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John Kerry

US, India eager to move forward: Kerry Details on page 6

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VOL 19, No. 1011

January 31, 2014

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KASHKARI IS CANDIDATE FOR CAL GOVERNOR RAS H. SIDDIQUI

Ambassador Dr S Jaishankar

Talks begin on diplomatic immunity Details on page 7

SACRAMENTO, CA: Neel Kashkari, the son of Indian immigrants originating from Kashmir, took the opportunity during his keynote speech at the Sacramento Business Review event held at California State University Sacramento on January 21 to announce his candidacy for California Governor.

At this point it is highly likely that incumbent Governor Jerry Brown (a Democrat) will be running again, but it is not yet confirmed. In any case this announcement by Neel who is often described as a "Moderate Republican", has added a new level of excitement into

the coming race. Governor Brown's age (he is 75) is sometime brought up as a factor in his upcoming decision but that should not matter to California voters.

The event at the university campus began with an introduction by Roger Niello, President and CEO, Sacramento Metro Chamber followed by a warm welcome by Sanjay Varshney, Dean of the College of Business Administration at CSU Sacramento who used his usual humor, wit and charm to get everyone's attention rather quickly.

163 Indian pandits go missing in US Details on page 6

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

Will Kashkari be able to make a difference?

Last week’s result

Should you support Kanojia’s tiny antenna invention?

YES 83%

NO 17%

Padma awards for 3 Indian Americans Details on page 6

Sonia not to depose in New York case

Details on page 5

FLORAL TRIBUTE: The tableau of Delhi's Central Power & Works Department (CPWD) showing India Gate and Parliament House made up with flowers passes through the Rajpath during the 65th Republic Day Parade 2014, in New Delhi on January 26.

Details on page 6

Details on page 16

Details on page 11

Neel Kashkari

India and US are natural allies: Cornyn

Cricket legend Chandra adds to glory of R-Day

Cong-NC split likely; Omar may resign Details on page 10

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t is necessary that US-India relations recover from the setback given by the Devyani Khobragade episode. A healing touch was sought to be provided by the gracious Republic Day greetings that President Obama sent to the Indian President in which he expressed the hope that the two counties will be able to fulfill people's expectations and aspirations for "this truly global partnership." At the Washington reception to mark India's Republic Day, hosted by India's new ambassador S Jaishankar, Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Heather Higginbottom recalled "the strength of the ties between our people and our governments."

There is no doubt about the strength of ties between the people of the two countries but the same cannot be said about the relationship between the two governments. If the US law and order approach in this case was unnecessary and traumatic, the lack of Indian bureaucracy's focus and leadership at a time of transition in the embassy was suicidal. Even at the highest level post-Kobragade meeting between India's External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid and his American counterpart John Kerry in Geneva, the former could not avoid raising with the US his concern over "trafficking" visas issued to family members of Sangita Richard, the absconding maid of the Indian diplomat, emphasizing that the American diplomatic mission facilitated the illegal immigration of the family to the US. However it was good that the two leaders recognized the need to put in place institutional arrangements to look at outstanding issues relating to the privileges and immunities of diplomats of both countries.

To put back relations on an even keel, both sides need to look forward to the early realization of the mutually-agreed calendar of bilateral exchanges. The fundamentals of a solid partnership remain, with considerable private-sector ties and a very active Indian American community which continues to grow in stature in the US. It is an election year in India and no matter who comes to power in May, India and US need to be strongly working together instead of bickering.

Romesh K Japra rkjapra@indiapost.com

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Villainous door SRK was shooting for ‘Happy New Year’ when an unhinged door collapsed on him and he was on the floor

Cover Story: Hat in the ring Neel Kashkari, the son of Indian immigrants from Kashmir, has announced his candidacy for California Governor

Community: R-Day celebration The FIA on Saturday 25th January celebrated Indian Republic Day at Chabot College, Hayward.

Bloomberg warning Former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg has warned the Republican Party against ignoring the nation's Hispanics

Life Style: Filmfare Awards Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's sports biopic 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag' scored six wins at the 59th Filmfare Awards

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HIGHLIGHTS

Shifting its stance of monetary policy towards targeting retail inflation, RBI has said it may exceed 8 per cent by March

Travel: Coorg Coorg, a blend of scenic beauty and traditional heritage, is one of the smallest districts of Karnataka

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Kashkari is candidate for Cal Governor RAS H. SIDDIQUI

L to R Roger Niello, Neel Kashkari & Sanjay Varshney. Pics Ras H. Siddiqui

SACRAMENTO, CA: Neel Kashkari, the son of Indian immigrants originating from Kashmir, took the opportunity during his keynote speech at the Sacramento Business Review event held at California State University Sacramento on January 21 to announce his candidacy for California Governor.

At this point it is highly likely that incumbent Governor Jerry Brown (a Democrat) will be running again, but it is not yet confirmed. In any case this announcement by Neel who is often described as a "Moderate Republican", has added a new level of excitement into the coming race.

Governor Brown's age (he is 75) is sometime brought up as a factor in his upcoming decision but that should not matter to California voters.

The event at the university campus began with an introduction by Roger Niello, President and CEO, Sacramento Metro Chamber followed by a warm welcome by Sanjay Varshney, Dean of the College of Business Administration at CSU Sacramento who used his usual humor, wit and charm to get everyone's attention rather quickly.

He said that we were here at this gathering which is the very best business forecast event in town! He added that he was glad to be a part of a team which wants to see the region as more vibrant and business friendly.

Sanjay also recognized dignitaries present including CSU Sacramento President Alexander Gonzalez. He said that this marked the 6th anniversary of the Sacramento Business Review and that during these years the forecasting team has done a very good job. "They have not just been

right, they have been near perfect in their predictions," he said.

He also introduced the CFA Society of Sacramento and mentioned the high standards it maintains. He thanked his team for all their hard work and all the sponsors (too numerous to list here) for making this event possible.

Sanjay also introduced keynote speaker Neel Kashkari.

Family's story Neel started out by sharing his family's story, how his parents came to America about 50 years ago in pursuit of higher education.

He said they faced a number of unknowns when they were coming here but once his father landed from India in Detroit Michigan (because that is where he got a scholarship to go to school) and

Dream.

He added that his parents knew that their ticket to the middle class here was through education, and that is why they struggled to make sure that his sister and he got a

France. It doesn't happen in China.

It doesn't happen in India, only America."

Neel said that he shared this story because millions of people in California today are struggling,

“Almost one in 5 Californians has either no job or is stuck in a part-time job," he said. He added that we are also ranked 46th in jobs and last in small business. "Dead last.

Fiftieth out of 50 states," he said. good education. And they certainly succeeded as his sister became a doctor and he an aerospace engineer who moved to California to work on NASA missions and later served in the federal government.

worried about keeping their jobs, worried about keeping a roof over their head and worried about what school they are sending their kids to. He said that more and more regulation coming out of Sacramento is making the state less eco-

Full House at the Sacramento Business Review Lunch

later in Akron, Ohio (because that is where they both parents got jobs) they fulfilled their American

"The American Dream is truly an American experience," he said.

This doesn't happen (to) folks in Germany. It doesn't happen in

nomically attractive.

"This is the state I love," he said. "I moved here in 1998. I love California. But I can't believe that

our state is failing so many of our people." He went on to describe the dire condition of schools in the state which now rank 46th in K through 12 education in the country.

On the jobs front he had more to add. "Almost one in 5 Californians has either no job or is stuck in a part-time job," he said. He added that we are also ranked 46th in jobs and last in small business.

"Dead last. Fiftieth out of 50 states," he said. He added that almost 24% of Californians live in poverty today. "The status quo is unacceptable," he said. He added that this was the end of the bad news and the good news was that these problems that we have in California were solvable. "We can absolutely do it."

He spoke highly of a school in East Palo Alto, California which focused on low income kids with great success, with a high number of them graduating from college. He spoke of the contest between all the states in America to attract jobs but that California was not competing.

He gave the example of the State of Alabama attracting the automobile industry and how it succeeded so well in that quest by offering incentives. He said that we can do this in California too and that California does not have to be the cheapest place to do business but we do need to be competitive.

He said that major changes need to be made in the state to correct the situation. "There is something that all of you can do and there is something I can do to make it happen." He added," Here today I am announcing that I am

Making a point

running for Governor of California." He said that his platform was "Jobs & Education."

Cont’d on page 7

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Padma awards for 3 Indian Americans WASHINGTON: Three IndianAmericans are among the five people from the US who have been selected for India's prestigious Padma awards this year for their contributions in different fields. They are Ashok Kumar Mago, Dr Siddharth Mukherjee and Dr Vamsi Mootha.

The two American honored are Susanne Hoeber Rudolph, the William Benton Distinguished Service Professor Emerita at the University of Chicago, and Lloyd I. Rudolph, Professor Emeritus of Political Science at the University of Chicago. They will each receive the prestigious Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian award in India.

Dallas-based Ashok Kumar Mago has played a key role in improving India-US relationship not only in trade and business, but was also instrumental in setting up of the Senate-India caucus and played a key role in the Congressional passage of the civil nuclear deal.

India-born American physician-scientist Dr Siddharth Mukherjee is best known for his book 'The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer' that won a Pulitzer Prize in 2011. He is currently an assistant professor of medicine at Columbia Univer-

sity and staff physician at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City.

A Professor of Systems Biology and of Medicine at Harvard

India-born American physician-scientist Dr Siddharth Mukherjee is best known for his book 'The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer' that won a Pulitzer Prize in 2011 Medical School, Dr Vamsi Mootha has received a number of honors, including a MacArthur Foundation Fellowship, the Judson

Daland Prize of the American Philosophical Society, and the Keilin Medal of the Biochemical Society. His work has also led to the development of generic, computational strategies that have now been applied successfully to other human diseases.

Among the two Americans honored, Susanne Hoeber Rudolph has served as president of the Association of Asian Studies and of the American Political Science Association (2003-2004).

She has co-authored eight books with her husband, Lloyd, including post-modern Gandhi and Other Essays in 2006.

In 2008, Oxford University Press published a three- volume, career-spanning collection of the writings of Lloyd and Susanne, titled Explaining Indian Democracy: A Fifty-Year Perspective.

Lloyd I. Rudolph served as Chair of the Committee on International Relations and the Master of Arts Program in the Social Sciences and as chair of concentrations in Political Science, Public Policy, International Studies and South Asian Studies in the College.

The Rudolphs now divide their time between Kensington, California; Barnard, Vermont; and Jaipur, Rajasthan.-PTI

163 Indian pandits go missing in US WASHINGTON: As many as 163 Vedic pandits, who were brought to the US from north Indian villages, have disappeared from the Maharishi Vedic City in Iowa during the past year, according to a media report.

In an investigative report, Chicago-based ethnic weekly newspaper Hi India alleged that the Vedic pandits brought to the US lived in pathetic conditions and were paid less than 75 cents an hour.

"They have jumped the fence for immigration purposes or for chasing their American Dream," the head of the university was quoted as saying by the newspaper.

There was no immediate reaction from the Maharishi Vedic

City, where some 1,050 pandits are engaged in a transcendental meditation program claiming to "bring

The Global Country of World Peace - one of the many teaching centers set up by late Maharishi Mahesh Yogi - is not aware of the plight of these pandits, some of whom are as young as 19 years about peace on earth where there will be no war".

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The university did not respond to an email and voice mail from PTI. The Global Country of World Peace - one of the many teaching centers set up by late Maharishi Mahesh Yogi - is not aware of the plight of these pandits, some of whom are as young as 19 years, the report said.

Quoting an unnamed pandit, the report gave details of the modus operandi of the institute and how the Indians are brought to the US. On their arrival, the Indians are kept in makeshift trailers under round-the-clock surveillance. Before coming to the US, they are asked to sign a contract whereby they are promised a compensation of USD 50 while in the US and another USD 150 in India.

"If the Pandit 'behaves well', his so-called compensation for two years is given to him or his family on his return from the US. The contract is prepared in a way to obtain visa," Hi India reported.

-PTI

US, India eager to move forward: Kerry WASHINGTON: The United United States Senate CongresStates and India are eager to move sional trade delegation. The dyforward with high-level dialogues namism I saw then continues toand exchanges soon, Secretary of day. India is a country on the State John Kerry said as he ex- move," Kerry said. tended Republic Day greetings to "Beneath all the changes - and India. what really binds our nations and Kerry, who met External Affairs our peoples together - is our Minister S a l m a n Khurshid in Swiss city Montreauex last week, sought to put the Devyani Khobragade issue behind and move ahead on the bilateral ties.

"When I spoke with External Affairs Minister Khurshid i n Montreaux this past week, we External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid with his US agreed that counterpart John Kerry on the sidelines of Geneva-II both our Conference at Montreux peoples benefit when the world's largest shared commitment to a strong and oldest democracies work and vibrant democratic heritage," closely together," Kerry said in a he said. message.

"India's transition to demo"Khurshid and I affirmed that cratic independence and emerwe are eager to move forward with gence on the world stage was one our high-level dialogues and ex- of the great success stories of the changes soon, and that our coun- 20th century. Today, it is an inspitries remain firmly committed to ration for so many young democthe indispensable US-India part- racies," Kerry added. nership," he said.

Indian diplomat Khobragade Greeting India on the Republic was arrested on December 12 on Day on behalf of President Barack visa fraud charges, strip-searched Obama, Kerry said the real magic of and held with criminals, triggerIndia lies as much in its promising ing a row between the two counfuture as it does in its rich heri- tries with India retaliating by tage. downgrading privileges of certain "I'll never forget my first visit category of US diplomats among to India nearly 20 years ago on a other steps. -PTI

India and US are natural allies: Cornyn WASHINGTON: Greeting India ahead of the Republic Day, a top US lawmaker said the two countries are natural allies that share a commitment to democracy.

"Our countries are natural allies, sharing a commitment to democracy, religious pluralism, and the rule of law," Senator John Cornyn said in a statement on the eve of Republic Day. Cornyn is co-founder of the Senate India Caucus and serves

on the Finance and Judiciary Committees. He is the top Republican on the Judiciary Committee's Immigration, Refugees and Border Security subcommittee.

"As the co-founder of the Senate India Caucus, I am grateful for the many opportunities I have to foster the important relationship between our countries and for the input and perspective I receive from dynamic Indian-American leaders in Texas," Cornyn said. -PTI

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US, India start talks on diplomatic immunity WASHINGTON: India and the US are holding preliminary discussions to resolve their differing interpretations of diplomatic immunity as they look to mend ties damaged by the row over American treatment of an Indian diplomat who was arrested and stripsearched in New York, India's ambassador said.

Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, India's new envoy in Washington, said his priority is to raise the "morale" of a relationship that remains fundamentally good despite the spat over Devyani Khobragade, who was expelled from the US this month after she was indicted on accusations of exploiting her housekeeper.

"As you would say in the markets, the fundamentals are good, it's the sentiment that needs improving," Jaishankar told The Associated Press in an interview.

The US and India, the world's largest democracies, have forged closer economic and defense ties in the past decade, but relations took a tumble because of Indian outrage over the treatment of Khobragade, who was the nation's deputy consul general in New York. She was strip-searched after her December 13 arrest, which US Marshals say is common practice for a suspect taken into custody, but was viewed in India as unnecessarily humiliat-

ing.

India unleashed a steady stream of retaliatory measures against US diplomats, including restrictions at the American Center in New Delhi and revoking new ID cards for some diplomats. Key to the dispute was Washington

and Delhi's differing interpretations of what type of immunity was due to Khobragade. US officials argued that as a consular official, she was immune from prosecution from acts performed in the exercise of consular functions, and not full diplomatic im-

Department, and US Secretary of State John Kerry and his Indian counterpart Salman Khurshid discussed it when they met on the sidelines of a conference on Syria in Switzerland, their first face-toface since the imbroglio over Khobragade.

Striking the positive tone set in the past two weeks since Khobragade returned home, Jaishankar said he was looking to advance a bilateral relationship that has grown stronger in the past 10 to 15 years. Two-way trade has grown to USD 100 billion.

"It's big economically, there's a high degree of political comfort," he said, noting the importance of more than 5 million Indian-Americans in helping to foster it.-AP

Kashkari is candidate for Cal Governor Cont’d from page 5

Ambassador Dr S Jaishankar paying floral tributes at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi on January 26 on the occasion of India's 65th Republic Day in Washington

Indians a rising force in California politics SACRAMENTO, CA: When Neel Kashkari announced he was running for governor, he became the latest Californian of Indian descent to step onto the political stage, the most recent example of a rising trend in one of America's most ethnically diverse states.

Kashkari is part of a surge of second-generation Indians emerging in politics, despite their relatively small population in California.

While Sikh Californians have been farming in California's Central Valley for nearly a century, the last couple of decades have brought a wave of technology workers and entrepreneurs into Silicon Valley, where they have formed a tight-knit, supportive and financially successful community.

Tapping into that donor base will be key to the Republican Kashkari's campaign, even if many donors will have to cross party lines to support him.

The growing roster of candidates and elected officials of Indian descent includes Democrat Ami Bera, a doctor who holds a

munity.

Jaishankar said while that's the rule for foreign diplomats in the US, he questioned whether Washington expects its diplomats abroad to be treated in kind. He said India has issued new identity cards for US consular officials to specify that their diplomatic immunity does not cover "serious crimes", referred to as "felonies" in the US. "There is an issue of what does the US expect abroad and what does the US give at home. I think there's a reconciliation there that needs to be done," the ambassador said. "What fairness would dictate is we would expect and give what you (the US) expect and give."

He said India is starting to work through the issue with the State

Sacramento-area congressional seat; Democrat Ro Khanna, who is challenging for another in the San Francisco Bay Area; Vanila Singh, a Republican who recently announced she is entering the same Bay Area race; and Republi-

The growing roster of candidates and elected officials of Indian descent includes Democrat Ami Bera, a doctor who holds a Sacramento-area congressional seat; Democrat Ro Khanna, who is challenging for another can Ricky Gill, who attracted millions of dollars from IndianAmericans in the Central Valley before losing a tight congressional race two years ago.

San Francisco attorney Harmeet Dhillon was elected vice-

chairwoman of the California Republican Party last year, while Attorney General Kamala Harris, whose mother was from India, is the highest-profile California officeholder with Indian ancestry.

"It symbolizes the changing face of California," said Karthick Ramakrishnan, a political science professor at the University of California, Riverside and director of the National Asian American Survey. "Even though Latinos are the largest nonwhite group in the state, there's room for other communities to also break through."

Latinos are about 40 percent of California's 38 million residents and have a solid record of exercising their political muscle. By comparison, Indians make up less than 2 percent of the population, or about 638,000, according to the 2010 US Census.

There is a long Sikh history in the Central Valley, where Kash Gill is mayor of Yuba City and Sonny Dhaliwal is mayor of Lathrop, in San Joaquin County.-AP

It was great to see a bit of history being made right here in Sacramento with Neel Kashkari, a relatively young candidate of SouthAsian descent throwing his hat into the California Governor's race.

Neel and his campaign will certainly have their work cut out for them. Democrats are a majority in the state and the last Republican to become Governor here was Arnold Schwarzenegger (of Terminator movie fame) who already had star appeal to begin with, which he used quite effectively to win. But then, again, one can never rule out the American Dream!

Landmark legislation

ing his role in the bank bailout.

"If we could break the back of the worst economic crisis our country has faced in 80 years, then I know we can break the back of the crisis that is destroying opportunity for California families and kids," he said.

Kashkari also named new members of his campaign team, which includes political consultants who advised Republican presidential candidates Mitt Romney and John McCain and former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Kashkari grew up in a middleclass household outside of Akron, Ohio. After earning bachelor's

Kashkari also named new members of his campaign team, which includes political consultants who advised Republican presidential candidates Mitt Romney and John McCain

Kashkari was appointed to the Department of Treasury in 2006 by then Republican President George W. Bush.

"When the financial crisis erupted, he worked to bring together lawmakers from both parties to write and pass landmark legislation to prevent widespread economic collapse," his website claimed.

"The program he implemented not only has recouped all the money spent, but also has made a $13 billion profit for taxpayers to date," it said.

"If we could get Republicans and Democrats to work together in Washington, D.C., then I know we can get them to work together in Sacramento," Kashkari said cit-

and master's degrees in engineering at the University of Illinois, he moved to California in 1998 to work as a design engineer at TRW in Redondo Beach.

He later earned his master's of business administration from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and returned to California to help Silicon Valley entrepreneurs raise capital to grow their companies and create jobs.

Kashkari, a multimillionaire who lives in Laguna Beach in Orange County, previously worked for Goldman Sachs.

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Chicago Consulate celebrates Republic Day SURENDRA ULLAL & ASIAN MEDIA USA

CHICAGO: Indian Consulate in Chicago kept up its tradition of celebrating the Indian Republic Day with lot of enthusiasm. The celebrations took place in the presence of the elite of Indian community at its Downtown office.

The Consulate headed by Dr Ausaf Sayeed celebrated 65th Republic Day On Sunday, January 26 with leading Chicago-land entrepreneurs and citizens to honor the sacrifices our freedom fighters have fought and to remember the work of our Founding Fathers, for giving to us a country where our dignity and individual freedom is assured.

He extended his warmest greetings to all across the country and also to those living abroad. The event began at 10 am as the Consul General released the rope to

CG Dr Ausaf Sayeed delivering Republic Day speech

Anthem. He also read out the speech given by President of India Pranab Kumar Mukherji on the eve of Republic Day on 25th January in India.

CG and Mrs Sayeed with Indian Consulate staff

every aspect that engaged India and Indians actively in the progress of the country, their achievements, their gains and shortcomings.

CG with a group of Indian elites and Air India Chief Rishikant Singh

unfurl the Indian Flag called "Dhhwaj Vandan" to respect and honor the nation followed by singing of the Indian National

While addressing the countrymen, the President notably recognized the contribution of the Indians living abroad. He covered

"On this day, sixty four years ago, in a remarkable display of idealism and courage, we the people of India gave to ourselves a sov-

Chidambaram dig at Modi's knowledge of economics NEW DELHI: Taking a dig at BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi, Finance Minister P Chidambaram said his knowledge of economics can be written on the back of a postage stamp.

"What he (Modi) knows about economics can be written on the back of a postage stamp," Chidambaram said in an interview to BBC. "He (the Gujarat Chief Minister) has said nothing about the fiscal deficit, nothing about the CAD, nothing about monetary policy... He is in a learning process and I am sure he will

learn very quickly," Chidambaram said.

P Chidambaram

He was commenting on Modi's assertion that economy under management of Chidambaram had been a "debacle".

When asked if Gujarat under Modi had fared well, the Finance Minister said it was only in the last few years the state has performed better than the national economy.

"When India's economy was booming and we had the golden period of 9 per cent plus growth, his State was no better than any other state," he said.

Chidambaram further said UPA government has done lot of work and poverty has registered a steep decline in the last five year. However, Chidambaram said that he did not have a magic wand to solve all problems in short time. -PTI

ereign democratic republic to secure all its citizens justice, liberty and equality. We undertook to promote among all citizens fraternity, the dignity of the individual and the unity of the nation.

"These ideals became the lodestar of the modern Indian State.

Democracy became our most precious guide towards peace and regeneration from the swamp of poverty created by centuries of colonial rule. From within the spacious provisions of our Constitution, India has grown into a beautiful, vibrant, and sometimes noisy democracy.

"For us, the democracy is not a gift, but the fundamental right of every citizen; for those in power democracy is a sacred trust.

Those who violate this trust commit sacrilege against the nation," CG Dr Ausaf said "There will be a new government before I speak to you again on the eve of our Independence Day. Who wins the coming election is less important than the fact that whosoever wins must have

an undiluted commitment to stability, honesty, and the development of India. Our problems will not disappear overnight.

"We live in a turbulent part of the world where factors of instability have grown in the recent past. Communal forces and terrorists will still seek to destabilize the harmony of our people and the integrity of our state but they will never win.

"Our security and armed forces, backed by the steel of popular support, have proved that they can crush an enemy within; with as much felicity as they guard our frontiers. Mavericks who question the integrity of our armed services are irresponsible and should find no place in public life." He added Delicious snack items were also served during the celebration on behalf of the Consulate General. It was a nice and somber event with Chicago land elite, businessmen and community members attending the nearly hour and half event in the morning in spite of the very cold weather.

Indo-Pak ties have huge potential: Indian envoy ISLAMABAD: Indo-Pak relations have a huge potential and both countries should make use of geographical locations besides cultural and other commonalities, Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan TCA Raghavan said here.

"I believe the presence of so many Chambers of Commerce from different parts of Pakistan. The presence of so many members of National Assembly and Provincial Assembly shows that India-Pakistan relations have a huge potential in the economic, political and cultural fields," Raghavan told reporters during a

Republic Day reception hosted by the Indian High Commission.

He noted it is often said that neighbors cannot be changed.

"And I am hopeful that relationships will continue to improve as we make rapid progress in utilizing the benefits of our geographical locations and cultural and other commonalities between our two countries," he said.

The who's who of the Pakistani society were present at the reception. The Pakistan government was represented by Commerce Minister Khurram Dastigir Khan. -PTI

January 31, 2014

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Indians across the world mark R Day with gusto BEIJING/BANGKOK: Indians across the globe celebrated the country's 65th Republic Day with patriotic fervor, unfurling the tricolor and holding cultural events to mark the occasion.

Unfurling the National Flag at a function at the Indian Embassy, new Indian Ambassador to Beijing Ashok K Kantha said India and China are set to pursue an "ambitious agenda" utilizing strategic openings and will address "unresolved issues in a purposeful manner with a sense of urgency".

