IndiaPost_12-23-2011 by Ghanshyam Bisht

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Preeta Bansal

Obama names Preeta Bansal to Advisory Council

VOL 17, No. 902

December 23, 2011

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ANNA WARNS PROTESTS WILL REACH SONIA

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Governor Martin O'Malley

Maryland trade mission to India nets $60m deals Details on page 44

US keen to fund India's digitization Details on page 45

Major Kalsi receives Bronze Star Medal Details on page 9

Six Indian American docs arrested

Grand plans to welcome Diaspora

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INDIA POST SURVEY

Air India is winning over flying public

survey@indiapost.com This week’s question

Is Anna right in sending ultimatum to govt? Last week’s result

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Swamy dropping hurts freedom of speech? YES 82%

CONTENTS

NO 18%

ULTIMATUM: Anti-corruption activists Anna Hazare, Arvind Kejriwal and Kiran Bedi addressing the media after a meeting of their core committee in New Delhi on December 15 India Post News Service

Bollywood ---------------------- 34-35

NEW DELHI: Anna Hazare has declared he will take his protest to outside the houses of Sonia Gandhi and her son Rahul Gandhi if an effective anti-corruption Lokpal Bill is not passed before the winter session of Parliament ends on December 22. He said he will begin an indefinite fast on December 27, will ask people to participate in "a jail bharo" (go to jail) movement from January 1. He also urged people to agitate in front of the houses of MPs who oppose the Lokpal Bill. He would personally lead demonstrations in front of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi's home, and also before that of her son Details on page 6 Rahul Gandhi, Anna said.

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December 23, 2011

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Publisher’s Diary

ypical to this time of the season, there's nothing more reassuring than on a cold evening, to tuck your feet under a fleece blanket on your favorite couch, a hot cup of chocolate milk in hand, and watching a Hallmark channel movie about a six-year old kid's unflinching belief in Santa Claus. C'mon, you are never too old for that! So okay, nobody's so naïve as to think that what we celebrate today are festivals as tradition would have it but rather celebrations as what the malls or the retail chain stores would have us believe. Yeah, did you know that it was Coca Cola Co. that created the shade of red that a modern day Santa Claus wears, which is distinctly the same shade as that of a Coke can? Well, we are living through times where a state governor thinks it's better to call a Christmas tree, the Holiday tree; an elementary schoolteacher replaces the word "gay" from a Christmas carol; you don't see as many ads or billboards wishing "Merry Christmas" as "Happy Holidays" and in general, it's not about Christmas season anymore but all about the "Holiday Season". These are times of political correctness; and appeasement based on commerce - the more inclusive the festival, the more money the retailers make. The problem is not with either the traditionalists or with the culturally neutral or religiously secular. The problem is with the vested interest groups that influence, manipulate and perpetuate images and beliefs while completely obliterating the spirit behind celebration of festivals. I mean, what more is there to festivals than families getting together, eating together - irrespective of whether they pray or not - and having fun together. Seriously, you should try it - cuddle up with your family in front of the TV and watch those old, warm and fuzzy Christmas special movies, sans the cynical eye. They may not make you believe in Santa Claus, but will lower your expectations from the commercially blown up image of the 'Holidays', and perhaps bring some Christmas spirit back. Cheers!

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Cover Story: Anna ultimatum Anna Hazare has declared he will take his protest to Sonia Gandhi if an effective anticorruption Lokpal Bill is not passed.

Community: Youth Retreat The second Retreat of Asian Youth (RAY) 2011 in Indianapolis attracted 35 Asian American high school students.

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Travel: Ranthambore Ranthambore reserve became a national park in 1980 and was listed among the reserves protected under Project Tiger.

December 23, 2011

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December 23, 2011

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Anna warns protests will reach Sonia

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh chairing the all party meeting, in New Delhi on December 14

The only point of dispute now among parties seems the relationship between the new Lokpal or ombudsman agency and the premier investigating agency, the CBI to participate in "a jail bharo" (go to jail) movement from January 1. He also urged people to agitate in front of the houses of MPs who oppose the Lokpal Bill. He would personally lead demonstrations in front of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi's home, and also before that of her son Rahul Gandhi, Anna said. The BJP said it supports Anna's deadline. "We want the bill to be passed with our suggestions," said the party's Rajiv Pratap Rudy. "The government seems to be faltering. So if the government fails (to deliver), and Anna decides to sit outside MPs' homes, we will join him." If an effective Lokpal Bill is passed, Anna said, "a rose will be given to the government's top person" and parliamentarians will be thanked en masse on December 27, the date he has currently reserved for his new fast. "If the climate is good in Delhi, I'll fast here, or else in Mumbai," Anna said. Earlier in the day, Anna Hazare had said the ongoing winter ses-

sion of Parliament should be extended to pass the Lokpal Bill and threatened to go on a hunger strike if it is not introduced soon. His remarks came a day after a consensus eluded political parties on the Lokpal Bill. The government meanwhile said that though it expects to introduce the bill in Parliament soon, a lot of work remains to be done, mainly because of a lack of consensus among different parties on some parts of the bill. When asked about Anna's deadline, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pawan Bansal said, "We are not talking to him, whatever he does is his right. But being an honourable citizen of the nation he should understand that Parliament's job can be done by Parliament only." The only point of dispute now among parties seems the relationship between the new Lokpal or ombudsman agency and the premier investigating agency, the CBI. Some parties are reluctant to allow the Lokpal complete control over the CBI. The agency wants its investigative independence to be protected.

Replying to questions on the all-party meeting, Team Anna member Kiran Bedi said almost all parties were unanimous on CBI getting autonomy. The Cabinet will meet to discuss amendments to the Lokpal Bill, based on the different points of view expressed at a meeting of all parties that was chaired by the PM. The government is report-

edly leaning towards asking the CBI to report to the Lokpal only for the cases of corruption that it investigates for the ombudsman. The government is also likely to give in to the demand by Team Anna and the Opposition for the CBI director to be appointed independently. The PM, Leader of the Opposition and the head of the Lokpal may form the selection

committee. On December 11, Anna undertook a one-day token fast, where he invited senior leaders of political parties to debate the contentious points of the Lokpal Bill. Most Opposition were represented. They assured Anna that they would ensure a strong Lokpal Bill, but he must leave it "to the wisdom of Parliament" to pass that law.

BJP leader Arun Jaitley, CPI General Secretary AB Bardhan and CPM leader Brinda Karat during anti-corruption activist Anna HazareĂs one-day fast in protest against the proposals of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Lokpal Bill at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi

Supporters wave tricolours at the anti-corruption activist Anna Hazare during his one-day fast

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Grand plans to welcome Diaspora to Pink City

Birla Auditorium

India Post News Service

JAIPUR: The Rajasthan Government, in conjunction with the Union Ministry of Overseas Indian affairs, is planning in a big way to organize the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD)-2012 here from January 7-9. Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot himself has sent

ready for the flow of special guests. Many delegates have plans to travel in the state after the event. CII has made arrangements for their sight-seeing," said an official. Rajasthan government has also given sops to specific hotels by waving off luxury tax during the period.

‘Delhi hosted the event six times. This time, we requested OIA to organize it in Jaipur. It's an attempt to reconnect NRIs and NRRs to their colourful culture and the glory of Rajasthan. In process if we get some investment, nothing wrong in it’ personal e-mailers to almost a thousand NRIs and Non Resident Rajasthanis (NRRs). As many as 1,500 delegates are expected to attend the conclave. The theme of PBD-2012 is "Global Indian-Inclusive Growth". PBD is celebrated every year to mark the contribution of overseas Indian community in the development of India. People of the Pink City see it as a proud privilege that Jaipur has been asked to host this convention which will be held at the impressive Birla Auditorium. The number of flights to Jaipur from Delhi and Mumbai are being increased for the duration of the PBD session. At present 6-8 flights operate between DelhiJaipur and Mumbai-Jaipur. The number of bogies in Jaipur-bound trains running between New Delhi and Jaipur are also beiong increased. Concessions will be provided to delegates by Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) hotels. Royal Rajasthan on Wheels has also announced 20% discount in its fare. "We have asked all the heritage hotels and tour operators to be

Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is the co-organizer of the PBD. Nitin Gupta, state head of Confederation of CII in Rajasthan, says, "Objective of PBD is not to milk the rich cow but to bring Non Resident Indians back to their roots and show what India has achieved so far and showcase the areas where their help is required." Vinod Ajmera, executive director of Rajasthan Foundation, said "In a span of nine years, New Delhi hosted the event six times. This time, we requested OIA to organize it in Jaipur. It's an attempt to reconnect NRIs and NRRs to their colourful culture and the glory of Rajasthan. In process if we get some investment, nothing wrong in it". "Preparations are in fill swing," said Gupta. "A delegation of 100 people from Canada has confirmed their participation and many are in the process. There will be plenary sessions on topics like 'Diaspora and Development - Return Migration', a roundtable conference on "Knowledge and Technology Exchange". An interactive session with youth will also be organized and keynote speakers will participate in it," he added.

Ajmera said, "Sessions on Rajasthan specific topics like solar energy, water and tourism are part of the schedule. In session devoted to youth, young entrepreneurs and students will get opportunities to listen to great leaders, which will be a great learning for them". As per the event schedule, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will inaugurate the event and President of India Pratibha Patil will attend the valedictory function. Ms. Kamla Persad Bissessar, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, will be the chief guest. Attractions of Jaipur Jaipur hosts several monuments like Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, Gaitore; palaces like City Palace, Chandra Mahal, Jai Mahal; temples like Govind Devji, Moti Doongri (Ganesh Temple), Laxmi Narayan (constructed by Birlas and so also called Birla Temple), Akshardham, Jain Mandir (Shivdas Pura, 15 Km from Jaipur), Galataji (10Km from Jaipur on Jaipur-Agra highway), Galwa Bagh (The Monkey Temple), Surya Mandir (TheÂ Sun Temple), Amer Mataji Mandir (Amber Fort on Jaipur-Delhi highway) and gardens like Ram Nivas

Hawa Mahal

Garden, Sisodia Rani Palace Garden, Vidyadhar Garden, Zoological Garden, Central Park (Entrance near Statue Circle). Amber, Nahargarh and Jaigarh are the forts of Jaipur. The Central Museum (also called Albert Hall Museum) and Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing (dedicated to the traditional

ues and ornaments respectively. Jaipur is also famous for its Rajais (light quilts stuffed with cotton) and handicraft items. A tourist can very well enjoy elephant riding here. The University of Rajasthan is situated at Jaipur. Nad Sadhna and Dante, in Jaipur, are the distinguished institutes for learning of

‘Sessions on Rajasthan specific topics like solar energy, water and tourism are part of the schedule. In session devoted to youth, young entrepreneurs and students will get opportunities to listen to great leaders’ art of hand block printing textiles; Kheri Gate, Amer) are the world renowned museum of Jaipur. The Raj Mandir theater of Jaipur is distinguished one due to its architectural beauty. Food, flowers, carved statues (or plumbing) and ornaments represent the different market zones in Jaipur. For example Khazane Walon ka Rasta (near Chand Pole) and Johri Bazar are the specialist zones for stat-

music and foreign languages respectively. Madhvanand Girls College and Dhammathali Vipashyana Meditation Centre offer free yoga and meditation courses respectively. Kripal Singh, the dedicated artist in Jaipur, offers Indian painting and ceramic classes for free while Maharaja Sawai Mansingh Sangeet Mahavidyalaya runs music and dance lessons.

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December 23, 2011

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GOPIO luncheon for Obama appoints Preeta Bansal to Advisory Council Trinidad PM in Kolkata India Post News Service

India Post News Service

NEW YORK: President Barack Obama on Dec 7 announced his intent to appoint Preeta D. Bansal as a Member of the Advisory Council of the Administrative Conference of the United States. President Obama said, "I am proud to appoint such impressive individuals to these important roles, and I am grateful they have agreed to lend their considerable talents to this Administration. I look forward to working with them in the months and years ahead." Bansal has been a long time Obama camper already having served as the General Counsel and Senior Policy Advisor for the Office of Management and Budget from 2009 to 2011. In that ca-

pacity, she was also a government member of the Council of the Administrative Conference of the

She is the former Solicitor General of the State of New York and a former law clerk to U.S. Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens United States, serving as Vice Chair from 2010 until 2011. Bansal is a Henry Crown Fellow at the Aspen Institute and a

member of the Council on Foreign Relations. Prior to joining the Obama Administration, she was a Partner and Head of the Appellate Litigation Practice at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher and Flom, LLP, in New York City. She is the former Solicitor General of the State of New York and a former law clerk to U.S. Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens. From 2003 to 2009, while in private law practice, Bansal also was a Commissioner of the bipartisan United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, serving as its Chair from 2004 to 2005. Bansal received a J.D., magna cum laude, from Harvard Law School and an A.B., magna cum laude, from Harvard-Radcliffe College.

Rare Tagore notebook sells for $170,500 at Sotheby's India Post News Service

NEW YORK: An extraordinary unknown autographed manuscript notebook belonging to Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore was sold for $170,500 on Dec 13, by Sotheby's auction house in New York.

went down for a final price of $170,500 with buyer's premium. The notebook was originally a gift to a family friend and early patron who supported Tagore's university at Santiniketan that descended in the family of the friend and patron to the present owner.

Rabindranath Tagore

This unpublished 152-page notebook dating back to the autumn of 1928 contains twelve poems and lyrics for twelve songs in Bengali. The writings, most of them dated, in ink with some pencil emendations, show extensive deletions of typical Tagorian style developed into an art form and incorporated into many of his paintings. The notebook that was estimated to fetch $150,000-$250,000,

Some of the poems and songs in this unknown manuscript notebook were heavily amended drafts of subsequently published works. The present notebook constitutes a microcosm of the genius of Tagore, the first Asian Nobel laureate and one of the modern world's most profound and prolific writers. Tagore's writing achievements span no less than ten genres: poetry, songs, prose, novels, short stories, plays, auto-

biographical works, travel writings, plays and humorous essays. Though Tagore found writing poetry to be "kind of secret and forbidden delight", he predicted that he would be best remembered through his songs. Stunning examples of both are contained in Tagore's notebook from the autumn of 1928. Each poem and song in the notebook is a draft manuscript of a work published in a variant form. Twelve of the manuscript poems were published in a collection entitled Mohua in 1929. Mohua is a tree with flowers of the same name containing intoxicating nectar, and Tagore's poems included in this collection celebrate nature, love and life. Two of the song lyrics in the notebook were later included in the dance drama Chitranggada, first performed in 1892 and then modified and extended in 1936. Seven of the song lyrics in the notebook were later incorporated in the musical drama Tapati published in 1929. The remaining three song lyrics in the notebook in his three-volume song collection entitled Gitabitan (Garden of Songs), published in 1931. Heavily emended and containing Tagore's inimitable artistic deletions, one of these songs, "Mon je bale chini chini," is of particular significance. Manuscript material by Tagore is extremely rare outside of institutions and there appear to be no records of a notebook of any kind sold at auction.

GOPIO International is hosting a special luncheon in Kolkata on January 11, 2012 for Trinidad & Tobago's Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who is making a historic visit to the Kolkata Memorial on the first anniversary of

the Hoogley River in Kolkata by Vayalar Ravi, India's Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs, along with now Chief Minister of West Bengal, Hon Mamta Banerjee. The unveiling was a attended by hundreds from several countries including Guyana, Trinidad, Surname, Guadeloupe, USA, Canada, UK,

The Kolkata Memorial pays tribute to those who left India as indentured Indian laborers from 1834 thru' 1920 and is inscribed with memorial plaques in Hindi and English Kamla Persad-Bissessar

its unveiling. The Kolkata Memorial pays tribute to those who left India as indentured Indian laborers from 1834 thru' 1920 and is inscribed with memorial plaques in Hindi and English in "recognition and remembrance of their journeys as Indian indentured laborers taken to far away lands seeking better livelihoods for themselves and their descendants". It was inaugurated on January 11, 2011 at Kidderpore Depot along

Netherlands, Switzerland, South Africa, Kenya, Fiji, Mauritius, ReUnion Islands, New Zealand, Australia and other many others countries where Indians and persons of Indian origin reside. A large contingent of PIOs from the Caribbean region will be in attendance as well as many GOPIO members from local and international groups. The event will be one of the highlights of the first official state visit to India by Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar.

GOPIO meet in conjunction with PBD India Post News Service

GOPIO International will hold its annual Community Service Awards Banquet on January 6, 2012 in Jaipur, India in conjunction with GOPIO's General Council Meetings on January 6, 2012 and preceding Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD 2012) events of January 7- 9. GOPIO is inviting community representatives to provide country and regional reports on issues and prospects pertaining to Indian Diaspora in all countries with substantial NRI/PIO population. The GOPIO Community Service Awards (GOPIO CSA) are given for outstanding community service, public service and/or significant charitable or philan-

thropic contributions of benefit to the community. CSA banquet After the Executive Committee meeting and regional and country reports on January 6, there will be the annual Community Service Awards Banquet Program outline is as follows: • 11:00am GOPIO Executive Meeting • 12:30pm Lunch • 1:30pm Regional & Country Reports • 7:00pm Reception • 8:00pm GOPIO CSA Banquet For details, contact Munish Gupta (Coordinator, GOPIO Program, Jaipur 2012) at moviegupta@gmail.com

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Major Kalsi receives Bronze Star Medal for service India Post News Service

NEW YORK: The US Army's first turbaned Sikh soldier in over 30 years returned home from Afghanistan and received a Bronze Star Medal for his service. Only last year, Major Kalsi became one of the two Sikh American soldiers who successfully fought the authorities to be allowed to wear his articles of faith including his beard, uncut hair and turban to serve in active duty. Major Kamaljeet Singh Kalsi received the Bronze Star Medal for "exceptionally meritorious service as an emergency medicine physician" while deployed in Afghanistan during the first half of the year. The Bronze Star Medal is the fourth-highest combat award in the US Armed Forces. In support of the award, an official recommendation from Major Kalsi's superiors cites his resuscitation back to life of two patients who were clinically dead on arrival; his "expert" emergency care of over 750 soldiers and civilians; coordination of 5 mass casualty

exercises; and his general "commitment and leadership above and beyond that of his general duties." To his credit, Major Kalsi even set up camp-wide Internet access for over 200 soldiers at Camp Dwyer in Helmand, Afghanistan, where he was deployed. After his

Major Kalsi's record of accomplishment and service in the US Army. "His receipt of the Bronze Star Medal makes clear that Sikhs can serve with excellence while maintaining their articles of faith," it said in a statement. Current US military policy forces Sikhs to remove their reli-

service, he was promoted from Captain to Major. "It continues to be my honor to serve my country," said Major Kalsi. "I look forward to service as duty calls." Sikh advocacy group The Sikh Coalition said that it was proud of

giously-required turbans and facial hair in order to join the military. Over the past two years, the Army granted individual accommodations to Major Kalsi and two other Sikh soldiers, which allow them to maintain turbans and beards.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Bollywood legendary actor Dilip Kumar (C) gestures as his wife actress Saira Banu (top L), actor Amitabh Bachchan (L), Jaya Bachchan (R) and Abhishek Bachchan (top R) pose for a photograph on Kumar's 89th birthday celebrations on December 11

Furor over Subramanian Swamy's ouster from Harvard India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Thousands of Indian Americans, human rights activists and several other institutions and highly placed professionals, living in India as well as the US have registered their protest to Harvard University against the curtailment of free speech at Harvard. The sacking of Indian political activist and economist Dr. Subramanian Swamy from Harvard summer school has generated much heat among the various Indian American groups which have mounted a concerted campaign to get him reinstated. Harvard President Dr. Drew Faust is being bombarded with letters, emails, faxes and phone calls from outraged members of the Indian American community asking that Dr. Swamy's courses on economics be reinstated. Last week, the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) at Harvard University decided to drop the two summer economics courses taught by Dr. Swamy because of a particular op-ed he wrote in an Indian newspaper earlier this year, which they deemed amounts to hate speech against Indian Muslims. Since the FAS decision to drop Swamy's courses, an opinion piece on the Harvard Crimson

website commending the decision to sack Swamy said: "The Harvard community has an obligation to maintain a minimum standard of decency among its members. Those who stand for bigotry, hatred, and violence have no place instructing students or wearing the Harvard name. We commend the faculty for their principled decision." However, there's been a plethora of comments pouring in from the Harvard student community on the website criticizing the decision. One such reader comment said: "Hey Crimson, you conveniently forget to mention that Swami's brother-in-law is Jewish, his son-in-law Muslim, his sister-in-law Christian, and his wife Zoroastrian. Do some independent research before you label someone as a bigot!" Condemning the university's action, Bhavna Shinde Hurley spokesperson, Forum for Hindu Awakening said: "In the name of freedom of speech, Universities like Harvard are known to hold conferences that have an antiHindu, anti-India agenda, such as the pro 'Kashmir secession/freedom' conferences held by the organization of Ghulam Nabi Fai, who has now confessed in US courts about the source of his funding being Pakistan's ISI, to influence US policy on Kashmir.

This has promoted policies that have virtually enabled genocide of Hindus in Kashmir. Don't such conferences demonize an entire religious community, namely the Hindu community and aren't they allowed in the universities in the

Dosapati too referred to Dr. Swamy's daughter who is married to an Indian Muslim as also to an Aug 1987 fast unto death undertaken by Dr. Swamy to demand inquiry into the illegal killing of a Muslim youth by police in India. ‘It is travesty of justice to call him anti-Muslim and shows the bigotry of those in Harvard who supported this action’ name of freedom of expression? It smacks of double standard that Harvard University should feel justified to brush aside this very freedom of speech to cancel Dr.

Swamy's courses, citing some imaginary distinction between unpopular and unwelcome political views!" Shinde pointed out a television interview that Swamy had done following the controversy over his article where he clarified that he was not against Islam or Muslims, that if it were so, he would not have accepted his daughter's marriage to a Muslim man. In a letter to Dr. Drew Faust, President, Harvard University, Satya Dosapati of Save India From Corruption said there was enormous indignation in the community to such action by Harvard. He said it does not appear that anyone from Harvard approached Dr. Swamy to give his response. "As a premier institution standing for free speech rights, is this not the basic thing to do?" he asked. Referring to how Harvard conducted itself in similar situations in the past, Dosapati said: "In March 2002, Dr. Alan Dershowitz published an article in 'The Jerusalem Post', entitled 'New Response to Palestinian Terrorism', where he writes that in response to terrorism from Palestine, after due notice, Israel should bulldoze all of the buildings in the village. In spite of major protests Harvard stood by Dr Alan's right to free speech. Is there anything in Dr.

Swamy's article close to this? Is it because he is a brown person, he can be treated so unceremoniously? Is this not a blatant case of racism?" Dosapati too referred to Dr. Swamy's daughter who is married to an Indian Muslim as also to an Aug 1987 fast unto death undertaken by Dr. Swamy to demand inquiry into the illegal killing of a Muslim youth by police in India. "It is travesty of justice to call him anti-Muslim and shows the bigotry of those in Harvard who supported this action," Dosapati said. Adam Kissel of the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) wrote in a blog that by canceling Dr. Swamy's courses, Harvard's Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) has placed speech and academic freedom in danger at Harvard. Kissel further wrote that there are permissible reasons to cancel a professor's courses, but … the FAS did not act on any of them. "Harvard must reverse FAS's violation of its moral obligation to uphold freedom of speech. It would be most preferable for FAS to remedy its own mistake. Failing that, higher-ups at Harvard must act to protect Harvard's integrity. Harvard has already embarrassed itself far too much over free speech issues in recent years."

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December 23, 2011

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Delhi govt revokes withdrawal of prosecution against hotelier NEW DELHI: As Home Minister P Chidambaram came in the line of opposition fire, the Delhi government revoked its earlier decision not to press for prosecution of cases against a hotelier said to be a former client of the minister. The decision was taken by Lt Governor Tejinder Khanna, which comes against the backdrop of controversy over the alleged conflict of interest involving Chidambaram in withdrawal of three cases against his client S P Gupta, Chairman, Sunair Hotels Limited, New Delhi. "Keeping in view this recommendation of the Director of Prosecution, the Home Department again submitted the case to the LG with the recommendation that withdrawal of prosecution in respect of the above cases may not be pressed before the competent court and the trial may proceed further on merits. This recommendation has been approved by the LG on 15.12.2011," a Delhi government press release said. The Director of Prosecution had on detailed examination of the contents of the charge sheets against the hotelier had recommended that there was sufficient evidence on record against the accused and the courts may not allow withdrawal of prosecution. The LG had earlier on November 18 approved withdrawal of theses cases on the basis of recommendations by the Screening

Committee headed by Principal Secretary (Home). The LG's decision climaxed a day of drama in Parliament where the BJP and some other opposition parties paralyzed business demanding the resignation of Chidambaram. While the Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day, the Rajya Sabha was adjourned till noon over the issue.

