IndiaPost_12-17-2010 by Ghanshyam Bisht

Top Stories

India Post V O I C E

O F

I N D I A N S

W O R L D W I D E

www.indiapost.com

SRF President Sri Daya Mata passes away Details on page 19

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

VOL 16, No. 849

December 17, 2010

50¢

Periodical Postage

U.S. INSULTS INDIAN AMBASSADOR MEERA Pulled and patted down by airport security

Deepak Chopra's Buddha in graphic form

WASHINGTON: Indian Ambassador Meera Shankar was pulled from an airport security line and patted down by an American security agent in Mississippi despite being told of her diplomatic status, prompting Indian mission here to strongly protest against the incident. The incident took place on December 4 at the Jackson-Evers International Airport where sari-clad Shankar was about to board a flight to Baltimore after attending the Mississippi State University's

Ambassador Meera Shankar

program, an Indian Embassy official said. Calling it "unacceptable," India's External Affairs Minister S M Krishna said in New Delhi the matter will be taken up with the American government. Shankar presented her diplomatic papers to officers and was escorted by a Mississippi Development Authority representative and an airport security officer, but witnesses said she was subjected to the hands-on search, the official said. Details on page 5

Shuvo Roy

Indian American develops artificial kidney Details on page 36

Mangrola elected IADO President Details on page 14

Details on page 24

USINPAC greets Caucus co-chair Sen. Warner Details on page 6

Omar Khalidi

Indian Islamic scholar dies in accident

Ninth Pravasi Divas in Delhi on Jan 7-9

Details on page 5

Details on page 6

AIF honors filmmaker Shekhar Kapur

India in US Cyber Security exercise Details on page 41

Rohatgi wins Innovation Research Award Details on page 21

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

Is the US paranoid about security? Last week’s result

Is Hillary Clinton a friend of India? YES 74%

NO 26%

'HAND'SOME COUPLE: France's President Nicolas Sarkozy and his wife Carla Bruni-Sarkozy being welcomed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his wife Gursharan Kaur at the Prime Minister's residence in New Delhi on December 5

India mourns Congressman Stephen Solarz India Post News Service

Stephen J. Solarz

spected foreign policy leader and an energetic supporter of democracy and human rights all over the world, he had many ardent admirers in India, who greatly valued his tireless espousal of closer Indo-US relations." Amb. Shankar further said Congressman Solarz had been ahead of the curve in supporting causes dear to India, especially in the years before IndoUS relations reached the take-off stage in the late 1990s. Details on page 6

Details on page 22

CONTENTS Bollywood ---------------------- 34-35 Classifieds ------------------------- 47 Community Post -------------- 14-23 Date Book -------------------------- 45 Edit Page --------------------------- 49 HealthScience Post --------- 36-38 Horoscope ------------------------- 46 Immigration Post ------------- 42-44 Life Style ----------------------- 24-28 Philosophy ------------------------- 48 Publisherís Diary ------------------ 4 Real Estate ------------------------ 39 TechBiz Post ------------------- 40-41 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 29-31

Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”

India Post

www.indiapost.com

December 17, 2010

www.indiapost.com

India Post

December 17, 2010

India Post

IndiaNewsweekly Post

www.indiapost.com

The Weekly Newspaper Serving Indians Worldwide

Romesh & Sunita Japra Publishers Subhash C Japra Co-Publisher Vikram Paul President Krishan Sharma Mg Director & Joint Editor Ranjana Sodhi Managing Editor Vinod Dhawan Senior Editor Naresh Sodhi General Manager Ghanshyam Bisht Supervisor Graphics SAN FRANCISCO & SILICON VALLEY Vijay Thapar CPRO & Advertising Sonia Sidhu Management Analyst Radhika Jhamb Correspondent Sudesh Kumari Correspondent Deepa Japra Youth Post Correspondent Rama Mehra Advertising Bhumi Bhutani Health Science Correspondent Jaya Gautam Correspondent Sujata Singh Correspondent Sirisha Chandraraju Correspondent Isha Patnaik Correspondent Raaj D. Photo Journalist Los Angeles Mrs Shashi Trivedi Bureau Chief J S Bedi PR & Marketing Mrs Prem Kishore Sr Correspondent Greg Heffernan Correspondent Ms Bobby Sharma Correspondent Babeeta Kaur Dhillon Correspondent Pavan Kaur Bhatia Correspondent CHICAGO Ramesh Soparawala Resident Editor A Q Siddiqui Correspondent ST. LOUIS Ashwin Patel Correspondent NEW YORK & NEW JERSEY Pinky Kaur Bureau Chief Srirekha N. Chakravarty Correspondent Nikita Japra Correspondent Sukhvinder Saini Circulation ATLANTA Sanjay Saggere Bureau Chief FLORIDA B K Madnani CANADA Firdaus Ali Correspondent BOSTON Gope Gidwani Bureau Chief DETROIT Ashok B Jain, M D Bureau Chief Gurminder Singh SAN DIEGO Neelu Bhardwaj Bureau Chief SACRAMENTO Madan Sharma Bureau Chief Janak Sidhra Correspondent Upen Shukla Correspondent

Mission Statement To empower the Indian Diaspora and make their voice strong and effective in countries of their adoption. RJ Media conglomerate offers a credible, professional and complete package of news, opinion, entertainment, networking and information.

Publisher’s Diary

think the debate currently on in a section of the American media about the origins or ownership of Yoga is a valid though irrelevant one if one were to consider the more pressing issues facing humanity like basic survival from poverty, disease, terrorism, corruption - and yeah, bad economy and unemployment. It's important though that such issues come under the spotlight and merit at least a vigorous debate, if nothing to make people aware that there is more to Yoga than a commercial brand for profit-mongering corporations. It started with an article in the NY Times with the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) making a case against the gross westernization of the ancient Hindu practice to the extent that most practitioners at elite gyms and yoga clubs across the country do not realize its origins in Hinduism. The HAF's argument was denigrated by some as a claim to ownership of the ancient practice. But as its founder Suhag Shukla points out, it's not all about ownership, but about origins; not about branding but about acknowledgment; not about conversion, but about self-realization. Like Shukla perhaps, I am not paranoid that the origins of Yoga would be lost if it is not constantly reiterated. Most practitioners, even if they do not know its Hindu origins, automatically know that Yoga is not a western contribution to humanity. However, what I worry about is the dilution of its purpose and trivialization of its techniques. Stop blaming the westerners for taking Yoga where it is at today - in designer leotards, mats and other accessories; if you don't give it to them your way, they will take it their way. In this politically correct and commercially irreverent world, acknowledgment, if at all, would come through 'take over' of Yoga by Hindu marketers rather than a 'take back' by Hindu preachers. Like 'trending' right now is the Nataraja (after Newsweek's cover with Obama in the Nataraja pose) - rather than carp about it, Hindus would do well to sell the 'correct' concept of Hindu gods and not wait for a T-shirt vendor to popularize it.

Romesh K Japra rkjapra@indiapost.com

INFO-CENTER CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS

CENTRAL VALLEY (CA) Dr Ram Saini Bureau Chief Sheila Rogers Correspondent

1900 Mowry Ave # 201 Fremont, CA 94538 Tel: 510-797-7799, Fax: 510-790-2806; E-mail: info@indiapost.com

YUBA CITY (CA) Satnam Tatla Correspondent

E-SUBSCRIPTION: Vikram Paul Tel: 510-789-7520 Extn: 208; E-mail: subscribe@indiapost.com

CAROLINAS Nalini Raja Patel Correspondent INDIA Vinod Dhawan Senior Editor & Bureau Chief

For Editorial: Sonia Sidhu Tel: 510-797-7799; E-mail: sonia@indiapost.com

For advertisement rates call the office nearest to you:

PUNJAB Shiv Japra Bureau Chief Anil Kanwar Senior Correspondent/ Marketing

LOS ANGELES

HYDERABAD M Sagar Kumar Bureau Chief MUMBAI Mayank Thakkar Correspondent Nidhi Soparawala Correspondent Frank Fernandes Correspondent Vaidehi Patel Correspondent NASHIK Mahendra Thakkar Correspondent India Post (ISSN-1064-3868) is published weekly for $30 for 52 issues yearly by India Post, 1900 Mowry Ave # 201 Fremont, CA 94538. Periodicals postage paid at Norwalk, CA and additional mailing office. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the corporate headquarters: 1900 Mowry Ave # 201 Fremont, CA 94538 Copyright © 1994 Indamec, Inc. DISCLAIMER India Post assumes all advertisers to be reliable and responsible for all liability for their claimers

On again romance The Ranbir-Deepika love story does not seem to be ending anytime soon. The Kapoor lad is in a mood of reconciliation.

Cover Story: Meera insulted Indian Ambassador Meera Shankar was pulled from an airport security line and patted down by an American security agent.

Community: IADO President

Front ranking Indian American businessman and community activist Harendra Mangrola has been elected President of IADO.

Health: Artificial kidney Researchers led by Shuvo Roy of University of California San Francisco (UCSF) develop artificial kidney.

Graphics Inquiry: Tel: 510-936-9490; E-mail: ghanshyam@indiapost.com

SAN FRANCISCO & SILICON VALLEY

DOABA, PUNJAB Romesh Kaura Correspondent

Bollywood:

Classifieds: Tel: 510-938-8668; E-mail:classifieds@indiapost.com

NEW DELHI Vinod Kumar Khatana Graphics Madan Bangari Graphics

CHANDIGARH Raj Kumar Bali Correspondent

HIGHLIGHTS

1900 Mowry Ave # 201 Fremont, CA 94538 Tel: 510-938-8667 e-mail: nareshsodhi@gmail.com 12908 Indian Lane Norwalk, CA 90650 Fax: 562-947-0632 Tel: 562-441-5511, shashi19@yahoo.com Tel: 562-929-4213, kimi@indiapost.com

CHICAGO 2740 W Devon Ave Chicago IL 60659 Tel: 773-973-7394; Fax: 773-973-7396; Email: sramesh@aol.com

NEW YORK Tel: 212-944-1931, Fax: 732-969-3735 Tel: 908-338-3752 (Marketing) Tel: 732-283-4939 (Editorial) E-mail: pinky@indiapost.com

NEW JERSEY 21 Longfellow st., Carteret, NJ 07008 Tel: 732-969-1114; Fax: 732-969-3735 E-mail: pinky@indiapost.com

BOSTON Tel: 617-298-9200; Fax: 617-298-1104 GOPE; E-mail: ggidwani@aol.com

ATLANTA 67 Peach Tree Dr., Ste. 102, Buckhead Atlanta, GA 30309 Tel: 404-425-3021 E-mail: sanjay@eBolo.com

Life Style: Graphic Buddha Liquid Comics have done a graphic novel adaptation of Deepak Chopra's novel entitled, ‘Buddha’.

FLORIDA 8401 West Sample Road 30, Coral Springs, Florida - 33065 TORONTO, CANADA Tel/Fax: 416-744-8610

Techbiz:

DELHI

Tata support

Jin Kushal Suri Complex, 3rd Floor, 230-A, Masjid Moth, (NDSE Part-II) New Delhi - 110049 Tel: 11-46142940, 26257769 Fax: 11-46142969 E-mail:delhi@indiapost.com

Ratan Tata has come out strongly in support of the government's 2G spectrum allocation policy.

MUMBAI • Shivam, 3rd Floor Opp Raj Kumar Hotel Andheri (W) Mumbai Tel: (22) 2677 7782 Email: nidzp_04@yahoo.com • Fernandes Mansion Tam Taloa, Bassien (W) Mumbai 09619 330159 NASHIK 6 Amrit Dhara Deolali, Near Nashik-422 101 94 23 138 700

For editorial, contact: editor@indiapost.com or call 510-797-7799

Travel: Periyar National Park Kerala’s Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve is one of the most captivating wildlife parks in the world.

Cover/Top Stories

December 17, 2010

India Post

www.indiapost.com

US insults Indian Ambassador Meera Pulled and patted down by airport security WASHINGTON: Indian Ambassador Meera Shankar was pulled from an airport security line and patted down by an American security agent in Mississippi despite being told of her diplomatic status, prompting Indian mission here to strongly protest against the incident. The incident took place on December 4 at the Jackson-Evers International Airport where sariclad Shankar was about to board a flight to Baltimore after attending the Mississippi State University's program, an Indian Embassy official said. Calling it "unacceptable," India's External Affairs Minister S M Krishna said in New Delhi the matter will be taken up with the American government. Shankar presented her diplomatic papers to officers and was escorted by a Mississippi Development Authority representative and an airport security officer, but witnesses said she was subjected to the hands-on search, the official said. She was taken to a VIP waiting room despite being told she was an ambassador. She was later pulled from a security line and patted down by a woman Trans-

portation Security Administration agent. The official said the Indian Embassy will take up the issue with the State Department. "We are taking it up with the State Department," the Embassy official said. Witnesses were quoted by the local Clarion-Ledger newspaper as saying that security agents told

She was taken to a VIP waiting room despite being told she was an ambassador. She was later pulled from a security line and patted down by a woman Transportation Security Administration agent Shankar she was singled out because she was wearing a sari. This is for the first time that Shankar, who always has been seen wearing a sari, has had to undergo such a pat-down search in the US. After arriving in Washington

as India's top diplomat to the US, Shankar has been traveling a lot inside the US and giving lectures to universities across the country. But this was for the first time that Shankar was traveling outside Washington after the new TSA regulations went into effect. New TSA regulations went into effect on November 1 allowing federal security officers at airports to switch to more thorough - but often controversial - "pat-downs" for passengers who require hand searches. Of late it has received a lot of criticism for its pat-downs and fullbody scanning, which TSA argues has been taken up in view of the increased security threat. The Jackson airport does not yet have full-body screeners, which meant that the ambassador became subject to the thorough pat-down. Shankar was in Jackson as a guest of Mississippi State University. In town, Shankar met with Lt Gov Phil Bryant, representatives from the Mississippi Development Authority and members of the Indian community in Jackson, and she spoke to more than 100 people at the Executive Lecture Forum of

Indian Islamic scholar dies in accident in Boston India Post News Service

NEW YORK: The Indian American Muslim community is condoling the passing of Dr. Omar Khalidi, an eminent Indian author and a research librarian for the Aga Khan Program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) libraries, in a tragic road accident in Boston on Nov 29. Preliminary reports suggest that he was fatally struck by a subway trolley near the Kendall Square station in Cambridge, MA. Mourning his untimely death, the Non-Resident Indians for Secular and Harmonious India (NRI SAHI) said Dr. Khalidi was a well known, respected and beloved Indian scholar. Dr. Khalidi also a member of the Aga Khan Program of Islamic Architecture. His research interests were in the sociology of politics, upward and downward economic mobility of ethnic groups, nationalism and Diaspora. Dr. Khalidi has authored ground breaking books on Mus-

lims in India including 'The Fall of Hyderabad', 'Khaki and Ethnic Violence in India: Armed Forces, Police and Paramilitary During Communal Riots', 'Indian Muslims Since Independence', and 'Muslims in Indian Economy' among many others. He had recently fin-

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;He left behind him a monumental legacy that had a significant impact on the political landscape of India and a multitude of people were motivated and inspired by his workâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ished the draft on the state of Urdu language in India. "His death is a big loss to the Indian Diaspora as well as to the scholarship community in India

and abroad," NRI SAHI said in a statement. Dr. Khalidi was born in Hyderabad and was the son of Professor A.N.M. Khalidi, a well known scholar of Arabic and Islamic studies at Osmania University. He was educated in India, Britain and the United States. Dr. Khalidi is survived by his wife and daughter. The Indian Muslim CouncilUSA expressed its deepest condolences to his family. An IMC-USA statement said Dr. Khalidi was a pioneer in the field of research on Indian Muslims and Contemporary Politics. "He left behind him a monumental legacy that had a significant impact on the political landscape of India and a multitude of people were motivated and inspired by his work," it said. "He will be remembered for his courage in taking on issues that others feared to tread and for his unending passion for the pursuit of social justice in India," IMCUSA said.

Jackson. Gov. Haley Barbour's spokesman Dan Turner said the governor's office is looking into the incident. "At this time, we're trying to find out exactly what happened all of the details," Turner said. In the past, many prominent Indians, including ministers, have

The hands-on search also embarrassed the university officials who invited Meera Shankar, India's ambassador to the United States, to give a speech for an international studies program faced some uncomfortable moments at US airports. In September, visiting Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel was quizzed by US immigration authorities at the O'Hare airport in Chicago after his name and date of birth matched with that of another Praful Patel,

who is on America's watch-list. In August 2009, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan was detained and questioned at Newark Liberty International Airport. Khan was headed to Chicago for a parade to celebrate India's Independence Day, when he was pulled aside by airport authorities for interrogation. Former Defense Minister George Fernandes had claimed that he was strip-searched twice at Dulles Airport in the US Capital area, when he was on an official visit to Washington in early 2002 and another time while en route to Brazil in mid 2003. AP adds: The hands-on search also embarrassed the university officials who invited Meera Shankar, India's ambassador to the United States, to give a speech for an international studies program. "It was a wonderful program, maybe the best we've had, (but) this stupid incident ruined the whole thing. She said, 'I will never come back here,'" said Janos Radvanyi, chair of Mississippi State University's international studies department. "We are sending her a letter of apology." PTI

Pat-down search of Shankar unacceptable: S M Krishna NEW DELHI: Terming as "unacceptable" Indian Ambassador to the US Meera Shankar being subjected to a 'pat-down' search at an airport there, External Affairs Minister S M Krishna has said the matter will be taken up with the American government. Noting that there are well-established conventions and practices as to how members of the diplomatic community should be treated, Krishna said such an incident has taken place for the second time in the last three months. "This is unacceptable to India and we are going to take it up with the US government and I hope things could be resolved so that such unpleasant incidents do not recur," the minister told reporters. When asked if a report has been sought from the US, he said, "There are various procedures through which we take it up with government of the US." Shankar was pulled from an airport security line on December 4 and patted down by an

American security agent in Mississippi despite being told of her diplomatic status. The incident took place at the Jackson-Evers International Airport where sari-clad Shankar was about to board a flight to Baltimore after attending the Mississippi State University's program. Shankar presented her diplomatic papers to officers and was escorted by a Mississippi Development Authority representative and an airport security officer, but witnesses said she was subjected to the handson search. In the past, many prominent Indians, including ministers, have faced some uncomfortable moments at US airports. In September, visiting Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel was quizzed by US immigration authorities at the O'Hare airport in Chicago after his name and date of birth matched with that of another Praful Patel, who is on America's watch-list. -PTI

Top Stories

India Post

December 17, 2010

www.indiapost.com

USINPAC congratulates Senate Ninth Pravasi Divas in India Caucus co-chair Delhi on Jan 7-9

Sen. Mark Warner India Post News Service

NEW YORK: The US India Political Action Committee (USINPAC) has congratulated Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) on his appointment as the Co-Chair of the Senate Caucus on India and Indian-Americans. Sen. Mark succeeds Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT) as the Co-Chair of the Senate India Caucus. Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) is the other serving Co-Chair of the Caucus. USINPAC played an active role

CUP CAPTAINS WITH 2011 CUP: Former cricket

in the launch of the Senate Caucus on April 29, 2004. The Caucus works on issues related to terrorism, advancing peace and stability, deepening defense relations between U.S. and India and creating opportunities for trade and investment in order to boost economic ties. Sen. Warner was formerly the Governor of Virginia and led a successful business delegation to India in 2005 comprising of 65 business representatives. Communicating to USINPAC Senator

Warner said, "Building upon our strong relationship with India makes smart strategic sense for our nation and good economic sense for the Commonwealth of Virginia, and I look forward to working closely with my colleagues to strengthen this important relationship." Sen. Warner said further, "In 2005, I was the first US governor to lead a trade delegation to India, and I developed a lot of respect for India's fast-growing and vibrant economy. I also have worked closely for many years with leading entrepreneurs in the IndianAmerican IT community, so I have a deep appreciation for India's prominent role in Virginia's future economic success." Sanjay Puri, USINPAC Chairman congratulated Sen. Warner and said, "It is good to see the Senate India Caucus' co-chairmanship transferring into the capable hands of Sen. Warner. I have worked with him previously on strengthening the US-India economic partnership and compliment him on his commitment to even stronger ties."

India Post News Service

NEW DELHI: The 9th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention will be held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi on 7- 9 January 2011 with special focus on north eastern states of India. It will provide the delegates with an opportunity to interact with: • Cabinet Ministers from India on matters of interest and concern to them. • PIO Ministers/dignitaries from other countries on the expectations and aspirations of the overseas Indian community from the land of their ancestors and how they could work towards strengthening the relationship between India and the country of their residence. • Chief Ministers on issues of their States need to attend on priority and facilities and incentives available in their states for the overseas Indian community. Concurrent sessions would be held on Education, Health Services, Youth, and Information Communication & Entertainment. PBD-2011 will also see the continuation of an annual Lecture series under the overarching theme of "Engaging the Global Indian". This year there would be a memorial lecture on Prof C K Prahalad. The Convention will be inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India

on 8th January. President of India will deliver the valedictory address on 9th January and would confer Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards for 2011. The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) says the PBD Conventions provide the largest platform to the PlOs and NRIs for exchange of views and networking on matters of common interest. Among the decisions taken by the Government of India as a result of wider consultations held at these Conventions, are formulation of the Overseas Citizenship of India scheme, establishment of Overseas Indian Facilitation Centre, conceptualizing of Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra, formation of Prime Minister's Global Advisory Council of People of Indian Origin, setting up of the India Development Foundation, enabling professionals holding Overseas Citizens of India cards to practice in India in accordance with the provision of relevant acts, providing for voting rights to Non-Resident Indians and launching of The Global Indian Network of Knowledge (Global-INK). The Convention is being organized by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA), in partnership with Ministry of DoNER and Eight North Eastern States with Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) as the institutional partner.

India mourns Congressman Stephen Solarz

captains from India Kapil Dev (L), West Indies' Vivian Richards (C) and Pakistan's Imran Khan (R) pose with the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 trophy in New Delhi on December 9. India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka jointly host the 10th ICC Cricket World Cup from February 19 to April 2, 2011

India Post News Service

NEW YORK: India has expressed its condolences at the passing away of former Congressman Stephen J. Solarz, who died Nov 29, after a long battle with cancer. "I am deeply grieved at the passing away of former Congressman Stephen J Solarz," said Indian Ambassador to the US Meera Shankar in a statement. "While Congressman Solarz was widely acclaimed as a respected foreign policy leader and an energetic supporter of democracy and human rights all over the world, he had many ardent admirers in India, who greatly valued his tireless espousal of closer Indo-US relations." Amb. Shankar further said Congressman Solarz had been ahead of the curve in supporting causes dear to India, especially in the years before Indo-US relations reached the take-off stage in the

late 1990s. "He was driven by a strong conviction that India and the US were natural allies, and was one of the early architects of a policy of enhanced engagement between the two largest democracies in the world," she said. "His love for India was passionate and showed in his nickname - "the Congressman from Bombay"- and in his fondness for "Nehru jackets". "It is with a great sense of loss that we bid good-bye to a true friend of India," she added. As a mark of India's respect for Congressman Solarz, and the deep affection in which he is held in India, Amb. Shankar said, she participated in the memorial services held in his honor at Temple Rodef Shalom. "Our hearts go out to his family and friends, who have indelible memories of their long association with him. On behalf of the government and people of India, and on my own behalf, I convey our sincere condolences to them," she stated.

Top Stories

December 17, 2010

India Post

www.indiapost.com

Murder accused NRI gets bail, but to stay in jail LONDON: Shrien Dewani, the Indian-origin man arrested for allegedly organizing the killing of his newly-wed wife Anni on their honeymoon in South Africa, will remain in custody after South African authorities opposed his bail worth 250,000 pounds. The sensational case of the couple who went on a honeymoon to South Africa after a 'fairytale' marriage in India has taken a new turn with the Bristol-based husband being arrested for allegedly organizing the killing of his new wife, Anni, 28. Magistrates in the City of Westminster granted bail to Shrien but a High Court judge will now hear the appeal by South African authorities within 48 hours. Shrien told the court he did not consent to extradition. South African authorities want to question him after taxi driver Zola Tongo told the Western Cape High Court that he was offered 15,000 rand (1,400 pounds) by Shrien to kill his wife. Shrien, a businessman from Westbury-on-Trym in Bristol, denies any involvement in the murder. His lawyer Clare Montgomery said his "love for his wife was shown at his wedding". She added that passport records showed that he had not been to South Africa before so could not have arranged to meet Tongo. Justice Howard Riddle said "the difference in the factual accounts were stark" before he granted bail on an extradition warrant. Outside the court, Anni's family said they wanted a trial to take

Shrien Dewani and Anni

place. "We just want to see justice being done, all the evidence being listened to and a fair trial - justice for Anni is all we are looking for," they said and added that the correct course of action would be for Shrien to be extradited to South Africa. Shrien surrendered himself to

the police in Bristol and was arrested. Shrien allegedly offered money to the taxi driver to arrange for Anni to be shot dead in a staged carjacking in a township, according to claims outlined by a prosecutor. Shrien, who owns a chain of care homes, dismissed the accu-

sations as "ludicrous". The two were traveling through Gugulethu, a township, when they were ambushed by two men who appeared to threaten their driver, Zola Tongo, and ordered him out of the car before also ejecting Anni. She was found shot dead in the back of the car several hours later. Prosecutors in South Africa publicly accepted a signed confession from Tongo that was agreed as part of a plea bargain deal in which he admitted murder, aggravated robbery and kidnapping. With Anni's father, Vinod Hindocha, and other relatives who had flown in from Sweden, looking on, Rodney de Kock, the Western Cape director of public prosecutions, said Shrien had orchestrated the murder. He told Judge President John Hlophe: "The alleged hijacking was in fact not a hijacking, but part of a plan of subterfuge which Shrien Dewani, the husband of the deceased, and the accused had designed to conceal the true facts, to wit: that the deceased was murdered at the instance of her husband." Reading a lengthy confession signed by Tongo, who sat in the dock with his head buried in his hands throughout, he outlined how Shrien allegedly offered the driver 15,000 rand (1,379 pounds) to plan and carry out the "hit". "The hijacking would be simulated," the confession claims. "The agreement was that after the 'hijacking' of the vehicle, both Shrien Dewani and I would be ejected from the vehicle un-

harmed, after which the deceased would be murdered. "The kidnapping and robbery were part of the plan to make it appear that this was a random criminal act, unconnected to Shrien Dewani." Tongo claimed that Shrien sent him a text message while he was driving saying that the fee was hidden behind a seat. Tongo was jailed for 18 years

With Anni's father, Vinod Hindocha, and other relatives who had flown in from Sweden, looking on, Rodney de Kock, the Western Cape director of public prosecutions, said Shrien had orchestrated the murder for his role in the killing as part of the deal, avoiding a likely life sentence. He will give evidence at the trials of Xolile Mngeni, 23, and Mzwamadoda Qwabe, 25. Tongo alleges he helped recruit them to carry out the carjacking. They are accused of murder, kidnapping and aggravated robbery. Shrien's spokesman, Max Clifford, described the allegations as "outrageous" and said that, while he had been warned to expect the latest turn of events, he was "devastated".-PTI

Obama's India visit 'watershed' moment in bilateral ties: US WASHINGTON: Describing President Barack Obama's recent India visit as a "watershed" moment in bilateral ties, a top US diplomat has said the two countries have taken concrete initiatives to develop their strategic partnership and are working together to advance global peace and security. "I believe President Obama's recently concluded India trip would be considered another watershed, when the United States and India embarked for the first time on concrete initiatives to develop our global strategic partnership," Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Robert Blake told 'The Heritage Foundation', a Washington-based think tank. The challenge is now to de-

Robert Blake

fine the agenda for the two governments going forward, capitalize what the two countries have achieved and meet the ambitions vision that Prime Minister

Manmohan Singh and Obama laid out, he said. "The President's trip to India turned out to be one of the most successful trips ever taken by a

US President to South Asia," Blake said, adding that the visit produced a number of significant milestones that perhaps did not get much attention as they deserved amidst Obama's endorsement of India for a permanent UNSC seat and the First Lady's 'Bhangra' dance. "Many of these provided concrete examples about the United States and India increasingly working together to advance global peace, development and security," he said. During Obama's November trip, Indian government positioned itself to take a leading role in achieving global stability, Blake said. He said the US would remove Indian companies from the export control and entities list as New

Delhi aligns itself with global standards. The American business community welcomed these steps as they provide new opportunities for them in defense and civil space areas, he said. The removal of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) from the Commerce Department's entities list would bring in a new era of space cooperation and no longer would treat India's space program as a target, Blake said. "Rather we would become a very close partner. The possibilities of cooperation between India and the United States in space to advance scientific knowledge, human welfare are without boundaries and limits," he said.-PTI

Top Stories

India Post

December 17, 2010

www.indiapost.com

France, India sign nuclear deal on Sarkozy visit NEW DELHI: France signed a 9.3-billion-dollar framework agreement to sell two nuclear reactors to India during a trade-centered visit by French President Nicolas Sarkozy to New Delhi. India inked the deal with France's state-run nuclear group Areva for the purchase of two reactors for a new plant in Jaitapur in the western state of Maharashtra. "Negotiations (with Areva) have reached an advanced stage to pave the way for the launching of nuclear power reactors in Jaitapur in partnership with Indian industry," Prime Minister Manmohan Singh told a joint press conference. The deal is short of a final sale contract, but it means Areva has moved ahead of US and Japanese competitors in the race to sell reactors to India, which aims to tap atomic power for a quarter of its electricity demands by 2050. Russia is already constructing two nuclear power units in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. Deals totaling 15 billion euros (20 billion dollars) have been signed or are about to be signed with Indian companies, Sarkozy's office said, including a leasing agreement for 14 Airbus planes and the modernization of 51 French-made Mirage fighter jets. The French leader was on a

four-day trip to India, where he sought deeper trade ties while seeking to build a partnership with a democratic country seen as a counterbalance in Asia to China. British Prime Minister David Cameron and US President Barack Obama have both swept through India with similar messages recently, as Western nations look for export opportunities in a fastgrowing country seen as a natural ally. Sarkozy came with a delegation of six ministers and around 70 chief executives, including the bosses of aircraft and defense groups Dassault Aviation, aircraft maker EADS, and Areva. The nuclear group hopes to supply six reactors in total for the Maharashtra nuclear plant. The first two are worth 7.0 billion euros, according to the French presidency. Areva boss Anne Lauvergeon said that the construction of the reactors would begin next year, with the first electricity expected to be generated in 2018. The group would also enter into partnerships with Indian suppliers, she said. The agreement "shows the willingness of France to propose a total partnership to India in the area of civil nuclear power", Sarkozy told the press conference with Singh.

