IndiaPost_12-24-2010 by Ghanshyam Bisht

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Dr Deepak Vyas

Indian American to head Missouri Export Council Details on page 15

Indian firm rewards real life hero Details on page 14

US unveils foreign policy for 21st century Details on page 7

Dozen charges against Anand Jon dropped Details on page 8

GOPIO renews issue of passport surrender woes Details on page 14

VOL 16, No. 850

December 24, 2010

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CHINA WON’T NUDGE PAK ON TERRORISM

NEW DELHI: China will not ask Pakistan to expedite the 26/11 trial or dismantle terror camps, Indian foreign secretary Nirupama Rao said here elaborating on the joint statement issued after talks between Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Rao added that the Prime Minister has accepted Wen’s invitation to visit China in 2011 as leaders of both the countries need to meet more often. Indian and Chinese leaders have agreed to meet more regularly and that foreign ministers of both countries will meet annually. Rao added that Wen took up the issue of stapled visas to resident of Jammu and Kashmir and said that his country takes India’s concern the issue seriously. Wen said official should take in depth consultation on the issue.

Rahman bags GG nomination for '127 Hours' Details on page 26

Samir Pendse

Donate bone marrow and save a life Details on page 21

HAF report highlights caste discrimination Details on page 17

TSA detains Sikh; forces turban removal Details on page 21

BHAI-BHAI?: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao shake hands during a signing agreement between India and China in New Delhi on December 16

Details on page 5

Ambati selected for translational research award Details on page 15

Indian American student wins Science prize Details on page 34

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

Will China’s Pak policy backfire? Last week’s result

Is the US paranoid about security? YES 83%

NO 17%

Indian assists new Special Envoy to AF-Pak India Post News Service

Vikram Singh

nior Defense Advisor to the Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan (SRAP) which was headed by Holbrooke. He also manages the Information and Communication Cell for the Special Representative. Before joining Ambassador Holbrooke's staff, Singh was Senior Director for Counterinsurgency Policy at the Pentagon and a member of the Department of Defense team for the White House Strategy Review for Afghanistan and Pakistan. Details on page 6

CONTENTS Bollywood ---------------------- 24-25 Classifieds ------------------------- 47 Community Post ----- 14-23,40-41 Date Book -------------------------- 45 Edit Page --------------------------- 49 HealthScience Post --------- 36-37 Horoscope ------------------------- 46 Immigration Post ------------- 42-44 Life Style ----------------------- 24-28 Philosophy ------------------------- 48 Publisherís Diary ------------------ 4 Real Estate ------------------------ 13 TechBiz Post ------------------- 34-35 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 29-31

Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”

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Publisher’s Diary

here's a huge debate on in India on how they should handle the issue of two of the country's diplomats in the US - Meera Shankar and Hardeep Singh Puri - being subjected to extra scrutiny at US airports. Some of these debaters have called the "singling out" of the Indian diplomats as humiliating, discriminatory and an affront to India's national dignity. Agreed the TSA rules are cumbersome and sometimes carried out by overzealous personnel in letter and not spirit, but I would like to remind the shouting Indian brigades that these rules do not spare anyone from any country - including Caucasian Americans be it a man, woman, child, young or old, a celebrity or a commoner. As one who travels regularly, I must say I have never been subjected to anything but the routine checks that are imposed on every other passenger at airport security. In fact, I have often seen many Caucasians being pulled out for extra checking. On my most recent travel - in the wake of the brouhaha over the body scanners and full body pat downs - I was apprehensive as also curious to see how the procedures worked. But having made it through the body scanner, a cursory run of a hand down the legs by an agent and collecting my hand baggage from the x-ray machine in what felt like half a minute, I came away feeling there just wasn't enough checking! And also came away wondering what the whole carp fest about these security checks was about. So okay, there is profiling, discrimination, insensitivity, and even arbitrariness sometimes, but these are not so much rules as they are exceptions. And in the case of Ambassadors Shankar and Puri, I agree the TSA agents should have shown sensitivity towards their diplomatic status, but I doubt if it was not done because they were Indian. I have said this before and will say it again - the TSA's actions are hardly proactive, and since 9/11, it has only been framing rules, reacting as it goes, to very real terror attempts. So let's just chill and be safe.

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Beauty bombshell TV chat show 'Koffee With Karan' has led to catfight between once good friends Kareena Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra.

Cover Story: Friend of Pak Visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has hinted China will not ask Pakistan to expedite the 26/11 trial or dismantle terror camps.

Community: Hero rewarded

LA Tan Founder Nick Patel rewarded a LA Tan customer for his heroism in saving the life of a customer from an alleged serial killer.

India: Cosmology meet A "Global Conference on Cosmologies - Perspectives of the Universe" took place from December 2-4 in Bangalore.

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Life Style: In Oscar race After bagging a Golden Globe nomination, music maestro A R Rahman is once again in Oscar race for film '127 Hours'.

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Travel: Munnar Munnar in Kerala is famous for its lush green surroundings, lakes, reservoirs, forests, and tea estates.

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December 24, 2010

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India and China to resolve outstanding differences

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the Chinese Premier, Wen Jiabao at the delegation level talks in New Delhi on December 16

NEW DELHI: In a bid to remove irritants which have crept in bilateral relations in the last one year, India and China reached broad consensus on several issues and pledged firm commitment to resolve outstanding differences, including the boundary issue at the earliest through peaceful negotiations. After holding talks on key security and strategic matters, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and

his Chinese counterpart Wen Jiabao issued a joint statement which said, "There is enough space in the world for the development of both India and China and indeed, enough areas for India and China to cooperate." Noting that resolution of the boundary question is one of the ten-pronged strategies agreed by leaders of the two countries, the leaders decided that pending its

resolution, the two sides shall work together to maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas in line with the previous agreements. The two sides also noted the good cooperation between China and India in the field of trans-border rivers with the Indian side appreciating the assistance provided by the Chinese side on the floodseason hydrological data and

‘India, China should work sincerely for common good’ NEW DELHI: Observing that India-China relations had achieved "a high degree of maturity", Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said both countries have mutual stake in each other's progress and should work sincerely for development of ties for the common good of the region. "The fact is that when India and China, representing more than two and half billion people, speak in one voice, the world listens," Singh said at the banquet hosted in honor of Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao. Singh underlined that both India and China have a mutual stake in each other's progress and prosperity and told Wen that people of India have admired the Chinese people for the rapid strides made in all fields. "Let us pledge to work sincerely for the rapid development of our ties in the second decade of this century for the common good of the region," he said.

"Our relationship has transcended the bilateral dimension and has assumed global and strategic significance. The growing inter-dependence of nations provides both the opportunity and the obligation for

As the Asian century unfolds, ‘we must work together to bring peace, stability and development to our peoples, to the region and to the world at large’ India and China to cooperate together to meet the challenges facing the international community," he said.

Singh noted that India-China relations have achieved "a high degree of maturity that serves the interest of our two peoples". As the Asian century unfolds, "we must work together to bring peace, stability and development to our peoples, to the region and to the world at large," he said, adding India stands ready to play its part in "this important and noble enterprise". Describing Wen as a "friend of India and the architect of the India-China Strategic and Cooperative Partnership" established in 2005, Singh said that since the Premier's last visit here five years back, the world has witnessed significant changes and India has been engaged in the task of socioeconomic transformation. Singh said the Chinese leader's visit was a fitting culmination to the commemoration of the 60th anniversary year of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. -PTI

emergency management. Underlining their unequivocal opposition to terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, the two countries stressed that there is no justification for any act of terrorism anywhere. "They committed themselves to countering terrorism through joint efforts that include disrupting the financing of terrorism," the statement said. Recognizing common interests and similar concerns on major regional and international issues, the two sides decided to enhance

their coordination and cooperation in multilateral forums. "China attaches great importance to India's status in international affairs as a large developing country, understands and supports India's aspiration to play a greater role in the United Nations, including in the Security Council," the statement said. The two sides also agreed to further broad-base and balance trade and economic cooperation and identify new opportunities to realize the vast potential for future growth. -PTI

China refuses to nudge Pak on terrorism NEW DELHI: China will not ask Pakistan to expedite the 26/11 trial or dismantle terror camps, Indian foreign secretary Nirupama Rao said here elaborating on the joint statement issued after talks between Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Rao added that the Prime Minister has accepted Wen’s invitation to visit China in 2011 as leaders of both the countries need to meet more often. Indian and Chinese leaders have agreed to meet more regularly and that foreign ministers of both countries will meet annually. Rao added that Wen took up the issue of stapled visas to resident of Jammu and Kashmir and said that his country takes India’s concern the issue seriously. Wen said official should take in depth consultation on the issue.

She added that the hotline between leaders of India and China has been operationalised. Earlier India and China signed six agreements in diverse areas ranging from media and cultural exchanges to green technologies. New Delhi and Beijing scaled up their bilateral target to $100 billion by 2015 and agreed to take steps to promote Indian exports to China with a view to reducing India’s trade deficit. “There is enough space in the world for the development of both India and China and indeed enough areas for India and China to cooperate,” said a joint communique issued after the delegation level talks headed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Premier Wen Jiabao. The talks lasted for more than an hour.-Agencies

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December 24, 2010

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Indian assists new Special Envoy to AF-Pak India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Indian American Vikram Singh will be one of two deputies assisting Frank Ruggiero who has taken over as the acting special envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan following the death of Richard Holbrooke, the US State Department said last week. Singh will work along with Dan Feldman as deputy to Ruggiero who will continue where Holbrooke left off. Vikram Singh is currently the Senior Defense Advisor to the Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan (SRAP) which was headed by Holbrooke. He also manages the Information and Communication Cell for the Special Representative. Before joining Ambassador Holbrooke's staff, Singh was Senior Director for Counterinsurgency Policy at the Pentagon and a member of the Department of Defense team for the White House Strategy Review for Afghanistan and Pakistan. Singh returned to government service in February 2009 after two years as a Fellow at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS) in Washington, DC. At CNAS he worked on Afghanistan and Pakistan, Asia policy issues, and a range of defense strategy and

planning projects. Prior to joining CNAS Singh worked in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Global Security Affairs, where he was responsible for strategic initiatives to improve the U.S. military's work with partner nations including the policy oversight and man-

From 1999 through 2001, Singh managed a five-country Ford Foundation project on minority rights and security in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka at the International Center for Ethnic Studies in Colombo agement of a joint Department of Defense and Department of State program to train and equip foreign military forces around the world. Between 2003 and 2007, Singh's work at DoD spanned a broad range of defense policy issues, including: integrating US stability operations, counter-insurgency and irregular warfare

capabilities; disaster response and humanitarian assistance; oversight of peacekeeping missions for the Joint Staff Military Staff Committee at the United States Mission to the United Nations; analysis of DoD acquisition programs; South Asia policy; and aspects of the 2005 Quadrennial Defense Review. From 1999 through 2001, Singh managed a five-country Ford Foundation project on minority rights and security in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka at the International Center for Ethnic Studies in Colombo. He also covered Sri Lanka's civil war and reported from South Africa for the Voice of America. Singh was also a reporter for the Voice of America in Sri Lanka and South Africa. He is the author of several CNAS reports and has written for publications ranging from The New York Times to Armed Forces Journal. While at CNAS, he was a regular commentator on television and radio, including CNN, FOX and PBS. Singh holds a B.A. in history from the University of California at Berkeley and an M.A. in international security policy and human rights from Columbia University. He is married to Dilshika Jayamaha and lives on Capitol Hill in Washington DC.

China backs greater role in international affairs for India NEW DELHI: Acknowledging that there was enough space in the world for China and India to grow, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said here the two countries should seize opportunities to expand converging interests and backed New Delhi for greater role in international affairs. "As a fast growing big country with over a billion people, India should and can play an increasingly important role in international affairs," he said addressing the Indian Council of World Affairs. However, Wen stopped short of extending full support for India's bid for permanent membership in an expanded UN Security Council. "China and India have shared interests and common views on the issue of UN Security Council reform. We both maintain that priority should be given to increasing the representation of devel-

oping countries," he said. Terming the boundary dispute between the two countries as an "historical legacy", Wen said, "It would not be easy to completely resolve this question. "It requires patience and will take a fairly long period of time. Only with sincerity, mutual trust and perseverance can we eventually find a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable solution," he said. Wen noted that the two countries have had good dialogue and communication and expressed a sincere desire to work together to resolve the boundary question. "In the face of difficulty, the most important thing to do is to press ahead along the right track, narrow differences step by step, build consensus and increase confidence," he said. Wen said he and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had agreed

to set up a working mechanism for consultation and coordination on border affairs "which would help enhance our mutual trust and maintain peace and tranquility in the region". On the economic front, Wen said the China understood India's concerns on bilateral trade imbalance and was ready to take measures to facilitate access of Indian IT products, pharmaceuticals and farm produce to the Chinese market. China and India should work together to to achieve a USD 100 billion two-way trade target by 2015, he said, adding that agreements worth USD 16 billion were inked during his visit. Wen announced that China would provide one million dollars for the reconstruction of Nalanda University, the ancient seat of learning in Bihar which was a favorite of visiting Chinese scholars.-PTI

India, China to raise trade to $100 bn by 2015 NEW DELHI: India and China have agreed to raise the bilateral trade to USD 100 billion by 2015, step up investments and permit banks of other countries to open branches and representative offices. The two sides also decided to reduce the trade deficit, which is in favor of China, said a joint communiquĂŠ issued after talks between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao. "Set a new bilateral trade target of USD 100 billion by 2015. The two sides agreed to take measures to promote greater Indian exports to China with a view to reduce India's trade deficit," it said. The bilateral trade between India and China is expected to be around USD 60 billion in 2010. The bilateral trade imbalance was against India to the extent of USD 19 billion during 2009-10. China agreed to support Indian participation in its national and regional trade fairs, enhance exchange and cooperation of pharmaceutical supervision and expedite completion of phytosanitary negotiations on agro products. The two sides decided to grant permission to the banks of the other countries to open branches and representative offices, it said. Earlier, RBI Deputy Governor Shyamala Gopinath and Vice Chairman of China Banking Regulatory Commission (CBRC) signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance cooperation in the banking and financial sectors between the two countries. The modalities for allowing banks of other countries to open branches and representative offices, the Communique said, "will be worked out by the concerned authorities". In view of the potential to step

up bilateral trade between the neighbors, the two sides decided to establish a Strategic Economic Dialogue to enhance macro-economic policy coordination and address challenges facing economic development. India and China have also agreed to "jointly oppose protectionism in all forms", besides expanding bilateral cooperation in sectors like infrastructure, environmental protection, information technology, tele-communications, investment and finance on a priority basis. The two sides agreed to encourage greater mutual invest-

China agreed to support Indian participation in its national and regional trade fairs, enhance exchange and cooperation of pharmaceutical supervision ment and project contracting cooperation between businesses of the two countries and deal appropriately with issues concerning economic and trade frictions. It was resolved to constitute an India-China CEO's Forum to deliberate on business issues and make recommendations on expansion of trade and investment cooperation. Meanwhile, Exim Bank Chairman and Managing Director TCA Ranganathan and China Development Bank Cooperation Vice-Governor Gao Jian signed a MOU to boost bilateral trade between the two countries. -PTI

Officials should sort out stapled visa issue: Wen NEW DELHI: Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has said officials of India and China should have "indepth" discussions to resolve the differences on stapled visas issued to those hailing from Jammu and Kashmir. Wen himself raised the issue at his meeting here with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, saying that China takes India's concerns seriously, Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao told reporters. "We would have brought up the issue. Before that the Premier raised the issue," she said adding

Wen suggested that officials from both the countries should have in-depth consultations to resolve the issue. When pointed out that the ball was in China's court on the issue, she agreed saying the ball has to be in their court as it was they who had to do it. China started the practice of issuing stapled visas to people from Jammu and Kashmir two years back. India sees this as an act amounting to questioning the state's integration with rest of the country. -PTI

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US unveils foreign policy roadmap for 21st century WASHINGTON: Unveiling its foreign policy roadmap for 21st century, the US has said its goal is to "lead through civilian power" to avert conflicts, open markets and reduce threats, while establishing productive multi-agency relationships with emerging economies like India and China. The US Ambassadors would increasingly start playing the role of Chief Executive Officers (CEO), who would be tasked with establishing such multi-agency relationships. "We will adapt to the changing diplomatic and development landscape of the 21st century," Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said. "Leading through civilian power saves lives and money," Clinton said as she unveiled the Quadrennial Diplomacy and Development Review (QDDR), which she had asked for soon after she became the Secretary of State some two years ago. At the heart of this effort will be US Ambassadors and chiefs of mission, who are responsible for directing and coordinating US Government personnel in their countries. "We will empower them and hold them accountable as CEOs of multi-agency missions, enhance their training, allow them to contribute to the evaluation of all personnel who serve at their posts, and engage them more fully in policymaking in Washington. "We will also consider experience with the inter-agency as one factor for selecting chiefs and deputy chiefs of mission," Clinton said. With the right tools, training, and leadership, the US diplomats and development experts can defuse crises before they explode and create new opportunities for economic growth, she said. "We can find new partners to share burdens and new solutions to problems that might otherwise require military action. And where we must work side by side with our military partners in places like Afghanistan and Iraq and in other fragile states around the world, we can be the partner that our military needs and deserves," she noted. Across these programs, the Obama administration is redefining success based on results achieved rather than dollars spent. "And this will help us make the case that bolstering US civilian power is a wise investment for American taxpayers that will pay off by averting conflicts, opening markets, and reducing threats,"

Clinton said. "The second factor is a rapidly shifting global landscape. Once, only a handful of great powers had the clout to shape international affairs. Now, power is shared by a wide array of states, institutions, and non-state actors.

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Leading through civilian power saves lives and money,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Clinton said as she unveiled the Quadrennial Diplomacy and Development Review (QDDR), which she had asked for "The information revolution has brought millions of people all over the world into an ongoing global debate, and they, too, can influence events, unleash new threats, or devise new solutions to global problems," Clinton said. American diplomats, Clinton said, would reach beyond their embassy walls to engage directly with foreign publics, the private sector, NGOs and civil society, including with women and others who are too often on the sidelines. "And we will ensure that our development experts have the tools they need to lead projects themselves, not just dispense grants and manage contracts," she argued.

The US has launched a State Departmentwide review of its consular presence in emerging powers, beginning with China and Brazil, to determine how it can meet the growing demand for consular engagement Noting that over the past two decades, the geopolitical and geoeconomic landscape has changed significantly, the 150page report said that it is likely to continue to change in the years ahead amid the emergence of new centers of influence that seek greater voice and representation. Emerging powers and 21st-

century centers of global and regional influence, including Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Nigeria, Russia, South Africa, and Turkey, define today's geopolitical landscape. "As these states grow economically they are playing more important roles in their own regions and, in turn, their regions are exerting new global influence," the report said. "This trend will continue in the years ahead as these centers of influence expand their reach and other states transition from a focus on domestic development to greater international roles," it said. "While we increase our engagement with emerging powers and centers of influence, we will also deepen our longstanding US alliances and partnerships -- Europe, Asia and the Middle East -which will remain vital to helping secure and advance US interests," it said. These countries, with whom the US shares a community of values, must be at the centre of its global cooperation to address shared challenges, the report said. It said the US is enhancing its capacities to deal with the set of countries that are growing rapidly and playing more influential roles in their regions and in global affairs, such as Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Nigeria, Russia, South Africa and Turkey. The report argued that its strategic dialogue with various countries should not simply be oncea-year meetings. Instead they should provide a touchstone for all their ongoing engagement with a country, across US government agencies. "For example, the US-India Strategic Dialogue, launched in June 2010 by Secretary Clinton and Indian External Affairs Minister (S M) Krishna, is rooted in a broad spectrum of bilateral exchanges, working groups and dialogues already taking place at all levels between our two governments... "The Dialogue reflects and reinforces ongoing engagement by our embassy, preparations for high-level visits and joint management of short-fuse challenges," the report said. The US has launched a State Department-wide review of its consular presence in emerging powers, beginning with China and Brazil, to determine how it can meet the growing demand for consular engagement. "We will also soon undertake similar reviews of our operations in India and Mexico," the report said. -PTI

India gears up for Security Council with new outlook UNITED NATIONS: India is gearing up to serve the powerful UN Security Council as a non-permanent member after a gap of 19 years with a fresh outlook on several international issues, especially human rights. India will return to the Security Council on January 1, 2011 for a two-year period along with South Africa, Colombia, Germany and Portugal. "Over the last year we have been repositioning ourselves on issues...I can anticipate that we will be much more upfront and even demanding on human rights issues," said Hardeep Singh Puri, India's ambassador to the UN. "That reflects the changing priorities in India," he told PTI. "I don't see us having any problem in terms of where our interest lies and where the interest of the permanent members lie including the West...in fact I think we are on the same page with them on most of these issues." One indication of this stance

thing to do and it is in our interest...I don't subscribe to the fact that we will take positions because we are extra accommodative." The situation in Myanmar, however, is more complicated. While the Western nations are ready to openly slam the regime for human rights abuses, India, China and other south-east Asian nations in the neighborhood are more cautious in their approach. India and China have been criticized by human rights groups for going soft on the Myanmar's military regime to secure its trade interests and President Barack Obama has called on New Delhi to be tougher. "We prefer the silent counseling approach... The objectives are the same, the question is what modalities you use," Puri said. Puri has just returned to New York after attending meetings along with his counterparts with US senators on the Capitol Hill and National Security Adviser

Hardeep Singh Puri

India and China have been criticized by human rights groups for going soft on the Myanmar's military regime to secure its trade interests and President Barack Obama has called on New Delhi to be tougher

was the case of Iran where India abstained on a resolution dealing with human rights in that country, instead of voting against it. "Quite likely we will review the situation and see how the situation develops and there may be even a further movement in the vote," Puri said. The top diplomat further stressed that while India is part of G-77 and the Non-Aligned world, this affiliation would not prevent it from taking actions and positions that contributed to the "larger public good." "If this means going against positions that some groups take then we will have no hesitation," he said. Puri, however, dismissed reports that India's changing position had to do with appeasing the US and other Western countries in order to secure a permanent seat on the Security Council. "India takes position in a manner in which India deems appropriate and we think it is the right

Tom Donilon. The discussions focused on Sudan, North Korea and Iran, and Obama dropped by the meeting with Donilon. The 15-members of the Security Council along with the five incoming non-permanent members were hosted by the US, which currently holds the presidency of the Security Council. Another set of bilateral meetings between the Security Council members are scheduled for later this month in Washington. The envoy pointed out that India had additional pressure to perform well since it was also gunning for a permanent seat, and it had indicate that it was not just stating old positions for the record but genuinely participating to find solutions. "The world will be watching how we perform on the Council," he said, noting that his team was ready not to seek only India's interest but also of the 'G-192' i.e. all the UN member-states.-PTI

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December 24, 2010

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Dozen plus charges against Anand Jon dropped India Post News Service

NEW YORK: A whopping dozen plus charges against Indian-born NY designer Anand Jon were dropped recently by the NY prosecutor's office. The prosecution witnesses dismissed entirely are inferred to be Holly Gavel, Lori B and Katie W; while a fourth, Kristi Wright's charges seems to be partially dismissed. Criminal and civil charges can be filed against complainants who falsify reports and for defamation. All these women were actively involved in the Los Angeles case as well. The NY prosecution did not give any explanation as to why they dropped all these charges or why they wasted three years to do so. From court documents it seems clear that many or all of these complainants were exposed of lying under oath and having financial and publicity motives to make false allegations. Perjury in such serious allegations has landed other liars in jail including the recent case of William

in NY and was picked as Newsweek's "Who's Next in 2007." He was featured on America's Next Top Model and was in development on a TV show incorporating the "Nature Sanctuary" charity with his partner actress Michelle Rodriguez. The timing of these allegations is also suspect as this scandal broke right as Anand Jon had secured Wall Street financing for his international jeans line "Jeanisis". Holly Gavel was directly responsible for the allegation that led to the one and only rape count in LA and now she has been dropped from the case entirely. Anand Jon even passed a lie detector test to further prove his innocence. The LA appeal is in progress and has several strong grounds for reversal. The signs of a tainted verdict were obvious as early as November 2008 when the LA jury could not come to an agreement even after nine days of being "deadlocked". There were numerous red flags that emerged as delibera-

