her choice delivered to her mid-air when they were 20,000 feet up in the air. Along with the cake he even ordered some goodies. To add to it, singer Mohit Chauhan sang the birthday song for the pretty lady and was joined in by Ranbir himself along with producer Hiren Gandhi. Nargis declared her birthday earlier on the twitter and wrote, "its my birthday! Thanks Mom & Dad (RIP) wish my dad cud c me, n how far i've come n all da things i have achieved. Thank u all the bday wishes." Nargis expressed her gratitude on making her birthday feel so special and tweeted the experience as , "im so overwhelmed im actually crying right now. thank you guys. i wud take a pic but i dont want it in the paper tomorrow."

T Jacqueline in Race 2

he action packed sequel to the film Race is in the news for the shift in its production date to accommodate leading lady Deepika Padukone in the film. Well, the film which was initially supposed to star Sonakshi Sinha along with Deepika has undergone yet another change in the casting department. The latest is that the Sri Lankan beauty Jacqueline Fernandez will be seen replacing Sonakshi in Race 2. Ramesh Taurani said, "Yes, Jacqueline has been roped in to replace Sonakshi, as there were some date problems. In fact, we had postponed the film earlier and hence Sonakshi had date problems as they were clashing with her shoot dates for Dabanng 2. Besides we think that Jacqueline will be perfect for the role and also the fact remains that she is a good actress." About the film being altered to suit Jacqueline, Taurani says, "No, we haven't done any such changes to suit Jacqueline, the film and the script remain the same as before. We will release the film in November 2012."

Jacqueline in Race 2

Sonu MISSING A

ctor-producer Arbaaz Khan, who has roped in southern star Prakash Raj to play the main villain in "Dabangg 2", says the script didn't allow him to cast Sonu Sood in the role once again. "Sonu Sood will be missed in 'Dabangg 2'. Unfortunately, we both mutually decided that having his character retained would not help the script," Arbaaz posted on his Twitter page. "Dabangg" featured Salman Khan as a police officer, and Sonu played Chhedi Singh in the film. The sequel to the 2010 blockbuster will see Prakash Raj teaming up with Salman for the second time after "Wanted". "Sonu Sood is a great guy and a fine actor. Hope to resume professional ties in the future. I know his best wishes are with my film...," wrote Arbaaz, who is directing the sequel. "Dabangg 2" will release in December 2012.

In Brief Arizona Gov. touts immigration law in book PHOENIX: Gov. Jan Brewer provides behind-the-scenes details in her new book about her handling of Arizona's controversial immigration enforcement law last year. Those include a tense meeting with President Barack Obama and her administration's attempts to avoid being branded racist over the crackdown on illegal immigrants. Brewer describes the immigration law as a fair, effective and necessary response to what she says amounted to Washington turning a blind eye on border security. The Republican governor says her administration was aware early on that the state would face an outcry and allegations of racism. Brewer's 228-page book published by a HarperCollins imprint goes on sale Nov. 1. The Associated Press purchased a copy early. -AP

Illegal immigrant sentenced in RI for re-entry PROVIDENCE, R.I.: A Dominican national with a lengthy criminal record has been sentenced in Rhode Island to nearly six years in federal prison for illegally re-entering the country. Federal prosecutors say 39year-old Domingo TorresRodriguez was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Providence. Court records say TorresRodriguez was deported in 1992, 1999 and 2006 following felony convictions for drugs and an assault. Prosecutors say Pawtucket police arrested him last November on drug and identity fraud charges. They say Torres-Rodriguez told immigration officials he returned to the United States in 2008 by taking a ship to Philadelphia. -AP

Opponents of immigration law rally in Birmingham BIRMINGHAM, Ala.: Hundreds of people have gathered in Birmingham to protest Alabama's tough new law on illegal immigration. US Rep. Luis Gutierrez of Illinois was among those to attend the demonstration Saturday afternoon in Fair Park Arena. The Birmingham News reports that speakers drew parallels between the new state law and efforts to deny civil rights to blacks in the 1960s. Gutierrez called the law an example of bigotry that must be defeated. He's asking the federal government to halt the deportation of immigrants picked up under Alabama's law if they don't have a criminal record. -AP

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November 4, 2011

Police say 8 immigrants held captive in Austin AUSTIN, Texas: Austin police have arrested a man after finding at least eight men they believe were immigrant hostages at a house on the city's east side. -AP

Some in Alabama ignoring immigrant past BIRMINGHAM, Alabama: When a little-known black Baptist preacher named Martin Luther King took the helm of the Montgomery, Alabama, bus boycott in 1955, the Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth was already in Birmingham trying to start a movement, but nobody was paying attention. Shuttlesworth was from a small church. His credentials and pedigree made it easy for local whites to dismiss him as a radical. Until King came to Birmingham, Shuttlesworth couldn't get the national press to recognize his city as the embodiment of the horrors of the segregated South. He was just another black preacher getting beat up, said former Atlanta mayor, congressman and United Nations ambassador Andrew Young, who worked alongside King and Shuttlesworth in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. All three men helped establish the organization in 1957.

``They were sued together, they helped organize SCLC together,'' Young said of King and Shuttlesworth. ``He wanted the spotlight very much, but there wasn't but one Martin Luther King.'' It was King who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 and went on to

Shuttlesworth's civil rights colleagues to Washington. Had they not been there, they would have likely been in Birmingham remembering Shuttlesworth. ``His friends and Martin's friends were the same,'' Young said. ``But you don't have two memorials at the same time if you

Shuttlesworth’s credentials and pedigree made it easy for local whites to dismiss him as a radical. Until King came to Birmingham become the icon of the civil rights movement. Shuttlesworth, who was overshadowed in life by his comrade in the movement, was again eclipsed by King in death. Though he died nearly three weeks ago, Shuttlesworth is only now being buried. The reason for the delay: The dedication of the King Memorial on the National Mall, sending most of

want your friends to come.'' Last Sunday there was a pastoral remembrance at the historic 16th Street Baptist Church, where four black girls were killed in a bombing before Sunday services on September 15, 1963. The first black U.S. attorney general, Eric Holder, called Shuttlesworth a warrior for justice and advocate for peace who has

left behind a legacy for the country to follow. Holder used the occasion to point out Alabama's strict new immigration, considered the toughest crackdown in the national. He said too many in Alabama ``are willing to turn their backs on our immigrant past'' and he would not let that happen. The Obama administration is among the parties suing the state to block the law. There was also candlelight vigil for Shuttlesworth across the street in Kelly Ingram Park, made famous the same year when news footage of policemen and firemen unleashing dogs and blasting water hoses on defenseless civil rights marchers was broadcast to a shocked international audience. Long before the television cameras arrived, Shuttlesworth was there, organizing many such nonviolent protests. Cont’d on page 39

Ads need not list every benefit of employment CORA-ANN V. PESTAINA

o practitioners who file nu merous PERM applica tions, the Department of Labor's (DOL) philosophy of solely protecting the U.S. labor market without regard to employers' efforts, its constantly shifting goal posts, and its frightful game of "gotcha" which we involuntarily enter whenever we file a PERM application, have sadly all become par for the course. But, every so often, a valiant employer fights back and in recent times we have seen the Board of Alien Labor Certifications (BALCA) demonstrate more reason in its decisions. Matter of Emma Willard School, 2010-PER-01101 (BALCA, September 28, 2011) reveals the most recent case of the DOL's game of "gotcha." In that case, BALCA held, reversing the Certifying Officer (CO), that there is no obligation for an employer to list every item or condition of employment in its advertisements and listing none does not create an automatic

assumption that no employment benefits exist. As a background, an employer has to conduct a good faith recruitment of the labor market in order to obtain labor certification for a foreign national employee. Obtaining labor certification is often the first step when an employer wishes to sponsor a foreign national em-

and timely filed an ETA Form 9089. The CO issued an audit notification requesting that the employer submit "a detailed explanation indicating the reason the foreign worker currently resides with the employer." In its timely response, the employer submitted documentation of the school's philosophy, which

The school's housing guidelines indicated that the school provided on-campus housing, off-campus housing and dormitory apartments to selected faculty ployee for permanent residence. Under 20 C.F.R. §656.17(f)(7), advertisements must "not contain wages or terms and conditions of employment that are less favorable than those offered the alien." In Emma Willard School, the employer, a boarding school, conducted a recruitment effort for the position of "Spanish Instructor"

states that the school "offers housing as a resource that benefits the faculty, staff, and program" and that a "significant majority" of teachers and key administrators live in school owned housing. The school's housing guidelines indicated that the school provided on-campus housing, offcampus housing and dormitory

apartments to selected faculty and staff as a benefit of employment. The CO denied the PERM application citing six reasons for denial, all related to the employer's failure to indicate, in its advertisements and Notice of Filing, the benefit of employer-subsidized housing. Four of the reasons for denial fell under 20 C.F.R. §656.17(f)(7). According to the CO, because the employer's advertisements in the newspaper of general circulation, in a local or ethic paper, on the employer's website and on job search websites did not indicate that the employer offered subsidized housing, the advertisements did not comply with 20 C.F.R. §656.17(f). Because the Notice of Filing also did not list this benefit, one denial reason fell under 20 C.F.R. §656.10(d)(4), which requires that the Notice of Filing contain the information required for advertisements. Cont’d on page 39

Immigration Post

November 4, 2011

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Few Americans take immigrants' jobs in Alabama ONEONTA, Ala.: Potato farmer Keith Smith saw most of his immigrant workers leave after Alabama's tough immigration law took effect, so he hired Americans. It hasn't worked out: Most show up late, work slower than seasoned farm hands and are ready to call it a day after lunch or by midafternoon. Some quit after a single day. In Alabama and other parts of the country, farmers must look beyond the nation's borders for labor because many Americans simply don't want the backbreaking, low-paying jobs immigrants are willing to take. Politicians who support the law say over time more unemployed Americans will fill these jobs. They insist it's too early to consider the law a failure, yet numbers from the governor's office show only nominal interest. ``I've had people calling me wanting to work,'' Smith said. ``I haven't turned any of them down, but they're not any good. It's hard work, they just don't work like the Hispanics with experience.'' Alabama passed its law in June and it was immediately challenged by the Obama administration as it

has been in other states. Unlike those states' measures, Alabama's law was left largely in place while challenges played out in court, frightening Hispanics and driving many of them away. The agriculture industry suffered the most immediate impact. Farmers said they will have to downsize or let crops die on the vine. As the