French first lady and global AIDS ambassador Carla Bruni-Sarkozy greets local residents and journalists as she leaves Naz Foundation care home for orphaned children with HIV/AIDS in New-Delhi on December 6

France recently took over the presidency of the G20 group of developed and major developing economic powers and Sarkozy sought support for his agenda, which includes overhauling the global monetary system and combating commodity price volatility. Sarkozy reiterated his support for India to have a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council -- a key foreign policy objective for New Delhi -and suggested it might simply upgrade its current temporary seat in 2012. "It's a question of balance in the world. We can't exclude a billion individuals," he said, referring to India's population of 1.2 billion. France is seeking a slice of the billions of dollars earmarked by India for a military upgrade, but competition is fierce among foreign arms manufacturers. Among other agreements were one that will see closer cooperation in space - they are to jointly launch satellites to monitor the climate and oceans next year - and arts and culture. After beginning their trip in tech hub Bangalore, the president and his pop star wife Carla Bruni went sight-seeing for the rest of the weekend, which included a romantic sunset visit to the Taj Mahal.

Pak should be resolute in Oz teen sentenced in Indian's murder case fighting terrorism: Sarkozy

MELBOURNE: Ahead of the first death anniversary of Indian student Nitin Garg, an Australian court has sentenced to 18 months probation a teenager, who witnessed the stabbing incident that had strained the ties between the two countries in January this year. The 16-year-old boy, who has not been named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty in the Supreme Court to being an accessory to the murder of 21-year-old Garg in Cruickshank Park on January 2, according to 'The Age'. The court heard Garg was on his way to work at a nearby Hungry Jack's outlet when the two boys, both aged 15 at the time, noticed him walking past while speaking on his mobile phone. The prosecution said the accused told to his friend "that bloke's phone looks nice", which prompted him to allegedly approach Garg and stab him in the abdomen. Days after Garg's murder, Police interviewed the boy who did not say anything about the incident. However, later during another

Nitin Garg

interview on April 26, the accused changed his story and told police he and his co-accused were in the Yarraville park on the night of the stabbing. His co-accused, also a 16-yearold boy, has already been charged with murder and is due to face a committal hearing in February. Phone records showed Garg tried to ring triple-0 for help immediately after he was stabbed but the accused yelled at him to "drop

the phone" because he was scared he was calling the police. In April, the boy told a friend's father "he was going to tell him something he had never told anyone before" and admitted to being present during Garg's stabbing. The court heard that the man contacted police with the information. The boy then agreed to wear a listening device to record a conversation with his co-accused in which the alleged murderer incriminated himself. The prosecution described the boy's co-operation as significant and said that a non-custodial sentence was an option for the court. Justice Paul Coghlan said the crime was serious but the boy's undertaking to give evidence against his co-accused meant the probation sentence was warranted. Coghlan said if the teenager had not pleaded guilty and not agreed to assist the prosecution of his co-accused, the 16-year-old would have spent two years in a youth justice centre. -PTI

MUMBAI: Seeking greater global cooperation to fight terror, French President Nicolas Sarkozy today asked Pakistan to be resolute in combating the menace. "I count on Pakistan authorities to show that they are resolute in combating terrorism," Sarkozy said at a commemorative function at Trident-Oberoi Hotel, one of the sites of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. Comparing the Mumbai terror strikes to 9/11 attacks in the US, he said, "We shall stand by India so that justice is delivered". Calling for international cooperation to check terror, Sarkozy said terrorism should be outlawed universally. "We should have true international cooperation to combat terrorism," he said. Sarkozy also honored Karambir Kang of Taj Hotel and Devendra Bharma of Trident-Oberoi for their efforts in saving lives during 26/ 11 attacks with `Insignia of Officer of Ordre National Du Merite' for distinguished service. Earlier, on arrival here this morning, the French President paid trib-

utes to the 26/11 martyrs at the Police Memorial on Marine Drive. Accompanied by wife Carla Bruni and French officials, the President laid a wreath in the memory of the martyred security personnel and observed a minute's silence. 166 people were killed by ten terrorists who stormed South Mumbai late on November 26, 2008, targeting a pub, two luxury hotels, country's oldest and biggest railway terminus (CST), a Jewish centre and a hospital, among others. Maharashtra Governor K Sankaranarayanan thanked Sarkozy for his "kind gesture" of paying tribute to the victims of the deadly terrorist attack on Mumbai. "Terrorism has become a global menace. Terrorism continues to inflict pain and suffering on people's lives all over the world," he said, speaking before Sarkozy. "We value our cooperation with France in counter terrorism, especially in the context of our strategic partnership," he said. -PTI

Top Stories

December 17, 2010

India Post

www.indiapost.com

India seeks 'EverGreen Revolution' at climate summit CANCUN: Even as UN climate talks here were almost deadlocked over contentious issues like a legally- binding pact on emissions cut, India has sought an "EverGreen Revolution" that will trigger innovations in low-carbon technologies tailored to withstand global warming. "The time is now for us to launch an EverGreen Revolution from Mexico, a revolution that will trigger innovations in low-carbon technologies for energy, transport, agriculture and other areas," Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh said here during the UN Conference of Parties. Ramesh was of the view that such a revolution could be on the line of the Green Revolution in wheat launched from Mexico over 60 years ago, with the development of new high-yielding varieties at International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT). He maintained that the November 29 to December 10 Cancun meet must take a decision on establishing a Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR)-like network, of which CIMMYT is a part. The Minister also gave details about various domestic and voluntarily steps taken since postCopenhagen conference to proactively respond to challenges of climate change. He hoped that with such steps, India will not only be amongst the fastest growing economies in the world as measured by GDP -Gross Domestic Product -- but will also be amongst the most respon-

Minister of Environment and Forests, Jairam Ramesh, speaks during the COP16 United Nations Climate Change conference on December 8

sible in ensuring a high rate of growth of the real GDP Green Domestic Product. The statement comes amid efforts by India to ward off pressure from developed nations like Japan and some other rich countries, which are seeking legally binding greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions from the emerging economies.

Opposing the move, India had made it clear that there is no question of taking up legally binding commitment on carbon emission and it was doing its bit at the domestic level to check climate change impacts. A pledge to reduce the emissions intensity of the country's GDP by 20-25 per cent by the year 2020 on a 2005 level, diversifying

energy fuelmix, setting up of the target to establish 20,000 MW of solar power generating capacity by 2022 are some of the major steps being taken to move towards low-carbon path, Ramesh pointed out. Moreover, Ramesh said the present share of nuclear power in the country's energy mix, which is 3 per cent, will be doubled over the next decade while a major market-based program has been put in place to stimulate energy efficiency. "India's Twelfth Five-Year Plan, to be launched on April 1, 2012, will have, as one of its key pillars, a low-carbon growth strategy. Detailed work on this has already begun and is available in the public domain keeping in view our deepest commitment to transparency and accountability," he said. "Moreover, we have imposed a clean energy cess on coal for funding R and D of clean energy technologies, even though coal will continue to play a key role in our future energy strategy. We have aggressively expanded the use of natural gas in our power production," the Minister elaborated. On forestry and coastal management, he said India is launching an ambitious 'Green India Mission' to increase the forest cover in 10 million hectares of land while adaptation steps are being taken in the coastal region. Moreover, Ramesh said the present share of nuclear power in the country's energy mix, which is 3 per cent, will be doubled over the next decade while a major mar-

ket-based program has been put in place to stimulate energy efficiency. "India's Twelfth Five-Year Plan, to be launched on April 1, 2012, will have, as one of its key pillars, a low-carbon growth strategy. Detailed work on this has already begun and is available in the public domain keeping in view our deepest commitment to transparency and accountability," he said. "Moreover, we have imposed a clean energy cess on coal for funding R and D of clean energy technologies, even though coal will continue to play a key role in our future energy strategy. We have aggressively expanded the

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;India's Twelfth FiveYear Plan, to be launched on April 1, 2012, will have, as one of its key pillars, a low-carbon growth strategy. Detailed work on this has already begun and is available in the public domainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; use of natural gas in our power production," the Minister elaborated. On forestry and coastal management, he said India is launching an ambitious 'Green India Mission' to increase the forest cover in 10 million hectares of land while adaptation steps are being taken in the coastal region. -PTI

Former CVC N Vittal backs Thomas NEW DELHI: Beleaguered Central Vigilance Commissioner P J Thomas today got the backing of one of his predecessors N Vittal, who said he will come out clean after the Supreme Court judgment. "Integrity is not at all an issue. Thomas has an excellent record. He has been cleared for empanelment to the Government of India...So he is an officer who has a record and has come through the whole selection. I think it will be largely wrong to cast any aspersions on the integrity or the personality of Thomas. "The whole question is about selection process and perception about the CVC. The matter is before the court. I am optimistic and, as a 72-year-old

man, I am confident that as Sita came out of agnipariksha, the institution of the CVC will emerge stronger," Vittal told reporters here. Vittal, who was the first chief of the anti-corruption watchdog, objected to the use of word 'tainted' for Thomas in the media. "The use of word tainted (for CVC) is wrong. The whole issue is before the court and we need to wait for its decision. It is all about perception on whatever discussion is on in the media. "Today discussion is all about propriety. The issue of propriety needs to be taken to a final position as per the rule of law," he said on the sidelines of a seminar here. 60-year-old Thomas was selected as CVC by a three-member panel of Prime Minister

P J Thomas

The Supreme Court had also raised questions on Thomas' ability to supervise the CBI investigations in the 2G spectrum allocation case

Manmohan Singh, leader of Opposition Sushma Swaraj and Home Minister P Chidambaram. Swaraj had registered a dissent note on Thomas's selection citing pending criminal charges. The CVC's name figures in the chargesheet relating to import of palmolein when he was serving in the Kerala government. The Supreme Court had also raised questions on Thomas' ability to supervise the CBI investigations in the 2G spectrum allocation case. Thomas has earlier served in the Telecom Ministry as Secretary. "For example, the issue of integrity is whether the Prime Minister, Leader of opposition as well as the Home Minister should discuss the selection. Should there be consultation with the opposi-

tion leader or should there be a consent? "Those two issues, I am sure will be clarified after the Supreme Court's decision. Once that judgment comes, I think it will go to strengthen the institution of CVC and whatever the current controversy is. It will be cleared," Vittal said. Thomas refused to react to charges leveled against him. "These things are subjudice. Whatever is subjudice, the matter is before the court. I have no comments on that," he said when asked to comment on the apex court's observation and opposition parties charges against him. The Supreme Court will hear on January 27 a PIL seeking his removal from the key post. -PTI

Top Stories

10 India Post

December 17, 2010

www.indiapost.com

Indian sculptor wins Beijing award NEW DELHI: Indian sculptor Latika Katt's bronze work has bagged an award from among 535 artists across 93 participating countries at the fourth Beijing International Art Biennale. The New Delhi-based sculptor bagged the award for her bronze work titled "Makar Sankranti at Dashawmeth Ghat, Varanasi", the Lalit Kala Academy said in a statement. Recognized as one of India's leading artists, Katt has put up solo and joint exhibitions in India

GENERAL GREETING: The Chief of General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, General Nikolay Makarov calling on the Chief of Army Staff, General V.K. Singh, in New Delhi on December

and abroad including Paris, Ankara, Havana, Stockholm, Osaka and Chicago. Currently working independently, Latika had headed the Department of Fine Arts and Art Education at Jamia Millia Islamia University as well as taught at the Banaras Hindu University. Her work, which strives to create a multi-dimensional imaginative world features in collections in the National Gallery of Modern Art, Mumbai and the Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi, among others. -PTI

Sharif 'most trusted man' of Saudi royal family

Norway gives clean chit to Nobel Laureate Yunus DHAKA: Norway has given a clean chit to Grameen Bank founder Muhammad Yunus, saying it found no evidence of donor fund embezzlement by his bank, removing a cloud that had hovered over the Nobel Laureate. "There is no indication that Norwegian funds have been used for unintended purposes, or that Grameen Bank has engaged in corrupt practices or embezzled funds," Norwegian Minister for Environment and International Development Erik Solheim said in a statement issued by the country's foreign ministry. The minister, however, said the Bank had transferred the aid money to a sister non-profit company "breaching agreements" with the Norwegian donor NORAD but "the matter was concluded when the agreement concerning reimbursement of the funds was entered into in May 1998". Solheim said that his statement was based on an investigation carried out by NORAD into media allegations of anomalies of funds following the airing of a Norwegian TV documentary. The documentary and subsequent media reports alleged that Yunus had diverted USD 100 million meant for microcredit lending of Grameen Bank to its sister venture Grameen Kalyan, also a nonprofit welfare company breeching Bangladesh's financial laws and

agreements with the donor. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina earlier said that "there should certainly be a thorough investigation to find out what actually happened". But she feared the Grameen Bank's exposure to the controversy could have occurred as it tried to play a "trick" to evade

Yunus, who is now on a tour abroad, in a statement immediately welcomed the primer's initiatives for investigation saying "I am confident that this (investigation) will resolve the matter and bring the truth to the citizens of Bangladesh as soon as possible". Finance Minister AMA Muhith earlier, however, appar-

Muhammad Yunus

government taxes by transferring USD 100 million to a non-profit sister venture of the bank. Hasina also appeared very critical of the "very high" interest rate the Grameen Bank charged its poor clients saying their microcredit mechanism did not allow the poor to come out of the poverty cycle as "micro-financers nurse poverty to run their brisk business".

ently came in defense of Yunus as the Grameen Bank trashed allegations of fund diversion breaching agreements with donors and violating Bangladesh's financial laws. "I see no fault in the transfer of the fund, if their (Grameen Bank) claim (of doing so under an understanding with the Norwegian government) is true," Muhith said. -PTI

Nawaz Sharif

LAHORE: Pakistan's main opposition PML-N party says its chief Nawaz Sharif is the Saudi royal family's "favorite and most trusted man" in this country despite "some misunderstanding" between them in the past. These remarks by a senior PML-N leader came amid release of secret US cables by WikiLeaks, which showed that Sharif broke a promise made to the royal family by issuing political statements from Saudi Arabia while he was living there in self-exile and by visiting Pakistan in 2005 in violation of an agreement not to return to the country for 10 years. "Yes there may have been some misunderstanding between Sharif and the Saudi royal family at that time but now he is Saudi Arabia's favorite and most trusted man in Pakistan," the PML-N leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told PTI. The cables released by the whistle-blowing website say Saudi Arabia's royal family historically disliked the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and feared

that its chief, President Asif Ali Zardari -- who is a Shia Muslim -could be part of a Shia triangle with Nur-al-Maliki's government in Iraq and Mahmoud Ahmedinajad's regime in Iran. This has affected the flow of financial aid and an agreement to provide oil to Pakistan at concessionary terms. Zardari has built strong ties with Iran, which is one of the reasons for Saudi Arabia's disapproval, the cables revealed. The PML-N leader said Pakistan's "cordial" relations with Saudi Arabia would be back on track "once we get rid of the Zardari regime." He added: "Pakistan and Saudi Arabia will be fast friends again." Addressing a public gathering, former premier Sharif was very critical of the PPP-led government at the centre. He claimed that Pakistan is facing numerous problems because of the ill-conceived policies of President Zardari, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and ex-military ruler Pervez Musharraf.-PTI

Top Stories

December 17, 2010

India Post

www.indiapost.com

Washington's Burma policy isolates ... Washington STANLEY A. WEISS

he recent release of Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest, after deeply flawed elections that allowed the military in Myanmar, also known as Burma, to tighten its half-century-long grip on the country, raises numerous political questions: What comes next for her? Will the ruling junta engage her newly reconstituted National Democracy Party? Will other political prisoners be freed? While political headlines are filled with uncertainty, recent business headlines are not. It was reported last month that Chinese companies had invested $10 billion in Myanmar's economy from January through May. A Thai-Italian partnership signed a $10 billion contract Nov. 2 to build a massive industrial zone on Myanmar's coast - a project that Myanmar's dictator, Senior Gen. Than Shwe, reportedly views as "an experiment in opening the largely state-controlled economy." More than 30 companies, from Russian to Indian to French, are engaged in oil and gas exploration across Myanmar. Yet while American companies' interest in doing business in Myanmar has increased, Reuters reported last month, Western sanctions continue to prevent American participation. Washington's claim on the moral high ground is admirable, if one sets aside the fact that the only people who continue to suffer from Western sanctions are the 50 million people of Myanmar. After nearly two decades of U.S.-led sanctions that have sought to isolate Myanmar's military rulers, it is increasingly clear that the only nation really isolated in Southeast Asia today is . . . America. By refusing to engage Myanmar because of its repressive practices, Washington has

forced that country's leaders who have no idea how to construct a modern economy - to emulate the nearest successful model: China. Than Shwe recently said as much, proclaiming his desire to "emulate China's remark-

By refusing to engage Myanmar because of its repressive practices, Washington has forced that country's leaders who have no idea how to construct a modern economy - to emulate the nearest successful model: China. Than Shwe recently said as much, proclaiming his desire to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;emulate China's remarkable . . . transformation into one of the most successful capitalist stories ever.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; able . . . transformation into one of the most successful capitalist stories ever." A longtime American observer of Myanmar who was recently in Southeast Asia told me: "A senior official from one country said, 'Our people won't even buy your jeans anymore, such is the grass-roots backlash. By abandoning the people of Myanmar to China, you Americans have squandered moral stature as the world's savior.' " But that perception could still be changed, he added. "The real

issue in Myanmar lies in the business sector. This is where Yankee ingenuity can lead by example." With the election over, America should do four things: First, recognize that further sanctions mean surrendering Myanmar to China. There is a good reason sanctions haven't worked: Too many others don't recognize them. The dissident news agency Mizzima reported in July that from 1988 to early 2009, Myanmar attracted foreign investment worth $15 billion. In 201112, according to the Irrawaddy news agency, the junta expects foreign investment to top $16 billion. For China, which recently approved $90 billion in soft importexport loans for the junta, Myanmar represents a wealth of natural resources as well as direct access to the Indian Ocean - which is why Beijing is building oil and gas pipelines from Kunming, in southwest China, to the port of Kyaukpyu in Myanmar. By 2012, they will carry 85 percent of China's imported energy. If the US response to last month's elections is, as rumored, a ban on US dollar transactions with Myanmar, "China would have a blank slate in Myanmar for years to come," says the longtime observer. Second, focus on capacity building. Myanmar's economy was neglected for decades. Efforts have been made recently to build up foreign reserves, improve dialogue with international financial institutions and issue bonds to finance the nation's 2009-10 bud-

get deficit (a departure from its practice of printing money). Washington should work with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to build capacity in Myanmar - starting with governance training for

For China, which recently approved $90 billion in soft importexport loans for the junta, Myanmar represents a wealth of natural resources as well as direct access to the Indian Ocean - which is why Beijing is building oil and gas pipelines from Kunming, in southwest China, to the port of Kyaukpyu in Myanmar. By 2012, they will carry 85 percent of China's imported energy newly elected leaders and the revival of the financial sector. ASEAN has incentive to participate: Myanmar, a member, remains the biggest hurdle to a USASEAN free-trade agreement and to ASEAN's goal of regional economic integration by 2015. Third, rebuild the agricultural sector. Seventy percent of

Myanmar's people live in rural areas, and agriculture accounts for 40 to 50 percent of gross domestic product. Before World War II, Myanmar was the world's biggest exporter of rice. Misguided government policy has squandered that legacy. America should work with the U.N. Development Program and ASEAN to help build a bank-based rural credit system to bring Myanmar's rice economy into the 21st century. Fourth, link the West's economic sanctions to Myanmar's economic policies. Currently, Western sanctions will be lifted only if political benchmarks are met. Those carrots have proved ineffective. They might be productive, however, if linked to economic concerns such as respect for private property, the lifting of arbitrary restrictions on private business and the creation of a working credit system. Economic benchmarks led to political change in Korea, Indonesia and Singapore. For Western companies eager to enter new markets, it could be a huge opportunity. A century ago, Myanmar's economy was the region's crown jewel. Korea and even China considered it a role model. The recent election was deeply flawed, but it provided hope for a new beginning. It's time to end the U.S. isolation in Southeast Asia and engage Myanmar. The writer is founding chairman of Business Executives for National Security, a nonpartisan organization based in Washington. Courtesy Washington Post

Pak national masterminded Kashmir recruitment KOCHI: The National Investigation Agency, probing various terror cases in Kerala, has informed the High Court here that Pakistan national Abdul Rehman was the mastermind in the case relating to recruiting of Keralites for terror activities in Kashmir. Besides, he had arranged funds for anti-national activities in India, the NIA said in a statement filed before the court while opposing the bail plea moved by C E Abdul Hameed, an accused in the 'Kashmir recruitment case of October 2008'.

Rehman alias Wali is the 24th accused. Four Keralites - Fayas, Abdul Rahim, Mohammed Yasin and Fayes -who were recruited, were killed in an encounter with security forces in October 2008. It was submitted that Hameed had impersonated one Mohammed Yusuf and received the other accused in the case in New Delhi. He had also made arrangements for their accommodation until they left for Kashmir to get further training under the Lashker-e-Taiba, NIA said in its statement. -PTI

US singer Akon (L) performs with Indian music director Aadesh Shrivastava during a music video filming for the English-Hindi album "One for the World" in Mumbai on December 8

Top Stories

12 India Post

December 17, 2010

www.indiapost.com

Asian resurgence need not mean American decline DANIEL TWINING

aniel Twining is senior fellow for Asia at the German Marshall Fund of the United States. He previously served as a member of the secretary of state's Policy Planning Staff and as Senator John McCain's foreign policy advisor. The following are excerpts from an article where he develops a thesis based on the idea that "in a globalized world, Asian resurgence need not mean American (or Western) decline or marginalization.") Despite the widely trumpeted power shift, most Asian leaders express a clear preference for U.S. leadership and are far more comfortable living in a world in which American power, rather than Chinese, is preponderant. Smart policy now can help ensure that the new age dawning will not be "someone else's century," as Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice warned before leaving office. America will remain the world's indispensable nation. Ideally, it will do so in partnership with a vibrant, outward-looking Europe that can build deeper ties with Asian giants in a way that sustains a preponderance of democratic power in international affairs. A global coalition among militarily capable, like-minded partners from North America, Europe, and Asia would not seek to draw new geopolitical dividing lines. Rather, it would allow Western powers and their natural allies in Asia to collectively shape, and prosper in, an international system amenable to the values and interests of open societies. American power is resilient. With sustained technological, economic, and human-capital investment at home (including a systematic effort to tackle crippling government deficits and the national debt) and a continued commitment to mobilize public support for international stewardship, the United States will remain well-placed to manage challenges from any imaginable great-power adversary. China now boasts the world's second-largest national economy (and defense budget), Japan comes in third, and within a decade India should surpass Germany to possess the world's fourth-largest GDP. Four broad pathways for Asian order are possible over the coming decades, with effects on Asia's relations with the West. That the citizens of many Asian nations view China as a potential security threat reinforces the claim that they do not want their country to be subject to its tutelage in domestic politics or external affairs. In light of China's ambitious military modernization, revisionist

maritime claims, and development of sophisticated anti-access capabilities, the United States will need to boost its military posture and capabilities in the region to hedge against any Chinese temptation to

Indians have "great admiration for U.S. power" and want their country to "replicate" rather than oppose it. How many other countries - including America's closest allies - share these sentiments? declare a "Monroe Doctrine for Asia." The U.S.-Japan alliance forms the central pillar of American regional strategy. The conventional narrative about the rise of China and India has obscured the continued relevance of Japanese power: It has the world's third-largest economy, one of the world's most capable navies, an advantageous geographic position, an enduring alliance with the United States, considerable soft power in Asia, a latent nuclear weapons capability, and a propensity to reform and renew itself in the face of structural challenges from the international system. Japan is struggling to become a "normal" power, and astute commentators recognize that it, no less than China and India, will shape Asia's strategic future. Consolidating strategic partnership with India: India is the kind of revisionist power with expanding geopolitical horizons and an exceptional self-regard that America was a century ago. The United States' rise to world power in the late-19th and 20th centuries is, in some respects, a model for India's own ambitions, partly because both define their exceptionalism with reference to

their open societies. As analyst Pratap Bhanu Mehta told the New York Times, Indians have "great admiration for U.S. power" and want their country to "replicate" rather than oppose it. How many other countries - including America's closest allies - share these sentiments? The United States has an enormous stake in the emergence of a rich, confident, democratic India that shares American ambitions to manage Chinese power, safeguard an open international economy, stabilize a volatile region encompassing the heartland of jihadist extremism in Pakistan and Afghanistan, and secure the global commons. Indian environment minister Jairam Ramesh has framed India's foreign policy debate in terms of the tension between the country's G-20 identity as a partner of the West and its G-77 identity as part of a bloc of developing nations that define their interests in opposition to the West. Until recently, intensive American engagement centered on defense and civilnuclear cooperation had a gravita-

India is the kind of revisionist power with expanding geopolitical horizons and an exceptional selfregard that America was a century ago. The United States' rise to world power in the late-19th and 20th centuries is, in some respects, a model for India's own ambitions tional effect that pulled India into closer alliance. But left to its own devices, India could rekindle alliances that move it in the other direction. In-

dia will make its own strategic choices, but they will be critically shaped by the nature of American engagement. Ultimately, the United States has a deep interest in investing in India's success as a

Left to its own devices, India could rekindle alliances that move it in the other direction. India will make its own strategic choices, but they will be critically shaped by the nature of American engagement democratic superpower - one that can shape a non-Western modernity that is inherently peaceful, pluralistic, prosperous, and attractive to the wider world. Deep economic interdependence with China and a continuing focus on internal development mean that Asia is unlikely to divide into geopolitical blocs. But the region's strategic future will be shaped in important ways by the success of democratic pluralism in moderating the impulses of authoritarian Sinocentricity to provide the public goods of security, stability, and prosperity that Asian peoples crave. U.S. policy should encourage this trend - not to contain China but to shape a regional environment conducive to China's own peaceful rise. The overarching strategic challenge is to defend the liberal international order; China is the leading potential challenger to that order and Europe should be America's natural partner in upholding it. Building coalitions of like-minded, capable partners that span the Atlantic and Pacific realms will be necessary to manage the challenge. This calls for a global strategy of coalition-building among liberal powers that moves beyond the bifurcated regional approaches of the Cold War and

its aftermath. Europe needs a less Sinocentric Asia policy. Its policies should be better attuned to the advantages gained from coordinating more effectively with other major Asian powers on issues related to China, and the leverage that comes from the capacity to influence developments along China's periphery. This includes closer relations not only with great powers like Japan and India and emerging powers like South Korea and Indonesia, but also with societies like Taiwan. Europe has a compelling moral stake in protecting the rights of Taiwanese citizens to choose their own future free from mainland coercion. Europe must also resist the self-defeating competition over China policy among the big three powers of Great Britain, Germany, and France. On issues of Tibet, human rights, and trade, this competition has allowed the Chinese to play European states against each other to the detriment of each of them and the EU as a whole. Today democracy - and converging risk assessments about the dark side of China's rise - increasingly unite the United States and Europe with Japan, India, South Korea, Indonesia, the Philippines, Taiwan, Australia, and other states in ways that naturally should promote better coordination amongst them. A senior Japanese diplomat: China will ultimately have no choice but to embrace democracy because every other political system in human history has been tried - and has failed. A reformist China may one day join this global club of open societies. And if it does not, a coalition of capable and like-minded partners spanning North America, Europe, and Asia should be wellpositioned to manage the external manifestations of its authoritarian power until it mellows into a form more responsive to its people's aspirations, and to the requirements of international cooperation to manage the profound challenges that confront the 21st-century world.