Holly Gavel was directly responsible for the allegation that led to the one and only rape count in LA and now she has been dropped from the case entirely. Anand Jon even passed a lie detector test to further prove his innocence. The LA appeal is in progress and has several strong grounds for reversal McCaffrey who was falsely accused in the same courthouse of sexual assault. Kristi Wright seems to have made the most outrageous story of all claiming that Anand Jon is part of "the mob" and the reason she had alleged sexual relations with him was under the supposed duress of "mafia death threats". There was no indication of any such mafia connection with Anand Jon and that charge was dismissed as well. Wright was caught lying under oath and recanted admitting that she was not even alone with Anand Jon but that there were at least 5-10 people physically present during the alleged incident! These NY proceedings seem to be highly favorable to Anand Jon, even in his LA appeal. That trial is considered by many as one of the biggest failures of due process and the American justice system in recent history. It is full of prosecutorial misconduct, racism and worse. The award-winning fashion designer graduated from the prestigious Parson's School of Design

tions struggled. The jury was hung on many counts. Some jurors requested to be released from the jury, some alleged criminal conduct among other jurors and some put on record that they were being pressured to vote against their will. Instead of declaring a mistrial, the trial judge repeatedly interfered and ordered the deliberations to continue; within a few days of the verdict juror misconduct was suspected and investigated. By July 2009 juror misconduct was officially declared and the presumed prejudice was not rebutted. The prosecution was also caught red-handed intercepting a juror. Once again, the trial judge bent the law and refused to remove the prosecution from the case. With all the miscarriages of justice that occurred during the Anand Jon case, it was surprising when the judge denied the granting of a new trial and rushed to sentencing Anand Jon to a maximum of life in prison. Further grounds of appeal include prosecutorial misconduct

whereby witnesses were intimidated; favorable evidence was tampered with, lost and even destroyed and knowing use of perjured / false testimony was encouraged. To make the already contaminated case even more complex there was also ineffective assistance of counsel where one of Anand Jon's key lawyers had secretly applied for and actually became a paid prosecutor during the active criminal defense case. Another defense lawyer is under investigation for having an illicit sexual relationship with a key witness. The South Asian community and a Human Rights Watch organization were equally outraged at the selective prosecution that appears to target minorities. There seems to be no known investigation or charges against these women who seem to have committed perjury and gotten away with it. NY District Attorney Cy Vance created a "Conviction Integrity Unit" whose sole duty is to prevent wrongful convictions; however, when that unit was contacted regarding perjurous testimony and cyber crimes admitted in the Anand Jon case, their response was non-committal and contradictory to their own guidelines "when an innocent man is imprisoned, everyone in society losesâ&#x20AC;Śbecause the public loses confidence in the law." (cyvanceforda.com) The un-evenhandedness of the prosecution is apparent in recent decisions. Recently, the front page of the New York Daily News expressed outrage over the case of Tony (Tyson) Simmons, a government employee and correctional officer, who, even after admitting to the rape of three underage women detained in his custody, got off with NO jail time this is clearly a travesty of the justice system. In fact, that case clearly showed the lopsided judgments of a system whose laws are "up to interpretation". Look at Supreme Court decisions; they are decided 4-5, 5-4, not 9-0. In the Simmons case, the victim "got 12 months for a falsified police report and [the admitted rapist] got probation for raping me and others". Is it fair that this convicted rapist served zero jail time - is it because he is a state corrections officer? Is this just another example of misguided "blind justice"? In the case of Anand Jon, his NY judge, Judge Richard Carruthers, is no stranger to controversy as he had in his court only a few months ago "apologized" in public for the wrongful

Anand Jon

conviction and twenty-two year sentence of Mr. William McCaffery. The woman who "cried rape" recanted; admitted that she lied and was thrown into jail herself for three years. Poor Mr. McCaffery lost four years of his life before being freed. Judge Carruthers has already let the prosecution delay the Anand Jon New York proceedings for nine months and allowed to stand a questionable indictment full of inconsistencies and what seems to be blatant perjury. Most of these allegations seem unbelievable, improbable while some stories don't even sound "unlawful". According to media reports, one complainant, Chloe Norgaard of Huntington, LI seems to have solicited Anand Jon on social networking website. Her story seems

Judge Carruthers has already let the prosecution delay the Anand Jon New York proceedings for nine months and allowed to stand a questionable indictment full of inconsistencies and what seems to be blatant perjury. Most of these allegations seem unbelievable, improbable while some stories don't even sound "unlawful" to be that she gave him oral sex as a "bribe" for a career boost. Then, after she claims that she was allegedly attacked, she paid for her

own tickets to fly to Vegas and then went to stay with him in LA (All her charges were dismissed in LA). Another, Tara Strogov of NJ, made her complaint after five years when she saw the media circus. Her story, as described in the LA trial is that she "thought Anand Jon was gay"; this was even after they kissed in public, went out on dates and eventually ended up on his bed naked getting a massage. This is where she finally discovered he "was not that gay". Avery Graham seems to use the excuse that the reason she gave him oral sex and continued to pay for and follow Anand Jon from Canada to Texas to NY to LA (and subsequently waited 3-1/2 years to make a complaint) was that she thought she was like his "battered wife". These and other stories that the prosecution themselves seem to imply in their court filings as "unbelievable and suspect" individually do not deserve the millions of taxpayer dollars wasted and also demean the real victims of sexual abuse. Over the recent years claims of sexual assault against high-profile leaders in their respective fields have become targets - Kobe Bryant, Tiger Woods, Bill Clinton, Elliot Spitzer, Al Gore all come to mind. However, Anand Jon is the only one who has waited 3 Â˝ years locked up in shackles, received an unfair LA trial riddled with misconduct that somehow resulted in a life sentence! There are indications of other South Asians also being targeted and this is a pattern that must be stopped before it's too late. The Asian Indian American Human Rights Watch (AIA HRW) is planning a series of events to raise awareness and funds to protect those like Anand Jon who are being denied justice and who deserve to go home.

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Indian Ocean vital for global trade, security: Amb. Shankar India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Maritime trade routes in the Indian Ocean were vital for "global trade and global energy security," said Ambassador Meera Shankar delivering the inaugural address at the annual roundtable organized Dec 13 by the Center for Naval Analyses, USA and the National Maritime Foundation of India. This was the second such roundtable. The first roundtable was organized in New Delhi earlier this year. The theme of this roundtable was "Major Powers and the Indian Ocean Region (IO): Interests, Implications and Policy Responses". Emphasizing the vital importance of these routes in the Indian Ocean, Amb. Shankar said one fifth of the world's energy supplies traveled across the Indian Ocean and major trade routes passed through it. She also underscored that the Indian Ocean would continue to be "crucial for India's growth". At present most of India's energy supplies and more than 70% of its external trade by value was carried through these sea lanes. These figures were only likely to increase as India continued on its high economic growth trajectory, she said. Amb. Shankar observed that the Indian Ocean region represented a diverse set of countries -

Ambassador Meera Shankar

from the fastest growing economies of the world to others who faced severe challenges. Most of the security challenges that the global community was facing to-

day, be it terrorism fuelled by extremist ideologies, piracy or transnational crimes, could be found in this region, she said. The region was also at the centre of

the shifts in the global balances together for this objective, she of power and it was in this overall said. context that the issue of maritime The Indian Ambassador resecurity assumed importance, she ferred to the Joint Statement isreiterated. sued during the recent visit of It was also clear that the issue President Obama to India wherein of maritime security could not be the two countries had agreed that addressed by any one country the stability of and access to, gloalone, she pointed out. The Am- bal commons including in the maribassador emphasized that what time domain was vital for their sewas required was development of curity and economic prosperity; an "architecture of maritime secu- and had committed to work tority based on the principles of gether, and with others in the reshared security and shared pros- gion towards this. While noting perity". She said that since it was in the interest of all countries The Ambassador emphasized to have stability of that what was required was the Sea Lanes of Communication in development of an â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;architecthe Indian Ocean Region, we could look at ture of maritime security based "initiating a discussion with all stake on the principles of shared holders to develop a security and shared prosperityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; suitable framework for enhancing maritime security in the region and beyond". the suggestions in some quarters India believed that the "evolu- that these shifts might lead to tion of a stable, open, inclusive greater competition in the region, and balanced security and coop- Amb. Shankar stressed that this eration architecture based on did not imply that a paradigm of broad consensus of all the pow- security based on competition ers who have a presence in the was inevitable. Instead she unregion and can contribute to en- derscored that the challenge was hancing security" would be in to harness in a positive way the everyone's interest and India and shifts that were underway for dethe US as two leading maritime velopment of a more cooperative powers in the region could work framework.

Ambassador Meera Shankar visits Mississippi

ANNIVERSARY OF AN OUTRAGE: Relatives of those killed during the December 13, 2001 terrorist attack on the Indian parliament stand at India Gate in New Delhi on December 13

n Dec 3, during a visit to Jackson, Mississippi, Ambassador Meera Shankar met Lt.Governor of state of Mississippi Phil Bryant and other state officials to discuss the trade between India and Mississippi. She also spoke at the invitation of University of Mississippi state lecture series where she highlighted growing relations between India and the US and how trade can be expanded in various other

fields to make India one of the largest business partners of the US in the coming years which was well received by business leaders in Mississippi. Ambassador Shankar also met with the large Indian American community in Mississippi during the visit. In the picture are (Left to Right): Dr Udaya Shivangi, Lt. Governor Phil Bryant, Ambassador Meera Shankar and Dr Sampat Shivangi.

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Pak textbooks focus on conspiracy theories on 1971 war ISLAMABAD: Nearly four decades after the 1971 war, Pakistani school textbooks continue to focus on conspiracy theories involving India, Russia and the US regarding the creation of Bangladesh while glossing over the Pakistan Army's atrocities in the erstwhile East Pakistan. While the findings of Pakistan's Hamood-ur-Rehman Commission on the 1971 Indo-Pak war were never made public, students at the Matric and Intermediate levels of school (Classes nine to 12) "are being taught conspiracy theories and a factually incorrect version of history", according to an article on the website of the Dawn newspaper. The Pakistan Studies textbook for Classes nine and 10 fails to mention the role of late premier Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto or the Pakistan People's Party in its section on the 1971 war and lists the "role of Hindu teachers" and "international conspiracies" among the reasons for the "Fall of East Pakistan". "A large number of Hindu teachers were teaching in the educational institutions in East Pakistan. They produced such literature which created negative thinking in the minds of Bengalis

against the people of West Pakistan," the textbook states. The section on "international conspiracies" states: "About 10 million Hindus were living in East Pakistan. India stood at the back of these Hindus to protect their

"On the other hand, America also wanted separation of East Pakistan. Under the circumstances Russia openly supported India's aggression against Pakistan." The article noted that Pakistani

tion the role of the Mukti Bahani and India's support for the group, they are an "incorrect version of the story behind the creation of Bangladesh", the report said. Both textbooks make no mention "of the documented atroci-

‘Most teachers have classroom schizophrenia, where the children and teachers are in a sort of conspiracy that there is a real world outside the classroom and there is a fictitious world in the classroom and you jolly well obey that!’ interests. India wanted to separate East Pakistan to strengthen the economic position of the Hindus. "Many Hindus acted as spies for India. Russia was against Pakistan because Pakistan had allowed America to establish military bases in Pakistan."

historians and academics "have long decried the white-washing of the state curriculum" and it was "appalling" that the government is "yet to make changes in the syllabi being taught to Pakistan's future generation". While the Pakistan Studies textbooks for Classes 10 and 11 men-

ties committed by the Pakistan Army, which includes rapes, targeted killings, against the Mukti Bahini and the genocide of the Bengali population". The textbooks fail to mention the number of civilian deaths in East Pakistan in the period leading up to the creation of

Bangladesh. Nor do they "mention Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto's inflexible stand on sharing power with Mujib-urRehman's Awami League", the report said. Abbas Hussain, director of the Teachers Development Centre, described this version of history "a farce". "We give our children hocus pocus in textbooks." Asked how teachers feel about teaching students such material, Hussain replied: "Most teachers have classroom schizophrenia, where the children and teachers are in a sort of conspiracy that there is a real world outside the classroom and there is a fictitious world in the classroom and you jolly well obey that!" Noted academic Pervez Hoodbhoy said: "Forty years later, Bangladesh has many disputes with India but it shows not the slightest inclination to reintegrate with Pakistan. "If Pakistan's school books actually taught honest history, they would be explaining why East Pakistanis felt exploited and fought for their independence. Instead, our children are taught cock-andbull conspiracy nonsense." -PTI

Chinese military buildup far exceeds its defensive needs: US WASHINGTON: Sharing concerns of many of China's neighbors in Asia, the US has said the Chinese military buildup far exceeds its defensive needs and asked Beijing to become more transparent with regard to its "military capabilities, expenditures and intentions." "The US shares the concern of many in the region that this type of military buildup far exceeds China's defensive needs," Wallace "Chip" Gregson, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs, said. It has become increasingly evident that China is pursuing a long-term, comprehensive military build-up that could upend the regional security balance, Gregson said, adding that many of China's newly acquired capabilities appear to go well beyond what might be needed in nearby waters. "These are weapons we refer to as 'anti-access' and 'area-denial' systems or, in the acronym-rich Pentagon, 'A2/AD.' "These are designed to deny access to the Western Pacific region or to deny the ability to op-

erate within that vital area. A2/AD systems threaten our primary means of projecting power: our bases, our sea and air assets and the networks that support them," he said in his address to the Pro-

lapping capabilities across multiple domains. The capability that has perhaps been getting the most attention is China's anti-ship ballistic missile technology.

ons and computer network warfare techniques," he said. In addition, these kinds of weapons threaten to undermine the basic norms that have bolstered East Asian peace and prosperity, such

This is a capability we have been watching for some years." "But there are other examples of this kind of destabilizing weaponry, such as China's investments in advanced submarines, surfaceto-air missiles, anti-satellite weap-

as open access to sea lanes for commerce and security assistance, the Pentagon official said. "We call upon China to become more transparent regarding its military capabilities, expenditures and intentions. We are not asking

‘The capability that has perhaps been getting the most attention is China's anti-ship ballistic missile technology. This is a capability we have been watching for some years’ gressive Policy Institute's Forum on China, University of California Washington Centre. The A2/AD challenge is not limited to a single weapon system or tactic, Gregson said. "It is better understood as a series of over-

for an unreasonable degree of disclosure -- simply enough to allow all parties to avoid miscalculation," Gregson said. During the defense consultative talks, both the United States and China expressed their views of the dangers that exist whenever the militaryto-military relationship is suspended or fails to be implemented to its full potential, Gregson noted. "Accordingly, both sides stressed the importance of moving the relationship beyond the on-again/off-again cycle. We need to sustain a comprehensive dialogue, including through periods of disagreement," he said. Following completion of the defense consultative talks, US Defense Secretary Robert Gates would be traveling to Beijing and Chinese President Hu Jintao would be coming to America on a State visit. "These high-level visits will give our two nations an opportunity to set a tone of broader, more sustained engagement. The stakes here are very high," Gregson said. -PTI

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Chandrasekhar hits back at Ratan Tata NEW DELHI: Continuing his war of words with Ratan Tata, Rajya Sabha MP Rajeev Chandrasekhar has alleged that contrary to claims of probity, the Tata group got spectrum allocated out of turn through change in policy to allow dual technology. Responding to recent letter by Tata that he was acting at the behest of some political interests to embarrass Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the government and lobbied for a change in telecom policy that helped big GSM players, Chandrasekhar also questioned former telecom regulator Pradeep Baijal's role in benefiting Tatas. In a veiled attack against Tatas' PR consultant Niira Radia, whose taped conversations with him prompted Ratan Tata to take a public position and recourse to legal remedies, the MP asked authorities to keep focus of investigation on scam to weed out the lobbyists from the telecom sector. Ratan Tata had taken a strong exception to leakage and publication of the tape containing what he termed as private conversations and also talked about the erosion in governance. Reacting to the position of probity and transparency taken by Tata, Chandrasekhar had alleged that the conglomerate itself was beneficiary of policy changes, provoking Ratan Tata to issue a strong rebuttal. "I completely stand by every

word that I have written in my letter... Tata had raised the issue of flip-flop of policy, I would like to ask how did the Tata companies get UASL licenses in new circles without going through the auction process (in 2003)," Chandrasekhar said in a statement.

Chandrasekhar also questioned former TRAI Chairman Pradeep Baijal's role as he was at helm of affairs when the telecom regulator recommended converting limited mobility into full mobility licenses (called Unified Access Service License). After his retirement from TRAI,

capture by Corporates and lobbyists," he added. . In his statement, Chandrasekhar said, "I had originally planned to reply in detail to Ratan Tata's response to my open letter, but in view of the Supreme Court statement, I have decided against a continued public ex-

Rajeev Chandrasekhar

Chandrasekhar said that companies which have got both CDMA as well GSM spectrum (Tata Teleservices and RCom) at 2001 price serve the least number of subscribers and also paid the minimum revenue to the government

Ratan Tata

Tata in his open letter had asserted that his group company Tata Teleservices had not been advantaged in any way by former telecom minister A Raja or any earlier minister. Tata had also asserted that the government's telecom policy broke the powerful cartel. He also backed the probe covering the period since 2001 when BJP-led NDA was in power. In his statement,

Baijal had joined a firm which was offering consultancy to Tata companies, he said. Chandrasekhar said he has chosen to issue a statement rather than responding to Tata's open letter. "Focus must remain on 2G spectrum scam investigations and speedy prosecution of all the guilty parties should become a national priority as this is important to rid the telecom sector once and for all of corruption, policy

change of letters. "Because I do not wish to distract media and public from the recently launched and ongoing investigation into the spectrum scam(s), or give the false impression that this is a corporate war. The investigation is a national priority. The recovery of the lost money is a national priority," he said. "Why were certain policies of the government created, which the CAG has confirmed has

caused loss to the public exchequer? Which corporate were the beneficiaries of such policies? Who are the shadowy politicians and bureaucrats behind these benefits and beneficiaries? and their relationship with corporates/ lobbyists?" the MP asked These need to be asked of all the companies and policymakers in telecom today including the Tatas, he added. Throwing an open challenge he said, "I am willing to discuss the issues that were first raised in Tata's interview" including those of policy flip-flop, out of turn allocation of spectrum and its hoarding. On the issue of spectrum hoarding, Tata had said that old GSM operators were holding excess spectrum and that too free of cost. Chandrasekhar said that companies which have got both CDMA as well GSM spectrum (Tata Teleservices and RCom) at 2001 price serve the least number of subscribers and also paid the minimum revenue to the government per MHz of spectrum (compared to old operators). "I believe it is time that the country learns the truth about the goings on in the telecom sector. All telecom companies who have benefited unfairly must come clean. I hope other companies DB Telecom, Unitech, Reliance, Airtel, Vodafone etc will join this public debate too," he added.-PTI

Top US commander expresses impatience with Islamabad WASHINGTON: Hours before Washington is set to release an assessment of war in Afghanistan, topmost US military commander has expressed "impatience" with Islamabad over its failure to clear militants from havens on the border with Afghanistan. Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staffs made an unannounced visit to Pakistan from Iraq to meet Army Chief Gen Ashfaq Pervez Kayani to press Islamabad to undertake a military operation to flush out Taliban and al Qaeda camps, located close to Afghan border, 'New York Times' reported. Mullen's meeting with powerful Kayani came hours before US was set to release a review of the war in Afghanistan, that is expected to say that Pakistan is turning a blind eye to militants sanctuaries. "These sanctuaries are a priority in military-to-military relationship between US and Paki-

stan and our discussions", Mullen told reporters on board his special plane which flew out of Baghdad for an unannounced visit to Islamabad. The US President's AfPak

border and the new White House assessment will point to safe havens in Pakistan as a weak link. "We have a sense of urgency about this operation as our

mander said a Pakistani operation in North Waziristan is a must. "That's where the al Qaida leadership resides, that's where the Haqqani network is headquartered", Mullen said.

Mullen's meeting with powerful Kayani came hours before US was set to release a review of the war in Afghanistan, that is expected to say that Pakistan is turning a blind eye to militants sanctuaries war strategy relies heavily on squeezing out Taliban insurgency from both sides of the

Admiral Mike Mullen

forces are losing people on the other side", he said. The top American com-

Asserting that Haqqanis were on the US hit list, the US military chief said, "The

Haqqanis are leading the way in coming across the border and killing American and allied forces. That has got to cease". He said, Pakistan would have to launch an operation against terrorists in North Waziristan, but the timing would be decided by the Pakistan Government. The US military chief said North Waziristan was also the centre for other terror groups working against Pakistan and killing Pakistani citizens. Pakistan's Army Chief of Staff has weighed in on an operation in Waziristan, "saying not if, but when", Mullen said. Talking to reporters in Pakistan, US Joint Chiefs of Staff denied that US troops were involved in combat operations with the Pakistani military. Mullen said no joint operation was being conducted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and reiterated US respected Pakistan's sovereignty. -PTI

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Julian Assange remains in jail after bail contested LONDON: WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange continues to remain behind bars as Swedish prosecutors have decided to appeal against the bail granted to him by a British court on strict conditions in a case related to charges of sexual offences. District judge Howard Riddle had earlier granted Assange conditional bail on the requirement of a bond amount of 240,000 pounds, among other conditions to ensure that he does not flee the country. The 39-year-old Australian, who was accused of sexual misconduct by two women in Sweden, is resisting an extradition claim by the country. As part of the bail conditions, Assange must also surrender his passport, obey a curfew at a specified address, wear an electronic tag and report to a local police station every evening. A number of high-profile individuals including Mick Jagger and Jemima Khan are willing stand guarantee for Assange. But he is now expected to remain in prison until the appeal is heard in the next 48 hours, and until a 200,000 pound cash required up-front by the court is collected. Assange, who has earned the wrath of the US for leaking a huge cache of secret diplomatic documents, has been imprisoned for a week now after he gave himself up to Scotland Yard here. The WikiLeaks founder appeared in the Westminster

Magistrate's court amid scenes of bedlam outside the court where his supporters protested to seek his release. Assange denies sexually assaulting the two women in Sweden.

gether," he said. Stevens said one of the reasons Assange had chosen to fight the case in the UK was his belief in British justice. "... and of course he has been encouraged in that today," he said

‘I told him how people all over the world, in all sorts of countries, were standing up with placards and screaming out for his freedom and justice and he was very heartened by that’ Speaking to reporters outside the court after the hearing, Assange's lawyer Mark Stevens said his client has been granted bail but the problematic condition is that it requires the payment of 200,000 pounds in cash, suggesting that it might take more time to gather it. "That's an awful lot of money and its a pity that he can't use Mastercard or Visa in order to assist him to arrange that and in terms of that its clearly going to take us an inordinately long period of time to gather that to-

she was asleep. Assange claims the charges are politically-motivated and designed to discredit him. Earlier, his mother Christine Assange told Australian television station Channel 7 that she

Julian Assange

after the court granted a bail. Many demonstrators gathered outside City of Westminster Magistrates' Court for the bail hearing today. "It is a victory for common sense. If he had been refused bail, it would have meant the court had become a political arena," Author Yvonne Ridley said. Assange is accused of having unprotected sex with a woman, identified only as Miss A, when she insisted he use a condom. He is also accused of having unprotected sex with another woman, Miss W, while

had spoken to her son in prison. "I told him how people all over the world, in all sorts of countries, were standing up with placards and screaming out for his freedom and justice and he was very heartened by that. As a mother, I'm asking the world to stand up for my brave son," she said. She also read a statement from him, which she had copied down when he spoke to her from Wandsworth Prison. In it, he defended the actions of WikiLeaks, adding: "My convictions are unfaltering".

His lawyer said he had not been given any of his post - including legal letters - since being remanded in custody. "He has absolutely no access to any electronic equipment, no access to the outside world, no access to outside media," Stephens said. In recent weeks, WikiLeaks has published a series of US diplomatic cables revealing secret information on topics such as terrorism and international relations. Assange was refused bail last week despite the offer of sureties from figures including film director Ken Loach, journalist John Pilger and Jemima Khan, ex-wife of Pakistan cricketer Imran Khan. In his first appearance at court last week, District Judge Howard Riddle refused Assange bail on grounds that he could flee. In recent weeks, WikiLeaks has published a series of US diplomatic cables revealing secret documents sent by US diplomats stationed around the world. The scene outside the court was one of controlled bedlam as protesters and police mixed with large number of international media. Some demonstrators wore masks representing comic book heroV, from V for Vendetta, and others used scarves to conceal their identity. Many carried placards mocking the British and Swedish authorities as well as black and white images of Assange.. -PTI

Holbrooke's last words: 'Worried' about Pak, Afghan WASHINGTON: Even in his final moments, US troubleshooter Richard Holbrooke was "worried" about Pakistan and Afghanistan, reflecting his "relentless" pursuit of the policy that he crafted to help the region tackle terrorism. As doctors at the George Washington University Hospital were taking him to the operation table, 69-year-old Holbrooke, the US special envoy for the Af-Pak region, told them that he had most pressing issues to handle like ending the war in Afghanistan. State Department spokesman P J Crowley -- who spoke to a number of persons in the operation room where Holbrooke was taken after he fell ill on Friday while reviewing the latest White House policy on Af-Pak region -- gave some account of final moments of the special US envoy who died. In an effort to calm him down, the doctors held conversations with him discussing his concerns, the most prominent among them being his Af-Pak responsibility.

"There was a, you know, lengthy exchange with Ambassador Holbrooke and the medical team, probably reflecting Richard's relentless pursuit of the policy that he had helped to craft and was charged by the President and the Secretary with carrying

Egyptian origin, well known to Holbrooke and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. "At one point the medical team said: You've got to relax. And Richard said: I can't relax; I've got -I'm worried about Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Richard Holbrooke

out," Crowley said. But, the surgeon in question was not of Pakistani origin, as reported in some media outlets, the senior administration official told reporters. The surgeon was of

"And then after some additional exchanges the medical team finally said: We'll you what; we'll try to fix this challenge while you're undergoing surgery. And he said: Yeah, see if you can take

care of that, including ending the war," according to Crowley. It says two things about Holbrooke, he said. "Number one, he always wanted to make sure he got the last word. And secondly, it just showed how he was singularly focused on

‘At one point the medical team said: You've got to relax. And Richard said: I can't relax; I've got -- I'm worried about Afghanistan and Pakistan’ pursuing and advancing the process and the policies in Afghanistan and Pakistan to bring them to a successful conclusion," he said. Crowley said Clinton has re-

tained the same team which Holbrooke created for his Afghanistan and Pakistan agenda. Frank Ruggiero, Holbrooke's key aide, has been moved up to be the Acting Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan (SRAP). "He will lead the SRAP structure that Richard Holbrooke constructed, and will really serve as one of his, you know, finest legacies, assisted by two deputies, Dan Feldman and (Indian-origin) Vikram Singh," he said. "The SRAP structure that will continue on in his absence combines individuals and experts from across government. It incorporates international partners into this structure. "It is expressly the kind of organisation that he felt was absent in Vietnam and for which he has built a crack team that will continue the policies that the administration pursues within the context of Afghanistan and Pakistan," Crowley said. -PTI

Realty Tidbits

3C launches mega project in Noida

Real Estate

eal estate firm The 3C Company, which is leading the green revolution in Delhi-NCR region, has launched a mega mixeduse project christened 'Delhi One' at Sector, 16-B, Noida. This mega project incorporating residential, commercial, retail and hospitality zones is spread across 12.5 acres. The company along with private equity firm Red Fort Capital will develop this project which has an estimated sales value of Rs 5,000 crore. Speaking about the launch of 'Delhi One' project, Vidur Bharadwaj, director, The 3C Company said, 'Delhi One' is the epitome of The 3C Company's architectural excellence.