Sen. Scott Beason, a Republican, said he has received several emails and phone calls from people thanking him for helping them get jobs season's harvest winds down, many are worried about next year. In south Georgia, Connie Horner has heard just about every reason unemployed Americans don't want to work on her blueberry farm. It's hot, the hours are long, the pay isn't enough and it's just plain hard. ``You can't find legal workers,''

Ala. counties sued for not letting immigrants wed MONTGOMERY, Ala.: The Southern Poverty Law Center has filed suit challenging policies in 54 of Alabama's 67 counties that prevent immigrants who can't prove they are in the country legally from marrying. The lawsuit is separate from the SPLC's challenge of Alabama's new law cracking down on illegal immigrants. The SPLC's legal director, Mary Bauer, said many of the counties had policies barring issuance of marriage licenses to illegal immigrants before the new immigration law passed the Legislature. The immigration bill specifically excludes marriage licenses from its provisions. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of US citizen Linda Smith and an immigrant identified only as John Doe in the lawsuit. The suit says the couple was unable to get a license in Montgomery County. The chief clerk for Montgomery County Probate Court, Wells Robinson, did not have immediate comment on the suit. He said court staff was still studying the lawsuit. Bauer said there was no reason to deny the couple the right to marry.

``There is no reason anyone should have to produce their papers before they say `I do,'' Bauer said. Bauer said denying the right to marry eliminates one legal avenue for immigrants to live in the United States. Another attorney for the plaintiffs, Freddy Rubio of Birmingham, said there are ``hundreds'' of couples in Alabama that could be affected by the marriage ban. The lawsuit said Smith and ``John Doe'' are in love, but can't get married simply because of his immigration status. ``The couple desires to express their love for and commitment to one another by getting married and obtaining the economic, emotional and psychological benefits of marriage,'' the lawsuit says. ``But solely because Plaintiff Doe is undocumented, he and his fiancĂŠe cannot exercise their fundamental right to marry, a right that is guaranteed under the United States Constitution to all persons regardless of immigration status.'' The lawsuit asks the court to declare the policy void and to enjoin the counties from enforcing it. -AP

Horner said. ``Basically they last a day or two, literally.'' Horner, who runs an 81/2-acre organic blueberry farm, said she tried to use the government's visa program to hire foreign workers, but it was too costly and time consuming. She plans to stop growing organically and start using a machine to pick the berries. ``I did everything I possibly could to be legal and honest and not part of the problem,'' Horner said. ``Morally, I can't knowingly hire illegal workers.'' Gov. Robert Bentley, a Republican who signed the law, started a program last week to help businesses, particularly farmers, make up for the lost labor. So far, about 260 people interested in temporary agricultural jobs have signed up. About three dozen job openings have been posted, said Tara Hutchison, a spokeswoman for the Alabama Department of Industrial Relations. She said the department doesn't know of anyone who has been hired. Sen. Scott Beason, a Republican, said he has received several emails and phone calls from people thanking him for helping them get jobs. He described one getting promoted from a part-time job with no benefits to a full-time job with benefits because some other immigrant workers left. He said none of the workers who thanked him have wanted to talk to the media. ``They are paranoid of publicity. They are like, `I don't want to get shredded up like y'all are.' I really can't blame them,'' he said. Over the past two weeks, The Associated Press has reached out to the governor's office and other officials to provide the names of Alabama residents who have taken immigrant jobs. Either they were not made available, or didn't want to speak publicly. Brent Martin, an Alabama resident, started working on a tomato farm in an area northeast of Birmingham after the law was passed. Recently, he and two other Americans were clearing about 24,000 tomato stakes off a 4-acre plot. He said few Americans who would stick with it. ``There are plenty who could do it, but would they? I don't know about that. I don't see why they wouldn't as bad as the economy is right now,'' Martin said. Relatively high unemployment rates - about 9 percent in the U.S. and 9.9 in Alabama - are not likely to push Americans toward farm work, said Demetrios Papademetriou, president and co-founder of the Migration Policy Institute. He suggested the problem may be more deeply rooted. -AP

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

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Civil & Criminal Litigation Felonies, Misdemeanors, Inc DUI 1 Personal Injury, Business, Divorce etc. 1 Property Tax for Commercial Properties 1 1

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Immigration Post

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Income in respect of a decedent (IRD) MICHAEL T. SAWYIER

or charitably motivated cli ents, the best practice is to satisfy charitable bequests using IRD assets. Because of the income tax savings, even clients who are not charitably motivated should consider making a charitable bequest of IRD assets. While there is no universal definition of IRD found in the Internal Revenue Code ("I.R.C."), Treasury Regulations Section 1.691(a-b) provides a general guideline that IRD includes "those amounts to which a decedent was entitled as gross income but which were not properly includible in computing taxable income for the taxable year ending with the date of his death." Some examples of IRD include: 1) accrued interest (to date of death) on such items as savings bonds and certificates of deposit; 2) capital gain deferred by election of installment sale treatment; 3) capital gain on a sale transaction that the decedent had brought to a point of no return; 4) postmortem commissions due the estate of an insurance agent; 5) distributable share of post-mortem partnership earnings; 6) unused

vacation pay; 7) pension and profit-sharing plans, IRAs, and qualified deferred compensation; and 8) non-qualified stock options. Since IRD assets are not included on the decedent's income tax return, their income is taxed to the beneficiary. IRD- generating assets retain the same character when taxed to the beneficiary as they would have had in the hands of the decedent; that is, unlike other assets included in the gross estate of a decedent, they receive no step-up in basis. I.R.C. ยง 1014(c). Thus, IRD gifts are excellent assets to pass to a charity, because, unlike an individual beneficiary who will pay income tax on all the IRD, a charity, as a tax-exempt entity, will not pay any taxes. Additionally, the IRD asset is included in the decedent's gross estate for estate tax purposes under Section 691(a) (1). However, a decedent's estate can avoid estate taxes on the IRD asset by distributing the asset to a tax-exempt charity and not to the trust or estate. The best practice is to make specific, in-kind distributions of

IRD assets to a charity. The trust should distribute the IRD asset directly to the charity, and the charity will recognize (tax-exempt) income from the IRD. Treas. Reg. ยง 1.691(a)-4(b)(2); Rev. Rul. 64-104, 1964-1 C.B. 223. See also PLR 200012076. Retirement Plans

Since IRD assets are not included on the decedent's income tax return, their income is taxed to the beneficiary

Michael T. Sawyier

For retirement plans or other IRD assets that pass by beneficiary designation, the safest practice is to designate the charity through the beneficiary designation. Because donors can easily make gifts of retirement plan benefits by beneficiary des-

Immigration debate intensifies in GOP race WASHINGTON: Neither Rick Perry nor Mitt Romney can claim conservative purity on illegal immigration - and now both must deal with it. Illegal immigration has emerged as a defining issue with remarkable staying power in a GOP presidential race that was expected to be primarily focused on the nation's struggling economy. The heated clashes over illegal immigration between the two Republican presidential rivals in this week's debate, coupled with renewed calls for a fence along the U.S.-Mexico border by their opponents, made clear the issue isn't going away. It's a major fault line between Perry and Romney as they court a Republican primary electorate that generally takes a hardline view against people who are in the country illegally. At every turn, Perry, the Texas governor, has been forced to defend his signing of a law that allowed some illegal immigrants to get in-state college tuition. And now Romney is having to answer for the fact that some groundskeepers who had worked on his lawn were in the country illegally.

``Mitt, you lose all of your standing from my perspective because you hired illegals in your home, and you knew about it for a year,'' Perry told the former Massachusetts governor at a debate in Las Vegas. ``And the idea that you stand here before us and talk about that you're strong on immigration is, on its face, the height of hypocrisy.''

Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota has pledged to build two fences back to back along the 2,000-mile border Romney countered, ``Rick, I don't think that I've ever hired an illegal in my life'' and challenged his rival to show him the facts. It was a preview of what Republicans can expect to hear in the coming weeks as the Jan. 3 leadoff Iowa caucuses inch closer, with Romney and Perry emerging as the two candidates with the best chances of

ignation, many charitably motivated donors designate both clients and individuals as beneficiaries of their retirement plans However, the beneficiaries can lose many important income tax benefits, such as the beneficiary's ability to stretch the distribution over his or her life

winning the nomination. They're arguably the only Republicans with the money and organization necessary to go the distance. Even so and in hopes of gaining traction, their rivals are playing to the part of the GOP electorate that values a secure border with Mexico above all else when it comes to immigration policy. In recent days, Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota has pledged to build two fences back to back along the 2,000-mile border. And businessman Herman Cain called for an electrified fence that could kill people trying to cross illegally. For months now, immigration concerns have followed presidential contenders to town hall meetings from Nevada to Iowa to New Hampshire. And in some ways, immigration has shaped the increasingly bitter Republican nomination fight more than any other issue, particularly in a crowded field where the conservative candidates have more in common than not. And while conservative voters may be driving immigration chatter on the campaign trail, the candidates are stoking voter passions when given the opportunity. -AP

expectancy, if plan administrators pay qualified plan proceeds directly into a trust for division among charitable and non-charitable beneficiaries. Three strategies exist for ensuring that an individual beneficiary does not lose any income tax benefits. First, the regulations permit all the beneficiaries to establish separate accounts

for each beneficiary no later than the end of the year following the year of the participant's death. Treas. Reg. ยง 1.401(a)(9)8, Q&A 2(a). Thus, under this rule, if the beneficiaries establish separate accounts by the end of the year following the year of the participant's death, the plan administrator looks to the beneficiary of each separate account to determine the Minimum Required Distribution (MRD) rules for the beneficiary of that separate account. Second, if the plan administrator pays out a beneficiary's share prior to September 30 of the year following the year of the participant's death, the law deems the remaining beneficiaries as the only beneficiaries for purposes of the MRD rules. Treas. Reg. ยง 1.401(a)(9)-4, Q&A 4(a). Finally, if the participant named the participant's spouse as one of the beneficiaries along with a charity, that spouse can roll over his or her share of the account balance following the participant's death into the spouse's own IRA.