Union Home Secretary R K Singh claimed that the draft of a letter sent by the Home Ministry to the Delhi government for withdrawal of the FIRs had not been shown to the Home Minister Opposition members contended that there was a conflict of interest as Chidambaram had appeared for Gupta in the cases of cheating and forgery in 2003 before the Delhi High Court and 2001 in Company Law Board. The FIRs against Gupta were filed on the complaint by V L S Finance. The Director of Prosecution, in

his recommendation to the Home Department, said "after perusal of the charge sheets of the aforesaid cases, it has been revealed that there is sufficient evidence on record against the accused persons. "Keeping in view the evidence on record, there is every likelihood that the concerned court may not allow the application of the State moved under section 321 of the Cr Procedural Code, which is a prerequisite condition, for withdrawal from the prosecution of any case." The Delhi government release said its Home Department had received a representation through the Union Home Ministry in May, 2011 that the dispute between Sunair Hotels Limited and V L S Finance Ltd, who had granted some financial accommodation to them, was essentially of a civil nature and did not involve any criminal liability. Meanwhile, the Home Ministry said Chidambaram did not have any role in the withdrawal of the FIRs against Gupta. Union Home Secretary R K Singh claimed that the draft of a letter sent by the Home Ministry to the Delhi government for withdrawal of the FIRs had not been shown to the Home Minister or Home Secretary or the Joint Secretary concerned and it did not reflect the proper deliberations of the Home Ministry. He suggested it could be a fault of drafting. -PTI

TOM CRUISE IN AGRA: Hollywood actor Tom Cruise and Bollywood Actor Anil Kapoor pose at the Taj Mahal in Agra. Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise was in India to promote the fourth installment of his blockbuster Mission: Impossible series. Sporting a big grin and sunglasses, the actor who is on a worldwide promotional tour for the movie, told reporters in the Indian capital he was 'very excited to be here' as cameramen jostled to film him

Govt meets social networking cos, asserts no plan to censor NEW DELHI: Amid controversy over screening of content in the cyber world, the government held a dialogue with Google, Facebook and Twitter seeking their views on effective usage of their platforms but asserted that there was no question of censorship of Internet. The government has called for an open dialogue with the social media companies, including Google, Facebook and Twitter, and various government departments, including the Ministry of External Affairs and the Department of Information and Technology and sought opinions on how social media and e-governance can empower individuals and citizens, Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal said after the meeting. Asked whether there was any plan to formulate a mechanism to regulate Internet content, Sachin Pilot, Minister of State for Communication and IT, said, "There is no question of censorship of

Internet. "Whatever law has to me made are already in place. The Government of India is committed to abiding by what is there according to the Constitution of India which is

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Government of India is committed to abiding by what is there according to the Constitution of India which is freedom of speech and expression. We protect that with a lot of energyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; freedom of speech and expression. We protect that with a lot of energy," he said. Sibal said this discussion and this dialogue is about how the

social media can empower the government, because under the normal processes of the government, there is always a limited dialogue with representatives of society as the means are limited. In September this year, in an endeavor to increase the trust of citizens in the online environment and to enable the various government agencies to choose appropriate authentication mechanism, the Department of Information Technology had conceptualized the e-Pramaan framework for authentication of public services. . Source in the know also said the Telecom Ministry is mulling forming an inter-ministerial group to work out a mechanism to monitor and avoid uploading of any defamatory material on Internet. Sibal further said the reach of the social media is enormous, but those who use the social media are limited, so it should not be that the government represents the point of view of a certain section of society.

He asked the social network representatives, "How does the social media use its own platform to ensure that the voice of the marginalized is heard by government, which otherwise sometimes

Last week, Sibal had met with officials from Google, Microsoft, Facebook and Yahoo and had complained about offensive material on their websites is not heard?" "So, in other words, we want a constructive dialogue that helps them to empower us when we move forward in our decision-

making," he added. Pilot said the meeting also discussed as to how to use social media platform to help the government for the disaster management. The meeting assumes significance in view of India, for the first time, is hosting The World Information Technology Forum (WITFOR), a unique global forum initiated by the International Federation for Information Processing (IFIP) formed under the auspices of UNESCO, in April next year. Telecom Minister Sibal is Chairperson of this Forum. Last week, Sibal had met with officials from Google, Microsoft, Facebook and Yahoo and had complained about offensive material on their websites. However, Sibal maintained that the government does not want to interfere with the press, but if the social networking sites are not willing to cooperate with the government on stopping incendiary material, appropriate steps will be taken.-PTI

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People on street can't deal with corruption: Amartya Sen NEW DELHI: In a veiled attack on Anna Hazare-led civil society over Lokpal issue, renowned economist Amartya Sen has fa-

Amartya Sen

vored a solution by Parliament to take on the menace of corruption,

saying "people on the street" could not deal with it in a proper manner. "I don't personally think, the people on street could, in a very good way, deal with the corruption issue," Sen said while welcoming the fact that the issue had come into prominence. "We need to do whatever anti-corruption thing we have to do. It has to have a parliamentary feature, reality feature, rather than going outside politics and reality of action in India," the Nobel laureate said while de-

livering a keynote address at the launch of UN ESCAP's sub-regional office for South and Southwest Asia here. The comments by Sen, who spoke to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh earlier, came in the backdrop of preparations by Team Anna for a fast later this month on Lokpal issue in case a strong anti-corruption legislation is not enacted in the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament. "...I am not a believer that it could be done in the way exemplary punishment is meted out by Panchayats to deal with the guy who drinks. I think we have to be careful about this," Sen said. "I welcome the fact that corruption has become a bigger issue.... it is important that corruption is in someway (being) highlighted and it seems that the people hate (the corrupt)," he said. -PTI

Zed honored at Anandpur Sahib P

resident of Universal Society of Hinduism Rajan Zed (second from right) was honored with a siropa on December 11 in Anandpur Sahib (Punjab, India) in the Sri Kesgarh Sahib complex, which houses one of the five holy Takhts of Sikhism. In the picture, Zed is being presented with a framed image of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib by Giani Tarlochan Singh (right). At extreme left is Surjit Singh.

DEBATING BURNING TOPICS: United States Deputy Secretary of State William Burns talks with Indian Foreign Minister S. M. Krishna during a meeting in New Delhi on December 12. US Deputy Secretary of State Burns is on a three-day visit to India, to hold talks on a wide range of bilateral, regional and global issues with top officials of the country, the State Department has announced

Medstar helps lift holiday spirit

Medstar trio of Naren Patel, Neal Patel and Raj Patel with members of neighborhood families Asian Media USA

CHICAGO: Partnering with Erie Neighborhood House that serves low income families since 1870, a front ranking Indian business firm Medstar Laboratory helped many a poor and low income family with daily necessities to uplift their Holiday spirit. The two provided families with groceries, goodie bags and toys

for their children. The families were overjoyed and the children were thrilled as they opened their gifts of choice as they had requested on their wish list. The Medstar trio Naren, Neal and Raj Patel picked up this community service on December 8 and had their eyes filled with tears as they heard the heart wrenching stories about survival spirit of neighborhood families.

Wen not coming to Nepal over Tibetan protests KATHMANDU: The last- high-profile visit. minute postponement of Chinese "The number of Tibetan proPremier Wen Jiabao's maiden visit tests has gone up since (Prime to Nepal has sparked off specula- Minister Baburam) Bhattarai astion in the media here which cited sumed office in August," adds the 'security threat' and 'increasing daily. activities of Tibetan exiles' as the The daily quoting intelligence reasons behind Beijing's surprise sources said that the flow of Timove. betan refugees from Dharamshala The postponement of the visit to Kathmandu has gone up sigby the Chinese Premier was the made main headline in almost all Deputy Prime Minister and the major dailies of Foreign Minister Narayankaji Kathmandu. Wen, the first Chinese Premier to Shrestha quoting Chinese visit Nepal since 2001, sources claimed that the visit was scheduled to arrive was postponed due to here on December 20 for a three day official tour. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;domestic reasonsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Narayankaji Shrestha quoting nificantly in recent days, which Chinese sources claimed that the might have prompted China to visit was postponed due to "do- postpone the trip. mestic reasons" in China. The Rajdhani, a Nepali language naChinese Premier is required to be tional daily reported that the visit at home because of pressing do- was postponed in the wake of semestic issues, the Foreign Minis- curity threat and increasing Free ter said quoting Chinese officials. Tibet activities in the capital city. The Kathmandu Post said The Himalayan Times reported Wen's visit was postponed as that the visit was cancelled in the Nepal failed to convince the Chi- wake of Beijing's security connese that no Tibetan protests cerns and political instability in would take place here during the Nepal. -PTI

Desi News Silver jubilee of Chicago Brahma Samaj ASIAN MEDIA USA

Dr. Ambati elected Science Fellow SURESH SHAH

Elegant, imaginative classical dance Anand

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA

Details on page 18

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December 23, 2011

Indian students learn navigating between East & West SURI SWAMY

INDIANAPOLIS: "As a teenager when I went to Indian parties, kids around me would discuss SAT scores, AP courses, Ivy league schools or list of extracurricular activities whereas I would be sharing with them about my upcoming championship tournaments. I hang out with them all the time and we are still really good friends but we would feel that we are talking two different languages. They were surprised that how come it is okay to not get straight A's and focus on being a professional tennis player" remarked keynote speaker Tennis Pro Rajeev Ram at the second Retreat of Asian Youth (RAY) 2011 - Unleash Your Potential. The retreat held on November 30 in Indianapolis attracted 35 Asian American high school students from the area and more than half of them were Indians. They came together at this day-long leadership development conference sponsored by the Asian American Alliance, Inc (AAAI) to reflect on their heritage, enhance their network, gain a mentor and discuss the challenges they face in today's society. Asian American Alliance is a not for profit organization with a mis-

Keynote speaker Rajeev Ram at Asian Youth Retreat

sion to empowering Asian Americans to lead and serve in business and community in Indiana. Rupal Thanawala, AAAI board

Rupal Thanawala addressing the Meet

event is designed to give Asian American students an opportunity to learn about the Asian Heritage and connect with Asian American

‘Most of the Indians who made it to that level have proved to be the top performers but the challenge is that we do not have mentors to guide us’ member, floated this idea last year and had successfully organized the event. She was also one of the main organizers this year too .The

ANU SAMRAT

Nirankari Mission donates food to shelter for homeless

Group of participating students

professionals who are successful in different industries, rather than only in the traditional roles of doctors, engineers and lawyers.

Ninand, a student making a point

"There are few exceptions to the rule but for the most part Indians have been very successful in middle management, in academia, technical or medical fields but are not well represented in top management and different sectors such as music, media, sports, politics. Most of the Indians who made it to that level have proved to be the top performers but the challenge is that we do not have mentors to guide us. We do not have enough role models in the community or they are not paired up with youth to guide them such that kids with the diverse talents. I wanted to provide students an opportunity to 'think outside the box', get a role model, share their dream, talk to a mentor and learn about their Asian American identity. RAY mentors are committed to providing guidance to the students beyond the event and they are musicians, athletes, media professionals, artists, entrepreneurs, corporate executives," said Rupal. RAY 2011 succeeded in giving an opportunity for students to realize and unleash their potential by enlisting motivational speakers, incorporating fun activities and setting aside time for students to voice their feelings - both embracing and frustrating - about their heritage. Rajeev Ram spoke about the struggles he endured while trying to break into his sport and how rewarding his experience has been. Cont’d on page 14

Community Across America

December 23, 2011

India Post 13

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Air India winning over flying public SURENDRA ULLAL

CHICAGO: With one of the most state-of-the-art aircraft Boeing 777 -flying non stop from Chicago to New Delhi and improved customer friendly schedules with easy connectivity to all major destinations in India, the national Indian airline, Air India, seems to be winning over not only Indian travelers but also quite a number of non-Indians too, according to travel industry sources. Mafat Patel, a leading Indian travel business executive, said that the factors that are contributing to a relatively high level of patronage for Air India is the food that is served during the flight taking into consideration the religious preferences and the customer friendly staff. "My company, Air Tours markets not only Air India but many other airlines too that fly between India and Chicago, and I could say with impunity that we have the least number of complaints about Air India," he said. Sharing the view expressed by Mafat Patel, Dial Gidwany, yet another veteran of travel business said that Indian authorities seem determined to march strides with other countries in offering all possible facilities and accessibility at

Air India logo

international airports. "The new Terminal 3 at New Delhi is reflective of this determination. It can be described as a state-of-the-art international standard airport. Easily among best even at the global level," he observed. Gidwany heads Intra World Travel and said that he would prefer flying Air India all the time and has no regret asserting that. According to Air India sources, the number of senior citizens flying with the airliner has gone up and so also the number of non-ethnic Indian passengers.

According to Air India sources, the number of senior citizens flying with the airliner has gone up and so also the number of nonethnic Indian passengers

The occupancy rate has also gone up. The direct non-stop flight between Chicago and New Delhi with easy connections to go to other cities has proved very helpful. The schedule is changed in such a way that it takes into consideration the customers' convenience. For instance, passengers with ultimate destination to Mumbai would reach there by evening after a halt of couple of hours in New Delhi. The same would apply to other destinations. Gidwany, who had earlier worked for Air India, said that he

was happy to notice a change for better in dealing with the customers at all levels, especially here and in New York, as he feels that this is the only way to survive the prevalent severe competition among major airliners. The surge in fuel prices has upped the air fares and globally bad economy deters frequent flyers, especially at the corporate level. "Unless customers get Maharaja treatment, they would switch loyalty. I am happy that the Air India culture is more customer-friendly now than ever before," he added.

Victim turns savior for sex-abused SURENDRA ULLAL

CHICAGO: Sex trafficking of children has become one of world's most serious problems, pushing the helpless and innocent children to a life of misery and uncertainty. Significant amount of work is being carried out across nations of the world, yet for reasons of its own because of the greed and money involved by exploitation it has become difficult but not impossible to improve the situation. What is surprising those who wish to devote their time to alleviate the problem is that an estimated 1.37 million (or 39%) of the total homeless population are children under the age of 18. And over 80% of these children are either addicts and/or abused. This by itself should become an eye-opener to the people across the world to take a determined action. Lauri Burns was one of those statistics. She grew up with daily beatings from her father; was committed to a mental institution for the criminally insane by the age of 13; was in and out of over 13 correctional institutions by the age of 16; was addicted to heroin and was a "known" prostitute by the

age of 19. Today Burns is a successful executive for a Fortune 100 Aerospace Defense Company, an international inspirational speaker, an author, the founder of The Teen

Lauri Burns was one of those statistics. She grew up with daily beatings from her father; was committed to a mental institution for the criminally insane by the age of 13; was in and out of over 13 correctional institutions by the age of 16 Project for homeless youth which has already housed over 100 teens in the Southern California area, and a foster mom to over 30 of the county's most troubled foster chil-

dren (drugs, prostitution, cutters, eating disorders and behavioral disorders). "The worse the behavior, the more anxious I am to receive the child," says Burns. Her life was "the study of the path out," she points out. She is contacted regularly from teens and

parents all over the United States who have heard her story and are seeking help and she is a part of Oprah's Angel s Network. She is a part of Oprah's Angel Network and has been approached by multiple networks for a feature, movie rights and pilot show. It is her

dream that no teen should ever be without a safe home or a family. Burns just completed a book about her life story - Punished for Purpose: From Out of the Darkness Came a Powerful Healing Light. 75% of the book proceeds go to The Teen Project.

Community Across America

14 India Post

December 23, 2011

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Silver jubilee of Chicago Brahma Samaj ASIAN MEDIA USA

Lamp lighting ceremony with Dr. CL Shastri giving Ashir Vachan

CHICAGO: The Brahma Samaj of Greater Chicago celebrated its 25th Anniversary and Annual Diwali with members and their families on Saturday, December 10 at India House Restaurant in Schaumburg, a north side suburb of Chicago, with 50 plus members and guests. The evening started with welcome speeches from the emcees of the evening, Reena and Bhavik Pandya The Diva ceremony was conducted by Madhukar Shukla, Himanshubhai Shukla, Pramodray Shukla, and Acharya C.L. Shashtri. Acharya C.L. Shastri did an opening prayer. This was followed by the musical group Sur Sangeet, led by Mrs. Shaila Khedkar reciting two bhajans. Reena then introduced Gaurang Trivedi, President of Brahma Samaj Greater Chicago. Trivedi in his address dwelled on activities of the Samaj in the past two and half decades saying the Board of Directors and all the members have helped the Samaj

to grow over the past 25 years and "I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our committed and hard working Board Members."

Office bearers of Brahma Samaj

build my esteem, confidence, and pride in our heritage." The first two awards were presented to Shri & Smt. Himanshu Shukla and

Kirit Dave and Shri and Smt. Bharat Acharya. The third sets of awards to Shri Gaurang and Mrs. Gautam Gor and Shri and Smt.

Acharya C.L. Shastri did an opening prayer. This was followed by the musical group Sur Sangeet, led by Mrs. Shaila Khedkar reciting two bhajans Kids who participated in the Samaj celebration

Urvi Purani, Joint Youth Coordinator said that "Brahma Samaj of Greater Chicago" is my family as "the Samaj that has helped me

to Shri and Smt Pramodray. Eight people presidents were recognized. The second sets of awards were presented to Shri and Smt.

Pranav Vyas. The last set of awards were presented to Shri and Smt. Kirit Purani and to Shri and Smt Gaurang Trivedi. After

the awards ceremony, the Executive Committee, Board of Directors and Advisor and Committee members were recognized. The following is the Executive Committee: Gaurang Trivedi President, Purvish Pandya - Vice President, Raj Trivedi - Treasurer, Bhavik Pandya - Joint Treasurer, Ami Dave - Secretary, Reena Pandya - Joint Secretary, Nisha Trivedi - Youth Coordinator, and Urvi Purani - Joint Youth Coordinator. Board of Directors & Advisory Committee: Suresh Jani - Board of Director, Mahen Oza - Board of Director, Janardan Trivedi Board of Director, Gautam Gor Advisor, Ravi Trivedi - Advisor, Vikram Trivedi - Advisor, Kirit Purani - Advisor, Pranav Vyas Advisor, and Kamlesh Trivedi Advisor. There was dinner that was followed by famous DJ Khush & Dhol rhythms and the dance floor was packed with all young & adults dancing to the rhythm.

Indian students learn navigating between East & West Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 12

He told students how incredibly important his heritage is to him, and how he didn't allow stereotypes to limit his dreams. Most importantly, he left students with the call to action to choose a career that they can enjoy all their life, not something that will simply make them wealthy. Rajeev spent the remainder of the day with students, joining them for lunch, autographing tennis balls and taking photos. Renowned architect and artist K.P.Singh joined students for lunch and shared his inspiring story "Desi Hoosier" about how did he blend himself in Indiana in 1960s as an only turbaned Sikh in government sector and arts arena. He emphasized on maintaining the Indian heritage while adapting the American culture. Dr. Anita Jain and Asheesh Agarwal served as the mentors

and facilitated the group discussions. There were three group breakout sessions throughout the day led by members of the AAAI board and students from IUPUI's Asian Student Union, which gave the stu-

tion left a gap of disengagement in other areas he wished to talk about, like sports. Other students reported that education is important, but they felt pressured by the demands of getting into a top school and

Some of them voiced concerns about losing touch with their Indian heritage because of the dominance of American culture. Adoptive students were especially worried about this. However, they agreed that RAY provided a great opportunity to learn about and share Indian culture dents a chance to interact with each other, meet new mentors and discuss topics of interest to them. One student expressed that his family's enormous emphasis on educa-

scoring high on SATs. Students also spoke of the assumption of many teachers that Asian students do not need help in school and are automatically the smartest kids in

the class. The highlight of the day was the students led discussion forum "Navigating between East and West" where students shared their opinions about pros and cons of both the cultures. Many positive conversations stemmed from the breakout sessions as well, as students discussed their pride at being unique by having two, strong cultural backgrounds. Some of them voiced concerns about losing touch with their Indian heritage because of the dominance of American culture. Adoptive students were especially worried about this. However, they agreed that RAY provided a great opportunity to learn about and share Indian culture while connecting with other students in the Indianapolis area. RAY is a free event that takes place each November and RAY students team up to serve the community in spring.

Community Across America

December 23, 2011

Three new shows from Zee Marathi KRISHNA RAJDA

CHICAGO: Members of Maharastiran community in Chicagoland extended welcome to the announcement that Zee TV that has been bringing the Marathi Diaspora their favorite shows right to their doorsteps for the past few months has now launched three new shows thru Zee Marathi. Arundhati airs Monday to Saturday at 6:30pm ET. It is the story of a young, cheerful and confident girl, from Sounpoor. Her family, the Jahagirdars live in an old ancestral house where time has washed away all the wealth but the attitude still lingers. She runs a school for blind children and is the apple of her father's eye. All is well and good until the family is visited by Padmini, who has her eyes on the mountain that is owned by the Jahagirdars, as she has information that the mountain has gold mines beneath it. Padmini tricks Arundhati into marrying her blind son Digvijay. Thus begins the journey of Arundhati in the house of her new family! The hit reality show Eka Peksha Ek airs Wednesdays & Thursdays

Padmini tricks Arundhati into marrying her blind son Digvijay. Thus begins the journey of Arundhati in the house of her new family at 9pm ET. Zee Marathi's most awaited & highly acclaimed dance reality show brings double the glamour with this season of Eka Peksha Ek! Watch as dancing couples face fierce competition and celebrate the magic of dance! Marathi Paul Padhate Pudhe airs Mondays & Tuesdays at 9pm ET. It showcases the exclusive talents from the roots of Maharashtra. Talents of amateur artists ranging from extraordinary physical abilities, music & dance with a difference and any other unique abilities are all featured on the show. The stage is dedicated to appreciating originality. Viewers will find a reason to be amazed, thrilled excited, about never seen before acts / talents from Maharashtra! Enjoy your favorite shows on Zee Marathi, available on Dish Network on channel 619. Zee Marathi has a range of programming including movies, reality shows and dramas. It caters specifically to the viewing interests of Marathi speakers in the Americas.

India Post 15

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Dr. Ambati elected Science Fellow SURESH SHAH

LEXINGTON, Ky: Dr. Jayakrishna Ambati, professor and vice chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine has been named a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Each year, the Council elects members whose efforts on behalf of the advancement of science or its applications are scientifically or socially distinguished. Ambati is being honored for distinguished contributions to age-related macular degeneration and ocular angiogenesis; particularly for revealing surprising functions of chemokines, noncoding RNAs, and toll-like receptors in their pathogenesis. Ambati, and the other new fellows, will be recognized for their contributions to science and technology during the AAAS Fellows Forum at the association's annual

meeting in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Feb. 18, 2012.

Dr J Ambati

Ambati's lab, which is funded by the National Eye Institute, has made numerous foundational con-

tributions in macular degeneration research with multiple research articles published in Nature, Na-

tigation. Ambati holds the Dr. E. Vernon Smith and Eloise C. Smith Endowed Chair in Macular Degeneration Research. The American Association Science has the for the Advancement of Scilargest paid circulaence is the world's largest tion of any peergeneral scientific society, and publisher of the journal, Scireviewed general science journal in the ence. It was founded in 1848, and includes 262 affiliated world, with an estisocieties and academies of science, serving 10 million inmated total readerdividuals. ship of 1 million. The Science has the largest non-profit AAAS is paid circulation of any peeropen to all and fulfills reviewed general science journal in the world, with an estiits mission to "admated total readership of 1 vance science and million. The non-profit AAAS serve society" is open to all and fulfills its mission to "advance science and serve society" through ture Medicine, Proceedings of the initiatives in science policy, interNational Academy of Sciences national programs, science educaand the Journal of Clinical Inves- tion, and more.

Sikh Coalition leads demand for TSA audit India Post News Service

NEW YORK: A diverse coalition of 38 civil rights organizations led by the Sikh Coalition is demanding an independent audit of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to determine whether the agency engages in racial profiling. In a letter to Department of

Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano, the groups expressed concern about recent news reports that TSA officers openly targeted Mexican and Dominican travelers for extra scrutiny at airports in Hawaii and New Jersey. TSA officers at the Honolulu International Airport targeted Mexicans so often that their col-

leagues called them the "Mexicutioners." The letter also notes that Sikh travelers are routinely selected for secondary screening at some American airports, even after clearing advanced imaging technology machines without incident. The Sikh Coalition believes that these troubling reports are the tip of the iceberg for TSA profiling.

"Based on Sikh experience, we've long suspected that TSA officers are engaged in a pattern of profiling minorities instead of focusing on criminal behavior," the Sikh Coalition said. "Only an independent, publicly-reported audit can reveal the full extent to which TSA officers are violating rights, wasting taxpayer dollars, and undermining national security.