Musharraf is wrong to blame Vivek Katju: Swaraj NEW DELHI: Joining issue with Pervez Musharraf who has blamed a top External Ministry official for failure of the Indo-Pak talks in Agra, BJP leader Sushma Swaraj today said the former Pakistan President was responsible for the collapse of the summit. In a twitter message, she said the Agra summit collapsed as Indian political leadership did not

accept Musharraf's effort to bring Kashmir as 'core issue' and no mention of 'cross-border terrorism' in the agreed statement. "Musharraf is wrong to blame Vivek Katju (who is now Secretary, West) for failure of Agra talks. Katju was then Jt. Secy in MEA," said the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha. "The truth is that Musharraf

wanted Kashmir as 'core issue' and no mention of 'cross-border terrorism' in the agreed statement. This was not acceptable to the political leadership then. This is not acceptable even today," Swaraj said. While referring to the summit meeting, Musharraf, in an interview to an Indian TV channel, had said that things were progressing fine during his talks with the then Prime

Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee till Katju intervened. "There was someone from the Foreign Ministry sitting there named Katju. He may still be there, he created a lot of hurdles," he had said. Katju, who is now Secretary (West), yesterday dismissed Musharraf's claim that he created a "lot of hurdles" during the Agra peace talks.-PTI

Top Stories

December 17, 2010

India Post

www.indiapost.com

Tata Technologies plans hiring spree in Detroit

Warren Harris, Tata Technologies president and COO, unveils the Tata Nano at the Detroit Science Center

DETROIT: Tata Technologies, a subsidiary of India's Tata Motors, has said it plans to hire 400 engineers by the end of the year at its technical centre near Detroit to help with projects for car makers in North America. Dan Saad, Tata Technologies director of communications in North America, said yesterday Tata is looking candidates with engineering, design and experience in product life cycle. "The 400 positions are cur-

rently open in our HR database to be filled by January 3 that are a result of new automotive programme work our engineering and our PLM/Consulting groups have won over the past months," Saad said. "The positions are at automotive client sites - about 80% in metro Detroit, about 20 per cent elsewhere in the US We have about 500 employees in the US now, and about 350" are assigned to the company's Novi, Michigan,

he said. Tata follows on the news that General Motors Corp is looking to hire 1,000 engineers over the next two years and Chrysler has added 1,000 employees at its technical centre in Auburn Hills and is planning to hire additional personnel to handle engineering projects and to help the company prepare for an initial public offering of stock in the secondhalf of 2011. Tata Technologies, founded in 1989, is a global leader in Engineering Services Outsourcing, Product Development,t IT services to the global manufacturing industry. Headquartered in Singapore, with regional headquarters offices in the United States in Novi, Pune, Indiaand Luxton in the United Kingdom, Tata is one of the world's fastest-growing engineering services companies. The company is part of the India-basedTata Group an international business group based in India that reported 2008-09 revenues of 70 billion dollars, of which 61 per cent is from business outside India. The group employs more than 350,000 people worldwide.

Roemer meets NSA; offers help to probe Varanasi attack NEW DELHI: Condemning the terror strike in Varanasi, the United States today offered India help in investigating the brutal attacks. US Ambassador to India Timothy Roemer made the offer during a meeting with National Security Adviser Shivshankar Menon here this morning. "The US offers whatever assistance the Indian government would be willing to accept in this difficult occasion," Roemer told reporters after meeting Menon. He said the US can help Indian investigators in forensic examination and spot detection efforts in the aftermath of the blast. "We are willing to do whatever we can," Roemer said. Recalling his recent visit to Varanasi, the American envoy offered his heartfelt condolences to the people of India and to the victims of the "deplorable and cowardly attack". "I can visualize what exactly

Timothy Roemer

happened there last night," he said, recalling his participation in one of the 'aartis' on the banks of river Ganga. "The brutal terrorist attacks accomplish nothing, the message of death and destruction accomplish nothing and the US stands shoulder to shoulder with the people of India and the people of Varanasi, who we knowm, will show the spirit of tolerance ... and quickly resolve to find who attacked them and who did it," he

said. Roemer recalled that President Barack Obama had assured his support whether the attacks emanate from some place within India or any place around the world. "The President has indicated that the strategic partnership between the US and India will only get deeper, broader and better on the months and the years ahead ... whether it is a sanctuary some place, the President has said those need to be eliminated wherever they might be," he said. He pointed out that Obama had assured Prime Minister Manmohan Singh that intelligence sharing between the US and India "will continue to get better and better". "We continue to share intelligence on a daily, hourly and minute-to-minute basis with the Government of India," he said. He said the intelligence sharing between the two countries has improved in the last two years and it was not specific to Presidential visits of events like Com-

I am not candidate for IMF chief post: Montek NEW DELHI: Planning Com- the Minister of Economy, Finance mission Deputy Chairman and Industry of France, however, Montek Singh Ahluwalia has dis- said this did not mean that Eurotanced himself from speculations peans would be forbidden to lead that he was in the race for the post the IMF for ever. of IMF chief, saying he is not a The New York Times had earcandidate. lier reported that Ahluwalia is "It is completely false. I don't among the probables to succeed know what is the basis of this. I Kahn in the IMF. am not a candidate. This is some The report said the clout and speculative thing in the New York role of the international lender has T i m e s , " Ahluwalia said. He was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a function to mark 5 years of Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission. Ahluwalia's remarks came a Montek Singh Ahluwalia day after IMF Managing Director Dominique Strauss-Kahn increased substantially in the said next heads of the Fund and emerging markets. World Bank should be from out"Whatever he (Kahn) decides, side US and Europe. his successor is likely to be some"Let us be candid. I think the one from the developing world. so called agreement between the "Frequently mentioned names US and European whereby the include Mohamed A El-Erian, the IMF head was European and American-born son of an EgypWorld Bank President was an tian diplomat and an economist American is over", Kahn said. who leads the giant bond inves"So I think it would be just fair tor Pimco; Montek Singh that the next leaders of the two Ahluwalia, a senior Indian planinstitutions will come from some- ning official; and Arminio Fraga where else in the world," Strauss- and Guillermo Ortiz, former heads Kahn had told media persons in of the central banks of Brazil and reply to a query on the issue. Mexico respectively," the daily Strauss-Kahn, who served as had said. -PTI

monwealth Games. "This is what the Indian and the American government has been doing on a weekly, daily and hourly basis to prevent the kind of things that happened last night or another Mumbai type attack,"

Roemer said. "We have our 9/11, the people of India have their 26/11. We are trying to prevent those and other kinds of activities from happening with the people in India, in the US and across the world," he said. -PTI

Security men inspect the site of an explosion in Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, India, Dec 7

Desi News Emirates set to cultivate US market SURESH SHAH

South Asia Students’ Conference in Chicago PM SWAMY

CHICAGO: The Committee on Southern Asian Studies at the University of Chicago has slated the eighth annual South Asia Graduate Student Conference at the University on March 3 and 4, 2011. The conference is now accepting proposals from graduate students interested in participating. The theme of this year's conference is "The Limits of South Asia." The keynote speaker will be Asif Agha, Professor of Anthropology at the University of Pennsylvania. Details on page 16

Lakshmi-Narayan Temple in Trinidad India Post News Service

TRINIDAD: A first of its type $14-million Lakshmi Narayan temple and community center has been planned for Freeport in Trinidad and Tobago. Construction of the temple is expected to begin early next year. Custom carved marble from India will be imported for the construction which will follow ancient Vastu tradition. One-of-a-kind architectural marvel on this side of the Atlantic, this temple will foster a cultural and religious link between India and Trinidad-Tobago. Details on page 18

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA

Yoganand Disciple Daya Mata passes away Details on page 19

14 India Post

www.indiapost.com

December 17, 2010

Harendra Mangrola elected IADO President RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service

CHICAGO: Front ranking Indian American businessman and community activist Harendra Mangrola has added one more feather to his cap. He was elected by an overwhelming majority as President of the three decades old political forum of Indian Americans - the Indo American Democratic Organization (IADO) - for the year 2011. Dr. Ram Gajjela, the outgoing president, said that IADO needed to have a person of the caliber of Mangrola at the helm in the light of current uncertain economic conditions and volatile political situation, especially when Chicago is set to elect its new Mayor and the 2012 Presidential elections round the corner. Mangrola bagged 65 percent of the votes cast and was declared elected along with other office bearers. The new team is as follows: Harendra Mangrola - President, Shreenivas Katragadda - Vice President, Gledson Varghese- Secretary, Jawahar Reddy - Joint Secretary, Sean Chaudhury - Treasurer, Dr. Mridu Sekher - Joint Secretary, Dr. Ram Gajjella - Executive Director. Board of Directors are: Ranjit Ganguly, Dr. Ann Lata Kalayil, Dr. Ashish Sen, Pramod Shah, Laxmi Lakshmanan, Sainath Reddivari, Jitendra Diganvker, Paras Parikh, Varghese Palamalyil and Radha Patel In a talk to this paper, Mangrola said that he would see that IADO

Newly elect IADO President Harendra Mangrola with Illinois Governor Pat Quinn

works aggressively in creating political awareness in the commu-

many Indian Americans register as voters and secondly, ensure

Mangrola said that he would see that IADO works aggressively in creating political awareness in the community in more than one way. First, it would keep on organizing voters' registration drive and get as many Indian Americans register as voters and secondly, ensure that those registered as voters do cast their votes during the election nity in more than one way. First, it would keep on organizing voters' registration drive and get as

that those registered as voters do cast their votes during the election. He pointed out in this con-

text that Indian Americans are still apathetic on both these counts and IADO would aggressively seek to overcome this problem. Citing an example, he pointed out that in two of the north side suburbs, the registered voters were 5000 plus but the votes cast were only 200. In fact, the number of those eligible to vote were still higher but many did not care even to register as voters. "We have to do something to plug this political loophole to have our voice heard," he said. Cont’d on page 17

Washington Leadership Program announces internship India Post News Service

NEW YORK: The Washington Leadership Program (WLP) is accepting applications from highpotential South Asian college students for the 2011 summer leadership program scheduled to take place from June 13, 2011 to August 5, 2011. The WLP cultivates the South Asian American community's next generation of leaders by placing them in Congressional offices or

Government Agencies for eightweek summer internships and a

hand view of the process behind creating tangible change in

Selection to the WLP is highly competitive and not limited to students pursuing majors in social sciences. The backgrounds of past participants have ranged from medical school to art and business structured leadership training curriculum. The students gain a first-

America. Applications are available

online at www.thewlp.com. The deadline for submitting applications is February 1, 2011. All students who are either US citizens or legal permanent residents are encouraged to apply. Selection to the WLP is highly competitive and not limited to students pursuing majors in social sciences. The backgrounds of past participants have ranged from medical school to art and business. Cont’d on page 17

Community Across America

December 17, 2010

India Post 15

www.indiapost.com

Emirates set to cultivate US market SURESH SHAH

CHICAGO: Emirates, the award-winning Dubai-based international airline, has boosted its capacity to USA by 50 percent as a sequel to the return of its A380 service to Dubai and its recently commissioned additional flights to Los Angeles and Houston. With the increased capacity, Emirates now operates 49 flights per week from its four US gateways - New York, Houston, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Nigel Page, Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations for Americas and Africa, said that the management's decision for expanding its operations here is reflective of its commitment to the US as a very important and growing market in its global route network. Thanks to Emirates' new services, air travelers in the US can now look forward to more choice, convenience and comfort than ever before when traveling to the Middle East and beyond, he added. "As we move forward, we will continue to look for new opportunities to enhance our service provision," he said Travel industry sources here view this as a signal that this Dubai based international air careers would be entering more US gate-

The double decker A380 aircraft

ways in the near future and would be flying to Dubai direct

Ali Kazmi (Left) of Emirates Airlines in Chicago with Abdul Siddiqui of Evia Travels

major airliners, Abdul Siddiqui is of the view that India is emerg-

Thanks to Emirates' new services, air travelers in the US can now look forward to more choice, convenience and comfort than ever before when traveling to the Middle East and beyond en route to other destinations in South Asia, including India. A Chicago based wholesaler for

ing as one of the fastest growing tourist and business centers for Americans and the Emirate

entry with direct flight from Chicago would be a boon to the passengers going to the Indian subcontinent and a big boost to the travel business, Flight EK202 will be operated by the flagship double Decker A380 aircraft departing JFK at 11 p.m., arriving Dubai at 8:30 p.m. the following day. Flight EK201 departs Dubai (DXB) at 8:30 a.m., arriving New York (JFK) at 1:50 p.m. the same day. The daily A380 service will complement Emirates second daily flight aboard the Boeing 777-300ER. EK 204 departs JFK 10:40 am, arriving in Dubai at 8:10 am the following day. EK 203 departs Dubai (DXB) at 2 a.m. and arrives in New York (JFK) at 7:20 a.m. The Boeing 777 and Airbus

A380 aircraft which operate Emirates' U.S. routes offer the highest standards of passenger comfort, with luxurious private suites in First Class, lie-flat beds in Business Class and generouslysized Economy Class seats, Ali Kazmi, the airliner's Chicago executive said. Passengers in all classes can lose themselves in the much-enjoyed ICE entertainment system. There are more than 1,200 channels of on-demand entertainment to choose from, including 200 movies from around the world, 100 TV channels, more than 500 audio channels, 100 video games and news, sports and business headlines. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 16

Chinmaya Mission fundraiser highlights values

The lamp lighting by Swami Sharanananda (Pics Asian Media USA) Asian Media USA

CHICAGO: Chinmaya Mission Chicago Badri and Yamunotri Centers together held their annual fundraising gala at Waterford Banquet and Conference Center in Elmhurst, a southwest Chicago suburb. It

was a successful event. Over 800 individuals attended the event, which had discourses by Swami Sharananandaji and Acharya Swami Shantanandaji of New Jersey. This was spiced up with cultural performances by the students of Bala Vihar. The theme of this

Chinmaya Mission Swamis with youth and guests including Dr Bharat Barai, Dr Panna Barai, Ms Santosh Kumar and Mafat Patel

year's banquet was "Values and Valuables". On the auspicious occasion, Swami Tejomayananda, Head of Chinmaya Mission Worldwide, sent a message saying: "To understand the place of valuables and values in life we need to live the Gita way. Virtues and values only add beauty to life. They

alone are the true valuables of life". Acharya Swami Sharananandaji said, "Material things are given the status of valuables and have become the most prized possessions of human beings. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 16

Community Across America

16 India Post

December 17, 2010

www.indiapost.com

South Asia Students’ Conference in Chicago PM SWAMY

be Asif Agha, Professor of Anthropology at the University of Pennsylvania. Both as a geographical unit of analysis and a conceptual category, "South Asia" is a recent construction that was born from Robert Redfield and Milton Singer's "Comparative Civilizations Project." The foundations of this cross disciplinary project rested on the belief that a rigorously comparative approach was

crucial for understanding the place of culture in the contemporary world. Since its birth, South Asian Studies has responded to major intellectual shifts in the humanities and social sciences. Even on these shifting grounds, "South Asia" curiously remains rather stable. This conference is asking important questions about the 'South Asian' classification.

Chinmaya Mission fundraiser highlights values

They are asking South Asian scholars to examine what the limits of their regional expertise are and how have the historical, cultural, spatial and philological premises definitive of "South Asia" been questioned. The conference is currently inviting proposals from graduate students for papers that explore the limits, boundaries and fron-

Abstracts should not exceed 300 words and should be emailed to sagsc2011@gmail.com by January 10, 2011. Participating students will be informed if their papers have been selected by January 20th and require that complete papers be submitted by participants by February 20th. Participants will be given 20 min-

They are asking South Asian scholars to examine what the limits of their regional expertise are and how have the historical, cultural, spatial and philological premises definitive of "South Asia" been questioned tiers of South Asia across its common figurations in space and time. While any topic or perspective is welcome, the effort is to foreground the idea of a "limit" as a way to orient discussions and help gather a diverse community of researchers at the forum.

utes in which to present their papers. Applications for panels will not be considered. Accommodation for participants and reimbursement will be considered. For further announcements, visit the conference website at:http://lucian.uchicago.edu/ blogs/sagsc/sagsc-viii

Emirates set to cultivate US market Cont’d from page 15 Chinmaya Mission Bala Vihar children singing bhajan Cont’d from page 15

It appears as though we are born only to procure and aggrandize them. Craving or passion for obtaining them is eulogized as "ambition. Chicago Consul General of India, Mukta Tomar, along with Governor Pat Quinn, and Mayor Richard Daley conveyed their warm wishes to the Mission. Welcoming ceremonies were performed for receiving Swami Sharananandaji and Acharya Swami Shantanandaji of New Jersey with Purna Kumbha, Invocation, and Gurustotram chanting. The function started with the lighting of the lamp ceremonies by Swami Sharanananda and Acharya Swami Shantanandaji. Master of the ceremony Rajul Bhalala welcomed the guests and all attendees. The guests of honor were Mafatbhai Patel, Dr. Bharat Barai, Dr Pannaben Barai, Santosh Kumar and Pramod Kumar. The night began with an inaugural welcome address from Swami Sharananandaji of Chicago who introduced Acharya Swami Shantanandaji as a "guide, father, and mother". Swami

Shantanandaji talked about the 5 levels of growth according to the 12th Chapter of Gita. "The success should not be defined by material matters but should be based on what we give to society rather than what we take," he said.

Swami Shantanandaji talked about the 5 levels of growth according to the 12th Chapter of Gita. "The success should not be defined by material matters but should be based on what we give to society rather than what we take” He also talked about how when you serve society, you actually serve God. Furthermore, individuals have to become more sensitive so that their minds can expand and

embrace the entire universe as their own family. In the end what matters is participation to the extent you are capable of and not how much you donate. Dr. Premal Joshipura, who has been with the organization for over 12 years, spoke about the Sangam Fund, which aims to minimize the organization's mortgage of 2.8 million dollars through not only fundraising but through non-interest private loans. He ended his address with a quote from Winston Churchill, "We make a living by what we get, and we make a life by what we give." President Shankar Pillai recognized the guests of honor, the teachers and volunteers that have helped make the institution a sustainable establishment. This was followed by a delicious meal and a raffle of iPod shuffles, electronic reading devices, and a laptop. The night ended with a final update, vote of thanks, and concluding prayers. More than $125,000 was raised in donations. More than $350,000 was raised for the interest free 5 year loan program which will save the mission thousands of dollars in their loans.

Customers can also look forward to gourmet chef prepared food in all cabins and seamless transfers to a global network of over 100 destinations through Emirates' state-of-the-art Terminal 3 hub in Dubai. Emirates currently serves 105 cities around the globe with a young and technologically advanced fleet of 151 wide-bodied aircraft that are equipped with industry-leading comforts in the air. It was the first carrier to launch

non-stop operations from Dubai to both Houston, which started on December 3rd, 2007; and Los Angeles, which began services on October 26th, 2008. The airline was awarded the "World's Best Airline Inflight Entertainment" for the sixth year at the 2010 Skytrax World Airline Awards. Operations on Emirates from New York, Houston, Los Angeles and San Francisco connect America to the world through the airline's route network with extensive connections from Dubai to the Far East, Australia and Africa.

Washington Leadership Program announces internship Cont’d from page 14

Interns will receive a total stipend of $1,500 and will be required to complete 2-3 short writing assignments during the internship. The WLP has over 180 alumni who have interned for notable elected officials including Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY), Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Sen. Bill Frist (RTN), and Rep. Bobby Jindal (RLA). The original program built a strong reputation on both the Hill and in the community and contin-

ues to receive favorable reviews from former participants. Former House Democratic Leader Dick Gephardt (D-MO) called the WLP "the best program of its kind on the Hill." The 2010 program received generous support from alumni, the community-at-large, and community organizations and corporations such as the Asian American Hotel Owners' Association and LandisGyr. For more information about the program, visit the WLP's website at www.thewlp.com.

Community Across America

December 17, 2010

India Post 17

www.indiapost.com

Hinduism topics for doctorate in religion India Post News Service

PHILADELPHIA: Well known Temple University (TU) in Philadelphia is teaching various topics of Hinduism in its doctorate program in religion. These include historical-thematic survey of Hinduism, traditions-rituals-theology of Hinduism, Samakhya Karika, Patanjali's Yogasutra, Kundalini Yoga, etc. Describing this development as "step in right direction", Rajan Zed, President of Universal Society of Hinduism, observed that schools/departments of religion and philosophy of other major

world universities should be following this example and strengthen their studies of Hinduism as it is the oldest religion with rich philosophical thought and a vast array of scriptures needed more exploration. Founded in 1884, Temple University has about 39, 000 students and offers 320 academic programs, including 56 doctorates. Besides USA, it has campuses in Rome and Tokyo and offers programs in London, Beijing, Paris, Mumbai, etc. Ann Weaver Hart is the President while Dr. Terry Rey is the Chair of the Religion Department.

Harendra Mangrola elected IADO President Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 14

Mangrola also underlined the need to get young Indian Americans getting more and more involved in the organization like IADO and through it in the mainstream politics of the country. He would go an extra mile to enlist their support and involvement. In this context, he said that IADO would be extending moral and material support to young Indian Americans seeking elective positions at the local, State or Federal levels. Mangrola also heads Gayatri Pariwar, a global socio religions organization, for its Chicagoland operations. He has been successful in mentoring this organization from zero level four years ago to its present status hosting many an activity for the community and the second generation Indian Americans. He has been a great supporter of other social organizations like FIA,

Mangrola also underlined the need to get young Indian Americans getting more and more involved in the organization like IADO and through it in the mainstream politics of the country Manav Seva and Swadhyay. As a businessman he has proved his mettle in nurturing Sumit Construction from a small familyowned concern to a major heavy highway contracting firm taking care of constructing roads and bridges for governmental agencies throughout Metro Chicago areas. With academic qualifications under his belt as a Civil Engineer and Masters in Business administration, he has bagged quite a few professional awards. He was judged Best Contractor of the Year by Illinois Department of Transportation in 2020, Outstanding MBE Contractor, City of Chicago in 2005, Best Contractor of the Year by Illinois Department of Transportation in 2007 and Outstanding Street Scalping Contractor of the Year 2007. Mangrola is a happily married family man with wife Vandana, a daughter and two sons.

INOC launches Madhya Pradesh chapter

The Indian National Overseas Congress (INOC) inaugurated its sixteenth Chapter in the US - the Madhya Pradesh Chapter - on Dec 3 at a function in New York. Dr. Surinder Malhotra, President of the INOC inducted Juned Qazi as the President, Sonia Sodhi as Vice President, Radhika Iyenger as General Secretary, Rumpy Bindra as Joint Secretary; and Shabbir Izzi and Pankaj Mathur as committee members. More than 500 members gathered at One Marina Fair in Flushing, NY.

18 India Post

Community Across America

December 17, 2010

www.indiapost.com

Lakshmi-Narayan Temple in Trinidad India Post News Service

Trinidad-Tobago Prime Minister Kamla PersadBisssessar took the Oath of Office on ancient Hindu scripture Bhagavad-Gita (Song of the Lord) on May 26 last in a ceremony at Knowsley (Port of Spain) vel on this side of the Atlantic, this temple will foster a cultural and religious link between India and Trinidad-Tobago. Besides Lakshmi and Vishnu, it plans to install statues of other Hindu deities like Ram, Krishna, Hanuman, Ganesh, Saraswati, Parvati, Durga, Radha, etc. Major Hindu fes-

Trinidad & Lakshmi Narayan

tivals like Diwali, Navratri, Ramnavmi, Krishna Janmashtmi, Ganesh Chaturthi, etc., will be celebrated in this temple complex. It is also being considered to house a school to train new Hindu priests. D. Raja Sekhar is the Chairman of the Lakshmi Narayan Temple Executive Committee while Kavindra Balgobin is the President. India-born religious leader Jyotishacharya Sri Sri Gajendra Kumar is also attached to the project When completed, the Mandir would become a place of peace, solace, tranquility and deep spirituality where devotes could

come and meditate, pray, offer obeisance to Hindu gods and goddesses, according to Gajendra Kumar. Trinidad-Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bisssessar took the Oath of Office on ancient Hindu scripture Bhagavad-Gita (Song of the Lord) on May 26 last in a ceremony at Knowsley (Port of Spain). Said to be settled at least 7,000 years ago, dual-island nation of Trinidad and Tobago in southern Caribbean, heavily influenced by petroleum industry, is known for Carnivals, mesmerizing beaches and calypso music. Rajan Zed, President of Universal Soci-

ety of Hinduism, said that it was important to pass on Hindu spirituality, concepts and traditions to coming generations amidst so many distractions in the consumerist society and hoped that this new temple complex would focus in this direction. He stressed that instead of running after materialism, we should focus on inner search and realization of Self and work towards achieving moksha (liberation), which was the goal of Hinduism. Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about one billion adherents, Rajan added.

Taxi Association offers reward for information MOHAMMED GHOUSE

CHICAGO: The City Service Taxi Association, Inc has announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individuals responsible for the

strong arm robbery of Mohammad Kamran, a partner in the firm and Nizim Siddique, an employee. The robbery occurred at approximately 7:45 pm on December 1. The principal and employee of City Service were attacked in the parking lot located at the rear of that office building loc a t e d a t 2 6 0 1 W. P e t e r s o n Ave., Chicago. Taken in the robbery was a

black leather bag containing a substantial amount of cash along with check and documents. There were four male attackers involved in the robbery and it's believed that there may have also been two female accomplices. Anyone having any information may contact Mohammad Kamran at (312) 320-0909.

'Rules of road' class in Hindi MOHAMMED GHOUSE

CHICAGO: Secretary of State Jesse White, in cooperation with the Hari Om Mandir, Medinah, is offering a Rules of the Road Review Course in Hindi for all citizens. The course is free. The purpose of the course is to help participants pass the Illinois driver's license renewal examination.

