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Obama names Kal Penn for key post Details on page 5

Indian origin surgeon gets immigrant award Details on page 44

Nirupama Rao VOL 19, No. 1001

November 22, 2013

50¢

Periodical Postage

INDIAN-ORIGIN DOC TO BE SURGEON GENERAL WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama has nomi- fore as provided by law and regulations, and to be Surnated a prominent 36-year-old Indian-origin doctor who geon General of the Public Health Service for a term of four heads a group that promotes years, vice, Regina M Benjamin, his signature healthcare law to resigned," the White House be the next Surgeon General. communication on nomination Vivek Hallegere Murthy's sent to the Senate, said. name has now been sent in Murthy will replace Regina Obama's formal notification to Benjamin, who was appointed the US Senate, and if conby Obama in 2009 and resigned firmed, the doctor will be the in July. youngest and the first-ever InCo-Founder and President of dian-American in American Doctors for America, Murthy is history to assume the coveted a Hospitalist Attending Physimedical post. cian and Instructor in Medicine Obama had announced his at Brigham and Women's Hosintention to nominate Bostonpital at Harvard Medical School. based Murthy last week itself.

Doctors for America is a "Vivek Hallegere Murthy, of group of 15,000 physicians and Massachusetts, to be Medical medical students that has ralDirector in the Regular Corps lied behind 'Obamacare'. of the Public Health Service, Vivek Hallegere Murthy Details on page 5 subject to qualifications there-

Rao named visiting fellow at Brown University Details on page 5

FIA memo for correcting flaws in Immigration Details on page 18

FIA honors Gadar heroes at Diwali Mela Details on page 26

UK House congratulates Tendulkar

Indian origin doc gifts $2mn to health center

Details on page 6 Details on page 32

US to provide security aid to Pakistan

CONTENTS Bollywood -------------------------- 47 Classifieds ------------------------- 52

Details on page 6

Community Post -------------- 18-28 Date Book -------------------------- 48 Edit Page --------------------------- 54

INDIA POST SURVEY

HealthScience Post --------- 32-35

survey@indiapost.com

Horoscope ------------------------- 11

This week’s question

Nirupama Rao has been the best Indian envoy to US? Last week’s result

Has the US changed stance on visa to Modi?

YES 73%

NO 27%

Immigration Post ------------- 44-46

NO ANAND FOR WORLD CHAMP: Magnus Carlsen of Norway exults while addressing a press conference after he won the sixth match against Viswanathan Anand of India at FIDE World Chess Championship in Chennai on November 16. Anand crawled back in the eighth game on Tuesday November 19 with an easy draw with black but challenger Magnus Carlsen continued his march towards the throne as the defending champion still has a lot to catch up. Carlson is now just three draws or 1.5 points shy of winning his maiden world title.

Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”

Life Style ----------------------- 30-31 Philosophy ------------------------- 53 Publisher’s Diary ------------------ 4 Real Estate -------------------- 50-51 TechBiz Post ------------------- 12-14 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 40-43

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Publisher’s Diary

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ven as the community celebrates the nomination by President Obama of 36-year-old Indian-American physician Vivek Murthy to be surgeon gen eral of the United States, there is apprehension that the Republicans in the Senate would make it difficult for him to be confirmed. In the surcharged political atmosphere they are likely to focus on his association with the Affordable Healthcare Act as an early supporter and grass-roots advocate. He founded Doctors for America, which was originally called Doctors for Obama, and was appointed to the President's Advisory Group on Prevention, Health Promotion, and Integrative and Public Health which was created in 2011 as part of the Affordable Care Act health reform law. The organization's 10,000 physicians and medical students helped to campaign for Obama's election, an effort that brought Murthy to the attention of the President. So the Republicans are not going to give him an easy passage.

This however does not diminish he honor bestowed on him while so young and also on the Indian community which is increasingly being recognized as a storehouse of talent and commitment from which Obama has been able to select several candidates for high office. Apart from their success in business and information technology, not many Indian Americans have been able to make their mark in politics. Even some who tried and showed lot of promise could not breast the tape. It is therefore heartening to learn that five of them won in the recent elections.

For the record, Kolkata-born Raj Mukherji scored a victory in the 33rd district of New Jersey to join fellow Democrat Upendra Chivukula, who retained his 17th district seat in the State assembly. Another Indian-American Democrat, Latha Mangipudi upset Pete Silva with an 18 point margin to become New Hampshire's State Representative from Ward 8.

In the local elections, Democrat Sapana Shah won a berth on the Edison Municipal Council in New Jersey, while Steve Rao retained his seat on the Morrisville, North Carolina City Council.

I wish to congratulate all the Indian American achievers.

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HIGHLIGHTS Bollywood: Changing villains Villains have changed in Dhoom 3. Instead of Hrithik Roshan, Aamir Khan will be seen as a clownish thief.

Cover Story: New Surgeon General President Barack Obama has nominated a prominent 36-year-old Indian-origin doctor to be the next Surgeon General.

Community: FIA memorandum FIA Tri-State has in a memorandum urged Members of the US House of Representatives to pass the Immigration Bill S 744

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Immigration: Immigrant award Transplant surgeon Dr Rahul Jindal has been presented with a prestigious immigrant award of the US government

Life Style: Triumph of Orange ‘Tangerine Tales' exhibition in Delhi brings together the work of established as well as upcoming photographers.

Techbiz: Starbucks stores Bullish on India, Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz says his company plans to open "thousands of stores" there

Travel: KinnerKailash It is a treacherous journey as the bus hurtles precariously on those winding mountain-hugging roads.

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November 22, 2013

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Indian-origin doc to be Surgeon General WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama has nominated a prominent 36-year-old Indian-origin doctor who heads a group that promotes his signature healthcare law to be the next Surgeon General.

Vivek Hallegere Murthy's name has now been sent in Obama's formal notification to the US Sen-

Massachusetts, to be Medical Director in the Regular Corps of the Public Health Service, subject to qualifications therefore as provided by law and regulations, and to be Surgeon General of the Public Health Service for a term of four years, vice, Regina M Benjamin, resigned," the White House communication on nomination sent to

Murthy also co-founded Visions Worldwide in 1995, a non-profit organization focused on HIV/AIDS education in India and the US, where he served as president from 1995 to 2000 and chairman of the board from 2000 to 2003 ate, and if confirmed, the doctor will be the youngest and the firstever Indian-American in American history to assume the coveted medical post.

Obama had announced his intention to nominate Boston-based Murthy last week itself.

"Vivek Hallegere Murthy, of

the Senate, said.

Murthy will replace Regina Benjamin, who was appointed by Obama in 2009 and resigned in July.

Co-Founder and President of Doctors for America, Murthy is a Hospitalist Attending Physician and Instructor in Medicine at

Brigham and Women's Hospital at Harvard Medical School.

Doctors for America is a group of 15,000 physicians and medical students that has rallied behind 'Obamacare'.

In 2011, Murthy was appointed as a member of the Advisory Group on Prevention, Health Promotion and Integrative and Public Health. He has been the cofounder and chairman of the board of TrialNetworks, formerly known as Epernicus, since 2007.

Murthy also co-founded Visions Worldwide in 1995, a nonprofit organization focused on HIV/AIDS education in India and the US, where he served as president from 1995 to 2000 and chairman of the board from 2000 to 2003.

Congressman Joe Crowley, Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus and Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian-Americans, described Obama's nomination as "a historic moment" for Indian-Americans across the country.

"Indian-Americans have made

Nirupama named visiting fellow at Brown University WASHINGTON: Nirupama Rao, the former Indian Ambassador to the US, has been named as the 'Meera and Vikram Gandhi Fellow' with the Brown-India initiative at the Watson Institute for International Studies.

Rao, who till early this month was India's top envoy in the US, would use her one-year term at the Brown University to write a book, the university said in a statement.

It said Rao has been named as the Meera and Vikram Gandhi Fellow with the Brown-India Initiative at the Watson Institute for International Studies. Rao will begin her appointment in January 2014.

"I look forward to my year at Brown University with great anticipation. The India Initiative at Brown's Watson Institute has provided a needed and valued focus on the study of contemporary India," Rao said.

"I am thrilled to contribute to scholarship on India's global outlook and its foreign policy priorities and challenges," she said.

"Rao's accomplishments are immense and well known. Her intellectual approach to diplomacy has always distinguished her," said Ashutosh Varshney, director of the Initiative.

"Having served as India's ambassador to the US and China and

also as the country's foreign secretary, she has accumulated invaluable diplomatic experience, knowledge, and insight. She will add greatly to our collective life at the India Initiative," Varshney said.

Rao will have an office at the Watson Institute, which will allow her to meet and collaborate regu-

Nirupama Rao

larly with other Watson faculty and fellows.

She will deliver a lecture in the fall to share her progress on the book she will be writing while at Brown, which focuses on how the advent of new media technologies are changing the way countries respond to policy-related situations.

Rao, who joined the Indian

Foreign Service in 1973, assumed her responsibilities as ambassador of India to the US in September 2011.

Prior to that, Rao was appointed Foreign Secretary, the highest office in the Indian Foreign Service, where she served a two-year term until July 2011.

She was also the first woman spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs.

An interdisciplinary hub for the study of contemporary India, the goals of Brown-India Initiative are twofold: to produce first-rate academic research, and to contribute to public discourse on and in India through talks, events, and the convergence of figures from across the lines of academia, civil society, literature, public policy, and journalism.

The Meera and Vikram Gandhi Fellowships enable journalists, public figures and scholars working on India to undertake substantial projects while in residence at Brown.-PTI

Vivek Hallegere Murthy

many important contributions to American society, including in the medical field, and it is great to see another well-qualified leader rise in government," Crowley said in

a statement.

The surgeon general serves a four-year term and is the administration's top official on public health issues. -PTI

Obama nominates Kal Penn for key post WASHINGTON: US President Obama for America National Arts Barack Obama has nominated Policy Committee in 2008 and as a popular Indian-American actor National Campaign Co-Chair in and former White House staffer 2012.

Kal Penn for a key administration Penn received his Bachelors in post of member of the President's Arts from the University of CaliCommittee on the Arts and the fornia, Los Angeles.

Humanities.

"These fine public servants The Namesake fame actor bring both a depth of experience served in the White House during and tremendous dedication to the Obama's first term and played their new roles. Our nation will be a key role in his re-election cam- well-served by these men and paign last year, in particular attract- women, and I look forward to working the youth in the runup to the polls.

Born in New Jersey Born in New Jersey as as Kalpen Suresh Kalpen Suresh Modi, Penn Modi, Penn is an actor, is an actor, writer and writer and producer, who shot to fame with producer, who shot to fame the Harold and Kumar with the Harold and film series.

From 2009 to 2011 he Kumar film series was an Associate Director of the Office of Public En- ing with them in the months and gagement with the Obama Admin- years to come," Obama said as he istration, serving as liaison to announced seven key administraYoung Americans, the Arts, and tion posts.

Asian American and Pacific IsAs an actor, Kal Penn is known lander communities. for his role portraying Dr Before joining the White Lawrence Kutner on the television House, he worked as an artist and drama series House, as well as the actor in Los Angeles and New character Kumar Patel in the York, and was also an Adjunct Harold and Kumar film series.

Lecturer in Asian American StudHe is also recognized for his ies, Film Studies, and Sociology performance in the critically acat the University of Pennsylvania. claimed Mira Nair's film, The He served as a member of the Namesake. -PTI

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November 22, 2013

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US to provide security assistance to Pak WASHINGTON: The US is likely to provide security assistance to Pakistan to help it build counter-insurgency and counterterrorism capabilities under a joint five-year plan developed by the two countries.

Reflecting a new bonhomie in bilateral ties which got a big boost

by Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's recent visit to Washington, a high-powered defense delegation is scheduled to visit the Pentagon later this week for the next round of crucial meeting of the Defense Consultative Group.

The US-Pakistan Defense

Consultative Group meeting tentatively would give a final shape to the five-year security assistance plan, developed during a meeting of defense officials of the two countries in February and is believed to zero in on the military hardware that the US would be providing to Pakistan.

Informed sources said after two meetings in the last one year -- Defense Consultative Group in December 2012 and Defense Resourcing Conference in February 2013 -- officials of US and Pakistan were able to develop a joint five-year plan for how security

assistance would feed into defense cooperation on counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism issues and to help build Pakistan's capabilities in these areas.

Officials from Pakistan and the US during these two meetings identified seven broad areas of security assistance cooperation, which sources said initially covered 11 areas.

It is part of this decision that the Obama Administration this summer (July-August) informed the Congress of a number of appropriations related to security assistance to Pakistan.

Modi takes dig at poor attendance at Rahul's rally SAWAI MADHOPUR/ ALWAR/BANDIKUI, Rajasthan: Upping the ante against Congress, Narendra Modi has accused it of pursuing a "divide and rule" policy by fanning tensions between Hindus and Muslims.

"Congress has a divisive mentality. It only works on a rule to divide a brother from brother, raise a wall of divide", Modi said at a public meeting in Sawai Madhopur in support of four BJP candidates including erstwhile Jaipur royal family scion Diya Kumari.

"There is a need to identify the character, culture, traditions, and thoughts of Congress now...it works on divisive mentality...they never think of uniting people...they only know how to break... this is their style," he said.?

"Congress creates differences between north and south, tensions between Hindu and Muslims...it all proves that it has all along been indulging in vote bank politics," he said.

Modi, who also addressed rallies in Alwar and Bandikui, poked fun at Rahul Gandhi, saying poor attendance at the Congress leader's rally in Delhi had forced an embarrassed Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit to plead with people not to leave the venue.

"There are rallies where people are told 'stop, don't go; stop, don't go'. And there are rallies where I have to apologies to people because they could not see me" because of huge turnouts, he said in Alwar in the run-up to the December one Assembly elections in Rajasthan.

The BJP's prime ministerial candidate was apparently referring to Dikshit's appeal to sec-

tions of the crowd seen leaving the venue to wait till Gandhi's speech got over at the November 17 rally.

At another rally in Bandikui,

pressed for a law to ensure that government is aware of details of bank accounts registered in the country and abroad.

Taking a potshot at Rahul

BJP Prime Ministerial candidate & Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi addressing an election rally at Sawai Madhopur, in Rajasthan on November 19

Modi accused the Congress-led government of not taking effective steps to control inflation to bring relief to the common man reeling under rising prices.

"Look at the arrogance of the Congress leaders, despite high inflation they are not bothered about improving the situation," he said. On the issue of corruption, Modi said UPA government has allegedly indulged in scams everywhere from land to water and sky.

On black money, he said UPA was protecting the corrupt and

Gandhi, Modi said the Congress Vice-President would never realize what poverty is because he has never experienced it himself.

"Their (Congress') Shehzada says that poverty is nothing but a state of mind. One who has not seen poverty cannot understand what poverty is," he alleged.

The BJP leader also alleged that the Congress believes in "Ghartantra" (dynastic rule) instead of "Gantantra" implying democratic rule, and it should go for the sake of development and growth of the country. -PTI

This totaled about USD 1.4 billion in military assistance of which roughly USD 425 million was in Pakistan counter- insurgency and capabilities fund (PCCF) and the rest about USD 1 billion was in foreign military financing (FMF).

In addition, the notifications included roughly USD 260 million of civilian assistance, of which USD 230 million focused on energy programming for Pakistan and USD 30 million was the State Department funding for civilian police programs.

ments, the security assistance has to be made available only to support counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency capabilities.

The Defense Consultative Group meeting would be followed by another Defense Resourcing Conference in February.

However, during these meetings, US officials ruled out providing equipment that enhanced Pakistan's conventional capabilities, arguing that such US' security assistance can only sup-

US and Pakistani officials agreed that the equipment security assistance would support seven core capabilities like night vision, precision strike, counter IED, survivability, border security, communications and maritime operations, maritime security In September, the US also released to Pakistan USD 322 million as a reimbursement for military expenses made by Pakistan towards America's war against terrorism.

During these meetings, US and Pakistani officials agreed that the equipment security assistance would support seven core capabilities like night vision, precision strike, counter IED, survivability, border security, communications and maritime operations, maritime security.

Now the security assistance under FMF would be allotted along these lines. The equipment needs are being negotiated between both the US and Pakistan.

This week's US-Pakistan Defense Consultative Group meeting would identify and negotiate on the equipment and military hardware under these seven core capabilities.

Under Congressional require-

port counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations - that is a Congressional legislative operations.

As such things like air defense system would fall outside of this counter-terrorism operational support.

The revival of security assistance is reflective of the improved relationship between the US and Pakistan, after more than two years of tensions during the period of 2011 and 2012, including the Raymond David episode, killing of Osama bin Laden and the closer of the crucial ground lines of communications.

As a result, the security assistance was slowed and calibrated. But situation changed gradually and the military-to-military relationship started building and serious effort was made to bring it back on track through a series of high-level meetings and visits. -PTI

House of Commons congratulates Tendulkar LONDON: A Motion was laid in the House of Commons in the UK congratulating batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar on his "magnificent" career and for being an able ambassador of the game.

The Early Day Motion, moved

by Indian-origin MP Keith Vaz, said Tendulkar served as an inspiration for millions around the world and recognized his "selfless dedication" to the sport.

"This motion is a fitting tribute to such an exceptional batsman.

Tendulkar is adored almost as

much in the UK as he is in India so it is only right that Parliament pays tribute to him," Rt Hon Keith Vaz MP said.

There was no debate on early day motion.

The Indian batting legend drew curtains on his 24-year-long illustrious career on November 16 after playing his landmark 200th Test against the West Indies in Mumbai.

On that day, Tendulkar was chosen for Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award. -PTI

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November 22, 2013

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India among biggest emitters of greenhouse gases WARSAW: India and China are among the world's biggest contributors to fossil fuel emissions with India's carbon dioxide discharge increasing by a whopping 7.7 per cent last year, a new study has said.

"Based on estimates of economic activity in 2013, emissions are set to rise 2.1 per cent in 2013 to reach 36 billion tonnes of CO2," the annual analysis by Global Carbon Project reported.

"The Global Carbon Budget reveals that the biggest contributors to fossil fuel emissions in 2012 were China (27 per cent), the United States (14 per cent), the European Union (10 per cent), and India (6 per cent)," the group of European scientists said.

Indian CO2 emissions increased by a whopping 7.7 per cent, with those from coal growing 10.2 per cent, said the report

coinciding with the UN climate talks in Warsaw, the Polish capital.

The study, led by the UK's Tyndall Centre for Climate

"The Global Carbon Budget reveals that the biggest contributors to fossil fuel emissions in 2012 were China (27%), the United States (14%), the European Union (10%), and India (6%)" Change Research at the University of East Anglia, said Carbon dioxide is the principal green-

house gas, and fossil fuels - coal, oil and gas - along with cement production account for nearly all its man-made emissions.

China, the world's number one carbon emitter, accounted for 70 per cent of the global increase in 2012. Chinese emissions grew 5.9 per cent in 2012, lower than the average of 7.9 per cent per year over the past decade. Consumption from renewable sources and hydropower in China grew by a quarter in 2012. In the United States, the world's No. 2 emitter, CO2 emissions fell by 3.7 per cent in 2012, with those from coal decreasing by 12 per cent as the country turned to cleaner shale gas.

Emissions by the 28-nation European Union (EU) fell by 1.3 per cent, but emissions from coal grew 3.0 per cent.

Per capita emission is one of

53 per cent of Indian households defecate in open WASHINGTON: With over 600 million people in India or 53 per cent of Indian households defecating in the open, absence of toilet or latrine is one of the important contributors to malnutrition, a World Bank report has said.

The report that released on the eve of the first ever UN World Toilet Day, the World Bank said,

ing their first year of life were more likely to recognize letters and simple numbers on learning tests than those who were not," said Dean Spears, lead author of the paper 'Effects of Early-Life Exposure to Sanitation on Childhood Cognitive Skills'.

The paper studies the effects on childhood cognitive achieve-

Bindeshwar Pathak, Founder of Sulabh International after cutting a huge cake in the shape of a toilet sheet, at an event to celebrate World Toilet Day, at FICCI in New Delhi on November 19

access to improved sanitation can increase cognition among children.

Currently, more than 2.5 billion people worldwide lack access to toilets, one billion people practice open defecation and 600 million in India openly defecate.

"Our research showed that sixyear-olds who had been exposed to India's sanitation program dur-

ment of early life exposure to India's Total Sanitation Campaign, a national scale government program that encouraged local governments to build and promote use of inexpensive pit latrines.

"This is important news -- the study suggests that low-cost rural sanitation strategies such as India's Total Sanitation Campaign can support children's cognitive

development," Spears said.

The results also suggest that open defecation -- going outside without using a toilet or latrine -is an important threat to the human capital of developing countries and that a program accessible to countries where sanitation development capacity is lower could improve average cognitive skills.

"Open defecation lies at the root of many development challenges, as poor sanitation and lack of access to toilets impact public health, education, and the environment," said Jaehyang So, Manager of the World Bank's Water and Sanitation Project.

A World Bank working paper released earlier this year found that children exposed to more fecal germs don't grow as tall as other children with less exposure.

Studies have shown physical height is an important economic variable reflecting health and human capital.

However, differences in average height across developing countries are not well explained by differences in wealth, according to the report.

In particular, children in India are shorter, on average, than children in Africa who are poorer, on average, a paradox called "the Asian enigma," which has received much attention from economists and studies indicate a 5 year-old girl in India to be around?0.7 cm shorter than her counterpart in Sub-Saharan Africa.-PTI

the biggest issues in the climatechange arena.

Developing countries like India and China have said rich nations should bear most of the

The targeted emission level rise of 2.1 per cent set for 2013 means burning of fossil fuels just 61 per cent above the 1990 levels, the baseline year for the Kyoto Protocol, the study said burden for warming, as they initiated the problem and their emissions per person are much

higher than those of poorer economies.

The US is still the highest emitter per person at 16 tonnes.

By comparison an Indian's carbon footprint is only 1.8 tonnes.

"Emissions must fall substantially and rapidly if we are to limit global climate change to below two degrees," Corinne Le Qur? of the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research said.

The targeted emission level rise of 2.1 per cent set for 2013 means burning of fossil fuels just 61 per cent above the 1990 levels, the baseline year for the Kyoto Protocol, the study said.