Immigration officer arrested in pot smuggling PHOENIX: A deportation officer with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement led Arizona state police and federal agents on a high-speed desert chase in his government vehicle, throwing bundles of marijuana out of the window as he fled, the Department of Public Safety said. The deportation officer, identified as Jason Alistair Lowery, 34, had been under surveillance for more than month after a known smuggler who had been arrested gave authorities a tip about the officer in an effort to get lenient treatment, Department of Public Safety Officer Carrick Cook told The Associated Press. In a criminal complaint filed against Lowery, a Department of Homeland Security investigator wrote that he got further information about Lowery through a confidential informant on Oct. 4. The informant, whose identity was protected, said that he or she was involved with Lowery and another man in a ``rip'' crew in which Lowery used his status in law enforcement to help steal marijuana from illegal immigrants, wrote Brian Gamberg-Bonilla, a special agent with the DPS's Office of Investigations.

The informant agreed to call Lowery and arrange for him to pick up 500 pounds of pot in the desert, which is how authorities were able to follow him and begin to make their case, GambergBonilla wrote in the document. DPS and federal agents tried to pull Lowery over after he picked up the marijuana with his unmarked ICE pickup truck, Cook said. Lowery then fled, leading agents on a 45-minute chase at speeds of up to 110 mph as he threw 10 of the 14 bundles of pot that he had in the truck out of the window, he said. ``He got pretty desperate,'' Cook said. The chase began in the Vekol Valley about 45 miles south of Phoenix and ended just south of Sacaton, about 20 miles as the crow flies northwest from where the chase began. It ended when Lowery's truck rolled over and he gave himself up. Lowery, who lives in the Phoenix suburb of Chandler, appeared in federal court in downtown Phoenix but did not address the court. He sat quietly awaiting the hearing and at one point looked up at the ceiling and repeatedly shook his head. -AP

Immigration Post

November 4, 2011

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Ads need not list every benefit of employment Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 36

The final reason for denial fell under 20 C.F.R. Â§656.10(c)(8), which requires an employer to attest that "the job opportunity has been and is clearly open to any US worker." The CO held that because the employer did not list the benefit of subsidized housing in its recruitment, the recruitment contained terms and conditions of employment that were less favorable than those offered to the alien, thereby disaffirming the employer's attestation that the job is open to any US worker. The employer submitted a request for reconsideration of the denial arguing that the regulations do not mandate that benefits be listed in advertisements. The CO forwarded the case to BALCA. In its brief to BALCA, the employer made the obvious point that many advertisements do not list employment benefits such as health insurance and vacation. BALCA analogized the issue to the case of an employer not listing the offered wage in its advertisements. The choice not to list the offered wage would not lead to an assumption, on the part of the US worker, that the employer is offering no wage. Similarly, the employer's choice not to list employment benefits would not lead a US worker to assume that there are no benefits involved in the position. BALCA held that the

employer's recruitment did not contain terms or conditions less favorable than those offered to the alien simply because the employer did not list wages or benefits of the position. At every step of the persnickety PERM process the DOL claims it is only doing its job to protect US workers, but here it appears that BALCA is finally giving US workers the credit they

When will the DOL come to realize that US workers are smart enough to discern job advertisements themselves, and do not need this kind of misguided protection deserve for being intelligent enough to recognize that a tiny advertisement could not possibly list ALL the terms and conditions of employment. Perhaps BALCA recognized that any US workers who were interested in the position with Emma Willard School would have naturally contemplated whether the boarding school provided boarding to its employees! Therefore, the employer's decision not to list the subsidized housing benefit in the ad in no

way deterred US workers from applying for the position. Yet, careful not to paint with too broad a brush, BALCA made sure to limit its decision to the facts of the case and to state that "this decision should not be construed as support for an employer never having to offer or disclose a housing benefit to US workers." Despite BALCA's timidity, this decision is significant and bears on other situations as well. For instance, an employer whose PERM application was denied because the recruitment did not list a "work from home" benefit, might be able to argue, under Emma Willard School, that it was not required to list all benefits in its recruitment. While the DOL may argue that a "work from home" benefit is different from the subsidized housing benefit, the employer choosing to not list the "work from home" benefit should not serve to deter any US workers from applying for the position especially if the advertisement was placed in a national magazine. US workers are savvy and well aware of the increasing flexibility offered by employers with regard to where they perform the duties of the job. A prospective applicant can also inquire about this, and the advertisement on its own, without the listing of a "work from home" benefit should not deter US workers from applying for the position.

Some in Alabama ignoring immigrant past Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 36

Shuttlesworth survived a Christmas 1956 bombing that destroyed his home, an assault during a 1957 protest, chest injuries when Birmingham authorities turned the hoses on demonstrators in 1963 and countless arrests. He moved to Ohio to pastor a church in the early 1960s, but returned frequently to Alabama for key protests. He came back to live in the Birmingham area after he retired a few years ago. ``He was able to see how the civil rights struggle kept reinventing itself in different forms,'' said Diane McWhorter, author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning book, ``Carry Me Home: Birmingham, Alabama, the Climactic Battle of the Civil Rights Revolution.'' ``He was always there to make it clear that this was a continuous struggle.'' McWhorter said she never got the sense that Shuttlesworth was

bitter about King overpowering the narrative of the movement, and that he never badmouthed King to her. ``He had a huge ego ... but he never said anything like, Òh, I should've been the leader of the movement,''' she said. ``He kind of recognized that he couldn't have done what King did. But he was just such a key ingredient that it couldn't have happened without him, either.'' In his 1963 book ``Why We Can't Wait,'' King himself called Shuttlesworth `òne of the nation's most courageous freedom fighters.'' After Shuttlesworth's death on Oct. 5 _ the same week the Rev. Joseph Lowery turned 89 and the Rev. Jesse Jackson turned 70 _ Alabama lowered its state flags to half-mast. `Ì really do feel like he has sort of gotten his due more and more over the last number of years,''

McWhorter said. ``Partly because he's outlasted everybody, with distinction and class.'' Young agreed that Shuttlesworth ultimately received his due, and is recognized as one of the true heroes of the movement. Besides, he pointed out, attention is no substitute for longevity. ``Yes, Martin overshadowed him,'' Young said of Shuttlesworth. ``But he got to live to 89. Martin didn't make it to 40.'' -AP

When will the DOL come to realize that US workers are smart enough to discern job advertisements themselves, and do not need this kind of misguided protection resulting in the needless denial of

a labor certification for a much needed foreign national worker? * Cyrus D Mehta, may be contacted at 212-425-0555 or info@cyrusmehta.com

Â&#x201E; Health

Line

Many Arizona schoolchildren skipping vaccines

PHOENIX: Health officials say thousands of Arizona schoolchildren skipped their recommended vaccines during the 2010-11 school year under a ``personal beliefs'' exemption allowed by state law. The Arizona Republic says in kindergarten alone, more than 2,700 Arizona students skipped vaccines. That's more than double the exemption rate claimed by parents one decade ago. These aren't children who lacked access to health care or had a medical reason for not immunizing. Their parents or guardians chose to keep them vaccine-free because of religious or personal beliefs such as fears that the vaccines may do more harm than good. -AP

Â&#x201E; No increase of cancer near Garfield plant GARFIELD, NJ: New Jersey health officials have found no evidence of increased cancer in people living near a Northern New Jersey neighborhood where chromium-contaminated groundwater was found. In May 2010, officials had warned residents near the E. C. Electroplating Co. plant in Garfield after testing in 16 of 160 homes with basement flooding showed dust from hexavalent chromium, a known carcinogen. Chromium-contaminated groundwater and crystals were first discovered in the area in 1993 a decade after thousands of gallons of chromium plating solution was discharged from a tank at the now-closed plant, seeping under 600 homes surrounding it. -AP

Â&#x201E;

Mary Baldwin creating health sciences program

STAUNTON, Va.: Mary Baldwin College's board of trustees has voted to establish a coeducational graduate school in the health sciences with the commitment of a $15 million gift. The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports that the decision is anticipated to result in a major expansion for the 170-year-old women's liberal-arts college. Officials say the gift from an unidentified donor is the largest in the Staunton college's history. Mary Baldwin will seek approval from the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia to offer advanced degrees in physical therapy, occupational therapy and physician assistant studies. -AP

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November 4, 2011

DHH confirms 2 new cases of West Nile virus BATON ROUGE, La.: State health regulators have confirmed two new cases of West Nile virus, bringing this year's total to 12. The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals said both new cases are from St. Tammany Parish. -AP

SC lawmaker wants ban on bath salts, synthetic marijuana COLUMBIA, SC: While South Carolina's health agency is getting ready to follow-up on federal action making synthetic stimulants like bath salts illegal, one state lawmaker tried to outlaw them earlier this year. Rep. Anne Thayer sponsored legislation when lawmakers met in January to make the new compounds illegal. The proposal didn't get out of committee. But plenty has changed since this spring, with a rash of bizarre incidents across the state and even the death of a college athlete blamed on synthetic stimulants. ``I just don't think they think it's a big deal because you can buy it over the counter,'' said Thayer, R-Anderson. ```How bad could it really be?' I think that's what they really think.'' Close to a dozen counties in South Carolina have either banned the sale of bath salts and synthetic marijuana or are in the process of passing a ban. The ordinances are civil, meaning that people found in violation of them receive tickets of $500, in some instances not jail time. The emergency ordinances expire in 60 days, giving the counties time, they hope, to pass permanent bans. Actions taken by the US Drug Enforcement Administration mean they may not need to.