The course prepares applicants for the general written and road examinations, and also provides information on the vision screening. The Rules of the Road Review Course will be held on Sat. Dec. 18 at 10 am to Noon at Hari Om Mandir in Medinah, IL. 60157. Phone: 630-980-0900

Community/California

December 17, 2010

Cal News Spirited debates at Sikh Arts & Film Festival JS BEDI

India Post 19

www.indiapost.com

Yoganand Disciple Daya Mata passes away

India Post News Service India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: The So Cal sangat turned out in force at Chapman University's Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, Orange, the new venue of the Sikh Arts and Film Festival, which commenced with a grand opening Nov 19. The formal session of SAFF 2010 began with Co-Chairs of the Festival, Ravin Kaur Kohli and Tina Kaur Anand welcoming the audience. Kohli said Sikhlens was created to provide a venue for talented filmmakers, writers, musicians and entertainers to showcase their talent on "Sikh-Centric" themes and at the same time generate increasing Sikh awareness. Details on page 20

AIF honors filmmaker Shekhar Kapur India Post News Service

Bay Area groups hail passage of DREAM Act India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: Sri Daya Mata, one of the first women in modern history to head a worldwide religious movement, a position she held for more than half a century, passed away on November 30. She was 96. A forerunner of today’s increasing acceptance of women in positions of spiritual leadership and one of the first Western women to be widely revered as a true exemplar of India’s Sanatana Dharma (eternal religion), Sri Daya Mata served as president and sanghamata (spiritual leader) of Self-Realization Fellowship/Yogoda Satsanga Society of India (SRF/YSS), the international non-profit religious organization founded in 1920 by Indian yoga master Paramahansa Yogananda (author of Autobiography of a Yogi). Among Paramahansa Yogananda’s closest and foremost disciples, Sri Daya Mata remained steadfast throughout her years as Sri Yogananda’s successor in carrying out the aims and ideals he established for his society: disseminating to people of all faith traditions and walks of life methods for attaining a direct, personal relationship with the Divine; promoting the essential unity and harmony of the world’s religions; spreading a spirit of brotherhood among all peoples by teaching the basis of their unity – kinship with God; advocating cultural and spiritual understanding between East and West; and serving humankind as one’s larger Self. A true mother of compassion, as her Sanskrit name signifies, Sri Daya Mata was known for her allembracing concern for every individual who crossed her path, and for the world at large. Over the years, she guided and counseled thousands of people seeking spiritual direction in their lives, emphasizing the power of prayer to uplift individuals and nations. Her greatest desire was to bring others to God, and it was common to hear her urge people to take even a little time each day to withdraw from the world, to interiorize and feel the presence of God. “No matter what you are doing,” she said, “there is nothing to keep you from silently conversing with God. While there is yet time – while there is life, health, opportunity, and freedom to have this divine romance with God – don’t be satisfied until you feel God’s love well up within you every time you think of the Divine

Name…Only that love is real. Our of the Mormon Tabernacle in Salt highest duty in life is to find that Lake City and constructed a Tablove and to awaken it in the hearts ernacle replica that now resides in of others.” the Smithsonian She stood Institute in resolute in her Wa s h i n g t o n , conviction that D.C. meditation on From her earGod, and loving liest years, Daya all as divine Mata had a deep sparks of the longing to know one God, was God. At the age the answer to of eight, when the world’s sufshe first learned fering and about India in inharmony. “It school, she felt is not difficult a mysterious inSri Daya Mata to give love,” ner awakening,

Sri Daya Mata with her Guru, Paramahansa Yogananda, in 1937

she said once during an informal talk, “because the very nature of our souls is to Love. If at times we cannot give love to others, it is because we do not find it within ourselves when our consciousness is on the surface, operating

and with it a conviction that India held the key to the fulfillment of her life. When she returned home she told her mother that she would never marry and that she would go to India. She began to feel that some-

He asked if she believed if God could heal her. When she said yes, he touched her between the eyebrows and said to her, ‘From this day forward you are healed. In one week the bandages will no longer be necessary. Your scars will be gone’ through our senses and emotions. If we turn our consciousness within in deep meditation, communing with God – even a little bit every day – we begin gradually to experience that Love which is our real nature. Feeling love within ourselves, it is very easy to give it to others.” Born Faye Wright in Salt Lake City, Utah on January 31, 1914, Sri Daya Mata grew up in a Mormon family. Her grandfather, Abraham Reister Wright, was an architect

thing was missing from her church experiences and yearned for something more satisfying. When she was 15, she was given a copy of the Bhagavad Gita, India’s sacred scripture, which had a profound impact on her because through it she learned that God was approachable and knowable, and that His children were divine beings who, through self-effort, could realize their spiritual birthright— oneness with the Divine. It was then that Sri Daya Mata resolved

that she would devote her life to seeking God. In 1931, at the age of 17, Sri Daya Mata attended a public lecture with her mother and sister at the Hotel Newhouse in Salt Lake City. The speaker was Paramahansa Yogananda, who had been traveling across the country giving lectures and classes on the science of Yoga to capacity crowds in America’s most prestigious auditoriums. It seemed unlikely that this shy, young girl from Salt Lake City would have any opportunity to meet the Guru. However, Sri Daya Mata had long suffered from a severe blood disorder, and, while attending the great swami’s classes, attracted his attention because of the bandages covering her swollen face. She recalled her meeting with Sri Yogananda: “My whole being was absorbed in the wisdom and divine love that were pouring into my soul and flooding my heart and mind.” He asked if she believed if God could heal her. When she said yes, he touched her between the eyebrows and said to her, “From this day forward you are healed. In one week the bandages will no longer be necessary. Your scars will be gone.” It happened exactly as he predicted and she was determined to become the Yogi’s disciple. With the support of her mother, Daya Mata moved to Los Angeles and joined the Self-Realization Fellowship Monastic Order on November 19, 1931. Her mother and sister were to later join Sri Yogananda’s monastic order (and were later known as Shyama Mata and Ananda Mata, respectively) dedicatedly serving his work until their passing. Her brother, Richard C. Wright, became an SRF member and accompanied Sri Yogananda during his travels abroad, which are chronicled in Autobiography of a Yogi, and he, along with her other brother, Dale Wright, were lifelong members of Self-Realization Fellowship as well. During the first Christmas at Sri Daya Mata’s new home – the SRF/ YSS international headquarters and ashram center atop Mt. Washington – Paramahansaji had placed a little glass egg on the divan where he knew she would sit. When she asked him why he had put it there, he told her: “You are my nest egg. When you came, I knew many other true devotees would be drawn to this path.” Cont’d on page 21

20 India Post

Community/California

December 17, 2010

www.indiapost.com

Spirited debates at Sikh Arts & Film Festival JS BEDI India Post News Service

ing November 2010 as the Sikh American Awareness and Appreciation Month. Curriculum Advisor Janice Singh provided information on the comprehensive materials which are already included in the secondary level of the public school system in Maryland and Virginia and announced that California had also adopted it a fortnight ago. The Cultural Awareness Award was presented to the Founder of the Foundation,

possible," and "Wagha", a film on the border flag lowering by Supriyo Roy. Naindeep Singh moderated the "Gup Shup" segment after the screenings which included Angad Bhai, Ethan and Jacob Russell and Kunal Shah (the Reunion team) and Director Nina Duttaroy (Nothing is Impossible). A delectable dessert reception followed and at the lobby of the theater K P Singh distributed

The last day featured movies on Sikhs across the world and an afternoon group of screenings on social issues. The panel discussed their craft and responded in a Q & A to matters relating to their struggles, challenges and success Professor & Dean Robert Bassett of the Dodge College expressed his delight with the new collaboration with Sikhlens. At this stage emcees Jolly Singh and Guninder Kaur took over to steer the festival through the rest of the evening. References were made to the historical ACR181 Bill passed by the California Legislature declar-

Mirin Kaur. Illustrator and author K P Singh unveiled the 2011 Sikhpoint calendar, the theme of which is "Interfaith." He was presented the Creative Focus Award by Dr A S Marwah. Four films were screened on Opening Night. Guests were welcomed with the appropriate "Aao Ji" by King G Mall followed by "The Reunion," "Nothing is Im-

signed copies of the Sikhpoint Calendar. Authors Surinder Singh Kahlon and Bobby Singh Barisal had on sale their books "Threads of Karma" and 'The Lion's Firanghis' respectively. Revelers danced late into the night to the beat of Needle Free Pugs Entertainment and crooner Harleen Singh. Movies were continuously screened through the weekend with the clusters on focusing on Youth and short films from 5 to 17 minutes. The last day featured movies on Sikhs across the world and an afternoon group of screenings on social issues. The panel discussed their craft and responded in a Q & A to matters relating to their struggles, challenges and success. Participants included Agam

Darshi (actress), Guru Singh (actor), Balinder Johal (actress), K P Singh (illustrator), Neelamjit Dhillon (musician), Satnam "Scotty" Narang (poet and MC), Sarbjit Rai (author), Manmeet Singh (special effects editor) and Harleen. The highlight of the evening was the screening of a full length

feature film "Partition" starring Jimi Mistry and Kristin Kreuk in the lead roles. Directed by Vic Sareen the film takes the audience back to the tragedy of Partition and the love story of a Sikh with a Muslim girl. The Festival concluded after a post screening Q & A with the director.

Community/California

December 17, 2010

India Post 21

www.indiapost.com

Rohatgi wins Innovation Research Award India Post News Service

MILWAUKEE: The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) has named Pradeep Rohatgi, a Distinguished Professor of Materials Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM), recipient of the 2010 Innovative Research Award in Tribology. This award is given biennially to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding creativity and original research in the field of tribology, the study of friction and wear. It was announced at the October joint meeting of ASME and the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers in San Francisco. The award recognizes Rohatgi's groundbreaking contributions to improving the production of metal matrix composites. He synthesized lightweight self-lubricating composites and uncovered the mechanisms of formation of self-lubricating films in these materials. He also developed wearresistant lightweight composites

that are currently used in transportation applications including brake rotors. It was announced that the citation for the award was "The Synthesis and Utilization of Novel Lightweight Cast Metal Matrix Composite Materials That Have

This award is given biennially to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding creativity and original research in the field of tribology, the study of friction and wear Transformed the Field of Tribology" His expertise is sought by the U.S. Defense Department to improve the energy efficiency, strength and reliability of military transportation systems. Rohatgi's more recent work in-

volves unique tribological properties of nanostructured materials and self-healing metal composites. Embedded with nanoparticles, these composites can deliver qualities such as selflubrication, abrasion resistance and energy absorption. The award also honors Rohatgi's efforts to make his research available to private industry, particularly in Wisconsin. "His most recent work with synthesized cast metal matrix nanocomposites is drawing a good deal of interest," says Frank Headington, corporate vice president for technology at Neenah Foundry Company. "As Dr. Rohatgi continues to develop these technologies and transfer them to our industrial base, the opportunities for economic development in the state will undoubtedly increase." Rohatgi, who has published over 400 research papers, co-authored and co-edited 11 books, and holds 20 U.S. patents, earned his bachelor's degree in metallurgical

Dr. Pradeep Rohatgi receiving the ASME-Innovation Research Award in Tribology from Dr. Robert Jackson of ASME in San Francisco.

engineering from Banaras Hindu University in India and his doctorate from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He has received numerous awards from societies and academies around the world and is a fellow of many societies and academies including: ASM, ASME, SAE, TWAS, AAAS, IOML. Prior to coming to the U.S. Rohatgi served as a professor at the Indian Institute of Science Bangalore and as the Indian Institute of

Technology, Karpur. He also served as the Founder Directory of two national laboratories, the National Institute of Interdiciplinary Reasearch and the Advanced Materials and Processing Institute of CSIR in Trivandrum and Bhopal, respectively. Rohatgi, a Wisconsin Distinguished and UWM Distinguished Professor, is also director of the UWM Center for Composites and UWM Center for Advanced Materials Manufacturing.

Yoganand Disciple Dayamata passes away Cont’d from page 19

The following year, she took her final vows of renunciation, becoming one of the first nuns of the SRF Order, and thus starting what became a lifelong practice of loyalty, obedience, chastity, daily meditation, and constant service to others. From the very beginning it became evident that Paramahansa Yogananda had singled out Sri Daya Mata for a special role. He later told her that he had given to her the same intense spiritual discipline that his guru, Swami Sri Yukteswar, had given to him during his years of training in Sri Yukteswar’s Serampore ashram in India. For more than 20 years, Sri Daya Mata was part of the small circle of his closest disciples, who were with him almost constantly. As his secretary, she was responsible for recording all of his talks, lectures, and classes in shorthand. She helped compile the detailed instructions on yoga meditation techniques and the art of spiritual living into lessons that to this day are printed and distributed to students of the Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons. As the years passed, he assigned more and more responsibility to her; and in the closing period of his life, he began to speak openly to his monastic disciples of the worldwide role she was destined to play. In 1941, she became a member of the Self-Realization Fellowship/Yogoda Satsanga Society of India (SRF/YSS) Board of Directors and soon after was put in charge of the international headquarters on Mt. Washington (not far from downtown Los Angeles). This enabled Sri Yogananda to spend more time working on his life story, which would become the spiritual classic Autobiography of a Yogi, as well as numerous other projects for future publication.

In 1955, three years after Paramahansa Yogananda’s passing, Sri Daya Mata succeeded the late Rajarsi Janakananda as president of the society, a role she maintained until her passing. As spiritual successor to Sri Yogananda, she saw to the guidance of SRF/YSS members, the training of monastic disciples who reside in the SRF/YSS ashrams in the U.S., Germany, and India, and to the administration of the many worldwide spiritual and humanitarian services of the organization. Under Sri Daya Mata’s leadership, the society continued to grow significantly. Today there are more than 600 SRF/YSS temples, meditation centers, and retreats in over 60 countries, a publishing division

Cultivating a Loving Relationship With God and INTUITION: SOUL-GUIDANCE FOR LIFE’S DECISIONS. Many of her lectures and informal talks are also available in audio and video format. She spent the remaining years of her life, along with Sri Mrinalini Mata, SRF editorin-chief and vice president, organizing all of her notes and recorded guidance from the Guru to ensure that his instructions for the future direction of the society would be passed on to the new leadership; and helping to finish the editing and organizing of Yogananda’s most important works, including The Second Coming of Christ (his monumental commentary on the Four Gospels), and God Talks With Arjuna (Sri

‘Nowhere does [Paramahansa Yogananda’s] legacy shine with more radiance than in his saintly disciple Sri Daya Mata,” wrote India’s former ambassador to the United States, Dr. Binay R. Sen. “Before [Sri Yogananda’s] passing he told her, ‘When I am gone, only love can take my place’ which oversees the publication of Yogananda’s works as well as those of his monastic disciples, annual classes on the teachings of Yogananda, retreat programs, and other services and activities. She was also instrumental in expanding the charitable activities of the society and the work of its Worldwide Prayer Circle. Among her written works are two anthologies of talks, ONLY LOVE: Living the Spiritual Life in a Changing World and FINDING THE JOY WITHIN YOU: Personal Counsel for God-Centered Living, and two inspiration books, ENTER THE QUIET HEART:

Yogananda’s critically acclaimed translation of and commentary on the Bhagavad Gita). Numerous dignitaries and spiritual leaders visited Sri Daya Mata over the years. One such esteemed figure was Sri Jagadguru Shankaracharya Bharati Krishna Tirtha of Puri, India. His visit to SRF headquarters in Los Angeles marked the first time in the history of the ancient Swami Order that a Shankaracharya had traveled to the West. She also was the first westerner allowed to enter the sacred grounds of the Vishnupada Temple (which hold the footprints of Vishnu), in Bodh Gaya, India, a

visit she made in 1959 as part of an extended trip to India to visit YSS ashrams and centers, and the first westerner to be invited to enter the ancient Jagannath Temple in Puri, India. “Nowhere does [Paramahansa Yogananda’s] legacy shine with more radiance than in his saintly disciple Sri Daya Mata,” wrote India’s former ambassador to the United States, Dr. Binay R. Sen. “Before [Sri Yogananda’s] passing he told her, ‘When I am gone, only love can take my place.’ Those who, like myself, were privileged to have met Paramahansaji find reflected in Daya Mataji that same spirit of divine love and compassion that so impressed me on my first visit to the Self-Realization Center.” It was Sri Daya Mata’s ability to empathize with others and to regard all as divine beings that inspired countless people from different faiths and backgrounds – from former Under-Secretary General of the United Nations C. V. Narasimhan to legendary musician and film star Elvis Presley. Though her life was given primarily to her Guru’s work, she felt all seekers of God to be a part of her spiritual family, regardless of their faith. A Catholic Sister of Charity, after meeting Daya Mata, remarked: “For me, as a member of a religious order, Daya Mata is a shining example of what a life committed to the service of God and neighbor ought to be. She makes me think of that great forerunner of Christ, John the Baptist, who said of himself, ‘I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness. Make straight the way of the Lord.’ In her presence there are no Catholics, Protestants, or Hindus, but only children of the one Father, God. And each one of them she receives graciously and has a place for them in her heart...She radiates God.”

Community/California

22 India Post

December 17, 2010

www.indiapost.com

AIF honors filmmaker Shekhar Kapur

Sanford Panitch gives award to Shekhar Kapur India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: At its 7th Annual Southern California Gala, the American India Foundation honored world-renowned filmmaker and director Shekhar Kapur for his commitment to bringing international awareness to persistent social issues in India through the cinematic arts. Hosted by Hollywood stars Janina Gavankar and Kunal Nayyar, the AIF Wheel Power Gala attracted more than 425 guests, including entertainment executives and a star-studded lineup of celebrities including Mallika Sherawat and the cast of NBC's Outsourced - Rebecca Hazelwood, Surina Jindal, Diedrich Bader, Pippa Black, Sascha Dhawan, Rizwan Manji, and Parvesh Cheena. Joined by business and community leaders, guests enjoyed fine dining and entertainment at The Ritz-Carlton Marina del Rey. The Annual Wheel Power Southern California Gala raised more than $425,000 to fund AIF's programs that accelerate social

and economic change in India. A substantial portion of the money raised at the event, which included a silent auction, raffle, and pledge drive, will be allocated toward supporting AIF's innovative microfinance initiative, the Rick-

Shekhar Kapur giving his acceptance speech

shaw Sangh, which has enabled some 12,500 rickshaw drivers of India to dramatically improve their livelihoods by owning their

Shekhar Kapur and Malika Sherawat with Gala Chairs Vandana & Ravi Tilak and BU Patel

vehicles and accessing social benefits. The Rickshaw Sangh addresses an underlying cause of poverty and helps formalize and build dignity for what is a marginalized profession for some

In addition to garnering Academy awards recently on the Hollywood stage, Mr. Kapur has enjoyed equal success through his filmmaking in India that has helped to bring social awareness to the challenges facing India to worldwide attention 8 million drivers in India. By providing rickshaw drivers with a comprehensive package of services and benefits including ac-

NBCís Outsourced Castñ(LtoR) Diedrich Bader, Sascha Dhawan, Rizwan Manji, Pippa Black, Surina Jindal, and Parvesh Chee

cess to micro-credit to purchase their own vehicle, entrepreneurship development, and social entitlements such as insurance, identity cards, and licenses, AIF addresses systemic issues and helps improve the livelihoods of

Foundation Cultural Leadership Award. In addition to garnering Academy awards recently on the Hollywood stage, Mr. Kapur has enjoyed equal success through his filmmaking in India that has helped to bring social awareness

Emcees - Kunal Nayyar and Janaina Gavankar

rickshaw drivers and their families. Mr. Kapur was presented with the first ever American India

to the challenges facing India to worldwide attention.

Sanford Panitch and Shekar Kapur

Cont’d on page 23

December 17, 2010

Community/California

India Post 23

www.indiapost.com

Bay Area groups hail passage of DREAM Act India Post News Service

FREMONT: Across the Bay Area, a broad coalition of community, religious, education and civil rights groups are heartily applauding the House of Representatives' historic vote to pass the DREAM Act. The act would remedy the immigration status of high achieving young people who arrived in America as children but remain stuck in the nation's broken immigration system. In a joint statement, the groups, Asian Law Caucus (SF), California Immigrant Policy Center, CCISCO (Richmond), Dolores St. Community Services (SF), Interfaith Coalition for Immigrant Rights, San Francisco Organizing Project, and SIREN (San Jose), remarked: "Today, the House proved to the American public that it is capable of putting aside politics to do what is in our country's best interest, and we very much hope the Senate will follow suit. Our movement has worked tirelessly to arrive at this historic moment, and we express our deepest gratitude to the Bay Area Congressional Delegation, all of whose members voted for the legislation. "In just the past week, the campaign to pass the DREAM Act sparked a wave of activity in cities including Hayward, Oakland, Pleasanton, San Francisco, and San Jose. "We are grateful to Senators Boxer and Feinstein to their support, and we hope the Senate will follow their lead tomorrow by voting to proceed to debate. This common sense legislation's supporters are as diverse as America: educators, labor, business, people of all faiths, and Americans from both parties. The young people whose lives the DREAM Act would transform are American in every way except on paper, and

it's time we let them live their American dream and contribute fully to our society. "The DREAM Act would benefit far more people than it directly impacts; with the Congressional Budget Office finding it would reduce the nation's deficit by $1.4 Billion over the next ten years, and with a new UCLA study finding a positive impact of up to $3.6 trillion dollars over the coming four decades." The vote also thrilled local students: Mario, a 22-year old college graduate living in the Bay Area, said: "This is just one step closer to fulfilling my dreams. I couldn't

‘The young people whose lives the DREAM Act would transform are American in every way except on paper, and it's time we let them live their American dream and contribute fully to our society’ even sleep last night and it looks like I'm not going to tonight either. I've been waiting for this day for 10 years. We urge that the Senators call their colleagues to vote yes." A DREAM Act student from San Jose added: "We extend our gratitude for the Republicans who stood up for what is right and fair, for not believing the lies that were spread regarding the Dream Act and for not believing that its amnesty, its just one step in the process to achieving humane immigration reform. We are students who have been here since we were young and want to fully contribute."

AIF honors filmmaker Shekhar Kapur Cont’d from page 22

Special guest Mr. Sanford Panitch, President of Fox International, provided introductory remarks and Mr. B.U. Patel, President of Tarsadia Hotels, Gala CoChair and AIF Trustee, presented Mr. Kapur with the award. Gala Co-Chair and AIF Trustee Ravi Tilak, President of Almex USA, Inc., remarked, "Shekhar Kapur has always worked to integrate India into the global economy, long before globaliza-

tion became a phenomenon. His advocacy and art have helped to catalyze international commitment and provide a voice to those most in need, and AIF is delighted to honor him for his contributions." Since its founding in 2001, AIF has raised and deployed over $60 million to support its programs in the areas of education, livelihoods and public health. As a result of its work, more than 1.5 million of India's poorest and marginalized people have taken their first step up the ladder of economic opportunity.

New design for Wharton MBA program

India Post News Service

PHILADELPHIA, PA: The faculty of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania has voted to approve a new design for its MBA program. The innovative design, a product of a multiyear study of the evolving role of business education, allows greater customization and offers MBA students flexibility based on their backgrounds and experience. The design builds on the premier strength of the Wharton School's academic reputation for rigor and relevance and offers new opportunities for student selfanalysis and self-understanding, which underlie effective leadership. The School also commits to a radically new vision of business education as a life-long "knowledge partnership" between Wharton

Mother of Pritam Singh passes away

and its graduates, offering tuitionfree executive education training for new MBA graduates. "The architecture of the curriculum addresses the needs of a new global generation through flexibility, rigor and innovation," said Thomas S. Robertson, Dean of the Wharton School. "Our research shows that this generation of business leaders wants greater control over educational choices, continued exposure to peers with deep, global experience and more opportunity in their academic experience to self-analyze and self-reflect. As part of the design, we are introducing a series of global modular courses that will be offered in eight countries this year. Combined with the appointment of Vice Deans in Global Initiatives, Social Impact, and Innovation, we intend to retain our leadership position

in business education." Innovative design elements include: Choices of pathways for fulfillment of required courses in six distinct Content Areas: • Finance and the Global Economy • Ethical and Legal Responsibility • Managing the Global Enterprise • Understanding and Serving Customers • Corporate Reporting and Control • Management of Operations, Innovation, Information, and Decisions under Uncertainty Students will be able to customize learning by selecting a course pathway through these content areas based on their educational and career experience.

Fire damages Delhi Spiceland

Krishan Kaur India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: The mother of Mr. Pritam Singh (San Fernando Valley, Northridge) passed away on December 1. She was 88. Krishan Kaur was a woman with commitment for social service. She had an inspiring personality. She was a great supporter of higher education and hard work. She inspired and led the way to installation of air conditioning, fans, computers and donating of books and other facilities to schools in Patiala. This seva is ongoing. She will always be remembered for her wisdom, philosophy, sweetness and smile. The funeral & cremation will be held on Saturday, December 11 at Pierce Brothers Valhalla Memorial Park & Mortuary, 10621 Victory Blvd., North Hollywood, CA at 12 pm. Langar will be held on the same day, December 11, at Khalsa Care Foundation Gurdwara, 9989 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Pacoima, CA. Kirtan and Ardas at the same venue from 2.30 pm to 4 pm.

India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: A short circuit in the overhead wiring caused a fire in Delhi Spiceland, the popular Northridge store and restaurant. It happened in the early morn-

ing hours of December 4 when the store was closed. The damage is estimated in thousands of dollars. The entire inventory had to be trashed due to smoke damage and it will be a while before the store reopens.

Deepak Chopra India Post News Service

India Post

NEW YORK: Liquid Comics will be collaborating with New York Times bestselling author, Deepak Chopra (The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, The Book of Secrets), and publishing partner Dynamite Entertainment, on a graphic novel adaptation of Chopra's New York Times bestselling novel entitled, "Buddha: A Story of Enlightenment."

self-understanding, is one of the most powerful and insightful stories human civilization has ever known," commented, Chopra. "To be able to bring that story to a whole new audience through a graphic novel re-telling with the help of Josh Dysart and Dean Hyrapiet is something I am very proud of." Chopra brings the Buddha back to life in this stunning graphic novel adaptation of his fictional look at one of the most iconic figures in philosophy and spiritualism. Chopra worked with pro-

The 160-page, hardcover graphic novel will be available in bookstores nationwide on Dec 14 with a digital Apple iPad version also available before the end of the year. "Buddha's story from shedding his royal robes to taking on his monastic ones, from abandoning the false promises of materialism to understanding the truth that lurks in

lific graphic novel writer, Joshua Dysart (Greendale, Unknown Soldier), on this new adaptation of his novel. A young man in line for the throne is trapped in his father's kingdom and yearns for the outside world. Betrayed by those closest to him, Siddhartha abandons his palace and princely title. Alone and face-to-face with his demons, he becomes a wan-

www.indiapost.com

dering monk and embarks on a spiritual journey that carries him to the brink of death, but ultimately leads him to enlightenment. Although we know Buddha today as an icon of peace and serenity, his life story was a tumultuous and spellbinding affair filled with love and sex, murder and loss, struggle and surrender.

December 17, 2010

Liquid Comics is a digital entertainment company focused on creating original stories to engage global audiences across various media platforms. The company was founded by entrepreneurs, Sharad Devarajan, Gotham Chopra and Suresh Seetharaman, and uses the

Chopra brings the Buddha back to life in this stunning graphic novel adaptation of his fictional look at one of the most iconic figures in philosophy and spiritualism. Chopra worked with prolific graphic novel writer, Joshua Dysart on this new adaptation Gotham Chopra, Co-Founder of Liquid Comics, oversaw and edited the graphic novel adaptation, which was produced by Liquid's studio of young talented artists in India and led by acclaimed illustrator, Dean Hyrapiet. "We are thrilled to bring Deepak's explosive epic to life through the visual medium of graphic novels," Liquid Comics Co-Founder & CEO, Sharad Devarajan added. "In addition to the printed edition, the Buddha digital comic books are available through Scribd.com, the Sony Reader Store and later this month through the iPad.

medium of graphic novel storytelling to develop original content for various digital platforms, publishing, theatrical liveaction films, animation and games. Liquid's creative collaborators include acclaimed filmmakers and prominent creators such as John Woo, Shekhar Kapur, Deepak Chopra, Guy Ritchie, Dave Stewart, Priyanka Chopra, Jonathan Mostow, Ed Burns, Grant Morrison, Nicolas Cage, John Moore, Wes Craven and others.