Kantha, who took over as the ambassador here this month, later read out President Pranab Mukherjee's Republic Day speech and addressed the Indians, who turned out in large numbers, about the "carefully developed multi-faceted partnership with China".

The cultural section of the Indian Embassy presented a performance in which several Chinese students also participated.

In the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou, Indian Consul General K Nagaraj Naidu hoisted the tricolor at a ceremony at his residence this morning and

members sang patriotic songs in front of over 100 assembled guests gathered at the Embassy.

The patriotic fervor of the Indians was evident as many would have had to take alternate routes to arrive at the Embassy as the main intersection nearby has been blocked by Thailand's anti-government protesters for several days now.

The Indian flag was hoisted in all the neighboring ASEAN nations by envoys this morning.

Over 1,000 Indians in Singapore joined High Commissioner Vijay Thakur Singh in the Republic Day celebrations.

The day was marked by unfurling the National Flag and signing of the National Anthem as well as patriotic songs by students from Indian schools in Singapore.

Singh read out the President's address to the gathering, which included migrant workers from India and Singapore-based Indian community.

The High Commissioner also hosted a reception for guests at the commission.

Over in Israel, about 200 Indians from all over the Jewish state assembled in Herzliya to celebrate Republic Day. Indian Ambassador Jaideep Sarkar hoisted the national flag and read out the President's address to the nation on the occasion which was followed by a cultural program.

Sarkar also announced that the second national convention of Indian Jews in Israel will be this year celebrated in Nevatim, a Moshav inhabited by Cochini Jews from India.

The Cochini community of Nevatim has a synagogue which is a replica of the one they had in Kerala before they immigrated to Israel.

Indian-origin singer, Liora Itzhak, entertained the participants in the Republic Day celebrations with popular Bollywood numbers.

The Indian contingent at United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) on the Israeli-Syrian border performed 'Bhangra' at the event.

The Indian envoy's initiaCelebration at Embassy of India, Beijing tive last year saw the successful organization of the read out the President's address to the na- first national convention in which all the tion. four Indian Jewish communities - Bene IsThe ceremony was attended by a large rael, Cochinis, Baghdadis and Bnei number of the local Indian community mem- Menashe - participated in large numbers bers, including students, a press release together in such a function for the first time. from the Consulate said.

The Republic Day was marked in Britain In Southeast Asia too, the tricolor flut- as well with a ceremonial flag-hoisting certered proudly as envoys unfurled the flag emony at the Indian High Commission in and read out the President's address to London. scores of expatriate Indians, ethnic IndiIndian high commissioner to the UK ans and India lovers gathered at Indian Em- Ranjan Mathai unfurled the tricolor at a bassy premises. gathering of Indian diplomats and staff of In Bangkok, India's new Ambassador to India House.

Thailand Harsh Vardhan Shringla unfurled Meanwhile, the Pravasi Bharat group the national flag. marked the event at the iconic Mahatma School children and Indian women's club Gandhi statue at Tavistock Square.

The group was set up in August 2012 to campaign for an absentee ballot system for non-resident Indians (NRIs) and its cofounder Nagender Chindam had timed a hunger strike to coincide with Republic Day to raise awareness over the issue.

"As 26th January is an auspicious day for us, we wanted to pay floral tributes to

ganized to mark the Republic Day at the Indian Embassy premises where Ambassador Ranjit Rae presented 17 ambulances and four buses to social organizations across Nepal.

The ambassador also hosted a reception on the occasion of the India in India House, in the Embassy of India at Lainchaur,

Indian High Commission in London

the Mahatma, sing our National Anthem and together sign a petition to state that we are the concerned citizens of India residing abroad," said the London-based IT consultant, who broke his three-day fast.

Meanwhile, in Nepal, a function was or-

Kathmandu.

A large number of people including senior leaders of political parties, high government officials, diplomats, lawyers, business leaders, civil society members, media persons also attended the function. -PTI

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Indo-Japanese differences on nuke pact narrowed NEW DELHI: Japan has said differences with India on a civil nuclear pact have been "narrowed down" and the two countries were looking to focus on regional issues like China's military build up through the new mechanism of National Security Advisor-level dialogue.

A day after India invited Japan

narrowed down."

"That is why they (Singh and Abe) said they will encourage the issue. They said they would like to see negotiations to continue.

Prime Minister Abe and many Japanese feel India has a sound non-proliferation record," Sato, who is part of Prime Minister Abe's delegation visiting India,

lateral, regional and global issues.

During the visit of Abe, who is the first Japanese Prime Minister to attend India's Republic Day celebrations as chief guest, the two countries also inked eight agreements including for promoting tourism, enhancing energy efficiency in telecom towers and for power generation in India.

Taniguchi said, "In his debut initiation trip as head of newlycreated National Security Council (Shotaro Yachi) has chosen India and more specifically Mr (Shivshankar) Menon as his dialogue partner, this fact should not be underestimated."

On being asked of the significant outcomes of Abe's trip, Sato said, "There has been forward movement on the politico-defense front with agreement to have National Security Advisor-level dialogue regularly and also the joint maritime exercise, so cooperation between the navy and maritime

defense forces has made a forward movement."

In a joint statement issued after talks between the two Prime Ministers, the two sides welcomed the expansion of the bilateral currency swap arrangement from USD 15 to 50 billion.

"The Reserve Bank of India needs capital with which it can intervene into the currency market...that capital ought to come domestically but you may have a shortage of that, in that case Japan will be providing a credit line to the Indian central bank," Taniguchi said.-PTI

India, Japan happy with progress on aircraft Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe, at the Joint Press Statement, in New Delhi on January 25

to join the Indo-US Malabar exercises, Tomohiko Taniguchi, Councilor in Japan's Cabinet Secretariat said, "(Prime Minister Shinzo) Abe has welcomed the invite. It will take place, it has been agreed."

Talking about the forward movement in negotiations between the two countries over an Agreement for Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy, Kuni Sato, Press Secretary in Japan's Foreign Affairs Ministry told reporters here "Differences on the civil nuclear deal have been

said.

In another significant development, Japan announced that to encourage people-to-people contact, multiple entry three-year visas will be given to Indian tourists reciprocating India's earlier move of easing the visa regime between the two countries. Earlier, only single entry visas were issued to Indian tourists.

The developments came a day after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh held extensive talks with his Japanese counterpart Abe on bi-

On being asked whether the new National Security Advisorlevel dialogue mechanism was a forum to discuss China, South China Sea and North Korea, Sato said, "I would say so, Yes, because it is a fact that China has been building up (militarily) and not necessarily with enough transparency."

"This dialogue will also pick up issues of North Korea, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq and Ukraine. Sharing views and exchanging opinions is important," she said.

China downplays Japanese PM's visit to India BEIJING: China downplayed Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's visit to India as a bilateral issue, even as the state-media termed the trip as a failure for not succeeding in pinning down Beijing.

"The visit you mentioned is an issue between India and Japan," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang told a media briefing while responding to a question on Abe's just-concluded visit to India.

The visit evoked considerable media attention here in view of the China-Japan diplomatic stand off over the disputed islands in East China Sea. On the emerging defense cooperation between India and Japan, Qin said, "We hope that development of defense cooperation between both countries will be conducive to peace stability

and security of the whole region."

"Because peace, stability and security of the region should be upheld and safeguarded by all relevant countries," he said.

"Abe cozies up to India," a front page report of the state-run Global Times said.

The visit as analysts said aimed at "pinning down China but hardly looks like succeeding," the report said During Abe's visit, India invited Japan to join the India-US Malabar Joint military exercises and the two countries discussed

the sale of Japan's US-2 amphibious aircraft to India.

Abe's visit, however, evoked a lot of interest here with some Chinese publications featuring his presence as Chief Guest at India's Republic Day celebrations prominently.

"Abe cozies up to India," a front page report of the state-run Global Times said.

The visit as analysts said aimed at "pinning down China but hardly looks like succeeding," the report said.

Despite media speculation over a sense of unease being felt in China over Abe, who is the mostly widely criticized Japanese leader in China, Indian officials were confident that Beijing will see it in a proper context as New Delhi has maintained a steady silence over the Sino-Japanese islands dispute. -PTI

NEW DELHI: India and Japan have expressed satisfaction over the progress made by the two sides in the Joint Working Group on the US2 amphibious aircraft and said the group will hold another meeting in March.

"The two Prime Ministers expressed satisfaction with the holding of the 1st meeting of the Joint Working Group (JWG) on the US2 amphibian aircraft in December 2013 in Delhi and welcomed the 2nd meeting of the JWG which is scheduled for March 2014 in Japan," the two sides said in a joint statement.

The statement was issued after a meeting between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe. The aircraft was offered to India as part of the first ever defense

sale by the Japanese side in a long time to meet Indian Navy's requirements to look after its Island territories.

Japan is pushing for over-thecounter sale of the US-2 aircraft produced by ShinMaywa Industries Ltd, which has a range of about 4,500 km and is suitable for search-and-rescue operations.

The US-2 is also capable of carrying sensitive communications equipment. This aircraft usually has the capability of landing on choppy waters with waves of up to three meters, apart from having long-range civilian and military applications.

India wants a joint production of the aircraft and wants it to be armed, over which Japan is believed to have some apprehensions. -PTI

Cong-NC coalition could split; Omar may resign NEW DELHI: The ruling coalition between the Congress and the National Conference (NC) in Jammu and Kashmir may split amid indications that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was considering resigning following sharp differences between the two parties.

The state leadership of the Congress is stonewalling Omar's cherished scheme of creating some 700 new administrative units in the state ahead of the AprilMay Lok Sabha polls and the scheduled Assembly elections in October-November this year.

This has set the two parties on a collision course and efforts to resolve the stand-off have failed despite a meeting attended by

AICC General Secretary in-charge of the state Ambika Soni, State PCC Chief Saifuddin Soz, Union Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad and Omar here.

NC sources said an upset Chief Minister was thinking of stepping down because the state Congress appeared determined to "sabotage" the scheme that it feels will benefit NC in the upcoming elections.

If Omar, who has headed the coalition that has ruled for the last five years, resigns, the NC may push for advancing the Assembly polls and holding them along with the Lok Sabha elections. His resignation may pave the way for a spell of Governor's rule in the state.-PTI

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Congress irked by Lata sharing Sonia not to depose in stage with Modi NY human rights case NEW DELHI: Lata Mangeshkar should guard against anyone "misusing" her iconic status for drawing political mileage; Congress said a day after the legendary singer shared a dais with Narendra Modi.

"Lata Mangeshkar is an icon before whom all of us bow down.

Beauty of her voice is acclaimed throughout the country.

But obviously icons who are property of the nation ought to take care of the possibility of political mileage being drawn from," their actions, party spokesman Abhishek Singhvi told reporters.

Singhvi said the singer should ensure that no one misuses her iconic status. The Congress spokesman's remarks came a day after Mangeshkar shared a dais with BJP's

prime ministerial candidate, Modi at a function organized to mark the 51st anniversary of her famous song "Ae mere watan ke logon" at the Mahalaxmi Racecourse in Mumbai.

She thanked Modi for honoring her on the occasion.

The song, composed by C Ramachandra, was written by Kavi Pradeep in honor of martyrs of 1962 Indo-Sino war. -PTI

BJP’s PM candidate Narendra Modi and veteran singer Lata Mangeshkar during ‘Ae Mere Vatan Ke Logo’ a program to pay tributes to soldiers in Mumbai on January 27

Slym 'committed suicide' after argument with wife BANGKOK, Thailand: Karl Slym, Tata Motors Managing Director, apparently committed suicide after arguing with his wife and reading a note written by her that referred to "domestic problems", Thai police has said.

In a fresh twist to Slym's death in mysterious circumstances, police said the three-page handwritten note found in the hotel room from which the 51-year-old executive plunged to his death, was written by his wife Sally.

Police said Slym could have taken the "extreme step" after reading the note by his wife of 30 years that mentioned "domestic problems".

"The note was written by Sally

Karl Slym

Slym. The couple had had an argument. It is her writing," Police Lieutenant Somyot Booyakaew told PTI, noting that it was not a suicide note by the victim. He did not give further details.

Somyot reiterated that Slym's death was not a murder.

Police now believe Slym must have jumped through an open window in his 22nd floor suite at the Shangri-la Hotel as the opening was too small for a person to slip through and fall. -PTI

'Abe's visit will strengthen Indo-Japan ties' NEW DELHI: Japanese nationals attending the parade felt that India's invitation to Premier Shinzo Abe to the 65th Republic Day will "strengthen the bonds" of friendship between the two countries and boost bilateral ties.

Abe attended the celebrations at the majestic Rajpath boulevard, becoming the first premier from Japan to grace the occasion that has seen many international

dignitaries over the years.

Hironori Hara, an official with the Ministry of External Affairs in Tokyo, traveling with Abe to India, and who attended the parade said, "India is truly incredible."

On Abe's visit, Hironori said, "the visit will only serve to strengthen the bonds of friendship between India and Japan and boost bilateral ties."

The Japanese Prime Minister arrived on a three-day official

visit. He held extensive talks with his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh during which both leaders decided to enhance security, defense and economic cooperation between the two countries.

The two countries have also inked as many as eight agreements, including those to promote tourism, enhance energy efficiency in telecom towers and power generation in India.-PTI

NEW YORK: Congress party ber 2 and September 9 last year, president Sonia Gandhi will not and file its opposition to depose here in a human rights Gandhi's motion to dismiss the violation lawsuit filed against her human rights violation lawsuit by a Sikh rights group, her attor- due to insufficient service of ney has said. summons.

Responding to a demand made Gandhi has submitted a new

by Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), declaration on January 13 to the Gandhi's attorney Ravi Batra told US court in support of her moPTI that she will not depose in the tion to dismiss the lawsuit. case.

In the declaration, Gandhi SFJ's legal attorney Gurpatwant Singh Pannun had said that In the declaration, Gandhi the plaintiffs would request a US federal court states that she has "not been to make the Congress President depose re- in New York or in the United garding her presence in the US in September States during the period of 2013 and on the service September 03, 2013 through of summons on her.

Rejecting SFJ's de- September 09, 2013" mand, Batra said it is a "pity" that the group is creating "false public expecta- states that she has "not been in tions" that the Indian political New York or in the United States leader would depose in the human during the period of September rights violation lawsuit filed 03, 2013 through September 09, against her regarding the 1984 2013". anti-Sikh riots.

SFJ has said that Gandhi was "SFJ is hopelessly lost in a le- in the city for medical treatment gal wilderness and cannot com- at the Sloan Kettering Cancer prehend legal principles, includ- Centre during September. ing sovereignty, that mandate The victims are demanding a case-dismissal," Batra said. jury trial and compensatory and SFJ has been given time till punitive damages against Gandhi February 6 by a federal court to for her role in allegedly shielding "investigate" whether Gandhi and protecting perpetrators of was in the city between Septem- the riots. -PTI

Akali Dal attacks Rahul over 1984 riots remarks NEW DELHI: The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has attacked Rahul Gandhi for his comments that the Congress government had tried to stop the 1984 riots in Delhi, alleging that the party had shielded individuals who were involved in the "carnage" against the Sikhs.

"Rahul Gandhi says that Narendra Modi was responsible for the 2002 riots in Gujarat because he was the Chief Minister.

Then what about his father who was the Prime Minister when the carnage against Sikhs took place in Delhi," SAD leader Naresh Gujral said here.

Gujral said that during the 1984 riots in Delhi, prominent people including his father (former Prime Minister I K Gujral), retd General J S Aurora, former Air chief Marshal Arjan Singh repeatedly went to the President

and the Home Minister of the day but both of them expressed helplessness.

He said police in Delhi did not fire even a single bullet at the rioters and there was delay in calling the army in during the 1984 riots.

Drawing a contrast with Gujarat riots of 2002, Gujral said several people from the majority as well as the minority community were killed in police firing.

"Several hundred people including a former Gujarat minister have been jailed for the 2002 riots but those accused of gruesome crimes in 1984 have been protected and even made MPs," Gujral said.

Gujral was reacting to Gandhi's remarks that the Modi government was responsible for "abetting and pushing" the 2002 Gujarat riots while the Congress government tried to stop the 1984 riots. -PTI

Tech News Infosys to open office in Puerto Rico SAN JUAN (Puerto Rico): Puerto Rico's Governor says India-based business consulting and information technology company Infosys expects to invest USD 9 million in the US territory.

Alejandro Garcia Padilla said Infosys will open an office in the northwest coastal town of Aguadilla in a move expected to generate 300 jobs.

He said the company will provide services to the US defense and aerospace sectors.

Garcia has made job creation a priority as the island of 3.67 million people battles a 14.7 per cent unemployment rate, the highest compared with any US state. -AP

Cadila Healthcare to exit Japanese business NEW DELHI: Drug firm Cadila Healthcare has decided to exit from its business in Japan following a strategic review of its business.

"The company has recently completed portfolio and strategy review of its business and has decided to exit from its business in Japan, which is through 100 per cent subsidiary company," Cadila Healthcare Ltd said in a filing to the BSE. The Ahmedabad-based firm has operations spread across the US, Europe, Japan, Brazil, South Africa and 25 other emerging markets.-PTI

Samsung, Google sign patent agreement SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA: Samsung Electronics Co. has signed an agreement with Google Inc. to cross-license their patents, reducing the risk of costly legal disputes over intellectual property and likely fostering greater collaborate between the two tech giants.

Seoul-based Samsung said that the deal covers patents to be filed over the next 10 years as well as existing patents. Financial terms were not disclosed. Allen Lo, a deputy general counsel at Google, said in a statement that the deal allows the two to reduce the potential for litigation and to focus on innovation.

Samsung said it also paves the way for deeper collaboration on research and development for Samsung and Google. The two already collaborate on smartphones and televisions. -AP

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Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India Eberhard Kern along with Piyush Arora, Director, Technical, MercedesBenz India at the roll-out of the 50,000th car at the MBIL plant in Chakan, Pune on January 28

January 31, 2014

RBI focus on retail inflation; March forecast over 8 pc MUMBAI: Shifting its stance of monetary policy towards targeting retail inflation as it is an "inequitable tax", RBI has said it may exceed 8 per cent by March end and efforts will continue to bring it down.

On the rate hike by 0.25 per cent in policy review, RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan said it will set the economy securely on the disinflationary path.

The RBI's Macroeconomic and Monetary Developments report said that over the next 12 months retail inflation will continue to remain over 8 per cent level.

Retail or CPI inflation in December moderated to a three month low of 9.87 per cent, while the wholesale or WPI was at 5-month low of 6.16 per cent during the month.

The RBI said the upside risks to inflation in 2014-15 arise from likely upward revisions in domestic energy prices and growth acceleration.

Highlighting that the elevated levels of inflation erode household budgets and constrict the purchasing power of consumers, Rajan said: "the so-called trade-

RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan during the announcement of RBI monetary policy at RBI Headquarters

off between inflation and growth is a false trade-off in the long run".

There have been demands from various quarters that the RBI should look at relaxing interest rates as inflation was showing signs of easing and slowdown persisted in industrial output.

"Inflation is also a tax that is grossly inequitable, falling hardest on the very poor. It is only by bringing down inflation to a low and stable level that monetary policy can contribute to reviving consumption and investment in a sustainable way," Rajan said.

A committee headed by Urjit Patel had recommended that the RBI should aim to bring down retail inflation to 8 per cent by January 2015, and to 6 per cent by January 2016.

Rajan said growth is likely to lose momentum in the third quarter of 2013-14. The data for Q3 GDP is scheduled to be released on February 28.

Growth in first half of 2013-14 stood at 4.6 per cent. In order to record a 5 per cent growth in the full fiscal, the economy has to expand by 5.4 per cent in second half.

-PTI

Airbus A-380s to operate from 4 India airports NEW DELHI: Decks have been cleared for Airbus A-380 aircraft to operate from Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Bangalore with the Indian Government lifting its five-year-old ban, a decision that may soon see airlines like Singapore Airlines, Emirates and Lufthansa flying them from these airports.

The restriction, which was lifted by Civil Aviation Ministry after several years of demands by these major foreign carriers, was imposed in 2008 as the government then felt these doubledecker, wide-body and long-haul jets would help foreign airlines to take away a large chunk of global traffic which could be detri-

mental to the Indian carriers' interests.

The A-380s would now be allowed to airports at Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Bangalore, which are currently equipped to handle them and have the required infrastructure.

All these airports would have to get DGCA certification and

make adequate preparation in terms of various services required to handle the large number of passengers these planes can accommodate when they land or take off.

The decision was immediately welcomed by aircraft manufacturer Airbus, Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), Singapore Airlines and Emirates. The foreign airlines

have been pressing the government on the issue since 2008-09.

Nine of the 10 international airlines that fly the A-380s have scheduled flights into India.

There are over 110 A-380s currently flying worldwide.

Several rounds of meetings were held between officials of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Air India and Airports Authority of India and others in the Ministry on these issues before the decision was taken.

An A-380 can seat 850 passengers in an all-economy configuration, but those having a three-class configuration can accommodate between 550-600 passengers.-PTI

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Indian business leaders cautiously optimistic DAVOS: As the WEF's annual meet draws to a close, Indian business leaders say their main takeaway would be cautious optimism about their country, even as

global gathering.

This year's World Economic Forum (WEF), which is being held against the backdrop of a slow global recovery, has a large Indian

enough optimism about India.

Therefore, I don't think that India story is dead at Davos".

"In fact when I talk about India, there is this whole feeling that

Global real estate consultancy Jones Lang LaSalle's (JLL) India head Anuj Puri said the mood about India is "something like subdued optimism or dissatisfied optimism". the upcoming Lok Sabha (Lower house of Parliament) elections and evolving political scene seemed to dominate India discussions at this

India Inc pleads for precedence to growth NEW DELHI: Surprised by RBI's decision to raise key lending rate, India Inc has said the central bank should now focus on boosting investments and economic growth rather than containing inflation.

"India had entered a cycle where high interest rates are leading to subdued demand conditions resulting in lower growth and investment. This in turn is aggravating the supply bottlenecks and adding to inflationary pressures thereby inducing the RBI to hold on to higher interest rates," CII said in a statement.

It said that on account of slowdown and low industrial production, the RBI should shift its focus towards an accommodative monetary policy stance.

"This is an opportune time to accord precedence to growth over inflation especially as prices are trending downwards, core inflation is within the comfort zone of the RBI and inflationary expectations are not unduly high in view of a robust performance by the agriculture sector," it added.

Some moderation in vegetable and fruit prices eased December retail inflation to three-month low of 9.87 per cent. Wholesale inflation too has declined to a fivemonth low of 6.16 per cent in December.

The RBI should take cognizance of the faltering investment and consumption demand which is preventing the economy from realizing its growth potential, the chamber said. -PTI

delegation in attendance.

Diversified group Mahindra & Mahindra's senior executive Pawan Goenka said: "There is

India has taken a back seat at Davos. But I did not see that," stated Goenka, who is Executive Director & President Automotive

Indian CFOs more optimistic about business environment MUMBAI: The level of optimism about business environment among India chief financial officers (CFO) increased in the first quarter of the New Year, hitting a three-month high, according to a survey by an analytics firm.

"The composite CFO optimism index for Q1 of 2014 increased by 6.3 per cent on a quarter-on-quarter basis and declined by 16.2 per cent on a year-on-year basis," Dun& Bradstreet said in a report.

It said that the index continues to show a decline when compared on annually basis, but stressed that on a quarter-on-quarter basis it showed improvement, adding that the trend of decline has been arrested.

Though it did not speak about the number of CFOs surveyed, D&B said the group is a "microcosmic representation" of the country's business community.

Among surveyed CFOs, optimism of those from the services

sector remains subdued as against those in the industrial sector, it said.

Half of the CFOs surveyed said that the environment would remain unchanged on the mergers and acquisitions front, it said.

Also, 55 per cent said there would be no change in their risk appetite, while 28 per cent said there would be an increase, Dun & Bradstreet said.

On fund raising plans, 49 per cent of CFOs said that costs of raising money would remain unchanged, while 11 per cent felt there would be a drop in the first quarter of 2014.

Additionally, 31 per cent of the CFOs felt that they have a need to raise long term funds, which is the lowest since the fourth quarter of 2012.

It said that there has been a drop in the percentage of CFOs indicating preference for business restructuring and risk management for the next six months. -PTI

& Farm Equipment Sectors at the group.

Discussions about the outcome of upcoming polls and the advent of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) were major talking points.

"Everyone is more positive about economic recovery in different markets and there is an increasingly positive mood in Davos this year. About India, everyone is waiting for the elections and people are in watch mode," N Chandrasekaran, CEO & MD of India's largest IT firm TCS told PTI. "What I am telling the Indian ministers here is that they should use platform like Davos to tell the world about their showcase projects that they have delivered," Hinduja Group's Prakash Hinduja

said.

According to Hinduja, a noted businessman, there is a perception the Indian government has done little, but that is far from the truth as government has indeed done many things.

Global real estate consultancy Jones Lang LaSalle's (JLL) India head Anuj Puri said the mood about India is "something like subdued optimism or dissatisfied optimism".

Participating at WEF, Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma had said foreign investors continue to remain bullish on India and government's steps to fast track project clearances have given a boost to the growth story. -PTI

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Swraj Paul 2nd richest in British Midlands LONDON: Soaring worldwide growth of Lord Swraj Paul's steel and engineering empire, the Caparo Group, has elevated the family's worth to the two billion pound mark to make him the second richest person in British Midlands and one of the wealthiest in the country.