Orris' commercial complex at New Gurgaon

rris Infrastructure, a Gurgaonbased real estate developer, has launched a new age commercial complex 'Business Square' in Sector 82A, New Gurgaon. The project, which is spread over an area of 9.5 acres, has three towers that will offer office space and also includes a convention centre, 5star and business hotel, according to the company. A 5-star hotel is being built on a 2 lakh sq ft of land. The price of the plots is approximately Rs 6,500 per sq ft. "The market response has been good until now. We have already sold 100,000 sq ft area of the first tower.

December 24, 2010

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nalysts feel the real estate sector will witness the maximum number of private equity (PE) exits in the next twelve months. According to a Grant Thornton survey carried out amongst executives from 100 corporate houses, 16 per cent of the respondents feel the real estate sector will see most exits from PE funds, followed by the IT and manufacturing sectors. The survey also mentions that PE exits have increased because of the revival of the primary market. But despite the revival, only 38 per cent feel PE exits would yield better returns while 47 per cent do not expect better returns, the power sector will capture the interest of the PE investor. A majority of the respondents (21 per cent) said the sector would attract maximum PE investments.

he Bangalore based Nitesh Estates Ltd, one of India's leading integrated real estate developer, has announced the launch of its prestigious high-end villa project in Goa-Nitesh Fisher Island. The project spread over 9.3 acres and comprising 36 very high-end villas, exclusively designed for the who's who of the country, is expected to be completed in 2-3 years. The size of the project is Rs. 300 crores. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ashwini Kumar, Chief Operating Officer of Nitesh Estates said, "We are very happy to launch Nitesh Fisher Island.

NRIs taking keen interest in Indian Realty Expo 2010

he Maharashtra Chamber of Housing Industry's (MCHI) 14th India Realty Expo 2010 saw non-resident Indians (NRIs) making a beeline for residential properties from 25 exhibitors. Despite it being a holiday, the show saw a large number of walk-ins, with NRI couples eagerly looking up and evaluating options. Participating developers and banks have reported receiving "solid enquiries" and many expect deals to be closed. "We have always had a very good response from prospective home-buyers in Dubai," MCHI CEO Zubin Mehta said. "This is our 14th Show in Dubai in the context of our real estate exhibitions, and Dubai is a key NRI market for Indian realty," he said. MCHI, he emphasized, has pioneered the concept of official representative real estate shows, and other associations have followed the path that we have opened up. Over the years, NRIs have considered Indian real estate market a thriving investment destination

with good returns on investment. Considering this scenario, one of India's most prominent body of real estate builders and developers had organized the 14th India Realty Expo 2010 at the Renais-

perspective, the investors found an opportunity to explore the abundant options that India's real estate has to offer at the exhibition’ MCHI CEO Zubin Mehta

sance Hotel in Dubai to cater to the ever-increasing demand for Indian real estate from NRIs. MCHI's 14th India Realty Expo 2010 was a one-stop shop for potential buyers of Indian real estate. Over 25 developers and four banks

Property prices softening in Mumbai suburbs

idening the disparity among Mumbaikars, real estate prices in South Mumbai and the suburbs are set to head in opposite directions due to possible policy changes by the Maharashtra government. While prices in the suburbs could soften by 10 to 15 per cent, property rates in land-locked South Mumbai could go up by 10 per cent, say experts. Real estate prices in South Mumbai range between Rs 20,000 and Rs 1 lakh per sq ft, whereas the rates in the suburbs range between Rs 6,000 and Rs 40,000 per sq ft. For the benefit of the suburbs, the state government is close to agreeing to an additional 0.33 per cent floor space index (FSI) to developers by empowering the city's

and HFIs offered good buying and financial options. "We offered the MCHI 'Seal of Approval' during our property show, so that NRIs are assured of the fact that all properties on offer are legally

‘To put it in the proper

Real Estate faces maximum PE exits

Nitesh to launch villa project in Goa

municipal corporation to charge a premium in lieu of the additional FSI. FSI is the ratio of total constructed area of a structure via-avis the plot of land on which it is located. This proposal has already been passed in the Maharashtra legislative assembly and a final approval by the legislative council, the upper house, is expected shortly. The move would increase the FSI in the suburbs from one per cent to 1.33 per cent, which would enable developers to construct on more space than allowed currently. This has been done to bypass a recent Bombay High Court ruling that had rejected a state government's decision to grant additional FSI in the suburbs.

clear, and MCHI stands with the NRI buyer as regards any promises made by the developer. In the unlikely event of such promises not being honored, the MCHI will take up the matter on behalf of the NRI buyer," MCHI President Sunil

Mantri said on the show's success. "This MCHI 'Seal of Approval' makes all the difference to an NRI looking at making the 'buy' decision at MCHI's 14th India Realty Expo 2010. It makes a difference, given that the returns on investment potential of Indian real estate is far better as compared to other similar options available to global citizens of Indian origin or an Indian expatriate in the UAE." "At MCHI's 14th India Realty Expo 2010, the offerings will include all categories of Indian residential real estate - including the newest, affordable luxury homes. These product offerings have been welcomed by resident Indian buyers. To put it in the proper perspective, the investors found an opportunity to explore the abundant options that India's real estate has to offer at the exhibition. In keeping with the 'realistic offerings' set-up, the exhibition also focused on ready-to-possess homes, valued in the Rs70 lakh to one crore range," MCHI Hon. Secretary Deepak Goradia said.

Panchshil hires Yoo Design Studio

onstruction and real estate development company Panchshil Realty has roped in internationally acclaimed design company, Yoo Design Studio, to design 'Yoopune', a oneof-its-kind residential project that is coming up in Pune. For Yoo, a company promoted by Philippe Starck and John Hitchcox, a renowned property entrepreneur, it is the debut project in India.

The Yoopune will offer 228 unique 'Yoo inspired by Starck' designed homes spread over six towers overlooking lush, historic rainforest and trees as old as 100 years. John Hitchcox, chairman and co-founder, Yoo, said, "I am delighted that we have had the opportunity to design a wonderful development in multi-faceted Pune, a vibrant place and ideal location for a Yoo project.

Desi News NY Tamil Sangam honors visiting Indian politician India Post News Service

NEW YORK: The New York Tamil Sangam hosted a reception in honor of Vanathi Srinivasan, a leading attorney and general secretary of Tamil Nadu unit of Bharatiya Janata Party in Manhattan recently. Srinivasan was in the US as the guest of the US State Department to take part in the young political leaders program under which politicians under the age of 40 are invited from across the world by the US Government to study the political system here. She shared her thoughts on the uniqueness of the program that helped her to interact with politicians from different nations. Details on page 16

MKCA represents India at Christmas celebrations SURESH SHAH

CHICAGO: In the midst of the celebration of 69th Christmas Around the World and Holiday Light event at the Museum of Science and Industry, the Mangalorean Konkan Christian's Association (MKCA/ USA) recently presented a variety of cultural performances showcasing the rich cultural heritage of India. This was the Eighth program in succession presented by MKCA at this cultural jamboree. In this mega event people from different ethnic backgrounds representing more than 50 countries from Austria to Zambia participated. MKCA represented India at this mega event. Details on page 18

BAPS Walkathon benefits library

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Details on page 19

December 24, 2010

Details on page 20

GOPIO renews issue of passport surrender woes India Post News Service

NEW YORK: In a renewed representation to the Government of India with regard to difficulties NRIs/PIOs are facing over Indian passport surrender, the Global Organization of Persons of Indian Origin (GOPIO) has urged the Diaspora to post their experience on its blog or write to the Government of India. "We want to make a new representation to Govt. of India on the difficulties NRIs/PIOs face in these issues," a GOPIO statement said. "GOPIO would like to hear your experience in the Indian passport surrender issues as well as obtaining your Indian visas and OCI/PIO cards from Indian missions abroad. GOPIO has been at the forefront of campaigning with Govt. of India on the issue of surrender of old Indian passport by naturalized citizens. Although Govt. of India relented on the high passport surrender fee of $175 and brought it down to $20, GOPIO says it has been getting feedback from the community on the difficulties and nightmares they go through to get the Surrender Cer-

tificate from Indian missions abroad and in the issuance of entry visas. On June 1, the Consul General of India, New York, at a press conference stated that overseas Indians who acquired foreign citizenship on or before May 31, 2010 will pay $20 and no penalties to obtain surrender certificate. However, GOPIO states that consulates in the United States and Canada have

passports. However, GOPIO feels that these decisions were taken arbitrarily without proper thinking and has caused enormous problems for NRIs and PIOs, especially the naturalized citizens of other countries. GOPIO presented an appeal in July 2010 to Vayalar Ravi, Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs on the Passport Surrender rules in which it recommended that the

GOPIO says it has been getting feedback from the community on the difficulties and nightmares they go through to get the Surrender Certificate from Indian missions abroad and in the issuance of entry visas started charging retention penalty if a person has held an Indian passport which expired on or after Jan 1, 2005 and the passport remained un-cancelled for a period of 3 years after the acquisition of the foreign nationality. This is retroactive enforcement of surrender certificates rules which were relaxed. The new rules were imposed following security concerns of India and to prevent misuse of old

rules be changed without compromising on the security concerns raised by India's Home Ministry. These recommendations include: 1. Reduce the passport surrender fee of $175 for those who became naturalized citizens after June 1, 2010 to $20 and give 3 months for surrender and if not surrendered, charge a fee of $175. 2. Those who became naturalized citizens before 2000 and

whose Indian passports are already expired need not obtain surrender certificate since those passports are no more valid travel documents. 3. Government of India should relax the current rigid requirements to obtain surrender certificates for those whose passports have been misplaced or lost. 4. Increase the staff at Indian Missions handling the passports and visa especially in countries such as the USA, UK, Canada and Australia till these issues are resolved. GOPIO urges NRIs and PIOs to post their experience in obtaining their surrender certificate or Indian visas as well as their suggestions and recommendations to the Govt. of India at http:// gopiointernational.blogspot.com GOPIO has also urged Indian community groups, organizations and individuals to write to the Prime Minister at pmosb@pmo.nic.in, the Secretary of Home Affairs at hshso@nic.in, Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs at psfs@mea.gov.in, and the Secretary of the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs at secretary@moia.nic.in.

Indian firm rewards real life hero SURESH SHAH

India Post News Service

NEWYORK: The Queens Library Foundation was the appreciative recipient of $5001 from BAPS Charities recently. The money will be used to purchase library materials and programs for Queens Library at Jackson Heights. The funds were a portion of the proceeds of the BAPS New York chapter's September Walkathon in which more than 600 people participated. BAPS is an international charity organization.

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Guru Gobind Singh relics to be shown at Darbar-E-Khalsa

Gary Amaya, the alleged serial killer

CHICAGO: LA Tan Founder & CEO Nick Patel rewarded a LA Tan customer Jason McDaniel 29 for his heroism in saving the life of a LA Tan customer and that of himself during a scuffle at the tanning facility in Orland Park recently. Nick announced a reward of $5,000 and free tanning for life for McDaniel and his wife.

With his timely and brave action, this real life hero saved the life of a LA Tan employee, LA Tan client and his own life from an alleged serial killer Gary Amaya. McDaniel fought back and snatched the gun and shot Amaya, the person whom police suspect to be "honey bee serial killer". Police investigation proved that the gun found at LA Tan matched with the one used in previous killings in Illinois and Indiana borders. It is believed the person killed at the LA Tan scuffle is probably the same person who earlier was involved in a killing spree. McDaniel has thus not only saved other lives, but also helped solve the mystery of the "honey bee killer".

LA Tan owner Nick Patel with real Life Hero Daniel

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Ambati selected for translational research award India Post News Service

LEXINGTON: An India born professor and vice chair in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine Dr. Jayakrishna Ambati, has been selected to receive the 2011 Association of Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) Foundation for Eye Research/Pfizer Carl Camras Translational Research Award.

sen for this prestigious award," Ambati said. "This award recognizes the important contributions that the talented young scientists in my research group have made in advancing the understanding of how macular degeneration develops and how it can be better diagnosed and treated. While such recognition from my peers is tremendously gratifying, my professional mission is to hasten the day when blindness due to macular degeneration becomes a faded memory."

Ambati's lab, which is funded by the National Eye Institute, has made numerous foundational contributions in macular degeneration research with multiple research articles published in Nature, Nature Medicine, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and the Journal of Clinical Investigation This award is given to researchers who exhibit excellence in research via their fundamental scientific discoveries and novel technologies that have already led to or may lead to clinical applications. Dr. Camras was highly respected for his work as a glaucoma specialist and a research scientist. During his distinguished career, he took a personal interest in developing the next generation of eye and vision researchers. "I am honored and humbled to be cho-

Dr Jayakrishna Ambati (center first row) with members of his lab team

guished Clinical Scientist Award and a Burroughs Wellcome Fund Clinical Scientist Award in Translational Research. He was also elected to The American Society for Clinical Investigation and was the first ophthalmologist to be elected to The Associa-

tion of American Physicians. Ambati will receive a $10,000 honorarium in recognition of his excellent translational research, and be honored on May 1, 2011 at the ARVO/Alcon Keynote Session at the ARVO Annual Meeting.

Indian American to head Missouri Export Council SURENDRA ULLAL

CHICAGO: A front ranking Indian American business entrepreneur Dr. Deepak Vyas has been elected chairman of the prestigious Missouri District Export Council at the historic elections held recently. It is for the first time that an Indian has bagged this honor in Missouri and for Dr. Vyas this is yet another feather in his cap. Dr. Vyas has been Vice- Chairman, Missouri Export Council from 2008 until now. He was the first Asian Indian ever to be nominated by the USA Secretary of Commerce in the country and privileged to serve the National Board of Export Council. He is also first Missourian ever to be elected to National Export Council in 2008 and serves on various committees at National level including Trade Policy and National Export Initiative. "We are witnessing history in making today in the leadership of Dr. Deepak Vyas as Chairman of Missouri Export Council," said Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon. Lauding the contribution of Dr. Vyas to the City and County of St. Louis, Charlie A. Dooley the County executive said that with Deepak Vyas heading the Export Council, "St. Louis Region will have leadership and determination to make St. Louis an international business hub"

Dr Deepak Vyas

In the same vein St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay observed, "The City is proud to witness yet another history today, in electing Ambassador Dr. Vyas, long time resident, philanthropist, civic

from St. Louis. Dr. Vyas has notched reHe has worked markable gains for his company Redberri Corporato build links tion, a diversified company with business interest in between Indian Pneumatic Tools, SOA and American Redberri software and Private Equity Company. St. businesses. In Louis Business Journal named the company as the 2006, Vyas largest minority owned firm in St. Louis region. worked with the Some of the world's major financial institutions U.S. Department depend on it. Redberri has of Commerce to reported a handsome jump in its revenue by 340 perorganize the cent since Brunswick Corp. divested its software divilargest official sion to it in 2005. Vyas has since diversified its applidelegation of cation for use in telemedicine, medical eduU.S. businesses cation, pneumatics and electronic health records. to be hosted by Vyas isn't focused solely the Indian govon building his business. He has worked to build ernment links between Indian and American businesses. In 2006, Vyas worked with the leader and businessman as our U.S. Department of Commerce to next Chairman of MODEC." organize the largest official delega"He is the first Indian Ameri- tion of U.S. businesses to be can in St. Louis to have this honor hosted by the Indian government. and indeed does Indians proud," He also helped orchestrate the largsaid Ashwin Patel, a businessman est delegation of Indian busi-

nesses to come to St. Louis. He has also helped establishing the U.S. India Business Center in St. Louis. "By bringing the U.S. India Center to St. Louis, bypassing the mega-cities like New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, we will bring thousands of jobs here," he added. "Conducting international business requires a long period of cultivation of relationships, and Deepak has really opened the doors for those relationships among St. Louis businesses," said Cory Simek, a director of the U.S. Department of Commerce. When Vyas first came to St. Louis from southern India 25 years ago, there were just 45 to 50 families in the Indian community, which met each month on the Washington University campus. As president of the India Association of St. Louis, Vyas helped establish a community center in West County. "When we picked the land to build the community center, it was on over five acres of land, and we thought, 'Oh this is too big for us,'" Vyas said. The hall, which was built to accommodate 500 people now is too small for the 2,000-plus families that use it. Vyas' other notable contributions include establishing the first India Festival in St. Louis and consecrating the Hindu Temple of St. Louis.

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NY Tamil Sangam honors visiting Indian politician India Post News Service

Vanathi Srinivasan, center, with NY Tamil Sangam leaders

the steps taken by BJP President Nitin Gadkari to infuse young blood and provide new direction to the party.

Srinivasan was in the US as the guest of the US State Department to take part in the young political leaders program under which politicians under the age of 40 are invited from across the world by the US Government to study the political system here Dr. S. Giridharan, committee member presented her with a shawl and spoke about her role in Tamil Nadu politics.

Mago family honored with Asian-American award MOHAMMED GHOUSE

CHICAGO: Rajinder Singh and Navinder Kaur Mago and their family of Wayne, a north side Chicago suburb , were recently honored by Asian Chronicle USA TV Channel Program with an Asian American Humanitarian and Model Family Award at Sheraton Four Points Hotel, in Schiller Park, Illinois. The Asian Model Family Award is given by the Asian TV channel to the families which are

The Mago family has remained thoroughly engrossed in community service roles and American mainstream participation since their arrival in America from Punjab India nearly forty years ago cohesive role models for others to emulate, extend numerous civic and community services here and/or in their native countries, and they impact the positive image of Asians in America. The Mago family has remained thoroughly engrossed in community service roles and American mainstream participation since their arrival in America from Punjab India nearly forty years

Rajinder Singh Mago and family at the Asian Humanitarian Model Family Award ceremony (Pics: Martino Tangkar ACUSA)

ago. Rajinder Singh Mago was also honored with lifetime service award presented by the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation in recognition and appreciation of his commitment to strengthening our nation and for making a difference through volunteer service. Mago is co-founder and permanent board of governors of the Punjabi Cultural Society of Chicago. He served it also as President in 1996 and 2010. He was as well the president of Sikh American Heritage Organization in 1994.

A graduate of Punjab University, Guru Nanak Engineering College, Ludhiana, India, Mago is also is a graduate of Citizens Academy FBI Chicago region and winner of the FBI Director's Leadership Award

Mago addressing the gathering during the award presentation ceremony.

Mago is on the Asian American Coalition of Chicago Chairmen's board and was the Cochairman of its 1995 and 2003 Lunar New Year Celebrations hosted by the Indian American Community. He has served the Council for a Parliament of World's Religions (C.P.W.R.), since 1993 in several positions including its vice president. Since 2010 he is a trustee emeritus. A graduate of Punjab University, Guru Nanak Engineering College, Ludhiana, India, Mago is also is a graduate of Citizens Academy FBI Chicago region and

winner of the FBI Director's Leadership Award. A registered Professional Engineer with the State of Illinois, he has worked with a major corporation for the last 36 years. Rajinder is married to Navinder since 1974 and they have two daughters Simeren Kaur and Amrith Kaur Aakre, and a son Satnaam Singh Mago who is in college. Rajinder and Navinder and the family took care of his retired and ailing parents in his home here for 28 years till they passed away not too long ago.

December 24, 2010

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Merrilville Bharatiya temple gets award Asian Media, USA

MERRILLVILLE: The Northwest Indiana Hindu Religious Center known as Merrillville Bharatiya Temple was chosen by the Landscape & Architectural Committee of The Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce as a Landmark in Northwest Indiana. The beautifully decorated temple was se-

were activists Dr. Harish Shah, Padmini Makam, Suchita Shah and Amala. While the credit for the setting up of the beautifully done temple should go to all the members of the Indian community in the area, the main architects where Dr Panna Barai (who was the chairman of the Board of Trustees for Northwest Indiana Hindu Religious Center and Chairman of the

The Award was presented by Brian P. Popp, Chairman of the Chamber to Dr. Bharat Barai who accepted on behalf of Dr Panna Barai as she could not make it to the function because of illness lected for its intricacy, fine-looking Murti (statue of a god) and its architect. The Award was presented by Brian P. Popp, Chairman of the Chamber to Dr. Bharat Barai who accepted on behalf of Dr Panna Barai as she could not make it to the function because of illness. Others accepting the award on behalf of the Temple committee

Temple Construction committee) and Sucheta Shah (President of NW Indiana Hindu Religious Center). Both held offices in 2008, 2009 and continued their mission till the Temple and the Hall opened in June, 2010. They both traveled to many places and temples, including two trips to India for Murtis and all kinds of materials for the Temple.

From left to right: Avani Shah, Padmini Makam, Amala Reddy, Dr. Harish Shah, Dr Bharat Barai, Suchita Shah

Bharatiya Temple and Indian Cultural Center are built on approximately 14 acres of land and are a beautiful blend of the traditional Hindu Temple architecture and contemporary architecture elements. It is crowned with Shikhar (Steeple) and decorated with architectural columns and railings,

while the Indian American Cultural Center is stuffed with all modern amenities, all the altars are decorated with carved Burma Teak wood arches imported from Ahmedabad, India. All the deities are carved by artisans from Jaipur, India, and then imported to the United States.

The inauguration of the Temple and newly expanded/renovated community hall took place on June 2009. The annual awards luncheon was a great gathering where everyone enjoyed a delicious lunch, an award presentation and an installation ceremony.

HAF report highlights caste discrimination in India India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Caste-based discrimination is an ongoing human rights problem in India that must be eradicated, according to a landmark report released Dec 10 by the Hindu American Foundation (HAF), a prominent US based advocacy group. In its report, Hinduism: Not Cast in Caste - Seeking an End to Caste-based Discrimination, the Foundation analyzes the explosive subject of caste in the Indian sub-continent while rejecting the notion that caste is intrinsic to Hinduism. The discrimination represents a failure of Hindu society to live up to the essential spiritual teachings of the tradition, according to the authors, and the solution lies in proper application of Hindu teachings as well as the enforcement of existing Indian laws. The report comes as a culmination of five years of research and documentation by the Foundation's Board and Executive Council members, staff, supporters, and advisors. The release of this report coincides with the observation of UN designated International Human Rights Day. "This report is the Foundation's sincere effort to join the many Hindus, both past and present, who have courageously

fought caste-based discrimination, birth-based hierarchy, and other injustices against humanity," said Swaminathan Venkataraman, HAF Board Member and editor of the report. "By creating a fairly comprehensive report on the caste system, and the present day challenges to eliminating caste-based discrimination, the Foundation hopes to empower those continuing their struggles, while affirming that the solution to this problem is in the

Asia. According to the report 33,165 crimes against members of Scheduled Caste (SC's) and Scheduled Tribes (ST's) were recorded in India in 2008 alone. "The Hindu American Foundation's pivotal report is an important contribution to that process [of eradication]," said Professor Ramdas Lamb, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Religion at the University of Hawaii and President of the Sahayog Foundation, a US based non-profit

The discrimination represents a failure of Hindu society to live up to the essential spiritual teachings of the tradition, according to the authors, and the solution lies in proper application of Hindu teachings as well as the enforcement of existing Indian laws adherence to Hinduism's inherent principle of recognizing divinity in all beings." The 172-page report presents details of atrocities perpetrated against members of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (as designated by the Government of India) who constitute 22 percent of the Hindu population. Many members of these groups not only face discrimination in India, but also throughout South

supporting educational and health needs of rural poor and Dalits in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. "It is the first major study to be done by a Hindu organization to try to understand the problems of caste prejudice from within and attempt to take concrete steps to help ameliorate them." The groundbreaking report highlights the historical efforts by Hindu groups as well as that of

the Dalit movement in modern India to eliminate caste-based discrimination. While much remains to be done for SCs and STs, Venkataraman adds, the report acknowledges the significant progress in the six decades since India's independence. "Our report covers the complexities of the dynamics of caste today, but strongly asserts that Hindus must take responsibility for perversions of the caste sys-

tem," stated Venkataraman reflecting on the potential impact of the document. "We urge Hindus to look at the situation objectively, realistically, and compassionately, in spite of the exploitative roles of foreign rulers, predatory proselytizers, and current Indian politicians that have also contributed to the complexity and persistence of caste." Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 18

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MKCA represents India at Christmas celebrations SURESH SHAH

tria to Zambia participated. MKCA represented India at this mega event. The Museum halls were decked and the holiday singers and dancers fueling the festivities, with a bunch of decorated trees greeting

The Museum's 45-foot Grand Tree takes center stage in the Rotunda with more than 30,000 lights and 1,000 ornaments, and it is surrounded by more than 50 smaller trees representing 50 countries cently presented a variety of cultural performances showcasing the rich cultural heritage of India. This was the Eighth program in succession presented by MKCA at this cultural jamboree. In this mega event people from different ethnic backgrounds representing more than 50 countries from Aus-

everyone at the Museum. The Museum's 45-foot Grand Tree takes center stage in the Rotunda with more than 30,000 lights and 1,000 ornaments, and it is surrounded by more than 50 smaller trees representing 50 countries beautifully decorated by volunteers from Chicago's ethnic communities.