December 17, 2010

India Post

www.indiapost.com

'At Home' with Madhur Jaffrey PREM KISHORE India Post News Service

t is always a delight to find what Madhur Jaffrey the gifted, award winning actress and prolific author is doing. She never disappoints. Not only is she starring in the recent films 'Today's Special' and 'Hiding Divya', she has launched her nineteenth cookery book with gusto! From the ever inventive Guru of Asian cooking comes a joyful cookery book 'At Home With Madhur Jaffrey' published by Alfred Knopf. Jaffrey grasps the essentials, avoiding flamboyancy and complexity. Simple, delectable dishes and places to go - India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Singular recipes with lots of shortcuts that carry the unique flavor of each landscape. Instead of being daring and dabbling in fusion dishes, her earthy, exuberant multicultural recipes with minimal fuss is so immediate that you want to cook the dishes right away. The blessed

diversity of dishes follow classic principles, quality, but Jaffrey brings a fun, casual attitude tantalizing us with gourmet recipe titles and then breaking down the method to make it a part of everyday cooking.

fuddles you. First rate ingredients easily procured, a few cooking implements and reducing the steps in cooking, she reinterprets and personalizes traditional recipes. The book is not for the ardently ambitious cook requiring the support of a host of ingredients and limitless time. Consider Okra-Swiss Chard Soup. Carrots, beans, onions and

Jaffrey grasps the essentials, avoiding flamboyancy and complexity offering simple, delectable dishes

Throughout her writing career, and she has written 18 books, Jaffrey has been specially gifted with an open informality. In this book nothing is obscure; the crisp introductions are natural and relaxed. She never be-

okra sauteed with chard, cumin and cayenne. Add chicken stock. Blend and add coconut milk. And that's it. In Madhur Jaffrey's own words it's a mellow, "delicious as it is surprising in its finest blend of silken textures." Her purpose is to make dishes simple and straight forward "to hold your hand

through the entire process with clear instructions and detailed explanations." And she succeeds. The book has a new relevance in this frenetic world of ours where time is at a premium. Whether it is a whim or an emergency, the spectrum of dishes tempt with lots of favorites ranging from seafood, chicken, lamb, pork, and beef, to mellow comforting soups, and irresistible snacks. It's step by step cooking; quick and easy recipes like Chappali Kebabs, Peshawari Red Pepper, Chutney from Pakistan, South Indian Karhai Broccoli, Bangladeshi Red Lentils, the Chinese influenced Hot, Salty and Sweet Pork Chops and the excellent Sri Lankan Coconut Sambol. And then there's Ground Turkey with Hyderabadi's Seasonings, Sri Lankan Fish Curry served with Gujarati Style Okra, accompanied by tortillas! Mussels in a Creamy Coconut Sauce and Whole Chicken baked in an Almond and Onion Sauce or Rajasthani Meat with a Semolina

Pilaf is an adventure by itself. To whet your appetite, Jaffrey enumerates diverse traditions of serving fish. Fancy Kerala? Sardines and whitebait are washed in a lime water solution, dipped in rice flour and deep fried. In Bengal, a thin sauce is made with crushed mustard seeds, chili powder and turmeric. In Pakistan, fish is rubbed with ajwain seeds and roasted briefly in a tandoor oven and in Sri Lanka fish is served perfumed with fennel seeds and poached in coconut milk. To make the book totally satisfying, Madhur Jaffrey even serves up a recipe for the crisp wafer pappadom while relating a story of how an Anglo Indian acquaintance of hers from Calcutta took along the spices he wanted as flavoring and watched as the butcher ground, seasoned and pushed the meat into casings. The recipe is called AngloIndian Sausage Patties! Gorgeous photographs by Christopher Hirsheimer enhance the book. The publishers are Alfred A Knopf (New York)

Indian American musicians on Grammy shortlist India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Two musicians of India origin - New York-based businesswoman Chandrika Krishnamurthy Tandon and pianist-composer Vijay Iyer - have been nominated for this year's Grammy awards.

Pianist-composer Vijay Iyer

'Soul Call', conceptualized, composed and voiced by Chandrika Krishnamurthy Tandon has been nominated in the Best Contemporary World Music Album category, while Iyer's "Historicity" has been shortlisted for the Best Jazz Instrumental Album award. The 53rd Annual Grammy Awards will be held on "Grammy Sunday," Feb 13, 2011, at Staples Center in Los Angeles. Tandon's Soul Call consists of 9 tracks of praise. Like her other CD's, Soul Call is related to the healing mantra of 'Om Namo Narayanaya' which is considered to be one of

the most potent protections for the physical body. Soul Call was officially released in October this year by the Indo-American Arts Council in New York City. Tandon has built a tremendously successful business career with the same passion with which she approaches music. She spent many years as a partner with McKinsey and Company before founding Tandon Capital Associates, Inc., a financial advisory and investment firm, which she currently chairs. She has worked with Boards, Chief Executives and Senior Management teams of over 40 financial institutions all over the world. She shares her management and financial skills with students as an Executive in Residence and a member of the Board of Overseers of New York University's Stern School of Business and the President's Council of International Activities at Yale University. In 2009, Chandrika was honored with the Walter Nichols' medal, NYU Stern's highest honor given to distinguished business people with a record of integrity and service. And she reaches out to her community as founder and chairman of the Tandon Foundation, supporting non-profits that focus on sustainable livelihoods, women's economic power, education, the arts and spirituality. She is serves as an Advisory Board member of the Indo-American Arts Council, and is a Board member of the America India Foun-

Chandrika Krishnamurthy Tandon

dation and the Hindu Community Outreach Foundation. The American-born son of In-

dian immigrants, Vijay Iyer is a selftaught creative musician grounded in American jazz and popular forms, and drawing from a wide range of Western and non-Western traditions. He was described by The Village Voice as "the most commanding pianist and composer to emerge in recent years," by The New Yorker as one of "today's most important pianists... extravagantly gifted," and by the L.A. Weekly as "a boundless and deeply important young star." Most recently, in the Jazz Journalists Association Jazz Awards, Iyer was named the 2010 Musician

of the Year, an honor previously given to Herbie Hancock, Ornette Coleman, Wayne Shorter, and Dave Holland. Iyer's 2009 release, Historicity (ACT), a classic piano-trio set of surprising covers and originals rendered in his signature approach, became one of the most acclaimed jazz albums of the decade. It was chosen as the #1 Jazz Album of the Year by The New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, the Chicago Tribune, the Detroit Metro Times, National Public Radio, PopMatters.com, the Village Voice Jazz Critics Poll, and the Downbeat International Critics Poll.

Ram Kumar retrospective at Aicon NY India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Aicon Gallery, New York's premier gallery of Modern and Contemporary South Asian Art, opened a retrospective exhibition of Ram Kumar (b. 1924), a member of the fabled "Progressive Artists Groups" and a titan of post-independence art from India, on Nov 23. The Reception featured a lecture "The Contemporary Indian Landscape" by Beth Citron, a curatorial fellow at the Rubin Museum in New York. Citron's well received presentation focused on the mythical place of landscape in Indian art and its evolution from the time of Kumar

to the present generation of artists. The lecture was attended by a wide cross section of art-lovers, collectors

Ram Kumar

and curators - for many of whom it was an introduction to Indian art. The show is the first significant retrospective of Ram Kumar in

New York in over a decade. It features rare work from the 1950s through the 1990's. The works were acquired through a loan from older North Eastern collections which portray the arc of Ram Kumar's career from emergence to the present day. While akin to many of the Indian artists who studied abroad in the 1950's and returned with a semi-figurative style that drew on post-cubism, Ram Kumar departed from his counterparts through his insistence on the abstract and almost exclusive focus on his signaturestyle cityscapes and landscapes. The show runs through December 18th, 2010.

26 India Post

www.indiapost.com

December 17, 2010

India Post

www.indiapost.com

'Doctrine of Ahimsa is pernicious, self-defeating' ABHISHEK MUKHERJEE

t various points in its history, the prosperous and fertile country of India or 'Bharat' as the author calls it - with an overwhelming Hindu population, has been susceptible to foreign invasions. RK Nehra, in his book 'Hinduism and its Military Ethos,' tries to explore the supposed defeatist and negative

mindset of the Hindus through the study of Hinduism and the history of the land, in an effort to find an answer to various setbacks in history that have affected the nation as a whole and its Hindu population in particular. In the early days of the Hindu civilization, Hindus were brave and chivalrous, and believed in war for the right causes. Chanakya's Arthashastra, for example, during the reign of Chandragupt Maurya, was a wonderful book on practicalities of war and politics that stressed on the need to be cunning and smart when required. All these qualities painfully disappeared from the psyche of Hindus later. However, with the rise of Jainism and Buddhism preaching peace and non-violence as a rule and Ashoka's transformation from violence and territories to peace and purity at a significant point in history, seeds were laid for what was to follow. Out of recorded 2300 years of Hindu history, 1300 years have been spent living in slavery under foreign occupation, the Muslims and the British. The author stresses that a pessimistic attitude had set in among the Hindus and coupled with their obsession with peace and righteousness, it spelt doom for them. The author is vitriolic in stating how the whole mindset of 'Ahimsa Parmo Dharma' needs to be chucked. He says, "The concept of ahimsa should have been cremated along with the bones of the Mahatma (Mahatma Gandhi)", clarifying that ahimsa in

the case of Gandhi was a strategy rather than a principle and, "The youth of the country must not be exposed to the pernicious, selfdefeating doctrine of ahimsa". Although backing his thesis with observations and statistics, the author has throughout the book, made countless clarifications and explanations as an obsessed lay man in a dining room conversation. An entire chapter is devoted to arguments on how clichéd causes of Hindu defeats like disunity and small sizes of kingdoms were completely baseless. Instead he blames it on Hindus being meek and submissive, too pure and righteous and lacking in smartness in many different ways and contexts. In the first part of the book, Hinduism is explained with details and complexities. Stress has been laid on texts and mythological stories that support the view that Hinduism encourages war, pride and fighting spirit. History of India is studied, from the Rigvedic age (Nehra doesn't accept the Vedic migration theory), to the times of Mughal and British domination and then military conflicts after independence. He summarizes his views on the whole issue of Hinduism and its negative mindset with a great deal of conviction and patriotism. The author has clearly been pained by the slavery of such a wonderful class of people as the Hindus. He believes that the military reverses in history, and even in recent times, have been be-

cause of the mind and not muscle, and he tries to justify the same throughout the book. In his view,

there is an urgent need to positively change the mindset into a more aggressive one, for the na-

tional cause. An intriguing read, but one that is more a lesson than an analysis.

SITAWORLD WORLD TOURS SITA TOURS

Your Family’s Gateway to Destinations Worldwide

Benefits of traveling with SITA:

• Providing Customized Family Travel • Exceptional prices and value • Destinations: AFRICA, ASIA, INDIA and SOUTH AMERICA • Personalized SITA service Book either tour below before Dec 31, 2010 and receive $50 off per booking! Best of China w/Yangtze River Cruise Highlights & Inclusions: • Airfare within China First-class accommodations; deluxe cabin on the MV Splendid • Services of a SITA Tour Manager

• Cultural events including Tang Dynasty Show, Chinese acrobat show and much more!

Visit: Shanghai, Yichang, Three Gorges, Chongqing, Xian, Beijing

14 Days from $2,380/person sharing

Highlights of China Highlights & Inclusions: • First Class or Deluxe accommodation and some meals • Airfares within China • Li River Cruise

• Sightseeing per the itinerary with English speaking guides • Cultural shows, Peking Duck Dinner and more!

Visit:

12 Days from $2,170/per person sharing

Discover the World of SITA

800.421.5643 www.sitatours.com

CST #2003643-40

Africa • Asia • Australia & New Zealand • India • South America

India Post

December 17, 2010 www.indiapost.com

‘Chronoscope’ wins highest Mockfest honor

Host Neelam Singh welcomes the guests

budget. The film is about a group of mockumentary filmmakers who are working on their first studio feature. Hank, the director, has some problems with keeping everything running smoothly; namely, a controlling producer, a diva with substance abuse who keeps making "magic" brownies, a 'Star Search' brother/sister duo, an old Western actor with memory loss, a conceited hot stud actor,

Scannell said his involvement in the film was very last minute. The actor who had been cast to play the lead had backed out. Andrew Keegan, who plays Spencer, called Scannell to see if he could read for the lead part. Scannell came in, read, and was on set the next morning. Also included in the cast are: Mickey Rooney, Edie McClurg, Tim Thomerson, Shawna

MAGDA MARCELLA

LOS ANGELES: November 14th marked the third and final day at 4th Annual MockFilmFest, held at Raleigh Studios in Hollywood. I attended the four o'clock showing, entitled Alternative Visions, which included the feature length "To Kill a Mockumentary," as well as numerous shorts: "Enlightened!, "Mondo Penguin," "Midlife," "The Gospel According to Matthew," and "Runyon: Above Sunset." Mickey Rooney opened "Alternative Visions," with an insightful speech on the filmmaking process and artistry. He was honored with the Lifetime Achievement in Comedy Award, MockFilmFest 2010. The star of "The Gospel According to Matthew," Matthew Lesko was also in attendance. Lesko is perhaps best known as "The Question Mark Man" from infomercials on how to get free money from the government. He answered audience questions on his philosophy (be yourself) and how get assistance from the government in film-making ventures. I was lucky enough to meet with some of the visionaries behind "To Kill a Mockumentary," which was filmed on an impressive $200,000

Host Neelam Singh and Shannon Theule

Guil Claveria, the festival director is second from the right, beside McLovin (on Guil's right) from Superbad -his real name is Christopher Charles Mintz-Plasse

Mickey Rooney opened ‘Alternative Visions,’ with an insightful speech on the filmmaking process and artistry. He was honored with the Lifetime Achievement in Comedy Award and Hank's own fears that his wife may be having an affair with his male lead. As personalities clash, hilarity ensues. I talked with Stephen Wallis, the director and co-writer (with Shawna Waldron), who said he shot the film in 15 days, mostly in the American Legion Hollywood Post 43. Wallis is also the president of Damn Good Entertainment, the company with produced "To Kill a Mockumentary." I also caught up with Terry Scannell, who plays Hank, the lead.

Waldron, Jason London, Brian Krause, Scott Grimes, George Murdock, Glenn Shadix, Park Overall, Richard Kline, Charlie O'Connell, Greg Joelson, Melissa Wyler, Jan Rooney, Jamie Donahue, Jennifer Lyons and Jimmy Workman. Edie McClurg (Estelle) and Tim Thomerson (Will) stood out as the druggie Diva and the forgetful Western star. McClurg played Estelle with a loony vivaciousness that was hysterical. The shared scenes shared by McClurg and Thomerson were funny, often

touching, and always a joy to watch. I also spoke with the cast of "Enlightened!" a hilarious short film parodying (in a friendly fashion) the types of people involved in New Age spirituality. The film follows Nyutsek (played my Christopher Meeham), a spiritual guru, who urges his followers to "let go," whilst refusing to acknowledge his impending divorce to his wife, Gangly (played by Lilli Birdsell). Tara Emerson, who wrote the film and plays Sister True Ecstasy, said she was inspired by "Waiting for Guffman" and "The Office," as well as well people she has met from her own experiences with New Age spiritualism. Also in attendance were Ted Fenton, the film's producer; and Windell Middlebrooks, who plays Free Bird, Nyutsek's most loyal disciple who offers colorful insight into what it takes to become enlightened. The beginnings of "Enlightened!" were small. Emerson had told friend (and the film's eventual producer) Ted Fenton that she was working on a collection of

India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Break Ke Baad, a co-production between Reliance BIG Pictures and Kunal Kohli Productions, is a profitable venture for its makers largely due to its correct economics, according to its publicists. The Imraan Khan-Deepika Padukone starrer, although not a hit at the box office, opened to decent collections riding on its youth appeal. The production cost of the film - Rs.18 crores - has largely been recovered through the sale of satellite and music rights. Given the genre of the film it reportedly has performed well in the urban centers. Break Ke Baad was a highly anticipated film and with a hyped marketing and publicity that was built around the film, it even translated into good business. The US audiences responded well to the film, while the response in the UK has been reasonable and Dubai too had received the film well. Also Break Ke Baad has had some refreshing marketing tie ups with Kit Kat, Close Up, Zen Mobile, Venus soaps and Da Milano. These brands

scenes inspired by her adventures in New Age spiritualism. Fenton joked he'd produce the collection and organized a table with actors and filmmakers. Everyone involved fell in love with script and Fenton decided to produce the project, jokingly or not. Emerson and Fenton were able to put together an extremely professional crew, gleamed mostly from the "My Name Is Earl" production team. Although they ran into a few obstacles, both Emerson and Fenton say the production was a work of love and pure joy. Full Cast: Christopher Meehan, Paul Schulze, Lilli Birdsell, Jonathan Slavin, David H. Lawrence XVII, Windell Middlebrooks, Michele Santopietro, Tara Emerson, Ted Fenton, Jessa French, and Wesley McCoy. 6:30 marked the awards ceremony. The highest honor, the Zelig Award for Overall Excellence and Innovation in Mockumentary Filmmaking, went to "The Chronoscope," written and directed by Andrew Legge and produced by Morgan Bushe.

have spent close to the tune of Rs. 2 crores on prime TV slots resulting in a desirable and impactful campaign. Says Priti Shahani, Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer, Reliance Big Pictures: "It's true that Break Ke Baad has already recovered its production cost,

Break Ke Baad was a highly anticipated film and with a hyped marketing and publicity that was built around the film, it even translated into good business

'Break ke Baad' recovers costs

including marketing costs. Being a hype project, the digital rights (satellite, music and video) were sold at a lucrative price. Marketing and promotions have been effective with brand synergy with Kit Kat, Close Up and other brands. Break Ke Baad has released across 750 screens in India." BKB released in 38 countries across the world in over 250 overseas screens.

29 India Post

Periyar (also known as Thekkady) is a park where one can witness playful elephants, whose population is currently around 800. The population of tigers is also increasing appreciably. The terrain ranges from hilly to flat grassland areas

www.indiapost.com

ituated within the confines of the Western Ghats in the southern Indian state of Kerala, Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve is one of the most captivating wildlife parks in the world. Elephants in Periyar are another major attraction. In 1895, the British undertook water resource management plans for the area and started work on a dam and an artificial lake under the auspices of Col. J. Pennycuick. The picturesque lake in the heart of the sanctuary was originally 26 sq km but now spans an area of 55 sq km. This perennial source of water, which initially led to the submersion of large tracts of forestland, slowly attracted wild animals. It eventually resulted in

December 17, 2010 the adjoining forests being granted protection by the Maharaja of Travancore. Post-1975 Periyar finds itself in the enviable position of being a national park as well as a protected tiger reserve. Periyar (also known as Thekkady) is a park where one can witness playful elephants, whose population is currently around 800. Elephants in Periyar make excellent wildlife watching. The population of tigers is also increasing appreciably. The terrain ranges from hilly to flat grassland areas at the edges of the lakes. The vegetation is of moist deciduous type. Elephants in Periyar remain the key attraction. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 30

Travel & Hospitality Post

India Post

December 17, 2010

www.indiapost.com

Rs 300cr Chhattisgarh plan to boost tourism MUMBAI: Chhattisgarh, the decade-old state with an abundance of natural beauty and rich in minerals, is gearing up to become the most preferred tourist destination in the country and has earmarked about Rs 300 crore to ramp up its infrastructure. "We have spent around Rs 300 crore to develop 45 sites with basic three star amenities. Out of these, 33 sites are already ready," State Secretary Tourism, Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs Subrat Sahoo told reporters here. The state, which has a tourist annual influx of around five lakh domestic and 25,000 overseas tourists, a large number of them from the western Europe, is planning to spend another Rs 18 crore for LED lighting of country's biggest waterfall 'Chitrakote'. "This project will be in place by the beginning of next year," he added. Chhattisgarh, which is carved out of neighboring Madhya Pradesh, is the ninth largest state in the country reporting 18 per cent GDP growth in the last financial year. The state seeks to become the leading destination for this New Year tourists through the campaign 'Wow Chhattisgarh; this new year discover something new'. "We are doing a series of presentations

in tier I and II cities across the country to make people aware about the uniqueness of the state, with its treasure trove of natural beauty," he said. Sahoo said with this promotional activities, the state is aiming to double the tourist influx, both from domestic and overseas, in next two to three years time. . Apart from its natural beauty and ancient monuments, the state is also looking to capture tourists looking for more excitement and has spent about Rs 100 crore to develop an adventure theme park. Chhattisgarh offers many exciting range of tourist attractions like its home to the most dense forest after the Amazon in South America, most bio-diverse hot-spot, oldest tribal community, deepest living cave in the world with the oldest stalactite and stalagmite formations. It also boasts of world's oldest amphitheatre, Asia's largest Catholic church, the largest twin Ganapati carved from a single rock, delicious red ant chutney, archaeological sites at Sirpur among it tourism jewels. "We (are) aiming to build a niche destination targeted mainly at budget travelers," Sahoo said. -PTI

Tamil Nadu to focus on medical tourism CHENNAI: As part of efforts to promote medical tourism, the Tamil Nadu government is planning to bring out tourism brochures in consultation with medical institutions with some useful tips on health care. Citing the "availability of super speciality hospitals in the state, providing quality services affordable cost," the state would adopt the strategy to achieve its primary objective of making Tamil Nadu a favored domestic and international tourist destination, according to a report of the state's eleventh five year plan. A slew of good hospitals are located across Tamil Nadu, with patients, especially from the Middle East, Pakistan and some African countries, thronging the state for medical services. The Tourism department staff will be specifically trained to attend to the needs of the people, it said. Chennai, for instance, boasts of some of the big names in India like Apollo Hospitals and Harvey Super Speciality, with local players such as Aravind Eye Care and PSG Hospitals in Madurai and Coimbatore respectively remaining popular. Further, publicizing and marketing festivals such as Pongal and dance festivals at Mahabalipuram and Chidambaram are also

part of the strategy to achieve the said objective, it said. The harvest festival `Pongal? (in January) could well assume more significance as the Tamil Nadu government recently rescheduled the Tamil calendar, announcing that Pongal will mark the birth of the Tamil new year. Chief Minister M Karunanidhi had urged

A slew of good hospitals are located across Tamil Nadu, with patients, especially from the Middle East, Pakistan and some African countries, thronging the state for medical services people of the state to celebrate the festival with pomp and fervor, as it would henceforth coincide with the new year too. The Tourism department was also considering roping private and corporate players and oil companies for developing some areas like Golf clubs, adventure tourism, cruises, star hotels and heli-taxi, among others. -PTI

Periyar National park: Elephants & tigers make excellent wildlife watching Cont’d from page 29

Best time to visit: The temperature during summers (April-June) ranges from 21°C to 24°C. During the monsoon (July-August), it ranges from 19°C to 21°C. Winter season lasts from October to March and is cool and pleasant. A visit to the national park with elephants in Periyar make the entire experience unforgettable. Tourist attractions Periyar National Park is a veritable paradise of elephants. Herds of playful wild elephants have made Periyar Lake their favorite haunt for frolicking in the water. Scores of elephants in Periyar can be witnessed bathing and swimming here. The Indian female elephants in Periyar do not posses tusks like their African relatives. They are also not as swarthy as their African counterparts. Other inhabitants of Periyar include the leopard, wild dog, barking deer, mouse deer, Nilgiri langur (a primate), bonnet macaque, sambhar, porcupines, squirrels, gaur (Indian bison), wild boar and sloth bear. There are approximately 40 tigers in the area as per the latest reports. The tigers, along with the Nilgiri tahrs (a kind of a wild goat), are elusive creatures. However, an early morning visit, with luck on your side, could yield results. Amidst the rocky hinges along the lake, monitor lizards may be spotted. Trekkers have also

sighted pythons, king cobras and flying lizards. Some 260 species of birds are found at Periyar. These include darters, cormorants, ibises, gray herons, mynas, flycatchers, orioles, wood pigeons, kingfishers, kites, ospreys, thrushes, and an appreciable number of bluewinged parakeets. The months of March and April constitute the driest part of the year, because of which the animals spend a lot of time near the lake. Even the tiger may be spotted approaching the waters. Animals may be seen from motorboats on the lake or from watchtowers. A special permission is re-

quired to travel by boat to the source of the artificial lake, the River Periyar. This area is gener-

tively peaceful corner of the forest. One can also form a group and go on a walking tour with locally

The months of March and April constitute the driest part of the year, because of which the animals spend a lot of time near the lake. Even the tiger may be spotted approaching the waters. Animals may be seen from motorboats on the lake or from watchtowers ally not open for tourists, but is the favorite haunt of the sloth bear. There is a good chance of spotting an occasional tiger in this rela-

available guides. Places around: There are some tribal villages around Periyar, which are worth a visit. The tribal

people are expert fishermen and farmers. Some are still engaged in the traditional practice of collecting honey of dangerous hill bees. They have built interesting tree dwellings. These dwellings do not signify a 'perched' existence. Quite the contrary, they are comfortable watchtowers for taking note of any wild pig or elephant in Periyar that might ruin the cultivated fields. Nearby Kottayam (117 km) and the temple town of Madurai (140) km) should not be missed. How to reach: The park is well connected by bus service from the state capital of Thiruvananthapuram (271 km), as well as the cities of Cochin (200 km), Kottayam (117 km), and Madurai (140 km). The nearest major rail junction is Kottayam. The nearest national airports are Cochin (200 km) and Madurai (140 km).

Travel & Hospitality Post

December 17, 2010

India Post

www.indiapost.com

Yaxi village is China's first 'slow city' BEIJING: A sleepy little Chinese village where organic practices are still the norm of the day untouched by the rapid modernization around it, has been named as China's first "slow city" but the citizens are unimpressed by the title as they fear it may attract too many tourists to disturb their laid back lifestyle. Devoid of all modern frills, Yaxi village in China's eastern Jiangsu province attracted the attention of Cittaslow, the sustainable lifestyle movement that first surfaced in Italy 11 years ago, which bestowed upon it the title of a 'slow city'. Yaxi's nearest sister city in the Asia-Pacific is Matakana, a little town in New Zealand where organic practices are a part of everyday life -- from the farmer's market to its vineyards, from its neighborhood cafe to its seafood restaurant. At home, the residents at Yaxi are unfazed and pretty much unimpressed by the honor. To them, life has been this way for as long as they can remember.

"Slow city? That sounds like us," says 81-year-old Mei Weibing, whose shoe shop in Gaochun's Old Street has been around for more than 50 years, a Daily report said. Mei does not believe in mass production like his present day fellow Chinese and three of his sons and their wives help out in the family business, learning the

tion of the concerted efforts to preserve an old-country, small-village atmosphere where growth is limited, chain stores are discouraged and civic life revolves around a close-knit society where growing old gracefully is natural. Unlike the retirees in urban centers who find too much time on their hands, Mei is too busy to be bored. Nobody living in this little

Being awarded the Slow City tag may also have its flip-side, if things are not carefully managed. Tourism is set to boom, which is a worry for the villagers vanishing trade in the process. Every cloth shoe is painstakingly hand-stitched and Mei proudly declares, "I spend three days making one perfect pair of shoes". It is this pride and spirit that first impressed Cittaslow and the coming award is only a confirma-

county had heard of Cittaslow or the words "slow city" before this. "The first time I heard the term was last July, when the vice-president of Cittaslow, Angelo Vassallo, visited Yaxi village," Zuo Niansheng, a local journalist said. Cittaslow was founded in Tuscany, Italy in 1999.

Dwarka and Ambaji to get airports AHMEDABAD: The Gujarat government is planning to develop airports at temple towns of Dwarka and Ambaji, for which the proposal is being given the final shape. "The proposal for air strips in temple towns of Ambaji and Dwarka is at an advance stage," State Secretary for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Vipul Mitra told reporters here. Kolkata-based SREI Infrastructure would invest in developing airstrip at Dwarka and the work may take around one-and-a-half years. It would require around Rs 500 crore to develop an air strip and

New York (Hicksville)

supporting infrastructure there, Mitra said. As for Ambaji, the government has acquired land for developing an airport and is now scouting for a private developer. "Land has been acquired for developing an airport at Ambaji and now we are looking for a private developer for it," Mitra said. According to the state government, MoU's worth Rs 20,000 crore are expected to be signed during the forthcoming Vibrant Gujarat Summit(VGS)-2011 beginning January 12, in the civil aviation sector.

