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Obama names Subra Suresh as NSF director Details on page 8

NIKKI IN RUN-OFF AS KAMALA WINS

NEW YORK • WASHINGTON D.C. • CHICAGO • ATLANTA • CALIFORNIA

VOL 15, No. 823

June 18, 2010

50¢

Periodical Postage

Dr. Karuppiah Muthumani, PhD

Indian-American develops vaccine for Chikungunya Details on page 37

Hindus, Sikhs join anti-mosque rally at Ground Zero Details on page 7

Another Andhra student in mishap

Radhika Plakkot

Presidential award for science teacher

Details on page 17

India slips on Global Peace Index

Details on page 8

INDIAN WOMEN POWER: Kamala Harris with daughter Meena Harris (left) while South Carolina Republican candidate for Governor Rep. Nikki Haley is enthusiastic with her husband after winning the primary.

SRIREKHA CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service

ITC's Deveshwar receives Global award Details on page 40

Indians lobby for reform in immigration

NEW YORK: Setting the stage for a historical moment for the Indian American community in the November elections, San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris emerged victorious in the Attorney General Democratic primary, June 8.

In Columbia, Indian-American assemblywoman Nikki

ndia Post News Service

NO 17%

Details on page 7

survey@indiapost.com This week’s question

Are Andhra students more accident prone?

Last week’s result

YES 83%

Empire State Bldg refuses honor to Teresa Details on page 9

Global media censures Indian Govt on Bhopal Details on page 12

Should all passport penalties be scrapped?

INDIA POST SURVEY

Details on page 6

Spelling Bee champ is Indian American again!

NEW YORK: Eighth grader Anamika Veermani of North Royalton, Ohio became the 83rd Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Champion and the 10th Indian American teenager since 1985 to win the increasingly popular championship.

On June 4, at the Grand Hyatt in Washington DC, the venue for the championship, Veermani remained expressionless through the final round as she stood alone, with the last of the contenders having fallen, and well after the auditorium echoed with applause as she spelled the winning word, "Stromuhr."

Details on page 42

Randhawa Haley, a front runner in the South Carolina gubernatorial race despite an all-out smear campaign against her, garnered 49 percent of the vote, more than doubling her closest opponent in the Republican primaries June 8.

She won 42 of South Carolina's 46 counties, but closest rival US Congressman Gresham Barrett of the SC 3rd district, with four counties in hand, has refused to concede pushing the race into a run-off to be held June 22.

Details on page 9

CONTENTS Bollywood ---------------------- 30-31 Classifieds ------------------------- 47 Community Post -------------- 14-22 Date Book -------------------------- 48 Edit Page --------------------------- 50 HealthScience Post --------- 37-39 Horoscope ------------------------- 45 Immigration Post ------------- 42-44 Life Style ----------------------- 25-28 Philosophy ------------------------- 49 Publisherís Diary ------------------ 4

Anamika Veeramani holds aloft her trophy after winning the Scripps 2010 National Spelling Bee,

Real Estate ------------------------ 46 TechBiz Post ------------------- 40-41 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 32-34

Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”

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Publisher’s Diary

N

othing could be more shameful for the Indian government and the country's so called independent judiciary than the pitiably laughable verdict that an Indian court has given in the Bhopal Union Carbide gas leak disaster case.

After 26 arduous years of legal process, last week a Bhopal court returned a 2-year sentence and just about $2000 in fines on seven of former Union Carbide's Indian officials and did not even bother mentioning the then Union Carbide's US chief Warren Andersen. Worse, within hours of awarding the verdict, all those sentenced were granted bail.

There cannot be a greater travesty of justice than this for the thousands of Bhopal residents who fell victim to the gas leak on that fateful day in 1984 and the tens of thousands more who succumbed to its effects over the years; and to the families of the victims and survivors who have almost spent a lifetime waiting for justice and rightful compensation.

What boggles my mind is that in the 26 years since the disaster, whoever is responsible for it - whether the company or the government - has not managed to clear the site of even a fraction of the toxic waste still lying at the site. I believe about 325 tons of toxic waste is still at the site and only about 45 tons has been cleaned out.

Union Carbide had at some point given out to the Indian government about $470 million in compensation. My question: Does anyone have any idea what that money was used for?

I am sure the Indian administration did not anticipate the outrage within and outside the country. The corrupt system behaves like a cat that laps up the milk with its eyes closed, and thinks that nobody is watching.

The government is now desperately trying to take some face-saving measures to re-look into the case. But what's the point - justice has not only been delayed, but denied to the gas leak victims; so they should at least be spared some dignity.

Romesh K Japra rkjapra@indiapost.com

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HIGHLIGHTS Bollywood: Holly to Bolly American Sarah Thompson who plays Ranbir Kapoor's girlfriend in Raajneeti, is all set to try her luck in Bollywood.

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Cover Story: Winning women Indian American women Kamala Harris and Nikki Randhawa Haley have done the country proud by winning their primaries.

Community: Math Olympiad

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Over 1000 children across 33 centers in New Jersey participated in the 4th Math Olympiad held by ALOHA Mind Math.

Health: Chikungunya vaccine Dr. Karuppiah Muthumani and his team are closer to developing a DNA vaccine against Chikungunya virus.

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Life Style: Raajneeti review Prakash Jha's highly anticipated political thriller Raajneeti had its worldwide premiere in New York June 2.

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Travel: Kullu Kullu is famous for its temples and the annual Dussehra festival, both of which attract thousands of tourists.

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Nikki in run-off as Kamala wins SRIREKHA CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Setting the stage for a historical moment for the Indian American community in the November elections, San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris emerged victorious in the Attorney General Democratic pri-

46 counties, but closest rival US Congressman Gresham Barrett of the SC 3rd district, with four counties in hand, has refused to concede pushing the race into a runoff to be held June 22.

The Republican Governor’s Association, however, has said that Nikki Haley is the clear choice for South Carolina.

Harris’ run for California Attorney General is historical for Indian Americans because, if elected, she would be the first Indian American to hold state-wide office in California and the first Indian American Democrat to win such a position anywhere in the US mary, June 8.

Harris’ run for California Attorney General is historical for Indian Americans because, if elected, she would be the first Indian American to hold state-wide office in California and the first Indian American Democrat to win such a position anywhere in the US. Harris, who had raised $3 mil-

“Apparently, he (Barrett) believes he can round up enough of the “old-boy network” in SC to gang-up again on Nikki Haley. We can expect to see more dirty politics and ethnic slurs in the next two weeks before the runoff,” says Kishan Putta, who had worked on the John McCain presidential campaign in 2008.

Nikki Haley with family

lion for the race was beaten in that department by close rival Chris Kelly; but she beat her six competitors hands down with a 33% vote with Kelly coming in a far second with 14% votes.

Harris now faces Los Angeles District Attorney Steve Cooley in the general election in November; and will mark another first if elected – she will be the first woman to hold the office of attorney general in California.

Nikki Haley faces run-off Indian-American assemblywoman Nikki Randhawa Haley, a front runner in the South Carolina gubernatorial race despite an allout smear campaign against her, garnered 49 percent of the vote, more than doubling her closest opponent in the Republican primaries June 8.

She won 42 of South Carolina’s

Haley, a protégé of incumbent South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford, is a favorite of what has emerged as a new entity in the country’s politics – the Tea Party Movement. Although already leading in polls, Haley’s campaign received a bigger boost when former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin – a Tea Party leader – endorsed her.

Despite being subjected to a smear campaign, which included two claims of infidelity, Haley won an overwhelming majority of the votes (over 205,000 votes) in a five-way Republican race for governor, but did not manage the requisite 50.1% of the votes.

In the run-up to the primaries, came claims by two different men of having had adulterous relations with Haley, followed by a racial attack by Republican State

Senator Jake Knotts, who ostensibly called her a “raghead” in an online political talk show ‘Pub Politics’. He said, “We already got one raghead in the White House we don’t need a raghead in the governor’s mansion.”

Indian American politics activists had strongly condemned Knotts’ comments. Sanjay Puri, Chairman of The US India Political Action Committee (USINPAC) said, “These are very challenging times for the United States. The country is concerned about economic and physical security. In this volatile environment political leaders have to be careful in choosing their words.

“Post 9/11 we have seen violence against different ethnic groups due to ignorance and intolerance. To use a racial slur against the President and a fellow State Senator is offensive and unbecoming of the Senator. The country needs to hear about solutions and harmony not fear and hate from its leaders.”

June 4, Knotts issued a lame apology to Haley, which states: “Unfortunately, the show was not recorded as was intended. If it had been recorded, the public would be able to hear firsthand that my “raghead” comments about Obama and Haley were intended in jest.

“Bear in mind that this is a freewheeling, anything-goes Internet radio show that is broadcast from a pub. It’s like local political version of Saturday Night Live, which is actually where the joke came from. Since my intended humorous context was lost in translation, I apologize. I still believe Ms. Haley is pretending to be someone she is not, much as Obama did, but I apologize to both for an unintended slur.”

The Republican Indian Community (RIC) joined fellow conservatives in South Carolina and around the country in denouncing the racist attacks on Haley.

Kamala Harris making a victory speech

Haley, a protégé of incumbent South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford, is a favorite of what has emerged as a new entity in the country’s politics – the Tea Party Movement.

Although already leading in polls, Haley’s campaign received a bigger boost when former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin – a Tea Party leader – endorsed her

RIC National Political Director Puneet Ahluwalia observed, “The Tea Party represents a larger ‘silent majority’ of Americans who are now speaking and demanding more from the political discourse than such cheap, racist, ad hominem attacks.”