Cumulative CO2 emissions since 1870 is set to reach 2015 billion tonnes by 2013? with 70 per cent caused by burning fossil fuels and 30 per cent from deforestation and other land use changes.-PTI

EC allows launch of first all-woman Bharatiya Mahila Bank NEW DELHI: The Election government proposed opening of Commission has allowed the the bank branches in Delhi and launch of the first all-woman Indore also, which has been disBharatiya Mahila Bank in the allowed by the poll body till the country but asked government end of polls. not to open its branches in Delhi Headquartered in Delhi, the and Madhya Pradesh and neither bank proposes to have 25 do publicity of the bank in these branches by March 31, 2014. poll-bound states.

The Finance Minister had anIn a letter to the Finance Min- nounced the setting up of the allistry, the Commission has said woman bank in his Budget speech government should ensure that no publicity of the bank opening be done in pollbound states.

Prime Mini s t e r Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi are expected to be UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister present at the Manmohan Singh presenting the new account kit to first inaugural ceraccount holder during the inauguration of Bhartiya Mahila emony of the Bank Limited in Mumbai on November 19 country's first all-woman bank in Mumbai tomor- this year. The bank will be set up row, coinciding with the birth an- with an initial capital of Rs 1,000 niversary of former Prime Minis- crore. ter Indira Gandhi. Finance MinisThe Reserve Bank of India gave ter P Chidambaram will also at- its in-principal approval for the tend.

Bharatiya Mahila Bank in June.

Government earlier wanted to Earlier this week, the governlaunch the bank in Delhi but ment appointed Usha changed its plan in view of the Ananthasubramanian as the Model Code of Conduct in force bank's Chairperson and Managin the capital. ing Director.

With the inauguration of the "Women are heads of many bank, seven branches would be- banks today, including two pubcome operational across the coun- lic sector banks, but there is no try, including in Kolkata, Chennai, bank that exclusively serves Ahmedabad and Guwahati. The women. -PTI

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Hazare objects to 'misuse' of name, AAP says he is misinformed RALEGAN SIDDHI/NEW DELHI: Activist Anna Hazare has sought answers from Arvind Kejriwal over "misuse" of his name in AAP's election campaign, even as party leaders alleged that "vested interest" were misinforming Hazare on the issue.

A day after Kejriwal demanded an open probe into Hazare's allegation of Aam Admi Party spending funds collected during Janlokpal movement saying that the Gandhian had written to him on the issue, Hazare said he was mainly concerned about "misuse" of his name in the poll campaign and maintained the two are "not enemies".

"We are not enemies of each other. Even today I am happy that he is a man of char-

acter.... The issue is not of funds.

Some delegations told me that SIM cards were issued in my name during the India Against Corruption (IAC) movement, the sale of which led to collection of funds.

"I have no connection in this regard but if somebody files a case then I may be made an accused. This is what I am worried about that without having any connection to it, my name could be dragged," Hazare told reporters in his village Ralengan Siddhi in Maharashtra.

He had written a letter to Kejriwal saying he had received reports about use of his name in election campaign, use of fund collected during the anti-graft movement

Anna Hazare

and on implementation of Janlokpal Bill on December 29 after convening an open session at Ramlila Maidan "They say that they will pass Anna Hazare's Janlokpal bill in Ramlila Maidan on December 29. Here again they are using my name and I did not understand that how are they claiming to pass a bill in assembly which can be passed only in parliament," Hazare said.

"I wrote this letter just to seek clarification on these two issues as I felt my name was being misused. I have no interest in the money, just my name should not be misused," he added.

Amid signs of increasing friction between the two, Kejriwal alleged that Hazare aides were not allowing him to talk to his 'guru' despite his several attempts. His allegation came even as Hazare said that he was ready to talk to Kejriwal. . "I have told him (Kejriwal) that I am ready to talk. I did not know that he wanted to talk. If he wishes so, I am ready to talk," Hazare said. He, however, added that he would not engage in poll campaign for any party.

"I had tried to speak to him several times, but nowadays some intermediaries are not letting me talk to Anna. I had always been speaking to him," Kejriwal said.

Kejriwal, who was once Hazare's closest associate, has denied that donations to Hazare's campaign were being spent by his AAP on its election campaign and said "if any irregularity was found he would not contest the elections to be held on December 4".

AAP leader Kumar Vishwas, who returned from Ralegan Siddi today after hand-

Arvind Kejriwal

ing over Kejriwal's reply to Hazare, alleged that the Gandhian was being "misinformed" by someone from Delhi on his name being used by Kejriwal.

Vishwas said Hazare was shown posters having his picture and those of Kejriwal and party candidates, which neither the party nor anyone connected with it have published as per Hazare's instruction.

"Some people with vested interest were misinforming him, due to which he had written the letter and sought clarification from Arvind," he said.

He also said when Hazare was told that he was not being allowed to speak to Kejriwal, he expressed surprise and said he was always available on phone. Kejriwal had called a press conference where he spoke of Hazare's letter but a man claiming to be Maharashtra BJP activist and Hazare support threw black ink on the AAP leaders Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, Sanjay Singh, senior lawyer Prashant Bhushan.

November 22, 2013

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Anjolie Ela Menon honored with Dayawati Modi award NEW DELHI: Noted contemporary artist Anjolie Ela Menon has been honored with the Dayawati Modi Award for her outstanding genius and significant contributions to Indian art and culture.

The annual award given by Dayawati Modi Foundation for Art, Culture and Education and comprising a cash prize of Rs 2.51 lakh, a silver shield and a scroll of honor was presented by V Narayanasamy, Minister of State here.

"I am greatly humbled to be chosen for this award which puts me on the same platform as distinguished people like the Dalai Lama and Mother Teresa. I thank you all for believing in me. It is precisely this kind of belief that encourages and motivates me to continue with my work," said Menon.

The 73-year-old artist, who held her first solo exhibition in 1958 here has had a total of 48 exhibitions. Over the last five decades, Menon's body of work has depicted the evolution of the artist who continues to break fresh ground with new mediums, styles and subject matter.

"Anjolie Ela Menon is not only a great artist but she has also put India on the international map in the field of art. We are all extremely proud of her and look forward to seeing more of her work," said Naryanaswamy.

The artist's work is part of the collection of the National Gallery of Modern Art, the Peabody Essex Museum, the Chandigarh

Australia supports NSG membership for India NEW DELHI: Australia has announced support for India's membership in the elite Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and termed as "priority process" the ongoing civil nuclear talks between the two countries, which will hold the next round of negotiations on November 26 and 27.

External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid held talks with his Australian counterpart Julie Bishop on ways to enhance cooperation in key areas of civil nuclear ties, anti- terrorism, security and defense among other strategic sectors.

Later at a joint press conference with Khurshid, Bishop announced that, "Australian government has decided that we will support India's membership of the NSG and I informed Foreign Minister Khurshid tonight about the Australian decision....

"It is appropriate given India's strategic importance in the region and globally and India's record of non- proliferation."

She hoped that the civil nuclear cooperation pact could be concluded and said negotiations will continue and bring in an agreement which will benefit both sides.

On her first visit to India after assuming office, Bishop, who flew-in to Mumbai from Sri Lanka where she attended CHOGM, said the best days of India-Australia relationship "still lie ahead" and the aim was to have "broader, deeper and more diversified" level of engagement.-PTI

Anjolie Ela Menon

Museum, the Asian Art Museum, San Franscisco and Fukuoka Museum, Japan besides many private collections across the world.

Menon has previously received the Padma Sri and the "Chevalier dans l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres" from the French government as well as the Life Time Achievement Award from Delhi government.

The award has been instituted in the memory of late Dayawati Modi, wife of industrialist late Rai Bahadur Gujar Mal Modi, founder of the Modi Group.

Previous recipients include Amitabh Bachchan, The Dalai Lama, Mother Teresa, Asha Bhonsle, Pandit Ravi Shankar, Prof Lokesh Chandra, Tyeb Mehta and Pandit Jasraj among others.

The award has also gone international with recipients including singer Goldie Hawn and recently British screenwriter Simon Beaufoy who wrote the screenplay for the Oscar winning film 'Slumdog Millionaire'.

Satish Kumar Modi, President, Dayawati Modi Foundation said, "Anjolie Ela Menon is an amazing artist and muralist and I have tremendous admiration for her work." -PTI

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Prachi Desai joins Bay Area Diwali celebrations India Post News Service

SANTA CLARA, CA: Diwali was celebrated in high gear this year in San Francisco Bay area.

San Jose council member Ash Kalra addressing the event

Many social and community events gave bay area Indians an occasion and opportunity to capture a sliver of Diwali euphoria and enjoy the festival with friends and families.

Diwali Mela held by Janta Connections on November 9, at Santa Clara County Fairgrounds included fam o u s Prachi Desai with Meena Bhatt and Vijay Thapar Bollywood start, dancer and TV actor Prachi Desai. Held ages. Besides Prachi Desai, Assad in the comforts of indoor center, Waince, an upcoming Pakistani the event was filled with fun and singer gave a mesmerizing singentertainment for people of all ing performance.

5000 kids run to promote Right to Education India Post News Service

NEW DELHI: On the occasion of Children's Day, 4000 kids from 140 schools of Delhi and 1,000 underprivileged children participated in a massive Kids' Marathon to build awareness on Right to Education.

The 'Réal Run for Children' - organized under the aegis of one of India's largest non-profit organization Prayas and sponsored by RÉAL, India's leading Fruit juice brand - culminated with the participants preparing a massive wall of handprints as a petition to promote Right to Education. The children also signed 5,000 postcards addressed to the President of India demanding Right to Education for underprivileged children, thereby setting a new Limca Book Record.

Bollywood actors Randeep Hooda and Adil Hussain, Singer Richa Sharma, Union Minister

Salman Khurshid, former Union Minister Ajay Maken, Commisioner of Delhi Police B S Bassi amongst many other prominent personalities graced the occasion to encourage the kids.

Amod K Kanth, General Secretary of Prayas and former Chair-

man of Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights, said: "As we celebrate Children's Day on 14th November, 'Réal Run for Children' is a wonderful chance to not just experience the pleasure of running 4.5 kilometers with the children from underprivileged segments of our society and from various schools, but also support their demand for Right to Education.

Horoscope

November 22, 2013

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Your Weekly Future

by Pandit Parashar

NOVEMBER 22 ND

- NOVEMBER 28 TH , 2013

(March 21 to April 20)

O

ne of your child will need extra help. It will be better to seek second opinion before you accept the offer. Money wise you will continue to stay comfortable, rather there should be few additional opportunities to make extra bucks this week. All your actions will reflect confidence and courage. Mail will bring pleasant surprise.

(July 23 to August 22)

T

his time you will go for the big one and start the loan process.

Spouse will be little shaky with your decision but will hide her fear.

Trip will go well and necessary papers will get signed on the spot. Suddenly you will find yourself full of energy.

(August 23 to September 22)

(April 21 to May 20)

S

ome one close will make repeated attempts to take advantage of your good nature. You may dispose off some money making stocks and pocket the profit. Enemies and opponents will make a futile attempt and regret quickly. You may have little work done around your home in order to get ready for season. Party will change your mood.

(May 21 to June 20)

l

anets are in right order to help you launch the new project. Some of you may get another small consulting project. You will develop extra ordinary patience and take all decisions after careful consideration. Hard bargaining will help you obtain items at a great price.

Some guests from overseas will confirm their date of arrival.

(June 21 to July 22)

Y

ou will be calling overseas more frequently this week. Chance of promotion or receiving a raise strong. You may finally lay your hands on a nice piece of property for investment purpose. You may have some work done around your home also. Value of stocks will appreciate and it will be better to hold on to them for few more days.

F

inancial pressure will ease off for the time being after making big payments. Some of you may be vigorously looking for another job.

Try to look beyond immediate when taking any major decision about career. Some of you will be exploring the possibility of starting new business in association with some like minded people.

(September 23 to October 22)

C

ombination of Saturn and Mercury will one more time give you the Midas touch. Past experience will help you make the right choices this week. Chances of recovering money from a government agency or hitting some kind of lottery very strong for next few weeks. You may also give a final shape to an upcoming long distance journey.

(October 23 to November 22)

E

xpect some positive development in career this week. A dream as signment or job may become a reality. You will make several very calculated moves in personal life also. Money you need will become available on time and the property deal may also finalize.

(November 23 to December 22)

P

arty will be entertaining and you will love the gifts. If you are quick you will lay your hands on a dream opportunity. Expect some favorable twist in ongoing legal matters. A long distance trip is also in the air in near future. You may dispose off money making stocks and put some money in your savings this week.

(December 22 to January 19)

S

ale of property will bring in much needed cash for other projects.

You will plan an outing with family and few very close friends. You will also succeed in recovering some old dues this week. Do not hesitate to buy few lottery tickets. Boss will call to discuss an important project and look for ideal associates for you.

(January 20 to February 18)

A

n old health issue will flare up and you may try to treat it with over the counter medications. There will be few interesting developments in career and you will be assigned an important project with new team.

You may buy some furniture items for the house. Better seek legal opinion before replying that letter from government.

(February 19 to March 20)

P

roblems will be followed by bet ter than expected solutions and the benefits will be for long terms.

You may go out with family to a mall and buy some new cloths for yourself.Things will be more relaxing at work and you will enjoy company of a new colleague. An old friend will call to invite you to a small get together this weekend.

Tech News FTIL sells Singapore arm for $ 150 mn SINGAPORE/MUMBAI: Embattling a major crisis at its group entity NSEL, exchange operator and technology provider Financial Technologies (FTIL) has announced sale of its Singaporebased bourse SMX for USD 150 million (Rs 931 crore) to US-based InterContinentalExchange (ICE).

Jignesh Shah-led FT Group had launched Singapore Mercantile Exchange (SMX) with much fanfare over three years ago in August 2010 as a pan-Asia trading platform for various commodities including metals, energy, currency and agriculture commodities. FTIL would use sale proceeds to retire debts.

FTIL, the main holding firm for Shah-led group that has also set up Indian exchanges like commodity bourse MCX, stock exchange MCX-SX and now crisis-hit NSEL (National Spot Exchange), held its stake in SMX through a wholly owned subsidiary Financial Technologies Singapore Pte Ltd (FTSPL).

In a regulatory filing to Indian stock exchanges where FTIL is listed, the company said FTSPL has reached an agreement to sell 100 per cent of its equity ownership in SMX (together with its wholly owned subsidiary SMX CC) to ICE Singapore Holdings, an entity owned by US-based ICE group for USD 150 million.-PTI

Google blocks child porn from 100,000 searches LONDON: Google boss Eric Schmidt says that the tech giant had developed new technology that makes it harder to find child sexual abuse images on the web.

Writing in British newspaper the Daily Mail, Google's executive chairman said more than 100,000 searches would no longer feature such material in their results.

The restrictions will initially apply to English-speaking countries but will be expanded to the rest of the world and 158 other languages within six months.

The announcement comes ahead of the Internet Safety Summit at Prime Minister David Cameron's Downing Street office, where Google and Microsoft will be joined by other Internet firms.

In July, Cameron urged search engines to go further in blocking surfers from accessing illegal images.

Schmidt wrote: "While society will never wholly eliminate such depravity, we should do everything in our power to protect children from harm." -AFP

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Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi with Tata Group Chairman Cyrus Mistry and Chandrashakernan, Managing Director of TCS, during the inauguration of TATA Consultancy Services (TCS) new building “Garima Park� at Gandhinagar on November 16

November 22, 2013

Starbucks eyes huge growth in India, China markets NEW YORK: Bullish on the Indian market for growth, Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz has said his company plans to open "thousands of stores" in India in the "not-too- distant" future, making the country one of its two largest markets outside North America along with China.

"I believe China and India offer Starbucks one of the greatest opportunities for growth.

"Our plan over time is that the number of our stores in India will rival the size and scale of what we have planned for China - thousands of stores," Schultz said in an essay he has written for the book 'Reimagining India: Unlocking The Potential of Asia's Next Superpower' edited by global consulting firm McKinsey.

Schultz voiced optimism in the potential of the Indian market to become one of the coffee giant's

Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz

top growth drivers, saying "eventually we hope to have thousands of stores" in India.

"I look forward to a day in the not-too-distant future when India takes its place alongside China as

one of our two largest markets outside North America," he said in the essay adding that the company's relationship with Tata, its 50/50 joint venture partner in India, will make Starbucks' growth possible.

Schultz, however, acknowledged that achieving its ambitions for India may not be easy.

"Getting there would not be easy. Our successful beginning in India has not been without hurdles. On the contrary, it has been a complicated six year journey," he said referring to Starbucks' long wait to get into the Indian market.

"We'd watched the Indian market develop for many years. We could see that all the important pre-requisites for success were falling into place".

He quoted instances like the emergence of a growing middle class with strong aspirations, enthusiasm for western culture and brands, gradual development of the nation's infrastructure and "what seemed to be healthy changes in the regulatory framework for foreign investment". -PTI

Tata's grace, wisdom moved me: Schultz NEW YORK: Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz has voiced his admiration for industrialist Ratan Tata's "grace" and wisdom, saying he was moved by the business icon's words during the launch of the coffee chain's flagship store in Mumbai last year.

"At the celebratory dinner the night of the Mumbai (store's) opening, Ratan Tata offered a toast that really moved me," Schultz writes in an essay in the book 'Reimagining India: Unlocking The Potential of Asia's Next Superpower', edited by global consulting firm McKinsey.

Schultz recalls that while describing Starbucks' India launch and Tata's remarks at the celebrations later to a gathering of his company officials in the US, he even began to cry and was overpowered by emotion.

"A few weeks after returning from the opening of our Mumbai store, we held one of

our big open forum meetings where we get the entire company together. And as I tried to describe that moment for everyone,

"In India we'd had a chance to do something extraordinary, something truly world class. And I am excited that we have a chance

Ratan Tata

something came over me. I started to cry. It just hit me emotionally.

to grow and give back in a land where so much opportunity lies ahead and to contribute to mak-

ing it a little better place than the one we found," Schultz said.

Tata's remarks on the night of the Mumbai opening were "perfect and so heartfelt," Schultz said in the essay, adding that he considers Tata to be a "man with so much grace.

"I could sit and listen to Ratan Tata for days on end. He has so much wisdom and insight not only about India but about the world," he said.

The book is a compilation of over 60 essays on India's challenges and opportunities written by CEOs, academicians, economists and historians, including Wipro chief Azim Premji, Microsoft founder Bill Gates and India's chess legend Viswanathan Anand.

In his toast, Tata had said in his "dry, understated way" that the Tata group has had a bit of success in the various endeavors it has undertaken over the years. -PTI

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November 22, 2013

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India's largest casino resort to open in Daman MUMBAI: India's largest integrated casino resort in Daman, spread over 10 acres with 60,000 square feet gaming space, is likely to become operational from early next year.

Delta Corp's hotel in Daman, which is India's largest integrated casino resort is expected to become operational in early 2014, Jaydev Modi, Chairman, Delta Corp Limited, told reporters here.

The 187-room property will

open up new markets for Delta Corp since it is near Mumbai and within convenient distance from the key cities in Gujarat, he said.

This would be first land-based casino in Diamante company has major stake in the off shore casino business in Goa as it owns three off shore casino vessels.

Modi said that Daman hotel is ready and waiting for the final formalities to be completed after which it can be unveiled.

He stated that the group aims to make its presence felt in places like Sikkim and across the border in Nepal and Sri Lanka.

"We have already acquired property for the casino resort in Sri Lanka and the company is exploring the emerging Sri Lankan gaming market which his poised for rapid growth," he said.

Modi said that with the end of 25-year civil war in May 2009, tourism in Sri Lanka has experienced

New tech displays smartphone on car windshield WASHINGTON: A visual display that projects cell phone features such as texting, voice calls and email onto the windshield of your car has been developed by Indian-origin engineers in the US. The technology called HeadsUP! allows users to engage with their smartphones without needing to look down, or fumbling with them while driving.

It enables voice dictation and touch-free swiping to let users interact with the screen, said NeXT, the US-based company behind HeadsUP! Texts, calls, message notifications and navigation appear on your windshield below your line of sight without obstructing your view, according to the product description on Indiegogo.

The user gets into their vehicle, launches the HeadsUP! app, and connects to the HeadsUP! interface either through USB or Bluetooth.

Users will mainly utilize messaging and mapping services, it said.

When inactive, HeadsUP! is completely transparent. It activates

ture commands to respond.

According to Mashable, NeXt CEO Arnab Raychaudhuri says that HeadsUP! "significantly re-

automatically when the user receives an incoming call or message, which displays on the transparent display. The user can ignore the message or use voice and/or ges-

duces reaction time while driving."

The other members of Raychaudhuri's team are Smita Majumdar and Eddie Raychaudhuri. -PTI

Lyca offers int'l roaming sim for corporate travelers CHENNAI: Lyca Telecom, a subsidiary of UK- based Lyca Mobile, has introduced its postpaid international roaming sim card priced at Rs 250 targeting the corporate customers.

The company, which was offering services to UK customers, expanded its horizon and currently offers the international roaming post-paid SIM cards to Indian customers.

Lyca Mobile CEO, Milind Kangle said the sim would reduce roaming expenses anywhere between 70 and 90 per cent for an Indian customer.

"A customer can call back India at Re one per minute and the incoming is free. The lifetime sim

card is free of rent or deposits and works in 13 countries. The sim card

is available at Rs 250," he told reporters here.

According to him, the Indian outbound travelers are expected to reach 50 million by 2030 from the current 15 million and this was the potential the company was looking to encash.

The business travelers were expected to reach to 9.7 million by 2016 from the present 5.6 million, Lyca Telecom General Manager (Global Operations), Amit Vijay Gupta said.

Chief Operating Officer Premanathan Sivasamy, in a statement, said Lyca Mobile was planning to extend its distribution network across Asia, Middle East, Africa. -PTI

rapid growth over the past two years with tourist arrivals increasing every month on a year to year basis.

"Indians make up the largest

percentage of total visitors to Sri Lanka accounting for 28 per cent of total Sri Lanka tourists," he added. -PTI

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November 22, 2013

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Inflation eroding savings of Indians in metros NEW DELHI: Soaring inflation, high fuel cost, rising cost of education and health insurance premiums have eroded the real incomes of middle-class Indian families, with household savings rates dropping by a staggering 40 per cent in the last three years, says an Assocham survey.

"Poor households are unable to maintain the consumption levels at current prices while middle income families find their purchasing power erode fast, thus having far less surplus money," Assocham Secretary General D S Rawat said.