Business groups pledge investment in the state for developmental projects in various sectors through the MoUs signed during VGS, a biennial event. With a view to promoting tourism, the Gujarat government has also proposed to develop over a dozen airports in the state on public private partnership (PPP) basis. Presently, Gujarat has 15 airports of which nine are under operational jurisdiction of the Airport Authority of India (AAI), three with Indian Air Force of which two have civil terminals and two are private airports. -PTI

AIRWING TRAVELS INC.

Tel: (516) 931 4600

Est. 1991 Toll Free: (866) 532 3413

New Jersey (Iselin)

Tel: (732) 658 5450

Lowest Fares / Confirmed Seats to INDIA & Other Destinations Worldwide Save upto 40% on First and Business Class OPEN 7 DAYS - Call or Email : AIRWINGTRAVELS@GMAIL.COM

It was a spin-off from the Slow Food movement which started, also in Italy, in 1986 as a protest against the first McDonald's opening near the Spanish Steps in Rome. The movement championed a return to healthy, nutritious homegrown, home-cooked food. Slow Food has since expanded globally to more than 130 countries. Its mission has also broadened to include the promotion of sustainable foods and local small businesses, and the localization as opposed to globalization of food production. It has spurred awareness in reducing carbon footprints of food logistics, such as reducing food miles - encouraging consumers to buy and eat locally produced meat and vegetables. "In China, we will start with Gaochun," says Cittaslow chairman Pier Giorgio Oliveti. "Slow city is not a Europe-centered project, it is for the planet," he told China Daily. "The criteria is very selective

at the moment, and no town or city with more than 50,000 residents can be called a slow city," says Oliveti. Yaxi village, with its 20,000 residents and 49 square kilometers of organic tea, Chinese herbs and orchards, fits the bill perfectly. But being awarded the Slow City tag may also have its flip-side, if things are not carefully managed. Tourism is set to boom, which is a worry for the villagers. Already, a new resort villa has opened and a new tour route to Yaxi is already in operation - all prepared for the potential rise in visitors. "We want people to come, but we don't want that many people to come," said Marilyn Larden from the non-profit Sustainable Travel International. The first slow city in China will have to tread the fine line between preserving a sustainable lifestyle and being swallowed by the inexorable swathe of progress which may come with loads of tourists. -PTI

If You are looking For the BEST & the MOST AUTHENTIC VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT IN TOWNCome to One and Only One Place

Publicly Acclaimed Top Vegetarian Restaurant Serving NORTH INDIAN • SOUTH INDIAN • GUJARATI • JAIN DISHES

TASTE OUR 30 PLUSE MOUTH WATERING DISHES ONCE YOU COME TO US YOU WILL NOT ELSEWHERE THAT IS OUR GUARANTEE

2508 W. Devon Ave.Chicago, IL 60659

Tel:(773) 274-5800 Fax: (773) 262-4465 E-mail: aryabhavan@aol.com www.aryabhavan.com

CATERING IS OUR SPECIALITY

December 17, 2010

India Post www.indiapost.com

Serving to P erf ection Perf erfection SOUTH INDIAN CUISINE

SEEMA WORLD TRAVEL, INC.

SCHAUMBURG EXCLUSIVE LUNCH BUFFET 7 DAYS AWEEK

One of the Oldest Travel Agencies in St. Louis

Competitive Rates & Confirmed Seats for All Major Airlines DEVON LOCATION STRICTLY VEGETARIAN CHICAGO:

SCHAUMBURG:

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 11:30 AM TO 10:00 PM WASHINGTON D.C.:

2543 W. DEVON AVENUE

730 SCHAUMBURG RD.

1329 UNIVERSITY BLVD. EAST

CHICAGO IL 60659

SCHAUMBURG IL60194

TACOMA PARK MD 20783

(847) 884 9510

(301) 434-1531

(773) 338-2152

ENJOY SPECIAL NON-VEG ITEMS AT SCHAUMBURG

10635 Page Ave., St. Louis, MO 63132

Tel: (314) 423-9990 or (800) 55 SEEMA Fax: (314) 423-0391

FOR ALL YOUR

MATCHLESS EXPRESS TOURS 2600 W. Peterson Ave., Suite 105 Chicago IL 60659 Experienced Travel Consultants Pasport and Visa Services available * Confirmed seats (Even in High season) * Low Airfares * Courteous Service

Call and Contact

Tel. (773) 338 6260

TRAVEL NEEDS INTERNATIONAL DOMESTIC AIR INDIA AND ALL OTHER MAJOR AIRLINES. PACKAGE DEAL TAJ TOUR-SOTC

2240-42 West Devon Chicago IL 60659 Ph# 773-338-4080 Fax# 773-338-4088

CALL:

Sita Ram Patel @ 847-568-0535

NEWS

at your doorstep www.indiapost.com

December 17, 2010

India Post 33 www.indiapost.com

SKY WORLD TRAVEL 1-888-695-0005

CONSOLIDATORS (INTL. & DOMESTIC) : 3HWHUVRQ 6WH &KLFDJR ,/

SPECIAL LOW FARES TO BOMBAY, DELHI, MADRAS, CALCUTTA, DHAKA, KARACHI, LAHORE etc. Tel: 773-728-9071 773-315-8597

E-mail us at: skyworldtravels@hotmail.com

HARI WORLD

T R A V E L

CONSOLIDATOR OF ALL MAJOR AIRLINES SINCE 1968

FOR LOWEST FARES AND RELIABLE SERVICE TO

INDIAN SUB CONTINENT, EUROPE, AFRICA Call us at:

773-381-5555

6346 N. WASHTENAW, CHICAGO, IL 60659

TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

1 Sau Gram Zindagi : Guzaarish 2 I Am Dog Gone Crazy: Action Replayy 3

Dhoop Ke Makaan: Break Ke Baad

India Post

www.indiapost.com

December 17 , 2010

Tumse Kya Kehna: Dus Tola

5 Sapne Saloney: Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey 6 Maula Maula: Allah Ke Banday 7 Desi Kali: Golmaal 3 8 Ajab Leher: Break Ke Baad 9

I Got That Poison: Hisss

10 Janiya Teri Hansi Ada: Musaa

Crore for nothing

he Ranbir Kapoor-Deepika Padukone love story does not seem to be ending anytime soon. Leggy lass Deepika may have vented her anger sitting on Karan Johar's couch and subsequently changed relationships among many within the Bollywood fraternity, but Ranbir Kapoor is unfazed. And if his attitude towards Deepika Padukone is anything to go by, the Kapoor lad is in the mood of reconciliation! Though this may sound unbelievable, Ranbir Kapoor was reportedly spotted in front of Deepika Padukone's building on several occasions following the popular 'Koffee With Karan' spat. Reports in the media claim that Ranbir Kapoor was photographed in front of the Cozy Home Apartments building where Deepika Padukone puts up in Mumbai in the late hours of the night. According to these reports, Ranbir Kapoor could be seen repeatedly calling up Deepika Padukone and urging the se-

curity guard of the building to allow him to enter his ex girlfriend's home. However, the guard on duty could not do so because according to a rule of the Cozy Home Apartments, nobody is allowed in without the permission from the owners! So did Ranbir Kapoor move away a loser? Not at all, in true filmy style, the Kapoor boy stood adamant in front of Deepika Padukone's house constantly ringing her to receive access. A source who was present in the area when the incident took place at around 12.45 am in the night has said in a statement to the media that he overheard Ranbir Kapoor pleading to Deepika Padukone to let him enter her home so that he may be able to explain his situation. Last heard, Deepika Padukone did let him enter when he refused to stop creating a fuss but not after more than half an hour of public drama. Did they kiss and make up inside? Watch this space for more!

nly recently the news of Anil Kapoor playing the main villain in Tom Cruise starrer M.I.:4 created a furor. Now, yet another B-town actor has been roped in for a major Hollywood film. The actor is the super-talented Irrfan Khan who will be playing the main villain in the new, untitled Spiderman reboot film. Irrfan will be playing the role of Van Atter and would clash on screen with the new Spiderman played by Andrew Garfield (of The Social Network fame). Besides Irrfan, the film will also feature yet another villain Dr.Connors aka The Lizard played by Rhys Ifans. The new Spiderman film is being directed by Mark Webber and is expected to hit screens in 2012. In the past, Irrfan has been a part of several Hollywood productions such as The Namesake, A Might Heart and even Slumdog Millionaire. Now with the actor bagging a coveted role in the new Spiderman film, his popularity world over is only going to increase.

Spiderman villain

ndia's item girls do not need to go a long way to grab attention. Yana Gupta has made the hard work easier for them. Yana is now reportedly being offered a whopping one crore deal by a foreign magazine. The offer, if accepted, will make Yana shed all her clothes, and be the USP of that edition of the magazine. A British magazine has made the offer to Yana it appears. The item girl, who could not become an established actress in Bollywood, did just a small act to gain the much wanted attention. Recently, at none other than a charity event, the lady went without her panties. She not only missed her panties but also wore a short mini dress, becoming the eye candy for many a camera men and audience. To make matters more candid, Yana stated that now she could be the brand ambassador for an underwear company.

Bollywood

December 17, 2010

India Post

www.indiapost.com

eepika Padukone loves romantic movies and says her ultimate aim is to do what Kajol did in "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge" (DDLJ). "I loved DDLJ and my dream role is Kajol's role in that film," said Deepika, who has done romantic comedies since her debut "Om Shanti Om" in 2007. "'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge' came at a time when I was growing up and watching a lot of Indian cinema. At that time parents used to oppose (lovers in the film) and the couple used to go all out to get together...but the parents were there to stop them. There was so much drama on screen. Song sequences were shot in Switzerland. I used to love it," she added. But for Ashutosh Gowariker's just released "Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey", the 24year-old has taken a departure from her routine genre to play freedom fighter Kalpana Dutta, who was a part of the Chittagong uprising of the 1930s. "I accepted the role primarily because I was getting a chance to work with Ashutosh Gowariker. Secondly, I felt the subject was not given too much importance as part of our history books. So as an actor it was a different challenge to be able to educate the audience about a pertinent revolution for Indian independence," Deepika said. She sports two braids, simple saris and an almost no make-up look for the film; yet she feels her look is quite glamorous in its own way.

Fashion S

Sexiest man alive

icon

onam Kapoor is indeed the Masakali girl who has traversed the path to success with aplomb. Despite the fact that her debut flick Saawariya failed to create a roar at the box office the gal has managed to sustain herself in the industry with quite a lot of positive attitude. Her debut film portrayed her as the typical Hindi film heroine with the traditional attire and an ethnic background and her second movie Delhi 6, had her in a typical salwar kameez clad role. However, she also had a hep look with high street fashion garments in the second half. Sonam Kapoor broke the mould to emerge as a true blue modern chic with the KJO flick I Hate Love Storys, where she was seen in the most modern attire with designer labels et al. The actual transition of image for Sonam was of course with the movie Aisha, where she made a splash with her on screen persona and stylish attitude with the most happening wardrobe and a great positive attitude which literally made her one of the most happening fashionistas of B town. These days Sonam has been seen in the most stylish of ensembles, be it at film premieres, events, or magazine covers or high end chat shows on the telly.

hile SRK said 'OK!' to be declared as the Sexiest Dad, People went one step ahead and declared Salman as the Sexiest man Alive! We are referring to the 'People' magazine that has just hit the stands with Salman showing off in his trademark smile and bod to match! Salman, in his true Salman-style speaks all about his looks, physique and much, much more. He says "I was never aware of how I look. People still don't compliment me". And for those who feel that Salman is tad comfortable in his 'tee-off' avatar, here is your fitting replay, by the man himself! He says "I am comfortable in worn-out, torn jeans and tees. Only the underwear shouldn't be torn!" He also adds (read 'confesses') that "I hate working out in a gym. But considering the work that I do, I have to work out". This is one issue that you wouldn't want to miss, for it's not everyday that you hear Salman say "Now, I don't think that I'd wear a bikini".

Health

Line

Flu already hitting Georgia hard

ATLANTA: Georgia is the first state in the nation seeing significant seasonal cases of the flu, which has killed one woman in the Atlanta area, according to government health officials. The Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says most flu reports this fall have come from metro Atlanta, but cases have been reported in other parts of the state as well. A 63-year-old woman died after contracting the flu in November, Georgia public health officials said. Overall, they say, school-age children are getting sick the most. Georgia doesn't estimate the number of its flu cases. But the CDC says Georgia is definitely seeing more reports than other states. -AP

Cleveland Clinic to cut charity care for some CLEVELAND: Tough economic times are forcing the Cleveland Clinic to cut charity care for some patients. The Plain Dealer reports beginning Jan. 1, all Northeast Ohio Clinic facilities will stop routinely accepting uninsured patients who can't pay, aren't eligible for government assistance and who live more than 150 miles away from Cleveland. Clinic spokeswoman Eileen Sheil says the change will apply to those who earn 250 to 400 percent of the federal poverty level. Those who earn less are eligible for other aid and those who are more are expected to pay. Sheil tells The Plain Dealer that the Clinic will treat some cashstrapped patients who live more than 150 miles away, but only after a referral.-AP

State officials urge people to get flu shots

CHICAGO: Illinois officials are urging people to get their annual flu shots. The state is reminding residents that National Influenza Vaccination Week has started. The Illinois Department of Public Health recommends flu shots for everyone six months and older. The department says it's especially important for young children, pregnant women, chronically ill patients and people 65 and older because of the possibility of serious complications if they get sick with the flu. Public health director Dr. Damon Arnold says getting vaccinated is the best way to avoid the flu. -AP

Health Science 36

India Post

December 17, 2010

www.indiapost.com

Va. may seek Supreme Court ruling on health care RICHMOND, VA: Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli says his office may petition the U.S Supreme Court to hear the state's challenge to federal health care legislation and let the case bypass the appellate court system. -AP

South Asian American researcher develops artificial kidney India Post News Service

NEW YORK: University of California San Francisco (UCSF) and its researchers recently unveiled a prototype model of the first implantable artificial kidney, in a development that one day could eliminate the need for dialysis. The device, which would include thousands of microscopic filters as well as a bioreactor to mimic the metabolic and water-balancing roles of a real kidney, is being developed in a collaborative effort by engineers, biologists and physicians nationwide, led by Shuvo Roy, PhD, in the UCSF Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences. The treatment has been proven to work for the sickest patients using a room-sized external model developed by a team member in Michigan. Roy's goal is to apply silicon fabrication technology, along with specially engineered compartments for live kidney cells, to shrink that large-scale technol-

Shuvo Roy, PhD

Roy's goal is to apply silicon fabrication technology, along with specially engineered compartments for live kidney cells, to shrink that large-scale technology into a device the size of a coffee cup ogy into a device the size of a coffee cup. The device would then be implanted in the body without the need for immune

suppressant medications, allowing the patient to live a more normal life. "This device is designed to de-

liver most of the health benefits of a kidney transplant, while addressing the limited number of kidney donors each year," said Roy, an associate professor in the UCSF School of Pharmacy who specializes in developing micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) technology for biomedical applications. "This could dramatically reduce the burden of renal failure for millions of people worldwide, while also reducing one of the largest costs in US healthcare." The team has established the feasibility of an implantable model in animal models and plans to be ready for clinical trials in five to seven years. End-stage renal disease, or chronic kidney failure, affects more than 500,000 people per year in the United States alone, and currently is only fully treated with a kidney transplant. That number has been rising between 5-7 percent per year, Roy said, in part because of the kidney damage associated with diabetes and hypertension. Cont’d on page 38

Medicaid patients' Rx drugs go to dealers BUFFALO, NY: Ethel Johnson couldn't get her prescription for pain medication filled fast enough. The 60-year-old Buffalo woman was hurting but investigators say that wasn't the reason for the rush. According to secretly recorded telephone conversations, the sooner Johnson could pick up her pillsa the more quickly she could sell them to her dealer. Her pain pills were destined for the street. Johnson is among 33 people charged so far in a largescale investigation that has opened a window into an emerging class of suppliers in the illicit drug trade: medical patients, including many who rely on the publicly funded Medicaid program to pay for their appointments and prescriptions. She has pleaded not guilty. For the first time, the Buffalo investigators devoted the kinds

of resources normally aimed at street drugs like heroin or crack wiretaps, buys, surveillance and cross-agency cooperation to trace the drugs from pharmacy to street. Even they were taken aback by the burgeoning market for the kinds of pills found in medicine cabinets in typical American homes.

scriptions for narcotic OxyContin and other pills they then sell to a dealer for as much as $1,000. If they are on Medicaid, the program is billed about $1,060 for a typical 60-pill, 80-mg prescription, along with the $23-to-$39 cost of the doctor's visit. ``These patients, in essence, become the source for the drugs,'' said Dale Kasprzyk,

'I have to admit we were sort of surprised at how big this had become,' said Charles Tomaszewski, former supervisor of the DEA office "I have to admit we were sort of surprised at how big this had become,'' said Charles Tomaszewski, former supervisor of the DEA office. ``The suburbs, the city, there was no area that wasn't touched by this.'' Often at no charge, the patients see a doctor, or several doctors, and come away with pre-

acting head of the Drug Enforcement Administration in Buffalo. ``This is a lucrative underground business for people,'' he said. A report last year by the Government Accountability Office estimated that 65,000 Medicaid beneficiaries in New York and four other states had visited six or more doctors in fiscal 2006 and 2007 to

acquire duplicate prescriptions for controlled substances. The cost to Medicaid was $63 million for the drugs alone, excluding doctors' exams. The report examined Medicaid abuse in New York, California, Illinois, North Carolina and Texas, highvolume states in Medicaid prescription drug payments. OxyContin, a time-release formulation of oxycodone, packs 12 hours' worth of pain relief into one tablet. It is especially prized by drug abusers, authorities say, because it can be crushed and ingested, snorted or injected for the full narcotic impact, a heroin-like rush. The criminal cases brought in July by U.S. Attorney William Hochul's office in Buffalo illustrate how patients are coached about which doctors to see and what to say when they get there. Prosecutors, in November court filings, said plea agreements are being negotiated.-AP

December 17, 2010

Health Science Post www.indiapost.com

Pot shop will do more than hand out drug PHOENIX: One potential pot shop in Arizona would teach customers how to cook marijuana into treats like cookies and ``potcorn.'' Another envisions offering massages, yoga classes, and marijuana meals to go, while a third wants a simple pharmacylike shop next to an AIDS treatment center. That's just the beginning. Now that Arizona voters have narrowly approved a ballot measure legalizing medical marijuana, state officials are preparing for a green rush of sorts. They expect to be inundated with up to thousands of applications from would-be marijuana dispensaries, and with only 124 spots approved statewide, the majority will have to be turned away. ``Most other states, you hang out a shingle and you're a dispensary,'' said Will Humble, director of the Arizona Department of Health Services, which will regulate Arizona's medical marijuana industry. ``I want to avoid those kinds of abuses.'' Arizona's medical marijuana measure won by just 4,341 votes this month of more than 1.67 million ballots counted, making the state the 15th to approve a medical marijuana law. Arizona officials are hoping to avoid the problems they perceive in other states, including California, where patients are reported receiving a pot recommendation from a doctor for having a headache. In

Colorado, dispensaries opened without any regulation from state officials. Humble sees limiting the number of dispensaries and putting stringent requirements in place as a way to avoid such issues. The department is currently considering three methods to decide who gets dispensary licenses and who will be turned away: Approve qualified applicants on a first-

Arizona's medical marijuana measure won by just 4,341 votes this month of more than 1.67 million ballots counted, making the state the 15th to approve a medical marijuana law come, first-served basis, choose the winners from all applications using a lottery system, or closely examining each applicant and picking the 124 with the best business and security plans. Humble favors the third and most timeconsuming method, although he fears that those turned down would perceive the system as unfair. No matter the method, dispensary hopefuls will have to pay up to $5,000 to apply for a license. -AP

India Post

Health Science Post

India Post

December 17, 2010

www.indiapost.com

Poverty and TB are interlinked BOBBY RAMAKANT

uberculosis (TB) continues to affect society's most vulnerable - those who live in abject poverty, are marginalized or economically and socially isolated. The poor and vulnerable people are much more likely to suffer from TB due to socioeconomic factors. The poor face significant costs and delays in accessing TB services and treatment outcomes are more likely to be adverse, said Rachael Thomson from Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) who was nominated by the TB and poverty sub-working group of Stop TB Partnership to speak at the Biennial Conference of Irish Forum for Global Health (IFGH) held in Maynooth, Ireland (29-30 November 2010). The IFGH meet was organized by IFGH with support from Combat Diseases of Poverty Consortium (CDPC), Irish

Aid and National University of Ireland Maynooth (NUIM). "In urban Malawi poorer patients face costs six times their monthly income to access a diagnosis from 'free' facilities, and in rural Malawi this cost rises to ten times" said Rachael. New TB case detection in many countries is low because the poor people are least likely to access TB care services. The process of accessing care is impoverishing making the people accessing care even poorer, said Rachael. The lack of adequate diagnosis, treatment and cure means the burden of TB in poorer communities continues to increase. Not surprisingly, the poor people have higher risk of infection, higher prevalence of disease and worse outcome of disease too. Moreover the poor people have greater health care needs, said Rachael.

Social and economic determinants at individual, household and community levels affect a person's vulnerability to TB. Special situations such as massive population movements

Rachael explained that poverty is more than economic poverty (living on less than USD 1.25 per day) and encompasses lack of opportunities, voice and representation - the displacement of people and refugee flows - and living or working in vulnerable conditions also increase the risk of a person contracting TB. In developed countries, ethnic minorities and

South Asian American researcher develops artificial kidney Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 36

Yet transplants are difficult to obtain: a mere 17,000 donated kidneys were available for transplant last year, while the number of patients on the transplant waiting list currently exceeds 85,000, according to the Organ Procurement ant Transplant Network. Roughly 350,000 patients are reliant on kidney dialysis, Roy explained, which comes at a tremendous cost. The Medicare system alone spends $25 billion on treatments for kidney failure - more than 6 percent of the total budget while the disease affects only 1 percent of Medicare recipients, he said. That cost includes almost $75,000 per patient each year for dialysis, according to the US Renal Data System. Dialysis also takes a human toll. A typical dialysis schedule is three sessions per week, for 3 to 5 hours per session, in which blood is pumped through an external circuit for filtration. This is exhausting for patients and only replaces 13 percent of kidney function, Roy said. As a result, only 35 percent of patients survive for more than 5 years. With the limited supply of donors, that means thousands of patients die each year waiting for a kidney. The implantable device aims to eradicate that problem. The twostage system uses a hemofilter to remove toxins from the blood,

while applying recent advances in tissue engineering to grow renal tubule cells to provide other biological functions of a healthy kidney. The process relies on the body's blood pressure to perform filtration without needing pumps or an electrical power supply. The project exemplifies the many efforts under way at UCSF to build collaborations across scientific disciplines that accelerate

The Medicare system alone spends $25 billion on treatments for kidney failure more than 6 percent of the total budget while the disease affects only 1 percent of Medicare recipients, he said the translation of academic research into real solutions for patients, according to Mary Anne Koda-Kimble, PharmD, dean of the UCSF School of Pharmacy. "This is a perfect example of the work we are doing at UCSF to address some of the most critical medical issues of our time, both in human and financial costs," KodaKimble said. "This project shows what can be accomplished by teams of scientists with diverse ex-

pertise, collaborating to profoundly and more quickly improve the lives of patients worldwide." The creation of the Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences - a joint department in the UCSF schools of Pharmacy and Medicine - was itself an effort to promote translational research at UCSF by forming collaborations across biomedical specialties. Roy is also a founding faculty member of the UCSF Pediatric Device Consortium, which aims to accelerate the development of innovative devices for children health, and a faculty affiliate of the California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3) at UCSF. His team is collaborating with 10 other teams of researchers on the project, including the Cleveland Clinic where Roy initially developed the idea, Case Western Reserve University, University of Michigan, Ohio State University, and Penn State University. The first phase of the project, which has already been completed, focused on developing the technologies required to reduce the device to a size that could fit into the body and testing the individual components in animal models. In the second and current phase, the team is doing the sophisticated work needed to scale up the device for humans. The team now has the components and a visual model and is pursuing federal and private support to bring the project to clinical use.

other marginalized communities are at a greater risk of contracting the disease. There is a need to combat TB by addressing the barriers faced due to poverty such as infrastructural, housing, employment, educational and nutritional deficiencies. Rachael explained that poverty is more than economic poverty (living on less than USD 1.25 per day) and encompasses lack of opportunities, voice and representation, and is a major determinant of vulnerability to disease - especially TB. One of the major steps forward in addressing poverty and TB will be to put health on the poverty agenda and poverty on the health agenda, said Rachael. Rachael gave an overview of the TB and poverty sub-group of the Stop TB Partnership. TB and poverty is the sub-group of the DOTS Expansion Working Group

(DEWG) of the Stop TB Partnership and is a network of individuals and organizations interested in the needs of poor and vulnerable populations with respect to TB. Since September 2010, the secretariat of the TB and Poverty subworking group of the Stop TB Partnership is housed in the south-east Asia regional office of The Union in New Delhi, India. A two-days consultative workshop of the TB and poverty subworking group was also held in Gurgaon, India on 29-30 October 2010 which brought together the national TB program managers from India, Nepal and Thailand, state TB officers from eight poorest states of India, and partners from various other organizations like WHO, the World Bank, World Vision, GFATM Round 9 members, media (CNS, Asia Tribune), National Partnership for TB care and control in India among others, said Rachael. -CNS

Doctors testing warm, beating hearts in transplant LOS ANGELES: Andrea Ybarra's donated heart was beating rhythmically by the time she awoke from the grogginess of her surgery. Lub-dub. Lub-dub. Lubdub. In fact, it was warm and pumping even before doctors transplanted it. Ybarra belongs to a small group of people who have had a ``beating heart'' transplant, an experimental operation that's mostly been done in Europe. The donor heart is placed into a special box that feeds it blood and keeps it warm and ticking outside the body. ``I felt peaceful when I woke up. I wasn't scared,'' recalled the 40-year-old from a Los Angeles suburb who suffers from lupus. ``It felt like the heart was a part of me all the time.'' Despite advances in heart transplantation, the way hearts are moved around the United States and most places remains low-tech. A team of doctors and organ recovery specialists stuffs an offthe-shelf picnic cooler with ice and jets off at odd hours to a donor hospital where a heart from a brain-dead patient awaits. They inject a chemical to stop the organ and preserve it in the ice chest for the trip home. Once a heart is harvested, it's a race against time. A heart can stay fresh in the cooler for 4 to 6 hours before it starts to deteriorate. Because of this constraint, doctors can't travel too far to heart-hunt.

It's been done this way for more than four decades, ever since the first U.S. heart transplant was performed on Dec. 6, 1967. Research has shown that the longer it takes to remove a heart and transplant it, the greater the patient's chance of death or heart disease. But what if a heart could beat on its own after removal from a cadaver? It may sound a bit macabre, more

'I felt peaceful when I woke up. I wasn't scared,' recalled the 40-year-old from a Los Angeles suburb who suffers from lupus. 'It felt like the heart was a part of me all the time' like an Edgar Allan Poe story. The new high-tech heart box circulates blood from the donor to the heart so that it continues throbbing while in transit from hospital to hospital. Based on some success overseas, the University of California, Los Angeles is currently heading an experiment along with several other schools that compares the safety and effectiveness of the new preservation method versus the standard cooler. If the new technology succeeds in preserving hearts longer, it could change the field, experts say. -AP

Realty Tidbits

Conditions in India most promising for real estate

Real Estate

f all the countries whose real estate sectors are reviewed by BMI, few are experiencing economic conditions quite as promising for real estate companies as India. Thanks in part to a favorable monsoon, economic growth is accelerating. Lending by banks is increasing. Investment in infrastructure will, or at least should, facilitate urban development. BMI interviewed in-country sources at the beginning of 2010 and again in the middle of the year. In early 2010 in spite of widespread optimism about the prospects for 2011-2012 it was clear that India's developers faced difficulties.