Cultural presentation by children at MKCU Christmas celebration at Museum

MKCU members singing Christmas Carols

Ms Queenie Mendonca welcomed the audience and described how rich and diverse is the Indian cultural heritage She pointed out that Christianity originated in India through St. Thomas, the Apostle of Jesus, about 2000 years back - much before it spread to many of the European countries. Rev. 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. The cultural program commenced with the singing of "The Star-spangled Banner" followed by live Tableau of "Birth of Jesus Christ", intertwined with dances from Kalapriya Dance School and Utkala Dance Center. The MKCA, USA members presented unique

CACF seeks South Asian parent leaders India Post News Service

NEW YORK: The Coalition for Asian American Children and Families (CACF), the nation's only pan-Asian children's advocacy organization, is seeking South Asian parents to become part-time bilingual Parent Leaders for Parents Organized to Work for Equal Rights (POWER), a parent leadership project that trains Asian Pacific American (APA) parents to become advocates and community leaders around education, child welfare, and health issues in New York City. This unique parent project will bring together a core group of diverse Asian Pacific American immigrant parents to strengthen their advocacy and leadership skills to strengthen the voice of the underrepresented Asian Pacific American community. Parents face many obstacles in the city's education, health, and welfare systems. The needs of immigrants and the Asian Pacific

American community are frequently underrepresented and even misrepresented. With 26% of Asian Pacific Americans living

This unique parent project will bring together a core group of diverse Asian Pacific American immigrant parents to strengthen their advocacy and leadership skills to strengthen the voice of the underrepresented Asian Pacific American community in poverty and 1 in 3 Asian Pacific American students not graduating on time or at all, change needs to happen and Asian Pacific American parents need to be at the de-

cision making table now, says CACF. CACF is looking for 12 Asian Pacific American bilingual parents who speak English (limited English speakers encouraged to apply) and one of the following: Bengali, Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu, Chinese, Korean, Tagalog, or Vietnamese. The development of bilingual Asian Pacific American parent leaders helps strengthen leadership in various ethnic communities and increase knowledge of supportive systems and resources in the Asian Pacific American community. POWER Parent Leaders have a 2-year commitment and a stipend of $600 each year. POWER begins February 2011 with orientation meetings in February, March and April. Regular meetings are for 3 hours once every month starting in May. Food and childcare are provided at meetings, which will be located in Midtown Manhattan. Parents will meet to share knowledge, build advocacy skills, and learn about New York City's education, child welfare, and health systems.

Konkani Christmas Carols during the Tableau. Daphne Fernandes gave special touch to the Carols by playing the piano. The Odissi Dance and especially, the Lord of Universe Dance by Utkala Dance Center gave a special meaning to this "Birth of Jesus Christ" tableau. The Kalapriuya Dance Academy presented the up-beat dances of Bangra and Dandia. All the dances presented different facets of classical and regional nuances of the Indian sub-continent. In its conclusion all the participants of the program sang the Indian National Anthem, the "Jana Gana Mana". The compeer of the program, Lawrence Mascarenhas, Immediate Past President of MKCA, thanked the members and audience for their wonderful participation.

HAF report highlights caste discrimination in India Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 17

Many Hindu leaders are working to eliminate the vestiges of caste-discrimination, according to the report, and statements from several such religious and spiritual leaders denouncing this discrimination are included. "Unfortunately, as a practicing Hindu, there are aspects of my cultural heritage that must be dealt with as they have harmed others," said Pawan Deshpande, HAF Executive Council member and key contributor to the report. "But I firmly believe that birthbased caste discrimination is a social ill. I am proud that one of Hinduism's sustaining strengths is the ability of its followers to recognize evils within their own society and reform these problems through the teachings found in Hindu scriptures as well as through the guidance of Hinduism's spiritual luminaries."

December 24, 2010

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BAPS Walkathon benefits library

Nilesh J. Desai (BAPS Charities), Diana Chapin (Queens Library Foundation), Mita Desai and Chandrakant Dhanak (BAPS Charities). India Post News Service

The funds were a portion of the proceeds of the BAPS New York chapter's September Walkathon in which more than 600 people participated. BAPS is an international charity organization. Queens Library CEO Thomas W. Galante and Queens Library Foundation Executive Director

Miniature Radha-Krishna at Philadelphia Museum India Post News Service

Diana Chapin, Executive Director, Queens Library Foundation; Thomas W. Galante, CEO, Queens Library; Nilesh J. Desai, BAPS Charities.

The funds were a portion of the proceeds of the BAPS New York chapter's September Walkathon

Diana Chapin accepted the donation from Nilesh J. Desai, Walkathon Project lead; Chandrakant Dhanak, Walkathon team member and Mita Desai, of the Community Outreach Women's Wing. Queens Library is an independent, not-for-profit corporation and is not affiliated with any

other library. It serves a population of 2.3 million in the most ethnically diverse county in the US. Wi t h 2 3 m i l l i o n i t e m s i n circulation for FY 2010, the Library has among the highest circulations of any public library system in the world.

Six Gam Patidar Samaj holds Diwali Gala

pillared temple hall; Brahmanic cord; Devimahatmya manuscript; Rameshwaram Temple pictures; etc. The Philadelphia Museum of Art in Pennsylvania is among the largest art museums in USA, show-

PHILADELPHIA: Philadelphia Museum of Art (PMA) in USA is currently displaying "Monumental Miniatures: Large-scale Paintings from India" exhibition, which includes extraordinary depiction of Lord Krishna and Radha. This exhibition, which will continue till April next, features a selection of paintings dating as far back as 15th century. This Radha-Krishna painting is from Kishangarh in Rajasthan (India). PMA, in its permanent collection, also has various Hinduism focused artifacts like paintings depictRadha Krishan at PMA exhibition ing Brahma honors Krishna, Dashratha distributing casing over 2,000 years of excepgifts, dying Jatayu, Kamadhenu, tional human creativity in masterKrishna, Bhairava, Shiva-Shakti pieces of painting, sculpture, mandala, Rishi, Sudama's journey, works on paper, decorative arts Kali slaying demons, Vishvamitra and architectural settings from and Dashratha, Markandeya; sculp- Asia, Europe, Latin America, and tures of dancing Ganesha, Garuda, USA. Constance H. Williams is the Indra, Nandi, Nataraja, Surya; Chair of its Board of Trustees.

Members of the audience enjoying music dance program (Pics Asian Media USA) Asian Media USA

CHICAGO: Six Gam Patidar Samaj recently organized a Diwali gathering at the Midwest Swami Narayan Temple in Itasca, a northwest Chicago suburb. The highlight of the nearly three-hour program was musical performances by Omkar Deshpande of Indian Idol and Pranita Deshpande of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. The event was attended by hundreds of Indians all over the Chicago land area. Naren Patel along with Six Gam members started the night with the ceremonial lamp lighting. President Dilip Patel thanked members for their immense support over the

years. He recognized the past presidents and board members for all their contributions to the Samaj.

Naren Patel along with Six Gam members started the night with the ceremonial lamp lighting He urged the youth to join the Samaj saying they should become lifetime members of the organization.

Bharat Natyam performance at Six Gam Patidar event

This was followed by a prayer dance dedicated to Lord Ganesh in classic Bharatantyam style by Vaidehi Patel, 18. The Six Gam Patidar Samaj recognized their many sponsors for their tremendous support. The Board of Directors includes President Dilip B. Patel, Vice President Yogesh Desai, Treasurer Tushar Patel, Secretary Diptesh Desai, and Joint Secretary Shaunak Patel. The Board of Trustees includes Chairman Raju H. Patel, Vice Chairman Kamlesh Patel, Jayprakash Patel, Navin Patel, Pankaj Amin, Rajesh Patel, Sanjiv Patel, Vanleela Amin, Jatin Patel and Virendra Desai.

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Cal News Dr Ajay Singh Chautala visits South California JS BEDI

December 24, 2010

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Guru Gobind Singh relics to be shown at Darbar-E-Khalsa

India Post News Service

DIAMOND BAR: Prominent Haryana politician and the scion of Haryana's first family Dr Ajay Singh Chautala visited So Cal recently. He was honored at a reception at the Peacock Restaurant hosted by Dr Amrit Singh. It was a well attended event which brought together prominent community members. Details on page 22

22 authors join to write interfaith book DR JASWANT SINGH SACHDEV

PHOENIX, Arizona: We all are acutely aware that with each passing day our world keeps on getting further fragmented into smaller segments as a result of race, religion, caste, country or culture. In order to build bridges, therefore, one may have to depend upon an act of divine intervention. And divine intervention did indeed happen, when Arizona Interfaith Movement came up with a brilliant idea to build bridges among different faiths. The idea was to compile a book titled as "Interfaith Inspirations for our Globalized world."

Descendants of Peer Budhu Shah at Darbar E Khalsa 2007

J S BEDI India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: Preparations for celebrating Guru Gobind Singh Ji's 344th birthday on December 25 at this year's Darbar-E-Khalsa are in full swing. The celebrations are being held at Fair Plex, the LA County Fair grounds, Pomona. This being the Silver Jubilee An-

fornia based Sikh organization, that is known for pioneering the Sikh youth camping movement internationally, for the past 38 years. The day- long program begins at 06:30am with the melodious singing of Asa Di Vaar by Bhai Nirmal Singh Nagpuri, Hazuri Ragi, Darbar Sahib, Amritsar followed by Shabad Kirtans by about 30 renowned Ragi Jathas, Sikh

Details on page 40

Hurry Curry… authentic flavor of Amritsar JS BEDI India Post News Service

ocated at the intersection of Venice and Beethoven in Culver City, Hurry Curry is a unique restaurant that offers an authentic flavor of Amritsar. The menu features over 80 items including entrées, breads, beverages and desserts. The façade of the restaurant does not quite reflect the quietly elegant interior of the restaurant which is far more relaxing and comfortable what one would expect at a fast food place. The spacious hall with seats around 50 is clean and well appointed like in a gourmet Indian eatery. As the name suggests, it is an establishment which aims to serve in a hurry, but it takes pride in its unique style of slow cooking to retain the natural nutrients and taste of its vegetarian and meat dishes. Details on page 41

Peer Buddhu Shah with his sons and followers at the Darbar of Sri Guru Gobind Singh

niversary of the DEK, a much bigger congregation, that may go well over 15,000, is expected. The parking is free. Darbar-E-Khalsa is celebrated with an unparalleled mix of reverence, pomp, grandeur and feasting that the number of attendees has grown from about 700 in 1986, to over 15,000 in the past 24 years. The function is organized on December 25 each year, by International Institute of Gurmat Studies, Inc., a Cali-

Dharma, IIGS and talented children's groups. Then there will be some short speeches and poems on the life and teachings of the tenth great Guru. The Awards Ceremony includes honoring of those who have either devoted their lives to the service of the Sikh Panth or distinguished themselves in any field. An important feature of this year's celebration is the display of the precious Relics of Guru

Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji

Gobind Singh Ji, presented to him to Syed Pir Budhu Shah, over 300 years ago, at Paonta Sahib. The Relics are respectfully preserved by Naeem Haider (and family) - the 8th generation descendents of Syed Pir Budhu Shah. The family lives in Ontario, Southern California. Peer Buddhu Shah (13 June 1647 - 21 March 1704), was a Muslim divine whose real name was

When Banda Singh Bahadur came to know that the Peer had been executed because he helped Guru Gobind Singh in the battle of Bhangani, he avenged the Pir's death by storming Sadhaura and killing Usman Khan, who had been responsible for the Peer's death Badr ud Din, who was an admirer and ally of Guru Gobind Singh. He visited the Guru regularly and at one point introduced 500 Shia Muslim Pathan soldiers who had been expelled by Aurangzeb to the Guru who employed them. However, when these soldiers faced battle against the Hill chiefs, they deserted the Guru's army. The Peer was very upset by this action and brought many hundreds of his own followers and his

family members to assist the Guru's force. The Guru was most impressed by this dedication shown by the Peer in this urgently needed support. However, in supporting the Guru, this action made him an enemy of the Mughals, who in 1704 executed him. When Banda Singh Bahadur came to know that the Peer had been executed because he helped Guru Gobind Singh in the battle of Bhangani, he avenged the Pir's death by storming Sadhaura and killing Usman Khan, who had been responsible of the Peer's death. Pir Buddhu Shah's descendants migrated to Pakistan in 1947. Their ancestral house in Sadhaura has since been converted into a Gurdwara named after Pir Buddhu Shah. Sumptuous free hot breakfast and delicious Guru Ka Langar (hot lunch) will be served to all throughout the day. The Khalsa Bazaar is always a big attraction, with vendors selling religious artifacts, books, jewelry, paintings, Punjabi suits, shawls and jutees etc. The day long program concludes with an impressive, short distance Khalsa Parade, where thousands of devotees in their multi-colored turbans and dupattas, walk delightfully behind Sri Guru Granth Sahib's Golden Palki to the waiting helicopter. The helipad area reverberates with the thunderous Jaikaraas of Bole So Nihaal, Sat Sri Akaal, as the helicopter carrying Sri Guru Granth Sahib slowly lifts up and, colorful balloons fill up the sky. With this concludes the West-Coast Sikh Diaspora's largest annual celebration in Southern California.

December 24, 2010

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Donate bone marrow and save a life

India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: Eighteen-year-old Samir Pendse is battling with relapsed leukemia. The search for the right bone marrow for Samir has been going on for the last three years; unfortunately, only a small number of people of Indian origin are registered with NMDP (National Marrow Donor Program). A good match for Samir's bone marrow has not been found yet. If you register your name with http://join.bethematch.org/ donor4samir you may see if you will be a match. Samir is from Maharashtra and a Kokanasth Brahmin. The need is urgent and it has to be done now as it is the only chance of cure for Samir. The shortage of registered Indian donors for bone marrow is a critical issue. By increasing the number of registered donors there is a better chance of finding the right match to treat leukemia and save a life. Because tissue types are inherited, a

patient's most likely match is someone from the same racial or ethnic group. Therefore it is important for all Indians to register and widen the pool. This is a noble cause and will ben-

The need is urgent and it has to be done now as it is the only chance of cure for Samir. The shortage of registered Indian donors for bone marrow is a critical issue efit Samir and many such leukemia patients. This online drive has been created for Samir so that it can reach a wider audience. After you register, you will receive a swab kit from NMDP. Follow the easy 2 minute procedure to complete the swabbing test and mail it back to NMDP.

TSA detains Sikh; forces turban removal India Post News Service

WASHINGTON, DC: The Sikh Coalition filed a formal complaint last week with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) on behalf of Mr. Daljeet Singh Mann, a business traveler, who was forced to remove his dastaar (Sikh turban) on two separate occasions within a span of only three days. On November 6, 2010, after clearing a metal detector without setting off an alarm at San Francisco International Airport, Mr. Mann was surrounded by four TSA officers and told that they needed to "look under" his dastaar in a private room. No explanation was provided. Although Mr. Mann was prepared to pat down his own dastaar, the TSA officers escorted him to a private room and forced him to remove it. After inspecting his dastaar, TSA officers subjected Mr. Mann to an aggressive full-body pat down and searched

through his luggage. Immediately after suffering this humiliation, Mr. Mann reported the incident to a TSA supervisor and was told that "someone dropped the ball" at TSA. Incredibly, only two days later, Mr. Mann was subjected to more degrading treatment by TSA officers at Sacramento International Airport. After clearing a metal detector and having his hands swabbed, Mr. Mann was told that the hand-swab results were positive. When Mr. Mann requested a second test, due to the possibility that the results were wrong, TSA officers refused and told him that he would have to remove his dastaar in a private room. Upon entering the room, Mr. Mann asked that he be allowed to leave the airport, so that he would not have to suffer the same humiliation that he had experienced only two days earlier. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 22

Saldef secures apology from FBI Director India Post News Service

WASHINGTON: In a letter to the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), the nation's oldest Sikh American civil rights and advocacy organization, FBI Director Robert S. Mueller has issued an apology and clarification for remarks linking Sikh Americans to terrorism at an intelligence conference in the Fall. In early October, The Washington Times reported statements made by Director Mueller, which singled out Sikh Americans and linked them to extremist groups. Saldef issued a letter of concern calling for Director Mueller to clarify his remarks and issue a formal apology to the Sikh American community. In response to Saldef's letter of concern, the Office of the Director writes: "I would like to apologize for, and clarify, any misunderstanding that the account in this newspaper story may have caused. The statement cited was intended to reiterate the FBI's responsibility for, and commitment to, deterring and investigating terrorist threats and activity. I can assure you it was not meant to single out any specific community, including Sikh-Americans." The letter went on to recognize Saldef's partnership with the FBI: "The FBI and you, representing Sikh Americans and communities across the country, have worked closely together and

Robert S. Mueller

developed an ongoing dialogue on a variety of issues of mutual interest. This includes cultural awareness training to agents and professional staff, giving all of us a greater awareness into the struggles and concerns you face in relation to hate crimes and public misconception of your faith." "We are pleased that the FBI has addressed this issue promptly, however, this is indicative of the need for greater dialogue with the Bureau," stated Jasjit Singh, Saldef Associate Executive Director. "Saldef will continue to ensure that public officials do not malign or otherwise denigrate the Sikh American community with their comments or actions."

22 India Post

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Dr Ajay Singh Chautala visits South California JS BEDI India Post News Service

It was a well attended

TSA detains Sikh; forces turban removal Cont’d from page 21

TSA officials told him that he did not have the option to go home without additional screening of his dastaar, and that if he had problems with TSA policy, he should not travel in the future. Two deputy sheriffs were posted outside the room, and Mr. Mann was forced to place his dastaar in a bin and undergo another aggressive full-body pat down. Mr. Mann missed his flight and was forced to book another one. While waiting for his flight in

the airport waiting area, Mr. Mann was harassed again. One of the deputies posted outside the room while he was searched approached Mr. Mann and began asking intrusive and harassing questions about where he worked. Mr. Mann responded to the deputy but ultimately felt so humiliated by the entire experience that he cancelled his business trip and returned home. The Sikh Coalition worked with Mr. Mann to file a complaint with the TSA and met with Congressional offices to discuss the matter.

event which brought together prominent community members. Plaques were presented to the visiting dignitary well attended event which brought together prominent community members. Plaques were presented to the visiting dignitary and community members took turns getting their pictures taken with him. The evening ended with a sumptuous dinner.

Kenneth Cole partners with Sikh Coalition India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: Until December 24, Kenneth Cole and the Sikh Coalition have teamed up to offer a 20% discount at all Kenneth Cole stores. In addition, 20% of the proceeds will be donated to the Coalition. The following steps are recom-

mended to take advantage of the offer. Step 1: Print & cut out coupons or Kenneth Cole we can mail them to you. Contact: manbeena@sikhcoalition.org. Step 2. Distribute the coupons and help the Coalition meet its $500,000 goal! Find a Kenneth Cole location near you. Other ways to spread the word:

• Email this coupon to your friends and family. This is a great way to get your non-Sikh friends involved! • Ask your friends to help you volunteer by passing out coupons at other Kenneth Cole stores. • Distribute these coupons at your gurudwara and encourage your sangat to shop at Kenneth Cole.

December 24, 2010

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Ahmadiyya 'Muslims for Peace' flyers hit Hollywood

Usama offers Peace flyer India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: On Sunday, November 28, The Los Angeles chapters of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association distributed "Muslims for Peace" flyers on the streets of Hollywood as thousands of LA area locals sat curbside to watch the Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade. The group of eight young men arrived several hours before the parade began and split up in pairs along Hollywood, Vine and Sun-

Passerby takes Peace flyer from Ahmadi Muslim Youth

set Blvds., distributing over 1000 flyers. Many positive comments were received by the young men from flyer recipients. A majority of people receiving the one page full-color flyer thanked the young men for getting the positive message of Islam out to the public. "It's great to see you guys out here!" said one parade attendee. The "Muslims for Peace" flyers are part of a nation-wide campaign by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in the US to denounce terrorism and stand up for peace.

The campaign has been a huge success in cities such as New York, where large ads on the sides of buses in downtown Manhattan have accompanied the distribution of the "Muslims For Peace" flyers by members of the Ahmadiyya Community. Promoting peace and condemning terrorism are the two main points of the campaign. The flyer also conveys in large print the motto of the World-wide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community: "Love for All -- Hatred for None."

Sufyan Farooqi gives out Peace flyer

Imam Shamshad Nasir of the Baitul Hameed Mosque in Chino said, "The goal of this campaign is to convey the true teachings of Islam as taught by the Quran and the Prophet Muhammad." The flyer also contains a quote from the teachings of Judaism - a quote which is also found in the Holy Quran in Chapter 5, verse 33, where it says, "If you kill one innocent person, it shall be as though you had killed all mankind. . ." Imam Shamshad further stressed that, in light of acts of

terrorism attributed to so-called Muslims, "Our job is even more important - to get out the message of Peace and to educate our neighbors about the true teachings of Islam, which do not condone terrorism or the murder of innocent people at all. Our youth have taken a lead in this flyer distribution effort and they are to be commended highly for it. The change from violence to peace begins first on one's heart, and then by our actions it is spread forth in the world."

TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

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

Dhoop Ke Makaan: Break Ke Baad

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he sets of television chat show 'Koffee With Karan' have turned into a battleground for all our Bollywood beauties. With host Karan Johar fielding some of the most controversial questions to the celebrities sitting on his couch, they too, do not shy away from giving some of the wackiest answers in spite of the fact that they are on national television. The celebrities have taken the show so seriously that they are suffering from the after effects of 'Koffee With Karan'! What else can we term the

December 24 , 2010

Tumse Kya Kehna: Dus Tola

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

I Got That Poison: Hisss

10 Janiya Teri Hansi Ada: Musaa

Tattoo redesigned catfight between once good friends Kareena Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra? When asked by Karan Johar what she would like to take away from Bebo's laptop, Piggy Chops promptly asked whether Kareena Kapoor at all has a computer in the first place! And now it looks like that our catty Bebo is not prepared to sit back and listen to such baseless allegations. Well, did she go back to Karan Johar to sort things out with Priyanka Chopra? No, Kareena is smarter than that. According to reports, Bebo has made it a point to post a text on her mobile phone informing all her friends and everyone else in the industry that some people may think that she does not own a laptop, but they will have to accept the fact that she is beautiful. Through the message, Kareena Kapoor has made it very clear that she is better looking than Priyanka Chopra! What does Piggy Chops have to say about that?

idya Balan is a very strong actress who can play any role with ease, perfection and poise. What is lesser known is the fact that apart from being a talented actress, Miss Balan is a poet too who can be seen at her natural best when she is happy and in company of her friends. Not only this, she is equally good in mimicking famous personalities and Bollywood stars. Vidya has composed her own couplets and easily slips into the role of a 'shaayar' when she is in company of her close buddies. She has a bank of ready shayari which she reveals at times much to the pleasure of her close friend circle. Not that we did not know that Vidya is a die hard romantic person at heart but giving vent to her romantic feelings in 'shaayari' is not something what we get to see from Vidya everyday!

e finally come to know that the Ranbir Kapoor chapter is totally over as Deepika Padukone has re-designed her tattoo from RK to TMK. She was seen flaunting her new tattoo at a social event. The tattoo was designed on the nape of her neck as a token of love for Ranbir Kapoor. The tattoo now reads TMK loosely interpreted as the initials of Tees Maar Khan. Earlier, even after break-up, when Deepika was asked about her tattoo, she said she wasn't embarrassed about it and would never get it removed. Not only was Deepika insistent about keeping the tattoo but Ranbir also supported her. Talking on popular TV show 'Koffee With Karan', Ranbir has recently said, "I have had one of the most wonderful relationships with Deepika that lasted for more than two years. It's brave of her to keep the RK tattoo intact even after we have parted ways." Would like to know what made Deepika change her mind.

December 24, 2010

Bollywood

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ngelic beauty Katrina Kaif has been named the Sexiest Woman in the World for the third consecutive year, beating all the other hotties to the title. Even after so many years, Katrina mania is still in full flow. This damsel has topped London-based newspaper Eastern Eye's list of the hottest women in the world. Yes, she has been voted the sexiest woman in the world. When asked what she had to say about it, Kats quipped, "I'm very happy that I have made it to the top of Eastern Eye's list again. England is of course a very special place to me and I think it's very sweet to be voted the sexiest by them. I just want to thank everyone for the support," Eastern Eye, a South Asian publication in the UK, conducted the poll. The list was calculated on the basis of the most photographed women in the world and the most in-demand with film producers and fans. Bollywood heroines dominated the top 10. The list also included beauty pageant winners, top actors from around the world, pop stars and TV personalities. Priyanka Chopra narrowly missed out on the top spot by finishing second for the second year in a row. Pakistani actress Mehwish Hayat came eighth, a spot behind Kareena Kapoor who came seventh. Bipasha Basu occupied the third spot and Freida Pinto, India's most popular export to Hollywood, only managed a fourth position, while Lara Dutta rounded off the top five.

Won't quit kissingi

issing is second nature to Bollywood actor Emraan Hashmi considering that he has been doing it from the beginning of his career in Bollywood. In an industry where actors still act coy when asked to do the lip locking act, Emraan Hashmi is proud to be known by the name of the serial kisser of Bollywood and he does not plan to stop anytime soon.

ani Mukerji and Aditya Chopra are all set to tie the knot early next year. Or are they? According to reports circulating in the media, an engagement is soon on the cards for this actress-director jodi who apparently became close to one another during the time they spent working in various films together. The Rani Mukerji-Aditya Chopra relationship had created quite a furor in the recent past when the news first surfaced in the media. Apparently, Aditya's relationship with Rani was the cause of his breakup with Payel Khanna, his wife of eight years. Though the news has not been confirmed by the families of Rani Mukerji or Aditya Chopra, the media has been speculating on the impending wedding ever since Payel Khanna filed divorce papers last year. It had also been reported then that Yash Chopra, father of Aditya Chopra and the head of the Yash Raj Films banner, did not support his son when he started his illicit relationship with Rani Mukerji. If all goes according to plans, the couple will get engaged formally early next year and will also tie the knot very soon after the engagement. Though Rani Mukerji and Aditya Chopra have been in a relationship for quite a long time now, they have been very low key about their affair.