The survey found that net financial savings by Indians, which include deposits with banks and non-banking finance companies, cash, investment in stocks, debentures and small savings instruments have dipped considerably because of rise in household financial liabilities.

The majority of the families in metropolitans are slashing spending, trying to save money and go for value buying while shopping.

One in four said they are going to try to increase their income and for this would like to switching to a better-paid job, taking a second

job or working overtime.

Moreover, high inflation is putting enormous pressure on companies too in terms of high input cost, coupled with demands for higher salary hikes.

82 per cent of the respondents said the salary hike last year was

A majority of working Indians are slashing spending, trying to save money and shopping in cheaper shops, according to the survey, while one in four said they will try to increase their income not in sync with the cost of living which has gone up by almost 4045 per cent and thus were expecting higher salaries, the survey found.

Besides, 82 per cent of the respondents in metro cities said that they have been falling behind financially and their standard of living has been impacted by at least

25 per cent.

To cope with inflation, most middle and lower income families have cut back consumption wherever possible, are buying cheaper products, have postponed the purchase of little indulgences and cut out discretionary spend altogether.

A majority of working Indians are slashing spending, trying to save money and shopping in cheaper shops, according to the survey, while one in four said they will try to increase their income to stay financially afloat, by switching to a better-paid job, taking a second job or working overtime.

The survey was conducted in a period of three months beginning January to March 2013 in major places like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Pune, Chandigarh and Dehradun, among others.

Costlier fruits and vegetables such as onions and tomatoes drove retail inflation to 10.09 per cent in October.

Other food items, including vegetables, also pushed the October wholesale inflation to 7 per cent, the highest in current financial year. -PTI

Hindustan Zinc to give job-oriented training to 500 JAIPUR: Hindustan Zinc would provide job oriented training to 500 youths in rural areas of Rajasthan.

The company will spend Rs 80 lakh in one year to train these youths most of whom could not

mining, welding, drilling, electrician, cutting, tailoring, embroidery to name a few.

Hindustan Zinc has also made a provision for free stay and boarding and lodging facilities for the trainee.

The program also has provision to add new programs as per the growing market demand.

"Through the current program Hindustan Zinc is trying to help rural youth, particularly those who have dropped out from their edu-

'Indian workers most satisfied with their jobs' NEW DELHI: Indian workers are among the most satisfied with their jobs globally, and nearly one in five Indians like their jobs so much that they would even work for free, says a survey.

According to a survey by online career and recruitment solutions provider Monster Worldwide and Gfk, an independent global market research company, over half of Indian workers (55 per cent) love or like their jobs a lot, placing India at third position in international happiness ranking, behind Canada (64 per cent) and the Netherlands (57 per cent).

Among the seven countries surveyed, United States was ranked fourth with 53 per cent saying they either love or like their jobs, followed by United Kingdom (46 per cent, 5th), France (43 per cent, 6th) and Germany (35 per cent, 7th).

The international survey that polled more than 8,000 workers in Canada, France, Germany, India, the Netherlands, the UK and the US, said nearly one in five (18 per cent) Indians love their jobs so much that they would work for free.

Moreover, only 5 per cent of Indian workers admit they actively dislike their jobs and no Indian worker said they hate their jobs the lowest percentage of all countries surveyed.

"The research findings are a reflection of prevailing business scenario and employee/worker

mind-set where they want to be safe and not take any risks," Monster.com (India/Middle East South East Asia) Managing Director Sanjay Modi said.

The survey further said that money does not buy happiness as those with medium level pay packets are happier than those with huge salaries.

Three in five (60 per cent) of those with middle incomes say they like or love their job as com-

pared to just over half (52 per cent) of high earners. Lowest earners are the least content with less than half (47 per cent) saying they are happy at work.

"There are many variables to job satisfaction and the size of your pay check is only one aspect," Modi added.

Meanwhile, on the other end of the happiness spectrum, US respondents are the most likely to feel negatively about their jobs, with 15 per cent giving their jobs a big thumbs down, followed by UK (12 per cent), Germany (10 per cent), France (9 per cent), Canada and the Netherlands (both at 7 per cent). -PTI

HSBC evasive on going wholly-owned subsidiary way

finish their formal education and are un-employed, according to a release.

The program was launched at Debari in Udaipur in association with Udaipur-based SANKALP. They will be trained these youths in fields like helpers in

The cost per trainee is estimated to be Rs 15,700 per candidate.

The training in the given fields and trades has been identified on the basis of the market demand of skilled people and is expected to give ample opportunities to these candidates.

cation, to come forward get trained in various vocational fields. The fields selected are all market driven and we expect these youths will get good opportunities," Head Corporate Communication of Hindustan Zinc, Pavan Kaushik said. -PTI

MUMBAI: HSBC India has sounded evasive about converting itself into a locally incorporated entity, saying that changing the holding structure will not have a bearing on its broader strategy of doing business in the country.

Overseas lenders anyway do not wish to become a State Bank of India having a presence across the country with a large network, a top official from HSBC has said.

"Whether you operate as branches or whether you operate as a fully-owned subsidiary, makes no difference to our strategy here. Our India strategy remains the same," HSBC India

Chief Executive Stuart Milne said on the sidelines of the annual banking jamboree here over the weekend.

"I don't think most foreign banks operating here actually want to be like a State Bank of India. They have a different strategy. How do you execute that strategy doesn't make a difference whether you are a branch or a subsidiary," Milne said.

"If we wish to expand our reach, then clearly we need to put our branches in the more underbanked areas and that is part of the cost of having a branch network here," he said.-PTI

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Desi News FIA honors Gadar heroes at Diwali Mela India Post News Service

FREMONT: The largest Diwali Mela and Fireworks organized by FIA and Fremont Hindu Temple in Bay Area dedicated a special area to Gadar heroes. Gadar movement was started by a few dedicated and committed brave Indian students at UC Berkeley hundred years ago in 1913 and was genesis of Independence struggle of India. It inspired heroes like Bhagat Singh and Subhash Chandra Bose. Gadar centenary was celebrated in Bay area with great fervor.

Dr Romesh Japra, Convener and Chairman of FIA, said that Gadar heroes provide great inspiration to youth today and should be role models for commitment, dedication, valor and patriotism they displayed.

Details on page 26

Six Gam Patidar Samaj holds colorful Diwali Asian Media USA

CHICAGO: Six Gam Patidar Samaj (SGPS) hosted a splendid Diwali Dinner Celebration with SGPS families, friends, and relatives on Saturday, November 9 at India House Banquet in Schaumburg, a northwest suburb of Chicago Speeches were short matched by delicious traditional Diwali live entertainment, dazzling decoration, mouth watering food and cultural program blended with vibrant dances.

Details on page 22

Diwali celebrated with great devotion at BAPS Mandir India Post News Service

CHINO HILLS, CA: This year's Diwali festival was celebrated with great devotion at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Chino Hills, California.

The festivities commenced with the Children's Diwali Celebration on November 2. Before making their way to the carnival games, rides, and food, children and their parents participated in an interactive exhibition explaining the significance of the five days of Diwali. Zina Patel, a volunteer for one booth, especially enjoyed explaining background basics to children.

Details on page 27

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA

International shopping expo at Holiday Bazaar Details on page 27

18 India Post

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November 22, 2013

FIA memo for correcting flaws in new Immigration Bill PM SWAMY

EDISON, NJ: The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) TriState urged the Members of the US House of Representatives to pass the Immigration Bill S 744 that would correct several flaws of the current legal immigration system besides enhancing existing border security operations and providing legal status to undocumented children and youth now enrolled in educational institutions across the US. In a signed memorandum submitted to Congressman Pete Sessions of the House of Representatives (Park CentralVII-Dallas, Texas) during a seminar on Immigration reforms organized by the Federation here, it said the Bill would also help earn status adjustment of agricultural workers, future immigration of skilled workers, creation of merit based workers and Conrad state 30 program for physicians.

The bill also ensures employment verification system, increase in H1B visa limits, non-immigrant investor visas, changes in family preference categories which would reclassify spouses and minor children of permanent residents as immediate relatives and increase the allocations of Immigrant Visas

Asian Media USA

CHICAGO: Fifty Swamis including a dozen nuns of the Vivekananda Vedanta Society (VVS) and Ramakrishna Mission, coming from all over the world, were honored by the Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago (HTGC) on the evening of Friday, November 8 on behalf of the Diaspora of householders.

Bused in after a day of deliberations at the Vivekananda Monastery at Ganges, Mich., they came to the giant statue of their Founder Swami Vivekanand - that they venerated and circumambulated before granting a brief audience to the awaiting devotees at the adjacent meditation center named after him.

Cont’d on page 23

to name a few.

In a bipartisan effort, the US Senate passed the Bill S.744 "Border, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013 by 68 to 32 votes on June 27, 2013. Most of the Democrat and several GOP Senators supported the bipartisan effort to get the bill passed by the Senate. It now

provisions of the Senate Bill and believe that the House will also support most of the provisions contained in S.744. However, there are some provisions that need to be modified as these are contrary to the family reunification, which is the corner stone of Immigration laws," the FIA memorandum added.

restricting age of 31 years for married sons and daughters of US Citizens under Family in third preference will result in separation of married children from their parents and other family members. Both these family preference categories have played an important role in the family reunification of immigrant families. We urge congress

Ankur Vaidya, Yash Pal Soi, Ramesh Patel, Congressman Pete Sessions, Shalli Kumar and Srujal Parekh

needs the approval of the House of Representatives where Republicans are in majority.

"We fully support most of the

The elimination of family fourth preference category (brothers and sisters of US Citizen) would cause separation of families. Similarly

and seek your support for not making any changes in both of these categories, it said.

Cont’d on page 19

Temple honors visiting monks for Vivekananda Anniversary

Visiting monks onstage at HTGC Sama Rathi auditorium. Seated on the floor before them are members of the HTGC temple committee

Community Across America

November 22, 2013

India Post 19

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Air India on-board meal - a delightful experience RAMESH SOPARAWALA & ASIAN MEDIA USA

CHICAGO: Flying high with one of the premier world airlines, Air India, the Flying Food Caterers in Schiller Park (Chicago suburb), have proved to be a good team touching the heart and mind of air travelers through their stomach.

Varieties of food - for breakfast, lunch, dinner and deserts - keeping in mind the religious sensitivities, have earned Air India a name and in no small measure Flying Food can also take credit for that.

As put by Vasant Pahiddey, one of the chefs with three decades of experience under his belt, Air India serves as a good model for other airliners too. "Indian food," he said with obvious pride, "is getting global acceptance and many other world airlines might have some of our items in their food menu."

Air India Chicago Chief Rishiknant Singh said that it was Air India that came out with the concept of Flying Kitchen that is cooking in the air, but gave it up for logistic reasons. "Now a few airlines have picked it up, but we can legitimately take credit for it," he said. Air India, he added, can take credit not only for offering varieties of dishes to its passengers - Gujarati vegetarian food, Jain food with no garlic onion, Punjabi and South Indian food, Halal food for Muslims - you name it and we have it. "More importantly, we have online facilities for the travelers to select the food that they want from the list and we see to it that they get it," he said.

Air India Chicago had organized a food tasting event for the ethnic Indian media recently at Flying Food Caterers facility in Schiller Park so that the traveling

The Air India and Flying Food Team (L to R) Vasant Pahiddey, Daryl Bottenhagen, John Dagote, Rishikant Singh, Katherine Thorat and Sunny Thomas

all the time. Present on the occasion were co-hosts, Katherine Thorat Air India Midwest Sales chief, and Sunny Thomas, popular Airport Manager. They wel-

• Baby Meal/Infant Food (Vegetarian/Non-Vegetarian) • Bland Meal (Vegetarian/NonVegetarian) • Diabetic Meal (Vegetarian/

Some of the food items served on board

comed media guests and made them feel at home.

Flying Food Servair General Manager Daryl Bottenhagen also addressed the media and informed, "We follow GMP standards and our facilities are regularly checked by Schiller Park and Federal health authorities." He highlighted different facets of food preparation and facility manage-

Air India Chefs Bina Margaret and Vasant Pahieddy

public at large can get well informed about their choice food and also get more convinced that Air India Maharaja is at their service

"Her duty starts at 3 a.m. in the morning as she has to see that the Air India patrons in all the classes flying by 1-30 pm are well served," Katherine Thorat said.

Non-Vegetarian) • Fruit Platter Meal • Gluten Intolerant Meal (Vegetarian/Non-Vegetarian)Hindu Meal • Kosher Meal • Low Calorie Meal (Vegetarian/ Non-Vegetarian) • Low Fat Meal (Vegetarian/ Non-Vegetarian) • Low Salt Meal (Vegetarian/ Non-Vegetarian) • Moslem Meal • Low Lactose Meal (Vegetarian/Non-Vegetarian) • Vegetarian Raw Meal • Seafood Meal - (only in first & executive classes) • Special Meal -(needs to be specified) • Vegan Meal - (vegetarian meal without dairy products) • Jain Meal - (vegetarian meal without roots & tubers) • Lacto-Ovo Meal (vegetarian meal with dairy products & eggs) • Vegetarian Oriental Meal

ment, along with his team of executive chefs and cooking experts. For Indian food, Bina Margaret is a lead person for the past many years.

Sunny Thomas invited all to the area where meal service tray for each of the three classes of service in appropriate crockery were on display for inspection. Vasant Pakhiddey, the Indian chef of Flying Foods held forth on different items being served in the flight and types of meal which included Jain, Continental, Vegetarian and Nonvegetarian foods. He fielded queries regarding the preparation, time taken, various processes, the kitchen facility regarding hygienic care, quality, and certification.

Rishikant Singh added that Air India is noted for its onboard cuisine, the choice of beverages and hot and cold food served with traditional hospitality. The choice of cheeses, wines and aperitifs are a delight to experience on their nonstop flights to Delhi.

The meal sampling that followed from the myriad choice in the menu served onboard was a great experience. Not only was the taste very good, the health issue was attended to by no visible oil or heavy spices. It was a gastronomical delight for all media participants.

Air India offers the following types of meals: • Vegetarian Hindu Meal/Asian Vegetarian/Hindu Vegetarian

FIA memo for correcting flaws in new Immigration Bill Cont’d from page 18

The FIA noted that another area of major concern of US employers of foreign nationals relates to hiring of foreign skilled workers in H1B and L1 visas, which will be subjected to serious restrictions and would therefore face alterations in almost every respect, particularly for the high volume employers.

"While we understand the concern of the Congress on fraud and misuse in these categories and concern about displacement of US workers, there are already several anti-fraud features existing and also incorporated in the bill, including DOL authority to conduct LCA investigations as and when required," the memorandum stated.

The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut established in the year 1970, is one of the largest umbrella organizations in the Indian community representing and providing grassroot support to over 500,000 mem-

ber strong vibrant Asian-Indian community.

FIA understands there are certain disagreements between the S744 and proposed bills in House of Representative, mainly the passage of Comprehensive Immigration Reform Bill vs. piece meal legislation, such as Dream Act, Stem Act, Guest workers, Border, Security, and Enforcement etc. and whether Path to Citizenship, should be provided to aliens in unlawful status or undocumented aliens.

These issues can be resolved in a bipartisan effort. The S.744 Border Security, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Modernization Act is the way that sets out an Immigration structure, addresses vital elements not included in the past immigration reform efforts.

The memorandum was signed

by Ramesh Patel, Chairman of FIA; Sanjay Amin, president of FIA (2013), Ankur Vaidya (Presidentelect for 2014) and Michael Phulwani, legal counsel of FIA.

Community Across America

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November 22, 2013

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BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir celebrates Diwali SANDIP PATEL

CHICAGO: With a beautifully decorated Mandir, fireworks lighting up the night sky and displays of various types of sweets and food dishes, a festive ambiance was created at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Bartlett recently to observe one of the most renowned Hindu festivals of the year.

The foundation of Diwali is based in the belief of dispelling darkness with light. The festival is celebrated over five days, with each day carrying its own unique significance. Festivities began on Saturday, October 26 with hundreds of kids and parents coming for Children's Diwali Celebration.

The program included fun-filled games and activities to help learn more about their cultural traditions.

meaning to the significance of this holiday. This year, in a technologydriven exhibit with laser equipment, videos, social media, and environment-friendly decorations, traditional values were combined with modern science to celebrate the theme of "Mandir Inspires‌" Several of the attendees included school groups from the surrounding DuPage County. Dr Vieille, a teacher at Carpentersville Middle School, has started a globalization program at the school to teach students more about diversity. She especially made sure that her class came to the BAPS Mandir on a field trip during Diwali to learn more about Hinduism and Indian traditions. She said, "I'm really glad I had the chance to visit the Mandir today with my class

Fireworks at BAPS Mandir

Carnival games were set up to illustrate traditions and teachings from the epic story of the festival.

Celebrations continued on the actual day of Diwali with a grand fireworks show on November 3. A unique production that combined inspiring videos, traditional dances, and energetic music was organized in conjunction with the show. As fireworks soared over the Mandir, children waved glow-inthe dark wands while enjoying the breathtaking colors of the Mandir.

Monday, November 4, was the very first day of the Hindu New Year, time of reflection, and resolution. It is also an occasion for giving thanks, and is traditionally celebrated with the Annakut - literally, 'a mountain of food'. This is a grand offering of hundreds of different vegetarian food items, prepared lovingly by devotees, to thank God for His providence over the past year and to seek His blessings for the year ahead.

Each year, the BAPS Mandir also holds a themed exhibition showcasing important values and Hindu traditions that give a deeper

and appreciate the cultural diversity that this community has to offer. By coming to the Mandir today, I was really able to develop an understanding of Hinduism

Diwali at BAPS Mandir in Bartlett

and Indian culture and the children really gained an appreciation for it as well."

Reflecting on the scenes of the day compared to celebrations back home in India, Consul General of India, Dr Ausaf Sayeed said, "This is my first Diwali in the US and it has been an extremely humbling experience and a bonding factor in the Indian community. I am so amazed by seeing how Diwali is being celebrated here and how it has been spiritualized. The use of modern-day technology to explain the importance behind the Mandir is a great message to give to young children today and everybody deserves great appreciation for putting together this celebration! In this world, we are often separated by our different ideologies, but at the Mandir here today, a message of peace is given to everyone and it is great that everyone can experience it."

The dedication and tireless efforts of the volunteers was evident in every aspect of the celebration as well. Peter Roskam, US Congressman from the 6th District,

Annakut at BAPS Mandir

was extremely impressed with the festivities and seeing participation from youth in particular. "By fostering a spirit of volunteerism, BAPS has found a nice balance

with community members helping each other and also helping others outside their Indian community - that's really the spirit of America!"

A section of the devotees

Hamdard granted Health Center status HARISH RAO

CHICAGO: Hamdard, a Chicago based no profit body, was bestowed with Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) status on November 7. It will enable both its sites in Addison and in Chicago sites to become New Access Points which will offer a range of primary care and specialized health services beginning March 1, 2014.

Over 600 applications were submitted from across the state and Hamdard was one of the 236 organizations in the Nation that received this award. Hamdard will now begin the transition from a comprehensive social service organization to a Patient Centered Medical Home.

Dr Mohammad Hamid, CEO Hamdard, said that this status reaffirms Hamdard's recognition as a valuable community asset. US Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) said, "With the help of these federal re-

sources and thanks to the dedication of local partners and the commitment and hard work of their staff, community healthcare centers like the Hamdard Center for Health & Human Services ensure that families across Illinois continue to have access to high-quality primary healthcare."

Specifically, the FQHC award means the organization will be able to provide even more increased access to primary and specialized care in the form of 27,938 visits in the first year of its PCMH. At the same time, Hamdard will serve more people in need of such care.

The organization is positioned well to fulfill the unmet need for access to primary health care of over 118,000 low-income, uninsured people who are currently under served by current FQHCs. Lastly, this expansion of services translates into job creation for the local economy.

Community Across America

November 22, 2013

India Post 21

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Big celebration of Deepavali at Grays Lake temple SURENDRA ULLAL

CHICAGO: Grays Lake Hindu temple along with scores of others in Chicagoland celebrated Deepavali with lot of enthusiasm and devotion spanning three days beginning November 1 to Dhanteras Poojan by Pt Joshi Ji with hundreds of devotees.

Kali Chaudas Poojan on the second day was performed by a

Lord Bharava poojan. On Deepavali day, a beautiful saree was offered to Ma Durga made with different country currencies, which was unique and unusual.

Geetha Patil had made this saree deeming it Vaibhav Alankar. This was the main attraction of the festival for hundreds of devotees.

Rangoli and hundreds of diyas

Ma Durga with Vaibhav Alankar

large number of people. Pandit Ji requested devotees to wear black dresses and bring black offerings made with black sesame and jaggery. Ma Durga was also dressed with beautiful black saree.

Ladies performed Chausat Yogin Devi Poojan and gents performed

were lighted in the temple with prayers for inner enlightenment.

Deepavali poojan was started with Lord Ganesh, and Ma Laxmi poojan and archana followed by Maha Mangalarati and Prasadam.

Melodious devotional Bhajans were sung by Rita Patel, Atul Soni

Annakut items at the Temple

and Kamlesh Desai. Laxmi Prasad in the form of blessed coins was distributed to all devotees.

On November 9, the temple celebrated Annakut where people offered their thanks to Lord Krishna by presenting various vegetarian delicacies with lot of devotion. According to Pandit Anil Joshi, in Dwapara Yuga, people offered home-made food to Shri Govardhan Parvat as directed

by Lord Krishna. From that day people started offering Annakut to Lord Krishna every year after Deepavali.

This year almost 120 items were offered by devotees to Lord Krishna, Balaji, Ram Parivar and Ma Durga equally for the first time on the Mata ki Chowki day. Poojan was started by 5:30pm and Bhajans were sung by Anu Gupta, Naveen Mishra and their team.

Pandit Ganeshji and Joshiji offered Bhoga to the deities and Maha Mangalarati was performed followed by Maha Prasadam. Pandit Joshi gave blessings for prosperity, harmony, peace, purity and spiritual upliftment to all devotees and requested all the India community people to come together on one platform for all the future functions.

He also gave vote of thanks to volunteers and devotees.