End Racial Profiling bill reintroduced India Post News Service

WASHINGTON: The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) has applauded Representative John Conyers (D - Michigan) for reintroducing The End Racial Profiling Act (ERPA) in the House of Representatives and has urged all Sikh Americans to write to their Representative to ask them to sup-

ate. Send a message to your Senators and Representatives asking them for their support in putting an end to racial profiling. The End Racial Profiling Act of 2011 (H.R. 3618) will: • Prohibit racial profiling by any law enforcement agent or law enforcement agency • Require training on racial profiling issues as part of law enforcement training

This landmark legislation aims to eliminate racial and religious profiling that has singled out various minority communities port the bill. This landmark legislation aims to eliminate racial and religious profiling that has singled out various minority communities, including Sikh Americans, in the United States. A version of this bill is also making its way through the Sen-

• Mandate the collection of data with detail sufficient to permit an analysis of whether a law enforcement agency is engaging in racial profiling • Create procedures for receiving, investigating, and responding meaningfully to complaints alleg-

ing racial profiling by law enforcement agents • Provide an individual injured

by racial profiling to file a civil action for declaratory or injunctive relief

Community Across America

16 India Post

December 23, 2011

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Elegant & imaginative classical dance Anand ANU SAMRAT

CHICAGO: Samskriti Foundation headed by dancer Shoba Natarajan, recently presented a delightful recital titled "Ananda new and vintage choreography in Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi", at the Centerstage Theater, Naperville, a southwest Chicago suburb. The ensemble consisted of Shoba Natarajan, Anjali Nandan, Jalaja Hemanth, Janaki Nair, Lakshmi Thirumani, Sailaja Kambhammettu, Srilekha Sama, Swetha Vijayaraghavan and Vinod Menon. The first item for the evening was a Mallari and Alarippu in Bharatanatyam. The brochure read: "Rhythmic exploration of ritual processional music flows into a unique exploration of a traditional element of the repertoire", which was exactly what it was. The four Bharatanatyam dancers did a fine job with the various adavus and formations and though the music was the same for a good portion of this item, with rhythmic variations, the dance consisted of constantly changing patterns. The flow into Alarippu was seamless and the Alarippu

was itself was very different from the usual ones I have seen. The second item was "Gayiye Ganapathi" in Kuchipudi style. Here the four Kuchipudi dancers did a fine job with typical Kuchipudi adavus and movement and the program got off to a great start, with these two items in

Many of songs presented by Bharatanatyam dancers are of an inner feeling of devotion (anthar bhakthi) and an outer feeling of love (bahir shringaara). I found this approach interesting and riveting. Both dancers seemed experienced and made the intense abhinaya and the intricate

With only music and no words and no set rhythmic patterns commonly found in Indian compositions, the item opened up lots of possibilities the two different styles. The third item for the evening was a varnam in Bharatanatyam style. Varnam is typically the central piece in a traditional Bharatanatyam presentation and has segments of both abhinaya and nritta. This one had two dancers present it (Shoba and Vinod) and what was unusual about it was that it depicted two different approaches.

nritta look very easy. After this came the "Shivashtakam" by Kuchipudi. This consists of 8 couplets in praise of Lord Shiva. Like the first item in Bharatanatyam, this item too had musical notes that were repetitive (though with sahitya in Sanskrit), but the choreography was brisk and thoughtfully done. In particular, I liked the portion where one dancer

(Shoba) was doing the abhinaya as if she was playing one percussion instrument after the other, while the other dancers did the jathis. The fifth item was a thillana in Bharatanatyam. This was in the popular raga Kapi and again, Shoba's skill as a choreographer shone through with lots of beautiful nritta patterns. The penultimate item for the evening was a dhrupad in Kuchipudi in raga Purvi. When this was announced, my interest was piqued as I had not seen dance version of this musical composition. Kuchipudi style was totally suited to this and the audience were treated to wonderful nritta combinations. The last piece was "Nostalgia" (music by Yanni) in Kuchipudi style. With only music and no words and no set rhythmic patterns commonly found in Indian compositions, the item opened up lots of possibilities. The dancers portrayed a lovely garden and rounded it off with joyful dancing. The entire recital was elegant, imaginative and refreshing.

Hindus protest screening of film 'denigrating' deity India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Several Hindus, young and old, Marathi and nonMarathi speaking alike, gathered in protest in front of Bluelight Cinemas in Cupertino, California on

script writer intended to promote the message of doing away with deities. The protest demonstration was held in response to Forum for Hindu Awakening's appeal to protest, considering the defiance

Following the film's screening, a question-answer session was held between the audience and the film's producer Abhijeet Gholap. However, the Forum said that the protesters were not allowed to participate Hindus lined up in Deool protest at Bluelight Cinemas

December 10, against the screening of the Indian (Marathi) film Deool (Temple). The film reportedly features a rap song that denigrates the revered Hindu deity Datta. The protesters also say that the film's

of California Arts Association (CalAA) to go ahead with the film's screening on the birth anniversary of deity Datta (Dec 10). The protestors systematically lined up in front of Bluelight Cinemas at 10am, holding hoardings

with protest slogans and the saffron flag of Hinduism, and flyers to generate awareness about the issue among the film goers. The protestors explained to many of those who turned up to watch the film, about the denigration of the

deity in the film and its subliminal anti-Dharmik message, through flyers with the song's lyrics translated into English. Following the film's screening, a question-answer session was held between the audience and

the film's producer Abhijeet Gholap. However, the Forum said that the protesters were not allowed to participate in that session. Later however, the Forum said, though hardly acknowledging the denigration issue, Gholap apologized if the film or its song has hurt anyone's feelings. During a second screening of the same film the next day organized by the Maharashtra Mandal Bay Area (MMBA), the organizers, as earlier promised to the Forum for Hindu Awakening, muted out the song. The film's producers apparently claimed it was aimed at creating awareness about the 'commercialization of religion'. However, they later exposed their antiHindu theme of 'eliminating the deities', the Forum said.

Community Across America

December 23, 2011

India Post 17

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Christmas celebration at Museum of Science HARISH RAO

CHICAGO: It was the 70th Christmas around the World celebration at the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago. The Museum is decorated with forest of Christmas trees representing the ethnic background of over 50 countries around the world. The Museum was jam-packed with visitors with festive mood. The Christmas tree depicting Indian theme was shinning almost alone like a star. The Holiday stage was full of cultural jamboree with the performers from East to West. The Mangalorean Konkan Christian Association, (MKCA/USA) performed Indian cultural program along with Christmas Tableau at the Holiday stage. The program started with singing of National Anthem "The Star-spangled Banner" by Crystal Rodrigues. The MKCA president Queenie Mendonca welcomed the guests. In her welcome speech she highlighted the richness of Indian culture and its unity in diversity. This was followed by Bharat Natyam Dance "Shiva Tandava" by Kalapriya Dance Academy. Fr Richie Vaz SVD, Chairperson of the program, presented well-rounded message about the birth of Jesus Christ and the message of Peace and Eternal Life. This was

Emcee Immediate Past President Lawrence Mascarenhas

Welcome address by President Queenie Mendonca

Shawn, Shannon - Inn keepers; Samantha - Angel Gabriel; and a new born baby of Steven and Sabrina as infant Jesus. The Nativity scene was well organized. When Joseph upheld the new born baby (Jesus) to the audience depicting the "Cimba" of Lion King, the audience cheered with thunderous applause! This was followed by solo Punjabi dance by

'Maiyya Yashoda' (Jamuna Mix) by Lopa's Creative and Bollywood dance'

followed by a Christmas Tableau choreographed by Fr. Richie Vaz. The Tableau was played by Jossie Mendonca - Joseph; Shannon Mascarenhas - Mother Mary; Joey,

Gauri Kukreja. Lopa's Creative and Bollywood Dance troupe consisting of five small kids presented 'Maiyya Yashoda (Jamuna Mix)', and Sonia's Dance Rhythm

Shiva Tandava' by Kalapriya Dance Academy

Angel Gabriel Samantha Concesso

The Nativity scene was well organized. When Joseph upheld the new born baby (Jesus) to the audience depicting the "Cimba" of Lion King, the audience cheered

Mary (Shannon Mascarenhas) visited by Angel

consisting of eight young kids presented Bollywood dance. The entire program was a show of India's culture from different regions. It was in fact a show of India's "Unity in Diversity." The program concluded with singing of India's National Anthem - Jana Ghana Mana led by Roopa Misquita. The program was effectively compeered by Lawrence Mascarenhas, the Immediate Past President of MKCA and Dorothy Rego carried out her duties as stage manager successfully.

Community/California

18 India Post

December 23, 2011

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Nirankari Mission donates food to shelter for homeless PRAFULL LANDE

n Sunday, December 4, The Sant Nirankari Mission (SNM), Tracy chapter conducted a food drive and collected canned food and other supplies worth thousands of dollars which was donated to McHenry House Family shelter for homeless in Tracy. All devo-

The Sant Nirankari mission is a spiritual movement which believes that God is one, formless, omnipresent and can be seen through divine knowledge imparted by spiritual master. The Sant Nirankari mission is a mission of humanity; it inspires all human being's to come close irrespective of caste color or creed tees of the mission contributed in this noble act. This act of giving is in accordance with the principles of the mission which preaches love and universal brotherhood. Rev. Dr, Iqbaljit Rai (Presi-

Food and Supplies

dent, SNM USA), Rev Devraj Vijh (Parmukh (Chief), SNM Tracy

branch), Rev. Narinder Pal Singh Noor (Priest, SNM Tracy), Rev.

McHenry house (Pics: Mohan Sabnani)

Mrs. Manjit Rai, Sister Sheelu Keswani and Rev. Mohan Sabnani represented SNM and handed over the donation personally to caretakers of the shelter. Volunteers and caretakers of the shelter were extremely happy with this gesture of love and care by the Sant Nirankari mission devotees and conveyed their sincere appreciation and gratitude to Rev. Devraj Vijh. The Sant Nirankari mission is a spiritual movement which believes

Young food drive volunteers

Google supports civic engagement projects in San Jose

Three new marrow donation drives India Post News Service

India Post News Service

he World Wide Workshop has announced a $250,000 grant from Google.org to support its Globaloria social learning network in San Jose/ Silicon Valley - a new initiative that teaches youth game programming to cultivate a broad array of knowledge and skills, and also help ease Silicon Valley's talent crunch. Globaloria in the Valley was initiated in July, 2011 with a threeyear grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation which works to promote informed and engaged communities. "The goal of Globaloria in Silicon Valley is nothing less than community transforma-

tion," commented Dr. Idit Harel Caperton, president and founder of the World Wide Workshop. With this Google grant, plus other grants in

workforce: "Right here in Silicon Valley we have a situation where if we invest two or three years in these kids," says Dr. Caperton, "they can become fu-

With this Google grant, plus other grants in progress, she is achieving her larger vision of engaging Silicon Valley companies and organizations in empowering local youth to become entrepreneurs progress, she is achieving her larger vision of engaging Silicon Valley companies and organizations in empowering local youth to become entrepreneurs and the tech-giants' future

ture inventors and the highlyqualified employees the tech, entertainment, education and game industries desperately need." Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 20

that God is one, formless, omnipresent and can be seen through divine knowledge imparted by spiritual master. The Sant Nirankari mission is a mission of humanity; it inspires all human being's to come close irrespective of caste color or creed as children of one father (God). SNM is also very active in community service. It regularly conducts free Health fairs, Blood Drives, Welfare Camps and Medical camps.

LOS ANGELES: Niranjan S. Bhatt of the South Asian Outreach & Recruitment Coordinator Asians for Miracle Marrow Matches(A3M) has announced registration of new probable donors to the Be The Match Registry at the NMDP. In a statement, he also announced a number of new drives in California where there are very good chances to register lots of new donors. The new drives are being held at the following places: 1) Marrow drive at AGAPE Spiritual Center (expected crowd ~ 4-5 thousand): Sunday, December 18,'11, Time: 7 AM - 3:30 PM 5700 Buckingham Parkway, Culver city, CA 90230 2) Marrow drive at DARBARE- KHALSA event (expected

crowd ~ 10 thousand) Sunday, December 25,'11, Time: 7 AM-3 PM Fairplex Pomona (LA county Fairground) 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona, CA 91768 3) Marrow drive at Malibu

A number of new drives in California were announced where there are very good chances to register lots of new donors Hindu Temple (expected crowd ~34 thousand) Sunday, January 01, 2012, Time: 8 AM - 6 PM, 1600 Las Virgenes Canyon Road, Calabasas, CA 91302

Readers Write...

December 23, 2011

India Post 19

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Harvard condemned for dropping Swamy's courses

n India a lot of "vote bank" politics, often unconstitutional, is going on to appease the Muslim minority. For example, the demands made by the Sachar Committee to provide preferential treatment to Muslims in the Indian Army, which undermines the secular nature of the Indian Armed forces. To curb such vote bank politics malpractices, Dr Subramanian Swamy's article has merely made recommendations regarding voting policy for Muslims in India. In India Muslims are often known to support pro-Pakistan, anti-Hindu agenda, and oppose

decisions like construction of a temple for Hindus' revered incarnation Rama at the incarnation's birth place, Ayodhya. Dr. Swamy's article, to reduce such tensions, has urged Indian Muslims to realize that they are not some immigrants from the Middle East, but that their ancestors a few centuries ago were Hindus themselves. Dr. Swamy, in an interview with Karan Thapar over his article, has well clarified that he is not against Islam or Muslims, that if it were so, he would not have accepted his daughter's marriage to a Muslim man!

It is clear from these examples that views such as expressed in Dr. Swamy's article are often distorted in the media. In India some anti-Hindu political figures tried to sue Dr. Swamy over this article, but the cases were not even accepted in the Indian courts of law. Only after some political pressure has a case been entered in a high court in India recently, but the court has yet to rule for or against Dr. Swamy. In such a case, how can Harvard University declare Dr. Swamy guilty of hate speech? In the name of freedom of

speech, universities like Harvard are known to hold conferences that have an anti-Hindu, anti-India agenda, such as the pro 'Kashmir secession/freedom' conferences held by the organization of Ghulam Nabi Fai, who has now confessed in US courts about the source of his funding being Pakistan's ISI, to influence US policy on Kashmir. This has promoted policies that have virtually enabled genocide of Hindus in Kashmir! Don't such conferences demonize an entire religious community, namely the Hindu community and aren't they allowed in the universities in the

name of freedom of expression? It smacks of double standard that Harvard University should feel justified to brush aside this very freedom of speech to cancel Dr. Swamy's courses, citing some imaginary distinction between unpopular and unwelcome political views! In light of this and in the name of democratic principles, Forum for Hindu Awakening condemns Harvard University's decision to cancel Dr. Swamy's courses on Economics. Bhavna Shinde Hurley, Spokesperson, Forum for Hindu Awakening

Jizya: A venomous curse on Hindus

hroughout the history of Islamic domination, Mus lim rulers commonly imposed taxes on their non-Muslim subjects as a punishment for their refusal to convert to Islam. This practice was characteristic during the period of Islamic rule in India following Mohammad-binQasim's conquest of Sindh in 712 A.D. While this cruel practice was quintessential during the Mughal era it existed during much of the rule by other Islamic invaders as well throughout the previous millennium. Taxes levied on Hindus were customarily higher than those collected from Muslims and were, therefore, not comparable or equal. Hindus were taxed above and beyond what their Muslim counterparts paid. Additionally, jizya was also collected from men of all walks of life including Brahmins, monks, yogis, beggars, and even widows - people who were otherwise exempted from paying taxes during rule by Hindu maharajahs. Hindus were typically pardoned from paying jizya if they agreed to convert to Islam. In this manner the practice of jizya created a culture of inequality, compelling Hindus to convert to Islam, and leaving them with social, economic, and political disadvantages if they chose to maintain their ancestral Hindu traditions. The specific ritual on how the tax was to be paid is detailed by many historians. While these may seem trivial the details of the ritual highlight the demeaning and humiliating manner in which jizya was collected. Hindus were expected to travel by foot and pay the tax in person; taxes paid through messengers were not accepted. When paying Hindus were to remain standing with their hand positioned below the collector while the collector remained seated. In situations of financial

hardship where money was scarce other assets were accepted and even encouraged. Often times Hindus of modest means were extorted for jewelry, property and even their wives and daughters. Offering the grace of their family for the pleasure of the monarch was encouraged by many of the ruling Muslim kingdoms. Those who were not able to offer even that were subjugated and forcibly converted to Islam. Hindus who objected to the practice were violently chastised and oppressed, being jailed, tortured, and even killed. Taxes collected were used in part by the military to conquer other areas of Hindu majority for furthering the spread of Islam and increasing Muslim domination throughout India. Hindus were, thus, further disgraced as their own money and resources were used to conquer more of their native brothers and sisters and annihilate their native practices. Furthermore, the systematic spread of Islam was not peaceful. It was physically violent and deliberately involved humiliating Hindus and their value systems. During many periods of Islamic rule Hindus were even required to dress differently and bear physical signs of their Hindu identity, making them easy targets during times of siege and conquest. The gruesome incident in which three Hindu physicians were murdered and one seriously injured in the Chakk district of Shikarpur, Sindh on November 7 was most likely a case of the racist and discriminatory practice of jizya. While government taxation of Pakistani citizens may officially be equal for all people regardless of religion or ethnicity, the practice of jizya is unofficially common in rural and even in some urban areas, being regulated by local gangsters. Unfortunately most media reports on

this event are terse and superficial. While stating the basic nature of the incident, the publications that have reported on this clearly state that the cause of conflict was the mistreatment of a Muslim woman by the four Hindu men. Only a few reports including one by the Hindu American Foundation shed light on the fact that the families of those four Hindu men were among hundreds who for months had routinely been threatened and blackmailed into paying a deliverance to the local Muslim thugs to prevent further aggression and violence against their families. The alleged mistreatment of the Muslim woman is a handy distraction to cover up the true cause of the murder that was the end result of a series of brutal measures against the local Hindu community. Moreover, the criminals from the local Bhayo tribe chose to wait till Eid to commit the murders indicating their belief that killing Hindus is synonymous with celebrating a religious holiday. According to the World Sindhi Congress, a human rights advocacy organization for Sindh and Sindhis, "the initial reports suggest that these doctors along with other Sindhi communities were taking a stand against the harassment and potential abduction and forcible conversion of Sindhi Hindu girls in Chakk. The menace of abduction, rape and forcible conversion of religious minority community girls, particularly from poor Sindhi Hindu communities in Sindh have increased exponentially in last couple of years in the atmosphere of rising religious extremism and intolerance. Scores of such events remain completely unreported because of fear of persecution by the powerful perpetrators and religious zealots. The state appara-

tus and those responsible for providing the security are widely seen as companion culprits in these crimes." The province of Sindh is currently in turmoil. Millions of people have been displaced from their homes due to the disastrous flooding in 2010 and again following the cyclone in 2011. Waterborne communicable diseases are rampant. From a public health perspective Sindh is facing one of the worst natural disasters in history, if not the worst. Healthcare workers are now needed in Sindh more than ever before. The brutal murder of these three Hindu physicians reflects the culprits' egotistic and selfish priorities given their decision to eliminate peaceful people who provide valuable services to people of the Sindh province and to Pakistan as a nation. Rather than allowing these minority physicians to continue helping the general public at a time of natural calamity the rac-

ist bastards chose to end their lives indicating their arrogant, prejudiced, and dishonest modus operandi. The apocalypse is near in a country where justice is inadequately rendered and where educated, peaceful minorities are viciously targeted for financial support to fund terrorists. Sensible, astute, and intelligent leaders would implement social and political measures to protect the personal safety of those who have historically been distinguished for their astonishingly impressive contribution to a society where Islamic extremists run rampant. Unfortunately the dearth of educated leaders with a fair and balanced perspective is lacking in Pakistan. The fate of the country is as abysmal as the myopic outlook of many of its leaders. I wish there were better leaders in Pakistan. Viju Sidhwani Long Island, NY

Readers Write...

20 India Post

December 23, 2011

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Birth celebration of Hindu's Deity Datta

he Deity Datta was born on the full moon day in the Hindu Lunar month of Margshirsh, which fell on December 10 this year. In the era gone by when demonic energies were rife, Deity Datta came into the Universe under the direction of Deity Brahma (creator of the universe) to fight demons and to carry out God's mission of the three principles of life which is Creation, Sustenance and Destruction. There is no specific ritual associated with Datta Jayanti celebrations other

than the traditional reciting of the Holy Scripture Gurucharitra, ritualistic worship (pooja) and singing of devotional songs. What is important to note though is the Deity Datta's attribute in alleviating stress and problems caused by departed ancestors. According to Hindu Holy Scriptures, every person has four debts - debt unto God, sages, ancestors and unto society. Often people think that by fondly remembering their ancestors, displaying their photos or publishing an obituary, they are helping pay the debt unto ancestors. However this is not so. As per Hindu scriptures (shastra), this debt is repaid to some extent by chanting Deity Datta's Name. As many people today do not give much regard to regular spiritual practice, their lives are entangled in the materialistic world (maya). Therefore after death their Lord Datttreya

souls remain unsatisfied. Such souls get stuck between the Earth plane and the Nether region. Nowadays since most people do not perform rites for the departed (shraddhas), etc. as in the olden days nor undertake spiritual practice, most suffer due to the subtle bodies of ancestors. Inability to get married, marital disharmony, difficulty in conceiving a child, miscarriages, mentally retarded or handicapped child or all female progeny, death during childhood, etc. are some of the indications of suffering due to ancestors' subtle bodies. By chanting Deity Datta's name, the spiritually pure energy emanated will give momentum to the ancestors,

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Google supports civic engagement projects in San Jose Cont’d from page 19

The World Wide Workshop also collaborates with the Silicon Valley Education Foundation, and this Google grant makes it possible to add the participation of Overfelt High School to the already participating Christo-

pher Middle School and Herman Intermediate School in San Jose's Oak Grove School District, and several Boys & Girls Clubs in Silicon Valley. Overfelt's catchment area, in the East Side High School Union District, represents a key constituency for this transformative program: "With

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to help them to proceed to the next level of existence. Hence, the trouble inflicted on the descendants in the form of ancestral problems will also reduce. From this one can understand that it is of great consequence to worship the Deity Datta in order to be relieved from the debt unto ancestors. On the day of Datta Jayanti, the Datta principle is many a time more effective on Earth as compared to other times. One need to worship the Deity Datta and to chant His Name "Shree Gurudev Datta" with devotion to get the maximum benefit of the presence of his principle on Earth on this day. Shridhar Damle Chicago, Illinois

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Disclaimer :- India Post does not endorse opinions expressed in the letters.

more than 60 percent of students qualifying as low-income, and 27 percent English language learners, a successful implementation at Overflet will demonstrate the importance of building capacity by spreading Globaloria-type computational thinking and hands-on learning among many more young people, community leaders, educators, and parents," says Idit Harel Caperton. Globaloria is the first and largest social learning network designed to teach young people how to invent, design and build educational game systems, conduct Internet research and learn to use social networking tools for education. In the process, participants learn to think and improve digital literacies that enable them to contribute as active members of their community to the 'Innovation Economy.' Piloted since 2006, the results-proven Globaloria is at work today in middle- and highschool classrooms and community centers in five states: California, Florida, New York, Texas and West Virginia. "The teachers, principals, and thousands of youth who have benefited from our year-long curriculum, training programs and game-design competitions do recommend it to others, so we know it's fun and engaging, and that it works!" commented the Israeli-American education entrepreneur and MIT Media Lab PhD, Idit Harel Caperton.

Horoscope

December 23, 2011

India Post

www.indiapost.com

Your future in 2012 by Pandit Parashar

(March 21 to April 20)

(June 21 to July 22)

upiter will transit first house till May 18th and second for remainder of 2012. Saturn will stay in seventh throughout 2012. Ketu will transit second and Rahu will stay in eighth. This year will bring prosperity in your life. Planets will cause expansion in career as well as the size of family. A new member will be added in the family this year. As Mars will stay very strong in first half, you will be more confidant and take few courageous initiatives. Results will be positive and almost instant. You will have complete satisfaction on children side also. Spouse will also do better as planet Saturn will bring some very positive changes in career. If in business there is a strong chance that you may open another location or buy another one this year. You will reap rich rewards for your efforts when Jupiter moves into second house after May 18th. Be careful in between June 22nd and Aug 16th when Mars transit sixth house. You may have to face some challenging situation during this period. You will also make some long term investment or put some money away in savings this year. In second half of 2012 you will be spending lots of money on a family member and for good reason only. You will become very health conscious this year and achieve your goals. Time is very good for all financial matters right after March 29th. You will definitely lay your hands on some real easy money in 2012.

aturn will transit fourth house. Jupiter will stay in tenth till May 18th and move into eleventh there after. Mars will stay strong in second till June 22nd. Saturn will keep half of your attention towards immediate family. You will be busy resolving one issue or another involving family members this year. Some money will need to be spend on getting some work done in and around the home you live in. Jupiter in tenth will definitely cause big changes in career before May 18th and for most it will be a turning point, of course you will go through some learning process. These changes will open new doors and lead you to a totally unexplored territory in career. You will benefit from these changes right after May 18th when Jupiter starts transit in house of gains. Mars in second till June 22nd will keep you on the edge as far as money is concerned but you will meet all financial commitments on time and discharge all liabilities gracefully. Do not buy any old vehicle or too old property as long as Saturn is transiting fourth house and keep your eye on the road when driving any vehicle. Worshipping Lord Shiva, wearing a blue sapphire and donating black color objects will be helpful. You will be traveling to a nice place with family during summer this year. If you keep your emotions aside and stay focused on career, this year will turn out fruitful. Health will improve and you will be able to shed off some weight also with the change of diet only. You will become more social and make new friends in 2012.