The family-owned company posted profits "in excess" of 50 million pounds on sales of 921 million pounds, according to the Birmingham Post which has placed him at the second position in its annual list of the 50 richest people in the Midlands region.

Operating from more than 80 locations across the world, Caparo's growing Indian businesses alone are now worth well over 1.5 million pounds, the newspaper said.

In 2012, the group played a part in the hunt for the "god particle". It supplied components and engineering expertise to CERN for the Large Hadron Collider which finally identified

the Higgs boson particle.

The Caparo Group is reaping the benefits of trading with the world's fastest growing econo-

The family-owned company posted profits "in excess" of 50 million pounds on sales of 921 million pounds, according to the Birmingham Post which has placed him at the second position in its annual list of the 50 richest people in the Midlands region. mies. A return to growth in some of its major markets, particularly India, have repaired the group's post-recession fortunes, the

newspaper said.

The company saw spectacular growth until 2007 as a result of its strategy of building up a

Lord Swraj Paul

major presence on the sub- continent. The company's stated aim was to be the biggest automotive company in India.

Unemployment levels rising in India, say experts NEW DELHI: The count of people being without a job is on the rise in India as economic slowdown and slower business expansion activities cast a shadow on employment generation, say experts.

Indicating sluggishness in the country's job market, the International Labor Organization (ILO) has said in its recent report that the unemployment scenario in India over the last two years has been showing a rising trend.

Going by ILO's latest estimates, India's jobless rate could be 3.8 per cent this year.

Ritu Mehrotra, VP Global HR and Talent Management of Bristlecone, a Mahindra Group company, said that due to migration to urban areas there is a sharp rise in the unemployment rate in rural areas as well.

"Government should step up their efforts to support skill and retraining activities to address the gaps between demand and supply of work skills and qualifications and to address long-term unemployment," she told PTI. In South Asia, labor markets continued to suffer from high rates of informal/agricultural employ-

ment where jobs are poorly paid and unprotected, ILO said in the report.

Unemployment rate in India is showing an increasing trend since 2011 when it was 3.5 per cent. The same rose to 3.6 per cent in 2012 and climbed to 3.7 per cent last

year.

This year, jobless rate is expected to rise to 3.8 per cent, according to the report 'Global Employment Trends 2014'.

According to the ILO report, it has been argued that India was experiencing 'jobless growth' due to the fact that total employment grew by only 1.1 million from 2004/ 05 to 2009/10 (based on the National Sample Survey), representing an employment elasticity of

But Caparo was hit hard by the recession and had a poor 2008 and 2009, reporting losses, racking up debt and causing its

almost zero.

However, total employment in India expanded from 2009/10 to 2011/12 by a much healthier 13.9 million, "though many of these jobs are in the informal economy," it added.

Executive search firm

GlobalHunt's MD Sunil Goel said in the last couple of years Indian and global economies have been facing slowdown. New business expansions are also not happening at all or has gone down, he added.

A large pool of youth in the age group of 18-25 years despite being skilled are facing unemployment issues since there are not enough opportunities for them, Goel said.-PTI

lenders some concerns. Now it has been restructured, with its US and Indian businesses operating on a stand-alone basis.

Revenues from all of the companies have seen impressive growth, according to the Post.

The group remains ambitious and as economies across the world, particularly India, demonstrate enviable growth Caparo is taking advantage.

The company has three entities in India - Caparo Maruti, Caparo Engineering India and Caparo India Private. Caparo's first venture in India was back in 1994 when the company set up a joint venture with Maruti, then India's largest car company.

Caparo's success and Lord Paul's wealth came through the meteoric rise of the Indian and Chinese economies and their insatiable demand for raw materials, it said.

Lord Paul is chancellor of two universities Wolverhampton and Westminster and despite his wealth, he is a strict vegetarian who lives by simple Hindu principles and encourages his employees to show integrity and respect, the Post said. -PTI

ED seizes 39 paintings from Verma's premises NEW DELHI: Enforcement Directorate (ED) has seized over three dozen high-value paintings and documents from the premises of arms dealer Abhishek Verma after fresh searches were carried out by sleuths in connection with the money laundering probe against the businessman and his associates.

Sources said a team of ED officials went to four premises in the national capital on January 25 and amongst the seizures are 39 paintings by popular artists like M F Husain, Anjolie Ela Menon and others.

Some hand-written notes of transactions by Verma to few people including Rs four crore payments made to an associate based in Dubai were also seized, they said.

Verma and his wife Anca Maria Neacsu are at present lodged in the Tihar jail in Delhi in a CBI-ED probe for allegedly receiving money from a Swiss firm to stall its blacklisting proceedings by Indian government.

This case was followed by registration of a forgery case against Verma.

Sources said while Verma's farm house on Church road was searched, his aunt's house on Minto road in central Delhi and associates premises in Panchsheel

Abhishek Verma

Park and Palam were also raided.

The seized 39 paintings are being sent for valuation by the agency.

The ED has also seized a number of electronic gadgets during the searches which include an Iphone, a laptop, pen drives, hard drives and similar devices.

A golden Rolex brand watch allegedly belonging to Neacsu has also been seized besides a number of documents, sources said. -PTI

TechBiz Post

January 31, 2014

India Post

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'Chinese experts unable to repair lunar rover' BEIJING: In a rare setback to its ambitious space program, China may not be able to repair the country's first lunar rover which has broken down on the surface of the moon.

"Masters are working round the clock. In spite of that, I know I

mation and experience," the report was quoted as saying by the South China Morning Post.

The report written as if it was by the rover 'Jade Rabbit' or 'Yutu' in Chinese, itself noted that half of the 130 moon missions had encountered failures in some form.

might not be able to make it through this lunar night," a "report" from the lunar rover to ground control said.

"If this journey is to be suspended ahead of schedule, I am not fearful. No matter whether I can be fixed or not, I believe I have left masters much valuable infor-

"I am not that sad. Like all the heroes in other stories, I have just encountered some problems in my adventure," the report said.

Last week 'Yutu' experienced a mechanical control abnormality due to "complicated lunar surface environment".

The abnormality emerged be-

fore the rover entered its second dormancy as the lunar night fell, the State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense (SASTIND) said.

The lander, another part of the Chang'e-3 probe, also "fell asleep" earlier.

The pair went dormant for two weeks about one month ago when the first lunar night of the mission occurred.

One night on the Moon is about 14 days on Earth during which the temperature falls below minus 180 degrees Celsius.

During the lunar night, there is no sunlight to provide power to Yutu's solar panel.

Beijing-based writer Zhang Yian was quoted as saying: "This is too heavy a burden. If the rabbit cannot stand again, maybe we should let it have a rest."

Jade Rabbit was originally scheduled to carry out geological surveys and astronomical observations for three months after it landed on the moon on December 14.

A state-run Xinhua report on the rover said it had traveled over 100 meters and had completed most of its tasks. -PTI

Fundamentals 'very strong', FinMin assures investors NEW DELHI: Indian Finance Ministry has sought to assure investors that the country's fundamentals are "very strong" even as the rupee slipped to below 63 to a US dollar and the BSE Sensex plunged by over 426 points on global cues, following currency crisis in South American country Argentina.

"Current Account Deficit (CAD) is below USD 50 billion.

Foreign exchange reserves are (at) all-time high. We have very strong fundamentals... I don't think that there is any cause of worry," Indian Economic Affairs Secretary Arvind Mayaram told reporters here.

He was responding to a query regarding the sudden decline in the value of the Indian rupee. The domestic currency slipped to nineweek low of Rs 63.1 to a dollar, while the BSE Sensex plummeted by over 2 per cent or 426.11 points to close at 20,707.45.

Referring to impact of peso crisis in Argentina on the Indian markets, Mayaram said: "There is no reason why we should believe that if Argentina is in trouble today then Indian rupee should follow. I do not think that correlation exists at all."

The steep decline in Argentina's currency peso triggered a massive fall in stock markets around the world including in India.

On the rupee, Mayaram said: "You would see rupee will remain range bound. There will be some ups and downs but that is normal in markets. And therefore I think we should not be overtly concerned with marginal movements of rupee."

The currencies world over behave in a different manner depending on their own fundamentals, he said, adding that India has seen considerable improvement in its CAD situation. -PTI

Buick Achievers scholarships for US students

South Africa assures coal for Punjab thermal plants CHANDIGARH: South Africa has extended support to the Punjab government for support the state in providing coal for its thermal plans, which would go a long way in making it a power surplus state.

France K Morule, South Africa's High Commissioner to India, told reporters here that he had met Punjab Governor Shivraj V Patil and also Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and held talks with them regarding the forthcoming tie-ups with the state.

He said there were surplus coal deposits in South Africa and a regular coal linkage would be established with the state of Punjab for its thermal plants.

"We are a mineral rich country and would certainly like to have an agreement with Punjab on this, to which the Chief Minister has readily agreed," he added.

He was accompanied by an entrepreneur Vikramjit Singh

Sahney, who is the President SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Honorary Consul, Republic of South Africa for Northern India.

Morule said in meetings it was decided to have tie-ups as regards two food processing plants in the state.

He said soon a study team

DETROIT: Students have until Feb. 28 to apply for Buick Achievers Scholarship money.

This is the fourth year the scholarships will be awarded. To be eligible for the program, high school seniors or current undergraduate students must be looking to obtain a college degree in science, technology, engineering, math, or other eligible fields related

to the automotive industry.

The Buick Achievers Scholarship program has awarded $16.5 million to students across the country. This year, it will award 100 scholarships of up to $25,000 per year, renewable for up to four years, or up to five years for qualified engineering programs.

The program is funded by the General Motors Foundation. -AP

Indian-owned company shortlisted for Singapore award "We are here to promote trade investments, tourism and cultural exchange with Punjab as we have historical bonds between the two countries," said Morule.

He added South Africa relates to India in many ways and people there relate a lot to the Indian history.

would be sent from South Africa to study viability in the Kinnow processing sector of the state.

Talks were also held to facilitate zero customs duty between the two countries, which would further held in encouraging more tie-ups between South Africa and Punjab.-PTI

SINGAPORE: A Singaporebased Indian-owned company has been shortlisted for an international enterprise start-up award.

Crayon Data, which was started at the end of 2012, is among the 50 start-ups shortlisted for Code-n Innovation Awards by CeBIT, the organizers of international conference and fair on IT-related businesses.

"I am really glad that we made

the short list of this contest," said Suresh Shankar, co-Founder of Crayon Data.

"The competition is tough. We are among the 50 start-ups shortlisted out of 450 entries from 60 countries."

"We also feel that being the only grown-in-Asia company to make the shortlist is encouraging.

It shows us that we can do great things from Asia," he said. -PTI

Desi News Sresta set to chant organic in Chicagoland soon RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service

CHICAGO: With over decade long experience under its belt, a Hyderabad based grocery firm offering organic food Sresta Natural Bioproducts, plans expanding its presence in the US market offering huge number of its products brand named '24 Mantras' to cater to an increasing demand and craze for organic food.

After making its debut in Maryland a year ago, the company has geared itself to have a formal launch in Chicago very soon to touch base with retailers and consumers alike in Midwest areas. Its Maryland facility already caters to East Coast but the management headed by Rajsekar Seelam feels that the Midwest needs to be shored up too and Chicago would be an ideal location.

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA

Amazon removes pants insulting Lord Ganesha Details on page 22

16 India Post

www.indiapost.com

January 31, 2014

Cricket legend Chandra adds to glory of R-Day in Bay Area

Details on page 19

Valentine Bash 2014 will be an event to remember India Post News Service

MILPITAS, CA: Peter Sahjani and Dahya Mistry of Star Entertainment bring you 12th year Valentine Bash 2014 at ICC on Friday February 14. It is a promise of a truly romantic singing, ravishing dinner, entertaining with Bollywood and Belly dances.

The program will start at 7:45 pm with the live singing of Bay Area great singers Vikas Singh, Ria Nilawar, Sangeetika Advani and Rakesh Kumar with both romantic and dance numbers. The unique Belly dances will be presented by Belly Dancer Natika of Natika Dances.

Details on page 18

Dispute stalls Hanuman statue in Oklhaoma India Post News Service

OKLAHOMA: Hopes that Hindus in Oklahoma will have a new Hanuman temple on State Capital grounds soon seem to have turned into a touch and go affair now that the Oklahoma Capitol Preservation Commission has voted for a moratorium on new monuments until a court dispute over the current Ten Commandments monument is settled.

Details on page 20

Consul General Mr. N. Parthasarthy honoring Dr. Romesh Japra FIA Convener and Chairman Dr. Romesh Japra addressing the gathering (with FIA President Rajesh Verma, Manorama Joshi and Ritu Maheshwari)

VIDYA SETHURAMAN India Post News Service

FREMONT, CA: Federation of Indo-Americans Association (FIA) on Saturday 25th January celebrated Indian Republic Day at Chabot College, Hayward. Dr Romesh Japra, eminent social activist of Bay Area, explained the significance of freedom and remembered the sacrifice made by our freedom fighters and national leaders, who gave us the whole new world to enjoy and explore.

Although India obtained its independence on August 15, 1947, it did not yet have a permanent Constitution. The Republic Day of India commemorates January 26, 1950 as the date on which the Constitution of India came into force replacing the Government of India Act 1935 as the governing document of India. It is one of the most important days in Indian history. Dr. Japra said we are fortunate to have been born in largest democracy in the world, India and live in the oldest democracy of the world, United States.

It is apparent that the Indian

Ro Khanna addressing the audience

community in the Bay Area has not forgotten its roots. This weekend, FIA organized an event to celebrate India's 65th Republic Day in the Bay Area. It is a proud moment for all Indians to celebrate and look at the achievement and growth which India has achieved in this 64 years of freedom.

Padmashri B.S.Chandrasekhar, former Indian cricketer, was the Chief Guest of Republic day celebrations. Considered among the top echelon of leg spinners, Chandrasekhar played 58 Test matches for India, capturing 242 wickets at an average of 29.74 in a career that spanned over sixteen years. Chandrasekhar was named as a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1972 and won Wisden's "Best bowling performance of the century" award in 2002, for his six wickets for 38 runs against England at the Oval in 1971.

Shri N. Parthasarathi, Consul General of India in San Francisco was the honorable guest for this grand event. He graduated as a Mechanical Engineer from Mysore University. He has worked in South Korea, Senegal. He said the partnership with Consulate, media, elected members and community was a grand success.

The celebrations were attended by eminent dignitaries namely Senator Ellen Corbett, Council member Ash Kalra, Councilmember Raj Salwan, Ro Khanna, San Jose City Council member Kansen Chu, Fremont Vice Mayor Vinnie Bacon and Teresa Cox. Cont’d on page 17

Consul General Mr. N. Parthasarthy with Teresa Cox, Yogi Chugh, Rajesh Verma and Dr. Japra

Dr. K. J. Srinivasa, Chandru Bhambhra, Anand Jha, Cricketer Mr. B. S. Chandrasekhar, Jerry Ahuja, Teresa Cox and Mr. N. Parthasarthy

Rajesh Verma, Kansen Chu, guest, Ellen Corbett, Ro Khanna, Guest, Alka Bhatnagar and B. S. Chandrasekhar

January 31, 2014

Community Across America

India Post 17

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Cricket legend Chandra adds to glory of R-Day in Bay Area

Neena Kapoor, Veena Birla, Manorama Joshi, Dr. Japra, Ash Kalra and Deepak Chhabra

Packed Hall glued to the fabulous performances

Colorful performance had the audience spellbound

Beautiful dance performance

Former cricketer B.S. Chandrasekhar giving awards to contestants Cont’d from page 16

Well-decked up tableaux, and song and dance presentations by children added to the variety of the ceremony. This popular event has grown from 100 to over 280 contest participants, with more than 1000 people attending. The talent contest competition started at 3 pm and featured a variety of talent, including India's folk dances, Bollywood dancing, singing and drawing competition. The talent contest was open to kids ages 4-11. Towards the end of the event, elected officials and dignitaries including state senators, state assembly members and city council members presented trophies to the winners.

On one level, the entire day's activities are a way to get children involved in the community, said Yogi Chugh, an Indian American member of the Fremont Planning Commission. "But in the bigger scheme, it is a celebration of democracy," Chugh said.

"India is the world's largest democracy, and the US is the oldest democracy. This is the day India transformed itself and chose to become a Republic, and we here who live in America, want to celebrate that.

Dr Romesh Japra, Chairman of FIA, thanked the dignitaries, performers, sponsors and volunteers for making the evening a memorable one.

Ellen Corbett giving award to a 4 year old painting contest winner

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January 31, 2014

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Valentine Bash 2014 will be an event to remember India Post News Service

Performers with seated Grand Sponsors Dr Rewa Kumar of Divine Vastu (6th left), Kim Deol (7th left)/Phala Sok (5th left) of 2 Real Estate Girls, Platinum Sponsor Pamila Sahu of Eva Decor (4th left), and Gold Sponsor Dr Charanjit Uppal of Uppal Dental (3rd right) with Singer Sangeetika Advani (2nd left) and Riau Nilawar second right. Jyotica Bhatia of Malabis Couture (standing 3rd right) and Bollywood dancer Elena Elskouv sitting in the front

MILPITAS, CA: Peter Sahjani and Dahya Mistry of Star Entertainment bring you 12th year Valentine Bash 2014 at ICC on Friday February 14. It is a promise of a truly romantic singing, ravishing dinner, entertaining with Bollywood and Belly dances.

The program will start at 7:45 pm with the live singing of Bay Area great singers Vikas Singh, Ria Nilawar, Sangeetika Advani and

start around 11:30. There will also be raffle draws with very good winning prizes.

The romantic Valentine special fashion show will be conducted

by Jyotica Bhatia of Malabis Couture.

The Lead Emcee of the evening is Vishal Rajveer Kapoor and Coemcee is Aditi Chadha.

The Grand Sponsors of the events are Rewa Kumar of Divine Vastu, Kim Deol & Phala Sok of 2 Real Estate Girls & Ritesh Kumar

Models with Designer Jyotica Bhatia of Malabis Couture standing 3rd right

of Divine Intuitions. The Platinum Sponsors for the event are Park Balluchi, India Cash & Carry and Pamila Sahu of Eva DĂŠcor. The Gold Sponsor is Uppal Dental.

Other Sponsors are Shailly Gupta of Saloni Collection, Taj Mahal Imports, Indian Chili, Kash Fabrics, Max Dance Company, Syed Ali of CalendarForSale.Com. The Media Partners are: 1550 AM Radio Zindagi, U.S.Urdu News, Diya TV & India Post.

The tickets for this wonderful evening of music, dinner and dance can be bought online from Sulekha and are on sale at www.sulekha.com/ Standing from right: Singer Vikas Singh, Singer Rial bayarea or callNilawar, Nicole Sanz, model Pooja Kaur, Singer ing folks listed on Rakesh Kumar. Sitting: Organizer Peter Sahjani, flyer.

Center: Lead Emcee Vishal Kapoor & Organizer

Rakesh Kumar with both romantic and dance numbers. The unique Belly dances will be presented by Belly Dancer Natika of Natika Dances. The professional dances will be performed by Bay Area versatile and very recognized artist Elena Elskouv who has been per-

Dahya Mistry

forming in Bay Area for the last few years along with Harleen Singh and Rashmi Bysani of Mahi Dance Group.

To add more charm and romance, the event's Mallavi Hall of ICC is decorated by Pamila Sahu of Eva decor who is also a platinum sponsor for the event Park Balluchi of Mountain will provide mouth watering lavish dinner including veg & non-veg appetizers. The Dhamaka DJ and sound system has been provided

by DJ Edwin & DJ Numix and will Natika of Natika Dance (Belly Dancer)

January 31, 2014

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India Post 19

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Sresta set to chant organic '24 mantras' in Chicagoland soon RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service

CHICAGO: With over decade long experience under its belt, a Hyderabad based grocery firm offering organic food Sresta Natural Bioproducts, plans expanding its presence in the US market offering huge number of its products brand named '24 Mantras' to cater to an increasing demand and craze for organic food.

After making its debut in Maryland a year ago, the company has geared itself to have a formal launch in Chicago very soon to touch base with retailers and consumers alike in Midwest areas. Its Maryland facility already caters to East Coast but the management headed by Rajsekar Seelam feels that the Midwest needs to be shored up too and Chicago would

Sresta Managing Director Raj Seelam receiving Best Exporter Award for Organic Food. Minister of State for Commerce, Govt of India Jyotiraditya Scindia and Chairman APEDA Asit Tripathi are also seen in the picture

CAIR welcomes panel on discrimination in varsities India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: The California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CA) has welcomed the formation of a new assembly committee created earlier this month to address incidents of discrimination at universities in that state.

"The formation of this committee is an important step in promoting tolerance and fostering respect for diversity on college campuses," said CAIR-LA's Executive Director Hussam Ayloush. "Our universities should be able to provide a safe space and equal opportunity for students of all backgrounds to actively engage in campus life and express themselves freely without fear of harassment or discrimination."

According to an announcement by California Assembly Speaker John Perez (D-Los Angeles), the Select Committee on Campus Climate will evaluate systemwide and campus-wide policies and practices for responding to student harassment and hate crimes and will determine what needs to be done to improve campus climate for California students.

CAIR-CA, along with a number of other legal and advocacy groups, have noticed a disturbing trend in which college student advocates for Palestinian human rights continue to face orchestrated campaigns and efforts to stifle their free speech and academic programming, usually

nity members met with their representatives in Sacramento through CAIR-CA's second-annual "Muslim Day at the Capitol" in April of last year. Participants advocated for three critical issues, one of which was a push for legislation that aims to preserve free speech

from outside groups.

In light of this, CAIR-CA has actively worked to ensure that any harassment of students intended to stifle free speech does not become the accepted climate on college campuses.

On April 30, over 150 commu-

on college campuses in response to House Resolution 35.

CAIR-CA has worked in partnership with other civil rights groups to ensure that students' first amendment rights are protected on California university campuses.

be an ideal location. The company has a huge warehouse and marketing set up in Elk Grove Village offering hundreds of its products ranging from Basmati rice, Sona Mukhi rice, varieties of flours, lentils-dals, cereals, cookeries and juices, etc - all organic.

An MBA from internationally famous business school in Ahmedabad, Rajsekar amassed huge experience in the grocery and agriculture field but was dismayed at the growing use of inorganic fertilizers and pesticides which have proved harmful to the consuming public. He felt an immense urge to do something in this area using his business experience to the best use getting organic food produced in the field and marketing the same in a systematic and organized way.

Cont’d on page 20

PG&E announces Bright Minds Scholarships India Post News Service

SAN FRANCISCO, CA: As part of its ongoing dedication to education and powering California's future, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has announced the launch of its third annual PG&E Bright Minds™ Scholarship program. PG&E will award scholarships to enable high school, college and vocational students to complete their higher education paths.

The scholarships are also available to individuals who are not currently students, but who are interested in returning to school.

Bright Minds scholarship winners will receive scholarships of up to $20,000 per year for up to five years; program finalists will receive $2,000 towards their studies.

"PG&E has provided nearly $60 million towards educational initiatives over the last decade, and we are proud to continue supporting the educational goals of students as part of our commitment to support the communities where we live and work," said Ezra Garrett, vice president of community relations and chief sustainability officer for PG&E. "By awarding scholarships to accomplished students, PG&E is creating opportunities for today's students to reach their full potential tomorrow."

The PG&E Bright Minds scholarships will be awarded based on

a combined demonstration of community leadership, personal triumph, financial need and academic achievement. All majors are eligible, with preference given to students majoring in engineering and other science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) studies. Eligible students will be enrolled in a full-time undergraduate program at an accredited twoor four-year college, university or vocational-technical school for the duration of the 2014-2015 academic year.

"As a 2013 PG&E Bright Minds™ Scholarship recipient, I am able to fully focus my attention on my studies, which is helping me achieve my educational goals," said Carlos Corona. "As I start my junior year at Fresno State, I am incredibly grateful to PG&E for supporting me and turning my higher education aspirations into a reality."

The deadline for applying for the PG&E Bright Minds Scholarship is February 28, 2014. For more information and to apply, visit www.pge.com/brightminds. Scholarship winners will be announced in the spring.

For video of last year's winners and the surprise announcements, visit PG&E Currents at http:// www.pgecurrents.com/video/pgehonors-some-of-californiasbrightest-minds-with-scholarships/.

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January 31, 2014

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Dispute stalls Hanuman statue in Oklhaoma India Post News Service

OKLAHOMA: Hopes that Hindus in Oklahoma will have a new Hanuman temple on State Capital grounds soon seem to have turned into a touch and go affair now that the Oklahoma Capitol Preservation Commission has voted for a moratorium on new monuments until a court dispute over the current Ten Commandments monument is settled.

The decision follows a move by the New York-based Satanic Temple which sought establishing its own display at the Statehouse in Oklahoma City. Earlier, the Oklahoma legislature had approved the establishment of a Lord Hanuman temple on the State Capitol grounds in a rare display of religious tolerance and goodwill.

Once erected, the Lord Hanuman shrine would have become a place of pilgrimage and worship for Hindus everywhere and is expected to grow into a major architectural project. This gift from the GOP-dominated Okla-

Conservatives seem to have gone a bit nervous and apprehensive about the whole affair and fears were expressed that the Capitol grounds are not spacious enough to accommodate what's coming.

It should be pointed out that the State Constitution insists on "perfect tolerance" of all religious expressions. A local Satanist group applied to put up a monument to their beliefs, talking right up front about going to court to

Hanumanji on State Capitol ground in Oklahoma along with Ten Commandments monument

homa legislature came about very quietly, with the erecting of a monument listing the Ten Commandments of the Christian religion on a granite slab, right on the Capitol grounds.