Dilip Paliath, RIC National Executive Director, added, “People are tired of politics as usual, and RIC urges South Carolina Republican voters and those who believe in the Tea Party to reject this crass attempt to smear an outstanding public servant – Nikki Haley. We also condemn the use of this slur against the President.

These slurs are not acceptable against anyone – Republican, Independent, or Democrat.

Nikki Haley prepars to take questions from reporters after voting at Mt. Horeb United Methodist Church in Lexington

June 18, 2010

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Spelling Bee champ is Indian American again!

India Post News Service

and $2,700 in reference Jai Ho books from Encyclopedia As a special tribute, the Spelling Bee's official website has listed NEW YORK: Eighth grader Britannica.

Anamika had tied for under the title 'Jai Ho' the names of Anamika Veermani of North all the Indian American winners Royalton, Ohio became the 83rd fifth place in the 2009 since Balu Natarajan of Chicago, Scripps Howard National Spelling Scripps National Spelling Illinois became the first Indian Bee Champion and the 10th Indian Bee the year Kavya American to win the Spelling Bee American teenager since 1985 to Shivashankar won the in 1985. Since 1985 eight additional win the increasingly popular cham- championship.

At the competition last Indian-Americans have won the pionship. championship: Rageshree On June 4, at the Grand Hyatt in week, the final two words Ramachandran (1987), Nupur Lala Washington DC, the venue for the that won her the trophy (1999), George Thampy (2000), championship, Veermani remained were 'Juvia', which by Pratyush Buddiga (2002), Sai expressionless through the final definition is a Brazilian Gunturi (2003), Anurag Kashyap round as she stood alone, with the name for the lofty tree (2005), Sameer Mishra (2008) and last of the contenders having which produces Brazil Kavya Shivashankar (2009). fallen, and well after the auditorium nuts; and 'Stromuhr', Kavya meets Obama echoed with applause as she which is a rheometer deAlbeit a little late, President spelled the winning word, "Stro- signed to measure the Obama took the time out to meet muhr." The 14-year old student of amount and speed of with the 2009 Spelling Bee winner Incarnate Word Academy broke blood flow through an President Obama met with 2009 Spelling Bee champion Kavya Shivashankar and her Kavya Shivashankar, in the Oval into a smile only being handed the artery. family in the White House on June 3. Pic: White House Office on June 3. trophy as if her victory had sunk Anamika's passions inKavya, her sister Vanya and in with the weight of carrying the clude reading, writing, photogra- eight years, and has played the suits, Anamika is very interested phy and painting. She takes pri- violin for six years. She is a mem- in science and has participated in parents Mirle and Sandhya heavy trophy.

Besides a trophy and bragging vate lessons in Indian classical ber of her school's orchestra, and science fairs at which her research Shivashankar got 15 minutes of the projects have earned several President's time. rights, Anamika won a cash prize dance and golf. She has been she also enjoys swimming.

Proving her versatility of pur- awards. She aspires to become a President Obama congratulated of $30,000, a $2,500 savings bond, studying Indian classical music for cardiovascular surgeon, an author Kavya on her extraordinary and a screenwriter. achievement and reiterated the imAnamika has played the violin portance of a top-flight education for six years and is a member of her for success in the 21st century school orchestra. economy. He also wished Kavya's The last contender to fall before sister, Vanya, good luck as she Anamika strode to victory was competes in the 2011 Scripps NaShantanu Srivatsa, also an eighth tional Spelling Bee. grader, from the North Dakota "It was just so electrifying," India Post News Service Forum, Hindu Human Rights that denies the freedom of speech, Council of Educational Leaders, Kavya told a media outlet later "When I won the Bee last year, I Watch and the Namdhari Sikh the freedom of conscience, and Bismarck, North Dakota.

This 13-year old's raison d'etre asked when I was going to get to the equality of rights of all people NEW YORK: More than 200 Foundation of USA. SIOE believes that building the before the law," the SIOE release is to excel in everything he tries. meet the president. I thought it Hindus and Sikhs from the Tristate area joined a rally of thou- Ground Zero mosque is not an is- says. "Abdul Rauf has said that However, he learned sands of Americans to oppose the sue of religious freedom, but an 'an Islamic state can be estab- early on that, while winlished in more then ning is enjoyable, partici- Little Vanya had a question construction of a just a single form or pation is even more sat- for Obama, which made mosque near This is mold. It can be es- isfying.

Ground Zero where President ask: "Are you going tablished through a Shantanu's third conthe World Trade kingdom or a democ- secutive appearance at to ask me to spell Center buildings racy. The important the Bee, and his second something?" But she only once stood in lower issue is to establish time representing the Manhattan. the general funda- state of North Dakota. wanted to ask about Bo, The rally orgamentals of Sharia His favorite subject is the Obamas' dog nized June 6, by that are required to math, and has repre'Stop the Islamizagovern'. Thus it is sented his school at retion of America' clear that this gional and state mathematics com- might not happen. But just two (SIOE), an organizadays ago, we got the call." mosque will teach petitions. tion headed by Shantanu has played piano for The family and the President Sharia, Islamic Pamela Geller, a supremacism, and six years. Some of his hobbies in- chatted about the spelling bee, blogger and columthe denial of basic clude collecting ancient coins to which was going on at that very nist, and Robert add to his coin collection, swim- moment at a hotel just a few blocks rights."

Spencer, Director of Hindu American representatives from NY-NJ at an anti-Ground ming and playing tennis. away, and the importance he places Addressing the Jihad Watch Zero mosque rally in lower Manhattan The increasingly tough compe- on education. rally, Dr. Babu brought out several Little Vanya had a question for hundred to a few thousand (de- effort to insult the victims of 9/11 Suseelan, Director of Indian tition saw 273 spellers this year pending on whose estimate one and to establish a beachhead for American Intellectuals Forum and the greatest number of US-based Obama, which made President ask: goes by) Christians, Jews, Hindus, political Islam and Islamic former Professor of Psychology spellers in the history of the event. "Are you going to ask me to spell Interesting facts of the compe- something?" But she only wanted Sikhs and even ex-Muslims who supremacism in New York. The and Director of Addiction Revociferously opposed the con- Imam of the mosque Feisal Abdul search Foundation, said: "We tition show the Bee Week 2010 to ask about Bo, the Obamas' dog.

Interestingly, on the same day, struction of the mosque and Is- Rauf and other mosque organiz- should not allow Islamist plans to marking the first visit to the nation's lamic Center at an estimated cost ers have been inconsistent and put a Mosque on top of Ground capital for 110 spellers; the spell- at the reception hosted by Secredeceptive about whether their Zero the way they put Mosques ers range in age from 8 - 15 but tary of State Hillary Clinton in of hundred million dollars.

More than 15 community and planned Islamic Center at Ground at Ayodhya, Kashi, Mathura, 80% of them are between the ages honor of India's foreign minister S.M. Krishna in the nation's capihuman rights organizations in- Zero will contain a mosque; ulti- Damascus, and on the Top of of 12 and 14.

The youngest speller, Vanya tal, President Obama happened to cluding families of 9/11 victims mately they have admitted that it Temple Mount in Jerusalem. We should let Muslims know how this Shivashankar of Olathe, Kansas is mention to the Indian dignitary that joined SIOA in the rally. Among will," the SIOE says.

"Ground Zero mosque Imam proposed Mosque is perceived by only 8 year old. Besides, she is the he had met with the Indian Amerithe Indian American organizations that participated in the rally were Abdul Rauf is an open proponent others and Muslims must be sen- sister of the 2009 Spelling Bee can Spelling Bee champion Kavya champion Kavya Shivashankar. and her family at the White House. the Indian American Intellectuals of Sharia, Islamic law, a system sitive to that."

Hindus, Sikhs join anti-mosque rally at Ground Zero

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Obama nominates Subra Suresh as NSF director India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Subra Suresh, dean of the MIT School of Engineering has been nominated by President Obama as the next director of the National Science Foundation.

If confirmed by the US Senate, Suresh, the Vannevar Bush Professor of Engineering at MIT, would be appointed to a six-year term as director.

"Through his invigorating leadership, Dean Suresh has led MIT's School of Engineering while pursuing his own remarkable research portfolio at the intersection of the life sciences and engineering," said MIT Provost L. Rafael Reif. "In keeping with MIT's long tradition of national service, he will bring this same breadth of knowledge and vision to the National Science Foundation."

The White House made its announcement June 3, about the President's intention to nominate Suresh along with certain other nominations, in a statement in which President Obama said, "I am proud that such experienced and committed individuals have agreed to take on these important

roles in my administration. I look forward to working with them in the coming months and years."

The NSF is a federal government agency that supports fundamental research and education in all the non-medical fields of science and engineering. With an annual budget of nearly $7 billion,

‘Through his invigorating leadership, Dean Suresh has led MIT's School of Engineering while pursuing his own remarkable research portfolio at the intersection of the life sciences and engineering,’ said MIT Provost L. Rafael Reif the NSF funds approximately 20 percent of all federally supported basic research conducted by US colleges and universities.

Trained as a mechanical engineer, Suresh has made dramatic contributions to a range of fields in engineering and science. He has expanded his research interests to

encompass materials, nanotechnology and the life sciences, and has most recently done extensive work on the red blood cell and its nanobiomechanical properties as they influence a variety of diseases. Suresh has made significant advances and created a range of new experimental methodologies to unravel the inner workings of such diseases as malaria.