The state Department of Health and Environmental Control had been working on an emergency statewide ban. The DEA's action to classify the compounds in both bath salts and synthetic marijuana as illegal made the agency's efforts easier, said DHEC spokesman Adam Myrick. DHEC's board is expected to vote to mirror the federal designations. The DEA's decision means possessing and selling the substances

trol or ban synthetic stimulants. Myrick said legislative action in South Carolina would still be useful, to broaden the specific compounds that the DEA classified as illegal. "It happened overnight,'' Myrick said of the sudden increase in incidents and hospitalizations from the drugs. Just this month in Spartanburg County, deputies reported a man under the influence of bath salts

Since January, Dorchester EMS crews have taken eight confirmed cases and 35 more suspected cases of overdosing on the synthetic drugs to the hospital are already illegal, Myrick said, but the vote will allow law enforcement agencies in South Carolina to immediately begin arresting people. Federal officers can already. ``We will aggressively pursue those who attempt their manufacture and sale,'' DEA Administrator Michele Leonhart said in a release, noting the DEA has received an increasing number of reports in the last six months about the chemicals from poison control centers, hospitals and law enforcement. According to the DEA, 37 states have already taken action to con-

fired his gun inside his home, endangering his neighbors, because he feared a nonexistent dead body inside. A woman who ingested the drug tried to steal a police car after being pulled over for erratic driving. Bath salts cost about $25 and are especially popular among teens and young adults. They are perceived as mimics of cocaine, LSD and methamphetamine, according to the DEA. Synthetic marijuana, known as ``K2'' or ``Spice,'' is sold as blends of herbs and plant materials coated with chemicals most of which were

created by a Clemson University scientist for research purposes in the 1990s. The drug produces a euphoric feeling when smoked. The compounds were never tested on humans, and the DEA has already made possession of the drugs a crime. The coroner in Anderson County blamed the death of a 19year-old basketball player at Anderson University on ingesting a chemical used to make the drug. Since January, Dorchester EMS crews have taken eight confirmed cases and 35 more suspected cases of overdosing on the synthetic drugs to the hospital. Meanwhile, deputies find themselves taking more arrested suspects to the hospital instead of jail because they can't control them. EMS crews and deputies have been responding to repeated calls of ``hyper-excited'' people doing things like tearing off their clothes and running down the street naked. ``It'd almost be safer for them to smoke real marijuana ... you're laid back and have the munchies,'' Thayer said. Thayer said she wishes more of her fellow lawmakers had listened in January when she introduced a law to ban the drugs. ``It breaks my heart every time I hear one of those things,'' Thayer said. -AP

NJ lawmakers seeking to control insurance costs TRENTON, NJ: Health insurance carriers who serve individuals and small businesses in New Jersey may soon have to gain state approval before implementing rate increases. These firms currently can set and increase rates just by filing the information with the state. But a measure planned by three state lawmakers would require that the firms gain approval for such actions from the state Department of Banking and Insurance. It also would expand the jurisdiction of the state's Division of Rate Counsel, which now has no say over health insurance rates, to create a watchdog for residents and small businesses. ``Residents deserve a watchdog,

someone with the knowledge to advocate on their behalf when it comes to the complicated issue of rising health care premiums,'' said Assemblyman Dan Benson, D-Hamilton Township (Mercer County), who

``This legislation will provide far greater transparency,'' Benson said. Ed Rogan, spokesman for the banking and insurance department, declined to comment on the proposal. As a matter of policy, the

'Residents deserve a watchdog, someone with the knowledge to advocate on their behalf when it comes to the complicated issue of rising health care premiums' said he will sponsor the measure with fellow Democrat Valerie Vainieri Huttle of Englewood. Democratic Senate Majority Leader Barbara Buono plans to sponsor identical legislation, with both measures likely to be introduced by year's end.

department does not discuss proposed or pending legislation. Besides requiring the banking and insurance department commissioner to approve any rate increase, the proposed bill also would give the commissioner authority to reject proposed rate

changes deemed discriminatory or excessive. The commissioner and rate counsel would also have to jointly hold public hearings on any proposed premium increases for insurance contracts or policies in the Individual Health Coverage Program or New Jersey Small Employers Health Benefits Program market. Information about premium increases, including an explanation of how carriers report and calculate health insurance premiums, also would have to be posted on the department's website. Currently, insurers in these plans are required to spend no more than 20 percent of the premiums paid on administrative expenses. -AP

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November 4, 2011

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Boys should get HPV vaccine too ATLANTA: A government panel wants young boys as well as girls to get the HPV vaccine, in part to prevent them from spreading the sexually transmitted virus to girls. The HPV vaccine has been recommended for young girls to protect them against cervical cancer and genital warts for the last five years. But the vaccine has been slow to catch on only about a third of adolescent girls have gotten all three shots. Experts say the HPV vaccine could protect boys against genital warts and some kinds of cancers. But they also say vaccinating 11 and 12-year old boys could help prevent them from spreading the human papilloma virus to girls. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices made the recommendation in a unanimous vote. Federal health officials usually adopt what the panel says and asks doctors and patients to follow the recommendations. Lately the vaccine has become embroiled in the politics of the Republican presidential primary season. Attempts to require the vaccine for American girls sparked debate and complaints that such mandates intrude on family deci-

sions about sex education. In Texas, lawmakers fought off a 2007 order by Gov. Rick Perry requiring the shots for sixth-grade girls amid questions about vaccine's safety, efficacy and cost. Perry's Republican opponents have made the vaccine an issue in the primary. The vaccine has been licensed for use in boys for two years but

They say vaccinating 11 and 12-year old boys could help prevent them from spreading the human papilloma virus to girls this vote was the first to strongly recommend routine vaccination. Officials acknowledged the disappointing rate in girls encouraged them to take a new, hard look. But if the expensive HPV vaccine has been a tough sell to the parents of girls, it may be even tougher for boys. Last year, just 49 percent of adolescent girls had gotten at

least the first of the recommended three HPV shots. Only a third had gotten all three doses. ``Pretty terrible,'' said Dr. Anne Schuchat, a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention administrator who oversees the agency's immunization programs. She attributed the low rates for girls to confusion or misunderstanding by parents that they can wait until their daughter becomes sexually active. It only works if the shots are given before a girl begins having sex. The vaccine is approved for use in boys and girls ages 9 to 26; but it is usually given to 11- and 12-year olds when they are scheduled to get other vaccines. The committee also recommended the vaccination for males 13 through 21 years who have not been vaccinated previously or who have not completed the three-dose series. The vote follows recent studies that indicate the vaccine prevents anal cancer in males. A study that focused on gay men found it to be 75 percent effective. But while anal cancer has been increasing, it's still a fairly rare cancer in males, with only about 7,000 cases in the U.S. each

year that are tied to the strains of viruses targeted in the HPV vaccine. In contrast, about 15,000 vaccine-preventable cervical cancers occur annually. Some feel it's unlikely that most families will agree to get their sons vaccinated primarily to protect girls. The threat of genital warts

hasn't been persuasive yet, either: Some data suggest that less than 1.5 percent of adolescent males have gotten the vaccine. There are two vaccines against HPV, but this vote applies only to Merck & Co.'s Gardasil, which costs $130 a dose. The other vaccine wasn't tested for males. -AP

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'Kissing bug' could bring Fight continues over W.Va. retiree health costs Chagas disease MCALLEN, Texas: A new public health Carbon dioxide in human breath attracts hazard has arrived in the Lower Rio Grande the kissing bug to a person's face, usually Valley: a bug indigenous to Central and around the eyes or mouth, Feria said. The South America carrying a parasite that can bug feeds on blood, but the bite itself is not cause potentially fatal heart and digestive the transmitting mechanism for the disease. problems. Rather, the parasitic microbe is found in The insect is commonly known as the its waste, which the bug deposits on the kissing bug - chinche in Spanish - and can skin when it feeds and contaminates the carry a protozoan parasite bloodstream when the called Trypanosoma host scratches the resultCruzi, which can cause The disease is often ing swelling and itch. potentially lethal Chagas difficult to detect in The disease is often disease, The Monitor of difficult to detect in its McAllen reported. early stages, although its early stages, At highest risk along some develop a fever durthe border are Hidalgo although some ing the initial phase. and Cameron counties, develop a fever ``The symptoms you said Teresa Patricia Feria, are getting are kind of an assistant biology pro- during the initial nonspecific,'' said Brian fessor at the University of phase Lund Fredensborg, anTexas-Pan American in other UTPA assistant biEdinburgh who is leading ology professor. the effort to collect the bug found around Only 10 to 15 years later do acute heart the Valley. and digestive problems show themselves, ``We don't want people to panic. They he said. just need to be aware of the possibility of Only blood tests can diagnose Chagas the existence of this disease in the area,'' disease, he said. The blood sample must be said Sahotra Sarkar, a professor of integra- sent to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control tive biology and philosophy at the Univer- and Prevention, where results can often take sity of Texas at Austin who is studying weeks, said Dr. Luis Padula, a cardiologist. Feria's samples. Sarkar, who has studied the No cases have been reported from South bug for four years, expects to submit his Texas, Padula and other cardiologists told final results next month. The Monitor. -AP

