IndiaPost_12-30-2011 by Ghanshyam Bisht

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Rakesh Chawla

Indo-American banker dies in plane crash Details on page 6

10 Indians in Forbes '30 under 30' list

VOL 17, No. 903

December 30, 2011

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Periodical Postage

BID TO CUT GRANTS TO OUTSOURCING FIRMS India Post News Service

NEW YORK: In a move that will have a direct bearing on India, Congressman Tim Bishop (D-NY) introduced a bipartisan legislation to bar corporations that send US call center jobs overseas from receiving federal grants and loans. Bishop's "US Call Center and Consumer Protection Act,"

which is co-sponsored by Reps. Dave McKinley (R- WVA), Mike Michaud (D- ME), and Gene Green (D-TX) also requires overseas call center employees to disclose their location to US consumers and gives customers the right to be transferred to a US-based call center upon request. The bill also has the full support of the 700,000-member Communications Workers of America (CWA).

Nancy Powell is next US envoy to India Details on page 5

Indian origin media agency wins UN award

Details on page 5

Details on page 6

Details on page 5

Commerce Secy to lead team to India Details on page 38

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

See pages 27-33

Americans’ fear of outsourcing is mistaken? Last week’s result

Is Anna right in sending ultimatum to govt? YES 57%

CONTENTS

NO 43%

Bollywood ---------------------- 18-19 Classifieds ------------------------- 47 Community Post -------------- 12-17 Date Book -------------------------- 45 Edit Page --------------------------- 49 HealthScience Post --------- 34-36 Horoscope ------------------------- 46 Immigration Post ------------- 40-43

GITA SHAKTI: Religions of the world, including Hinduism, have been

Life Style ----------------------- 20-21

unkind to women, denying them public platforms for worship. It was a pleasing sight therefore to see an exclusive gathering of women in Chikmagalur, Karnataka performing Bhagavad Gita Yajna for the welfare of the world on December 22.

Philosophy ------------------------- 48

Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”

Publisherís Diary ------------------ 4 TechBiz Post ------------------- 38-39 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 24-26

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December 30, 2011

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Publisher’s Diary

ollowers of the Mayan calendar are not really looking forward to the New Year. If what they believe is right, then this is it. It's 2012. It's the end of the world. No, I'm not one of those believers, but a realist that I am, I wouldn't be surprised if one of these coming days there's a nuclear fallout or a natural disaster or simply a worldwide economic doom that would put the world on the brink. I don't mean to be morbid on a day when people are perhaps preparing for an exciting New Year's Eve party. But honestly, I am not particularly enthused that 2012 is going to be anymore different than 2011. In fact, it just might be worse. It's not Nostradamus or Mayan prophesies, but the bleak forecasts of present day economists that have me thinking of dooms day. Evidently, the world economic system is falling apart. The past couple of years, especially 2011, saw all of the 'advanced economy' snobs bending down to their knees under the burden of their own excesses. The bubble inflated by stock market speculation that they have been living in has burst and now they are simply throwing around the spill for the world at large to clean up. The problem is none of them seem to have viable instruments that can mop up the mess. The double dip recession in the Eurozone, the almost non-existent growth in North America, the emerging cracks in the flawed Chinese system and the political upheavals in the Middle East are all driving down the spirits of people world over, reeling as they already are under unemployment, inflation and corporate corruption. The rigor of reality notwithstanding, there will still be those who will celebrate the New Year. No, not the "Top 1%", but these are entities with what is called the human spirit. So hey, I may not be there physically, but I wouldn't miss the best and biggest and my favorite New Year's Eve party in the world that makes you look forward to any year - the ball drop at Times Square! Cheers!

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HIGHLIGHTS Bollywood: Engaging times Bollywood hunk John Abraham is contemplating engagement in April 2012 with his alleged girlfriend Priya Runchal.

Cover Story: Outsourcing fear A bill has been introduced in Congress to bar corporations that send US call center jobs overseas from receiving federal grants.

Community: Mayor contest Bill deBlasio, a front runner Democratic candidate in New York Mayoral contest, was felicitated by Indian businessmen.

Immigration: American Dream A MetLife Study says South Asian Americans show a slight shift in their view of the American Dream.

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Life Style: Animated web series Liquid Comics and Tiger Hill Entertainment have launched an animated web series from acclaimed filmmaker, John Woo.

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Travel: Kutch Breathtaking vistas, intriguing history, an abundance of tradition, color, and enchantment - this is Kutch.

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December 30, 2011

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Bid to cut grants to outsourcing firms India Post News Service

NEW YORK: In a move that will have a direct bearing on India, Congressman Tim Bishop (DNY) introduced a bipartisan legislation to bar corporations that send US call center jobs overseas from receiving federal grants and loans. Bishop's "US Call Center and Consumer Protection Act," which is co-sponsored by Reps. Dave McKinley (R- WVA), Mike Michaud (D- ME), and Gene Green (D-TX) also requires overseas call center employees to disclose their location to US consumers and gives customers the right to be transferred to a US-based call center upon request. The bill also has the full support of the 700,000-member Communications Workers of America (CWA). The US Call Center and Consumer Protection Act is also designed to limit the threat of consumer fraud and identity theft at foreign call centers. A new CWA study is expected to spotlight the

fact that foreign call centers often lack the type of security measures common in the United States, potentially putting financial, medical, and other sensitive customer in-

Bishop's "US Call Center and Consumer Protection Act," also requires overseas call center employees to disclose their location to US consumers and gives customers the right to be transferred to a US-based call center upon request formation at risk. Based on the CWA study, Congressman Bishop said that Indian call center companies are sub-outsourcing work to developing countries with potentially corrupt or unstable governance,

like Egypt, Mexico, the Czech Republic, China, and Thailand, complicating efforts to identify and prosecute fraud. The legislation would require the US Department of Labor to track firms that move call center jobs overseas; the firms would then be ineligible for any direct or indirect federal loans or loan guarantees for five years. "It's common sense that we should not be rewarding companies that ship jobs overseas while millions of qualified Americans are looking for work," Bishop said. "Taxpayer dollars should only be used to incentivize good corporate citizens who create American jobs." Bishop has been a leader in Congress on ensuring that taxpayer dollars do not benefit companies that choose to relocate jobs overseas despite slow job growth in the United States. Last year, his efforts helped force the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to drop a program that would have

used approximately $10 million in taxpayer funds to help train workers in Sri Lanka for jobs in the outsourcing industry. In the 111th Congress, he spon-

Companies have also taken millions in incentives from local taxpayers to open call centers in the US, only to off-shore their operations a short time later and leave local communities devastated sored The Stop Outsourcing and Create American Jobs Act of 2010 (H.R. 5622), which would have required federal agencies to request information about a corporations' outsourcing practices when it applies for government contracts

and allows preference for companies that have not outsourced jobs in the last year. According to CWA, total customer service/call center employment has dropped from 5.2 million in 2006 to 4.7 million in 2010, a loss of approximately 500,000 jobs lost in 4 years. Companies have also taken millions in incentives from local taxpayers to open call centers in the US, only to off-shore their operations a short time later and leave local communities devastated and still paying the bill, the Congressman said. "Congressman Bishop's bill will help to address a serious issue that has bothered most Americans for a long time," said Michael Gendron of Communications Workers of America Local 1108 in Patchogue. "If you are frustrated by dealing with call centers that are located overseas and having to worry about the security of your personal information, this bill will give you a choice to deal with American workers who must comply with American laws."

Indian origin media agency wins UN award India Post News Service

of climate change issues. The UNCA awards are given annually to honor the best media coverage of the United Nations, and are open to worldwide media. Previous winners of the award include the Associated Press and The Economist. "It is with real pleasure that I

dedication to the cause of the most vulnerable countries in the face of emerging challenges like cliNEW YORK: At a glittering mate change. Please accept our event in New York the United Naheartfelt congratulations," said tions Secretary-General Ban KiUN Under-Secretary-General moon awarded the Silver Medal Cheick Sidi Diarra, High Represenin the Prince Albert II of Monaco tative for Least Developed CounFoundation/UNCA Global Prize to tries, Landlocked Developing MediaGlobal News, the non-profit States and Small Ismedia agency based land Developing at the United Nations States. Secretariat on Dec 14. "We're especially The award was proud to be honored conferred for the by United Nations agency's reporting on Correspondents Asissues related to clisociation, with their mate change and its depth of experience disproportionate imand knowledge of a pact on the least debroad range of media veloped countries and organizations and rethe small island deporting styles," veloping states. The says Kevin Huyge, MediaGlobal News MediaGlobal News' Bureau Chief, Nosh Managing Editor. Nalavala, received the "As the only indeAward. pendent news orgaMediaGlobal News nization based in the is a media agency of United Nations foIndian origin, based in cused exclusively on the United Nations in development issues New York. This is the MediaGlobal News Bureau Chief Nosh Nalavala with the Prince in the Global South, very first time that an Albert II of Monaco Foundation/UNCA Silver Medal. Pic Sachiko Deshimaru/The Nikkei we're pleased that organization deour work is being signed to create awareness in the global media on learned that MediaGlobal News recognized by our peers." MediaGlobal News was the constraints of the least devel- has been awarded the Prince oped countries, has been given Albert II of Monaco Foundation/ founded in 2006 by Nosh Nalavala the prestigious Prince Albert 11 UNCA Global Prize Silver Medal. to create awareness in the global of Monaco Foundation Silver This prize is very well deserved. media of the suffering of the Medal or excellence in coverage It's recognition of your personal world's poorest countries on is-

sues of economic development, global health, food security and the impact of climate change on developing nations. "Our correspondents highlight interrelated issues such as climate change and food security in the world's most vulnerable

countries," said Nalavala. "Recognition by UNCA and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation is great validation of our policy of reporting exclusively on the constraints of developing countries using first-hand, original reporting."

Nancy Powell is next US envoy to India India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Career diplomat Nancy J. Powell has been appointed by President Obama Dec 16, as US Ambassador to India. Ambassador Powell is no stranger to South Asia having been posted to the region including India, in various assignments several times during her career. A career member of the Senior Foreign Service, Ambassador Powell currently serves as Director General of the Foreign Service and Director of Human Resources at the Department of State. She was conferred the personal rank of Career Ambassador in January 2011. Prior to her current assignment, Ambassador Powell served as Ambassador to Nepal (20072009), Ambassador to Pakistan

(2002-2004), Ambassador to Ghana (2001-2002), and Ambassador to Uganda (1997-1999). Previous overseas assignments included service in Ottawa, Kathmandu, Islamabad, Lome, Calcutta, New Delhi, and Dhaka. Her Washington assignments have included: Refugee Assistance Officer, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, Acting Assistant Secretary for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Activities, and the National Intelligence Officer for South Asia at the National Intelligence Council. Ambassador Powell joined the Foreign Service in 1977 following six years as a high school social studies teacher in Dayton, Iowa. She received a B.A. from the University of Northern Iowa.

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Indian American investment banker dies in plane crash India Post News Service

crashed on Route 287 in the town of Harding, New Jersey. Buckalew was the registered owner of the

NEW YORK: Rakesh Chawla, an Indian American investment banker, was killed when the private plane he was traveling in along with his co-worker and family, crashed in New Jersey on Dec 20. The plane took off from the Teterboro Airport and was flying to DeKalb Peachtree Airport near Atlanta, Georgia when it apparently lost contact with a Federal Aviation Administration radio tower in New York. The two Greenhill executives were traveling for business meetings. Chawla, a Managing Director of Greenhill & Co. in New York was on board a small private plane owned by Jeffrey Buckalew, also Rakesh Chawla. Pic Greenhill Co. website a Managing Director at Greenhill, who was piloting the plane. Buckalew's wife single-engine plane and had a Corinne and his two young chil- pilot's license. He was piloting the dren, Jackson and Meriwether plane. Regretting the death of two of also perished in the crash. The Socata TBM 700 plane - a its managing directors, Greenhill single engine turbo prop - crashed & Co., Inc. said the firm had no onto the middle of one of New further information regarding the Jersey's busiest highways, ex- crash at this time. Robert F. Greenhill, Chairman ploded violently and killed all five people on board, about 14 min- and Scott Bok, Chief Executive utes into its flight, as the aircraft Officer, jointly commented that, spiraled out of control and "The firm is in deep mourning

over the tragic and untimely death of two of its esteemed colleagues and members of Jeff's family. Jeff was one of the first employees of Greenhill. He and Rakesh were extraordinary professionals who were highly respected by colleagues and clients alike. They will be sorely missed and our sympathies go out to their families and friends." Buckalew, age 45, was Head of Greenhill's North American Advisory activities. Prior to joining Greenhill in 1996 Jeff was an Associate for three years in the financial institutions group at Salomon Brothers. Chawla, age 36, was a Managing Director who specialized in the financial services sector. He had joined the firm in 2003 from The Blackstone Group, where he focused on mergers & acquisitions and restructuring transactions. He began his career in investment banking at Credit Suisse First Boston, where we worked in the financial institutions, M&A and technology groups. Chawla received a BS from The McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia and an MBA from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

Shudh named US Punjab PCC Chief Coordinator India Post News Service

tory of the Congress Party in Punjab elections. She also listened favorably to the suggestion about allowing NRIs to vote at the Indian embassies and high commissions.

tion of country wise election campaign committees under the banner "NRIs for Congress". These NEW DELHI: Punjab Congress committees will focus on mobilizleader Captain Amarinder Singh ing the NRI Diaspora residing in has named Shudh Prakash Singh various parts of the world, to supof New York as the Chief Coordiport and work for the victory nator of the Punjab Election of the Congress party in the Campaign Committee (PPCC) forthcoming Assembly Elecfor USA. He was presented a tions of Punjab. shawl by Captain Amarinder Arvind Khanna, General Singh at a recently held DinSecretary of PPCC said, "I ner Reception at hotel Taj have known Shudh personChandigarh. ally and he is the best choice After being appointed for this position". Mr Chief Coordinator for Punjab Khanna felt NRIs can play a election committee, Shudh very important role in upPrakash Singh was invited to coming Punjab elections. Delhi and had a meeting with Shudh Prakash Singh being congratulated by Surinder Singla, former the Congress Party President Captain Amarinder Singh Finance Minister of Punjab, Mrs. Sonia Gandhi. Mrs. Inder Dev Singh Musafir said he has visited New York sevGandhi was very appreciative of contributions made by NRIs. She Chairman NRI-Cell (PPCC) in- eral times and always found Shudh wished well to INOC and asked formed during his speech at the working hard to expand the conits members to work towards vic- function at Taj about the forma- gress party base in America.

10 Indians in Forbes '30 under 30' list NEW YORK: From a 29-yearThe 28-year-old London old Goldman Sachs director to a School of Economics graduate left graduate student, 10 Indian-origin BNP Paribas after a four-year stint Young Turks share the space with to give "Citi's derivatives busilikes of Facebook founder Mark ness a jolt." . Zuckerberg and pop star Lady Following him is Kunal Shah, a Gaga in Forbes list of "tomorrow's 29-year-old Managing Director at brightest stars" who are "rein- Goldman Sachs. venting the world". The youngest managing direcThe Forbes' '30 under 30' list tor the global financial giant has profiles about 360 young "ultra im- ever seen, Shah was promoted at pressive up-and-comers" that the 27 and is the "Cambridge math companies should either "hire to- grad turned rock star emerging day" or would be working for them markets trader," Forbes writes. in the future as they are the young Making a mark in the field of people of today "who matter". science is 29-year-old Raj The magazine has selected the Krishnan, Chief Executive of BioYoung Turks from 12 diverse fields including energy, finance, media, An "award-winning high law, entertainment, science, design and tech- schooler", 17 year old Param nology. Jaggi, a student and inventor Among the Indianorigin people on the list at Austin College, created is 17 year old Param algae-filled device that fits Jaggi, a student and inventor at Austin Col- over a car's tailpipe and turns lege. carbon dioxide into oxygen An "award-winning high schooler", Jaggi created algae-filled device that fits logical Dynamics who is developover a car's tailpipe and turns caring blood tests that use electric bon dioxide into oxygen. fields to detect key signals that a Next is 23-year-old Vivek Nair, patient has cancer from the blood. Chief Executive of Damascus ForAt 27, Sidhant Gupta, a gradutune, who is developing a tech- ate student at the University of nology that transforms industrial Washington, is developing new carbon emissions into carbon sensors and software for the home nanotubes. that conserve electricity, heat and In the finance sector, Vikas gas. Mohindra, Financial Advisor at Others featured in the list are the Bank of America Merrill Lynch 24-year-old Nikhil Arora, cofinds himself on the list. Founder of a business that sells The 25-year-old broker gath- 'grow-your-own- mushroom' kits ered USD 38 million in three years using 1 million lbs of recycled coffrom scratch, including a USD 5 fee grounds and 27-year-old million retirement savings plan. Maneet Ahuja, a producer at Next is Manvir Nijhar, Co-Head CNBC and a hedge fund expert Of European Equity Derivatives who has been on Wall Street since Sales at Citigroup. she was 17. -PTI

Shudh Prakash Singh being honored

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Russian attempt to ban Bhagvad Gita condemned India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Hindu Americans have expressed shock and outrage at a recent attempt to ban the Bhagavad Gita in Russia. The case was reportedly initi-

words from the Bhagavad Gita out of context, in an effort to officially proscribe the text. The version of the Gita in question is a Russian translation by A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder of ISKCON.

BJP leaders Kedar Nath Sahni, Vijay Jolly and Smriti Irani arrive to present a copy of Bhagavad Gita at Russian Embassy in New Delhi on December 21. India has registered its protest to the Russian government on a petition seeking a ban on Bhagavad Gita in a Siberian court

ated by state prosecutors in the Siberian town of Tomsk, where they are trying to ban the scripture by labeling it "extremist." According to representatives of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in Russia, the state prosecutors have taken select

In response to the case, a number of Hindus in Russia have come together to form the Hindu Council of Russia in order to protect their rights. Hindu community leaders have also approached the Indian embassy in Russia for assistance, while the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) has for-

mally presented its concerns to Russian embassy officials in Washington, D.C., and requested a meeting to further address the situation. "The actions of Russian prosecutors are indefensible and represent a draconian attempt to restrict the religious freedom of Hindus in Russia," said Suhag Shukla, HAF Managing Director and Legal Counsel. "By promoting a narrow and intolerant agenda that demonizes a sacred scripture revered by more than one billion Hindus worldwide, Russian officials are acting contrary to the principles of a free democratic society." Originally scheduled to issue its verdict on December 19, the court reviewing the case decided to postpone its verdict until December 28 to gather additional opinions of experts from Moscow and St. Petersburg. "We urge the Russian judiciary and government to uphold the basic rights of their Hindu citizens," said Jay Kansara, HAF's Washington, D.C. based Associate Director. "Any court ruling or law that would prohibit the Bhagavad Gita or any other Hindu religious literature would be considered a direct attack on the civil liberties of Russia's Hindu community and an affront to Hindus throughout the world."

Toyota to recall 41,000 units of Etios, Liva models in India NEW DELHI: Japanese car maker Toyota is recalling 41,000 units of its sedan Etios and small car Liva in India to replace faulty inlet pipe to fuel tank. The company, which is present in India through a joint venture with the Kirloskar Group -- Toyota Kirloskar Motor, however, insisted it is not a recall but a "safety campaign". "It is a proactive approach by us. This development is not at all dangerous but as per Toyota's worldwide policy, we are informing customers that they can come to dealers at their convenient time and replace the pipe," TKM Deputy Managing Director - Marketing Sandeep Singh told PTI. The company will be replacing filler hose (inlet pipe to the fuel tank) as it could crack up leading to fuel leakage when the tank is filled to the brim. He said a total 41,000 units of Etios and Liva produced till Oc-

tober 8 this year since their launches will be covered under this exercise. "It will not take more than 3045 minutes. This is not recall, it is a safety campaign," Singh in-

â&#x20AC;&#x153;This development is not at all dangerous but as per Toyota's worldwide policy, we are informing customers that they can come to dealers at their convenient time and replace the pipe" sisted. TKM had in December last year launched the Etios sedan in the country priced between Rs 4.96

lakh and Rs 6.86 lakh (ex- showroom Delhi). In June this year, the company rolled out its much anticipated small car Liva here, priced between Rs 3.99 lakh and Rs 5.99 lakh (ex- showroom, Delhi). Singh said TKM is using social media such as Facebook and the company's own website to inform customers about the development. In 2008 Toyota had announced a recall of around 20,000 units of its popular multi-utility vehicle, Innova, in India to repair a defective part that could lead to oil leakage. The auto major has also invested Rs 3,200 crore to set up its second manufacturing facility in Bangalore, where the cars are being produced. The company is investing Rs 1,650 crore to ramp up its production capacity by one lakh units and for increasing localisation of components by 2014.-PTI

US Industry affirms commitment to India in ICT sector India Post News Service

and incentivize companies to develop local manufacturing. "The robust participation from US industry in the ICT Dialogue year after year demonstrates our unwavering commitment to work with the Indian Government to further growth in the ICT sector and bring the latest technologies to the country," Robert Pepper, Vice President of Global Technology Policy at Cisco, said. "US industry looks forward to deeper collaboration with the Government of India to ensure that growth in the ICT sector continues to be one of India's true success stories." In partnership with the Tele-

NEW YORK: The U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC) recently concluded a 5-day mission to New Delhi to participate in the US-India Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Dialogue, holding bilateral discussions with key Government of India officials. Chaired by Ambassador Phillip Verveer of the US Department of State and Secretary R. Chandrashekar of the Indian Ministry for Information Technology, the ICT Dialogue is a crucial industry-government vehicle for addressing a range of issues regarding information technology, media USIBC led one of its largest and broadcasting, and delegations ever, representtelecommunications. USIBC led one of its ing 20 of the top IT and largest delegations ever, telecom companies representing 20 of the top IT and telecom com- operating in India, to participanies operating in In- pate in the Dialogue dia, to participate in the Dialogue. The meetings provided a unique opportunity to communications Industry Assoidentify barriers to doing business ciation (TIA) and the Information in these sectors and develop spe- Technology Industry Council (ITI), cific recommendations and action USIBC members held four days of items for both governments to ad- consultations with key Government dress obstacles to trade and in- of India officials to discuss a range of issues including local manufacvestment. One of the top priorities of the turing, innovation, standards and Government of India currently is testing certification, telecommunito increase ICT manufacturing and cations infrastructure security, edrive high-tech innovation. In waste and environmental protecmeetings with Government of In- tion, tax policy, and incentives for dia officials, USIBC reaffirmed its technology companies to invest commitment to help India to de- and grow in India. All of these isvelop non-discriminatory policies sues are crucial to the strength and based on global standards and competitiveness of India in the globest practices that will encourage bal economy and to the long-term the in-flow of investment to India health of US companies.

US-India-Japan launch trilateral dialogue India Post News Service

NEW YORK: The United States on Dec 19, hosted Japan and India for the first ever trilateral dialogue to exchange views on a wide range of regional and global issues of mutual interest. This discussion held in Washington DC was co-chaired by Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Robert Blake and Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and Pacific Affairs Kurt Campbell. These discussions mark the beginning of a series of consultations among the three governments, who share common values and interests across the Asia-Pa-

cific and the globe. "These discussions mark the beginning of a series of consultations among our three governments, who share common values and interests across the Asia-Pacific and the globe," the State Department said in a statement. Responding to the perception that the meeting was aimed at containing China, Assistant Secretary Kurt Campbell dismissed the idea as "preposterous." All sides welcomed the frank and comprehensive nature of the discussions and agreed the talks help advance their shared values and interests. The group agreed to meet again in Tokyo in 2012 to continue their deliberations.