Suresh is the author of more than 220 research articles in international journals, coeditor of five books, and co-inventor on more than 12 U.S. and international patents. More than 100 students, postdoctoral associates, and research scientists have trained in his research group, and many now occupy prominent positions in academia, industry and governments around the world. He is author or coauthor of several books, including Fatigue of Materials and Thin Film Materials widely used in materials science and engineering.

Suresh has held joint faculty appointments in four MIT departments, and has served as dean of the School of Engineering since July 2007. During his tenure, the school has seen unprecedented

Presidential award for Indian American science teacher India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Indian American Radhika Plakkot, a middle school science teacher from Maryland is among the 103 math and science teachers named by President Obama June 7, as recipients of the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

These educators will receive their awards in Washington, D.C. later this year.

"Science and technology have long been at the core of America's strength and competitiveness, and the scientists and engineers who have led America on its remarkable path to success share something very precious: science and math teachers who brought these critical subjects to life," said President Obama.

"Today we honor some of the best of these teachers and thank them for their dedication. They are inspirations not just to their students, but to the Nation and the world."

Plakkot is a National Board Certified Teacher who teaches AP Biology and Biology at Huntingtown high school in

Calvert County. She is the recipient of several educational grants from organizations like Chesapeake Bay Trust and MICCA. She is an AP Reader for the College Board, and served as a member of the State Biology Voluntary Curriculum Writing Team.

Plakkot is a National Board Certified Teacher who teaches AP Biology and Biology at Huntingtown high school in Calvert County. She is the recipient of several educational grants from organizations like Chesapeake Bay Trust and MICCA. She is an AP Reader for the College Board Plakkot received the 2006 SMECO outstanding science teacher award. She is the biology collaborative team leader, a member of the National Honor Society advisory committee, and spon-

sors biomedical club at her school.

She conducts/presents in various staff development activities at county and state level.

The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching is awarded annually to the best pre-college-level science and mathematics teachers from across the country. The winners are selected by a panel of distinguished scientists, mathematicians, and educators following an initial selection process done at the state level. Each year the award alternates between mathematics and science teachers teaching Kindergarten through 6th grade, and those teaching 7th through 12th grades. This year it goes to teachers teaching 7th through 12th grades.

Winners of this Presidential honor receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation to be used at their discretion. They also receive an expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. for an awards ceremony and several days of educational and celebratory events, including visits with members of Congress and science agency leaders.

growth in the diversity of its faculty. Approximately 45 new faculty members have joined the school since he became dean, and in 2009, for the first time in its history, the school hired more new women faculty than men.

"Subra is an outstanding engineering scientist," said Marc

During his tenure, the school has seen unprecedented growth in the diversity of its faculty. Approximately 45 new faculty members have joined the school since he became dean, and in 2009, for the first time in its history Kastner, dean of MIT's School of Science. "He has a very broad perspective on why science is important for its own sake - as well as for its applications."

Suresh received his bachelor of technology degree from the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, in 1977, his MS from Iowa State

University in 1979 and his ScD from MIT in 1981. Following postdoctoral research from 1981 to 1983 at the University of California at Berkeley and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, he joined Brown University as an assistant professor of engineering in December 1983; he was promoted to full professor in July 1989. He joined MIT in 1993 as the R. P. Simmons Professor of Materials Science and Engineering.

Suresh is the recipient of the 2007 European Materials Medal, the highest honor conferred by the Federation of European Materials Societies, and the 2006 Acta Materialia Gold Medal. In 2006, Technology Review magazine selected Suresh's work on nanobiomechanics as one of the top 10 emerging technologies that "will have a significant impact on business, medicine or culture." He has been elected to the U.S. National Academy of Engineering, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the Indian National Academy of Engineering, and the German National Academy of Sciences, the Indian Academy of Sciences and the Spanish Royal Academy of Sciences.

Obama looking for ambitious results during his India trip WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama on his maiden visit to India will be looking for "ambitious results" with the focus on forging closer links on strategic issues.

"The (US) President himself is looking forward to ambitious results and again sees our relations with India as one of the most consequential and indispensable of our partnerships in the world of the 21st century," Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Robert Blake, said.

"The Strategic Dialogue that we initiated last week took USIndia relations to unprecedented new levels of cooperation that will be highlighted during the (US) President's visit in November," Blake told reporters in his interaction after the first Indo-US Strategic Dialogue held here on June 3.

The US will develop a schedule and a series of results to match Obama's goals, Blake said.

"That's exactly what we're starting to work on right now, is the details of what the

President's visit will entail, what will be the key areas of strategic focus, where will he visit, and all of these many important questions," Blake said when asked what should one expect from Obama's November visit.

Last week, Obama himself announced that he would travel to India in early November and said he is proud to visit the country. As of now his travel dates to India has been tentatively scheduled from November 7 to November 10.

Referring to the Strategic Dialogue, Blake said, "It was notable because for the first time in our history, we had large numbers of Cabinet-level secretaries on our side and ministers on the Indian side to share ideas and to consider strategic initiatives on a wide range of bilateral, regional and global issues," he said, The US said it recognizes that India has a stake and interest in Afghanistan and this issue was discussed with the Indian leaders during the last week's Indo-US Strategic Dialogue in Washington.-PTI

India Post

June 18, 2010

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India slips on Global Peace Index India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Involvement in conflicts, a rise in deaths from internal conflict and human rights abuses have resulted in a decrease in peacefulness in India, along with Sri Lanka and Pakistan among the South Asian nations, according to the fourth annual Global Peace Index (GPI).

India ranked a low 128th out of the 149 countries studied on this year's GPI after it slipped six positions though it was ahead of violence-hit Pakistan, which, at 145, was placed among the five countries which were least peaceful.

India was ranked 122nd last year while it was in the 109th position in 2007 when the first GPI was compiled.

For the second consecutive year, New Zealand has been ranked the most peaceful followed

by Iceland and Japan, and SubSaharan Africa continued to be the least peaceful region on earth.

Though the GPI shows that South Asia saw the greatest decrease in peacefulness, three BRIC countries -- Russia (143), India (128) and China (80) -- saw substantial declines too in peacefulness, while Brazil's score re-

mained essentially stable (83) compared to the 2009 Index.

The Institute for Economics and Peace in its fourth annual Global Peace Index published June 8 revealed that the world became less peaceful for the second consecutive year. As the global economy continues to falter,

India ranked a low 128th out of the 149 countries studied on this year's GPI after it slipped six positions though it was ahead of violence-hit Pakistan, which, at 145, was placed among the five countries which were least peaceful this year's data shows an intensification of conflicts and growing instability linked to the downturn that began in 2008, with several countries seeing sharp increases in homicides, violent demonstrations and fear of crime.

The increase in violence is depriving the global economy of

assets when they are needed most. Significantly, the study shows that even a 25 percent reduction in global violence would free up $1.8 trillion annually enough to pay off Greece's debt, fund the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and meet the European Union's 20-20-20 climate and energy targets.

Despite slipping three ranks compared to last year's results, partially because of new countries added to the GPI, the United States (85) improved its 2010 GPI score, registering its biggest yearon-year improvement since the first Index was released in 2007.

The improvement came as a result of a decrease in the number of deaths from external conflict and an increase in political stability.

Top-ranked New Zealand was one of only three countries in the top ten to improve in peacefulness in the 2010 Index. Iceland moved into the #2 spot as the country's economy stabilized after falling to #4 in last year's ranking, the improvement demonstrating the resilience of peaceful nations.

Western Europe continues to be the most peaceful region, with the majority of the countries rank-

ing in the top 20. All five Scandinavian nations rank in the top ten; however, Denmark dropped five spots to #7 because of decrease in respect for human rights and continuing involvement in Afghanistan.

Iraq, Somalia and Afghanistan were the least peaceful countries

Top-ranked New Zealand was one of only three countries in the top ten to improve in peacefulness in the 2010 Index. Iceland moved into the #2 spot as the country's economy stabilized after falling to #4 in last year's ranking for the second consecutive year.

Syria, Georgia, the Philippines, Russia and Cyprus were this year's biggest fallers.

Despite the global slide, the Middle East & North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa have made the most gains since the research began in 2007. Reasons for the

improvement vary, but include more political stability and a drop in military expenditure in the Middle East & North Africa and less access to weapons, a decrease in conflicts and better relations with neighboring countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Year-on-year, Latin America had the steepest fall in peacefulness because of more internal violence, homicides and increased levels of perceived criminality.

The only study to quantify global peacefulness, the GPI is produced by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP). This year it has expanded to rank 149 independent states. Composed of 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators, it combines internal and external factors ranging from military expenditure to relations with neighboring countries and levels of violent crime.

"The research carried out by the IEP based on 4 years of GPI data provides a quantifiable demonstration that improving peace can transform the global economy and unleash the wealth needed to tackle debt, fund economic expansion and create a more sustainable environment," said Steve Killelea, founder of the GPI.

PM impressed with Omar's presentation Empire State Building refuses 'lighting honor' to Mother Teresa on development issues SRINAGAR: A presentation on development needs of Jammu and Kashmir by Omar Abdullah prompted Prime Minister Manmohan to compliment him for not being only the "youngest but also the most impressive" Chief Minister.

sentation, said "I am complimenting the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister for such a detailed and comprehensive presentation and he has presented a well-reasoned out case for developmental needs of the state.

"You are not only the young-

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at the 5th Convocation of the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agriculture Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir on June 7. Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, N.N. Vohra and Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir Omar Abdullah are also seen

The 40-year-old Omar gave a power-point presentation to the Prime Minister on the development needs and highlighted the challenges before the state.