(July 23 to August 22)

(April 21 to May 20)

xalted Saturn will transit sixth house this whole year. Ketu will stay in first and Rahu in seventh. Jupiter will transit twelfth house till may 18th and first house there after. Strong Saturn in sixth will bring major changes in career this year. Once again you will start to feel lucky as most of your major plans will go through without any difficulty. You will overcome all earlier difficulties and have the edge over your opponents and competition. Product will be better than earlier expected. People who are self employed will see few of their major competition quitting making room for more progress in life. When Jupiter transit first house after may 18th, You may have to deal with some health issues also this year but you will be cured completely. Bachelors may have some difficult time this year as rahu's presence in seventh can cause frustration in area of relationships. Saturn's transit in sixth will involve you in legal battle in some way and the good thing is that decision will be in your favor only. June 5th to June 22nd and Sept 14th to Oct 22nd are very favorable for money matters. You could hit some kind of financial jackpot during these times. Presence of Mars in fourth till June 22nd is slightly disturbing as far as partnerships are concerned whether its domestic or business. You will need lots of patience and self control. You will be taking few important trips to distant places in 2012. Any venture started this year will be long lasting and beneficial.

upiter will stay in house of luck till May 18th before moving into house of career. Saturn will stay in third throughout 2012. Mars will stay strong in first till June 22nd especially. Planets are in right order to bring much needed boost in life. Chances are you will get lots of money through legal channels this year. Things stuck in the past will start moving again. You will not feel restricted and will use your talent and expertise to full advantage in 2012. Mars will keep the energy level on peak. You will accomplish a lot this year. Income will multiply as business will grow. People in jobs will be moved to couple of levels up. You will be travelling more during the 2012. Strong Mars will help you accumulate more assets and you may buy some property for yourself or for investment purpose this year. Now Jupiter's transit in tenth after May 18th will cause some fortunate changes in career. A dream job will become reality. Any issues pending with government will also get cleared favorably. Lots of struggle of past will come to an end and projects not doing so well in the past will start making profit this year. Jupiter in ninth improves your chances of having an addition in the family before May 18th. Living , working and financial conditions will improve a lot as you are completely out of Saturn's 7 1/2 year cycle. Expect some positive changes in career between March 29th and August 1st. Some of you will be moving to better place with lots of greenery around.

(May 21 to June 20)

(August 23 to September 22)

aturn will stay strong in fifth house. Jupiter will transit eleventh house till may 18th and twelfth there after. Ketu will stay in twelfth and Rahu will be in sixth this year. It will be a better year by all means. Expect some major changes in career this year. Business will multiply or you may start another location. Your plans will get implemented successfully and results will make every body at home happy. A child may leave home and move away for educational purpose in 2012. And of course there is no escape from hard work but it will be rewarding. If you don't waste your time and stay focused, 2012 should turn out to be another turning point in your life as far as career is concerned. Luck is definitely on your side this year. Since Jupiter lord of seventh is in house of gains till may 18th, it can start new association, partnerships and marriage for bachelors is also not out of question. You may find some one who is born outside the country you are living in right now. This person will come from a very good family and will be well educated. A business venture in Partnership with some like minded people also possible in first half of 2012. You will receive help and support from some one much older. Opportunities will come by them selves this year. Money wise you will do a lot better as income will multiply. You will be doing lots of religious and charity work and work towards salvation, thanks to Ketu in twelfth house. You will upgrade your home this summer when Mars transit fourth after June 22nd.

aturn will be in second or completing last leg of 7 1/2 year cycle. Jupiter will be in eighth till May 18th before moving into ninth there after. Mars will transit twelfth house till June 22nd. Planets will continue to test your patience, self confidence and faith in God. Things stuck in the past will keep rolling from Jan 22nd and onwards. Running around will increase but will pay off. There will be big changes in partnership. You may get rid of old one and start your search for replacement which will become possible right after may 18th, when Jupiter enters your house of luck. Projects started last year will turn profitable in 2012. You may have to travel more frequently for longer stretch of time in this year. You may be able to dispose off some property also at some loss in early months of 2012 but will again end up investing on a nice piece of property after may 18th. You will also replace one of your vehicle in 2012. Bachelors will be successful in finding the right soul mate during Jupiter's transit in ninth right after may 18th. You will become more religious and may start paying visit to a holy place on regular basis. You may have to deal with some health issues during June 22nd and August 16th. Financial pressure will increase in the month of August and September. Try to stay away from involving your self in unnecessary litigation and go for a settlement only. You will be spending more money on a child this year. Faith and self confidence will help you make it a better year.

The Forecast for signs Libra to Pisces will be carried next week Pandit Parashar, CEO & COO Astro Scan USA is also available for individual consultations. He can be reached at: parashar@parashar.com

925-833-7170

website: www.parashar.com

Realty Tidbits Â&#x201E; Kotak Realty fund raises $98 mln

Real Estate

otak Realty Fund, a unit of Kotak Mahindra Bank, has said it raised 5.23 billion rupees ($98.2 million) from domestic investors for a fund that will mainly invest in high-yield debt instruments of real estate developers. The primary focus of the fund will be on residential projects, it said in a statement. "The financing constraints facing the real estate sector will help provide the funds with attractive investment opportunities and we expect deal flow activity to remain robust," said Vikas Chimakurthy, director at Kotak Realty Fund. Kotak Realty Fund currently manages about $700 million across five funds. Indian developers have come under pressure in recent months as rising interest rates deter buyers, even as it becomes more expensive for builders to access funds.

Â&#x201E;

DLF to sell hotel subsidiary to Kolkata firm

LF Ltd, the country's largest real estate company, is set to sell its hotel subsidiary to Kolkatabased Square Four Housing & Infrastructure Private Ltd for Rs550 crore, its third divestment in the last three month as it disposes non-core assets to pare its Rs22,500 crore debt. As reported by ET last week, the Delhi-based real estate company had acquired Hilton International's 26% stake in DLF Hotels & Hospitality forRs120 crore and is now the sole owner of the hotels unit which own land parcels in four cities - Kolkata, Chennai, Mysore and Thiruvananthapuram. This subsidiary's assets do not include Aman Resorts, another non-core asset that DLF has been trying to sell for a long time. Two persons with direct knowledge of the transaction said DLF has signed a non-disclosure agreement with Square Four and expects to conclude the deal by third week of January 2012.

India Post

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December 23, 2011

Paramount signs MOU with German firm

eal estate developers Paramount Group have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Germany-based Aluplast Group for the supply of windows specially designed for the Indian firm. As per the agreement, Aluplast will supply 25 lakh square feet of UPVC windows to Paramount at the cost of Rs 300 square feet. "To start with, the initial module is of Rs 75 crore. It is an ongoing process. We will be continuing these windows in all our projects," Paramount Group of Companies Executive Director Ashwani Prakash told reporters here.

Goldman Sachs picks up 25 acres in Bangalore

n what could be one of the largest land deals in Bangalore this year, global investment banking firm Goldman Sachs has signed up 25 acres of land on the Outer Ring Road. The land has a development potential of 2.5-million-sq-ft office space with an employment potential of 25,000. The space would be developed by Kalyani Developers. An official of a real estate services firm, who did not wish to be named, told Business Line that Phase I of the development would be completed in 2013, while the second phase would be completed

in 2015. According to him, the company has already signed a Letter of Intent with the developers. The company is looking at relocating

in the Outer Ring Road area could be priced at about Rs 6,000 a sq ft. Infosys too has recently signed up for 1 lakh sq ft SEZ space at

Infosys too has recently signed up for 1 lakh sq ft SEZ space at Bagmane World Trade Centre on the ORR, which could be the Indian IT behemoth's first non-captive space in the city completely from its existing offices in Manyata Tech Park and Embassy Golf Links, he said. Real estate analysts estimate that land

Bagmane World Trade Centre on the ORR, which could be the Indian IT behemoth's first non-captive space in the city. An Infosys

spokesperson confirmed the development. Other important deals this year include Wipro (1.3 lakhsq-ft SEZ space at Pritech Park on the ORR), Accenture (87,000 sq ft Pritech Park), and Ericsson (3.5 lakh sq ft - Bagmane WTC) - all in Q1 of 2011. In the second quarter of this year, Cisco signed up for 3.75 lakh sq ft (Vrindavan Tech Village and Salarpuria Hallmark on the ORR) and Accenture (1.3 lakh sq ft at Pritech Park). In Q4 of 2011, Aricent Technologies took on lease 2 lakh sq ft (Prestige Etamin on the ORR) and Sunguard (2 lakh sq ft - Umiya Business Bay on the ORR).

Unitech drops infrastructure Tata Housing's PPP venture in Bhubaneswar expansion plans

ndian real estate firm Unitech Ltd said it has put on hold a plan to expand its infrastructure business and withdrawn another to merge two of its subsidiaries due to poor macroeconomic scenario. The firm had received shareholders and creditors' approval for the plans, proposed to focus on its core business of constructing and developing residential and commercial real estate projects and expand its infrastructure business, it said in a statement. "Keeping in view the prevailing macroeconomic scenario, the company has decided to put its plans to expand the infrastructure business on hold and focus on

Sanjay Chandra

its core business," it said. Unitech, which holds a minority stake in a telecoms joint venture with Telenor, has also been hit by a multi-billion dollar telecoms li-

The firm had received shareholders and creditors' approval for the plans, proposed to focus on its core business of construction censing scandal. Police have also charged and arrested 14 people in the case, including Unitech's managing director Sanjay Chandra. All accused have denied any wrongdoing.

ATA Housing, India's fast est growing real estate de velopment Company has announced its plans to expand its presence in the tier-II cities of India, by signing its first PPP venture in the 'Temple City of India' Bhubaneswar, in association with Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA). The project will be spread across 12 acres of land with development potential of 1.5 million square feet and projected revenue of Rs.700 crores. Commenting on the project, Mr. Brotin Banerjee, MD and CEO, Tata Housing said, "As part of our long term strategy, we are looking at expanding our presence in the fast growing Tier II cities. With Bhubaneswar being ranked the 5th fastest growing Indian city in terms of real estate, our plan to launch the first of its kind premium living venture here is befitting of our longer term commitment to the city." The largest city of Orissa, Bhubaneswar is a center of economic importance in the region. An emerging IT hub, the boom in the metals and metal processing industries has made Bhubaneswar one of the fastest developing cities of India in recent years. The real estate in Bhubaneswar has seen considerable rise in demand giving rise to acute shortage of high-end residential homes. This

is due to the expanding city population and the rising disposable incomes of Bhubaneswar's denizens. The boom in Real Estate in Bhubaneswar is also due to the increased investments coming into Orissa state. Bhubaneswar being the capital of Orissa captures the king's share of the investments. Many big Information Technology companies like TCS, Infosys and Wipro have set up development centers in the city.

The boom in Real Estate in Bhubaneswar is also due to the increased investments coming into Orissa state The deal was inked as a result of a competitive bidding process, and signed in the presence of Shri Deoranjan Kumar Singh, IAS, Vice Chairman, BDA, Housing and Urban Development Department and senior officials of Tata Housing at the BDA office in Bhubaneswar. Like all other properties of TATA Housing, the project will be designed by renowned international architects and constructed under the guidance of Indian Green Building Council (IGBC).

Datebook

December 23, 2011

India Post

www.indiapost.com

NEW YORK

ILLINOIS

Upcoming

Sat Dec 24 • Bollywood Saturday@Honey Lounge Venue: Honey Lounge, 243 West 14th St., NY Time: 10pm Contact: 914-433-4118

Sun Dec 25 • DJ Rekha Presents Bollywood Disco Venue: Le Poisson Rouge, 158 Bleecker Street, NY Time: 10pm

Sat Dec 31 • New Year Eve Party Venue: Mother of God Chadean Church, 25585, Berg Road, Southfield, MI 60506 Time: 8pm Contact: 586-872-0770

Venue: Pacha NYC 618 W. 46 Street, New York Time: 10pm Highlights: Bolly Dance Music by Ashu Rai Bolly Visuals by Neeraj from London.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Upcoming

Sat Dec 24

Sun Dec 25

• IACS 21st Christmas Celebration

• Ayyappa Irumudi Puja

Venue: Royal Albert’s Palace 1050, King Georges Rd, Fords, New Jersey 008863 Time: 7:30 pm Contact: 732-501-4201

Venue: HCCC, 1232 Arrowhead Ave, Livermore, CA 94551 Time: 9am Contact: 925-321-0996

Tues Jan 03

Sat Dec 31

• Startup Pitch Night Venue: Jacks on Halsted, 3201 North Halsted Street, Chicago-60657 Time: 8pm

Sat Jan 21 • Desiliciouse Starlust partyBollywood

NEW JERSEY

Wed March 7 • Loves Got a hold on me Venue: Freedom Hall, 410 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest, IL Time: 7pm Contact: 312-572-9373

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Upcoming Fri Dec 23 • Art of Living Course Venue: Art of Living Center Los Angeles, 948 W. Adams Blvd. LA Time: 7pm Contact: 310-820-9429

Fri Dec 30

• Rasoi III Presents New Year Eve

Thurs Dec 29

• Art of Living Course in LA

Venue: Rasoi-III, Restaurant & Banquet, 620, Georges Road, MonMouth Juction, South Brunswick, New Jersey Time: 7:30 pm Contact: 732-501-4201

• Family Fun Activity: Dance Venue: Ground Floor, South Court 200 Larkin St., San Francisco, CA Time: 1:00pm Contact: 415-581-3500

Venue: Art of Living Center Los Angeles, 948 W. Adams Blvd., Los Angeles, CA Time: 10pm Contact: 310-820-9429

Sat Jan 14 • Lohri Party Venue: Akbar Restaurant 21, Corlandt Street, Edison, New Jersey Time: 7:30 pm Contact: 732-501-4201

Sat Jan 14 • Thriller in Atlantic City! Venue: Dante Hall Thearter of the Arts 10 North Mississippi Avenue, Atlantic City Time: 8pm

WASHINGTON DC

Upcoming

Sat Dec 31 • Yuva Bharti Membership 2011 Venue: Yuva Bharati 870, Ames Avenue, Palo Alto, CA Time: 12am Contact: 650-565-8859

Sat Jan 14 • I Just Wanna Dance 2012

Venue: Abhinaya Dance Company of San Jose, 52 Harold Avenue, San Jose Time: 12am Contact: 408-871-5959

Venue: Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Redondo Beach, CA Time: 6pm Contact: 310-937-6607

Sat Jan 07

• India Samaj Presents Welcome 2012 & Good bye 2011

Venue: 4000 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, CA Time: 4pm Highlights: Jayendra Kalakendra is celebrating its 20th year in the Bay Area with a thematic performance on the Dark Lord. A few talented students from each level have been selected to showcase various items. Senior student of the Dhananjayans, Anita Shanmuganathan choreographed a few items that the students of Jayendra Kalakendra will be presenting as part of the Kalinga Nartanam production

• Yamandu Costa, Classical Guitarist Venue: 8000 York Road, Towson MD, Baltimore, WDC Time: 8pm Contact: 443-296-2247

Venue: Art of Living Center Los Angeles, 948 W. Adams Blvd. LA Time: 7pm Contact: 310-820-9429

• Friend of Abhinaya Membership

• Kalinga Nartanam

Sat April 21

• Art of Living Course 2012

Sat Dec 31

Sat Dec 31 Venue: Paradise Indian Cuisine, 1660 Whitehead Court, Gwynn Oak, Washington, DC Time: 7:30pm Contact: 410-935-4338

Fri Jan 6

Sat Jan 28 • Garba with Attitude Venue: Segerstrom Center of the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, 92626 Time: 1pm Contact: http://www.garbawithattitude.com/

Sun Feb 05 • South Asian Wedding Expo 2012 Information Venue: Pacific Palms Hotel & Conference Center, 1 Industry Hills Parkway, CA Time: 11am Contact: 714-493-7900

India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Three US comedians of South Asian ancestry are heading to India for a 7-city tour in January, by invitation of the US Department of State, as part of a goodwill program to promote better relations among diverse countries and religious faiths. "Make Chai Not War," starring Rajiv Satyal, Azhar Usman and Hari Kondabolu, will perform in Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ranchi and Patna January 4-19. "I have visited India many times, but I am especially excited to be bringing 'Make Chai Not War' to my parents' country," said Satyal, a Hindu, who created the show with his Muslim comedian friend, Usman. "Sharing a laugh is universally one of the most powerfully positive experiences on the planet. I hope people will come with an open mind. We are coming not only to talk, but to listen." "Make Chai Not War" has been breaking down cultural barriers since 2007, when it premiered at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. to predominantly Hindu and Muslim audience members, many of whom were not used to seeing comedians of their respective ethnicities making good-natured jokes about their religions. The following year, a sold-out performance in neighboring Arlington, Virginia caught the attention of the State Department. "By offending everyone equally, they seemed to offend no one," wrote Ralph Dannheisser in America.gov. "The audience laughed at the observational humor, and even louder when the comics occasionally emphasized a point by using a Hindi or Urdu word." Usman said that he and his colleagues are sensitive to cultural differences between the US and India, and will take extra care not to offend, at least not intentionally. "I am a believing, practicing Muslim," said Usman, who is based in Chicago. "This, to me, means that I won't do sacrilegious, blasphemous or he-

India Post

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Azhar Usman

retical material. I will however, make fun of human stupidity, narrowmindedness and religious fundamentalism. The key is to tap into issues that everyone can relate to and find what's funny." "As with all live comedy,

Hari Kondabolu

there is an element of trial and error," said Kondabolu, a Hindu who lives in New York. "In terms of knowing the differences between Indian and US culture, that's tricky because there is no singular American or Indian culture. Both are complicated nations and India is one of the most diverse places in the world. I really don't know what to expect, and that is both scary and very exciting for a performer." Previous iterations of "Make Chai…" have also included Jewish and Christian comedians. The upcoming show in India will consist of just Muslim and Hindu comedians because of the historical relationship between those faiths in South Asia, where

tensions have sometimes erupted in violence. Usman and Satyal believe that those incidents typically involve more radical factions, whereas

December 23, 2011

Rajiv Satyal

"There would be a lot less trouble in the world, if people could learn to not take themselves so seriously," he said. "We can't wait to hear the laugh-

“By offending everyone equally, they seemed to offend no one," wrote Ralph Dannheisser in America.gov. "The audience laughed at the observational humor, and even louder when the comics occasionally emphasized a point by using a Hindi or Urdu word" the vast majority of Muslims and Hindus have lived together in harmony for centuries. Satyal hopes to experience some of that harmony, during the upcoming tour.

ter of the Indian crowds, which are some of the best in the world. I like saying that, because it puts pressure on them to laugh." Cont’d on page 27

December 23, 2011

India Post

www.indiapost.com

Shakti's Nutcracker is a creative celebration PREM KISHORE

iji Prakash is a visionary of her time. She trans forms the classic European Nutcracker Suite into a breathless fast pace, irresistible romp through world genres of music and dance, making it an unforgettable theatrical, musical and dance experience. It was an explosion of color, Christmas trees, 67 dancers, high stepping soldiers, madly extravagant costumes, Hawaiin islanders, Bollywood glitter, Santa Claus, snowflakes, and a collage of music ranging from Tchaikovsky ,Indian , Middle Eastern to Duke Ellington. In short-wizardry, storytelling -Pics Surendra Prakash

The music surprised us with its variations, the Bharata Natyam dancers in the lead roles was mesmerizing magic, and the stuff that dreams are made of. Viji Prakash, producer/choreographer Shakti Dance Company was like an inspired magician pulling out surprise after surprise for two hours. It was non-stop fun and joy for everyone. The children were entranced and the adults were spellbound. The venue was the James Armstrong Theater, Torrance, and it is the Christmas/Holiday season. Perfect for a story spun around intrigue, revenge, glamour, love, and fantasy. Viji Prakash, the internationally

acclaimed dancer, Assistant Professor at World Arts and Culture UCLA, two time recipient of the Brody Choreographic Fellow ship and Best Guru Award from the Madras Music Academy, Chennai , India 2001, has had an illustrious career. In this production, she spans the fields of Western classical music, theater, contemporary dance, mime, making it exciting, creative and vibrant. Stunning, innovative dancers like Olga Shamiram Kramarova, Kenji Igus, B'Jon, Prince Andrew, d.Sabela Grimes brought an intense physicality with their energy,

passion and compelling performances while Keali'I Ceballos and H'Lau Keali"I, O N'Lani, intro-

duced elegiac grace with their chants and movement. The music surprised us with its

variations, the Bharata Natyam dancers in the lead roles mesmerizing and the Toy Animals, Ballerinas, Mouse King, the Prince, Nutcracker, the Sugar Plum Fairy and Court Dancers beguiling. An extraordinary groundbre a k i n g e v e n i n g w i t h Vi j i Prakash who has the ability to make us believe that preconceptions of music and dance can be overturned and that there can be a new enchanting

interpretation collaborating with impeccable technique. A creative celebration.

Creating Asian American Stars on TV India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: Concerned with the slow progress of TV networks in the area of diversity casting, the Asian Pacific American Media Coalition (APAMC) has released its 2011 report cards grading the networks' past 2010-2011 season while simultaneously challenging ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC to cast at least one Asian Pacific American actor as the main star in a TV show within the next three years. "Since APAMC began meeting with the networks in late 1999, only two new shows have starred Asian Pacific Americans (APAs),"

said co-chairs Guy Aoki and Marilyn Tokuda in a Coalition statement, "'Cashmere Mafia' with Lucy Liu and 'Dance War: Bruno vs. Carrie Ann (Inaba),' both on ABC. We believe that, without a timetable, the networks will never confront the perceived obstacles to using APAs as the faces of their series. So we have issued a challenge that within three years - by the Fall of 2014 - they air a series which stars at least one APA clearly cast as the central character (the star's name usually appears first in the credits when they aren't listed alphabetically)." For example, the star of "Parks

and Recreation" is Amy Poehler, not Aziz Ansari. The Coalition challenge in-

Last year, the total number of APA regulars amongst the top four networks jumped from 32 to 38 - an all-time high cluded a further condition: "Because many actors are part-Asian Pacific and viewers are unaware of what their heritage is, we always

encourage the networks to make it clear within the context of their shows that the character is Asian Pacific. However, if all we end up getting are stars who are part-APA but don't look it and who don't play recognizably APA roles, then the goal of more meaningful inclusion will not have been reached." Last year, the total number of APA regulars amongst the top four networks jumped from 32 to 38 an all-time high. This past season, that number dropped to 31. Overall, NBC, with a B (up from a B-), ranked highest in this year's APAMC report cards, which marks the 10th anniversary of judging the

inclusion of APAs in eight categories: actors, unscripted show participants, writers/producers, directors, development, procurement, executives, and network initiatives. No other network has ever received this high a grade from the coalition. Out of 12 report cards since 2000, NBC has received the highest overall grade 8 times (5 of them ties with other networks). This past season, the peacock network also had the highest grade for actors, development deals, and writers/producers, and tied for top honors in procurement, executives, and diversity initiatives. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 28

India Post

December 23, 2011 www.indiapost.com

Don 2 is SRK's best in 2011: Priyanka India Post News Service

NEW YORK: With her highly anticipated international action thriller 'Don 2' ready to reunite her with Shah Rukh Khan with its release December 23, award-winning actress Priyanka Chopra sat down for this interview to discuss her latest film which is expected to heat up the holiday season and end off 2011 with a bang. How is your role in Don 2 different from your role in Don 1? Priyanka: Don 2 is a cool role for me. It's an action film of another level in Bollywood. I am angrier in this one. I've done a lot of fist fighting that I didn't do too much of in the earlier Don. I went through intense rehearsals for my action with guidance from Farhan and Shahrukh who often pulled my leg. I don't play a damsel in distress and so missed all the dance and frolic I've been doing in my other movies. Don 2 is one of those rare movies where I have to be serious all the time. I can't even sport my foot long smile. But that's what's good about Don 2. It makes me do things I've never done. That's one advantage of

playing a cop but it's got disadvantages also. What is your relationship like with Don? Priyanka: Don cannot be predictable. By that I mean Don as a person. You can never tell what his next move is going to be. He

slick in Bollywood. Its suspense takes it to another level. Music is also rich but the film is so huge in itself that music will stand out once the movie is released. You will get to the groove of the songs once you see the film. Don 2 is Farhan's best work I have seen.

Don cannot be predictable. By that I mean Don as a person. You can never tell what his next move is going to be. He is one bad guy you can't mess with. Don is cold blooded and such people are really dangerous to deal with. Roma has such a relationship with him, hot and cold as she is hell bent on taking her revenge and wants Don at any cost is one bad guy you can't mess with. Don is cold blooded and such people are really dangerous to deal with. Roma has such a relationship with him, hot and cold as she is hell bent on taking her revenge and wants Don at any cost. It's a cat and mouse chase. What is Don 2's unique selling point? Priyanka: Don 2 has redefined

What sets Shahrukh Khan apart from any other star? Priyanka: Shahrukh Khan can live up to anything. He is a man who believes in challenges at this point in his career. He puts in more than one needs to put in his movies. There are very few actors who are like that. Don 2 is SRK's best action movie of 2011 I feel.