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Did India buy n-technology Pak PM spells out fear of being ousted from AQ Khan? WASHINGTON: A US arms control expert has made the astonishing claim that Pakistan's notorious nuclear engineer AQ Khan may have proliferated nuclear technology to India. The source of the article is as surprising as the assertion is fantastic. In a commentary in the adults magazine Playboy, Joshua Pollack, a US policy wonk who has done work on nuclear proliferation, says India may have been the secret, unnamed "fourth country" - after Iran, Libya and North Korea - to which AQ Khan "provided the shortcut to a nuclear weapon." Pollack offers little credible evidence to back the contention, other than to point similarities between the centrifuges India uses in its uranium-enrichment program and Pakistan's own centrifuges engineered by Khan. He also cites South African court documents claiming that a member of the so-called "Khan network" supplied India's centrifuge program with specialized equipment (mainly flow meters), starting in the late 1980s. According to Pollack, although India went nuclear several years before Pakistan, it was done

AQ Khan

curity revealed that the Indian government had used news-paper ads to solicit bids for centrifuge parts. The details of these advertisements, along with documents the Indians gave potential suppliers, provide strong clues about where New Delhi's supercritical centrifuge technology came from," Pollack says, adding, "Despite some changes, the design is recognizable to the trained eye: It almost mirrors the G-2 centrifuge, a design that Khan stole from URENCO in the

He also cites South African court documents claiming that a member of the so-called "Khan network" supplied India's centrifuge program with specialized equipment (mainly flow meters), starting in the late 1980s through the plutonium route (in 1972). But New Delhi's ability to enrich uranium remained limited, and it was not until 1986 - by which time Pakistan had been churning out weapons-grade uranium for three years - that India was ready to break ground on its uraniumenrichment facility. "India's enrichment program progressed slowly...In 2006 the Washington, DC-based Institute for Science and International Se-

1970s and later reproduced as Pakistan's P-2 centrifuge." Pollack also says an engineering firm belonging to Gerhard Wisser, a German living in South Africa, in collaboration with Gotthard Lerch in Switzerland, supplied specialized equipment to both Pakistan and its proliferation partners, and starting in the late 1980s, to India too. Khan, he suggests, may have known about this. "Could Khan have been igno-

rant about Wisser's dealings with India? His own guilty conscience says otherwise," Pollack conjectures, writing that though Khan has never acknowledged having a fourth customer, he gave his Pakistani interrogators at least two contradictory cover stories that may explain how Pakistan's enrichment technology could have ended up in "enemy hands." The full transcript of Khan's interrogation, said to run hundreds of pages, has never been made public, he says, but Musharraf 's 2006 memoir provides important details, he says. At first, Khan seems to have suggested his overseas network (Lerch, Wisser et al.) was autonomous enough to supply both India and Pakistan without either side knowing. But Khan later alleged he had been exploited by an Indian connection who was hidden inside Farooq's Dubai operation. "Ironically," he cites Musharraf writing in his biography, "The network based in Dubai had employed several Indians, some of whom have since vanished. There is a strong probability that the Indian uranium enrichment program may also have its roots in the Dubai-based network and could be a copy of the Pakistani centrifuge design." -PTI

Contest for NRIs to win trip to PBD Jaipur India Post News Service

NEW DELHI: An online NRI newsmagazine has organized a contest for the Diaspora Indians and the winners will get an all-expenses paid trip to the 10th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Jaipur. NRI Matters Editor says the contest will be about NRIs presenting their views on 'Business Ideas

for Cohesive growth,' a theme that complements the focus on inclusive growth at this edition of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. Two best applicants will get to fly to Jaipur to attend the function. The campaign is supported by Kotak NRI Banking. Through the contest, the NRI Matters tries to sensitise overseas Indians on the issues that

concern Indian economy. 'Last time, three applicants were chosen to represent the Indian Diaspora at Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. It was more than an exhilarating experience for them. They got to share a few words with luminaries like filmmaker Meera Nair, former UN diplomat Shashi Tharoor and tech evangelist Sam Pitroda,' said the editor of the magazine.

ISLAMABAD: As talk of a rift ing details of who was behind the between his government and the conspiracies against his governmilitary gathers pace, Pakistan ment. Premier Yousuf Raza Gilani has The premier made a veiled refsaid "no institution can be a state erence to the differences between within a state" and warned that his government and the army, "conspiracies" are being hatched saying "no institution can be a to "pack up" his democratically- state within a state". elected government. People will have to decide whether they â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I want to make it clear want "elected people or a dictatorship", he today that there are intrigues added. and conspiracies going on "I want to make it clear today that there and the conspiracy is to are intrigues and conspiracies going on and pack up the elected the conspiracy is to pack up the elected governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; government," Prime Minister Gilani said while addressHe added: "Nobody can say ing a function organized to com- they are not under the government. memorate the birth anniversary of Every institution of this country, Pakistan's founder Muhammad Ali including the Ministry of Defense, Jinnah. is under the Prime Minister. "I want to tell them that whether "There should be no ambiguwe are in government or opposi- ity that anybody can claim that I tion or among the people, we will am independent...If any individual fight for the rights of the people thinks they are not under the govof Pakistan," he said without giv- ernment, they are mistaken. -PTI

India to take up US Call Centre Bill with America KOCHI: India would take up ing to nations like India. the issue of US Call Center She said around seven per cent Worker and Consumer Protection of total global workforce of Indian Act in the appropriate govern- IT companies? work in US cenmental forum as also bilaterally ters. Business activities of Indian through the American Administra- IT and other service companies tion to safeguard trade and invest- and of manufacturing enterprises ment interests of the Indian indus- have helped their business expantry, including the IT sector, Indian sion globally but also benefited a Ambassador to US Nirupama Rao said here. India was in the pro- India was in the process of cess of undertaking a undertaking a detailed detailed impact analysis of the Bill, tabled in the impact analysis of the Bill, US House of Representabled in the US House of tatives, in terms of scope of its business Representatives, in terms of coverage and more im- scope of its business portantly its impact on the Indian BPO indus- coverage try, she said here. "We are in touch with (IT industry body) cross section of people in several NASSCOM and the relevant gov- states of the US. ernment departments on this isIT companies from India supsue", she said at a business ses- port approximately 98,000 jobs, sion organized by Confederation which numbered 21,774 in 2006, of Indian Industry (CII). she said. The bipartisan Bill aims to make NASSCOM and some other companies that move call centers industry associations have exoverseas ineligible for grants or pressed concern over the US bill guaranteed loans from the Federal saying it would restrict free trade government, a move aimed at and establish discriminatory trade stemming the tide of jobs head- practices.-PTI

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Anna dubs Lokpal Bill as very weak, dares Sonia to debate RALEGAN SIDDHI/NEW DELHI: Setting the stage for a confrontation with the Government, Anna Hazare has rejected the Lokpal bill introduced in Parliament, saying it is "very weak" and dared Congress chief Sonia Gandhi for a public debate on the proposed legislation. Soon after the bill was introduced in Lok Sabha, Hazare said in Ralegan Siddhi that the new bill is "very weak and useless" and it will not help in tackling corruption as it does not bring CBI under the control of anti-graft ombudsman. "This government is incapable of tackling corruption. Why are they scared of giving away CBI? If CBI is under Lokpal's control, they fear that there will be a line of ministers going to jail," Hazare told reporters. Hazare said the new Bill is of no use if the anti- corruption ombudsman does not have control over CBI and the lower bureaucracy is not brought under its direct control. "Sonia Gandhi says the bill is strong. If it is so, let her come out and debate with us in front of media. Let people see it. Let us have a face to face debate. Convince the people of the country that it is strong. We will explain how it is not strong," he said earlier in the day. "What is right and wrong with the bill, let us debate in public," he said. Hazare's remarks came as a response to Gandhi's speech at Congress Parliamentary Party meeting during which she said the proposed legislation was strong and she was ready to fight for it. Continuing his attack on the government, Hazare said he will go

Indians sign up in support of social activist Anna Hazare and his opposition to the proposed Lokpal bill in its current form in Mumbai on December 22

ahead with his three-day fast from December 27 in Mumbai and then leave for Delhi to join the 'jail bharo' agitation during which he will protest outside the residences of Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. Describing the bill as "antipeople and dangerous", Hazare's close aide Arvind Kejriwal said in Ghaziabad (UP) it was "worse" than the legislation introduced in August in Lok Sabha. Upping the ante, Hazare said, "I will be part of the group that will 'gherao' the residences of Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi as part of our jail filling agitation." He said putting CBI out of Lokpal shows how the bill will be

Lokpal bill may go the Women's bill way: Kiran Bedi NEW DELHI: Team Anna member Kiran Bedi fears that the Lokpal Bill may go the Women's Reservation Bill's way as those in power are comfortable with status quo. "What you are seeing is nothing unexpected. It may go the Women's Bill way. There is no unity, no consensus on the issue," she said reacting to the opposition from some political parties to the proposed legislation. Bedi said the bill was hurting those in power. "It appears that status quo

suits those in position and power," she told reporters. "This country needs a national government to deliver. Or else we shall keep sliding back. Can this happen in national interest," she asked. Criticizing the new bill, she said it needs a "wholesale rewrite" or else it shall be one "big liability". "When did people agitate for Enquiry Pal? Or a Lokpal to vet chargesheets filed by CBI? Or an agency to outsource investigation?" she added. -PTI

"useless". "The biggest victims of corruption are the poor who have to pay bribes to get any work done. How will the common man live like this?

He said he will appeal to people not to vote for those parties which have opposed Jan Lokpal bill. Kejriwal said the proposed legislation is meant to crush the rights

Describing the bill as "anti-people and dangerous", Hazare's close aide Arvind Kejriwal said in Ghaziabad (UP) it was "worse" than the legislation introduced in August in Lok Sabha Our demand is that lower bureaucracy be brought under Lokpal," he said. But the lower bureaucracy is being brought under Central Vigilance Commission which is under the control of government, he contended. "How will the common man get justice? Lower bureaucracy and CBI should be under Lokpal. Only then the bill will be in the right form," he said. Criticising the Grievance Redressal Bill, Hazare said government does not have the intent to help people fight corruption and they were making people take rounds of government offices to get their complaints addressed. He also voiced concerns about the effect of a "weak" central law on state Lokayuktas. When asked about demands for reservation in Lokpal Bench and Selection Committee, Hazare said he left a decision on this to Parliament.

enjoyed by people. "Under the present bill, government will have all the control over Lokpal as it will have powers to appoint and remove members

at its will. It is worse than the Lokpal Bill introduced in August. We reject the (new) bill. It should be withdrawn and introduced after being redrafted," he said. "Only ten per cent of the political leaders are in the ambit of the ombudsman. Only five per cent of employees are in its ambit. Big companies are out of it. "Who all are in? Temples, mosques, schools, colleges, hospitals, dispensaries, cricket clubs, gurudwaras, self help groups are under it. Even doctors, pujaris, priests, maulanas, all will be deemed to be public servants. The government thinks that all the citizens are corrupt but the leaders and employees are clean," Kejriwal said. He said the government will have full control over the proposed body as it will be selected by a panel dominated by political leaders. Kejriwal alleged this bill would make CBI "completely ineffective...Prime Minister and Leader of Opposition will not want a strong CBI Director. They don't want to put their lives in difficulty by having a strong CBI Director." He said complainants will have a difficult time in getting their grievances redressed. "Every investigation goes to CBI. CVC will also forward the cases to CBI, Lokpal will also sent cases to CBI. CBI is under the control of government. The whole anti-corruption investigations will remain under government control," he said. Criticizing the provisions in the bill, Kejriwal said for the first time after independence, government has shown so much sensitivity to corrupt officials and decided to provide free legal help to them.-PTI

NATO attack: US forces acted in self-defense, says CENTCOM WASHINGTON: The US probe into the November 26 air attack on Af-Pak border that killed 24 Pakistani soldiers has found that American forces acted in self-defense after being fired upon and there was no intentional effort to target them, the Pentagon said. However, at the same time, the investigation conducted by a senior officer of the US Central Command (CENTCOM) noted that inadequate co-ordination between US and Pakistani military resulted in misunderstanding about the true location of the Pakistan mili-

tary units. Department of Defense in a statement issued in the wee hours expressed its regret. The results of the investigation have been shared with Pakistan, which did not participate in it expressing its doubts at transparency and credibility. "The investigating officer found that US forces, given what information they had available to them at the time, acted in self-defense and with appropriate force after being fired upon," the US Department of Defense said. -PTI

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Year-end review

Indian Americans did themselves proud in 2011 SRIREKHA CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service

NEW YORK: For 2011, no other news would have struck home for millions of people around the world than the killing of Osama bin Laden in a raid on his hideout in Abbottabad, Pakistan by US Navy Seals. The dramatic announcement on May 1 by President Obama from the White House may not have had the effect that the attack on the World Trade Center buildings masterminded by the al Qaeda chief had on the world, but nonetheless, it was indeed akin to a movie hero taking out the dreaded villain in a suspense thriller - predictable, but relieving. In a year as eventful as that, Indian Americans did not disappoint themselves, having hit the headlines in spheres as diverse as politics, business, research, entertainment and well, crime. Nikki Haley The year began well with the triumphant assumption of office by South Carolina Governor Nikki

Nikki Haley

Haley in January. Having fought through a bitter campaign through 2010, Republican Haley won with an impressive 51% vote to become the first woman to serve as Governor of South Carolina and the second Indian American governor in the country. At age 39, she is also the youngest current governor in the country, a distinction formerly held by Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal. Bobby Jindal Speaking of Governor Jindal, he made bigger headlines in October, when he got re-elected as governor of Louisiana in a landslide election. The 40-year old Republican governor overwhelmed nine competitors in an open primary to eventually win the gubernatorial second term thanks

Bobby Jindal

to consistently high approval ratings throughout his first term. NYC 4 Anna In April, as millions of people in India came out onto the streets heeding to a call by social activist and Gandhian Anna Hazare to root out corruption and pass the Jan Lokpal Bill in Parliament, Indian Americans did not watch idly. Hundreds of Indians Americans from New York to Los Angeles to Seattle launched solidarity campaigns to support Anna Hazare's crusade, with fasts, silent marches and candlelight vigils. At least 400 youth, networked through Facebook, converged in Times Square in New York wearing NYC 4 Anna T-shirts; several hundred also marched in a huge and highly visible contingent in the India Day Parade in New York in August. About 150 Indians gathered in Los Angeles and another 150 people gathered in Seattle, Washington. As Hazare continues his crusade in India, Indian Americans continue to keep up the network of support through the now ubiquitous social media. Consul General Prabhu Dayal In June this year, the community was hit with the embarrass-

Prabhu Dayal

ing news of the Indian Consul General in New York Prabhu Dayal being sued for forced labor and slave-like treatment of his former domestic help. Dayal's former maid Santosh Bhardwaj, claimed in her lawsuit

filed in the Manhattan federal court that she was paid only $300 a month, made to live in a closet, forced to work long hours and was even sexually harassed by way of demands for leg massages. The lawsuit said the maid was virtually enslaved by Dayal and his wife and daughter. Dayal, of course went on a defensive overdrive to deny the allegations. With the government of India backing him, Dayal mounted an aggressive defense following which the maid later dropped the sexual harassment case against him. Sohail Mohammed It was indeed a big deal for the community, especially Indian

Sohail Mohammed

Muslims, when in July, Hyderabad-born Sohail Mohammed was sworn in as Superior Court judge in Passaic County, New Jersey, becoming the first Indian Muslim judge in New Jersey. What is significant about Mohammed's appointment is the opposition that NJ Governor Chris Christie overcame to stand by his pick of a Muslim for a state judgeship. Nationwide bloggers said Mohammed, who had as a lawyer represented 9/11 terror suspects, would follow Sharia Law instead of state or federal laws. At Mohammed's swearing in ceremony, Gov Christie called his critics "ignorant" and "crazies". Hillary Clinton It was foreign policy and strategic engagement to the fore in July when US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton travelled to India on a two-day visit. It was her second visit to India as Secretary of State India and the US held their second strategic dialogue to expand counter-terror cooperation and seek to fasten implementation of

Hillary Clinton

their landmark civil nuclear deal. Clinton also called for deeper trade ties and heard Indian worries over US pullout plans from Afghanistan. Her visit coming soon after the coordinated bomb attacks in Mumbai that killed at least 20 people, assumed importance in view of the counter-terrorism cooperation between the two countries. Sonia Gandhi Early August, desi journalists in New York staked out outside the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in Manhattan when news of Congress Party president Sonia Gandhi being admitted there leaked out. It was so hush-hush that nobody was sure if the most power and influential political person in India was really admitted there and if she was, for what. The local reporters failed to

Sonia Gandhi

catch even a whiff of her presence in New York, but turned out Gandhi did undergo a surgery suspected to be for cervical cancer - at the hospital. She went back to India more than a month later reportedly after recuperation - but journos in the Big Apple still do not know if she had been amidst them all along. Nirupama Rao All power to women! Indian Americans brimmed with pride and joy when the Government of India appointed former foreign

secretary Nirupama Rao as the new Indian Ambassador to the US in August, to continue the good work of her predecessor Ambassador Meera Shankar. Rao presented her credentials to President Obama in September. A Washington Post profile said Rao may be the perfect woman at the perfect time (for the job). As foreign secretary, she made extensive contacts within the Obama administration. She also has the ability to go straight to Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, with whom she

Nirupama Rao

has an extraordinary rapport, bypassing India's often Kafkaesque bureaucracy. Earlier, Rao did two stints in American academia, one as a fellow at Harvard University in 1992 and another in 1999 as a distinguished international executive in residence at the University of Maryland. She had also been a junior diplomat at the Indian Embassy in Washington DC. Significant to Rao's taking over as the Indian envoy in DC is the rare honor she received from both the Senate India Caucus and the House India Caucus, both of which separately held welcome receptions for her on Capitol Hill. Presidential Awardees September was the month of honoring achievements. Three Indian American researchers were conferred the Presidential Medal - the highest honors bestowed by the United States government on scientists, engineers, and inventors - for their outstanding services in their field. National Srinivasa S.R. Varadhan of New York University was conferred the National Medal of Science while Rakesh Agrawal of Purdue University and B. Jayant Baliga of North Carolina State University were conferred the National Medal of Technology & Innovation. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 11

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Indian Americans did themselves proud in 2011 Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 10

Four others received the Outstanding Early Career Scientist Award, among them are: Dr. Kartik A. Srinivasan of the National Institute of Standards and Technology in the Dept of commerce; Dr. Sumita Pennathur of University of California, Santa Barbara and Dr. Amit Singer of Princeton University in the Department of Defense; and Dr. Hari Shroff of the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, the Department of health and human services. In October, the White House conferred a posthumous 2011 Presidential Citizens Award on Vijaya Emani for her courage in overcoming and speaking out against abuse. Emani had become a role model for victims of domestic abuse because of her strength and determination in overcoming domestic abuse in her own life. She broke a long held taboo in the Indian American community by speaking out about the issue publicly. Bilateral diplomacy As with each year, September brings together heads of state of every country worth reckoning for the United Nations General Assembly session at the UN headquarters in New York. This year India, which was represented by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh himself, had a hectic few days of diplomacy with dozens of bilateral and group country meetings on the sidelines of the UNGA. Significant or not, Prime Minister Singh's bilateral meeting with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad stood out for the signals it likely sent out to the US. The two leaders also reviewed the political turmoil in Afghanistan, Middle East and North Africa. Then there were the bilateral meetings with the Prime Minister of Japan, the President of Sri Lanka. Also in parallel, the External Affairs Minister participated in the BRICS - Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa - Foreign Ministers meeting as well as the G4 - India, Japan, Brazil, Germany -Foreign Ministers meeting. And then there was the strategic meeting between Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and India's foreign minister SM Krishna. Around the same time, India's Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee was in Washington DC to attend Annual fund Bank, G-20, G-24, BRICS and IMFC meetings; to ask for more Investment in India from Foreign Investors and Business Leaders; India to take Over the Presidency of G-24

Group. In and around the same month, India's Minister for Commerce & Industry Anand Sharma, India's Minister of Power Sushil Kumar Shinde, India's Minister for New & Renewable Energy Farooq Abdullah were also in the US to address various forums. Rajat Gupta Perhaps the most sensational news, albeit for the wrong rea-

the hedge fund the Galleon Group. Rajaratnam was sentenced to 11 years imprisonment earlier the same month. The news that Gupta could be charged in this case, way back in April 2010, left most corporate watchers in India and people of Indian origin in the US in a state of disbelief. But the cookie did crumble and Gupta is now awaiting trial. Tarsem Singh, Freida Pinto The community did not lag in the field of entertainment either. When epic spectacle Immortals hit theaters in November, director Tarsem Singh became the first director of Indian origin to top the North American box office in six years. The last film by an Indian director to open at number one in the US was 2005's Dukes of Hazzard from Indian-American filmmaker Jay Chandrashekar. M Night Shyamalan's last top spot

Rajat Gupta

sons, was the arrest of Indian American corporate poster boy Rajat Gupta on charges of securities fraud - an extension of the investigations into the massive insider trading scam masterminded by billionaire hedge fund manager Raj Rajaratnam. Gupta, 62, former head of McKinsey & Co and a director on the board of many prestigious US corporations including Goldman Sachs, surrendered to the FBI in October. Gupta has been charged with passing on confidential information to Rajaratnam, co-founder of

Tarsem Singh

debut came in 2004 with The Village. Indian actress of Slumdog Mil-

Freida Pinto

lionaire fame Freida Pinto shared the limelight with Singh as she plays the female lead in Immortals. To her credit, Pinto herself reached a new high for Indian actors in Hollywood by scoring her second chart-topping blockbuster of the year - Rise of the Planet of Apes, where plays a major role opposite Academy Award nominee James Franco. Subramanian Swamy True to his nature of creating controversies, Indian politician Dr. Subramanian Swamy put the prestigious Harvard University, where he used to teach two Economics courses during summers, in a spot. In July, Swamy wrote an op-ed in an Indian newspaper wherein he is alleged to have expressed extreme anti-Muslim views. Even as the article stirred up a huge controversy in India, hundreds of

students at Harvard demanded that Swamy be removed from the University's guest faculty. The Harvard management at that time stood by Swamy by way of upholding freedom of speech. However, in December, the Harvard Faculty of Arts & Sciences decided to drop Swamy's economics courses on grounds that his op-ed was an unacceptable incitement to violence against Muslims in India. The effective firing of Swamy from Harvard faculty has caused Indian American Hindus to launch a massive campaign to get Harvard to rescind its decision. For these Hindu groups, the year definitely has ended on a sour note. They are still seething with anger and continuing with their

Subramanian Swamy

campaign through social media and via letters, phone calls, faxes, and emails to Harvard President Dr. Drew Faust. The ball's in Harvard's court now - in the match between free speech and political bias.

SEA OF THE FANS: Sharukh Khan waves to his fans during a promotional event for his upcoming film Don-2 in Patna on December 22

Desi News Silversteins host Holiday Season Party TAHER HUSSAIN

CHICAGO: The 50th Ward of Chicago State Senator Ira Silverstein and Alderwoman Debra Silverstein hosted a party last week for the community at the Great Chicago Food and Beverage Company to celebrate the Holiday season on Devon business district. Senator Ira Silverstein invited all the community members from different ethical and religious backgrounds to this special event that really helped promote unity and good interaction within multi-cultural and pluralistic society that is around Devon area. Details on page 13

Beacom elected Director of Federal Home Loan Bank KK RAJDA

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA

Details on page 16

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Indian businesses raise fund for Mayoral candidate Bill deBlasio SUDHIR VYAS

NEW YORK: Bill deBlasio, a front runner Democratic candidate in New York City Mayoral contest, was felicitated by prominent businessmen of Indian origin led by Dr. Navin Mehta, Sant Singh Chatwal, Malini Shah and Indian National Congress New Jersey

Chatwal, a major player in hotel industry in USA and India, appealed to Indian American business owners to support deBlasio. Introducing de Blasio and his wife Charlene McCray to the audience, noted Otolaryngologist Dr. Navin Mehta praised the couple as an ideal pair who inspired everyone

Details on page 14

Thaakat Foundation youth cheer seniors

Changing frontiers for the Sikh Diaspora

Chapter President Pam Kwatra during a fund raising event recently organized at Bombay Palace restaurant in Manhattan. Replying to the felicitation, deBlasio called for strong alliance between the two most important

Felicitation of Bill deBlasio. Indian Americans seen in the picture along with Bill are Dr Navin Mehta, Mr Singh and Ms Kwatra

democracies of the world, the United States and India. "I firmly believe in strong relationship between the two countries which is necessary for economic revival of USA", he said. He thanked the Indian American community in general and Dr. Navin Mehta and Pam Kwatra in particular for their ongoing support. Criticizing the current administration of New York City for neglecting small businesses,

deBlasio pointed out that his first priority as elected Mayor of NYC will be to support small businesses in the city. He also lent support for better representation of Indian American community in the city administration Chatwal, a major player in hotel industry in USA and India, appealed to Indian American business owners to support deBlasio. Introducing de Blasio and his wife Charlene McCray to the audience,

noted Otolaryngologist Dr. Navin Mehta praised the couple as an ideal pair who inspired everyone. "DeBlasio is a dynamic leader who possesses a unique vision of progress and prosperity of all people. We are fortunate to have him as a great friend of our community who always demonstrates high regard and respect for the people of South Asian origin", commented Dr. Mehta. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 15

NAND KAPOOR

Jalaram Mandir to organize Appreciation Dinner

CHICAGO: The Thaakat Foundation, an organization started by a group of students in 2007 to promote charitable work among the youth, celebrated the Holiday Season with the seniors of Hamdard Center at Hamdard's office in Chicago on December 21. Over 40 members of the Foundation came together to bring some holiday cheer to the seniors at Hamdard's Adult Day Services Program. There were over 45 seniors present who spent some time reminiscing about their youth with the Thaakat members. The seniors then took part in an art and craft activity tracing with their hands and making snowflakes. Details on page 15

SURESH SHAH

Jalarma Bapa

CHICAGO: Organizers of Shree Jalaram Mandir, located in the town of Hoffman Estate, have decided to host a very special Appreciation Dinner to honor volunteers of the Mandir at its premise at Virbaima Bhojanalay hall. According to Chirayu Parikh, President of Shree Jalaram Mandir, the prime reason for the appreciation dinner and celebration is to recognize formally the huge

support and cooperation rendered by volunteers in helping the management to carry out Mandir's ac-

their selfless services to the temple on Friday December 30 at 7 pm sharp. We fervently hope that

The prime reason for the appreciation dinner and celebration is to recognize formally the huge support and cooperation rendered by volunteers in helping the management to carry out Mandir's activities tivities during the year. "We have decided to honor our all volunteers who had dedicated

they would continue to render similar help in the coming year," he said with a sense of pride.