Then came word that a local group of Satanists also wanted a

monument to their religion added to the scene. There were some national headlines about that. But the arrival of Lord Hanuman on the scene should rather become great international news in the wake of religious strife and animosity in many parts of the world.

Dr Nageswara Rao remembered in Dallas DALLAS, TX: A number of admirers of Padma Vibhushan Natasamrat Dr Akkineni Nageswara Rao gathered at St. Mary's Church on Saturday, January, 25 2014 in Dallas to pay homage to a great departed soul.

September 2013, also attended from Houston to pay last respects to Dr ANR. Ravi, a close associate of Dr ANR for several decades, stated that he was in touch with him almost every day until his last days and the bond between him and Dr ANR family was memorable.

Dr Prasad Thotakura an-

Bakthavatsalu Dhama, Ravi Kondabolu attended all the way from New York and Sarada Akunuri, Past President of Houston Telugu Association, a noted singer who had an opportunity to sing in front of Dr ANR during his 90th birthday celebrations in Hyderabad in

nounced the formation of "Akkineni Foundation of America" (AFA) with an objective of taking Dr ANR's life message of hard work, sincerity, discipline and dedication to profession to the next generation. AFA would like to recognize stalwarts from differ-

India Post News Service

ensure they get the "perfect tolerance" of their religious views that is their right under Oklahoma law.

This discomfited the GOP-dominated legislature. The local Hindus wanted a big statue of Lord Hanuman on Capitol grounds.

ent walks of life who are responsible for building a better society namely education, police, law, journalism, medicine, community service etc., every year and present them with International ANR Memorial Awards in Andhra Pradesh.

Dr Prasad Thotakura, Ravi Kondabolu, Dr Srinivasa Reddy Alla, Bakthavatsalu Dhama, Dr Rao, Sarada Akunuri, Murali Vennam, Rao Kalvala and Chalapathi Rao Kondrakunta will serve as Board of Directors of Akkineni Foundation of America. AFA requested Andhra Pradesh government to construct ANR Memorial with his statue in a prominent place in Hyderabad and recommended to the Central Government to honor Dr ANR with Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award.

AFA thanked TV5, TV9, 6 TV and Desi Plaza TV for media coverage, St. Mary's Church management and a number of volunteers who made several arrangements of the event.

The only way to stop this Hanuman "statue" from happening, it is said, is to remove the Ten Commandments monument and let it be known that absolutely no one gets to have a religious marker of any kind on the Capitol grounds.

Rajan Zed, president of Universal Society of Hinduism, in a statement said that many members of the Hindu community in the USA were very excited and enthusias-

tic on hearing about the possibility of having Lord Hanuman statue in the future on Oklahoma Capitol grounds and now they are a bit disappointed as the proposed statue would have been the first Hindu religious monument on public land in USA. Rajan Zed noted that the moratorium was not appropriate and fair for Hinduism, world's oldest religion with about one billion adherents. They were concerned about the effect of the moratorium and were thinking of consulting an attorney to proceed further on this issue.

Zed further said that Christian, Buddhist, Jewish and Baha'i leaders; United Church of Christ pastor Richard L. Smith, Buddhist priest Jikai' Phil Bryan, Jewish Rabbi ElizaBeth Webb Beyer and Baha'i teacher Mary Jo Adams respectively had already backed the proposed bid of Hindus of erecting a statue of Lord Hanuman in Oklahoma State Capitol grounds.

Zed pointed out that besides honoring the Hindus living in Oklahoma, this Lord Hanuman statue, which they planned to make big and weather-proof, would raise awareness about Hinduism among Oklahomans.

Sresta set to chant organic '24 mantras' in Chicagoland soon Cont’d from page 19

And he succeeded enlisting the support from small farmers who agreed to use only organic fertilizers, seeds etc for producing under strict Sresta supervision. In a talk to this paper, he said that he has currently the support of 18,000 small and medium sized farms spread over in 15 States of Indian Union, and the list is growing every year. Starting primarily with rice, the list of products that Sresta produces and markets has increased to cover about 700

items. It has added spices as well and has dabbled in processing food areas too offering organic cereals, snacks, cookies and varieties of juices.

He said that eventually he would go to California in West Coast and cultivate a large number of devotees of organic food across the country. Sresta's turnover is going up leaps and bound and has been registering annual growth of 7-8 % in the minimum.

Rajsekar is in USA and will be formally launching Chicagoland operations soon.

A glimpse of Sresta products

Community Across America

January 31, 2014

India Post 21

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United Punjabis celebrate Lohri with gusto

Young and old celebrating Lohri. Pics Asian Media USA Asian Media USA

CHICAGO: Neither snow nor sleet could dampen the spirit of the over 200 attendees who joined the Second Annual Lohri celebration hosted by the United Punjabis of America (UPA) at Ashyana Banquet in Downers Grove, Illinois.

In keeping with the joyous occasion, the audience came prepared to enjoy an evening of great festivity, fantastic Punjabi food and the rhythms of Bhangra music.

Welcoming the audience, Manohar Sharma, the president of UPA, remarked on the significance of the festival of Lohri and the goodwill among people that it nurtures.

Dharam Punwani, a member of the Board, reiterated the mission of UPA to be "preserving the rich Punjabi heritage, enhancing and strengthening the Punjabi community, and becoming a positive force for enhancing our neighborhoods, cities, states, country and the world".

Serving as the hosts of the evening, Om Dhingra and Pratibha Jairath kept the program flowing with charm and humor. The entertainment started with the singing of Sunder Mundariye led by Shammi Mittal, Pratibha and Ramesh Malhan.

Then the audience was treated to a beautiful dance by young girls to a medley of Bollywood songs that was followed by an equally delightful dance by two of the mothers of the young dancers, Anita Rotiwar and Kanchan Kulkarni. Then came the heartstopping hip-hop performance by the very talented duo of Anand Bhatt and Anoop.

Watching these performances intently were the nearly 50 children in attendance. These children, dressed in colorful clothes, were

invited to the stage to wish all gathered a very Happy Lohri and, in keeping with the tradition, given small gifts.

One highlight of the evening was an appearance by Manju Goel, a candidate for the US House Congressional District 8. She shared her vision for an empowered community through participation

One highlight of the evening was an appearance by Manju Goel, a candidate for the US House Congressional District 8. She shared her vision for an empowered community through participation in the political process. She was introduced to the audience by Shalli Kumar.

The evening then shifted to some live singing, starting with songs by Pratibha Jairath and Dr Setia. Next came a number of delightful songs by the very talented Sudhir Trikha and the well-known singer Mahijit Virdi. Their songs brought young and old to the dance floor to dance to Punjabi and Bollywood hits.

The dancing took on a differ-

Punjabis celebrating Lohri

ent look when a group of traditionally clad young women took the stage and staged a Jago and Giddha, singing and dancing to the satirical poems popular in the

Punjabi culture.

"Our sponsors' support makes it possible to host an event like this," noted Shammi Mittal in his vote of thanks.

22 India Post

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January 31, 2014

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Malayali Ohmkaram celebrates 8th anniversary ASHWIN PATEL

ST. LOUIS: Ohmkaram, a non profit organization of the Malayali community in the St Louis area, celebrated its eighth anniversary on January 11 at the Mahatma Gandhi Center in Ballwin, MO. Besides the business end of things, the evening saw renditions of the American and Indian national anthems, prayer and lighting of an auspicious lamp, fun and games for the young and old, release of its much anticipated annual Gitanjali souvenir magazine, a grand home-style dinner, finally culminating in a fun dance masti.

The Malayalam School of St. Louis, an Ohmkaram affiliate, was also recognized for its dedicated teachers and enthusiastic students. The school is in its seventh year of existence, averaging about 20-odd students of all age

groups, catering to beginners and advance levels.

Nominations of new leaders

to increase its current base of 40strong families and improve communication. Ohmkaram has consis-

Prayer and lamp lighting by members

and declaration of finances were conducted for the young organization with a promise to work hard

tently celebrated its anniversary cum AGM, Vishu (Kerala New Year) and Onam (Harvest Festival)

since its inception, in addition to an annual family friendly picnic.

Ohmkaram aims to establish itself as a vibrant and active forum to socialize and facilitate Kerala religious, cultural, and literary activities. It also seeks to keep the younger generation rooted in Malayali traditions. It makes special efforts welcoming members of all interested in "all things Kerala", regardless of color, creed or ethnicity.

Ohmkaram is also committed to providing scholarships to deserving students in Kerala on an annual basis. So far, the organization has sponsored two stu-

dents in 2009 and 2012. This year, it is embarking on an ambitious fundraising project as well as streamlining its goals, all aimed at long term sustainability. The general public and all interested parties are cordially invited to donate generously towards this cause.

Charitable activities, informal monthly gatherings, spiritual discourses and Malayalam movies are some of its other activities. As part of its commitment to good citizenry and community relations, efforts are being made to increase area voluntary activities, including blood donations and feeding the poor.

Amazon removes pants insulting Lord Ganesha MADHU PATEL

CHICAGO: Members of the In- gested corporations to send their dian community across USA have senior executives for training in welcomed reports that religious and cultural sensitivity Amazon.com, world's largest so that they had an understandonline retailer headquartered in ing of the feelings of customers Seattle, has removed the pants and communities when introduccarrying image ing new products of Lord Ganesha or launching adverfrom its website tising campaigns. after Hindus He also protested. drummed up the The protest point that Lord spearheaded by Ganesha was Rajan Zed in Nehighly revered in vada and Hinduism and was backed by activmeant to be worists like Sohan shipped in temples Joshi in Chior home shrines cago, Sudhir and not to be worn Vyas in New around one's legs, York and Ashwin crotch and hips. InPatel in St Louis appropriate usage paid dividend. It of Hindu deities or was pointed out concepts for comto the marketing mercial or other firm that Lord agenda was not Ganesha is one okay as it hurt the of the most vendevotees. erated deities It was also repamong Hindus resented that the and other Inditrivialization of ans and they Lord Ganesha was considered Lord disturbing to the Ganesha's image Hindus world over. on pants highly Hindus are for free inappropriate artistic expression and very offenand speech as sive to their feelmuch as anybody Dream Bell bottom pant yanked else if not more but ing and sentiby Amazon ment. when their faith Rajan Zed is gets tarnished it the President of Universal Society would hurt them to the core, it was of Hinduism, Sohan Joshi is the pointed out President of National Federation Pants which Hindu devotees of Indian Associations, Ashwin were finding objectionable inPatel is a prominent businessman cluded "Ganesha's Dream Hot and community activist in St Louis Pant" ($65.95-$69.95)" and while Sudhir Vyas is a freelance "Ganesha's Dream Bell Bottoms" journalist in New York. Rajan sug- ($74.95-$78.95).

January 31, 2014

Community Across America

India Post 23

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Bharatiya Seniors celebrate Republic Day SURENDRA ULLAL

Newly elected President of BSC Haribhai Patel and Vice President Purushottam Pandya with the kids

CHICAGO: Members and the new board of Bharatiya Senior citizens of Chicago celebrated 65th Indian Republic Day on January 18th at the Shree Nathji Haveli Addison, a northwest suburb of Chicago, with cultural music and dance performances. The celebrating birthdays of members was another highlight of the three hours event.

More then 250 members partici-

pated in the celebrations that started with the President Haribhai Patel introducing new committee members and officials for the year 2014-15. Former vice president welcomed newcomers.

This was followed by the celebrating of Republic Day that involved singing of American and Indian anthems. Kids performed Azadi song "Nanha munna rahi hun desh ka sipahi" song from

popular movie "Son of India" with BSC members holding flags and shouting slogans 'Jai Hind and Azadi Amar Rahe. Singer Santosh Varghese and Jitendra Bulsara performed 'Azadi' and old Mohammad Rafi 50' 60' songs Community activist Vandna Jinghan shared information about Uttarakhand and the recent calamity that affected the area. She also briefed the attendees about India

Senior members enjoying Azadi songs and performances

and her recent visit and suggesting ways in which the disaster victims could be helped.

Ending the program, Vice president Purushottam Pandya offered birthday wishes and flowers to those whose birthday fell in January.

The new board consists of Haribhai Patel (President), Vice President Purushottam Pandya, Secretary (Rakshika Anjaria), Jt.

Secretary (Ramesh Desai), Treasurer (Madarsang Chavda) and Jt. Treasurer (Vithlbhai Balar).

Executive Committee: Official Photo/Videographer of BSC (Jayanti Oza) and Audio Helper (Chandrakant Chudasama), Food management (Ramsing Parmar), (Program) Kalyani Patel, Pratima Shah, Damini Patel, Madhusudan Patel, Madhubhai Patel and Kantibhai Madhani.

24 India Post

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January 31, 2014

MUMBAI: Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's sports biopic 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag' scored six wins at the 59th Filmfare Awards including best film, best director and best actor for Farhan Akhtar.

The film based on the life of athlete Milkha Singh, won an award for lyricist Prasoon Joshi for penning hit inspirational number 'Zinda' and Dolly Ahluwalia for best costume. 'BMB' also won an award in the best production design category.

Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani', which led the nominations list with nine nods, did not win in a single category.

Its lead actress Deepika Padukone, who had a stupendous film year in 2013 with four back-to-back hits, was given the best actress award for her portrayal of a vivacious Gujarati damsel in Sanjay Leela Bhasali's 'Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela'.

Farhan Akhtar with the Best Actor in Leading Role award for the movie Bhaag Milkha Bhaag

Deepika Padukone with the Best Actor in Leading Role (Female) award for the movie Ram-Leela at the 59th Idea Filmfare Awards 2013, held at the Yash Raj Studios in Mumbai

Supriya Pathak Kapur, who played Deepika's headstrong mother in the film, won the best supporting actress award.

'The Luncbox', which won the Critics Week Viewers Choice Award at the 66th Cannes Film Festival, was victorious in three categories best debut director for Ritesh Batra, best film (critics') and best supporting actor for Nawazuddin Siddiqui.

Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra won the Best Director award for his movie Bhaag Milkha Bhaag

As expected Mohit Suri's love saga 'Aashiqui 2' dominated the music category. Ankit Tiwari, Mithoon and Jeet Ganguly won best music director award for the film, while Arijit Singh bagged the trophy for best male playback singer for 'Tum hi ho'.

Cont'd on Page 38

Prasoon Joshi speaks after receiving the Best Lyrics Award for his song Zinda (Bhaag Milkha Bhaag)

January 31, 2014

India Post 25 www.indiapost.com

Lifetime Achievement award for Tanuja MUMBAI: Veteran actress Tanuja was presented the The Lifetime Achievement Award at the 59th Idea Filmfare Awards Tanuja arrived at the event with

Remembering his association with the actress, Bachchan says, "She was my first leading lady (in the film 'Pyaar ki Kahaani') and it is my honor to present her an award today.

She was the brightest star then, while I was just a struggler."

her two daughters Kajol and Tanisha. Kajol on the red carpet said, "I am here only, only and only for my mother and no one else as she is going to get the Lifetime achievement award. But I think she is getting this award too late."

During the event, Karan Johar called actress Tanuja onstage to present her with the Lifetime Achievement Award. While giving a speech talking about the actress and her achievements, Karan wanted to say "yeh unn naayab kaalakaro mein se hai..."

However, KJo repeatedly fumbled while saying the words 'naayab' having the audience in splits.

His good friend and Tanuja's daughter, Kajol

who was sitting in the front row, could not control her laughter either. This is when Karan said to Kajol, 'How can you do this to me, especially when your mother is getting an award.'

Finally, the moment arrived and evergreen Tanuja was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award by Amitabh Bachchan.

Remembering his association with the actress, Bachchan says, "She was my first leading lady (in the film 'Pyaar ki Kahaani') and it is my honor to present her an award today. She was the brightest star then, while I was just a struggler."

Tanuja got emotional and adds, "I would like to dedicate this award to all the spot-boys, makeup artists, technicians, directors and producers of my time.

We were all like a family then.

Thank you very much for all the lessons I've learnt. It has made me the person I am. " Amitabh Bachchan presents the Lifetime Achievement award to Tanuja

Padma Shri Award winners Movie for the Valentine season from Bollywood India Post News Service

NEW DELHI: Actors Vidya Balan and Paresh Rawal, and designer Wendell Rodricks are among this year's Padma Shri award winners. Out of the 127 Padma awards that were conferred

"I'm running out of words to express my feelings and gratitude.

To be receiving this honor from the government of India is a matter of great pride for me and I dedicate this award to my family," she said.

Writer-director Sooni Taraporevala, who gave us films like the Oscar nominated Salaam Bombay, Mississipi Masala, The Namesake and Little Zizou, was stunned upon hearing that she

Paresh Rawal and Vidya Balan

by the President of India, five tinsel town personalities have made it to the list. Actor Kamal Hasan, who was earlier given the Padma Shri in 1990, has been honored with Padma Bhushan.

Vidya Balan, who won the national award for her performance in the film 'The Dirty Picture' was awarded the Padma Shri. The actress said that she is overwhelmed and humbled by the honor.

Vidya started her career with Ekta Kapoor's TV show Hum Paanch. She then won popular awards for her first film 'Parineeta' and has to her credit films like Kahani, Ishqiya, No One Killed Jessica, The Dirty Picture and Lage Raho Munna Bhai.

Paresh Rawal, currently shooting in Mauritius, has been awarded the Padam Shri for his contribution to cinema.

had been given the award. "I wasn't expecting it at all," she said.

Fashion designer Wendell Rodricks, who has worked with B town stars like Malaika Arora Khan, has also won the Padma Shri. When contacted, he said, "I am indebted to the fashion fraternity for paving the way to this moment. Receiving the Padma Shri has made me resolve to work harder for my art, fraternity, community, Goa and India."

Y

oung Bollywood em braces the upcoming Valentine's season with Karan Johar's newest romantic comedy Hasee Toh Phasee which hits theaters worldwide on February 7, one week ahead of the love holiday. Produced by Johar and Anurag Kashyap, the energetic comedy brings together the hot young stars Sidharth Malhotra of Student of the Year and Parineeti Chopra who last starred in Shuddh Desi Romance which premiered at the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival.

Spread across Mumbai over a decade, the film is about the relationship between the quirky, rebellious Meeta (Parineeti Chopra), and the mischievous Nikhil (Sidharth Malhotra) struggling with their respective families to fit in. Nikhil bumps into Meeta on the occasion of her sister Deeksha's wedding while Meeta is on the run. He falls in love with Meeta's sister Karishma on the same day.

The film jumps to the eve of Nikhil and Karishma's engagement.

Karishma's wealthy father, Devesh Solanki, does not ap-

prove of Nikhil as he finds him to be a lackadaisical young man.

On the day of his engagement, Nikhil promises Karishma that he will prove himself to be worthy of her within the next seven days.

Nikhil is re-introduced to Meeta

by Karishma and is instructed to put her up in a hotel. Nikhil recognizes Meeta. In an attempt to please Karishma he decides to keep Meeta in the flat above his own house, with his crazy extended family. During the course of Meeta's stay at Nikhil's house, they come close to each other and open up to each other. In the midst of this confusion, the truth of relationships is unfolded; the strength of unions is tested and love triumphs.

26 India Post

January 31, 2014 www.indiapost.com

Counter questions at Koffee with Karan

A

kshay Kumar, who appeared on Koffee With Karan for the first time, took on the ace director with his own rapid fire questions after giving KJo some scintillating answers Here's a look at this naughty banter:

KJo: Tina. Undoubtedly she is the first love of my life AK: If you were trapped on a deserted island, whose camp would you choose to survive in, SRK or Salman Khan?

KJo: Shah Rukh. I have been more protected by it in the past.

AK: If you had one film to make before you die who would you have your last hero and heroine?

KJo: I would go with an actor I have not worked with… I would say Aamir Khan and Deepika Padukone

Akshay's rapid fire to Karan AK: Who would you have as your enemy? Me, SRK or the entire Chopra family?

KJo: How can anyone choose an enemy?

AK: Now you will understand what we go through…

KJo: I will rather have you as my enemy AK: Which celeb wife would you want to be married to? Tina, Gauri, Sussanne, Shilpa?

KJo's rapid fire to Akshay KJo: Women find Akshay Kumar sexy because?

AK: Because he can unbutton himself in public.

KJo: What do you have that the

following people don't?

The Three Khans: Height Ranbir Kapoor: Experience Hrithik: I can't say abs because he has much better abs than me.

KJo: The stupidest rumor you ever heard about yourself…

AK:I am gay. With Tushaar Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan.

KJo: Which celebs according to you need a stylist?

AK: Sajid Khan KJo: A therapist?

AK: Sajid Khan KJo: A gym membership?

AK: Sajid Khan KJo: Hindi tutor?

AK: Nargis Fakhri KJo: Parineeti or Alia who has the brighter future?

AK: Parineeti

Dhoom time for Bollywood Milkha Bhaags away with 6 Awards in Pakistan

A

s Bollywood films con tinue to provide a lease of life to cinema owners and the entertainment-starved people of Pakistan, some domestic producers have stepped up efforts to impose restrictions on their import.

Sixteen Bollywood movies were widely screened in Pakistan last year, marking a high after a fourdecade ban on Indian films.

Dhoom 3 starring Aamir Khan has done roaring business and is still pulling people in droves to cinemas across the country.

"It is because of Indian movies that new cinemas are being built in Lahore," Ramzan Shiekh, the owner of two state-of-the-art theatres, said. "I am going to build another one in the city. Both my existing halls were booked for four daily shows of Dhoom 3 and still people kept coming to watch the movie."

The box office receipts for Dhoom 3 from 56 screens on its opening day was around Rs. 20 million, almost double the record set by the Pakistani film Waar with

Cont'd from Page 24

grosses of Rs. 11.4 million.

Ram-Leela, Aashiqui 2 and Chennai Express too did good business at the Pakistani box-office. However, critics of Indian movies have opposed their exhibition and moved courts for a ban.

Film producer Syed Noor, who has for long campaigned against Bollywood products, claimed: "Some people with vested interests don't want our industry to

flourish. In the presence of multibillion budget Indian flicks, ours can't compete. "I am not anti-Indian films. But being a patriotic Pakistani, I am trying to save the national cinema."

Noor said a Memorandum of Understanding signed between Pakistani producers and exhibitors promises "50 per cent adjustment", meaning theatres have to screen a fixed quota of Pakistani films.

The best female playback singer award went to Monali Thakur for her soulful rendition 'Sawar Loo' from 'Lootera'.

Tamil star Dhanush won the best debut actor award for his carefree portrayal of a boy from Banaras in Anand L Rai's 'Raanjhanaa'.

Vaani Kapoor bagged the best debut actress award for 'Shuddh Desi Romance'. Rajkumar Rao was honored with the best actor (critics') for his role in 'Shahid' and Shilpa Shukla won in the actress category for 'BA Pass'.

Cont'd on Page 27

Priyanka Chopra

January 31, 2014

India Post

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Milkha Bhaags away with 6 Awards Cont'd from Page 26

The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Tanuja as outstanding contribution to Indian Cinema.

The best dialogue honor went to Subhash Kapoor for 'Jolly LLB'.

The director also won the best story award.

Pubali Chaudhari, Supratik Sen,

Abhishek Kapoor and Chetan Bhagat won the best screenplay award for 'Kai Po Che.' Hitesh Sonik won the best sound design honor for the film as well.

Best cinematography award went to Kamaljeet Negi for 'Madras Cafe'. Bishwadeep Chatterjee and Nihar Ranjan Samal won the best sound design award for the film.

Supriya Pathak Kapur won the Best Actress in a Supporting Role for the movie Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela at the 59th Idea Filmfare Awards 2013

Siddharth Mahadevan after winning the RD Burman Award for Upcoming New Music Talent at the 59th Idea Filmfare Awards 2013

Vaani Kapoor speaks after receiving the Best Debut Female Award for Shuddh Desi Romance Vaani received the award from Miss India Earth, Sobhita Dhulipala and Miss India World

Bishwadeep Chatterjee and Nihar Ranjan Samar won the Best Sound Design award for the movie Madras Cafe

Dhanush speaks after winning the Best Debut (Male) Award for Raanjhanaa

TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

1 Malang: Dhoom 3 2 Kamli: Dhoom 3 3 Dhoom Machale Dhoom Dhoom: Dhoom 3 4 Sunny Sunny: Yaariyan 28 India Post

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January 31, 2014

5 Kabhi Jo Baadal Barse: Jackpot 6 Gandi Baat: R...Rajkumar 7 Baarish: Yaariyan 8 Tu Hi Junoon : Dhoom 3 9 ABCD: Yaariyan 10 Ram Chahe Leela: Ram-leela

S

hah Rukh Khan was shooting for his home production Happy New Year in a suburban hotel when bad luck struck. The 48-year-old actor, along with Abhishek Bachchan, Sonu Sood and Boman Irani, was filming in the ground floor of the hotel. The sequence required them to walk out from the reception hall to the lobby. Director Farah Khan canned the shot in the first take but SRK insisted on a retake. Five minutes later, all hell broke loose.

An eyewitness says, "The actors returned back to their position and Farah called action. Abhishek, Sonu and Boman were walking ahead and Shah Rukh followed a few feet behind. Suddenly an unhinged door collapsed on him and he was on the floor."

Farah, who was sitting behind the monitor, ran towards Shah Rukh without even calling 'cut'. Crew members also rushed to where he lay and picked up the door off him. "They saw blood oozing from his head, his shoulder was wounded as well," the source added. "So he was rushed to Nanavati hospital."

