IndiaPost_12-31-2010 by Ghanshyam Bisht

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Ed Royce to Co-Chair India Caucus Details on page 6

VOL 16, No. 851

December 31, 2010

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Periodical Postage

HOPE FOR DEAL IN PAK SPY CHIEF CASE

NEW YORK: The plaintiffs in two US lawsuits accusing Pakistan's spy chief of nurturing terrorists involved in the 2008 Mumbai attacks are hoping for a historic outcome recalling the Lockerbie settlement, but they would have to overcome serious legal obstacles first, lawyers and experts say. The civil complaints naming Gen Ahmed Shuja Pasha and his Inter-Services Intelligence agency as defendants are like past lawsuits filed in federal courts against over-

Dr Nirav Shah is NY Health Commissioner Details on page 17

seas figures with alleged links to terrorist attacks and other atrocities. A lawyer for the US plaintiffs, John Kreindler, said that they hope to win a deal like the one struck with Libya over the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland. The USD 1.5 billion settlement announced in 2008 was seen both as a victory for the families of 180 Americans killed in the terrorist attack and as a diplomatic breakthrough with the North African nation, once a pariah. Details on page 5

Natasha Arora

Rosella Fanelli

Texas girl is crowned Miss India USA

Europe gets taste of Kathak through Italian

Details on page 24

Details on page 9

South Asian Americans optimistic

AAPI to have NY Convention & Jaipur Summit

Details on page 42 Details on page 17

HALL OF FAMERS: The Fourth Conglomeration of fourteen Asian countries in America - the Asian American Coalition USA has inducted seven outstanding Americans to the AAC USA Hall of Fame Awards. Picture shows the honorees with the Executive Committee members. (Details on page 8)

Nano receives international award

Jury awards $2.3m to ‘enslaved’ Hindu priest India Post News Service

Details on page 20

Airtel launches terrestrial link with China Details on page 20

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

Will US plaintiffs get justice in Pak spy chief case? Last week’s result

Will China’s Pak policy backfire? YES 57%

NO 43%

Devendra Shukla

NEW YORK: An Indian priest who allegedly was working under slavish conditions at a Hindu temple in Corona, Queens has been awarded $2.3 million by a jury in a Brooklyn federal court in New York recently. The New York Post reported the jury award was a colossal sum for Devendra Shukla, a man who grew up poor in India’s rural Uttar Pradesh state, even as he was seen crying in gratitude after his victory in the corridors of the courthouse. “I have received justice,” Shukla was quoted by the newspaper. “I am hopeful that I will see my wife and children soon – it’s almost 10 years that I have not seen my wife and children in India.” The priest’s victory over Sat Prakash Sharma, the president and director of the temple, and his wife, Geeta, who sits on its board, was pronounced after an eightday trial. The 34-year-old wept in the courthouse lobby, as jurors walked by and expressed well-wishes after the trial’s end. Details on page 10

See pages 26-35

CONTENTS Bollywood ---------------------- 22-23 Classifieds ------------------------- 47 Community Post --------------- 9-16 Date Book -------------------------- 45 Edit Page --------------------------- 49 HealthScience Post --------- 17-19 Horoscope ------------------------- 46 Immigration Post ------------- 42-44 Life Style ----------------------- 24-25 Philosophy ------------------------- 48 Publisherís Diary ------------------ 4 Real Estate ------------------------ 36 TechBiz Post ------------------- 20-21 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 37-39

Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”

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December 31, 2010

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Publisher’s Diary

his diary marks the last day of the year 2010. Am I sad to see this year end… or am I glad it's over? Hard to say because, in what we now know as the post-9/11 world, I no longer assess my life based on my personal upheavals, but uncannily by events and happenings around the world - be it politics, economics, natural calamities or terror threats - all of which I have long realized have a direct bearing on lives across the globe. In this country, if you were to ask President Obama, he might have a mixed response. Democrats were almost routed in mid-term elections and even lost out seats to Republicans in the 2010 census (!); the effort to end Bush-era tax cuts did not succeed, the DREAM Act failed; but hey, he managed to repeal the Don't-AskDon't-Tell policy and of course got the healthcare reform bill passed. More significantly, he has set the ball rolling for potentially ending a nuclear arms race. The highpoint of the year for him, I'd cheekily guess, was his visit to India. There's a lot of India that he did not get to see, but he sure came back with a bagful of jobs for people back home. For a consumer-driven economy, the year ended well for retailers who did surprisingly good business this holiday season. But the country as a whole - and 2010 has marked this under bold letters on the wall - is going broke. Optimists, and not economists, would say the American economy need not fail, if only self-aggrandizing financial institutions and politicians would get their hard heads out of the sand. Across the board, Americans lost a little more of their personal freedoms and right to privacy. But hey, they at least have a perception of being safer! In other fields, technology won this year, but the losers were the millions who were too broke to afford the fancy gadgetry. And unfortunately, nature won out this year too - earthquakes, floods, volcanic eruption, unprecedented rains - 2010 had them all. Here's hoping 2011 etches a brighter picture for all, Cheers,

Romesh K Japra rkjapra@indiapost.com

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Sexiest Asian In a poll conducted by a London weekly, Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor has been voted the sexiest man in Asia.

Cover Story: Pak spy chief case Plaintiffs in US lawsuits accusing Pak spy chief of nurturing Mumbai attack terrorists are hoping for a historic outcome.

Community: Kathak for Europe Young Italian Rosella Fanelli is promoting classical Indian Kathak dance in Italy and across Europe.

Health: Health Commissioner Indian American physician Dr. Nirav R. Shah has been appointed New York Health Commissioner.

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Life Style: Miss India USA Natasha Arora, 21, of Texas was crowned Miss India USA at the 29th Miss India USA Pageant in New Jersey.

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Travel: Goa Sun, sand and sea are major attractions of Goa for those who need and want relaxation.

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December 31, 2010

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Hope for deal in Pak spy chief case NEW YORK: The plaintiffs in two US lawsuits accusing Pakistan's spy chief of nurturing terrorists involved in the 2008 Mumbai attacks are hoping for a historic outcome recalling the Lockerbie settlement, but they would have to overcome serious legal obstacles first, lawyers and experts say. The civil complaints naming Gen Ahmed Shuja Pasha and his Inter-Services Intelligence agency as defendants are like past lawsuits filed in federal courts against overseas figures with alleged links to terrorist attacks and other atrocities. A lawyer for the US plaintiffs, John Kreindler, said that they hope to win a deal like the one struck with Libya over the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland. The USD 1.5 billion settlement announced in 2008 was seen both as a victory for the families of 180 Americans killed in the terrorist attack and as a diplomatic breakthrough with the North African nation, once a pariah. "The hope is to obtain appropriate compensation, but we also see it as a chance for the United States and Pakistan to join together and condemn terrorism," he said. "I think our chances are very

Even when not protected, many international defendants don't bother to respond to summonses and, as a result, never see the inside of an American courthouse or engage in settlement negotiations. Judges can hear testimony from the plaintiffs and order damages, but the chances of collecting are a long shot. In some cases, judges have tossed out cases after the US government opposed them on diplomatic grounds. "Lawsuits like this aren't highly successful," said John F Murphy, a professor at Villanova University School of Law in suburban Philadelphia. "Decisions that have been favorable to the plaintiffs have been largely symbolic." In Pakistan, prominent lawyer Athar Minallah said that with the US court's jurisdiction in question, he couldn't see the litigation getting very far. "Why should they even bother to respond?" Minallah said of Pasha and the ISI. An ISI representative said that Pasha had received a summons but declined to discuss the case further. The wrongful death lawsuits were filed in November in federal

The civil complaints naming Gen Ahmed Shuja Pasha and his Inter-Services Intelligence agency as defendants are like past lawsuits filed in federal courts against overseas figures with alleged links to terrorist attacks and other atrocities good," he added. "We wouldn't be doing it if it was simply for show." But experts say a US court could find that Pasha, as a highranking foreign official, is protected by sovereign immunity.

court in Brooklyn by relatives of victims in the Mumbai attacks, which left 166 people and nine attackers dead. The assault has been blamed on the Pakistani militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba, which is also

named as a defendant. The lawsuits repeat longstanding allegations that the ISI "has long nurtured and used in-

Gen Ahmed Shuja Pasha

ternational terrorist groups," including Lashkar. "Defendant ISI provided critical planning, material support, control and coordination of the attacks" by a roving band of gunmen who attacked a Jewish community centre, a popular restaurant and tourist hotels, the lawsuits allege. The plaintiffs' lawyer has said they would not publicly discuss the case. They include the Brooklyn father of Gavriel Holtzberg, a rabbi who was killed along with his pregnant wife at the Jewish centre, and the wife of Sandeep Jeswani, a Chicago man who was traveling on business when he was killed at a hotel. The lawsuits, which seek unspecified damages, were filed under the Alien Tort Statute, an 18th century law that allows US citizens to sue in US courts for acts that violate international law. The law originally was enacted to prosecute pirates but has been used more recently by Holocaust survivors and relatives of people killed or tortured under despotic regimes.

WikiLeaks not to impact ties, agree Clinton, Krishna WASHINGTON: India and the US agree that the recent unauthorized leak of classified American diplomatic cables that created a worldwide storm, will not affect the growing relationship between the two countries. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who has been in a damage control mode ever since the explosive cables were leaked out by WikiLeaks, made a telephone call to External Affairs Minister S

M Krishna to discuss a wide range of issues ranging from bilateral relationship, to the situation in the region including Afghanistan, besides WikiLeaks cables. The telephonic conversation between the two leaders lasted for about 15 minutes, State Department spokesman P J Crowley said. "They covered a range of subjects which reflect the depth of US-Indian relations, including

President (Barack) Obama's successful visit and plans for the next Strategic Dialogue," he said. The two also talked about the importance of ongoing counterterrorism cooperation and also discussed the situation in Afghanistan. Krishna also offered condolences on the demise of Richard Holbrooke, the Obama Administration's pointsman on AfPak affairs.-PTI

In New York, lawsuits seeking billions of dollars in damages were filed by representatives, survivors and relatives of September 11 victims against foreign governments, charities, financial institutions and individuals believed to have provided support to al-Qaida. The plaintiffs claim the defendants gave money to charities to funnel it to al-Qaida. The cases are still pending but suffered a setback last year when the Supreme Court refused to allow claims against Saudi Arabia and four of its princes. The court left in place the ruling of a federal appeals court that the defendants are protected by sovereign immunity. Other high-profile cases that were allowed to go forward have resulted in massive awards that remain unpaid. In 2000, a federal judge in Man-

hattan ordered former Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic to pay USD 4.5 billion in damages for Serb atrocities in the 19921995 Bosnian war. The award came only weeks after another jury returned a USD 745 million verdict against Karadzic in another civil case in the same courthouse. The plaintiffs had alleged gross human rights abuses, including genocide, torture, rape and execution in an ethnic cleansing campaign to drive nonSerbians from their homes in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Karadzic fought the claims through New York lawyers for four years before telling the judge he would not defend himself. He never paid any damages and is currently fighting genocide charges at the UN war crimes tribunal in The Hague, Netherlands. -PTI

'No force can make ISI chief to appear before US' ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that no force could pressurize the ISI chief Lt Gen Ahmed Shuja Pasha to appear in a US court to face a lawsuit filed by relatives of victims of the Mumbai attacks. "The ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence)... is an extremely important (and) sensitive institution of this country. If they do not agree to go to the American court, then no one can send them," Gilani said. His remarks came as media reports from New York said the plaintiffs in two US lawsuits accusing Pakistan's spy chief of nurturing terrorists involved in the 2008 Mumbai attacks are hoping for a historic outcome recalling the Lockerbie settlement. The lawyers of the victims said they hope to win a deal like the one struck with Libya over the 1988 bombing of the Pan Am flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland. The plaintiffs in that case won a USD 1.5 billion settlement. The Pakistan Prime Minister was responding to concerns expressed by lawmakers in the National Assembly or lower house of parliament about the lawsuit filed by the family of two Jewish victims of the Mumbai incident. He described the country's spy agency as an "extremely important" organization.

Earlier, Leader of Opposition Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan described the summoning of the ISI chief by the American court as an attack on Pakistan's honor. He said the Prime Minister should send a Pakistani official to the US court to register a protest and Foreign Office should clarify its stand on the matter. The court in Brooklyn has summoned current ISI chiefs Lt Gen Pasha and his predecessor Nadeem Taj and Lashker-eTaiba leaders, including Hafiz Saeed, to appear before it next month in connection with the suit filed by relatives of Rabbi Gavriel Noach Holtzberg and his wife, who were among the 166 people killed during the attacks. The lawsuit alleges that the ISI "provided critical planning, material support, control and coordination for the attacks" to the Pakistan-based LeT. Indian officials have blamed the LeT for carrying out the attacks and said elements of the ISI and Pakistan Army played a role in planning and facilitating the assault. Pakistani authorities arrested seven suspects, including LeT operations commander Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, on charges of planning and financing the attacks but their trial has been marred by repeated delays and controversies. -PTI

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NE states, youths focus of Ed Royce to Co-Chair India Caucus Pravasi Bhartiya Divas India Post News Service

NEW DELHI: Nearly 1,300 delegates will gather here for Pravasi Bhartiya Divas, the annual conclave to connect with Indian Diaspora from January 7, with focus on showcasing Northeast as an attractive investment destination and engaging young overseas Indians in development process. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will address the ninth edition of the three-day conclave on January eight while President Pratibha Patil will deliver the valedictory address on January nine. Top businessmen, economists and scientists will be among 1,300 delegates from over 40 countries who will participate in the event. The flagship event of Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs will also provide the Diaspora an opportunity to interact with Union Ministers including Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, HRD Minister Kapil Sibal, Road Transport Minister Kamal Nath and Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad. Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi said that the effort is to have a more meaningful and interactive event that would address issues and concerns of the overseas Indian community effectively. He said that overseas Indians have emerged as important constituents of their adopted countries. They have contributed to transforming the economies,

participating in political process and added value to thought and innovation of their destination countries. Mr Ravi said that the focus of PBD-2011 is going to be on the young overseas Indians. In an

case investment opportunities in the region. "Northeastern states have a huge potential for investment and we will try our best to showcase the region as an attractive destination for the investors,"

Union Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi addressing a Press Conference on 9th Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas-2010, in New Delhi on December 21

endeavor to connect with and engage the younger generation of the overseas Indians with emerging India, a plenary session on "Engaging with the young overseas Indian" is being organized. He also informed that two preconference seminars on health and education sectors are being organized. Mr Ravi said the Northeastern states will be the partner states for the event and government will try its best to show-

Ravi told reporters. Complimenting Ravi for deciding to focus on Northeastern states during the prestigious event, Minister for Development of Northeastern Region B K Handique said they are hoping that the region will attract the massive investments needed by it. "Northeast is a huge virgin land looking for investment. We have great hope from the event," he said at a joint press conference with Ravi.

Affairs Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Trade in the 112th Congress. "South Asia will play prominently in the Subcommittee's agenda: whether it is exposing illicit proliferation networks, the growing menace of regional terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba, or growing US-India trade links," concluded Royce. Upon Royce's announcement,

NEW YORK: Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA) announced Dec 22 that he will serve as Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans for the 112th Congress. Royce, a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and long-time advocate of close US-India ties, continues in the role he has held in previous Congresses. "I am honored to serve as a key promoter of US-India relations. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Obama Administration As we saw during the consideration of the has been spotty on relations US-India civil nuclear with India. I don't think it fully agreement, Congress plays a key role in build- appreciates India's imporing this relationship. I'm looking forward to tance or the threat it facesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; seeing how strong we can make our economic, military and political ties," one time co-chairman of the Causaid Royce, who helped shepherd cus Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC) said: the India deal through Congress "Ed has been a fantastic leader of the Caucus. I look forward to in 2006. "The US-India relationship has working with him in the next Conmade great strides since the Cau- gress. He has been an important cus started. But nothing can be voice for the relationship and the taken for granted. The Obama Ad- values that bind the US and Inministration has been spotty on dia." Since its inception, the Conrelations with India. I don't think it fully appreciates India's impor- gressional Caucus on India and tance or the threat it faces. The Indian Americans has grown from Caucus will keep pressing to make a handful of members to one of the largest on Capitol Hill. Rep. that case," said Royce. The announcement comes on Joseph Crowley (D-NY) was the heels of Royce being named named Democratic Co-Chair of the Chairman of the House Foreign bipartisan group.

Community leader discusses visa issues in Delhi India Post News Service

NEW DELHI: Indian American community leader of Southern California, Mr. Ramesh Mahajan, on his recent visit here met concerned government officials in connection with the controversies over Indian passports and visa. Among others he met India's Joint Secretary of Foreign Relations, Mr. Amarendra Khatau and Additional Secretary Mr. Basant Gupta. Referring to the circular of the Foreigners Division, MHA (OM No. 25022/103/2010-F.I dated September 24, 2010, Mr. Mahajan told India Post he was pleased that India has finally chosen to treat people outside India under political asylum in a sympathetic manner. They would not now have to go through an agent to get a regu-

lar Indian passport. It is very unfortunate, he said, that the Government of India was scrutinizing Indian American citizens and looking at them suspiciously as criminals, not knowing that they have already gone through thorough investigation by the U.S. before becoming the American citizens. Mr Mahajan said Mr. Khatau and Mr. Gupta are playing a very limited role in making visa policies for Indian Americans. Some of these visa policies are unwarranted, discriminatory and at times downright humiliating. They ask for absurd documents which the citizens are unable to produce. It is unfortunate, he said. This is the same Indian-American community that stood with India and the Indian government like a rock, when they needed help, such as the Nuclear Treaty, bringing 200 US Congressman to the Indian Caucus and also helping with

valuable foreign exchange during its trying times. Mr. Mahajan said that he was

glad the Indian Government will be looking at the delays in processing caused by the implemen-

Mr Ramesh Mahajan with Joint Secretary of Foreign Relations, Mr. Amarendra Khatau, in New Delhi

tation of new laws and not blame inadequate staff to handle the extra workload. He expects some changes in response to public pressure. Mr. Mahajan said he was happy to meet Y.P. Singh, chief director of CBI who would be keeping a close watch on all the Consulates and their activities. He was told during his meetings that the Home Ministry, in particular Home Secretary GK Pillai, is drafting all the new visa policies. He wanted community leaders in the US to lobby the Home Ministry and send all lobbying documents to the Prime Minister. Mr. Mahajan also met V. Narayanswamy, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Planning & Department of Personnel, and Training & Grievances and discussed several issues with him.

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'Persistent' Obama marks highs and lows of 2010 India Post News Service

NEW YORK: On the afternoon of Dec 22, President Obama held a news conference in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building to sum up his Administration's highs and lows in 2010 and his hopes for 2011. Here are excerpts from his remarks as well as his responses to reporters' queries where he describes himself as "persistent" in the face of opposition: I just wanted to say a few words about the progress that we've made on some important issues over these last few weeks. A lot of folks in this town predicted that after the midterm elections, Washington would be headed for more partisanship and more gridlock. And instead, this has been a season of progress for the American people. That progress is a reflection of the message that voters sent in November -- a message that said it's time to find common ground on challenges facing our country. That's a message that I will take to heart in the New Year, and I hope my Democratic and Republican friends will do the same. START Treaty First of all, I am glad that Democrats and Republicans came together to approve my top national security priority for this session of Congress -- the New START treaty. This is the most significant arms control agreement in nearly two decades, and it will make us safer and reduce our nuclear arsenals along with Russia. With this treaty, our inspectors will also be back on the ground at Russian nuclear bases. So we will be able to trust but verify. We'll continue to advance our relationship with Russia, which is essential to making progress on a host of challenges -- from enforcing strong sanctions on Iran to preventing nuclear weapons from falling into the hands of terrorists. And this treaty will enhance our leadership to stop the spread of nuclear weapons and seek the peace of a world without them. The strong, bipartisan vote in the Senate sends a powerful signal to the world that Republicans and Democrats stand together on behalf of our security. This all speaks to a tradition of bipartisan support for strong American leadership around the world -- and that's a tradition that was reinforced by the fact that the New START treaty won the backing of our military and our allies abroad. In the last few weeks, we also came together across party lines to pass a package of tax cuts and unemployment insurance that will spur jobs, businesses and growth.