According to participants in the meeting, the Prime Minister, at the end of the 40-minute pre-

est but also the most impressive Chief Minister," the delegates at the meeting quoted the Prime Minister as telling Omar, who took over the reins of the state at the age of 38.

Omar later also had a one-toone meeting with Singh during

which he raised political, security and human rights-related issues.

During the power-point presentation, the Chief Minister apprised the Prime Minister of the reforms being undertaken by the state government in the power sector in consultation with The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI).

He also informed the Prime Minister and the delegation comprising Union Ministers Ghulam Nabi Azad and Farooq Abdullah that elections to Panchayat and other local bodies will be completed by the year-end.

He told Singh about difficulties in operationalising the Rs 24,000 crore Prime Minister's Reconstruction Plan which includes 67 projects covering 11 sectors of economy.

The plan includes the projects or schemes aimed at expanding economic infrastructure and the provision of the basic services, imparting a thrust to employment and income generation and providing relief and rehabilitation for the dislocated persons and families of victims of militancy.

The Prime Minister assured the Chief Minister that he will consider all issues raised by him.

-PTI

SRIREKHA CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service

NEW YORK: The Catholic League's campaign to have Mother Teresa honored on her 100th birthday in the lighting scheme for the Empire State Building is gathering wider support with public officials, bishops from churches across the US and India joining in, and an online petition garnering more than 30,000 signatures so far.

The Catholic League's move to get the Empire State Building to display blue and white lights - the colors of Mother's Teresa's order turned into a controversy when the building's management turned down their request in February this year.

According to Catholic League president Bill Donohue, he had submitted an application to the Empire State Building Lighting Partners on February 2, requesting that the tower lights feature blue and while, the colors of the Missionaries of Charity, on August 26.

On May 5, the request was denied without explanation.

Donohue said that last year the Empire State building shone in red and yellow lights to honor the 60th anniversary of the Chinese Communist Revolution, and yet under

its founder, Mao Zedong, the Communists killed 77 million people. "In other words, the greatest mass murderer in history merited the same tribute being denied to Mother Teresa," he commented.

Last week, New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn voiced support for the effort to honor the beatified woman who served the poor of Calcutta, India.

The Catholic League's contention is that the building has honored various other individuals and events in the past through its lighting and that Mother Teresa, a nun who has won the Noble Peace Prize should be a no-brainer.

With the US Postal Service issuing a commemorative stamp to honor Mother Teresa, the Catholic League thought it would be "a great idea" to have the building honor her for her 100th birthday on August 26.

Having contacted the bishops in India and the US, government officials in the Tri-State area as well as elementary and secondary Catholic schools in the area, the organization is now planning a protest rally near the Empire State Building in New York City on August 26.

The Empire State Building management, meanwhile, continues to stand-off without explanation.

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India should back Karzai's efforts with Taliban: Think Tank SRIREKHA CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service

NEW YORK: India should back the Karzai government's reconciliation efforts with the Taliban rather than an externally mediated solution to the conflict, according to a think tank of Indian policy professionals, The India Research Group.

The think tank, in its report '"India's strategy in Afghanistan: A Farewell to Dilemmas" released June 9, says that India enjoys tremendous soft power in Afghanistan but the challenge lies in converting that soft power into influence. The Pashtuns in Afghanistan, the report says, feel alienated by India, and recommends a series of measures to address this perception.

The report argues that while there are no "good" or "bad" Taliban, the Taliban are not a monolithic political entity and that hence, India should differentiate its approach towards various groups that constitute the Taliban in different regions of Afghanistan. Broadly, in pushing for an Afghan rather than an externally mediated solution to the conflict, India should back the Karzai government's Reconciliation efforts with the Taliban, the report says.

The Group's comprehensive recommendations to revise India's strategy in Afghanistan adopting a new approach, say that India needs an independent, long-term

policy toward Afghanistan driven by pro-active initiatives.

The report has been drafted by a taskforce of Indian development professionals and academics who have worked extensively in Afghanistan and was informed by insights from veteran Indian experts on Afghanistan.

"India's stakes in Afghanistan are multi-faceted and India's policies there will affect the way other

The report suggests India's approach towards various regional powers on Afghanistan. India should convene a forum for dialogue between multilateral political and military entities - NATO, SCO and SAARC on Afghanistan countries perceive India", says Raja Karthikeya, one of the lead authors of the report.

The report suggests India's approach towards various regional powers on Afghanistan.

India should convene a forum for dialogue between multilateral political and military entities - NATO, SCO and SAARC on Afghanistan to reduce duplication of reconstruction effort.

"India's policy in Afghanistan should neither be predicated on

Pakistan nor should Afghanistan be on the agenda of any dialogue with Pakistan. At the same time, India should encourage Afghanistan and Pakistan to settle the Durand Line dispute", says Mohsin Khan, another lead author of the report.

The recommendations of the report include the following proposals: * India should view Afghanistan as a collection of regions rather than a collection of ethnicities and develop a different policy for each region of that country * India should engage with provincial level leaders on all sides of the war * India should diversify focus into small-scale construction projects, as per the demands of the local communities, including places for worship * In order to benefit the entire Afghan population, India should engage in developmental projects in Taliban-controlled areas as well * India's most immediate priority is to secure its citizens in Afghanistan. India's stakes in Afghanistan need to be better communicated to the Indian public so that even in the face of a terrorist attack such as the attacks in February in Kabul, public support for India's commitments to Afghanistan remains unfazed * India should also help the Afghan Army constitute special warfare teams in key battalions on the lines of ghatak platoons of the

Indian Army * Public diplomacy initiatives need to be stepped up. These include training for Afghan sportsmen including cricketers in India, a sustained medical diplomacy initiative involving Afghan-run clinics with medical personnel trained in India and quotas in Indian engineering colleges for Afghan students.

Raja Karthikeya is a foreign

Public diplomacy initiatives need to be stepped up. These include training for Afghan sportsmen including cricketers in India, a sustained medical diplomacy initiative involving Afghan-run clinics with medical personnel trained in India policy commentator who has written extensively on Indian foreign policy challenges. He was an international observer for the Afghan elections of 2009. He has a Master's in Foreign Service from Georgetown University, USA and a MBA in International Business from the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade.

Mohsin Khan is a foreign policy researcher and historiographer. He has a Master's in International Affairs from Johns

Hopkins University, USA, a Master's in International Political Economy from University of Hull, UK and a Bachelor's in Economics from Delhi University.

Of the other two authors of the report, Manu Sharma is a developmental economist and an international civil servant who designs poverty reduction strategies for South Asian economies. He has a MA (Cantab) from Cambridge University, UK and a MA in Economics from Punjab University.

And Saurabh Naithani is a development professional who has worked extensively as an advisor on sub-national governance to the Government of Afghanistan.

He has a Master's in International Development from American University, USA and a Bachelor's in International Relations from Queen Mary's College, London.

The India Research (TIR) Group consists of Indian and Indian-origin professionals with a diversity of research interests and domains of expertise - ranging from Counter-terrorism, to Climate Change, the Media to Macroeconomic management.

Drawing on the group's rich collective experience of international best practices and grassroots-level experience in India, TIR group recommends practical solutions and tactical approaches to policymakers. Also, through rigorous policy analysis, TIR group aims to make the average citizen an informed stakeholder in political discourse.

GOPIO-CT meet with Rep. Himes India Post News Service

NEW YORK: GOPIO Connecticut hosted a "meet and greet" reception for Congressman Jim Himes (D-CT) at the Hampton Inn, Stamford June 7, as part of its mission to create an ongoing dialogue between members of the Indian community and elected officials.

In his talk and lively exchange with the audience, Congressman Himes touched on a wide range of issues of interest to the community, including health care reform, financial regulation, education, as well as cap and trade. He said "We are in the process of gradually emerging from a recession, but I don't know how long that will take. There is a certain level of risk from the European contagion." On health care he said, "While the

Congressman Jim Himes (D-CT) with Executive Officers and members of the Board of GOPIO-CT

health care bill is not perfect, it is an important first step." His biggest concern, he said, was the $40 trillion in unfunded liabilities in

Medicare and $8 trillion in unfunded social security benefits over the next 75 years.

In response to a question

about the many challenges the US faces, Himes said, "I am optimistic because there is a strong entrepreneurial spirit in this coun-

try. Just look at all the Americans of Indian heritage in Palo Alto who are innovating and leading the charge towards wealth creation." He said, "India is moving from a bureaucratic regime to one that is much more innovative. The US resonates much more with India as a secular democracy."

He recalled with fondness his many trips to India while he was in the private sector and indicated his commitment to joining the India caucus in the House on his return to Washington.

Shailesh Naik, President of GOPIO-CT welcomed and introduced Congressman Himes as "a friend of the community and of GOPIO-Connecticut."

Naik said that Congressman Himes' travels to India have provided him with insights into the essence of the India heritage.

June 18, 2010

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Chicago Hinduism Summit a big success JODH RAWAT

Afolabi blowing conch

CHICAGO: Passionate speeches, a rapt audience, reverberations of an auspicious conch, the sound of ancient Sanskrit verses, a unique idol of Lord Ganesh on display and an exhibition of objects attacked by ghosts were just some of the highlights of the second Hinduism Summit held in Chicago on June 5.

The Summit was held by the Forum for Hindu Awakening (FHA) and the Lake County Hindu Temple. Around 100 attendees in person and 200 attendees online took the benefit of this event.