After treatment, SRK headed straight to the set to complete the scene disturbed by the errant door. The crew were waiting anxiously for him and as soon as they spotted their hero, they all clapped and cheered.

"I want to make out-of-the-box films that will not only offer something novel to the audience at home.�

F

or me it's all about motorcycles," says John Abraham. The self-confessed motorhead is planning a film on motorcycle racing. "I really want to do a racing film, specifically as a biker. Because motorcycling has not been shown with much credibility on screen despite the fact that it has a real big market.

We are working on the script," says the actor.

Prod him on whether he will be acting in the film and he retorts with a laugh, "Yes, of course. Only I can do it. You can't take the bike out of John or vice versa," asserts the actor-producer.

The sports enthusiast, who owns a hockey team and has run the Mumbai Marathon, is also producing a film, 1911, inspired by the Kolkata football club Mohan Bagan's century old historic win over an English football club.

The 41-year-old goes on to say that he has had his run with commercial Hindi cinema and now he wants to use his equity as an actor to make the kind of films he believes in and ensure that they reach out to a wider audience.

"I want to make out-of-the-box films that will not only offer something novel to the audience at home but also appeal to a larger audience overseas and I don't necessarily mean the Indian Diaspora," said the actor.

S

he started her acting career with Mani Ratnam's Iruvar where she played a character uncannily similar to Jayalalitha.

And now Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is all set to make a comeback to screen after a long maternity leave with a film to be directed by Mani Ratnam. Mani is very close to both Abhishek and Aishwarya.

He has worked with the couple in Guru and Raavan.

Says a very reliable source, "Mani shares a fabulous equation with Abhishek and Ash. But this time he's planning to direct a film which has a very strong female protagonist's character. Mani feels there is little room for Abhishek in his next."

Aishwarya has given her consent to her presence in Mani's next.

The movie-making genius' career has b e e n under a cloud. His last two films Raavan and Kadal have bombed and b e e n heavily panned by critics as well.

January 31, 2014

Bollywood

India Post 29

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T

anya Malik, who made her Bollywood debut with Karle Pyaar Karle, is a commercial pilot by qualification. But the lure of the big screen was such that she gave it up for acting. She says, "I was drawn to acting as a child, but never gave it a serious thought. However, when Suneel Darshan offered this film to me, I grabbed the opportunity. I'm happy with the response it has got me."

Tanya was born and brought up in Delhi and is a trained Commercial Pilot from US. She is also a trained actor from Barry John Institute.

As the second main lead in the movie, Tanya plays the role of a glamorous, confident college girl.

Playing a strongheaded Anglo-Indian was challenging.

"Angela's character made me get out of my comfort zone. It took time to create the college-girl vibe that the role required," she recalls.

S

onam Kapoor will play Mili in the remake of 1980 Rekha starrer Khoobsurat. She says that since she and the makers of the new film are huge fans of late director Hrishikesh Mukherjee, who helmed the classic, they decided to club names of Mili and Khoobsurat in the remake.

Sonam not only stars in the remake titled Khoobsurat, but has also decided to name herself after another beloved female protagonist from another Hrishikesh Mukherjee 1975 classic Mili.

"Yes, that's right. My director Shashank Ghosh, my producer Rhea, who also happens to be my sister, and I, we all decided not to name my character Anju. That was the name Rekha was given by Hrishida in Khoobsurat. We decided to name my character Mili," said Sonam.

The spirit is the same.

Sonam says her Khoobsurat is very different from the original.

The characters are also "The spirit is the same. The characters are also the the same. But the milieu same. But the milieu and circumstances have been changed. I thoroughly enjoyed playing a character and circumstances have that Rekhaji has played so wonderfully in the past," been changed. I thoroughly she said.

"Obliterating Rekhaji is too harsh a thought. Her enjoyed playing a spirit runs through Khoobsurat. But I haven't copied character that Rekhaji her in any way. Not in my clothes, performance or attitude. I am Mili, not Anju," she added. has played so

wonderfully in the past

K

areena Kapoor during the launch of the new Tata tea brand, Tetley said that her husband and actor Saif Ai Khan is very much like a child and he enjoys every free stuff. ''Saif (Ali Khan) has a problem, he loves free stuffs. So when cartons of green tea came home, he was like a child, he was so excited to see them,'' said Kareena.

She added, ''When I try to give away the free stuff to my other family members, he would stop me and say don't do that. You know I love them''

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„ Health

Line

Flu season far from over in Nevada CARSON CITY: Flu season isn't over in Nevada, with health officials reporting an increase in the number of deaths and widespread activity.

In northern Nevada, The Washoe District Health Department says 18 death certificates issued in the second week of the year listed pneumonia or influenza as a contributing factor. Those cases accounted for 13 percent of total deaths reported that week, way above the epidemic threshold set by the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Five deaths were reported previously in Washoe County.

Nine people have died in southern Nevada so far this season.

The predominant strain is H1N1, known as swine flu. In 2009, a swine flu pandemic killed more than 150,000 worldwide.

The CDC lists Nevada flu activity as high. -AP

„ Free medical visas for Maldivians for 90 days NEW DELHI: In a move which will come as a boost for the medical tourism and health sector, government today allowed free medical visas for Maldivian nationals for 90 days.

"The Home Ministry has allowed free visas for 90 days for medical purposes for Maldivians," a senior tourism ministry official said, adding that "there was a demand for medical visa rules relaxation from the Maldives."

Tourism Minister K Chiranjeevi has met Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde earlier over proposals seeking health check up facility on tourist visas and granting of longer duration and multiple entry facilities for medical visas. The tourism ministry had also sought a reduction in the fee for medical visas.

The restriction on 60-days' gap between two entries was also lifted.

"Except for nationals from seven countries, including China, Pakistan and Bangladesh, India has relaxed tourist visa rules... The two-month cooling-off period between two visits has been lifted," he said.

It was also agreed that medical visa holders would be no longer required to report to the Foreign Regional Registration Office (FRRO) if their visa was for less than 180 days.-PTI

Health Science

Inmate seeking sex change aims for nursing career Details on Page 34

32 India Post

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January 31, 2014

Thousands of anti-abortion activists march in San Francisco SAN FRANCISCO: Many thousands of anti-abortion protesters from across California marched through downtown San Francisco on Jan 25, calling for restrictions on a medical procedure that was legalized more than 40 years ago.

A massive and diverse crowd of protesters rallied in front of City Hall before marching down Market Street to Justin Herman Plaza for the 10th annual ``Walk for Life West Coast.'' They chanted ``Pro Life'' and carried signs that read ``Defend Life'' and ``Women deserve better than abortion.''

Earlier, on Jan 25, thousands of abortion protesters participated in the annual Walk for Life rally in Washington, D.C. to mark the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court ruling that legalized the procedure.

San Francisco police did not immediately provide an official crowd estimate, but at one point marchers stretched across more than a mile of Market Street, the liberal city's main thoroughfare.

High school senior Nancy Castellanos came to San Francisco on one of six buses of worshippers from St. Peter's Catholic Church in Dixon, about 70 miles

away. She believes the laws need to change to make it harder to get an abortion. ``I am 100 percent, completely against abortion,'' Castellanos, 17, said. ``If you don't want the child,

said. ``Human life in all its stages is sacred and should be protected.''

A small group of pro-abortion rights activists protested the march on Market Street, holding

Abortion opponents gather in San Francisco's Civil Center for the "Walk for Life" rally and march, Saturday, Jan 25

there's always adoption.''

John Paine, 52, arrived with people from his church group in Visalia in California's Central Valley, after making a 3 1/2-hour drive to San Francisco. ``I'm ashamed that my country sanctions the killing of the most defenseless of its citizens,'' Paine

signs that read ``Abortion on demand and without apology.''

Anna Wilson, 20, a commercial artist who lives in San Francisco, said she participated in the Walk for Life march two years ago, but said she's since changed her stance on abortion. ``I realized I was looking at it in

a real childish way,'' Wilson said. ``I'm not pro-abortion. Nobody's pro-abortion. But I am pro-choice.

I think that women should have every single choice available to them, as much as men do.''

Supervisor David Campos introduced a resolution opposing the dozens of ``Abortion Hurts Women'' banners that organizers hung from street lamps on Market Street. The resolution says ``the prominent display of false anti-abortion statements on public property on Market Street misrepresents the City's support for reproductive health, rights and justice.''

Over the last several decades, anti-abortion groups have focused on placing relatively small restrictions on abortion, especially in conservative states with Republican-dominated legislatures. But lawmakers in those states are under increasing pressure from activists to take stronger action to limit abortion.

But California, which has a Democratic governor and Legislature, expanded abortion access last year with a measure that allows nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives and physician assistants to perform a type of early abortion. -AP

Cancer-fighting agency adopts new ethics rules AUSTIN: The board of Texas' cancer-fighting agency has approved a new code of conduct and ethics for members and employees in an effort to the restore credibility and confidence in awarding grants.

The rule changes approved were based on a 2013 law designed to reform operations at the $3 billion Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas.

They are among the final pieces of an effort to fix an agency plagued by questions over how some taxpayer-funded grants had been awarded.

Reports and audits in 2012 and 2013 revealed that three awards totaling more than $56 million did not follow proper procedures, disclosures that led to

the resignations of the agency's three top officials and a moratorium on grants that lasted 10 months.

The agency's former chief commercialization officer, Jerald ``Jerry'' Cobbs, was indicted in 2012 in

controls the nation's second-largest pot of cancer funding behind only the federal National Institutes of Health, but the agency was dogged by missteps that led to investigations by prosecutors and lawmakers. Embarrassment

Major revisions include updated conflict of interest guidelines, rules on how grants are recommended, and an annual report posted on the agency's website of campaign contributions over $1,000 Travis County on a charge of securing the execution of a document by deception related to an $11 million grant awarded in 2010.

Approved by voters statewide in 2007 and started in 2009, CPRIT

for CPRIT mounted as a wave of top scientists from around the country severed ties with the agency.

The new rules were initially recommended in a state audit and

later made mandatory under state law.

Major revisions include updated conflict of interest guidelines, rules on how grants are recommended, and an annual report posted on the agency's website of campaign contributions over $1,000 made by members of CPRIT's oversight committee. Those members are appointed by the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of the House of Representatives.

The board also approved three grants totaling $6 million to supporting recruitment of thee tenure-track faculty members - two to Baylor College of Medicine and one to the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. -AP

January 31, 2014

Health Science Post

India Post 33

www.indiapost.com

Flies in Ranbaxy's Toansa California air pollution drops over past decade plant, says FDA HYDERABAD: Presence of flies in sample storage room, un-calibrated instruments in laboratory and non-adherence to sample analysis procedure were among the lapses found in Ranbaxy's Toansa plant that led to US health regulator FDA banning imports of drugs made at the facility.

According to the report released by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inspection teams, as many as eight lapses were identified, including "Too Numerous To Count (TNTC) flies" in sample storage room, inadequate control over samples and non-adherence of procedures in sample analysis, during their visit to the Toansa, Punjab facility.

Other lapses included usage of un-cali-

brated and unqualified instruments in laboratory, said the report.

"Our inspection of QC Analytical and Microbiological laboratories found the facility to be in significant disrepair. Laboratories windows within the instrumentation (eg: HPCL) rooms were found to be un-closeable.

"Too Numerous To Count (TNTC) flies were observed throughout the sample preparation room, and laboratory re-agent/ equipment/documentation storage cabinets were found to be broken and un-closeable," FDA inspection report said.

Earlier in the week, FDA had banned the import of Ranbaxy products from its Toansa plant, halting the shipment of all the company's drugs to the US from India.

This is the company's fourth plant to face regulatory action from the American health regulator after Mohali, Paonta Sahib and Dewas plants.

Citing manufacturing norm violations, the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) prohibited Ranbaxy Laboratories from distributing drugs produced at the Toansa unit, including medicines made by the company's Ohm Laboratories facility in New Jersey. -PTI

SACRAMENTO, CALIF: While overall air quality in California has improved significantly over the past decade, about a third of the population lives where pollution is in excess of federal health standards, according to state officials.

The California Air Resources Board presented an assessment of smog and soot levels in Sacramento, the Los Angeles Times reported.

The board's report said smog fell 15 to 20 percent in urban areas since 2003, yet levels remain above federal health standards in parts of greater Los Angeles, the San Joaquin Valley, Sacramento and San Diego.

In the South Coast region, which includes Los Angeles and Orange counties, the number of high-ozone days has dropped 21 percent since 2003.

State officials now estimate about 60 percent of people, including all coastal residents, live where smog meets federal health standards. But 6 million people in inland areas still live with unacceptably smoggy air, officials said.

Of the state's five biggest urban areas, only the San Francisco Bay area meets all federal standards for ozone - the worst com-

ponent of smog - and fine particulate matter, or soot, according to the assessment.

Air board officials took no action after hearing the staff report.

The evaluation came as exceptionally dry and stagnant weather this winter has

worsened air pollution across California and the Southwest, with some of highest levels in the Central Valley, the Times said.

Officials said continuing spells of bad air could set the state back. ``I don't think we should be too congratulatory because this year has been a bad year,'' said board member John Balmes, a professor of medicine at UC San Francisco. -AP

Health Science Post

34 India Post

January 31, 2014

www.indiapost.com

Inmate seeking sex change aims for nursing career RICHMOND: After 34 years in prison, several attempts at selfcastration and a thus far unsuccessful legal battle to obtain a state-paid sex-change operation, the future is looking brighter for Ophelia De'Lonta.

The door of Buckingham Correctional Center could swing open any day now for De'Lonta, who was granted parole last month and is just awaiting approval of her post-release plan. ``I plan on going to nursing school and pursuing my surgery,'' De'Lonta said in a telephone interview. She said she chose nursing because ``I like helping people,'' but obtaining the gender reassignment surgery also remains important to her. She has received counseling and hormone therapy in prison and no longer has the self-castration impulse, but the transformation she seeks remains incomplete. ``I'm dealing with something that bothers me mentally and physically, so having the surgery will complete everything and I will be less depressed, more productive,'' she said.

De'Lonta, born Michael A. Stokes, was sentenced in 1980 to

73 years for bank robbery. The 53year-old De'Lonta has been diagnosed with gender identity disorder, a medically recognized illness

District Court in Roanoke will proceed, although she was unable to elaborate on any basis for requiring the state to pay for the sur-

Ophelia De'Lonta speaks during an interview at the Buckingham Correctional Center in Dillwyn, Va. De'Lonta has filed a lawsuit against Virginia Prison officials seeking a sex change operation.

in which people believe they were born the wrong gender.

She said her lawsuit in U.S.

gery once she is released from prison. ``I really don't know the actual

PepsiCo shifts from 'fun-filled' to 'healthy products DAVOS: With consumers going the healthy way, PepsiCo decided to transform its portfolio from 'fun-filled' to 'good-filled' products, the beverages major's chief Indra Nooyi said here.

The transformation has worked

of PepsiCo. Speaking about the transformation that PepsiCo has gone through, she said it was a portfolio of fun-filled products earlier but when "we looked at eating and drinking habits of the people, we

Indra Nooyi

well for business and many of the healthier products are giving good margins, India-born Nooyi said here at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting.

Nooyi is the Chairman and CEO

realized there was a need to have healthier products and good-foryou products".

"Then we realized we cannot tell the customers that healthier products would cost more and

may be tasteless. So, we adopted a strategy and that transformation worked well," she added.

Nooyi also spoke about geographic transformation.

"When we wanted to expand into emerging markets, we went for acquisitions. There has been a normal cycle that when we make the acquisition it looks expensive, but few years down the lane it becomes attractive," she said.

According to her, the company also realized that it needs to work with communities in the countries where it operates.

"All this was not just for corporate social responsibility, but also because we wanted to make money in a different and more responsible way.

"Now overseas transfers at our base in US are not about London, Paris and Geneva, it is about Africa, Asia and other emerging markets," Nooyi said.

Some of PepsiCo's healthier products are giving very good margins, because the company has tried to change its fun-filled products into healthy products or "good-filled products", she said.-PTI

details on that, how that would play out,'' she said. ``I'll let my attorneys take care of that.''

Her attorney, Alan Schoenfeld, declined to comment.

De'Lonta said her hopes of succeeding in court were buoyed by a Jan. 17 federal appeals court ruling that Massachusetts must provide sex reassignment surgery for another inmate with gender identity disorder.

That ruling came nearly a month after William Muse, chairman of the Virginia Parole Board, personally informed De'Lonta that her parole had been approved. ``He said, `Do you believe in Santa Claus?' I said `yes' and he slid the paper over to me,'' De'Lonta said.

Muse said the prospect of the state possibly being ordered to pay for De'Lonta's sex-change operation had nothing to do with the parole decision. De'Lonta believes him. ``There was a thought, but I also had a clean record so there was no reason they would turn me down,'' she said.

She said she has stayed busy in prison, completing programs in business applications, brick ma-

sonry, substance abuse, productive citizenship and commercial foods.

When she is released, De'Lonta will initially live with her niece in Hyattsville, Md. Items near the top of her to-do list include finding a gender therapist, landing a job as a nursing assistant and getting enrolled in nursing school.

But there's one stop she wants to make on the way to Maryland. ``The first thing I really want to do is go visit my mother's grave,'' De'Lonta said. ``That was my inspiration and my heart, so that's the first thing I have to do.''

She said her mother was a regular visitor and source of emotional support before she died in 1996.

She is buried nearby in Crewe, Va. De'Lonta said other family members also have been supportive, and they will help pay for her sex reassignment surgery if the lawsuit doesn't pan out. And if it doesn't, she hopes the fight hasn't been for naught. ``I hope a lot of people have a better understanding of what gender identity disorder is,'' she said. ``A lot think it's elective surgery, which it is not.'' -AP

Court gives nuns a compromise on health care issue WASHINGTON: The Supreme Court offered a short-term compromise that would continue to exempt a group of Denver nuns that operates charity nursing homes from the birth control mandate of the nation's health care law

Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor smiles after receiving a Honorary Doctor of Laws during commencement at Yale University in New Haven, Conn.

if they declare their objections in writing.

The nuns will take the court up on its offer and provide a written notice, officials said.

The justices asked the nuns to write the Department of Health

and Human Services declaring themselves a religious nonprofit organization and making their objection to birth control. In return, the high court would continue to block for them the contraceptive coverage requirement of the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, while their appeal is heard in the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Their nuns' lawyer, Mark Rienzi of the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, said they were delighted to hear about the court's decision. ``It made no sense for the Little Sisters to be singled out for fines and punishment before they could even finish their suit,'' he said.

Under the health care law, most health insurance plans have to cover all Food and Drug Administration-approved contraceptives as preventive care for women, free of cost to the patient.

Churches and other houses of worship are exempt from the birth control requirement, but affiliated institutions that serve the general public are not. That includes charitable organizations, universities and hospitals.

Cont'd on Page 35

January 31, 2014

Health Science Post

India Post 35

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Mental health care providers blast private manager BOISE, IDAHO: Mental health professionals blasted a private company now managing behavioral health care for lowincome Idaho residents, saying the contract is plagued with problems and hourslong delays that not only make the process more difficult but could put their clients at risk.

A joint House and Senate Health and Welfare Committee meeting provided a venue to criticize Optum, a Minnesotabased health care services management company whose parent company is UnitedHealth Group.

Since September, it's being paid $10.5 million monthly to administer outpatient behavioral health services for Idaho's Medicaid program as the state seeks to as it seeks to control costs, boost efficiency and give incentives to providers to offer appropriate services when they're needed.

However, private providers in Idaho say the transition has been fraught with poor communication, including spending hours on hold with the company's representatives as they seek to authorize services for people suffering from mental illnesses.

Nikki Tangen, of Boise-based Access Behavioral Health Services, contends Optum has exacerbated a bottleneck in getting care to clients in crisis.

One prospective patient barred from getting help is now in a psychiatric hospital, another committed a felony offense and another burned his house down, Tangen said, complaining she currently has 16 new clients on hold because nobody will tell her if services will be covered.

``Their promises that it's going to get fixed aren't going to help,'' said Tangen, among more than three dozen people at the Capitol meeting with concerns about Optum's performance. ``Our request is Optum immediately lift the requirement they have prior authorizations'' necessary to ensure that providers like her company will be paid.

Paul Hymas, of Upper Valley Resource

Rep. Fred Wood, a medical doctor and chairman of the House Health and Welfare Committee, said Idaho's Medicaid traditionally has had high rates of utilization for mental health services, compared to the rest of the country.

Consequently, as the state attempts to manage those services, he said, there are bound to be concerns among the companies providing those services. & Counseling Center in Sugar City, told the committees Optum's arrival has been accompanied by ``a complete lack of communication,'' including his company and others spending hours and hours on hold while trying to get questions answered about what services will be remunerated. ``We are concerned that if we continue on our current path we will continue to see the high suicide rates in Idaho, we will see the adverse effects not only on the mentally ill population, but also on the citizens of the state,'' Hymas said.

After Friday's meeting, Idaho Depart-

Court gives nuns a compromise on health care issue Cont'd from Page 34

In response to an outcry, the government came up with a compromise that requires insurers or health plan administrators to provide birth control coverage but allows the religious group to distance itself from that action. The exemption is triggered when the religious group signs a form for the insurer saying that it objects to the

Rienzi said the court's order also will provide protection to more than 400 other Catholic organizations that receive health benefits through the same Catholic benefits provider, Christian Brothers. coverage. The insurer can then go forward with the coverage.

A group of Denver nuns who run nursing homes for the poor, called the Little Sisters of the Poor Home for the Aged, say

ment of Health and Welfare spokesman Tom Shanahan said Optum's contract requires it to respond to phone calls from providers like Hymas within only two minutes.

The agency has given the company until the end of the first week in February to start performing.

If it falls short, Shanahan said, ``We probably would look at taking possible penalties.''

signing that form makes them complicit in providing contraceptive coverage, and therefore violates their religious beliefs.

The high court exempted them from the government form requirements, saying the nuns only have to inform HHS in ``writing.'' ``To meet the condition for injunction pending appeal, applicants need not use the form prescribed by the government and need not send copies to third-party administrators,'' the justices' order said.

Rienzi said the court's order also will provide protection to more than 400 other Catholic organizations that receive health benefits through the same Catholic benefits provider, Christian Brothers. It's one of the religious health care providers that is exempted from the health care law's requirement to provide contraceptive coverage and has said all along that it will not make contraceptive coverage available.

Justice Sonia Sotomayor blocked the contraceptive coverage mandate for the nuns on New Year's Eve, only hours before portions of the law's coverage went into effect.

Sharon Levin, director of federal reproductive health policy for the National Women's Law Center, said the battle isn't over. -AP

Optum, which manages Medicaid health services for other states, too, says it's trying to fix problems. ``We understand that some providers are experiencing unacceptable wait times when they call for authorizations for some patients,'' it said in a statement. ``We are taking action by adding staff, implementing additional ways to obtain authorizations and working more closely with individual providers to simplify the process.''

Sen. Lee Heider, the Republican committee chairman, acknowledged Idaho has been deluged with complaints and pledged ``to try and get to the bottom of that.'' ``We've gotten promises from Optum,'' Heider said. ``We're trying to resolve those issues, for your knowledge.''

Rep. Fred Wood, a medical doctor and chairman of the House Health and Welfare Committee, said Idaho's Medicaid traditionally has had high rates of utilization for mental health services, compared to the rest of the country.

Consequently, as the state attempts to manage those services, he said, there are bound to be concerns among the companies providing those services. ``Idaho has the highest rate of utilization of psychosocial rehabilitation services in the United States _ period. That had to end, and I agree with that,'' Wood said. ``It's not going to be without significant issues.''

However, Sen. Dan Schmidt, a family doctor and Democratic member of the committee, is concerned problems with Optum documented Friday go far deeper than the ``stress of change.'' ``Optum is not being responsive to providers, and therefore, making services unavailable,'' said Schmidt, a Moscow Democrat. ``That's what everybody said. C'mon, how long can you be on hold, waiting for prior authorization, so you will get paid for what you do.'' -AP

36 India Post

www.indiapost.com

January 31, 2014

Horoscope

January 31, 2014

India Post

37

www.indiapost.com

Your Weekly Future

by Pandit Parashar

JANUARY 31 ST - FEBRUARY 6 TH , 2014 (March 21 to April 20)

(August 23 to September 22)

M

ind may stay little restless and some uncertainty could develop in career. Money will trickle in. You may call few close friends and try to compare the progress. Money wise you will continue to meet your commitments on time and keep unnecessary expenses under strict control. You may receive a nice proposal for your marriageable child.

Y

ou may still have to face slight hurdles but the work will get done.

Opportunity will open new doors. Be careful with money this time and advice other family member to follow the guidelines too. You will learn a lot from some one lot younger in age. An important meeting you have been working on for quite some time will go very well.

(April 21 to May 20)

B

e little careful when it comes to actual spending and do not stretch your limits at all. Health will improve and the recent changes will put energy back. Running around and other modes of communications will bring desired results. You will also hear from a very old friend this week. Do not trust anyone at work and watch out when talking to boss.

(September 23 to October 22)

B

ad move on your part and lead to you a financial crises, so do your calculations twice and take advice from experienced people first.

You will be working with a kind of immature person. There will be lots of excitement in the family about an upcoming move. A child may continue to give hard time. Talking may not help much.

(May 21 to June 20)

Y

ou will change your earlier plans to accommodate an important issue. Diplomacy and polite approach will get many things done.

You will also start some important paperwork but wait to send it.

Hold your temptations and do not become a victim to a shady character. Business will keep improving gradually. Relationship will keep getting strong.