This package includes a payroll tax cut that means nearly every American family will get an average tax cut next year of about a thousand dollars delivered in their paychecks. It will make a difference for millions of students and parents and workers and

have to answer an increasingly urgent question -- and that is how do we cut spending that we don't need while making investments that we do need -- investments in education, research and development, innovation, and the things that are essential to grow our

President Barack Obama at the news conference at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building

people still looking for work. It's led economists across the political spectrum to predict that the economy will grow faster than they originally thought next year. In our ongoing struggle to perfect our union, we also overturned a 17-year-old law and a longstanding injustice by finally ending "don't ask, don't tell." As I said earlier today, this is the right thing to do for our security; it's the right thing to do, period. In addition, we came together across party lines to pass a food safety bill -- the biggest upgrade of America's food safety laws since the Great Depression. And I hope the House will soon join the Senate in passing a 9/11 health bill that will help cover the health care costs of police officers, firefighters, rescue workers, and residents who inhaled toxic air near the World Trade Center on that terrible morning and the days that followed. So I think it's fair to say that this has been the most productive post-election period we've had in decades, and it comes on the heels of the most productive two years that we've had in generations. Disappointments That doesn't mean that our business is finished. I am very disappointed Congress wasn't able to pass the DREAM Act so we can stop punishing kids for the actions of their parents, and allow them to serve in the military or earn an education and contribute their talents to the country where they grew up. I'm also disappointed we weren't able to come together around a budget to fund our government over the long term. I expect we'll have a robust debate about this when we return from the holidays -- a debate that will

economy over the long run, create jobs, and compete with every other nation in the world. I look forward to hearing from folks on both sides of the aisle about how we can accomplish that goal. If there's any lesson to draw from these past few weeks, it's that we are not doomed to endless gridlock. We've shown, in the wake of the November elections, that we have the capacity not only to make progress, but to make progress together. And I'm not naïve. I know there will be tough fights in the months ahead. But my hope heading into the New Year is that we can continue to heed the message of the American people and hold to a spirit of common purpose in 2011 and beyond. And if we do that, I'm convinced that we will lift up

‘I don't think that over the long run we can afford a series of tax breaks for people who are doing very well and don't need it; were doing well when Bill Clinton was in office’ our middle class, we will rebuild our economy, and we will make our contribution to America's greatness. Tax cuts Right after the midterm elections, we took a shellacking. And I take responsibility for that. It's

possible for Democrats and Republicans to have principled disagreements; to have some lengthy arguments but to ultimately find common ground to move the country forward. That's what we did with taxes. Those arguments have not gone away. I still believe that it doesn't make sense for us to provide tax cuts to people like myself who don't need them when our deficit and debts are growing. The frustration that people felt about that was frustration I share. I don't think that over the long run we can afford a series of tax breaks for people who are doing very well and don't need it; were doing well when Bill Clinton was in office. They were still rich then, and they will still be rich if those tax cuts went away. That's a debate that's going to continue into 2011, and I know the Republicans feel just as strongly on the other side of that. We're still going to have disagreements in terms of spending priorities. It's vital for us to make investments in education and research and development -- all those things that create an innovative economy -- while at the same time cutting those programs that just aren't working. Compromise, by definition, means taking some things you don't like. And the overall package was the right one to ensure that this economy has the best possible chance to grow and create jobs. And if the economy started contracting, as it might have had we not gotten this tax agreement, then the choices that we would have to make would be even tougher. Economic divide I think middle-class folks would confirm what the statistics say, which is that they have not seen a real increase in their incomes in a decade, while their costs have skyrocketed. That's just a fact. What is also a fact is that people in the top 1 percent, people in the top 1/10th of 1 percent, or 1/100th of 1 percent have a larger share of income and wealth than any time since the 1920s. Those are just facts. That's not a feeling on the part of Democrats. Those are facts. Repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell I am confident, looking at the history of the military with respect to racial integration, with respect to the inclusion of women in our armed forces, that that could be managed. And what all the service chiefs have assured me of is that regardless of their concerns about disruptions, they were confident that they could implement this policy without it affecting our military cohesion and good discipline and

readiness. Same sex marriage With respect to the issue of whether gays and lesbians should be able to get married, my feelings about this are constantly evolving. I struggle with this. I have friends, I have people who work for me, who are in powerful, strong, long-lasting gay or lesbian unions. And they are extraordinary people, and this is something that means a lot to them and they care deeply about. My baseline is a strong civil union that provides them the protections and the legal rights that married couples have. And I think that's the right thing to do. But I recognize that from their perspective it is not enough, and I think is something that we're going to continue to debate and I personally am going to continue to wrestle with going forward. Guantanamo Obviously, we haven't gotten it closed. And let me just step back and explain that the reason for wanting to close Guantanamo was because my number one priority is keeping the American people safe. One of the most powerful tools we have to keep the American people safe is not providing al Qaeda and jihadists recruiting tools for fledgling terrorists. And Guantanamo is probably the number one recruitment tool that is used by these jihadist organizations. And we see it in the websites that they put up. We see it in the messages that they're delivering. Every intelligence report that we're seeing shows that al Qaeda is more hunkered down than they have been since the original invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, that they have reduced financing capacity, reduced operational capacity. It is much more difficult for their top folks to communicate, and a lot of those top folks can't communicate because they're underground now. Over the last two years, despite not having closed Guantanamo, we've been trying to put our battle against terrorists within a legal structure that is consistent with our history of rule of law. And we've succeeded on a number of fronts. One of the toughest problems is what to do with people that we know are dangerous, that have engaged in terrorist activity, are proclaimed enemies of the United States, but because of the manner in which they were originally captured, the circumstances right after 9/11 in which they are interrogated, it becomes difficult to try them whether in an Article III court or in a military commission. Cont’d on page 8

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AAC-USA inducts Hall of Famers India Post News Service

NEW YORK: The Fourth Conglomeration of fourteen Asian countries in America - the Asian American Coalition USA - has inducted seven outstanding Americans to the AAC USA Hall of Fame Awards for the second time in 2010 in New York. President and founder of the Coalition Dr. Parveen Chopra who is himself recipient of several prestigious awards for public service, said the Hall of Fame Awards were created because the "Americans have recognized and honored the work of so many outstanding Asians we felt obliged to honor and induct outstanding Americans for their national and international contributions on a national Asian platform. We appreciate what other great Americans have done for us and new we want to do the same in a mutually appreciative way." The AAC USA 2010 Hall of Fame inductees included a galaxy of stars who have done very distinguished work not only in America but also internationally. They include: Edward P. Mangano (USA), Nassau County Executive since 2010; served as Nassau County Legislator for 17th Legislative District for seven terms; created more than 15,000 jobs and cut down $22

million in taxes in the very first 100 days in office. Justice Daniel Palmieri (USA), Judge in Nassau County Court and Acting Justice of the New York Supreme Court presiding over civil and criminal cases. John T. Ma (China), an academic and researcher at public libraries and universities like Columbia, NYU, New York Public Li-

The AAC USA 2010 Hall of Fame inductees included a galaxy of stars who have done very distinguished work not only in America but also internationally brary, Nanjing Univ., Chanchun Univ. Tamakang Univ., East China Normal Univ., etc. He is also Advisor to Foreign Language and Teaching Research Press, Beijing, China and other countries; President, Books-for-China Fund, Flushing, New York; and President, US-China Cultural and Economic Council, New York. Dr. Panchapakesa Jayaraman

(India), Founder of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan USA in New York City. He had organized the eighth World Hindi conference at the United Nations in partnership with Government of India; authored 16 books in several languages and is a Padma Shri awardee of the Government of India (2009). Imam Shamsi Ali (Indonesia), Chairman of Indonesian Muslim Community in New York and Imam of the Islamic Cultural Center of New York; Board Member of many inter faith organizations. He founded Universal Clergy Coalition International; attended White House interfaith discussion in 2007; was appointed "Ambassador for Peace" by International Religious Federation in 2002. Dr. Binod P. Shah (Nepal), Asst. Prof. of Rehabilitation Medicine at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He helps under served Americans in Bronx, Queens and upstate New York, and the underprivileged in Nepal. Dr. Ping-Heng Chen, (Taiwan) Earned Ph.D. in music education in Japan and worked as a professor of music at the Taichung Teachers College. His major accomplishments include performances with the Taiwan Center Chorus and Tenafly Singers at Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center and at Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln

Center several times. Tom Dinapoli, Comptroller for the State of New York while addressing the Hall of fame 2010 inductees, leaders of fourteen Asian countries and cultural groups present representing Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Burma, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka and Taiwan, com-

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg said, ‘I commend AACUSA for ensuring that hardworking people of many different backgrounds have the opportunity to pursue their dreams here in the US’ mended the Coalition for acting as a strong foundation of cultural and ethnic identity. He said, "Your commitment to nurturing relationships and promoting understanding among diverse cultural groups is admirable and serves as an example to us all." New York State Governor David A. Paterson said, "Since its founding, the Coalition also has

been committed to increasing the visibility of Asian American communities across this state and nation by fostering the positive development of Asian culture and identity, and strengthening relations with other communities and countries. In providing a voice for the entire Asian population, you cultivate greater understanding and appreciation of your shared heritage." New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg said, "I commend AACUSA for ensuring that hardworking people of many different backgrounds have the opportunity to pursue their dreams here in the United States." United States Senator Charles E. Schumer said, "Since its founding the AAC has dedicated itself to promoting the social, cultural, and entrepreneurial endeavors of the Asian-American community in New York and around the country. Through working with government officials, local agencies, and community groups the AAC has improved the quality of life for many New Yorkers. I applaud and commitment and dedication the Asian American Coalition has provided to the Asian-American community and New York." The cultural program that followed had stars from various countries performing on the same stage.

Australia govt apologizes to Haneef, admits mistake MELBOURNE: Australia has apologized to Indian doctor Mohammad Haneef for wrongly detaining him on terror charges three years back, saying it was a mistake and hoped that the compensation paid to him will mark the end of an "unfortunate chapter". "The AFP (Australian Federal Police) acknowledges that it was mistaken and that Dr Haneef was innocent of the offence of which he was suspected," the Australian government said in a public apology. "The Commonwealth apologizes and hopes that the compensation to be paid to Dr Haneef will mark the end of an unfortunate chapter and allow Dr Haneef to move forward with his life and career," it said, according to AAP report. Haneef, 31, is a cousin of Sabeel Ahmed -- the main accused in the failed attack on the Glasgow International Airport in the UK in 2007. The Indian doctor, who was working at the Gold Coast Hospital since September 2006, was arrested on July 2, 2007 from the Brisbane airport.

He was charged with recklessly giving support to a terrorist organization when his mobile phone SIM card, which he had left with his cousin before coming to Australia from the UK, was linked to the attack. His 12-day detention was the longest without charge in recent

Mohammad Haneef

Australian history, triggering outrage in India as well as in Australia. The formal apology came after Haneef agreed on a substantial

but undisclosed compensation payout from the government after two days of negotiations. Before the mediation talks, Haneef's lawyers had said the compensation could be up to one million dollars. It was also acknowledged that arresting, charging, detaining and eventually canceling Haneef's visa created "serious consequences for him and his family" by the government. The apology, which was released by the Attorney General's Department, said that the terms of the settlement shall remain secret. Haneef's lawyer Rod Hodgson has said the apology reaffirmed his client's innocence. "We congratulate the government for recognizing an injustice done on the watch of the previous government and for this public apology and declaration of innocence," he said. "The apology means a lot to our client." He said the financial settlement was "substantial" and Haneef was "delighted" with the deal. In return, Haneef has dropped a civil claim against the govern-

ment and defamation action against the former immigration minister Kevin Andrews, who had revoked the doctor's visa after he got bail. . Following the settlement of the claim, Haneef who is accompanied in Brisbane by his wife Firdous

and three-year-old daughter Haniyah, had said, "I'm very pleased and happy with the resolution of this matter". The doctor, who is now practicing in the UAE, said he would consider returning to his original job on the Gold Coast.- PTI

'Persistent' Obama marks highs and lows of 2010 Cont’d from page 7

Releasing them at this stage could potentially create greater danger for the American people. Striking this balance between our security and making sure that we are consistent with our values and our Constitution is not an easy task, but ultimately that's what's required for practical reasons. Driving into 2011 I do think that the car is on level ground. I mean, the car is the economy. And I think we are past the crisis point in the economy, but we now have to pivot and focus on jobs and growth. And my

singular focus over the next two years is not rescuing the economy from potential disaster, but rather jumpstarting the economy so that we actually start making a dent in the unemployment rate and we are equipping ourselves so that we can compete in the 21st century. But the answer about who drives -- the American people are driving the car. They're the ones who are going to be making an assessment as to whether we're putting in place policies that are working for them. And both parties are going to be held accountable and I'm going to be held accountable if we take a wrong turn on that front.

Desi News Jury awards $2.3m to 'enslaved' Hindu priest

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA

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Sikh community feeds the needy in Yuba City Details on page 13

December 31, 2010

Europe gets taste of Kathak through Italian Rosella

Details on page 10

'Poems for Peace' greeting cards launched in Delhi India Post News Service

Metlife received high honors in 2010 India Post News Service

NEW YORK: In 2010, MetLife, a leading provider of insurance and financial services, received multiple awards in recognition of the company's diversity and environmental initiatives. These awards, including honors from Fortune magazine and DiversityInc magazine, demonstrate MetLife's strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, and contributions to the diverse communities it serves. Details on page 11

Rosella (extreme right) with Dr. Birendra Sinha (center) and Kiran Desai (left) of Anila Sinha Foundation

RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service

CHICAGO: A young Italian turned Indian culturally, Rosella Fanelli, is set to create awareness and promote classical Indian Kathak dance and classical Indian instrumental music in Italy and across Europe. A long time disciple of Lucknow based Guru Arjun Mishra (who himself was a disciple of Maestro Pandit Birju Maharaj). Rosella successfully introduced a full fledged degree course in Indian Music and Indian classical dance Kathak at Vicenza University two years ago. The university now boasts of imparting lessons to 50 students from Italy and some parts of Europe. "At the end of the three years they will be given a degree in Indian Music-Dance," said Rosella Fanelli, a full time instructor-professor at the University. In a talk to this paper, Rosella said that most in this part of the world were blissfully aware of different forms of classical Indian dances with Kathak being no exception. "When I held the first Kathak performance three years ago, I was surprised to see it was very well received. This emboldened me to promote this form of dance to start with in Italy.

The relative success that we have now induces me to go more aggressively in promoting Kathak across Italy and then to Europe. As a first step, we have planned to have series of performances across major cities in Italy from January 29 to end February in 2011." "I am happy that my Guru Arjun Mishraji has not only blessed this move but has decided to join me with his son and tabla maestro on this grand tour. We have a remarkable degree of support from local

Rosella performing at Kathak International Festival in Chicago

won her many admirers and accolades. Dr. Birendra Sinha of ASF said without mincing words that Rosella is a Master in her own right and "we are all proud that an Italian born girl should be so great and be so committed to create awareness among non-Indians about the rich cultural heritage across Europe and in the western world at large. This is highly commendable." Born in Italy, Rosella has always been fascinated by Indian spiritu-

Born in Italy, Rosella has always been fascinated by Indian spirituality, Yoga and classical dancing artists who will form part of the troupe giving stage performances across Italy," Rosella said. She is leaving for India to meet her Guru and other artists to finalize the tour program. Rosella said that she has enlisted the support of Italian government as well as Indian cultural attachĂŠ in conducting this Kathak tour program. Rosella has given a good number of performances in Chicago as well and the one under the auspices of Anila Sinha Foundation (ASF) during Kathak International Festival at University of Chicago

ality, Yoga and classical dancing. In Kathak, she found a fine medium for the expression of dynamics of the body in space and also for expressions. Destiny guided her to Lucknow to learn Kathak in Guru Shishya Parmapara from Guru Arjun Mishra. A highly respected teacher, Rosella has given dance performances in cities like Milano, Rome, Lucca, Florence, Perugia, Assisi and Rovereto besides in India and USA. Speaking flawless Hindi, Rosella took part in a big drama production on the life of Buddha

in which she acted as Yashodhara. Yoga is her other passion and she was initiated in Ashtang Yoga by Yogi Gyanendraji. She is offering Yoga lessons to a number of students in Italy. She has commenced work of choreography in collaboration with renowned dance company of Rome Alleetto '90 and did a production on Christmas Day too. She can be reached at 393 404 892 581 in Italy. Kathak is among the six major classical dances of India and one of the most dynamic theater arts in the world. The word Kathak is derived from katha, meaning "the art of storytelling." It is also synonymous with the community of artists known as Kathakas whose hereditary profession it was to narrate history while entertaining. With dance, music and mime these storytellers of ancient India would bring to life the great scriptures and epics of ancient times, especially the great Indian epics the Mahabharata and the Ramayana - and the Puranas of Sanskrit literature. From its early form as a devotional expression dedicated to Hindu gods, Kathak gradually moved out of the temples and into the courts of rulers; the Hindu maharajas and Muslim nawabs (kings). The lineage of Kathak dance can be traced from generation to generation, father to son, guru to disciple.

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Community Across America www.indiapost.com

Hindi organization's Community Appreciation Day NEW JERSEY: A wide spectrum of professionals and academicians gathered Dec 15, to celebrate the unity and diversity of the Indian American community in New Jersey. The fun filled event was organized by Yuva Hindi Sansthan, a New Jersey based educational and cultural organization dedicated to promote Hindi and Indian culture and hosted by Raagini restaurant in central New Jersey. Sangeet Sarita, a musical group dedicated to entertain and promote Hindi songs and Indian music provided non-stop entertainment with performance of semi classical and folk songs of India. "It is a great occasion to celebrate our rich culture," said Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula, who attended the function along with his Cuban-born wife Daisy. "We should feel proud of our heritage that is well respected all over the world. It is a matter of great satisfaction for us that the national language of India, Hindi is widely taught in USA," he told the gathering. Chivukula complimented the dedication of Yuva Hindi Sansthan for promoting Hindi in schools and universities around the country. YHS was inaugurated in the presence of Chivukula in Edison, NJ in September 2009. Dr. Harmesh Mittal, owner of Raagini said that more young Indian Americans opted to learn Hindi thanks to the efforts of com-

Jury awards $2.3m to 'enslaved' Hindu priest India Post News Service

India Post News Service

December 31, 2010

NEW YORK: An Indian priest who allegedly was working under slavish conditions at a Hindu temple in Corona, Queens has been awarded $2.3 million by a jury

paper. "I am hopeful that I will see my wife and children soon - it's almost 10 years that I have not seen my wife and children in India." The priest's victory over Sat Prakash Sharma, the president and

Prominent members of Indian American community gather at Raagini restaurant in Mountainside, NJ to celebrate the unity and diversity of the community at Community Appreciation Day.

munity organizers and educationists who value teaching of Hindi as a second language in American schools. Mittal expressed his full support to the cause of promot-

He said that his organization was planning to expand its operation to other parts of the country in 2011. Extending his gratitude to the Indian American community at

"It is a great occasion to celebrate our rich culture," said Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula, who attended the function along with his Cuban-born wife Daisy. "We should feel proud of our heritage that is well respected all over the world ing Hindi and Indian culture. Ashok Ojha, president of Yuva Hindi Sansthan, reinforced YHS mission to create a favorable atmosphere for teaching Hindi in educational institutions in the US.

large for supporting the efforts to promote Hindi, Ojha read out a message from YHS chairman Dr. Surendra Gambhir who called for jointly working to promote and protect Hindi.

Indian priest Devendra Shukla leaving Brooklyn Federal Court.

in a Brooklyn federal court in New York recently. The New York Post reported the jury award was a colossal sum for Devendra Shukla, a man who grew up poor in India's rural Uttar Pradesh state, even as he was seen crying in gratitude after his victory in the corridors of the courthouse. "I have received justice," Shukla was quoted by the news-

director of the temple, and his wife, Geeta, who sits on its board, was pronounced after an eight-day trial. The 34-year-old wept in the courthouse lobby, as jurors walked by and expressed well-wishes after the trial's end. "From the temple of slavery, to the temple of justice," Sanjay Chaubey, the priest's attorney, proclaimed grandly after the ver-

"From the temple of slavery, to the temple of justice," Sanjay Chaubey, the priest's attorney, proclaimed grandly after the verdict was announced in the court

dict was announced in the court. Chaubay said the jury found that the Sharmas were civilly liable for forced labor, involuntary servitude and trafficking violations against his client. In addition to running the Hindu temple, Sat Sharma also owns a liquor license and a building where a strip bar, "Da Shark Lounge," operates in upstate Monticello. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 12

December 31, 2010

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Metlife received high honors in 2010 India Post News Service

NEW YORK: In 2010, MetLife, a leading provider of insurance and financial services, received multiple awards in recognition of the company's diversity and en-

South Asian Report cover

vironmental initiatives. These awards, including honors from Fortune magazine and DiversityInc magazine, demonstrate MetLife's strong commitment to diversity and inclusion,

MetLife was ranked among the top 50 in Newsweek magazine's environmental rankings of the 500 largest U.S. companies. MetLife was ranked No. 49 overall, the highest ranking life insurer on the list, in part based on its greenhouse gas emissions, water use, environmental policies and green programs and contributions to the diverse communities it serves. In 2010, MetLife ranked among the top companies in various categories, including: • World's Most Admired Companies - Fortune magazine • Top 50 Companies for Diversity - DiversityInc magazine • Top 50 Out Front Companies

for Diversity Leadership - Diversity MBA magazine • Top 60 Diversity Elite - Hispanic Business magazine • Best Adoption-Friendly Workplaces - Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption • Best Companies for Multicultural Women - Working Mother magazine • 100 Best Companies for Working Mother - Working Mother magazine • Top Company for Executive Women - National Association for Female Executives • Perfect Score on the Corporate Equality Index - Human Rights Campaign • Top 10 Corporate Clients - INROADS "MetLife knows that having a diverse workforce and inclusive environment helps us attract the very best talent and better understand the needs of our customers," said Kathleen Henkel, executive vice president of Human Resources for MetLife. "We're proud to earn these recognitions, which reflect not only our commitment to our employees, but also our long history of serving individuals and businesses from diverse communities around the globe." In addition, MetLife was ranked among the top 50 in Newsweek magazine's environmental rankings of the 500 largest U.S. companies. MetLife was ranked No. 49 overall, the highest ranking life insurer on the list, in part based on its greenhouse gas emissions, water use, environmental policies and green programs and initiatives. Reputational survey results from chief executive officers, corporate social responsibility professionals, academics and other environmental experts also contributed to the overall ranking. "We are honored to be recognized by Newsweek for our environmental stewardship and commitment to long-term sustainability," said John Vazquez, vice president, vendor sourcing and corporate services & chief procurement officer. "MetLife is focused on effectively managing its global impact to preserve a healthy planet and ensure a sustainable future."

'Poems for Peace' greeting cards launched in Delhi India Post News Service

NEW YORK: It's the end of another year soon and it's the season for peace. Why not send a 'Poems for Peace' greetings card to your loved ones and in doing so help a needy child go to school? Within the walls of Full Circle Bookshop in Khan Market, New Delhi, poetry on the theme of peace filled the air on a recent Sunday the American Embassy School, New Delhi, along with Sikh advocacy group United Sikhs held a poetry reading to spread the message of peace and unity on Guru Nanak Sahib's Gurpurab. The sale of greetings cards displaying the peace poems was launched after the poetry reading. The poems which resounded in the air were read by students of the American Embassy School, New Delhi. They were poems that the students had written for a worldwide project called Poems for Peace. Founded by American, Lauri Hoffman Bunting, Poems for Peace aims to provide an opportunity for people to discover similarities, embrace differences, develop compassion and foster forgiveness. In order that the poems be cir-

culated more widely and to spread the message of peace through education, sixteen of the poems written by the American Embassy School students have been selected and printed as greetings

In the words of the founder, Lauri Bunting, "Ignorance breeds prejudice, apathy and fear; knowledge breeds compassion. When we know, we care. 'Poems for Peace' taps into the health, wealth and wisdom of youth worldwide cards. These greetings cards will be sold and all proceeds from the card sales will be spent by United Sikhs on sponsoring the education of underprivileged children through its STARAE project. Harjyot Kaur, the organization's Empowerment and Education Di-

rector, commented, "For me, each card is more beautiful than the next. Each poem contains a special message, straight from the heart of the student who wrote it. Reading the poems brings you lots of peace." Dr. Barbara Sirotin, the American Embassy School, New Delhi Middle School Principal and member of the American Embassy School Peace Committee said, "The Poems for Peace project provided an opportunity for students to express the possibilities, wonder and fears about their individual lives, our communities and our wider world. Reflection and expression were the wonderful results." In the words of the founder, Lauri Bunting, "Ignorance breeds prejudice, apathy and fear; knowledge breeds compassion. When we know, we care. 'Poems for Peace' taps into the health, wealth and wisdom of youth worldwide. Through the writing and sharing of beliefs, memories, hopes and fears, cross-cultural connections are established. When individuals exchange personal truths, divisions disintegrate and a common thread is revealed. All poems are posted at www.poemsforpeace.org allowing for each message to be echoed throughout the world."

New trustee and executive boards for Jalaram Mandir YOGESH THAKKAR

CHICAGO: Shree Jalaram Mandir in Addison, a Chicago north side suburb, held its second official election and annual general meeting recently. There were three-election panel members during the election - Dr Kamal Vibhakar, Dr. Ghanshyam

Shree Jalaram Mandir current committee provided a brief on financial matter, next year's activities agenda and goals for next two years Thakkar and Pankaj Patel. They received 16 nomination forms 8 for trustee board and 8 for executive board. The following were named for trustee board and executive board for 2011 - 2012. Trustee Board: Jasvant Patel, Ashwin Thakkar, Hasmukh Thakkar, Chandulal Thakkar,

Madhusudan Thakkar, Yogesh Thakkar, Chandrakant Thakkar and Raju Thakkar Executive Board: Bhupendra Thakkar, Chirayu Parikh, Vipul Thakkar, Rajendra Thakkar, Rajesh Thakkar, Ravi Thakkar, Utpal

Gandhi, and Ramesh Thakkar Shree Jalaram Mandir current committee provided a brief on financial matter, next year's activities agenda and goals for next two years and expansion program to be undertaken.

12 India Post

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Maria Pappas & Prekwinkle greet Indians during Christmas

Kenneth Cole's Sikh â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Awareness' takes a new high India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Over the past couple of years, high-end fashion retailer Kenneth Cole has aimed to include the Sikh-American look in its advertising campaigns to raise "Awareness". Last year, they hosted a shopping event in their New York City SoHo store to raise funds for the

Sikh Coalition. Now they have taken their support to a new level. This year, from Dec 1 through Dec 24, a 20% discount on all purchases at any Kenneth Cole store nationwide was offered. Kenneth Cole will then donate 20% of the total proceeds to the Sikh Coalition, a Sikh civil rights organization.