December 23, 2011

India Post www.indiapost.com

Comedians for India 3 Indian Americans on State Dept's goodwill mission Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 24

Rajiv Satyal is "The Funny Indian" from Ohio whose witty, universal, and TV-clean act resonates with Middle America by covering everything from racial issues to soap bottles and politics. A former Procter & Gamble marketer, he has repeatedly opened for Dave Chappelle, Tim Allen, Kevin Nealon and Russell Peters. He co-founded the world-touring "Make Chai, Not War" and "Funny 'Cause It's True," a marketing consulting program based on humor. He has been featured on national TV and radio, in The Wall Street Journal and Los Angeles Times. He does standup at over 40 colleges annually and appears regularly at major comedy clubs in LA. Azhar Usman is widely recognized as America's top South Asian Muslim standup comedian. As co-founder of the internationally acclaimed "Allah Made Me Funny - The Official Muslim Comedy Tour," he has performed in over a dozen countries on five continents. He was born and raised in Chicago by parents who emigrated from India. He holds degrees from the University of Illinois at Chicago and The University of Minnesota Law School.

Hari Kondabolu was born and raised in Queens, New York. He attended both Bowdoin College and Wesleyan University, graduating from the former institution with a B.A. in Comparative Politics in 2004. A former immigrant rights organizer in Seattle, he also earned a Masters in Human Rights

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December 23, 2011 www.indiapost.com

'Kolaveri' signals new era in Indian music India Post News Service

ony Music India has cre ated a viral phenomenon, the likes of which has never been seen before in India, for the cross cultural Tamil-English musical hit 'Why this Kolaveri Di'. Reaching over 22million hits and counting on Youtube, 3.6 million Facebook shares and #Kolaveri hash tag trending on Twitter amongst media, fans, journalists, celebrities and industry barons in just over two short weeks, 'Why This Kolaveri Di' has become an overnight hit that has now crossed over into the international markets. The video received 83,000 youtube views within 24hours when it was first released to now become the most viewed video on Youtube. Composed by the 21 year old Anirudh, the track is sung by Tamil superstar and now singer Dhanush. Usually used as a popular slang term amongst Tamil youth, the term Kolaveri, meaning 'murderous rage', is now being picked up by marketers and brands alike and people in other parts of the work as a form of expression. The track is also the first regional language (Tamil) song

ever to see a high rotation on Mainstream Music Channels play listed on 43 Radio Stations Pan-India and gaining an audience as far afield as Australia and Czechoslovakia. The simplicity and originality of the viral has also deeply engaged its audience and is the first viral video to be replicated with fans re-

The simplicity and originality of the viral has also deeply engaged its audience and is the first viral video to be replicated with fans re-creating their own versions of the viral video creating their own versions of the viral video. Since the video hit youtube just over two weeks ago the number of responses has been steadily growing; even renowned Bollywood playback singer Sonu Nigam's four year old son has made his own viral which has already notched up over 1 million hits.

Dhanush

"We believed in our creativity and when we sat with the Sony Music team they saw the true potential in it. Our creativity and their vision has led to the song exploding globally. We are proud to be associated with a team and an international brand like them as we see the true value they bring to music", says Anirudh the 21 year old Music Director. The video was shot by the Sony Music team and has a raw

feel to it, similar to any making-of or unplugged recording. The natural un-staged set-up of the video allows the viewer to connect with the track, creating a deeper level of engagement that sets it apart from other Indian viral videos. 'Why This Kolevari Di' is a track that is changing the landscape of how music is shared in India. Shridhar Subramaniam, President India and Middle East Sony Music Entertainment and the mind

behind creating the viral rage adds "There is a change in the music landscape that we all are witnessing today. Regional Music has huge acceptability - growing at the rate of 20% per annum and regional advertisements are becoming national and today the success of our song 'Why this Kolaveri Di' is an endorsement to this phenomena. We have been a part of the change since 2008 when we entered the Tamil Music market and today enjoy a 60% market share. Our outlook and strategy has been to expand in this market and our recent foray in the Punjabi Music Market is another such step." "Now, it has been our conscious effort to long tail 'Why this Kolaveri Di' concept by creating official dance mixes of the song, exploiting publishing and distributing the same. We want to keep it fresh, buzzing and alive till each person world over has seen/heard it." Planned as part of the soundtrack for forthcoming film "3" and gaining more hits each hour, 'Why This Kolevari Di' has signalled a new era in Indian music and that is bridging the gaps between regional and international musical differences.

Creating Asian American Stars on TV Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 25

CBS maintained a B- for the third year, ABC slid from B- to C+. Fox fell from C+ to C-, the worst network grade since CBS received the same rating in 2005. "Last season, NBC had 13 regulars of Asian Pacific descent (boosted by five regulars on 'Outsourced'," Aoki stated. "This was the highest number any network has been able to achieve in the 11 years the Coalition has released report cards. Accordingly, we have issued our highest grade in the actors category ever, a B+. NBC is the only network to receive this high a grade, which they also received in 2004." According to the APAMC report, between 2006 and 2008, ABC either had the highest number of APA regulars or tied for that distinction. But ABC's record has declined noticeably since then. This past season, ABC could claim only 5 regulars and 4 recurring characters, their exact numbers in 2005. Of all four networks, ABC received the lowest grade in the actors category, a D+. The day after the new "Hawaii Five-0" debuted in September of 2010, the APAMC encouraged CBS to hire writers and actors from

Hawaii in order to truly capture the essence of the people of that state. "We have been disappointed that most of the APAs used are as suspects or villains and increasingly, most of the guest stars - who often get more screen time than regulars Daniel Dae Kim, Grace Park and Masi Oka - are white and from the mainland," Aoki said. A meeting with CBS has been set to address these concerns. ABC scored best in the unscripted series category for the fourth consecutive year. Since 2008, the network has featured APAs in many of their unscripted series, including Carrie Ann Inaba as a judge on "Dancing With the Stars." CBS made the biggest improvement in reality shows, jumping from a C- to a B- for its profiles of two Asian American CEOs in "Undercover Boss" and many contestants on "The Amazing Race" and "Live to Dance." "The networks have always struggled with using APA directors on their shows," said Coalition co-chair Tokuda, reporting that Fox had the highest number (11) of APAs directing a total of 28 episodes. Except for one episode of "Traffic Light," however,

all of those shows were animated. Still, Fox earned the biggest grade improvement in any category this past season, jumping from a Dto a B-. However, Fox had no development deals with APAs, receiving an F in that category, as well as an F/Incomplete for its failure to re-

Despite losing five regulars on the nowcancelled "Outsourced," NBC only slipped from 13 to 12 as it included 7 new API regulars on 7 new series port verified procurement data (they have promised to provide this in the near future). The network also received the lowest grade for diversity initiatives (C-), as the head of the Diversity department left in October of last year and the entire team was eventually dismantled. Fox is now taking a different approach with its "Audience Strategy" department, and

we look forward to seeing whether its promising new diversity initiatives bear more fruit at the network than have past efforts. The Coalition singled out CBS President Nina Tassler, praising her for convening a second meeting with her show runners and the APAMC to discuss ways to include more people of color (POC) in their series. In the 2011-2012 season, CBS will have at least 10 APA regulars, the highest in its history. Unfortunately, this includes the heavy-accented restaurant owner played by Matthew Moy in "2 Broke Girls," which many in the community feel sets back the cause. Fox's numbers also look better for this new season with the inclusion of three Asian Indian/half -Asian Indian regulars as part of the main family on "Terra Nova." Also, the network once again includes an Asian American doctor played by Charlene Yi - in "House." Despite losing five regulars on the now-cancelled "Outsourced," NBC only slipped from 13 to 12 as it included 7 new API regulars on 7 new series. Although the road to reflecting reality has been an ongoing challenge, since the 1999/2000 meet-

ings, the networks have implemented many initiatives to increase the presence of POC before and behind the camera. Although the programs do not guarantee employment, they provide access and a means to getting a foot in the door in areas POC have historically been denied. APAs have gained ground as writers, with some elevated to producers, co-producers and executive producers on such series as "ER," "Lost," "NCIS: Los Angeles," "Prison Break," "Law & Order: SVU," "Bones," "Medium," "The Walking Dead" and "Body of Proof." "For actors," Tokuda stated, "winning a place in the network showcases is like harnessing the brass ring. The exposure can lead to solid agency representation, multiple auditions and, in some cases, an ongoing mentorship with casting executives. People like Carrie Ann Inaba ("Dancing with the Stars") and Liza Lapira (21, "Traffic Light") were discovered in the showcases." Graduates of directors programs have gone on to direct shows like NBC's "Community" and the Julia Roberts film Fireflies in the Garden.

29 India

anthambore reserve is situated in India's northwestern state of Rajasthan, near the town of Sawai Madhopur, midway between Bharatpur and Kota townships. It is surrounded by the Vindhya and Aravali hill ranges and is very near to the outer fringes of the Thar Desert. The entire area has sprawling tracts of the desert and semi-desert vegetation. Originally a hunting ground of the Maharaja of Jaipur, Ranthambore was declared a game sanctuary in 1955. In 1980, it became a national park and listed among the reserves protected under Project Tiger (1973). Presently the Kaila Devi Sanctuary, also fa-

mous for its tigers, and Mansingh Sanctuary also form part of Ranthambore Reserve. Places around: There are many interesting spots to see in Ranthambore National Park. The Ranthambore National Park is regarded as the most suitable place for wildlife photography. Here you can capture the tiger in its various moods and moments. Besides the Ranthambore Park, there are places

like the Ranthambore Fort (one of its kind in the entire state of Rajasthan), Jogi Mahal (the wonderful forest guesthouse) and the various species of flora and fauna, which are also worth a look. Places around Bakuala: National Park Ranthambore is covered with thick forest over a large part of its area. One of the thickly forested regions is called the Bakaula region. Bakaula consists of dense forest, with many small pools and water

holes in clearings in the vegetation. Because of the excellent forest cover and availability of water, the Bakaula has an abundance of wildlife. Tigresses with young cubs are often seen near the water holes in Bakaula, since the dense forest provides cool hides for a tigress and her young. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 30

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India to attract tourist from CIS, African countries NEW DELHI: Hit by a fall in foreign tourist arrivals following economic slide in the US and Europe and adverse travel advisories, the Tourism Ministry has firmed up an action plan to attract visitors from CIS, Middle-East and African countries. "The turmoil in the US and Europe and the travel advisories have hit the tourism in the country," Tourism Minister Subodh Kant Sahai said after the National Tourism Advisory Council meeting here. In mid-October, travelers from the US, the UK, New Zealand, Canada and Australia were advised by their respective countries to exercise a high degree of caution when traveling to India, warning them about the heightened possibility of terrorism. No country has softened the tone of these advisories, despite a strong response by the Ministry of External Affairs. "In order to make up the fall, we are now exploring new areas like CIS countries,

Middle-east and African countries which will be our new target countries", he said. Besides travel advisories and economic turmoil, Sahai said "visa issue has also af-

The Minister said "there was about 10 per cent growth in foreign tourist arrivals in October, which has fallen to 4.7 per cent in November. This is a concern for usâ&#x20AC;? fected arrivals. There are e-visa system abroad but our system here is time-consuming. We are taking up the issues with con-

cerned ministries to sort out it." Expressing concern over the low growth, the Minister said "there was about 10 per cent growth in foreign tourist arrivals in October, which has fallen to 4.7 per cent in November. This is a concern for us." Admitting shortage of skilled manpower in tourism sector, he said "we have to do something to cater to this growing industry. Other countries have made tourism as their main economic agenda." Tourism Ministry has appointed a consultant to identify four tourist circuits and two rural clusters in each state. Sahai told the Council that for implementation of different strategies, the Tourism Ministry has asked the Planning Commission for allocation of about Rs 23,000 crore in the 12th Five Year Plan, as against Rs 5156 crore during the 11th Plan. The Ministry is planning 35 tourist circuits to be developed in the next five years. -PTI

December 23, 2011

Indians traveling much more NEW DELHI: Indians were traveling much more in 2010 than the previous year with domestic tourist visits rising to 740 million from 668 million. Replying to a question in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State (Tourism) Sultan Ahmed said that "the outbound traffic from India in 2010 was 12.98 million as compared to 11.06 million in 2009," which was an increase of 17.4 per cent. Union Minister Subodh Kant Sahay said that the "Incredible India" campaign had been very successful worldwide and there was no proposal to discontinue it. He said that "since the launch of the brand line, till 2010, foreign tourist arrivals in the country have increased from 2.38 million to 5.78 million." Foreign exchange earnings have increased from Rs 15,064 crore to Rs 64,889 crore (advance estimates), Sahay said. -PTI

Ranthambore: Capturing the tiger in its various moods Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 29

The thick vegetation also retains moisture in the air and lowers the temperature of this area. Bakaula is one of the coolest regions of National Park Ranthambore, where many birds can be seen in the trees and small animals like squirrels and monkeys scamper through the forest. Nature safari tours to Ranthambore National Park are also provided. Lakarda Anantpura: Located in the North-Western and Northern regions of the park, these are ideal locations if looking for sloth bears. These areas have a lot of ant hills, which are a favorite of the beers. Although very rarely seen themselves, the pugmarks of the Indian striped Hyenas are often seen. Raj Bagh Ruins: These ruins are located between the Padam Talao (lake) and the Raj Bagh Talao. These ancient stone structures like arches, palace outhouses, domes and steps give the area an aura that is not possible to find anywhere else in the world. Especially if you include the jungle surroundings and are one of the lucky few who come across one of the resident tigers. These ruins are

what give the Ranthambore National Park such a unique mixture of a wildlife reserve and a reminder of the past, which together make it one of the most picturesque parks in the entire world. Padam Talao: This is the largest of the lakes present in the park. The famous and beautiful Jogi Mahal is located at the very edge of this lake. When in season, the water lilies that give the lake it's name, can be seen in plenty. In the early hours of the morning and just before sunset, animals can be seen in large numbers on the lake side. It is in the shallow waters of this lake that the famous "lake hunters" of Ranthambore operate, the most legendary of which was the tiger, Genghis. Ranthambore Fort: This fort stands majestically atop a hill overlooking the entire park. The walk up, one of the only places this mode of transport is possible, is a very refreshing and exciting one as even the big cats have been spotted up there! The view of the surrounding keeps getting better and better as you go up but the view from the fort itself can only be described as breathtaking. It is advisable to take along a good pair of binoculars and if possible a camera with a very powerful lens when

visiting the fort. The soaring Serpent eagles, vultures and other birds can be seen at eye level. Many animals can also be seen along the edges of all the water bodies, which are all visible from here. The fort itself

Many birds, like egrets, can be seen riding on these deer while they feed. The areas around the Rajbagh Talao are also prime tiger spotting areas due to the kind of forest and it's accessibility to water sources also offers many interesting architectural and historical sights worth viewing and photographing. A trip to the fort is a must if you are a first time visitor to the park. Rajabagh Talao: This is probably the most picturesque of the three lakes. This is mostly due to

the ruins that can be seen along its edges. Yet, it owes some of its beauty to the animals that seem to always flock to its waters. It always has a large population of animals and birds feeding in it. The sambhar deer at Ranthambore have adapted to eating plants from the lake floor and nowhere is it more evident than at the Rajbagh Talao. Many birds, like egrets, can be seen riding on these deer while they feed. The areas around the Rajbagh Talao are also prime tiger spotting areas due to the kind of forest and it's accessibility to water sources. Kachida Valley: This valley, which consists of many rocky outcrops and low hills, is located close to the outskirts of the park. A jeep would be the ideal mode of transport when trying to visit this area. It contains a majority of the panther population of the park. The panthers avoid venturing into the main jungle to avoid conflicts with tigers, who are known to kill them. This area also has a good population of beers. Malik Talao: This is the smallest of the three lakes in Ranthambore National Park. But, as they say, all the best things come in small packages. This definitely holds true for Malik Talao.

It always seems to have a healthy population of birds of all kinds. Also seen at the lake very clearly and from a reasonably close distance are handsome specimens of the Indian Marsh Crocodiles. It is quite common to watch a kingfisher on hunt for small fish. Best time to visit: The best time to visit Ranthambore National Park is from 1st October to 30th June. Rest of the time, the park is closed for to visitors. How to Reach Air: Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is the nearest airport to Ranthambore. It is about 140 km from Jaipur. You can fly to Jaipur and proceed to Sawai Madhopur by road or rail. Rail: Sawai Madhopur which is just 11 Km from Ranthambore National Park is accessible by rail and is on the main route from Delhi to Mumbai. You can arrive at Sawai Madhopur by rail and take a car or bus to Ranthambore National Park. Road: Ranthambore is easily accessible by road from all destinations across Rajasthan. If you're traveling by road, there are many options from luxury air-conditioned coaches to private taxis and local buses of the Rajasthan Transport Corporation.

December 23, 2011

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First Readers' Travel Awards given away

Captain Nair, Chairman Leela Hotels receiving the Life Time Achievement Award for outstanding contribution to the Indian Hospitality Industry at the CondÈ Nast Traveller India RTA 2011

NEW DELHI: Condé Nast Traveller India, the last word in travel, announced the winners of its inaugural Condé Nast Traveller India Readers' Travel Awards (RTA) at The Leela Palace, New Delhi. The glittering awards ceremony was attended by captains of the travel, tourism and hospitality in-

Divia Thani Daswani, Editor, Condé Nast Traveller India said, "The time is perfect for the launch of India's very own Condé Nast Traveller Readers' Travel Awards as the focus of the world's travel industry shifts to Asia for future growth dustries, such as Omar Abdullah, Bina Kak, Captain Nair, Raymond Bickson, Nakul Anand, Vikram Oberoi, Vijay Mallya, Marcel Hungerbuehler, Lekha Poddar, Priti & Priya Paul, Vir Sanghvi; among other prominent personalities. Tourism Minister Subodh Kant Sahay graced the event as Chief Guest and also presented the Lifetime Achievement Awards. The Condé Nast Traveller Readers' Travel Awards enjoy industrywide credibility because they are judged by the most important stakeholders - the travelers themselves. As the global travel indus-

try increasingly focuses on Asia for growth, the opinions of India's most sophisticated and up-market travelers are being closely monitored. The Indian readers had the opportunity to vote for their favorite destinations, hotels, airlines, spas, airports and more. The winners were chosen after being scored on several parameters unique to each category. Five lucky winners even got luxury hotel stays in Phuket, Dubai, Singapore, Tokyo and Bangkok. Commenting on the inaugural awards ceremony, Alex Kuruvilla, Managing Director, Condé Nast India said, "Globally, Condé Nast Traveller Readers' Travel Awards are recognized as a benchmark for

excellence in the travel and tourism industry, because they are voted for by the world's most discerning travelers, the readers of Conde Nast Traveller magazine. India is recognized as a favored luxury destination world over and the arrival of the Condé Nast Traveller Readers' Travel Awards in India is a testament to Condé Nast Traveller's longstanding commitment to spearhead growth in the luxury travel space." Divia Thani Daswani, Editor, Condé Nast Traveller India said, "The time is perfect for the launch of India's very own Condé Nast Traveller Readers' Travel Awards as the focus of the world's travel industry shifts to Asia for future growth. With the Indian outbound travel market expected to reach $40 billion in the next five years, the choices of India's opinion-makers and affluent travelers are more important than ever. We are extremely encouraged by the growth and popularity of the magazine since its launch last year and by the sheer number of votes cast. Luxury travel is something Indians are getting more familiar and comfortable with every day." Tourism Minister Sahay said, "Our vision is to double the number of tourists. Now is the time to properly market India's tourist destinations.

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TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

1 Ooh La La: The Dirty Picture 2 Saddaa Haq: Rockstar 3 Ishq Sufiyana: The Dirty Picture 4 Kun Faya Kun: Rockstar 5 Subha Hone Na De: Desi Boyz 34

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December 23, 2011

6 Jazba: Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl 7 Dil Ke Liye: Ghost 8

Hai Yeh Maya: Don 2

9 Jhoom Jhoomta Hun Main : Players 10 Dil Yeh Bekarar Kyu Hai : Players

Only hits, please

hilpa Shetty has confirmed reports that she is expecting her first child with husband Raj Kundra. The 36-year-old Bollywood star, who found international fame on UK's 'Celebrity Big Brother' in 2007, took to her Twitter page to tell fans about her happy news. "Tweetos, 'YES' an addition to our family is our confirmation to all queries :) We seek blessings from all in this very beautiful phase of our lives," the Daily mail quoted her as writing. This is the first child for Shetty, but her London-based businessman Kundra husband, who she married in 2009, has a daughter from a previous relationship. The actress is thought to be in her second trimester. "Shilpa suffered a miscarriage earlier this year, so this time Raj and she did not want to break the news till the first trimester was complete. Now, she has started telling her close friends," a source close to the actress told the Times of India.

eauty queen Aishwarya Rai has no plans on coming back in films, anytime soon. As of now, the gorgeous actress is very content changing her baby's nappies. Buzz had it that Ash is all ready to make a comeback very soon, with 'Bajirao', a Sanjay Leela Bansali film and that she is super excited to work opposite Shahrukh Khan. However, as a source tells a tabloid, "SLB and Shah Rukh have spoken about a role. But it is certainly not Bajirao. As for Aishwarya it would be quite a while, at least a year before she even contemplates returning to movies." Initially, i.e. way back in 2001, when Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai were dating, Sanjay thought to cast the two love birds in 'Bajirao'. However, things didn't materialize. Buzz had it that SRK will now jump into Sallu's shoes for the film. However, a source says, it is just a rumor and a trick to intensify the Khan war.

ecently, when Ashutosh Gowariker approached Salman Khan with a script, the dynamic actor politely refused saying "I don't do good films. I do hit films. I work in films that make money, not the ones that get awards." Salman added, "I arrive in the afternoon and shoot at my own pace. You're used to working with other actors who reach the set on the dot at 9 am and work according to your pace." Apparently, Slaman Khan has decided not to do films for friends or bail out distressed filmmakers in trouble, who approach him in the hope of a hit. If buzz is to be believed, this is Salman's new career plan. However, the Lagaan director has laughed off all such reports calling it simply rumors. He says, "How I wish that were true. I'd love to do a film with him. No such luck."

Bollywood

December 23, 2011

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e are all aware about Priyanka Chopra's love for music and her upcoming music album, which will be out very soon. We also know that besides singing in her album, the actress has even penned the wording of the songs. Well, now the actress is a bit worried. Reason: Priyanka fears that most of her life secrets may be revealed in her songs, as the lyrics is a lot about her. "You know, the more I've written, the more I've realized I'm spilling out my life in the music and it's really scary because I'm a very private person and when I read my lyrics I go, 'My God, it's me!' You can tell so much about people by just reading their lyrics," Priyanka is quoted as saying by Gulf News. "We're hoping to record a single in the next couple of months and let's see where it leads," added Priyanka who was in Dubai to promote her film Don 2 with Shahrukh Khan.

SECRETS OF SRK

hah Rukh Khan has the gift of the gab and is known for his wit and humor. He comes across as a "people's actor", shaking a leg with them at almost every event and his fans claim to know SRK inside out, but the superstar thinks otherwise. "My life is not as open book, the way people consider it. When I come in front of you people, it is mostly work related. I feel that you people belong to the same business as me so the questions that you ask, I usually give a good and detailed answer to that," said SRK here at the unveiling of his official opus "King Khan - The Official Opus of Shah Rukh Khan". The actor, who has spent more than 23 years in the industry, says his only motto is to entertain the public. "I have done so many films that it becomes difficult to find something new. I want that if people want to work with me, I should have something new to tell from the work that I have done. I want to continue entertaining people the way I have."

Heart in Bolly

allika Sherawat has moved to the US, thanks to her international projects, but says her heart resides in Bollywood and that people in the West are curious about the Hindi film industry. "I am more of a global actress now but Bollywood is my life. It is my bread and butter," said Mallika here at a press conference to announce her performance at Hotel Tulip Star's New Year's Eve show. Mallika has made US her second home and has been there for the past two years. The actress, who was last seen in Hollywood flick "Politics Of Love", asserts that the West is curious to know more about Bollywood. "I have signed 'Lucky Unlucky'. I am playing a Jat sprinter in it and I have signed another movie with Vivek Oberoi, 'Kismat Love Paisa Delhi'. It will be directed by Sanjay Khanduri. Then, there is an international venture that I'm doing." "I'm trying to maintain a balance between both America and India. Right now there is so much curiosity in America about Bollywood and Indian actors," said Mallika.