December 30, 2011

Community Across America

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Silversteins host Holiday Season Party TAHER HUSSAIN

Sen Ira Silverstein and Ald Debra Silverstein with community members

was elected Alderman in December 2010 defeating soundly the incumbent Ald Bernard Stone.

The guests included Judge Mathias William Delort who talked about the accomplishments of Silversteins - the Senator and Alderwoman. Other guests included Mary Trew, Michael Forti, Scott Neville, and Erica Reddick

A renowned attorney professionally, Sen. Silverstein has been serving the community since 1999 and at present he is the Chairman of the Senate Executive Committee. He serves on the Senate Judiciary and Licensed Activities committee and is also a part of the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules. Alderwoman Silverstein, often described as the Queen of Devon,

Debra graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a degree in accounting. She started and built a successful small business helping individuals and area businesses navigate their tax obligations. Silverstein has worked to pass ordinances to prevent and lower crime. Attendees included Mujeeb Osman, Eng. Ameer Khan, Mehar Syed, Jamshaid and Chand Nasim.

Community Across America

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Beacom elected Director of Federal Home Loan Bank KK RAJDA

CHICAGO: Owen E. Beacom, Managing Director and Chief Lending Officer of First Bank & Trust, an Evanston based locally owned community bank , has been elected to serve on the Board of Directors for the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) of Chicago . This $73 billion wholesale bank serves financial institutions that are involved in financing housing. First Bank & Trust is both a customer and a shareholder of the FHLB of Chicago. A news release from the bank states that Beacom's four year term as a Board Member begins January 1, 2012. Financial institutions, primarily banks in Illinois and Wisconsin, were allocated certain levels of votes. Beacom stated, "Even though I won the election, I am sure most of the votes were in recognition of First Bank & Trust's outstanding reputation among our peers. I want to thank everyone at First Bank & Trust for working hard, and caring about each other and our

His banking experience dates back to 1982 and includes American National Bank of Chicago, Lake Shore National Bank and Bank One. His career experience has been centered on commercial banking; including community development lending and affordable housing lending Owen E Beacom

customers. The results shine through, and in this case, I benefited greatly." With a Bachelor's degree in Economics from Harvard University, a Master's degree in Accounting from DePaul Univer-

sity and a Master's degree in Business Administration from the University of Chicago, Owen Beacom has been the Chief Lending Officer for First Bank & Trust and is a director of the bank and its holding

company, First Evanston Bancorp. His banking experience dates back to 1982 and includes American National Bank of Chicago, Lake Shore National Bank and Bank One. His career experience has been centered on commercial banking; including community development lending and affordable housing lending. Beacom is responsible for commercial banking relationships and credit administration. The First Bank has grown by $360 million to $700 million in total assets since 2004. The bank was founded in 1995 by Robert Yohanan, Howard Kain and Jay Lytle, with a mission to put community first, and provide personalized banking and investment services to individuals, owner-managed businesses and the notfor-profit community. Now in its 16th year, First Bank & Trust has grown from a staff of 12 to a staff of over 100, with eight locations.

United Senior Pariwar celebrates Christmas Eve SURESH SHAH

Lamp lighting ceremony by lady members of the Association

CHICAGO: Members of United Senior Pariwar (USP) celebrated Christmas Eve on a grand scale on Sunday December 18 at Kathy Hall in Niles with over 135 members and invited guests attending the event.

For a change the United Senior management team decided to have three prominent community leaders as their Chief Guests and they were Mafat Patel described often as uncrown King of Devon, Naren Patel, CEO of MedStar Lab and

Seniors attending the event

president of Vishwa Gujarati Samaj USA and Dr. Dhiresn Mistry, a leading dentist and USP Trustee Director. As is the tradition, the three-hour function was started with the lighting of ceremonial lamp by the members of ladies wing of USP. Acharya Rohitbhai Joshi recited Mantras and conducted the religious ceremony. Suresh Shah, secretary,

bers to extend the same kind of support in future too. Mafat Patel, Chairman and Mr. Narenbhai Patel, Board of Trustee of USP, addressed the members. They both appreciated the activities being carried out by the Seniors Association and said they would continue to help the association in all possible ways as and when needed. The

The three-hour function was started with the lighting of ceremonial lamp by the members of ladies wing of USP. Acharya Rohitbhai Joshi recited Mantras and conducted the religious ceremony

Chief guests Mafat Patel, Naren Patel and Dr Dhiren Mistry with USP President Ramanbhai Patel (extreme left)

welcomed the guests and members and submitted a detailed report of an association. Ramanbhai Patel, President of Seniors Association, outlined activities of the association in detail and thanked all members for giving their support and cooperation in carrying out these activities during the year. He requested the mem-

occasion was also taken to celebrate the birthdays of members falling this month. Dr Dhiren Mistry, Trustee, presented birthday greeting cards to the members and wished them happy birthday. A draw for 17 valuable items was arranged and all the members of the association participated. A delicious dinner was served at the end and everyone enjoyed it.

Community Across America

December 30, 2011

Thaakat Foundation youth cheer seniors NAND KAPOOR

holiday gifts of blankets, scarves, hats and gloves. Hamdard Center's executive director Kiran Siddiqui applauded the members and said "Thaakat is a foundation of heart and giving". Hamdard Center is a not-forprofit health and social service agency whose mission is "to promote the physical and emotional health and psychological well-being of individuals and families by offering hope, help, and healing." The Center was established in 1992 as a proactive response to address the critical mental health needs of the South Asian, Middle Eastern, Bosnian and other minority communities in the greater Chicago area. It seeks to meet the needs of the underserved through its new paradigm of care, which includes a comprehensive service model to provide culturally-sensitive and linguistically appropriate services to individuals and families.

India Post 15

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Pappas welcomes Indian community guests

Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas welcomes Gulzar Khemani (left), Pankaj Patel (second from left), Rashmika Shah (right) from the Metropolitan Asian American Family Services, to her annual Holiday Party. Pappas' guests joined several hundred persons from diverse ethnic and religious group attending Pappas' Holiday Party, which has become a tradition in the Treasurer's Office at the Cook County Building in downtown Chicago. Second from right is Pat Michalski

Congressmen seek probe into spying on Muslims India Post News Service

WASHINGTON, DC: Congresswoman Judy Chu, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), Congressman Bobby Scott, CAPAC Civil Rights Taskforce Chair, and Congressman Mike Honda,

that the NYPD and CIA collaborated on efforts to spy on Muslim communities in the New York City area. The letter was signed by 34 Members of Congress, including the Ranking Member of the House Homeland Security Committee and eight Members of the House Judi-

The letter was signed by 34 Members of Congress, including the Ranking Member of the House Homeland Security Committee and eight Members of the House Judiciary Committee CAPAC Chair Emeritus, have released statements regarding letters they sent to the House Judiciary Committee and the U.S. Department of Justice calling for a hearing and an investigation of the New York Police Department after the Associated Press revealed

ciary Committee. Rep. Judy Chu (CA-32), CAPAC Chair "These are very serious allegations against the NYPD and CIA, and in the interest of all Americans, they must be thoroughly investigated. We cannot allow the

Indian businesses raise fund for Mayorol candidate Bill deBlasio Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 12

Pam Kwatra, President of New Jersey chapter of Indian National Overseas Congress introduced Dr. Mehta as a great leader of the Indian American community. New York based businesswoman Malini Shah thanked everyone for attending

the event. Other prominent business and community leaders present at the event included Eric Kumar, Dr. Surinder Malhotra, Gurmit Gill, Satish Sharma, President, NY Punjab and Leela Maret. The event was organized by Pam Kwatra in association with Malini Shah and Eric Kumar.

explicit profiling and targeting of Muslim Americans by the very people who are tasked with protecting and serving their community. As Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus and a Member of the House Judiciary Committee, I call for a full investigation and hearing on these matters to bring the truth to light and ensure that police complied with the very laws they aim to uphold." Rep. Bobby Scott (VA-3), CAPAC Civil Rights Taskforce Chair

"We were greatly concerned about media allegations suggesting that the New York Police Department, in conjunction with the Central Intelligence Agency, has been collecting this information. We call on the Department of Justice and the House Judiciary Committee to investigate these allegations and shed more light on this situation." Rep. Mike Honda (CA-15), CAPAC Chair Emeritus "I am deeply concerned by reports that the NYPD and CIA are engaging in activities that violate

the civil and constitutional rights of Muslim-Americans. I know that public safety must be of the utmost concern to enforcement agencies. I also know that we must not single out a group based solely upon their ethnicity or religion, especially when such actions undermine the sanctity of the Constitution and the security of our homeland. As Chair Emeritus of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I call for an informed, precise and moral inquiry into the actions of the NYPD and CIA."

Community/California

16 India Post

December 30, 2011

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Changing frontiers for the Sikh Diaspora KANWAL PRAKASH SINGH

Sikh Festival Parade in Indianapolis Downtown

Nagar Kirtan in LA

INDIANAPOLIS: The Sikh Diaspora is going places thanks to a conscious effort to graduate from crossroads encounters to serious engagements at many levels in the pursuit of life, liberty, personal happiness and service to their professions, communities and nations where they live, work, and call it home. This is a major change: a heightened awareness on the part of Sikhs to learn about their rights, responsibilities, opportunities, and laws and traditions in place where they are settling. The host countries are beginning to recognize their presence and commitment and outstanding contributions, and the need to assure a rightful place for their culture, heritage. This positive move to identify and understand the full power of this emerging relationship is still in the early stages. All around, we are witnessing the promise and prospects of this under-tapped community asset, which once thoughtfully harnessed may prove very rewarding. Accolades and Honors of Distinction In recent weeks, we have seen the elegant Sardar Fauja Singh, a centenarian marathon runner from UK, set world records in Toronto, reaffirming his mantra: "Impossible is nothing." He inspires and

challenges us that, we too, should compete and excel in the Holla Mohallas of our times and bring honor to our professions, communities, and nations. Recently, a wonderful news flashed across the global media that the worldrenowned miniature artists, the Singh Twins: Amrita and Rabindra Singh, were awarded the prestigious Member of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth of Great Britain. At a special presentation to the

Temple, will join the pilgrim cities' and "go green" as an environmentally-friendly City. The celebrated Sikh spiritual musicians, Bhai Dya Singh of Australia and Sardarni Snatam Kaur of USA, have been introducing Sikh music and enthralling multicultural audiences around the world. The Sikh Americans participated in their first Thanksgiving Parade in Chicago. Imagine Bhangra Dance at the Chicago area professional baseball and basketball games, Guru Nanak's Birthday celebration at The White House and Sikh sacred hymns at the National Cathedral. A Canadian Sikh, Lt.-Col Harjit Singh Sajjan, became the Commanding Officer of a military regiment in Canada.

the Sikh Americans. The Sikh Diaspora is hard at work in myriads ways. Many exciting community-inspired activities make no global headlines but undoubtedly build a foundation and framework of goodwill and trust. The frequent interfacings cause ripple effect and acknowledgment by the civic leaders and institutions about the talents, traditions, and values of newcomers in our cities. Sikh Americans are locating in large numbers in the Midwest; they are increasingly engaged in creating a sense of belonging, acceptance, and partnerships. Indianapolis Experience The year 2011 was another highlight for the Sikh American

The year ahead is beginning on a positive note: members of the Sikh community are knitting some official scarves for Super Bowl XLVI Sikh canned food drive.- (Pics courtesy KP Singh)

interfaith gathering in Assisi, Italy, the Sikh leader pledged that City of Amritsar, the home of the Saint Peter's and Vatican of the Sikhs, the magnificent spiritual heart and soul of the Sikhs: The Golden

Preparation for New Responsibilities Every day we hear about new achievements and worthy recognitions: Elections of several Sikhs to the Canadian Parliament; prestigious appointments on government panels, corporate, educational, and cultural boards; successful pioneering work and breakthroughs in medicine, science, and technology; introduction of arts, cultural, service and interfaith programs; birth and growth of Sikh websites and media networks; innovative business enterprises, educational initiatives to dispel unfounded stereotypes and unprovoked violence against

community in Indianapolis. One of the long-time residents of Indiana, KP Singh, was appointed to the Indianapolis Police Civilian Merit Board and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Hoosier Heritage; and a designated Natural Helper, Maninder Walia, was invited to join the Indianapolis Immigrant Welcome Center Board and received a Service Award from the Asian Services of Indiana. The central Indiana Sikh community organized a major interfaith gathering at the Sikh Temple (Acton Road) in Indianapolis and participated in other interfaith and multicultural activities throughout the year, including, parades,

among them the nationally-televised 500 Festival Parade, as a part of the Indiana Nationalities Council Parade Unit. The Sikhs supported the Interfaith Hunger Initiative, Japanese Earthquake-Tsunami Relief organized by Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center; the Bhutanese immigrants and Indiana Police fund for officer who died in the line of duty. The Sikh community participated in the annual Race For All Races to raise funds for minority scholarships. Indianapolis Sikh representatives attended the International Citizen of the Year celebration, an International Parade, receptions for U.S. Senator Richard Lugar and Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard. The year ahead is beginning on a positive note: members of the Sikh community are knitting some official scarves for Super Bowl XLVI, one of the largest sporting events in the world, that will take place in Indianapolis on February 5, 2012; and a Sikh American has been invited to offer an Invocation at the Inauguration Ceremonies of Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard on January 1, 2012. Power of Networking, Sharing, and building upon Past Gains We can be optimistic that going forward we would be called upon to serve our communities and nations in demanding and unimagined ways. The road ahead is not without major challenges, but guided by the spiritual lessons of our faith, we can excel and triumph; adjust to life - civic, societal, and cultural environments. The world is in the midst of a global transformation: birth of a global renaissance, convergence of people and cultures in America and other societies unlike that we have seen in human history. The last fifty years affirm a robust progress and testify to how far humanity has come. The next four decades may unfold a chapter where ethnic minorities have a secure and respectable place among the pantheon of peoples and cultures.

Community/California

December 30, 2011

India Post 17

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40th victory day of Bangladesh celebrated in LA M ZAFAR ULLAH

LOS ANGELES, CA: On a chilly morning of December 18 in "Little Bangladesh" situated on 3rd street and Vermont in Los Angeles, the Bangladeshi community members celebrated the 40th Victory Day or Independence of Bangladesh. Bangladesh attained freedom from Pakistan on December 16, 1971 after a bloody war of Independence. It was an emotional remembrance for the Bangladeshis present to celebrate the Independence Day. Some of the freedom fighters present in the event were weeping both with joy and sorrow because they got Independence but they lost so many of their close family members during the liberation war. The event started with the hoisting of the national flags and the national anthems were played of both the US and Bangladesh. The opening national song was presented by the Grand opening singer Ambassador Annie Gilani. Dr. Rafiq Zaman was the Chief Guest who reminded the Bangladeshis of the precious lives sacrificed to bring in the Independence of Bangladesh. He reminded the new generation to uphold the principles of freedom. He also thanked the organizers of the event to make it successful.

(Left) Tariq Babu and (Right) Deputy Consul General Shahnaz Gazi addressing the Bangladesh Independence Day in Los Angeles.

Shahnaz Gazi, Deputy Consul General of Bangladesh in Los Angeles was the Guest of Honor. She congratulated all the Bangladeshis and wished them joys of freedom. She reminded as Bangladeshis living in North America that "we have the burden of representing the rich heritage and hospitality of our nation." The Mayor of the historic "city of Bell" in Los Angeles, Ali Saleh was also invited as the Special Guest. He conveyed his good wishes and thanked the Bangladeshi community for inviting him to celebrate the Indepen-

dence Day. He also reminded the Bangladeshis that "gaining freedom is not cheap". A nation has to sacrifice immensely to get the

SAN FRANCISCO: The IEEE San Francisco Bay Area Nanotechnology Council has elected its Founder, Mr. Dhaval J. Brahmbhatt as Chairman for 2012. The officers for 2012 include Dr. Geetha Dholakia (Vice-Chair), Mr. Nick Massetti (Secretary), and Dr. Joshua Yang (Treasurer). This prominent and prestigious organization in the field of Nanotechnology in Northern California was established by Mr. Brahmbhatt in 2004 under the umbrella of Institute of Electrical & Electronic Engineers (IEEE) to serve the entire Bay Area. It was duly incorporated as a Chapter of IEEE Nanotechnology Council, a world-wide Nanotechnology organization in June 2006. Mr. Brahmbhatt brings the experience of many years of national and inter-national Nanotechnology involvement in business, academia, and research commercialization. He has been invited by governments of Italy, Korea, Canada, etc. to participate in Nanotechnology and other advanced high-tech delegations. He was a member of the Blue Ribbon Task Force on

Nanotechnology for the State of Californian and was invited to make presentation to the science subcommittee of the US Congress. He has chaired international and US wide Nanotechnology conferences including a very prestigious conference in India.

Dhaval J. Brahmbhatt

Mr. Brahmbhatt has taught Nanotechnology as Adjunct Faculty at Ohlone College and at Santa Clara University Graduate School of Engineering. He has also lectured nationally and internationally on the subject of Nanotechnology including the very well known Physical Research Laboratory in India. He is a serial entrepreneur cur-

Hossain was one of them. He was a young doctor during the Liberation War. He opened a field hospital in his native home town to treat

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have the burden of representing the rich heritage and hospitality of our nation,â&#x20AC;? said Shahnaz Gazi, Deputy Consul General of Bangladesh fruits of freedom. Some of the local Bangladeshi community leaders, including some freedom fighters, also spoke on the occasion. Dr. Moazzam

Brahmbhatt elected Nanotechnology Council Chairman India Post News Service

Mayor of the City of Bell Ali Saleh addressing the Bangladesh Independence Day.

rently heading PHYchip Corporation, a company he founded in the field of commercialization of research in Nanotechnology and Renewable Energy. The IEEE Nanotechnology Council sees its role as an organization that promotes the role of the ENGINEER in commercializing nanotechnology-based research and development. It also advocates continuing education and training for engineers in support of the nanotechnology-enabled convergence of materials technology, biotechnology, and information technology. The organization sponsors monthly educational and professional events, in addition to semi-annual and annual conferences in the field of Nanotechnology. Their speakers include Nobel Prize winners, successful CEO/CTO/VP level leaders from the industry, well known research scientists, government officers from NSF/ NIH, and elected officers in the US Congress. Please visit them at www.ieee.org.nano for additional information serving the entire San Francisco Bay Area in the field of research and commercialization of Nanotechnology

wounded freedom fighters .He remembered with emotion how so many lives could not be saved due to inadequate medical care. He was happy that Bangladesh finally be-

came an Independent nation. Conveners of the Program were Tariq Babu and Mujeeb Sidique. They thanked all the Bangladeshis present to make the event successful. Since this was the second year of the event, they plan to make it next year bigger and better. Later a colorful procession consisting of over 70 cars lined up from "Little Bangladesh" displaying US and Bangladeshi flags and paraded towards the Valley area. It was later joined by more cars in the Valley which finally paraded towards the city of Artesia and concluded in the Victory Day car procession.

Food distribution on Diwali to poor in San Jose

India Post News Service

SAN JOSE: Sant Shri Asaramji Bapu distributes food, clothes and houses in rural and tribal areas every year to brighten their Diwali. This year, On Diwali (Oct 26), Shri Yoga Vedanta Seva Samiti of California also distributed fruit and

sweet-things (kheer, khajur, raisins etc) to the Shelter for Homeless Families and Children in San Jose, California. The shelter hosts about 38 adults and 70 children. Christie Moyer Kelly, coordinator of the San Jose Family Shelter thankfully accepted the donation on behalf of the residents.

TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

1 Ooh La La: The Dirty Picture 2 Saddaa Haq: Rockstar 3 Ishq Sufiyana: The Dirty Picture 4 Kun Faya Kun: Rockstar 5 Subha Hone Na De: Desi Boyz 18

India Post

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December 30, 2011

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

Hai Yeh Maya: Don 2

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

ollywood hunk John Abraham is contemplating engagement in April 2012 with his alleged girlfriend Priya Runchal, a financial analyst. John has not yet divulged who his ladylove is but it is highly speculated that Priya is the lady in question. Couple of months back, John was spotted with Priya and played a very protective boyfriend. He escorted Priya to the event. It is heard that John and Bipasha broke up over marriage issue. Bips wanted to settle down but John was not ready for commitment then. If Priya is John's ladylove then she deserves credit. Bips, even after being John's eight year long girlfriend, failed to convince John for marriage and Priya has been able to convince Priya in a few months of friendship. John is thinking about getting engaged to his supposed girlfriend in April and later this year, he will enter into matrimony.

anjay Dutt owns one. As does music mogul Bhushan Kumar. And now, Imran Khan, with six released films and four hits to his credit, has booked the latest model of Ferrari. The particular model of the Italian sports car that he has booked would be available only next year and would cost him over Rs 3 crore. Imran's publicist confirmed the news, but refused to divulge further details. Imran's parking lot is now a testimony to his passion for hot wheels. Something he shares with the A-listers in the industry. Besides a BMW, which his uncle gifted him in 2008 after his debut, it has a Porsche SUV and a Volkswagen Beetle he gifted his wife last year.

Love of Ferrari

For Imran, the love for Ferrari began on a trip to London. The actor, who was getting a photoshoot done at various heritage locations in the city with photographer Avinash Gowariker fell in love with a vintage model of the car. He in fact, sweet-talked the owner of the car into lending it to him for the shoot. Earlier this year, while shooting for Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, where he had to ride scooters, the actor said in an interview, "From now on, I will only work in films where I have a Ferrari." Talk about aiming high and well.

Bollywood

December 30, 2011

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Hottest jodi!

hah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra are the most sought after pair these days. They have been approached to co-host a major awards show and both have agreed to do it. Apart from this, they've also been approached to do five endorsements together. So expect to see SRK and PC starring in a series of campaigns and commercials in 2012. Currently, they are in the midst of deciding which endorsements to give the nod to.

Bikini look B

ollywood's hottie, Bipasha Basu warns girls that wearing a bikini is not very easy. The actress had to work really hard to get that hot bod for her bikini look in Players. And must say, her look has definitely won her a lot of admiration. The bongshell is all set to release her second fitness DVD, titled Beach Body workout. The actress says, "We have a strong bikini culture but the girls find it hard to pull off the look, as it is tough to wear a bikini, swimsuit is easy though. The DVD is going to give the girls who are already lean, an idea how to go about their lower body." It is heard that Bips had to follow a strict exercise plan that comprised functional training with an abs routine, kick-boxing, cardio, stretching and normal weight training, to get this perfect bikini look. She collaborated with Paul Britto. Also, Bips was asked not to touch sweets.