22 India Post

Community Across America

November 22, 2013

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Six Gam Patidar Samaj holds colorful Diwali Asian Media USA

CHICAGO: Six Gam Patidar Samaj (SGPS) hosted a splendid Diwali Dinner Celebration with SGPS families, friends, and relatives on Saturday, November 9 at India House Banquet in Schaumburg, a northwest suburb of Chicago Speeches were short matched by delicious traditional Diwali live entertainment, dazzling decoration, mouth watering food and cultural program blended with vibrant dances.

SGPS-Chicago secretary Nirav Amin and Binti Patel emceed the event which started with welcome speech by SGPS-Chicago president Diptesh Desai and progressed with a classical Hindu prayer.

The keynote speech was given by activist Beenaben Patel, followed by speeches from guests and the cultural performances.

SGPS-Chicago promotes education by awarding student of the year awards every year for High School graduates. The winner of "Student of the year" award for 2013 was Mihir Desai. Academic Excellence was given to Shiv Desai.

SGPS-Chicago Chairperson introduced the young and dynamic board of Directors and Board of Trustees to the community by inviting them on the stage. Secretary Nirav Amin proposed a "Vote of Thanks". Dinner was accom-

Diya ceremony by community senior lady members

panied with live entertainment: Music by Amit Patel, and singers Ajay Bhatia and Radhika. The dance floor was open with DJ Abhi Trivedi's music. The raffle prize winner was announced and a prize

was awarded. The event concluded with traditional Gujarati Garba round on the dance floor.

Executive Board for 2013 comprises: President-Diptesh Desai, Vice President-Jatin Patel, Trea-

A section of the audience

surer-Tushar Patel, SecretaryNirav Amin, Joint SecretaryShaunak Patel.

Board of Trustees 2013 are: Rajesh Patel-Chairperson, Mitesh Patel-Vice Chairperson, Sanjiv

Patel, Kamlesh K Patel, Ritesh Patel, Dilip Patel, Vanleela Amin, Virendra Desai, Hiren Patel, Lina Patel, Dikunj Desai, Tapan Desai, Miral Patel, Ashish Amin, Rakesh Amin and Rajal Ami.

Cultural program by SGPS youth members

St Louis Gujarati Samaj celebrates Diwali ASHWIN PATEL

ST LOUIS: A front-ranking ethnic organization, Gujarat Samaj of St Louis, celebrated its annual event and Diwali festival in a grand manner at St. Ann community Center on Saturday November 9.

Over 500 members attended the event that was coordinated successfully by Executive Committee of St. Louis Gujarati Samaj. The event started at 6pm with a social hour where community members wished each other Happy Diwali and Saal Mubarak.

The dinner event started at 7pm with opening remarks by President Sanjay Patel. He greeted all those present with Diwali and New Year wishes. He listed the activities that the Samaj undertook during his leadership. Thanking his Commitee, volunteers, members and everybody for the generous support that he had, he pitched for the younger generation of members to come forward and give their time for the Samaj to carry on

the good work for the benefit of the community. "It is important that we here in our adopted country preserve and promote our Gujarati heritage and culture for

upcoming generations," he said.

The event concluded with delicious authentic Gujarati dishes.

This was followed by a live musical performance by Panorama

Musical Orchestra from India. Extraordinary vocal and instrumental talents of this musical group led by Harshit Chauhan, R. Ganesh and Vidya Shivling cap-

A section of the audience

tured and thoroughly entertained the audience for over three hours with golden oldies and new Hindi movie songs. The event was a grand success.

November 22, 2013

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India Post 23

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Temple honors visiting monks for Vivekananda Anniversary Cont’d from page 18

The packed Sama Rathi auditorium within the main temple complex was then treated to the unprecedented sight, as the curtain was raised, of the seated monks arrayed across three tiers of the grand stage as cameras kept flashing furiously. Six representative speeches, by way of greetings, were followed by a cultural program and dinner.

The main program at the auditorium began with an invocation of Ganesh and Tulsidas bhajan on Lord Rama. Prayers offered by the temple priests were followed by welcome speeches from HTGC past President Bhima Reddy and current President Tilak Marwaha.

Sanskrit prayers to Shri

Some of the devotees from abroad seated before the assembled monks

Staying with a family in Kolkata, he had walked barefoot in the scorching heat to Belur Math and was overwhelmed by the Dakshineshwar Kali temple and Shree Ramakrishna's room.

Indian Swami Nirmalatmananda from Sao Paulo spoke of Argentina and especially Brazil. "People are looking for something more despite 500 years of Christianity and language barriers."

Vivekananda left a mold to develop one's spiritual potential and translate it into service to humanity. He urged people to be strong; be rational and scientific and yet have sympathy for all forms of worship; learn to be calm and quiet inwardly even while engaged in intense external activity; and make spirituality a cheerful pursuit.

Indian Swami Baneshananda from Germany emphasized the principle of harmony through mutual acceptance, illustrated by the Rendering obeisance to the Swami ancient Hindu custom of family Vivekananda statue altars exhibiting multiple deities Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda, and each member practicing the reand Ganesha followed the light- ligion in his or her own way. General Secretary of Ramakrishna Mising of the auspicious lamp.

Minister-in-Charge of VVS Chi- sion Swami Suhitanandaji was cago Swami Ishatmananda enu- touched by the selflessness of all merated their far-away places of present: "the great man is he who origin. Swami Tyagananda from sacrifices the most, and India's Boston, who is chaplain at death will be the death of world Harvard and MIT, emphasized the spirituality." He cited Sister need for external festivities to be Nivedita's statement that Hindualso celebrated internally if they ism was born with its defense by Vivekananda defense at the World were to be long-lived.

American convert Swami Parliament of Religions.

Devotees who had accompaAtmajnananda from Washington DC recounted how, as a student nied the monks from faraway lands of Western and Indian philosophy, were invited to file before them across the stage and were appreciatively captured on photo to mark this historic occasion. They were followed by dedicated temple volunteers who had made this event possible.

Janaki Anandavalli Nair, Elizabeth Nellamattathil, Leah Lakshmana Kunneth, and Divya Pariti of Ananda Dance Theater Agadi made an unperform Dandayudhapaani Pillai's Thillana in ragam scheduled appearHindolam ance to felicitate he found what he was looking for Bhima Reddy, the "Hanuman of the when he picked up the Gita and Temple," who was conferred plaque then a small book for five rupees on behalf of the monks and gave an on The Teachings of Vivekananda. emotional expression of gratitude

for this unexpected honor. Amrish Mahajan, Chair the HTGC celebration committee, and other members posed for photos with the monks.

The Mayor of Oakbrook Gopal Lalmalani and his wife also paid obeisance to the monks.

Chair of the HTGC Cultural Committee Usha Pariti then emceed classical dances presented

by Natya Dance Theater (NDT) and Ananda Dance Theater

(ADT). Asha Rowland (NDT) performed "Praise of the Goddess" (Devi Stuti) depicting her manifold expressions from the Lalita Sahasranamam.

Janaki Anandavalli Nair (ADT director), Elizabeth Nellamattathil, Leah Kunneth, and Divya Pariti, presented Baro Krishnayya in Kuchipudi style. Revati and Rohini Kalluri presented "Manifestations of Shiva" (NDT) in Bharata Natyam, followed by Dandayudhapaani Pillai's Thillana in ragam Hindolam by the same ADT team. Sacred Waters musical ensemble from South Bend, Indiana, sang interactive American-style bhajans to conclude the program.

Housed in its open dome, the imposing statue of the Swami in his self-confident pose that greets all visitors to the Lemont temple is a gift of the Ramakrishna Mission.

Originally intended to adorn that short stretch of Michigan Avenue

Revati and Rohini Kalluri from Natya Dance Theater perform "Manifestations of Shiva," here depicted mounted on his bull Nandi

before the Art Institute called "Swami Vivekananda Way," it seals the bond between the Hindu Diaspora community and his still ongoing mission.

Community Across America

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November 22, 2013

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Seniors celebrate Diwali with fanfare & enthusiasm SURENDRA ULLAL

CHICAGO: Bhartiya Seniors of Chicago (BSC) held Diwali celebrations here recently with great fanfare and enthusiasm.

Program began with Ganesh Vandana dance performed by Dancing Petals. Joint Secretary Rakshika Anjaria welcomed the guests and all members of the organization. Haribhai Patel, president of BSC, conducted ceremonial lamp lighting ceremony inviting guests on the podium.

Mafatbhai Patel often described

as Uncrowned King of Devon was joined by Narenbhai Patel of MedStar Lab, Chhotubhia Patel, Pareshbhai of Mega Circuit for the lamp lighting event. Haribhai Patel and Parashottam Pandya, Secretary BSC gave brief information about the organization.

After that Baria group performed Garba, Masti Group sang songs in memory of late Manna De. Air Tour, headed by Mafatbhai Patel, announced free Bahama Cruise 3 days package

Jayanti Oza recognized for his help with Award

Kadva Patidar Samaj of Chicago officials honoring BSC President Haribhai Patel with shawl

Thakorbhai Bhatt Committee member dancing with Dazzling Bollywood Masti's singer Sunny Jadhav

prize draw for one couple. Air India M a n a g e r Rishikant Singh announced free air ticket to any destination in India.

BSC President Haribhai Patel announced 5 Raffle prizes for senior members.

The BSC Committee announced Appreciation Awards for Lead-

ership, Dedication, Commitment to Committee Member Ramsingh Parmar, Treasurer Madarang Chavda, photographer Jayanti Oza and Midwest Bureau Chief of TV Asia Vandna Jhingan.

Kadva Patidar Samaj of Chicago trustee Narendra Patel, Jatin Patel, Joint Secretary Rajesh Desai, Board of Director Harshad Patel, honored BSC President Haribhai Patel by presenting a shawl for his leadership qualities.

The program ended with a vote of thanks and dinner.

Community Across America

November 22, 2013

India Post 25

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Swaminaryan temple celebrates Tulsi Vivah SURENDRA ULLAL & RAMESH SOPARAWALA

CHICAGO: Tulsi Vivah, a ceremonial marriage of the Tulsi plant (holy basil) to the Hindu god Vishnu, is celebrated across the Hindu world and Chicgoland could not be an exception with scores of temples organizing special programs to celebrate this festival on Kartiki Purnina that fell on November 16 this year.

Keeping up its traditions for many years, the Swaminarayan Temple in Itasca celebrated the festival in a unique way with two prominent Indian families coming forward to officiate as the parents of Lord Krishna and Mata Tulsi, and conducting the elaborate marriage ceremony lasting for three days beginning Thursday November 14 with Mehndi Rasam followed by Garbas next day. It culminated on Saturday with priests chanting Mantra at the wedding in the presence of hundreds of guests, friends and devotees of

The Matki represents good men and young ones carry them before arrival of Tulsi at the Lagna Mandap

Tulsi is venerated as a goddess in Hinduism and considered a wife of god Vishnu.

According to Hindu scriptures, Tulsi, is known as Vrinda (Brinda). She was married to the demon-king Jalandhar.

Bride Mata Tulsi and Bridegroom Lord Krishna being brought to Mandap with elaborate ritual

Tulsi Krishna Marriage ceremony in progress

The Baratis streaming in "Parents" of bride and groom

Lord Swaminaryan.

Hemal Rao and Mitul Rao with their wives Shital and Nisha took up the side of Mata Tulsi while Brahmbhat family - Vivek and Akasha - along with Lav and Rupa Desai picking up Lord Krishna's side. A ritualistic symbolic wedding ceremony of Mata Tulsi with Lord Krishna being officiated by priests chanting Vedic Mantras the children of Harish- Daksha Rao on one side those of Ramesh Brahmbhatt on the other turned out to be the biggest attraction and highlight of the newly four hours function.

Tulsi is venerated as a goddess in Hinduism and considered a wife of god Vishnu. According to Hindu scriptures, Tulsi, is known as Vrinda (Brinda). She was married to the demon-king Jalandhar. Due to her piety and devotion to Vishnu, her husband became invincible.

Even god Shiva, the destroyer

Final Mangal phera

in the Hindu Trinity could not defeat Jalandhar. So at the request of Shiva, Vishnu disguised himself as Jalandhar and violated the sanctity of Vrinda. Her chastity destroyed, Jalandhar was killed by Shiva. Vrinda cursed Vishnu to become black in color and be separated from his wife. Thus, the Tulsi Vivah, a popular Hindu ritual was celebrated at the Swami Narayana Temple in Roselle, transformed into the black Shaligram stone and in his Rama avtar his wife Sita was kidnapped by a demon king and thus separated from him.

The God transferred her soul to a plant which henceforth was called Tulsi. As per the blessing

by Lord Vishnu, Tulsi was married to him on Prabodhini Ekadeshi. To commemorate the ceremony, the Tulsi Vivah is performed across India and in other countries like UK, Australia, New Zealand and Caribbean where Hindus have migrated and settled in course of time.

Well over seven hundred people joined the festivities at the Itasca Swaminarayan Mandir which ended with Mangal Arati followed by distribution of Mahaprasad.

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November 22, 2013

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FIA honors Gadar heroes at Diwali Mela India Post News Service

FREMONT: The largest Diwali Mela and Fireworks organized by FIA and Fremont Hindu Temple in Bay Area dedicated a special area to Gadar heroes. Gadar movement was started by a few dedicated and committed brave Indian students at UC Berkeley hundred years ago in 1913 and was genesis of Independence struggle of India. It inspired heroes like Bhagat Singh and Subhash Chandra Bose. Gadar centenary was celebrated in Bay area with great fervor.

FIA Chairman and Convener Dr Romesh Japra, Mr Chandru Bhambhra, Ritu Maheshwari and Mr Rajesh Verma

"Bharat Yatra"- Rajasthan booth (L-R) Dr Kamal Pareek, Dr Romesh Japra, Ritu Maheshwari, Council member Ash Kalra, Neena Kapoor

Dr Romesh Japra, Convener and Chairman of FIA, said that Gadar heroes provide great inspiration to youth today and should be role models for commitment, dedication, valor and patriotism they displayed. As culmination to pan US Gadar celebrations, FIA and GOPIO will host a grand symposium on Gadar movement.

Many leaders and dignitaries from India are also expected to attend.

Dr Japra felicitated Mrs Ritu Maheshwari for her efforts and dedication to Gadar awareness

Gadar exhibit in "Bharat Yatra" at Diwali Mela and Fireworks

program and community services.

Ritu has been actively involved in creating awareness and organizing functions in Bay area to highlight sacrifices made by Gadar heroes.

On 26 October, Alameda County Fairgrounds adorned a festive look as it was decked up to host this year's Diwali festival.

Starting at 11am, people started trickling in with families to imbibe Indian ambience and enjoy all things Indian. About 20, 000 people attended this year

This year's unique feature was "Bharat Yatra" (Journey through India). Local organizations representing diverse Indian culture and different states worked hard to put together showcase of best things representing their state and culture. Historic, ethnic and cultural heritage were a treat to eyes for people visiting. Kids and adults alike got to see up close artifacts ranging from Samovar of Kashmir to Kalasam of Kerala.

Diwali Festival was ended with grand Fireworks.

Fundraising gala for Sankara Eye Hospital VIDYA SETHURAMAN India Post News Service

MILPITAS, CA: Sankara Eye Foundation achieved a major milestone of completing one million free eye surgeries on March 4.To raise funds for the upcoming 200 bed Sankara Eye Hospital (SEH) in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, the Focus Rajasthan Group of Sankara Eye Foundation (SEF) hosted a fundraising gala at the Malavalli auditorium at the India Community Center in Milpitas, California, on Saturday, November 16.

The goal of the gala was to raise the remaining $500,000 by the end of 2013 of the $ 2.0 million needed

for the hospital construction.

Around 350 guests attended the function that commenced with a social hour and continued with a light music by Audigy systems, messages by SEF Chairman Murali Krishnamurthi, C.N.Srivatsan Hon Director of SEF, Dr Kaushik Murali Director Operations and Mr Bharath Director Administration from India. The program ended with melodious musical renditions on old and new musical numbers from Bollywood.

Many US based Fortune 500 companies like Cisco, Oracle, Apple, Microsoft, Bank of America and others contribute dollar-todollar donations by employees

Mr Bharat, Dr Kaushik, Mr C.N.Srivatsan

towards certified charities. A $500 donation by an employee of any of these companies results in $1000 into the kitty of the charity.

"The Mission of the Sankara Eye Foundation is to totally eradicate curable blindness from India", said Mr. Murali Krishnamurthy, Executive chairman of SEF. He urged everyone to come forward and help the noble cause and a mere $30 per month would save the vision of one patient.

Sankara Eye Foundation, a non-profit organization, works toward eliminating curable blindness in India. SEF's mission is to realize its goal of "Vision 20/20 by 2020" having 20 best in class eye hospi-

Mr Murali Krishnamurthy, SEF Executive Chairman

tals in India, performing free eye surgeries to the rural blind. SEF has established nine hospitals across India with a total of 2000 beds and 1300 staff including 125 doctors and 600 paramedics.

Today, Sankara is the largest and the fastest growing free eye care provider in the World performing over 150,000 free eye surgeries annually for the rural poor in India. Each of Sankara's state of the art hospital offers comprehensive eye care services including treatment for cataract, glaucoma, cornea and refractive surgery, diabetic retinopathy, ocular oncology and pediatric ophthalmology.

November 22, 2013

Community Across America

India Post 27

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Diwali celebrated with great International shopping expo at Holiday Bazaar devotion at BAPS Mandir India Post News Service

CHINO HILLS, CA: This year's Diwali festival was celebrated with great devotion at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Chino Hills, California.

The festivities commenced with the Children's Diwali Celebration on November 2. Before making their way to the carnival games, rides, and food, children and their parents participated in an interactive exhibition explaining the significance of the five days of Diwali. Zina Patel, a volunteer for one booth, especially enjoyed explaining background basics to children. Zina mentioned, "It helps other kids learn about the significance of Diwali, and I get

an opportunity to expand my knowledge, too."

The Ferris wheel, pony rides, and rock climbing, among other rides, contributed to the festive atmosphere of the Children's Diwali Celebration. A train ride circled the carnival game booths and food booths. Megha Joshi,

mother of two young children, was touched by her daughter's active volunteer involvement, saying, "Culture and family fun come naturally here at the mandir."

In the evening, devotees joined in a Hanuman Puja, offering prayers for a prosperous year ahead. The evening aarti was followed by a beautiful light show.

Chino Hills Mayor Peter Rogers commended the light show, saying he was "appreciative of the aesthetics‌to see the combination of the lights on the Mandir coordinated with the music."

On November 3, devotees gath-

Diwali Celebration at BAPS Chino Hills Mandir

ered with family and friends to participate in the Chopda Pujan, a special ceremony for families to receive blessings for the upcom-

ing New Year. Traditionally, this is the day to close account books for the year and open new ones in preparation for the year ahead.

Hundreds of ledgers were blessed during the ceremony to the accompaniment of Vedic chants and prayers. A Saraswati Pujan for children was held alongside the Chopda Pujan.

Children offered their prayers for excellence in education for the New Year.

As the sun began to set, families gathered around the mandir and lotus fountain for the outdoor Diwali Cultural Program, showcasing a musical drama capturing the story of Bhakta Prahlad.

The audience joined in a maha aarti, a Hindu ritual of waving lighted wicks before the murti of Bhagwan as an act of spiritual enlightenment. The night concluded with a spectacular a light and music show, as colorful lights illuminated the exterior of the mandir, complemented by the dancing water

fountain and traditional music in the foreground.

On November 4, devotees gathered early in the morning to offer their prayers on the first day of the New Year. Devotees graciously greeted one another and spread wishes for a happy and prosperous New Year. All were dressed in traditional attire and shared mutual sentiments of excitement and joy. Throughout the day, visitors attended the hourly services to see the beautifully arranged lights and rangolis, unique floor designs made with colored rice and powder.

One unique aspect of celebrating the New Year is the offering of an arrangement of food items called Annakut, literally meaning "a mountain of food." The devotees worked tirelessly for a number of weeks to prepare the colorful array of vegetarian food items to be offered to Bhagwan, creating an aura of togetherness amongst all those involved.

Congressman Ed Royce of California's 39th district and Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee attended the New Year celebrations. Representative Royce was honored during the event and was pleased by the lively, festive atmosphere.

Visitors to the mandir walked through a unique and interactive exhibition designed and created by a collaboration of youth volunteers. The exhibition highlighted the significance of mandirs, Hinduism, and BAPS, inspired by Pramukh Swami Maharaj.

Ritu Nischal and Dr Romesh Japra

VIDYA SETHURAMAN India Post News Service

SANTA CLARA, CA: Universal Media Access and Shor Media in association with Matrix Insurance Agency presented Holiday Bazaar 2013 on November 10 at Santa Clara Convention Center, CA. This free international shopping expo featured 80 merchants from around the Bay Area of all backgrounds and goods including health, beauty, decor, finance, fashion, jewelry, and styling.

The grand event was attended by over 2000 from all over the Bay and showcased the best in class dance and martial arts performance from Russia, China, Middle East, India and Mexico.

Exhibitors from all around the re-

gion sold a variety of handmade items such as jewelry, pottery, yard art and knitted hats, gloves and scarves, arts, crafts, handmade cosmetics. The event was spon-

sored by Matrix Insurance agency, La Salsa Mexican Grill.

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Community Across America

November 22, 2013

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Nandalala Mission hosting 'Parama Prema' concert India Post News Service

FREMONT, CA: Nandalala Mission, a 501(c) (3) entity located in the Bay area has a long history of community service throughout the United States.

This 100% volunteer run organization focuses on nurturing children's fullest potential through educational, cultural and service-oriented activities.

Founded in 1997, as a chapter of the Nandalala Seva Samithi Trust in Chennai, India, Nandalala Mission (NM) now offers a myriad of community services in the local geography under the guidance of its Founder, Pujyasree Mathioli Saraswathy.

Some of its ongoing projects include: • Back to School Drive - For the past 8 years, NM has delivered filled

backpacks to local elementary and high school students, increasing the students served every year. In 2013, Nandalala Mission delivered over 100 backpacks in the SFO Bay Area, and over 200 nationwide. It also distributed headsets to 200 students to an elementary school in Milpitas, CA to assist in multimedia learning.

• Youth Concert Series - NM has given children in California, New Jersey and Florida, opportunities to exhibit their musical talents in a supportive and nurturing environment through hosted concerts.

Performers are recognized with a trophy, certificate and cash award of $20. Hundreds of children have availed of this opportunity over the last 10 years and we now have a long waitlist of student performers.