In Brief State, local policies emerge on illegal immigrants MONTPELIER, Vermont: With more illegal immigrants moving beyond the border states and a lack of federal immigration reform, some states and communities are coming up with their own enforcement policies. They range from crackdowns to a hands-off approach where police are prohibited from asking about immigration status. Last month, Vermont's governor changed the state policing policy after two illegal immigrants who were passengers in a pickup truck were handed over to Border Patrol after a traffic stop. Now Vermont troopers will not ask about immigration status when investigating a civil violation, mainly traffic stops. But they can ask about it in investigations of criminal offenses or certain cases of suspicious activity. -AP

Brewer confident on high court's ruling on SB1070 PHOENIX: Gov. Jan Brewer says she's confident the U.S. Supreme Court will rule in Arizona's favor by allowing the state to fully implement its controversial law targeting illegal immigration. The high court has agreed to consider the state's appeal challenging a trial judge's order blocking implementing some provisions of the 2010 law known as SB1070. Brewer says the case goes beyond Arizona's authority to protect the safety and welfare of its citizens. She says it involves every state grappling with the costs of illegal immigration. -AP

Judge stops law impact on mobile homes MONTGOMERY, Ala.: A federal judge has blocked a provision of Alabama's immigration law that could have forced illegal immigrants to leave their mobile homes because they couldn't renew the registrations needed to live there. U.S. District Judge Myron Thompson issued the preliminary injunction to replace a temporary ruling in effect for two weeks. He said there was substantial evidence that ``discriminatory bias against Hispanics'' motivated the Legislature's passage of the law, but he reserved a final ruling until later. -AP

Immigration 36

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Problems persist at 3 immigrant jails in Ill., Ky CHICAGO: A new report by advocacy groups alleges human rights abuses persist at two immigrant detention centers in Illinois and another in Kentucky. It calls on the Obama administration to close them, but federal immigration officials dispute the need for that. -AP

Homeland Security officials brief community on terror threats SRIREKHA CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service

NEW JERSEY: Nearly 200 members of the Indian American community attended a comprehensive conference on current worldwide terrorism trends as they relate to the state of New Jersey and the South Asian community organized by the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security & Preparedness (OHSP) and the Indo-American Cultural Association (IACA). The conference held at the Middlesex County College Dec 8, addressed by state and federal officials of the Homeland Security department primarily covered protective measures for religious institutions, identifying suspicious activity and how to report it. It was also about the department's outreach to the South Asian community, the need for interfaith interaction, President Obama's Advisory Council on Faith Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, general information on the trends in terrorist activities, security in-

formation and what to do in times of emergencies including natural calamities. In his introductory remarks, David Leonardis of the OHSP said his office looks at worldwide events to make a determination how they would affect us here in New Jersey. "Events like the Mumbai terror attacks of 2009

because matters of security concerned everyone equally. In the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks many from the Indian subcontinent were mistaken for Middle Easterners and had to suffer for it, he said. "But we want to say 'Thank you' for taking your job so seriously," he told the Homeland Security officials present.

On behalf of the community, Kothari also sought assurance from the officials that they "do not paint all with the same brush" for the wrong doing of a few serve us as a reality check and make us reach out to the South Asian community and take whatever steps we can to be able to network and whatever precautionary measures we can." In his opening remarks, Peter Kothari of the Indo-American Cultural Association said that it was the civic duty of every member of the Indian American community to coordinate with the department

On behalf of the community, Kothari also sought assurance from the officials that they "do not paint all with the same brush" for the wrong doing of a few. And to the community, he said, it was their civic duty to report any suspicious activities or irresponsible people around them. Speaking about emergency and disaster preparedness, NJ Assemblyman Upendra

Chivukula said the conference was to show ways to better protect families from terrorism. He also urged the attendees to share the important information from the conference with others. "The most effective weapon against terrorism is to be an informed citizen," Chivukula said. Threat briefing Giving a threat briefing on steps to identifying suspicious behavior and reporting suspicious activity, Chris Lynam of OHSP Intelligence Bureau said that Al Qaeda and its affiliated continue to be major threats to the United States. What has changed, however, is that their attacks have moved from large scale operations to smaller individual attacks against soft targets with the potential for mass casualties. Also, rather than using foreign based individuals to carry out such attacks they are now using foreign born or western born individuals to carry out terrorist attacks in the US and other western countries. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 37

Why the H-1B cap hurts us all CYRUS D. MEHTA

he USCIS announced that November 22, 2011 was the final receipt date for accepting H-1B petitions under the 65,000 cap of FY2012. The 20,000 advanced degree cap was reached even earlier on October 19, 2011. Any H-1B petitions filed after that date will get rejected. The new fiscal year started only on October 1, 2011 and the H-1B cap was reached less than 2 months later. If a company now wishes to hire a badly needed engineer from abroad, it will need to wait till October 1, 2012 before this person can come on board. It is self evident that the cap hinders the ability of a company to hire skilled and talented workers in order to grow and compete in the global economy. The hiring of an H-1B worker does not displace a US worker. In fact, research shows that they result in more jobs for US workers.

What is particularly counterintuitive with the H-1B cap is that it completely negates the recent Administration's policy to encourage foreign entrepreneurs to create startup companies, resulting in job growth. On August 2, 2011, the Department of Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano Secretary Napolitano

press release, these administrative tweaks within the existing legal framework would "fuel the nation's economy and stimulate investment by attracting foreign entrepreneurial talent of exceptional ability." In the H-1B Question and Answers accompanying the August 2, 2011 announcement, the USCIS

What is particularly counterintuitive with the H-1B cap is that it completely negates the recent Administration's policy to encourage foreign entrepreneurs and United States Citizenship and Immigrant Services Director Mayorkas made dramatic announcements advising that foreign entrepreneurs could take advantage of the existing non-immigrant and immigrant visa system to gain status and permanent residency. According to the DHS

appears to reaffirm the existence of the separate corporate entity, and its ability to sponsor its owner or investor on an H-1B visa so long as an employer-employee relationship can be demonstrated between the company and the beneficiary. This may be established by creating a separate board of directors,

which has the ability to hire, fire, pay supervise and otherwise control the beneficiary. There is nothing preventing such a board constituting foreign nationals or family members of the beneficiary. In the experience of this author, the August 2, 2011 announcement fired the imagination of lots of entrepreneurs who had dreams of making it big in the US, notwithstanding the sluggish economy and the stubbornly high unemployment rate. With the convergence of social media, wireless technology and the cloud, it has never been easier for anyone anywhere to be an entrepreneur and also have access to the best infrastructure. Foreign students while still in their dorms have dreamed of starting Facebook-style ventures and being able to work for them under an H-1B visa. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 39

Immigration Post

December 23, 2011

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AAHOA convention to feature political debate India Post News Service

NEW YORK: As economic uncertainty and the role government in addressing problems stemming from that are likely to continue to be a hot topic in the run up to the 2012 Presidential elections, the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) has announced a debate between former Democratic National Committee Chair (DNC)

Howard Dean and former Republican National Committee Chair (RNC) Michael Steele. The debate will take place on May 4 during the 2012 AAHOA Annual Convention & Trade Show at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Foreclosures and a lack of access to capital are still daily threats to hoteliers, and the political arena remains divided on what must be done, and so in an effort to pro-

vide information from top political insiders, AAHOA said it was organizing the debate during its forthcoming convention, which will be moderated by ABC News Senior Congressional Correspondent Jonathan Karl. Before being elected to DNC Chair in 2005, Howard Dean served six terms as the Governor of Vermont. Dean left office in Vermont to run for President in 2003 where he implemented innovative

Homeland Security officials brief community on terror threats Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 36

Increased tensions between the US and Pakistan are fueling anger and can lead to communities being attacks, Lynam said. "Pakistan has also been unable to contain violent extremists such as Jamat ud dawaha, the parent organization of Lashkar-e-Tayyiba, which was responsible for the 2009 Mumbai terror attacks. Terrorist propaganda and radicalization on the domestic front happens through publications and video games easily obtainable online, Lynam said. Unrestricted access to religious facilities provides terrorists with soft targets, Lynam said. "Extremists might take advantage of faithbased institutions which may have many entry points or exits," he said. People who may see suspicious activity can report to the NJ Suspicious Activities Reporting System (NJSARS), he explained. Such reports are then shared with other departments concerned to determine if they have any nexus to known extremists abroad. Examples of suspicious activities that may be reported are: Persons in crowded areas like religious facilities, wearing unusually bulky clothing that might conceal explosives; vehicles parked illegally near facility buildings or near large congregations; unattended packages like backpacks, briefcases, boxes; evidence of unauthorized access to areas of the building containing heating, ventilation and air-conditioning equipment; persons carrying/using video cameras near the facility over an extended period; persons with facility maps, photos or diagrams with critical assets; persons questioning facility employees off-site; persons hanging out near the same area over many days; and increase in threats from unidentified sources by phone, mail or e-mail. Look, listen & learn Explaining why threat perception of religious facilities matters,

Andy Smith of CIP, OHSP, said there are hundreds of thousands of religious facilities serve millions of people of all denominations across the United States. Religious facilities are generally open access public assembly venues and have been successfully targeted by extremists many times in the past. There are approximately 250,400 religious congregations consisting of about 138 million members in the US. Members of these congregations practice approximately 200 different religious or divisions of religious and meet weekly in more than 240,000 facilities across the country. Smith said it was critical for congregation members or authorities to know their facility and its sur-

Several American defense officials as well as elected officials have also been time and again pulled aside for secondary screening rounding well, to know what the rhythm of the place to be able to identify the normal from abnormal. Smith also said such religious institutions should work in coordination with other religious institutions to understand what they are doing to protect their facility and congregations. Also, he said the local police should be involved so they are aware of such facilities. It was important to have plan in place in case of eventualities, he said. "Bottom line is security works when you have accurate information, work in coordination with your local partners and law enforcement to protect yourself." 'Look, listen and learn', Smith said, were the three crucial mantras for keeping safe.

Redress number Interestingly, during the question and answer session a pertinent question raised was that of additional scrutiny by TSA officials at airports of South Asians owing to their traditional clothing which may seem bulky. In that context questions were also raised about recent incidents where former Indian President Abdul Kalam, Indian Ambassador Meera Shankar and actor Shah Rukh Khan as also those of many Sikhs, who were subjected to extra checking at US airports. In this regard, Ehsan Zaffar of the Office of Civil Rights & Civil Liberties at the department in Washington DC, while apologizing for any impropriety that may have occurred at airports said, several American defense officials as well as elected officials have also been time and again pulled aside for secondary screening at airports, despite having US security clearances. "We are not perfect. TSA has 55,000 hard working personnel and sometimes mistakes do happen and that is why we have the Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties. We have a highly responsive mechanism. If anyone of you do experience any such issues when you are traveling specifically, there is something called TRIP, a traveler advisory program - you can go to their website and fill out the relevant form, and in a very short time you will have a response and someone will talk to you or respond to your email about your problem, and after they have resolved your issue, they will give you a redress number which you should keep with you when you travel next. At the time of booking tickets, airlines are now mandated to ask for the redress number in order to resolve incidents of false positives on the TSA system. Tip Line To report suspicious activity call 1-866-4-SAFE-NJ (1-866-472-

fundraising strategies. As Chair of the DNC, Dean created and implemented the "50 State Strategy" and the development of 21st century campaign tools. Michael Steele was elected to RNC Chair in 2009. Under his leadership, the Republican Party broke fund-raising records and won majorities in both the House and Senate following the 2010 elections. A self-described "Lincoln Republican", Steele earned a place in history in 2003 when he was elected Lieutenant Governor of Maryland, becoming the state's first African American elected to statewide office. "Howard Dean and Michael Steele are heavy hitters in the political arena and are sure to deliver a knockout performance," said AAHOA Chairman Hemant Patel. "Our members are very excited to hear them share their positions regarding the crucial issues as well as their opinions on how to help hoteliers and small business owners during these

trying economic times." "AAHOA is honored to showcase this anticipated debate during our 2012 Annual Convention & Trade Show," said AAHOA President Fred Schwartz. "Year in and year out, the AAHOA Annual Convention proves to be the premier event in the lodging industry with an exceptional lineup of guest speakers, and our upcoming Convention in Atlanta will be no different. With the political landscape constantly changing as we approach the 2012 elections, this debate promises to deliver a riveting discussion that no one will want to miss." AAHOA claims to be the voice of owners in the hospitality industry. Founded in 1989, it is now one of the fastest-growing organizations in the industry, with nearly 11,000 members owning more than 20,000 hotels that total $128 billion in property value. AAHOA members employ 578,600 full- and part-time workers with a $9.4 billion payroll.

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December 23, 2011

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Court to review tough Arizona immigration law WASHINGTON: The Supreme Court has stepped into the fight over a tough Arizona law that requires local police to help enforce federal immigration laws pushing the court deeper into hot, partisan issues of the 2012 election campaign. The court's election-year docket now contains three politically charged disputes, including President Barack Obama's health care overhaul and Texas redistricting. The debate over immigration already is shaping presidential politics, and now the court is undertaking a review of an Arizona law that has spawned a host of copycat state laws targeting illegal immigrants. The court will review a federal appeals court ruling that blocked several provisions in the Arizona law. One of those requires that police, while enforcing other laws, question a person's immigration status if officers suspect he is in the country illegally. The case is the court's biggest foray into immigration law in decades, said Temple University law professor Peter Spiro, an expert

in that area. The Obama administration challenged the Arizona law by arguing that regulating immigration is the job of the federal government, not states. Similar laws in Alabama, South Carolina and Utah also are facing administration lawsuits. Private groups are suing over immigration measures adopted in Georgia and Indiana. ``This case is not just about Arizona. It's about every state grappling with the costs of illegal immigration,'' Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer, a Republican, said following the court's announcement. Fifty-nine Republicans in Congress, including presidential candidate Michele Bachmann, filed a brief with the court backing the Arizona law. The immigration case, like the challenge to Obama's health care overhaul, pits Republican-led states against the Democratic administration in an argument about the reach of federal power. The redistricting case has a similarly partisan tinge to it, with Republicans who control the state gov-

ernment in Texas facing off against Democrats and minority groups that tend to vote Democratic. In the immigration arena, the states say that the federal government isn't doing enough to address a major problem and that

Brewer signed the Arizona immigration measure into law in April 2010. The administration sued three months later to block it border states are suffering disproportionately. The issue has been widely discussed by the Republican candidates for president. They have mostly embraced a hard line to avoid accusations that they support any kind of ``amnesty'' for the some 12 million illegal immigrants estimated to be living in the U.S.

Newt Gingrich was most recently criticized by his opponents for saying he would grant legal status to some with longstanding family and community ties, and Gingrich has since endorsed the South Carolina law that allows police to demand a person's immigration status. That law is among the four state laws that have been challenged by the administration. Brewer signed the Arizona immigration measure into law in April 2010. The administration sued three months later to block it from taking effect. In April, a three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco upheld a federal judge's ruling halting enforcement of several provisions of the law. Among the blocked provisions: requiring all immigrants to obtain or carry immigration registration papers; making it a state criminal offense for an illegal immigrant to seek work or hold a job and allowing police to arrest suspected illegal immigrants without warrants. In October, the federal appeals court in Atlanta blocked parts of

the Alabama law that forced public schools to check the immigration status of students and allowed police to file criminal charges against people who were unable to prove their citizenship. Lawsuits in South Carolina and Utah are not as far along. The administration argued that the justices should have waited to see how other courts ruled on the challenges to other laws before getting involved. Still, following the court's announcement, White House spokesman Jay Carney said, ``We look forward to arguing our point of view in that case when the time comes.'' Spiro, the Temple University immigration expert, said the court easily could have passed on the Arizona case for now. ``They could have waited for the more extreme case to come from Alabama, which really outflanked the Arizona law,'' Spiro said. He predicted the court would uphold the police check of immigration status but perhaps not the measure making it a crime to be without immigration documents.

Alabama lawmakers to work NC lawmakers to discuss illegal immigration on immigration changes MONTGOMERY, Alabama: Alabama's governor said he's working to simplify a tough new immigration law, which critics say has damaged the state's reputation internationally. The law has been called the strictest in the United States. Robert Bentley said officials want to eliminate unnecessary burdens on legal businesses and residents and protect faith-based services while ensuring that everyone working in the southern state is legal. ``We recognize that changes are needed to ensure that Alabama has not only the nation's most effective law, but one that is fair and just, promotes economic growth, preserves jobs for those in Alabama legally, and can be enforced effectively and without prejudice,'' the governor said. The governor didn't offer any specific changes they will consider, but the law's opponents took his comments as an encouraging sign that they will go deeper than the ``tweaks'' he previously said were needed. The law had the goal of scaring off illegal immigrants and opening up jobs for legal residents in a state suffering from nearly 10 percent unemployment. It requires a check of legal residency when conduct-

ing everyday transactions such as buying a car license, enrolling a child in school, getting a job or renewing a business license. More than 30 groups and individuals challenged the law, but U.S. courts let several major provisions take effect in late September.

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;We are reaching out internationally to reassure our global partners that the business climate in Alabama is as strong as everâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Since then, two foreign workers for Alabama's prized Honda and Mercedes auto assembly plants have been stopped by police for not having the required documents to prove residency. The cases were later dropped. But the incidents brought unwanted international attention and prompted the Birmingham Business Alliance and others involved in industrial recruitment to call for changes. Some immigrants fled, and some employers complained they could not find help to take their place.

Bentley said he and legislative leaders are addressing Alabama's image. ``We are reaching out internationally to reassure our global partners that the business climate in Alabama is as strong as ever, and our people and communities are as inviting and welcoming as we've always been,'' Bentley said. Brian Hilson, president of the Birmingham Business Alliance, praised the officials for the move, saying the law ``taints the image and perception of Alabama.'' Several parts of the law are on hold because of federal lawsuits, including a provision requiring schools to check the legal status of new students and making it a crime to transport an illegal immigrant. Faith-based groups have been among the critics of the law, because they say it makes religious outreach and charity to immigrant communities illegal. One of the groups challenging the law said the governor's announcement represented a significant shift in the state's position. ``We are delighted legislators are recognizing the devastating consequences of the law,'' said Mary Bauer, legal director of the Southern Poverty Law Center. -AP

RALEIGH, N.C.: North Carolina lawmakers are considering whether to delve further into the nation's immigration debate by making it more uncomfortable for illegal immigrants to live in the state. The federal government, the courts and legislative colleagues, however, could make strict rules like those approved in other states harder to enact in North Carolina. After some incremental changes in recent years under Democratic rule, the new Republican majority at the Legislature this year debated several immigrationrelated bills, girding the hopes of anti-illegal immigration advocates. One significant law got on the books requiring local governments and employers with at least 25 workers to use a federal program to screen new hires for their immigration status. Pending legislation can still be considered next May, and now a House committee looking at how the state should respond to illegal immigration is meeting to recommend more changes. The Pew Hispanic Center said North Carolina ranks ninth in population among the states with what it calls 325,000 unauthorized immigrants, defined as foreign-born non-U.S. citizens who aren't legal immigrants. ``Is it our role to be involved?''

asked Rep. Sarah Stevens, RSurry, a committee member, after the first meeting. `Ì think that's what this committee is looking at what can we do?'' Not much, argue opponents of laws they say hurt all immigrants, not just those that are living in the shadows for fear of deportation. They said immigration policy is the federal government's purview and additional restrictions in the name of public safety or taxpayer savings are misguided and single out Latinos. Lawmakers also could have second thoughts about dramatic changes because the U.S. Justice Department has sued over wideranging immigration enforcement laws in Arizona, Alabama, Utah and South Carolina. Judges have blocked portions of them from being carried out. The U.S. Supreme Court could ultimately decide on their legality. `Ì'm a bit surprised that North Carolina would want to go down that road,'' said Deborah Weissman, a professor at the University of North Carolina law school in Chapel Hill who studies immigration issues. `Ìt does seem to have some indication that some individuals in the Legislature would prefer to rid the state of immigrants.'' -AP

Immigration Post

December 23, 2011

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Why the H-1B cap hurts us all Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 36

Many inquiries came in from people in other parts of the world with bold new ideas about how to go about this, and while the August 2, 2011 policy may yet not have seeped down into the rank and file of the immigration bureaucracy, it was possible to outright win the occasional H-1B visa for a client who was part of an interesting startup. All these entrepreneurial dreams have now been dashed with the announcement of the H1B cap being reached on November 22, 2011 - and that too just before Thanksgiving. The August 2, 2011 policy will never be able to take fruition, at least until October 1, 2012, and allow entrepreneurs to thrive in the US and create jobs. While there are other options for entrepreneurs, using a startup for an H-1B visa did not require huge sums of money or a close affiliation with a foreign entity. Unlike the Treaty Investor Visa, which only applies to nationals of countries that have a treaty with the US (and the dynamic BRIC countries are excluded), the H-1B visa was open to all nationals. Mr. Mayorkas has also been receptive to initiating changes in the USCIS Adjudicators Field Manual and training manuals for the USCIS, based on suggestions by Vivek Wadhwa and other entrepreneurs. These suggestions intend to make USCIS examiners aware of some unique features of

startups, especially those in stealth mode, which may lack extensive promotional materials and the like. The lack of an organizational structure in a startup ought not to dissuade the USCIS from granting an H-1B visa. While entrepreneurs may be able to avail of other green card categories, such as the National Interest Waiver, the H-1B visa allows the entrepreneur to quickly enter the

Clearly, the decline in L-1 approvals in India has sucked up more H-1B numbers this year US and be able to work through his or her startup. After the announcement of the H-1B cap, unless one has been the subject of a prior approved H-1B petition, and thus been counted before in the past 6 years, the H-1B visa will not be available until Ocotber 1, 2012, and a person brimming with bright ideas may be better off setting up the startup in another country even if Mr. Mayorkas is willing to make changes in the AFM. It is obvious that we need more H-1B numbers, but will Congress, which is in a stalemate, rush to the rescue of US employers and startups? Other factors have also

State Dept official: SC immigration law is wrong COLUMBIA, S.C.: South Carolina's tough new immigration law has not only already damaged the country's reputation with other nations but could also endanger U.S. citizens as they travel abroad, according to a top-ranking U.S. State Department official. ``Act No. 69 undermines the diverse immigration administration and enforcement tools made available to federal authorities and establishes a distinct statespecific immigration policy, driven by an individual state's own policy choices, which clashes with U.S. foreign affairs priorities, risks significant harassment of foreign nationals, and has the potential to harm a wide range of delicate U.S. foreign relations interests,'' according to a statement by Deputy Secretary of State William J. Burns. Burns, who previously served

as the U.S. ambassador to Russia and Jordan, is a career diplomat and Foreign Service officer who said he is tasked with helping the secretary of state form U.S. foreign policy. His statement was filed as part of a U.S. Department of Justice lawsuit against Gov. Nikki Haley over the state's new law, which takes effect Jan. 1. Prosecutors want to halt the law while their lawsuit challenging its constitutionality moves forward. The measure requires law enforcement officers to call federal immigration officials if they suspect someone is in the country illegally. Justice officials are challenging similar laws in other states. Burns wrote in court documents the law interferes with federal authorities' jurisdiction over immigration and could subject U.S. citizens to retaliation when they travel. -AP

contributed to the cap being reached so soon this year. Perhaps, certain parts of the economy have been ticking again, and employers were scrambling to fill positions with badly needed foreign skilled workers. Business immigration lawyers, after all, tend to see upticks and downturns in the economy faster than others! The wholesale denial of L-1B visas at the US Consulates in India may have probably forced companies to rely on the H-1B visa more than necessary. Note, though, that many prefer the L1B to the H-1B since the spouse of an L-1 worker can also work in the US. The H-4 spouse, by contrast, is not allowed to partake in any activities that have the semblance of work, even if it is selling a work of art that was created as part of a hobby. The H-4 spouse has to obtain his or her own H-1B. Clearly, the decline in L-1 approvals in India has sucked up more H-1B numbers this year. Finally, the B-1 in lieu of H-1B visa was also placed under a lot of scrutiny this year, which robbed those who were assigned to the US on short term assignments easy flexibility and also forced them to use the H-1B visa. AILA President Eleanor Pelta sums it all up very nicely, "During a time when job creation is the nation's number one priority, why are we still fiddling around with an outmoded quota system that ignores the importance of immigrants to the economic engine? The marketplace dictates the pace and type of demand by business for specialized workers. To be more competitive globally, we really should be smarter about our high skilled visa distribution so that it is related to market needs instead of pinned to a static limit that was determined by Congress in the last decade. Congress needs to be working on ways to make the visa system work for fueling the economy. The status quo is no longer acceptable." * Cyrus D Mehta, may be contacted at 212-425-0555 or info@cyrusmehta.com

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House approves bill to limit abortion funding HARRISBURG, Pa.: The State House of Representatives has approved a bill to limit abortion coverage in policies purchased through insurance exchanges that the federal health care law requires. The House voted 146-45 to give final approval to the measure, which now goes to the Senate. The bill would limit coverage for abortion in plans purchased through the exchanges to cases involving rape, incest or imminent death of the mother. Republicans said the bill seeks to exercise the state's right to limit abortion coverage through the exchanges that are to be set up by 2014. Rep. Babette Josephs says the exchanges are designed to help small businesses and nonprofits find affordable insurance. -AP

Â&#x201E; AG reviewing citation against nursing home FRANKFORT, Ky.: A state citation against a central Kentucky nursing home is being reviewed by the Kentucky Attorney General's office. The citation stems from how staff at Charleston Health Care Center in Danville responded to allegations that a male nurse's aide was mistreating patients, according to the Lexington Herald Leader, which obtained the citation through an open records request. It says abuse allegations weren't immediately reported to administrative staff, weren't thoroughly investigated and weren't reported to all the appropriate state agencies. -AP

Â&#x201E; Fumes from oxygen tubing may have killed woman PORTLAND, Ore.: Portland firefighters say a 70-year-old woman has died, apparently from toxic smoke from oxygen tubing that was melted by a cigarette. KATU-TV says firefighters were called to the home at the Mobile Estates and found a man performing chest compressions on his wife, whose name was not released. Fire officials say the man arrived home to find his wife on the floor. Firefighters were unable to revive the woman and paramedics noted burns on her face and fingers. They found what appeared to be cigarette remains and melted oxygen tubing that she had been using for medical reasons. -AP

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December 23, 2011

Indian American doctors arrested in illegal referral scheme India Post News Service

NEW JERSEY: The owner of a diagnostic facility and six doctors of Indian origin are among the 14 New Jersey healthcare providers who have been arrested and charged in a cash-for tests referral scheme for allegedly taking illegal kickback payments to refer patients. The arrests were announced Dec 13, by New Jersey US Attorney Paul J. Fishman and US Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) Special Agent in Charge Tom O'Donnell. On the morning of Dec 13, more than 65 federal and local agents and officers led by HHS-OIG arrested the 14 health care practitioners, to whom radiology and diagnostic facility Orange Community MRI (OCM) allegedly paid monthly cash kickback payments in exchange for their referral of Medicare and Medicaid patients to OCM for testing services. OCM's executive director, Chirag Patel, 36, of Warren, NJ, was arrested on Dec 8, in connection with the scheme. He appeared that day before Judge Arleo and was released on a $750,000 bond. According to the complaints

filed in the related cases, OCM began making the illegal kickback payments as early as 2010. At the end of each calendar month, individuals at OCM printed patient reports that detailed how many diagnostic tests - including MRIs, ultrasounds, echocardiograms, CAT Scans, and dual-emission Xray absorptiometries - were referred by each of the accused doctors. These patient reports were used to calculate the payment owed to each defendant.

kickbacks of $51,500. "Selling test referrals for cash is illegal. Patients have every right to expect their doctors will recommend medical service providers because they do the best job, not because they provide the best bribes," said US Attorney Fishman. "There is no room in the federal healthcare system for those who see a person in need of care as an opportunity to make an extra buck on the side." "When physicians take kick-

The health care practitioners were paid kickbacks for each Medicare or Medicaid beneficiary diagnostic test referred to OCM According to each defendant's agreement with OCM, the health care practitioners were paid kickbacks for each Medicare or Medicaid beneficiary diagnostic test referred to OCM. The defendants also were paid for referring some privately insured tests. During only a two-month period between early October and early December, there were 32 separate payments made to or by the 15 defendants currently charged in connection with the alleged scheme, with total cash

backs that influence how they practice medicine, it has the potential to taint the medical advice and care that is provided to their patients. The audacity of these physicians should offend honest taxpayers, especially at a time when our taxpayer resources are stretched thin. We will continue to aggressively pursue all angles of Healthcare fraud. We would also like to thank the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for their law enforcement support as this case was an off-

shoot of a CMS referral," said Special Agent in Charge O'Donnell. All of the health care providers charged practice in New Jersey and have offices in Newark, Orange, East Orange, West Orange or Irvington. The bribe amounts ranged from $200 to more than $5,000 per month. Other than Chirag Patel and Jose Castaneda, who is a nurse practitioner, all of the defendants are medical doctors. The other Indian origin physicians caught in this net are Shashi Agarwal, 59, of Edison; Ramesh Kania, 58, and Yash Khanna, 69, both of East Orange; Dinesh Patel, 57, and Padma Siripurapu, 44, both of Newark. Each of the health care practitioners is charged with one count of violating the federal health care program anti-kickback statute by soliciting and receiving bribes, which carries a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. Chirag Patel is charged with violating the same statute by offering and paying bribes, which carries the same maximum potential penalty.