Dileep Thatte, an ardent student of Hindu philosophy, presented his "Seven Stars approach towards learning Hinduism" at various universities, groups and also at the recent World Parliament of Religions. Thatte spoke on 'Learn the basics of Hinduism to counter misconceptions'. His lively speech was about how to get the youth of today interested in Hinduism.

In his experience young people, around the age of 16-17 start asking fundamental questions about Hinduism, which often parents cannot answer. He feels that if those questions are answered clearly, the youth today will stay interested in Hinduism and identify themselves as Hindus. He shared a simplified version of the basics of Hinduism like non-duality, soul, Law of Karma, etc., to understand Hinduism and dispel common misconceptions about it.

Shrinarayan Chandak spoke about the anti-Hindu bias in the media. A graduate of IIT Madras and IIT Chicago, and a longtime professional in the fields of Technology and Management Consulting, Chandak is a founding board member of Sewa International that is serving the needy through healthcare and education.

Chandak's presentation clearly illustrated the anti-Hindu bias in the media, its reasons and what can be done about it. The solutions he presented were based on Lord Krishna's teachings and resonated with the audience.

He shared examples of media coverage, of how he has worked with the media to present Hinduism accurately and in a positive light.

He asked all organizations to work together in this cause and share media contacts.

Kalpana Sharma, a volunteer of the Spiritual Science Research Foundation (SSRF), spoke with conviction about the spiritual dimension underlying Hinduism concepts and Hindu issues. She presented SSRF's spiritual research that shows that subtle negative energies breed unrighteousness (adharma) and so we have to learn about them and how to combat them if we are to be

successful in preserving Hinduism.

Her speech and videos provoked thought about the need to consider the spiritual dimension to effectively stop denigration and misconceptions about Hinduism, or antiHindu bias. The SSRF video demonstrated the power of Saints and the need for their blessings in any mission.

Hakumat Shroff of Lake County Hindu Mandir was felicitated for his efforts towards Hinduism. He welcomed everyone on behalf of the Hindu Mandir and urged them to share with others interested in Hinduism what they have learned at this Hindusm Summit. He reminded everyone that the Hindu temple is a place for Hindu worship, but also Hinduism education.

Dewang Gadoya, an avid reader of the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti website, who had come for the Hinduism Summit all the way from Canada, spoke on 'Know denigration and preserve Hinduism'. Gadoya spoke about what is Hinduism (Dharma) and how the denigration of Dharma today has resulted in the deteriorating condition of society.

He shared the true impact of denigration at the psychological and subtle level. At the subtle level the kind of distressing vibrations the denigratory object creates affect us subtly, at the level of our thinking. It reduces the purity and clarity of our thinking, and consequentially, our actions. It sets the wrong precedent for initiates into Hindu Dharma, including the youth/children, as

Audience at beginning

they feel then that it is ok to trivialize the sacred. "If one does not have reverence for the divine, how can one attain the devotion that is essential to worship and experience the divine?" he asked. He shared things that any person can do towards this cause, things within the reach of the common man, like protesting some denigration we come across, peacefully, but surely.

Dr. Richard Benkin spoke about the current situation of ethnic cleansing and religious persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh.

Dr. Benkin is a human rights activist, author and speaker. During his fiery speech, Dr. Benkin not only made all the attendees aware of the plight of Bangladeshi Hindus clearly, but also shared ppractical things for everyone to do toward this cause.

He shared how 9 million Jews had stopped the might of the Russian government. How all Jewish people had got together and collected donations, started protests, held rallies, etc. If 9 million Jews can do that, there are 900 million Hindus! We should be able to do much more. It is our

responsibility; no one else will do it. His practical tips included contacting our elected representatives regarding this situation; supporting his organization in whatever way we can; awakening the Hindu community to the plight of Hindus everywhere; holding any protests we can, however small, in front of the Bangladeshi consulate, etc.

He shared that he had recently received 3 emails from anti-Hindus asking him not to attend this Summit so whatever we were doing there must be working. He received spontaneous applause from the audience several times during his speech.

The final speaker, Smt. Bhavna had the audience spellbound as she spoke about the current challenges the Hindu community is facing. She emphasized that the main reason for the conversion and other problems faced by Hindus today is the lack of Hinduism education. She said that such is the state of Dharma that the so-called scholars and educators of Hinduism today are either nonHindu and often anti-Hindu, like Wendy Doniger, a professor of Hinduism at the University of Chicago.

The solution is to take and impart education about Hinduism that shows its unique spiritual scientific basis. Once anyone knows that, including the youth, like Hindus apply vermillion (kumkum) for its spiritually pure properties that aid concentration, they will be inspired to understand, live and preserve Hinduism.

Smt. Shinde also shared how to be a Hindu by promoting spiritual purity in oneself and in the surroundings. How the quickest way to attain the aim of Hinduism, God realisation, is through the grace of the Guru.

She ended the speech with a saying that in the current age of Kaliyug there is strength in unity and urged Hindus to make concerted efforts to preserve Hinduism. She shared a success story of how just a few Hindus protesting denigrating books in the academia have been able to stop the books from being given awards or circulated further. The audience applauded section after section of her speech.

The summit concluded with unanimous passing of the following resolutions (some of them will be submitted to our policy makers): 1.

The Bangladeshi government should be pressured to stop the persecution of Bangladeshi Hindus!

2.

We shall create awareness about the plight of our Bangladeshi Hindu brethren!

3.

Hinduism should be recognized as a major religion as are others like Christianity, Islam, Judaism and Buddhism!

4.

We shall protest every denigration of Hinduism peacefully but surely!

5.

We shall not support any art, product, academic textbook or media that denigrate Hindu concepts and practices!

6.

We shall take Dharma Education ourselves and impart it to our children and others, who are interested in Hinduism!

Felicitaiton of Dewang Gadoya

Felicitaiton of Kalpana Sharma by Richard Benkin

Felicitaiton of Dileep Thatte by Dr Richard Benkin

Felictaion of Dr Benkin by Somnath Paramshetti

Felicitation of Shroff Ji

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Global media censures Indian Govt on Bhopal LONDON/NEW YORK: Labeling the Bhopal gas tragedy as world's worst industrial accident, global media has censured the Indian Government for "a callous" and "confused" approach to corporate liability and warned it against luring foreign companies with low limits on liability.

Describing the court verdict in the case as "inappropriate punishment" after almost a quarter of a century since the disaster, the international media overwhelmingly held the Indian Government and the judiciary responsible for the travesty.

Pointing fingers at the controversial Civil Nuclear Liability Bill, now before Parliament, international media commented that the legislation continued to set a low bar on liability in order to attract foreign companies and governments.

The leading papers were also equally unsparing on American multinational company Dow Chemicals for refusing to clean up the site as well as on US Administration saying it had not emerged with great honor by blocking India's request for extradition of the former Union Carbide Chairman Warren Anderson.

Britain's 'The Times' said, under the Bill, a central part of the controversial 2008 Indo-US nuclear pact, the liability for nuclear disaster would be capped at USD 460 million- far below likely clean up cost.

It said, in the US, each nuclear plant is required to pay into a fund that could pay out some USD 10 billion in case of exigencies.

"Clearly companies need confidence about potential liabilities, if they are to invest. But India is asking too little", the paper said.

'The Times' commented that, Indian Court System took so long

Pointing fingers at the controversial Civil Nuclear Liability Bill, now before Parliament, international media commented that the legislation continued to set a low bar on liability in order to attract foreign companies and governments and downgraded charges to negligence despite reports of clear mismanagement. It also said, the Dow Chemicals which had taken over the Union Carbide in 1999 too bore responsibility for not cleaning up the site.

After over 25 years, eight people were convicted for one of the world's major industrial disasters and sentenced two years in prison. While one of the accused is dead, the other seven were granted bail in a case in which

more than 15,000 people were killed. .

The Indian legal system also came in for sharp criticism by the US media.

'The New York Times' said that Indian courts are notoriously slow and claimed that the Bhopal verdict indicated that the wealthy can outwit Indian judiciary.

"It could be extraordinary for something like this to happen in US.... regardless of the merits of pronouncing any verdict the courts have to decide fast so that the decision has consequences," the paper said.

The Bhopal gas verdict has touched a chord in US and it has come at a time when the Americans are struggling with the Gulf Coast oil spill.

'The New York Times' said activists are seeking to get the Dow Chemicals to clean up almost 425 tonnes of hazardous waste still left on the accident site.

A repetition of Bhopal tragedy is hard to imagine, Britain's 'The Time' commented saying, that in today's world internet and television would whip up a global fury.

"But the view that politicians can set companies undemanding rules to further other goals remains intact in many places---not least in India," it said.

"New Delhi has done little to dispel many Indians' old suspicion of foreign investment, a mistrust their country cannot afford", 'The Times' summarized. -PTI

Call to fly out Andersen came from MP CM's office: ex-official BHOPAL: With the circumstances under which Warren Anderson was flown out in a state plane after the gas disaster coming under scrutiny, a former Madhya Pradesh aviation official says he received a call from the then Chief Minister Arjun Singh's office to arrange for his departure.

Also, the identity of the then chief of Union Carbide was kept a secret and not revealed to the pilots of the state government plane who flew him out of Bhopal on December 7, 1984 within hours after he landed here in a commercial plane from Mumbai.

"I got a call from the CM's office that we have to arrange for an aircraft for Delhi flight...Accordingly we arranged the aircraft belonging to the Government of Madhya Pradesh," Captain R S Sodhi, who was the Director of Aviation in 1984, told TV channels. Arjun Singh has so far maintained silence on the issue.