• Matruseva or the Community Meal Program - Every month, NM

volunteers purchase groceries, cook and serve a hot, healthful breakfast at the Boccardo Family Living Center in San Jose, CA. Brown bag lunches are also prepared and delivered to over 120 people at Family Supportive Housing Shelter in San Jose, CA, as well as regular service in LA and New Jersey.

• Project Balakrishna - NM recognizes the health benefits of dairy products for children. With that in mind, NM volunteers including teenagers, supply milk and butter on a regular basis to Abode Services in Fremont, CA which hosts many families with children.

• Adding Life to Life - This health awareness program creates a forum for the community to hear from health professionals who offer insights and guidance for healthy living. Programs have been

initiated in SFO and LA communities in the US. As NM community service activities have grown from strength to strength, even though it has abundant volunteer resources, it

curity and worry when the flame of divine love is kindled in our heart. The spirit and philosophical essence of the poem elevate us to experience oneness with the Lord.

Varadarajan has chosen selections from 'Parama Prema' is a Sanskrit this poem as the theme for her school's music phrase that describes a performance. She has state of unconditional and selected musical compositions in various Infull love - a pure, dian languages by reblissful love of God nowned composers to highlight the fundafinds itself limited by financial re- mental themes woven in sources. In an effort to address this Kulashekara's poem. The music need, Nandalala Mission is host- concert will be presented in a traing a benefit musical concert on ditional manner by South Indian November 23rd at the Spangenberg vocalists.

Auditorium in Palo Alto.

Selected verses of Sangeetha Vishushi Smt. Kulashekara's poem will introduce Jayashree Varadarajan, Founder of each item. Following the direct Sri Rama Lalitha Kala Mandir translation of each verse, the stuSchool of Fine Arts, in Sunnyvale, dents will present a musical comis producing and performing Pro position that mirrors the thematic Bono, a unique production called content of the verse.

"Parama Prema, A Celebration of There will be over one hundred Divine Love", expressing the spirit students for the two-hour musical of selfless service through music. performance. Paired with authenTwo organizations, which col- tic costumes, beautiful narration lectively have served the Bay and a talented orchestra, the exArea for over 40 years, are coming quisite rendering of pure classical together to raise funds for the ben- music by vocalists promises to be efit of the community. an exhilarating and uplifting expeNM Founder Pujyasree rience.

Mathioli Saraswathy will be atVaradarajan has made a remarktending this event which is set to able contribution to the Bay Area benefit many lives. for the last three decades by trainAbout the Program: ing students in the challenging 'Parama Prema' is a Sanskrit discipline of Carnatic vocal music. phrase that describes a state of The annual music productions, unconditional and full love - a which have become a tradition of pure, blissful love of God. In this the school, are evidence of the rigstate, the devotee does not seek orous training the students have anything from the Lord other than received.

The mission of Sri Rama Lalitha more and more devotion itself; everything else loses significance. Kala Mandir School of Fine Arts This state is called Parama Prema is to enrich lives by imparting a or Paraa Bhakti; it is love for love's thorough knowledge of Carnatic own sake. It is this purity of love (South Indian Classical) Music to all students, regardless of backthat illuminates the truth in life.

The performance is based on ground. The multi-dimensional, selections from Mukunda-maalaa holistic teaching of this ancient art (a garland of verses in praise of form goes beyond mere singing to Sri Mukunda), an exquisite poem develop aware, caring and disciexpressing the purest devotion to plined citizens of the world.

The school has a reputation for God composed by Kulashekara Aalvar, a 6-7th century king of producing unique and innovative Kerala. Kulashekara was an ardent productions that are of outstanddevotee of Lord Narayana and was ing music quality. Whether in the very well versed in Sanskrit and intimate setting of a temple or in Tamil. The king devotee sets a the grand operatic setting of a great example by truly living a modern auditorium, the school's spiritual life amidst all of his productions focus on uncomproworldly possessions and respon- mising quality, accuracy and emotive content of musical delivery. sibilities.

Most musical performances are His poem serves as a source of inspiration for its listeners. geared towards community serThrough the poem, we gain a vice, ranging from fundraising for glimpse of the relationship be- a personal belief and cause to relitween the Lord and a true devo- gious celebrations, cultural tee. We learn about the spiritual events, and festivals. Produced practices that bring us closer to under the artistic leadership of God. We get an idea of the maj- Smt. Jayashree Varadarajan, these esty, power and mercifulness of events receive local, national and God. We become free from inse- international acclaim.

November 22, 2013

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India Post 29

30 India Post

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India Post News service

NEW DELHI: Celebrating the spirit of the color Orange, Camera Unlimited, an image-makers collective, has brought to the capital city a photography exhibition, 'Tangerine Tales' which brings together the work of established as well as upcoming photographers.

Inaugurating the exhibition at Arpana Caur Academy of Fine Art and Literature in South Delhi, well known film and television actress Sushma Seth said, "It is good to see expression of different artists in the same color." She complimented the organizers

November 22, 2013

for the wonderful idea.

Each of the participating photographers has interpreted the theme in an absolutely different manner. From a peeling orange wall depicting disturbed calmness to the explosion of vibrant expressions and colors of festival Holi , from abstracts in still life to surreal frames in motion, sunrise to sunset, the contradictions in the photographs may be obvious yet they are all tied by the common thread of

From L to R: Ravi Dhingra, Sushma Seth, Shilpi, Sobha Jolly & Lubna Sen, lighting the lamp

Krishan Sharma

Rohit Kumar Shoba Jolly

color orange.

Ravi Dhingra, curator of the show, says, "Each work narrates a tale. Though it is the 8th exhibition in the series, this is the first time we have chosen a color as a theme."

The 12 artists figuring in the show are: Ahmed Firoz, Ambika Sethi, Dinesh Sethi, Krishan Sharma, Lubna Sen, Marta Martinez, Nitin Arjun, Rajesh Ramakrishnan, Rohit Kumar, Shilpi Choudhuri, Shivani Punia and Shoba Jolly One of the most eye-catching pictures is an Angkor Wat temple in human form against the background of an orange sky. "Orange is my favorite color," says artist Krishan Sharma. "It is source of immense energy. It is also a healing color. Being a Buddhist, it invokes and reminds me of the color of compassion." Of another photo of figurine of happy faces, he says, "It signifies joy and happiness amongst people of India."

Cont'd on Page 31

November 22, 2013

India Post 31 www.indiapost.com

Hindi cinema has united India: TRIUMPH OF ORANGE Delhi exhibition highlights the Girish Karnad VINOD DHAWAN India Post News Service

NEW DELHI: It was odd to find Dr Girish Karnad, eminent author and noted cinema and theater personality delivering the Jawaharlal Nehru memorial lecture organized by the Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Limited (IFFCO).

The link, as he explained, was the iconic movie 'Manthan' in which he participated as actor and writer and which successfully spread the message of the cooperative movement. The theme of his lecture was 'Indian Cinema and

guage markets, from the very start Hindi cinema reached out to grasp the whole of India. It ignored the specific problems of the Hindi region totally and carefully made films which could attract audiences in far corners of the country.

It thus created a totally new environment in which for the first time in the entire history of India the same work of entertainment was being enjoyed and shared by different people in different parts of India at the very same time."

The second factor was the language of these films. People who

Dr Girish Karnad delivering IFFCO Jawaharlal Nehru Cooperative Lecture 2013 in New Delhi

the Creation of Nation' in which he contended that not only cinema reflected the development of each era, it also influenced the life of the people of that period.

Dr Karnad said he wanted to tackle the question how the Indian cinema, which started life as a cheap form of entertainment, "despised by the cultural and political leaders and held in suspicion by the very society it sought to entertain, had managed to become in the eyes of the world the glory of India?"

Answering the question, he said, "While most regional cinemas concentrated on their lan-

did not understand Hindi all over India could understand this language. Karnad claims that, "In fact, generations after generations people in non-Hindi regions of India learnt Hindi thanks to the films."

The third factor was music.

"With the arrival of sound, movies in the West began to talk while in India they began to sing. And they never looked back; there was now a distinctly Indian Cinema.

The fear of competition from outside (Hollywood) simply disappeared overnight."

India's love of music Karnad traced to the Bhakti tradition and

Sufism, both of which insisted that you could approach God without rituals. "It was enough to surrender to him, sing out to him."

Karnad said, "Today, we take the term 'Indian Music' for granted as though such an entity was always there ready-made and easily understood everywhere. Not so.

It is a product painfully and sensitively created by our music directors of the forties and fifties S.D Burman, Naushad Ali, C. Ramachandra, and so many more.

They borrowed from folk music, used classical tunes, plundered rock music and Western pop, which they remolded to Indian rhythms and lilt, to create an Indian idiom."

Later, talking to reporters, Karnad said Indian cinema was doing extremely well and it should not be judged by Western parameters. "I think the films that are being made are very good. We should not judge by Western standards.

We say why don't our films get Oscars? Why do we need an Oscar? Suddenly, AR Rahman becomes great because he got an Oscar but he was great even before that."

Karnad believes Indian cinema has successfully warded off Hollywood invasion because of its song and dance tradition. "If we would have made films like Satyajit Ray, continued without song and dance, we would have been swallowed up by Hollywood by now. Our songs and dancers have protected us. So, why should we give up our strength?" he added.

It is noteworthy that like many other Indian personalities, Dr Karnad also has links with America. In 1987-88, he was at the University of Chicago as Visiting Professor. During his tenure, 'Nagamandala' had its world premiere at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis based on Dr Karnad's English translation of the Kannada original. In 1994 he was honored with Honorary Doctorate by the University of Southern California.

color of energy & compassion

Krishan Sharma with Sushma Seth Cont'd from Page 30

Ambika Sethi has used a bubble as a metaphor of orange.

"A bubble encases all that is good and the minute it breaks, we are thrown open to reality. This is my little 'tangerine tale'," she says.

Shoba Jolly found the orange color symbolizing hope and happiness during her travels. "For me, it's an extremely happy color.

There's a picture of granthis dressed in blue carrying orange bags. The picture shows the happiness and energy that Sikhism brings."

Rohit Kumar also finds orange as a source of energy. "My work called Faith has orange tilak on a deity. Another artwork of mine symbolizes devotion. Somewhere all this boils down to energy."

Rajesh Ramakrishnan has a striking photograph of orange stripes on a dull gray staircase.

Another has a fringe of marigold around floating candles and also

one of the dismembered hand of Goddess Durga in the midst of rubble. He says, "I have seen orange not just as a color but as energy that transforms the surrounding environment."

Dinesh Sethi

„ Health

Line

FDA issues stern warning on Medtronic devices WASHINGTON: Federal health officials say that defects in some Medtronic devices used in heart procedures are severe enough that they could cause serious injury or death.

The warning covers about 15,000 recalled guidewires, which are inserted through an artery and used to guide other devices into place, such as stents to hold open blocked arteries.

A recall of the guidewires began Oct. 21 after Medtronic received reports of four complaints, including one patient who went into cardiac arrest but was resuscitated, company spokesman Joseph McGrath said.

The recall notice warned hospitals and distributors worldwide that coating on the guidewires could break off, which could raise the possibility of blocking a blood vessel. The wires are coated to make them slide through blood vessels more easily.

Medtronic announced that the Food and Drug Administration had classified the recall as Class I, a category reserved for products with reasonable potential to cause serious injury or death.

The Minneapolis company said the recall affected certain lots made since April. The company said it has taken steps to prevent new shipments of the wires. It also has notified regulators around the world. -AP

„ New $754M Indy hospital offers sun-filled design INDIANAPOLIS: Indiana's newest hospital is nearly ready to open following an open house that showed off its sun-filled interior and unusual design features that include a rooftop garden.

Indianapolis' new Eskenazi Hospital debuted during a public open house ahead of its Dec. 7 opening. The $754 million hospital will replace Wishard Hospital and will serve mostly poor and underinsured patients.

The Indianapolis Star reports the new hospital is the latest addition in Indiana's decade-long hospital construction boom.

The new 315-bed hospital is designed to be bright and welcoming, with sunlight entering patient rooms, waiting rooms and hallways and with public areas filled with colorful art.

Hospital officials say the goal is to offer comfort to people entering the hospital's doors for what's often a frightening, highstress experience. -AP

Health Science 32 India Post

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November 22, 2013

New Army order clears way for benefits Details on Page 34

Republicans see health care law as big opportunity WASHINGTON: Republicans have been emboldened by the calamitous startup of President Barack Obama's signature health care overhaul, viewing it as an opportunity to boost their chances in the 2014 election when control of Congress will be at stake.

They are taking advantage of Obama's assurance that Americans could keep health insurance coverage they liked under the health care law which Congress passed in 2010.

That has proved untrue for several million Americans, igniting a public uproar that has forced Obama to reverse himself on part of the law and sent many Democrats scrambling into political selfpreservation mode ahead of next year's congressional elections.

TV attack ads have already begun airing in Democratic Rep. Nick Rahall's West Virginia district. Rahall, a 19-term veteran and perennial target in a Republicanshifting state, is among many in the president's party who have recited to constituents Obama's assurance that they could keep insurance coverage they liked.

Rahall was among 39 Demo-

crats who, despite an Obama veto threat, voted for a Republican measure that would let insurers

fidence in me, and I want them to continue to have that confidence in me.''

President Barack Obama makes a statement in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington, Friday, Nov. 15, before the start of a meeting with representatives of health insurance companies.

continue selling policies to individuals that fall short of the health care law's requirements. It was approved 261-157. ``I'm concerned about my integrity with voters who have returned me here 38 years. They know me enough to know I wouldn't purposely mislead them,'' Rahall said. ``They have that con-

Republicans are already compiling lists of dozens of Senate and House Democrats such as Rahall who, in video clips and written statements, have parroted Obama's pledge that voters' existing coverage would not be annulled. ``There's nothing more damaging than when your word is devalued and people think they were

misled,'' said Rep. Greg Walden, who heads the National Republican Congressional Committee, the campaign arm of House Republicans. ``And especially damaging is when it actually affects you and your family. So in terms of degree of impact, this is off the Richter scale.''

Top Democrats, who need to gain 17 seats to retake the House majority, scoff that next November's elections are far off.

They say by then, the health care law will be to their advantage because it will be working well.

Rep. Steve Israel, who leads the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, said his party will focus the campaign on the economy, Democratic efforts to fix it and Republicans' preference for cutting Medicare which provides health care coverage to the elderly and granting tax breaks to the wealthy.

The Republican emphasis on the health care law's problems ``from a partisan perspective gins up the Republican base. But it alienates independent and moderate voters,'' said Israel, who said those voters ``are more interested in solutions.'' -AP

Indian-American doc gifts $2 million to health centre WASHINGTON: An eminent Indian-American doctor has gifted USD 2 million to a US university for establishing a chair to support an advanced cardiac imaging program.

With the USD 2 million gift from Vijay Sanghvi, MD, the 'Drs Vijay and Khushman Sanghvi Endowed Chair in Cardiac Imaging' or the Sanghvi Chair, has been created to support a faculty member at the University Of Cincinnati College Of Medicine in the city of Cincinnati.

Dr Sanghvi is the first American of Indian origin to endow a chair position at the University of Cincinnati, a media release said.

The Sanghvi Chair will be

given to a faculty member within the division of cardiovascular health and disease to help enhance educational efforts related

in supervising two imaging labs within the UC Health system.

An active member in Cincinnati's medical community

"It has been a thrill to witness the evolution and dramatic growth of what we refer to today as modern cardiology resulting in significant improvements for cardiovascular disease-related outcomes," says Dr Sanghvi, now an adjunct professor of clinical medicine within the division of cardiovascular health and disease at UC. to the UC cardiology fellowship program, his or her own clinical and research efforts, in particular by adopting the most advanced imaging technologies, and efforts

since 1966, Dr Sanghvi served as medical director from 1971 to 1990 for the division of cardiology at Jewish Hospital, where he was responsible for introducing what

now represents the core techniques used in the cardiology field.

"It has been a thrill to witness the evolution and dramatic growth of what we refer to today as modern cardiology resulting in significant improvements for cardiovascular disease-related outcomes," says Dr Sanghvi, now an adjunct professor of clinical medicine within the division of cardiovascular health and disease at UC. "I'm delighted to be the first American of Indian origin to endow this position in a city and institution that has been a part of so many historical firsts," he said. -PTI

November 22, 2013

Health Science Post

India Post 33

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Bill forces disclosure of law's effect on premiums LANSING, Mich.: State legislators are sharply divided over an emerging plan to require Michigan insurance companies to tell policyholders the impact of the federal health care law on their premiums.

Legislation pending in the Republicanled House would require that insurers give customers annual estimates of the overhaul's effect on premiums - likely in renewal notices - including, but not limited to, taxes, assessments and other requirements of the law. The companies also would have to include a statement saying that the estimate is attributable to the Affordable Care Act and not the passage of any laws or regulations by the governor, state lawmakers or state regulators.

The bill's sponsor, Republican Rep. Mike Shirkey of Clark Lake, says the estimate would not be unlike many other government-mandated disclaimers that businesses have to give customers. Constituents are calling his office in frustration to ask how to navigate the law, distrustful that insurers are using it as an excuse to hike premiums, he said. ``Let's create a situation where there is no doubt that if your premium changed, up or down, was it associated with the Afford-

able Care Act?'' said Shirkey, who argues that people deserve to know all its ramifications. ``It casts such as big shadow and I don't mean that in a pejorative way.''

Unlike other Republicans, he is not a

staunch opponent of all parts of the law.

He was instrumental in helping guide Medicaid expansion, a key component of ``Obamacare,'' through the GOP-controlled Capitol.

Shirkey said one reason for pushing the

Tennesee's largest health insurer to extend coverage NASHVILLE, Tenn.: Tennessee's largest health insurer says it plans to extend coverage for plans that were deemed invalid under the federal health care law.

The decision by BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee comes after President Barack Obama said companies can continue providing coverage for a year under policies that do not comply with new requirements of the beleaguered law. However, the option would only apply to existing customers of those plans and would not be extended to new customers.

That left insurance companies and states to determine how to respond to the president's decision.

The Tennessean reports that BlueCross BlueShield came out with a response. ``At BlueCross, we've always believed people should be able to choose the plan they think best meets their needs, so we support this effort to let our individual members and small business customers keep their existing coverage,'' the insurer said in a statement. ``To make this change as quickly as possible, we'll need to work closely with our state regulators to update our policies and review rates to keep these plans available to existing members and small groups.''

A timeline was not available for when details might be communicated to policyholders.

Earlier, Tennessee's insurance commissioner said insurers will likely be allowed to continue to offer plans that don't comply with changes mandated by health care reform in 2014, but that the state is reviewing what needs to happen to make that change.

Before making a final determination, Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak said the state is awaiting additional guidance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to ensure state officials have all the information needed to implement the change.

`At BlueCross, we've always believed people should be able to choose the plan they think best meets their needs, so we support this effort' McPeak said many insurers may decide on their own not to continue to offer the canceled policies. Resurrecting them might be difficult technologically, and doing so may not be economically viable. ``We need to check with stakeholders the insurance companies - to see if it's even possible for them to retool their systems,'' McPeak said. ``But I am excited that Tennesseans may have another choice in the marketplace.'' -AP

bill is to insulate insurers from being improperly maligned for ``delivering the bad news.''

Democrats, though, say the bill is nothing more than a political ploy. ``This bill is very disappointing to me. It looks politically motivated. It is politically motivated,'' said Rep. Marcia Hovey-Wright, a Muskegon Democrat.

Democrats say if insurers are going to be required to tell people about the law's cost, they should also explain its benefits. Under the law, insurers must cover 10 essential benefits that will make plans more costly but also more comprehensive. Most plans also cannot deny coverage or charge more money because of pre-existing health conditions.

Democrats unsuccessfully tried to amend the legislation to include the positives before it won approval from a committee. ``If we're going to talk about transparency, we should be ... making sure that we give an accurate picture and not just one side because I know consumers would like the whole picture so that they can make an informed decision,'' said Rep. Theresa Abed,

a Grand Ledge Democrat.

The debate is coinciding with fallout over the faulty launch of a federal health care website in October - on which just 1,300 Michigan residents picked a plan - and estimated cancellation of 225,000 policies in Michigan that may fall short of minimum coverage standards under the law. State legislators and Gov. Rick Snyder have been just as divided over the law as Congress and President Barack Obama.

Though Medicaid coverage for more low-income residents ultimately was embraced by enough Republicans, they decided against the Republican governor's call to run a state insurance website or at least partner with the federal government on one.

As early as December, the Legislature could vote on an initiative petition to ban abortion coverage from public and private health plans, including those on the governmentrun exchange, unless a business or individual buys a separate policy. The proposed law would go to voters in November 2014 if lawmakers do not act.

As introduced, the legislation requiring the disclosure of the health law's costs prompted concerns from insurers worried about the administrative burden and cost of calculating estimates and whether the estimates would give individuals and employers the best information. -AP

34 India Post

Health Science Post

November 22, 2013

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NM experiencing shortage of medical marijuana ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.: The demand for medical marijuana in New Mexico has outpaced production, leaving some patients to ration their supplies while others are being turned away.

A survey commissioned by the state Department of Health shows producers licensed under the program have turned away thousands of patients in recent months. A 65-page report detailing the survey was provided to the Albuquerque Journal in response to a public records request.

The report includes the comments of unnamed patients, one of whom purchased marijuana on the street due to the shortage.

Another patient reported that producers are running out of their supply as soon as it becomes available.

New Mexico's medical marijuana program is in sixth year and is experiencing growing pains. The state was the first to have its health department license and regulate a nonprofit medical marijuana distribution system.

The number of licensed producers in New Mexico has dropped from 25 to 23, while the number of active certified patients hit 10,289 at the end of October.

That's an increase of 1,200 from earlier this year.

The Department of Health is also considering adding three new medical condi-

tions to the list after getting a recommendation last week from a state medical marijuana advisory board. Those conditions include Parkinson's disease and traumatic brain injury.

About one-quarter of the 2,700 medical marijuana patients who were randomly se-

The number of licensed producers in New Mexico has dropped from 25 to 23, while the number of active certified patients hit 10,289 at the end of October.

That's an increase of 1,200 from earlier this year. lected to participate returned their survey questionnaires. Respondents ranged in age from 19 to 83, with the average being 49.