California overhauls mental health department SACRAMENTO, Calif.: California has begun transitioning its mental health services program to concentrate care on the most serious patients residing in state mental hospitals and prisons, but the cost-cutting move is raising concerns about patient care from state workers. The state announced last week it will hand off more responsibility for public mental health programs to counties as part of Gov. Jerry Brown's ongoing push to move services to California's local governments. The administration says the reorganization will allow the state to form a new Department of State Hospitals that focuses exclusively on 6,300 patients in state hospitals and prisons. ``We think that as a package

we're providing a set of proposals that saves money but doesn't change the quality of care and also increases safety,'' Department of Mental Health acting-chief deputy director Kathy Gaither said in an interview.

dures. It cuts 346 positions in the current year to save $122.6 million and eliminates 620 positions to save $193 million next year. The administration says it does not plan layoffs because many of those positions are already vacant

'We know that if treatment staff are cut, patient safety will certainly deteriorate further, and assaults will increase' Earlier this year, state mental health officials assigned a committee to come up with a plan to improve care and safety while also finding places to cut costs within the state's mental hospital system. The committee returned with a blueprint for overhauling the department's policies and proce-

or can be done through attrition. Safety Now!, a coalition of psychiatric technicians, physicians and other state hospital workers, warns that the plan would reduce staffing ratios by nearly one-third. ``It is clear that only short-term monetary goals are driving the state's decision to cut staff,'' Stuart

Bussey, a doctor and president of the Union of American Physicians and Dentists said in a statement. ``We know that if treatment staff are cut, patient safety will certainly deteriorate further, and assaults will increase and that will ultimately cost the state of California more money in lawsuits than these proposed cuts will save.'' The new structure reduces patient-to-staff ratios, a move state officials say is needed to cut down on the use of overtime and contract staff the two single biggest drivers of increased hospital spending. The department plans to modify staff levels based on the patients' needs, putting more psychologists and psychiatrists with the most serious and aggressive patients and fewer with the more stable patients. -AP

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December 23, 2011

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New method boosts blood-clotting for hemophiliacs ATLANTA: In what's being called a landmark study, researchers used gene therapy to successfully treat six patients with severe hemophilia, a bloodclotting disorder. The study was preliminary and involved only six patients, and other promising early attempts to use gene therapy against hemophilia ultimately failed. But a single infusion using the new treatment worked in some patients for more than a year, boosting their clotting ability significantly. ``I think this is a terrific advance for the field. It's a good lesson in terms of don't give up on good ideas,'' said Dr. Ronald Crystal, chairman of genetic medicine at New York City's Weill Cornell Medical College, It's ``truly a landmark study,'' said Dr. Katherine Ponder, a Washington University School of Medicine physician. She praised the research in an editorial that accompanies the study's publication in the New England Journal of Medicine. The research also was being presented at an American Society of Hematology conference in San Diego.

Hemophilia is an inherited, potentially life-threatening disorder affecting mostly males. Their blood doesn't clot properly because of a faulty gene. In severe cases, they can spontaneously start bleeding internally, even in the brain. Internal bleeding in the joints leads to debilitating movement problems and intense pain.

The six men each received a single, 20-minute infusion of healthy genetic material delivered by a virus found in monkeys Past gene therapy experiments on hemophiliacs improved bloodclotting for only a few weeks. ``We couldn't make it last,'' said Val Bias, chief executive of the National Hemophilia Foundation. Experts said the new method needs to be tested on many more patients to confirm whether it's

effective and prove there are no risks. Even if all goes right, it's still several years away from being available to most patients. Since the late 1960s, doctors have given hemophiliacs infusions of clotting proteins. It's been a success, increasing their average lifespan to 63. But for severe cases, treatment can involve two or three infusions every week and cost more than $250,000 annually. The new study was led by researchers at the University College London Cancer Institute and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. All six of the patients in the study were men seen in London who had severe forms of type B hemophilia. The six men each received a single, 20-minute infusion of healthy genetic material delivered by a virus found in monkeys. Viruses are often used to transport DNA into cells. Each saw the amount of clotting proteins in their blood increase from less than 1 percent of normal levels to at least 2 percent, and in one case as much as 11 percent. -AP

Program to help Native Americans quit smoking LINCOLN, Neb.: A special program to help Native Americans stop smoking will be held in Lincoln and Omaha. The University of Kansas Medical Center is offering the eight-week program and has openings for 32 Native Americans ages 18 and older. Participants will be given health information as well as nicotine patches, gum and lozenges. Support sessions will be held. In cases of severe cravings and withdrawal symptoms, free medication will be available. One portion of the group will participate in a program designed for Native Americans, the Lincoln Journal Star reported. The remainder will follow a program that uses the current best practices. Experts will study the results and evaluate the value of a culturally tailored smoking cessation program versus a non-tailored program. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that in 2009, adult Native Americans had the highest smoking rate of any ethnic group in the country: 23.2 percent. Participants use tobacco in

some Native American ceremonies. ``That's going to be one deterrent on stopping, because that just creates more cravings,'' said Dale Leach II, 36, who told the newspaper that he began smoking when he was 15. He's interested in the program. ``If they're willing to help us quit, I think that's great,'' Leach said. ``There are Natives out there that can't stop and that are smoking a couple packs a day.'' Chris Legband, a program facilitator and Ponca tribe member, said the program has helped her stop smoking. Project manager Baljit Kaur said organizers hope to expand the program into Norfolk, Niobrara and Winnebago, then across the Missouri River to Sioux City, Iowa. She hopes to establish the program in those communities and let local people or agencies take it over. "We want to give it back to communities so they can tailor it according to their needs,'' she said. -AP

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ADHD drugs safe for adults' hearts CHICAGO: Ritalin and other drugs used to treat attention deficit disorder are safe for adults' hearts, even though they can increase blood pressure and heart rate, according to the largest study of these medicines in adults. The results echo findings in a study of children with ADHD, by the same researchers, published last month. The review of health records for more than 440,000 adults aged 25 to 64 showed those taking ADHD drugs had about the same number of heart attacks, strokes and sudden heart-related deaths as adults who didn't use those drugs. The research will be published

in the Journal of the American Medical Association's Dec. 28 print edition, but was released online because of its public health importance, journal editors said.

ing or paying attention. ADHD affects about 4 percent of U.S. adults, roughly 9 million. About 8 percent of U.S. children aged 3 to 17, or 5 million kids, have ever

Study participants used the drugs for an average of less than a year, which is short, but the upper range of use was almost 14 years, and there was no sign of increasing risk with longer use, the authors said Although attention deficit disorder is usually thought of as a condition in childhood, many continue to have symptoms as adults, including impulsive, fidgety behavior and difficulty focus-

been diagnosed with the disorder, government statistics show. More than 1.5 million U.S. adults were taking stimulants used for ADHD in 2005, and use of ADHD drugs increased more

rapidly in adults than in kids over the past decade, the study said. More than 150,000 ADHD medication users were involved in several states. Their health records over up to 20 years were compared with similar adults who did not use those drugs. Overall, there were 1,357 heart attacks, 575 strokes and 296 sudden cardiac deaths. Roughly equal numbers occurred in ADHD drug users and nonusers. Study participants used the drugs for an average of less than a year, which is short, but the upper range of use was almost 14 years, and there was no sign of increasing risk with longer use, the authors said, led by Laurel Habel of the research division at Kaiser Permanente Northern California.

A journal editorial says the study provides encouraging news, given lingering concerns about isolated reports of heart problems and sudden deaths in users of some ADHD drugs. The findings support the Food and Drug Administration's decision in 2006 against putting a black box warning about serious heart events on ADHD drug labels. But despite the results, medical histories and exams should still be performed for all patients before starting ADHD drugs, and periodic evaluations should be done during drug treatment, said editorial author Dr. Philip Shaw of the National Human Genome Research Institute. The federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and the FDA helped pay for the study. -AP

Delays, overruns plague NC Cabinet begins releasing Medicaid claims project RALEIGH, N.C.: North Carolina Republican lawmakers grilled state Medicaid leaders about delays in replacing the government health program's claims processing system, which has faced operational hurdles since the project first began almost eight years ago. The system's launch is running nearly two years behind schedule. State auditors also estimate it will cost more than double the originally projected amount because of expanded contract expenses and the expense of keeping the current aging system running with its longtime vendor. ``We have had this same issue for eight years and we never get it done,'' Sen. Harris Blake, RMoore, said at a legislative oversight committee. ``If we can't do better than that, then we should get out of this project.'' The state's Medicaid Management Information System Office is working with Computer Sciences Corp., which has a contract to overhaul and operate the new processing system. Medicaid processes eight million claims a month involving more than 70,000 providers, state Health and Human Services Secretary Lanier Cansler said. The original contract, announced in late 2008 and awarded to Computer Sciences Corp., was estimated at $265 million. The system was supposed to be up and running this year. Now officials say the project won't go completely online until mid-2013 because of federal and state legislative changes and required updates to the current pro-

cessing system, according to a presentation from the information system office. Computer Sciences Corp. also overestimated how much computer code from New York's claims system could be used in North Carolina's plan, the presentation said. State Auditor Beth Wood's office, which is examining the project, calculated it will exceed initial cost estimates by $320.3 million, according to a draft of Wood's report obtained by The Associated Press. The draft report said the system office ``did not fully document its analysis of the

Cansler said the system office would make changes in light of the audit, especially by providing more documentation on how the contract is being carried out impact that schedule delays had on the system implementation.'' Wood, a Democrat, also said higher-than-expected staff turnover at the company contributed to delays and the department wasn't aware of changes that Computer Sciences had made to the project for more than a year. ``The control of the system and the changes that are being made to the system should rest with the system,'' not the vendor, Wood told reporters. Wood's office has not released its final audit because Cansler's

department hadn't formally responded to the review. The Legislature's fiscal staff discussed briefly the auditor's findings with committee members. Cansler said the system office would make changes in light of the audit, especially by providing more documentation on how the contract is being carried out, such as calculating how much the vendor should pay for delays. He told lawmakers the project is complicated and constantly changing because of mandates. More than 500 state governments and outside workers are working on the project, according to Angeline Sligh, the Medicaid Management office director. ``This is not a simple system that you just build out and accommodate,'' Cansler told lawmakers. ``There's no way to freeze the old system and not make any changes while we make the new one.'' Cansler worked for a consulting company before becoming secretary in early 2009 and was listed as a lobbyist for Computer Sciences Corp. in 2007. Democratic Gov. Beverly Perdue said Cansler wouldn't make any decisions or participate in discussions involving former clients. Cansler said he's stuck to that rule and hasn't participated in negotiations involving the amended contract, leaving much of the work to an assistant secretary. At the hearing, a member of the legislative committee that oversees Medicaid's parent department said money is being wasted on the project and questioned whether it would even get done in 2013. -AP

child death records

LEXINGTON, Ky.: The state Cabinet for Health and Family Services began releasing documents on deaths or near-deaths of children under its supervision. Franklin County Circuit Judge Phillip Shepherd last month ordered the cabinet to turn over its internal reviews and the case files of children who have been killed or nearly killed to the state's two largest newspapers, the Lexington Herald-Leader and The Courier-Journal. The cabinet, which oversees child protection, had resisted releasing the records until Gov. Steve Beshear announced on Nov. 29 they would be made public. The state released reports from 2009 and 2010 on children who died or nearly died from neglect or abuse, the Herald-Leader reported (http://bit.ly/t3E2tj ).

Christina Heavrin, the cabinet's general counsel, told Shepherd earlier the cabinet believed there were 90 internal fatality reviews in 2009 and 2010. The cabinet has said it will release 180 case files of children who have been killed or nearly killed after limited information has been redacted. The case files will contain more detailed information than the internal reviews. In at least two cases involving a child death from abuse and neglect in the last couple of years, the cabinet has admitted it did not do the required internal review. The co-chairs of the interim joint committee on health and welfare have said they will hold hearings this month about the cabinet's handling of such cases. -AP

Louisville gave 20,000 free flu immunizations LOUISVILLE, Ky.: The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness gave more than 20,000 free flu immunizations to public school students during a campaign stretching from Oct. 13 through Dec. 8. The agency also gave more than 2,700 immunizations to JCPS staff. Private insurance paid for staff immunizations. Louisville is the only city in

the region to undertake such a school flu immunization campaign. Public Health and Wellness nurses and other staff were joined by nurses and clerical staff from Norton Healthcare, students from the Sullivan University School of Pharmacy and the University of Louisville School of Nursing, and nurses and clerical staff from the Medical Reserve Corps. -AP

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Business officials push tax overhaul at summit PORTLAND, Ore.: It's time for Oregon to get serious about changing the state's tax code to stabilize funding for schools, health care and other government programs, business leaders said at the annual Oregon Leadership Summit. A united business community and behind-the-scenes talks with labor unions may just provide the momentum to make changes soon, officials said. ``We can't afford to be throwing rocks at each other with this state in its current condition. We've got to pull it together,'' said Patrick Reiten, the chief executive of PacifiCorp who chairs a committee that writes the ``Oregon Business Plan.'' The document recommends policy changes that could improve the economy and the business climate. The fight over Measures 66 and 67, which raised taxes on wealthy individuals and corporations, brought businesses together in opposition, Reiten said. The unity still stands, and the rancorous relationship with labor unions has eased with the passage of time, he said.

Proposals for specific tax-code changes were scarce. But business interests have long complained that Oregon relies too heavily on the personal income tax to fund government services, causing revenue to soar during boom times and tank during recessions. Some have said that capital gains taxes are too high, or that the ``kicker''

House Co-Speaker Bruce Hanna, R-Roseburg, said changes to tax policy need to be done in conjunction with changes in state spending law which automatically sends surplus revenue back to taxpayers prevents the state from effectively saving money for rough patches. Efforts to change tax laws have along those lines have failed. ``I just don't think the key people want it that badly,'' Sen-

ate President Peter Courtney, DSalem, told the gathering of business and government officials. ``I don't think this organization and the unions want it that badly. You have to want it, you have to taste it.'' House Co-Speaker Bruce Hanna, R-Roseburg, said changes to tax policy need to be done in conjunction with changes in state spending. ``You still have to put state spending in line with Oregon's ability of the economy to keep up with it,'' Hanna said. Officials said they were encouraged by improved privatesector job growth, but the new jobs have been partially offset by cuts in the public-sector work force. Oregon's economic recovery has slowed since the beginning of the year, when positive signs in the job market helped lead economists to deliver a relatively rosy revenue forecast. But economists now project the state will take in $300 million less than they predicted in May, eating up much of the reserves that lawmakers built into the state budget. -AP

Chicago's ban on 'synthetic marijuana' begins CHICAGO: A mother whose 19year-old son died after smoking ``synthetic marijuana'' applauded Chicago for a ban on such products at a news conference, starkly underlining the dangers of a new trend among youth. Sold in convenience stores and gas stations under names such as ``K2'' and ``Head Trip,'' the products mimic the high of marijuana but have more dangerous side effects including seizures and dangerously elevated heart rates. The smokeable herbal products are typically made of plant material that's been spiked with research chemicals - synthetic cannabinoids - that were developed to study brain receptors activated by marijuana. They products are sold, with a wink, as incense or potpourri. In Chicago, businesses selling the products will face fines from $500 to $1,000 and could have their business licenses revoked. A new state law, taking effect Jan. 1, goes even further, making possession or sale of the products a felony with penalties ranging from 1 to 60 years. While some researchers oppose criminalizing the compounds

because it could slow research on possible pharmaceutical uses against disease, many states are enacting bans and the U.S. drug agency took emergency action to categorize them alongside heroin as Schedule I drugs. Max Dobner, of Aurora, died June 14 after smoking what he thought was a safe product, said his mother, Karen Dobner. He suffered a panic attack and crashed his car into a house. The Chicago ordinance is named Max's Law in his honor. ``He went to the mall one day with his friend. They saw this stuff and (the friend) said they had a conversation that it must be safe because it's legal,'' Karen Dobner said. ``His conclusion was wrong.'' At least 40 states have passed laws or written departmental rules to ban synthetic marijuana, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. In March, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration took emergency action to control five chemicals used in making synthetic marijuana, citing an imminent threat to public safety. -AP

Tech News Russia nuke cooperation to continue: PM MOSCOW: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has assured Russia that India would fulfill all its commitments on bilateral nuclear cooperation while according top priority to safety issues and concerns raised by people in Kundankulam. Before embarking on a visit to Moscow that comes amid antinuclear protests at the site of the Russia-assisted project in Tamil Nadu, Singh said his government takes people's concerns "seriously" but the Indo-Russian atomic cooperation "would continue". -PTI

Pak in process of granting MFN status to India: Govt NEW DELHI: Government here said Pakistan was in the process of granting Most Favored Nation (MFN) status to India as per the Commerce Secretary level talks held in November this year. Replying to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for External Affairs presented a portion of the minutes of the Commerce Secretary level talks held between November 14-16. "The move to full normalization of trade shall be sequenced. In the first stage, Pakistan will transition from the current positive list approach to a Negative list. The consultation process on devising this Negative list is almost complete," the minutes shared by Ahmed read. -PTI

Sri Lanka looks for increased Indian investment COLOMBO: Sri Lanka has said it is well positioned to accelerate economic growth after the end of LTTE conflict and there could be no hesitation on the part of potential Indian investors to set up business in the island nation. This was stated by the economic development minister Basil Rajapaksa during his meeting with the visiting CII delegation. The high powered business team concluded a two-day visit to Sri Lanka. The 13-member team held high level talks on the possibility of enhanced Indian investment in Sri Lanka in its post-conflict phase. The Sri Lankan commerce ministry said the Indian industries and businesses have confirmed participation at Sri Lanka Expo 2012. -PTI

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Sri Lanka to streamline visa regime for security NEW DELHI: Sri Lanka has said it will further streamline its visa-onarrival facility from next month for security purposes, while ensuring that genuine investors and tourists don't face difficulties. With effect from January 1, 2012, the island nation will streamline its visa on arrival system applicable to 78 countries, including India. Under the new regime, visa-on-arrival will be available to only those visitors who obtain prior online permission from Sri Lankan immigration authorities. "We are revising our practice on visa-on-arrival to further streamline it and promote only genuine tourists, genuine investors and genuine traders who are arriving in Sri Lanka," Sri Lankan High Commissioner to India Prasad Kariyawasam said here. -PTI

Historic Maryland trade mission to India nets $60m in deals India Post News Service

NEW YORK: The historic trade mission to India undertaken by Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley early this month resulted in nearly $60 million in business deals for Maryland. Two major Indian companies plan investments in Maryland and eight Maryland businesses inked deals with Indian partners, with a combined total of nearly $60 million in business deals for the State and several additional deals worth millions still on the horizon. A week after returning from his trip to three of India's largest cities - Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi - Gov. O'Malley, joined by Prince George's County Executive Rushern L. Baker III, Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development Secretary Christian S. Johansson, Secretary of State John McDonough, University of Maryland College Park officials, and other delegation members, detailed the success of the mission - the first by a sitting Maryland Governor and the largest foreign trade delegation in State history - which also included keynote addresses to

Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K K Reddy

nificant results, with nearly $60 million in business deals for Maryland companies and millions more to come as additional deals with Indian partners are signed," said Gov, O'Malley. "This mission has opened new doors for Maryland to create jobs, bolster trade

way to doing business in the US." "I was honored to join Governor O'Malley on this economic development mission to India. This mission was a huge success in terms of opportunities identified including six deals signed for Prince George's County," said

"This mission has opened new doors for Maryland to create jobs, bolster trade and investment, and strengthen existing business and cultural relationshipsâ&#x20AC;? three of India's largest business organizations and agreements with Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra to explore Sister-State relationships. "Our six-day mission to India has already produced some sig-

and investment, and strengthen existing business and cultural relationships. Together, with our entire delegation, we are sending a strong message to India's top business organizations and companies that Maryland is the gate-

Prince George's County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III. "We are committed to a mutually beneficial, long term relationship with India - its government, its people and its outstanding business community. We will continue to encour-

age Prince George's County businesses to enter into profitable relationships with the Indian business community that will create jobs and generate new tax revenues." The Governor also met with a number of top Indian companies to promote Maryland as an ideal location for establishing US operations, and signed an agreement in New Delhi with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) the oldest and largest business organization in India - to create an India-Maryland Center in Maryland to boost trade between the two regions. FICCI officials also announced that the business organization would lead a delegation to Maryland in April 2012 and focus on establishing partnerships in biotechnology, renewable energy and infrastructure. In Mumbai, Secretary Johansson joined the US India Importers Council in the signing of an agreement committing Maryland and India to boost imports and exports. ContĂd on page 46

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US investors keen to fund India's Digital Transformation India Post News Service

The US-India Business Council (USIBC) hosted a roundtable discussion earlier this month of leading US entertainment companies and investors focused on India's push towards digitization of the nation's television entertainment and broadband convergence platforms. Encouragingly, the government of India is moving forward with a series of potent policies for this key sector. Specifically, these policies include work by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to: (i) clarify the regulatory framework; (ii) set a timetable for digitization of the nation's 85 million cable networks; and (iii) recommend a common set of foreign investment limits across all distribution plat-

forms and promote cable as a mass market broadband platform. The roundtable, held in Manhattan at the Harvard Club, was organized by the USIBC and Media Partners Asia. Joining the

ernment of India as well as India's leading entertainment companies for their work in India to create a clear and forward looking policy framework for this key sector. Vivek Couto, Executive Director of Me-

Roundtable participants praised the government of India as well as India's leading entertainment companies for their work in India to create a clear and forward looking policy framework for this key sector roundtable discussion were more than 40 senior executives from leading US entertainment companies and global private equity investment firms. Roundtable participants praised the gov-

dia Partners Asia, said, "India's television and broadband digital infrastructure market is on the cusp of a high growth phase similar to North America between 1998 and 2003, Korea during 2003-7, and Taiwan dur-

ing 2005- 10. Valuations of the domestic companies in these markets during the highgrowth stage typically skyrocketed, as networks were upgraded and services to consumers expanded. In India, domestic players and foreign investors will both do well, to the benefit of India's consumers, when the government's policies take shape." Expanding on this point, Ron Somers, President of the USIBC, said "The forward looking actions of the Indian government policymakers will significantly benefit the Indian consumer by spurring digitization and transformation of India's vast analog cable and satellite television sector. Moreover, the transformation to digital will mean explosive growth in the nascent broadband market which in turn will make a material contribution to the expansion of India's overall economy and GDP growth."