After the Bhopal gas case ver-

dict on June 7, the focus is back on how Andersen was allowed to get away on despite being arrested on charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder for the gas disaster at the Carbide plant on the intervening night of December 2-3, 1984. Over 15,000 persons were dead in the world's worst industrial disaster.

Anderson was whisked away to the airport, where the Chief Minister's official plane stood waiting. Senior bureaucrats and police officers were also present at the airport.

Sodhi said the city's Superintendent of Police and Collector Moti Singh waved to Anderson as he boarded the plane.

Captain S H Ali, who piloted the plane, said the identity of his passenger was kept a secret and not revealed to him. Ali said Andersen was looking tired and upset.

"We got flight information from director R S Sodhi for a flight from

Bhopal to Delhi. I was told to keep aircraft ready. I planned it one hour before-hand. We waited for Mr Anderson," Ali recalled.

Ali said Andersen came with the Superintendent of Police and Collector of Bhopal.

"It was a one-hour-35- minute flight. We landed in Delhi. An ambassador picked him up from next to the plane. I left him with the airport manager. Another car was waiting for him there," he said.

Ali also said Anderson was the lone passenger.

"Only one person received him at the airport. He was looking tired and upset. It was a state government plane. We did not know who he was.

It was kept a secret," he said.

Ali's version of events corroborated what the then Bhopal Collector Moti Singh said.

"The Chief Secretary at that time called me to the room and told me to arrange for the departure of Warren Anderson," Singh had said.-PTI

Agitators in Bhopal

Judge blames synergy of worst of American and Indian cultures BHOPAL: A synergy of the "very worst" of American and Indian cultures led to the Bhopal Gas tragedy in 1984, a local court held, adding Union Carbide of US cynically used a third world country to escape from the strict safety standards imposed at home.

Chief Judicial Magistrate Mohan P Tiwari, who convicted ex-Union Carbide India Chairman Keshub Mahindra and six others and sentenced them to two years imprisonment nearly 26 years after world's worst industrial disaster left over 15,000 dead, also slammed the local authorities in

the synergy of the very worst of American and Indian cultures. An American corporation cynically used a third world country to escape from the increasingly strict safety standards imposed at home," Tiwari said in his judgment which was accessed by PTI. Tiwari, who has now been promoted to the rank of Additional District Judge, said, "Safety procedures were minimal and neither the American owners or the local management seemed to regard them as necessary.

He said that when the tragedy struck there was no disaster plan that could be set into action.

"Prompt actions by the ‘An American corporation local authorities could cynically used a third world have saved many, if not most of the victims," country to escape from the Tiwari said, adding the immediate response was increasingly strict safety marked by callous indifferstandards imposed at ence.

The then CJM said that home,’ Tiwari said Union Carbide should have had the self-realizaBhopal for callous indifference tion to exercise the greatest care and lack of prompt response after and take the precautions when it the gas leak. was dealing with such lethal The seven convicts secured chemicals. bail shortly after the verdict was "It was the burden of local delivered on June 7 in the Bhopal government also to play its suGas case following the disaster at pervisory and regulatory role with the Carbide's plant on the inter- the utmost sincerity," Tiwari said. vening night of December 2 and 3 "However, both UCIL and here. government utterly failed in do"The tragedy was caused by ing so," he said. . -PTI

Top Stories

June 18, 2010

India Post 13

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US hopes Bhopal gas case will not inhibit relations with India WASHINGTON: The US has hoped the Bhopal gas tragedy case will not "inhibit" its expanding ties with India and that the court verdict will bring "closure" to the families of the victims and rejected opening of new inquiries.

The Obama Administration also hoped the Bhopal court verdict in the world's worst industrial disaster will not affect the Indian civil nuclear liability bill.

The nuclear bill, which is facing opposition in India, is currently before Parliament.

The American reactions by two senior officials came amid outrage by civil rights activists over the US parent company Union Carbide escaping criminal liability and its chairman Warren Anderson being allowed to go scot free in connection with the 1984 gas disaster in which over 15,000 people died.

The officials were reacting to the verdict convicting seven Indian employees including exUnion Carbide India Chairman Keshub Mahindra and sentencing them to two years in prison each, nearly 26 years after the tragedy.

"With respect to Bhopal, obvi-

ously that was one of the greatest industrial tragedies and industrial accidents in human history.

And let me just say that we hope that this verdict helps to bring some closure to the victims

Crowley hoped that this particular case ‘does not inhibit - or the continuing expansion of economic, cultural, and political ties between the two countries’ and their families," Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, Robert Blake told a news conference here.

Blake hoped the verdict will not lead to opening of new inquiries into the role of Union Carbide in the disaster.

"But I don't expect this verdict to reopen any new, you know, in-

quiries or anything like that.

On the contrary, we hope that this is going to help to bring closure," Blake told foreign reporters in response to a question.

Responding to a specific question on the Bhopal gas tragedy and the court's decisions, Blake said this is an internal matter of India.

To a similar question at another news briefing, the State Department spokesman, P J Crowley said: "This tragedy happened 26 years ago, and it was a terrible tragedy, one of the worst industrial accidents in human history, and we certainly hope that the verdict brings some closure to the families of the victims of this tragedy."

Crowley hoped that this particular case "does not inhibit - or the continuing expansion of economic, cultural, and political ties between the two countries."

"We fully expect that this will not be the case," he said.

"The Indian Parliament will have to make judgment on the nuclear liabilities bill, but this criminal case should have no relation to the liability legislation currently before the parliament," Crowley said. -PTI

IOC team meets Consul General

A demonstration against Bhopal gas case verdict

Govt reconstitutes GoM on Bhopal gas case NEW DELHI: With the verdict on the Bhopal gas tragedy coming under all round criticism, the Government has re-constituted a Group of Ministers to go into range of issues concerning the worst ever industrial disaster.

Home Minister P Chidambaram will head the reconstituted panel which was earlier having Arjun Singh at the helm. Singh, who was the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh when the tragedy took place in 1984, is no longer in the government.

Other members of the panel GoM are Ghulam Nabi Azad, M Veerappa Moily, S Jaipal Reddy, Kamal Nath, Selja, M K Alagiri, Prithviraj Chavan and Jairam Ramesh, sources said.

Madhya Pradesh Minister in-

charge of rehabilitation will be a permanent invitee, they said.

The GoM will examine all issues relating to Bhopal gas leakage, including remedial measures and make appropriate recommendations relating to the relief and rehabilitation of the victims of the tragedy and their families.

The reconstitution of the GoM has taken place two days after the court verdict which drew widespread criticism with the political class in unison terming it as "too little, too late".

Nearly 26 years after the disaster left over 15,000 dead, former Union Carbide India Chairman Keshub Mahindra and six others were sentenced to two years imprisonment. -PTI

LtoR: Deputy Consul Ashok Sinha, IOC-President Vikram Bajwa, Marine Nixinder Singh, CGI Ms Susmita Thomas, Ms. Sunita Sharma and Deputy Consul Kumar Tuhin India Post News Service

SAN FRANCISCO: An Indian Overseas Congress-CA, USA, delegation led by President Vikram Bajwa, met the Consul General of India, Ms. Susmita Thomas and presented the C.G.I. a memorandum, to rename

Howrah Express to "Koma Gata Maru Howrah Express" train, in memory of the historic Koma Gata Maru martyrs. IOC also handed a request to CBI, to extradite Mr. Warren Anderson to India, to face the charge of the Bhopal Tragedy, which killed over 25,000 people.

Ms. Susmita Thomas, assured the delegation and emphasized that the NRIs protest about the renunciation of passport had saved the NRIs over $ 251 Million as the fees has been reduced to $ 20.00, instead of $ 175. IOC thanked the CGI for being very cooperative and understanding.

BON HOMIE: External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna, US President Barack Obama and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at a reception hosted by Hillary Clinton in Washington DC on June 3

Desi News

Kalpesh seeks to be Director-atLarge with AAHOA MOHAMMED GHOUSE

CHICAGO: Kalpesh Joshi, a young emerging hospitality industry entrepreneur with a remarkable record of leadership in the Indian American community, is seeking nomination as a Director-at-Large in AAHOA representing the Midwest region at the AAHOA's National Convention to be held in Chicago next weekend.

Kalpesh Joshi who served as the President of Care & Share USA International charitable organization and several other leading community organizations, including Midwest Asian American Services.

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA

14 India Post

www.indiapost.com

Saldef holds its annual civil rights banquet

June 18, 2010

Details on page 21

ALOHA celebrates 4th Math Olympiad in NJ

Details on page 17

ASF presents Rang Rangili Holi SURESH SHAH

CHICAGO: It was yet another celebration on the part of Anila Sinha Foundation (ASF), a Chicagoland no profit body, when it presented in league with Kathak Nrityakala Kendra a unique dance program in Kathak Style on Holi, a tradition started by Lord Krishna.

The theme depicted the festival of Holi in full swing. Bright and elegant costumes of the dancers throwing color powder at each other and the overpowering effect of the live musical ensemble mesmerized the audience, who felt that for some time they were in India.

Details on page 18

PIA Chicago 'Re-launch' celebrations A.Q. SIDDIQUI India Post News Service

CHICAGO: The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) resumed its flights to Pakistan from Chicago on June 2. And the "Re-launch" event was celebrated with a gala dinner at Meadows Club next day with great fanfare and enthusiasm in the presence of prominent Pakistani community leaders.