SEDUCTIVE SONG

onam Kapoor raises the mercury level as she tries to seduce Abhishek Bachchan in a song from her latest film, 'Players'. The song, titled Ladki Hai Nadan, is very unusual and interesting. Abhishek is shown in it praying to the Lord to grant Sonam some common sense. It is a hip-hop number and the song has a resemblance to Katrina Kaif and Saif Ali Khan's raunchy number 'Khwaab Dekhe' from 'Race'. It shows Sonam moving around Abhi and trying to woo him with some foreigners dancing in the background. Abhishek Bachchan was more or less standing still. Directed by AbbasMustan, 'Players' apart from Abhishek and Sonam stars Bipasha Basu, Bobby Deol, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Omi Vaidya.

India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Liquid Comics and Tiger Hill Entertainment announced on Dec 19 the launch of the first four episodes in a 13 episode animated web series from acclaimed filmmaker, John Woo (Mission Impossible 2, Face-Off, Red Cliff). The series is being released exclusively on Machinima, with new batches of episodes to be distributed every two weeks. Machinima is the dominant video entertainment network for serious gamers around the world. The number one entertainment channel on YouTube, Machinima reaches over 118 million viewers monthly, and delivers over one billion video views a month, and growing. The animated series is an adaptation of the graphic novel, "Seven Brothers," created by Woo, with acclaimed writer Garth Ennis and Indian artist Jeevan J. Kang. "For me, working in comics is quite comfortable - it's like the ultimate storyboard. The original Seven Brothers graphic novel, and this new animated comic book series, takes the seed of an idea I had about famous Chinese folklore to a whole new level. It creates a modern, global story, and an art form that is unique and yet, clearly, a brother to the film medium," said creator, John Woo. "We at Machinima are excited to partner with the Liquid team and world-class action directors like John Woo," said Allen DeBevoise, Chairman and CEO of Machinima, Inc. "Because of the strong overlap between the worlds of videogaming and comics, Machinima was the natural distribution outlet for this high-octane animated series, and we hope our global audience of over 118 million viewers will enjoy it. We'll continue to partner with the best creative talent to produce and distribute more and more original content that resonates with the male 18-34 demo." Seven Brothers tells the story of how, six hundred years ago, long before history's great explorers stole the credit for their feats, mighty Chinese treasure fleets set sail to reach every continent. These voyages of discovery left behind an evil legacy and a plot by a powerful Chinese sorcerer to domi-

India Post

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Seven Brothers tells the story of how, six hundred years ago, long before history's great explorers stole the credit for their feats, mighty Chinese treasure fleets set sail to reach every continent. These voyages of discovery left behind an evil legacy and a plot by a powerful Chinese sorcerer to dominate the world nate the world. Now, in modern day Los Angeles, an ancient prophecy must be fulfilled and seven men, with nothing in com-

mon but their destinies, must face the Son of Hell to save the world. "Seven Brothers is a fusion of mythol-

Grand opening of Indian Haweli's new location JS BEDI India Post News Service

SIMI VALLEY: The city's exclusive Indian restaurant moved to its bigger and expanded location Dec18. The management celebrated the day with an open house which began at about noon and continued till late afternoon. A rolling crowd of over 500 people showed up to avail the free food. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 21

The outer facade

December 30, 2011

ogy and edge that only an icon like John Woo and the brilliant creative team behind Seven Brothers could pull off. It exemplifies how the best mythologies constantly transform and re-invent themselves when filtered through the imaginations of great artists," commented Liquid Comics CoFounder, Gotham Chopra. "We are thrilled to work with John Woo and the teams at Machinima and Tiger Hill to bring this exciting story to audiences worldwide through digital platforms," added Liquid Comics Co-Founder & CEO, Sharad Devarajan. "For Liquid, the future of comic books is about jumping from the printed page on to the digital screen and 'John Woo's Seven Brothers' is the perfect project to launch our new line of animated web shows." The animated series can be viewed exclusively online at www.youtube.com/ machinima Tiger Hill Entertainment is John Woo and Terence Chang's collaborative effort to create the kind of explosive entertainment for the transmedia world for which they are known in the feature film and television worlds. Properties include the video game Stranglehold, a sequel to the 1992 film Hard-Boiled starring Chow Yun-fat and produced by Midway Games; the animated feature Ex Machina, the sequel to the 2005 feature anime Appleseed by Shirow Masamune; and the graphic novel 7 Brothers produced alongside Liquid Comics. Next year, a new game app will launch as well as a live action web series.

December 30, 2011

India Post

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Work of non-violence art contest winners exhibited

The three young Indian artists had the honor of receiving their prize money from Canadian High Commissioner to India Stewart Beck

Canadian High Commissioner Stewart Beck congratulating Suraj Sadan, the President of MGIF India Post News Service

NEW DELHI: With an aim to promote non violence and peace especially towards youth, the Mahatma Gandhi International Foundation (MGIF) conducted several initiatives during the NonViolence Week. For the fourth consecutive year, MGIF organized an exhibition and contest on the theme of Non-Violence through which the art work from six young artists was selected from Canada, USA, France and India. On September 30 and October 1, the winners saw their work being exhibited at the Contemporary Art Gallery in Montreal along with the drawings from the artist Suraj Sadan, President MGIF.

Quebec Minister Kathleen Weil, Minister of Cultural Community and Immigration inaugurated the exhibition and presented the awards to young Canadian winners. From November 6-9, an exhibition on the theme of "Exposition Gandhi et activities culturelles" in collaboration with Gopio Fracophone was presented at the Galerie du Foyer Grenelle in Paris which was inaugurated by French National Secretary of Diversity, Mr. Olivier Stirn. From December 6-12, an exhibition in association with India Empire magazine was held at India International Centre in New Delhi showcasing the art work of the winners from 2008-2011.

Canadian High Commissioner Stewart Beck with the Indian Contest Winners at the India International Ceter

In addition, the three young Indian artists had the honor of receiving their prize money from Canadian High Commissioner to India Stewart Beck. The Foundation hopes to extend its activities in future in collaboration with the other organizations promoting non-violence.

Katrina Kaif beats Anna

eaving behind anti-corruption activist Anna Hazare, Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif has emerged as the most searched person online in the country this year, says a report by search engine giant Google. The report released by Google has come up with the topics and persons that Internet users in the country searched the most in 2011. Katrina Kaif topped the chart in the category of 'Top Searched People' online. Hazare came second.

Hazare was at the top position in the category of 'Fastest Rising People', which is the list of people that have gained interest of Internet

users. Strip-fame model Poonam Pandey is second in this list. Among the news items, cricket league IPL tops the chart while the current hot topic in Indian news media 'Lokpal Bill' is the fifth most searched subject online. The Bollywood actress has emerged as the most searched person online in the country this year. In sports, Cricket World Cup 2011 emerged as the most searched sporting event, while Sachin Tendulkar was the most searched sports person.

Grand opening of Indian Haweli's new location

Dalbir Singh and Kiran Kaur Sidhu Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 20

It was a festive day with the eatery all decked up in glitter and balloons. There was a DJ and the

guests were treated to the finest music. Owners Dalbir Singh Sidhu and his wife Kiran Kaur are very ex-

Chef Nirmal Singh

cited about the future. "We have a lot of plans' they said. The restaurant is barely one store away from its old location in

The interior of the restaurant

the same plaza. The current facility has a seating capacity of about 70. There is also a grocery store of the same name next door so it is

pretty much a one stop shop where you can shop and eat. The kitchen crew is headed by Chef Nirmal Singh.

December 30, 2011

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reathtaking vistas, intriguing history, an abundance of tradition, color, and enchantment - this is Kutch, the perfect host for anyone's next vacation. Remote and strange could best sum up the Kutch experience. And yet, the region remains unsurpassed in terms of beauty, exuberance, and color that no one with a taste for adventure, excitement, and the exotic would like to miss. Lying in the westernmost part of Gujarat, Kutch becomes an island where during the monsoon months the Gulf of Kutch is separated from the Kathiawar Peninsula. To the north also, Kutch gets separated from the Sindh region of Pakistan by the great Rann of Kutch. Location: The Kutch area is the home of the last remaining population of khur (Asiatic wild ass) in India. There is also a large bird population, particularly of the large flamingos. Both are protected in the 5,000 km Little Rann Sanctuary, which is approached from Dhangadhra; one has to get permission to enter from the sanctuary superintendent's office in Dhangadhra. Best time to visit: Being in the arid area of the country, the climate of the Kutch region is extreme: hot during summer and very cold during winter. Summer is rather severe in the entire state of Gujarat. The amount of rainfall is very little and during the rainy season also the area experiences scanty rain. As winters are comparatively bearable and pleasant, the best time to visit this place would be between November and March. History: Founded only recently in 1548, Bhuj is the central town of Kutch. It was set up when Khengarij I of the Rao dynasty of Kutch shifted his capital from the town of Anjar. Due to its proximity to the sea, which facilitated trade, a lot of cultural interaction took place. Even today, the city of Bhuj presents exciting amalgams of the Orient and the Occident, especially in terms of architecture. Tourist attractions The picturesque town of Bhuj has a dramatic setting. Located rather low, it is basically an amphitheatre of hills dominated by the Bhuja Hill that rises to a height of 160 m at one end and is in itself a landmark - being flat on top and surmounted by the fortifications of a hill fort. This strategically located fort served the purpose of sighting enemies and alerting defense. An old wall surrounds the city (also made for security reasons). Interestingly, till recently, the city gates were locked each night from dusk to dawn but now entry into Bhuj can be made at any time of the day as the city is always welcoming. Then there is the quaint Kutch Museum - the oldest in Gujarat. Regarded as one of the best, this museum has an excellent collection. Founded in 1877 by Sir James Ferguson, who was Governor of Bombay under the British Raj, the museum was earlier referred to as the Ferguson Museum. This unassuming edifice has been divided into two floors containing a picture gallery, an anthropological section, an archeological section, textiles, weapons, musical instruments, a shipping section, and even stuffed animals. The piece de resistance here is the celestial elephant Airawat made of wood. Yet another that warrants attention is the cannon that was presented by Tipu Sultan to the Kutch rulers in exchange for some horses of the region that are known for their swiftness and vitality. The walls of the main hall are covered with mirrors all around, and except for a narrow strip used for walking, the entire space has been beautifully utilized to form a pleasure pool. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 26

24 India

The Kutch area is the home of the last remaining population of khur (Asiatic wild ass) in India. There is also a large bird population, particularly of the large flamingos

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Travel & Hospitality Post

India Post 25

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Third Dilli Haat to come up at Janakpuri NEW DELHI: A third Dilli Haat to come up at Janakpuri in West Delhi was among eight projects totaling Rs 257 crore approved by the Expenditure Finance Committee of Delhi government. The proposed Dilli Haat, to be spread over 9.80 acres of land, will have craft stalls, amphitheatre, restaurants besides other facilities. The facility will be the third of its kind after Dilli Haat at INA and Pitampura and expected to be commissioned by August 2013. An amount of Rs 81.44 crore has been sanctioned for the project by the EFC presided over by Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit. The EFC cleared three projects of the PWD, two relating to the Transport Department and one each of Higher Education and Tourism department. Dikshit said Dilli Haat at Janakpuri will be the "greenest" and it will have ample parking provisions. It will have a total of 131 craft

'Clean India' campaign launched to woo tourists NEW DELHI: To improve quality of services and provide a hygienic environment in and around tourist destinations across the country, the government has launched the 'Clean India' campaign aimed at attracting more visitors. "The success of the Clean India campaign is crucial to achieve the targeted growth in tourist arrivals during the 12th Plan," said Tourism Minister Subodhkant Sahai at the Clean India campaign workshop here. The campaign emphasizing on sensitization and action at field level comes after the Ministry conducted a survey in some selected sites where it was found that hygiene and sanitation conditions in and around tourist destinations are a big issues with foreign and domestic tourists. Tourism Ministry has set a target of achieving 12 per cent growth during the 12th five-year plan which commences from 2012 in the sector with the aim of attracting six million more foreign tourists. Currently India attracts about 5.7 million foreigners in a year. -PTI

shops, 29 Air conditioned shops, exhibition halls, auditorium, amphitheatre, food courts, museum, coffee home, art gallery and an information centre. Dikshit said the new Haat will also enrich the quality of life in West Delhi.An amount of Rs 89 crore has also been sanctioned to PWD for two projects to improve condition of existing housing colonies colonies for government employees at Timarpur and Gulabi Bagh. The third project of the PWD relates to strengthening of the Mall

Road for which an amount of Rs 26.28 crore has been sanctioned. The EFC has sanctioned an amount of Rs 12.95 crore to transport department for construction of a bus depot near Kushak Nallah near Lodhi road. Another amount of Rs 11.70 will be released for construction of another depot near Sunehri Bagh Nallah. The EFC also sanctioned Rs 33.37 crore to carry out plantation in Asola in Bhati Wild Life Sanctuary and Dera Mandi area. -PTI

7-point program for boosting tourism in TN CHENNAI: In an ambitious program to boost tourism in the state, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa has asked officials to prepare a seven-point program covering various aspects of tourism, allocating Rs 500 crore for this purpose. The seven-point program would cover cruise and helicopter trips, rope car facilities at hill stations, developing rural tourism by way of a village cluster program and infrastructure development among others, a state government release here said. The government would spend Rs 50 crore in developing modern tourist parks on the lines of Sentosa Park in Singapore, at Chennai and Tiruchirappally, it said.

The village cluster tourism would involve creating a cluster of five to seven villages based on the arts and handicrafts of their native land and this plan will cover various rural parts in the state. Besides these measures, tourist circuits with integrated infrastructure development, religious, environmental and heritage tours have to be identified and developed in districts including Madurai, Tirunelveli and Virudhunagar among others over a period of ten years from 20112020, the release said. A sum of Rs 450 crore had been sanctioned for this purpose. Further, road-side amenities will be provided at 25 places on the state and national highways on public-private mode.-PTI

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Kingfisher Airlines joins oneworld alliance India Post News Service

NEW YORK: India's leading private airline Kingfisher Airlines will become part of oneworld with effect from February 2012, adding India's leading carrier to the premier global airline alliance. It will be the first carrier from the subcontinent to join any of the global airline groups - and the first of three airlines to join oneworld in its biggest membership expansion drive for five years, with Airberlin set to follow it on board the alliance shortly afterwards and Malaysia Airlines later in the year. Kingfisher Airlines received its green light to board oneworld this week after successfully completing a thorough review of its readiness conducted by British Airways, which is sponsoring its entry into the alliance, with the oneworld central team. So from February 10, 2012, it will be offering oneworld's full range of services and substantially expanding the alliance's network throughout India, one of the fast-

est growing regions of the world for air travel demand. Oneworld CEO Bruce Ashby said: "Kingfisher Airlines will expand oneworld's network substantially in a key region of growing travel demand, with a carrier that matches our demanding requirements, while enabling Kingfisher Airlines to offer its customers a truly global network on quality partners. We are looking forward to welcoming them to the oneworld alliance in February." Kingfisher Airlines Chairman Vijay Mallya said: "Kingfisher Airlines takes great pride in its track record for quality and in-

novation. By becoming part of oneworld in February, we will be flying as part of the world's leading quality airline alliance - and the first carrier from the subcontinent to be accepted into any of the global airline groups." "Becoming part of oneworld will be one of the most significant steps in Kingfisher

Airlines' history. It will enable us to offer our customers a truly global network served by partners who include some of the best known and most admired airlines in the world, while our King Club frequent flyers will have more opportunities to earn and redeem mileage rewards and enjoy all their other benefits. It will also strengthen us fi-

King Club Platinum, Gold and Silver cardholders will soon be sent new membership cards, bearing the oneworld logo, to ensure they receive their alliance benefits from 10 February nancially, through revenues from passengers transferring to our network from our oneworld partners and the cost reduction opportunities the alliance offers." When Kingfisher Airlines joins, members of its King Club frequent flyer program will be able to earn and redeem mileage awards on all oneworld partners - American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific Airways,

Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, LAN Airlines, MalĂŠv Hungarian Airlines, Qantas, Royal Jordanian, S7 Airlines and almost 20 affiliated airlines. King Club King Platinum cardholders will have oneworld Emerald status with its King Club Gold members enjoying oneworld Sapphire status, gaining them access to more than 550 airport lounges worldwide offered by the alliance's airlines. King Club Silver cardholders will have oneworld Ruby status. King Club Platinum, Gold and Silver cardholders will soon be sent new membership cards, bearing the oneworld logo, to ensure they receive their alliance benefits from 10 February. Also from Feb 10, the 120 million members of the established oneworld airlines' frequent flyer programs will be able to earn and redeem awards and tier status points and receive all other oneworld benefits on Kingfisher Airlines. Its network - currently serving 54 destinations and nine countries - will from then be covered by oneworld's full and extensive range of alliance fares and sales products. It will add more than 40 destinations to the alliance's network, all of them in its India home, which is the world's second most populous market and forecast to be the world's second biggest economy within two decades.

Kutch: Unsurpassed in beauty, exuberance & color Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 24

Fountains are placed in such a manner that they cast their spray in an intricate variety of patterns. Lit by candles and cooled by the gentle ripples of the pool waters, the Maharao and his retinue sat in the space left in the middle as they sought refuge from the glaring heat of the sun. It was here that Maharao Shri Lakhpatji often sat to compose poetry and watch musical performances. It was under his patronage that the classical arts flourished. The Aaina Mahal also contains exquisite specimens of intricately cared embroidered panels, lithographs, cutglass, 18th-century paintings and clocks, one even dating back to 1849. Facing the Aaina Mahal is the City Palace, the lovely architectural gem of Bhuj designed by a Scottish architect called McClelland. While most of it is closed to visitors, the Durbar Hall remains open. A look around reveals a marked European influence with sculptures and carvings typifying the amalgam arts of Bhuj. The most outstanding and marvelous monuments that would delight all visitors to Bhuj are the royal cenotaphs popularly known as chhatris. The villages of the Kutch region specialize in a different form of handicraft, and it would be easy to spend a week visiting some of

them using Bhuj as a base. Due to their proximity to the Pakistan border, you will require a permit signed by the Bhuj District Collector to visit the villages north of Bhuj. The map issued by the Bhuj tourist office lists the villages one can visit with or without permission. Some of the more important villages (and the crafts they specialize in) include Bhujjodi (wool and cotton weaving), Padhar and Dhaneti (Ahir embroidery), Dhamanka (block printing), Lilpur (embroidery) and Anjar (nutcrackers, block printing, and tie and dye). Near the Dattatreya Temple at Kaladoongar (the black hills), which overlooks the spectacular Rann, one can spot some rare species of white foxes that would delight wildlife lovers. These beautiful, frisky animals staying in the wild respond to the call of the temple priest as he beats a steel plate yelling "langa" to suggest that food has been laid out for them. Although jeeps and cars can easily go up the steep path to the Devi Temple that is perched right up on the Black Hills, climbing gives an opportunity to admire the scenery around. Also, remember that the temple priest's hospitality is not for the foxes alone but extends to all visitors as he generously distributes pauwa from the temple kitchens. Lying close to the beach near

Bhuj is the Vijay Vilas Palace that was the summer retreat of the Maharaos of Kutch. Crowned by elegant chhatris (cenotaphs), this sandstone-hued edifice was built in the 1930s. A flight of steps leads up to the

his wedded queens but only his loyal companions. Adept in music and dancing, these veeranganas entertained royal guests and, when required, even served as spies in the courts of political rivals. Fairs & festivals: From the first day of the Kutch

Near the Dattatreya Temple at Kaladoongar (the black hills), which overlooks the spectacular Rann, one can spot some rare species of white foxes that would delight wildlife lovers grandest of chhatris that stands on a lofty platform. This is the place where fifteen veeranganas (brave women) who belonged to the court of Maharao Lakhpat committed jauhar (self-immolation) after his death. What is surprising to learn is that none of these women were

Fair, the air is charged with festivity as Bhuj reverberates with a thousand colors. Enthralling opportunities are offered to visit the surrounding areas - even to the interiors of Kutch to give visitors a glimpse of the simple lifestyle of the tribals there. The artistic cre-

ativity of the people residing in the area called Bhuga can be seen at every corner - how they use vegetable colors to create wonderful designs on the walls, and further decorating them with mirrors and beads. On the last day of the fair that coincides with the Shivaratri festival, a grand fair is also organized at Dhang where local people, dressed in colorful, traditional costumes, congregate to pay homage at the shrine to Mekan Dada, which incidentally, or rather curiously, has a Shivalinga on its premises. A little away, in an open field, much excitement prevails where competitions are organized-camel, horse, and bullock races and the much-loved kushti (wrestling) bouts. How to reach: There are two options to get into Kutch, the headquarters of the region-either by road or by air from Ahmedabad. But to enjoy the grand spectacle of territories wild and primordial, the former option would be better for the visitors. Air - Bhuj, the main town of Kutch has daily flights from Bombay, which take about 40 minutes to reach. Rail - Kutch Express is available from Bombay via Ahmedabad up to Gandhinagar. From here, one can reach this destination by road. Road - State transport buses are available from Ahmedabad.

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India Post December 30, 2011 27 December 30, 2011

Video games to promote non-violence RAMESH SOPARAWALA

CHICAGO: The American Institute of Sindhulogy (AIS) has recently joined forces with Smart TV Stars (STVS ) to beef up its Nonviolence Initiative, a community-based pilot program in Evanston, a north side suburb of Chicago, which stops the bullying and shooting before it happens by opening young hearts and minds to the bigger world through education and travel. Dial Gidwany, the AIS founder president said that he has chalked up a plan with an Evanston based real estate businessman and community activist Steven Lome to take one step further and touch the problem at the grass root level through developing video games that would target the children and youth to create awareness that violence begets hatred and does not pay in the long run AIS launched its Nonviolence Initiative in response to the 2009 murder of Darien Albert, a Chicago high school student caught in the crossfire of gang violence. . AIS wrote letters to President Obama, U.S. Secretary of Education Arnie Duncan U.S. Attorney General Eric Holderand Illinois Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky recommending a different approach to nonviolent education. In response, Duncan and Holder paid visit to Evanston and Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky extended her whole hearted support to the program. Steven Lome has taken a more active

interest in AIS program and its mission to promote understanding across cultural borders. In a talk to this paper, he said that he was initially attracted to this program because of Dial, an amazing man who at 85 is still very active and passionately committed to leaving the world a better place for kids. This was followed with Dial expressing great interest in a TV production that videotaped older folks and their stories as a keepsake for future generations. Dial saw an opportunity - through the production company - to raise the public profile of AIS and its twofold mission of

promoting awareness of the ancient Sindhu-Saraswati Civilization and the Nonviolence Initiative. "This was all new to me, and I was intrigued. I started to learn about an early civilization that developed along the banks of the Indus River, which was contemporaneous with those of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. I'm now reading "The Return of the Aryans," an epic novel by Bhagwan Gidwani based on 18 years of exhaustive historical research. Sindhu is not only the home of Om, Namaste, Yoga, Hinduism and the Vedas, but also of ahimsa, the Indian con-

Sindhu is not only the home of Om, Namaste, Yoga, Hinduism and the Vedas, but also of ahimsa, the Indian concept of nonviolence

cept of nonviolence that respects the feelings and sensitivities of all living things," Steven said. The concept of non violence, he observed, needs to be spread across the world and the starting point could be nonviolent video games and possibly a movie of TV drama based on the themes introduced in Return of the Aryans. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 30

India Post December 30, 2011

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The Demo-crazy in India RAM KONDURI

he latest events in India have forced everyone in the world to think about the credibility of the government's function and the democracy in our country - what kind of coordination and understanding exists between people and elected representatives at large. Being an IT consultant in Chicago, my interest is not to criticize my own motherland, but I feel pain in my heart to see how the political system functions, and how the present politicians run the government. India is going though a tough time in all fronts viz politically, financially, in administration, security, culturally and as a system in general. The country runs on three 'Cs' - Cast, Corruption and Crime. Most of

the political parties have some form or the other of all three. The biggest question in India is whether the real democracy is for the people or for the political class. A very interesting outcome was that during the Anna Hazare movement on anticorruption, people came out on the streets. They demanded the government to stop corruption and to function in the best interests of the people. After much hue and cry the Lokpal Bill has been taken up for consideration. If Parliament decides to reconvene, the controversial bill might see the light of the day. But the draft bill has so many amendments that it is hard to say when the bill might actually be passed.