Filmmaker Manish Acharya dies in freak accident India Post News Service

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December 24, 2010

NEW YORK: Promising, young filmmaker Manish Acharya died in a freak accident in Matheran, India on Dec 4, while on vacation. The 40-year old actor-director's untimely and sudden death has shocked many in the industry in Bollywood as well as those among his friends in New York.

Manish Acharya on the sets of ëLoins Of Punjab Presentsí

Acharya became known after his debut venture, the comedic film ‘Loins of Punjab Presents’, which he wrote

LOS ANGELES: After bagging a Golden Globe nomination, music maestro A R Rahman is once again in Oscar race with his song 'If I Rise' from '127 Hours' making it to the Academy shortlist for the Original Song category. A total of 41 tunes, including the number that Rahman wrote for Danny Boyle's film, will be judged for Oscar considerations by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences. Clips featuring the songs will be viewed by the members of the music branch, who will vote to determine the final nominees on January 6, Academy's official website said unveiling the list. It is a happy coincident for Rahman, who had a similar golden run in the award circuits in 2009. The 44-year-old singer-composer won his first Golden Globe in 2009 in the Best Original Score category for Boyle's 'Slumdog Millionaire', which also went on to fetch him two Oscar statuettes later. The musician's song for 'Couples Retreat' had also made it to the shortlist last year but failed to fetch a nomina-

tion for him. Rahman has already received rave reviews for his music in '127 Hours', starring James Franco as real-life mountain climber Aron Ralston, who cut off his arm to escape from beneath a boulder after being trapped for

Rahman has already received rave reviews for his music in '127 Hours', starring James Franco as reallife mountain climber Aron Ralston, who cut off his arm to escape from beneath a boulder after being trapped for more than five days more than five days. 'If I Rise' is a collaboration between Rahman and American popstar Dido. Musical 'Burlesque' with its three songs is leading the shortlist while two tunes each from 'Black Tulip', 'Country Strong' and 'Des-

picable Me' are in the race. To be selected for the nominations, a song must score an 8.25 rating or higher and Academy members are known to be choosy when it comes to rounding up the nomination list, which could feature as few as two songs or none. If only one song receives a 8.25 score, that song and the song with next highest score will be selected as nominees. A maximum of five nominees will be chosen. This year's shortlist includes Randy Newman for his contribution to the DisneyPixar toon 'Toy Story 3' song 'We Belong Together', 'You Haven't Seen the Last of Me' and 'Bound to You' from 'Burlesque'; 'I See the Light', 'Coming Home' from 'Country Strong' and 'There's a Place for Us' from 'Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader'. The nominations for the 83rd Academy Awards will be unveiled January 25 while the award ceremony will take place on February 27 at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood.-PTI

Acharya became known after his debut venture, the comedic film Loins of Punjab Presents, which he wrote, produced, directed and acted in. He was the narrator in the critically acclaimed Sita Sings the Blues and later acted in Zoya Akhtar's Luck By Chance also. Hailing from a middle class family in India he courted various academic pursuits before moving to the US to study physics. But he found his calling in cinema and ended up doing MFA in Film Directing from the NYU Tisch School of the Arts. Acharya's friends in New York hosted a memorial on Dec 12 where they also screened some of his short films. Reactions poured in from Bollywood too. In his tweet, actor Hrithik Roshan wrote: "The sudden death of Manish has taken the industry by shock. It's sad to hear about Manish Acharya... RIP." "My friend, future director, super funny wannabe beach bum and unbelievable human being. @ManishAcharya .RIP. Im too shocked to say more (sic)," tweeted actress Priyanka Chopra. Sonam Kapoor tweeted from Patiala, "Just found out about @ManishAcharya what a horrible horrible tragedy. Met him before coming here. Love and condolences to his family."

December 24, 2010

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Toonpur Ka Superhero set to release Dec 24

India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Eros International and Big Screen Entertainment have tied up with the popular children's magazine 'Lotpot', a brand of Mayapuri Magazine, for the pro'Toonpur Ka Superhero' starcast Ajay Devgn and Kajol, along with Kajol's mother and yesteryear's actress, Tanuja, who is also acting in the film, and the entire cast and crew including producers Krishika Lulla and Kumar Mangat Pathak, director Kireet Khurana, music director Anu Malik and Kishen Kumar from T-Series, launched the special edition of the magazine earlier this

motion of their forthcoming film 'Toonpur Ka Superhero'. The magazine has come out with a special edition followed by three more editions

till the film's release, where the famous characters of Lotpot - 'Motu', 'Patlu', 'Dr. Jhatka' and 'Ghasita' will be going to 'Toonpur' this time to meet the characters of Toonpur.

Artivist Film Fest screens shorts and docs India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Every day, a sea of passengers floods the Majestic Railway Station of Bangalore City in southern India. Beneath the commotion of commuters, a group of orphans live beneath the station, collecting the trash that the passengers have left behind. 'Kids of the Majestic' is a documentary by filmmaker Dylan Verrechia and Dr. Suhas Radhakrishna that follows a group of such orphans: Rafik, a smiling young drug addict; Mental Manja, nicknamed 'mental' because he didn't speak until he was 10; Arun-Badur, the artist and the writer; Baba, who at 8 has traveled throughout India alone; and Joti, mother-to-be at 16, who was abused at 9. The filmmakers befriended

these children who, uneasily and slowly, opened up to them, sharing their life stories as no one before has ever heard. This documentary upholds a strong moral content by not only depicting the reality and hardship of these children, but also the positive aspect of this social group that works within its community. Kids of the Majestic id part of the 7th Annual Artivist Film Festival, Dec 9-12 in New York City, which is showing the highly charged, already sold out film "Madonna of the Mills" and "Deep Green" which focuses on how we can realistically stop global warming. The festival also featured an interactive forum to support the Artivist filmmakers and NGO's who bring their materials in honor of International Human Rights Day (12/10).

month in Mumbai. On this association, Devgn said, "We all have been reading Lotpot since our childhood and it is a very famous magazine amongst the kids. Our film Toonpur is an animated film for kids and so the idea of collaboration did gel well." 'Toonpur Ka Superhero' releases in cinemas worldwide on Dec 24.

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'Jhalak' reclaims primetime dance floor India Post News Service

NEW YORK: The season of big ticket shows with India's biggest superstars continues on Sony Entertainment Television Asia with the launch of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa Season 4, one of the biggest dance reality shows. The fourth season of the original reality-based dance show format Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa - Dancing with the Stars was back on television screens December 12 setting new benchmarks in innovations and creativity. The show features themes like Street Dancing, Swinging 60s, Disco 70s and Superstar Special. The contestant is also subjected to hurdles or challenges, including shadow dancing, blindfold, rope acts and mid-air dancing. An extraordinary lineup of twelve celebrities paired with professional dancers take on a challenge with one mission - India ka Manoranjan! The twelve celebrities are television's favorite bahu Raagini Khanna, television's favorite couple Sushant Singh Rajput and Ankita Lokhande, Indian Idol contestant Meiyang Chang, the eternal and lovable

The Jhalak Dikhla Jaa 4 judges

The show features themes like Street Dancing, Swinging 60s, Disco 70s and Superstar Special. The contestant is also subjected to hurdles or challenges, including shadow dancing bhabi Renuka Shahane, the girl with a golden voice Anushka Manchanda, Arjuna Awardee

boxer Akhil Kumar, hot and sizzling Yana Gupta, the popular and effervescent Shekhar Suman, come-

dienne par excellence Krushna Abhishek, the petite and elegant Mahi Vij. This time the contestants perform before a live studio audience, judges and the entire viewing public to prove their mettle. The Judges panel comprises the dancing diva Madhuri Dixit, the electrifying and mesmerizing dancer Malaika Arora

Khan and master choreographer Remo D'souza. The mix of the esteemed jury, all renowned names in their respective fields, would look into different aspects of performances-dance moves, choreography, synchronization and concept. The charming Punjabi kudi Mona Singh once again hosts the show with television's versatile actor Sumeet Raghavan. Commenting on the launch, Manjit Singh, CEO, Multi Screen Media Pvt Ltd, said, "Sony's growth story continues, after back to back success of Indian Idol and Entertainment ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega, KBC delivered the biggest blockbuster on Indian Television this year. We are delighted to present another blockbuster property - Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa. Jhalak's 4th season has been launched at 9-10 PM weeknights slot, a slot where SET has stamped its leadership over last several months. We hope we continue to create magic with Jhalak and bring families together to watch and enjoy television together." Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa is on Sony Entertainment TV Asia - Every Monday and Tuesday at 9:00 pm.

Brad Pitt, Jolie to wed in Jodhpur?

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie

hile it's splitsville for Liz Hurley and Arun Nayar after three rocky years of marriage, Hollywood's celebrity couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have decided to cement their bond further. Like Liz and Arun, who tied the knot according to Hindu customs in Jodhpur, the Brangelina couple, too, are looking to take the 'pheras' in this historic Rajputana city. British news portals have reported that the Hollywood royalty is planning a Hindu wedding in the New Year under the supervision

Guru Siyag initiated the star couple into the Hindu way of life by giving them a mantra, which they are to recite every morning and evening of their spiritual guru, Ram Lal Siyag. Siyag, 84, the founder-patron of Jodhpur-based Adhyatma

Vigyan Satsang Kendra, neither confirmed nor denied the news. The Siddha Yoga guru, who is said to have played a key role in bringing peace and harmony into the jet-set lives of Jolie and Pitt, is unconcerned about his name being bandied about in the western media. His disciples, too, refuse to disclose any detail about the glamour wedding. The news websites also reported that Guru Siyag initiated the star couple into the Hindu way of life by giving them a mantra, which they are to recite every morning and evening. The mantra, those close to Jolie and Pitt say, has helped them in their relationship. "Gurudev has been to the United States a few times and has many disciples there who not only follow his path of spiritual awakening through mantra-chanting and meditation but also organize siddha yoga camps," said a disciple. In addition, a lot of spiritual aspirants get online 'deeksha' through YouTube videos for the divine benefits of 'kundalini' awakening. "We do not keep a tab on each follower of Guru Siyag," says Kuldeep Ratnoo, a disciple, refusing to say anything about the proposed wedding. -Agencies

WATCH HER WATCH: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan walks the ramp during the launch of the Longines watch collection DolceVita in New Delhi on December 14

29 India Post

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December 24, 2010

unnar is a small hill station set amongst the Kannan Devan hills in Kerala. It is famous for its lush green surroundings, lakes, reservoirs, forests, and tea estates. The quiet environs of Munnar attract the traveler to relax in the lap of Mother Nature. Munnar also beacons the adventure-seeking traveler, who is interested in paragliding. It has some of the highest tea estates in the world. Location: Munnar is located in the eastern part of the state of Kerala, in the southern region of India, amongst the craggy hills of the Western Ghats at an altitude of 1524 m above sea level. It is 130 km east of Kochi and borders the state of Tamil Nadu. The weather in Munnar is pleasant. Summers (April-June) are mild, while winters (November-February) are cool. It experiences heavy southwestern monsoon rains in June-August. The best time to visit: Munnar is between the months of October to March. Travelers must avoid the monsoon season while visiting Munnar. Tourist attractions: Travelers can have panoramic view of the verdant surroundings and forested hills from Munnar. Walks and hiking around this small town offer an exhilarating experience. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 30

India Post

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December 24, 2010

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Battle with cold to ensure stay of birds SRINAGAR: The freezing of water surface at Hokersar wetland, home to nearly seven lakh migratory birds from Europe and Central Asia, due to sub-zero temperature has put pressure on the wildlife staff here, to ensure that the winged visitors stay put there. In the bone chilling cold, with night temperature falling up to five degrees below freezing point, the wildlife staff start the day by breaking the ice on the surface and spreading artificial feed for the birds which stay at the wetland during the day before moving for feeding to Wullar lake and other wetlands like Hygam, Shalibugh and Mirgund in surrounding areas. "It is nothing new for us. We are used to this practice when the temperature drops and the water surface turns solid," Range Officer of the wetland Mushtaq Ahmad told PTI. Ahmad said the early setting of cold wave condition this winter has put extra pressure on the staff, which is already less than adequate. "Usually, the water pools get frozen during 'Chilaikalan', the 40day-long severest part of winter in Kashmir, beginning later this month," he said. Spread over 13.75 square kilometres and located just 14 kms from here, the wetland registered a record number of 10 lakh migratory birds last winter. The birds found in the wetland include migratory ducks and geese -- which include Brahminy Duck, Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Garganey,

Greylag Goose, Mallard, Common Merganser, Northern Pintail, Common Pochard, Ferruginous Pochard, Red-Crested Pochard, Ruddy Shelduck, Northern Shoveler, Common Teal, and Eurasian Wigeon. The birds fly here from Central Asia, Siberia and Europe between September and April. "We are hosting nearly seven lakh birds at present and we are expecting the number to increase further, breaking all previous

Spread over 13.75 square kilometres and located just 14 kms from Srinagar, the wetland registered a record number of 10 lakh migratory birds last winter records. We are doing our best to ensure their stay," Senior Wildlife Guard Ghulam Mohammad, who leads the team entrusted with the job of breaking the thin layer of ice and spreading feed, said. He said over the past couple of days, the frozen surface only melts late afternoon, forcing the staff to break the ice manually before the return of the birds to the wetland. They (birds) will not leave...they will leave for other wetlands for feeding only after dusk,"

Mohammad said. He said it was impossible for the employees to maintain the wetland without the support of casual laborers. "There are just seven casual laborers who have been doing a tremendous service for nearly a decade in maintaining the wetland. They are getting less than Rs 100 per day," he said. Lauding the efforts of the laborers, he said they have become experts over the years but since the department has not gone for full time recruitment, their future hangs in balance. "They are manually removing the obnoxious weeds and trying their best to restrict the shrinking of the water pools, using traditional axes," he said. "Our plea for confirmation has fallen on deaf ears. We have developed a love for the birds and it is because of this we are continuing with the job. Otherwise, it is impossible to make ends meet on the meager amount we are getting," said one of the laborers. He said they were also part of the anti-poaching party. "Poaching is no major problem in the wetland but still we have constituted special squads to protect the birds," the range officer said. Admitting shortage of staff, Ahmad said, "We are only 10 staff members posted here. There is a need for major recruitment in the wildlife department to help protect and conserve the wetlands and the wildlife," he said. -PTI

10 pc growth in foreign tourist arrivals NEW DELHI: India has registered a growth rate of more than 10 per cent in foreign tourist arrivals and more than 27 per cent in foreign exchange earnings during the first 11 months of current year, Tourism Minister Kumari Selja said. Speaking at a conference organized by World Travel and Tourism Council, the Minister said that the growth is in comparison to the corresponding period of last year. She said that after having hosted Commonwealth Games

"The Ministry is sensitive to the demands of the industry and we have recently concluded our pre-Budget exercise. We all are together for the promotion of the industry and rationalization of taxes. The Ministry would be very happy to advocate for industry's genuine demands with the Ministry of Finance and state governments," she said. Selja said her Ministry is focusing on rural tourism and she has asked the department to carry out an audit of rural tourism projects

"India is gearing up to organize its first Formula 1 Race in October 2011 in Uttar Pradesh," she said adding, "We are now debating upon the idea to hold first ever National Tourism Mart in the year 2012" Tourism Minister Kumari Selja

successfully, the country is ready to play host for Cricket World Cup 2011. "India is gearing up to organize its first Formula 1 Race in October 2011 in Uttar Pradesh," she said adding, "We are now debating upon the idea to hold first ever National Tourism Mart in the year 2012." Selja said the close co-operation between the government and Industry saw the country through the recession period.

in the country so that this important initiative is not lost. "Tourism, if remains an urban activity in India, will not benefit the common man," she said. "Innovation can play a leading role in the growth of tourism by way of introducing new products, adapting to new economic conditions, improving resource management and introducing new technologies for service improvement like introduction of e-visas," she said. -PTI

Munnar: Lakes, tea estates and paragliding too Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 29

Travelers can also enjoy walking amongst the numerous tea estates of Munnar and view the entire process of making tea, right from plucking of tea leaves to their processing at the Kundale tea plantation. Anaimudi (2,695 m), the highest peak in southern India, can be viewed from Munnar. The Christ Church is an important place to visit in Munnar. Built of stone, it was constructed by the British in 1910. This church is known for its stain glass windows. It has a number of brass plaques in memory of the tea planters. The National Adventure Foundation conducts a course on paragliding in Munnar. Travelers can also enjoy boating in the

lakes in Munnar. Places around: The Evarikulam National Park is 16 km from Munnar. This national park is the home of elephants, lion-tailed macaque, and the Nilgiri tahr (a rare mountain goat). Travelers can also explore the Rajamala Hills adjoining the national park. Marayoor is 42 km from Munnar to east of the Evarikulam National Park. Here one can experience the peaceful ambience and beauty of a sandalwood forest. The Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is 10 km from Marayoor and 52 km from Munnar. This sanctuary is the home of elephants, leopards, and bear. Top Station, bordering the state of Kerala, offers spectacular views of the Western Ghats. Ten kilometers from Munnar,

en route to Top Station, one can visit the Mudapetty Dam. This is a popular picnic spot and travelers can indulge in activities like boating and horse riding here. How to reach Air & Rail- Munnar does not have an airport or railway station. The nearest airport and railway station is at Kochi, which is 130

km west of Munnar. Road- Munnar is accessible by road from most of the towns in Kerala. It can also be reached from Madurai (6 hours) and Coimbatore (6 hours), which are located in the state of Tamil Nadu. We would provide you all In-

dia tourist permit vehicles for the local transportations and also for the intercity drives too.

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December 24, 2010

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South Korea's first bridgeundersea tunnel SEOUL: South Korean President Lee Myung-Bak said that the opening of a grand bridge-undersea tunnel link in southeastern part of the country is a milestone in the country's construction history and that it will serve as a catalyst for the development of regional economy. Lee was speaking during a ceremony to mark the end of the sixyear construction of the link. The fix link, connects South Korea's second-largest city of Busan, 453 kilometers southeast of Seoul, and the Geoje Island, home to two of the country's largest shipyards and many tourist attractions. The 8.2-kilometer fixed link, dubbed "Geoga Bridge," will cut travel hours between Busan and Geoje Island to around 50 minutes from the current two hours and 10 minutes, enabling South Korea to save as much as USD 350 million in fuel and other logistics costs a year. The president described the

The scene of the Busan-Geoje fixed link, or Geoga Bridge.

fixed link as a "historic construction project," as it involves a 3.7km undersea tunnel, the first of its kind in South Korea. "The project included an immersed tunnel under part of the wild open sea, which is a remarkable feat illustrating Korea's topnotch construction and engineering technology to people around the world," Lee said in his televised congratulatory speech dur-

ing the ceremony held on Geoje Island. "This route will now serve as a great new boulevard for tourism encompassing the scenic national marine park in the South Sea and connecting Busan, Geoje and Tongyeong with Yeosu and Mokpo," he added, numerating southern cities known for their picturesque landscapes. (Yonhap) -PTI

Three companies bid for golf course in Goa PANAJI: Goa government has floated Expression of Interest (EOI) to set up golf course in the state's northern taluka to attract highspending tourists. State tourism minister Nilkant Halarnkar said that three bidders have expressed their interest to set up the facility in Pernem taluka, 30 kms away from Panaji. "The state will not bear any liability of the facility (golf course)," he said adding that the promoter will have to acquire the land for it. "We will be just licencing it," he added. The minister said that the pri-

New York (Hicksville)

vate firm will have to build his own infrastructure including arrangement of water to maintain the facility. The tourism ministry has said the golf course facility is required in the state as it is sought after by many tourists visiting here. Goa has already taken steps to woo tourists from Japan, who visit India to see places like Taj Mahal in Agra or monuments in Hyderabad. "We want to get them to Goa too. For that the state needs to put up facilities required for them," Halarnkar said adding a batch of

tourists from Japan will come to Goa on December 18. The delegation of Goa tourism officials, led by Halarnkar, had recently visited Japan to break ice with the tour operators in order to get tourists from Japan. The minister has also decided to convene all-party meeting to discuss on requirements of tourism sector. Halarnkar said they will plan how to go ahead in this sector by consulting all the political parties. "We need a proper vision so that we can decide where to invest and how much to invest," he said. -PTI

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Nepal to host SAARC trade fair KATHMANDU: Nepal will host the tenth SAARC Trade Fair in the capital next week in a bid to boost region cooperation in trade, tourism and culture. The trade fair with the slogan, 'Regional Prosperity through Trade', will help boost trade in South Asia and help promote Nepal's tourism sector, Industry Minister Mahendra Yadav said. He said we need to quickly implement agreements reached among the SAARC countries to deepen trade relations in the region, he underlined. The tenth SAARC Trade Fair 2010, which will be held from December 15 to 19 here, will serve as a platform to showcase goods and services from different countries and venue for business dealings among buyers and sellers, said Ramesh Kumar Shrestha, executive director of Trade and Export Promotion Centre of Nepal. Countries from the eight-member organization will showcase indigenous products and services

during the fair being organized at the initiative of Trade and Export Promotion Centre, Nepal. Its seven founding members are Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Afghanistan joined the organization in 2007. Some 296 stalls, including 41 from India and 142 from Nepal, will be set up at Bhrikutimandap in the capital. Eight food courts and eight tourism pavilions will be put up on the occasion, Shrestha said. Furniture, handicrafts, power generation equipments, ayurvedic products, vending machines, gems and jewelry, decorative items, bamboo products, readymade garments, herbal products, carpets, coffee and tea are some of the items to be displayed at the show. Some three lakh people, including 6,000 participants and government officials from various SAARC countries are expected to attend the fair.

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Tech News Corporate lobbying to be discussed: Khurshid CHENNAI: Ruling out the possibility of MCA wading into the 2G spectrum scam, Corporate Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid said here he would discuss the issue of regulating corporate lobbying with other ministries following the storm over the Niira Radia tapes. "These (spectrum scam) are not company law-complaint issues entirely. These are issues that involved many other things that the concerned Ministry has to consider. I can't barge into any other Ministry's mandates and say I will look into it," Kurshid told reporters here. -PTI

SC probe into past 2G spectrum allocation NEW DELHI: Set to monitor the 2G spectrum scam probe, the Supreme Court today widened the investigation in the case by bringing in its ambit the telecom policy from 2001 to 2008 covering both the NDA and the UPA regimes. A bench comprising justices G S Singhvi and A K Ganguly made it clear that the emphasis of the investigation would be to determine the loss of money to the public exchequer and said a progress report on the probe has to be filed by the CBI and Enforcement Directorate in a sealed cover on the next date of hearing on February 10, 2011.

HC rules in favor of Nusli Wadia MUMBAI: In the dispute between business barons Nusli Wadia and real estate major Rahejas over a prime property, the Bombay High Court has upheld Wadia's role as the caretaker of 600 acres in suburban Malad valued at Rs 22,000 crore. The prime property includes the mega retail chain stores - Hypercity and Inorbit. Dismissing a petition filed by Ferani Hotels Pvt Ltd, a company controlled by the Gopal Raheja group, Justice Roshan Dalvi said "application of the petitioner (Ferani Hotels) is seen to be accentuated by malafides and as a counterblast to the suit of the respondent (Nusli Wadia)". Earlier, in February, Wadia had filed a suit against Rahejas alleging fraud, on the basis of which the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Maharashtra Police had launched investigations. -PTI

TechBiz 34 India Post

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December 24, 2010

Cairn Energy CEO meets Oil Sec NEW DELHI: Having reluctantly agreed on the need for government approval to sell a majority stake in its India unit to Vedanta Resources, Cairn Energy CEO Bill Gammell has met top government officials, including Oil Secretary S Sundareshan, to seek support for the USD 9.6 billion deal. "It was a courtesy call... I told him (Gammell) that we will take a decision (on giving approval to the deal) on merit," Sundareshan said after the 20-minute meeting. Edinburgh-based Gammell, on his third trip to India since announcing a prospective deal to sell up to 51 per cent stake in Cairn India on August 16, is also believed to have met officials in the Prime Minister's Office and other key government departments. -PTI

Indian American student wins $100K Siemens Science prize India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Research that helps computers identify emotion in the human voice developed by High school students Akash Krishnan and Matthew Fernandez won highest prize of $100,000 in the 2010 Siemens Competition earlier this month. Krishnan is a veteran of numerous science competitions. He was placed first in his district's First Lego League competition for four years running, was a semifinalist in the 2010 Oregon Computer Science Competition, and was awarded Best of Fair with Mr. Fernandez in the Intel ISEF Competition. He plans to pursue computer science and electrical and mechanical engineering in college. He speaks Telugu, plays the piano and clarinet, and has a black belt in Okinawan-style karate. The year's highest science honor for high school students Dec 6 was awarded to astrophysics research on star formation and computer science research on identifying emotion in the human voice in the 2010 Siemens Competition in Math, Science & Technology, America's premier science research competition for high school students. The Siemens Competition, a

Akash Krishnan, second from left, and Matthew Fernandez, second from right, both of Oregon Episcopal School in Portland, Ore. , pose with Siemens Foundation President Jeniffer Harper-Taylor, left, and former NASA astronaut and lead judge Dr. Thomas D. Jones, as they are awarded the team grand prize in the Siemens Competition in Math, Science & Technology, Dec. 6.

signature program of the Siemens Foundation, is administered by the College Board. The twelfth annual

the 2010 Siemens Competition National Finals. "These students inspire us all

Six individuals and six teams competed at the National Finals this weekend after winning one of six regional competitions in November. They presented their research to a panel of judges awards were presented Dec 6 at The George Washington University, in Washington DC, host of

with their passion and commitment to serious scientific research," said Thomas McCausland, Chairman of

the Siemens Foundation. "As America focuses on reinvigorating math and science education, they remind us of what is possible when young people are challenged to do science at the highest level." Six individuals and six teams competed at the National Finals this weekend after winning one of six regional competitions in November. They presented their research to a panel of judges comprised of nationally renowned scientists and mathematicians headed by lead judge Dr. Thomas D. Jones, a scientist, author, pilot and former NASA astronaut. The $100,000 winners also will have the honor of ringing the Closing Bell at the New York Stock Exchange in January.