Jury awards $2.3m to 'enslaved' Hindu priest Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 10

Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas (center) and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle (next to Treasurer) welcome members of the Metropolitan Asian Family Services organization to Pappas' Annual Holiday Party. Several hundred guests from diverse ethnic and religious groups attended Pappas' Holiday Party, which has become a tradition in the Treasurer's office at the Cook County Building in downtown Chicago. Guests viewed more than 90 Christmas trees and other displays from different ethnic groups across Chicagoland

During the trial, the priest's attorney said that Shukla was supposed to be paid $500 a week, plus free room and board, when he came to New York from India. What he got instead was a tiny room "that did not even have a window. It was a cell," Chaubey said. The jury found that the Sharmas had illegally forced Shukla to minister to worshipers in the temple from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., and also work in their construction business as a loader, a pipe

cutter, an electrician, and a painter. After hiring the priest, the Sharmas confiscated his passport and paid him only $50 a week -- for a grand total of just $21,000 over seven years. During the trial, the Sharmas' attorney denied that the priest worked for the construction firm and argued he was supposed to receive only $500 a month, with room and board included. Krishnan Chittur, their attorney, claimed the priest was just trying to secure a green card, and said the Sharmas plan to appeal the verdict.

Community/California

December 31, 2010

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Sikh community feeds the needy in Yuba City

India Post News Service

YUBA CITY, CA: Yuba Sutter Sikh Community members fed about 100 needy fellow human beings on December 4 at Lynn Way. About 200 sandwiches and soft drinks were served. Despite rain large numbers of volunteers and needy people showed up at this event. The Sikh community organized this meal to celebrate Gurpurab (Day of Guru) of first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The meal is being called "Langar (Food for Needy)". Langar is a 500 year old tradition that was started by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, when he used 20 rupees given to him by his father for business to feed hungry pilgrims passing

through his town. Ever since feeding the hungry has been a tradition in the Sikh community, which is practiced in the form of a community kitchen.

lution ACR 181. Organizers of "Food for Needy" feel that while legislature has done its part, now it is their turn to do something to raise awareness as well. Sikhs believe in

November was also designated as Sikh appreciation and awareness month by California Legislature with the passing of Resolution ACR 181. Organizers of "Food for Needy" feel that while legislature has done its part, now it is their turn to do something to raise awareness as well November was also designated as Sikh appreciation and awareness month by California Legislature with the passing of Reso-

praying for the welfare of mankind, earning honest living and sharing with others. This event was organized in partnership

Pastor Ron Brasier of A Hand Up Ministries and River Bottom Church. Community organizers are pleased by this partnership with members of other faiths with Sikhs to help the needy. They wanted this to be more than just a meal serving event and used it as an opportunity to engage with other communities. Sikhs have been living in northern California for over 100 years now. At first they established themselves as farmers in Sutter County and more recently as entrepreneurs, transporters, engineers and doctors. Several members who have excelled in these fields will be taking part in serving the meals. They look at it as an opportunity to give back to community they have adopted.

Harry Sidhu re-appointed Mayor Pro Tem India Post News Service

ANAHEIM, CA: By a unanimous vote on December 14, the Anaheim City Council re-appointed Council Member Harry Sidhu to serve as Mayor Pro Tem for the 2011 calendar year. Pursuant to the Anaheim City Charter, the Mayor Pro Tem performs the duties of the Mayor during the Mayor's absence or disability. Harry Sidhu was elected to the Anaheim City Council in November 2004, and was first appointed as Mayor Pro Tem in December 2009. Prior to serving on the Anaheim City Council, Sidhu was Chairman of the City of Anaheim Budget Advisory Commission. He is also an Orange County Sanitation District Director and serves on the City of Anaheim Audit Committee.

Sidhu is an Anaheim resident and leader who cares deeply about his community and the people living in it. He is committed to encouraging a thriving business culture and economic development in the region that will create jobs, housing, and meet the needs of the taxpayers. His achievements while in office include initiating a free annual health fair in the City, supporting a charter amendment which was placed on the November 2006 ballot to forever prohibit eminent domain abuse in the City of Anaheim, and implementing an annual Anaheim/OC Job Fair and Expo. Sidhu says is honored to have been elected to serve as an Anaheim City Council Member - the first person of Indian heritage to have achieved this position. Born and raised in India, Sidhu immi-

grated to the United States in 1974 with his parents as a permanent resident, settling in Philadelphia, Pa., where he completed his education and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Drexel University. In 1979, Sidhu became a United States citizen, and in 1980, he left the Philadelphia area and moved to California where he began his professional life as a consulting engineer with Rockwell International and General Dynamics, and as a U.S. Defense Industry Engineer for Hughes Aircraft. During that period, Sidhu became a licensed Professional Engineer - a Registered Mechanical Engineer in the State of California, and obtained a General Contractor's License (B). He is also a licensed California Real Estate Broker. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 16

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Arpan celebrates fourth fruitful anniversary India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: Arpan Foundation, a non-profit and registered charitable organization, recently completed four years of fruitful existence. In a press release on the occasion, it announced that it had raised more than one million dollars since inception and with generous support of the public, hopes to collect $525,000 in this challenging year. The goal of Arpan is to "make a difference in our own life while serving others." It is supporting about 20 institutions working at the grassroots level. Arpan is ideally placed to provide companies, businessmen and highly placed professionals, who do not have much time to spare, an excellent platform to do their bit. They can associate with some truly outstanding institutions and participate in their work without disturbing their own time schedules. Arpan is engaged in wide ranging activities of various associates, specially the following: • To provide quality education to tribal, very poor from the rural areas, children from slums of the cities and destitute children. Education provided from K-10 to over 8,200 underprivileged children. More than 4,000 i.e. 50% of them are resident students. More than 250 of them are being supported for higher education, including engineering, computer, agriculture, law, etc. • Arpan has launched an Overall Educational Excellence Development Program

(OEEDP), also known as DISCOVER, with the objective of enhancing the real learning of the children in municipal and Government aided schools. The children studying in these schools are mostly from poor and lower middle class families living in the slums. The program is headed by Rajiv Vartak, a Fellow of the Ashoka Foundation, USA. He and his dedicated team of 17 teachers have developed excellent systems and more than 1000 hands-on experiments. They have created more than 1500 slides for the subjects of mathematics, science, geography and English. The program has already spread to more

One of Arpan's associates, Mahan Trust, founded by a highly qualified young medico couple, Drs Ashish (M.D.) and Kavita (M.S.) Satav in the tribal area of Melghat has treated more than 45000 patients in the last ten years. Moreover, they have launched a mortality control program through which they could reduce mortality rate in children under 5 years of age by 60% within a short period of 5 years. One other associate, Helpers of the Handicapped has rehabilitated more than 16,000 paraplegics and physically challenged persons by providing them educational and vocational training.

Arpan is ideally placed to provide companies, businessmen and highly placed professionals, who do not have much time to spare, an excellent platform to do their bit than 300 schools benefiting over 180,000 students and next year it is likely to be extended to 600 schools and cover more than 350,000 students. • Health Care, particularly tribal and backward rural areas. Arpan is closely associated with Maharogi Sewa Samiti, founded by the great humanist, Late Baba Amte, which provides total rehabilitation to more than 3000 leprosy affected, physically challenged, blind, deaf and mute, orphans, and aged people.

• Another core area chosen by Arpan is to help tribal and rural population in some draught prone areas of Madhya Pradesh and Maharshtra where many farmers have committed suicide in the recent past for a debt of as little as $200. Through its 3 main associates working in this area, viz., Samaj Pragati Sahayog, Dilasa Sanstha, Bhagivini Nivedita Gramin Vigyan Niketan, it is helping more than 100,000 tribal and backward rural population through formation of Self Help Groups (SHGs) (nearly 8000 SHGs have been formed by these 3 institutions) giving them access to credit availability (nearly Rs.480 million - approx. $11 million) from banks. To prevent farmers from committing suicide, Arpan has trained the farmers in these areas in the optimum utilization of water by water harvesting systems including construction of small check-dams. Also helped them by providing good quality seeds at reasonable prices and enabling them to take 2 or 3 crops in a year. Efforts have also been made to increase the yield per acre by training them in Horticulture etc. • Another important area where quite a few of Arpan institutions have helped is the welfare of the women, particularly, commercial sex workers. Two of Arpan's institutions, Snehalaya-Ahmednagar, and SnehalayaSolapur, have played a very important role. They have rescued more than 200 women from the red light areas, trained them in other occupations of their liking. e.g. Nursing, Tailoring, Teaching etc. Many of them are now happily married and well settled. Both the Snehalayas have launched a crusade against the forcible induction of minor girls in this horrible trade, as a result of which there are very few minor girls in the red light areas of these two cities. The atrocities and harassment by the Police has also been substantially brought down. A few of the outstanding and life changing initiatives implemented by Arpan's associates are: • Kaustubh and Pallavi Amte (grandson of Late Baba Amte & his wife) of Maharogi Seva Samiti, demonstrated by example the values they live by. Kaustubh is a qualified CPA & Company Secretary & could have easily joined any good multi national company in a lucrative job. Instead, he voluntarily opted to devote his life to MSS. He

now works as the Assistant Secretary of MSS on a nominal honorarium & is responsible for its day to day management. This year, they adopted a girl child when they visited Snehalaya's adoption center thus continuing the tradition of adopting a daughter started by Baba Amte, followed by his younger son Dr Prakash & now by Kaustubh. This humane gesture reinforces our belief that Late Baba Amte's legacy could not have been in better hands than his own children and grand children. • The tenacious efforts of Dr Girish Kulkarni & his team of Snehalaya Ahmednagar resulted in getting justice to a minor girl who was sexually exploited by 23 persons. The judge was fully convinced & awarded a double life sentence to 20 culprits (most of them quite wealthy, influential and with political connections). This was a first in India & unheard of! The judge complimented the Snehalaya team & clearly mentioned their contribution in getting the justice to the victim. It was because of the fearless work and courage of the entire Snehalaya team, that the conviction could take place. As pointed out in the report from Snehalaya, we can well imagine the temptations and the threats that each team member faced time and again during the four years this case was going on. Even the girl's father, who initially lodged the complaint, subsequently turned hostile and even forced his daughter to accuse Snehalaya team of harassment and exploitation. However, because the entire team of Snehalaya treated her like a sister/daughter, she ultimately had the courage to tell the judge that she was coerced by her father to make false accusations against the Snehalaya team. • Arpan associate Unnati Vocational Training Program of SGBS Trust, Bangalore provides vocational training to the underprivileged and unemployed youth. Unnati's vision shared by Arpan Foundation & Caring Friends is to create 300 quality vocational training centers all over India between 2010 to 2019. Each centre will provide vocational training to nearly 300 persons per annum. The target is to train over 1 million youth by 2020. The training focuses on the uneducated youth and prepares them to work in the retail, hospitality, Industrial tailoring, BPO, security guards, truck drivers etc. The training assures employment with reputed organizations at the end of the three month course. In addition to imparting vocational skills, Unnati trains the youth in life skills, communication, spoken English and basic computer usage. All the candidates trained by Unnati get selected at the campus itself & start on a salary of about Rs.5,000 ($110) per month. They can hope to reach between Rs.15,000 to 20,000 ($325 to $450) p.m. in the next 3-4 years. Left to themselves they might not have reached 15000 even at the end of their working life. • MAHAN conducted their fourth annual plastic surgery camp where 57 burn victims & persons with deformities such as cleft lift, cleft palate etc were treated. So far, 210 such operations have been conducted at Mahan hospital, which has given a new lease of life to the patients - all free of cost. Also more than 762 cases have been operated for ophthalmic problems like cataract, eye injuries, minor surgeries, almost free of cost.

Community/California

December 31, 2010

India Post 15

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Dilemma of Indian Diaspora about celebrating Christmas DR JASWANT SINGH SACHDEV

n any country of the world, the members of a minority faith often find themselves in a unique dilemma, during the celebrations of the majority population’s important religious days. Most minority members usually comprehend the significance of such events and fully understand the emphasis that the majority places upon them, overtly and subtly. Also, they have no difficulty in fathoming the excitement of the majority. Yet, the long-established practices of their own minority faiths may preclude some of them from becoming totally immersed at a deeper level in the religious celebrations of the majority faith or their other such ancillary events. Oftentimes, they may simply try to look forward to a middle ground to become part of the celebrations by superficially joining with the majority. But this happens only after they have introduced some uniquely designed modifications, additions or subtractions for themselves. In order to personalize it, sometimes the minority members try to pick up a relevant event in the history of their own faith and then try to corroborate it with the celebrations of a main event of majority. Take, for instance, the celebrations of Diwali or Dipawali, the most celebrated festival in India. Although this is primarily a Hindu festival, it is celebrated, adored, and eagerly awaited by almost all Indians regardless of their religious affiliations and irrespective of where and in which country they happen to reside later on. In fact, other minority Indian religions have devised many creative means and ways to celebrate Diwali in their own

styles. In a way, it allows and makes it convenient for non-Hindus to be part of Diwali celebrations and enjoy the happiness that this queen festival usually brings among the people of South Asia, while promoting inter-religious cooperation and tolerance. In this context, the example of Sikh people in celebration of Diwali is fairly obvious and needs no repetition. Most of them celebrate Diwali with the same gusto and excitement as the majority population of India does, but they celebrate it for their own reasons under the name of “Bandi Chhor Divas” (Day of liberation). Historical belief among most of the people happens to be that it was during the days of Diwali that the Sixth Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Hargobind Ji was released from the Gwaliar Fort where he had been wrongly detained by the Mogul emperor. Guru Ji did not want to leave confinement until the other 52 Hindu Rajas incarcerated falsely for wrong reasons, were also liberated. By celebrating “Bandhi Chhor Divas” on Diwali day, the Sikhs have been able to overcome their inhibitions about celebrating this queen festival in a similar style and a way that is almost akin to the rest of the majority. In doing so, they have adopted this celebration as their own. This allows them to become part of a bigger picture in the context of the larger community. However, a careful perusal of Sikh history leaves some probing questions regarding the accuracy of the actual day of the event. But because day of Diwali day has been accepted as “Bandhi Chhor Divas” in the Sikh psyche for so

long, it has become part of their culture and this is what matters in practical terms. This article is primarily devoted to bring forward another mental dilemma that the non-Christian Diaspora members usually encounter during Christmas Days once they have settled in predominant Christian countries. As Christmas happens to be the birthday of one of the most celebrated prophets on this Earth, the magnanimity of the celebrations of

The fact remains that once one decides to settle in a culture with a different dominant faith than what was practiced by the immigrant back home; one has to be ready for adjustments, albeit to a degree Christmas surpasses many other events, religious or otherwise. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, many people attend holiday parties with over-indulgence in food and drinks. Over period of time, the religious aspects of Christmas have been usurped by the commercialization with an ever-increasing emphasis on consumerism and materialism. Exchange of gifts is religiously symbolic for Christians and as such is completely understandable, yet this process has become much more than a mere token. Some families may spend thousands and thou-

sands of dollars on gifts and amass debts in the process. The celebrations of Christmas, related to commercialism, may not sit well with the mental frame work of non-Christian immigrants of Indian subcontinent who mostly belong to Dharmic faiths, and celebrate their Prophets’ birthdays with visits to temples and gurdwaras. They seem to get the impression as if the emphasis in the West seems to be upon personal enjoyment, partying and gift giving rather than to the religiosity or the remembrance of Christ, the Prophet whose birthday it actually represents. When an immigrant attempts to compare the style of celebrations related to this day as opposed to the way the Dharmic events were celebrated back home, it puts the poor soul in a kind of mental quandary. Surrounded by these kinds of celebrations and joyful atmosphere all around, people of other faiths and cultures may not have any choice. As a result they end up doing what the majority does. Having said this all, there is a need to remind us all that people of Indian subcontinent also don’t stay behind in commercializing their own major religious festivals such as Dipavali. Show of glittering jewelry and intake of excessive unhealthy sweets along with booze and partying in India gets equally emphasized to an extent that indulgence in such activities during Dipavali season surpasses the remainder of the year. Coming back to celebration of Christmas in relation to Indian subcontinent Diaspora, some members get concerned that such celebrations might indirectly intro-

duce their children to Christianity since the clean slate of a child’s mind is easy to imprint upon. Regardless of this, it is not that uncommon even now, to find children of non-Christian families with strong beliefs in their own faiths yet demanding a Christmas tree at their homes under which the gifts could be placed. These families may see nothing wrong with the practice as long as it is being done for the general entertainment of the children rather than a shift in religious orientation. However, those who perceive this practice to be a sign of different religious orientation, they often try to avoid this as a chosen path. One could consider this to be a ‘dilemma,’ or a frame of mind mired in duality. The fact remains that once one decides to settle in a culture with a different dominant faith than what was practiced by the immigrant back home; one has to be ready for adjustments, albeit to a degree. It is like submerging oneself in water and then hoping not to get wet. A realization has to come through, perhaps sooner than later that avoiding wetness under such circumstances would be next to impossible. The best strategy one could adopt is to arrange to wear a water proof wetsuit and dry off with towels as soon as possible and as much as possible. Simply put, it’s best to keep one’s eyes and ears wide open so as to let seep in what is worth seeping while discarding what is felt to be extraneous and redundant for one’s belief system. *From author of a recently published book, ‘SQUARE PEGS, ROUND HOLES.’ For more information on the book, please visit: www.SquarePegsRoundHolesBook.com

Walmart provides nutritious food for 15,000 kids India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES, CA: The Los Angeles Regional Foodbank has received $225,000 grant for its Holiday BackPack and Kids Cafe programs from Walmart Foundation. The grant will provide enough food for 270,000 meals for an estimated 15,000 students in 20 low-income schools and 25 youth program sites in Los Angeles County who would not have access to nutritious meals over the two-week holiday break. This grant will expand the Holiday BackPack program from eight schools to 20 schools. The Los Angeles Regional Foodbank's Holiday Backpack Program helps children who reside in low-income neighborhoods and who are eligible for free meals during the week through the National School Lunch Program. Many low-income families struggle to provide the nutritious foods children need during the two-week holiday break and the Holiday BackPack Program is

designed to address this gap in services. "We greatly appreciate Walmart and the Walmart Foundation's commitment and leadership to end hunger in Los Angeles County," said Michael Flood, President and CEO of the Los Angeles Regional Foodbank. "Walmart acted immediately

their region to receive up to a $1 million grant for hunger relief this holiday season in a Facebook campaign. Through December 31, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are encouraging people around the nation to cast their vote on http:// fightinghunger.walmart.com choosing from

The community with the most online support will receive $1 million in grants and the next five communities with the highest support will receive $100,000 each to help fight hunger when they learned about our immediate needs this holiday season to provide nutritious food to 15,000 students in 45 schools and youth programs who would otherwise struggle to have meals during the two week holiday break." Walmart is also providing an opportunity for Los Angeles area "fans" to support

a list of 100 communities where hunger rates are the highest. The community with the most online support will receive $1 million in grants and the next five communities with the highest support will receive $100,000 each to help fight hunger. "We are committed to ending hunger in Los Angeles and throughout the country,"

said Kimberly Sentovich, Senior Vice President for Walmart. "Through our partnership with the Los Angeles Regional Foodbank, we want to provide solutions to kids who don't have access to healthy, nutritious food." The most recent food security report from the USDA depicts hunger as a challenge so significant that it can only be solved if government, corporations and community organizations work together. Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are committed to applying its unique business strengths to address the growing problem of hunger. Walmart has recently announced a $2 billion commitment to help end hunger in America. Through the "Fighting Hunger Together" initiative, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation will give $250 million in grants to hunger relief organizations and donate more than 1.1 billion pounds of food from Walmart stores, distribution centers and Sam's Club locations, valued at $1.75 billion.

Community/California

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Chautala family - Face of education in Haryana India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: Mr. Ajay Singh Chautala, who is an MLA from Haryana and a former MP, was recently on a private visit to the United States. He was requested to attend an honorarium dinner at the Peacock Gardens Restaurant at Diamond Bar arranged by the Sikh community. Mr. Chautala was generous enough to spend a couple of hours at the dinner as he mingled freely and took some group pictures with the Sikh Community leaders. He was awarded a plaque in recognition of his services in the field of education, social works, farmer's rights and politics in Haryana and Northern India. He was especially requested to give his insights regarding the well being of the minorities and the Sikhs along with details about the modern developments in Haryana. Mr. Chautala mentioned that his party has a manifesto to provide modern facilities to ordinary citizens in the rural areas in Haryana just as they are available in the cities. He also emphasized that their manifesto promises establishment of a chair in the name of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji in the university at Hissar and another in the name of Bhim Rao Ambedkar at Kurukshetra University. Dr. Amrit Singh, a cardiologist

December 31, 2010

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Sikhs distribute toys and food

from Long Beach, CA, emceed the function which was arranged by Gurvinder Singh Aujla, the brother in law of Dr. Amrit Singh. A delicious dinner was provided by Gurjinder Singh Bajwa and his brother in law Raju Virk at the Peacock Gardens Restaurant, Diamond Bar, California. The whole community thanked the visiting dignitary with Jakaras "Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal" and the chief

Mr. Chautala mentioned that his party has a manifesto to provide modern facilities to ordinary citizens in the rural areas in Haryana guest responded in turn with "Waheguru ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh". He was accompanied by his two sons and his wife who was facilitated by the local Sikh women. His children, Dushant and Digvijay, were accorded company by the local college students who were represented by Jujhar Singh from UC San Diego and Zorawar Singh and Zachary S. Griswald from UC Irvine.

India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: Like every year, the Sikh Community of California participated in distributing toys and food to the less fortunate at the Fred Jordan Mission in Los Angeles. On December 18, volunteers from KCF gurudwara worked hard in pouring rain. The volunteers included parents, young adults and children. They all worked hard making packages filled with food, toys and blankets and gave them away to delighted kids.

Harry Sidhu re-appointed Mayor Pro Tem Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 13

Sidhu understands the value of honest, hard work. He worked his way through college, and started a small business that began with a single restaurant. Sidhu is now recognized as a successful California businessman and owner of restaurants in Orange County. He and his wife, Gin, have two children. His community involvement includes the following: Community Advisory Board Member, Boys and Girls Clubs of Anaheim; Advisory Board Member, Anaheim Family YMCA; Anaheim Chamber of Commerce Member; Anaheim Small Business Chamber

Committee Member; Orange County Republican Party, Deputy Chairman, City of Anaheim; Anaheim Youth Soccer coach; charity

Sidhu understands the value of honest, hard work. He worked his way through college, and started a small business fundraiser and sponsor of children's sports; supporter of the arts and arts education; and many civic activities.