(June 21 to July 22)

(October 23 to November 22)

D

o not fall for any too good to be true scheme. Chances of getting involved in a scam are very strong. For some this could be the beginning of an exciting relationship. Competition will reduce and you will have new clients. Sitting and waiting for things to happen will not help, if you take initiative now the world is yours.

T

here is no point in dodging issues, it will be better to meet the challenges head on. Help you need, will not come cheap either but will be worth it. Money from insurance company will come now.

You may gain from a female from different culture. Concentrate while behind the wheels. You will be taking a trip to coastal area.

(July 23 to August 22)

(November 23 to December 22)

Y

ou will be tired of stale life and take some drastic actions. Results will be almost instant and astonishing. Will make everybody at home happy. Dispose off money making stocks and wait for another week to buy them back. You will also finalize a small trip with family to an interesting place. People will benefit from your advice.

Y

ou will be under lots of pressure at work, but soon you will reap rich rewards. Boss is keeping an eye on your performance so keep doing the good work. Some one with gray hair will give useful tips and tell you how to cope with hurdles. You may take some loss and sign a contract in a hurry. You will be in demand at the get together.

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

510-886-4370

www.parashar.com

(December 22 to January 19)

M

eeting will be short but you will have a golden opportunity to gain valuable wisdom and pointers. You may be tempted to take the offer against everybody's will. Some one will make a futile attempt to hurt you but will not succeed. Fast recovery from minor illness also indicated. Money will come but disappear very fast.

(January 20 to February 18)

D

on't be hesitant to seek help before things gets out of controls. Its time to start planning for long term rather than immediate gains. You will be going on an entertaining trip. Spouse may complain of some aches and pains in the body. Things will stabilize at work and new associates will be cooperative. Boss will make recommendation.

(February 19 to March 20)

Y

ou will make all financial commitment and still have some leftover. Running around will not go waste and you may finally make up your mind to acquire more education to improve your prospects in this challenging world. You will have few visitors for a day this week. Invitation for the party will also come via email.

38

India Post

January 31, 2014

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NEWS on your desktop

Fax: (314) 423-0391 www.indiapost.com

39 India Post

C

oorg is a blend of scenic beauty and traditional heritage. Coorg or Kodagu is one of the smallest districts of Karnataka which covers an area of 4,104 sq.km. In 1956 it lost its position as a state and became a district of Karnataka. Till then it had an elected Chief Minister and the Legislative Assembly. Now it is a part of Mangalore Lok Sabha Constituency comprising three Legislative Assembly Constituencies namely, Mercara, Virajpet and Somwarpet.

At the administrative level, it is divided into three taluks, viz, Madikeri or Mercara, the District Headquarters, Virajpet and Somwarpet. The boundary at the north is Hassan District and at the northwest it is Dakshin Kannada District. At the same time Mysore District shares the east boundary, Kannur District of Kerala the south west and Wayanad District of Kerala the south.

At the holy lake

www.indiapost.com Coorg is situated on the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats with highest peaks like Tadiandamol and Pushpagiri.

Karnataka's largest and serene river, Cauvery, originates on the eastern side of the Western Ghats. A major part of Coorg is watered by the tributaries of River Cauvery and by some other streams which are originate in or around Coorg.

Coorg is one of the major places in India which gets high rain fall every year. The intensity of the rainy season reaches its maximum in July and August. The average temperature of Coorg is 15*C and reaches a maximum of 28*C in April and May. Climate of Coorg consists of three seasons. (1) Winter Season: December to February, (2) Summer Season: March to May and (3) Rainy Season: June to November.

The economy of Coorg is based on agriculture, plantations, forestry and eco-tourism. Being the largest producer of coffee in India, Coorg also produces cardamom, pepper, rub-

January 31, 2014 ber, cocoa and oranges.

Eco-tourism Eco-tourism has given Coorg a new name in the world of tourism and Coorg is enriched with three wildlife sanctuaries, viz., Brahmagiri, Talakauvery and Pushpagiri and one national park, named Nagarhole or Rajiv Gandhi National Park. The thick forests of Coorg contain a variety of trees like Sandal, Teak, Rosewood, etc., and animals like elephant, tiger, leopard, cheetah and crocodile.

An attractive event in Coorg is the Kodava Family Sports Tournament which has entered the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest family tournament. It is being held with a participation of more than 300 Kodava families which have their own teams. Even women, who can take part in the competition either with their husbands or fathers, fight for winning the coveted Family Cup. Cont’d on page 40

40

Travel & Hospitality Post

India Post

January 31, 2014

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Coorg-Blessed with 3 wildlife sanctuaries, one national park Cont’d from page 39

Places to see Madikeri: Madikeri is the capital city of Coorg. This city was established by king Muddu Raja of Haleri Dynasty in 1681. Madikeri is the name derived from "Muddu Rajakeri". This small town in the

lap of hills is always seems cloudy or misty. It is also called Scotland of the East.

Tala Kaveri or Talakauveri Talakauveri in the Brahmagiri hill near Bhagamandala is generally considered as the place from where the sacred Cauveri River

Tala Kaveri or Talakauveri

originates. In rainy season, the flow from Talakauveri to the main river course can be seen. A tank erected on the hillside near a temple is always visible and pilgrims take a bath in this water on special days.

Tibetan Gold Temple This is the second largest Tibetan settlement in India and is situated at Bylakoppa, 6 kms away from Kushalnagar. There are three gold coated idols of Buddha, Padmasambhava and Amitayush with a height of 40 feet in this temple. Namdrolling Monastery of the famous Buddha Vihar is situated in this temple.

Nagarhole Nagarhole National Park also known as 'Rajiv Gandhi National Park,' is located 94 km from Mysore and covers an area of 575 square kms of Coorg and Mysore districts. It is a part of the Nilgiri

Tibetan Gold Temple

Biosphere Reserve and was nationalized in 1974. This park is blessed with green forests, shallow streams, beautiful valleys and bewildering waterfalls. It also provides an opportunity to view wild animals like elephant, deer, tiger, cheetah, jackal, etc. in their living environment. Reptiles like marsh crocodile, monitor lizard and rock python are also inhabitants of this park.

Nisargadhama Nisargadhama is a beautiful biological park near Kushalnagar in

only to get into the river at places where water is shallow. Every safety measure has to be taken here. You can watch peacocks, rabbits, deer and an orchidarium.

A playground for children makes them happy. And those who love to travel on elephants will be happy here for there are elephant rides awaiting them. Those who wish to stay at tree tops also get bamboo cottages for their shelter.

A guest house run by the forest department is also available for stay. Those who love nature and be with nature never miss this

Nisargadhama

the district of Coorg in Karnataka.

The distance between Nisargadhama and Madikeri is 30 kms and from Mysore it is 95 kms.

It is one of the prettiest holiday destinations in Karnataka. The importance of Nisargadhama lies in the fact that it is the place where Cauvery splits forming an island of thick bamboo groves, sandal trees and teak trees. There is a hanging bridge made of rope that connects the mainland with this beautiful island covered by Cauvery.

Those who are interested in boating have never been disappointed here. But they are allowed

place.

Dubare Dubare is a natural island with an exquisite atmosphere. This beautiful place offers a wonderful experience of boating and fishing.

Dubare is situated on the banks of Cauvery, 18 kms away from Kushalnagar in the district of Kodagu or Coorg in Karnataka.

The main attraction of this place is the elephant camp which covers an area of 11 acres. The Karnataka Forest Department has more than 150 elephants in various camps.

Cont’d on page 42

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India bags many travelers' choice awards NEW DELHI: Indian hotels and boutique properties have finally made their presence felt in the global hospitality industry, winning several travelers' choice awards.

In the 2014 Travelers Choice announced by travel portal

Inns category with 12 wins.

Overall, India secured the second spot with 39 awards in Asia after Indonesia with 41 awards.

Within the country, Rajasthan emerged as the leader in hospitality, with hotels from the state

In the 2014 Travellers Choice awards announced by travel portal TripAdvisor, Indian properties ranged from major hotel chains to small boutiques.

TripAdvisor, Indian properties ranging from major hotel chains to small boutiques, eight of the top 10 hotels in various categories were from India.

In the Top, Luxury and Family hotel segments too, India registered a strong presence with eight wins in Top and six each in Luxury and Family categories and swept the B&Bs (Bed and Breakfast) and

notching an impressive 50 awards across the World, Asia and India lists.

The other top performers included Kerala with 36 awards, Karnataka with 30 and Goa 17.

Among the metros, Delhi led with seven awards followed closely by Bangalore with six.

The Oberoi Group of Hotels led the show with two hotels each

Chicago mayor sets new tourism goals CHICAGO: Mayor Rahm Emanuel raised his goal for the number of tourists who visit Chicago annually and on January 22 the city announced it had record hotel occupancy in 2013. ``We look forward to the year ahead as we continue to build momentum overseas and further position Chicago as the premier destination for U.S. travel,'' Emanuel said.

Emanuel previously hoped for 50 million visitors a year by 2020.

Now he says he wants 55 million visitors annually by 2020. City officials say about 46 million people currently visit Chicago every year.

Emanuel announced new tourism efforts, too, including an international competition to light the city at night. The city will seek entries from artists, architects, planners and designers from the around the world, Emanuel said.

Chicago also plans to heavily

promote both domestically and in China a citywide Chinese New Year celebration running from Jan. 31 to Feb. 14.-AP

Mayor Rahm Emanuel

making to the Luxury and Top hotels list in the world.

The emergence of modest accommodation like Kaiya House and Jaipur Friendly Villas in the list of Bargain hotels and Inns and B&B categories respectively was the winning story.

TripAdvisor Country Manager Nikhil Ganju said this was "the first time in the history of the awards that India has registered such a strong presence on the World and Asia lists.

This just goes to prove the world class standards that the Indian hospitality industry, right from big hotel chains to small boutique properties employ".-PTI

India, Japan sign memorandum to promote tourism NEW DELHI: Aiming at strengthening cooperation in the tourism sector, India and Japan have signed a memorandum to expand the scope of bilateral promotion in the sector.

The memorandum would facili-

tate travel and tourist visits and boost tourism partnership between the two countries, Japan Tourism Agency Commissioner Shigeto Kubo said after signing the agreement.

The document was signed between Tourism Ministry and the Japan Tourism Agency, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

Kubo said both countries have a lot of potential in the field of tourism and the number of tourThe Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Parvez Dewan and ists visiting each country the Commissioner of Japan Tourism Agency, Shigeto other's Kubo signing a memorandum between the Ministry of need to be inTourism and Japan Tourism Agency, in New Delhi creased.-PTI

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Kerala wins UN award for sustainable tourism THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala Tourism has been conferred the United Nations Award for creating innovative initiatives for sustainable tourism, the first time India has ever won the recognition.

The state lifted the coveted honor for its sustainable development initiative in the world renowned backwater resort of Kumarakom, a Kerala tourism release said.

Kerala Tourism bagged the honor at the annual United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Awards for Excellence and Innovation in Tourism presented at Madrid in Spain.

Kerala won the UNWTO Ulysses Award for Innovation in Public Policy and Governance, the highest honor given to the government bodies for shaping global tourism policies through innovative initiatives.

Kerala Tourism was chosen for the honor for its path-breaking 'Responsible Tourism' project in Kumarakom, which has successfully linked the local community with the Hospitality industry and government departments, thereby

creating a model for empowerment and development of the people in the area while sustaining ecofriendly tourism.

The Kumarakom initiative had earlier won the National Award for Best Rural Tourism Project in

March last year and also the PATA Grand Award for Environment.

"Kerala, a popular ecotourism destination, portrays responsible and sustainable tourism in an exceptional manner," said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai, at the awards ceremony.

Last year, the Ministry of Tourism of Malaysia had won the UNWTO Ulysses Award for Inno-

vation in Public Policy and Governance for its Homestay Experience Program.

Previous winners in the category include Peru, Portugal and China.

Instituted in 2003 by UNWTO, the United Nations agency for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism, the UNWTO Awards showcase innovation and application of knowledge in tourism with the aim of effecting governance and society.

UNWTO Ulysses Award for Innovation was given in four categories Public Policy and Governance; Enterprises and NGOs; Research and Technology.

Two other categories, UNWTO Ulysses Prize and UNWTO Award for Lifetime Achievement recognize individual contributions.-PTI

Coorg-Blessed with 3 wildlife sanctuaries, one national park Cont’d from page 40

Dubare is the most prominent camp among them due to its historical importance. The elephants for the famous Mysore Dussehra are trained at Dubare elephant camp. At present, after logging operations have ceased, the elephants have been practically retired except for giving some rides to tourists. Alongwith the elephant training camp, Harangi Dam, Nisargadhama and Veerabhoomi are the other main attractions of the forest area.

Another interesting thing is that the Nagarhole National Park is in close proximity to Dubara.

Every morning and evening there are tours conducted by the Forest Department. If you are much more adventurous, trekking is the best way to explore and discover Dubara. The trekking trail leads you through wilderness, forests, hillocks, river banks.

The well-known trekking routes are in the hills of Brahmagiri, where the trekking trail leads you to the magnificent Irrupa Falls. Dubare

offers various trekking opportunities along with river rafting if you have high spirits in performing adventures. The rafting options are 8.5 kms or 12.5 kms. The sight of beautiful backwaters with the small islands here and there makes you an admirer of nature. The place is so serene that nature lovers always prefer Dubare as their destination.

Mangalore airport has good connectivity with direct flights from different parts of the country.

By Road Coorg is well connected with the cities like Mysore (118 km), Bangalore (255 km) and Mangalore (139 km). You can hire taxis as well as state buses. It takes 3 hours 30 minutes to reach the place from Hassan.

How to Reach

By Air Coorg does not have its own airport. The nearest airport is Mangalore, 135 km away.

By Train Coorg does not possess a railway network but the stations closest to this hill station are Mysore, Mangalore and Hassan.

Dubare

Luxury cruise and biking Surprisingly good combo CHARMAINE NORONHA

DOVER, ENGLAND: I fancy myself a backpack-carrying, adventure-seeking traveler, at home in hostels and on hiking trails. But there I was, on a luxury cruise ship, sipping wine with silver-haired foxes, fox-trotting with male escorts in the ballroom, and escorting myself on a tapas-like tour around Europe, sampling cities for a day via ship, bus, foot and bike.

It was the biking aspect that had led to my unlikely sojourn on the ship, Crystal Cruises' Serenity.

Months before, my cyclist-enthusiast ears perked up when I heard about the cruise, with bikingbased itineraries in several port cities. The regimented itinerary of a cruise with its scheduled ports of call, and the idea of spending

and sandy trails, down to the Mediterranean Sea under a blistering sun. I shuffled on and off a bus from Lisbon to Sintra, Portugal, past the beautiful Estoril Coast, learning tidbits of Portugal's past.

I peered out into the darkness as we cruised through the Straits of Gibraltar at nightfall, faint lights flickering on my left on the coast of Spain and the spotty lit coast of Africa to my right. The next day I kneeled before the altar during a special Mass at La Sagrada Familia, Antoni Gaudi's magnificent church in Barcelona.

On the days I wasn't exploring cities, I explored all that the 1,070passenger Crystal Serenity had on offer. On board I waltzed, rumba'd

that much time on a ship, wasn't all that appealing to me, but the prospect of biking around a few different European cities was. So I packed my sneakers, some cute bike shorts and an open mind.

Embarking in Dover, England, I was sure I was the only passenger hauling a backpack on board when the butler assigned to my cabin floor did a double-take at the sight of my luggage. But after a restful sleep, rocked by the waves of the Atlantic and the gentle hum of the ship's engine, thoughts of hostels were but a distant memory.

On the first of my 10-day adventure hitting seven cities in four countries, my cousin and fellow cruiser Olivia DeMello, I, and a few other cyclists biked around Guernsey, one of the Channel Islands, on cruisers we were given. We traversed the quaint, compact island, two-wheeling by fawn-hued cows, primary-colored fishing boats and World War II bunkers.

The next day we sampled wine on an evening walking tour in Bordeaux, France, as we learned about local history. In the hopes of working off some of that vino, I pedaled around the cobblestoned streets and lush wineries of SaintEmilion the following day.

I flew through Cadiz, Spain, mountain-biking on rolling hills

and jived during dance classes with escorts who taught us basic ballroom steps and etiquette. As I one, two, three'd, I secretly wished the dancing aficionados would hoist me above their heads for my ``Dirty Dancing'' moment.

I painted Portuguese tiles in the afternoon art classes and attended a lecture about the pros and cons of Turkey's bid to join the European Union. Other lectures on board were led by Clint Van Zandt, the FBI's former chief hostage negotiator, and Jennie Congleton, who offered talks about the culture and history of the next day's port cities.

I also ate. A lot. But it wasn't my fault! It was hard to resist the delectable goodies offered at every turn. I dined on superstar chef Nobu Matsuhisa's sashimi and sushi creations from the ship's Silk Road eatery, I savored creme brulee in the opulent Crystal dining room, and noshed on lobster tail and shrimp cocktails in the afternoon.

I also indulged in high tea with Leona Wachtstetter, known to all aboard as ``Mama Lee,'' who's in Crystal's history books for having taken nearly 150 cruises in the last half-dozen years. I traded travel and cruise stories with lovely elderly couples, many of whom were veteran cruisers. -AP

January 31, 2014

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US tourist killed by elephants in Thailand BANGKOK: Park rangers in Thailand have found the body of an American tourist who was apparently trampled to death by elephants in a reserve outside Bangkok, police said here.

The woman went missing Jan. 13 in Thailand's Kaeng Krachan National Park in the western province of Petchaburi, said police Col. Woradet Suanklaai.

She was found crumpled in the

woods five days later, after a 70person search team was deployed, and the severity of the injuries indicated she was likely trampled to death. ``Her arms, her wrists and other parts of the body were broken, so we assumed she was trampled by elephants because no humans could have caused such powerful damage to the body,'' Woradet said. Police sent the body to a fo-

rensic institute in the capital to determine the cause of death, he said.

The U.S. Embassy in Bangkok confirmed the death, but gave no details.

Kaeng Krachan is the largest national park in Thailand, covering nearly 3,000 square meters (32,300 square feet) of forest. It is 200 kilometers (124 miles) southwest of Bangkok.

Woradet said the woman, who was in her 20s, was traveling alone when she left a camping ground in the park. ``Looking at the pictures she took in her camera, we see a lot of animals, birds, snakes, lizards,'' Woradet said. ``We assumed she wanted to take pictures of elephants because that's what the Kaeng Krachan National Park is famous for. We believed she wanted to find them and take some photos.''-AP

Vail seeks to target summer audience VAIL, COLO.: In recent market research, results showed that Vail is widely recognized by people all over the world as a summer destination that is beautiful, family friendly, luxurious and cultured.

Also a plus: Vail was widely recognized among international guests.

The bad news, however, is that other mountain resort towns are quickly closing the gap as desirable warm-weather spots. ``Vail is doing well and has a huge brand recognition,'' said Ellie Chadwick, of branding company Goodness Manufacturing. ``But other resorts are quickly encroaching.''

Each resort area had its own strengths. Among the respondents of various surveys, Breckenridge was recognized as family-friendly and a good value, while Aspen was recognized as having big, iconic events and more affordable lodging. Park City was known as an adventure playground, where thrill seekers could do a variety of activities in a single mountain area.

So the race to stand out in the summer months is on, and Vail officials have a plan to capitalize on already popular summer events and start researching exactly who might be the ideal candidate for a Vail summer vacation. ``I'm not surprised at all with these results about summer mar-

keting,'' said Davy Ratchford, member of the Vail Local Marketing District Advisory Council and director of marketing and sales at Vail Mountain. ``People are catching onto the fact that there are great summer opportunities in the mountains.

We already have more than what other areas can ever hope to have because of the nature we have here. But other people are bound to catch up.''

council chair Beth Slifer said that Vail should find who its target demographic is and find out the kind of people who visit or have second homes in Vail. ``We should be exploring who are our second homeowners,'' she said. ``In Aspen, it's the L.A. and entertainment crowd. With Nantucket, you think of Wall Street.

Here, it might be business leaders and Fortune 500.''

Marketing brand-name events

‘People are catching onto the fact that there are great summer opportunities in the mountains. We already have more than what other areas can ever hope to have, That's on the mind of marketing specialists who are looking ahead to launching a summer advertising campaign. Goodness, a California-based company that recently came on board to work with the town's marketing staff, wants to do more research to find who is the right audience for these efforts. ``Our hunch is that there are a pool of people out there right now who are Vail folks that we're not talking to yet,'' said Chadwick. ``Are we more interested in putting more money into getting more people here in general or talking to a specific crowd?''

Marketing district advisory

is another part of making Vail a classic summer destination, the council agreed. Vail is home to a number of well-attended, established summer events, but some of those events have yet to become synonymous with Vail.

Aspen, for example, may have fewer events throughout the summer than Vail, but what events it has are widely known, such as Jazz Aspen Snowmass and the Aspen Food & Wine Festival.

Slifer suggested that just the presence of such events is enough to draw people to the area, whether or not they are attending the events themselves.'-AP

WWII museum plans gallery on Monuments Men NEW ORLEANS: The National viously unsung heroes to life.''

WWII Museum in New Orleans Taking part in the announceplans a gallery commemorating the ment at the museum was Robert work of men and women who Edsel, author of the book ``The saved stolen cultural treasures Monuments Men: Allied Heroes, from destruction by the Nazis - ef- Nazi Thieves and the Greatest forts also portrayed in a movie set Treasure Hunt in History.'' Edsel for release in February. also is a member of the museum's The museum announced the board of trustees. gallery will open in 2016 as part of the museum's developing ``Liberation Pavilion,'' an area dedicated to the closing months of the war and the immediate postwar years.

A museum news release says the gallery will highlight wartime measures taken to locate hundreds of thousands of stolen art works, including masterpieces

by Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael and Nick Mueller, President & CEO of the WWII Michelangelo. It also Museum will recreate for visitors the journey some art-rescuers The movie, ``The Monuments took through an Austrian salt mine Men,'' is based on Edsel's book. where some works were stored.

Set for release Feb. 7, it was diThe statement also says the rected by George Clooney who gallery will provide visitors with stars in it along with Matt Damon, ``an immersive experience that Bill Murray, John Goodman and brings the missions of these pre- Cate Blanchett.-AP

Air, space artifacts make way to new home in Va. CHANTILLY: Thousands of the nation's historic air and space artifacts - including a Navy dive bomber from World War II and spacesuits from the Apollo era are slowly being moved from a cramped site in Maryland to a

state-of-the-art Smithsonian conservation hangar in northern Virginia.

Faced with an ongoing shortage of suitable space to preserve its massive collection, the Smithsonian Institution's new air and space warehouse is a bright spot for the museum complex. The

National Air and Space Museum opened its Udvar-Hazy Center annex in Virginia 10 years ago with a design to store thousands of artifacts on display. Now over the past year, the site has also opened a massive $79 million restoration hangar and conservation lab with additional storage space for artifacts.

Conservators will offer the public the first behindthe-scenes look at the facility during a free open house.

Visitors can meet with curators and archivists and learn how aircraft and fragile pieces are cared for.

Last year, the Smithsonian's inspector general testified in Congress that the continued use of substandard facilities elsewhere posed a risk to important art and science collections. One site in Maryland was built in the 1950s and 1960s as a temporary holding site that became permanent.-AP

In Brief Push for driver's licenses for Mass. immigrants BOSTON: The largest immigrant advocacy group in New England is again pushing lawmakers to support a bill that would allow foreign-born residents living in the country illegally to secure Massachusetts driver's licenses.

Massachusetts law currently requires immigrants seeking a driver's license to prove that they are in the country legally.

The Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition, or MIRA, said removing that barrier - as proposed under the Safe Driving Bill - would make Massachusetts roads more secure ensuring immigrants living in the country illegally are trained, licensed and insured.

Supporters say the bill would particularly help people who do not live near public transportation. It also would protect the health and well-being of children who depend on their parents in medical emergencies.

Lawmakers have scheduled a hearing on the bill for Feb. 5.

MIRA is calling on supporters to sign and share an online petition supporting the Safe Driving Bill, noting that similar laws are now in effect in Connecticut; Illinois; Maryland; Puerto Rico; California; Washington; Oregon; Nevada; Utah; Colorado; Washington, D.C. and New Mexico.-AP

„ Sentencing set for 2 in Phoenix car wash case PHOENIX: A June 2 sentencing date has been set for two employees of a metropolitan Phoenix car-wash chain that's accused of immigration fraud in its hiring.

Oscar Ivan Gastelum-Aguilar and Henry Antonio HernandezAlonzo had previously pleaded guilty to a federal conspiracy charge.

Twelve of 14 Danny's managers who were charged have pleaded guilty.

Some lower-level managers who pleaded guilty have said that at least one higher-up within Danny's instructed them to rehire workers who had to be fired after a federal audit found nearly half of the company's 1,900-person workforce were people who weren't authorized to work in the United States.

A Nov. 3 trial is set for two managers who pleaded not guilty to the charges against them. -AP

Immigration

Focus on good moral character in naturalization-II Details on page 46

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January 31, 2014

Immigration reform key to GOP future, says ex-NY Mayor Bloomberg WASHINGTON: Former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg has said that a Republican Party that ignores the nation's Hispanics and balks at immigration overhaul does so at its political peril as Republicans pressured the House GOP to act this year. ``If you are against the fastestgrowing voting bloc in the country, you and your party don't have a future,'' Bloomberg said flatly at a forum on immigration with Michigan Republican Gov. Rick Snyder and former Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez, who served in President George W. Bush's administration.