'India can emerge as global trans-shipment hub' NEW DELHI: India has the potential to emerge as a global transshipment hub and the government is working out a new policy to meet the needs of the growing aviation sector, a senior Indian Civil Aviation Ministry official said. "We need to decongest cargo terminals with simplification of customs procedures, greater use of mechanized handling and speedy clearances of shipments. India has the potential to emerge as a global trans-shipment hub," Civil Aviation Secretary Nasim Zaidi said here. The Ministry is working out a new policy to factor in needs of the fast-growing sector over the next ten years.

"We have about five months to complete the process," Zaidi said while inaugurating a conference 'Air Cargo as Engine of Economic Growth' organized by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM). He said the new policy would encourage private sector investments and lay emphasis on setting up an air cargo promotion board. With GDP growing annually at nearly eight per cent, the air cargo industry has been averaging annual growth of 12 per cent, Zaidi said. Indian airports handled a total of 2.33 million tonnes of cargo in 2010-11, up from 0.5 million

tonnes in 2005-06. While the domestic cargo is expected to increase from 0.8 million tonnes to 1.7 million tonnes by 2016-17, the international cargo traffic is pro-

The industry body said air freight stations would eventually need to move to tier II and tier III cities to offset limitation of space and decongest warehouses at existing main airports jected to move up from 1.5 million tonnes to 2.7 million tonnes during the same period. Zaidi said that air freight stations at Mumbai and Chennai would be operationalised soon to

Fresh Govt push for retail, civil aviation FDI NEW DELHI: The government has not given up on liberalizing the foreign direct investment (FDI) regime despite suffering a setback on allowing foreign retail chains to set up shop in India. Within a week of announcing a pause on FDI in multi-brand retail, it is beginning fresh consultations with stakeholders, to get the plan back on track. To begin with, the food processing sector and small and medium enterprises are being consulted, with farmer groups and traders to follow. Separately, the finance ministry is in talks with the Securities & Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to see how foreign airlines that acquire stakes in Indian carriers are not bogged down by the new Takeover Code in completing transactions. The new rules mandate that companies acquiring 25% or more in another en-

tity have to make an open offer for an additional 20% stake. If the rules were to be applied to the civil aviation sector, then the FDI ceiling would be breached as the Manmohan Singh government is planning to allow foreign airlines to acquire up to 26% stake in Indian entities, which has hitherto been a taboo. Sources said the issue is expected to be sorted out over the next few days as all ministries including civil aviation that initially suggested a 24% cap - are now on board. If everything goes according to script, the government is planning to get Cabinet clearance soon after the winter session of Parliament ends. The move, which is back in favor after a decade, is expected to ease the pressure on debtladen airlines such as Vijay Mallya-promoted Kingfisher. While Indian airlines were ear-

keep up with the booming traffic. Addressing the conference, Chief Commissioner at the Central Board for Excise and Customs, Najib Shah said authorities have

lier resisting the entry of overseas giants, they are the ones who are now keen on a partnership. Ditto for FDI in multi-brand retail where again, Indian promoters are now hoping that global chains will tie up with them and also ease the burden. While a part of the discussion is aimed at getting feedback from the stakeholders, a major part of the exercise will focus on educating them about the advantages of allowing foreign retailers who are expected to bring in new technology to reduce wastage, generate jobs and help local vendors scale up to meet international standards. The discussions are also expected to focus on providing additional safeguards to protect local interests. Last week, the government had said it had decided to put the plan to allow 51% FDI in multi-brand retail on hold till a consensus was reached. -PTI

put in place a risk management system for self-declaration by exporters. "Efforts are being made to upscale infrastructural facilities and reduce dwell time," he said. The industry body called for reducing transaction costs with technological improvement like paperless e-enabled transac-

tions, improving systems, processes and technology, developing common IT platforms covering all stakeholders for speedy flow of information. "We must have modern integrated cargo terminals, cargo villages, automated storage and rack systems, cold chain facilities to support pharmaceuticals and perishable cargo," said K Narayana Rao, chairman of ASSOCHAM Civil Aviation Committee. The industry body said air freight stations would eventually need to move to tier II and tier III cities to offset limitation of space and decongest warehouses at existing main airports. It said that investments of Rs 1.5 lakh crore would be required in the next 15 years as the key infrastructure sector expands to keep up with rising passenger and cargo traffic. -PTI

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Historic Maryland trade mission to India nets $60m in deals ContĂd from page 44

In the first nine months of this year, the Port of Baltimore saw $341 million in trade to and from India compared with $229 million from the same time frame in 2010 a 49% increase. A delegation from the University of Maryland College Park, led by President Wallace Loh, also met with a number of major Indian universities, including the Indian School of Business in Hyderabad and Delhi University, and signed several partnership agreements, including one with the Indian Institute of Technology - Bombay, which will enable the two institutions to exchange faculty and students and jointly compete for research grants, particularly in the area of global climate change and weather prediction technologies. "I was pleased and thankful that Governor Martin O'Malley invited the University of Maryland to be part of his delegation to visit India, a land that is so rich in culture, history, and opportunity," said Dr. Loh. "As a premier research and land-grant institution, the University of Maryland must be focused on innovation and entrepreneurship, while ever increasing our global connections for the benefit of our students, our state, and the nation. This trip served all of these objectives and more." Vocational education In addition, Montgomery College signed a memorandum of understanding with the Wadhwani Foundation and Jindal Educational Initiatives, of Jindal Steel and Power Ltd, to strengthen vocational education and instructor capacity in India and establish the India Vocational Faculty Development Center for Excellence (IVFDCE). The goal of the collaboration is to develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate a technical trade instructor training program and related instructional materials. Montgomery College will share its expertise in curricula, pedagogy, and learning environments. This effort will train the trainers who will, in turn, prepare India's people for careers in the knowledge economy. The mission yielded tremendous business interest in Maryland. Jasco Nutri Foods, an Indiabased manufacturer and exporter of organic food products, has entered into an understanding for development consulting services with Chesapeake Investments Group in Bowie to invest $10 million in opening a facility on a 1,500 acre location yet to be determined in Maryland. The plans for the location will be finalized over the next two months, but the new facility could generate up to 100 jobs

when operational. Also, Jubilant Life Sciences, one of India's top pharmaceutical and life sciences companies with a drug manufacturing facility in Salisbury, also announced plans to invest $20 million to triple its warehouse space on the Eastern Shore and add new jobs. No timeline has been given for the expansion, but the company reports a dramatic increase in sales from $3 million in 2005 to $42 million this year and a jump in employees from 25 six years ago to more than 240 currently. In addition, nine Maryland companies signed significant deals or joint ventures with companies in India. Several companies are continu-

The goal of the collaboration is to develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate a technical trade instructor training program and related instructional materials ing to have discussions with potential Indian partners, including ARINC, the Annapolis-based leading provider of managed IT services and support for the aviation industry, which joined Gov. O'Malley for a meeting with India's Minister of Civil Aviation Vayalar Ravi to discuss the modernization of India's airports and a tender issued by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to upgrade 25 of its airports. The US & Foreign Commercial Service provided delegation members with the Gold Key Service, which connects US companies with business partners abroad. In

total, 10 Maryland firms conducted meetings in three cities with qualified agents, distributors and joint venture partners for a total of nearly 90 one-on-one, faceto-face business appointments with interested Indian firms. "I would like to express my deep sense of pride and appreciation to Governor O'Malley for personally attending this meeting with us and endorsing ARINC for India and the recent AAI tender," said Jim Martin, ARINC's Asia Pacific Managing Director. "With his help, we hope to work closely the Ministry of Civil Aviation, AAI and other industry consortiums to help airports in India achieve world-class standards." "Premier Rides is fortunate to be located in Maryland, which has an intense focus on building international business and exports," said Jim Seay, president of Premier Rides. "The global economic situation requires companies to be very dynamic and to be able to react quickly where the opportunities are emerging. The assistance provided by the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development is a key element in Premier's ability to both find business prospects and close on deals. The Adlabs project is a great example of where Premier's global reach can go." Plans for Maryland-India Center In New Delhi, Gov. O'Malley addressed the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and joined in the signing of an agreement that would create an India-Maryland Center in Maryland. The Center would be operated by FICCI and seek to boost trade between Maryland and India. FICCI officials also announced that the business organization would lead a delegation to Maryland in April 2012 and focus on establishing partnerships in biotechnology, renewable energy and infrastructure.

"Our mission to India has been a great success in terms of the new partnerships we've established, the new doors we've opened for job creation, trade and investment, and the many Maryland companies who have signed deals with our Indian partners," said Gov. O'Malley. "We look forward to moving forward on a Maryland-India Center to increase imports and exports between our two regions, strengthen ties in shared industries like biotechnology and IT, and welcome an Indian delegation to Maryland next year." "The signing of the agreement with FICCI and Maryland will foster greater cooperation between the private sectors of our two re-

"We look forward to moving forward on a Maryland-India Center to increase imports and exports between our two regions gions," said Dr. Rajiv Kumar, Secretary General of FICCI. "FICCI also plans to set up an India Center in Maryland which will be a place for businesses from India and Maryland to interact and offer connectivity and facilitation for networking for joint ventures, tech transfers and co-production across sectors." Sister-State relationship with Maharashtra In Mumbai, during his discussions with Chief Minister of Maharashtra Prithviraj Chavan, Gov. O'Malley explored a SisterState relationship, which would commit the two states to working

together on business and industry, culture and arts and education and health. Gov. O'Malley and Chief Minister Chavan also discussed a proposal for bilateral exchange of the sport of cricket via the Washington Metro Cricket Board (WMCB), important education initiatives at the post-secondary level, and how state officials might work together to promote a clean economy for the future. "By committing to explore a Sister-State relationship with the State of Maharashtra - one of India's most prosperous regions - we are opening new doors for trade and investment, creating a cultural bond, sharing best practices on education, and working toward a cleaner, more sustainable future for our children," said Gov. O'Malley. "The Maryland Sister States Program looks forward to welcoming our friends from the State of Maharashtra and thanks its leaders for their willingness to explore a partnership with Maryland," said Secretary of State John P. McDonough. "We believe that the citizens from both states would benefit from this relationship moving forward." A Sister State Committee to explore a relationship with Maharashtra will be headed by Dr. Nayan Shah, a physician from Southern Maryland. "The US and Foreign Commercial Service is pleased to support Governor O'Malley's mission to India," said Bill Burwell, Director of the US Export Assistance Center, Maryland. "Over the past several months, we have worked with Governor O'Malley's staff and the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development to help Maryland companies expand their business in India and to bolster the state's efforts to attract investment from India into Maryland. This mission is the culmination of our efforts."

December 23, 2011

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Whatever Christ was saying was brought from India OSHO

t is not coincidental that whenever anybody is thirsty for truth, suddenly he has become interested in India, suddenly he has started moving towards the East. And it is not only today, it is as old as there are records. Pythagoras, twenty-five Osho centuries ago, came to India in search of truth. Jesus Christ came to India. In The Bible there is no record about Jesus between the ages of thirteen to thirty - and that was almost his whole life, because he was crucified at thirty-three. So from thirteen to thirty, seventeen years are missing. Where had he been, and why are those days not recorded in The Bible? They have been dropped deliberately, because that would have exposed the fact that Christianity is not a new religion, it is not an original religion - that whatever Christ is saying he has brought from India. Tremendously intriguing It is tremendously intriguing. He was born a Jew, lived a Jew, died a Jew. He was never a Christian, he never even heard the words `Christian' or `Christ'. Why were the Jews so much against this man? Christians don't have an exact answer; neither do the Jews have an exact answer why - because this man had done no harm to anybody. He was as innocent as you can imagine. But his crime was very subtle. The rabbis, the learned Jews, saw it clearly - that he was bringing ideas from the East which were not Jewish. He was bringing something foreign, strange. And if you look from this angle you can see why he says again and again, "It has been said to you by the prophets of old that if somebody is violent with you, angry with you, then you have to be ready. Your answer has to be a stone for a brick, an eye for an eye. But I say unto you that if somebody hits you, slaps you on the face, give him the other side of your face too." This is absolutely un-Jewish. He has learned it from the teachings of Gautam Buddha and Mahavira. Buddhism alive When he came to India - and there are records still available of his visit - Buddhism was still very

alive, although Buddha was dead. Jesus came five hundred years after Gautam Buddha, but Buddha had created such a great storm that the whole country was drowned in it, was drunk with his idea of compassion, with his idea of forgiveness, with his idea of love. Jesus says, "It has been told by the old prophets" - and who are the old prophets? - they are all old, Jewish prophets: Ezekiel, Elijah, Moses - "that God is a very violent God, that he never forgives." They have even put words into God's mouth. In the Old Testament God says, "I am not your uncle, I am not a nice man. I am very jealous and I am very angry. And those who are not with me are against me." And Jesus says, "I say unto you that God is love." From where did he get the idea that God is love? Nowhere in the world has there been any record of God being love, except in the teachings of Gautam Buddha. 17 years For those seventeen Jesus years Jesus was wandering through Egypt, India, Ladakh, Tibet. And that was his crime - that he was bringing strange ideas to the Jewish tradition. And they were

ing a person. It takes almost fortyeight hours to kill a person, because the hands are nailed, the legs are nailed, and just drop by drop the blood goes out. If the man is healthy - there are records that people have survived for more than sixty hours - forty-eight is average. Jesus was brought down from the cross after six hours. Nobody has ever died on a Jewish cross in six hours: nobody can die. It was a conspiracy with Pontius Pilate. He was not a Jew, he was a Roman viceroy, because Judea was under the Roman Empire. And he was not at all interested in killing this innocent young man. He was feeling guilty that he was playing a part in this ugly and cruel drama; without his signature this man could not be killed. And it was a political thing, because the whole Jewish majority was madly after Jesus - he should be crucified. Pontius Pilate was in a dilemma: if he leaves this man alone he makes an enemy of the Christ whole country, which was Jewish. That would not be diplomatic. If he kills this man, he will have the support of the whole country, but in his own conscience it would be

Down the centuries, seekers have been coming to this land from all over the world. The country is poor, the country has nothing to offer, but to those who are sensitive it is the richest place on the earth. But the richness is of the inner not only strange, they were absolutely against it. You will be surprised to know also that finally he died in India, and Christian records are simply avoiding the fact. If they are right, that he was resurrected, then what happened after resurrection? Where is he? Because there is no record of his death. In fact, he was never resurrected. He in fact never died on the cross, because the Jewish cross is the most crude way of kill-

a wound: an innocent man who has done nothing wrong is being killed just because of a political situation. So he arranged with the disciples that the crucifixion would be delayed as long as possible on Friday. Because Friday evening, as the sun sets, Jews stop all kinds of work. Then on Saturday nothing is done, that is their holy day. The crucifixion was to happen in the morning on Friday, but it was delayed - and bureaucracy can delay anything.

Roman guard Jesus was crucified in the afternoon. And before sunset he had to be brought down alive, although he was unconscious, because blood had gone out of his body and he was weak. And then the guard at the cave in which his body was put... The Jews were going to crucify him again after their holiday was over, but the guard was Roman - and this is how it became possible for the disciples to take Jesus out, and out of Judea. Why did Jesus want to come to India? - because in his youth, for years he had been in India. He had tasted the spiritual, the cosmic, the ultimate so closely that he wanted to go back there. And as he was healed, he returned to India and he lived one hundred and twelve years. Grave in Kashmir His grave is still there, in Kashmir. The inscription is in Hebrew... in India there are no Jews. The inscription says Joshua. That is Jesus' name in Hebrew; Jesus is Greek for Joshua. "Joshua came here" - the time, date - "a great master, lived with his disciples in silence, lived long, one hundred and twelve years, and used to call himself The Shepherd." Hence the place itself became known as "the village of the shepherd." You can go to the village, it exists still - Pahalgam; that is the Hindi translation of `the village of the shepherd'. He wanted to be here so that he could grow more; he wanted to be here with a small group so that they could grow, and silently. And he wanted to die here, because to live here has a beauty if you know how to live, and to die is also tremendously significant if you know how to die. Only in India has the art of dying been explored, just as the art of living has been explored; they are both part of one single process. And down the centuries, seekers have been coming to this land from all over the world. The country is poor, the country has nothing to offer, but to those who are sensitive it is the richest place on the earth. But the richness is of the inner. Excerpted from The Osho Upanishad, Chapter #21, Dated: 8th September 1986

I neither am my body nor in it. On the contrary, it - along with the rest of my world - IS in me. -Douglas Harding Instead of asking "what do I want from life?," a more powerful question is, "what does life want from me?" Eckhart Tolle Love is the song of the soul singing to God. It is the balanced rhythmic dance of planets sun and moon lit. Paramahansa Yogananda When you are appreciating creation as much as the Creator, then the Creator will ask, 'Who is appreciating my creation as much as me. Let me see this person. -Maharishi Mahesh Yogi There is but one God, learned scholars call this God by different names. -Vedic saying If you don't break your ropes while you're alive do you think ghosts will do it after? -Kabir A little knowledge that acts is worth infinitely more than much knowledge that is idle. -Khalil Gibran

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Is India the problem or the solution in Afghanistan? ABHIJIT IYER-MITRA

hat India is playing a 'destructive' game in Afghanistan is undeniable. India's recently ramped up engagement is designed to do one thing - rile Pakistan into maintaining its support of the Taliban. While the coldblooded realpolitik element of this is evident there are also many reasons that the 'problem' is also the solution. This may not be the 'perfect' solution but then perfect solutions only lay in the minds of beauty pageant contestants. India's development aid to Afghanistan has always been situation-specific and development projects there are targeted to spread work, funds, and benefits evenly across communities. Unlike the West which has now started favoring dominant tribes to ensure stability. India has always accepted Afghanistan as a loose confederacy of warring tribes where the imposition of external definitions of statehood and stability do not work. The net result is that when the Western withdrawal is complete, 'collaboration' is identified with one tribe that then gets decimated, while economic favoritism makes enemies of all the disenfranchised. Contrast this with the Indian approach which ensures an even wellspring of favorable opinion that can be activated at a later date. Similarly, unlike the West, which has contributed to the brain drain out of Afghanistan as those who study in the West usually end up immigrating there - most Afghans who come to India go back to rebuild their country. India therefore has concentrated not just on current development but also future development. India's strategic training pact with Afghanistan again is far more situation-specific. The US-imposed training regime lasted a bare three weeks per intake while the German training went on for an unrealistic three years. In India, officers are trained for a period of six-eight months enabling a reasonable quality-quantity matrix. This may be a case of too little too late but given that almost everyone agrees that Afghanistan is lost, India stepping in with renewed vigor provides a significant boost to Afghan morale. Small, futile gestures like India's massive increase in aid can bring a semblance of calm before things invariably spiral out of control post 2014. India, by exacerbating Pakistan's self-destructive streak, has simply brought home to the latter the reality of its failed poli-

cies. That Pakistan still refuses to introspect is a different matter - but the bankruptcy of the Pakistani national myth, its failed policy and institutions, its excessive and too smart by half militarism, and of Islamism run amok, are very evident to any thinking person in the tragic country. In many ways the situation in

Pakistan will have no more excuses left. An isolated Pakistan also forces the military's hand in ways that have thus far been impossible. Most top military brass with families, and holdings either in London or Dubai have thus far been beyond reach. Should the Pakistan army be singled out for isolation -

India Post Investigating CBI

F Treatment through videoconferencing at the India-aided Indira Gandhi childrenĂs hospital in Afghanistan

Pakistan is not dissimilar to the dangerous last phases of the Weimar Republic with people wondering 'what if'. And yet a foreign and Afghan policy collapse may have the same effect as the Soviet banner of victory hoisted atop the Reichstag. Baiting Pakistan into increasing its duplicity in its dealings with NATO, India has effectively provided the West with a convenient

India, by exacerbating Pakistan's selfdestructive streak, has simply brought home to the latter the reality of its failed policies. That Pakistan still refuses to introspect is a different matter scapegoat. Come 2014 the historical narrative will more likely focus on betrayal rather than the reality that was the West's bad homework and flawed assumptions. This may not be the truth but then when has history ever been about the truth? The inevitable isolation of Pakistan post 2014 will in all probability be absolute. Whatever plausible deniability that Pakistan concocts post 2014 in the Afghan power vacuum, will simply not be bought. In short

then for the first time and within the rule of law, can the assets of these grandees be targeted. Moreover the West has been caught in a deep military pincer. On one hand, as China modernizes and becomes an ever bigger threat, the West has to contend with a demographically and ultimately financially superior power capable of wielding significant high-intensity warfare resources. On the other hand, consistent Western engagements in deeply wasteful low-intensity conflicts in rogue states (many of them beneficiaries of Chinese diplomatic protection) have drained the West of will and focus. Gallingly, Pakistan which has proven to be the single most valuable source of Western military technology for China, for a while at least, succeeded in getting more hi-tech. All this will stop post 2014. The withdrawal from Afghanistan will simply refocus the West's attention on real issues of grand strategy instead of tying their world view to intangibles like 'freedom' and 'democracy'. Are we losing Afghanistan? Yes, and in the process India gains a victory of the magnitude our army has always failed to achieve. We should all be praying for a crushing defeat - the worse the defeat in battle the bigger the victory in the war. Defeat is not the unavoidable consequence, but rather the desired end goal. The West's problem is India's solution - it is just that the West does not know it yet. The writer is Research Officer, IPCS

rom Sherlock Holmes to Tintin, investigation stories have captured the imagination of generations. Another kind of investigation, resorted to by governments in power, however spreads only dread. It is used to settle scores with known detractors or cow down the opposition or put inconvenient businesses or persons out of operation. In India it is known as the Central Bureau of Investigation or the CBI, the apex investigative agency of the government. Fighting against corruption in government, the Anna Hazare team has been pressing for inclusion of CBI in its version of the Lokpal Bill. The bill, as prepared by the Standing Committee of Parliament, has not included the CBI under is purview. The opposition parties have joined the Anna team in demanding autonomy for the CBI, its jurisdiction and appointment of its director, which are all under the government's control. Even when the CBI, comprising able police officers, does a good job, it is never above suspicion of working to further the ruling party's agenda. A host of incidents reveal the bias of the CBI under different ruling dispensations. Under the NDA government led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee, it crippled the Tehelka magazine by raids and arrest of the people who had exposed bribes being accepted by government functionaries and army officers. When it suits the present UPA government at the Center, it switches on or off investigations against political opponents like Mayawati and Mulayam Singh Yadav depending on their proximity to political Delhi. The son of former chief minister of Andhra Pradesh was investigated for the wealth he had amassed only after he fell out with the leaders in Delhi. The Supreme Court recently described as "absolute trash" CBI evdince to prove that Gujarat BJP leader Amit Shah was involved in extortion. Under the present system, the CBI, which functions under the PM cannot obviously investigate charges against the PM. In all likelihood it will be influenced. The Government is also most reluctant to let go its hold over the appointment and transfer of senior CBI personnel. R.K. Raghavan, a former director of the CBI, maintains that with all its faults, the CBI is still the best bet to strike at the venality that marks public life in India. He argues that the Anna team's agitation gives the impression that politicians alone are guilty of corruption. Civil service misdeeds are equally enormous and cannot be ignored. A senior Income Tax Department official was arrested for demanding a sum of Rs.50 lakh to overlook the suppression of unaccounted income by a company. He says instances are legion of top officials of enforcement agencies asking for a bribe without any sense of shame or fear. That the governments are most reluctant to let go of control over CBI is shown by the dubioous amendment in the Delhi Police Act making it mandatory for the CBI to get prior government permission before it can even proceed with a preliminary enquiry (PE) against an official of and above the rank of Joint Secretary. This was based on the specious ground of saving civil servants from needless harassment by the CBI. But it amounted to deliberate emasculation of an organization that requires teeth to tackle public servant corruption. Raghavan recommends that the entire budget allocation for the CBI could be placed at the hands of the Lokpal, so that the CBI enjoys freedom from any tendentious holding up by government of sanctions of money required for its day-to-day running and implementing its long-term projects. He feels this is a great opportunity to improve the image of the CBI which should not be frittered away.

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