In spite of the best talent in the world as a county we are still a developing country. Free and fair election is the backbone of true democracy. Let us understand election figures. As everyone knows the average percentage of people, who participate in any election is 55-60 percent. Rigging is prevalent in every part of election. It is extremely difficult to mention what percentage but the final winner normally polls approximately 15% of the total votes. If we add the rigging percentage to the absentee percentage it would be approximately 5560%. These numbers indicate very clearly that a major percentage of people don't trust the existing system. If you ask a question to a common voter, he/she would say no

Ram Konduri

matter who wins the situation would remain the same for the common man. If a majority of the people don't trust the system, there are two major reasons: First who is the credible candidate to vote, and second how credible is the voting process. We all know what kind of politicians stand in elections and how they come to power. The second issue is the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM). Many concerns have been raised by various parties about its credibility. I had an opportunity to meet Mr. Hari Prasad on his visit to Chicago. Prasad was in limelight for sometime to expose the lacuna of India's EVM and he proved to the world that EVM used by Election Commission of India can be hacked very easily. Any party who can manage the situation can win the election. The new anti-corruption movement could kindle the hopes of a clean administration, which was lost during 64 years of India's Independence. I wish to present an idea which generated in Oct. 2003 in Hyderabad, India. Honestly, I shared the same thought process with Lok Satta an NGO. I think Mr. Jay Prakash had his own agenda. Later on Oct. 22 this year, I shared the same thought with Mr. Prashant Bhushan of Team Anna, and forwarded the mail to Anna Ji. Let me share the same with you all. Critical need for a true democracy: 1How can we find honest and capable politicians to enter the Parliament? 2- How can the election be 100% free and cost effective? I wish to share the first step. The second step is a technical solution which I can communicate once I apply for a patent and the product is ready for presentation. Let me discuss the solution 1. Form an eminent group of individuals with impeccable record in terms of academics, experience, work history, and personal life with selfless service. 2. The group will be responsible to conduct the competition. 3. Conduct an open competition in each constituencies called " want to be an MP" with certain parameters • Age 35 -55 • Education - Professional or PG • Work experience - min 5 years of experience. • Expertise in public domain area related to his education Cont’d on page 30

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Video games to promote non-violence Cont’d from page 27

Annie, an artist, who is working on the games with me. We plan to meet a few Indian game developers while we're there, but more importantly we'd like to experience

nonviolent education. We're also asking for their financial support to build the Nonviolent Initiative, so we can take it to their communities. . I'm kind of like the

"Violence is not the problem. It's the symptom. The problem is lack of empathy and understanding. When kids are encouraged to learn tolerance for opposing pointsof-view. there will be less bullying and shooting". he added Steven talked to a number of his teacher friends seeking the best way to ingrain the concept into the minds of kids. He asked a teacher friend, Virginia, "where do kids learn conflict resolution, if not at home or in the classroom." Came the quick answer "On the playground," and this planted a seed in his mind- Why not teach history and nonviolence through play? Dial Gidwany and Steven Lome "This induced him to develop games based ‘I will be traveling with my friend, Annie, an artist, who is working on "The Return of the on the games with me. We plan to meet a few Indian game developers Aryans," which reads like the script from an while we're there, but more importantly we'd like to Indiana Jones movie, experience India firsthand,’ with the goal of encouraging kids to dephysicist looking for a unifying theory velop their own moral compass and make India firsthand," he said. the right choices through play. They also look forward to a great deal of which explains the universe. I'm looking Steven Lome and Dial are planning a trip support from the Indian American commu- for the thread which connects the ahimsa to India in the near future and a series of nity here. "We'd like to encourage the Ameri- of the ancients, the pragmatic nonviolence meetings with video game entrepreneurs are can Indian community to channel some of of Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King, and planned to take the concept to its next logi- its concern through the AIS website and the call for bully free schools," he said at cal step. "I will be traveling with my friend, learn more about Return of the Aryans and the end.

India Post December 30, 2011

The Democrazy in India Cont’d from page 27

• Physical fitness • Ethics • Problem solving skills • Visionary / Innovative • Human relation / Patriotism • Study on one Government department - problems and solutions - Project report • Willing to serve the nation… • Etc., The exam will include a written test as well as a test on problem solving skills followed by oral interview and a test on executing real time project ( The test has to be based on the parameters mentioned above ... not a memory test. no reservation- absolute quality) 4. Select minimum of 3 good capable individuals from each constituencies and declare them as winners. 5. The winners can join the existing political party or form a new political party with likeminded group. 6. The competition will be conducted one in 5 years. With the following steps we can find a good candidate for whom one can vote. Around 60% of the people who don't trust the present politicians can participate in the election process. A true democracy can be achieved. I hope and trust these credible MPs will do justice to nation at large. If true democracy is not restored the country will go back from independence to invisible slavery. Let us make our small effort to serve the motherland. (Ram Konduri is an IT Consulant in Chicago) feedback : konduriram@gmail.com

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India Post December 30, 2011

India Development Foundation: A catlayst for better India KRISHNA ARATHI

o you feel compassion towards people in need? Do you want to make a difference in the society? Do you want to initiate a change? Do you want to be a part of the inclusive development of India? If your answer to the above questions is yes, then there would not be a better agency than the recently set up India Development Foundation that acts as a catalyst helping any person of Indian origin to contribute towards the development of India in a con-

structive and transparent manner. IDF is a not-for-profit trust registered by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs and it seeks to provide a credible window for Overseas Indian Philanthropy in India's Social development. The prime objective is to facilitate philanthropic activities by Overseas Indians including through innovative projects and instruments such as micro credit for rural entrepreneurs, self help groups for economic empowerment of

women, best practice interventions in pri- dian Diaspora is interested in India's demary education and technology interven- velopment and in playing a role in it, it is a tions in rural health care delivery way for the Indian government to focus The trust would be exempt from the pro- attention on crucial issues by encouraging visions of FCRA under Section 31 of the them to invest in the country. An attempt Act. The foundation will subject all phil- has been made through IDF to provide an anthropic activities to International Ac- organized one stop credible window for counting Standards and diasporas philanthropic through objective criteria investment in India. encourage credible partThere are four priority nerships with national and areas of IDF: Health care international level NGOs (Non-communicable disfor effective project impleeases), Livelihood (Water mentation across causes and Energy), Empowerand geographies in India. ment of Women, (Rural) IDF would act as a credEducation (target school ible mediating link between drop outs). the donor and the impleIDF has distinct advanmenting agency, at one tage over many similar Krishna Arathi hand providing complete agencies and they are: It support to the donor in fulis an independent not for filling his philanthropic purpose of contrib- profit trust established by the Ministry of uting towards the cause close to his/her heart Overseas Indian Affairs, it is exempted from while at the same time overseeing the imple- FCRA regulations, it is a credible trust with mentation of the project along with ensuring complete transparency and accountability timely back reporting and accountability. and it maintains a constant connect beIn an era of accelerated globalization, the tween the donor and the cause. Besides, relationship between Diaspora and the eco- there is no administrative/execution cost nomic and social development of many involved for the funding association or incountries is increasingly relevant. The In- dividual and ensures a partnership with dian Diaspora, with over 25 million across credible registered NGO's in the country. 150 countries are shaping the global IDF would facilitate electronic transfer of economy and politics in significant ways. funds directly to the NGO of the donor's According to the World Bank remittances choice located within India and will country profile, India received the highest addresse the needs of retail donors also remittance that is US $ 53,131 million of There are different ways of utilizing the which official development assistance was IDF services and they are : the highest sector for fund flow. â&#x20AC;˘ Donate/Pledge: Make a change by conDiaspora philanthropy has grown dra- tributing a certain amount of money or matically in the twentieth century, organiz- pledge towards any of the above or a cause ing itself beyond the scope of providing closer to your heart. You could take up a relief funds for natural disasters to become particular issue and identify various methone of the most important financial and ods of fund raising to contribute towards social resources to developing countries. the cause. For example, you could organize However, most of the time one comes a baseball, volleyball etc tournament and across the individual excellencies by the contribute the proceeds towards the cause. Diaspora people in terms of donation and Also some simple activities such as giving services offered to their community, con- up soda, coffee or fast food for a week and tribution to the institute as an Alumni etc. contributing that amount towards the But the real organized efforts are yet to pledged cause. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 33 develop in India. Recognizing that the In-

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India Post December 30, 2011

Trinidad & Tobago PM to be Chief Guest at PBD FRANK FERNANDES

MUMBAI: The 10th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) will be held from 7-9 January, 2012 at Birla Auditorium in Jaipur and expectations are that there would be over 1500 delegates from across the world participating in the Minister for Overseas Indian event Affairs Vayalar Ravi One of the biggest highlights besides the huge presence of Pravasi Bhartiya Samman Awards. overseas Indians, is that the first He also informed that two preever woman Prime Minister of conference seminars on 'Solar Trinidad and Tobago Ms Kamla Energy- Investment' and R&D' Persad Bissessar would attend and 'Social Entrepreneurship-Wathe event. ter' will also be organized during Vayalar Ravi, the Minister of the event. Overseas Indian Affairs and Civil Expecting over 1500 delegates Aviation, announced that Ms participating in PBD-2012 from all Kamla Persad will be the Chief over the world, the Minister said Guest of PBD-2012 that Government and that the theme is making efforts of PBD-2012 is to make PBD more "Global Indian-Inmeaningful and clusive Growth". interactive event He further said that that would adRajasthan will be dress issues and the partner State of concerns of the the 10th PBD, overseas Indian which would procommunity effecvide the Indian Prime Minister of Trinidad and tively. He also anTobago Ms Kamla Persad Diaspora an oppornounced that the tunity to underevent would be webcast online stand the vibrant culture and po- and summary of proceedings put tential of State. out each day. The interactive Ravi said that Prime Minister website would provide an opporManmohan Singh will inaugurate tunity for the Diaspora to particithis annual flagship event of the pate in the conference from any Ministry on January 8, and the corner of the world. On the occaPresident Pratibha Devisingh Patil sion, he also launched the PBD will deliver the valedictory ad- website-www.pbdindia.org. dress on January 9 and confer the According to Rajendra Pareek

India Development Foundation: A catlayst for better India Cont’d from page 32

• Volunteer: You may wish to get actively involved in working for your sector of interest. In such a case you could choose to be a volunteer in India for a period of 2 weeks or above experiencing hands on project implementation while contributing towards your philanthropic cause. • Share your skills: You may provide your expertise in any of the areas of priority or others and help develop a knowledge network. For example, the doctor may over the internet help develop better health care delivery systems or suggest precautionary measures particularly relevant in that geographic area. • Social entrepreneur: Be the change you want to see! Initiate a social entrepreneurial venture towards a cause close to your heart, where you have the passion to bring about a difference and be a part of that process at every level. Develop a sustainable social

model of investment that can motivate other individuals to come and join the league of social entrepreneurs. IDF Trust has a Board of Trustees and a Management Committee Chairman (Minister MOIA), Vice Chair Secretary MOIA, twelve members including four eminent Indians abroad and Secretary CEO. The Board provides a broad policy framework for the programs and activities of the trust in consonance with the objectives of the trust. The management committee overseas the day to day working of the trust and maintains an active link between the donor, the implementing partner and the government organization. For any further queries, please write to India Development Foundation of Overseas Indians (A registered trust under Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs) F5, Kailash Colony, New Delhi110048. Arathi Krishna works at Indian Embassy, Washington DC

the Minister of Industries, NRIs and State Enterprises of Rajasthan, the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is an effort to bring Indian Diaspora on one platform, which expresses the concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. He also extended all kind of support and cooperation from Rajasthan Government to make the 10th PBD successful. Dr. A. Didar Singh, Secretary, Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs and Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, Confederation of Indian Industry CII, have been

active in organizing nership, a coalition the event. of five parties, Ms. Kamla formed for the genPersad Bissessar is eral election of 24 the the seventh May 2010. She was person to hold this the first woman to position. She was serve as Attorney sworn in as Prime General, acting Minister on May 26, Prime Minister, 2010 and is the Leader of the Oppocountry's first fesition of Trinidad Rajsthan Minister male Prime Minister. and Tobago. She Rajendra Pareek She is the political became political leader of the United National Con- leader of the United National Congress and leads the People's Part- gress and Opposition in 2010.

Health

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Experiment to improve medicare for seniors BOSTON: Five networks of doctors and hospitals in eastern and central Massachusetts have joined a Medicare national experiment to improve care for seniors, and hopefully save taxpayers money as well. Officials announced that the Massachusetts networks are among 32 groups around the country that are becoming Pioneer Accountable Care Organizations, or ACOs. The networks will take a coordinated approach to medicine so that risks like high blood pressure and elevated blood sugars are managed better and patients get help leading a healthier lifestyle. The networks will be eligible for financial rewards if they improve care and lower costs. -AP

Health officials confirm Arizona's 1st flu cases MESA, Ariz.: Arizona health officials have confirmed the state's first two flu cases this season. The Arizona Department of Health Services and the Maricopa County Department of Public Health say influenza was confirmed via state lab testing in a woman in her early 70s and a man in his late 30s. Both are recovering. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone 6 months and older get the flu vaccine. As always, this year's flu vaccine protects against three different flu viruses - an H3N2 virus, an influenza B virus and an H1N1 virus. -AP

North Dakota sheep producers get help against virus BISMARCK, ND: North Dakota sheep producers can now use insecticide-treated cattle ear tags to protect their animals from a serious mosquito-borne disease. State Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring has given a special registration to Y-TEX Corp. that allows sheep producers to use the PYthon insecticide cattle ear tags to better control mosquitoes that carry the Cache Valley virus. Goehring says there were virus outbreaks across the state last year. He says the virus can cause abortions, stillbirths, and weak and abnormal lambs. No effective treatments or vaccines are available. Producers who use the cattle ear tags on sheep must follow certain rules. -AP

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December 30, 2011

Judge approves deal on disabled in nursing homes CHICAGO: A federal judge has approved a settlement that could help thousands of disabled, lowincome Illinois residents move out of nursing homes. Details on page 36

Ambika Sharma is AAPI's first Capitol Hill Medical Fellow India Post News Service

NEW YORK: American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) has successfully launched its new Capitol Hill medical fellowship program that seeks to place fourth-year medical students in bipartisan congressional offices to assist with healthcare research and policy work. "This new initiative enables the next generation of AAPI members to understand the legislative process and develop a better understanding of how Congress approaches issues in our current health care system," said Dr. Sunita Kanumury, AAPI president. "We are pleased to announce the launch of this new program, and hope to see its popularity grow," said Dr. Kanumury. AAPI has selected several fourth-year medical students for its inaugural Capitol Hill medical fellowship program. Selected candidates have excelled at their

curricular work, performed medical research, and have work experience in the health care arena. They will be placed in a congressional office to help them gain a better understanding of how Congress approaches health care reform and will receive a stipend during their fellowship, she said. The first recipient of the fel-

Congress has been great," said Sharma. "I've attended hearings, met with the Surgeon General of the United States Dr. Regina Benjamin, performed legislative research on Medicare Part D, Medicare SGR, acute care rehab facilities, and reviewed cancer research. AAPI's Capitol Hill medical fellowship has been fascinating and a great learning experience."

'By opening this new door for AAPI medical students, we hope they will gain invaluable insight into the inner workings of Congress' lowship was Ambika Sharma, a fourth-year medical student from George Washington University in Washington, D.C, who recently completed her fellowship in the office of U.S. Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC), who sits on one of the committees with jurisdiction over health care policy in the US House of Representatives. "My experience working in

"Taking my medical knowledge and experience on the wards, and then applying that in the policy setting, has been really educational. I highly recommend the program to other medical students and appreciate this new opportunity that AAPI has opened up for us," added Sharma. "I am honored to be the first member of Congress to participate in AAPI's Capitol Hill medi-

cal fellowship program," said US Congressman Joe Wilson. "This program enables members of Congress to receive health care input from future physicians and gives these future doctors insight into the legislative process. It's a win-win for everyone involved, and I am honored to participate," Wilson said. "By opening this new door for AAPI medical students, we hope they will gain invaluable insight into the inner workings of Congress, teaching them a new skill set in understanding how the actions of Congress can dramatically impact our practices and livelihoods," said Dr. VijayaLakshmi Appareddy, chair of AAPI's legislative committee. Prior to attending medical school, Sharma performed a oneyear fellowship at Oxford University with a concentration in Neuroscience and Psychology and received her undergraduate degree from George Washington University. Cont’d from page 35

Luther L Terry Award for Dr Mira B Aghi BOBBY RAMAKANT

ne of the most respected and senior tobacco control advocates Dr Mira B Aghi has been chosen to be conferred upon the 2012 Luther L Terry Award, for her outstanding community service. Dr Aghi has been on the forefront of the fight against the big tobacco. She has led the tobacco control movement in India and also been involved with tobacco control Internationally. Putting the spotlight on the impact of tobacco use upon young girls and women was one of the passions for Dr Mira B Aghi. Young girls and women were particularly targeted by the tobacco industry in a mosaic of deceptive ways and Dr Aghi had persistently raised an alarm to save them from tobacco use. She is also one of the first group

of people in India that had come together to forge a national alliance which today is known as the Advocacy Forum for Tobacco

prestigious award at a ceremony during the 15th World Conference on Tobacco or Health in Singapore (March 2012).

Young girls and women were particularly targeted by the tobacco industry in a mosaic of deceptive ways and Dr Aghi had persistently raised an alarm to save them from tobacco use Dr Mira B Aghi

Control (AFTC). She serves as a senior Adviser to AFTC - a pan India civil society coalition on tobacco control. Dr Mira B Aghi will receive this

This is what Dr Aghi said in her CNS article (July 2011): "The risk from tobacco smoking is even bigger than previously thought. Smoking causes 10% of 10 million

deaths per year from all causes in India. It may soon account for 20% of all male deaths and 5 % of all female deaths between the ages of 30 and 69.Men who smoke bidis shorten their lives by six years and those who smoke cigarettes lose about ten years of life. It is not just death but the diseases, the disability and the dilapidation that smoking causes that is truly worrisome and worrying." Dr Aghi is a noted Behavioural Scientist and Communication Expert. Dr Aghi's work has focused on intervention research and advocacy in India and internationally, including South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Eastern and Southern Africa. She was the first woman from Asia to be awarded the WHO Gold Medal on Tobacco Control in 1989 and is a tireless advocate for tobacco control across various sectors including Parliamentarians.

December 30, 2011

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Stein calls White House 'a danger to women's health' India Post News Service

r. Jill Stein, MD, the Green Party presidential candidate, has strongly criticized an action by Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Kathleen Sebelius taking the unprecedented step of overruling the Food and Drug Administration's decision to expand access to the Morning After Pill (MAP).

Dr. Jill Stein

"The Obama administration is clearly more concerned about political battle over access to contraceptives during an election year than the health of millions of women in the U.S.," said Stein, a graduate of and former faculty member at Harvard Medical School. "This decision should have

been based on science and women's right to health care, not appeasement of birth control opponents. Once again, the Obama Administration has shown its willingness to sacrifice principle for political expediency, and the result is a further restriction on the right of women to control our own bodies," added Stein.

decided that the prescription requirement for women under 17 should be removed. This meant that millions of young women could get the pill over-the-counter without going through a doctor. This change would benefit all women - the pill would no longer be stuck "behind-the-counter." "The fight for accessing emer-

Stein noted that the new health law already restricts access to private health insurance policies that cover abortion The FDA's review of the scientific evidence and 60 national medical groups recommended that MAP be available without a prescription. Women in more than 46 other countries can get MAP without a prescription. Experts say there is no medical basis for refusing women access to MAP based on age. The Morning-After Pill is a safe and effective form of contraception that can prevent pregnancy after sex. It can be taken within 5 days of sex, is most effective when taken within 24 hours and can reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy by up to 89% percent, according to www.not-2-late.com. On December 7, 2011, the FDA

gency contraceptives is a fight to access health care, something Democrats and Republicans alike restrict by refusing to implement a national, publicly-funded universal health care system," added Stein, a long-time advocate for a single payer, expanded and improved Medicare for All program. Stein also took aim at the threatened Obama decision to restrict coverage of basic birth control under the Affordable Care Act. "It is astounding that the President is considering expansion of a sweeping refusal clause that allows predominantly secular colleges and hospitals with religious affiliations to deny birth control coverage for students

and employees. This would take reproductive health back into the 19th Century." Stein noted that the new health law already restricts access to private health insurance policies that cover abortion. If the new law is fully implemented, it will be impossible for some women to choose a health insurance plan that covers abortion without paying an additional fee, and some companies can refuse to offer plans that cover abortion completely. Stein pointed out that the opposition by both the Obama White

House and both parties in Congress to making health care a universal right - like the rest of the industrialized world - actually contributes to a higher rate of abortion. Abortions are obviously unnecessary when women have unimpeded access to birth control and can prevent unintended pregnancy in the first place. In countries with single payer health care for all programs, where family planning and abortion services are free and more accessible than in America, abortion rates are actually significantly lower than in the United States.

Ambika Sharma is AAPI's first Capitol Hill Medical Fellow Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 34

Sharma has worked at the Massachusetts Department of Health and Human Services; Allegheny General Hospital Division of Pediatric Cardiology; University of Pittsburgh; National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke; George Washington University's Departments of Emergency Medicine and Psychology; and at a health care clinic in Rajasthan, India. She is a member

of AAPI's medical students, residents and fellows section, serving as the chair of its legislative committee. Additional recipients of AAPI's Capitol Hill medical fellowship program have been selected and AAPI is in the process of finalizing their placement in congressional offices. More details will be announced once the placement of these candidates has been finalized, Dr. Kanumury said.

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December 30, 2011

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Judge approves deal on disabled Groups ask to nix Bowl cigar sponsor Camacho in nursing homes CHICAGO: A federal judge has approved a settlement that could help thousands of disabled, lowincome Illinois residents move out of nursing homes. The case, the last of three similar class-action lawsuits to be resolved, represents another step in a sweeping transition in housing choices for low-income disabled and mentally ill people in the state. U.S. District Judge Joan Humphrey Lefkow approved the deal at a hearing in Chicago, settling claims that Illinois violates the civil rights of people with disabilities by not giving them housing choices. ``The courtroom erupted in applause when the judge said she was going to approve it,'' said Patti Werner, an attorney for Access Living, an advocacy group for the disabled that filed the lawsuit in 2007, along with other groups. ``Now it's time to roll up our sleeves and get to work. It's going to take a lot to implement this.'' Next, attorneys for Illinois and the advocacy groups will recommend a monitor to oversee the implementation of the agreement. The state will spend $10 million on housing for at least 1,100 Cook

County nursing home residents in the deal's first stage. More people will be helped later. The lawsuit is one of a trio of suits all now settled involving housing for mentally ill and disabled adults in Illinois. Earlier this year, a judge approved a similar deal affecting

The state will spend $10 million on housing for at least 1,100 Cook County nursing home residents in the deal's first stage 6,000 disabled adults living in privately operated care facilities and 3,000 adults living at home with aging parents and other family members. Last year, in the first of the cases to be settled, a judge approved an agreement involving 4,500 people with mental illness who live in specialized nursing homes. Settling the cases has been a

priority for Gov. Pat Quinn, said Quinn spokeswoman Brie Callahan. ``The governor committed to resolving these lawsuits when he took office, and today's decree allows Illinois to move forward and increase opportunities and independence for our state's elders and residents with disabilities,'' Callahan said in an email. Advocates for the disabled said Illinois' long practice of supporting institutional care and underfunding alternatives like supportive housing violates the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Olmstead decision. In 1999, the Supreme Court ruled in Olmstead that unjustified institutionalization of people with disabilities was illegal discrimination. The settlement in the current case outlines how Illinois will provide housing assistance and other money to help with security deposits, to build wheelchair ramps and to make other modifications to homes to make them more accessible to the disabled. Nursing home residents will be evaluated by qualified professionals to determine what help they would need to live more independently. -AP

RICHMOND, Virginia: Several public health organizations are calling on the Orange Bowl and the NCAA to pull a three-year deal with Camacho Cigars, saying tobacco promotions like the Florida cigar company's sponsorship of the football games have no place in sports and shouldn't be allowed under federal tobacco marketing restrictions. The Campaign for TobaccoFree Kids, the American Cancer Society and eight other groups sent a letter to game organizers and officials with the collegiate athletic group that raised concerns over the deal. The move by the public health groups is the latest in a push to get tobacco out of sports. The Camacho Cigars sponsorship includes a large presence at several game-day events for the maker of Camacho and Baccarat The Game cigars, including lounges where fans can light up. The agreement is for the 20122014 Orange Bowl games and the 2013 BCS National Championship. This year's game in South Florida will be played Jan. 4 between Clemson and West Virginia. ``The association of cigar smoking with one of the nation's top col-

legiate sporting events sends the wrong message to impressionable young fans and helps market cigars as athletic, masculine and cool,'' the groups wrote in the letter. ``Linking tobacco use to sports also downplays the serious health risks of tobacco products.'' In the letter, the groups say cigars are just as dangerous as any other tobacco use, which is responsible for about 443,000

The groups say cigars are just as dangerous as any other tobacco use, which is responsible for about 443,000 deaths a year in the US deaths a year in the U.S. In some cases, the groups say cigars have higher toxins, tar and cancer-causing chemicals. A 2009 law gave the Food and Drug Administration authority to regulate tobacco products like cigarettes and smokeless tobacco, including restrictions on marketing like using brand names to sponsor athletic, musical, social and cultural events. -AP

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GRAS Academy & Dell Foundation to promote skills & vocational education India Post News Service

NEW DELHI: The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation (MSDF) is making an equity investment in GRAS Academy, a pioneer in imparting vocational education and skill development. As part of the strategic collaboration, GRAS Academy, supported by the Dell family foundation aims to train and assist with job placement of 1.3 million youth - many of whom are school drop-outs and from underprivileged backgrounds - in different trades across the country, over a 10-year period. GRAS Academy is an ISO 9001:2008 certified company and a pioneer in the field of vocational skills training industry in India. The academy has been successfully conducting training programs to enhance youth employability and skill development, with the aim of improving the lives of thousands of underserved youth across India. The collaboration will also bring international quality standards to the Indian vocational and skill set curricula,

through the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation's global expertise. Mr. Ajay Swarup and Mr. Gautam Sen Gupta, Founders and Directors of GRAS Academy; Mr Debasish Mitter, Portfolio Direc-

Mr. Gautam Sen Gupta, Gras Academy, said, "It gives us immense pleasure to be associated with the Michael &Susan Dell Foundation. India has a growing pool of youth who would require

ment centres will create entrepreneurs out of these youth, increase their income generation potential, leverage their prior education and personal talent, and motivate them to participate in productive activity."