National Republicans insist that the party must pass reforms and address the issue of the 11 million immigrants living in the United States illegally to be competitive in presidential elections.

In 2012, Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, who suggested that immigrants ``self-deport,'' won just 27 percent of the Hispanic vote.

House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, and other GOP leaders are working on a set of principles on immigration that they expect to

nesty to those here illegally, worry about the political fallout in their districts and oppose giving President Barack Obama a long-sought

New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg

present to the Republican caucus next week at its annual retreat.

While the document has given new hope to immigration proponents, opposition still remains strong in the House, where many Republicans fear granting am-

legislative victory.

The forum sponsored by the Partnership for a New American Economy and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce was a fresh reminder of the divide within the GOP between national Republicans and many in

Congress. It marked one of the first public events for Bloomberg since he stepped down as mayor. ``We need comprehensive immigration reform. To be blunt, we have a dumb system,'' said Snyder, who described efforts in Michigan to grant visas to immigrants for work.

He said it would ``turbo-charge'' the economy in places like Detroit.

Gutierrez said that without immigration overhaul, ``our workforce down the road doesn't grow,'' and argued that there was increasing recognition within the GOP that it must be the party of immigration.

The Senate last year passed a comprehensive, bipartisan bill that addressed border security, provided enforcement measures and offered a path to citizenship for the estimated 11 million immigrants living in the United States illegally.

The measure stalled in the GOPled House, where Republican leaders have insisted that they will take a piecemeal approach.

Cont'd on Page 47

Feds to limit use of shackles at immigration court SAN FRANCISCO: Federal authorities will limit the use of shackles on immigrants who appear before immigration judges under a settlement of a class-action lawsuit.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement will avoid shackling immigrants at the San Francisco immigration court in many hearings. Immigrants will still be shackled at a type of brief, procedural hearing in which several detainees are addressed at the same time.

The settlement, approved by U.S. District Judge Richard Seeborg, applies only to the San Francisco court, which serves more than 2,000 immigrants a year who are in ICE custody at three county jails in Northern California. The federal agency said that conditions vary significantly in courts across the country and that it disagreed with a ``one-size-fits-all'' nationwide policy.

The lawsuit, filed in 2011 by the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California and others, says detainees at the San Francisco court wore metal restraints

a safety threat or risk of escape.

Except in limited circumstances, they will remain shackled at master calendar hearings, which are held for larger numbers of immi-

A shackled illegal immigrant from El Salvador walks to an aircraft for a repatriation flight back to El Salvador from Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport in Mesa, Ariz.

on their wrists, ankles and waists and that most were bused from jails several hours away, spending hours in shackles before, during and after their hearings.

Under the settlement, detainees will not be restrained at bond or merit hearings unless they pose

grants for brief, procedural issues like scheduling.

ICE said in a statement that it was ``committed to preserving the dignity and welfare of all those in our custody. The agency is also obligated to ensure the safety of the public and employ-

ees visiting or working in federal buildings that house court proceedings. ICE has worked with the plaintiffs to arrive at an agreement which affords the agency the flexibility to do both.''

ICE said it would work on guidelines in courts outside San Francisco ``that best serve both the interests of the agency and those in our custody.''

Plaintiffs hailed the settlement as an important victory. ``In addition to securing fairer hearings for detained immigrants in Northern California, we expect U.S. immigration officials will now think twice before shackling immigration detainees for their court hearings elsewhere in the country,'' said Julia Harumi Mass, an attorney for the ACLU, which sued federal agencies along with the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights and the law firm Wilson, Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati.-AP

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Governor seeks visas to lure NH OKs in-state tuition for illegal residents immigrants to Detroit DETROIT: Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder has announced a plan to ask the Obama administration to set aside thousands of work visas to entice talented immigrants to live and work in bankrupt Detroit.

The Republican governor said he is seeking 50,000 work visas solely for the city over five years.

The type of visas involved are not currently allocated by region or

Snyder unveiled the immigration plan at the offices of the IDEAL Group, a family-owned manufacturing and construction company in Detroit whose founder is the grandson of Mexican immigrants. Mayor Mike Duggan, city council members and other community leaders attended.

In an interview, the Governor

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder speaks at the IDEAL Group

state, but rather go to legal immigrants who have advanced degrees or show exceptional ability in certain fields.

Under the governor's unique proposal, one-quarter of the nation's 40,000 annual EB-2 visas would be designated for such immigrants willing to live and work for five years in Detroit - a city amid the largest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history whose neighborhoods have been hollowed out by a long population decline. ``Let's send a message to the entire world: Detroit, Michigan, is open to the world,'' Snyder said during his news conference, which came a day after he backed plans to commit as much as $350 million in state funds to help shore up Detroit pension funds and prevent the sale of valuable city-owned art.

told The Associated Press that the proposal would require no federal financial bailout. ``This involves working with immigration rules and visa limits,'' he said. ``Here's a non-cash way to significantly accelerate

``groundbreaking'' request to the federal government this week if possible.

Snyder has routinely touted immigration as an economic driver, citing statistics that immigrant entrepreneurs start many small businesses and file patents at twice the rate of U.S.-born citizens. His office says immigrants created nearly one-third of the high-tech businesses in Michigan in the last decade, third in the nation.

The Governor specifically is trying to find flexibility in a waiver that allows foreign workers with a master's degree or higher - or who demonstrate exceptional skills in science, business or art - to come to the US if it is in the ``national interest.''

The waiver is available if an applicant does not have a job or if a prospective employer cannot show that there are no qualified U.S. citizens to fill the position.

Snyder wants to broaden the definition of national interest to apply it to the geographic area of downtrodden Detroit, likening the concept to one already in place where foreign-born physicians can get a green card after working in an underserved area for five years.

Under the plan, Detroit would be allocated 5,000 visas in the first year, 10,000 each of the next three years and 15,000 in the fifth year.

Under the governor's unique proposal, one-quarter of the nation's 40,000 annual EB-2 visas would be designated for such immigrants willing to live and work for five years in Detroit the comeback of Detroit. Why wouldn't this be a great thing?''

Snyder spokeswoman Sara Wurfel said his administration plans to submit the

Snyder is especially keen on keeping foreign students in Michigan who have advanced degrees in science, technology, engineering or math. -AP

CONCORD, N.H.: The House in-state rates. has voted to give in-state tuition The students also would be reto students in the country illegally quired to apply for legal resiwho attend University System of dency if they have not already New Hampshire colleges. done so and file a copy with the The House voted 188-155 to university system. pass a bill that treats the immigrants like resiThe students also would be dents.

The students would required to apply for legal have to have graduresidency if they have ated from a New Hampshire high school or not already done so and obtained a New Hamp- file a copy with the univershire high school equivalency certifi- sity system. cate; attended a New Hampshire high school for three Opponents argue it isn't fair for years prior to graduation; or re- out-of-state students to pay ceived an equivalency certificate higher tuition than students in the and met all the other criteria for country illegally. -AP

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

Former Assistant StateÂ’s Attorney

Civil & Criminal Litigation Felonies, Misdemeanors, Inc DUI 1 Personal Injury, Business, Divorce etc.

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

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Focus on good moral character in naturalization-II MYRIAM JAIDI

Continued from last week

G

iving false testimony with the intent of obtaining an immigration benefit precludes a finding of GMC even if the information provided in the false testimony is not material.

"Testimony" must be oral and must have been made under oath.

False statements in writing, such as false information provided in an application or fraudulent documents submitted with an application do not constitute "false testimony" for the purposes of this basis for denying GMC. Note however, that failure to truthfully answer the questions on the Form N-400 when combined with the fact that an applicant is usually asked to reaffirm his or her answers under oath during the naturalization interview can constitute false testimony.

Providing a false written statements and/or fraudulent docu-

innocent mistake," United States v. Hovsepian, 422 F.3d 883, 887 (9th Cir. 2005), or as a result of "embarrassment, fear, or a desire for privacy," Kungys v. United States, 485 U.S. 759 (1988), should not preclude a showing of GMC. See also, Lawson, 795 F.Supp.2d at 294-295.

False testimony raises another crucial issue for naturalization, separate from GMC. In a naturalization case, aside from showing GMC, an applicant must also demonstrate that he was lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence under INA 318.

Any fraud, misrepresentation, or material omission in the individual's adjustment of status or immigrant visa process will not only prevent a person from naturalizing, it can also lead to recission of permanent residence under INA 246, if discovered within 5 years of admission, and to removal proceedings at any time.

Even after naturalization, an in-

Failure to truthfully answer the questions on the Form N-400 when combined with the fact that an applicant is usually asked to reaffirm his or her answers under oath during the naturalization interview can constitute false testimony. ments can result in a finding of a lack of GMC under the catchall provisions. For example, an individual provides a forged document to the government in conjunction with application for naturalization.

Although the document does not meet the requirements for "false testimony," the fact of having submitted a forged document to the government could qualify as an "unlawful act" because it would be a violation of 18 USC 1503 and/or 18 USC 1519, among others.

A similar outcome could result from the submission of a false affidavit or declaration made under penalty of perjury, which could qualify as an "unlawful act" as a violation of 18 USC 1623. For an in-depth and engaging discussion of how statements, both written and oral, can result in the inability to show GMC, see Etape v.

Napolitano, 664 F.Supp.2d 498 (D. MD 2009).

Be aware that not all incidents of false testimony need be fatal to a finding of GMC. Where an individual gives false testimony under oath for reasons other than obtaining an immigration benefit, such statements may not undermine a showing of GMC. False statements or misrepresentations made because of "faulty memory, misinterpretation of a question, or

dividual can be subject to denaturalization and removal proceedings because of fraud, misrepresentation or material omission. Naturalization may be revoked pursuant to INA 340(a) where it was procured by concealment of a material fact or willful misrepresentation.

Prostitution If a person has engaged in prostitution, procured or attempted to procure or to import prostitutes or receives the proceeds of prostitution, or was engaged in any other type of commercialized vice during the statutory period, he will be precluded from showing GMC. This section does not require a conviction and applies even if the prostitution occurs in a jurisdiction where it is legal.

Prostitution is defined in the Department of State regulations as "promiscuous sexual intercourse for hire." 22 CFR § 40.24(b). However, one incident of prostitution does not constitute "engaging in" prostitution for the purpose of this bar to GMC. See Matter of T, 6 I&N Dec. 474, 477 (BIA 1955).

Rather, to " 'engage in' means to carry on over a period of time a type of conduct, a pattern of behavior, or form of activity in which sale of the body for carnal intercourse is an integral part . . . ." Id.

Similarly, in Matter of GonazalezZoquiapan, 24 I&N Dec. 549 (BIA 2008), the BIA agreed with the respondent in that case that " 'procure' does not extend to an act of solicitation of a prostitute on one's own behalf." The PM cites to and indicates its agreement with these two cases.

Keep in mind that prostitution is generally considered a CIMT, see Matter of W, 4 I&N Dec. 401 (Cen. Office 1951), but a single conviction for prostitution will most likey fall within the petty offense exception in INA § 212(a)(2)(A)(ii)(II), and thus will not trigger the CIMT bar to GMC. Obviously, if a client has a prostitution conviction, you should check to make sure the petty offense exception applies.

More than one conviction, however, will bring the person within the CIMT bar to GMC, if during the statutory period, and will also make the person deportable under INA § 237(a) (2) (ii), inadmissible under INA § 212(a) (2) (A) (i), and subject to mandatory detention under INA § 236(c).

Please note that whether simple prostitution is a CIMT is currently being contested before the Board of Immigration Appeals, and AILA has submitted an amicus brief arguing that "the BIA should hold that simple prostitution is not categorically a crime involving moral turpitude for the sex worker or client."

A victim of human trafficking who had T nonimmigrant status and adjusted to LPR status, would presumably not have to be concerned about the prostitution bar to showing GMC, because his or her involvement with prostitution would likely have been over for at least 8 years, given that in order to qualify for LPR, one has to have been in T status for 3 years, and then to qualify for naturalization, one must be in LPR status for at

Any arrests and/or convictions must be disclosed in the naturalization process, and extenuating circumstances and equities will need to be presented least 5 years.

However, any arrests and/or convictions must be disclosed in the naturalization process, and extenuating circumstances and equities will need to be presented to convince an officer to exercise

discretion in the applicant's favor.

Habitual Drunkard A person who is a "habitual drunkard" during the statutory period cannot show GMC. The PM directs officers to examine various documents that may reveal habitual drunkenness including "divorce decrees, employment records, an arrest records." PM Ch.5J. Other factors that officers may look to in determining whether someone is a habitual drunkard include "termination of employment, unexplained periods of unemployment, and arrests or multiple convictions for public intoxication or driving under the influence." Id. It is not clear how many convictions for or arrests for driving under the influence (DUI) would trigger a finding that someone is a habitual drunkard. . As a general matter, a single conviction for a simple DUI (or driving while intoxicated (DWI), without any aggra-

After the Supreme Court decision in Leocal v. Ashcroft, 543 U.S. 1 (2004), simple DUI convictions do not generally qualify as "crime of violence" aggravated felonies.

Of course, each statute must examined to ensure the analysis in Leocal applies; in that case the key was the absence of a mental state that would give rise to a finding of moral turpitude.

However, if a client does have even just one DUI conviction, you have to be prepared to support the argument that a single DUI should not preclude demonstration of GMC, especially in light of the number of cases that go to the BIA and federal courts on this issue and reports coming out of field offices.

Bars that apply absent 'extenuating circumstances' For the following three conditional bars, which include the catchall of "unlawful acts," unless the applicant can show extenuat-

If a client does have even just one DUI conviction, you have to be prepared to support the argument that a single DUI should not preclude demonstration of GMC, especially in light of the number of cases that go to the BIA vating factors, should not result in a negative determination regarding GMC. Even multiple DUI convictions have not resulted in a negative determination of GMC. See, e.g., Yaqub v. Gonzales, No. 05 Civ. 170(TSH), 2006 WL 1582440, *5 (S.D.Ohio June 6, 2006) (holding that two DUI convictions do not preclude finding of good moral character, especially where applicant is "forthright"); Puciaty v. Dep't of Justice, 125 F.Supp.2d 1035, 1039 (D.Haw.2000) (holding that two DUI arrests do not preclude finding of good moral character).

Moreover, simple DUI should not constitute a CIMT or a "crime of violence" aggravated felony. A single DUI conviction without aggravating factors, for example under a statute that does not include any elements relating to intent, such as an intent to harm, would not qualify as a CIMT, nor would multiple convictions for simple DUI. See e.g., Matter of TorresVarela, 23 I&N Dec. 78 (BIA 2001) (finding that multiple convictions for the same DUI offense, which individually is not a crime involving moral turpitude, do not, by themselves, aggregate into a conviction for a crime involving moral turpitude) (citing Matter of Fualaau, 21 I&N Dec. 475 (BIA 1996)).

ing circumstances, he will be found to lack GMC if any of the below occurred during the statutory period. Keep in mind that with regard to these conditional bars, the applicant is effectively entitled to, and in all circumstances should, show extenuating circumstances. In general, extenuating circumstances must precede or be contemporaneous with the commission of the offense - equities that arise after the commission of the offense will not be viewed as "extenuating circumstances" by DHS. See PM, Ch.2E. • Willful Failure to Support Dependents • Extramarital Affairs which tended to destroy a marriage • Unlawful Act The "unlawful acts" bar provides a broad spectrum of issues.

A person is precluded from showing GMC if, during the statutory period and in the absence of extenuating circumstances, he has committed "unlawful acts that adversely reflect upon the applicant's moral character, or was convicted or imprisoned for such acts, although the acts do not fall within the purview of Sec.316.10(b)(1) or (2)." According to the PM, an " 'unlawful act' includes any act that is against the law, illegal or against moral or ethical standards of the community.

Cont'd on Page 47

Immigration Post

January 31, 2014

India Post 47

www.indiapost.com

Online firm seeks to become immigration ‘TurboTax" MIAMI: South Florida native and former White House fellow Felice Gorordo is taking the lead of a tech startup aimed at becoming the ``TurboTax'' of the immigration process.

Clearpath Inc. was founded by former U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Chief Michael Petrucelli in 2009 as a private sector solution to simplify the United States' complex visa application

process. Like the online tax program TurboTax, users are guided through a website as they answer a series of questions to help them fill out their forms. The cost per form, about $70 to $200, is generally cheaper than going to an attorney. Government fees are separate.

Gorordo said Clearpath seeks to provide a simple process for those with straightforward cases

who are intimidated by the system, yet he is quick to note that people with complicated immigration situations should still seek professional legal advice. He said the Clearpath website repeatedly checks in with users to let them know if they should continue their application, and the company doesn't charge until the forms are successfully submitted. ``The wizard-based system has

more than 5,000 rules that check along the way to ensure that the user who is applying for the benefit is eligible for the benefit,'' Gorordo said. The site refers users who don't appear to be eligible for the application they are attempting to file - or whose application raises a red flag - to the American Immigration Lawyers Association for further assistance.

Petrucelli said U.S. immigration forms can be confusing because

allowed qualified youth to work or study in the US for two years without fear of deportation, and with the possibility of a two-year extension. But the Department of Homeland Security created the program only as a stopgap measure until Congress passed legislation to provide a long-term solution for this population.

Clearpath is banking on broad congressional action on immigration reform, which could create

Focus on good moral character in naturalization-II Cont'd from Page 46

The fact that an act is a crime makes any commission thereof an unlawful act." PM Ch.5E. The PM goes over the examples of unlawful voting, false claim to U.S. citizenship for voting, and failure to pay taxes. . Here we review common issues including traffic tickets, domestic disputes, and pending cases.

In 2006, USCIS confirmed through AILA liaison that a "single traffic ticket that does not result in a disqualifying arrest or conviction under the INA or a non-criminal moving violation, standing alone, will not be the sole basis for a denial of naturalization for lack of the requisite moral character." You should review traffic tickets with your client and if they have a series of tickets, ask them to explain, because if they have a large number of tickets, this may lead to a question of whether an adjudicator will see your client as failing to live up to community standards in having a repeated series of unlawful acts.

Some clients may come to you with a history of domestic disputes. Be sure to analyze carefully any contact your client may have had with the criminal justice system or family court, relating to any domestic altercations.

Determine whether the client has had arrests, convictions, or protective orders relating to a domestic incident. Domestic violence can result in convictions that count as CIMTs and/or aggravated felonies, and can trigger deportability under INA 237(a) (2) (E).

Where a client has been arrested but no charges resulted from the arrest, the arrest must still be disclosed on the Form N400, because failure to disclose an arrest can constitute false testimony in the context of a naturalization interview. The arrest it-

self will likely trigger an inquiry into the "unlawful act" that led to the arrest, thus the client must be prepared to explain briefly what happened with the arrest in a way that will not lead to an admission that meets the definition of a "conviction" pursuant to INA § 101(a)(48) (Matter of K-, 7 I&N Dec. 594 (BIA 1957) mandates the specific procedure that a government official must follow in order to elicit an admission that may qualify as a conviction).

If a client has a pending case, even for something minor like a disorderly conduct or a simple DUI with no aggravating factors,

manent or conditional bars to establishing GMC, INA § 101(f) provides that this does not "preclude a finding that for other reasons such person is or was not of good moral character." This is where an adjudicator can exercise discretion in assessing GMC. As noted above, adjudicators are required to consider the totality of the circumstances and engage in a balancing of factors in making a determination of GMC. Thus it is our job as advocates to present as complete a picture of a client as possible where GMC is likely to be an issue. A careful exploration of a client's past and present will yield much useful in-

Some clients may come to you with a history of domestic disputes. Be sure to analyze carefully any contact your client may have had with the criminal justice system or family court, relating to any domestic altercations. it would be best to wait for the case to be resolved before applying for naturalization, or try to get the case resolved before the interview. (Of course, even minor charges require analysis of the statute at issue to ensure what might at first appear minor is something more complex.)

If it is not possible to reach resolution before an interview, when facing a charge that you have determined does not trigger any issues, such as a simple DUI (and there are no other problematic cases in your client's history), you should be prepared to argue that even if a conviction were to result, your client can still meet his or her burden of establishing good moral character, especially in light of the fact that "we do not require perfection in our new citizens." Klig v. United States, 296 F.2d 343, 346 (2d Cir. 1961).

Catchall Provision Finally, even if an individual does not fall within one of the per-

formation that can be used to present extenuating circumstances, reformation of character, and to demonstrate that the client has GMC sufficient to merit a grant of citizenship.

Keep in mind that GMC issues overlap with other issues and that if you get a red flag while going over GMC issues, your client might have much more significant problems and face risks including removal and mandatory detention.

Analysis of GMC will help you determine whether the client should or should not risk applying for naturalization, and in managing a client's expectation as to how much of a fight will be necessary to show GMC, and in what venues (USCIS, AAO, federal court) that fight might need to take place.

Concluded * Cyrus D Mehta, may be contacted at 212-425-0555 or info@cyrusmehta.com

South Florida man tries to simplify immigration process.

they are not standardized and are sometimes written in awkward, government speak. Often applicants are asked similar questions in different ways. One mistake can lead to a delay in approval, or in worse case, a rejection of the application.

Clearpath timed its public rollout with the Obama administration's deferred action program for youth living in the country illegally. The 2012 order

millions of potential customers looking to adjust their status.

Gorordo has a history of working with youth and immigration related issues. In addition to his time in the White House, he also worked for USCIS and cofounded a national non-profit organization that facilitates exchanges between and encourages the empowerment of CubanAmerican students and youth in Cuba. -AP

Immigration reform key to GOP future, says ex-NY Mayor Bloomberg Cont'd from Page 44

``It's up to the leadership,'' said Bloomberg, a Republican-turnedindependent, ``if Boehner wants to get it done. He is an accomplished politician. He's been around a long time. He's got a tough hand, but that's what leadership is all about and his tactics will be what he's comfortable with.''

Randy Johnson, vice president of the Chamber and the point person on immigration, said Boehner is working on a unified document that the GOP caucus could back.

Unclear is how the principles translate into legislation and how far it would go. Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., the No. 3 leader in the House, expressed support for legalization for many of the immigrants here illegally

while Democrats have pressed for a path to citizenship.

An unusual coalition of business, labor and evangelicals has lobbied hard for immigration legislation. Thomas Donohue, president of the Chamber of Commerce, has said immigration overhaul is a top priority this year. Donohue met with Boehner last week.

The issue is also crucial to several House Republicans whose districts have seen an increase in Hispanics and who are concerned about their re-election chances.

Rep. Mike Coffman, R-Colo., who met with Boehner earlier this month, said the speaker is ``very committed to getting it done and getting it done this year. He quoted Boehner as saying, ``There's no good time to do it, so let's just get it done now.''' -AP

Datebook

48 India Post

NEW YORK

NEW JERSEY

Upcoming

Upcoming Fri, Feb 11

• Dj Maha - Valentines Day Party 2014

Fri, Feb 7 • A Ghazal Nite Tribute To Anup Jalota

Venue: Plainsboro Plaza, 10 Schalks Crossing Rd, Plainsboro Township, NJ 08536 Time: 7:00 pm Contact: 781-375-8068

Venue: Plainfield High School, 950 Park Ave, Plainfield, Nj 07060 Time: 06:30 pm

Fri, Feb 14

Sat, Feb 08 • Gujarati Comedy Play 2

• Guru Palace - Valentines Day

IDIOTS

Venue: Guru Palace, 2215 US Highway 1, New Brunswick, NJ 08902 Time: 6:00pm Contact: 732-398-9022

Venue: Hindu Temple Auditorium -NY, 143 - 09 Holly Avenue, New York, NY 11355 Time: 8:00 pm Contact: 347-989-6104

Sat, Feb 22

Sat, Mar 29 • Zakir Hussain and The Mas-

• Indian Classical Music Competition Venue: Marathi Vishwa Community Center, 143 State Route 35, Old Bridge Township, NJ 08879 Time: 11:00 am Contact: 862-222-0105

ters of Percussion

Venue: The Theater at Madison Square Garden, Seventh Avenue between 31st and 33rd Streets, New York, NY 10001 Time : 8:00 pm Contact : 866-858-0008

January 31, 2014

www.indiapost.com

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Upcoming

Upcoming

Thu-Sat, Feb 6-8 • Ohlone Theatre & Dance Guild Present: Rogerandtom Venue:Smith Center at Ohlone College Nummi Studio Theatre 43600 Mission Boulevard, Fremont Contact: (510) 659-6031

Fri, Feb 14 • Star Entertainment Valentine Bash 2014 Venue: India Community Center, 525 Los Coches Street, Milpitas, CA 95035 Time: 7:00 pm Contact: 510-673-0153

Sat, Feb 8 • Gaana Drishti – A Vocal Jugalbandi Concert Venue: McAfee Center, Saratoga High School,20300 Herriman Ave, SARATOGA, CA Time: 4:00 pm Contact: 925-470-7850

Fri, Feb 14 • Star Entertainment - Valentine Bash 2014 Venue: India Community Center, 525 Los Coches Street, Milpitas, CA 95035 Time: 7:00 am Contact: 510-673-0153

Sat, Feb 15 • Uttarayan 2014 Venue: Royal Delhi Palace, 22323 Sherman Way, Canoga Park, CA 91303 Time: 11:00 am Contact: 408-586-0006

Sun, Fed 23 • The Wedding Show for The Modern Bride Venue: Sofitel Hotel, 8555 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048 Time: 04:00 pm Contact: 562-366-3640

Thu, Feb 20 • Seminar on Health Care Fraud Venue: Courtyard San Francisco Airport 1050 Bayhill Drive - San Bruno, California Time: 9:00 am

ATLANTA Upcoming Fri, feb 7 • Tum To Thehre Pardesi Venue: Atlanta Event Hall, 3750 Venture Drive, Duluth, GA 30096 Time: 7:00 pm

Fri, Feb 7 • Shujat Ali Khan Close To My Heart Venue: Ashiana Impact Banquet Hall, Global Mall, 5675 Jimmy Carter Blvd, Norcross, Ga 30071 Time: 8:00pm

Fri, Feb 14 • Cupid Calling ! Valentines Day Party.