Health

Line

InterMune surges on EU lung drug recommendation

NEW YORK: InterMune Inc. says that an advisory panel recommended its lung disease drug Esbriet be approved for sale in the European Union, sending its shares skyrocketing. The European Medicines Agency does not have to accept the panel's recommendation, but if it does, Esbriet will be approved in all 27 European Union countries as a treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a terminal disease that causes scarring in the lungs. InterMune expects a final decision within three months, and the company is preparing to launch Esbriet, also known as pirfenidone, in Europe, starting in Germany and France. InterMune stock surged $18.78 to $33.05 in afternoon trading. -AP

2 years after ash spill, TVA denying health harm CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.: Two years after the catastrophic coal ash spill at an East Tennessee power plant, some homeowners in Roane County say they are having respiratory problems, buying air filters and hosing away toxicladen dust. The Dec. 22, 2008 spill of 5.4 million cubic yards of toxin-laden sludge in the Emory River and on privately held land beside the Tennessee Valley Authority's Kingston Plant has spurred some to join a protracted court fight. Owners of more than 170 properties negotiated buyouts and have moved with TVA's $1.2 billion cleanup continuing. -AP

Md. health secy urges action on health care ANNAPOLIS, Md.: Maryland lawmakers should set up the basic framework for a health benefit exchange required under a new federal law during the 2011 legislative session, the state's secretary of health and mental hygiene told a health care reform council. If legislators act promptly, Secretary John Colmers said, the state will improve its odds of receiving certain federal funding available for ``early innovators'' and make it easier to hire an executive director for the program. Colmers said the state could delay decisions on more controversial items such as whether all insurance carriers will be able to participate in the exchange. -AP

Health Science

SD's flu vaccination rate among highest PIERRE, SD: State health officials say South Dakota had some of the nation's highest vaccination rates for seasonal flu last winter. -AP

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December 31, 2010

Dr Nirav Shah appointed NY Health Commissioner India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Indian American physician Dr. Nirav R. Shah has been appointed by New York Governor-elect Andrew Cuomo, as state Health Commissioner. Cuomo announced the appointment recently and it will become effective upon the Governorelect assuming office. "We continue to find talented and dedicated individuals ready to help reshape the state of New York and make it work for the people once again," said Governor-elect Cuomo. "New Yorkers will be wellserved by this tireless and capable group of people. I thank them for their service to the state and their hard work, and I look forward to working with them all." Cuomo describes Dr. Shah as a general internist who is an "expert in use of systems-based methods to improve patient outcomes, a leading researcher in use of large scale clinical laboratories and electronic health records to improve the effectiveness and

efficiency of care, and a nationally recognized thought leader in the very methods needed to transition to the future of lower-cost, more patient-centered, health care for the 21st century." Nirav R. Shah, MD, MPH will be nominated to serve as the Com-

As a general internist who has worked in a New York hospital, Dr. Shah expects to improve the health of vulnerable as well as the general population; he conducts research and development to improve care both in the public hospital system of New York City and

Cuomo describes Dr Shah as a general internist who is an 'expert in use of systems-based methods to improve patient outcomes' Dr. Nirav R. Shah

missioner of the Department of Health. Dr. Shah is Attending Physician at Bellevue Hospital Center, Associate Investigator at the Geisinger Center for Health Research and Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Section of Value & Comparative Effectiveness at NYU Langone Medical Center.

in the rural, aging population of central Pennsylvania's Geisinger Health System. Dr. Shah is originally from Buffalo, and is an honors graduate of Harvard College, received MD and MPH degrees from Yale School of Medicine, was a Robert Wood Johnson Clinical Scholar at UCLA, and a National Research Service Award Fellow

at NYU. He serves on the editorial boards of medical journals, has published over 90 peer-reviewed articles, and has received over $4.5 million in research funding. He lives in Battery Park City with his wife Nidhi Shah, and two children. President of the Healthcare Association of New York State Daniel Sisto, commented, "We commend Governor-Elect Cuomo for his appointment of Dr. Nirav Shah as the next Commissioner of Health. Dr. Shah's understanding of vulnerable populations, his expertise in designing efficient models of care delivery, and his background in clinical quality research and health information technology should help New York State work with stakeholders to redesign Medicaid and improve health care delivery. We need a new approach that avoids yet another round of across-theboard Medicaid cuts. We look forward to working with the incoming Commissioner and the Department to establish a lowercost, higher-quality system."

AAPI announces NY Convention and Jaipur Summit India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Dr. Ajeet Singhvi of California, the newly elected President of American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), among the largest Indian-American organizations in the US, kicked off the AAPI convention activities in New York last week. The 29th annual convention of AAPI will be held in Hotel Hilton and Convention Center in Manhattan, New York between June 22 and 26. AAPI convention comes to New York after 10 years. "We expect over 10,000 physicians from across the US attend the week-long celebrations and convention. There will be extensive academic sessions, continuing medical education programs, recognition of talents, gala receptions, exhibit halls with

booths and vendors. The convention will provide an opportunity to interact with Indian-American physicians from across the US in one venue, especially for vendors and those in medical business," Dr. Singhvi told the members of the convention committee.

the Government of Rajasthan. Apex Indian medical bodies--Indian Medical Association (IMA) and Medical Council of India (MCI) -- and other professional medical organizations which partnered in the earlier summits will team up again.

Jaipur, the location for the fourth summit, is the first city AAPI has accredited as center for medical tourism. AAPI is committed to provide logistic support for health tourism Dr. Singhvi said AAPI is holding its fourth Indo-US Healthcare Summit in Jaipur, Rajasthan between January 3 and 5. Following the previous three successful AAPI health summits, all held in New Delhi, the fourth one is supported by India's Health Ministry, Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs and

The primary goal of the summit is to raise awareness on key healthcare issues affecting the Indian subcontinent such as diabetes, lung diseases, asthma and allergy, cardiovascular disease, women's and children's health and cancer. The summit will create a prototype program of implementation for various disease catego-

ries specifically designed to improve outcomes while maintaining cost-effectiveness. When successful, the program can be deployed nationally and internationally, he added. Jaipur, the location for the fourth summit, is the first city AAPI has accredited as center for medical tourism. AAPI is committed to provide logistic support for health tourism development in India, a choice destination as it provides state-of-the-art amenities for treatments like hip or knee replacements and cardiac surgery, high qualities of healthcare infrastructure and low costs. The Summit will bring doctors of high caliber from both countries together to improve health care in India. AAPI, through Indo US summits, has made visible contributions to health care in India. Cont’d on page 19

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Health Science Post

December 31, 2010

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FDA: Avastin should not be used for breast cancer WASHINGTON: Federal health authorities have recommended that the blockbuster drug Avastin no longer be used to treat breast cancer, saying recent studies failed to show the drug's original promise to help slow the disease and extend patients' lives. The rare decision by the Food and Drug Administration is supported by many cancer experts but drew fierce opposition from cancer patients and some doctors who defend the drug and say it should remain available. The ruling is a significant setback for the world's best-selling cancer drug and will likely cost Swiss drugmaker Roche hundreds of millions of dollars in lost revenue. Avastin is also approved for various types of colon, lung, kidney and brain cancer. FDA officials stressed that the recommendation is only a preliminary step toward revoking the drug's approval for breast cancer. Roche has refused to voluntarily withdraw the indication, and the company said in a statement it would request a public meeting on the issue. Drug companies almost always follow FDA requests, and agency officials said a meeting over the fate of Avastin would be the first of its kind. The agency said it will consider whether to hold the meeting in the coming months. ``The decision was a difficult one for the agency but certainly not unique,'' said Dr. Janet Wood-

cock, director of FDA's drug center. ``The FDA is responsible for assuring that the products we approve for patients are both effective and safe.'' The FDA approved Avastin for breast cancer in 2008 based on one study suggesting it halted the spread of breast cancer for more than five months when combined with chemotherapy. But follow-up studies showed that the delay lasted no more than three months, and patients suffered dangerous side effects. ``Given the number of serious and life-threatening side effects, the FDA does not believe there is a favorable risk-to-benefit ratio,'' said Dr. Richard Pazdur, FDA's chief of cancer drug review. In a separate announcement, the European Medicines Agency said it would keep the drug available as a combination treatment with the chemotherapy drug paclitaxel - the same use rejected by the FDA. FDA officials said the split opinion was due to differences in how Avastin was approved in the U.S. versus Europe. The FDA cleared the drug under its accelerated approval program, giving the agency the option to rescind approval if follow-up studies didn't confirm initial results. European regulators granted the drug full approval based on the same results, making it more difficult to reverse course when faced with weaker follow-up results.

If the FDA ultimately removes Avastin's breast cancer indication, doctors will still have the option to prescribe the drug ``off-label,'' or without a federal approval, but many insurers do not reimburse drugs for such uses. Without insurance coverage, Avastin's enormous cost would put it out of reach for most patients. Roche sells the drug at a wholesale price of $7,700 a month. When infusion charges are included, a year's treatment with Avastin can run more than $100,000, though

ogy at State University of New York Downstate Medical Center. ``I've seen the occasional patient have a brief remission, which is nice, but it's certainly not doing anything important. It's not saving anyone's life.'' But some patients credit their survival to Avastin and say the FDA's decision could amount to a death sentence. Christi Turnage of Madison, Miss., said her cancer has been undetectable for more than two years since starting therapy with

'Given the number of serious and life-threatening side effects, the FDA does not believe there is a favorable risk-to-benefit ratio,' said Dr. Richard Pazdur, FDA's chief of cancer drug review Roche caps spending at $57,000 per year for patients who meet certain financial criteria. For the time being, the FDA said the drug will remain available and patient care will not be affected. While vigorously opposed by thousands of cancer patients, the FDA's ruling is in line with the guidance of its outside panel of cancer experts, who voted 12-1 in July to rescind the drug's approval for breast cancer. Cancer specialists said Avastin never lived up to its initial promise. ``The bottom line is that it doesn't work very well,'' said Dr. Albert Braverman, chief of oncol-

Avastin. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2006 and began taking the drug in 2008 after the tumors spread, or metastized, to her lungs. Breast cancer that spreads to other parts of the body is generally considered incurable. ``It's a miracle drug for me and for several of my friends, and to deny it to women being diagnosed with metastatic disease is wrong,'' Turnage said. More than 9,500 cancer patients and friends and family signed a petition by Turnage urging the FDA to keep Avastin approved.

20 states ask judge to throw out Obama health law PENSACOLA, Fla.: Attorneys for 20 states fighting the new federal health care law told a judge it will expand the government's powers in dangerous and unintended ways. The states want U.S. District Judge Roger Vinson to issue a summary judgment throwing out the health care law without a full trial. They argue it violates people's rights by forcing them to buy health insurance by 2014 or face penalties. ``The act would leave more constitutional damage in its wake than any other statute in our history,'' David Rivkin, an attorney for the states, told Vinson. President Barack Obama's administration counters that Americans should not be allowed to opt out of the overhaul because everyone requires medical care. Government attorneys say the states do not have standing to challenge the law and want the case dismissed. Vinson, who was appointed to the bench almost 30 years ago by President Ronald Reagan,

heard arguments but said he will rule later. In a separate case, U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson earlier this week became the first federal judge to strike down a key portion of the law when he sided with the state of Virginia and ruled the insurance requirement unconstitutional. That case is likely to go to the U.S.

about whether the government is reaching beyond its power to regulate interstate commerce by requiring citizens to purchase health insurance or face tax penalties. ``A lot of people, myself included for years, have no health insurance,'' said Vinson, who described being a law student and

Gershengorn also defended the administration against the states' claim that it was coercing them into participating in the health care overhaul. The states say they have no choice but to go along with the federal program Supreme Court. Two other federal judges have upheld the insurance requirement. In Florida, Vinson questioned how the government could halt the massive changes to the nation's health care system that have already begun. Rivkin told him the constitutional violations are more important. The judge questioned the Obama administration attorneys

paying cash to the doctor who delivered his first child. ``It amounted to about $100 a pound,'' he said, laughing. Vinson also grilled government lawyers about their contention that people can be required to have health insurance because everyone needs medical care. Under that logic, he said, Americans could be forced to wear shoes or buy groceries or

clothes. But administration attorney Ian Heath Gershengorn said health insurance is different because it covers catastrophic injuries and chronic diseases. ``Those costs, when they come, are unpredictable and substantial,'' he said. Gershengorn also defended the administration against the states' claim that it was coercing them into participating in the health care overhaul. The states say they have no choice but to go along with the federal program because billions in Medicaid dollars are at stake. Gershengorn said the states see huge benefits from Medicaid and the federal government is covering the bulk of the health care overhaul costs. The other states involved in the lawsuit are Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Idaho, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah and Washington. -AP

Dr. Julie Gralow of the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance said the drug appears to work in some subsets of patients and should remain available. `Ìt is clear that some breast cancer patients derive substantial benefit from Avastin. We don't know how to select those tumors or patients yet,'' said Gralow, who helped conduct the initial study of Avastin in breast cancer. Barbara Brenner, director of Breast Cancer Action, a San Francisco-based advocacy group, said the group agrees with FDA's decision. `Ìt's never been shown to improve survival or quality of life. We know that people will be disappointed, but science has to dictate where we go with drug approval,'' Brenner said. She added that women already receiving the drug should be allowed to keep getting it. Roche reported Avastin sales of nearly $6 billion in 2009. FDA rules bar the agency from considering cost when making drug approval decisions. But earlier this month the U.K.'s public health service rejected the drug for breast cancer, citing its high cost and limited benefit. U.S. sales of Avastin for breast cancer generate an estimated $600 million annually, according to analyst David Kaegi of Switzerland's Bank Sarasin. When combined with lost revenue from the U.K., Kaegi estimated Roche's Avastin sales could fall by $1 billion. The FDA granted Avastin accelerated approval for breast cancer in 2008 based on a study suggesting it delayed the spread of breast cancer for more than five months when combined with a popular chemotherapy drug. However, patients taking the drug did not actually live longer than those taking chemotherapy alone. And FDA officials reiterated that all four studies of Avastin conducted by Roche failed to show increased survival. Avastin, which is grown from hamster ovary cells, was the first drug approved to fight cancer by stopping nutrients from reaching tumors. Such ``targeted therapies'' were thought to hold promise for eliminating chemotherapy, but that promise has gone unmet. Today drugs like Avastin are generally used as a second-line treatment after chemotherapy. `Ì think a few years down the line it was becoming increasingly clear, at least to me, that this wasn't a particularly active drug, despite the initial presentation,'' said Dr. Braverman, referring to Avastin for breast cancer. ``But people are sort of on a roll and it takes a while for things to die down.'' -AP

Health Science Post

December 31, 2010

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AAPI donates $15,000 to FoodBank India Post News Service

NEW JERSEY: Members of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin serving Monmouth and Ocean Counties in New Jersey (MOCAAPI), at their Annual General Body meeting Dec 17, presented a check of $15,000 to the representatives of the FoodBank as part of their commitment to the local community. More than 80 physicians and their spouses attended the event; the money was raised as part of their annual gala which was held in October. This was a second year in a row that the group supported the same charity and they have more than doubled their contribution from the last year. Linda Keenan, Director of Development at FoodBank, thanked the group and educated the audience about all the wonderful service FoodBank is providing to fight hunger in the area. These are tough economic times for several families and there have been times, she recalls, when the past donors have ended up being the recipients of help themselves in a crisis. Susan Kelly, the Executive Director, was also present to personally thank everybody. The evening also saw a very concise and informative presentation by Dr. Doug Livornese on Medical Complications of Sleep apnea. Dr. Anil Gupta then gave an overview of the activities of MOCAAPI over the past two years during his tenure. The group had two very successful golf

outings to add more than $27,000 to the charitable funds of MOCAAPI. This was in addition to the $22,000 the group was able to donate out of the two annual galas to the FoodBank. The group also had nine educational meetings for its members to fulfill its educational commitment. Dr. Akshay Patel led the efforts for conducting six free health screening camps over the period to help more than 500 patients.

AAPI announces NY Convention and Jaipur Summit Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 17

"This time we will be working towards bringing curriculum of some needed fellowship programs like Infectious diseases, Allergy and Immunology, Geriatrics and Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine in India," Dr. Singhvi said. Though AAPI was founded in 1982 to protect the interests of its physician- members and also pursues through legislative advocacy in Washington DC, in recent years it has added the role of raising awareness for prevention, treatment, and management of critical diseases of interest to the Indian public health.

India Post

Tech News India headed towards doubledigit growth: Prez MUMBAI: Upbeat on the Indian economy and its growth trajectory, President Pratibha Devisingh Patil has said the country's GDP was headed towards a double-digit growth next fiscal. "This fiscal year, we are confident that our nation's economy will grow at about nine per cent. Next year, we should be on a sustained growth path of 910 per cent," Patil said at a function to kick-off public sector Central Bank of India's centenary year celebrations here. According to Government data, the Indian economy grew by an average of 8.9 per cent during the first-half of the current fiscal or the April-September period. This has led many, including the Finance Ministry and rating agencies, to upwardly revise their growth estimates for the year (FY 11). Patil said post-financial crisis, India's economic recovery was quicker because of its ability to cope with external disturbances, in spite of being well-integrated with the global economy. Banks will have to play a pivotal role in the growth story and the first priority for lenders should be to strengthen themselves to support a vibrant and inclusive economy, the President said.-PTI

Inflation to ease to below 6% by March

TechBiz 20 India Post

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December 31, 2010

Strides to buy out Australia's Ascent Pharma MUMBAI: Bangalore-based drugmaker Strides Arcolab has said that it would pay 0.4 Australian dollar per share to buy the outstanding minority shares in Australia's Ascent Pharmahealth. The offer price values Ascent Pharma at 100 million Australian dollar, the Indian firm said in a statement to the stock exchange. Strides managing director Arun Kumar said in March that the drugmaker was planning to raise stake in the Australian firm to 100 percent from 57 per cent. After the deal is closed, Strides would opt to delist Ascent Pharma from the stock exchanges, it said.

Airtel launches direct terrestrial link between India, China NEW DELHI: Private telecom major Bharti Airtel, in association with China Telecom Corporation, has launched a new direct underground terrestrial link between India and China, which promises phone users in both countries seamless network connectivity. The 40 Gbps underground terrestrial network, built on highly resilient ring infrastructure, will offer unparalleled connectivity in the region and will also address the challenges of growing international traffic between the two countries, Bharti Airtel said in a statement. "This new high-speed link will provide unparalleled diversity to both East and West-bound traffic, ensuring business continuity and economic growth for both the

nations," Bharti Airtel CEO-Global

fer the shortest alternate route

Bharti Airtel and China Telecom undertook construction of the network in their respective territories, with the Indian telecom major establishing the underground terrestrial link from Siliguri to the Nathula Border Ajay Chitkara

Data Business Ajay Chitkara said. The terrestrial network will of-

between India and China, alongside the existing sub-sea routes.

With this network, Bharti Airtel has now established a third international gateway for its customers in India. Airtel has also signed Memorandum of Understanding with China Telecom to develop Network-to-Network Interconnect (NNI) links, which will facilitate seamless access to the combined regional and global network resources of both operators. Bharti Airtel and China Telecom undertook construction of the network in their respective territories, with the Indian telecom major establishing the underground terrestrial link from Siliguri to the Nathula Border, from where the Chinese operator extended the link up to Yadong, in China.-PTI

Maruti expects domestic Nano receives international market share to decline award NEW DELHI: Maruti Suzuki India Ltd (MSIL), producer of half

NEW DELHI: Inflation is expected to ease below 6% by next March, Industry Secretary R.P. Singh said here. Annual headline inflation eased to 7.485 in November from 8.58 a month earlier, but was still above the Indian central bank's endMarch projection of 5.5%. Singh also said the recent pick up in food inflation was due to supply constraints. India's food price index rose 12.13% while the fuel price index climbed 10.74% in the year to December 11, government data showed. In the earlier week, annual food and fuel inflation stood at 9.46% and 10.67% respectively.

capacity constraints even as sales rise across the industry. ''If there is an exponential growth in the Indian car market next fiscal year, we may see a dip in our market share,'' chief executive officer Shinzo Nakanishi, told reporters in New Delhi. He added that expansion at Maruti's factories would be completed only in 2012. According to the Society of Indian Automobile ManufacChief Executive Officer Shinzo Nakanishi turers, MSIL which is 54-per cent owned by ''If there is an exponential growth Japan's Suzuki Motor Corp, had a 49-per in the Indian car market next cent share of car sales fiscal year, we may see a dip in in India in the Aprilour market share,'' chief execu- November period. The company is tive officer Shinzo Nakanishi, told adding capacity and reporters in New Delhi introducing new models to counter the cars sold in the country, said competition from Toyota Motor its market share may fall in the next Corp, Volkswagen AG, General fiscal year beginning April due to Motors Co and others.-PTI

MUMBAI: Tata Motors' small car 'Nano' has received the good design award for 2010, by the Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design with the European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies. The award for the Tata Nano has come in the category of transportation, Tata Motors said in a statement. The Tata Nano's design is such that it offers an incredibly spacious passenger compartment which can comfortably seat four adults. With a length of just 3.1 meters, width of 1.5 meters and height of 1.6 meters, Nano has the smallest exterior footprint for a car in India

but is 21 per cent more spacious than the smallest car available today, it said. Tata Motors recently announced a special finance scheme by which a customer will get within 48 hours a loan for the Nano. The company had also announced a four-year or 60,000 kilometer manufacturing warranty on its small car Nano to woo customers. Since August this year, the company has already begun open sales of the Nano and it is already freely available in 12 states. The company will cover the entire country with open sales by March 2011, it said.-PTI

TechBiz Post

December 31, 2010

India Post

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BMW launches 'X1' SUV; ups production

n its bid to strengthen leadership position in the Indian luxury car market, BMW India has launched a new sports utility vehicle, 'X1' with a price tag of up to Rs 29.9 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). The company, which has emerged as the number one during the January-November period beating rival Mercedes, said it has also increased production at its Chennai plant to 8,000 units annually this month from 5,400 units earlier on a single shift in order to meet increasing demand. Bullish on its latest model, the company said it expects the X1 to be its biggest volumes driver in India. "Already we have 1,000 orders for the BMW X1 and we are sold out for the first quarter of the next year. We expect the X1 to be the biggest volume model for BMW in India," BMW India President Andreas Schaaf told reporters here. The vehicle will be available in both petrol and diesel variants. While the petrol option will be available for Rs 22 lakh (ex-showroom, all-India), the diesel variant will have two options priced at Rs 23.9 lakh and Rs 29.9 lakh (exshowroom, all-India), respectively, the company said. At present BMW's 3 Series and the 5 Series sedans are its largest selling models. In the Jan-Nov period, while 3 Series sold 2,220 units, the 5 series sold 2,030 units. The X1 will be assembled at the company's Chennai plant, which also assembles the 3 series and 5 series sedans. Asked if the company would be

NEW DELHI: CanvasM, Tech Mahindra's VAS subsidiary, has entered into an agreement with Qualcomm Incorporated pursuant to which CanvasM will operate a 3G device testing lab based in Noida, India. The lab will provide quality testing to 3G handsets and devices for their compliance with regulatory, technical and international performance standards. This initiative is the first investment undertaken by Tech Mahindra towards adopting 3G technology and driving the tech-

under contract to Qualcomm, the global leader in 3G and next generation technologies. As 3G becomes the next growth driver for the Indian telecom market, quality of service will be critical. We at CanvasM have made significant investments in this lab towards value added services and device testing to help ensure a great 3G experience for Indian consumers" Dr. Sandeep Sibal, country manager and vice president of Business Development for

The lab will enable CanvasM to offer able to maintain its number one position in the Indian luxury car market, Schaaf said: "We will do utmost to maintain the position. This year we have grown at 60 per cent and we are optimistic of car-

On the production increase at the Chennai plant, he said it has been achieved by optimising process and additional manpower rying forward the momentum in the next year also." According to the latest Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers figures, BMW sold 5,345 units compared to 5,109 units sold by Mercedes Benz during Jan-Nov

period this year. Commenting on the overall growth of the luxury car market in India, he said it is expected to be around 15,000 units this year, up from 8,500 units last year. "India is still a growing market, it is not yet matured and we are creating market with the launch of new vehicles. If the market continues to grow at 25 per cent, in ten years time India will be among the top 10 markets of BWM globally," Schaaf said. On the production increase at the Chennai plant, he said it has been achieved by optimising process and additional manpower. "We have added 200 more people and by the end of the year we will have a total of 400 people at the plant." On the company's plans to enter the premium bike market in India, he said BMW has not yet started business in the segment although some bikes are already in India and deliveries are expected to start by January.