The Health Department is still reviewing the survey results. ``We are taking it seriously,'' said Andrea Sundberg, the medical cannabis program coordinator. ``We don't want to do a knee-jerk reaction. We're analyzing it to determine what the next best steps are going to be.'' -AP

Smart coat gives weather updates, charges phones NEW YORK: The world's first smart cost more than an average trench coat. trench coat to charge your cell phone and Motiif is currently accepting applicants also provide weather information is being for an alpha tester program. Participants developed in the US. will get a behind the scenes look at how The coat, dubbed as M, comes with a smartphone app that monitors the weather and advises you if and when you should wear the garment.

To charge a phone, users simply slide their handset into the coat's breast pocket and connect it to the charging dock.

Though having a charging station in your coat sounds uncomfortable, its makers at Motiif, a New York-based company, claim it will remain fairly invisible.

To recharge the coat users will be able to simply hang it on a hanger with its included wireless charging pad.

Motiif founder Rafael Balbi told To charge a phone, users simply slide their LaptopMag that though the coat is still handset into the coat's breast pocket and connect in development, it should be ready to it to the charging dock. launch by February 2014.

Balbi sees the M as the first step to the coat is made, speak with engineers and creating a complete smart wardrobe. attend events where they can try the M "This isn't just a coat with charging and on.

Wi-Fi, it's about the future of clothing...and Eventually, Motiif will select a handful how clothing will communicate with each of alpha testers to wear the coat for one to other and the end user," Balbi said. two weeks at a time, after which they will While pricing for the M has not yet give the company their impressions of the been announced, Balbi said it shouldn't M based on their experiences. -PTI

November 22, 2013

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Kinnar Kailash peak from Rekong Peo. Pics Ashim Choudhury

T

en years back when I had traveled to Kinnaur it was on a bus from Shimla. Sitting at a window seat my heart was in my mouth for most of the treacherous journey as the bus hurtled precariously on those winding mountain-hugging roads. Below, deep down in the gorge flowed the Sutlej. In 2003 I was with friends. This time round I was with family, driving! The decision was something I would regret. Starting from Delhi at 6 in the morning our first night-halt is at Kumarsain forest guesthouse (FGH), some eighty kilometers beyond Shimla.

It's a small town overlooking a vast valley. We leave Kumarsain by ten in the morning. On the way we stop for a panoramic 180 degree view of the Sutlej valley far below.

ASHIM CHOUDHURY

AFTER JEORI WE STOP BY A WAYSIDE DHABA FOR LUNCH. DRINKING WATER COMES FROM THE GUSHING MOUNTAIN STREAM PASSING BY. THE FREE-FLOWING WATER IS ALSO USED TO WASH CARS, SIXTY RUPEES APIECE! AFTER LUNCH WE TAKE TO THE ROAD WHICH IS SOON LITTERED WITH LOOSE STONES FALLING OFF THE HILLS

Rachham Valley

In a little over an hour we are at Rampur, visiting the wooden palace, ancestral home of Virbhadra Singh, Himachal's current chief minister. Rampur wears a festive look with post Holi celebrations still going on.

Shongtong is another four-five hour drive from here so we're driving at a relaxed pace. After Jeori we stop by a wayside dhaba for lunch. Drinking water comes from the gushing mountain stream passing by. The free-flowing water is also used to wash cars, sixty rupees apiece! After lunch we take to the road which is soon littered with loose stones falling off the hills. It's a lonely road along the Sutlej between steep craggy mountains.

Cont’d on page 41

November 22, 2013

Travel & Hospitality Post

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41

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At Shiva's Winter Home - KinnerKailash Cont’d from page 40

The roads wear a bombed out look with huge rocks and boulders beside the roads. Well, a lot of dynamite has been used to widen the road till Rekong Peo and beyond to Puh where military supplies have to be fed. By the time we reach Karcham dam, slowed because of the poor road condition, it's nearly four. "It will take you just an hour to reach Shongtong!" my FGH host informs.

Half an hour later, in the fading twilight, we discover that the road ahead of us has vanished! There's just a little red flag fluttering on the road to announce the danger.

I get off the car and inspect. Nearly half a kilometer of the road has fallen off, maybe, because of a faulty dynamite-blast. It's eerie.

We turn back to discover a detour that nearly goes down to the level of the Sutlej and then rises again.

The only prayer on my lips is, 'God don't send a car or truck from the opposite direction!' We negotiate the stretch in silence.

Fear silences you. But up on the main too there is not much

night. We go to his house and he re-opens his shop.

The children get engrossed in two blocks of snow outside the FGH that have not melted yet. The dinner by candle light is an experience I will cherish for long. Menu egg curry, dal, rice and chapatis.

As Nanku and his wife supply us hot chapatis our voices get drowned in a downpour, the pitter patter is accentuated by the tin roof of the guesthouse. Hearing the rains after long!

Early next morning, bed tea in hand, from the guesthouse kitchen door Nanku shows us the white peaks of KinnarKailash. It's white with fresh snow. The fir trees on the lower reaches look like they have been powdered with a coating of white.

"When it rained here last night, it was snowing up there," Nanku explains. The previous night I had heard one of our Kolkata guests whine, "Why have we come this far…what's there in this place after all the risk." That same lady was now saying, "Oh ma kishundor!"

A short morning walk to the bridge across the Sutlej and we see a handful of men and women wait-

balls at one another the moment they got out of the car. The view of KinnerKailash from here simply dazzles!

"Where is the Shiv-ling from which KinnarKailash gets its name?" I asked a local. He points to an invisible dot among the white peaks and saying, "There...you see that speck….it's a different "When it rained here last night, it was snowing up there," c o l o u r … i t changes colour Nanku explains. The previous night I had heard one of five times a day." To be our Kolkata guests whine, "Why have we come this honest I far…what's there in this place after all the risk." That couldn't see the Shiv-ling. More same lady was now saying, "Oh ma kishundor!" attempts…and behold! I could solace. Parts of the road are wet ing for the bus to Shimla. Appar- spot a different color atop a small and slippery with the melting ently, for a long time no bus had white peak. It was slightly orange. snow. Then we come across a arrived from Rekong Peo just 8 kms Later we met a young sardar from stretch that is like a ditch with away. It means the road could be Mohali, a regular in Kalpa, who stones hitting my undercarriage. I blocked by a fresh landslide. This showed us the Shiv-ling through wish my car had a four-wheel drive. was quiet common. But soon, to the tele-lens of his camera. It was It's nearly dark when my car stops our relief, the bus from Peo arrives. clearly visible. "It's a 70 feet tall in the ditch. A prayer later it moves "How's the road uphill?" I ask. The rock," he explained. And how come it changed again, skidding, slipping. My little driver grins, "Ekdum first-class! daughter begins to cry. Everyone Half an hour later, we set off for color? "That's got is silent. But soon the worst is Peo. It takes us nearly an hour be- more to do over. We see some lights. I spot a fore Rokong-Peo, nestled at the lone army man. foot of the KinnarKailash, comes "How far is Shongtong forest into view. "O ma go…so beautiguesthouse?" He points ahead, ful!" our Kolkata friends can't stop "You're nearly there." Our group drooling. We stop again for picof eight gives out a collective sigh tures. Fifteen minutes later we are of relief. The gate to the guest at Peo, now a much bigger town house is open but there's not a than the two-hotel town I had soul in sight. After several honks known ten years back. the caretaker arrives. The Literally under the shadows of guesthouse is spanking new but the white KinnerKailash mounthere's no electricity. tains, Peo took our breath away.

"There was a problem yester- After thupka at a tiny wayside stall day," the caretaker informs. But and window shopping at the soon his wife brings hot cups of crowded market, we set off for tea bringing some cheer to the Kalpa that offers the best view of cold evening. Besides the FGH KinnarKailash. Driving uphill, and an adjoining army camp through swathes of white snow there's nothing in Shongtong. The amidst the Chilgonza trees we were only shop that sells tea and stocks at Kalpa in less than half an hour. candles has already closed for the The children began to throw snow

Kinnar Kailash from Kalpa

with the angle of the light falling on the rock," the strapping ponytailed explained as we had lunch watching the glistening white mountains.

Legend has it that several hundred years ago Banasur, a local prince, meditated here and, pleased with his devotion, Shiva 'expressed' himself through the lingam. KinnarKailash is believed to be Lord Shiva's winter-home.

Every year locals do a 'parikrama' of KinnarKailash in the monsoon, a 40-km 4-day trek.

The best view of KinnarKailash is obtained in the morning when the sun's rays tint the white peaks with pink and ochre. The scene, over the yellow dome of the Buddhist monastery straddling the scenic village, is ephemeral. Our own blinding view (because of the sunlight) from the mountain-fac-

ing balcony was not any less stunning. The Kolkata folks broke into poetry… "What our eyes have beheld today… the mind shall never forget…" Not surprisingly the only other tourist group we saw savoring the sights of Kalpa was another Bengali family.

Back at Rekong Peo we were disappointed to learn that our visit to Thangi, one of the most picturesque villages of Kinnaur, and Ribba, the home of the original 'angoori' made of grapes, had to be abandoned. "The road is blocked with snow," we were told.

Returning to Shongtong for the night, early next morning we returned to Karchham, from where we took the road branching off to Sangla. By noon we were at Sangla.

Cont’d on page 43

Rampur Palace -Midway to Rekong Peo

42

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Travel & Hospitality Post

November 22, 2013

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Chennai lighthouse opens to visitors after 22 years CHENNAI: After over two decades, the Chennai lighthouse, overlooking the Marina beach, the second longest in the world, has been opened to visitors.

Shipping Minister G K Vasan opened the 46-metre tall heritage structure to visitors, which has been the first spot of sight for mariners approaching the commercial capital of south India from Bay of Bengal.

It was closed for visitors, following security threats during the early 90s, as the triangular structure painted in red and white, functioning since 1977 is located very close to Tamil Nadu DGP Office, Forensic Laboratory, All India Radio and holy shrine of Santhome Basilica.

Vasan said the Ministry has shortlisted 15 lighthouses, including Mamallapuram, Marakkanam, Kanyakumari and Rameswaram, in the country to be made tourist attractions.

"Mamallapuram lighthouse will be opened in January next, while Marakkanam lighthouse will be opened on November 30," he said.

Security arrangements have been made with cameras and smoke detectors installed at various spots and trained personnel being deployed in the campus on the Kamarajar Road.

Stainless steel fences have been erected on the 10th floor, till where the visitors are to be allowed.

The minister also laid the foundation for National Navtex Network intending to provide enhanced safety and security for maritime traffic. "It is a project of over Rs 20.25 crore and is expected to be completed by December 2014," Vasan said.

NAVTEX is an international automated medium frequency direct printing service for delivery of navigational and meteorological warnings and forecast, search and

rescue information and pirate warnings to ships.

The Indian Navtex Network would have seven transmitting stations including Veraval, Vengurla Point, Muttom Point, Porto Novo, Vakalpudi and Balasore - to broadcast maritime safety information to mariners up to 250 nautical miles.

An emergency NAVTEX Control Centre is also being established at Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh to ensure uninterrupted service to mariners.

The network would broadcast navigational warnings, meteorological warnings and forecasts for 10 minutes at regular intervals round the clock.-PTI

Corbett, Rajaji parks opened for tourists

DEHRADUN: The Dhikala zone of Corbett Tiger Reserve and the Chilla range of Rajaji National Park were opened for visitors after a five-month closure.

The gates of Dhikala zone of the CTR were closed on June 13 due to torrential rains just three days before a deluge of catastrophic proportions struck Uttarakhand on June 16-17.

CTR receives nearly 2 lakh tourists annually, of whom 8,00010,000 are foreigners.

When asked whether the June calamity will affect the inflow of

tourists to CTR this season, its Deputy Director H C Upadhyay replied in the negative saying wildlife tourism will not be affected by the disaster as people from all over the world come to CTR to spot tigers.

The Chilla range of Rajaji National Park, the biggest habitat for Asiatic elephants, closed since June 14 was also opened for visitors with its entrance in Haridwar decked up especially for the occasion, Deputy Director of the Park Saket Badola said.

-PTI

November 22, 2013

Travel & Hospitality Post

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Rabindranath Tagore's sand sculpture unveiled in Puri India Post News Service

NEW DELHI: The Embassy of Sweden marked the centenary of Rabindranath Tagore's Nobel Prize in Literature by unveiling a sand sculpture of Gurudev on the beaches of Puri on the eve of the day that Tagore's Nobel Prize was announced a 100 years ago.

The sand sculpture, created by international award-winning sand artist, Sudarshan Pattnaik, was unveiled on the shore of the Bay of Bengal by Ms Frida Zaric, Counselor, the Embassy of Sweden in India.

On the occasion Sudarshan

Pattnaik, said: "It is a matter of pride for me to create the sand sculpture and honor Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore with the Embassy of Sweden. The contribution of his work has given India recognition all over the world."

Frida Zaric lauded Sudarshan Pattnaik's creativity and said: "The Embassy of Sweden is delighted to celebrate the Centenary of Rabindranath Tagore's Nobel Prize in Literature - the first non-European to receive one in literature and the first Indian to be awarded the prestigious Nobel Prize. The Sand Sculpture is indeed a unique way to honor him."

At Shiva's Winter Home - KinnerKailash Cont’d from page 41

Our delight on seeing the snowcapped mountains around Sangla was short-lived. "The road to the forest guesthouse, on the other side of the Baspa is blocked with snow," we were told. Fortunately the shopkeeper in Sangla who gave this information knew the FGH guard's mobile number. The forest guard said, 'Babuji wait for me, I'll be there in half an hour.' Half an hour later he was there.

By then we had already taken up rooms in one of the few hotels that was open. Since pipes were frozen most hotels had no water supply and not fully operational. The guard suggested that we trek down to "his" guest house to which we barring three adults - agreed readily.

The excursion turned out to be a journey of discovery as we wound our way through the quaint village of Sangla. But, unlike a decade back, much of the old wooden houses with large-slate roofs had disappeared, giving way to 'modern' brick and cement structures. 'The perils of development', I sigh. Soon the river Baspa is visible and the guard points to a large cottage across the river on a mountain slope hidden by pines. It's the guest house where we were supposed to stay.

Minutes later, running downhill, we are at the bridge across the Baspa. From here we get a panoramic view of Sangla village

amidst white patches of snow. The road to the guest house is a slippery path because of the melting snow. Soon we are on the white snow-covered road in front of the

The trek back to Sangla market is arduous but the quaint sights and sounds keep us going. At the Hindu-Buddhist temple we take a break where locals give us a bag

The excursion turned out to be a journey of discovery as we wound our way through the quaint village of Sangla. But, unlike a decade back, much of the old wooden houses with large-slate roofs had disappeared guest house. Our feet go deep into the snow putting us off balance.

Sangita, my wife actually falls flat.

We guffaw.

Children start firing snow balls at one another. There's so much fun and frolic, we forget about the hazards of just walking across to the wooden bungalow beyond the yard full of soft, white snow. The children keep falling off, but every fall elicits more laughter and fun. They are wet in their shoes but no one seems to bother.

The guard brings a peeda, a flat stool, from his kitchen that the children use as a sleigh. Luckily, the guard has brought along a few packets of noodles that serves as our delicious lunch. From the Palava hut at the edge of the compound the scenic beauty of the river below and the village above, framed between snow clad peaks, is simply out of this world.

full of apples - offerings to the temple. The temple courtyard also

serves as the community center where locals, mostly old men and women have their unending adda and steaming glasses of tea. These temples reflect a unique Kinnauri style of woodcraft architecture made by gifted local craftsmen.

By the time we reach the market it's already dark. The family retires to the hotel. After my tipple I slink to tiny shop that is frying fish. It's our last evening and I want to make the best of it. The night is cold despite the rum, quilts and Sangita. It is difficult to believe we're into the first week of April.

Next morning, before returning,

we drive down 14 kms to Raccham.

This valley, with meadows turned snow-white, is easily the most beautiful place in Kinnaur. Luckily, it is still not colonized by the tourist promoters and retains some of its unique Kinnari charm. Chitkul, the last village some 10 kms further up is the last outpost of this tribal district. We gave Chitkul a miss for want of time.

"It's the actual Switzerland," a local entices us. 'Switzerland does not have snow with such rustic charm,' I wanted to tell him.

The author's novel 'The Sergeant's Son' was recently published by Rupa.

In Brief No immigration reform this year: Boehner WASHINGTON: US House of Representative Speaker John Boehner has said the Republican Party would not take up the immigration reform bill this year, in a major blow to the chances of a comprehensive immigration reform.

The move has given more breathing ground for Indian companies who see this as an opportunity and an additional time to convince the lawmakers about the need to do away with the certain provisions of the bill, which if implemented would make adverse impact on their businesses.

"Frankly, I'll make clear, we have no intention of ever going to conference on the Senate bill," Boehner told reporters thus dealing a setback to the proponents of the immigration reform.

The US Senate has already passed the bill and now it was House's term to pass it make it into law.

His own party colleague Mario Diaz-Balart said that Boehner should reconsider ruling out a potential conference on immigration.

"I urge Speaker Boehner to remain open to any options that allow us to solve this crucial issue.

It has been said time and time again that our immigration system is broken, and we must come together to find a sensible solution to fix it," he said. -PTI

„ No limit on Indian students in UK: Cameron NEW DELHI: Seeking to allay the concerns of students looking to pursue education in the UK, British Prime Minister David Cameron said there was no limit on the number of Indian students in his country, although he did add that they needed to keep a tab on immigration.

"There is no limit on the number of Indian students in Britain...

What is needed is genuine students who have genuine British university admissions," Cameron told businessmen at an interaction here.

Although the number of students going to Britain to study had swelled to 60,000 in 2009, that figure has come down and the country is now attracting the more genuine students.

Stressing on the need for stricter immigration controls, which was not been there in the last 10 years, Cameron said students should be aiming to work in graduate jobs and not any other jobs. -PTI

Immigration 44 India Post

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November 22, 2013

People smugglers selling visas for Australia

Details on page 46

Indian-American surgeon gets highest US immigrant award WASHINGTON: An IndianAmerican transplant surgeon has been presented with a prestigious immigrant award of the US government, in recognition of his outstanding achievements.

Dr Rahul Jindal, currently a staff transplant surgeon at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre and professor of surgery at Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences was presented "Outstanding American by Choice" award.

Lori Scialabba, Deputy Director of US Citizenship and Immigration Services, while presenting the award, said that Jindal has played a crucial role on the medical team that conducted groundbreaking surgery at Walter Reed AMC on Thanksgiving Day in 2009.

His research work and publications have been cited in text books and accompanied by editorials and press releases by the American Society of Nephrology and other specialist journals.

She said Jindal has set up the first comprehensive kidney dialy-

sis and transplant program in Guyana in South America, where his team visits four times a year and has performed numerous surgical procedures.

also the Director of the National Blood and Bone marrow Drive Campaign which was sponsored by about 600 Hindu temples throughout North America.

Host Dr. Rahul Jindal with Gubernatorial candidate Lt. Gov. Brown and Montgomery County Chief Exec Ike Leggett

Jindal has also initiated a monthly kidney patients support group which he leads by tele-medicine.

The Indian-American doctor is

"Immigration has been our greatest strength. Let us gratefully acknowledge the open arms of this great nation by giving our best

every day - and knowing that America's best days are ahead of us?," Jindal said in his address.

"Today's ceremony is a powerful affirmation of America's strengths, nearly half a million new citizens every year from all corners of the world. We bring in new ideas and novel strategies to solve problems and ensure that the US will be ready for the next century," he said.

Saying his journey started from Ahmedabad to the United Kingdom for 6 years, Jindal added, "I then came to the US, first the East Coast, then to the Mid-West and finally to Maryland."

"Dr Jindal is the epitome of what it means to be an American and his story is another example of what makes American civilization exceptional," said Kumar Barve, Majority Leader of the Maryland House of Delegates.

Indian-Americans honored by this prestigious award so far included Indra Nooyi, Renu Khator, Vivek Wadhwa, and Amarpreet S Sawhney. -PTI

Lessons learned from the Infosys settlement CYRUS D. MEHTA

I

nfosys is one of India's most storied IT companies with a roster of impressive clients in the US, including named Wall Street Banks, Silicon Valley companies, retail chains, insurance companies and manufacturers.

With a footprint all over the world and known for its integrity and probity, it thus came as a surprise that the United States accused Infosys of malfeasance in procuring visas for its foreign national employees to come to the US. The US Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Texas, in conjunction with the Department of Homeland Security, launched an investigation in 2011 into Infosys's alleged misuse of B-1 business visas. The investigation was spurred by a whistleblower's law suit that

made similar allegations, which got dismissed. On October 30, 2013, Infosys reached a settlement agreeing to pay a civil fine of $34 million to the US government, the biggest fine ever paid for an immigration case, but did not admit to the allegations of fraud and malfeasance.

stance, the government accused, among other things, the IT giant for bringing its employees on B-1 business visas to the United States to actually perform work.

The government further accused Infosys of generating invitation letters to US consular officials indicating that their purpose

Infosys also stated that the Department of State's Foreign Affairs Manual permits other activities under the B-1 visa provided that they are incidental to international trade or commerce There are plenty of lessons one can take away from the Settlement Agreement upon an objective review. Despite the seriousness of the allegations, Infosys did not incur any criminal liability. For in-

of travel was for "meetings" and "discussion" when the true purpose was to work in the US, which can only be performed under the more onerous H-1B visa, such as coding and programming. Infosys,

on the other hand, countered that it has always used the B-1 visa for legitimate purposes and not to circumvent the H-1B visa.

Infosys also stated that the Department of State's Foreign Affairs Manual permits other activities under the B-1 visa provided that they are incident to international trade or commerce, including those alleged by the US to be improper, such as coding and programming. The government also accused Infosys of directing its employees to misrepresent that they would be performing work at the location stated on the Labor Condition Application (LCA) underlying the H-1B visa petition, when they would actually be going to work at another location. Infosys also denied this accusation.

Cont'd on Page 46

Immigration Post

November 22, 2013

India Post 45

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Obama relying more on immigration rule changes WASHINGTON: The Obama administration will allow some relatives of U.S. service members living in the country illegally to stay, according to a policy directive.

The nine-page memorandum is the latest in a series of immigration policy changes made by President Barack Obama since he took office. The department has long had the power to stop deportations for relatives of military members and veterans, but the new memo lays out how and when it can be used.

The latest order gives U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officials the power to ``parole in place'' immigrant spouses, children and parents of current U.S. service members, reservists and veterans.

The change means that those immigrants can apply to legally live in the United States.