Details on page 20

Ms. Rama Guru, Director Franchise Training, ALOHA Mind Math, with the graduates at ALOHA's 4th Math Olympiad India Post News Service

NEW JERSEY: Over 1000 children across 33 centers in New Jersey participated in the 4th Math Olympiad held by ALOHA Mind Math, on June 4.

Mr. Mani Manickavelu, President & CEO, ALOHA Mind Math and Ms. Narmadha Punithavelu, VP, ALOHA Mind Math with the winners at ALOHA's 4th Math Olympiad

The day also marked the graduation ceremony of over 100 kids who completed the training program from various ALOHA centers.

Held at the Rutgers University campus, the event featured live

demonstrations of young children solving complex math problems on stage. Over 3000 strong audience watched in awe as kids solved these problems in 5 seconds. A written test in 10 levels with 4 categories was conducted

and Runners Up, Winners and Champions were announced later in the day. The top scorer of each category was pronounced champions.

Cont’d on page 15

Anumolu Rao recognized with Ellis Medal PRASAD THOTAKURA

NEW YORK: One more eminent Indian community activist and business entrepreneur, Rao S. Anumol was presented with the Ellis Island Medal of Honor - one of the highest honors in USA for immigrants.

Anumolu, President and CEO of Long Island (New York) based ASR International Corporation, is the recipient of the 2010 Ellis Island Medal of Honor. The Medal was presented to Anumolu last month at a ceremony held at Ellis Island in the presence of several dignitaries, community leaders and Anumnolu's family - Mrs.

Rajeswari Rao, Praveen and Naveen Anumolu.

The Medal recognizes recipients for outstanding contributions to their communities, their nation and the world. It is the highest civilian award in the US for immigrants - for their contributions in the development of this country.

Anumolu, who hails from Andhra Pradesh, has the unique distinction of being the only Asian Indian to have the dual honor of being cited by the US Congress and also the recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.

The Medal recognizes recipients for outstanding contributions to their communities, their nation and the world. It is the highest civilian award in the US for immigrants - for their contributions in the development of this country Rao at Ellis awards ceremony

Cont’d on page 16

Community Across America Retailer withdraws offensive use of ALOHA celebrates 4th Sikh religious insignia Math Olympiad in NJ India Post

June 18, 2010

15

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India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Cafepress, an online retailer based in the US has been forced, by community pressure, to withdraw its designs which had offensively used the Sikh insignia (Khanda) and an image of the Sikh Guru on its underwear/ thong collection. As this was not the first time that Cafepress has used Sikh religious insignia on their merchandise, Sikh advocacy group United Sikhs has written a letter asking them to put strict measures in place to ensure future compliance.

CafePress, a U.S. based internet clothing retailer, allows third parties from around the world to create their own designs and host them on their website. However, due to the vigilance and outrage

of Sikh community, CafePress was bombarded with letters seeking to remove these vile images from their website, following which

After hearing from the Sikh community, Cafepress offered its "sincere apology for any offense these products have caused CafePress has agreed to pull the images from their site.

"We apprised CafePress of their own internal policy that calls

for the removal of images that are in bad taste, irresponsible, and offensive, foreign law that punishes intentional acts aimed at harming the sentiments of a religious community, and one's own moral responsibility to prioritize the protection of dignity over economic profit," a United Sikhs spokesperson said.

After hearing from the Sikh community, Cafepress offered its "sincere apology for any offense these products have caused."

The community recognizes that CafePress did not act with any malicious intent and hopes that CafePress will remain sensitive to the feelings of the Sikh community and use greater caution and stricter measures in monitoring what is hosted on their web-site, a United Sikhs statement said.

Indian Ayurvedic practitioner Dr Naram to be honored PINKY KAUR

NEW JERSEY: An India born Ayurvedic physician who has elevated pulse reading (Nadi pariksha) to one of the most reliable scientific diagnostic tools, Dr. Pankaj Naram, will be honored by his fans and officials of New Jersey Government in New Jersey during Dussehra celebrations in the third week of October this year.

This honor is in the light of meritorious service that Dr. Naram provided to policemen and firemen during the post 9/11 period.

Many servicemen faced breathing and psychometric problems and the line of treatment offered

by Dr. Naram helped them a lot.

The citation will be presented on behalf of Indo American Festival Inc (IAF) to Dr. Naram on October 17 at Lake Papaianni Park in Edison NJ. Mangal Gupta the founder chairman of IAF, said

Dr. Pankaj with two of his patients in Chicago 2009

tion and his advice to many.

Nidhi Soparawala, our Mumbai Correspondent writes: An accomplished Ayurvedic physician and a pulse reader, Dr

This honor is in the light of meritorious service that Dr. Naram provided to policemen and firemen during the post 9/11 period. Many servicemen faced breathing and psychometric problems and the line of treatment offered by Dr. Naram helped them a lot that the NJ Governor Chris Christie along with other officials will be present at the citation presentation ceremony.

Our Chicago correspondent Suresh Shah adds that Dr. Naram will be in Chicago next week for three weeks beginning June 15 to meet a large number of his fans and is expected to offer consulta-

Naram has devoted his life to practicing the ancient art and science of Ayurveda - a holistic system of health and well-being practiced in India for centuries.

Ayurveda is gaining immense popularity around the world, due to the positive impact it has on human body.

Cont’d on page 16

Cont’d from page 14

In all, there were 4 champions -Aditi Attada - age 9, Prithvi Iyer - age 8, Prutha Patel - age 8 and Sumaya Vawda - age 14.

"I am so excited to have seen the response for this and am overwhelmed by the sheer turnout and enthusiasm of the kids," said Mani Manickavelu, President & CEO ALOHA USA. "Plans are afoot to expand across the US and franchise opportunities are being sought by eager parents and local business people," he added.

ALOHA Mind Math is an after school program designed and structured by a panel of experts from the field of Mathematics. The program is imparted by certified and qualified teachers who aim to provide a fun filled and interactive learning environment. In US, the concept was brought in by Mani Manickavelu in

2006 and has been expanding ever since. Today ALOHA Mind Math has its presence in 13 states with 80

ALOHA Mind Math is an after school program designed and structured by a panel of experts from the field of Mathematics. The program is imparted by certified and qualified teachers franchises teaching over 4000 students. ALOHA is headquartered in New Jersey.

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Indian Ayurvedic practitioner Dr Naram to be honored Cont’d from page 15

Dr. Naram learnt pulse reading and Marma Shakti from a highly respected Tibetan monk, Baba Ramdas Swami who specialized in diagnosis through pulse reading.

He provided Dr. Naram, with 2000-year old documents containing authentic Ayurvedic herbal formulations that continue to be effective even in today's modern world.

In a talk to this paper, Dr. Naram, said that years of rigorous training, commitment and talents are necessary for effective pulse reading. "Our body is a combination of 350 pulses/veins, and thus learning about each

vata (air), pita (heat) and kapha (water), and an imbalance among them results in disease.

Pairing this premise with pulse diagnosis has earned accolades for Dr. Naram from celebrities like Hollywood actress Demi Moore, Dalai Lama. Germany-based Anita Bose, daughter of Subhash Chandra Bose, and Mother Teresa.

Talking about Ayurveda, Dr. Naram said, "We have six instruments of Ayurveda. The first is diet, which is what to eat and what not to eat. Second is food supplements whatever is not available in the food. The third is home remedies. The fourth is Panchkarma (mental and physical cleaning).

more than 22 clinics in US itself at L.A., New York, San Diego, New Jersey, Chicago, Florida, Canada, Las Vegas and other cities.

He plans to have a clinic at Cape Town, in South Africa.

He has more than ten centers in Mumbai and some in Thane and Nasik. He treats over 400 patients everyday and visits his centers in US, four times a year. He offers consultation and line of treatment on majority of diseases including HIV and Cancer. Since 27 years he has treated over nine lakh patients and has 500 people on his staff who, among others, comprise 64 scientists and IT professionals to prepare the medicines

He mentioned that he can even find out about past illnesses by feeling the pulse. His objective is to spread a traditional, authentic and original Ayurveda and not a modified Ayurveda. It treats the cause and addresses biological imbalances creating illness Dr. Pankaj Naram and Dr Smita Naram

Dr. Pankaj and Dr. Smita with Mother Teresa

of these is very important," he said.

He mentioned that he can even find out about past illnesses by feeling the pulse.

His objective is to spread a traditional, authentic and original Ayurveda and not a modified Ayurveda. It treats the cause and addresses biological imbalances creating illness. Diagnosis is by pulse reading and treatment rests upon using a combination of diet, lifestyle, herbal remedies, and acupressure and detoxification techniques.

Ayurveda is based on the premise that the body comprises three doshas (humors):

The fifth is lifestyle and the sixth is Marma Shakti. These are very subtle energy points that work on body, mind and emotions and make one not only flexible but also remove the blocks from energy channels. Pulse reading is a key to where the blocks are and where the circulation is not happening."

Dr. Naram is the Head of Ancient Secrets Department in German University (UROPA).

He has 63 clinics in various cities in Italy, where doctors who are trained under him work. He also has clinics in various cities in Germany, Australia, France, Switzerland and

and create a reliable database. He is the first Indian to be invited to Harvard University to provide a lecture on Ayurveda.

Dr. Naram provides free service to needy and uninsured patients in India except for the medicine cost. His clinic, Ayushakti, in suburban Malad, Mumbai is more like an ethnic health center with the staff in traditional attire. Its cafĂŠ is the first Ayurvedic eatery in Mumbai, which prepares snacks like dosa, Frankie and fresh fruit juices made of fresh ingredients based on Ayurvedic principles.