Through this collaboration, GRAS and the Dell family foundation want to enhance the livelihoods at the bottom of the pyramid L-R: Ajay Swarup, Gautam Sen Gupta (Founders & Directors GRAS Academy)

tor, Education and Mr Satyam Darmora, Program officer, Michael & Susan Dell Foundation; Mr Tahsin Zahid, CEO-GRAS Academy; and Mr. Arindam Lahiri Executive Director were present on the occasion to announce the collaboration.

skill development and up-gradation training in line with industry needs thus reducing the gap for needed skilled manpower. We hope and believe that through our extensive experience and the Dell family foundation's support, the GRAS skill training and employ-

Through this collaboration, GRAS and the Dell family foundation want to enhance the livelihoods at the bottom of the pyramid by ensuring relevant and quality skill education for youth across urban and semi-urban areas of the country. The target trainees will primarily be those who have not had

the opportunity to study beyond the 8th, 10thor 12thstandards. Mr Debasish Mitter, speaking on the occasion said, "The mission of the Dell family foundation is to transform the lives of children living in urban poverty. In that context, we share a common desire to enable underserved and unemployed youth exit poverty by acquiring skills that allow them to enter trades and vocations of modern India. GRAS Academy is a leader in this space and has already set up 18 centers across India to train unemployed youth in industry-relevant job skills and has also successfully provided them with placements." "The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation's equity investment will help with significantly scaling up the current operations of GRAS Academy, and will enable high quality training to be offered in retail, information technology/ IT-enabled services, banking, financial services, insurance and education sectors through 325 GRAS Academy centres overtime", he further added.

Villagers oppose 'development' in sacred forest India Post News Service

NEW DELHI: A 500-hectare forest in the Aravallis, revered by the villagers of Mangar in Faridabad (near Delhi), faces destruction as the Haryana government has decided to permit development in this area. Although the villagers have risen up in arms against this decision, there are fears that they would ultimately succumb to the greed of real estate developers and government officials. Not only is the forest sacred, botanists and historians consider it one of the last surviving specimens of the 'original' Ridge vegetation. Even forest department officials admit that it is a virgin forest where not a single sapling has ever been planted. The plan has also kicked up a storm in official circles with the forest department reportedly complaining to the town and country planning department (DTCP) and the local deputy commissioner about not being consulted at the drafting stage. The forest department has also pointed out that the proposed development plan does not conform to Supreme Court decisions on protecting the Aravallis. In the recent past, residents have reported tree felling in the

forest and also complained about land buyers moving in to take possession of their plots. While many villagers themselves have gained from the unexpected rise in property prices as a result of the plan, they too are opposed to any development in the sacred part of the forest. Like the Bishnois of Rajasthan, who are known to

away wood for cooking from here saw his kitchen burn down," says the petition signed by the villagers. Online petition Meanwhile, activists from around the world have floated an online petition for protecting forests in the Aravallis. Mission Gurgaon Development (MGD), a

The petitioners want the Haryana chief minister to cancel all construction plans in the Aravalli forests and have urged Natarajan to ask the Haryana government to "observe the law laid down by the Supreme Court on preservation of Aravallis' eco-structure and not sanction development in hilly forests, in-

The forest houses a large temple to Gudariya Baba and the locals claim they don't cut even a twig inside it. "Whoever took away wood for cooking from here saw his kitchen burn down" protect trees and animals, the Gujjars of Mangar have taken upon themselves the protection of this forest, which they consider the abode of a saint, Gudariya Das Baba. The forest houses a large temple to Gudariya Baba and the locals claim they don't cut even a twig inside it. "Whoever took

Pradip Krishen at Mangar Bani forest

citizens' group that launched the movement, said the petition will be submitted to Union environment minister Jayanthi Natarajan. They are aiming to get at least 5,000 signatories to the campaign.

cluding Gualpahari in Gurgaon district and Mangarbani in Faridabad District." Ninety-five per cent of the Mangar Bani comprises a slow growing tree, dhau (Anogeissus pendula). The surrounding area

is dominated by vilayti keekar (Prosopis juliflora). "Dhau has a unique feature. If it is nibbled by cattle, it spreads out on ground or over rocks like thick, prostrate undergrowth. If left undisturbed, it grows into a middlesized tree," says Pradip Krishen, the author of Trees of Delhi. The 13-metre-tall dhaus in Mangar Bani testify to the forest's antiquity, he adds. The village abounds with stories suggesting Gudariya Baba's protection of the Bani. The villagers, however, do not want to take a risk. They have formed a village development committee, which has prepared the petition asking the forest department to acquire the Bani land from its current owners. "With the government planning development activities around the Bani, the younger generations might not protect it," says Sunil Kumar, the secretary of the Mangar Gram Vikas Samiti. Kumar's fear stems from the fact that the Bani has had no legal protection so far. Krishen believes, "Even if they leave the Bani aside, it will not survive if development creeps up to the rim of the valley. There has to be a proper buffer zone. Its ecology is fragile and irreplaceable."

Tech News Ravi Ruia steps down as Chairman of Essar Energy LONDON: Essar Energy Chairman Ravi Ruia has announced his decision to step down from the post amid CBI claiming that Essar group suppressed facts related to its equity holding in Loop Telecom, an allegation denied by the conglomerate. Essar Group is surprised and disappointed by the stand taken by the CBI, Essar Energy said in a statement. Meanwhile, Ravi Ruia has voluntarily decided to temporarily step aside as Chairman but would continue as a director of Essar Energy. Prashant Ruia, presently the Vice Chairman, would take over as interim Chairman. -PTI

UIDAI data will be kept confidential, says Govt NEW DELHI: The government informed Parliament that the information provided by individuals for issuance of UIDAI numbers will be kept confidential. "Adequate safeguards have been provided to ensure individual's privacy and confidentiality of information," Minister of State for Planning Ashwani Kumar said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha. The mandate of Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is to issue UID numbers (Aadhaar) to all residents of India. "The total amount incurred for the project during the current financial year 2011-12 (up to October, 2011) is Rs 210.22 crore," Kumar added. -PTI

India will require 5,057 tonne uranium NEW DELHI: India would require an estimated 5,057 tonne of uranium during the 12th Five Year Plan period from 2012-2017, government told the Lok Sabha. "The country's uranium requirement in the 12th Five Year Plan period is estimated to be 5,057 tonne," Minister of State in the PMO V Narayanasamy said in a written reply. He said this includes 318 tonne of low enriched uranium for the Tarapur Atomic Power Station (TAPS) I-II and the Kudankulam I-II units. As part of a long-term uranium procurement agreement, India would import 1,375 tonne of natural uranium dioxide pellets from Russia and 1,150 tonne of natural uranium ore concentrate from Kazakhstan, he said. -PTI

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Draft vision document proposes green mining in Goa PANAJI: A draft vision document 2035 has advised Goa government to carry on environmentally sustainable mining activity and regulate the same in the Ecologically Sensitive Zones (ESZs) that fall along the coastal state under the Western Ghats. A committee headed by renowned scientist Dr Raghunath Mashelkar has prepared this roadmap document which was submitted to Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat on the occasion of state's Liberation Day. "Regulate mining in the ecologically sensitive zones in the Western Ghats talukas," proposes the draft document without elaborating further.

December 30, 2011

India's mobile connections will reach 1.36 billion by 2020 India Post News Service

NEW YORK: The Indian mobile market is forecast to grow from 812 million connections (SIMs) in at the end of 2011 to 1.36 billion in

pected to account for 57.1% and 10.7%, respectively. However, unique mobile user penetration will only reach 54% in 2020, up from 34% in 2011, due to affordability constraints in rural areas.

rent market structure has resulted in a high proportion of multiple SIMs and inactive users, which camouflages the country's actual teledensity and makes it difficult to evaluate the market's true revenue opportunity."

Until 2012, adoption of 3G services is expected to be limited, primarily because of costly 3G data plans and the high cost of entry for 3G enabled handsets 2020, at a CAGR of 5.9%, according to the latest report from Analysys Mason entitled The Indian mobile market: forecasts and analysis 2011-2020. Of these connections in 2020, 3G and 4G technologies are ex-

"Operators need to understand the multiple-SIM phenomenon and inactivity drivers in emerging markets in order to evaluate their true revenue potential," says Sourabh Kaushal, Lead Consultant at Analysys Mason. "The cur-

Currently, 30% of SIMs are inactive, which results in significant loss to operators, because insufficient revenue is generated as compared to the customer acquisition cost incurred. Therefore, operators need to shift their focus

from customer acquisition to retention in order to optimize their spend on sales and distribution. "With decreasing or flat voice ARPU, non-voice ARPU becomes critical for driving revenue growth. In order to drive adoption of valueadded services, operators need to control the entire user experience throughout the customer lifecycle process," says Kunal Bajaj, Director at Analysys Mason. "In addition, operators need to ensure user loyalty by tracking customer usage behavior and suggesting possible upgrades or other relevant applications and services." Until 2012, adoption of 3G services is expected to be limited, primarily because of costly 3G data plans and the high cost of entry for 3G enabled handsets. However, from 2013, operators are expected to migrate 3G-capable handset users to 3G networks, resulting in high adoption of these services. "Because of the focus on voice services and handset-based data connectivity, data-only SIMs account for only 1% of all SIMs. ContĂd on page 39

Commerce Secy to lead Infrastructure Trade Mission to India India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Last week, the US Commerce Secretary and former CEO John Bryson while laying out his priorities for the Department of Commerce, including supporting advanced manufacturing, increasing exports, and attracting more investment to America from all over the world, announced he would lead his first trade mission, March 25-30, 2012, focusing on infrastructure opportunities in India. The focus of the mission is to promote US exports and discuss trade policy issues in response to India's goal of investing $1 trillion in infrastructure development during the next five years. "Exports are leading the US economic recovery and contributing to future economic growth and job creation in America," said Secretary Bryson. "Selling more

made-in-USA infrastructure products to India will help US companies grow and hire more people

John Bryson

while helping India meet its ambitious goals to dramatically improve it roads, railway and bridges." The mission will highlight infrastructure export opportunities

for US businesses sectors of project management and engineering services, including architecture and design; transportation, including roads/highways, rail, airports and intelligent transportation systems; and energy, including distribution, and transmission and smart grid. During his speech before the US Chamber of Commerce, Secretary Bryson highlighted the critical role that exports play to the US economy and how meeting the challenge laid out by President Obama's National Export Initiative is crucial to job creation. The Department of Commerce, through the Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee (TPCC), leads the administration's trade promotion efforts. The TPCC provides a platform for the Secretary of Commerce to advance a government-wide agenda on trade promotion and to

directly engage the heads of the other TPCC agencies. Commerce's International Trade Administration helps American companies export their products and services around the world, utilizing some 1,500 US Commercial Service staff stationed in 77 countries across the globe. Last year, the US Commercial Service helped facilitate billions of dollars in US export sales, supporting jobs across the country. The Department has called for applications from companies interested in participating in the mission, which can be completed on-line at the India Infrastructure Business Development Mission website at http://www.export.gov/ IndiaMission2012 or can be obtained by contacting the US Department of Commerce Office of Business Liaison 202-482-1360. The application deadline is January 25, 2012.

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December 30, 2011

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Global natural gas consumption Delhi's Nehru Place among notorious world markets regains momentum India Post News Service

WASHINGTON, DC: Driven by surging natural gas consumption in Asia and the United States, global use of the form of fossil fuel rebounded 7.4 percent from its 2009 slump to hit a record 111.9 trillion cubic feet in 2010, according to a new Vital Signs Online report from the Worldwatch Institute. This increase puts natural gas's share of total energy consumption at 23.8 percent, a reflection of new pipelines and natural gas terminals in many countries. The world's largest incremental increase in natural gas use occurred in the United States, where low prices triggered a 1.3 trillioncubic-feet increase to 24.1 trillion cubic feet, just over one-fifth of global natural gas consumption. But the Asia Pacific region experienced the strongest growth as a share of 2009 consumption levels, with China, India, South Korea, and Taiwan all experiencing demand growth of over 20 percent. China, which surpassed Japan in 2009 to become Asia's largest natural gas consumer, by and large led the region's growth spurt by consuming 3.9 trillion cubic feet, or 3.4 percent of world usage. The former Soviet Union, which experienced the largest regional decline in natural gas consumption in 2009, saw its demand bounce back by 6.8 percent in 2010. Russia, the world's second largest natural gas consumer, single-handedly accounted for 70 percent of regional growth. In the European Union, natural gas consumption increased by 7.4 percent; however, the EU's share of global natural gas consumption is

on the decline. The Middle East, which is home to some of the richest natural gas resources in the world but lacks the proper infrastructure to facilitate much domestic consumption, saw a 6.2 percent rise in natural gas demand. Natural gas producers have responded to this revived demand with a 7.3 percent boost in production. The United States maintained its position as the leading source of natural gas, accounting for just under one-fifth of the

"Natural gas is likely to play a major role in filling the gap left by idled and phased out nuclear plants," write report authors Saya Kitasei and Ayodeji Adebola world's total production in 2010. In Russia, which holds nearly a quarter of the world's proved natural gas reserves, production jumped 11.6 percent. In the Middle East, growth in production of natural gas far outstripped that of consumption, rising by a full 13.2 percent. Last year, Qatar and Iran alone accounted for 29.4 percent of global proved reserves. Reenergized global gas demand drove average prices up from their 2009 lows in nearly all markets. According to one index, the U.S. saw a 13 percent price increase over 2009 levels. Prices remained the

highest in Asia, where consumption increased most rapidly between 2009 and 2010. The European Union, where prices fell 6 percent, proved to be the exception to this trend, thanks to an excess of liquid natural gas originally intended for U.S. markets. Two major developments this year have significantly affected the stability of global natural gas markets. The political unrest brought about by the "Arab Spring" slowed production in a number of gas-producing countries in North Africa. Additionally, the disaster at Japan's Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant has led countries around the world to reconsider their dependence on nuclear power. "Natural gas is likely to play a major role in filling the gap left by idled and phased out nuclear plants," write report authors Saya Kitasei and Ayodeji Adebola. "The unanticipated spike in public opposition to nuclear power can only increase global natural gas demand in the coming decade." Further highlights from the study: • The share of global natural gas trade represented by liquified natural gas (LNG) surpassed 30 percent in 2010 for the first time on record. • Russia maintained its status as the world's leading exporter of natural gas, accounting for 27.5 percent of global pipeline trade. • Gas flaring, or the burning of excess gas, is on the decline in Nigeria but remains a substantial environmental threat in many countries around the world. It is estimated that 5 percent of global natural gas production is flared annually.

India's mobile connections will reach 1.36 billion by 2020 Contíd from page 38

This is also limited because of the low penetration of mobile data devices such as laptops, netbooks and tablets, and the high cost of owning data-only SIMs and dongles," says Pankaj Agrawal, Associate Director at Analysys Mason. "However, with the increase in device-service bundling initiatives by operators and reduced data tariffs, the number of data-only SIMs is expected to grow to about 84 million in 2020, with growth accelerating after the launch of 4G services in 2013." This report provides a detailed ten-year forecast of the Indian

mobile market by operating region (or 'circle'), based on our in-depth market understanding, validated by inputs from multiple industry participants and benchmarked

ers, as well as key metrics such as average revenue per user (ARPU), minutes of use (MoU) and revenue per minute (RPM) by circle.

This report provides a detailed ten-year forecast of the Indian mobile market by operating region (or 'circle'), based on in-depth market understanding against our knowledge of worldwide markets. It includes forecasts of the number of voice and data service users, and of the number of data-only device us-

Analysys Mason delivers strategy advice, operations support, and market intelligence worldwide to leading commercial and public-sector organizations in telecoms, IT, and media.

US trade report names Nehru Place among the most notorious IT markets.

WASHINGTON: An official US report has identified Nehru Place in New Delhi among the top 30 notorious IT markets of the world, dealing in goods and services infringing intellectual property rights (IPR). "Nehru Place is reportedly one of the many markets in major cities throughout India that are known for dealing in large volumes of pirated software, pirated optical media containing movies and music, and counterfeit goods," said the report released by the US Trade Representative (USTR). The Out-of-Cycle Review of Notorious Markets report identifies more than 30 markets that typify the problem of marketplaces that deal in goods and services that infringe on intellectual property rights (IPR) and help to sustain global piracy and counterfeiting. The results identify examples of both Internet and physical marketplaces that have been the subject of enforcement action connected with counterfeiting and piracy, or that may merit further investigation for possible IPR infringements.

The announcement concludes the review process launched on September 22. "Piracy and counterfeiting continue to present a serious challenge to the innovation and creativity that is essential to supporting American jobs and creating economic growth around the world. The notorious markets highlighted in this review negatively

The Out-of-Cycle Review of Notorious Markets report identifies more than 30 markets that typify the problem impact legitimate businesses and industries of all sizes that rely on intellectual property to protect their goods and services," said US Trade Representative Ron Kirk. "We hope that this review will continue to yield the kind of concrete action from highlighted markets that led to the removal of several markets from the list this year," he said. -PTI

In Brief Church leaders urge gov to repeal immigration law MONTGOMERY, Ala.: Several leaders of the Roman Catholic, United Methodist and Episcopal churches in Alabama wrote a letter to the governor, saying they are praying he will show political courage and support repeal of Alabama's immigration law. Short of repeal, they said they pray the governor will work for revisions in what they called ``an unjust and unfair law.'' The six leaders who wrote the letter had previously sued in federal court to try to overturn the law. The letter about prayer marked a different approach to opposing the law after trying lawsuits, nonviolent protests and marches, including hundreds who rallied at the Capitol and Governor's Mansion in Montgomery. The governor's press secretary, Jennifer Ardis, said that the law won't be repealed, but Bentley is working on changes. ``Governor Bentley recognizes that changes are needed to ensure that Alabama has not only the nation's most effective law, but one that is fair and just, promotes economic growth, preserves jobs for those in Alabama legally, and can be enforced effectively and without prejudice,'' she said. -AP

SC prayer vigils held to protest immigration law COLUMBIA, S.C.: Members of Christian, Jewish and Muslim faiths are holding prayer vigils across South Carolina to organize opposition to the state's new immigration law. The South Carolina Immigrants Rights Coalition says the vigils are in Columbia, Charleston, Greenville, Spartanburg and Hilton Head Island. The new law goes into effect Jan. 1 and requires law enforcement officers to call federal officials if they suspect someone is in the country illegally. The group wants to call attention to a hearing in federal court where the law's constitutionality will be challenged. The group says the law counters the religious practice of welcoming newcomers and threatens to destroy immigrants' families. Another group called the South Carolina Christian Action Council is holding marches and prayer meetings in Columbia and Charleston. -AP

Immigration 40

India Post

www.indiapost.com

December 30, 2011

South Asian Americans shift their view of the American Dream India Post News Service

NEW YORK: According to the fifth annual MetLife Study of the American Dream, South Asian Americans show a slight shift in their view of the American Dream. This compares to a clear emergence of a less traditional and more personalized definition of the Dream among the general population. And while South Asian Americans remain far more confident about achieving the Dream than most Americans, pessimism is starting to creep in. The Study also uncovers a shift in South Asian Americans' perception about having an adequate financial safety net. Three quarters of South Asian Americans believe that having a safety net is key to achieving the American Dream, yet only 49% feel theirs is adequate this year, compared to 59% in 2010. "Times are tough, but people are adapting and pursuing their own version of the Dream," said Devang Patel, certified financial planner with Patel Financial

Group, an office of MetLife. "The good news is that, like Americans overall, South Asian Americans can take small steps to rebuild their safety nets and regain their confidence." Slight shift in the American Dream South Asian Americans are having the most success achieving the American Dream. Fortyone percent say they have achieved the Dream, compared

with just over a third (34%) of all Americans, and among South Asian Americans who haven't yet achieved the Dream, 8 in 10 think it is possible. The study reveals that like most Americans, South Asian Americans no longer place importance on many traditional elements of the Dream: 67% and 66% respectively say marriage and children are not essential and 58% say you don't have to own a home

to achieve the Dream. However, while a majority of Americans (65%) say a college education is no longer important, only 47% of South Asian Americans agree. Education is still key in their version of the American Dream. Material wealth, once symbolic of achievement, has waned significantly among most Americans, but continues to be a priority among South Asian Americans. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 41

How fair is Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act? CYRUS D. MEHTA

.R. 3012, the Fairness for High Skilled Immigrants Act, was passed in the House on November 29, 2011 by a landslide 389-15 vote. Introduced by Rep. Chaffetz (R-UT), it eliminates the employment-based per country cap entirely by 2015 and raises the family-sponsored percountry cap from 7% to 15%. If H.R. 3012 does become law, it will significantly decrease the wait times for certain countries in the employment-based preferences, especially India and China. Even wait times in the family-based preferences will get reduced. H.R. 3012 only redistributes the allocation of visas, it does not increase the visas that are fixed in number each year. As a result of the existence of the per country limits, those born in India and China have been drastically affected by backlogs. Each country is only entitled to 7 percent of the

total allocation of visas under each preference. Thus, a country like Iceland with only 300,000 people has the same allocation as India or China with populations of more than a billion people. For instance, in the Employment-based second preference (EB-2), those born in India and

ans, along with their dependants, are eligible for green cards. As a result, according to a report of the National Foundation For American Policy, the waiting time for a green card for an Indian under the EB-3 has been estimated to be 70 years, while it may be over 5 years for others.

The waiting time for a green card for an Indian under the EB-3 has been estimated to be 70 years, while it may be over 5 years for others China have to wait for over 5 years to obtain green cards while all other nationalities do not have any wait times. The situation is even more dire in the Employmentbased third preference for India (EB-3). Under the per country limit for India in the EB-3, only 2,800 visas can be allocated each year while an estimated 210,000 Indi-

As a result of such unmanageable waiting times, skilled foreign nationals in the pipeline for a green card, especially from India and China, have no incentive to stay in the US even though they may be invaluable to their employers who have sponsored them by demonstrating that there were no US workers available for the position.