Margaret D. Stock, an Alaskabased immigration attorney and retired Army reserve lieutenant colonel, said the latest directive would likely impact thousands of military families. ``It is very significant,'' Stock said. ``It will ease the strain on so many families and military members.''

Peter Boogaard, a Homeland Security Department spokesman,

said the policy change would help ``reduce the uncertainty our active duty and retired military personnel face because of the immigration status of their family members.''

James Swartout, a Defense De-

plicated immigration system, as the likelihood dims that Congress will overhaul the law. He pledged twice as a presidential candidate to pass immigration reforms.

Obama's changes initially were broad and controversial. He in-

U.S. President Barack Obama (C) meets with business leaders to discuss immigration at the White House in Washington.

partment spokesman, said the military appreciates the clarification on how immigrant family members of service members are to be treated.

Obama is relying more often on making relatively minor administrative changes to America's com-

structed the government to use its discretion to find and deport only the most serious criminals. Then in mid-2012, he announced a plan to offer young immigrants in the country illegally a reprieve from deportation and work permits for at least two years.

No reason not to do immigration reform: Obama WASHINGTON: A day after the Republican leadership in the Congress literally postponed the immigration reform at least for this year, US President Barack Obama said that there is no reason not to do immigration reform, which when passed would provide path to citizenship to some 11 million undocumented people.

"When it comes to immigration reform, there is no reason for us not to do immigration reform. We have already got strong bipartisan support for immigration reform out of the Senate," Obama told reporters at a White House news conference.

"I met with a number of traditionally very conservative clergy

who are deeply committed to immigration reform. We've got the business community entirely behind immigration reform.

have leaned much more heavily towards Republicans who are behind this," he said in response to a question.

"So if people are looking for an excuse not to “You've got a bunch of do the right thing on immigration reform, they constituencies that can always find an extraditionally have leaned cuse. You know, we've run out of time or, you much more heavily toknow, this is hard or, you wards Republicans who know, the list goes on are behind this," he said and on," he said, taking a dig at the Republican in response to a leadership. question.

"But my working assumption is people So you've got a bunch of con- should want to do the right stituencies that traditionally thing," Obama added. -PTI

Now, as it appears less likely that Congress will change immigration laws, the White House is chipping away at the edges with relative minor procedural changes.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement told managers in August how to deal with immigrant parents or legal guardians of young children. The memoranda said that before someone is deported, ICE officials should consider whether he or she is the primary caregiver for a minor child, has a direct interest in a family court or welfare proceeding or is the parent or guardian to children who are U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents.

The administration has also allowed immigrant spouses and children of U.S. citizens to stay in the United States in some cases.

Other rule changes gave more

flexibility to the Homeland Security Department's use of immigration holds for people in local jails.

House Republicans have long criticized the administrative changes.

Obama has repeatedly said immigration reform is a top priority of his administration. His selection of Jeh Johnson, the Pentagon's former top lawyer, who has no immigration experience, as the next Homeland Security secretary signals that the White House, rather than the department, will now lead the push for immigration law changes.

The Senate earlier this year passed a sweeping bill that called for the doubling of the Border Patrol and a path to legal status for the estimated 11 million immigrants already living illegally in the country.-AP

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Immigration Post

46 India Post

November 22, 2013

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Lessons learned from the Infosys US immigration change settlement affects military families Cont'd from Page 44

Infosys, however, admitted to violations concerning its obligations to verify employees on form I-9. Still, despite the denial of any fraud or malfeasance, Infosys paid a humongous fine of $34 million.

It was indeed the ambiguity in the B-1 rules that snared Infosys and it was the same ambiguity in the B-1, which ultimately saved it from criminal liability. This is evi-

dent in the statement of the lead prosecutor in the case, Shamoil Shipchandler, who is quoted in a Wall Street Journal article: "It's not 100% clear what someone who holds a B-1 visa can actually do," he said.

For example, placing someone within a company for six months to do in-house tech support is an improper use of a B-1 visa. But if a consultant helps refine software during a meeting with a client, as part of a larger project, that could be seen as an appropriate use of a visitor visa, Mr. Shipchandler said.

"It's a murky area, but for our purposes they misled consular officials."

The B-1 business visa remains one of the" most ill-defined" visas but plays a very important role in providing flexibility to business travelers. While the B-1 visa is associated with visiting the US to participate in meetings and negotiate contracts, it can have broader purposes.

For example, the "B-1 in lieu of H-1B" was created to facilitate travel to the US of individuals who would otherwise qualify for an H-1B visa, but only needed to come to the United States for a limited period of time.

In the current controversy over the B-1 visa, scant attention has been paid to the "B-1 in lieu of the H-1B," which permits broader activities than the regular B-1 visa, albeit for a short pe-

riod of time. Indeed, many of the activities that have been alleged to be outside the scope of the B1 may be permissible under the "B-1 in lieu of the H-1B." The case law with respect to business visitors only adds to the confusion over the definition of "business" in the US. In Matter of Hira, 11 I. & N. Dec. 824, the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) held that the term "business" does not include ordinary labor for hire, but is limited to intercourse of a

commercial character.

The BIA concluded that an alien entering with a B-1 visa to "study the US business market", who on behalf of his employer (a Hong Kong based manufacturer of custom made men's clothing), took orders from, and the measurements of, prospective customers in the United States whom he did not solicit; and who then sent the orders, together with the

temporary.

The BIA held that for B-1 purposes, the business relationship may be of a continuing or long standing nature. The only condition in this respect is that each visit be temporary in duration. While applicants can make their best case under the ambiguous standards of the B-1 visa in a forthright manner, deception and malfeasance can never be tolerated.

Even though Infosys is allowed to continue to access US visas in the future under the settlement, which also expressly ensures that past investigations or alleged wrongful conduct will not be used to prejudice future applications, this episode is a wakeup call for others to ensure that corporations exercise good governance with respect to immigration matters.

There is bound to be stricter scrutiny in the future of all applicants, and there is little doubt that Congress in future legislation may also use the Infosys example to tighten the ability for IT consulting firms to access business and work visas, as it has already accomplished in S. 744. Still, this episode can prove to be a valuable teaching moment for Infosys and other IT consulting firms.

One of the conditions under the settlement agreement is that Infosys will provide more detailed description of the activities that will be performed when an applicant applies for a B-1 visa. As the B-1 visa allows a wide range of permissible activities, a best in-

There is bound to be stricter scrutiny in the future of all applicants, and there is little doubt that Congress in future legislation may also use the Infosys example to tighten the ability for IT consulting firms to access business and work visas, as it has already accomplished in S. 744. Still, this episode can prove to be a valuable teaching moment purchase price, to his employer overseas, was engaged in "intercourse of a commercial character," and was eligible for B-1 visitor for business classification.

The BIA specifically stated that Hira's sojourn in the US was of a "temporary character" and he clearly intended to continue his foreign residence at the termination of his authorized stay.

The profits of Hira's B-1 activities also accrued to the foreign entity. The BIA, however, also clarified that the nature of the business activity itself need not be

dustry practice can evolve to specify the proposed activities in some detail, and the legal basis for them, when applicants apply for a B-1 visa or at the time of seeking admission at a port of entry. As a quid pro quo, it is hoped that the government will also seriously adjudicate such applications on their merits.

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

WASHINGTON: The Obama administration will allow some U.S. military members' relatives who live illegally in the country to stay, according to a policy directive.

It is the latest in a series of immigration policy changes made by President Barack Obama since he took office.

The latest order gives U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officials the power to ``parole in place'' immigrant spouses, children and parents of current service members, reservists and

used.

Margaret D. Stock, an immigration attorney, said the latest directive likely would affect thousands of military families. ``It is very significant,'' Stock said. ``It will ease the strain on so many families and military members.''

James Swartout, a Defense Department spokesman, said the military appreciates the clarification on how immigrant family members of service members are to be treated.

As chances fade for a major overhaul of the imAs chances fade for a migration system in the major overhaul of the near future, Obama is reimmigration system in the lying more often on making relatively minor adnear future, Obama is ministrative changes. He pledged twice as a presirelying more often on dential candidate to pass making relatively minor immigration reforms. administrative changes.

The Obama administration has also allowed imHe pledged twice as a migrant spouses and chilpresidential candidate to dren of U.S. citizens to pass immigration reforms. stay in the United States in some cases.

Other rule changes veterans. The change means that gave more flexibility to the Homethose immigrants can apply to land Security Department's use legally live in the United States. of immigration holds for people The department has long had in local jails. the power to stop deportations Republicans in the House of for relatives of military members Representatives have long critiand veterans, but the new memo cized the administrative explains how and when it can be changes. -AP

People smugglers selling visas for Australia SYDNEY: People smugglers are selling passports and visas to Australia for up to USD 15,000, allowing asylum-seekers to bypass a perilous boat journey and fly into the country, a report said.

The development comes as Australia hardens its stance against asylum-seekers arriving by unauthorized boats by sending them to Papua New Guinea and the tiny Pacific state of Nauru for resettlement.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation said it secretly filmed meetings in Malaysia between an Iraqi known as Abu Tarek and potential customers, in which he offered to provide the documents.

"An Australian visa, everything is proper - genuine passport, genuine visa," Tarek said, the ABC's Four Corners program reported.

"They bring it straight from the embassy complete and you fly in

your name."

The Iraqi said that asylumseekers using passports issued by Bahrain and Oman had boarded flights out of the country and then applied for asylum on arriving at an Australian airport.

"Yes, to Australia, New Zealand, lots of people have arrived there," he said, reportedly revealing that he sold two types of Australian travel documents holiday visas and transit visas for flights going on to New Zealand.

The report said that asylumseekers were advised to use the passports, then tear up the documents before arriving in Australia.

The investigation also alleged that a people-smuggling syndicate targeting people from northern Lebanon, near the border with Syria, was being organized from a jail in the Indonesian capital Jakarta.-AFP

TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

1 Party All Night: Boss 2 Gulaabi: Shuddh Desi Romance 3 Main Rang Sharbaton Ka: Phata Poster Nikhla Hero 4 Boss (Title Track): Boss 5 Nagada Sang Dhol: Ram-Leela 47 India Post

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November 22, 2013

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

Defining sexiness

A

bhishek Bachchan is happy to know that Hrithik Roshan, who played a thief in "Dhoom 2", wants " Dhoom 3" to break box office record set by "Krrish 3".

Ever since the "Dhoom" series came out in 2004 Abhishek has reprised the role of police officer Jai and Uday Chopra of Ali. But villains have changed. If John Abraham played the negative role in the first film, Hrithik appeared as the super thief in part two. In "Dhoom 3", Aamir Khan will be seen as a clownish thief. " 'Dhoom' is essentially about Jai and Ali and every time we have a new villain to catch. But Hrithik is family, he is a friend. We don't really make movies for records.

We make movies so that the audience enjoys them," he added.

Slated to release Dec 20, "Dhoom 3" also features Katrina Kaif.

S

onakshi Sinha, who is gearing up for the release of her next 'R... Rajkumar' with Shahid Kapoor, says she has stopped reacting to comments on her weight.

"I don't react at all when people talk about my weight. Let people talk about it. And now it (the weight issue) is added in the trailer (of 'R...Rajkumar') too... That (scene) was created and it was very cute," Sonakshi said.

The trailer apparently shows Shahid making a pass on Sonakshi's weight when she teases him over his height.

Sonakshi will be seen oppo-

A

dult film star Sunny Leone, who has given some bold scenes in her upcoming film 'Jackpot', says sexiness is not about showing skin.

"Each one of my hot scenes is sexy and beautiful. Unfortunately, sometimes sexiness gets confused with how much skin you show," the 32-year-old said at the trailer launch of Jackpot.

"In my eyes, sexiness comes from how you act and how you dress. It's not about how much skin you show," she added.

The Indo-Canadian adult film star entered Hindi filmdom with Jism 2 and scorched the screen by getting intimate with co-stars Randeep Hooda and Arunoday Singh in the thriller.

If reports are to be believed, she has bold scenes in her upcoming films like Ragini MMS 2 and Tina & Lolo too.

site Shahid for the first time in the Prabhudeva directed movie. "When the casting was done people thought it was awkward mismatch pairing me and Shahid. But when we started shooting it came out well," she added.

"Everyone is different and has a different way of working. He is very dedicated towards dance, action and used to go to gym. He is a great dancer. He is a fabulous actor.

This is for the first time he is doing masala commercial film and he has done a great job.

He looks like an action hero," Sonakshi said.

Datebook

48 India Post

NEW JERSEY

NEW YORK Upcoming

Upcoming Sat, Dec 7 • Classical Piano Music Concert Venue: Thomas Deverin Community Hall, 100 Cooke Ave, Carteret, NJ 07008 Time: 11:30 am

Sat, Dec 7 • Dance India Dance North America Finale Venue: State Theatre, 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 Time: 6:00 pm Contact: 973 402 4655

Sun, Dec 8 • Meet and Dine with Sir Vivian Richards Venue: Deewan Banquet, 560 Stelton Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854 Time: 5:00 pm

Sat, Nov 23 • Runway Princess - the Super Model pageant Venue: Manhattan Center - Grand Ballroom, 311 W 34th Street, New York, NY 10001 Time: 6:00 pm Contact: 201-610-0666

Thu, Dec 5 • DJ Rekha Presents Basement Bhangra Venue: Le Poisson Rouge, 158 Bleecker Street, New York, NY 10012 Time: 7:00 pm Contact: 718.207.0058

Sat, Dec 7 • Ek Yadd Rafi Ke Baad - Live In Concert

Venue: Resorts World Casino, 110-00 Rockaway Blvd, New York, NY 11420 Time: 8:00 pm

November 22, 2013

www.indiapost.com

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Upcoming

Upcoming

Sat, Nov 23 • International Survivors of Suicide Day Venue: Ohlone College Building 7, First floor 43600 Mission Boulevard, Fremont, CA Time: 8:00 am Contact: (510) 659-6207

Sat, Nov 23 • Latest Bollywood Romantic Hits Venue: IND TV USA Studio, 372 Turquoise St, Milpitas, CA 95035 Time: 7:00 pm

Sat, Nov 23 • Yogasanas (Hata Yoga) program Venue: The Beverly Garland / Holiday Inn, 4222 Vineland Ave, Los Angeles,

Sat, Nov 30 • Ayyappa Bhajans -2013 Venue: SVCC Temple, 40155 Blacow Rd, Fremont, CA 94538 Time: 5:00 pm Contact: 408-475-7822

Fri, Dec 6 • Men's health urbanathlon san francisco, Urbanathlon san francisco Venue: TAT&T Park in San Francisco, 24 Willie Mays Plaza, San Francisco, CA 94107 Time: 8:00 pm

ATLANTA Upcoming

ILLINOIS Upcoming • J K Yog Satsang and Bal Mukund Hindi Classes are held every 2nd and 4rth Sunday of Month Chicago Satsang Information: J K Yog, Chicago - Swami Mukundananda Venue: Clarion Inn/Waterford Banquets, Board Room, 933 South Riverside Drive, Elmhurst, IL 60126 Time: 3:30pm-5:30pm Contact: Ajay & Arti Chandhok @ 630-561-4807 Website: www.jkyog.org

1st and 3rd Sunday of Month • Chicago Children's Bal Mukund Character Building Program and Hindi Literacy Classes Venue: Vogelei Center, 650 W. Higgins Road, Hoffmann Estates, IL 60192 (Next to Nissan Dealership)

CA 91602 Time: 9:00 am

Sat, Nov 30 • UCarnival Atlanta 2013

Contact: (323) 939-7098

Venue: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel At-

Contact: Ajay & Arti Chandhok @ 630-561-4807

lanta - Marietta, 2055 S Park Pl, Atlanta,

Website: www.jkyog.org/bal-mukund

Sat, Dec 7 • Operation Gratitude Millionth Package Celebration

GA 30339 Time: 11:00 am

• MKCA General Body meeting

Venue: National Guard Armory, 17330 Victory Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 91406

Fri, Dec 6 • Akshaya Raaga 2013

Time: 9:00 am

Venue: Taste of India, 3070 Windward Plaza, Alpharetta, GA 30005

Sun, Dec 8 • Chennai

Diamonds Jewellery Exhibition Venue: Sheraton Cerritos Hotel, 12725 Center Court Drive, Cerritos, CA 90703 Time: 11:00 am Contact: 044 4210 4050

Sat Nov 23

Time: 6:00 pm

Tue, Dec 31 • Pujari Atlanta New Year Eve

Venue: : The Mission Center 1835 Waukegan Road, Techny, IL 60082 Time: 4:00pm Email: wingsab@yahoo.com website: www.mkcausa.org

Every third Tuesday • Hindi Kavi Manch Organized by Hindi Lovers Club

Venue: Ashiana banquet hall, 5675 Jimmy

Venue: Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago

Carter Blvd, Norcross, GA 30071

Lemont Il...0915 Lemont Road IL Time: 6:00 to 8:30 pm

Time: 8:00 pm

November 22, 2013

www.indiapost.com

India Post 49

„

Realty Tidbits

Japanese firm shortlisted to set up facility at OneHub CHENNAI: Japanese firm Takasago International Corporation is one of the three companies shortlisted to set up facilities at OneHub Chennai, established by Ascendas, real estate developer Ireo and Japan Consortium.

For setting up the facilities, Takasago International Corporation along with Ajinomoto, Hitachi Automotive Systems were the three Japanese companies that have signed with business space solutions provider Ascendas, a company statement said.

Takasago International Corporation is setting up its research and development facility in OneHub Chennai, which is expected to become the Headquarters for research and development, manufacturing and sales among South Asian countries, it said.

Apart from Takasago International Corporation, another Japanese firm Ajinomoto will be setting up a new packaging facility, while Hitachi Automotive Systems would build a production facility for manufacturing auto components at OneHub Chennai, Ascendas said in a statement.

OneHub Chennai would integrate industrial, business, commercial and residential facilities with eco-friendly infrastructure to facilitate the growth of Japanese and international business in the country, it said. -PTI

„ McComb to get big apartment development MCCOMB, Miss.: A new apartment complex will open by 2015, a developer told city officials.

McComb selectmen voted to approve a special-use permit to allow RBR Developments of McComb to build a multifamily apartment complex known simply as McComb Apartments on Parklane Road.

Heath Rushing of RBR Developments and Rushing Realty says he plans to build seven to eight buildings with 24 units each on an 18-acre tract.

The Enterprise-Journal reports the board's approval was his last major obstacle before the planned March 2014 groundbreaking.

Site preparations for construction could begin later this month.

-AP

Real Estate 50

India Post

www.indiapost.com

November 22, 2013

Unitech sales bookings fall by 53 pc NEW DELHI: Realty major Unitech Ltd's sales bookings have dropped by 53 per cent during first six months of this fiscal at Rs 717 crore due to slowdown in the property market.

It had sold properties worth Rs 1,537 crore in the first six months of last financial year.

Sales bookings have fallen despite increase in the average price realization. -PTI

Buying a home during holiday season MARCIE GEFFNER

T

he year-end holiday season is a good time for gift-ex changing, entertaining and general merriment. But what about buying a house? Should you try to do that in November or December, too?

If you're not picky about the home you intend to buy, the answer might be yes.

Sellers tend to avoid the end of the year due to the short days, wintry weather and conventional wisdom that says buyers are otherwise occupied, says Tim Deihl, associate broker at Gibson Sotheby's International Realty in Boston. But those who do choose to sell at yearend are often under pressure and highly motivated to cut a deal.

"A seller who's looking to move a piece of real estate during the holidays is a seller who needs to sell, because nobody in their right mind would pick that as the most convenient time to list their property," Deihl says.

And that's why the year-end might be a smart time to buy: Determined house-hunters can take advantage of sellers' urgency.

Downside: Fewer homes for sale The biggest downside is the limited supply of for-sale homes, which occurs mainly because sellers are so uninterested.

"You won't have tons of inventory to pick through," Deihl warns.

If you can't find a home you like, you might be able to tap into homes that aren't on the market, says Ken Pozek, a real estate agent at Keller Williams Realty in Northville, Mich.

One strategy is to research what brokers call "old expires," which refers to homes that were for sale several years ago but weren't sold

at that time.

Another approach is for the broker to send letters to homeowners in your preferred neighborhood, trawling for someone who's willing to sell a home that meets your criteria.

A third technique is to call bro-

home during that period," Deihl adds.

kers who sell a lot of homes in your target area and ask them about homes that aren't yet listed, but are being prepped for sale and are "coming soon."

"If they make the right calls to the right agents, they will trip over those deals," Pozek says.

hidden by snow, only to be discovered by thaw in spring. That should be a concern for buyers in, say, the Northeast in December, January and early February, Deihl suggests.

"Snow covers a lot of things," he says. "Make sure you understand the landscaping and (feel assured) that the sellers aren't trying to hide something."

Photographs of the home taken earlier in the year and a home inspection can help mitigate some of the risk that a home might be listed in the snowy season to hide its faults.

Upside: Winter clearance prices Less competition from other buyers during the holiday season might mean you'll be able to negotiate a favorable price for a home you want to purchase.

"Those properties oftentimes are priced to sell," Deihl says. "It could be an opportunity to sacrifice a little bit of time during an otherwise very busy time of the year to get a better investment opportunity."

Still, with fewer homes from which to choose, you might have to lower expectations.

"If a house comes up that works for you, it should be a pleasant surprise.

I wouldn't set a realistic expectation of finding your dream

Caveat: Seasonally obscured defects One pitfall in year-end house shopping is that homes in coldweather states might have defects

Who's working - and who's not?

Not only sellers and buyers, but also real estate professionals like to take time off from work in November and December. Realtors and mortgage brokers have friends and family, too.

That said, many pros do work during t h e s e months, precisely because they know many buyers have

vacation time to devote to yearend house hunting, Pozek says.

Either way, it's a good idea to ask your agent what his or her plans are so you won't be caught off guard or left hanging if your calls or emails suddenly aren't answered as quickly as you'd expected.

Individual mortgage brokers also might take some time off at the end of the year. But it would be unusual for a mortgage company or bank to be closed any normal business day other than Thanksgiving, the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day, according to Julie Miller, branch manager at Broadview Mortgage in Tustin, Calif.

"I don't know of any mortgage company or bank that closes for longer than the typical holidays," she says.

A new home for the holiday Buyers can ease into year-end home shopping by completing holiday tasks ahead of time.