The winning team

Akash Krishnan and Matthew Fernandez will share a $100,000 college scholarship for their project, The Recognition of Emotion in Human Speech. "The team built a computer algorithm that allows us to listen to an auditory signal from a human, analyze it and assess the emotional state of the speaker," said competition judge Gert Lanckriet, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California, San Diego. ContĂd on page 35

Concerns on N-Liability addressed, says US NEW DELHI: The US has said its concerns with regard to India's Nuclear Liability law have been addressed and negotiations have begun between the companies of the two countries for setting up atomic plants in India. Identifying civil nuclear cooperation with India as a high priority area for the US, Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia Robert Blake said it offers not only a "huge commercial opportunity" but a chance to help India meets its growing energy needs.

"I think, they have been," he said when asked whether the concerns over India's Civil

ists from India and some other South Asian nations through teleconferencing, Blake said the con-

The concerns had been addressed by India's assurance that it would ratify the Convention on Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damages in the coming year and provide a level-playing field for American companies Nuclear Liability Law had been addressed. Interacting with select journal-

cerns had been addressed by India's assurance that it would ratify the Convention on Supple-

mentary Compensation for Nuclear Damages in the coming year and provide a level-playing field for American companies. "Our companies have begun negotiations to help provide reactors to meet India's energy needs," the US official said. American companies had been apprehensive about certain aspects of the Liability Act, particularly those fixing liability on suppliers, and had been wanting the concerns to be addressed before commercial aspect of the civil nuclear cooperation could be initiated. -PTI

TechBiz Post

December 24, 2010

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Edison invests more in Green Jobs education India Post News Service

ROSEMEAD, CA: Edison International has invested another $1 million in its innovative Green Jobs Education Initiative for green education and job training at California community colleges. The company has provided a total of $2 million for the program within the last 12 months. "This initiative provides a vehicle for us to create a vibrant 21st century workforce as we engage our communities and work together to address strategic needs. The grants enhance education programs, support environmental efforts and skilled-employee training," said Theodore F. Craver Jr., chairman and chief executive officer, Edison International. "The Green Jobs Education Initiative also has the additional advantage of giving an economic boost to community colleges across the state coping with pressing financial needs."

The company established the program last December, and with these additional grants 10 selected colleges each received a total of $200,000 in grants. These colleges are:

The Green Jobs Education Initiative funds scholarships for students demonstrating a financial need and who are enrolled in green jobs workforce preparation classes • Cerritos College, Norwalk • Cerro Coso Community College, Ridgecrest • El Camino College, Torrance • Golden West College, Hun-

tington Beach • Long Beach City College, Long Beach • Los Angeles Southwest College, Los Angeles • Los Angeles Trade-Technical College, Los Angeles • Rio Hondo College, Whittier • San Bernardino Valley College, San Bernardino • Ventura College, Ventura Los Angeles Trade-Technical College will be the first recipient of the grant to distribute scholarships. The Green Jobs Education Initiative funds scholarships for students demonstrating a financial need and who are enrolled in green jobs workforce preparation classes. The training programs include the study of renewable energy, solar panel installation, water and wastewater management, transportation and alternative fuels, biofuels production, environmental compliance and sustainability planning.

Hero Honda sees royalty at current level after split NEW DELHI: Hero Honda, India's largest motorcycle maker, sees royalty payments to Honda Motor remaining at the current level or going down in future after the split of their joint venture, its chief executive said. Hero Group said it would buy Japanese automaker Honda Motor Co's entire 26 percent stake in the joint venture Hero Honda Motors. The media reports of royalty payments going up to 8 percent were incorrect, Pawan Munjal told reporters after Hero Group announced that it would buy Honda's 26 percent stake in the joint venture. A company filing to BSE said that Hero Honda brand name to change over time; company is free to set up its own R&D and acquire technology. Hero Group said it would buy Honda's 26-percent stake in their joint venture Hero Honda Motors in a phased manner.

The deal will initially be funded with debt, a senior Hero Honda official said, but financial details were not immediately available. Honda's 26 percent stake in Hero Honda, which was formed in 1984, has a market value of nearly $2 billion. Hero Honda, credited with putting the Indian middleclass on wheels, defied its humble beginnings to quickly emerge as the world's biggest two-wheeler maker, also ending the stronghold of Bajaj scooters in the country. The stake sale will enable Honda to strike out on its own. Honda's immediate priority will be to expand its 100%-owned twowheeler subsidiary Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) and enter the aggressively-priced entry-level motorcycle segment. Currently, it is the fourth-largest player in the two-wheeler market with a 14% share though in case of scooters, it is the largest player with a 45% market share.

Global economy thrives on emerging markets NEW DELHI: Waves of adversity hitting the global financial system appear to have ebbed in 2010 - a year that saw emerging nations gathering more economic clout as advanced economies were still smarting from the effects of the 2008 financial meltdown. Entering 2011, the world economy -which has expanded about five per cent this year -- seems to be caught between the worlds of austerity and stimulus. On either side of the Atlantic, efforts to contain fiscal deficit and bolster economic growth are in different trajectories. While the crisis-hit Europe is clamoring for severe tightening measures, the United States con-

tinues to print more dollars. "Uncertainty and struggling to regain itself in the aftermath of the global economic slowdown has been the hallmark of most economies during 2010," global consultancy Deloitte India's Principal Economist Shanto Ghosh told PTI. In the midst of the ravaging crisis and sweeping changes, power has shifted from once-unshakable developed world to rapidly growing nations such as India and China. In a testimony to their rising economic clout, India and China are all set to get more voting power at the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The G-20 grouping has

emerged as the most influential voice, with increased focus on nations such as India and China, whose consuming power is leading the global recovery. Meanwhile, the word 'stimulus' continues to remain the key for the world's largest economy. Apart from continuing with near-zero interest rate regime for nearly three years, the US is now exploring newer ways to stimulate the still-sluggish recovery. Federal Reserve chief Ben Bernanke has hinted at quantitative easing measures, after unveiling a plan to buy USD 600 billionworth government securities. The Barack Obama has announced fresh tax cuts and

Indian American student wins $100K Siemens Science prize Contíd from page 34

"It can help identify, for example, if the speaker is angry, sad, bored, anxious or happy. They came up with a strong creative idea and brought it from theory into practice." The team was inspired by the movie I, Robot, in which a robot can sense when its user is under stress. Using an emotional speech database with 18,215 files and five emotions (anger, positive, neutral, emphatic, rest), the team developed, trained and tested a classification engine to determine emotions from an input signal. The

team achieved a 60% accuracy rate in identifying emotions versus 41% with a previous award-winning system. Their work has a broad range of applications, from autism research to computer games and lie detection. "Their work could even be used to enhance cell phone technology," said Dr. Lanckriet. "With cell phones today most encoding is designed to ensure words are understood, but the emotional background of the conversation may be lost. Their work could help ensure the emotion comes through." Krishnan and Fernandez have

been working together as a team since the seventh grade. Dr. Bevin Daglen served as their mentor on the project. While continuing to improve on methods used in their study, the team has filed for a patent and is developing a device designed to help autistic children identify and interpret emotions they are hearing. The students indicate they have also had interest in their project from the US government. Krishnan will accompany Fernandez who has been invited to Portugal to attend the European Union Contest for Young Scientists.

earlier this year, initiated steps to discourage outsourcing. The justification for these steps and more, lies in numbers. American economy, which expanded 2.5 per cent in September quarter, is threatened by high jobless rate that stood at 9.8 per cent in November. With Uncle Sam pumping more dollars to rejuvenate the over USD 14 trillioneconomy and create more jobs, the spillovers are nightmarish. Cheap greenback has fuelled excessive fund flows into emerging nations including India and China, which in turn has stoked concerns of overheating and asset bubbles. -PTI

Health

Line

Few Oregon hospitals for mentally ill kids

CORVALLIS, Ore.: Health officials in Oregon say there is a shortage of hospital space for mentally ill children. The Corvallis Gazette-Times reports that Legacy Emanuel Hospital and Providence Medical Center, both in Portland, are the only two care facilities in the state that offer such services. Legacy Emanuel has 17 beds for patients under 18, while Providence has 15 beds for adolescents and 10 beds for younger children. Dr. John Paisley, clinical director of the pediatric inpatient unit at Legacy Emanuel, says it's hard to find money to pay for more services. He says it's sad to have kids who need psychological help to essentially have nowhere to go. -AP

IU's health care budget could be $25 million short RICHMOND, Ind.: Indiana University's board of trustees has learned that the school's health care budget is $24.9 million short of projected expenses in 2011-12. Trustee Tom Reilly Jr. says the university's low-deductible Anthem Blue Access health care plan is too expensive for the university to continue to offer. The HeraldTimes of Bloomington reports that Reilly said IU should not try to cover the entire $24.9 million shortfall itself and implied that employees should share some costs. Trustees also discussed the school's $900 million in deferred repair and renovation funding at their quarterly meeting at IU East in Richmond. -AP

Health officials offer food safety tips CONCORD, N.H.: New Hampshire health officials are offering food safety tips to the public to avoid foodborne illnesses. Public Health Director Jose Montero is urging New Hampshire residents to use separate cutting boards for cooked and raw foods and to always wash them after use. He also says people should wash their hands and counter surfaces before touching food. He says meats should be thoroughly cooked. Use a meat thermometer to test foods. Turkey, stuffing and casseroles should be at least 165 degrees while veal, beef and lamb roasts should be 145 degrees. Dishes containing ham, pork, ground beef and eggs should be 160 degrees. -AP

Health Science

DWI down 3 percent in New Mexico ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.: A new national survey shows fewer New Mexico drivers are getting behind the wheel after drinking. -AP

India Post

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December 24, 2010

Senators reject Jindal health care cuts BATON ROUGE, La.: A package of cuts to doctors, hospitals and other health care providers that the Jindal administration started earlier this month was scrapped by state senators who complained the cuts were too damaging to Medicaid services. Without objection, the Senate health and budget committees rejected the reductions to the rates paid for Medicaid patient care, after hearing from health care providers who said such cuts chase doctors and others from the Medicaid program and limit the care patients receive. ``The folks that I talk to who run these hospitals are pretty much at the end of their rope, and I think we need to be looking somewhere else,'' said Sen. Jack Donahue, RMandeville. He added, ``I'm concerned about their continued abil-

ity to provide health care.'' The rejection by the Senate committees means Department of Health and Hospitals Secretary Bruce Greenstein will have to find another mix of cuts to close a multimillion dollar gap in his

tors were cuts to the Medicaid rates paid to hospitals for taking care of pregnant women and sick babies. Teri Fontenot, the president and CEO of Woman's Hospital in Baton Rouge, said with the latest

Greenstein warned that trying to spare some health providers from cuts would only make reductions deeper on others. He also said the longer DHH and lawmakers haggle over where to cut, the worse the cuts will be department's budget before the fiscal year ends June 30. The rate reductions were part of a $50 million cut that DHH made because of an internal deficit in the state's Medicaid program that was caused by more people using Medicaid services than expected. Of particular concern to sena-

cuts, the hospital would be paid $20 million less in 2011 than it costs to care for its Medicaid patients. The hospital births 4,000 Medicaid babies each year, she said. ``What are we supposed to do?'' she asked, saying the hospital will be forced to choose between elimi-

nating services or shrinking access to care. The cuts had started Dec. 1. Greenstein said the rate reductions were 2 percent. He called the 18 different rate cuts fiscally prudent and spread out so that one provider group didn't get harder than others. ``I feel that they're wise choices after a lot of thought and analysis and engagement, and we feel very comfortable moving forward that we made the right decisions,'' he told the joint committee meeting. Greenstein warned that trying to spare some health providers from cuts would only make reductions deeper on others. He also said the longer DHH and lawmakers haggle over where to cut, the worse the cuts will be because they'll be done in a shorter time period. -AP

Religious differences in Couple creates crosses for hospice patients HIV/AIDS discussion PHILADELPHIA: Pastor Alyn Waller of Enon Baptist Tabernacle is no stranger to the concept of addressing HIV in the church setting. Since 2006, the church has been offering HIV testing and a support group for individuals infected and affected by HIV. In March of 2006, Enon hosted a HIV testing event where 1,000 people were tested in one day. At Enon, it's common to hear about the issue of HIV. ``We speak about HIV and AIDS consistently because we are not afraid of the sex talk,'' Waller said. ``It's not unheard of to hear me teaching or preaching about sexuality in general.'' Enon Tabernacle was one of 100 churches and mosques that participated in a city-wide campaign that kicked off in November to help combat the rising rates of HIV within the Black community by encouraging people to get tested. During the campaign some churches preached on the issue while others disseminated information about the disease. ``We have been involved with HIV issues for some time so when the opportunity came up to do something across the city with

other clergy we just felt it was consistent with what we are already doing,'' Waller said of Enon's participation. The campaign was coordinated by the Interfaith Health Action Alliance of Philadelphia, which is a coalition of faith-based organizations that seek to reduce health disparities in Philadelphia, particularly HIV/AIDS disparities.

In March of 2006, Enon hosted a HIV testing event where 1,000 people were tested in one day. At Enon, it's common to hear about the issue of HIV IHAAP evolved after Amy Nunn, research professor of medicine at Brown University, approached Rev. Marguerite E. Handy, executive director of the Mayor's Office of Faith Based Initiatives with a proposal to engage churches and mosques. The campaign comes at a time when African Americans make up 64 percent of the new HIV infections in Philadelphia. -AP

AVON, Minn.: Al Ernst's holding crosses give comfort to those not long for this Earth, but for those who have received his handcrafted crosses, it can make a world of difference in the end. The 56-year-old from Avon makes the crosses with his wife Cyndi's help and gives the crosses to patients in Albany Area Hospital & Medical Center's hospice program. ``A holding cross or comfort cross is a small cross that can be held in the hand comfortably for long periods of time,'' he said of the asymmetrical crosses with ergonomic curves and grooves. Jane Scegura's mother died Oct. 27 at the age of 94 due to abdominal bleeding. She was given one of Ernst's holding crosses before she passed away and was buried with it in her hands. ``She just thought it was very comforting holding it and that when hospice came, she would always hold the cross when they prayed together,'' Scegura said of her mother, Alvina Meier. It takes Ernst about 20 minutes to carve a cross from a single piece of domestic hardwood. He uses a pattern he was given by an acquaintance whose wife works in hospice care and saw a need.

``There are several different names for them; they could be called 'holding crosses,' 'comfort crosses' and I've even heard some people call them 'clinging crosses,' `` said Ernst, a locksmith who also does scrollwork as a hobby. The crosses are about fiveeighths of an inch thick, and almost 4 inches long and 21/2 inches

'A holding cross or comfort cross is a small cross that can be held in the hand comfortably for long periods of time' wide. He has made and given away almost 60 since he began making them a few months ago. ``I probably have another 30, 35 in reserve, so when hospice calls, I'm ready for them,'' Ernst said. He has donated some of the crosses to his church, Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Albany. Ernst procures the raw materials to make the crosses from other woodworkers he knows who donate what they cannot use in their own woodworking projects. -AP

December 24, 2010

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Pediatrician says angry moment can damage for life CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.: In a single week in November, Chattanooga's A T.C. Thompson Children's Hospital treated six babies who had traumatic brain injuries from being shaken by caregivers. Two of the six babies died. The Chattanooga Times Free Press reports the rash of ``shaken baby'' cases has alarmed pediatricians at the hospital. In response, they recently held a child abuse prevention news conference to warn of the life changing consequences of an angry moment. A "parent or caretaker may lose control for a moment or two, but that's all it takes to cause permanent injuries to a child,'' Dr. Karla Garcia said. Shaking can cause traumatic brain injuries, formerly referred to as ``shaken-baby syndrome,'' which can result in permanent blindness, hearing loss, learning disabilities, physical handicaps and death. Nationally, shaking kills 300 babies a year, according to the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome, and it is the leading cause of death in abuse of children under 6 months. Garcia said the four surviving children with shaking-related injuries were placed in a safe environment by child protective services, as law enforcement investigates their cases.

All six cases were identified as child abuse, Erlanger Hospital's Safe and Sound Program Coordinator Marisa Moyers said. Moyers said an infant crying is the No. 1 cause for shaking. Some babies cry for up to five hours, regardless of parents' efforts to soothe them.

Shaking can cause traumatic brain injuries, formerly referred to as 'shaken-baby syndrome,' which can result in permanent blindness, hearing loss, learning disabilities, physical handicaps and death "(Parents) just don't know what to do, where to go, and they go over the edge for that brief period of time,'' she said. ``Often they're so regretful, but the damage is already done.'' Financial pressures on top of holiday stress could be contributing to the recent spike in shaking cases, Moyers said. Garcia said a parent or caretaker in need of help can call a pediatrician, a friend or the Tennessee Parent Help Line. -AP

India Post

Briefs

ED to issue Letters Rogatory to 10 countries

NEW DELHI: Widening its ambit of probe in the multi-crore 2G spectrum scam, the Enforcement Directorate has begun the process of issuing Letters Rogatory to at least 10 countries including Russia and the UAE to know the source of funding to telecom companies who were allotted the radiowaves. The ED, which is jointly probing the Rs 22,000 crore scam with the CBI, has already approached its counterparts in overseas countries having footprints of some telecom companies allotted the spectrum between September 2007 to January 2008. Official sources said the papers were being prepared for approaching the local court here for issuance of LRs to countries including tax havens like Isle of Man, Cyprus and Mauritius besides UAE, Norway, Singapore, Libya and Russia. -PTI

No difference in relations with DMK: Cong NEW DELHI: In the backdrop of CBI raiding close associates of former telecom minister A Raja and DMK MP Kanimozhi, Congress has dismissed suggestions of souring of ties with its key ally. "There is going to be no difference in the Congress- DMK relations because of CBI (raids)," AICC general secretary Ghulam Nabi Azad told reporters. The Union health minister, who is also in-charge of party affairs in poll-bound Tamil Nadu, said the relations between Congress and DMK leadership are very cordial. -PTI

PM worried about tapping, not corruption: Advani NEW DELHI: Senior BJP leader L K Advani has attacked Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for asking the Cabinet Secretary to look into the issue of telephone tapping, saying he seemed to be more concerned about the leakage than the credibility of his government on the issue of corruption. "He (Prime Minister Manomhan Singh) is worried about that (leakage). What is the aspect of concern? Common man's concern is about the credibility of the government. There should be concern about this but that is not there," Advani remarked at an NDA press conference here. -PTI

India News 38

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December 24, 2010

Oppn protest not aimed at overthrowing Govt: BJP NEW DELHI: Terming as "unprecedented" the washout of Parliament's Winter Session, BJP has blamed the Congress for the stalemate over JPC demand to probe the 2G spectrum scam but said the opposition protest was not aimed at overthrowing the government. BJP leader L K Advani said the Opposition did not demand mid-term polls and such suggestions were in fact given by a minister in the government. He, however, refused to name the minister. -PTI

Scholars discuss various aspects of Cosmology SURENDRA ULLAL

BANGALORE: A "Global Conference on Cosmologies - Perspectives of the Universe" took place from December 2-4 at the auditorium of the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bangalore. The conference was organized by the Srinivas Jyotish Vigyan Research Foundation, founded and headed by Sri Dev Nath Acharya, and headquartered at Srirangam, Tamil Nadu. Inaugurating the conference, Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa emphasized the importance of learning about ancient Indian literature. Dr. G. Madhavan Nair, the former chairman of the Indian Space Research Organization, ISRO, the Indian Government space exploration agency was the keynote speaker. He presented a slideshow depicting ISRO's "Chandrayaan" project that launched an unmanned research vehicle into outer space, and its findings. Many distinguished scholars discussed Cosmology in its various aspects from different perspectives. The list of prominent speakers included Professor B. V. Sreekantan, High Energy Astrophysicist, Dr. Smita Jha from the humanities department at IIT Rourkela, Dr. Jarita Holbrook from UCLA, Rasaraj Das, Director of the Bhaktivedanta Institute, Prof. M.A. Lakshmi Thathachar of the Sanskrit Foundation, Prof. M. Venkata Krishnan, Head of the Dept. of Vaishnavism, Madras University and three ISKCON devotees, Basu Ghosh Das, Rasaraja Prabhu (AKA Prof. Ravi Gomatam, Director, Bhaktivedanta Institute, as well as Director for the newly formed Institute for Semantic Information Sciences and Technology [ISIST], Berkeley/Bombay) and Sriman Antardwip Das

Director of the Bhaktivedanta Institute, addressing the conference

He also commented that Prabhupada and the Vedic tradition teaches that the Vedas, itihasas and puranas are true history and not mythology (Bhaktivedanta Academy, Sridham Mayapur). Each gave a talk and submitted written papers at the conference. In his presentation entitled, "Toward a

possible new mathematical conception of space to understand Puranic cosmology scientifically," Rasaraja Prabhu described the Bhagavat conceptions of cosmology. He then showed how his own original research in developing a new field of physics called Macroscopic Quantum Mechanics (MQM) opens the way for a new conception of space in both scientific and commonsense thinking that can fit Bhagavat descriptions nicely. Basu Ghosh Das, whose talk was entitled "The Cosmos and it's depiction in the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium: presenting the Bhagavat concept of the Universe to the World" presented a short movie displaying the design concepts of the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium at Mayapur. He then explained how ISKCON was founded to propagate the Vedic concepts, knowledge and dharma around the world. ISKCON's founder-acharya Srila Prabhupada conveyed the clear conception of the origin of the universe based on both the Mahabharata - in the Bhagavad-Gita and the Srimad Bhagavatam. He also commented that Prabhupada and the Vedic tradition teaches that the Vedas, itihasas and puranas are true history and not mythology. He expressed surprise that a number of Indian scholars accept the Western contention - the "wild speculation" of the "big bang" theory - of the creation of the Universe. He presented more than sixty slides showing the Bhagavat conception of the creation and the universe. Many other presentations were followed. Former Justice of the Supreme Court of India M.N. Venkatachaliah and NIAS Director, Prof. V.S. Ramamurthy also spoke.

Pak owning 'suicide bomber' makes its intentions clear NEW DELHI: Army Chief General V K Singh has said the "intentions and ways" of Pakistan Army have "become clear" with it owning up a 'suicide bomber', who died in India, as one of its soldiers on its website. "I have nothing to say on what they (Pak Army) have put up on its website. But if it has (owned up), then it clearly shows what their intentions and ways are and what their next move will be," Singh told reporters here on the sidelines of an Army function here.

Singh met with school children from Jammu and Kashmir, who came visiting Delhi as part of the Army's 'Op Sadhbhavana' move-

troops," he said when asked what he thought of Pakistan Army sending 'suicide bombers' to India. "We have tried our best (to

'If it has (owned up), then it clearly shows what their intentions and ways are and what their next move will be,' Singh told reporters ment, to win the hearts of the people of Kashmir. "All I can say is we have to be more alert and only then we can protect the people and our

prevent infiltration). We are trying to stop infiltration. We will be alert on all fronts," he added. Pakistan Army's website named Zulfikar Ahmed as an ISI

agent, who was on a suicide attack mission in India and had died in the city's Ganga Ram Hospital on November 16, 2007. The website www.pakistanarmy.gov.pk also claimed that Ahmed was a 'Naik' in the 'Engineers' arm of the Army and his formation was 'Headquarters 30 Corps/Directorate General ISI'. It had a few days ago listed the Army men who were killed in the war with India over their Kargil intrusions in 1999, thereby owning up that it had carried out the clandestine operation. -PTI

India

December 24, 2010

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Dr Austin Prabhu felicitated by Lions Club

Dr Austin Prabhu (third from left) with other Lion officials - past and present - during the Lion Zone Conference in Mangalore

FRANK FERNANDES

MANGALORE: Lions Club of Mangalore felicitated an Indian American Dr. Austin Prabhu who was Past District Governor of Mother District of Lions at the Lions Seva Mandir, Mallikatta, Mangalore during their Zone Conference. Past District Governor B. Ramadas Pai was the Chief Guest for the program. K. C. Prabhu, District Retention Chairman gave

a talk on retaining members in clubs with involvement and new activities. Kavitha Shashtri, District Leadership Chairperson made an interactive power point presentation and stressed the importance of leadership in organization. The Club President felicitated Dr. Austin Prabhu for getting honored by the President of India, Pratibha Patil last December 9 at the Nehru Maidan. In reply to felicitation, Dr Austin Prabhu gave an inspirational

Dr Prabhu, who is in the forefront of the Lions movement in Chicago, hails originally from Nantur, Mangalore talk on "Nothing is impossible." He reminded the audience how Helen Keller challenged world li-

Govt orders maximum security for Missions in Afghanistan NEW DELHI: The Government has ordered "maximum security" for Indian Missions and other assets in Afghanistan in the wake of a heightened threat from Taliban and other Pakistan-based terror groups which could carry out a wave of attacks, including car bomb blasts. Sources said intelligence inputs suggested that apart from the embassy in Kabul, consulates in Kandahar, Jalalabad, Mazar-eSharif and Herat and development and reconstruction projects being carried out by Indians could be targeted by Haqqani faction of Taliban or terrorist groups based in Pakistan like Laskhar-e-Taiba, which has lately been expanding its base in Afghanistan. The terrorists could launch a wave of attacks, involving explosion of car-bomb followed by assault by gunmen, the sources said. Nearly 200 Indo Tibetan Border Police personnel, who are guarding the embassy that has already been targeted twice since 2008, and Indian nationals working on developmental projects have been alerted of the possibility of the attacks. The government has ordered

'maximum security' for all of them, the sources said. New Delhi has also requested Kabul to deploy adequate Afghan security personnel in the Indian missions as well as other assets.