The billings are part of a 2006 law targetCHARLESTON, W.Va.: County school boards are warning that West Virginia's plan ing a funding shortfall for non-pension for tackling retiree health costs threatens benefits promised to public workers once to derail the state's education system. De- they retire. PEIA recently estimated an $8 fenders of the plan say the boards are over- billion gap between on-hand assets and reacting and must share the burden of clos- these future other post-employment benefits, or OPEB. The legislation, proposed ing a significant liability. All but six of West Virginia's 55 county by then-Gov. Joe Manchin, responded to a boards asked the Supreme Court last week national accounting standard that called on government entities to to declare that the plan viostart calculating the size lates the state Pay-as-you-go of this unfunded liability. constitution's mandate for The school boards a ``thorough and efficient portion of the have been covering the system of free schools.'' health coverage as emThe boards have sued monthly billing ployees retire. That paythe Public Employees In- equals $167 per as-you-go portion of the surance Agency over monthly billing equals $167 monthly billings for the employee, per employee, Seufer said. future health care coverBut PEIA has also begun age of their teachers and Seufer said charging the boards for the other employees, for estimated future liability, and that portion when they retire. Howard Seufer, a lawyer for the boards, equals $794 per employee, he said during last told the justices that these monthly charges week's argument hearing in the case. ``We have school boards that are reservwill total $200 million this budget year. Amounts left unpaid become debts of the ing money that could be spent and should be spent to educate children,'' Seufer said. school systems. Most states have stuck with the pay-as``We have administrators and school boards that feel paralyzed. They don't know you-go approach. West Virginia went what's coming in the future,'' Seufer said. above and beyond the standard with the ``They know their books show millions of 2006 law, but failed to increase the state's dollars of liability, and they've been told share of the funding for public schools acthat ultimately they'll be responsible for it.'' cordingly, Seufer argued. -AP

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November 4, 2011

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'm 76. Except for brief period in the 50's when I was doing my National Service, I've worked hard since I was 17. Except for some some serious health challenges, I put in 50-hour weeks, and didn't call in sick in nearly 40 years. I made a reasonable salary, but I didn't inherit my job or my income, and I worked to get where I am. Given the economy, it looks as though retirement was a bad idea, and I'm tired. Very tired. I'm tired of being told that I have to "spread the wealth" to people who don't have my work ethic. I'm tired of being told the government will take the money I earned, by force if necessary, and give it to people too lazy to earn it. I'm tired of being told that Islam is a "Religion of Peace," when every day I can read dozens of stories of Muslim men killing their sisters, wives and daughters for their family "honor"; of Muslims rioting over some slight offense; of Muslims murdering Christian and Jews because they aren't "be-

I'm 76 and I'm Tired BILL COSBY

lating the genitals of little girls; all in the name of Allah, because the Qur'an and Shari'a law tells them to. I'm tired of being told that out of "tolerance for other cultures" we must let Saudi Arabia and

school in Saudi Arabia or any other Arab country to teach love and tolerance. I'm tired of being told I must lower my living standard to fight global warming, which no one is allowed to debate.

I'm also tired and fed up with seeing young men and women in their teens and early 20's be-deck themselves in tattoos and face studs, thereby making themselves un-employable

Bill Cosby

lievers"; of Muslims burning schools for girls; of Muslims stoning teenage rape victims to death for "adultery"; of Muslims muti-

other Arab countries use our oil money to fund mosques and madrassa Islamic schools to preach hate in Australia, New Zealand, UK, America and Canada, while no one from these countries are allowed to fund a church, synagogue or religious

I'm tired of being told that drug addicts have a disease, and I must help support and treat them, and pay for the damage they do. Did a giant germ rush out of a dark alley, grab them, and stuff white powder up their noses or stick a needle in their arm while they tried

to fight it off? I'm tired of hearing wealthy athletes, entertainers and politicians of all parties talking about innocent mistakes, stupid mistakes or youthful mistakes, when we all know they think their only mistake was getting caught. I'm tired of people with a sense of entitlement, rich or poor. I'm really tired of people who don't take responsibility for their lives and actions. I'm tired of hearing them blame the government, or discrimination or big-whatever for their problems. I'm also tired and fed up with seeing young men and women in their teens and early 20's be-deck themselves in tattoos and face studs, thereby making themselves un-employable and claiming money from the Government. Yes, I'm damn tired. But I'm also glad to be 76. Because, mostly, I'm not going to have to see the world these people are making. I'm just sorry for my granddaughter and her children. Thank God I'm on the way out and not on the way in.

China reviving Confucianism as soft power TESHU SINGH

hina hosted the fourth World Confucius Conference from September 26 to 29 September 2011, in the city of Qufu, Shandong Province, which is also the birthplace of this ancient philosopher. The basic objective of the conference was to gain more friends for the nation through the conference and promote the study of Confucianism worldwide. Initiated in 2007, the aim was to provide a spiritual power for the modern world. Further, it aimed to strengthen international cultural exchange and promote global cooperation. It was primarily co-sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, the provincial government of Shandong and the China Institute of Confucius Studies. The importance of Confucius in Chinese History needs a closer look in contemporary times and Chinese foreign policy making. The Chinese Communist Party has undertaken an official rehabilitation of imperial China's preeminent social philosopher Confucius (Kong Zi/Kong Fuzi). China is setting up Confucius Institutes around the world to help foreigners learn Chinese. By end of 2010, there were a total of 322 "Confucius Institutes" (affiliated with universities) and 369 "Confucius Classrooms" (affiliated with primary schools) in 96 different countries the highest concentration being in US. Confucianism, along with Daoism and Buddhism, has become a part of National Studies

(guoxue) in major Chinese Universities. These Confucius Institutes worldwide are China's answer to the Alliance Francaise, Germany's Goethe Institute and the British

can be applied in day to day life teaching one morality. Perhaps it is not just foreign policy tool but is used in varied ways: a form of culture, an ideology, a system of learning, and a tradition of morally normative values. Historically, according to Confucian Mencian narrative China had "mandate of Heaven" to dominate, exploit, and even assimilate those people which the Chinese believed to be culturally backward. But with the decline of the Qing dynasty this narrative was abandoned and subsequently 'socialism with Chinese character-

political thought than in Marxist political philosophy. The current generation of leadership has embraced his ideas to such an extent that some scholars believe President Hu Jintao to be an undeclared Confucian. (Confucius said "Harmony is something to be cherished," which Hu Jintao reiterated in 2005 at the National People's Congress). Confucianism is often cited by Chinese leaders visiting foreign countries as evidence of China's great civilization. Further, Confucianism is especially valuable in promoting amicable rela-

By holding world Confucian conferences and opening Confucius Institutes, China is managing its soft power pragmatically but it remains to be seen how much influence it will actually have on its own domestic policy and foreign relations

Council. These are a core component of China's soft power strategy, or campaign to increase its influence via its language and culture. This renewed interest in Confucianism appears in many guises and is directed to various segments of the Chinese and international audience. Confucianism is not a religion but a way of life that

istics' became the bedrock principle of Chinese Foreign Policy. In a pioneering article on soft power written by Wang Huang in 1993, he argued that culture is the main source of a state's soft power. This is discernable in various speeches by Chinese leaders and numerous scholarly writings. At the 11th People's National Congress the word 'happiness' replaced 'economic growth' as the official mantra. This change may predict future adjustments in the Chinese foreign policy as well, for 'happiness' is a word used more frequently in Chinese traditional

tions with China's East Asian neighbors. Some argue that the revival of interest in Confucianism was actually sparked by western interests in Confucianism as a significant component of East Asian Capitalism. Another important stimulus for this revival was the Singapore government's decision in 1982 to insert Confucian ethics into the secondary school curriculum. The CCP in recent years has tried to wrap itself in the mantle of Confucian virtues and is using Confucius as a cultural monument to propagate its traditional

culture. The CCP finds Confucianism attractive because it is an ideological pillar of support for the ruling political order and gives it an opportunity to clad itself in the themes of 'benevolence and humanitarianism'. The CCP is also facing widespread social unrest sparked by different factors such as income inequality, environmental pollution, and official corruption. Confucian themes of virtuous public service have been particularly highlighted for the senior party leaders in the state press, accompanied by Confucian exhortations to lower-level CCP cadres to avoid the temptations of corruption. Alarmed by the potential threat this unrest could pose to the party's ruling status, the Chinese authorities have repeatedly invoked the need for "social stability." To overcome this, Confucian iconography is being applied by the Chinese state propaganda apparatus at many fora. For instance, during the opening ceremonies for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games Confucian was invoked and there was a historical epic Confucius (Kong Zi) produced by a stateowned film company in 2009. By holding world Confucian conferences and opening Confucius Institutes, China is managing its soft power pragmatically but it remains to be seen how much influence it will actually have on its own domestic policy and foreign relations. The writer is Research Officer, CRP, IPCS

Tech News US India Business Forum of Florida launched India Post News Service

NEW YORK: The Indian American business community in Florida launched last week the US India Business Forum, at an event held at the upscale Miami Beach. The business community with representation from all walks of life including various industries such as export-import, healthcare, academia, research, technology, hospitality, and manufacturing was present on the occasion. The Consul General of India in Houston, Sanjiv Arora who graced the occasion, drew the attention of the participants toward the current positive business climate in India and its economic prowess in generating eight to nine percent growth. He emphasized that the Forum should engage in such productive activities that would benefit both India and the US. Participants talked about various projects that they wanted to initiate in furtherance of their own empowerment as well as to serve the interests of the Indian community in the US, in India and other parts of the world. A sumptuous dinner with productive networking followed after the opening remarks by the Founding Chairman of the Forum, Dr. Piyush C. Agrawal. Consul General Arora thereafter had oneon-one interactions with participants.