Many of these skilled immigrants have graduated with degrees in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), vital to US growth and innovation. Such skilled workers are generally on H-1B visas, but many are on other nonimmigrant visas such as the L visa too. Even though they are able to extend their H-1B visas beyond the six year limit while waiting for the green card under provisions in the American Competitiveness in the 21st Century Act (AC21) (and many are already past 10 years on the H-1B visa), they are generally bound to the same employer during the green card process and their spouses cannot work. If their children turn over 21, they lose the ability to remain on the H-4 dependent status and most likely will also be unable to derivatively get the green card along with the parent. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 43

Immigration Post

December 30, 2011

India Post

www.indiapost.com

Arizona prosecutor wants immigration checks restored PHOENIX: An Arizona prosecutor planned no immediate action to address federal government concerns that Sheriff Joe Arpaio's office committed widespread constitutional violations and discrimination against Latinos, saying that the U.S. Justice Department report wouldn't be taken at ``face value.'' Instead, Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery criticized Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano's decision to stop Arpaio from checking inmates' immigration status and argued it would allow criminals to be released into the community. Montgomery said he was asking President Barack Obama to order the restoration of access to federal systems revoked. The Obama administration's action came after the Justice Department determined Arpaio's office participated in a ``systematic disregard'' for the Constitutional rights of Latinos while targeting illegal immigrants, bringing the most bruising criticism yet to the lawman's boundary-pushing foray into Arizona's immigration enforcement. Maltreatment of Spanishspeakers in the jails also violated the constitution, federal officials alleged. The fallout from the report was swift as Homeland Security offi-

cials announced the department is severing ties with Arpaio. ``They don't need to do this,'' Montgomery said at a news conference. ``This effort at leverage is placing Arizona citizens at risk.'' Napolitano issued a statement saying federal resources would be used to identify those ``who meet U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) immigration enforcement priorities.'' Department officials also are restricting Arpaio's office from using a program that uses fingerprints collected in local jails to identify illegal immigrants. Deputies will still send fingerprints of those being booked to the FBI, which will relay them to immigration agents. Obama administration officials disputed Montgomery's assertions, pointing out that they will be pushing to put immigration officers back in Arpaio's jails to make sure criminal aliens are identified. They pointed to a statement Napolitano issued saying federal resources would be used to identify those ``who meet U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) immigration enforcement priorities.'' But Montgomery said there was no issue raised by the Justice Department about misuse of the federal authority and the county

should be allowed to continue checking jailed suspects for immigration violations. Arizona law requires that illegal immigrants accused of serious crimes be held without bond, and losing that authority could lead to people being released who should be held.

Arpaio, defiant and caught by surprise by the report's release, called the allegations a politically motivated attack by President Barack Obama's administration Montgomery also questioned the timing of the Justice Department's findings, because a civil rights case that raises similar issues is currently before a federal judge in Phoenix. But he acknowledged they raised significant issues, although he ``is not going to accept the findings at face value.'' ``Nor am I going to reject them,'' he said. Montgomery said he will ask the Justice Department to provide him with more specific information

so he can do his own review of cases now in his office. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director John Morton said in a letter to Montgomery that ICE also planned to stop its agents from responding to traffic stops or other minor offenses by the sheriff's office and to remove any immigration detainees from the sheriff's jails. ``We need this program. Issues with the county sheriff's office, political or otherwise, should not prevent the people of Maricopa county, 4 million, from being able to be served by the 287g program,'' Montgomery said. Arpaio, defiant and caught by surprise by the report's release, called the allegations a politically motivated attack by President Barack Obama's administration that will make Arizona unsafe by keeping illegal immigrants on the street. The Obama administration ``might as well erect their own pink neon sign at the Arizona-New Mexico border saying welcome

illegals to your United States, my home is your home,'' he said. The government found that Arpaio's office committed a wide range of civil rights violations against Latinos, including unjust immigration patrols and jail policies that deprive prisoners of basic Constitutional rights. ``We found discriminatory policing that was deeply rooted in the culture of the department, a culture that breeds a systematic disregard for basic constitutional protections,'' said Thomas Perez, who heads the Justice Department's civil rights division. The report will be used by the Justice Department to seek major changes at Arpaio's office, such as new policies against discrimination and improvements of staff and officers. Arpaio faces a Jan. 4 deadline for saying whether he wants to work out an agreement to make the changes. If not, the federal government will sue him, possibly putting in jeopardy millions of dollars in federal funding for Maricopa County. -AP

South Asian Americans shift their view of the American Dream Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 40

More than a quarter (28%) of South Asian Americans say that recent economic events have reinforced the importance of material possessions and their career over their family and personal life, compared to just 13% of the overall population. More South Asian Americans also believe they need to exceed their parents' standard of living to achieve the Dream (51% compared with 44% of the general population). South Asian Americans do whatever it takes South Asian Americans are passionate in their pursuit of the American Dream. To make their Dream a reality, almost three quarters (74%) would consider moving into a less expensive home and 71% are willing to relocate to another part of the country to sustain or achieve the American Dream. This compares to 64% and 57% of Americans overall, respectively. Forty one percent of South Asian Americans are willing to take a job for which they are overqualified and 33% would get additional job training. Financial safety nets important

A financial safety net includes savings to cover living expenses in the event of illness, job loss, or other serious emergency, as well as financial and protection products such as life, home and health insurance, annuities and retirement accounts.

Despite their continued emphasis on material wealth, there is a decline in financial optimism among South Asian Americans Despite their continued emphasis on material wealth, there is a decline in financial optimism among South Asian Americans. Only 37% of South Asian Americans say their financial future looks good, down from 57 % in 2010. Similarly, 45% expect their financial situation and 39 % expect the economy to improve in the next year, down from 57% and 65%

in 2010, respectively. In spite of the pessimistic financial outlook among South Asian Americans, their financial security still remains well above Americans overall. Though fewer South Asian Americans say they have a financial safety net this year, the percentage is still higher than the general population (49% versus 30%). And while more than half of Americans (53%) say living paycheck to paycheck is standing in their way of achieving an adequate safety net, only 43% of South Asian Americans say the same. Perhaps not surprisingly, almost a quarter of South Asians (23%) say supporting their aging parents is a barrier to achieving an adequate safety net. This compares to only 8% of all Americans. Methodology From September 26th to October 10th 2011, Penn Schoen Berland in partnership with Strategy First Partners conducted 2,420 online surveys amongst the general population as part of the 2011 MetLife Study of the American Dream. This is the fifth annual edition of the Study.

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

Former Assistant StateÂ&#x2019;s Attorney

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Immigration Post

India Post

December 30, 2011

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Importance of taxpayers' residential status under Indian Act MICHAEL SAWYIER

nlike the income tax sys tem of this country, which with limited exceptions taxes United States persons on their worldwide income, the Indian income tax system does not impose income taxes on Indian citizens' foreign income unless they are residents of India. Thus, the definition of "residence" is of controlling importance under the Indian Income Tax Act, 1961. In the case of an individual, Section 6(1) of that Act lays down two basic tests of residency. If a person has been physically present in India for a period of 182 days or more during the previous year, or even if only 60 days or more during that year, 365 days or more in the aggregate during the four years immediately preceding that previous year, then that person will generally be treated as a resident of India. "Previous year" here means the period beginning on April 1 of each calendar year and ending the following March 31. These provisions are applicable to all individuals irrespective of their nationality. However, as a special concession for Indian citizens and foreign citizens of Indian origin, the 60-day period just mentioned will be extended to 182 days

in either of two instances: first, where an Indian citizen leaves India in any year for employment outside of India; and second, where an Indian citizen or a foreign citizen of Indian origin ("NRI") who otherwise resides outside of India comes on a visit

and has also been physically present in India for a period of 730 days or more in the aggregate during the seven years immediately preceding that same relevant previous year, he or she will be treated as "resident and ordinarily resident"; if not, as "resident but not

Non-resident Indians, whether or not foreign citizens, are subject to wealth tax under the Wealth Tax Act, 1957

Michael T. Sawyier

to India. Section 6(6) of the Act provides two additional tests to determine whether an individual will be treated as "resident and ordinarily resident" or "resident but not ordinarily resident" in India. If that person (a resident of India as above defined) has been a resident of India during at least two of the ten years immediately preceding the relevant previous year

ordinarily resident." The latter distinction is important because, among other things, most foreign income, i.e., non-Indian income, of individuals who are "resident but not ordinarily resident" in India is not subject to Indian income tax, whereas almost all of the foreign income of those who are "resident and ordinarily resident" is subject to that tax. Under Section 6(2) of the Act, unincorporated firms or associations of persons (including "Hindu Undivided Families") are

Judge says ruling to come on SC immigration law CHARLESTON, S.C.: A federal judge said he will rule by Dec. 31 whether to block any or all portions of South Carolina's tough new immigration law from taking effect New Year's Day. But he swiftly denied the state's request that the law proceed as scheduled. The U.S. Justice Department and civil rights groups want an injunction blocking the law's Jan. 1 start, arguing that it's unconstitutional and interferes with federal law. The federal government is challenging fewer sections than the American Civil Liberties Union, which wants the entire law thrown out. U.S. District Judge Richard Gergel denied the state's request that he suspend all court hearings on the case until the U.S. Supreme Court rules on a challenge to Arizona's similar law. Deputy Attorney General Emory Smith said the nation's high court will likely rule in six months or less. But if the South Carolina law violates someone's rights, ``even a day of violation is too long,'' Gergel said. ``Any injury could

start Jan. 1.'' His questioning of an ACLU attorney indicated he would not block the entire law. Doing so would knock out sections that are clearly lawful, he said, pointing to the mandate that all businesses check their new hires' legal status through a federal online system. Businesses that knowingly

The US Justice Department and civil rights groups want an injunction blocking the law's January 1 start violate the law could have their operating licenses revoked. He also specified as ``a good thing'' the section directing state law enforcement to enter a federal cooperative program that effectively deputizes local officers to enforce federal immigration laws on the streets and in jails. Both the federal government

and civil rights groups want to halt the section requiring police to question a person's immigration status if officers suspect the individual is in the country illegally. The questioning must follow a stop or arrest for something else. The measure bars officers from holding someone solely on that suspicion. Opponents railed against the measure as encouraging racial profiling. Gergel repeatedly referred to it as the ``traffic dragnet.'' ``The state doesn't like me calling it a traffic dragnet, but that's what it is,'' he said. The state's attorneys argued that officers can call federal authorities about a suspect's immigration status now. But Gergel responded that the difference is the law mandates it for ``every traffic stop, every street encounter,'' vastly expanding the targets. He questioned whether the state law fundamentally alters the federal government's decision to focus limited resources on illegal immigrants who are terrorists, gang members and other criminals. -AP

treated as residents in India if control and management of their affairs is wholly or even partly situated within India during the relevant previous year. However, they are treated as nonresidents if control and management is situated wholly outside of India. The same is true for foreign companies (under Section 6(3)) and all other business concerns (under Section 6(4)). Indian companies are, of course, always treated as resident in India. It should be added that "foreign income" for purposes of the Act is income neither received (nor deemed to have been) nor accrued or arisen (or deemed to have been) in India during the relevant previous year. All else is Indian income, which is always taxable in India irrespective of the residential status of the taxpayer. Apart from income taxation, Non-resident Indians who hold Indian passports are subject to Indian foreign exchange controls under the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999. In addition, Non-resident Indi-

ans, whether or not foreign citizens, are subject to wealth tax under the Wealth Tax Act, 1957 as of March 31 of every year on any of the following assets located in India unless used by the NRIs in their businesses or professions: (a) any buildings or appurtenant land (with certain exclusions); (b) any jewelry, bullion, or articles made of gold, silver, or other precious metals; (c) motor cars; (d) cash in excess of Rs.50,000. The next article in this series will discuss the income tax and reporting requirements for United States persons (whether or not citizens) who or which transfer assets to India or other foreign jurisdictions. (This article was co-authored by Anil Jain, Advocate and Tax Law Consultant, Aceindia Legal Consultants LLP, F-83, Green Park (Main), New Delhi 110016, India, Website: www.aceindialegal.com; and Michael Sawyier , J.D, L.L.M., L.L.M. (Tax), Sawyier & Williams, LLP, Chicago, Illinois and other United States locations, Website: www.epaclaw.com. )

New parts of Ga. immigration law to take effect ATLANTA: With the arrival of the New Year, a key section of Georgia's new law targeting illegal immigration will begin to take effect. Starting Jan. 1, any employer with 500 or more employees will have to use a federal database called E-Verify to check the employment eligibility of all new hires. Rep. Matt Ramsey, R-Peachtree City, author of the law, said from the start that his main goal was to deter illegal immigrants from coming to Georgia by making it tougher for them to work in the state. The E-Verify requirement is being phased in slowly. It will take effect for employers with 100 or more employees on July 1 and for employers with more than 10 employees a year later on July 1, 2013. Another key provision that takes effect Jan. 1 is one that requires any agency that administers public benefits to require each applicant to provide at least one ``secure and verifiable document.'' A list of acceptable documents was provided by the attorney general's office over the summer. The agency administering public benefits must also complete a signed statement verifying the applicant's legal presence in the country. The new law also instructs the state agriculture department to submit a report to the governor and the heads of each chamber of the

state Legislature by Jan. 1. The department was tasked with examining the effect of immigration on the state's agriculture industry and providing suggestions to reform a federal guest worker program. The department was also supposed to evaluate the feasibility of a state guest worker program. For many affected by the sections of the law set to take effect Jan.1, some confusion still remains.

The E-Verify requirement is being phased in slowly. It will take effect for employers with 100 or more employees on July 1 ``Many Georgia businesses are confused with respect to the provisions of the law that have to do with E-Verify,'' said Atlanta lawyer Teri A. Simmons, who advises businesses on immigration and employment matters. ``Within most businesses, human resources professionals are already dealing with so much that it's hard to also fit in E-Verify training and administration.'' Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 43

Immigration Post

December 30, 2011

www.indiapost.com

How fair is Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act? Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 40

The passage of H.R. 3012 has been met with jubilation by Indians and Chinese, but those from the rest of the world may not be so happy. While Indians and Chinese may still need to wait, the waiting times will get more tolerable, but others who did not have to wait in the EB-2 will now need to wait. While it is hard to predict, there may eventually be waiting times of 1-2 years for all countries in the EB-2. While everyone in the EB-3 is subject to unreasonable waiting times, upon the elimination of the per country limits, Indians may still need to wait but it will not be for 70 years. Instead, it may be 10-12 years for all EB-3 nationals, according to the NFAP report. Those who have priority dates prior to November 2005 in the EB-3, according to the NFAP report, will need to wait only 1 to 2 more years instead of an additional torturous 1118 years. While waiting times for Indian and Chinese may likely lessen, waiting times for all others may go up in both the EB-2 and the EB-3. H.R. 3012 is thus not a perfect bill. It also has to be passed by the Senate before it becomes law, and there is an identical version introduced in the Senate. At present, Senator Grassley (R-1A), who has been a foe to skilled immigrant from India, including H1Bs used by Indian IT companies, has placed a hold on legislation in the Senate. Senate procedures allow any member of the Senate to place such a hold on legislation, and it is uncertain whether Grassley will release his hold in the near future, although he is being persuaded to do so by col-

leagues and advocates. What is so significant about H.R 3012 is that it received bipartisan support and that too by a landslide, especially in a time when such bipartisan support on other measures is rare or non-existent. The easy passage of H.R. 3012 also shows that there is concern about the unfairness and imbalance in the system towards certain countries, especially India and China. Indeed, although the country limits were originally enacted

The easy passage of H.R. 3012 also shows that there is concern about the unfairness and imbalance in the system towards certain countries for all countries, it has resulted in invidious discrimination within the immigration system for Indians and Chinese. Things may work out better than expected if H.R. 3012 became law, though, as we have lived without per country limits in recent times. Prior to Jan 1, 2005, the EB numbers were always current because AC 21, enacted in 2000, recaptured 130,000 numbers from 1998 and 1999, and the per country limits were postponed under a formula until the demand in the EB outstripped the supply. The lack of per country limits helped, but we also had the additional unused numbers. However, at that time, we also had a surge under the 245(i) program, which we do not have today.

New parts of Ga. immigration law to take effect Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 42

Many of the larger companies that fall under the initial E-Verify deadline may weather the change easily because they have big, sophisticated human resources departments, but it may cause more problems as the requirement spreads to smaller companies, said Simmons, who added that she opposes the law because it places an additional burden on businesses. Atlanta-based Home Depot, which has nearly 20,000 employees in Georgia alone, expects to have no problems implementing the E-Verify requirement, spokesman Stephen Holmes said. ``We use it in other states

where it's required, so we can turn it on here when necessary,'' he said. The Coca-Cola Co., another big Atlanta-based employer with more than 9,000 employees in Georgia, has used E-Verify for all of its employees since 2010, spokesman Charlie Sutlive said. Already, any company with a federal contract is required to use E-Verify, and Georgia has required state and local government agencies and their contractors to use the database since 2007. Nationwide, 17 states have or are phasing in E-Verify requirements for some combination of private and public employers, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. -AP

The notes in the January 1, 2005 Visa Bulletin, when there was retrogression in the EB-3 for the first time after AC21, explains it all. In conclusion, even if H.R. 3012 imposes waiting times on others who were hitherto not affected in an unfair system while decreasing the wait times for Indians and Chinese, it is consistent with principles of fairness. The words of Justice Jackson ring true with respect to H.R. 3012 too: "The framers of the Constitution knew, and we should not forget today, that there is no more effective practical guaranty against arbitrary and unreasonable government than to require that the principles of law which officials would impose upon a minority be imposed generally. Conversely, nothing opens the door to arbitrary action so effectively as to allow those officials to pick and choose only a few to whom they will apply legislation and thus to escape the political retribution that might be visited upon them if larger numbers were affected." Railway Express Agency, Inc. v. New York, 336 U.S. 106, 112-113 (1949) (concurring opinion). Of course, H.R. 3012 ought to be viewed as a first baby step towards more comprehensive immigration reform. Even if it does become law, and skilled immigrants continue to wait, who may not only be Indians or Chinese, Congress will realize that the ultimate solution is to increase the visa numbers, rather than to maintain fossilized quotas that never change and are oblivious to economic and global realities. If there is no consensus for an overall increase in the 140,000 visas that are allocated each year to EB immigrants, Congress can exempt certain people from the numbers such as graduates with STEM degrees, or better still, dependent family members. Such carve outs too could restore further balance and integrity to the US immigration system. * Cyrus D Mehta, may be contacted at 212-425-0555 or info@cyrusmehta.com

India Post

Realty Tidbits Â&#x201E; Maharashtra ranks third on transparency

Real Estate

aharashtra is ranked third after Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu in terms of transparency in the realty sector, according to the 'Indian Real Estate Transparency Index 2011'. The research report was prepared by global property consultant Jones Lang LaSalle and the Confederation of Real Estate Developers Association of India. The index benchmarks 20 Indian states on five broad parameters: availability of market information, reforms in urban local bodies, progressive business environment, protection of property rights and inclusive and sustainable development. "Maharashtra rates highly on market information and urban reforms, yet lags behind in property rights," it said. The state's land records and registration services are perceived as being corrupt.

Â&#x201E;

Unitech cuts debt by 40%, to reduce it more

ealty major Unitech has lowered debt by 40 per cent in last two and half years and would further reduce the borrowing in coming quarters from operational cashflows. "We have reduced our gross debt significantly from over Rs 9,000 crore in March, 2009 to about Rs 5,500 crore now. The trend will continue in the next two-three quarters after that we may not need to reduce further," Unitech managing director Sanjay Chandra said in his first interaction after getting bail in 2G telecom scam. Besides gradual reduction in debt, he said the company would infuse more funds on construction of ongoing projects for fast execution of about 80 projects across the country. It invested Rs 1,300 crore on construction last fiscal. "We do not have any concern on the debt front. Operational performance is leading to continuous reduction in debt and not asset sales," Chandra said.

India Post

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December 30, 2011

Britannia to develop HQ property in Bangalore BANGALORE: Biscuit to dairy products manufacturer, Britannia, run by the Wadia family - one of India's oldest business houses, is drawing up plans to unlock a mega real estate play in the heart of Bangalore. Britannia, which is India's largest biscuit manufacturer, has its headquarters spread across a 6-acre plus land parcel that's situated on old Airport Road, one of the city's arterial roads connecting the central business district to the IT hub of Whitefield.

Realty thugs on prowl in Noida, NRIs soft target

ven as more and more people are moving towards the twin townships in search of affordable homes, the numbers of property frauds have also been increasing. Police records show that nearly 200 property fraud cases were registered in Noida and Greater Noida this year with miscreants targeting NRIs and non-residents. Senior police officers said that they suspect organized gangs to be carrying out such operations. "The nexus is generally between local residents, property dealers and persons who are authorized notaries. In some cases, even Authority employees have been found involved," said an officer. Experts say the modus operandi of the gang involves, first in targeting a property to be sold illegally, then framing of fake documents by a notary, and finally searching gullible buyers by property dealers. "The gangs generally vanish after selling the property at handsome rates," said an officer. The police say buyers pay a large portion of the property in cash or 'black' money which acts as a catalyst for such frauds. Cops also blame investors for trying to buy property through general power of attorney and in such cases documents can be forged easily. Last year, the district administration had formed a task force to monitor the illegal set ups and frauds, but none of the gangs were caught.

Mumbai builder cheated

A man and his wife, both in their fifties, forged documents to open

a bank account and pocketed a cool Rs6.5 crore after cheating a builder. They were later arrested. Homi Patrawala and his wife Pinky allegedly forged the property and bank documents of a 75-year-old woman and opened a fake bank account to deposit the cheques given by the builder. The couple is into real estate busi-

Patrawala suggested that Mohanani buy the adjoining property, Arun Bhavan, owned by 75year-old Sushila Jadhav and with whom he had a memorandum of understanding for sale of the property. The accused reportedly showed Mohanani the letter of intent made in July 2010 between Jadhav and him.

"The nexus is generally between local residents, property dealers and persons who are authorized notaries. In some cases, even Authority employees have been found involved" ness. According to the police, Ekta World Private Limited (EWPL) and its promoter Ashok Mohanani bought Patrawala's property, Panchsheel, in the upmarket Khar area. Mohanani sealed the deal by purchasing all the shares of Patrawala's company, of which his wife is the co-owner. Later,

Mohanani paid an advance of Rs51 lakh for the deal. The remaining Rs6 crore was paid during the execution of the deed, in the form of a demand draft made in favor of Jadhav, said officers of the Economic Offences Wing. "However, after the deed's execution, there was a lot of delay in taking posses-

sion of the plot," said Mohanani. "Patrawala kept giving excuses for the delay, including the family dispute in the Jadhav family." Patrawala told him that the demand draft was with him and it had not been encashed. In September, Mohanani met Jadhav for the first time when he went to see the property. When he asked her about the delay in handing over the property, she told him that she was not aware of any deal and had not got any money for it. When Mohanani checked with the bank, he found that the demand draft has been credited to Jadhav's account. Sensing something amiss, he lodged a complaint. EOW officers learnt that Patrawala made a 32-year-old slumdweller from Kanjurmarg open an account in the Karad Cooperative Bank, Fort, in the name of Jadhav. The demand draft was encashed using the account, sources said. "We are questioning the slumdweller who impersonated Jadhav," said A Shevale, inspector, EOW.

Pune pips metros in realty race

hen it comes to residential project construction activities in major metropolis, Pune is a clear winner. As per a report brought out by Liases and Foras - a real estate research firm - construction activity for residential housing in the last two years has witnessed a sustained growth in Pune, while signs of a significant slowdown have been observed in Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Bangalore. Reasons: exorbitant property prices, less demand and stringent government approval procedure. In fact, the residential projects construction activities are directly linked to and indicative of property sale. According to Pankaj Kapoor, managing director of Liases and Foras, "Developers are not launching and constructing as many projects as they used to earlier. For, most of them have sold out their present under-construction stock to investors after taking the token amount. But the projects could not be completed

on time due to many reasons, including limited demand owing to exorbitant property rates, inflation, high EMI, etc," he said. In the past two years, when the market has been routinely flooded

Nearly 1,147 residential projects have been delayed in six metros - Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Chennai and Bangalore with investors, the Pune property market has witnessed significant growth. "The primary reasons for this sustained growth is that the Pune market is purely consumerdriven, and not investor-driven. It is not a highly inflated market as

the other metros and even the appreciation ratio is low. This does not hike up property rates immediately and frequently and is a good sign which needs to be maintained," Kapoor added. Further, nearly 1,147 residential projects have been delayed in six metros - Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Chennai and Bangalore, added Kapoor. Others like Manohar Shroff, general secretary of the Maharashtra Chamber of Housing Industry (Navi Mumbai), are putting the onus of spurning construction of residential properties on the state government. According to Shroff, the snail pace of construction activities exists despite builders evincing keen interest. "We've been regularly submitting the proposals, but the local coporations are not approving them on time, with several proposals struck down without any valid reasons. As a result, the construction activities has come to a grinding halt," he said.