Venue: Shiana Impact Banquet Hall, Global Mall, 5675 Jimmy Carter Blvd, Norcross, GA 30071 Time: 9:00 pm

ILLINOIS Upcoming • J K Yog Satsang and Bal Mukund Hindi Classes are held every 2nd and 4rth Sunday of Month Chicago Satsang Information: J K Yog, Chicago - Swami Mukundananda Venue: Clarion Inn/Waterford Banquets, Board Room, 933 South Riverside Drive, Elmhurst, IL 60126 Time: 3:30pm-5:30pm Contact: Ajay & Arti Chandhok @ 630-561-4807 Website: www.jkyog.org

1st and 3rd Sunday of Month • Chicago Children's Bal Mukund Character Building Program and Hindi Literacy Classes

Venue: Vogelei Center, 650 W. Higgins Road, Hoffmann Estates, IL 60192 (Next to Nissan Dealership) Contact: Ajay & Arti Chandhok @ 630-561-4807 Website: www.jkyog.org/bal-mukund

Thu, Feb 6

• The Art of Living Happiness Program!!

Venue: Naperville-Aurora area, 1670 Brookview Ct, Aurora, IL 60502 Time: 6:30 pm Contact: 630-639-1099

Mondays and Fridays • Free ESL - English as Second Language Classes Where: Metropolitan Asian Family Services Venue: 9015 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL, Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm Contact: 773-465-3105

January 31, 2014

www.indiapost.com

India Post 49

Realty Tidbits

Work for Metro Phase III troubling Delhiites: Survey NEW DELHI: Traffic chaos, loss of green cover, pollution and encroachment are the major problems that residents of Delhi are facing due to construction work of Metro Phase III, according to a survey involving Metro commuters.

Traffic chaos (74%) and loss of trees (53%) are top two issues residents are facing due to Phase III construction, according to the respondents. The other prominent issues are dust pollution (47%), area encroachment (45%) and noise pollution (38%).

The survey, conducted recently by a research firm, had a sample size of 3,500 Metro commuters in the age group of 18-45 years. It was conducted to understand passengers' receptability and sentiments about Delhi Metro.

The study revolves around the Phase III construction work, their perception and opinion pertaining to addition of an extra coach for women in the Phase III corridor and addition of general coach.

About 87% of the respondents find traveling in Metro convenient and time-saving, while over 90% find it to be the safest mode of transport in Delhi.

Cont’d on page 51

Naredco seeks fast clearance of projects NEW DELHI: Realtors' body Naredco has met Minister for Environment and Forest Veerappa Moily demanding faster clearance of real estate projects.

A high level delegation of National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO) led by Chairman Navin Raheja, and President Sunil Mantri met Moily.

The industry body pointed out the delay in the project due to the time taken for environment clearance and urged that the system of giving clearance to individual projects should be scrapped.

"He (Moily) was very positive and assured us that our demand would be looked into," Naredco Chairman Navin Raheja said.

The association President Sunil Mantri demanded that rather than managing environment clearance at a micro level, all projects falling in the overall management of area should receive automatic clearance.

Government should come out with an Ordinance in this regard at the earliest for automatic clearance of projects which are Green rated by agencies like Leed/Griha, he added. -PTI

Real Estate 50

India Post

www.indiapost.com

Supertech to raise Rs 1,000 cr through PE

January 31, 2014

Details on Page 51

New DDA scheme may be delayed due to polls NEW DELHI: The upcoming Lok Sabha elections might prove to be a dampener for those dreaming of owning an affordable house in Delhi.

The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) had announced last month that it will launch a new housing scheme in 2014. For most Delhiites, DDA's housing schemes are the only chance of owning a house in the Capital at affordable rates.

According to sources in DDA, the scheme was scheduled to be launched in either February or March this year. However, with general elections expected to be held in April or May, the launch is likely to be delayed.

"We are still working on the modalities of the housing scheme and with the code of conduct likely to be in force very soon, the hous-

tightlipped about the details of the scheme even after announcing it in December, sources had said that it was scheduled to be launched after mid-February or early March.

Now, however, it seems that the scheme would not be launched before June.

In its last housing scheme, launched in 2010, the DDA had offered 16,000 flats - one room, three-bedroom and furnished apartments. This time, the number of flats could vary between 9,000 and 30,000, depending on which flats DDA wants to include in the scheme.

The DDA had recently submitted a report to the union urban development ministry, saying that nearly 33,000 flats were available but in different stages of construction. Of these flats, about 25,000 flats are one-bedroom ones.

"There were earlier plans to launch the scheme by mid-February but since many key decisions are yet to be taken, it might get delayed," the official said.

CREDAI welcomes rationalization of property valuations

Anchorage housing project wins national award

KOLKATA: The Confederation of Real Estate Developers' Associations of India (CREDAI) has welcomed the West Bengal government's move to rationalize property valuations.

Officials of the apex body of

real estate developers commended the state government for appreciating the seriousness of implications caused by difference in valuation of properties by the regis-

ing scheme is not likely to be launched in the next six months," said a senior DDA official who didn't wish to be named.

Though DDA officials were

tration authorities and their actual market value.

"Rationalization of property valuations by bringing in the circle rates to realistic market levels becomes extremely significant, considering that it was crucial to infuse a positive sentiment in the market to support the home owning aspirations of millions of buyers, especially in the LIG and MIG c a t e g o r y, " H a r s h Va r d h a n Patodia, President, CREDAI Bengal, told reporters here.

The state finance department has corrected the valuation of built-up space in certain localities

for residential sector as well as for offices in Sector V of Salt Lake.

CREDAI has also suggested an upward revision of property valuation in certain posh areas like Ballygunge and Alipore wherein the valuation figures were found to be lower than what it should have been.

The key issues in property transactions arose with the difference in valuations and the subsequent impact on stamp duty.

Added to this, was the introduction of new provisions of the Income Tax Act wherein a 32 per cent additional Income Tax was being charged on the differential amount between the valuation by the registration authority and the actual value of the transaction, considering this to be notional income.

Before the rationalization, the industry was also suffering because high stamp values transactions were not happening as both buyers and sellers were affected because of the central law. -PTI

ANCHORAGE, Alaska: A housing revitalization project in east Anchorage has won an award from a federal agency and the American Planning Association.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development is awarding the HUD Secretary's Opportunity and Empowerment Award to Cook Inlet Housing Authority for work in the Mountain View Village community.

The award recognizes excellence in community planning that produces increased economic development, employment, education, or housing choice and mobility for low- and moderate-income residents.

Mountain View is one of Anchorage's oldest neighborhoods.

HUD says in the award announcement that the neighborhood has been changed from blight and high concentrations of poverty to a thriving mixed-use commercial corridor that provides residents with affordable housing and jobs. -AP

Real Estate Post

January 31, 2014

India Post 51

www.indiapost.com

Illegal activities a threat to ecology of Aravallis FARIDABAD: Despite an overall lull in the real estate sector, illegal construction and encroachment in certain parts of the district appear to be going on. These include the hilly terrain of the Aravallis.

However, the authorities have removed certain encroachments from the Surajkund area in the past.

"Several construction activities have been noticed in the area, including the Surajkund road. As the non-forest area comes under the jurisdiction of the Municipal Corporation Faridabad (MCF), it has removed certain encroachments in the past," said a source in the civic body.

Admitting that illegal construction poses a threat to the green

cover of the Aravallis, an official said illegal construction or mining could not be done without the involvement of influential persons.

"Panchayat land of several villages, including Ankhir, Lakadpur, Badkhal, Anangpur and Mewla

cial.

District Forest Officer Bhup Singh Yadav said around a dozen FIRs had been lodged at various police stations in the region regarding anti-forest activities.

A memorandum seeking tough

Rs 280 crore from PE firm Xander for its upcoming township project in Gurgaon. Before that, it

Maharajpur, located under the jurisdiction of the MCF has been used for construction activities on a large scale," said the offi-

action against the violators was submitted to the District Forest Officer by the Vanya Jivan Bachao Sangharsh Samiti here.

had raised Rs 100 crore from Walton Street Capital for mixeduse project 'Supernova' at Noida.

"We are planning to raise Rs 1,000 crore through private equity this year. We are in discussions with few private equity f i r m s , " Supertech Director Mohit Arora told PTI. It is in talks with Xander as well to raise additional funds, he said, adding that "the funds would be utilized for our o n g o i n g projects".

The Noida-based firm is developing projects spread over 90 million sq ft and are worth Rs 18,000

crore. The company is in expansion mode.

Supertech recently launched a new housing project in Noida with an investment of Rs 1,350 crore over the next three years.

The company would construct 1,800 flats in the project, which is spread over 17.5 acres.

It also announced foray into the education sector by deciding to set up a University in Uttarakhand with an investment of Rs 750 crore.

Supertech University, to be set up on 47 acres near Rudrapur in Udham Singh Nagar district, will start functioning from December this year. The regular courses will start from mid-2015 session The company has presence in Noida, Greater Noida, Gurgaon, Ghaziabad, Meerut, Moradabad, Haridwar, Rudrapur and Bengaluru.-PTI

Farmers stage protest against builder GHAZIABAD: Thousands of commuters on NH-24 faced inconvenience as traffic came to a halt for several hours as farmers staged a protest against a builder.

Claiming that their land was "unfairly" allotted to the private developer of a proposed hi-tech city in Ghaziabad, affected farmers from 18 villages blocked the route as they staged a march to the Collectorate office.

AMETHI: UP minister Gayatri Prasad Prajapati handed over a cheque of Rs 1.85 lakh to Sunita Kori to build her house, where she had hosted many high-profile guests including Congress's

Admitting that illegal construction poses a threat to the green cover of the Aravallis, an official said illegal construction or mining could not be done without the involvement of influential persons.

Supertech to raise Rs 1,000 cr through PE NEW DELHI: Realty firm Supertech plans to raise Rs 1,000 crore this year through private equity to fund ongoing projects and is in discussions with a few firms.

In 2013, Supertech had raised

UP gives Rs 1.85L to Dalit woman for housing

Some of the agitating farmers also allegedly thrashed some commuters when they requested them to free the passage.

"Some farmers thrashed me when I urged them to free the highway so that commuters don't face any inconvenience. They misbehaved with those asking them to call off their protest," said Sumit Singh, who was on his way to Bullandshar.

The farmers alleged that they were being forced to repeat the Bhatta-Parsaul episode.

The agitating farmers are demanding 10 per cent developed plots (seven per cent residential and three per cent commercial) in lieu of their land acquired, jobs to each family, whose land has been acquired, development of their villages, revised rates of acquisition etc. -PTI

Sunita Kori

Rahul Gandhi to AAP's Kumar Vishwas.

Dalit woman Sunita became famous after Congress vice presi-

dent Rahul Gandhi spent a night at her home at Jawahr Singh ka Purwa village in Sangrampur area of Amethi in 2008.

This attention, however, enraged some who allegedly set her house on fire in March 2012.

The next day Samajwadi Party's Prajapati, who is the local MLA, visited her and laid the foundation stone of a new building, but the construction work was delayed following some dispute.

Aam Aadmi Party's Kumar Vishwas, who entered the Amethi political circle recently and is likely to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections from here, visited Sunita earlier this year and helped repair her house.

With the Lok Sabha elections a few months away, Prajapati handed over the cheque of Rs 1.85 lakh under Lohia Awas Yojna. Talking to reporters, the minister said he had come on the directives of Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav. -PTI

Work for Metro Phase III troubling Delhiites: Survey Cont’d from page 50

A total of 55% of the respondents use the Metro at least once a day, while 29% use it twice, including 56 % who use it to reach their workplace and 30% who use it to reach their school or college. Some of the commuters find the rush, which results to increase in transit time, unsatisfactory.

While only 8% of the respondents were aware of eight coaches in trains, 83 % knew about six coaches. Around 93% respondents feel the need for an additional coach apart from the existing one reserved for women

on the already operational lines.

About 72% were in favor of one extra coach for women, whereas 78% wanted an additional general coach apart from the existing coaches in the upcoming corridor. More than 80% respondents are unhappy by heavy rush at entry and exit points.

However, 95% respondents believe that metro construction is streamlined in most cases in terms of causing minimum problems for the residents of the city.

Around 83% respondents expect improvement in DMRC services, including crowd management, scope for drinking water facility etc.-Agencies

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Philosophy

January 31, 2014

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I

do believe that, where there is only a choice between cowardice and violence, I would advise violence... I would rather have India resort to arms in order to defend her honor than that she should, in a cowardly manner, become or remain a helpless witness to her own dishonor.

But I believe that nonviolence is infinitely superior to violence, forgiveness is more manly than punishment. Forgiveness adorns a soldier...But abstinence is forgiveness only when there is the power to punish; it is meaningless when it pretends to proceed from a helpless creature....But I do not believe India to be helpless....I do not believe myself to be a helpless creature....Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.

We do want to drive out the best in the man, but we do not want on that account to emasculate him. And in the process of finding his own status, the beast in him is bound now and again to put up his ugly appearance.

The world is not entirely governed by logic. Life itself involves some kind of violence and we have to choose the path of least violence.

No Cowardice I want both the Hindus and Mussalmans to cultivate the cool OMRAAM MIKHAEL AIVANHOV

E

verything in nature is a receiver or transmitter: all the rocks, stones and sand - if you only knew all the recordings contained in a single grain of sand! Man does not yet know how to decipher all these messages hidden in the stones of the Earth, but the day will come when he will be able to pick up a stone from Egypt, India or even Atlantis and get it to reveal the story of all that it has witnessed throughout the ages.

There is talk of tuning in to the sounds emitted by the sun and the stars, for the stars and planets all emit sounds, and this is why the Initiates said everything in nature was music that the whole of creation sang.

But it is the rocks and stones that can provide most information, because all the rest has disappeared: the plants, animals and men of the past, with all that they had discovered, have all gone; only the rocks and metals remain to bear witness to the history of the world.

This is what true archeology should be: to decipher these documents of Nature by tuning in to the sound-waves they produce.

courage to die without killing. But if one has not that courage, I want him to cultivate the art of killing and being killed rather than, in a cowardly manner, flee from danger.

For the latter, in spite of his flight, does commit mental himsa. He flees because he has not the courage to be killed in the act of killing.

My method of nonviolence can never lead to loss of strength, but it alone will make it possible, if the nation wills it, to offer disciplined

women and our places of worship by the force of suffering, i.e., nonviolence, we must, if we are men, be at least able to defend all these by fighting.

No matter how weak a person is in body, if it is a shame to flee, he will stand his ground and die at his post.

This would be nonviolence and bravery. No matter how weak he is, he will use what strength he has in inflicting injury on his oppo-

effective use of arms. Let me repeat for the thousandth time that nonviolence is of the strongest, not of the weak.

To run away from danger, instead of facing it, is to deny one's faith in man and God, even one's own self. It were better for one to drown oneself than live to declare such bankruptcy of faith.

I have been repeating over and over again that he who cannot protect himself or his nearest and

Forgiveness is more manly than punishment

Mahatma Gandhi

I have, therefore, said more than once....that, if we do not know how to defend ourselves, our women and our places of worship by the force of suffering, i.e., nonviolence, we must, if we are men, be at least able to defend all these by fighting.

and concerted violence in time of danger.

My creed of nonviolence is an extremely active force. It has no room for cowardice or even weakness. There is hope for a violent man to be some day non-violent, but there is none for a coward. I have, therefore, said more than once....that, if we do not know how to defend ourselves, our

nent, and die in the attempt. This is bravery, but not nonviolence. If, when his duty is to face danger, he flees, it is cowardice. In the first case, the man will have love or charity in him. In the second and third cases, there would be a dislike or distrust and fear.

My nonviolence does admit of people, who cannot or will not be nonviolent, holding and making

dearest or their honor by non-violently facing death may and ought to do so by violently dealing with the oppressor. He who can do neither of the two is a burden. He has no business to be the head of a family.

Excerpted from 'The Mind of Mahatma Gandhi'. The 66th death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi is being observed on January 30.

If you play a magnetic tape recording of a symphony on your tape recorder, you will hear the music; but where is the music on that tape? You can weigh it, measure it and examine it under the microscope but you will find no music! It is all contained in the magnetic imprint.

And the messages contained in Man are recorded in exactly the

proving. To be sure, one can conceal a great many things from other people; but one cannot conceal anything from oneself!

Whatever one does or says or thinks, one is always there to witness it.

Nature, you know, is extremely clever, and she has placed miniature cameras and recorders in man without his knowing it.

abominations committed on earth.

It is no longer possible to persuade human beings to live better lives by telling them that God is watching them and will punish them for their crimes. Most people nowadays can think for themselves and they would say, "Don't be ridiculous; He's not going to waste His time watching what I do!" But if you tell them that it is

same way. This is something you must know, for when you know this you will be obliged to be careful about what you do.

Most people think that they can do wrong without anybody being any the wiser, and it is this conviction that they can hide the evil they do from others that prevents them from evolving and im-

The day he realizes that there is no way he can cheat he will become honest.

In the past the Initiates could not reveal all this to men, so they used to say that the eye of God was always upon us and saw everything we did. The truth is that God has far better things to do than to watch all the crimes and

can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.

-Buddha The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart.

- Helen Keller Find a place inside where there's joy, and the joy will burn out the pain.

-Joseph Campbell Try to be like the turtle at ease in your own shell.

- Bill Copeland Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to

One cannot conceal anything from oneself Nature, you know, is extremely clever, and she has placed miniature cameras and recorders in man without his knowing it. The day he realizes that there is no way he can cheat he will become honest.

Thousands of candles

pieces, I would still plant my apple tree.

- Martin Luther Happiness is not something you postpone for the future; it is someOmraam Mikhael Aivanhov

all being filmed and recorded inside themselves, and that one day they will be judged on the strength of those recordings then, of course, it becomes a very different matter.

Omraam Mikhael Aivanhov (1900-1986), a disciple of Neem Karoli Baba, was a Bulgarian philosopher and spiritual master

thing you design for the present.

- Jim Rohn God always gives His best to those who leave the choice with him.

- Jim Elliot

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New federalism evolving in South Asia?

D SUBA CHANDRAN

P

R Chari, in his commentary last week titled 'Limits of Federalism in South Asia', makes several important assertions on the nature of federalism evolving in the region. Both his assertions and the nature of evolution need larger debate and understanding. But this debate need not have a negative perspective, but be seen as the evolution of a South Asian form of federalism.

'Hodgepodge of Regional Parties': 'Distressing Implications' for South Asian Peace and Conflict?

While explaining the nature of evolving federal practices, PR Chari makes the argument that the "federalization of India's polity has enabled its conversion into a true democracy, with the unexpected result that the regional parties have now become more assertive in several of the larger states." And is there "A hodgepodge of regional parties...with distressing implications for peace and conflict in South Asia" Two important issues need to be addressed here.

First, why should the regional assertion be seen as an 'unexpected result'? Is that not a logical extension of federal principles? Or is it a general expectation that in a federal set-up in South Asia, regional parties should not be assertive?

Second, do the assertions of regional parties in federal politics essentially create a 'hodgepodge' with negative implications for regional security? This perception in fact is increasingly becoming common, especially in New Delhi - that assertions by regional parties (in case of West Bengal and Tamil Nadu vis-à-vis Bangladesh and Sri Lanka respectively) have affected India's foreign policy.

These questions demand a larger debate - both in national capitals and sub-regions.

Who Decides the Composition of a Federal Government?

The government at the Centre has generally been formed by national parties such as the Congress and BJP (with minor exceptions). In the last two decades, regional parties, especially from South India and West Bengal, have been playing a substantial role in the formation of federal governments. Should one be alarmed by this phenomenon?

The above also means some-

thing significant for regional politics. There is a remarkable decline of national parties in the regions.

Alternatively, an argument could also be made that the regions support regional parties more than the national ones. Why? Perhaps the national parties are no more 'national' or are unable to address regional sentiments.

The mandate to rule at the federal level cannot be limited to one sub-region or a few states. Since independence, the states of undivided Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar decided the Prime Minister, with other states having a lesser role or no role at all. Even today, India's Northeast, Sikkim, J&K and Himachal Pradesh have no major role in deciding the outcome of the government in New Delhi. Is such a structure essentially representative and federal?

Why is there a hullabaloo today in New Delhi against regional politics? Should that only remain the

such accusations.

But there is another side to this story. This is where one has to have a re-look at foreign policymaking in a federation in South Asia. What role should the subregions play in foreign policymaking, especially vis-à-vis the neighbors?

In this context, India's foreign policy since independence has been far from federal. The regions were neither taken into confidence nor even consulted in deciding the foreign policy vis-à-vis the neighbors. Foreign policy is drawn in New Delhi, that too by a few ministries and individuals. Even the consultation process in New Delhi, with ministries outside the PMO and MEA, has been minimal.

The sub-regions criticize New Delhi for being arbitrary in deciding foreign policy. There is an element of truth as well in this argument. Was the government of Tamil Nadu consulted fully when

Gathering of Chief Ministers

domain of only a few states in central India?

What is happening today - the assertion of regional parties - is essentially a balancing act and good for the federal structure of India. Ideally, this should have been the case since independence.

Parties such as the Congress used the 'divide, exploit and rule' strategy vis-à-vis regional parties by piggybacking on one party or another; to a large extent, this has been the case from J&K to Tamil Nadu.

This balancing act by the regional actors, however unstable it appears, should be seen as transition or evolution of a truly federal structure.

Assertive Regional Politics: Bad for Foreign Policy? Or Correcting the Imbalance?

In recent years, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu have been criticized for sabotaging India's foreign policy objectives. Undoubtedly, there is an element of truth in

New Delhi decided to support the Sri Lankan Tamil militants? Were the governments of J&K and West Bengal consulted before making major decisions regarding Pakistan and Bangladesh respectively?

Today, New Delhi perhaps finds it convenient to cover its own incompetence and shift the blame to regional governments in making crucial foreign policy decisions.

As in the case of internal politics, the regions are bound assert their sentiments and interests on foreign policy matters as well, especially those relating to the neighborhood with which they share a boundary. Instead of perceiving this as a negative phenomenon, it should be seen as a positive transition. All transitions will have a negative component attached to it.

There is perhaps a new federalism evolving in the region, with its own unique features.

The writer is Director, IPCS

India Post 'Anarchist' CM

T

he BJP and the Congress party must be smirking in private at the present discomfiture of the Aam Aadmi Party which seems to be shooting at its own foot with its unabashed "anarchist" street politics. Instead of carrying forward its agenda, the AAP has embroiled itself in trying to defend its hasty actions like midnight raid inside a colony on an alleged drug and sex racket and the validity of a chief minister sitting in dharna in protest over the Center not allowing it to control Delhi police. From the Supreme Court judges to the President of India have come questions on the propriety of a chief minister protesting. The media too has turned from an AAP supporter to an AAP critic.

Perhaps the AAP is deliberately inviting this trouble to provoke the Congress to withdraw support so that it can contest a subsequent election to earn full majority. Instead of calming down faced by such volume of criticism, Chief Minister Kejriwal has promised he would go back to the street again in protest if necessary. He has questioned the Supreme Court's remark that the CM protesting was against the Constitution saying he had read the Constitution once again and nowhere does it say that a chief minister cannot protest.

And the remarks of the President are being seen as coming from a former Congressman who cannot change his skin at this late stage of his life. He also asked if committing rape and the cops not doing anything about it is within the Constitution? Is taking bribes within the Constitution? He claimed that even though the country has the best Constitution, it was never implemented in its true letter and spirit.

Supporters of the AAP are suggesting that a better word to describe the activities of the party is "revolution" like the movement that was started by Jayaprakash Narayan, and also are referring to the French and Russian revolutions which were also initially described as "anarchy." Anything that questions the established order is termed as anarchy by those in power. In his own speech at a function on the eve of Republic Day, Kejriwal said if anything was against the Constitution it was the imposition of Section 144 by the Centre prohibiting assembly of people during dharna. Had the Delhi CM become a threat to the city, he asked, necessitating a ban?

The anti-corruption crusade of the AAP in the capital certainly seems to be biting. Kejriwal claimed that officials are now afraid of asking for bribe and corruption in the capital has gone down by 2030 per cent. Auto rickshaw drivers told him that cops have stopped asking for money. A roadside vendor had reduced the price of tea as he does not have to pay bribe to police.

The rising up of the vested interests against the open attack on the previous systems of exploitation is not unexpected. But going about it in a crude manner the AAP may have harmed itself. It is now being seen as another political party trying to run roughshod over the interests of others and in the bargain displeasing many sections. The abdication of responsible governance might give the ordinary man, the supposed aam aadmi, a foretaste of things in case the AAP manages to do well in the forthcoming parliamentary elections. There could be a period of instability ahead if AAP and the regional parties make gains. The scenario seems God-sent for Narendra Modi who promises a stable and decisive government which will prioritize development. If the AAP is not careful in its tactics it might hand the election to Modi whose party's alliance, the NDA, is already being projected by pollsters to cross the 200 mark in the elections.

The next time the Kejriwal government tries to indulge in an agitation it should keep in mind the dignity of a city which is not only the national capital but a melting pot of South Asia.

January 31, 2014

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