Bar lobbyists, says Chandrasekhar NEW DELHI: Jumping on the recent controversy over corporate lobbyist Niira Radia’s access to the powers-that-be, Rajya Sabha member and former telecom entrepreneur Rajeev Chandrasekhar has written to telecom minister Kapil Sibal saying his ministry should get rid of lobbyists. Offering a seven-point set of ‘’solutions’’ to make the sector more transparent, he slammed the ‘’free access’’ for corporate houses and lobbyists to Sanchar Bhawan (the telecom ministry’s headquarters), calling it ‘’unhealthy’’. Earlier this month, Chandrasekhar had initiated a spat with Tata Group chairman Ratan Tata, accusing him in an ‘open let-

CanvasM establishes 3G Device Test Lab in India

ter’ of influencing government decisions in favor of Tata Telecommunications. Given the widespread media coverage that Chandrashekhar’s allegations received, the usually reticent and media-shy Tata was forced to rebut the charges in the public domain. Now, in his missive to Sibal, Chandraskhar, who himself was president of the GSM lobby body COAI, has called for making procedures and processes more streamlined. He says there must be a level playing field for all telecom operators, and the ministry should welcome varied view points of consumer groups, citizens and the media. He also asks for the Telecom

Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to have more powers in matters involving financial and functional independence. He says in the letter, “The DoT has a long track record of colluding with private companies and therefore you will understand the suspicion and concern that the DoT may blandly accept the responses of the telecom companies to the showcause notices.” Sibal’s ministry has issued at least 85 show-cause notices to telecom companies in the wake of the 2G spectrum allocation ‘scam’, which according to the Comptroller and Auditor General has caused a notional loss of Rs1.76 lakh crore to the exchequer.-PTI

device testing services in diverse areas of testing like Application Testing, Radio/Protocol TestJagdish Mitra, CEO, CanvasM

nology in India according to international standards. The lab will enable CanvasM to offer device testing services in diverse areas of testing like Application Testing, Radio/Protocol Testing, Field Testing, Inter-operability Testing and Performance Testing with advanced proficiency in 3G. CanvasM will now be following test processes developed by Qualcomm which are accepted as industry benchmark for 3G device testing. Jagdish Mitra, CEO, CanvasM said, "CanvasM is pleased to launch this 3G Device Test Lab,

ing, Field Testing Qualcomm India and South Asia, said, "We are pleased to collaborate with CanvasM to launch this 3G Device Testing lab in India for the benefit of our OEM and operator customers. Testing of 3G devices is important as device quality impacts 3G connectivity, 3G data and voice services, as well as the overall consumer experience of 3G subscribers. Further, since 3G operators in India have only 5MHz of spectrum in the 2.1 GHz band, 3G device testing is beneficial in ensuring optimal utilization of their network capacity."

TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

1 Yeh Des Hai Mera : Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey 2 Udi: Guzaarish 3 Dhoop Ke Makaan: Break Ke Baad 4 Aadha Ishq: Band Baaja Baaraat

India Post

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December 31 , 2010

5 Sheila Ki Jawani: Tees Maar Khan 6 Kya Hawa Kya Baadal : Allah Ke Banday 7 I Am Dog Gone Crazy: Action Replayy 8 Shakira: No Problem 9 Tere Pyar Mein: Isi Life Mein 10 Sau Gram Zindagi : Guzaarish

n a poll conducted by London based weekly magazine Eastern Eye, Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor has been voted the sexiest man in Asia, moving past other hunks from the Hindi film industry like Hrithik Roshan and John Abraham. Responding in a statement to the media after being awarded with the title of the sexiest Asian man, Ranbir Kapoor said that he was overwhelmed by the fact that he has so many female followers around the world. Known to be a ladies man, the actor said that if women stopped loving him, he would definitely start having doubts about himself! Ever since he entered Bollywood filmdom, Ranbir Kapoor has been the subject of an affair with several leading actresses in the industry including Sonam Kapoor, Deepika Padukone and the most recent Katrina Kaif. What's more, Ranbir Kapoor has also admitted to the fact that he is a playboy in real life and enjoys variety when it comes to women! It is strange that even this admission has not stopped his female fans drooling over the 28 year old Kapoor lad. In a statement to the media, Asjad Nazir, the editor of Eastern Eye says that unlike other years, Ranbir Kapoor has won by a clear majority this time.

eepika Padukone is in extreme pain these days. No, she is not nursing a broken heart over boyfriend Ranbir Kapoor. It is her work which is causing the leggy lass a lot of pain. Deepika was in need of a physiotherapist on the sets of film 'Dum Maro Dum' after her muscles refused to budge from the strain that they had to go through for a period of six days. Reports claim that it became impossible for Deepika to even stand straight on her feet after shooting for her item number was over. The actress had reportedly mastered the moves for the remixed version of the R D Buman composed track 'Dum Maro Dum' for a period of three days under the guidance of choreographers Bosco and Caesar. Post rehearsal, Deepika had to film the song for another three days. And the constant pressure of dancing, the difficult moves involved in the promotional track left her muscles strained. Dips was in so much pain that only medical help could bring her back to normal. Sources from the film's sets have said that Pritam's remix is a very fast paced number which has to be accompanied with equally fast moves. In a statement to the media, Dips said that she did feel pain while shooting but also flashed her beautiful smile assuring the media that they were not going to miss her for long.

SRK's depression

hah Rukh Khan says he had gone into a depression mode but is now back and full of energy. The 45year-old superstar also believes he is very poor at expressing his innermost feelings, be it love, anger or friendship. "I feel so much healthy and refreshed from within - due to the injury and the suffering I had got into a depression mode but now I am out of it. I feel happy and boosted with energy," Shah Rukh said in an interview. The actor tore a ligament in his shoulder during shooting in 2008 and underwent surgery early last year. When asked how he copes with the controversies and comparisons, Shah Rukh said he lacked the art of expression, which is often misinterpreted by the masses. "I am a different person in my films; I am very vocal and expressive in them, but in my personal life I am a very weird person. I face difficulty when I have to express my innermost feelings. I am very shy, quiet and reclusive as an individual. "It is not something I am proud of but I lack in the art of expressing my love, my friendship, my anger, my apologies, which people misinterpret at times. "I am always compared; that is a part of my life. A newcomer comes I am compared; anybody does a film which is a bigger hit, I am compared; anybody does a lesser film, still I am compared. So comparisons don't bother me now."

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December 31, 2010

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fter an unforgettable debut with Salman Khan in Dabangg, the Shatrughan Sinha daughter has been seen in quite a few events and parties. She was recently in news for bagging a role in Abbas- Mastan thriller Race's sequel Race-2. Sonakshi Sinha though had refused doing any bikini sequences or any hot scenes in the film, as there were a few in the first part. She has always been open about this fact. She is recently out on a Maxim issue looking all glamorous in Black. There are also pictures of her with a bikini on the Maxim issue doing rounds on the internet which are making her and people close to her furious. She wrote on her Twitter page that she wasn't on the bikini issue, and the magazine should have been careful with this issue, as it was about their credibility now. Her pics have made Salman Khan furious apparently as she has always considered him as a mentor. She is currently hitting the gym as she has also bagged a role in Shirish Kunder's Joker which demands a toned body.

riyanka Chopra is the reigning queen of Bollywood, yet she is known for her humility and simplicity. She is all support to the newcomer Sahil whom she is working with in 'Don 2'. When the actor was struggling for a bit to come to grips with the demands of this mega-project, Priyanka gave him tips and helped him get a few things right. Also, when Priyanka Chopra was to attend and launch the 'Pearls Wave 2' press conference at Hotel Grand Hyatt in Kalina, her car broke down. However, the actress did not hesitate in hopping into an auto rickshaw and made it to the event at the right time.

ameera Reddy had a triple bonanza this year on her birthday. She was in for a big surprise when her parents gifted her a latest brand new white color BMW 5 series car. Not just that, they also gifted her a posh and exclusive deluxe flat. She of course felt wonderful. But her birthday surprises did not end here because director Priyadarshan surprised Sameera on her birthday by signing her for his Hindi film with Ajay Devgn. However, Sameera was to have celebrated her birthday on 14th December in Chennai on the sets of her untitled film with Vishal directed by Prabhu Deva. However Prabhu Deva gave her a break from the shoot so that she could fly to Mumbai and take part in the "surprise birthday celebration" party which was being arranged by her parents and friends. Sameera tweeted "Just landed from Chennai back to Mumbai. Good to be back home for my birthday." About working with Prabhu Deva, the actress tweeted "He is such an awesome director. He insisted I be home with family today. My mom and dad are thrilled."

India Post

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December 31, 2010

Natasha Arora, 21, of Texas was crowned Miss India USA at the Twenty Ninth Miss India USA Pageant held Dec 12 at the Royal Albert's Palace in Fords, New Jersey. Natasha will be representing USA in the Twentieth Miss India Worldwide pageant to be held in Dubai on April 7, 2011. Miss India USA, the oldest Indian pageant outside of India, is organized by New York based Dharmatma Saran of India Festival Committee (IFC). -Pic Snapsindia

of this film has been is now on celluloid. I can assure you that though this is a Bollywood film and shot entirely in Washington DC, the production standards have been high and can be compared to the best in this industry." Now under post production and set for global release by mid 2011, the film portrays the life of 10 people who belong to different walks of life. Though each individual has achieved a measure

They realize that their lives are inter-woven and this literally shakes up their peaceful lives

'9 Eleven' enters post production stage India Post News Service

NEW YORK: 9 Eleven, the Bollywood venture being entirely shot on locations in the Washington DC metropolitan area is now complete. "We have successfully shot the entire

film in our stipulated time schedule," announced producer Narain K. Mathur, of Amar Durga Films, at a press conference and social interaction with the stars of the film at Martin's Crosswinds on Dec 19, in Maryland. "I am extremely happy with the progress of this film," stated Manan Singh Katohora, the

director. "All my actors rose to the occasion and have given outstanding performances." Speaking on this occasion famed music composer Jatin Pandit who has also scored the music of 9 Eleven, was elated that this film has shaped out so well. "It gives me great pleasure to say that the vision of the director

of success in their individual lives, their darkest secrets come out in the open when all of them are given some time for introspection, when they meet each other in a bizarre twist of events. They realize that their lives are inter-woven and this literally shakes up their peaceful lives. The film is a fast paced thriller with undertones of terrorism. The film stars Chinmay Dhamne, Devasish Ray, Homi Irani, Jyoti Singh and Kailash N. Mathur, among others.

December 31, 2010

India Post

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WomenNow named finalist in CreaTV Awards The show is about inspiring the community, connecting people and learning from each other and we're very proud to be chosen as a finalist

India Post News Service

SAN FRANCISCO, CA: WomenNow, America's first locally produced South Asian talk show, has been recognized as a Finalist in CreaTV's Creative Awards in the CreaTV Series Producer category.

"The show is about inspiring the community, connecting people and learning from each other and we're very proud to be chosen as a finalist," says Ena Sarkar, cofounder/ producer. "As a community, we've reached critical mass and it's time to showcase it!" We're very excited and honored

to be chosen as one of the finalists for CreaTV's Creative Awards in the CreaTV Series Producer category," says Jaya Gautam, cofounder/ producer. "We would like to thank everyone who believed in the vision that we started out

with- the whole crew, the WomenNow community at large, around the world, and especially, our viewers! We couldn't have reached this stage without them." The CreaTV Creative Awards will be held at the San Jose Repertory Theatre on January 8, 2011 from 6:00-9:30pm with CreaTV San

Jose members, MC Brian Adams, Steve Wozniak, and VIP presenters- a premiere celebration honoring the talents of producers in the Bay Area. CreaTV San Jose is a non-profit, public benefit corporation whose mission is to inspire, educate and connect.

Sachin is real Bharat Ratna: Lata Mangeshkar feeling for her to which his reply was "what could one think about his mother". For the 81-year-old Bharat Ratna winner, Sachin is really an ideal son. "I always pray for his success and well being. My bless-

civilian honor should be bestowed on the cricketer, she says he definitely deserves the Bharat Ratna. "For me, he is the real Bharat Ratna for years. Whatever he has done for the country, very few people can do. He deserves

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;He is playing exceptionally well and can continue till he wants. I wish that he plays for many more years. India should win the World Cup next yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

NEW DELHI: Legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar feels blessed to have a 'son' like Sachin Tendulkar and wants the batting sensation to carry on his innings for many more years and win the Bharat Ratna. Congratulating Sachin on his hitting his 50th test century, his avid fan says her blessings are always with the 'little master'. "Sachin treats me like his mother and I always pray for him like a mother. I can never forget the day when he called me 'aai' (mother) for the first time. I had never imagined that. It was pleasant surprise for me and I feel blessed to have a son like him," Lata said. "Sachin celebrates his birthday on April 24 which is also my father's (Dinanath Mangeshkar) death anniversary. We never get a chance to meet on that day. On one occasion

we had met on April 23," she says. She recalls an incident when journalists asked Sachin about his

ings are always with him." Lata and Sachin's admiration for each other is not a secret. According to Sachin, Lata songs are a stress buster for him. Lata, on the other hand, always tries to catch an innings of Sachin on TV. Asked if the country's highest

this honor. He has made all of us feel proud. "India has produced many great cricketers but Sachin is Sachin. He is one and only in his generation." Lata also sees many similarities with Sachin. "He is a perfectionist and very possessive about his

work. I am also like that. He is very fond of music and I love cricket. He is a real gentleman and godfearing person. He never forgets to thank god and his father after any achievement which is simply adorable," she says. Lata hopes that Sachin will continue to play for many more years and help India win the World Cup next year. "He is playing exceptionally well and can continue till he wants. I wish that he plays for many more years. India should win the World Cup next year as we have a very good team under Mahendra Singh Dhoni's captaincy." Urging him to continue, Lata dedicated her song "Akash ke uss paar akash aur bhi hai" to the cricketer saying he should not stop here but try to find new horizons.

Proud to be born in Sachin era: Sania Mirza LUCKNOW: Indian tennis star Sania Mirza has said that she feels honored to have been born in an era which saw the emergence of iconic batsman Sachin Tendulkar. "For me it is a matter of pride that I have been born in the age in the which Tendulkar is playing", she said. "Sachin Tendulkar is not just the star of the country but also of the world," she said adding that not just for players but also for the common people he is a

great source of inspiration. Asked if "Bharat Ratna", the highest civilian honor of the Country, should be bestowed on Tendulkar who completed his 50th Test century in South Africa recently, Sania said that it was a decision that has to be taken by the government. Tendulkar hit his 50th Test century in South Africa recently and there has been demands for honoring him with the Bharat Ratna from all quarters including politicians. -PTI

India Post

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India Post 26 December 31, 2010 December 31, 2010

Recipe for Perfect Happiness Christmas and New Year greetings â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Want to be happy this Christmas, New Year and Ever After? Here is a foolproof, time tested recipe

ho does not want to be happy? Not only humans, but every living being wants to be happy, not only for a day or a year, but all the time. We make all out efforts to this end, and accumulate lot of wealth, name, fame and prestige in Society. But, still real happiness eludes us. Why? The reason - may be, most of the time our methods of searching happiness are not right. Looking for an effective approach to find a satisfactory answer we came across this beautiful story which gives the recipe for perfect happiness. It is shared by an old house cleaner with a very rich lady. May be it works wonders for you also. Read it carefully, follow the recipe honestly, and surely happiness will follow: This story is about a beautiful, expensively dressed lady who complained to her psychiatrist that she felt that her whole life was empty, it had no meaning.

So, the lady went to visit a counselor to seek out happiness. The counselor called over the old lady who cleaned the office floors. The counselor then said to the rich lady, "I'm going to ask Mary; here to tell you how she found happiness. All I want you to do is listen to her." So the old lady put down her broom and sat on a chair and told her story: "Well, my husband died of malaria and three months later my only son was killed by a car. I had nobody... I had nothing left. I couldn't sleep, I couldn't eat, I never smiled at anyone, I even thought of taking my own life. Then one evening a little kitten followed me home from work.

Somehow I felt sorry for that kitten. It was cold outside, so I decided to let the kitten in. I got it some milk, and the kitten licked the plate clean. Then it purred and rubbed against my leg and for the first time in months, I smiled. Then I stopped to think, if helping a little kitten could make me smile, may be doing something for people could make me happy. So the next day I baked some biscuits and took them to a neighbor who was sick in bed. Every day I tried to do something nice for someone.

It made me so happy to see them happy. Today, I don't know of anybody who sleeps and eats better than I do. I've found happiness, by giving it to others." When she heard that the rich lady cried. She had everything that money could buy, but she had never thought of sharing or giving".

Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 16

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Interfaith dialogues bring Hindus-Christians closer SURESH SHAH

CHICAGO: An interfaith dialogue between Christians and Hindus is paving the way for greater understanding of each other's faith and religious practices. This augurs well for the world community at large, feel Indian Americans across USA. It is now universally accepted and subscribed to by scientific community here that practice of Yoga and meditation help ending stress and in improving health in general through boosting immune system. Yoga is being taught as a subject in quite a number of educational institutions in the country. Many a Church in this country invites Hindu priests to their events and vice versa, says Acharya Rohit Joshi, a prominent community activist here. Joshi has been instrumental in organizing the age old practice of Hindu meditation christened now for an easy understanding as Reiki at North Eastern Illinois University and across Chicagoland. It is learnt that the Vatican Library has books on Hinduism and Yoga. Besides nine books on the subject of Yoga, it carries books on Hindu civilization, manners-customs-ceremonies, music, pantheon, psychology, theology; in addition to some titles on Hinduism. Rajan Zed, president of Universal Society of Hinduism in Nevada, said 'the dialogue may help us vanquish the stereotypes, prejudices, caricatures, etc, passed on to us from previous generations. As dialogue brings us reciprocal enrich-

ment, we shall be spiritually richer than before the contact." Vatican Library (Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana) in Vatican City, library of the Holy See, whose traces go back to fourth century, has manuscripts, printed books, prints and drawings, coins and medals. His Most Reverend Eminence Cardinal Raffaele Farina is the librarian of the Holy Roman Church while Msgr Cesare Pasini is the Prefect. It is said to hold about 75,000 manuscripts and over 1.1 million books, which includes Codex Va t i c a n u s Graecus 1209, the oldest known nearly complete manuscript of the Bible. His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI is the ex-officio head of state of Vatican City, a sovereign city-state within the city of Rome (Italy). Meanwhile Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, Indiana is reported to

be teaching ancient Hindu scriptures Bhagavad-Gita and Upanishads. It has also been offering Hinduism class; teaching its origins, distinctive beliefs, practices and contemporary status. Christian Theological Seminary is linked with Dis-

ciples of Christ and traces its beginning to 1855. Reverend Dr. Edward L. Wheeler is the President of the Seminary, while David K. Herzog is Chairman of its Board of Trustees. Rajan Zed urged the schools/depart-

ments of religion and philosophy of major world universities to strengthen their Hinduism sections. Hinduism being the oldest religion with rich philosophical thought and a vast array of scriptures needed more exploration. Christianity is the largest religion in the world, while Hinduism is the third largest with about a billion adherents. He commended the Vatican for including well-known verses from Brahadaranyakopanishad ("Lead me from the unreal to the real, from darkness to light, from death to immortality."), line from Tagore's Gitanjali ("Give me the strength to make my love fruitful in service."), and reference to Mahatma Gandhi in "Way of the Cross at the Colesseum" Meditations and Prayers on Good Friday 2009 led by Pope and put together by Vatican Office for the Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff. Rajan Zed further pointed out that in 200-page "Verbum Domini" (The Word of the Lord) apostolic exhortation released on November 11, Pope Benedict wrote about "the sense of the sacred, sacrifice and fastingâ&#x20AC;Ś" in Hinduism. Sohan Joshi, a community activist in Chicago has been organizing meets of spiritual leaders from Vrindavan and others parts. He welcomed interfaith dialogues and pleaded that other religious leaders should follow the path chosen by Vatican and turn more tolerant to other religions and practices.

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India Post December 31, 2010

Gujarat Tourism: Exploring Investment Opportunities FRANK FERNANDES India Post News Service

MUMBAI: The Department of Tourism, Government of Gujarat, Gujarat Tourism Opportunity Ltd. (GUJTOP) in partnership with Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) Gujarat State Council organized a conference on Gujarat Tourism: Exploring Investment Opportunities on December 18, 2010. The meet was under the aegis of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Investor's Summit and it focused on the Investment Opportunities and Growth of the Tourism Sector in Gujarat. The Seminar highlighted various areas of investment in tourism sector like opportunities for convention centers, eco-tourism, medical tourism, wayside amenities, adventure tourism, heritage tourism, beach tourism, etc. in the State along with special emphasis on exploring investment opportunities in the aviation sector. National personalities in this sector were participants as speakers/panelist including policy mak-

L to R: Krishan Kumar, Bhavin Shah, Sanjay Joshi, Vipul Mitra, Kamlesh Patel, Kamal Ramchandra and Param Shah

ers, think tanks, industry and sector representatives and keen investors in the State focused on action for taking this Sector to the next level.

Kamlesh Patel, Chairman, Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Ltd. in his opening remarks stated "the legacy of CM of Gujarat Narendra Modi into inviting investments

nent tourist destinations including beaches, cultural heritage and religious monuments in the State. While Bachchan is being credited for drawing tourist to Gir, the abode of Asiatic Lions, the forthcoming summit is expected to anchor investors in beach tourism, rural tourism and business tourism. The Gujarat Tourism Opportunity Ltd (GUJTOP) a company floated by Gujarat Tourism Corporation Ltd and IL&FS have identified 39 projects across the categories. The aim of the Conference was to ensure participation of stakeholders from the Sector and to address the future path for the sector to the next level. A feedback from the interactive audience has identified the opportunities in marketing the potentials of the State competitively that would help in identifying investment opportunities and shaping future strategies. The Conference was followed by Structured, Pre-fixed B2B meeting between the Investors and officials from GUJTOP. Gujarat has immense potential to become a major tourist destination. Its historical monuments represent the great religions of Asia - Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, Islamic, Parsee and Sikh. For ecotourists, the state offers opportunities to see a wide range of wildlife including the Asiatic lion and Indian wild ass, endangered antelopes, a variety of deer, etc. There are more than 400 archaeological sites, including

goes beyond with industries and infrastructure. Gujarat is welcoming the tourism and hospitality industry from across the nation as well as globally." He added "Gujarat, 1600 kms of virgin costal area as well as several ecologically important destinations are awaiting stakeholders and investors to explore the opportunities. Vipul Mittra, IAS, Secretary, Tourism & Civil Aviation, Government of Gujarat the official instrumental in roping in Amitabh Bachchan as the brand ambassador of Gujarat Tourism, said "the previous Vibrant Gujarat Global investor's summit had MOUs worth Rs.60000 Cr. Many of these are Gujarat has immense potenin pipeline. The proactial to become a major tourist tive Government of Gujarat has cut red destination. Its historical tape and had monuments represent the Been facilitating the investors across the great religions of Asia sectors. The Govern- Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, Isment of Gujarat once again welcomes in- lamic, Parsee and Sikh. For vestors from the tour- eco-tourists, the state offers ism and hospitality sector from across the opportunities to see a wide globe. GUJTOP has range of wildlife including floated a number of projects facilitating the Asiatic lion the investors in the some of the most culture substansector." Having added a new chapter tial excavations of Indus Valley to State tourism by introducing civilization period at Lothal (near Bollywood icon Amitabh Ahmedabad), Surkotada and Bachchan, the Tourism and hos- Dholavira (in Kutch). The arpitality industry in Gujarat is ex- chaeological zone of Champanerpected to see heavy investment Pavagadh have been acclaimed by inflow during the Vibrant Gujarat UNESCO as the "World Heritage Global Investors' Summit (VGGIS) Site. The Wild Ass sanctuary, Dholavira Harappan City and 2011, as the government has chalked out a lucrative hotel Rani-Ki-Vav are in the process of policy for new investors and pro- getting status of the World Heriposed an up gradation of promi- tage site.