Gurgaon flats fetch 500cr for DLF

he country's largest realty firm DLF has sold 150 plots, garnering more than Rs 500 crore, in a township project at Gurgaon, PTI reported, citing sources. DLF launched a 100-acre township 'Alameda' in Gurgaon. In the first phase, it released 150 plots at Rs 60,000 a sq yard with inaugural discount of 10 per cent and they were sold within a few hours of the launch, sources said. The plots are available in two sizes 540 and 700 sq yards. DLF has launched plots in Gurgaon after a gap of few decades, although it has been developing many group housing project there. The company achieved a sales realization of more than Rs 500 crore, with an average price for each plot at about 3.5 crore, sources said, adding that it received more than 150 applications.

Scam hit developers put off IPO plans

ix real estate companies, all set to raise over $2.9 billion or Rs 13,000 crore through the capital market, have postponed their plans till the middle of next year. Industry experts have blamed the LIC scam for bringing down the interests of foreign and domestic institutional investors in public offers. For some, the government and market regulator the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) played spoilsport. Developers such as Embassy Group, Lodha Developers, Emaar MGF and Raheja are not risking their initial public offerings (IPOs) and would be hitting the market only mid next year, sources say.

December 17, 2010

www.indiapost.com

India Post

Godrej to develop housing project at Mohali

odrej Properties Limited (GPL), a real estate arm of Godrej Group, has said it would develop a residential housing project at Mohali in Punjab, which could involve a capital outlay of Rs 450 crore. Besides, the company would also focus on several cities, including NCR, Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune, Chennai and Chandigarh for developing a slew of residential projects in line with its plans to cash in on the growing demand for housing from urban sector.

Loan scam may encourage private equity funding

ith the 'bribe-for-loan' scam casting a shadow over builders' access to bank lending, real estate funds and private equity (PE) players now sense a business opportunity. They are actively scouting the deal street for bargains, hoping that the loan scam will put more equity transactions on the table and prompt "realistic" valuations in deal signing. Real estate private equity fund Red Fort Capital says it plans to be aggressive and step up investment activities in India, as more and more developers eye the PE route for funding projects in coming months. Another realty fund, Fire Capital, is rolling up its sleeves to deploy nearly $100 million into the real estate market, and expects to snap up 5-10 deals in the next one year. "The main sources of capital for real estate industry are bank funding and capital markets. With those two options now seen slowing down, it is inevitable that they will look more towards PE for funding," Mr Subhash Bedi, Manag-

A file picture of unfinished real estate projects in Hyderabad

ing Director of Red Fort Capital, said. "We are known to be bullish on the real estate sector.

ket, we are stepping up our investment activities," Mr Bedi pointed out. Fire Capital Fund CEO, Mr

A senior official of a dedicated real estate fund felt that the scam-triggered scrutiny of loan disbursements would turn valuations "more realistic" in the sector So as a result, when others become more cautious, we get more aggressive in funding. In this mar-

O.M. Chaudhary, also agrees that bank loan scam will tip the scale in favor of private equity deals.

"From a PE standpoint, it means more deals will come our way than before," he said. A senior official of a dedicated real estate fund, who did not wish to be named, felt that the scamtriggered scrutiny of loan disbursements would turn valuations "more realistic" in the sector, and allow PE players to drive a harder bargain. But Mr Chaudhary opines that despite the bargaining power, he would be careful not to push for terms that are unsustainable. "We do not want to negotiate deals which do not give builders a chance to do well. Also we would not like to do too many deals as the execution can then become a challenge," he added. However, Mr Abhijeet Bhalla, Managing Director with Millennium Spire Asset Management, adds a word of caution. "While it is true that any liquidity pressure in the market will throw up more opportunities for PE, it may be just too early to comment on how much of it will materialize into actual funding," he points out.

Real Estate in acute need of regulation

he year 2010 will probably go down in India's history as the year of scams. As always, the authorities swing into action after the event. Regulations and compliances notwithstanding, scamsters continue to devise and leverage the loopholes. Unregulated sectors, such as real estate, which is in acute need of

the capital market investors, real estate development regulation has been sadly neglected, though there is a draft Bill on the anvil. Currently, the Indian promoterdeveloper buys the land from villagers and "obtains" clearances from the competent authorities for the building and layout plans. The predevelopment clearances

Contrasted with the various SEBI regulations which aim to protect the capital market investors, real estate development regulation has been sadly neglected, though there is a draft Bill on the anvil regulation, probably demonstrate best the investors' predicament. The real estate sector probably has the highest rate and volume of investments and the largest number of investors. Contrasted with the various SEBI regulations which aim to protect

required range from non-agricultural orders by way of Government permissions for the proper use, as for example conversion of land earmarked for agricultural purposes only. Building and Floor plans are approved by local municipal or

state urban development authorities, depending on location. In addition, a no-objection certificates are to be obtained notably from the state pollution boards, water supply and sewerage authorities, properties and respective state and central authorities such as the Archaeological and Airport bodies in order to rule out attendant risks the de-

velopment may pose to the existing structures and operations. In practice, these approvals are taken at a much later point of time. Because of the tight demand and supply situation, booking and collection of a large chunk of consideration from prospective buyers are concluded well before these clearances are obtained.

Tech News Banks hike interest rates on CDs to mop up funds NEW DELHI: Coinciding with increase in deposit rates, banks have increased interest rates up to 9.5 per cent on Certificates of Deposit (CDs), an instrument through which they mop up shortterm funds from corporates and other investors. Banks are offering 9.2 per cent to 9.5 per cent on CDs to raise additional funds from companies and tide over the liquidity shortage, sources said. Following suggestions by Reserve Bank Governor D Subbarao to raise deposit rates, several banks, including leading lenders like State Bank of India and ICICI Bank, have raised the rates by up to 150 basis. -PTI

Anil Ambani group constructing house for its top honchos MUMBAI: The Anil Ambani group is constructing a multistorey residential complex at Pali Hill in Bandra to house its senior executives, in a project that many quickly compared with Mukesh Ambani's landmark home Antilla. But, unlike elder brother Mukesh's home, the new building will not house Anil. Multiple residential units are being developed for housing senior executives of Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani group at a plot in Pali Hill of Bandra area here, the group said in a statement, adding that "Anil Ambani will not be taking up any space in the proposed residential development." -PTI

Honda to exit Hero Honda; to sell 26% stake TOKYO: Japanese auto giant Honda has reached an agreement to dissolve their 26-year old joint venture, Hero Honda, with the Hero Group by selling its entire stake in the India's largest twowheeler maker. Honda Motor Co is expected to sell its entire 26 per cent stake in Hero Honda to its partner Munjalspromoted Hero Group and would earn USD 1.2 billion from the sale, Kyodo reported quoting Japanese Nikkei business daily. "Honda and the Hero Group have reached the basic agreement this week to dissolve the partnership," Nikkei said, adding that the two companies will seek final approval from their respective board of directors later this month for the break-up. -PTI

TechBiz 40 India Post

www.indiapost.com

December 17, 2010

5 pc stake sale of ONGC approved NEW DELHI: The Government has advanced the public offering of Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) to February 2011, while pushing back the share sale of Indian Oil Corp (IOC) following the rise in global oil prices. The Cabinet, on December 1, approved sale of government's 5 per cent stake in ONGC, the nation's highest profit earning firm, to raise up to Rs 13,000 crore, sources privy to the decision said. The follow-on or further public offering (FPO) of ONGC is planned for mid-February or early March, a month earlier than previously planned. IOC's public offering was to have come up in the 3rd or 4th week of January, but would now follow ONGC. -PTI

Tata slams RS MP, backs 2G spectrum probe from 2001 NEW DELHI: Tata Group supremo Ratan Tata has come out strongly in support of the government's 2G spectrum allocation policy saying it broke the powerful cartel, and backed the probe covering the period since 2001 when BJP-led NDA was in power. He also hit out at BJP saying "many of the flip-flops in the telecom policy occurred during the BJP regime". Tata's suggestion for extending the period of probe came within a day of the Supreme Court seeking to widen the ambit of CBI probe into the 2G spectrum scam to cover the policies introduced in 2001 by the NDA regime. On the allegation that group company Tata Teleservices (TTSL) was a beneficiary of outof-turn allocation of spectrum, Tata said that the true position is that TTSL has not, "I repeat not" been advantaged in any way by Raja or any earlier minister. Taking a strong exception to an open letter written to him by former telecom entrepreneur Chandrasekhar, an independent MP elected with BJP-JD(S) support four years ago, Tata said this was politically motivated and was aimed at embarrassing Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the ruling party. Chandrasekhar was the past president of Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), the lobby of GSM operators. GSM is one of the two technology platforms, the other being CDMA on which TTSL was offering services prior to the use of dual technology came in 2008. The leading GSM operators are Bharti, Vodafone, Idea, Aircel and several new operators such as Uninor, while the CDMA space was mainly held by TTSL and Reliance Communications before both of them were granted GSM spectrum. "Your affiliation to a particular political party is well-known and it appears that political aspirations and their endeavor to embarrass the Prime Minister and the ruling

party may well have been the motivation behind your letter," Tata told Chandrasekhar. Alleging that some media houses were also partial in the coverage of the entire issue in deference to the owners who were the real gainers in the telecom sector, Tata said Chandrasekhar had kept the current trend of "attempted character assassination through widespread media publicity

tion scam cost Rs 1.76 lakh crore. Detailing the developments in the telecom sector during the NDA government led by Atal Behari Vajpayee he said that he had asked the then prime minister for an "open and transparent" process. Alleging that Chandrasekhar had been actively liaisioning with the government in the telecom arena at the behest of powerful

Tata Group supremo Ratan Tata

couched in pain and concern for upholding ethics and values". Taking the powerful GSM operators head on for what he termed as holding of spectrum free of cost, Tata said, "Recent policy (allocation of licenses in 2008) broke the powerful cartel which has been holding back competition and de-

GSM operators, Tata said certain politically connected operators had willfully subverted policies under various telecom ministers which have subsequently been regularized to their advantages. "The same operators continued to subvert policy, have even paid fees for spectrum, even before the

"Your affiliation to a particular political party is well-known and it appears that political aspirations and their endeavor to embarrass the Prime Minister and the ruling party may well have been the motivation behind your letter," Tata told Chandrasekhar laying the implementation of policies." He said the changing policy from auction to revenue sharing for telecom operators during the BJP regime could have cost a loss of about Rs 50,000 crore to the exchequer if calculated on the basis as done in the recent CAG report that said the 2G spectrum alloca-

announcement of a policy, and have de facto ownership in several new telecom enterprises. Chandrasekhar had accused Tatas of adopting double standards and had said in an open letter to Tata that by virtue of dual technology, according to the CAG, TTSL has caused a loss to the exchequer to the tune of about Rs

19,074.80 crore. On the issue of "out of turn" allotment to TTSL (as claimed by Chandrasekhar), Tata said "You have chosen to misrepresent the facts as they suit you to justify the claims you have made." Tata, who at present is abroad, said in an open letter to Chandrasekhar, "The company (TTSL) has strictly followed the applicable policy and has been severely disadvantaged..." TTSL is yet to get spectrum in the key Delhi circle and also in 39 other districts. The 2G scam ostensibly revolved around Raja's alleged misdeeds and some parts of the CAG report were quoted as having indicted the minister, Tata said, adding "much has been made about the hypothetical loss to the exchequer in the grant of new licenses and the grant of spectrum on the basis of 3G auction price." He asked Chandrasekhar why he chose not to mention about the excess spectrum held by powerful GSM operators and that too free of cost. "You have also not noticed that the CAG has not ascribed value to 48 new GSM licensees issued to incumbents between 2004-08 and 65 MHz of additional spectrum allotted to them during this period even though the CAG was supposed to cover the period from 2003," he said. He claimed that Tatas have not "wavered in upholding our values and ethical standards" despite the erosion in the ethical fabric in the country and despite the efforts of others to draw the group into controversy and endeavor to besmirch its records. "When the present sensational smokescreen dies down, as it will, and the true facts emerge, it will be for the people of India to determine who are the culprits that enjoy political patronage and protection and who actually subvert policy and who have dual standards. "I can hold my head high and say that neither the Tata Group or I have at any time been involved in any of these misdeeds," Tata said. -PTI

TechBiz Post

December 17, 2010

India Post

www.indiapost.com

India participates in US Cyber Security exercise India Post News Service

NEW YORK: For the first time, representatives from India have been included in the International Observer Program of the US Cyber Storm III national cyber incident response exercise, informed India's ambassador to the US Meera Shankar. Speaking on 'Emerging Trends in India-US Economic Engagement', at the Business Software Alliance (BSA) in Washington DC, Nov 30, which was also addressed by Under Secretary of State, Robert Hormats, Ambassador Shankar said that in the field of Cyber Security, which is linked to IT, both the governments are now engaged. Experts of the two countries are also exploring how they can work together to develop recommendations for norms of behavior and confidence building measures in cyberspace, she said. Amb Shankar also touched upon opportunities in other high technology areas like biotechnology, renewable energy, health care, and nuclear energy and said that it is a reflection of India's unique strengths in the knowledge economy that a large number of US companies now conduct their advanced Research and Development in India. She informed the audience of the robust Intellectual Property Regime in India and that the Indian government is taking steps to further strengthen this in ways which would promote innovation while taking care of India's development needs. Recently a bill has been introduced in the Indian Parliament to amend and further strengthen the Indian Copyright Act and provide

Ambassador Meera Shankar

protection to digital products, which would bring the Indian act in conformity with the WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT) and WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty (WPPT). Thanking Robert Holleyman,

Amb Shankar said it is a reflection of India's unique strengths in the knowledge economy that a large number of US companies now conduct their advanced Research and Development in India President and CEO of BSA, Amb Shankar said that in recent years India-US ties have evolved into a strategic partnership. She said that a key factor in the growing India-US trade and commercial engagement is the changing face

of India and its economy. India's growth story; its ability to withstand the global economic downturn in the last couple of years; its paradigm of domestically driven growth and our desire and effort to develop India as an innovation hub have all contributed to constructive India-US economic engagement. She spoke about the growing momentum in bilateral trade, including trade in services which was broadly balanced. Indian direct investments in the U.S. were growing rapidly. During President Obama's visit, US companies had booked export orders worth US$ 10 billion contributing to over 50,000 jobs in the US. She remarked that the Indian IT industry has been the face of India's strength in the knowledge economy. India's global software and services exports touched US$ 50 billion during 2009-2010; and its revenues during the same period were close to US$ 73 billion. India is confident that the IT Industry in India would remain a leader in shaping business responses to the emerging global trends in this area, she said.

NYIT explores collaborations in India India Post News Service

NEW YORK: As India and the United States increasingly talk about cooperating, a university in New York is working to become a leader in educational partnerships. New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) is exploring the possibility of research collaborations and other relationships with Indian universities. Edward Guiliano, NYIT's president, was in India December 5, to speak with leading educators about his vision of global education. "Right now, 220 million Indian children in elementary and secondary school are hurtling through the Indian pipeline," Guiliano said. "Soon enough they

will try to squeeze into universities in India that can accommodate no more than ten million."

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Right now, 220 million Indian children in elementary and secondary school are hurtling through the Indian pipeline. Soon enough they will try to squeeze into universitiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; In ten years as the NYIT president, Guiliano has opened campuses in five countries. In his In-

dia trip - his second in a year - he gave speeches about his experiences in expanding while maintaining quality education. "While we have taken great care in developing our curriculum and training faculty, we also eagerly harness technology - as our name indicates," Guiliano explained. "We use virtual classrooms and distance-learning programs so that one dynamic professor can reach students in several locations at the same time." He added, "We might have a few lessons to share." Guiliano will participate in the Indo-Global Education Summit in Hyderabad, which has attracted 1,000 government officials, educators and students.

Boeing begins building Indian Navy's 1st P-8I aircraft WASHINGTON: Aerospace major Boeing has begun fabricating the first part for the Indian Navy's next-generation longrange maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft P-8I that is expected to boost India's strategic reach. "Today marks the P-8I program's move from the design phase to the build phase," said Leland Wight, Boeing P-8I program manager. "We're on schedule and the Indian navy is looking forward to receiving its first plane," he said. Boeing said it will deliver the first of eight P-8I aircraft to India within 48 months of the original contract signing, which took place in January 2009. The P-8I, based on the Boeing Next-Generation 737 commercial airplane, is a variant of the P-8A Poseidon that Boeing is developing for the US Navy. It would provide India, which is the first international customer for the next-generation aircraft, speed, reliability, persistence and room for growth to satisfy the

country's maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare requirements. Employees at Spirit AeroSystems -- where all Boeing Next-Generation 737 fuselages, nacelles and pylons are designed and built -- cut the P-8I's first part, a bonded aluminum panel that later will be installed on the fuselage's upper lobe to support an antenna. The panel and other fuselage components will come together on Spirit's existing Next-Generation 737 production line, said a Boeing statement. Spirit will ship the P-8I fuselage to a Boeing Commercial Airplanes facility in Renton, Washington, in mid-2011 for final assembly. Later, Boeing Defense, Space & Security employees will install mission systems and complete testing prior to delivery to India. "P-8I fuselage sections are designed and built using the same processes we use on the commercial 737," said Mike King, Spirit AeroSystems Fuselage Segment senior vice president and general manager. -PTI

Large capital inflows can hit India's exports: Finmin NEW DELHI: Large capital inflows leading to rupee appreciation can hit India's exports which have seen a smart recovery in the first six months of the current fiscal, a Finance Ministry analysis said here. "The main implication of large capital flows to India has been buoyancy in stock markets and appreciation of the rupee vis-a-vis the US dollar...the appreciating rupee can have adverse impact on the earnings of exporters and

makes exports less competitive," mid-year analysis of economy said. The analysis which was placed in Parliament said the widening trade deficit has also been a matter of some concern. India's exports during AprilSeptember aggregated to USD 103.65 billion registering a year-onyear growth of 28 per cent. However, cumulative value of imports during the same period was USD 166.48 billion showing an annual expansion of 29.9 per cent. -PTI

In Brief Citizen soldier seeks humanitarian visa for wife CHICAGO: Illinois Congressman Luis Gutierrez says the case of a U.S. soldier who's been separated from his illegal immigrant wife and U.S.-born child is an example of the flaws plaguing the immigration system. Army National Guard Spc. Hector Nunez is a 26-year-old native Chicagoan whose wife was brought to the U.S. illegally when she was six. After the two were married in 2005, she sought legal status, but was deported. Nunez says they got bad legal advice. His wife lives in Mexico with their son who has medical problems. But both consider Chicago home and would like to be reunited. -AP

Jeb Bush disagrees with Arizona-type laws DENVER: Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush says Arizona's immigration laws is the wrong approach to dealing with a porous border. Bush told the National League of Cities convention here that his children might draw suspicion from police. His wife, Columba, is from Mexico. Bush made his remarks as lawmakers consider proposing Arizona-type immigration laws that include granting police the authority to question the immigration status of those they suspect are in the country illegally. That portion of Arizona's law has been blocked by a judge. Arizona is appealing. Bush recommends tightening security along the border and programs to integrate immigrants into American society. -AP

Md. County seeks laws to curb illegal immigration FREDERICK, Md.: The Frederick County Commissioners are asking state lawmakers to take action against illegal immigration. The all-Republican board voted recently on a set of legislative proposals that were forwarded to the county's delegation to the General Assembly. One proposal would require the Frederick County school board to report the number of undocumented students in the county's public schools. The board also adopted a position statement favoring Arizonastyle immigration enforcement. -AP

Immigration 42

India Post

www.indiapost.com

December 17, 2010

Immigrant students give blood to show citizenship BOSTON: Immigrant advocates have staged sit-ins, held rallies and gone on hunger strikes in recent days in a final push to get the outgoing Congress to pass legislation that would give illegal immigrants a pathway to citizenship by going to college or serving in the military. As Congress gets closer to a possible vote on the bill, called the DREAM Act, college-aged illegal immigrants are literally shedding blood for the cause. Recently, a group of illegal immigrant college students, or ``DREAMers'' as they called themselves, donated blood at Harvard University and other colleges. The students said they wanted to show the rest of the country that they are ready to perform community service and are good citizens, even if they don't have U.S. citizenship. ``As someone who is undocumented ... I'm not scared about giv-

ing blood,'' said Megha Sharma, 22, whose family came to Massachusetts from India seven years ago and who donated blood for the first time. ``I'm scared about the vote in Congress.'' The DREAM Act is in the pile of legislation awaiting action in the

said supporters have been donating blood in the name of the cause for about two weeks. So far, she said ``DREAMers'' have given blood in California, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Texas and Virginia, with more states targeted in the coming days.

The students said they wanted to show the rest of the country that they are ready to perform community service and are good citizens, even if they don't have US citizenship final days of the current Congress. In January, the new Congress with Republicans in control of the House of Representatives and a reduced Democratic Senate majority is less likely to pass the DREAM Act or other immigration reform legislation Myrna Orozco, a 20-year-old from Kansas City, Missouri, who is spearheading the national effort,

Orozco, who was brought to the U.S. from Mexico as a child, donated blood at Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, where she is a student. ``I'm type O,'' she said. ``So everybody can take my blood.'' Nothing prevents illegal immigrants from giving blood and blood-collection workers don't check immigration status, said Red

Cross spokeswoman Stephanie Millian. She said all blood donors just need to show identification and fill out health questionnaires. Steve Kropper, co-director of the Massachusetts Coalition for Immigration Reform, a bipartisan group that seeks immigration reductions, said the whole episode showed that authorities have the tools to identify immigrants who were unlawfully in the country. ``This is a missed opportunity. We know where they are enrolled in school. We know where they live,'' said Kropper. ``Shouldn't we be taking advantage of this?'' Renata Teodoro, 22, who led the delegation to the blood drive at Harvard University, said the idea of donating blood came after immigrant students started calling on each other to promote good citizenship by performing community service during the holidays. Cont’d on page 43

No cut-off dates in employment first preference CYRUS D. MEHTA

he Department of State's Visa Bulletin for December 2010 notes that it is unlikely that any cut-off dates will be set in the employment first preference during the coming months. It also appears unlikely that it will be necessary to establish a cut-off date other than those already in effect for the employment second preference category. Cut-off dates continue to apply to the China and India second preference categories due to heavy demand. Based on current indications of demand, the Department said the "best case scenarios" for cut-off date movement each month are: Employment Second: • China: none to two weeks • India: no movement Employment Third: • Worldwide: three to six weeks • China: one to three weeks • India: none to two weeks • Mexico: although continued forward movement is expected,

no specific projections are possible now • Philippines: three to six weeks The Department noted that the above ranges are estimates based on current demand patterns, and will be subject to possible fluctuations during the coming months.

ployers on Social Security Number "no-match" letters. These are letters issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to employers stating that information supplied to the SSA does not match SSA records. DOs:

Cut-off dates continue to apply to the China and India second preference categories due to heavy demand. Based on current indications of demand, the Department listed ‘best case scenarios’ The December 2010 Visa Bulletin is available at http:// travel.state.gov/visa/bulletin/ bulletin_5197.html. Do's and Don'ts, Tips on SSN "No-Matches" Released The Department of Justice's Office of Special Counsel for Immigration-Related Unfair Employment Practices recently issued the following do's and don'ts for em-

1. Recognize that name/SSN nomatches can result because of simple administrative errors. 2. Check the reported no-match information against your personnel records. 3. Inform the employee of the no-match notice. 4. Ask the employee to confirm his/her name/SSN reflected in your personnel records.

5. Advise the employee to contact the SSA to correct and/or update his or her SSA records. 6. Give the employee a reasonable period of time to address a reported no-match with the local SSA office. 7. Follow the same procedures for all employees regardless of citizenship status or national origin. 8. Periodically meet with or otherwise contact the employee to learn and document the status of the employee's efforts to address and resolve the no-match. 9. Submit any employer or employee corrections to the SSA. DON'Ts: 1. Assume the no-match conveys information regarding the employee's immigration status or actual work authority. 2. Use the receipt of a nomatch notice alone as a basis to terminate, suspend or take other adverse action against the employee. Cont’d on page 44

Immigration Post

December 17, 2010

India Post

www.indiapost.com

Ten children rescued from smugglers in US PHOENIX: Ten children have been rescued from human smugglers who threatened to rape and kill some of them if their parents didn't pay more money for their entry into the U.S., authorities said. The children, from 2 to 17 years old, were smuggled from Mexico, El Salvador and Guatemala, and were being held against their will at a drop house in Phoenix, authorities said. Only one of them was being brought into the country with a parent. The smugglers threatened to rape and kill three El Salvadoran sisters ages 12, 14 and 16 if their mother didn't pay them $10,000, Arizona Department of Public Safety Capt. Fred Zumbo said. The girls' mother, who is living legally in the U.S. in the San Francisco area, called the FBI for help, and Phoenix police and other agencies took over from there. Police found the home where the girls were being held, and found them and the other children when a SWAT team raided it. None of the children appeared to have been harmed, and they had been fed and given water,

Zumbo said. ``They seemed in fairly good condition considering what they went through,'' said Zumbo, who leads DPS' Illegal Immigration Prevention & Apprehension Coop Team. ``Who knows what would have happened if we hadn't rescued them, especially if the mother couldn't come up with the money.''

The three El Salvadoran sisters were turned over to their mother in California as they await immigration hearings Zumbo said it's unusual to find so many children in one drop house unaccompanied by a family member. Two people were arrested on smuggling, kidnapping and extortion charges. They were identified as Jaime Cruz Gutierrez, 44, and Olga Marino Fuentes, 41, who were both in the country illegally from Mexico.