Nearly 200 Indo Tibetan Border Police personnel, who are guarding the embassy that has already been targeted twice since 2008, and Indian nationals working on developmental projects have been alerted of the possibility of the attacks The staff of the embassy and Indians working on developmental projects have been advised to exercise caution, restrict their movements to the minimum and maintain secrecy. On February 26 this year, two

hotels in Kabul where Indians engaged in developmental and reconstruction works in that country were targeted by terrorists. The terror attack was on the pattern of the 26/11 Mumbai carnage, with six to eight terrorists targeting the hotels and hunting for victims during the strike in which two major-rank officers of the army were among the six Indians killed and 10 others, including five army officers, were injured. The attack was the fourth on Indian interests in Afghanistan since July 2008 when a car laden with 100kg of explosives was blown up at the gate of Indian Embassy, killing 60 people, including four Indians. a Brigadier-rank officer, a senior IFS officer and two ITBP personnel. In October last year, terrorists struck again at the embassy, carrying out a car bomb explosion near its outer wall and killing 17 people. Subsequently, in December, a hotel housing staff of an Indian IT company was targeted. Eight people were killed and two IT executives, an Indian cook and a cleaner were among those injured. -PTI

ons to be the Knights of Blind during 1925 International Convention. His entire speech was in Kannada which the members present appreciated. Dr Prabhu, who is in the forefront of the Lions movement in Chicago, hails originally from Nantur, Mangalore. In the 1970s he was involved in several Konkani activities and youth leadership. He was also the general secretary of the youth wing of the undivided Janata

Party. Over the past 30 years, he has been living in Chicago as a US citizen, yet he has never stopped his Konkani activities and has continued his leadership qualities. In the history of Lionism in the mother district of Lionism-District 1-A he was the first-ever district governor (2004) of Indian origin. He played a major role in promoting Konkani language, culture and heritage in his adoptive land, Chicago, USA.

Mills & Boon: First Indian writer sets love in yoga studio NEW DELHI: The romantic ideal of a feisty beauty falling for a handsome stranger gets a modern twist as global romance publisher Mills & Boon launches its first book written by an Indian, who has centered the plot in a chic yoga studio. The book "Love Asana" by Mumbai-based advertising executive Milan Vohra is the result of a writing contest held in 2009 to discover new talent to appeal to the rising demand of the genre. The publisher, Harlequin Mills and Boon had set up its first office in India last year. "My story is very contemporary and today's youth across the world can relate to it. Today yoga is very in and so also is India which is on the to-do list of almost everybody. The thrill for Indian readers is that earlier the settings and characters used to be Western and now it is a young feisty city Indian girl as the heroine," Vohra, who was in the city for the launch told PTI. Uptill now the publisher who has developed the brand through word of mouth had been sourcing content from a pool of European and North American writers and several of them had also introduced elements of India in previous stories. Vohra, a mother of two children

who wrote and rushed in her winning 2,000-word story on the last day will be on board of the pool of writers for M&B and her stories will also be published in global editions. The 44-year-old who still reads M&B married at the age of 24 after meeting her husband at 17, says, "If I have another idea I'll work on it soon. The current M&B novels

Milan Vohra

are all very happening in terms of delivery with enough contemporary subjects in terms of plots. It is what today's youth do, they go to salsa, dance studios. I have read stories where the characters meet up through blind dates." Manish Singh, Country head of Harlequin Mills and Boon India, says, "We see a great potential in India where there is a rising demand for the romance genre. Globally Harlequin is the largest in the romance genre and apart from that we believe in delivering great entertainment and wholesome content to our consumers." -PTI

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40 India Post

December 24, 2010

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22 authors join to write interfaith book DR JASWANT SINGH SACHDEV

PHOENIX, Arizona: We all are acutely aware that with each passing day our world keeps on getting further fragmented into smaller segments as a result of

This anthology of 431 pages primarily contains entries by active practitioners/ authors. It contains the interpretations, opinions and understandings of these contributors race, religion, caste, country or culture. In order to build bridges, therefore, one may have to depend upon an act of divine intervention. And divine intervention did indeed happen, when Arizona Interfaith Movement came up with a

Sikh authors: Dr. Jaswant Singh Sachdev, S.S. Gurukirn Kaur Khalsa with Dr. Paul Eppinger

All authors of the book

brilliant idea to build bridges among different faiths. The idea was to compile a book titled as "Interfaith Inspirations for our Globalized world." to be written by active practitioners of 22 different religious traditions represented in Arizona Interfaith Movement. With a voluntary labor of love by all the contributors, the book was completed in six months and

finally unveiled in the presence of most of the authors on December 9 in Phoenix, Arizona by Dr. Paul Eppinger, the Executive Director of Arizona Interfaith Movement. The writer of this news item Dr. Jaswant Singh Sachdev along with S.S. Gurukirn Kaur Khalsa had the privilege to contribute their thoughts from Sikh perspective in this book.

This anthology of 431 pages primarily contains entries by active practitioners/ authors. It contains the interpretations, opinions and understandings of these contributors. Several religious authorities of different faiths such as His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, Reverend Dirk Ficca, Executive Director Council for a Parliament of the world religions and many others

have written laudable introduction for this book. In fact, His Holiness Dalai Lama while welcoming this compilation has stated in the introduction that "the reflections contained in this book will provide needed thought for everyone." The book is available through Arizona Interfaith Movement. Its' website could be visited at www.interfaitharizona.com

Life-sized wall posters of 'men in power' DR JASWANT SINGH SACHDEV

fter landing in a foreign land and living in an adopted Western cul ture for several years, away from the indigenous influences of one's country of birth, one often gets to hear about the great progress that our mother country and mother states have made. This provides an additional stimulus, besides a natural builtin desire, to visit back home and spend some time with near and dear ones. As the hands of the clock keep on moving as time passes by, this longing to visit back home takes on an added dimension. In fact, such a yearning is directly proportional to the duration one has been away from the motherland. Many among us who left their home country several decades ago and are blessed with resources, both in terms of time and money, often attempt to return back as often as possible. They hope to achieve both objectives i.e. to meet and greet their loved ones and also to witness the progress of their birthplace with their own eyes that is so often talked about. The rapid progress, much touted under the catchy slogan of "India-shining," may carry a certain amount of truth in it, but when one checks it out personally, the shine doesn't appear to be that equal and uniform. Certain geographical areas of India seem to be well ahead in term of general progress, whereas other zones are fairly slow and indeed lag far behind. A good part of India is still plunged into deep darkness, especially if seen from the perspectives of infrastructure. In other words, the progress appears to be lop-sided, tilted in such a way so as to preclude a common man in the street to reap

its benefits. Most of the people still seem to be mired into day to day living misery to a good extent The roads and bridges, highways and the flyways do seem to make their presence felt in certain parts of country but the remote and rural areas mostly keep on waiting for those rays of hope and progress to shine upon them. Not only such discrepancies are obvious between the rural areas and the cities within a state but such is seemingly true when one compares one state of India with the other, thanks to the asymmetrically-driven political strength at the

and women of our country, and as if they were the only individuals who reside in the country. It might appear difficult for an ordinary citizen to truly determine the amount of wastage in terms of government resources and money. The manpower spent in such endeavors, is also unknown. However, it doesn't take a rocket science to figure at least this much out that both will be tremendous. It is also true that in creating and affixing such big posters all over, the government resources might not have been used en-

Looking at the mere numbers of these posters, one cannot help but think as if this were the only business left for the ruling men and women of our country, and as if they were the only individuals who reside in the country center. Yet ironically, one aspect has always shown a tremendous degree of progress, and that too with leaps and bounds (if one were to call it progress). It relates to the universal presence of an astronomical large number of bigger than life-sized wall posters depicting "Men and Women in Power" and their family members as well as their buddies and sycophants. These posters are present all over our motherland on every available street corner often messing the entire landscape all the time and always. Looking at the mere numbers of these posters, one cannot help but think as if this were the only business left for the ruling men

tirely. There are many yes men and women out there, who in order to seek personal political favors, always seem ready to jump in to contribute to the cause of a politician who they think will prove useful to them in future. Sycophants are plenty in the world but when it comes to India, they sell dozen a dime. As politicians of India spend a great deal of energy in selling themselves to the public through their snaps and posters hung all around the countryside, their minds must stay occupied for creation of catchy slogans and statements conducive to their blown up egos. At the same time they must make sure that their opponents are put

down. One wonders, where would they have time left to think about the welfare of the people whose interests they were supposed to watch and serve to begin with? One might interject here that isn't same the true for the politicians of the West? And are they not involved into same kind of stuff? Do they not preach about themselves to the hilt through various means of advertisements that are available to them in plenty given their status? Do they not go out of their way to grind their own axes? Do we not watch them on T.V. every evening instead of watching the stories of common man? Yet looking carefully, it becomes obvious that there is a certain amount of difference between the two. First of all, in the Western world, the message projected is not necessarily written or broadcast on their behalf. And second, if one feels sick or tired by their faces, all it takes is to simply shut the visuals off. Most importantly, it is not the funds of the public that are utilized for their propaganda in as far as we know. Of course, one does find posters on every street corner or on highways or byways during time of elections. However, such posters are usually put in designated area not defacing the buildings or other established structures. And they are allowed for a limited period of time during elections. As soon as the elections come to an end, they have to remove them and restore the landscape as it was prior to their use. Again they seem not to be sponsored through the public funds or government treasury. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 41

December 24, 2010

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Hurry Curry…authentic flavor of Amritsar

Munish Makkar

JS BEDI India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: Located at the intersection of Venice and Beethoven in Culver City, Hurry Curry is a unique restaurant that offers an authentic flavor of Amritsar. The menu features over 80 items including entrées, breads, beverages and desserts. The façade of the restaurant does not quite reflect the quietly elegant interior of the restaurant which is far more relaxing and comfortable what one would expect at a fast food place. The spacious hall with seats around 50 is clean and well appointed like in a gourmet Indian eatery. As the name suggests, it is an establishment which aims to serve in a hurry, but it takes pride in its unique style of slow cooking to retain the natural nutrients and taste of its vegetarian and meat dishes. Hurry Curry is renowned for its

"world famous chicken tandoori and chicken tikka." Owner Munish Makkar and his catering specialist Jateshwar Singh Judge explained the secret behind the

unique taste in what Hurry Curry brings to the table is slow cooking at low temperature, a process by which the nutrients and taste are fully captured in the food.

these being Amber Restaurant on Mall Road. This was an open air restaurant opposite Rambagh and in its hey days in the 70s, it was very popular with young couples.

packing leftovers "to go." Other single platters in chicken, lamb and fish are available priced between $ 5.99 and $10.99. While the establishment is better known

Carrying this even further, Hurry Curry also offers food cooked in solar cookers thus preserving most, if not all, the nutrients and flavor of the dish. Each item is cooked separately from scratch unlike most Indian restaurants that rely on a common spice mix and cream. Jateshwar Singh is no novice

As for the food, there is a lot to choose from. It is the combo lunch specials that Hurry Curry offers from 11 am to 3 pm that provides the best deals money can buy. For what one might pay for a single dosa in most places this restaurant provides a whole meal. Its" Combo 1" is a steal for a quick bite which gets one a meat curry, a vegetable curry with plenty of rice, all for a price of $ 4.99. For another buck one can get two meat curries with rice at the elevated "Combo 2" level and a step higher at" Combo 3" there is enough for two to share a spread of a meat curry, 2 vegetable curries with rice, raita, naan and soda, again for a most reasonable $ 7.49 At evening the most popular is Hurry Curry's "Dinner for Two" combination priced at $ 14.99 which buys 2 meats, 4 vegetables, 2 naans, rice pulav and raita with servings so huge one can be sure one will be

for its non-veg delights, there is more than enough variety for the vegetarian too. The buffet offers over a dozen choices which are replenished several times during the day and the menu is changed daily. Catering is another area of expertise and Hurry Curry offers medium party trays to serve up to 15 within $55 and up to 35 for a little less than $100. At the moment Judge and Makkar are concentrating on a thrust to their catering business which will expand this division to serve at big weddings, conventions and larger events. They hope to fill avoid in the West LA area for this kind of large scale Indian catering services daily.

in the culinary arts. A native of Amritsar, Jateshwar has decades of experience in the business and has owned several restaurants in Amritsar. The most famous of

So whether it's a party tray, buffet or a la carte, the style and the flavor is distinctly Amritsari - tasty, healthy and stomach friendly. The food is light and not saturated in spices and oil as in a number of Indian eateries elsewhere. The City of Amritsar is renowned for its gourmet culture. It is a food lover's paradise offering delicacies ranging from Chole Bhature to Fried Fish to Tandoori Chicken and traditional Amritsari Mithai. Amritsar cuisine has its own distinct style and flavor. The restaurant also features a convenience store on the premises which carries a variety from English cookies, teas and dressing along with heat-and-eat Indian meals, spices to even DVD's and musical instruments. The store is located at the intersection of Venice and Beethoven just a few blocks west of the 405 freeway.

There is sufficient free parking and a visit to Hurry Curry is an experience you don't want to miss.

Life-sized wall posters of 'men in power' Cont’d from page 40

Additionally, one might find one or two wall hanging in government offices and that too only in the main office of the federal state or city government. But such wall hangings are simply restricted to the President of the country, Governor of a state, or to the Mayor of a city etc.

To a person living abroad and returning home for a short visit, these posters appear as eyesores on the landscape. They damage the aesthetic and environment of the city and villages. Beautiful buildings instead of being kept clean are often found to be littered with these life-sized posters from top to bottom, akin to and not less than graffiti painted on the boundary walls

of highways and byways in the Western world. The only difference is that graffiti in the Western world is illegal, usually done by teenagers with a criminal mindset. Such posters destroying the beauty of the roadside, bridges and buildings, is often done purposefully and under the direct orders of the "Men in Power." They consider it below their dig-

nity to worry or think or worry about aesthetics. Moreover, it costs them nothing because sycophants, as stated earlier, are always available in plenty to solicit individuals to foot the bill especially those looking to seek favors. Having their photo-snaps alongside a politician brings these sycophants needed exposures in raising their status in

the eyes of poor public. Instead of preserving and maintaining the aesthetics of the environment, their protectors, the "Men in Power," are the ones who end up decimating it. And in doing so, they feel proud for they consider it their birthright and authority to mess up with anything once after they have been allowed to warm the seats of power.

In Brief Census estimates 67,000 non-US citizens in Neb. OMAHA, Neb.: New US Census Bureau data say that roughly 67,000 people who aren't U.S. citizens live in Nebraska. The subject of illegal immigration has been contentious in the state because lawmakers have discussed adopting restrictions similar to Arizona's divisive law, and Fremont voters approved a ban on hiring and renting to illegal immigrants. The census's estimate of how many noncitizens live in Nebraska includes illegal immigrants but it also includes lawful permanent residents, foreign students and refugees here legally. The number of noncitizens also remains a relatively small portion of the state's population of 1.77 million. -AP

Group's bid to join immigration lawsuit is denied PHOENIX: A federal judge has denied a request by the Arizona Latino Republican Association to become a party to the federal government's challenge to the state's new immigration law. The 230-member group asked the court to let it join Gov. Jan Brewer in defending the law against the challenge by the U.S. Justice Department. The group made its request a week before U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton put the law's most controversial portions on hold. One of the group's arguments was that members were concerned that their interests may not be adequately represented by those defending the law. Bolton rejected that argument and ruled that the group didn't show inadequate representation by Brewer's lawyers. -AP

Etowah sheriff: ICE to delay detainee withdrawal GADSDEN, Ala.: Authorities in Etowah County say the federal immigration agency has delayed the withdrawal of its detainees from the county's jail. Sheriff Todd Entrekin says Alabama's congressional delegation reached a verbal agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Entrekin says ICE agreed to leave about 330 detainees in the Etowah County Detention Center until June 30. ICE had been planning to pull the detainees last weekend and then late last week delayed the withdrawal until March 31. -AP

Immigration 42

India Post

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December 24, 2010

Bill to help some illegal immigrants may be doomed WASHINGTON: The House of Representatives has passed legislation to give hundreds of thousands of foreign-born youngsters brought to America illegally a chance at legal status, a fleeting victory for an effort that appears doomed in the Senate. The so-called Dream Act, which passed the House 216-198, has been viewed by Hispanic activists and immigrant advocates as a downpayment on what they had hoped would be broader action by President Barack Obama and the Democratic-controlled Congress to give America's 10 million to 12 million undocumented immigrants a chance to gain legal status. Critics railed against the measure, calling it a backdoor grant of amnesty that would encourage more foreigners to sneak into the United States in hopes of being legalized eventually. The Senate is expected to vote on whether to advance similar legislation, but it's unlikely Democrats can muster the 60 votes needed to advance it past opposition by Republicans and a handful of their own members.

``It's an uphill struggle,'' Sen. Dick Durbin, the No. 2 Democrat, acknowledged. Debate on the measure was fraught with politics. Obama has made an intense public push in recent days in favor of the measure, eager to demonstrate his commitment to Hispanic voters, a key voting bloc that's been alienated by his failure to push broader

feat won't end Congress' attempts to address the issue but predicted that future legislation will look far different. ``Anything that they're going to do is going to disappoint comprehensive immigration reform advocates,'' Jacoby said. ``It's going to be a tough haul'' to tackle the subject in the new Congress. After the House vote, Obama issued a statement pledging to move

Obama's drive to enact the legislation and congressional Democrats' determination to vote on it before year's end reflect the party's efforts to satisfy Hispanic groups immigration legislation. With the Republicans taking control of the House and representing a stronger minority in the Senate next year, failure to enact the legislation by year's end dims the prospects for action by Congress to grant a path toward legalization for the nation's millions of undocumented immigrants. Tamar Jacoby of Immigration Works USA, a pro-immigration employers coalition, said the de-

forward on immigration reform and casting the Dream Act as a way of correcting what he called ``one of the most egregious flaws of a badly broken immigration system.'' ``This vote is not only the right thing to do for a group of talented young people who seek to serve a country they know as their own by continuing their education or serving in the military, but it is the right thing for the United States of America,'' Obama said. ``We are

enriched by their talents and the success of their efforts will contribute to our nation's success and security.'' Obama's drive to enact the legislation and congressional Democrats' determination to vote on it before year's end reflect the party's efforts to satisfy Hispanic groups whose backing has been critical in elections and will be again in 2012. The legislation would give hundreds of thousands of young illegal immigrants brought to the United States before the age of 16, and who have been here for five years and graduated from high school or gained an equivalency degree, a chance to gain legal status if they joined the military or attended college. Hispanic activists have described the Dream Act as the least Congress can do on the issue. It targets the most sympathetic of the millions of undocumented people those brought to the United States as children, who in many cases consider themselves American, speak English and have no ties to or family living in their native countries. -AP

Spirit at airport, body allowed into US DAVID A. ISAACSON

ne immigration concept which sometimes gives rise to confusion is that of "parole". The most common use of parole at present is to allow in, pursuant to an "advance parole" authorization, aliens who have a pending application for adjustment of status under INA § 245 or certain other relief. Perhaps because of how routine it is for an applicant for adjustment of status to seek and utilize advance parole (although it can be extremely dangerous for applicants with previous unlawful presence in the United States), it is easy to forget how unusual parole really is, as a matter of what one might call immigration metaphysics. Section § 212(d) (5) (A), which provides the authority to parole aliens into the United

States temporarily, specifies that parole "shall not be regarded as an admission of the alien" and that after the purposes of a parole have been served "the alien shall forthwith return or be returned to the custody from which he was paroled and thereafter his case shall

"lawful immigration status" in some contexts, such as the list in 8 C.F.R. § 245.1(d) (1) (v) of how one may maintain status for adjustment purposes, but it is not an admission. The question arises, if an alien who is paroled into the United States shall not be considered to have been admitted,

The Supreme Court has previously described an alien granted parole as "in theory of law at the boundary line" and not “legally 'within the United States'” continue to be dealt with in the same manner as that of any other applicant to the United States." According to INA §101(a) (13) (B), as well, "[a]n alien who is paroled under section 212(d) (5) . . . shall not be considered to have been admitted." Parole can be considered a

what should we consider has happened to him? The Supreme Court has previously described an alien granted parole as "in theory of law at the boundary line" and not "legally 'within the United States'". Leng May Ma v. Barber, 357 U.S. 185,

189-190 (1958); Kaplan v. Tod, 267 U.S. 228, 230 (1925). In Leng May Ma, the Supreme Court denied an alien the opportunity to apply for what was then called withholding of deportation (the predecessor of what is now withholding of removal under INA § 241(b) (3)), on the theory that the statutory provision applying to aliens "within the United States" who would face persecution if returned to their home countries did not apply to a parolee. To make the issue somewhat more understandable to nonlawyers, the author of this posting sometimes explains to clients that in effect their spirit has remained at the airport, and only their body has been allowed into the United States. Cont’d on page 44

Immigration Post

December 24, 2010

India Post

www.indiapost.com

Sen. Brown won't support DREAM Act BOSTON: Sen. Scott Brown has said he will not support the DREAM Act and called the bill aimed at helping illegal immigrant college students ``backdoor amnesty.'' Speaking to reporters at a Salvation Army charity event in downtown Boston, the Massachusetts Republican said he would not vote for the proposal despite months of intense pressure from advocates and educators that included Harvard University President Drew Gilpin Faust. ``I'm not supportive of it,'' he said. "I think it's a backdoor amnesty and I'm not in favor of it.'' Under the proposal, some illegal immigrants would qualify for permanent legal residency by graduating from college or trade school, or by joining the military. The Senate is slated to vote on the measure this week, but supporters aren't sure if they have enough votes to break a filibuster. Brown's remarks came as a coalition of educators, religious leaders and immigrant advocates made a last ditch appeal asking him to support the proposal. Brown also

had been a target of a national campaign by advocates. For months, supporters of the bill and illegal immigrant college students, who call themselves ``DREAMers,'' have staged sit-ins, rallies and marches outside Brown's office. Students have left hundreds of signed letters from

Under the proposal, some illegal immigrants would qualify for permanent legal residency by graduating from college or trade school supporters and young immigrants who said they would enlisted in the military if the bill passed. In September, Brown came out against the DREAM Act being attached to a defense bill and said supporters were ``playing politics with military funding in order to extend a form of amnesty to cer-

tain illegal immigrants.'' But advocates had remained hopeful that Brown might support a standalone bill after hearing stories from students who live in Massachusetts. Many of the students who would benefit from the bill were brought to the U.S. as young children. `Ìt's unfortunate that Sen. Brown has decided to stand against the majority of the American public on this issue,'' said Kyle de Beausset, a U.S. citizen and a member of the Boston-based Student Immigrant Movement. `Àmnesty implies forgiveness. How can you give forgiveness to innocent, young people who did nothing wrong?'' Renata Teodoro, 23, a Boston student who would benefit from the DREAM Act, said Brown's decision would not prevent her from pushing for the bill. `Ìt's not going to stop me or us from trying to persuade him and other senators about the DREAM Act,'' said Teodoro, who has organized protest outside Brown's Boston office. `Ì'm disappointed, but I'm not discouraged.''-AP

Judges in Ga. grapple with immigration backlog

Ga congressman want more immigration enforcement

ATLANTA: The federal government hired two additional judges and is planning to appoint two more to help clear a massive backlog of deportation cases in Georgia's immigration courts. Judge Dan Trimble began hearing cases at the Stewart Detention Center in November and Judge Saundra Arrington took the bench there in October.

ATLANTA: Seven congressmen from Georgia are calling on federal officials to explain why states with fewer illegal immigrants are getting a new enforcement program ahead of Georgia. In a letter, the congressmen invite U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement head John Morton to meet with them on Capitol Hill.

The caseload is so big that judges in Georgia are now scheduling hearings for cases into 2013

The program is currently being used by law enforcement agencies in nine of Georgia's 159 counties

But the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports some court observers are concerned the new hires wouldn't put much of a dent in a backlog that reached 6,601 cases on Sept. 20. The caseload is so big that judges in Georgia are now scheduling hearings for cases into 2013. Immigration attorneys say the government is seeking a third judge to hear cases in Lumpkin, and one more judge is in the pipeline to fill a vacancy in the downtown Atlanta court. -AP

At issue is a federal program called Secure Communities, which allows arrestee fingerprint information to be checked against FBI criminal history records and biometrics-based immigration records kept by the Department of Homeland Security. The program is currently being used by law enforcement agencies in nine of Georgia's 159 counties and is expected to be active in the entire state by the end of the 2013 fiscal year. -AP

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

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

Immigration Post

India Post

December 24, 2010

www.indiapost.com

Mayor who pushed immigrant law goes to US Congress HAZLETON, Pennsylvania: A small-town mayor whose gettough policies on illegal immigrants attracted national attention is heading to Congress. Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives last month, defeating a 26-year Democratic incumbent on his third try. He had been mayor for 11 years and has now quit to move on to his new job in January. Barletta told The Associated Press that he is proud of his fouryear effort, currently stalled, to

drive illegal immigrants from Hazleton. ``I never dreamt that it would strike the nerve that it struck in America,'' he said. ``I'm very proud that City Council had the courage to stand with me, and I believe we brought this issue to the forefront way back in 2006.'' A federal judge struck down Hazleton's law as unconstitutional in 2007, and it has never been enforced. The city has now appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. Barletta's successor is expected to be City Council President Jo-

seph Yanuzzi, who said that illegal immigration continues to be a problem in the city of more than 30,000. Yanuzzi said he will pick up where Barletta left off.