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India Post December 31, 2010

Eye care, glasses and surgery at free eye camp Manohar, who had taken over as the AP Speaker only one day earlier, thanked Shareef and IOEA for their commitment to serve the needy in their home town. Other guests for the event in-

One of the organizers of Free Eye Camp Iftekhar Shareef addressing the gathering. Sitting on his right is AP Speaker Nadela Manohar and American Consulate officer Ms Juliet Warr India Post News Service

tients where given free glasses with vision problems. Patients had HYDERABAD: A front ranking a choice to pick up their free Indian American community glasses from among 25 different leader from Chicago and the first types of frames and colors of the Dual Citizen Iftekhar Shareef glasses. More than 500 patients were helped conduct a Free Eye care camp at his native village in given free medicines. InterestShamshabad, Hyderabad, Andhra ingly, 89 free eye surgeries were performed in nearby affiliated hosPradesh recently. pital. Those coming to the camp were given free transportation More than 500 patients were from the venue of the given free medicines. camp to hospital and return. Iftekhar Interestingly, 89 free eye Shareef said this was made possible with surgeries were performed the support of IndoAmerican Eye Care in nearby affiliated hospital Organization of Michigan under the The camp was held at Begum's leadership of Dr. Sudhaker Reddy India Function Hall. The eye care and Ms. Vanita Reddy, President patients started lining up from as of the Organization. Speaker of the House of AP early as 7 am and the camp went on till 6 pm taking care of all those Legislative Assembly Nadela came for examination. More than Manohar and Deputy Consul 1000 poor and needy patients, General of American Consulate at many elderly men and women, Hyderabad Ms. Juliet Warr were were screened. Close to 400 pa- the Special Guests. Nadela

cluded Ashok Reddy, Superintendent of Police, Ratnaker Asst. Commissioner of Police Hyderabad, Anil Kumar Asst. Commissioner of Police (Traffic) and Sanjay Kumar Circle Inspec-

tor of Police, Shamshabad. Later a special Hyderabadi lunch was arranged at the residence of Iftekhar Shareef. All the guests joined and enjoyed the typical Hyderabadi Biryani.

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India Post December 31, 2010

The Never-Ending Indian TV Serials A.Q. SIDDIQUI India Post News Service

CHICAGO: Do you remember any TV serial on any Indian channel that has a proper ending during last few years? Perhaps, there is none. The moment a producer gets a slot on any channel it is stretched beyond limits. There is no consideration for 'entertainment' or storyline. I had the occasion to visit a TV serial set in a studio near Andheri recently and spoke to the writer who happens

to be a friend of mine. Literally, there is no script or

story line. The actors know how to stretch it. The camera man knows how to fill in the spots. There are episode 'writers'. A scene is discussed and few lines given to "permanent'" actors who complete the serial for a week, normally five days. The sets are permanent. The actors are w e l l dressed in all scenes, even in a bedroom scene the actress will wear a Banarsi Sari and jewelry.

When it comes to "action" the camera man knows how to stretch it. So he will focus a close up for all actors present on scene turn by turn and stretch it for few minutes. The loud "shun shun" music is added from time to time. If an actor has personal reasons to be absent from the shooting, his or her character meets an accidental death or he is actually replaced. There used to be time when small screen was honored by big film production houses, such as Ramanand Sagar and BR Films and they produced such interest-

ing TV soaps that viewer would not like to miss a single episode. Then there were talented writers and directors. Gulzar's memorable TV production, "Mirza Ghalib" DVDs are still in demand on Amazon. As more and more private channels entered into air the production quality of Indian TV serials declined to the extent that

there is hardly any channel that boasts viewership for any single serial on air. And the tragedy is, all these "studio made" serials are "never ending". If we look on the other side of the fence, Pakistani TV channels are competing with each other for

the best quality and most interesting TV serial productions. GEO, the leader in Pak TV channels has open arms policy for Indian artists. Many Indian TV artists have worked for Geo TV serials. The ruling Geo channel now has stiff competition from Ary Digital and Hum TV. Both, ARY and Hum TV channels are offering most interesting prime time soaps. Together, all these three channels have daily entertaining "not to miss" serials for viewers.

There is no "time waste" policy of camera man in Pak TV serials, no annoying "Shun Shun" music or "big studio sets". Most serials are shot on real locations. Gone are the days when actor or actress will not come in proximity. There are " b e d " scenes in Pak TV serials now. Hum TV is getting tagged for being thematic on extra marital affairs. Among current serials, Humayun Saeed's weekly "Ijazat" is most interesting on Ary, (extra marital affair). Legendary actor Nadeem and Javed Shaikh are starring in "Chain Aaye Na" on Geo which is based on "Halala" tradition when a divorced Muslim woman has to marry another man before she is taken back by the first husband. Masi and Malka on Geo and " M e r e A n g n e Main" on Hum TV are other interesting daily serials. "Taluq", with one new story for each episode is reminiscent of Doordarshan's most popular "Ek Kahani" and "Katha Sagar" soaps. While all Pak TV serials end sooner or later, there is no end in sight for any Indian TV Channel serial. No wonder, the viewers know what to watch. While Bollywood films are most popular among Pakistanis, the PaK TV channel serials are popular among Indian viewers.

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India Post December 31, 2010

KCA Mysore honors Chicago community activist FRANK FERNANDES India Post News Service

MYSORE: The Konkani Christian Association Mysore recently

Dr. Austin Prabhu

honored Dr. Austin Prabhu of Chicago during its Annual Christmas Celebrations at the Pushpanjali Grounds. Dr Prabhu was honored for his humanitarian and cultural

and a bouquet of flowers. A memento 'Kodyalso Puuth' recognized Dr. Austin Prabhu for his lifetime commitment and dedication to Konkani culture, language and service to society both in India and abroad. There w e r e Konkani, English and Kannada singing and dance competitions as part of entertainment. More than 1,000 guests and invitees witnessed the program coming from various parts of Mysore. The program started with a solemn mass celebrated by 14 Carmelite priests. President Gratian Rodrigues welcomed the

Dr Austin Prabhu gave away prizes to all winners and participants and encouraged them to get more involved in the activities. He also mentioned about their project Konkan Bhavan which is already under construction work in India and in the US. The Association President Rotarian and a Congress Party activist Gratian Rodrigues gave him the honor with a shawl, fruits

gathering and Secretary John William D'Souza emceed the program. Chief Guest for the program Dr. Austin Prabhu gave away prizes to all winners and partici-

pants and encouraged them to get more involved in the activities. He also mentioned about their project Konkan Bhavan which is already under construction. The President requested all

members and guests to contribute generously to this project so that soon this multi storied Bhavan will be available to community members for their various celebrations. With the influence

of Gratian Rorigues, he was able to get Rs. 50 lakhs for this project. Konkan Bhavan is one of its kind facility to accommodate Konkani Community needs for any programs.

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India Post December 31, 2010

Bollywood: Masala makes comeback, biggies disappoint M U M B A I : Hardcore commercial films with rural backdrop made a big bang in 2010 with the success of ''Raajneeti'' and ''Dabangg'' but many other mega budget films like ''Raavan'', ''Kites'' and ''Guzaarish'' flopped at the box office. The year began on a high note with Aamir Khan starrer ''3 Idiots''. Though the film released in late December in 2009,

it continued to do well in 2010 with its feel-good appeal. The Rajkumar Hirani directed movie is now one of the biggest blockbusters of the recent times. However, it was Rajnikanth starrer Tamil film ''Endhiran'', that took the crown of being the biggest hit of year. Call it the sheer magic of Rajni''s presence or director Shankar''s neatly packed action-sequences, the movie transcended language barriers to emerge the highest grosser of the year. Thanks to Rajni, Bollywood beauty Aishwarya Rai got her only

hit of the year with two of her mega budget movies like ''Raavan'' and ''Action Replayy'' failing to do well. Small budget films like ''Tere Bin Laden'', ''Udaan'', ''Phas Gaye Re Obama'' continued to surprise the convention-loving industry by earning big bucks in theatres without any backing from big stars or producers. Some of the major disappointments of the year came from top stars and directors. Much anticipated films like ''Mani Ratnam''s

grand cinematic effort ''Raavan'', Ashutosh Gowariker''s freedom saga ''Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Se'' and Hrithik Roshan and Mexican stunner Barbara Mori's ''Kites'' failed to take flight despite the hype surrounding them. Apart from these movies, other biggies like Salman Khan's ''Veer'' and Akshay K u m a r Aishwarya Rai starrer ''Action Replayy'', Akshay''s ''KhattaMeetha'' also flopped. According to trade analyst Taran Adarsh, the failure of these movies resulted in a loss of about Rs 400 to Rs 500 crore. Another trade analyst Amod Mehra said the losses would be more than Rs 500 crore as Salman Khan''s rustic entertainer ''Dabangg'' and ''Golmaal 3'' were the only two superhits of the year while Prakash J h a ' s ''Raajneeti'', Milan Luthria''s period crime thriller ''Once upon a time in Mumbai'' and ''I hate Luv Storys'' did well. Shah Rukh Khan''s ''My Name Is Khan'', Aamir Khan''s ''Peepli

Live'', which is also India''s official entry to the Oscars, and Sajid Khan''s madcap ''Housefull'' also fared well at the box office. Mehra said a total of 237 movies including those dubbed were released during the year. "2010 was very bad. There were more flops and a very few hits. No particular trend was witnessed except the fact that hardcore commercial

films were back in the business," he said. -PTI

US wanted India to send Bollywood stars to Afghanistan NEW DELHI: US diplomats had suggested that India should send Bollywood stars to Afghanistan to help international efforts to stabilize the war-ravaged country, according to a March 2007 cable released by the whistleblower website 'Wikileaks'. The cable revealed that in 2007, when the US asked for "specific, concrete ideas for opportunities for India to use soft power in helping Afghanistan's reconstruction", officials said Bollywood was an area that "seems ripe". "We understand Bollywood movies are wildly popular in Afghanistan, so willing Indian celebrities could be asked to travel to Afghanistan to help bring attention to social issues there," The

Guardian quoted the cable, as saying. The idea, which was never accomplished, reveals the constant efforts of diplomats at the embassy in New Delhi to exploit Indian resources and goodwill to aid the international effort in Afghanistan. "India has significant aid to offer," the cable notes, adding that a key challenge would be "to overcome Pakistani objection[s] ... if India is to expand its role". India's attempts to build its influence in Kabul and among Afghans through indirect aid and reconstruction assistance have often been seen by Pakistan as evidence of a strategy of encirclement by its historic enemy, the paper said.

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India Post December 31, 2010

Virtual Santa brings the holidays to sick children

or children in hospital over Christmas, a visit from Santa Claus -- especially a cool, virtual Santa beamed in from the North Pole -- is like a breath of fresh air. Children's Hospital Boston played host to what has become an annual event: a video meeting between the season's most popular personality and some of the city's sickest children. "You kids have been

on my 'nice' list for a long time," the jovial Santa told Kaylee Sullivan, 7, who was joined by her brother Liam and friend Anna for the video chat. As many as 75 children spoke with Santa, first in the hospital's play area and later in the oncology ward, for those too frail to leave their rooms. "To have a brief talk with Santa is a magical moment for the kids," said Patrick Regan, enterprise account manager for healthcare at Cisco Systems, which provides the video technology, and the Santa, for the event. Children are connected to Santa's workshop -- in this case, San Jose, California -- via a highdefinition video link, and talk to

Santa directly. Dozens of hospitals in the United States and Canada are on the waiting list to host the events, Regan said. Making "small memories," especially around the holidays, is important for sick children and their families, said Kirsten

Getchell, a child life specialist at the hospital. "It means the world. We help to heal them, physically and emotionally," Getchell said. Two children recently wrote letters to Santa warning him that there is no convenient chimney to shimmy down to deliver their gifts, Getchell said. Lily Diangelis, 8, is bouncy as she tells Santa, "I want a new American Girl doll." "It's wonderful," said Lily's mother Vicki, of Watertown, Connecticut. "It gives us a fun thing to do for kids who have to be in hospital for a long time." Lily has been in the hospital

since mid-September, waiting for her second heart transplant. Kaylee Sullivan's father Mark, of Abington, Massachusetts, raved about the event. "They love it," he said. His daughter was diagnosed

with leukemia in November and is recovering from a bone marrow aspiration -- a painful procedure where a small amount of marrow is harvested, typically from the hipbone. Wearing a knit cap and protec-

tive mask, Kaylee sits in a wheelchair swaddled in blankets, and is trailing a battery of monitors and IVs. "You look so pretty, honey," Santa tells her. "Even though you have that mask on, I can see right through it."

Realty Tidbits

Mumbai most attractive hospitality market

Real Estate

he demand for hotel rooms in the city is set to outstrip supply in the next two years. A report by real estate consultancy firm Knight Frank India Limited says Mumbai is all set to become the most attractive hospitality market in India, followed by Goa. It said the city would have 10,518 rooms while the demand would be for 13,007. Currently, 23 new projects with a supply of 2,843 new rooms is expected to be added by 2013. These include rooms in the five-star, fourstar and economy classes. Shreenath Shastry, national director, Hospitality and Leisure, Knight Frank India Limited, said the move would translate to the highest occupancy levels in India.

Demand for office space rising in Bangalore

arendra Modi may be calling his state Gujarat the Mecca of business in India but a realty check reveals Bangalore is leading Ahmedabad by far in the fresh demand for office space for 2010. Bangalore recorded 90% growth in office space supply at approximately 10.1 million sq ft in 2010 as against Ahmedabad's 60%. The result comes out in the global real estate consultants, Cushman & Wakefield's year-end report. Increasing demand for office space is considered a sure sign of the rising faith of business class in a particular city. Ahmedabad's lackluster performance is surprising.

Omaxe collects 500 crore from NCR sales

maxe Ltd, the New Delhibased real estate developer, has raked in `500 crore from sales in the National Capital Region (NCR) and Lucknow in the first six months of this fiscal. The realizations have helped it to cut debt ofRs210 crore. The developer is now planning new launches in Lucknow and Chandigarh. In the NCR region and Lucknow, Omaxe is currently developing nine properties which are at various stages and is eyeing sales worth Rs3,000 crore from these. "In the half year ended September, around Rs500 crore worth sales have come from these projects but it will be accounted in revenue based on percentage completion.

December 31, 2010

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India Post

Retail sector plans massive expansion

he Indian retail sector will continue to expand at a fast clip, with the number of malls in the country likely to swell to 280 in 2011-12 from 190 at present, a global real estate services firm has said. "India has added around 5 million sq ft of retail space in 2010 and approximately 15 million sq ft of space is lined up to get operational in 2011-2012," CB Richard Ellis said. While the National Capital Region (NCR) has significant vacant retail space, another 4 million sq ft is lined up for development in 2011-12 in Delhi and its suburbs.

Mumbai & Delhi housing prices at peak

lobal property consultant Jones Lang LaSalle has cautioned that housing prices in Delhi-NCR and Mumbai have reached the peak level of 2008 and any further rise in the rates will adversely affect the demand. It said the prices in the rest of the country may firm up by about 1015% next year to touch the 2008 level. "In Delhi and Mumbai, housing prices had fallen by about 2530% after global meltdown in 2008. The prices have again shot up and reached their peak level this year," JLL India Chairman Anuj Puri said. Asked about housing prices outlook for 2011, Puri said: "I don't think there is any scope left to increase housing prices. If it happens, demand will be severely affected in these two cities." According to JLL India Chief Executive Officer (operations) Santosh Kumar, prices for mid to high-end

flats in Gurgaon are currently hovering at Rs 8,000-10,000 per sq ft, while in Noida it is 3,500-5,000 a sq ft. "Similarly, apartments are offered

every square foot," he added. When asked if sales could be hurt at this price range, Puri said demand would continue to be

‘I don't think there is any scope left to increase housing prices. If it happens, demand will be severely affected in these two cities’ JLL India Chairman Anuj Puri

for Rs 25,000-30 ,000 per square feet in Central Mumbai. Current prices in sub-urban Mumbai are little less and the range is Rs 9,000-16,000 for

good at the prevailing rates in Delhi-NCR and Mumbai. "Affordable housing will continue to do very well in the coming year…

During the beginning of the year, prices of premium segment residential projects had picked up, but now it is stable," he added. About office space sector, Puri had earlier said that demand is expected to grow by about 50% to 28 million square feet in 2010, mainly due to higher absorption of property spaces by financial, pharmaceutical and telecom sectors. The demand for office spaces is likely to stand at 28 million square feet this year compared to 19 million square feet in 2009, he said. On rentals, Kumar said it remained stable during 2010 due to excess supply and is unlikely to rise in the coming year as well. However, certain locations in Delhi and Mumbai may witness some upward movement of rental values in 2011. The availability of office space stands at about 40 million square feet across the country during the ongoing year.

Developers focusing on Dubai to face oversupply of malls towns near metros

ith metro cities already bustling with overpopulation, the focus of real estate developers and urban planners has now shifted towards developing the satellite towns on the periphery of bigger cities. However the biggest bottleneck in popularizing new townships in the peripheral regions is the lack of proper connectivity. As the real estate sector is finally coming on the fast track, connectivity remains the major concern. Giving an overview of the sprawling urban areas in different parts of the country at the Economic Times Realty Convention 2010, Kumari Selja, Minister, Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation said, "Almost all the major towns and cities have expanded along the highways connecting cities in regions for example Delhi-Jaipur, Delhi-Meerut, MumbaiAhmedabad, and so many others throughout the country. There are also many industrial

hubs and small settlements along these corridors. These could be developed into small and medium size satellite townships with the major city acting as a hub. But fro this appropriate urban planning is

Almost all the major towns and cities have expanded along the highways connecting cities in regions for example DelhiJaipur, Delhi-Meerut, MumbaiAhmedabad required. An important aspect of urban planning would be a well planned transport system. Mass Rapid Transit systems and metro will perhaps lead to the decongestion of existing towns."

DUBAI: Dubai malls will have too many shops for rent and too few tourist shoppers by 2013, a report said here. "Dubai shopping mall space is set to increase by approximately 30 per cent between 2010 and 2013," global real estate consultants Colliers International said in a report. The market will see an oversupply of over one million square meters of gross leasable area in 2013, it said. "While the Dubai retail sector does benefit from strong tourist demand, the fallout from the global financial crisis is likely to have a dampening effect on this external demand," it added.

The report said neighboring Abu Dhabi's retail sector, which remains under-supplied in leasable areas, is likely to see an increase to 874,500 square meters in 2013, and almost 1.1 million square meters in 2015. "The Dubai and Abu Dhabi markets remain upbeat," the report said. It noted that Dubai has established itself as a "global retail platform and entry point for international brands into the region," while oil-rich Abu Dhabi has a significant forthcoming supply of retail space combined with a strong domestic consumer purchasing power.-AFP

oa is definitely the best tourist place for India. "The Pearl of the East," Goa is known for its Gothic churches, crumbling forts, palm-fringed beaches, coconut groves, ferry rides, bubbly folk musicâ&#x20AC;Ś the list is endless! With its 131-km-long coastline, Goa is an important locale in every tourist's itinerary. Sun, sand and sea being the major attractions, Goa trip is a perfect heaven for the ones who need and want relaxation. Goa Beach Resorts always add to the fun. Christian Pilgrimage tours to Goa are extremely popular. Besides pilgrimages Goa is famous for honeymoons also. Goa, honeymoon packages are extremely popular with Indians. Goa, honeymoon packages cater to the needs of the tourists with varying budgets. The all-inclusive Goa, honeymoon packages tour too make interesting options. Location: The location of Goa makes it easily accessible. Traveling to Goa is comfortable. Situated on the western coastline of India, the Union Territory of Goa is sandwiched between the states of Maharashtra and Karnataka. The capital Panaji is at a distance of 592 km from Bangalore and 593 km from Mumbai. The waters of the Arabian Sea wash the coastline of Goa. It is split into two districts-North Goa (STD Code: 0832) and South Goa (STD Code: 0834). North Goa includes the capital city of Panjim, the former capital of Old Goa, Fort Aguada and Candolim, Chapora, Vagator, and the beaches Calangute, Anjuna, and Baga. South Goa includes Vasco da Gama Bogmalo, Margao, Colva and Benolem. Being near to the sea, Goa enjoys a maritime climate, with April and May being very hot. The Goa Beach Resorts situated on the beach sides are the best way to enjoy Goa. Christian Pilgrimage tours to Goa are usually taken up around the Christmas and New Year. History: Goa has been a key destination for Christian pilgrimage tours in India. Goa was a part of the Mauryan Empire, around 3rd century BC. The Satvahanas of Kolhapur, and later the Chalukyas of Badami, took over the governance. Other dynasties followed, including a short-lived Muslim invasion, until the Vijaynagar Empire established itself for almost a century. This era, too, ended with the arrival of the Sultans of Gulbarga, from whom the rule passed on to the Adil Shah of Bijapur. Soon, the Dutch, English, French and Portuguese, all began struggling for its possession. Ultimately, in 1510, the Portuguese conquered Goa, with Alfonso de Albuquerque leading the invasion. Having ruled for around four centuries, in 1961, fourteen years after the country's independence, the Portuguese had to leave Goa. Tourist attractions: Goa offers several tourist attractions. Beaches and churches are the key tourist attractions in Goa. Christian Pilgrimage tours and Goan Carnival attract numerous visitors. In the local dialect,

37 India Post

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December 31, 2010

Goa is an important locale in every tourist's itinerary. Sun, sand and sea being the major attractions, Goa trip is a perfect heaven for the ones who need and want relaxation. Goa Beach Resorts always add to the fun. Christian Pilgrimage tours to Goa are extremely popular

Goa is often referred to as "Goa Dourada," (meaning "Golden Goa") because of its beaches, forts, churches, waterfalls, seminaries, and caves. Today, Goa beach resorts are attractions in themselves. "The queen of Indian beaches," Calangute is a stretch of 7 km. Baga beach is a handy commuting point to Anjuna. At a distance of 7 km from Panaji is the beach of Dona Paula, which is a good site for relaxation and sunbathing. At a distance of 6 km away from Margao is another beach, Colva, which offers good accommodation. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 38

Travel & Hospitality Post

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December 31, 2010

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After beaches and forests, Kerala to showcase heritage KOCHI: Tourism in Kerala, which has so far targeted beaches, forests and backwaters, will soon showcase the glory of the 3000year old Muziris port, unveiling the state's heritage to the world. The Muziris Heritage Project, claimed to be the first of its kind in the country, is expected to turn Muziris into a major destination for cultural tourism, Chief Project Consultant Benny Kuriakose said. Muziris, 27 kms from here, was among the earliest port cities in the world. It is also home to India's first church Mar Thoma church, first mosque Cheraman Juma Masjid and the oldest European monument Portuguese fort. Situated on India's south-western coast, Muziris was a spice city where the traders of the world -Greeks, Romans, Arabs and Chinese -- thronged to buy and sell a variety of wares, mainly spices and clothes. As they did business, they became partners in promoting an early model of cosmopolitanism with Muziris as its global nucleus.