DPS officials said more than $9,600 in cash was seized from the drop house along with 4,000 pesos ($324), a vehicle and a .38-caliber semi-automatic pistol. Zumbo said his agency was working to find out who else was involved in the smuggling of the children, in an effort to dismantle the operation. The three El Salvadoran sisters were turned over to their mother in California as they await immigration hearings so a judge can decide whether they must return to their home country or can stay in the U.S. A 15-year-old Mexican girl was returned to her home country with her mother, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement was working to confirm whether a woman who contacted them is the mother of a 2-year-old Guatemalan girl found in the home. ICE spokesman Vincent Picard said the agency was working to identify the parents of the five other children: three other girls from El Salvador and two boys from Mexico. The girls are 7, 14 and 17, and the boys are 6 and 17. -AP

Immigrant students give blood to show citizenship Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 42

â&#x20AC;&#x153;DREAMers all over have been doing community services,'' said Teodoro, who was a child when her family unlawfully brought her to the U.S. from Brazil. ``We want to continue giving back to this country because we do love this country and we do consider ourselves to be Americans. We're just fighting for our right to be acknowledged as Americans.'' In addition to donating blood, student immigrants are volunteering at homeless shelters and donating turkeys at holiday food drives. Orozco said one group in Kentucky held a food drive outside a congressman's office and then

went to donate blood next door. ``This is not the first time I'm donating,'' said Elizabeth Ponce, 20, who gave blood at Harvard. `Ìt probably won't be the last.'' U.S. Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts said the students `àre reminding everyone what it really means to be an American.'' `Ònly three in a hundred Americans will ever donate blood despite the need, but these kids are living out the real full measure of citizenship,'' he said. ``They're living, breathing testimony of the importance of passing the DREAM Act.'' Marie Parente, a former Massachusetts state representative

who opposed efforts to give the state's illegal immigrants in-state tuition, said the blood donation drive did little to change her opinion that the DREAM Act was wrong. She compared illegal immigrants donating blood to win sympathy with serial killers donating blood to get off death row. ``What if a guy on death row says 'I'll give you a pint of blood for the rest of my life ... just get me out of here'?'' said Parente, 82, of Milford. ``It's baseless.'' Orozco said illegal immigrant students have nothing in common with criminals and the immigrants are just seeking to go to college or join the military. -AP

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

Former Assistant StateÂ&#x2019;s Attorney

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

http://www.proy-singh.com

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

Immigration Post

India Post

December 17, 2010

www.indiapost.com

Citizen wrongly held on immigration detainer ALLENTOWN, Pa.: A Pennsylvania man claims he was wrongly jailed for three days on an immigration detainer despite being a U.S. citizen. The American Civil Liberties Union filed suit last month on behalf of Ernesto Galarza against federal immigration officials and local authorities. Galarza was arrested in November 2008 in a drug sweep the ACLU says targeted Galarza's employer. He posted bail but was held on an

immigration detainer despite being born in New Jersey and of Puerto Rican descent. The suit says Galarza was never told why he was being held, even though prison officials had his wallet containing his Social Security card and driver's license. He was later acquitted of drug-dealing charges. A spokesman for Immigrations and Customs Enforcement said the agency does not comment on pending litigation. -AP

Napolitano urges Congress to pass DREAM Act WASHINGTON: Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano has urged Congress to pass legislation allowing some foreign-born young people who were illegally brought to the U.S. as children to become legal residents. The law would help Napolitano's department focus on deporting immigrants with criminal records, she said. The Senate failed in September to pass what's known as the DREAM Act. The bill is in the pile of legislation awaiting action in the final days of the current Congress and it's unclear whether lawmak-

Neb. to get 80 new federal jobs in immigration LINCOLN, Neb.: Lincoln will get 80 new federal jobs to check the immigration status of workers in Nebraska and across the United States. Marilyn Wiles of the Nebraska Service Center for US Citizenship and Immigration Services told the Lincoln Journal Star that her office will be the second site after Buffalo, NY to work on the government's EVerify database. -AP

ers will vote on it again before the year ends. The bill applies to immigrants who arrived in the U.S. before 16, have been in the country at least

‘What makes sense is to allow these young people a way to adjust their immigration status that is firm but fair’ five years and have a U.S. high school diploma or equivalent. It would let them become U.S. resi-

dents after they've spent two years in college or the military. Napolitano said it doesn't make sense for her department to spend time and resources prosecuting young people who don't have criminal records and who didn't have a say in when they came to this country. ``What makes sense is to allow these young people a way to adjust their immigration status that is firm but fair,'' Napolitano told reporters during a White Houseorganized conference call. President Barack Obama also supports the bill. -AP

2 in Vt. car held for immigration violations BRATTLEBORO, Vt.: Vermont State Police say a traffic stop for a speeding violation led to the arrest of two Peruvians who had been no-shows at their deportation hearings. Sgt. Mike Sorensen says the northbound car carrying them was traveling from New York City to an unknown location in Vermont when it was stopped on Interstate 91 in Brattleboro. Police determined that the two identified as 36-year-old Javier

Cruz-Quispe and 34-year-old Darwin Quispe-Cruz were illegal immigrants from Peru who were living in Queens, N.Y., and had failed to appear for deportation hearings. They were held until U.S. Border Patrol agents arrived to take them to the agency's Derby station for processing. The driver of the car, whose name wasn't released, was cited for speeding and failure to keep right. -AP

Ambiguity in status after grant of H-1B extension Cont’d from page 42

3. Attempt to immediately reverify the employee's employment eligibility by requesting the completion of a new Form I-9 based solely on the no-match notice. 4. Follow different procedures for different classes of employees based on national origin or citizenship status. 5. Require the employee to produce specific documents to address the no-match. 6. Ask the employee to provide a written report of SSA verification. The document is available at http://www.justice.gov/crt/osc/ pdf/publications/SSA/ Employers.pdf. A similar document for employees is available at http:/ /www.justice.gov/crt/osc/pdf/ publications/SSA/Employees.pdf. A related FAQ is available at http:/ /www.justice.gov/crt/osc/pdf/ publications/SSA/FAQs.pdf. Also, the National Employment Law Project issued "Top 10 Tips for Employers" on Social Security no-match letters. The tips are avail-

able at http://www.nilc.org/ immsemplymnt/ssa-nm_toolkit/ top_ten_tips_11-07-07.pdf, and are linked to a National Immigration Law Center "No-Match Letter Toolkit" available at http:// www.nilc.org/immsemplymnt/ssanm_toolkit/index.htm. USCIS revises i-129 petition form US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued a new version of the Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker (Form I-129) to include the new fee increases. USCIS will accept previous versions of the form until December 22, 2010. Beginning on December 23, 2010, USCIS will only accept the revised form and will reject previous versions. Among other changes, the revised I-129 form requires employers who are sponsoring foreign nationals for certain work visas to certify that they have made an export licensing determination regarding each employee sponsored. More specifically, employ-

ers must certify that they have evaluated the applicable export control regulations and have determined whether the employee will require an export license to perform the job. Under the Department of Commerce's export control regulations, the release of technical information to a foreign national is deemed an "export" to that person's country of origin. That remains true even if the foreign national is lawfully employed. Compliance with this "deemed export rule" can be complex. Instructions and a link to the revised form (http://.uscis.gov/ files/form/i-129.pdf) are available at http://www.uscis.gov/portal/ site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb9 5919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/ ?vgnextoid=f56e4154d7b3d 010VgnVCM10000048f3d 6a1RCRD * Cyrus D Mehta, may be contacted at 212-425-0555 or info@cyrusmehta.com

Datebook

December 17, 2010

India Post 45

www.indiapost.com

NEW YORK

ILLINOIS

Upcoming

Wed Dec 15 • Asian Women In Business 2010 Holiday Party Venue: Flat Iron District, 12 West 18th Street, New York, NY Apt. # 3E, New York Time: 6pm to 9:30pm Contact: 212-868-1368

Fri Dec 31 • New Years Eve Party with Udita Goswami Venue: India House Banquet, 1521 W.Schaumburg Rd., Schaumburg, Illinois Time: 7pm Contact: 630-904-5157

NEW JERSEY

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Upcoming

Fri Dec 17

Fri Dec 17 to Tues Dec 21

Venue: Private Residence, 1506 Windsor Ct, Denville, New Jersey Time: 7pm to 9:30pm Contact: 973-400-9191

• Art of Living Course

Fri Dec 17

Sun Jan 30

Sun Dec 19

• Bolly-Fusion Fridays

• South Asian Bridal Expo

Venue: Haven, 244 E. 51st Street, New York Time: 10pm Contact: 646-220-6403

Venue: Holiday Inn Rolling Medows, 3405 Algonquin Road, Rolling Meadows, Illinois Time: 11am to 6pm

• A Unique & Spectacular Dance Show by Sonalee's Bollywood Dance Studio

Thurs Dec 30 • Last Basement Bhangra Of The Year Venue: SOBs, 204 Varick Street, New York Time: 7pm to 4am Contact: 212-252-2392

• Art of Living Course

Venue: MCC Performing Arts Center, 2600 Woodbridge Ave, Edison, New Jersey Time: 5pm to 8:30pm Contact: (732) 213-4333

Venue: Westmont, 127 Whote Birch Lane, Westmont, Illinois Contact: 630-654-0852

Sat Dec 25 • X-mas Party

Fri March 18

Fri Dec 17

• Ayurvedic Cooking Class

Venue: Clove Indian Cusine, Rt 17th South, East Rutherford, New Jersey Time: 4pm to 7:30pm

WASHINGTON DC

Upcoming Fri Dec 31 Two Premier blockbuster Bollywood New Years Eve Parties Venue: HYATT - Reston Town Center - Virginia, 1800 Presidents Street, Reston, Virginia Time: 8pm Contact: 703-468-1820

Fri Dec 31

Venue: Art of Living Santa Clara Center, 2370A Walsh Ave, Santa Clara, California Time: 7pm Contact: 408-338-9834

Sun Jan 30 • South Asian Wedding Expo 2011 Venue: One Industry Hills Parkway, Industry Hills, Bay Area, California Time: 11am to 5:30pm Contact: 714-493-7900 Highlights: The unique expo will feature the leading designers, wedding planners, decorators, DJ's, photographers, florist, food vendors, videographers hair and make up artist and all sorts of great vendors that can help you plan your next big event.

Sat Nov 12, 2011 • Hello Namaste Satsriakal Masti

Salaam

Venue: Chandni Restaurant, 5748 Mowry School Rd, Balentine Plaza, across Hilton Hotel, Newark, CA 94560 Time: 7pm Contact: 510-299-1138 Highlights: Bollywood Singers and Lollywood Music Director Hungama Musical Live Band Dance Party Dance Performances Banquet Style Dinner, Single Ladies and Men - Come and Register with Hamraahi Matrimonial. Prizes for Best Dressed Couples or Pairs Let us Celebrate Diwali and Eid Together.

Arora's New Years Eve Gala 2011 Venue: Saint Peter Paul Party Hall, 10620 River Rd, Potomac, Washington Time: 8pm Contact: 301-340-9564 Highlights: A Gala New Years Eve Party With Appetizers, Dinner, Dessert and Cocktails. Lot of Fun and Dancing.

Thurs May 5 2011

• KnockOuts For Girls Holiday Benefit Party Venue: DAP Studios@ 5660 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90019 Time: 7pm to 10pm Contact: 917-445-5078 Highlights: Special Screening of Advance clips from "Girl In the Ring" a documentary by Jill Morley

Sat Dec 18 • Yan Can Cook! At the Fremont Main Library Venue: Alameda County Library, Fremont Main Library, 2400 Stevenson Boulevard, Fremont, CA Time: 2pm Contact: 510-745-1401 Highlights: Martin Yan, Master Chef, noted author of more than 30 books and television personality, will discuss his latest book and demonstrate his cooking skills at the Fukaya Room A&B.

Sat Dec 18 • Bollywood Holiday Celebrations Venue: Chakra Beverly Hills, 151s. Doheny Drive, Beverly Hills, California Time: 9:30pm Contact: (310) 323-7500

Fri Dec 31 The 5th Annual Desi New Years Eve Bash - Fantasy Ball 5 Venue: Grand Sheraton Gateway Hotel, Sheraton Gateway Hotel, 6101 West Century Boulevard, Los Angeles Time: 10pm Contact: 323-205-5594

• Fund raising Volleyball tournament

Sun, Jan 30

Venue: Ponderosa Park, Sunnyvale, CA Time: 8am to 5pm

Venue: Pacific Palms Hotel & Conference Center, One Industry Hills Parkway, Industry Hills, California

• South Asian Wedding Expo 2011

Horoscope

46 India Post

December 17, 2010

www.indiapost.com

Dec 17 - Dec 23

by Pandit Parashar

ll uncertainty will disappear and you will be more optimistic about life. An important issue involving a child will get resolved the way you wanted bringing relief in every body's mind. Money wise you will stay comfortable and get ready to leave for a short vacation. You will call an old friend to thanks him.

ou should cut down-on nicotine or caffeine consumption. You may need little medicine to tackle some problem in stomach region. It looks very promising week for people working as brokers. A big contract will be awarded to you and some one lot younger will be instrumental. You will make plans with children.

eparation from people close will make you feel very lonely. You may try to make good use of extra time on hands and do some serious cleaning in the house. Go ahead and invest in the property if you wish as this is the perfect time. You may go to the mall and buy limited but very practical and nice gifts for others.

t will be slightly expensive week. You will enjoy life at home and outside also. You will be making few calculated moves and see instant results. You may dispose off some profit making stocks too this week. Legal matters can also get settled favorably. Boss will give you the good news and offer the position you wanted.

usiness will multiply and so will be the confidence level. Luck is on your side and most of your plans will go through without any difficulty. You may attend a big party this week and get a chance to meet many old friends. Spouse will purchase some expensive item for the house. Your bank balance will shot up this week.

ind will be relaxed and the family reunion will take your mind off usual stress. You have some easy money coming your way this week. Do not take any chance with weather and carry proper protective cloths. You will be slowly working on an upcoming presentation. Dispose off money making stocks and wait.

ou are going to enjoy this week with family and friends. Some of you will be getting ready to leave for an exciting trip to another state. Mind will stay undecided about a new offer that requires relocation. Stay calm if you want to get job done quickly on the phone. handle all tools and electronics with care.

fforts will not go waste and the results will be almost instant. Package you have been waiting from a government agency will come on the last minute. You will be charging heavily on credit cards. You may have some guests at your place for few days this week. You will be attending a big social event.

ou will be surrounded by admirers at the party. You will make some very sound decisions about career also. Mind will stay very sharp and set on your goals. You will spend money on buying some nice items for the house and immediate family members. A government official will try to give some hard time.

t will be better to put off all important financial decisions for another time. Strong Venus will help you enjoy life at the same time with family and friends. Drive within speed limit and avoid taking any chance with law. You will spend lots of time on phone and try to get in touch with some old friends also.

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

ffer will come from to tally unexpected place and you will quickly accept it. You may take some days off before starting the new project. There will be some last minute and minor changes in your travel plans. Some one will send nice and expensive gift. Spouse will take little time to agree on plans.

olleague may have total different opinion and try to enforce ideas on you. You will make change in your earlier plans and will be looking for long term gains. You may narrowly escape getting a parking or speed ticket. An old friend will call and invite you to a big get together. You will try to control your diet.

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

Classifieds

December 17, 2010

India Post 47

www.indiapost.com

WANTED COOKS & RESTAURANT STAFF Newly Opened Indian Chinese Restaurant, Bombay Chopsticks by India House, is now hiring servers, COOKS, BARTENDERS, HOSTESSES. Please apply in person at 721 W Golf Rd, Hoffman Estates or call at

847-962-7915 for immediate interview

STORES FOR RENT ON DEVON AVE. CHICAGO A 5000 Sq ft Space at Prime location in the heart of Desi(India-Pakistan) Town on Devon Avenue Chicago with refurbished ceiling & floor is available for lease/rent. Ideal for offices, store, medical clinic or other related business Only seriously interested parties contact

(773) 274 6969 or

www.indiapost.com

(773) 988 6161

VOLUNTEES NEEDED

FOR CONG. DANNY DAVIS A popular US Congressman Danny Davis is running for Chicano Mayor in the coming elections. Cong. Davis has endeared himself among Indo-Pak Community by his friendly approach to all WE ARE LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS WHO WOULD LIKE TO WORK FOR HIS CAMPAIGN AS CHICAGO MAYOR Please Contact

BALWINDER SINGH

(773)988 6161

For Classifieds Ads Call NORTHERN CA (Sonia) Tel: 510-938-8668 sonia@indiapost.com

CHICAGO (Ramesh Soparawala) Tel: 773-973-7394 / Fax: 773-973-7396 sramesh@aol.com

SOUTHERN CA (Shashi Trivedi) Tel: 562-441-5511/ Fax: 562-947-0632 shashi19@yahoo.com

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

Philosophy

India Post

December 17, 2010

www.indiapost.com

Page Sponsored by Sahanis SWAMI KRISHNANANDA

his is the secret of the knowledge of the Universal Being, designated as Vaishvanara. Its simple form of understanding is a transference of human attributes to the Divine Existence, and vice versa. In this meditation, one contemplates the Cosmos as one's body. Just as, for example, when one contemplates one's individual body, one simultaneously becomes conscious of the right eye, the left eye, the right hand, the left hand, the right leg, the left leg, the head, the heart, the stomach, and all the limbs of the body at one and the same time, and one does not regard the different limbs of the body as distinguished from one another in any manner, all limbs being only apparently different, but really connected to a single personality. So, in this meditation, the consciousness is to be transferred to the Universal Being. Instead of one contemplating oneself as the individual body, one contemplates oneself as the Universal Body. Instead of the right eye, there is the sun. Instead of the left eye, there is the moon. Instead of the feet there is the earth. Instead of the head, there is the heaven, and so on. The limbs of the Cosmic Person are identified with the cosmic elements, and vice versa, so that there SWAMI RAMDAS

evotee: I have taken one Mantra. At that time I was young. Now I prefer to have Ramnam. Papa: You may take Ramnam and feel that the other Mantra is included in it. Only the mind must not feel any conflict. Devotee: In the beginning some conflict comes. Papa: Were you repeating the previous Mantra before you took this Mantra? Devotee: No. Papa: Then it is very easy for you to change over. Devotee: We should change the Mantra with full faith. Papa: Without faith how can you take a Mantra? It is better to think that the person who gave you that Mantra has come in another form and given you this Mantra. So the difference in Guru also disappears. Now there is no conflict at all. God is Mantra-Swarup. Any Mantra can be His Swarup. Devotee: The root meaning of the word "Mantra" itself is that if remembrance is kept up, it will take you across the ocean of Samsara. Papa: That is why it is called

is nothing in the Cosmos which does not form an organic part of the body of the Virat, or Vaishvanara. When you see the vast world before you, you behold a part of your own body. When you look at the sun, you behold your own eye. When you look above into the heavens, you are seeing your own head. When you see all people moving about, you behold the various parts of your own personality. The vast wind is your breath. All your actions are cos-

of illustration. There are many other things which may come to our minds when we contemplate. We can start our meditation with any set of forms that may occur to our minds. We may be sitting in our rooms, and the first things that attract our attention may be the objects spread out in the rooms. When we identify these objects with our body, we will find that there are also objects outside these rooms. And, likewise, we can slowly expand our consciousness to the

the object ceases to agitate the mind any more, because that object is not any more outside; it becomes a part of the body of the meditator. When an object becomes a part of our own body, it no more annoys us because it is not an object at all. It is a subject. The object has become the Cosmic Subject, in the Vaishvanara meditation. The vidya has its origin, actually, in the Rig-Veda, in a famous sukta, or hymn, called the PurushaSukta. The Purusha-Sukta of the

Contemplating the cosmos as one's own body When an object becomes a part of our own body, it no more annoys us because it is not an object at all. It is a subject. The object has become the Cosmic Subject, in the Vaishvanara meditation

Swami Krishnananda

mic movements. Anything that moves, does so on account of your movement. Your breath is the Cosmic Vital Force. Your intelligence is the Cosmic Intelligence. Your existence is Cosmic Existence. Your happiness is Cosmic Bliss. Creation does not consist merely of the few parts that are mentioned in the Upanishad, as limbs of the Vaishvanara, by way

whole earth, and, then, beyond the earth, to the solar and stellar regions, so that we reach as far as our minds can reach. Whatever our mind can think, becomes an object for the mind; and that object, again, should become a part of the meditator's body, cosmically. And, the moment the object that is conceived by the mind is identified with the Cosmic Body,

Rig-Veda commences by saying that all the heads, all the eyes, and all the feet that we see in this world are the heads, eyes, and feet of the Virat-Purusha, or the Cosmic Being. With one head, the Virat nods in silence; with another face He smiles; with a third one He frowns; in one form, He sits; in another form, He moves; in one form, He is near; in another form, He is distant.

Taraka Mantra - that which delivers you from bondage. Devotee: There seems to be some distinction between Dvaita Mantra and Advaita Mantra. Is there any? Papa: Advaita Mantra directly makes you think that you are Brahman. In the other, devotion leads to Brahman when you surrender yourself to God.

Devotee: What is Papa's reading of the Gita? Papa: All put together and something beyond it. It is all-inclusive and all-transcendent. It is a matter of experience and what is a matter of experience cannot be expressed or comprehended by our poor intellect. Ramdas has read the commentaries of all these great souls.

to agree, but when you see it with a broader view, then they fit in very well. Hints to aspirants For all people there is only one way of approach to God. They must have pure devotion to God and should perform good actions. Bhakti and Karma go together. For you, to start with, repetition of: God's name is the way. Have God's

Gita is all-inclusive and all-transcendent

Swami Ramdas

The ego is hard to conquer. The whole of our struggle is to do away with it. Surrender is the only way. It is His grace that should make all things easy for us

Tilak says the Gita speaks of Karma Yoga; and he disregards Jnana and Bhakti. Sri Shankara reads into the Gita pure Jnana. Gandhiji reads into it Ahimsa and says that the whole Mahabharata is an allegory. Sri Aurobindo says the Gita speaks of the Triune Yoga - the three Yogas combined. Sridhara and some others say the Gita gives prominence to Bhakti. Thus the same scripture is interpreted in so many ways.

They are different facets of the same diamond - different interpretations belonging to one complete whole. So he has not to say anything against any commentary. Everything is all right. In "The Divine Life" Vol. 1 (p. 177 - Clarion Voice of the Gita) Ramdas has written something about it. He has not mentioned names there, but only the different views on the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. They do not seem

name continuously on your tongue, lead a pure and truthful life. Be kind and. compassionate to those who are in distress. Read the Bhagvad Gita daily. The ego is hard to conquer. The whole of our struggle is to do away with it. Surrender is the only way. Our personal struggle goes for nothing. It is His grace that should make all things, easy for us. Excerpted from 'The Vision'

The world is so constructed, that if you wish to enjoy its pleasures, you must also endure its pains. Whether you like it or not, you cannot have one without the other. -Swami Brahmanada Life is far beyond meaning, Life is beyond meaning and that's why it is so beautiful -Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev Bring all of yourself to his door: bring only a part and you've brought nothing at all. - Hakim Sanai Meditation is not a way of making your mind quiet. It is a way of entering into the quiet that is already there buried under the 50,000 thoughts the average person thinks every day. -Deepak Chopra We choose our joys and sorrows long before we experience them. -Kahlil Gibran Find a place (inside) where there's joy, and the joy will burn out the pain. -Joseph Campbell

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

Edit Page

December 17, 2010

India Post 49

www.indiapost.com

Is China's strategic aggression ill-timed? AIR CMDE ARJUN SUBRAMANIAM

ithin the framework of China's meteoric rise, analysts across the world have chronicled its recent strategic belligerence without taking a call on whether this aggressiveness is part of a well-thought out 'coming of age' strategy, or a premature and ill-timed display of coercive diplomacy. To understand Chinese strategic ambiguity, it is essential to dissect several recent events. Whether it is 'shadow boxing' with India over Arunachal Pradesh and the Northern Areas of POK, the faceoff with Japan near the Senkaku islands, or the pronouncements on territorial waters in the South China Sea, China has gradually expanded its zone of core concerns beyond Taiwan. It has also indicated that it is ready to question, if not yet confront the US over its presence in the Eastern Pacific and South China Sea. It is quite clear that China believes that it had successfully completed Phase I of its rise that dealt with creating domestic economic robustness, economic domination of global trade and expansion of economic influence across continents, and was ready for Phase II that called for demonstration of military and coercive capability. Phase III would then leverage the gains accrued from the earlier phases to create a global network of influence that could effectively challenge the US and push for a bipolar world in the coming decades. Has Phase II been ill-timed? The Chinese are seldom known to take hasty strategic decisions, leading to a suspicion that the aggressive posturing in their immediate neighborhood has more to do with internal compulsions than with any meaningful geostrategic ambitions. In this context, it would be naive to imagine that the PLA/ PLAN/PLAAF have the immediate capability to militarily confront the US in the Pacific or for that matter, force a decisive result in any integrated campaign against India, Taiwan or Vietnam. The recent face-off between North and South Korea could challenge Chinese resolve should the US decide to engage in its own brand of 'protective coercion' in the region. Three internal issues that are unfolding simultaneously in China

merit attention. The first is the increasing clout and impatience of the PLA in determining the pace and texture of strategic events. Wide publicity was given earlier this year to the promotion of Mao's grandson, Mao Zinyu to the rank of Major General. He is being showcased as the youngest General Officer and encouraged to discuss his ideas freely in blogs and other internet forums. Eleven other PLA officers in their early fifties were promoted to the rank of General by President

Chinese troops

Hu Jintao, indicating that a younger PLA leadership was an imperative in these changing times. This also means that the CPC is willing to accept a more assertive and articulate military in the coming years. At the same time, it appears that the PLA is more comfortable with a Maoist legacy and wants to ensure that reformists are kept at bay within the PLA.

China's regional belligerence, leadership challenges over the next two years and internal schisms makes it impossible for India to let her guard down on both diplomatic and military fronts Meanwhile, it is also evident that acceptance by the PLA is essential for claiming the top spot in Chinese politics. The next issue that is dictating Chinese assertiveness relate to schisms that have emerged within Chinese society. Whether it is the growing urban-rural divide, the growing gap between the rich and poor, growing unrest in China's

periphery or the lop-sided export driven economy, there are enough reasons for the Chinese government to want to deflect public attention to territorial issues that have the potential to whip up nationalism around perceived external threats. Finally, there is the question of the kind of legacy that President Hu Jintao wants to leave behind. Lacking the charisma and statesman-like qualities of his predecessors, Hu has, at best, been a superbly efficient technocrat who has consolidated China's rapid economic progress and placed it on the threshold of becoming a great power. With China's economic might in the region virtually unchallenged, President Hu Jintao had the opportunity to show strategic vision and be seen as the prime mover in resolving territorial conflict with all its neighbors, India included. This could have actually been an interim phase where China could have built a very strong case for global leadership based on it being seen as a responsible and accommodating power with the capacity and capability for some kind of 'global altruism', a concept that is well understood and executed by the US. However, by embarking on an aggressive revisionist posturing, he seems to have lost an opportunity to leave a legacy worth talking about. The prognosis for India is lukewarm. China's regional belligerence, leadership challenges over the next two years and internal schisms makes it impossible for India to let her guard down on both diplomatic and military fronts. While India's military has to continue to build conventional capability to counter any kind of Chinese adventurism, her diplomacy has to be nimble enough to cope with continued Chinese strategic ambiguity. In the final analysis, it is opined that China has played its regional cards prematurely and runs the risk of being seen as an expansionist and revisionist power that seeks to upset global balance; a power that more countries would fear rather than respect. The writer is with the 50th Course, National Defense College, New Delhi. Courtesy IPCS

India Post JPC politics

he winter session of Parliament has been wasted by the obduracy of politicians ranged in opposite camps. While the government of the day admits there has been corruption in the awarding of 2G spectrum contracts, the dispute is over the nature of the inquiry. The opposition wants a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) constituted to go into the issue but the government is dead set against a JPC which has the power to summon even the prime minister for questioning. Indeed, the Congress fears the JPC demand is a political plot to drag PM Manmohan Singh into the 2G spectrum whirlpool. It has become a prestige issue now for both sides and none is conceding ground even as the people of the country watch how their representatives refuse to conduct the business they have been elected for. It is not a great advertisement for democracy at a time when a succession of world leaders have been visiting Delhi. Even for the sake of saving its image the government could have put this controversy behind it to fulfill its international obligations. But the Manmohan Singh government has sacrificed its image for the sake of survival. Why is it so crucial for the government not to concede the type of inquiry the united opposition is demanding? The JPC is constituted on the basis of proportional representation depending on each party's strength in Parliament. Since the UPA is a coalition government, the Congress bigwigs have realized that the ruling combine will effectively be in a minority in any JPC. The government is surviving on the basis of outside support of parties like the BSP, SP and the RJD but it is not sure of their support in an inquiry committee like the JPC. Even an ally like the Trinamool Congress supports a JPC probe. In the local politics of West Bengal the Trinamool stands to lose the moral ground to the CPI (M) which is strongly rooting for a JPC. Given a choice Trinamool would not like the corruption tag of Congress to be attached to it. In the other camp, veteran leader LK Advani has made clear why the BJP is so adamant on a JPC. He claimed the Congress was not allowing opposition MPs, including Leader of Opposition Sushma Swaraj, to speak on corruption in Parliament. Even CPI (M), SP and other party MPs were prevented from speaking. That is why the decision to demand a JPC was taken. There is the fact that the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament is already looking into the 2G scam and the Congress has pointed this out to the Opposition. But the BJP says the PAC is not equipped to deal with all aspects of the 2G Spectrum allocation scam. BJP spokesperson SS Ahluwalia referred to the Niira Radia tapes which exposed the lobbying that the big business houses and their friends and agents in bureaucracy and even media conduct. He said as an accounting committee, the PAC cannot investigate the Radia tapes. The Radia tapes reveal discussion on which person can become the Communications Minister and who will benefit whom. Such influence peddling can be investigated through JPC and not PAC, the BJP felt. The BJP's enthusiasm to control corruption is laudable but its own conduct in shielding wrongdoing of its chief minister Yeddyurappa in Karnataka shows up its double standards. There has been an upsurge for the BJP as seen in the Bihar elections but it was under the leadership of JD (U)'s Nitish Kumar. On its own, the BJP has proved it is no better than the Congress in matters of probity.

50 India Post

www.indiapost.com

December 17, 2010

www.indiapost.com

India Post 51

52 India Post

www.indiapost.com

December 17, 2010