Nokia launches 'Asha' with eye on India LONDON: Amid loss of market share to Apple and Samsung in the smart phone category, Finnish phone maker Nokia has launched two new phones with Windows Operating System in the price range of Rs 19,000-29,000. In a bid to retain its leadership position in the Indian market, the company also announced a new series - Asha, a Hindi word for hope, priced between Rs 4,100 and Rs 8,000 approximately. "Eight months ago here in London, we had outlined a new direction for Nokia that includes transitioning our smart phones platform to Windows and connecting the next billion people to the Internet, focusing on key differentiators to create a unique Nokia experience and change the way we operate," Nokia President and CEO Stephen Elop said at the Nokia World while showcasing the new series. Contíd on page 45

TechBiz www.indiapost.com

44 India Post

November 4, 2011

Europe seals deal to contain debt crisis BRUSSELS: Europe has sealed a last-ditch deal to fix its festering debt crisis, shoring up its bailout fund, pledging new funds for Greece and pushing banks to share the pain at a summit vital to the health of the global economy. After days of talks and two successive summits that dragged on for almost 10 hours as markets and world leaders remained on tenterhooks, EU president Herman Van Rompuy emerged in the wee hours saying: "We took important decisions." Asian stock markets rallied and the euro rose on the announcement with Tokyo up 1.15 per cent and Hong Kong rising 1.74 per cent in midday trade. The euro was higher, buying USD 1.3958 up somewhat from USD 1.3908. -AFP

Indian banking leader wins Rutgers University Award FREDDA SACHAROW

NEW JERSEY: Rana Kapoor, a banker recognized for playing a key role in India's rapidly modernizing economy, helped pioneer the practice of micro-lending to poor farmers and made personalized banking services available to previously underserved populations in India. He founded and now heads Yes Bank, one of India's fastest growing financial institutions, and has been an outspoken proponent of agri-tourism in his home country. In 2010, he was named the secondmost valuable India CEO of the Year by Business World Magazine. Now Kapoor has added another notch to an already accomplishment-rich resume. On September 16, he accepted the Rutgers University Award, one of the highest honors the state university bestows. The Rutgers University Award recognizes individuals who have given distinguished service to the university and demonstrated great leadership or made outstanding contributions in scholarship, public service, business, industry, athletics, or the arts. Previous winners include US Senators Robert Menendez and Frank Lautenberg, and Albert Schatz, co-discoverer of streptomycin.

After receiving an economics degree from the University of Delhi, Kapoor earned a master of business administration from Rutgers Business School in 1980, the first step on a 30-year trajec-

vation, a belief in the value of human capital, and an extraordinary entrepreneurial spirit." Reflecting on a professional life that has included leadership roles at the Bank of America, ANZ

Rana Kapoor accepts the award from Rutgers President Richard L. McCormick. Pic Lauren Guiliano

tory as a leader in the international financial services industry. In presenting the award, Rutgers President Richard L. McCormick praised Kapoor's "enormous professional achievement, propelled by a gift for inno-

Grindlays' Investment Bank, and Rabo India Finance Pvt. Limited, Kapoor said he felt driven by a strong ambition to build a worldclass, knowledge-driven bank that would cater to the future businesses of India.

"I envisioned a bank that would create a strong platform for professional entrepreneurship; set the highest standards for corporate governance, professional integrity, and transparency; and achieve high benchmarks in banking services while creating shareholder wealth," Kapoor said. Yes Bank, now the fourth-largest private-sector bank in India, offers a wide range of services, including investments, corporate finance, and wealth management. Kapoor attributes much of the bank's success to its philosophy of "inclusive growth." "Financial exclusion has been a chronic problem for the Indian banking industry," Kapoor said. "About 64 percent of Indians lack access to savings accounts, 87 percent lack access to ATMs, and 73 percent of farming households lack access to organized credit." In 2006, the bank introduced a special division focused exclusively on members of society who traditionally have been closed out of these services. The pilot program has been successful enough to expand throughout the country, Kapoor said. [This article is courtesy Rutgers Today, The Rutgers University News website]

Solar panel firm offers Diwali rebate India Post News Service

NEW JERSEY: GeoGenix, a residential and commercial solar installations firm in the midAtlantic region, has offered discounted solar purchase and leasing options during the Diwali season, which begins on Oct 26. Any customer who agrees to purchase or lease a solar system with GeoGenix by Oct 31 will receive a special $500 rebate. Diwali, the company said in a press release, is an important

Hindu festival that marks for many Indian business communities the beginning of their financial year.

GeoGenix. "One of the most sound, long-term investments a business owner or homeowner

‘In the spirit of Diwali, we are offering potential customers a means of making solar investments more affordable’ "In the spirit of Diwali, we are offering potential customers a means of making solar investments more affordable," said Gaurav Naik, principal at

could make is a solar system, because the long-term financial benefits are tremendous. We are hoping to help push the adoption of solar through this offer, which will

make solar purchase or leasing options more affordable for potential customers." In states like New Jersey, generous state and federal incentives like Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SREC) and federal tax credits have worked in combination to create the nation's second largest solar market. GeoGenix is an East Coast pioneer of "community solar", which allows residents of a community to band together to purchase solar for their individual homes at a discount.

TechBiz Post

November 4, 2011

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Mukesh Ambani richest Indian: Forbes NEW DELHI: Mukesh Ambani, who heads the oil-to-retail conglomerate Reliance Industries Group, has retained his position as the world's richest Indian with a net worth of USD 22.6 billion, as per the Forbes India annual rich list. Despite a fall of USD 4.4 billion in his net worth over the past one year, Ambani managed to hold the top slot. He is followed by steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal and technology czar Azim Premji, as per the list published by the Indian edition of global business magazine Forbes. Mittal was ranked second with a net worth of USD 19.2 billion, while Premji was at the third position with USD 13 billion of net worth, Forbes said. The 100 richest persons in the country together saw their net worth falling by 20 per cent in one year, to USD 241 billion, as inflation, corruption scandals and falling stock and currency prices diminished their wealth. The list comprises of 57 billionaires, a dozen less than the last

year. Forbes said that Mukesh's younger brother Anil Ambani saw the biggest erosion in his wealth in absolute terms, while power producer Lanco Infratech's

The 100 richest persons in the country together saw their net worth falling by 20 per cent in one year, to USD 241 billion, as inflation, corruption scandals and falling stock and currency prices diminished their wealth Madhusudan Raw was the biggest loser in percentage terms as his net worth fell by 78 per cent dur-

ing the past one year. Anil Ambani's net worth declined by USD 7.4 billion to USD 5.9 billion and he "slipped out of the top 10 for the first time since his 2004 debut". He was ranked

Premji were followed by Essar group's Shashi and Ravi Rua (USD 10.2 billion at 4th position) and Savitri Jindal (USD 9.5 billion at 5th). Others in the top 10 include

Mukesh Ambani

13th in this year's list. In the top-five, Mukesh Ambani, Lakshmi Mittal and Azim

Sunil Mittal (USD 8.8 billion at 6th position), Gautam Adani (USD 8.2 billion, 7th), Kumar Mangalam

Wells Fargo celebrates Diwali with community India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Wells Fargo & Company announced it will waive all fees for ExpressSend remittance service transfers linked to a checking or savings account to any ICICI Bank account in India, through Nov 4, 2011, (through Jan. 15, 2012 in the San Francisco Bay Area and the Northeast, including NY, NJ, and CT) as a Diwali gift for customers. Symbolizing the start of the Indian New Year, Diwali falls on Oct 26, and it is a time of celebration and gift giving for the Indian community. "Wells Fargo respects the important contributions from members of the many diverse communities where we live and do business," said Mick Randhawa, president of the East Bay Market in California for Wells Fargo. Randhawa, who began his career with the company in 1990 as a teller, added: "Many Wells Fargo

team members, including myself, are of Indian descent and we are honored to work for an organization that celebrates this diversity through support of important cultural events, like Diwali." To further mark the Diwali holiday, select Wells Fargo stores in Fremont and Newark, NJ, and Santa Clara, California, will be adorned with traditional Indian decorations. Team members will

‘The South Asian community is a thriving one in the Northeast, and it makes me proud that Wells Fargo is able to celebrate Diwali by providing free global remittance services as a gift,’ said Brenda Ross-Dulan, Wells Fargo's Southern New Jersey regional president also offer Indian sweets to customers, with some even dressed in authentic Indian attire to bring to life the spirit of the "Festival of Lights."

Nokia launches 'Asha' with eye on India Contíd from page 44

"Since then we have gone through significant transition and we are playing to win, no holding back, no hesitation... our focus particularly in the emerging markets is to bridge the divide by connecting people to Internet from their mobile de-

"The South Asian community is a thriving one in the Northeast, and it makes me proud that Wells Fargo is able to celebrate Diwali by providing free global remittance services as a gift," said Brenda Ross-Dulan, Wells Fargo's Southern New Jersey regional president. "My team members are looking forward to the holiday and celebrating with our customers." One of those team members, H.

vices," he added. Nokia has for the first time showcased six new phone models at the ongoing Nokia World 2011 conference here, that includes four models of the 'Asha' series priced between 60 Euro (about Rs 4,100) and 115 euro (about Rs 8,000), and two new smart phones with Windows operating system.-PTI

Roy Bhiro, a Wells Fargo sales manager in Hamilton, NJ and 21-year US military veteran, reflected how Wells Fargo's vision and values as a company are similar to those of the South Asian community. "Doing the right thing and enabling customers to meet their personal and financial needs helps Wells Fargo develop a special loyalty that often takes years to build in other communities," said Bhiro. "Wells Fargo's gift of free remittance for Diwali recognizes the importance of family for South Asians, and we're excited to help customers share their financial success with their family that still

lives in India." Since 2004, the Wells Fargo ExpressSend remittance service has offered customers the ability to send money directly to their beneficiaries in India. Recipients can receive funds in their account with ICICI Bank, India's second largest bank, at more than 2,500 branches and over 5,200 ATMs throughout India. Wells Fargo is a nationwide, diversified, community-based financial services company with $1.3 trillion in assets.