Recent and ongoing excavations by archaeologists have yielded evidence of the ancient glory of the place as a hub of commercial activity, including a jetty whose wood was carbon dated to 2500 years by scientists. The state had so far marketed its beaches and backwaters but not so much its heritage and history. The Muziris project was an endeavor to bring to visitor's mindscape a culture of 3,000 years or more in all its plentitude and complexity. There was a good deal of it in the state to be conserved and protected as monuments -- shrines, palaces, forts, seminaries, cemeteries, boat yards, markets and so on. These old human conclaves, whatever is left of them, were being showcased so as to make the voyage into history a supreme excitement. "It's been two years since we started the project and in another two to three months, it would be opened for tourists," Kuriakose

told PTI. Nineteen departments and agencies were working for the project and many more coordinating. The project, which includes a central aid of Rs 40 crore, "is a walk through 3,000 years of Kerala his-

The project, which includes a central aid of Rs 40 crore, "is a walk through 3,000 years of Kerala history. Buddhists, Arabs, Chinese, Jews, Romans, Portuguese, Dutch and British came here tory. Buddhists, Arabs, Chinese, Jews, Romans, Portuguese, Dutch and British came here. Jews have left two synagogues. We are trying to link all these... the existing muziris and the sites," he said.

A series of 27 museums, spread over the heritage region displaying maritime trade, lifestyle, barter system and handicrafts, were being planned and five would be opened next year, Kuriakose said. Interactive museums are a major component of the project. Life and works of contemporary men and women who made a difference to social life in what was once Muziris will be the subject of some museums. Since Muziris is spread on either banks of Periyar River, efforts were on to deepen canals and construct jetties. People can come in cars, park it and would be taken around in boats. Development of bicycle and pedestrian paths was also on the cards. "This was a place where not even 100 tourists came. But once the project opens up, authorities are hopeful that many visitors would not miss this trip to history", Kuriakose said. He said the state government was planning to collaborate with

UNESCO on the project and a three-member delegation had visited Pattanam, the project site last week. The team also met Kerala Tourism Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, Finance Minister Thomas Issac and Culture Minister M A Baby at Thiruvananthapuram and held discussions. "Since Muziris had links with many countries, we would like to seek the coordination of these countries with the help of UNSESCO and also try to include Muziris as a World Heritage Site", Kuriakose said, adding, "We know that this process consumes time and it is not easy". Observing that including Muziris as a World Heritage Site "is a long drawn process", Kuriakose said a detailed documentation and management plan was required for the site. Proper procedures according to International charters and guidelines also have to be followed, he said.

Goa: Favorite for pilgrimages, beaches & honeymoons Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 37

Calangute, Baga, Candolim, Colva are dominated by package tourism. Anjuna, the traditional rave center is popular with the bag packers. Benaulim falls between hype and hip, and is filled with beach shacks and low-key Goa beach resorts. Arambol in the north and Palolem in the south are idyllic

Dona Paula view

by nature. Other famous beaches include Miramar and Agonda. Goa Beach Resorts along these beaches in Goa are excellent accommodation options. The Dudhsagar waterfall and Arvalem waterfall attract many tourists every year. The rock-cut caves of Khandepar and Arvalem are also worth mentioning. The Pilar monastery, Saligao seminary, and Rachol seminary attract the religious minded travelers. While nature has been so generous to Goa, man too has contributed a lot to Goa's beauty. The strong Roman Catholic community, with the active support of the erstwhile Portuguese rulers, has had a number of churches built in this picturesque locale. In Panaji, one must visit the church dedi-

cated to our Lady of Immaculate Conception, and the Chapel of St. Sebastian. No doubt that Christian Pilgrimage tours to Goa are so popular. The Goa State Museum, the Secretariat, the statue of Abbe Faria in the capital is a must see for lovers of art. The largest of the churches in Goa, the Se Cathedral is in Old Goa and is flocked by thousands of tour-

seum of Christian Art in Rachol Seminary and church and the Braganza House near Margao are also worth a visit. Besides these, to get a glimpse of the Hindu population in Goa, one has to visit Ponda. The Kerkar Art Complex in south Calangute is also an important tourist center. The Wednesday flea market at Anjuna is an important trading center for handicrafts from Kashmir to Gujarat.

Baga Beach

ists every year. The holy shrine of Basilica of Bom Jesus, also in Old Goa, houses the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. It is a famous pilgrimage center among the Roman Catholic world. Most Christian Pilgrimage tours include visits to these churches of Goa. Other famous churches are the Convent and Church of St. Francis of Assisi, Church of St. Cajetan, Church of St. Augustine Ruins, Church and Convent of St. Monica, Church of Our Lady of Rosary, Chapel of St. Anthony and Chapel of St. Catherine-all of which are in Old Goa. Fort Aguada is worth a visit to savor the nostalgia of the Portuguese regime, especially in its lighthouse and the Aguada jail. Terekhol Fort in the Arambol beach has been now converted to a hotel. The Mu-

thony in the month of June is also significant as it marks the beginning of monsoon. Besides such religious festivals, Goa is also known for its arts and crafts fairs, and food festivals. Where to stay: In Goa, the accommodation rates differ according to the seasons. Goa Beach Resorts are an excellent accommodation option. From mid-December to late

Dona Paula

Fairs & festivals Being a predominantly Roman Catholic society, most of the festivals of Goa are Christianity-specific. Feast days, thanksgiving, monsoon celebrations, processions-all mark the Goanese calendar. Shigmo, the Goanese version of Holi, is celebrated in the month of February and March. The Feast of Our Lady of Miracles, celebrated 16 days after the Easter, is secular by nature and is celebrated with pomp and show by both Hindus and Christians. Igitun Chalne, held at Sirigao temple in Bicholim during May, is one of Goa's most distinctive festivals. The main attraction of the festival comes when devotees of Goddess Lairaya walk across burning coals to prove their devotion. The Feast of St. An-

January, it is the high season. The middle season is from October to mid-December and February to June, and the late season from July to September. Prices may reach sky-high limits during Christmas. The range of hotels and Goa Beach Resorts is vast. One can obtain specific details from the information bulletin of Goa tourism. Goa, Honeymoon Packages too offer accommodation in the best beach resorts of Goa. Best time to visit: October to May How to reach Air - Goa's international airport is Dabolim, at a distance of 29 km from Panaji, on the coast near Vasco da Gama. Most domestic airlines operate here apart from the chartered private airlines operating from UK and Germany.

Travel & Hospitality Post

December 31, 2010

India Post

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Guj tourism explores mega investment opportunities MUMBAI: Gujarat is now exploring untapped investment opportunities in the tourism sector. "We are looking at various areas of investment in tourism sector like opportunities for convention centers, eco-tourism, medical tourism, wayside amenities, adventure tourism, heritage tourism, beach tourism," Tourism Corporation of Gujarat's Chairman Kamlesh Patel said at the conference here. Besides, he also mentioned putting a special emphasis on exploring investment opportunities in the aviation sector. "The legacy of CM of Gujarat Narendra Modi into inviting in-

vestments goes beyond with industries and infrastructure. Gujarat is welcoming the tourism and hospitality industry, from across the nation as well as globally," Patel said. Gujarat's 1,600 kms of virgin coastal areas as well as several ecologically important destinations are awaiting stakeholders and investors to explore the opportunities, Patel said. The Government of Gujarat is welcoming investors from the tourism and hospitality sector from across the globe, said Vipul Mittra, Secretary, Tourism & Civil Aviation, Government of Gujarat. Mittal who was instrumental in

roping in Amitabh Bachchan as the brand ambassador of Gujarat Tourism said, "The previous Vibrant Gujarat Global investors' summit had MOU's worth Rs 60,000 crores, many of which are in the pipeline..." Gujarat Tourism Opportunity Ltd (GUJTOP), a company floated by Gujarat Tourism Corporation Ltd and IL&FS has already identified 39 projects across the categories. The aim of the Conference was to ensure participation of the stakeholders from the sector and address the future path for the sector to the next level. A feedback from the interactive

audience has identified the opportunities in marketing the potentials of the State competitively that would help in identifying investment opportunities and shaping

future strategies. The Conference was followed by structured, pre-fixed B2B meeting between the investors? and officials from GUJTOP. -PTI

Vrindavan to be a major tourist hub MATHURA: The Uttar Pradesh government has planned various projects worth Rs 300 crore to develop Vrindavan into a major tourist attraction, a senior state official said here. "The refined infra-structure of Vrindavan is likely to act as a magnet for the tourists. Total development plan envisaged at the cost Rs 300 crore would prove alluring for the tourists," Satish Chandra Mishra, Chairman of UP Rajya Salahkar Parishad, said while talking to reporters here after he along with UP Chief Secretary Atul

Kumar Gupta and others inspected work in Vrindavan. "While 16 of the 26 plans inaugurated by Chief Minister Mayawati have been completed, rest are in progress. Local officers have been instructed to complete rest of the work shortly," he said. Mishra ordered the officers engaged with the projects to ensure that work was completed when the team visited for the next inspection. "I shall apprise the Chief Minister about the progress made so far. She then will issue instruc-

tions," he stated. The widening and reconstruction of ten important roads at the cost of Rs 105 crore have been completed, he said. "Two power sub-station of 132/ 33 KV, renovation of Radha Kund and Shyam Kund and construction of Mahila Ashray Sadan for 320 old ladies without any support have also been completed," he stated. The Mahila Ashray Sadan is equipped with multiple facilities including free winter and summer bedding, kitchen, toilets, etc. -PTI

Tourism will change economy of Kutch: Modi AHMEDABAD: Development of tourism in Kutch will change lives and economy of many families, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi said while inaugurating the month-long Rann Utsav in Bhuj of Kutch district. This was a turnaround time for Kutch, a place which has faced negligence since long, Modi said during the inaugural function near Hamisar

New York (Hicksville)

Lake in Bhuj, an official release said. Tourism industry does not only fetch foreign visitors but also serve as a source of daily bread for many poor families, he said. Blooming tourism in Kutch would change the economy and lives of many families there, the Chief Minister added. "Terrorism divides, while tourism unites the world," Modi said,

asking the tourists present at the function to experience the beauty and power of boundless land of white desert in Kutch. He further said that the slogan of the state tourism department "Kutch nahi dekha to Kuchh nahi Dekha" (If you have not seen Kutch, you have seen nothing) had captured the entire world in its magic, the release added. -PTI

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In Brief Atlanta immigrant population still growing ATLANTA: The Census Bureau says metro Atlanta's immigrant population has continued to grow despite the economic recession. New census figures show the 28-county metro Atlanta area added 42,000 foreign-born residents between 2007 and 2009. That's an increase of 6 percent. The increase brought the Atlanta area's total immigrant population to nearly 750,000 last year, accounting for nearly 13 percent of its population. The Washington think tank the Brookings Institution says metro Atlanta bucked a trend seen in many U.S. metropolitan areas where immigration leveled off or declined during the global recession. Audrey Singer, a Brookings senior fellow, says that's because the Atlanta area seems to have fared better economically than other large American cities. -AP

ICE agents not immune to prosecution BRIDGEPORT, Conn.: A federal judge has dismissed the government's argument that Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials are immune from lawsuits brought on constitutional grounds. The ruling advances a civil rights suit brought by 11 suspected illegal immigrants picked up by ICE agents in June 2007 in New Haven. Lawyers for the men tell The New Haven register that the decision has wide-ranging implications. US District Court Judge Stefan Underhill refused to dismiss the charges against the agents, as well as their supervisors, including former agency head Julie Myers. -AP

Immigration 42

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December 31, 2010

Students look to 2012 after immigration bill vote LOS ANGELES: A group of Los Angeles college students plans to take their fight for immigration rights to the states and the 2012 election after Senate Republicans blocked legislation that would have given thousands of young illegal immigrants a path to legal status. -AP

South Asian Americans optimistic about American Dream India Post News Service

NEW YORK: South Asian Americans eye the 'American Dream' with more optimism than the general American people, a Metlife study has shown. The 2010 Metlife Study of the American Dream shows strong self-reliance and sound financial standing among South Asian Americans. While only 35% of all Americans expect their personal financial situation to improve in 2010 from 2009, more than half (57%) of South Asian Americans expect their personal situation to improve this year. South Asian Americans are also significantly less likely than Americans overall to believe that there is more risk to their family's financial future than in the past (43% compared with 70% of all Americans). These results are reported nearly two years after the start of the economic downturn. A similar number of South Asian Americans (35%) and Americans overall (34%) report that they have achieved the American dream. However, South Asian Americans who have not

achieved the dream are much more optimistic than their peers about their possibilities of achieving it in their lifetime. Ninety percent of South Asian Americans believe that it is possible to achieve the American dream - significantly more than the 70% of Americans overall who report the same. "With good reason, South Asian Americans are more optimistic than

among South Asian Americans. Nearly six in ten (59%) say they have an adequate personal safety net, compared with just 31% of Americans overall. A personal safety net is defined by those polled as a "cash cushion" with retirement savings as well as auto, health, home and life insurance. Further, while almost half (47%) of Americans have credit card

While only 35% of all Americans expect their personal financial situation to improve in 2010 from 2009, more than half (57%) of South Asian Americans expect their personal situation to improve this year the overall population about their personal financial situation," notes John Derbick, Assistant Vice President, Global Brand and Marketing Services, MetLife. "The Study shows that more people in this group have a personal safety net in place, which appears to be an important prerequisite for achieving and sustaining the American dream." Strong personal safety nets This optimism may stem from a strong sense of financial security

debt that they don't pay off in full each month, less than one-third (30%) of South Asian Americans say the same. And, while many Americans still find themselves close to financial ruin should they lose their job 45% could not take care of expenses for more than a month and 65% could not do so for more than three months - the concern is less for South Asian Americans. Twenty-eight percent of South

Asian Americans report that they could not take care of expenses for more than a month, and 59% say they could not do so for more than three months. "Family Net" emerges In addition, a significant number of Americans are helping their family members financially. Fortyseven percent of Americans overall and 48% of South Asian Americans say they have given money to a family member in the past year so they can pay their bills. At the same time, 35% of the general public and 32% of South Asians have had a family member give them money in the past year. Dream defined in financial terms Though all Americans define the dream first and foremost as "financial security," South Asian Americans are slightly more likely (26%) than the overall population (22%) to describe the dream in financial terms. They are also much more likely (63%) than the overall population (31%) to equate the dream with "a successful career." Cont’d on page 43

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

Mass. police to join immigration checks program BOSTON: The state's top public safety official has announced that Massachusetts State Police will participate in a federal program that automatically checks the immigration status of people who are arrested. Massachusetts Public Safety Secretary Mary Beth Heffernan said that the state will formally join a program known as ``Secure Communities.'' The program allows arrestees' fingerprint information to be checked against FBI criminal history records and biometrics-based immigration records kept by the Department of Homeland Security. -AP

Continued from last week ne interesting implication of this view is that it suggests that unauthorized employment or other violations of the terms of H-1B employment by a paroled alien prior to an application for a Cronin memo "extension" should be disregarded by USCIS. Ordinarily, an admitted alien seeking an extension of stay must demonstrate continuity of status and a lack of status violation, although USCIS does have the authority to excuse a gap in status pursuant to 8 CFR 214.1(c)(4) if "[t]he alien has not otherwise violated his or her nonimmigrant status," 8 CFR 214.1(c)(4)(ii). But there is no requirement as a matter of statute or regula-

tion that an alien seeking admission as a nonimmigrant have previously maintained status, at least so long as the alien has not accumulated 180 days of unlawful presence as that term is defined in INA § 212(a)(9)(B) (which does not include many

Cronin memorandum "extension" as an admission of an alien whose spirit had remained at the airport, this admission can take place regardless of how the alien may or may not have been employed during the period of parole, for prior failure to maintain status or unau-

There is no requirement as a matter of statute or regulation that an alien seeking admission as a nonimmigrant have previously maintained status status violations). This is why it is sometimes possible for an alien with a valid nonimmigrant visa to resolve a prior status violation simply by exiting the United States, and being readmitted on that visa. Therefore, if we understand a

thorized employment would not bar admission as a nonimmigrant. On this analysis, the only difference between an alien who takes a trip outside the United States in order to return on a valid visa, and an alien who obtains a Cronin memorandum "extension",

would be that the latter did not need to leave the country because as a matter of law he or she was never truly here in the first place! This analysis of the Cronin memorandum process could be useful in the context of an alien seeking adjustment of status under INA § 245(k), which forgives certain employment-based immigrants for periods of unauthorized employment or time out of status totaling less than 180 days. USCIS has asserted, in a July 14, 2008 memorandum from Acting Associate Director Donald Neufeld that unauthorized employment continues to accrue for these purposes even after the filing of an adjustment application. Cont’d on page 44

Immigration Post

December 31, 2010

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6 in PA plead guilty in harboring immigrant case COLUMBUS, Ohio: Federal prosecutors say Maria Terechina is a criminal who helped trick hundreds of Eastern European women into taking hotel jobs in Ohio they couldn't escape because Terechina took their passports and controlled where they lived and how they got around. Terechina's lawyer says she is a hardworking grandmother who made mistakes. A federal judge planned to sentence Terechina in a case that stretches into Pennsylvania where conspirators of Terechina have pleaded guilty to charges of harboring immigrants illegally. Terechina, a U.S. citizen formerly from Russia, was recruited by other Russians to move to Columbus and supervise cleaning businesses that employed immigrants not allowed to work in the U.S., according to federal court filings. The conspiracy that began in 1999 and continued for eight years involved Terechina holding the passports and other immigration documents of the female immi-

grants as an implied threat that they had to keep working, the filings said. Hundreds of women were recruited from Russia, Estonia, Belarus, Ukraine and other Eastern European countries. Terechina and her conspirators would tell the women they owed

Terechina pleaded guilty in April to conspiring to defraud the government and conduct human trafficking debts of $600 to $1,000 that had to be paid from their wages. They would also tell the workers they owed money for transportation, and housing expenses such as electric bills, according to court documents. ``This illegal conduct was ongoing, continuing over several years,'' Dan Brown, an assistant U.S. attorney, said in a court filing earlier

this month. ``During those years, Defendant Terechina exploited the labor of dozens of workers.'' Terechina pleaded guilty in April to conspiring to defraud the government and conduct human trafficking. Prosecutors have recommended a 17-month prison sentence. Terechina is a hard worker taking responsibility for her mistakes, her attorney, Bradley Barbin, said in a court filing. ``The work has not always been lawful and she regrets her mistakes,'' he said. ``She has made great progress in paying rightful debts.'' Earlier this year in Pennsylvania, six men pleaded guilty to harboring immigrants illegally in a case connected to the allegations against Terechina. Two of those men, Roman Litt and Alexander Litt, operated a company that contracted with hotels in Columbus where Terechina would shuttle immigrants for housekeeping jobs, according to documents filed in Ohio and Pennsylvania federal courts. - AP

South Asian Americans optimistic about American Dream Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 42

South Asian Americans are also more likely than Americans overall to feel strong pressure to increase material possessions, despite a challenging economy. Six in ten (60%) South Asian Americans say that the pressure to buy more and better material possessions is greater than ever, more than double the number of Americans overall who report the same (29%). Over one-third (37%) of South Asian Americans say that achieving the American dream is about improving the quality of life by increasing personal possessions, versus 23% of Americans overall. And, 65% of South Asian Americans feel like the bar is constantly rising in terms of the basic necessities of life, versus 58% of all Americans.

Like most Americans, more stress at work While significantly more South Asians equate the dream with a successful career, many are more concerned about job security than other Americans. Two thirds of employed South Asian Americans (66%) are concerned about losing their job in the next year as a result of the current economic environment, compared to 55% of the general population. Many of these respondents also say they have taken on more responsibility at work and are more stressed about performing all the tasks their job requires. Sixty-nine percent of employed South Asian Americans report taking on more responsibility, compared with 56% of the overall population, while 63% of South Asian Americans say they are

more stressed at work, versus 52% of the general public. However, optimism still prevails. Of those who are unemployed, 78% (versus 55% Americans overall) say that they are optimistic about their future job prospects. Methodology From April 14-21, 2010 Strategy First Partners in conjunction with Penn Schoen Berland conducted 2,201 online surveys in the United States among the general population as part of The 2010 MetLife Study of the American Dream. Roughly half (52%) of the Study participants were Caucasian, 18% African American, 9% Hispanic and 19% Asian Americans (i.e., 199 Chinese Americans, 178 South Asian Americans and 42 from other Asian ethnicities).

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December 31, 2010

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Committee to propose immigration-related bills ATLANTA: A committee plans to introduce several immigrationrelated bills in the upcoming legislative session after studying the issue and trying to fill gaps in state laws governing the issue. Co-chairs Rep. Matt Ramsey of Peachtree City and Sen. Jack Murphy of Cumming will likely each propose a bill and one or two other bills may also come out of the committee of 14 Republicans, Ramsey said after its third and final meeting. The committee's aim from the beginning was to fill the gaps and

add enforcement tools to laws already on the books. Ramsey declined to provide specifics on possible legislation. “I have some ideas but nothing I want written down yet,'' he said. Already two immigration-related bills have been prefiled for the legislative session, which begins in January. One deals with illegal immigrants in the state university system and the other with employment verification of contractors. They weren't authored by members of the committee.

Sen. Nan Orrock of Atlanta and Rep. Virgil Fludd of Tyrone, both Democrats, at a news conference just before the meeting called for a comprehensive study on the

Already two immigration-related bills have been prefiled for the legislative session, which begins in January economic impact of potential immigration legislation. ``We have a fragile economy that does not need body blows from ill-conceived legislation,'' Orrock said. ``Let's make laws based on the real world, not

based on political rhetoric and hotheadedness.'' As at the first two meetings, the committee heard from invited speakers and the public. Representatives from the state Department of Human Services told the committee about how it verifies eligibility to ensure that illegal immigrants don't receive benefits they're not entitled to. But they did say that there are certain benefits, including emergency medical care in cases of life-threatening conditions that the state does pay even for illegal immigrants. Sen. Bill Heath, a Republican from Bremen, asked the DHS representatives whether their department has any obligation or procedure for reporting illegal immigrants who receive such benefits

to authorities or law enforcement. When the DHS representatives said no, he asked if they would help him write legislation that would require the agency to report those illegal immigrants. Georgia Republican Congressman Phil Gingrey of Marietta addressed the meeting by video conference call to give the state legislators an update on immigration legislation that's being considered or planned at the federal level. Ramsey, Murphy and other committee members have repeatedly said Georgia is forced to pass state laws on immigration because of inaction by the federal government. Orrock and Fludd argued that immigration is a federal issue and that a patchwork of varying state laws would do more harm than good. -AP

Spirit at airport, body allowed into US-II Cont’d from page 42

But in the § 245(k) context, as the Neufeld memorandum acknowledges, the total amount of time under the 180-day clock is measured from the alien's most recent admission. Since parole is not an admission according to INA § 212(d)(5)(A) and § 101(a)(13)(B) (and according to the Neufeld memorandum), but it appears that an "extension" under the Cronin memorandum is an admission, an alien subject to the Cronin memorandum who has entered on advance parole should be able to reset his or her § 245(k) clock to zero simply by obtaining admission as an H-1B nonimmigrant via a Cronin memo "extension". The prior time on the § 245(k) clock should then be wiped out just as it would had the alien left the United States and been readmitted as an H-1B nonimmigrant. The here-but-not-here nature of parole as explained in Leng May Ma and its predecessors has other interesting implications, as well.