A federal judge struck down Hazleton's law as unconstitutional in 2007, and it has never been enforced ``Our budget is for people who pay their taxes,'' he said. ``The illegals are not paying their taxes, their fair share.'' Barletta argued that illegal immigrants brought drugs, crime and gangs to the city and overwhelmed police, schools and hos-

pitals. The Republican mayor pushed a pair of immigration measures after two illegal immigrants were charged in a fatal shooting. The city's Illegal Immigration Relief Act, which spurred copycat measures around the country, would fine landlords who rent to illegal immigrants and deny business permits to companies that give them jobs. A companion measure would require prospective tenants to register with City Hall and pay for a rental permit. Neither law has been enforced, pending the outcome of the legal challenge. The country's appeals courts are split over the issue of whether state and local governments may act on their own to curb illegal immigration. Earlier this month, the Supreme Court heard arguments on an Arizona law that threatens to take away the licenses of businesses

that knowingly hire workers who are in the country illegally. A second, more controversial Arizona immigration enforcement law, which requires police officers who are enforcing other laws to question people they suspect are in the country illegally, also faces a legal challenge. Barletta, who defeated 26year incumbent Rep. Paul Kanjorski on his third try, said he will continue advocating his view that the federal government needs to get serious about immigration enforcement. ``Hopefully, my perspective will get the attention of others in Congress, and as a nation we'll be able to do something about the problem of illegal immigration,'' he said. ``We're seeing it escalate, especially in the state of Arizona and the southern states, where many of the problems in northern Mexico are spilling now.'' -AP

Fed. judge orders adopted woman deported TACOMA, Wash.: A federal immigration judge has ordered a 38year-old woman adopted by an American couple from Mexico when she was 5 months old to be deported back to her native country. Tara Ammons Cohen, who has been in the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma since July 8, 2009, has been fighting to stay in America ever since. She fears being deported to Mexico where she hasn't lived since she was an infant, doesn't speak the language and knows no one would place her in danger.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Basically, the judge found her not eligible for withholding of removal (deportation) and found it more likely than not she wouldn't be persecuted'' in Mexico, her attorney, Manuel Rios of Seattle, said. Immigration laws do not recognize adoption as a special circumstance in deportations. Judge Tammy Fitting's ruling essentially denied every aspect of Cohen's appeal except to agree that a drug conviction that led to her deportation problem was not a

serious crime requiring her automatic removal. Cohen's predicament was the subject of a News Tribune story in March that detailed her odyssey from adoption as a baby in a Mexico orphanage to her troubles with the law in 2008 that led to her detention in Tacoma by immigration officials. The ruling stunned Cohen and Rios. After an October hearing, both had hoped she might be home with her husband and two young children in Omak for the holidays. -AP

Spirit at airport, body allowed into US Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 42

They may think that they have been allowed into the United States, but actually they have only been allowed to physically wander around the country while DHS decides whether they should in fact be let in. Appreciating the nature of parole can provide useful insight into otherwise-mysterious immigration phenomena. One which has been obscure to some is the policy announced in a 2000 memorandum of INS Acting Associate Commissioner Cronin, under which certain aliens formerly in H1B status who re-enter the United States pursuant to a grant of advance parole rather than on their H-1B visa can seek and be granted extensions of stay as H-1B nonimmigrants.

Being able to "extend" H-1B status would seem to imply that one had that status in the first place, and some have understood the Cronin memorandum to imply a sort of latent or inchoate H-1B status for parolees with an extant valid H-1B petition on their behalf. But this author believes that a Cronin memorandum "extension" is better understood as delayed admission of the paroled alien into the United States in H-1B status. As the Cronin memorandum puts it, "If the Service approves the alien's application for an extension of nonimmigrant status, the decision granting such an extension will have the effect of terminating the grant of parole and admitting the alien in the relevant nonimmigrant classification." If a paroled alien is considered,

as a matter of law, still to be waiting at the airport during the period of the parole, then DHS can decide to admit her in H-1B status as a new arrival would be admitted in H-1B status. Just as an alien who has entered on advance parole is often subsequently admitted as a lawful permanent resident by the grant of her adjustment application - analogous to an immigrant who is admitted as an LPR following consular processing of an immigrant visa, except that no actual visa is required - an alien on advance parole can under the Cronin memorandum be admitted as an H-1B nonimmigrant instead. To be continued * Cyrus D Mehta, may be contacted at 212-425-0555 or info@cyrusmehta.com

Datebook

December 24, 2010

India Post 45

www.indiapost.com

NEW YORK

ILLINOIS

Upcoming

NEW JERSEY

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Upcoming

Sun Dec 26

Fri Dec 31

• BharatMatrimony Professional Networking Event

• New Years Eve Party with Udita Goswami

Sat Dec 25 • X-mas Party

Venue: K Lounge, 30 W 52nd St, New York Time: 11am to 5pm Contact: 732-960-1784 xtn 301

Venue: India House Banquet, 1521 W.Schaumburg Rd., Schaumburg, Illinois Time: 7pm Contact: 630-904-5157

Venue: Clove Indian Cusine, Rt 17th South, East Rutherford, New Jersey Time: 4pm to 7:30pm Contact: 973-713-1075

Venue: Art of Living Santa Clara Center, 2370A Walsh Ave, Santa Clara, CA 95051 Time: 6pm to 8:30pm Contact: 408-365-4265

Sun Jan 30

Fri Dec 31

Sun Jan 30

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

Fri Dec 31 • 2011 New Year's Eve Cruise Venue: SkyPort Marina, 23rd Street & FDR Drive, New York Time: 9:45am to 2am Contact: 917-567-7459

• South Asian Bridal Expo Venue: Holiday Inn Rolling Medows, 3405 Algonquin Road, Rolling Meadows, Illinois Time: 11am to 6pm

Fri March 18

• Rasoi 3 New Years Eve Venue: Rasoi 3, 620 Georges St, Monmouth Jct, New Jersey Time: 7:30pm to 1am Contact: 732-501-4202

• Art of Living Course

Mon Jan 24

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

• Ashtavakra Gita Part 3 Venue: Jersey City Center, 121 Newark Ave, 4th Floor, Jersey City Time: 7pm to 6pm Contact: 732-762-4275

WASHINGTON DC

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

Fri Dec 31 Arora's New Years Eve Gala 2011 Venue: Saint Peter Paul Party Hall, 10620 River Rd, Potomac, Washington Time: 8pm Contact: 301-340-9564 Highlights: A Gala New Years Eve Party With Appetizers, Dinner, Dessert and Cocktails. Lot of Fun and Dancing.

Mon Dec 27

Fri Dec 24 to Sun Dec 26

• ART Excel Course (8-13 yrs old kids)

• 25th Annual Convention by Imam Shamshad

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

Sat Nov 12, 2011 • Hello Namaste Satsriakal Masti

Salaam

Venue: Chandni Restaurant, 5748 Mowry School Rd, Balentine Plaza, across Hilton Hotel, Newark, CA 94560 Time: 7pm Contact: 510-299-1138 Highlights: Bollywood Singers and Lollywood Music Director Hungama Musical Live Band Dance Party Dance Performances Banquet Style Dinner, Single Ladies and Men - Come and Register with Hamraahi Matrimonial.

Thurs May 5 2011 • Fund raising Volleyball tournament Venue: Ponderosa Park, Sunnyvale, CA Time: 8am to 5pm

Venue: Baitul Hamid Mosque, 11941 Ramona Ave., Chino, CA 91710 Contact: 909-636-8332 Highlights: Addressing the tradition and importance of the 3-day conference for Ahmadi Muslims, Imam Shamshad A. Nasir said, "For the past quarter century since before our mosque was built in Chino.

Sat Dec 25 • Darbar-E-Khalsa Celebrating Guru Gobind Singh Ji's 344th Birthday Venue: Fair Plex (LA County Fairgrounds), 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona CA Time: 7am to 3pm Contact: www.iigs.com 866-716-8130 Highlihts: An important feature of this year's celebration is the display of the precious Relics of Guru Gobind Singh ji, presented by him to Syed Pir Budhu Shah, over 300 years ago, at Paonta Sahib. The Relics are respectfully preserved by Naeem Haider (and family)-the 8th generation direct descendent of Syed Pir Budhu Shah. The family lives in Ontario, Southern California.

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

Sun, Jan 30 Thurs Feb 24

• South Asian Wedding Expo 2011

• Art of Living Course

Venue: Pacific Palms Hotel & Conference Center, One Industry Hills Parkway, Industry Hills, California Time: 11am to 5:30pm Contact: 714-493-7900

Venue: Belmont Sports Complex, 550 Island Pkwy, Belmont, Bay Area Time: 6:30am to 4pm Contact: 617-922-8234

Horoscope

46 India Post

December 24, 2010

www.indiapost.com

Dec 24 - Dec 30

by Pandit Parashar

o not lose concentration and stay focused on real issues. You will overcome the hurdles soon. Money wise you will stay comfortable and meet all commitments on time. Some of you will be putting in extra hours in order to please the boss. You may receive some valuable item from in laws. You will be called for second interview very quickly.

it back and let the opponents make the first move. Venus in seventh will create divine protection and you will escape the bad. You may experience some burning sensation in stomach temporarily. You may dispose-off profit making stocks and pocket money. Venus may take you too close to an attractive personality.

oncentration of planes in tenth will bring some positive changes in career. Assignment will be challenging but will be rewarding too. You will make good use of time on hand and enjoy what you have. Some money may be spent towards a future trip. New relationship will be exciting but do not open up so quickly.

ou will feel motivated and the energy will be on peak too. Things will start taking shape the way you wanted. You will resolve many unnecessary issues easily. You may also start light exercises or go for a walk to improve health and see quick results. You may also give final shape to important paper work and file them with proper authority.

ou will cut corners and start saving little money from now and on. Planets are very favorable to make any move in career. Some of you may find assignments away from home and accept them. Value of your assets and stocks will appreciate considerably. Chances of receiving money through legal matters improve with new findings and strategy.

ven slight miscalculation can take you into debts and increase liability on permanent basis, so be very careful in all financial matters. You will have the chance to relax with friends and relatives at the get together. Do not hesitate and the grab the opportunity thrown at you. You may be working on replacing an old vehicle.

lanets in first will increase the stress level and could have side effects. Try to stay cal as much possible. You will travel to a beautiful area in connection with business or job interview. There will be considerable improvements in overseas projects and idea of taking a trip will cross your mind. Money wise you will be comfortable.

etters you write will get quick and favorable response. Property deal will get the much needed money. You will recover some old dues also. Some of you will be travelling to distant place for business reasons. Someone close will be jealous of your success. You participate in charity or visit a holy place with family this week.

his is the right time to implement your ideas and launch the project. Expect progress on almost all fronts. A very reliable group will make an offer that will be hard to refuse. Any relationship started now may become permanent later. Read all papers twice before mailing them. You will be paying more attention and time with a child.

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

female could be the root cause of all problems. Boss will be on your side and you will get justice in court of law if you fight. You will meet all your commitments and will still have lot left for future. Your past good deeds will make you more popular in social circle. Do not go out of your way to help others. Get together will relax you a lot.

ust change of diet will bring health related issues under control. You will be looking into a business proposal. You will spend money on a project and almost quickly recover your cost. Spouse will be slightly nervous with your fast decisions. You will be slowly working on a travel plan also. You will finish all pending work and clear the table.

hange will be better so grab the opportunity. You may lose extra money on purchasing many unnecessary items. You will spend time with some very hard working people and learn some useful tricks. Strong Venus will let you enjoy life and enjoy food of your choice. People in business will be talking to new vendors in order to reduce the costs.

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

Classifieds

December 24, 2010

India Post 47

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MATRIMONIALS

WANTED COOKS & RESTAURANT STAFF

BRIDEGROOM WANTED

Parents seek BRIDEGROOM working preferably in California for Iyer Vadamal Bharadwaja Gothram, Kirthikai age 32/165 MS (CIS) employed in Los Angeles.

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

847-962-7915 for immediate interview

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Philosophy

India Post

December 24, 2010

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Page Sponsored by Sahanis SWAMI CHINMAYANANDA

o two countries can look at each other without anger. Why? When you thus analyze the cause of things, hunting for cause of effects, this is called an intellectual method of analyzing and understanding the world around us. Causation hunting is the preoccupation of the human intellect. This is how all sciences develop. Inquiring into the cause of things. Why is it we are suffering in spite of our continuous efforts? Our goal is clear. We put forth all our effort, more than we have ever done in the history of mankind. Yet by the time we have solved one problem, ten different problems arise. Why is this? What is the spring from which all these problems and sorrows arise? When we analyze it, a wondrous new truth which the ordinary materialist and scientist may not accept immediately. The outside world is an echo and a reflection of our minds. Think! One Swami is talking. You are all intelligent people listening. Can I say that all of you are understanding in the same way? It cannot be. You receive the idea and interpret it according to your own mind. He understands it with his mind. So your world outside is ordered by, governed by, controlled by your mental attitude. BROTHER LAWRENCE

n conversation some days ago, a devout person told me the spiritual life was a life of grace, which begins with servile fear, is increased by hope of eternal life, and is completed by pure love; that each of these states had its different phases, by which one arrives, at last, at that blessed consummation. I have not followed these methods at all. On the contrary, I instinctively felt they would discourage me. Instead, at my entrance into religious life, I took a resolution to give myself up to God as the best satisfaction I could make for my sins and, for the love of Him, to renounce all besides. For the first years, I commonly employed myself during the time set apart for devotion with thoughts of death, judgment, hell, heaven, and my sins. I continued, for some years, applying my mind carefully the rest of the day, and even in the midst of my work, to the presence of God, whom I considered always as with me, often as in my heart. At length I began to do the

Haven't you heard people say that this world is a Hell? Haven't you heard people say this world is a Heaven? Successful people say that this world is wonderful. Unsuccessful people say, "I want to die." Why? It is the same situation, the same sun, moon and stars. The same atmosphere and elements. Yet one feels it is wonderful and the other is miserable. When mommy and daddy are home, the elder son thinks it is heaven. The

sess, embrace, indulge and enjoy. They are like any cattle and we live only at the mental level at this moment. All of us have intelligence to analyze and realize that what I am doing is wrong, but you do not have the strength to live up to it. There is no one who does not know that he is immoral, drinking is bad, smoking is ruinous. And yet we ask them, "Why are you drinking?" It is not that I don't know it. I know

all your minds put together is the world outside. If the majority of the minds are egocentric, utterly selfish, arrogant, vulgar, without character, that society, that community will be of the same character. That nation is no nation, it is only a country where a population lives. There is no integrity between themselves and no understanding internationally. . . Through individual perfection alone can world perfection be aspired.

World perfection through individual perfection If the majority of the minds are egocentric, utterly selfish, arrogant, vulgar, without character, that society, that community will be of the same character

Swami Chinmayananda

younger son thinks, "I am waiting to become 18 years old so that I can get away from these wretched people." His parents are loving him fully and completely, yet his interpretation is that he is in Hell. These undisciplined mental disturbances prompt us to live on instincts and impulses of the mind. They are utterly selfish, heartlessly desiring everything in the exterior world, wanting to acquire, pos-

it, but I can't give it up. Everyone! Cheating, telling a lie, becoming angry, cruel and criminal in nature. It is not that you do not know it is wrong. But you say, "I am sorry, I cannot be away from it. I am compelled to do things." Think! Now friends, each individual is a unit in this universe. All individuals put together is called a community, nation or world. Apart from the individuals, there is no world. Without distinction,

In all world scriptures, this is the conclusion of our great thinkers of the past. I am not talking about Vedanta or Indian textbooks. Is not the Bible saying the same? Is not the Koran saying the same? The Dhammapada of the Buddhists saying the same? Every great Master who has given thought to it has understood that the cause for the sorrows of the world, is the imperfection and disturbances of your own mind.

same thing during my set time of prayer, which gave me joy and consolation. This practice produced in me so high an esteem for God that faith alone was enough to assure me. Such was my beginning. Yet I must tell you that, for the first ten years, I suffered a great deal. During this time I fell often and rose

feelings of unworthiness. I was sometimes troubled with thoughts that to believe I had received such favors was an effect of my imagination, which pretended to be so soon where others arrived with great difficulty. At other times I believed it was all a willful delusion and that there was no hope for me.

peace, as if she was in her center and place of rest. Ever since that time I walk before God simply, in faith, with humility, and with love. I apply myself diligently to do nothing and think nothing which may displease Him. I hope that when I have done what I can, He will do with me what He pleases.

I do nothing which may displease Him Brother Lawrence

I took a resolution to give myself up to God as the best satisfaction I could make for my sins and, for the love of Him, to renounce all besides

again presently. It seemed to me that all creatures, reason, and God, Himself, were against me and faith alone for me. The apprehension that I was not devoted to God as I wished to be, my past sins always on my mind, and the great unmerited favors which God did for me, were the source of my sufferings and

Finally, I considered the prospect of spending the rest of my days in these troubles. I discovered this did not diminish the trust I had in God. In fact, it only served to increase my faith. It then seemed that, all at once, I found myself changed. My soul, which, until that time was in trouble, felt a profound inward

As for what passes in me at present, I cannot express it. I have no pain or difficulty about my state because I have no will but that of God. I endeavor to accomplish His will in all things. I am so resigned that I would not take up a straw from the ground against His order or from any motive but that of pure love for Him.

Just as a threaded (sasutra) needle is secure from being lost, in the same way a person given to self-study (sasutra) cannot be lost. -Mahavira He who loves 50 people has 50 woes; he who loves no one has no woes. -Buddha A policy is a temporary creed liable to be changed, but while it holds good it has got to be pursued with apostolic zeal. -Mahatma Gandhi A man is truly free, even here in this embodied state, if he knows that God is the true agent and he by himself is powerless to do anything. -Ramakrishna Do not be misled by what you see around you, or be influenced by what you see. You live in a world which is a playground of illusion, full of false paths, false values and false ideals. But you are not part of that world. -Sai Baba To the mind, God is a perfect criminal. He has done such a perfect crime by creating this world that mind cannot trace how He did it. That is why the mind always freaks out about God. -Prem Rawat

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December 24, 2010

India Post 49

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Wikiwrecks: did the US double-cross India? RADHAVINOD RAJU

ndian media reactions to the WikiLeaks' disclosures per taining to the 26/11 attacks were, to say the least, unfair. One headline read, 'US backstabbed India after 26/11?' It is now known that the US agencies had shared intelligence that revealed there were threats of a sea-borne attack, that the Taj Hotel was a target, and places frequented by foreigners, especially Americans and Israelis, were vulnerable to attacks. It is not yet clear whether David Coleman Headley alias Daood Gilani, the US citizen of Pakistani origin who collaborated with the Lashkar-e-Taiba in the Mumbai attacks, was under the surveillance of US agencies from before the attack, and whether they were aware of his role in the planning of the attack. There is no evidence thus far to suggest such a possibility. The leaked cables indicated that the US Ambassador to Pakistan was concerned about premature public dissemination of information by India that would undermine essential law enforcement efforts and forestall further Indo-Pakistan cooperation. The input further stated that their goal was not only to bring the perpetrators of this attack to justice, but also to begin a dialogue that would reduce tensions between India and Pakistan. Related cables show that the ISI chief had agreed to share information about the progress of their investigation with India, and that premature dissemination of this information in the Indian media would have reflected badly on him in the Pakistani media which would have been a setback. According to the cable, it was necessary to keep channels of communication open in order to prevent future attacks. These cables were from the US Ambassador to Pakistan to her Government. There appears to be nothing wrong with this assessment. The US Ambassador to Pakistan was in touch with Pakistani officials and was communicating their fears and her own assessment of these fears to her Government. How would this be backstabbing India? The other important cable was that no amount of money to Pakistan would prevent the Pakistan Army from supporting terrorist groups that were attacking India. This is an assessment that would more or less agree with the assessment of the Indian security establishment, who would never lower their guard against terrorist attacks emanating from Pakistani soil. For

them, their experiences over the past 60 years were too harsh to have any other contra view. Published material, including Bob Woodward's Obama's Wars, would show that the Pakistanis had told the US that rogue elements in the ISI could be involved in the Mumbai attacks. However, published material of David Headley's interrogation would indicate that Headley was

the ISI Major was using. He cannot be identified without the full cooperation of the Pakistan Army. There is little possibility of this ever happening. We just have to recall a few incidents that would point out who calls the shots in Pakistan. Soon after the Zardari-led Government came to power in Islamabad, they issued an order to bring the ISI under the control of the Interior Ministry. This order was recalled post-haste after the Army Chief objected. The Pakistan Foreign Minister, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, was actually in India when the Mumbai attack took place. If he had the slightest inkling that an attack was to take place, would he have been in I n d i a ? A file photo of Pakistan's Army Chief General Ashfaq Parvez Zardari ofKayani with ISI Chief Major Gen. Ahmad Shuja Pasha fered to send the ISI chief, funded by a serving ISI Major, Shuja Pasha to India in the afterIqbal, for going to Mumbai in math of the Mumbai attack. He was preparation for the attack. The forced to wriggle out of this pubPakistanis have reportedly said lic commitment after the strong objection expressed by the Army Chief. What we need to have is unasThe Pakistan Army is sailable evidence that a serving simply not ready for Major of the ISI was a key element of the attack, and that the other peace. Its instruimportant player, the retired Mament, the ISI, would jor Pasha, was working closely with the ISI in the LeT's plan to continue to target attack India. As of now we lack evidence that could withstand juIndia's economic dicial scrutiny, though the inforand security centers mation is quite solid. The Pakistan Army is simply to bring pressure not ready for peace. Its instrument, on India the ISI, would continue to target India's economic and security centers to bring pressure on India that Headley's statement during through non-state actors to yield his interrogation would be treated on Kashmir. After Kashmir, they as hearsay by Pakistan's courts. will invent some other root cause This is a technical issue and to extend the conflict. there could be a way to work We have to be prepared for the around this. The question is next attack. The Wiki cables do give whether the Pakistanis, or to be a hint of this. For that we should be more specific, the Pakistan Army, grateful for the leaks, for it agrees would cooperate in this effort. with our own assessment. Major Iqbal is just a name, and The writer is former Director could be one of the aliases that General, NIA. Courtesy IPCS

India Post Monster of South Asia

hen the Pakistani army makes a laudable mention on its website about the death of an ISI operative on a suicide mission in Delhi, it owns up its policy of having launched a never-ending covert war against India. Viewed in this context, it is easy to see why the Pakistani government, functioning under the thumb of the army, will not proceed against the known perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attack. However much it may try to distance itself from terrorist activities within India, the army of Pakistan is always suspect in any terrorist violence in India, including the latest Varanasi blast. The Indian Mujahideen, which owned responsibility for the outrage, is a poor camouflage for the Pakistani army. It has been created under its overall philosophy and strategy. The attempts to blame the ISI as a separate entity are mere smokescreens. There should now be no hesitation in naming the monster of South Asia, the Pakistani Army, which is the mother of terrorism. All nefarious acts proceed from the headquarters in Rawalpindi. The existence of al Qaeda is also possible because of the Pakistani army. The number of Taliban terrorist organizations are its progeny. The Kashmir specific organizations like Lashkar-e-Toiba, Jaishe Mohammad and many others are its favorite entities. It is Pakistani army's interest that Kashmir remains on the boil. Any serious inquiry will lead even the stone-throwing plans to this hated institution which continues to inflict suffering on ordinary Pakistanis in order to survive and thrive in the region. Any talk of peace and dialogue coming from the Pakistani government therefore cannot be trusted because it is tainted by the pressure of the Army as has so eloquently been proved by the WikLeaks. Deceit is inbuilt into it. The Pakistani civilian government is constantly looking over its shoulder and hence it is unable to function. The greatly celebrated Pakistani Supreme Court cannot question the power of the army in civilian matters. In spite of the leaks and the general awareness among strategists in America about the Pakistan army's Machiavellian role, no one is able to check it. In spite of constantly engaging with it, the US is unable to do much. China, the other power in the fray, is in fact deliberately shoring up this evil to serve its own interests in the region. It helped the Pakistani army to become a nuclear power. (We can shed the inhibition of mentioning the civilian government which has no say in Pakistan). And now China is shielding the Pakistani army over attacks launched on India by its operatives, donning different garbs. This is also the reason why India cannot launch a preventive attack on the Pakistani army or its terrorist factories. The Pakistani army can commit the worst offences but China will always condone them. China is a great encouragement to the Pakistani army to continue its evil ways. It works as its proxy in tripping up India. It has been the practice of China to befriend tyrants and despots as seen in Myanmar. It is only continuing the practice. The pusillanimity of the Indian government in the face of covert security threats from the Pakistani army only equals its indifference to the exposure of corruption in its vital institutions. Otherwise how come an ISI operative was not in police or army custody? How come the Pakistani High Commission was paying for his treatment in a Delhi hospital? And how come the Indian security establishment was unaware of this gent's presence on Indian soil. The way the Pakistani High Commission openly conducts its anti-India operations sitting at the center of India's power in Delhi is nothing short of a scandal.

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