Birla (USD 7.7 billion, 8th), Pallonji Mistry (USD 7.6 billion, 9th) and Adi Godrej (USD 6.8 billion, 10th). This year's list included 14 new faces and the richest debutante was the founder and CEO of the London-listed oil and gas firm Indus Gas -- Ajay Kalsi, at the 38th position with a net worth of USD 1.39 billion. Father-son duo Kapil and Rahul Bhatia of travel group, InterGlobe Enterprises, made their debut at position 51, with a net worth of USD 1.09 billion after their budget carrier IndiGo became India's third-largest and most profitable airline. Also debuting on the list was V G Siddhartha, ranked 84th with a net worth of USD 595 million, and founder of coffee shop retail chain Cafe Coffee Day. Naazneen Karmali, India Editor of Forbes Asia, said: "This has been a turbulent year for India's richest. Despite the economy growing at close to 8 percent, a spate of corruption scandals and rising inflation have taken a toll." Indrajit Gupta, Editor of Forbes India, said: "Even though it's been another tough year for the wealthiest Indian entrepreneurs on the 2011 India Rich List, the fact that there are as many as 14 new entrants is a clear pointer to the exciting and diverse business opportunities in this part of the world." The magazine said that the net worth of persons on the list are based on share prices and exchange rates as on October 12 and privately held companies were valued on the basis of their comparison with similar publicly traded firms. The net worth figures of individuals also include family fortunes, it added. -PTI

Datebook

India Post

November 4, 2011

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NEW YORK

ILLINOIS

Upcoming

Fri Dec 4 • Karishma TV & Pali Presents EID Festival 2011 Venue: Antuns 244, West Old Country Road, Hicksville, NY Time: 7pm Contact: 718-600-0954

Wed November 9 • South Asian International film festival Venue: 154 Grand Street, 3rd Floor, New York 10012 Time: 8 pm

Sat Nov 12 • Fifth Annual Indian Classical Dance Festival Venue: Baruch Performing Arts Center 55 Lexington Ave 25th St, New York Time: 12pm Contact: 212-561-0504

Sat Nov 5

NEW JERSEY

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Upcoming

• Luxemi Pop-up Shope

Sat Nov 5

Sun Nov 6

Venue: Creative Lounge, 1564 North Damen Avenue, 3rd Floor, Chicago, Ill Time: 1pm Contact: 323-377-7494

• Futures (Indian Property & Investment Show)

• NAATAK presents AATHVA SARG

Venue: Edison Hotel (tentaive venue), NJ Time: 11am Contact: 927-804-2343

Venue: Cubberley Theater 4000 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto, CA, CA 94303 Time: 3:00 pm Contact: 408-905-6831

Thurs Nov 10 • Timeless Traditions An Evening of Classical Indian Music and Dance

Sat Nov 5

Venue: Fine Arts Recital Hall, Northeastern Illinois University Campus, 5500, N. St Louis Ill Time: 7pm Contact: 773-363-9303

Venue: Ukrainian Cultural Center, 135, Davidson Ave, Somerset, NJ Time: 3:00pm Contact: 646-250-5046

Fri Nov 11

Sun Dec 4

• Bankim Pathak Live in Concert

• Dulhan Expo- Somerset

Venue: Copernicus Theater 5216 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL Time: 8:30pm Contact: 773-764-7576

Venue: Garden State Exhibit Center 50 Atrium Dr. Somerset, NJ Time: 12:00pm Contact: 732-469-4000

• Chand Raat Mela

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Upcoming Fri Nov 4 • Bollywood HP Night out Venue: Rock Bar N Lounge 8462, W Sunset Blvd, West Las Angeles

Sat Nov 12 • Hello Namaste Salaam Satsriakal Masti Venue: Chandn Restaurant, 5748 Mowry School Rd, Balentine Plaza, across Hilton Hotel, Newark, CA 94560 Time: 7pm Contact: 510-299-1138

Fri Nov 18 to Sun Nov 20

Time: 10pm Contact: 805-587-9144

Sat Nov 5 • HTHF Diwali Cultural Program Venue: Clifton Middle School Auditorium, 226 S. Ivy Ave, Monrovia, California Time: 6pm to 10pm Contact: 626-991-4789

• The Sikh Arts & Film Festival

WASHINGTON DC

Upcoming Sat Dec 31 • Kaveri Kannada Association 2011 Membership Venue: Kaveri Kannada Association 10070 Darnestown Road # 232, Rockville, MD 20850 Time: 10pm Contact: 301-633-5311

Sat Nov 12 • Free Two-day Introductory Training course in Pranahuti Aided Venue: Pam Virginia Center, Herndon, VA Contact: 510-364-2427

Venue: Chapman University's Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, in Orange, CA Contact: 714-759-4SAF Highlights: The festival opens with a red carpet welcome night, filled with films and entertainment, and a sumptuous dessert reception.

Sun Nov 6 • A Musical Diwali Night by Chili Beatz

Sat Nov 19 • Abhinaya Dance Company Presents 'Jwala-The Immortal Flame' Venue: McAfee Theater 20300 Herriman Ave, Saratoga, CA 95070 Time: 6:00pm Contact: 408 871 5959

Venue: The Canyon Club, 28912, Roadside Drive, Agoura Hills, CA Time: 4pm Contact: 8.805-492-0152

Sat Nov 19 • 2011 Annual Fall Youth Retreat

Sun Nov 20 Thur Nov 17

• SEF Presents Kanmaniye

• Sahasra Deepika 2nd Annual Gala

Venue: Chabot College Performing Arts Center 25555, Hesperian Boulevard, Hayward, CA 94545 Time: 5:00pm Time: 1-866 Sankara

Venue: J.W. Marriott 1331 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, 20004 Time: 12:00am

Venue: Norwalk Presbyterian Church, 11345, Resecrans Ave, Norwalk, CA Time: 2pm Contact: 805-328-3932

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This notice is given for and on behalf of Shri Virumal Motwani, s/o Late Pritam Das, Currently residing at 1780 Crescent Knolls Glen, Escondido, CA ñ 92025, USA. The said Mr. Virumal Motwani the Executor, has filed a petition for probate of the will ofShri Pritam Das dated 25.3.2000 vide Testamentary Case No.47 of 2011 in the Delhi High Court regarding the properties mention

sramesh@aol.com NEW YORK (Pinky) Tel: 212-944-1931/ Fax: 212-944-1932 pinky@indiapost.com

hereinafter. 1. House No. A-1/33, Janak Puri, New Delhi (663.1 Sq Mts) 3. Shop situated at Topi Bazaar, Lashkar, Gwalior, bearing Municipal No. 40/417/2 4. Shop Nos. 2, 4 and 4A situated at Pritam Market, Topi Bazaar, Lashkar, Gwalior 5. Cash, Bank Balances, Fixed Deposits and Securities. If anybody has any objection in this Honíble Court granting probate in favour of the said Mr. Virumal Motwani, write to or send your objection with adequate documentary support to the undersigned within 30 days from the date of this notice. Saurabh Suman Sinha Advocate, Supreme Court of India C-128, II Floor, Defense Colony, New Delhi ñ 110 024

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Philosophy

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November 4, 2011

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Page Sponsored by Sahanis RUPERT SPIRA

hatever it is that is seeing and understanding these words, is what is referred to here as 'Consciousness.' It is what we know ourselves to be, what we refer to as 'I.' Everything that is known is known through Consciousness. Therefore, whatever is known is only as good as our knowledge of Consciousness. The mind has built a powerful edifice of concepts about Reality that bears little relation to actual experience and, as a result, Consciousness has veiled itself from itself. These concepts are built out of mind and therefore their deconstruction is one of the ways through which Consciousness comes to recognise itself again that is, to know itself again. Consciousness is in fact always knowing itself. However, through this deconstruction of concepts, Consciousness comes to recognize itself, not through the reflected veil of apparent objects, but knowingly and directly. Concepts are not destroyed in this process. They are still available for use when needed. The purpose of reasoning is not to frame or apprehend Reality. However, it is also acknowledged that the mind has constructed complex and persuasive ideas that have posited an image of ourSWAMI SIVANANDA

ust as Kirtan-Sadhana has been made the special KaliYuga Sadhana for quick Godvision, even so herein you have the new Yoga, a Yoga most eminently suitable for this age of doubt and skepticism, pride and egoism. It is Guru-Bhakti Yoga. This Yoga is marvelous. Its power is tremendous. Its efficacy is most unfailing. The true glory of Guru-Bhakti is indescribable. It is the Yoga par excellence for this age, which makes God appear here before you in flesh and blood and move with you in this very life. The hard Rajasic ego is the arch enemy of the Sadhaka. Guru-Bhakti Yoga is the surest and best Sadhana to destroy arrogance and to dissolve the vicious ego. Just as a particular deadly germ can be annihilated only by a certain specific chemical germicide, even so, to destroy Avidya and Ahankara, this unique Guru-Bhakti Yoga is the peerless specific. They are the gravest 'Mayacide' and 'egocide'. They become quite powerless and no longer afflict the fortunate soul who saturates himself with the spirit of Guru-Bhakti Yoga. Blessed indeed is the man who earnestly takes to this Yoga; for he

selves and of the world that is very far from the facts of our experience. These ideas have convinced us that there is a world that exists separate from and independent of Consciousness. They have persuaded us to believe that 'I,' the Consciousness that is seeing these words, is an entity that resides inside the body, that it was born and will die, and that it is the subject of experience whilst everything else, the world, 'other,' is the object.

The falsity of the ideas that the mind entertains about the nature of Reality, about the nature of experience, is exposed in this disinterested contemplation. All spiritual traditions acknowledge that Reality cannot be apprehended with the mind. As a result of this understanding some teachings have denied the use of the mind as a valid tool of enquiry or exploration. It is true that Consciousness is

and, by the same token, the limitations of the mind. We are giving the mind credibility in spite of its limitations. We are acknowledging its ability to play a part in drawing attention to that which is beyond itself or outside the sphere of its knowledge. It would be disingenuous to use the mind to deny its own validity. Our very use of the mind asserts its validity. However, it is a different matter to use the mind to un-

Everything known is known through Consciousness Rupert Spira

The mind has built a powerful edifice of concepts about Reality that bears little relation to actual experience and, as a result, Consciousness has veiled itself from itself

Although this is never our actual experience, the mind is so persuasive and convincing, that we have duped ourselves into believing that we actually experience these two elements, that we experience the world separate and apart from our Self, and that we experience our own Self as a separate and independent Consciousness. In the disinterested contemplation of our experience we measure the facts of experience itself against these beliefs.

beyond the mind and cannot therefore be framed within its abstract concepts. However this does not invalidate the use of the mind to explore the nature of Consciousness and Reality. Ignorance is composed of beliefs and belief is already an activity of mind. If we deny the validity of mind, why use it in the first place to harbor beliefs? By reading these words, we are, consciously or unconsciously, agreeing to accept the validity

derstand its own limits. It may well be that at the end of a process of exploring the nature of experience, using the full capacity of its powers of conceptual thinking, the mind will come to understand the limits of its ability to apprehend the truth of the matter and, as a result, will spontaneously come to an end. It will collapse from within, so to speak. Excerpted from The Transparency of Things: Contemplating the Nature of Experience

will obtain crowning success in all other Yogas. To him will accrue the choicest fruits of perfection in Karma, Bhakti, Dhyana and Jnana. The qualification for taking to this Yoga is the simple trio of sincerity, faith and obedience. Be sincere in your aspiration for Perfection. Be not vague or half-hearted. Then have perfect faith in the one you have accepted as your Guru.