"Check some holiday things off early, so you don't have to scramble to take care of them while you're scrambling to take care of your mortgage," Deihl suggests.

If you're a serious buyer, you needn't be shy about intruding into sellers' homes at a time normally reserved for family and friends. If a home is for sale, presumably the owners want sincerely interested buyers to see it.

"If a seller is willing to put their house on the market during the holiday season, they really want buyers to come in," Pozek says.

"If there is a for-sale sign, it's a welcome sign."

-Courtesy Bankrate.com

Real Estate Post

November 22, 2013

India Post 51

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Couple remodels antebellum home in north Mississippi TUPELO, Miss.: Mary Rhodes of Booneville had always wanted to live in an old house and when she found the Childers home believed to have been built in the 1850s she put her name on it. ``I've just always liked old things,'' she said. ``My mother was what they call a living daughter of a Confederate soldier. Her father was 72 when she was born. So for a while, I'd had my eye out, looking for an old house.''

That old house almost turned out to be too much work for Mary and her husband, Roger. ``It needed quite a bit of attention,'' Roger said. ``We meant to take pictures of it before we started work on it. Now, we regret it because people just

and downstairs had a living room, bedroom, kitchen and a bathroom at the back entrance,'' said Mary, a retired nurse. ``The staircase was in the back of the house and it went straight up, with different sized treads and risers.''

The old staircase had to go.

It was replaced with an elegant, sweeping staircase that came out of what Mary called the prettiest home in Booneville. ``A man had bought the staircase out of an old house in Booneville and he was going to put it in a bed and breakfast,'' Roger said. ``He had paid to have it removed and everything and I can't remember now why he decided he didn't want it, but he told me if I wanted it, I could have

``When we moved here there were three bedrooms upstairs, and downstairs had a living room, bedroom, kitchen and a bathroom at the back entrance,'' said Mary, a retired nurse. ``The staircase was in the back of the house and it went straight up, with different sized treads and risers.'' wouldn't believe it.''

Mary described the house as almost uninhabitable. ``It wasn't fit to live in,'' she said. ``All the walls were tongue and groove and painted either Pepto-Bismol pink or ink blue.

Dirt would just fall out of the walls.''

According to ``Treasures from the Past and Present,'' a local history of the Blackland, Osborne and Oak Hill communities in Prentiss County, the home was built in the 1850s. It was called the Miller House and is believed to be the oldest homestead in Blackland. Some inhabitants have included Terry Miller, Oscar and Florence Boggs, and Atkins and Edna Trantham Childers and their children. ``When the Childers family purchased the home, a Civil War rifle was found in the attic,'' the book says.

The home was originally a dog-trot, with two rooms and a dog-trot entrance downstairs and a staircase leading to the second floor, which had two bedrooms, Roger said.

By the time the couple bought the house in the 1990s, additions had been made. ``When we moved here there were three bedrooms upstairs,

it for $150.''

The Rhodeses hired a master craftsman, Clatus Smith, to install

the staircase in the front of the house. It came complete with a hidden room behind a built-in bookcase.

They also used Terry Hester do hang sheetrock and create intricate woodwork and crown molding, George McGregor to install plantation shutters and do the painting, and Malcolm Henderson to take care of some of the flooring, most of which is oak or the original heart pine. ``We lived in the house while it was being remodeled,'' Roger said. ``I suggested we do one room at a time that's logical but Mary couldn't take it. We worked on the house for 15 years and paid for the work as we went. We did a lot of it ourselves.''

Today, the house has two bedrooms, a bath and a sitting room upstairs, plus closets.

Downstairs are a front entry hall, living room, kitchen with a bay window nook, master bedroom, two baths, a laundry room and a back entry hall.

The couple has filled the home with antiques they've found along the way, including chandeliers, a mantle, chairs, desks, tables, armoires and beds. ``I was buying antiques to refinish and sell them, but they kept ending up in the house,'' said Roger, who works for the U.S. Postal Service in Booneville. -AP

Permission sought to confiscate property of Saradha Group BHUBANESWAR: The Crime Branch of the Odisha police has sought permission of the state

The group, which was operating in Odisha since 2010, had allegedly duped thousands of investors, mostly in the undivided Balasore district. government to attach property of the Kolkata-based Saradha Group which has allegedly duped lakhs of investors.

The Economic Offences Wing of the CB submitted documents relating to the Saradha Group to the state Finance Department in

regard to this.

"We have sought permission from the state government to go ahead with attaching property of the Kolkata-based Saradha Group which allegedly duped lakhs of investors," DIG, CB, Rajesh Kumar said.

The group, which was operating in Odisha since 2010, had allegedly duped thousands of investors, mostly in the undivided Balasore district. In May, the crime branch sealed several offices of the group and arrested two of its employees. The employees are still behind bars.

The CB also subsequently seized 14 acres of land owned by the group mostly in Balasore district.

Kumar said the proposals were submitted under the Odisha Protection of Interests of Depositors (in Financial Establishments) Act, 2011, which received presidential nod in August this year. -PTI

India's real estate sector to need $ 257 bn by 2015 MUMBAI: The real estate sector in the country would need an investment of USD 257 billion by 2015, including Economic Weaker Section (EWS) housing, of which residential real estate alone would require USD 29 billion, according to an EY-FICCI real estate report.

"Investments required in the Indian real estate market by the year 2015, is approximately USD 42 billion (excluding EWS housing) and USD 257 billion (including EWS housing).

Residential real estate alone will require an investment of USD 29 billion," the report said.

The Indian economy is ready to experiment with advanced funding options such as real estate investment trusts (REITs) and provide industry players with a global competitive edge, EY Tax partner (Real Estate Practice) Gaurav Karnik said.

"The contribution of the sector to country's GDP has been estimated at 6.3 per cent in 2013, and

tors have also grown simultaneously, meeting the increasing infrastructure needs, he said.

Development of Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) would set a new precedent for the development of the logistics and warehousing sector, the report said.

A combined initiative between India and Japan, the project aims to build a Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) between Delhi and Mumbai as well as develop infrastructure across 150 km to 200 km on both sides of the corridor.

The project is expected to create seven new cities, including two smart cities, besides development of 24 manufacturing cities (investment region and investment area).

Overall, the project comprises 24 nodes, 11 investment regions and 13 industrial areas in the DMIC, expected to be completed by 2025, it said.

"Several real estate developers are reeling under high debt

the segment is expected to generate 7.6 million jobs during the same period," he said.

He said the sector is also expected to generate over 17 million employment opportunities across the country by 2025.

While housing contributes approximately around six per cent to the country's GDP, retail, hospitality and commercial sub-sec-

due to increasing construction and labor costs.

Hardening of interest rates by the central bank is expected to further dampen the sale of real estate properties," Karnik said.

Due to these macro-economic conditions, the Indian real estate sector across major cities is expected to see a mixed performance, the report said. -PTI

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November 22, 2013

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NOTIce is hereby given that sealed competitive bids will be accepted at the Alameda County Social Services Agency, Finance Dept - Contracts Office, 2000 San Pablo Ave., 4th Floor Oakland, CA 94612 NON-MANDATORY NETWORKING BIDDERS CONFERENCES for RFP #SSACEC-2014 Career and Employment Centers North County: Monday, December 2, 2013 at 10:00 AM, Social Services Agency, 2000 San Pablo Avenue, Oakland Room, 2nd Floor, Oakland South County: Friday, December 6, 2013 at 1:00 PM, Social Services Agency, 24100 Amador, Cal Poppy Rooms 225-226, Hayward Response Due by 2:00 pm on January 8, 2014 County Contact: Najia Osmani at (510) 267-9439 or via email: Nosmani@acgov.org Attendance at Bidders Conference is not required. The RFP is available via the GSA website— www.acgov.org under Current Contracting Opportunities 11/22/13 CNS-2555609#

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Notice is hereby given that sealed competitive bids will be accepted in the office of the GSA-Purchasing Department, County of Alameda, 1401 Lakeside Drive, Suite 907, Oakland, CA 94612 NETWORKING BIDDERS CONFERENCES for RFP #901149 Workers’ Compensation Medical Bill Review and Pharmaceutical Benefit Management South County – Tuesday, November 26, 2013, 10:00 AM, Public Works Agency, Rms 230A/B, 951 Turner Court, Hayward, CA and North County – Wednesday, November 27, 2013, 2:00 PM, General Services Agency, Room 1107, 11th Floor, 1401 Lakeside Drive, Oakland, CA Response Due by 2:00 pm on December 30, 2013 County Contact: Michael Lu (510) 208-9649 or via email: michael.lu@acgov.org Attendance at Networking Conference is Non-mandatory.

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Philosophy

November 22, 2013

India Post 53

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Page Sponsored by Sahanis WEI WU WEI (TERENCE JAMES STANNUS GRAY)

I

t is surely axiomatic that a phenomenon (an appearance, an object) cannot perform any action whatever on its own initiative, as an independent entity. In China this was illustrated by Chuang Tzu in his story of the sow who died while suckling her piglets: the little pigs just left her because their mother was no longer there.

In Europe, even at that early date, the same understanding is expressed by the word animus which 'animates' the phenomenal aspect of sentient beings, and this forms the basis of most religious beliefs.

But whereas in the West the 'animus' was regarded as personal to each phenomenal object, being the sentience of it, in the East the 'animus' was called 'heart' or 'mind' or 'consciousness', and in Buddhism and Vedanta was regarded as impersonal and universal, 'Buddha-mind', 'Prajna', 'Atman', etc.

When this impersonal 'mind' comes into manifestation by objectifying itself as subject and object, it becomes identified with each sentient object, and the concept of 'I' thereby arises in human beings, whereby the phenomenal world as we know it and live it, appears to be what we call 'real'.

That, incidentally, is the only 'reality' (thing-ness) we can ever know, and to use the term 'real' SCOTT KILOBY

W

hat if you actually began to experience bliss, peace, love, joy or happiness? Would it be "too much?"

Are there ways in which we, unconsciously, block our own freedom?

What I find from my own looking and facilitating others is that we don't have to intellectualize these questions. We don't have to weave ourselves back into some story about how we are blocking these things.

Problems keep us focused on something. They keep us seeking for the future, and therefore entangled in suffering thoughts.

They give us an identity. Whether it is physical pain, anxiety, an illness, finances, or something else, problems give us something on which to intensely focus or try to fix or change.

They keep us busy. And there is almost always some deficiency story tied to it: "I'm not good enough," "I'm unsafe," "I'm sick," "I'm not happy yet," etc.

The underlying idea is that I really am a deficient self but someday when I fix my problems, I will be happy. That day can't really come as long as the belief in that self is still operating. Its very ba-

(a thing) for what is not such, for the purely subjective, is an abuse of language.

In this process of personalizing 'mind' and thinking of it as 'I', we thereby make it, which is subject, into an object, whereas 'I' in fact can never be such, for there is nothing objective in 'I', which is essentially a direct expression of subjectivity.

This objectivising of pure sub-

This does not mean, however, that the phenomenal object has no kind of existence whatever, but that its existence is merely apparent, which is the meaning of the term 'phenomenon'; that is to say, that it is only an appearance in consciousness, an objectivisation, without any nature of its own, being entirely dependent on the mind that objectivises it, which mind is only nature, very

jective 'mind' could exist, any more than an 'I' or any other object, as a thing-in-itself.

What it is, however, is totally devoid of any objective quality, and so cannot be visualized, conceptualized, or in any way referred to, for any such process would automatically render it an object of subject - which by definition it can never be.

This is because the mind in

Consciousness or Universal Mind is our true nature

Wei Wu Wei

Awakened sages have sought to enable us to understand that what we are is this 'animating' mind as such, which is noumenon, and not the phenomenal object to which it gives sentience.

jectivity, calling it 'me' or calling it 'mind', is precisely what constitutes 'bondage'. It is this concept, called the I-concept or ego or self, which is the supposed bondage from which we all suffer and from which we seek 'liberation'.

It should be evident, as the Buddha and a hundred other Awakened sages have sought to enable us to understand, that what we are is this 'animating' mind as such, which is noumenon, and not the phenomenal object to which it gives sentience.

much as is the case of any dreamed creature, as the Buddha in the Diamond Sutra, and many others after him have so patiently explained to us.

This impersonal, universal mind or consciousness, is our true nature, our only nature, all, absolutely all, that we are, and is completely devoid of I-ness.

This is easy enough to understand, and it would be simple indeed if it were the ultimate truth, but it is not, for the obvious reason that no such thing as an ob-

question is the unmanifested source of manifestation, the process of which is its division into subject and object; and antecedent to such division there can be no subject to perceive an object, and no object to be perceived by a subject.

Profoundly to understand this is Awakening to what is called 'enlightenment'.

Excerpted from The Mountain Path, July 1964 . Wei Wu Wei, was a 20th-century Taoist philosopher and writer.

sis is deficiency, the belief that something is inherently wrong.

With the Unfindable Inquiry, we just look to see if we can find that deficient self. All the words, pictures and bodily energies that make up that story and that intense focusing on the problem can finally release when the self cannot be found.

lems as they arise, one by one, but by finding no self in the midst of it all, everything is allowed naturally. There is less and less movement to change anything or to fix ourselves, because the very notion of a self that could fix how we feel and think cannot be found.

If you misinterpret what I'm saying here as "Oh God, I am

just by feeling and letting those energies arise without the belief in a self.

I rested as awareness repeatedly until it dawned on me that my story is not what I really am.

Then I quickly found myself wanting to put some other concept in the place of that story, like awareness, oneness, presence or rest.

Am I, in unconscious ways, blocking my bliss?

All the words, pictures and bodily energies that make up that story and that intense focusing on the problem can finally release when the self cannot be found.

This is often when we start to experience more bliss, peace, love, joy or happiness.

It can also be when we start trying to find a new problem to take the place of the old one. We can even feel like we are "not deserving" of freedom, another deficiency story, another apparent block.

But once we see that the real freedom is not in fixing the prob-

blocking my bliss," and then find yourself swimming in that deficiency story, just look for that self, "The one who is blocking the bliss."

Looking happens. Thoughts, emotions and sensations shift.

But no self can be pinpointed.

And that's when the bodily energies that are blocking the experience of bliss, peace, love, joy or happiness become unblocked,

All quotes from Bhagvada Gita A man who renounces certain physical actions but still lets his mind dwell on the objects of his sensual desire, is deceiving himself. He can only be called a hypocrite. The truly admirable man controls his senses by the power of his will.

The power of God is with you at all times; through the activities of mind, senses, breathing, and emotions; and is constantly doing all the work using you as a mere instrument For the senses wander, and when one lets the mind follow them, it carries wisdom away like a windblown ship on the waters.

The embodied soul is eternal in existence, indestructible, and infinite, only the material body is factually perishable

Scott Kiloby

But those are just labels.

Repeating them didn't make the rest more restful. So I began to drop even those labels and enjoy moments of complete unknowing.

That's when it all begins to flow more naturally.

Scott Kiloby is a Non-Dual presenter and author from Southern Indiana (USA) who points clearly to awakening to the nonduality of existence.

The immature think that knowledge and action are different, but the wise see them as the same.

Perform all thy actions with mind concentrated on the Divine, renouncing attachment and looking upon success and failure with an equal eye

You Insure all your Valuables, all are replaceable except YOU! So Insure yourself FIRST. Call Sahanis, (Arish, Priya or Shiv) for your Insurance needs 718- 271- 0453. Serving for last 35 yrs

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India Post

November 22, 2013

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Regional aspirations vs National interests of India

A

re the regional aspirations in India essentially against the national interests? Or, is there a huge gap between the two, that the successive governments and political parties both at the national and regional levels have failed to address?

While the current focus is on the foreign policy disaster in terms of Indian Prime Minister not attending the CHOGM in Sri Lanka due to pressure from Tamil Nadu, this is not a new trend. Earlier, West Bengal asserted itself against a similar visit to Dhaka. While the Sri Lankan Tamil issue is behind Tamil Nadu's present pressure,

D SUBA CHANDRAN

political party was leading the Parliament in New Delhi. The government, its cabinet and the Prime Minister in particular should have been the biggest bridge between the centre and the regions.

It is a biggest irony in India that for the government, cabinet and the Prime Minister, the regions are last in their priorities. Worse, at times, they were never even in the list of priorities. How else can one explain the dis-connect between the different governments, and at times even within the same government?

Take the case of Dr Manmohan Singh, for example and his inter-

the cases of corruption by its own MPs, the DMK went slow in pressurizing New Delhi. Today, there is an ADMK government in Tamil Nadu, and the Sri Lankan Tamil issue is an important emotional issue that the political parties are using to gain narrow political mileage within the State.

The coalition politics, and the internal politics within the States, thus do play a role in creating an emotional gap between the State and Centre. In the process, it also creates a gap between the societies.

Third, the failure of governance and the high level of corruption in the regions/States play an important role in the State government blaming the Centre for all the ills.

Consider the case of the Northeast; in p a r t i c u l a r, Nagaland and Manipur are ruled by the underground, where the militant groups openly "collect" a percentage as "tax" even from the govThe heads of government and their representatives at the opening ceremony of the Commonernment offiwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), in Nelum Pokuna, Mahinda Rajapaksa theatre, Colombo, on November 15 cials! Goods cannot move West Bengal used the sharing of est vis-a-vis J&K. What has hap- easily from one part to the other, Teesta river waters as an issue, pened between 2007 and 2013 to without "paying" at the multiple thereby in both cases damaging his approach? What did the region unofficial checkposts managed by Indo-Sri Lankan and Indo- expect from him when he ap- the non-State actors. Funds and Bangladesh relations. pointed those five working groups goods from rest of India reaches While it needs a separate analy- and inaugurate the cross-LoC bus the State; but, there is an organized sis on the merits and problems of service? What happened to the underground, which takes it and the above two, the larger question Round Table Conferences that he distributes itself. As a result, the is: do the sub-regions and the rest himself inaugurated? common man suffers immensely of nation understand each other?

The interest of the Centre and and is extremely angry about the True India is a huge country with its priorities are the primary prob- present situation. different regions, which in turn are lem for creating the dis-connect The State governments in the heterogeneous. between the nation and the re- Northeast are only happy to shift But, is India not also a democ- gions. The regions rightly feel side- the blame on the Centre. The Cenracy and federal, both being sanc- lined, ignored and overlooked. The tre is well aware of the problem, tified by the Constitution and con- case is same in the Northeast, West but it is also a part of the problem, sidered as fundamental by the Bengal and Tamil Nadu. as there is an unholy nexus belearned Supreme Court? Is it not Second, the coalition politics, tween the bureaucracy, political the essential functionality of a undoubtedly exerts a pressure in leaders and the underground. If democracy and federation to en- the communication between the the States are shifting the blame sure that the regions and the rest regions and Centre. Sri Lankan on the Centre, the latter is only of nation are on the same page?

Tamil issue was not new; the en- interested in maintaining the staCertainly, the size of India and tire community was under pressure tus quo its heterogeneous nature cannot and prosecution in Sri Lanka by How to ensure that the nation be seen as a problem; perhaps, it successive governments and es- and region perceives that their incould be perceived as an excuse, pecially under the present terests are not antithetical, but as it has been done by successive Rajapakse government. But, why complimentary? Can the nation governments since independence. is that it has become an issue to- move forward without taking the The problems between the regions day, and not few years ago? regions along? And can the reand the nation are elsewhere.

As long as the DMK was a part gions move forward if they want First and foremost, it is the fail- of the coalition, there was a better to leave a negative impact on the ure of governments at the national understanding between New Delhi rest of nation? level, irrespective of whichever and Chennai. Worse, as long as The writer is Director, IPCS

India Post Complex election

I

n a US style fundraising, the BJP collected Rs 3.5 lakhs for a Narendra Modi rally in Bangalore by charging a mere Rs 10 from each member of the audience. It said the funds so collected will be used towards erecting a Sardar Patel statue in Gujarat.

At a Delhi constituency on the same day, Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi had to cut short his speech to seven minutes as the small number of people gathered there also started to leave as what the Gandhi family scion said did not seem to engage them.

Imagine what the Congress would have collected if it had asked the people to pay Rs 10 each for attending the rally of Congress' prime ministerial candidate.

This only proves the popularity of Narendra Modi all over the country because he has been drawing similar crowds in both the south as well as the North. But this ensures neither the victory of BJP in the forthcoming elections nor does it ensure that Modi will be able to reach anywhere near the prime ministerial chair in 2014.

This is because the election process in India is a complex exercise where regional parties have become strong and would prove the ultimate kingmakers. It is certain that the Dravidian parties in Tamil Nadu, the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal, Mulayam Singh Yadav's Samjawadi Party and Mayawati's Bahujan Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh, Naveen Patnaik's Biju Janata Dal in Orissa, the Janata Dal (United) in Bihar, the Akali Dal in Punjab and so on will be able to bag a significant number of parliament seats and thus be able to decide who they want to prop up or pull down. They will thus be able to have their man on the coveted seat.

The recent example of the elections in India's neighboring small island country, the Maldives, proves the point. Mohammad Nasheed, backed by India was the most popular politician there.

He won a first vote on September 7 with 45 per cent which was annulled by the Supreme Court. A re-run of the first round took place on November 9 which Nasheed won by a larger margin nearly 47 percent - but still not enough for an outright victory. His main opponents united for the final run-off which then Nasheed lost narrowly on November 16.

This points to a scenario that could develop after the 2014 elections in India. Even if, led by a Modi burst, the BJP wins a substantial number of seats, it could still be denied power if the regional powers gang up against Modi and unite for the single purpose of opposing him. Thus all the angry diatribes that Modi has let loose against his opponents could come to roost when the other political parties are in a position to pass a verdict on him. In this context old man L.K.Advani had a good word of advice that it is time to cultivate the regional parties and not alienate them.

Modi and his friends are working on the hypothesis that if led

by Modi's popularity, the BJP is able to garner a good number of seats the lure of power sharing would attract many of the regional parties who are now opposing him. This is a new and daring exercise and its efficacy will be proved only after the elections.

The Congress knows it is facing defeat and their whole effort is focused on maligning Modi and trying to frighten the minorities and many liberals over the danger of having Modi at the helm.

Theirs is a totally negative campaign. A small incident or evidence found against Modi is being blown up sky high. This strategy could even prove counterproductive as their supposed "ogre" keeps growing in people's mind as a powerful man who could challenge the frightened people who are now ruling the country.

Which calculation works will be known only after election day.

November 22, 2013

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