Datebook

December 30, 2011

India Post

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NEW YORK

ILLINOIS

Upcoming

Sat Dec 31 • Bollywood Remix NYC Presents New Year Eve 2012 Venue: Nuela, 43 West 24th Street, (Btw 5th and 6th Avenues), New York 10010 Time: 7:30pm Contact: 914-433-4118

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

Sat Jan 21

Tues Jan 03

• Desiliciouse Starlust partyBollywood

• Startup Pitch Night

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

Venue: Jacks on Halsted, 3201 North Halsted Street, Chicago-60657 Time: 8pm

Wed March 7

Sat April 7

• Loves Got a hold on me

• Best of the Best 2012

Venue: Freedom Hall, 410 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest, IL Time: 7pm Contact: 312-572-9373

Venue: Tribeca Performing Arts Center, 199 Chambers Street, New York Time: 6:30pm

NEW JERSEY

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Upcoming

Sat Dec 31

Thurs Dec 29

• Rasoi III Presents New Year Eve

• Family Fun Activity: Dance

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

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

Sat Jan 14

Sat Dec 31

• Lohri Party

• Yuva Bharti Membership 2011

Venue: Akbar Restaurant 21, Corlandt Street, Edison, New Jersey Time: 7:30 pm Contact: 732-501-4201

Venue: Yuva Bharati 870, Ames Avenue, Palo Alto, CA Time: 12am Contact: 650-565-8859

Sat Jan 14 • Thriller in Atlantic City!

Sat Dec 31

Venue: Dante Hall Thearter of the Arts 10 North Mississippi Avenue, Atlantic City Time: 8pm

• Friend of Abhinaya Membership

WASHINGTON DC

Upcoming

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

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Upcoming Fri Dec 30 • Art of Living Course in LA Venue: Art of Living Center Los Angeles, 948 W. Adams Blvd., Los Angeles, CA Time: 10pm Contact: 310-820-9429

Fri Jan 6 • Art of Living Course 2012 Venue: Art of Living Center Los Angeles, 948 W. Adams Blvd. LA Time: 7pm Contact: 310-820-9429

Sat Jan 14 • I Just Wanna Dance 2012 Venue: Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Redondo Beach, CA Time: 6pm Contact: 310-937-6607

Sat Jan 07

Sat Jan 28

Sat Dec 31

• Kalinga Nartanam

• Garba with Attitude

• India Samaj Presents Welcome 2012 & Good bye 2011

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

Venue: Segerstrom Center of the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, 92626 Time: 1pm Contact: http://www.garbawithattitude.com/

Sat Jan 21

Sun Feb 11

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

Sat Jan 7 • Pongal-Republic Day Celebration 2012 Venue: Canton High School, 900 Washington Street, Canton, MA Time: 11am Contact: 781-962-7399

Sat April 21 • Yamandu Costa, Classical Guitarist Venue: 8000 York Road, Towson MD, Baltimore, WDC Time: 8pm Contact: 443-296-2247

• Kasturi Media Presents Swara Sanjeevini Venue: Spangenberg Theatre, Gunn High School, 780 Arastradero Rd, Palo Alto, CA Time: 4pm Contact: 510-402-4633

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

• Passage Meditation Retreat in Encino Venue: Holy Spirit Retreat Center, 4316 Lanai Road, Encino, CA Time: 9am Contact: 800-475-2369

Horoscope

46 India Post

December 30, 2011

www.indiapost.com

Your future in 2012 by Pandit Parashar

THE FORECAST FOR SIGNS ARIES TO VIRGO WAS CARRIED LAST WEEK (September 23 to October 22)

aturn will transit in first house and Jupiter will stay in seventh house till May before moving into eighth. This Saturn will bring all round prosperity in life. Struggle of past will be over and new opportunities will knock at your door. This year is the perfect time to make your move and take any chance. Saturn will bring lots of stability in life. Some of you may even join a short term program to enhance and update your knowledge. You may also buy a beautiful house and replace one of your vehicle with luxury model this year. Legal matters started last year will come to a favorable end this year and you will be served full justice. You will continue to receive valuable advice and leads from a matured person. Bachelors will ultimately find some one who will be intelligent and a great planner. You may also discard few friends from your list and maintain relations only with humble and nice people. Expect big growth as far as finances are concerned. You will be making more money and business will do better. You may start another big project and manufacture product that can be used by common masses. This will be a very good year for people in gas,oils,minerals and metal industry. You may also purchase a property for investment purpose and this deal will be profitable from day one. Strong Mars in eleventh will keep you financially strong and all loan applications will be accepted in first shot. You will make couple of trips in west direction and those trips will be very lucky.

(December 22 to January 19)

aturn will transit house of career and Jupiter will transit fourth house, the house of residence till may 18th before moving into fifth. Mars will stay in eighth house till June 22nd. Exalted Saturn will help you make lots of extra money in 2012. There is a strong chance of big chunk of money through legal channels. Your pending appeals will get accepted and you will be off the hook. There will be few positive changes in career and you will be moved at least couple of levels up. Business will be better and new product will be an instant hit in the market. Time from April and onwards is great to make any moves in career. You will be spending some money on your home also. You may renovate or add more space or rooms to it before summer. You may need minor surgery also to cure some health issue that crops up every now and then. Month of September will prove to be a turning point this year. What ever happens in September will not be any less than a jackpot in your life. You will be travelling to west coast and the trip will be very beneficial. Jupiter's transit in fifth after may 18th will bring large gains from distant places and overseas. You will gain knowledge and wisdom. There is a strong chance of addition of a new member in the family towards the end of 2012. You will receive valuable advice and guidance from a matured person who will steer you in the right direction. Stocks purchased in early part of 2012 will turn profitable after August. Strong Saturn will bring confidence back and it will make you more popular in the social circle. (January 20 to February 18)

(October 23 to November 22)

aturn will transit twelfth house or the house of expenses and losses. Jupiter will stay in sixth till May 18th and will stay in seventh there after. Mars will stay strong in house of career till June 22nd. Rahu will stay in first and Ketu will be in seventh in 2012. Finances will pick up only after May 18th when Jupiter enters seventh house before that you will need to do lots of juggling in order to keep your commitments. Spending too much money on adverting will not be helpful before May 18th. Saturn's transit in twelfth is the beginning of Saturn's 7 1/2 year cycle. You will need to be careful and listen to your instincts rather than believing any outsider too quick. Do not fall for too good to be true schemes. It will be better to compromise and settle rather than getting involved in litigation as the results will not be favorable and you will end up spending a lot on legal fees alone. Your expenses towards vehicles will increase in 2012 in shape of increased insurance or frequent repairs. Professionally you will continue to well. Number of clients will grow but will be hard to save any till May 18th. Projects started in early part will become profitable towards the second half only. It will be better to seek second opinion before you make any big move this year as Saturn will throw bait and you may end up investing heavily in a bad project. Avoid buying any property for investment purpose and especially an old one. People prone to litigations will have to be very careful in 2012.

aturn will transit ninth or the house of luck this year. Jupiter will be in third till May 18th and in fourth house for rest of 2012. Mars will continue to occupy seventh house till June 22nd. You will be slightly restless in the beginning of new year but after February you will be completely charged. You will gain from overseas projects and may have to travel frequently to distant places this year. Confidence level will be on the peak and you will make more and will be able to save lot in 2012. It will be a better year for people in sales, marketing and people connected with the communication industry. The chances of moving to better location becomes very strong after may 18th when Jupiter moves into your fourth house. Mars in seventh may create some tension with life or business partner till June 22nd. You will need lots of patience in that area if you wish to maintain things at it is. You will become more humble and will help many needy people in 2012 and develop interest in philosophy and spirituality. You may make some generous donations to a worthy cause in 2012. Do not take any impulsive decisions about career and grab second opinion before you make any move, it will help you go for better deal. You will be getting some construction work done in or around your home this summer and may replace one of your vehicle also. Your image in social circle will improve and you may be appointed to some important post in an organization. Just stay calm with partners and you will make it a very fruitful year.

(November 23 to December 22)

aturn will transit house of gains and Jupiter will stay in fifth till May 18th before moving into sixth for remainder of year. Mars will stay strong for most of the time in 2012. Rahu will be in twelfth and Ketu will stay in sixth. Planet Saturn will get you large chunk of money through legal procedure. All trips and journeys will be fruitful. You may finally lay your hands on a real nice piece of property. The deal will be good. Chances of a change in career or job are strong in month of June and then again in September. You will travel overseas with family to attend an important event and will take more than one short vacation in year 2012. You will be more confident and successfully launch your project before May 18th. You will get some kind of training or attend a short term program to improve your chances in this challenging world. The knowledge will come really handy when you apply for a better position. New addition in the family this year will bring lots of good luck for you too. All issues involving a child will get settled to every one's satisfaction. Any attempts you make before may 18th should go through in first shot. Some of you may for the first time start a business of your own. Money wise you will make more and spend less and at the end of year you will be happy with the bank balance. Spouse will continue to give good ideas and will encourage you. Some of you may buy a rental property for investment purpose this year.

(February 19 to March 20)

upiter will transit second house till May 18th before moving into third. Saturn will transit eighth house this year. Mars will stay in sixth house till June 22nd. Money wise the send half of 2012 is better. There will be changes in career this year and you may leave the company you had been working for a long time and join a start up. Some of you may be appearing for some kind of competitive exam to improve your prospects. People in business will continue to face stiff competition but will survive. You may be successful in recovering some money but only a part of the total amount. You may be offered a new partnership or business when Jupiter enters third house. People in sales and marketing will also benefit from this transit. Money will come and disappear fast as usual in first half but you will definitely see your bank balance grow in second half. You may get some money out of an insurance claim in month of August. An old friend will help you a lot with advice and even financial support. Your expenses on children will increase and you may move to a better place or buy your own place for the first time around summer this year. Jupiter's transit in third can hook you up with a nice person and the relationship can turn into permanent before December. You will have visitors at your place in month of July. Financially you will do very well after September and may even make money through stocks or other investments.

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

925-833-7170

website: www.parashar.com

December 30, 2011

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Philosophy

India Post

December 30, 2011

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Page Sponsored by Sahanis PAULA MARVELLY

rior to visiting India, Irina speaks very little of her past. Born in 1907 in Russia, she was educated in Vienna and Paris. She then moved to England where she was happily married to a naval officer. His death in 1954 caused a grief of such profundity that she sought solace in religion and philosophy, turning eventually to the Theosophical Society. But it failed to inspire. An intense longing for freedom still prevailed and yet nothing would suffice. She then felt compelled to travel to India. With unashamed honesty, Irina Tweedie records her thoughts and emotions as she embarks on her path of self discovery. Her Naqshbandi Sufi Master, Bhai Sahib (which in Hindi means Elder Brother) is an enigmatic character cryptic, compassionate, aloof. Not given to long and verbose discourses on the nature of Reality, Irina is, nevertheless, moved by his presence. In her first formal meeting with him, Bhai Sahib asks her, 'Why did you come to me?' Irina's words come spilling out: 'I want God,' I heard myself saying, 'But not the Christian idea of an anthropomorphic deity. I want the Rootless Root, the Causeless Cause of the Upanishads.' 'Nothing less than that?' He lifted an eyebrow... Continuing to Bhai Sahib her rea-

amana Maharishi was a silent Teacher, if there was one. It would be more appropriate to call him the Silent One, for teaching denotes duality, the teacher and taught. His most direct and profound teaching was transmitted in silence. Excerpts from his teachings: Happiness All beings desire happiness always, happiness without a tinge of sorrow. At the same time everybody loves himself best. The cause for this love is only happiness. So, that happiness must lie in one self. Further, that happiness is daily experienced by everyone in sleep, when there is no mind. To attain that natural happiness one must know oneself. For that, Self-Enquiry 'Who am I?' is the chief means. Consciousness Existence or Consciousness is the only reality. Consciousness plus waking we call waking. Consciousness plus sleep we call sleep. Consciousness plus dream, we call dream. Consciousness is the screen on which all the pictures come and go. The screen is real, the pictures are mere shadows on it. Mind Mind is a wonderful force inherent in the Self. That which

sons for coming, she tells him of the theosophical belief that not even a guru is necessary for liberation, salvation being achievable through our own independent efforts: 'Not even in a hundred years!' he laughed outright. 'It cannot be done without a Teacher!' I told him that I did not know what Sufism was. 'Sufism is a way of life. It is neither a religion or a philosophy. There are Hindu Sufis, Muslim

structs her to keep a diary of her experiences. The Daughter of Fire: A Woman's Experience of Liberation through the Teachings of a Sufi Master meticulously records Irina's day-to-day existence it charts her meetings and conversations with Bhai Sahib, as well as her attitudes and frustrations, her insights and dreams. At first, her entries speak of the sheer physical endurance of Indian life, which becomes an almost

over to him all of her income as a test of her dependence on money. Her protestations are loud but the Master knows it is for her own good: 'The world is for us as we create it: if you say there is a bhut [ghost] in the tree, then there will be a bhut for you. This is all manas [mind]. But what is manas? Nothing. Manas is maya [illusion]. You want everything but are not prepared to make sacrifices, to pay the price...

'It cannot be done without a Teacher!' He also demands that she hands over to him all of her income as a test of her dependence on money. Her protestations are loud but the Master knows it is for her own good

Irina Tweedie

Sufis, Christian Sufis. My Revered Guru Maharaj was a Muslim.' He said it very softly, with a tender expression, his eyes dreamy and veiled. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And then I noticed something which in my excitement and eagerness I had not noticed before; there was a feeling of great peace in the room. He himself was full of peace. He radiated it; it was all around us and it seemed eternal. As if this special peace always was and always would be, forever... Immediately, Bhai Sahib in-

insurmountable obstacle: the smells and the noise and the chaos in temperatures well over a hundred degrees. Nevertheless, provoked by her feisty and often quarrelsome character, Bhai Sahib is forced to break her attachment to the senses and her overriding sense of 'poor me'. Irina is regularly made to sit outside his house, often in the blinding dust or pouring rain, whilst welcoming other devotees into his presence. He also demands that she hands

'People are not prepared to give anything up. If you want to go anywhere you will have to take the train or the plane, you are expected to pay the fare, is it not so? Be always a friend of the Almighty and you will never die. Prayer should be done always, even in ordinary prayer; but of course the only real prayer is merging, oneness with God. Excerpted from Women of Wisdom: Journey of the Sacred Feminine through the Ages

arises in this body as 'I' is the mind. When the subtle mind emerges through the brain and the senses, the gross names and forms are cognized. When it remains in the Heart, names and forms disappear. If the mind remains in the Heart, the 'I' or the ego which is the source of all thoughts will go, and the Self, the Real, Eternal 'I' alone will shine. Where there is not the slightest

did this thought arise. What does it matter how many thoughts arise? As each thought arises one must be watchful and ask to whom is this thought occurring. The answer will be 'to me'. If you enquire 'Who am I?' the mind will return to its source (or where it issued from). The thought which arose will also submerge. As you practice like this more and more, the power of

Him, there is no other means of safety for me', and thus gradually developing the conviction that God alone exists and the ego does not count. Both methods lead to the same goal. Complete surrender is another name for jnana or liberation. The Three States: Waking, Dream and Deep Sleep: There is no difference

Existence or Consciousness is the only reality

Ramana Maharishi

trace of the ego, there is the Self. Who Am I ? Enquiry For all thoughts the source is the 'I' thought. The mind will merge only by Self-enquiry 'Who am I?' The thought 'Who am l?' will destroy all other thoughts and finally kill itself also. If other thoughts arise, without trying to complete them, one must enquire to whom

The thought 'Who am l?' will destroy all other thoughts and finally kill itself also. If other thoughts arise, without trying to complete them, one must enquire to whom did this thought arise the mind to remain as its source is increased. Surrender There are two ways of achieving surrender. One is looking into the source of the 'I' and merging into that source. The other is feeling 'I am helpless myself, God alone is all powerful, and except by throwing myself completely on

between the dream and the waking states except that the dream is short and the waking long. Both are the result of the mind. Our real state, called turiya (fourth), is beyond the waking, dream and sleep states. The 132nd birth anniversary of Ramana Maharishi will be celebrated on December 30

Form is no different to emptiness, emptiness no different to form. That which is form is emptiness, that which is emptiness, form. -Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva All the Buddhas and all sentient beings are nothing but the One Mind, beside which nothing exists. Ă&#x2013;The One Mind alone is the Buddha, and there is no distinction between the Buddha and sentient beings -Huang Po Brahman is the only truth, the world is unreal, and there is ultimately no difference between Brahman and individual self. -Adi Shankaracharya It is an undistracted and impartial consciousness that witnesses the distracted and partial activities of body, sense and mind. -Atmananda Krishna Menon God's true being cannot be described, for when speaking of being, there is the opposite of non-being. When trying to express Him by language, He becomes imperfect. -Anandamayi Ma

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Vietnam and South China Sea: Hypothetical scenarios AMRUTA KARAMBELKAR

NGC Videsh limited (OVL) India in October this year entered a three-year agreement with PetroVietnam to carry out new investments and strengthen energy exploration. This area falls within Vietnam's exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea (SCS). However, China has raised objections to this deal (between OVL and PetroVietnam) on the ground that India has violated China's sovereignty. What is likely to be Vietnam's response if there is provocation by China? Against a background of growing tension and the possibility of conflict in the SCS, the scenario of war will be imagined. In such an event, will Vietnam defend OVL and stand by India?

Scenario I: Vietnam supports India The reasons for this could be: Regional factors Vietnam has vehemently dismissed Chinese claims of sovereignty over the SCS. The SCS dispute has several stakeholders, both regional and international. These claimants unanimously stand against China on the issue. This regional stand provides support to Vietnam to assert itself against China. That apart, the US has declared its right to navigate in the SCS. US's 'Return to Asia' is the most crucial factor as it provides an effective balance to China. Thus regional and international consensus against China's assertion could see Vietnam take a bold stand on the issue. Bilateral factors India and Vietnam have infused new life into their relationship through the Strategic Partnership Agreement in 2007. Vietnam sees India as a reliable ally without a hidden agenda, in contrast to its suspicion of Chinese motives. Vietnam and India share long historical ties, both have border disputes with China, and have suffered from Chinese aggression. The bilateral relationship is seeking reinvigoration on the above commonalities. Notably, India is providing assistance to Vietnam in strengthening its naval capacity. As per the 2006 agreement, the OVL-PetroVietnam deal (in which PetroVietnam holds 20 per cent stake) also allows joint exploration and export and production-shar-

ing in blocks 127 and 128 in Phu Kahn basin, and blocks 06.1 in Lan Tay and Lan Do gas projects. Seeking increased foreign direct investment, Vietnam particularly considers the deal with OVL an important step in overcoming the country's energy shortage. Significantly, many Indian companies are keen on investing in Vietnam, some are already in operation. Bilateral trade is close to USD2.75 billion, which is aimed to be quadrupled by 2015. Vietnam wants to benefit from Indian education and developments in IT. Keeping in mind the holistic benefits of increasing Indian engagement, and showcasing its image to the world as a market conducive to growth capable of ensuring secure operations, Vietnam

The onus to defend its own interest would be on India. For the sake of its relations with India, Vietnam may however also support India if Indian forces get involved. Vietnam would therefore be pragmatic and opportunist would defend OVL in a suitable manner.

Scenario II: Vietnam sides with China The reasons for this could be: Relationship with China Vietnam and China share a common history that goes back over thousand years. Irrespective of historical animosity and the current status of their relations, Vietnam would want to pursue good relations with China. Vietnam has always balanced its relationship with India and China. During the recent visit of the Vietnamese President to India in October 2011, a section of the communist party of Vietnam paid a visit to China and agreed to strengthen military cooperation. If Vietnam wishes to be practical and thinks in terms of longterm interests, it would not want to incur the wrath of a resourceful, powerful neighbor with whom it shares borders.

It is less likely that Vietnam's relations with India will affect its ties with China. If assessed in terms of bilateral economic engagements, Indian investments are no match for the massive Chinese investments in Vietnam. Amongst 73 foreign investors in Vietnam, India ranks only 35; bilateral trade in 2011 is expected to exceed USD3 billion. China is Vietnam's biggest importer and third largest exporter, with a bilateral trade volume that is worth USD7.9 billion. The goal is to reach US$25 billion, while India-Vietnam trade aspires to reach USD7 billion by 2015. If the Chinese withdraw their trade and engagement from Vietnam (as a punitive measure/an aftermath of the conflict), can India provide an equal alternative?

Scenario III: What is most likely? If a country has to defend assets of another country within its territory, the cost and benefit has to be significant in size and vital in character. Although Vietnam has recently begun expanding its armed forces, it would not seek an armed confrontation with China. In case of war, it will, like any other country, defend its territory and everything that falls within, first. Specifically, protecting assets of a foreign company would not be a priority. Rather, it may seek military support from stakeholder countries. As important as the strategic partnership with India may be, maintaining cordial relations with China would also be seriously considered. If Vietnam has to defend OVL's exploration, it will have to seriously consider 'why, what is in for me?' Vietnam's behavior may be understood from the case of Tata Steel and Formosa Plastics of Taiwan. If one was to judge Vietnam from this episode, it is evident that Chinese interests would be prioritized. The pro-China lobby is strong in the Vietnamese government. However, Vietnam will play the India card when it wants to counter China, as seems the case at present. To conclude, Vietnam would silently support India's interest in the SCS, and that is it. The onus to defend its own interest would be on India. For the sake of its relations with India, Vietnam may however also support India if Indian forces get involved. Vietnam would therefore be pragmatic and opportunist. The writer is Research Intern, IPCS

India Post Bharat Ratna

here has been a clamor to confer India's highest honor, the Bharat Ratna, on cricketing achiever Sachin Tendulkar. The government did not respond positively to this demand because there is no provision in the law to confer this honor on a sportsman. The law has since been amended to include those excelling in sport and other fields also. So it is certain now that when Tendulkar is able to achieve his hundredth century in international cricket, the award will be conferred on him. While the majority of people in this country have welcomed this development, the newly appointed head of the Press Council of India has chosen to provoke a controversy. Retired Justice Markandey Katju, ever since he took over, has riled the media with his strong views over superficial coverage, even calling for action against some TV channels. He has rightly questioned the obsession of the media with film stars and cricketers in an era "when there are massive problems in healthcare, housing, education etc." He has even questioned the intellectual caliber of modern-day journalists. The media, he says, is making India more superstitious, more casteist, more communal and cited their highlighting of astrology as one of the ways in which it is taking the viewers backward. Going a step ahead, and threatening the freedom of the Press, Justice Katju said in an interview that he "wanted powers to stop government advertisements to the erring mediaâ&#x20AC;Ś powers to suspend the license of that media for a certain period if it behaves in a very obnoxious mannerâ&#x20AC;Śpowers to impose fines, but all this in extreme situations." This may be all very well but his remark that Indians "have sunk to such a low cultural level as to talk of giving Bharat Ratna to cricketers and film stars" is a bit over the bar. Justice Katju has pleaded in an article in Indian Express for giving Bharat Ratna to great Indians like Mirza Ghalib and Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay, in spite of the fact that they passed away over hundred years ago. No doubt the two were great heroes and deserve all our respect. But they existed much before the advent of independent India and the Bharat Ratna is an honor given to those great men who have influenced lives for the better in the post- independence era. In defense of his argument, Justice Katju draws a parallel with Sardar Patel and Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, who were also conferred this honor posthumously. It has been pointed out that besides the heroes mentioned by Justice Katju there were titans like Premchand, Ram Mohan Roy, for instance. Why promote his selective list alone? Katju's preference has been lampooned by some by saying that Bharat Ratna should also be given to legendry figures like Lord Rama and Gautam Buddha and Param Vir Chakra to Tantia Tope. Katju argues that we need people who can give direction to the country and take it forward. And he thinks cricketers and film stars have no social relevance and giving this honor to them would be making a mockery of the award. This attitude betrays a bias. Satyajit Ray belongs to the field of films. Does his work have no social relevance? Should we then revoke the Bharat Ratna given to him? As for the cricketers and Sachin Tendulkar, it can't be denied that with their achievements, they have raised the morale of its followers. One doesn't always need to be bemoaning the plight of the poor and the present day deficiencies. True, proper attention has to be given to them. But as a character in Shakespeare's play said, "Just because thou art virtuous, shall there be no cakes and ale?"

50 India Post

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December 30, 2011