Strictly speaking, although the author knows of no case in which this argument has been made, Leng May Ma implies that parolees whose parole expires or is revoked cannot then become inadmissible under INA § 212(a) (9) for unlaw-

The here-but-nothere nature of parole as explained in Leng May Ma and its predecessors has other interesting implications, as well ful presence accrued between that time and their subsequent departure from the United States-because as a matter of law, they were never here! It is difficult to see how an alien can be unlawfully present if he or she is not present. Some provisions of the INA, such as that in INA § 240A (b) (1)

Immigrant can change plea in Neb. child-abuse case LINCOLN, Neb.: A man from El Salvador will be able to withdraw his guilty plea in a Colfax County child-abuse case because he wasn't told he could be deported if convicted. The Nebraska Supreme Court ruled that the warning given at Wilmar Mena-Rivera's arraignment about possible deportation or denial of naturalization should have been repeated when he later pleaded guilty to a lesser charge. Because it wasn't, the

high court ruled the 20-year-old Mena-Rivera can withdraw the plea. Colfax County District Court records show Mena-River was charged with child abuse for August 2008 injuries to a then-4-yearold girl at a home in Schuyler. He later pleaded guilty to attempted child abuse and was sentenced to 20-to-48 months. The court opinion says MenaRiver is in the United States legally. -AP

(A) authorizing cancellation of removal for certain nonpermanent residents, refer to an alien who "has been physically present" in the United States for a particular amount of time, which would include a paroled alien whose body is physically within the United States even if as a matter of law the alien is not really here. However, INA § 212(a) (9) (B) does not include such a reference. Although Congress apparently knew how to differentiate between mere physical presence and fullfledged legal presence, in INA § 212(a) (9) (B) they referred to an alien who is "unlawfully present in the United States," defined further in § 212(a) (9) (B) (ii) as one who "is present in the United States after the period of stay authorized by the Attorney General or is present in the United States without being admitted or paroled." The even-harsher so-called "permanent bar" provision at INA § 212(a) (9) (C) (I), regarding aliens who enter without inspection after previous unlawful presence, similarly refers to one who is "unlawfully present". The statute could have referred to one "unlawfully physically present in the United States" or "physically present in the United States after the period of stay authorized by the Attorney General", but it did not. Thus, the argument can be made that a parolee whose parole has expired or been revoked should not be deemed unlawfully present for purposes of § 212(a) (9) (B)-(C), because under Leng May Ma and Kaplan he or she has never truly come into the United States at all. * Cyrus D Mehta, may be contacted at 212-425-0555 or info@cyrusmehta.com

Datebook

December 31, 2010

India Post 45

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NEW YORK

ILLINOIS

Upcoming

Thurs Dec 30

Fri Dec 31

• Last Basement Bhangra Of The Year

• New Years Eve Party with Udita Goswami

Venue: SOBs, 204 Varick Street, New York Time: 7pm to 4am Contact: 212-252-2392

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

Thurs Jan 13

NEW JERSEY

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Upcoming

Fri Dec 31 • Rasoi 3 New Years Eve

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

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

Sun Jan 30

Mon Jan 24

Sun Jan 30

• South Asian Bridal Expo

• Ashtavakra Gita Part 3

• South Asian Wedding Expo 2011

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

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

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• The Whipping Man

Fri March 18

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• Art of Living Course

Sun Jan 2

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

• Eating For Enlightenment: An Ayurvedic culinary experience Venue: Residence, 1506 Windsor Court, Denville, New Jersey Time: 5pm to 8pm Contact: 973-400-9191

WASHINGTON DC

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

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

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

Sun, Jan 30 Sat Nov 12, 2011 • Hello Namaste Satsriakal Masti

• South Asian Wedding Expo 2011 Salaam

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

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

Thurs Feb 3 • Leadership Retreat-- an Inner Engineering Intensive Venue: Hyatt Regency Century Plaza, 2025 Avenue of the Stars, Los Angeles Time: 5pm Contact: 248-739-2934

Thurs May 5 2011 • Fund raising Volleyball tournament

Mon Aug 1, 2011

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

Venue: Art of Living Center Los Angeles, 948 W Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, California Time: 6:30pm to 9pm Contact: 310-820-9429 Highlights: Its programs teach a blend of ancient eastern breathing techniques and wisdom that help eliminate stress, restore the highest human values and encourage people from all backgrounds, religions and cultural traditions

Thurs Feb 24 • Art of Living Course Venue: Belmont Sports Complex, 550 Island Pkwy, Belmont, Bay Area Time: 6:30am to 4pm Contact: 617-922-8234

• Yogalicious!

46 India Post

Horoscope

December 31, 2010

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Your future for 2011 by Pandit Parashar

ou will make tremendous progress in life right after May when Jupiter enters the first house. Life will continue to make progress but at a slow speed in first half of 2011. Money will go mainly on family and education or marriage of a child. People in business will see competition reducing every day in first half. Saturn in sixth will continue to help defeat opponents, overcome any illness and even win a law suit in 2011. Living and working conditions will improve and you may also relocate during summer to a bigger and better place with lots of greenery around. Try to look for the property close to water as it will be more beneficial. You will gain knowledge and wisdom and look for long term gains in life and will also make some very wise investments. You will earn respect in social circle and help many with money and good advice. Expect some major turn in career towards the mid of Nov,2011, it will boost your income too. Money wise you will have no complaints this year. You will also acquire some expensive items for the house and for personal use too and enjoy all kind of luxuries this year. Jupiter's transit in first will make you health conscious and you will overhaul the diet completely. You will successfully implement most of your plans and achieve a lot in 2011.

hough there is no real threat of any kind but mind will not be at ease for first few months of 2011. Things will continue to stay challenging in career till May and once Jupiter moves into eleventh you will have a big sigh of relief. Start of a major project in partnership still in the air. 2011 should open new doors and second income for you. You will benefit from people living abroad and from all ongoing projects overseas. Your assets will grow and you may buy another property for investment purpose this year. Around June you may also change one of your vehicle also. Year will start with some confusions but right advice from some one mature will help you adopt the correct path. Chances of moving to a nicer place very strong during summer of 2011. You will feel more energetic and try to face the issues head on and that will be the root cause of your success this year. Take your time and do not rush into second venture quickly other wise you will end up loosing your sleep, wait till May to start some thing new. You will spend more money towards children this year and will travel overseas at least twice for business purpose. November will bring sudden change in career and a dream job or business will become a reality. You will receive full support from spouse and close relatives in 2011.

upiter's presence in ninth till May end will be fortunate. You will continue to make progress in life slow and steady and against heavy odds. All legal matters should settle within first five months of 2011. Victory will not only bring confidence back but big financial rewards too. With Mars strong in transit in the beginning this year should start with new and excellent job opportunity. There will be more than one fortunate change in career this year one in the early part and second one after June when Jupiter moves into tenth. It will be a better year for people with political aspirations. You may make large chunk of money through stocks or hit some kind of financial jackpot in April and May of 2011. Blessings of a mature person will keep steering your life in right directions and good deeds performed in the past will also come handy. Some of you will be moving to better place this year but only towards the end of 2011. You will become more religious and perform many charities. This is going to be a better year for people in retail business or enterpriser dealing in products benefiting the common people. Second half will also give you some concerns about a child or a child may move away from home for educational purpose. You will be able to stop wastage of money up to a great extent in 2011.

aturn will continue to transit second house till the end of 2011. Money wise it will be another tight year. Lots of juggling from here and there will help you survive the roller coaster ride. You may have to borrow some from your reserves to meet the ever increasing expenses. Investing in land, property and oil business will not be a good idea this year. People prone to litigations will have to be more careful. Strong Mars in February will bring an excellent job opportunity and you should not be hesitant to grab it. There will be unnecessary delay and frustration about a child in the beginning but once Jupiter moves into house of luck, things will settle down the way you wanted. The size of family will also grow in 2011. People in business will be working with new suppliers to cut the cost and will be successful in doing so. Some of you may even leave your job and try your hands at some business this year for first time. Time from April and onwards is still better to try something new and start venture in partnerships. Keep working on your plans as the hard work will pay off in second half nothing will go waste. There will be big change in your religious beliefs and you may even start following a religious person. You will take an important trip around July to a distant place.

here will be slight stress and uncertainty but you will continue to make gradual progress in 2011. It will be a better year for people in high tech, hardware or oil industry. Many positive change will take place in career and they will all be sudden, you will not be given any time to think, so go with the flow as all of them will be fortunate for you. You will be helping a close relative financially in 2011. Strong chances are you will invest in land or property also away from home. The year will start with few minor health issue and financial pressure but slowly everything will come under controls. You will need to change your diet also in order to overcome stress and complications caused by it. You may also get clearance from a government agency on an pending appeal. Victory also possible in ongoing litigation around April. Chances are some of you will be travelling a lot and spend more time away from home for business purpose. You may finally be able to sell some nice product you had been working for for years. During the month of June and July you will need lots of patience with spouse or business partners. 2011 will bring prosperity and new association. You will benefit a lot from some one tall and having good political connection. You will put aside the extra money you make in 2011.

ear may start slowly but things will change from first week of February. Keep working on your plans and projects ultimate success is yours. Uncertainty will disappear at work and you will be working with a new and energetic group. Projects submitted in 2010 will get accepted in February. Money wise progress will be kind of slow in the beginning but after May there is no stopping and you will always have enough in pipeline there after. You will gain more knowledge and wisdom this year. Health wise spouse will also do a lot better. You will have the chance to show your gratitude and pay back to people who helped you a lot in 2010. It is the Month of November which will be a major turning point in life when you will hit some kind of financial jackpot. Money could come even from a law suit. Jupiter's transit in seventh will bring new association and a possible marriage for bachelors this year. You will receive good guidance from a matured and elderly person. You may travel to a new and exotic place with family towards the end of June. Month of September will be very expensive but the money will be spent on valid reason. You should be more careful on the roads in 2011. You will spend money wisely and get out of several debts. You will be very well rewarded for all the patience and hard work.

The Forecast for signs Libra to Pisces will be carried next week

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

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

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Philosophy

India Post

December 31, 2010

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Page Sponsored by Sahanis S S COHEN

"Where is the necessity for reincarnation? The theory of evolution is physically perfect. But for the soul further development may be required which happens after death." Maharishi Ramana: Let us first see if there is incarnation before we speak of incarnation. Who is the man: body or the soul? You answer 'both together'. But you do not cease to exist in the absence of the body, say, in sleep. You call sleep temporary death. Therefore life is also temporary. If life and death are temporary, there must be something which is not temporary: that is the Realty. See for whom these questions arise. Unless the questioner is found, the questions can never be set at rest." SS Cohen explains: Doubts about past births have been expressed by many people, more especially by those whose scriptures do not teach reincarnation. The questioner is a Muslim who has found complete satisfaction in the theory of evolution without the necessity of rebirths and without deviating from his theological beliefs, except in that man has sprung up from the amoeba. But his questions carry in them their own solutions, if they are but carefully thought out. In the first instance he admits the immortality of the soul and its continued development after death till perfection is achieved, yet he is MOTHER MEERA

Question: Is formal meditation important? Mother Meera: Yes, to meditate a half an hour or an hour is good. But if one becomes fanatical, wants to leave one's job, live alone and meditate twenty-four hours a day, that is not good. Q: What kind of meditation should we do? MM: Close your eyes and sit in silence and do japa on any divine name. Q: What is japa? Why is it so important? MM: Japa is the repetition of the name of that in which we believe. Japa is essential. Japa is not simple words - each divine name is full of divine vibrations. These surround us and protect us and penetrate both our bodies and our whole inner being. Remembrance of the divine name gives immediate peace and happiness and turns us from the worldly to the Divine. There is no special and limited time for japa. It is very good to do japa all day. If this is not possible then remember whenever it is possible. We can practice japa during all activi-

unable to rid himself of the bias for the body, which he makes the partner of the soul in the synthesis of his self, or 'I'. On what ground does he give the body a place in the make up of the 'I', he does not care to investigate. If the body is half his self, then this is no longer a homogeneous unit, but a hybrid compound of mortal and immortal substances, of which the immortal, which he calls the soul that survives death, is only a part, or half. Is this rational? More-

have convinced him to the contrary. By admitting mortality to the body, he has at once confessed to its insentience, for sentience never dies: it is eternal life. The body is thus insentient and therefore unintelligent; whereas the 'I' is pure intelligence as the knower of all things. Therefore the body is neither the 'I' nor a part of it. As for rebirths, why does he find them illogical? If in this life he is born, as he admits he is, why cannot he be reborn? That which

also loses his body in the meantime, what is he to do to satisfy this persistent craving? Naturally he has to take another body, as he had taken the present one for some desire or other. Thus Bhagavan tells us that there is no such thing as rebirth: what there is is only assuming one body after another for the satisfaction of desires. If you do not want to take another body, by all means you are at liberty not to, provided you have ceased to crave

Rebirth is for satisfaction of unfulfilled desires Maharishi Ramana

If life and death are temporary, there must be something which is not temporary: that is the Realty. See for whom these questions arise

over, if the soul is not an integral whole, how is it possible for it to attain perfection in the evolution of which he speaks? Again, how does he know that the soul undergoes "further development" after death? What does he, first of all, conceive the soul to be to require this development? Confusion becomes more confounded when he gives the body a share in his 'I', endowing it with sentience, with intelligence, when a little thinking would

has caused this birth should be a valid cause for another birth. What makes him imagine that the cause of this birth of his has exhausted itself and can no longer be available for another birth, or a series of new births? Let us illustrate this by a concrete example. A man marries because he has a desire for a woman. If the woman a little later dies, he may marry a second time, impelled by the same urge. But suppose he

for anything, thereby eliminating the cause of "rebirth." We have therefore to study man before we enquire about evolution, reincarnation, life, death, etc., which is what makes the Master advise the questioner to discover himself first. The 131st birth anniversary of Maharishi Ramana is being celebrated on Dec 30 Excerpted from Reflections on Talks with Sri Ramana Maharishi

ties. It is easier to remember when we do physical work without mental work. This japa helps us to purify our consciousness and make our sadhana easy. Q: How should we say japa? MM: Simply. Just say it. In doing japa, one should not strain or try to achieve something specific. One should try to be sincere and to have love of God. The power

mantras are strong and powerful, we may not feel the effects immediately but results will come. One can feel the differences in the vibrations of words. Using the word, one can make things change. Q: Is it necessary to wait for a guru to give a mantra or may one find a mantra on one's own? MM: Whichever mantra comes to you easily and sponta-

MM: Yes, whatever appeals at the moment is all right. One doesn't have to have a fixed mantra. Q: When I repeat your name is it necessary to say the mantra as given in The Mother, or can I just repeat Mother Meera or simply Meera? MM: Either is sufficient. Q: In meditation on a form of the Divine, is it enough to just have

Divine name helps us to purify our consciousness Mother Meera

immediately follows, whether you are aware of it or not. Q: Would you explain the power of the name? MM: Each syllable of a divine name - such as Krishna or Jesus has vibrations which change the atmosphere. Any object that we think about repeatedly generates its own vibration. Even though

Any object that we think about repeatedly generates its own vibration. Even though mantras are strong and powerful, we may not feel the effects immediately but results will come neously is the one you should do. It should give a strong feeling and be like music flowing from the heart. Q: I don't have a fixed japa. At different times different forms of the Divine - such as Shiva or Krishna - come into my mind, and I sing the appropriate mantra. Is doing this all right?

the feeling of the Divine, or must one say the mantra as well? MM: It is enough to have the feeling. But it is good to mentally repeat the name of the Divine as well, because doing this trains the mind and heart. The 50th birth anniversary of Mother Meera is being celebrated on Dec 26

All our experiences, spiritual or otherwise, are the basic cause of our suffering... The body is not interested in anything that you are interested in. That is the battle that is going on all the time... There seems to be no way out -UG Krishnamurti A consistent thinker is a thoughtless person, because he conforms to a pattern; he repeats phrases and thinks in a groove. -Jiddu Krishnamurti Unless you make tremendous efforts, you will not be convinced that effort will take you nowhere. The self is so selfconfident that unless it is totally discouraged it will not give up. -Nisargadatta Maharaj Self is what gives breath to Life. You need not search for It, It is Here. You are That through which you would search. You are what you are looking for! And That is All it is -Poonjaji The thinking mind, the ego, the "me" are all the same. They are different names for the same thing, which is an illusion. -Ramesh S Balsekar Find a place (inside) where there's joy, and the joy will burn out the pain -Joseph Campbell

You Insure all your Valuables, all are replaceable except YOU! So Insure yourself FIRST. Call Sahanis, (Arish, Priya or Shiv) for your Insurance needs 718- 271- 0453. Serving for last 35 yrs

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India Post 49

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A critique of Blackwill plan to partition Afghanistan D SUBA CHANDRAN

n an article published in the Times of India, titled 'Plan B in Afghanistan', Ambassador Robert Blackwill concludes, "Accepting the de facto partition of Afghanistan is hardly an ideal outcome in Afghanistan. But it is better than the alternatives" and "de facto partition offers the Obama administration the best available alternative to strategic defeat." Blackwill's suggestion is that although this may not be the ideal solution, it is the best available for the Obama administration. Perhaps for Obama, but is this the best available solution for Afghanistan and the region's security? This suggestion is also based on the assumption that alternative strategies have become impossible to achieve. An analysis of Blackwill's assumptions will clearly highlight that his diagnosis is correct, but prescription wrong. He makes three significant diagnoses of the situation from an American perspective. First, the "US policy toward Afghanistan involves spending scores of billions of dollars and suffering several hundred allied deaths," but the "United States and its allies will not defeat the Taliban militarily." Second, he also diagnoses that "Karzai's corrupt government will not significantly improve," and that the "Afghan National Army cannot take over combat missions from ISAF in southern and eastern Afghanistan in any realistic time frame." Third, based on the above reasoning, he also concludes that "Washington should accept that the Taliban will inevitably control most of the Pashtun South and East and that the price of forestalling that outcome is far too high for Americans to continue paying." Not many would disagree with Blackwill's above diagnosis of the Afghan situation. But the problem is with his prescriptions. His first prescription is 'de facto partition' of Afghanistan as it "offers the Obama administration the best available alternative to strategic defeat." Second, he also prescribes that Obama "should stop setting deadlines for withdrawal and instead commit the United States to a long-term combat role in Afghanistan of 35,000-50,000 troops for the next 7-10 years." Third and most importantly, he prescribes, that the "United States and its partners should stop fighting and dying in the Pashtun

homeland and let the local correlation of forces take its course while deploying US air power and Special Forces to ensure that the north and west of Afghanistan do not succumb to the Taliban. The United States would make clear that it would strike al Qaeda targets anywhere; Taliban encroachments across the de facto partition line, and sanctuaries along the Pakistani border using weapons systems that were unavailable before 9/11." In short, the Blackwill plan expects to withdraw troops from the ground but deploy air power and Special Forces to go after the al

Qaeda, wherever they are, and partition Afghanistan into three regions - North, West and South, with an aim to protect the nonPashtun North and South, while quarantining the Taliban-infested Pashtun South. Can this be a longterm solution, leading to stability

A quarantined Southern Afghanistan with a predominantly Pashtun population will be a greater recipe for disaster for regional and international security in the region? First and foremost, a quarantined Southern Afghanistan with a predominantly Pashtun population will be a greater recipe for disaster for regional and international security. Such an entity will not be acceptable to either the Pashtuns or the Pakistanis. Islamabad will be alarmed, for any Pashtun political entity on the west of Durand Line will have serious political repercussions for its own

Pashtun region - the FATA and the Khyber Pakhtunkwa. Second, as Pakistan is doing now, it would prefer an Islamic (read Taliban-led) regime in such an entity, rather than a secular regime which may lead to the revival of any cross-Durand Pashtun demands. As a result, a quarantined Pashtun region in the South of Afghanistan will be a greater threat and source of Taliban radicalism. A united Afghanistan not only provides the much needed space for different ethnic communities of Afghanistan to coexist, it also provides an opportunity for the regional countries to ensure a balance of power within Afghanistan. Iran's support to the Shias of Afghanistan and Central Asian support to the Uzbeks and Tajiks are likely to have a greater influence on any future regime in Kabul (including the Taliban) to reach some kind of an agreement with other ethnic communities. Even if the Taliban overrun Afghanistan after the exit of American troops, Iran will never accept a strategic defeat in Kabul with the Taliban ruling and Islamabad calling the shots. If the US plans to go after the al Qaeda, wherever they are (even within Pakistan), one could expect lesser cooperation from Islamabad. Or perhaps, due to internal pressure, they may even stop cooperating! The non-Pashtun North and West of Afghanistan in fact provides a space for all non-Taliban entities (including the non-Taliban Pashtun groups) to come together and form a coalition, as is happening under the present regime. This will also provide space for the nonPakistan regional neighbors of Afghanistan to exercise influence over Kabul. So what would a partition (of Afghanistan) achieve and lead to? Perhaps a completely monolithic 'Pashtunistan' under the total control of a radical Taliban, who in turn, would be under the complete patronage of Pakistan. Sounds familiar? This is what happened in the 1990s, leading to 9/11. So what Ambassador Blackwill prescribes as a solution, is in fact, the original problem! The writer is Deputy Director, IPCS

India Post Chinese designs

lobalization means a give and take relationship. In the Chinese context, it means expansionism. Indeed China's hunger for territory and resources is astonishing in the present context where you cannot ride roughshod over local sensitivities. It is also instructive to learn that China courts and promotes rogue states like North Korea, Myanmar and now Pakistan. Pakistan will perhaps never learn that it is being exploited. In its eagerness to sup with anybody who can harm India, it is allowing colonization of the Chinese type. For China, more than its desire to humiliate India, it is the corridor to the Gulf that Pakistan provides makes it so much important in its Great Game strategy. That is why to appease Pakistan, China has gone to the great length of shifting its strategy from non-intervention to a pro-Pakistan tilt. It now actively questions Kashmir being part of India and does everything to unsettle India on that issue, in spite of the attempts at bon homie by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao during his recent visit to India. Indeed the visit to India was an afterthought on way to Islamabad and seems to be a cover up for the heightened activities on the Kashmir frontier. In the same week a Chinese spokesperson cut out Kashmir from India in reference to the length of the IndoChinese border. There are enough interventions on the Brahmaputra river source in the form of dams that can raise the concern of India. The strategy of China remains to handout incentives to India's neighbors in the South Asia region to buy their cooperation in the Chinese design to cut through a passage to the Gulf for an opening to that region for its goods. Its politics follows its economic and military goals. Pakistan is losing faith in American military and civilian aid due to its fickle nature. In its rebound from the US it is now falling into the lap of China. Unable to fend for itself, it is courting another dependency. In this unequal partnership, it should to be ready to pay the price. It has already ceded large tracts of territory to China in the area of Kashmir under its control. Analyst Maha Atal points out there is a difference to the SinoPak engagement this time. Earlier Chinese investors used to be politically neutral. They protected their own material interests while doing their best to appease local leaders with a cut on any deal, but with very little concern for the day-to-day running of local life. The new deals struck by Wen Jiabao do not fit that mold, because they include plans for Chinese banks to open up and serve Pakistani clients, and a commitment from Pakistan to coordinate its securities regulation with Chinese authorities. Together, these reflect Beijing's interest in the day-to-day management of the Pakistani economy and state, beyond and separate from natural resources and infrastructure projects in which Chinese companies have direct stakes. Does this mean that China has decided to intervene politically in Pakistan? Does it now have a stake in political stability of Pakistan? Its open and notable change in political stance on Kashmir indicates it is trying to reshape the India, China, Pakistan tangle to its advantage. It is like the old story of how the monkey ate up the piece of cake that two cats were quarreling over. These questions should be engaging the short-sighted Indian leaders who are now ranged in a debilitating who-is-more-corrupt battle. A high economic growth rate and increasing state power are blinding them to the dangers of unequal development and the external danger of China.

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