Guru-Bhakti-Yoga: Guru-Bhakti Yoga is total selfsurrender to Satguru. The important eight limbs of the Guru-Bhakti Yoga are: (i) the real lasting aspiration to practice GuruBhakti Yoga; (ii) absolute faith in the thoughts, words and action of Satguru; (iii) doing Sashtanga Namaskara with humility and repeating Guru's name; (iv) perfect

practicing it. Guru-Bhakti Yoga is a Yoga by itself. It is not possible for an aspirant to enter the spiritual path that leads to the union with God unless he practices Guru-Bhakti Yoga. He who understands the system of Guru-Bhakti Yoga philosophy can only surrender to his Guru unconditionally.

Guru-Bhakti Yoga most suitable for age of doubt Swami Sivananda

It is not possible for an aspirant to enter the spiritual path that leads to the union with God unless he practices Guru-Bhakti Yoga

Do not allow even so much as a shadow of doubt to approach you. When once you have reposed absolute faith in him, then know that what he instructs you is indeed for your highest good. Therefore, obey his word implicitly. Follow his teachings to the letter. Be earnest in doing thus, and take my word: you will attain Perfection; I assure you emphatically. Now then an exposition of

obedience in carrying out Guru's commands; (v) doing personal service to Satguru without expectation of fruits; (vi) daily worshipping of the lotus-feet of Satguru with Bhava and devotion; (vii) self-surrender or dedication of Thanu, Mana and Dhana in the cause of divine mission of Satguru; (viii) meditation on the holy feet of Satguru for obtaining his benign grace, and hearing his holy Upadesa and sincerely

The highest object of life, i.e., Self-realization, is achieved through the practice of GuruBhakti Yoga. Yoga of Guru-Bhakti is the real safe Yoga which can be practiced without any fear. The essence of GuruBhakti Yoga lies in utter obedience in carrying out the Guru's orders and translating his teachings in life.

Suffering is sent to remind you to turn your thoughts towards That which is real - to God who will give you solace. -Sri Ananadamayi Ma The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong. -Gandhi The more I can love the world, the sooner I shall be able to forgive the world. -Sri Chinmoy If we really want to love we must learn how to forgive -Mother Teresa We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love. -Martin Luther King, Jr. What power has love but forgiveness? -William Carlos Williams. Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. -Luke 23

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Potential problems arising from Indo-Afghan strategic pact ARYAMAN BHATNAGAR

he recently held talks between Hamid Karzai and Manmohan Singh culminated in a strategic pact between the two countries. It entrusts India with the responsibility of training the Afghan Army once the American troops withdraw from Afghanistan in 2014. It carries immense potential in terms of strengthening the Indo-Afghan ties. But increasing India's influence in Afghanistan, especially to fill up the vacuum resulting from the American withdrawal, is also likely to create problems. In this context what are the problems that might crop up for India? And how can they affect Afghanistan? Potential harm for India First, are the Indians stationed in Afghanistan going to be more vulnerable now to the violence perpetrated by the Taliban and other insurgents? In all probability they are and will be in the near future. The Indians in Afghanistan, as of now, have not been targeted at the same rate as the Americans and Europeans, who play an active military role. It is their combative and non-combative military role, which probably makes them more likely targets as they are seen as the biggest obstacle to an outright military victory of the insurgents. India has been among the largest foreign donors in Afghanistan having contributed nearly US$2 billion over the last 10 years but its aid has been confined to developmental projects. In particular, the Indian presence can be felt in the areas of education, health, power, telecommunications and infrastructure such as roads and highways. The Indian security personnel in Afghanistan number only about 500 and have been stationed primarily to provide protection to the Indian workers. Despite this Indians have been targeted, the most prominent attack being the one on the Indian embassy in 2008. It is highly plausible that once the Indians start playing a military role in Afghanistan, albeit a non-combative one, they are going to be targeted much more than they are currently. With the way things stand currently it is highly unlikely that the Afghan government will be able to reach a power-sharing agreement with the Taliban. In such a scenario, the Afghan Army that India is supposed to train would provide the greatest

resistance to the Taliban once the foreign troops withdraw from the country. It is likely that the Indian trainers will increasingly be seen as military obstacles to the insurgents and targeted in the same way as the American and Europeans. Second, are the Indians stationed in Afghanistan likely to be targeted more by Pakistan-sponsored attacks? Once again it seems highly probable. Pakistan is highly suspicious of the Indian presence in Afghanistan and believes that India is us-

Indian projects in Afghanistan. Potential harm for Afghanistan The real harm for Afghanistan from this pact lies in the impact that it would have on its ties with Pakistan, which could affect the bilateral peace talks between the two countries. Karzai has stated that this pact is not meant to target Pakistan, which is Afghanistan's "twin brother". However, such statements have not allayed the Pakistani fears and they have already

India Post Judging others

Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai and PM Manmohan Singh exchanging documents in New Delhi

ing her consulates along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border as a base to stir trouble in Pakistan. India believes that such suspicions have led Pakistan to continue its support for the Taliban and also sponsor attacks on In-

There is much to gain from this pact for both India and Afghanistan. However, while the pact can be hailed as a true landmark - the first in Afghanistan's history - there are certain serious misgivings dian targets. This strategic pact has already caused more unease and tension in Pakistan. The fear of being wedged between Indian trained troops on both its flanks is probably going to deter it from reining in the militants that use Pakistan as a base to carry out its operations in Afghanistan. The increasing Indian influence in Afghanistan on account of this pact may even encourage Pakistan to sponsor more attacks against the

warned Afghanistan that it should act responsibly. The pact is likely to further worsen the Afghanistan-Pakistan ties, which are already strained due to the stream of allegations emanating from Kabul against Pakistan. This hardly provides an encouraging environment for successful talks to take place between two countries that have a history of mistrust and suspicion. Moreover, Pakistan is likely to feel alienated and frustrated at the prospect of India further enhancing its influence in Pakistan's own backyard and, especially, at its own expense. Pakistan would prefer to play the predominant role in post-2014 Afghanistan with India's role being restricted to providing only aid and investments. However, the new pact suggests India will play the more dominant role post-2014 and this too could prove to be a stumbling block in the dialogue between Afghanistan and Pakistan. There is much to gain from this pact for both India and Afghanistan. However, while the pact can be hailed as a true landmark - the first in Afghanistan's history - there are certain serious misgivings as well for both India and Afghanistan that cannot be overlooked. The writer is Research Intern, IPCS

hen the Anna Hazare team set out to reform the world, they forgot to take a close look at themselves. The counter allegations may have been cooked by the Congress dirty tricks department as return gifts but these have stuck, much to the glee of the same set which has been the target of the anti-corruption movement. That glee may be short-lived as the people have found them out. But the doubts that have been created about the probity of the Anna team are also likely to linger. The latest victim of the reverse swing has been the most vociferous and strident champion of the anti-corruption movement. It seems that ex-IPS officer, Magsaysay award and several other awards winner Kiran Bedi has been fudging travel bills in order to, as she claims now, benefit her NGO. And not to benefit herself, as she is at pains to explain to the media. And she is now willing to return the extra bucks that she made from this stratagem. A similar parallel has been cited by the leader of the Congress dirty tricks department, Digvijay Singh. He says 2-G scam chief accused A. Raja, a former Telecom Minister now in jail, can also claim that he made the money not to benefit himself but his party and he is now willing to return the money. Can he be forgiven for this small lapse? The reputations of some other prominent members of the Anna team Arvind Kejrival and the father-son team of Bhushans have also been tarnished by revelations of benefits they have enjoyed. By ordinary standards, there may not be much in the accusations. But the Anna team finds itself being judged by the stringent, absolutist terms they have set for others in their campaign and their Jan Lokpal Bill. This is not to condone corruption as evident today but to set achievable parameters in the debate and discussion now taking place in the Select Committee on the Lokpal Bills. For the Anna team to adopt a threatening tone on "our Lokpal Bill or"â&#x20AC;Śis to derail democracy. It is true that the Congress party and others in the ruling coalition would like to keep delaying things so as to avoid passing a bill that would threaten the continuance of UPA-II itself. But a debate free from coercion and mischief is the need of the hour and the Anna team better get down from their high horse and co-operate in drafting a pragmatic law that satisfies most of the stake-holders. This applies to the ruling party as well because if they choose to face the electorate in their present dithering phase, they can say goodbye to power for a long time to come. The Congress party is seeking to deflect focus by highlighting corruption in the private sector for which it has set up a committee to draft a law. Indeed it is the government-industry nexus which has spawned much of the corruption. If the industry is exposed, so will be the government which grants the licenses for the industry to operate. The government may not be able to escape responsibility by this exercise. The Anna movement raised the consciousness of the people about the possibility of eradicating corruption. It brought a hope to the people trying to cope with the everyday corruption. If the agitation had not succeeded, the government would not have taken it seriously and would have continued in its smug ways. It is now trying to fix those levelling charges against it by using the powers of a ruling party. Whatever flaws it may have discovered against the Anna team, it must remember it is the government which is to be judged. And very soon.

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