One of the popular treatments offered at Ayushakti is Panchkarma to detoxify the body. The treatment, spread over two to five weeks, comprises of vaman (vomiting), virechan (exclusion through rectum), nyasa (cleaning the head through nasal administration), basti (enema), and rakta mokshan (blood letting). A special massage before the cleaning process is given to ensure that all toxins come out through the digestive tract.

Dr. Pankaj Naram and Dr Smita Naram, his wife and an ayurvedic practitioner and pharmacist, are renowned throughout the world, for their ground breaking research and work in the science of Ayurveda. In his book, How to Live to be 100 with, Energy, Enthusiasm and Tranquility, Dr. Naram shares the Ayurveic wisdom passed on to him by his Tibetan teacher, physician and holy man.

The title of the book contains a maxim that his teacher practiced throughout his life, which is the cornerstone of the Ayushakti herbs and his worldwide. This book contains practical information about the pulse diagnostics technique used by Dr. Naram, and the ways that his herbs work to balance and nourish the mind, body and emotions.

Dr. Smita Naram, who is also an expert on nutrition, has compiled a cookbook of Ayurvedic recipes called, Breakthrough Diet for Health, Beauty, Immunity and Longevity. She has also appeared on a popular nationwide television show on Ayurvedic home remedies broadcast throughout India.

In her cookbook, Dr. Smita offers a wide range of recipes suited to the individual constitution of those eager to incorporate Ayurvedic diet into their lifestyle.

Over the years the Narams have dedicated their lives for the betterment of people through Ayurveda. They continue to work with devotion and dedication. They realize that the world of today and tomorrow needs more natural way of living. And thus they are sure that very soon people all over the world will adopt and benefit from Ayurveda and its wisdom.

Anumolu Rao recognized with Ellis Medal

Anumolu with his family at the Ellis Island Medal of Honor (L-R) Praveen (son), Rajeswari (wife), A. Rao and Naveen (son) Cont’d from page 14

The US Congress in a citation in 2003 recognized that Anumolu Rao and ASR International Corporation contributed towards homeland security in USA thru costeffective technology and systems to protect the nation's airports, waterways, rail-

roads and roadways.

Expressing her 'deep appreciation for and recognition of his tireless efforts in support of our nation's defense,' New York Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy told the US Congress that as President and CEO of ASR International Corporation, Rao Anumolu has assisted the Department of

Rao with Clinton

Rao with US Congress award

Defense in its fight to protect our homeland since the attack on our country on September 11.

Past medalists of Ellis Medal include six US Presidents, as well as Nobel Prize winners and leaders of industry, education, the

arts, sports and government.

Andhra Pradesh born Mr. Anumolu came to USA in 1969 and obtained a Masters degree in Industrial Engineering and also an MBA degree from Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago.

Community Across America

June 18, 2010

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Kalpesh seeks to be Directorat-Large with AAHOA

India Post

17

Another Andhra student in mishap PRASAD THOTAKURA

MOHAMMED GHOUSE

CHICAGO: Kalpesh Joshi, a young emerging hospitality industry entrepreneur with a remarkable record of leadership in the Indian American community, is seeking nomination as a Director-at-Large in AAHOA representing the Midwest region at the AAHOA's National Convention to be held in Chicago next weekend.

Kalpesh Joshi who served as the President of Care & Share USA International charitable organization and several other leading community organizations, including Midwest Asian American Services, Federation of Indian Associations (FIA), is credited with the view that being Director-at-Large of AAHOA will offer him a national platform to serve the community still better. His campaign is in full swing and he feels confident of success.

Having served as AAHOA's Ambassador for the last three years, Kalpesh Joshi says he is uniquely qualified to take up this larger responsibility and added that he would work very hard to build bridges of partnership with other AAHOA's constituent groups. He said he will strive to bring in a new dimension and a

Kalpesh Joshi

Having served as AAHOA's Ambassador for the last three years, Kalpesh Joshi says he is uniquely qualified to take up this larger responsibility

new direction to AAHOA leadership circle given the scope of its strength as a powerful hospitality business organization in the USA. Kalpesh Joshi has owned, managed and operated hotel/motels in Illinois and provided valuable logistical support to several major hotel projects in and around Chicagoland area besides adjacent states of Indiana and Wisconsin.

"With this valuable business acumen, I will be able to help expand this industry further by liaisoning and networking with Franchisees, Banks, County taxing bodies and other regulatory institutions" said Kalpesh.

"It is my personal goal to especially lend help to newcomers who are willing to invest in hospitality industry," he added.

Kalpesh Joshi has been recipient of several prestigious recognitions and awards including the City of Chicago Community Service award conferred by Mayor Daley.

Joshi serves on the Asian American Advisory Council of Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, Dorothy Brown, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County and Dan Hynes State of Illinois Comptroller.

Maharashtra has a very bright future: Kapadia MAYANK THAKKAR

MUMBAI: It is an acknowledged fact now that India is on growth path with a significant element of consistency and fundamental strengths to boot; something which is expected to fasten the pace of development in the near future. There is an unprec-

Digvijay Kapadia, President MCCIA

edented increase in the Gross Domestic Product, the Foreign Institutional Investors (FII), the Foreign Direct Investments (FDI') and the Industry growth rate.

Maharashtra being one of the most important states in India has developed rapidly in a span of few

years. It has become an important hub especially for FDI, observed Digvijay Kapadia, President of Maharashtra chambers of Commerce -Industries and Agriculture (MCCIA) Maharashtra has various auto-

mobile industries, power generating projects, agricultural projects, banking facilities, MNCs; all the factors that play a key role in the development of the state as well as the country as a whole.

Cont’d on page 18

Sasi Sekhar Kunta

DALLAS, TX: A young Indian student from Andhra Pradesh Sasi Sekhar Kunta, 26, met with a tragic accident while swimming with friends at Winsooski River in Texas.

A Ph. D student and a native of Vijaywada, Sasi, did his masters in BITS Pilani and joined University of Vermont in 2008 to do his PhD in computer science.

Sasi who had been swimming with his friends, drowned after jumping off the Burlington bikepath footbridge into the Winooski River. Burlington Fire Department, Colchester Technical Rescue, the US Coast Guard and bystanders conducted the search but couldn't find him since it was already dark and the visibility was poor. The team continued the search on Sunday morning from 5:30 a.m. and found Sasi's body around 8:30 a.m.

near the bridge. Burlington Police detectives are investigating and don't suspect any foul play.

Mohan Nannapaneni, TANA Secretary, several other TANA Team square members and his friends are working with the University of Vermont authorities to send the body of the deceased to Vijayawada as soon as possible.

Jayaram Komati, TANA President expressed his shock and dismay in losing a young and bright student in a freak accident.

They cautioned all, especially international students to get familiar with their surroundings and follow the guidelines that were posted on www.tana.org to avoid these unfortunate incidents. Jayaram Komati on behalf of TANA members expressed deep condolences to the Kunta family.

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India Post

June 18, 2010

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ASF presents Rang Rangili Holi SURESH SHAH

Krishna and Radha, a part of Holi episode done by ASF

CHICAGO: It was yet another celebration on the part of Anila Sinha Foundation (ASF), a Chicagoland no profit body, when it presented in league with Kathak Nrityakala Kendra a unique dance program in Kathak Style on Holi, a tradition started by Lord Krishna.

The theme depicted the festival of Holi in full swing. Bright and elegant costumes of the dancers throwing color powder at each other and the overpowering effect of the live musical ensemble mesmerized the audience, who felt that for some time they were in India.

The choreography for this program was skillfully done by ASF Artistic Director, Ms Kiran

Talented artists of live orchestra: . Raj Deshmukh on Tabla, Kamlesh Desai on keyboard. Mrs. Manjiri Vaishmpayan and Sanjeev Deshpande vocalists, Mehul Adhikari on Dholak and Sanika Bhargaw on Flute.

Holi in full swing in Vraj

Chouhan. The program started with celebration of Holi in Brij with men and women dancing, singing and applying Gulal (red powder) on each other. This was followed by a loving interaction between Radha and Krishna culminating in a group dance involving Radha and Krishna with all the Gopis and Gops.

Participants were students of ASF and ASF dance company members namely Gumeet Marhas, Medha Bhargaw, Nisha Choksi, Alekya Eunney, Deepa Shivakumar. There was a live orchestra which was the attraction of the show. Raj Deshmukh, a disciple of Pandit Swapan Choudhury

was on Tabla and Kamlesh Desai, a well known local artist on key-

According to Mrs. Vandana Jhingan, a community activist dubbed by many as local Jhansi Ki Rani, ‘it was a quality program worth going miles to attend’ board. Mrs. Manjiri Vaishmpayan a disciple of Smt. Dhondubai

Kulkarni and Sanjeev Deshpande provided vocal support, along with Mehul Adhikari on Dholak and a very young budding artist Sanika Bhargaw on Flute.

Music was charming and stage sets on Indian village theme were very impressive. This was designed by Mrs. Asha Eunney, an event organizer with help of ASF students and volunteers. There was also a mehandi (henna) stall which women and children loved, a gift exposition where they could buy gift articles from India and above all delicious North Indian style food including Jalebi and Thandai arranged by Kam Gupta.

The chief guest was Dr. Denise

Jorgens, Director of Program and External Affairs, International House University of Chicago.

Overall the program was magnificent. According to Mrs. Vandana Jhingan, a community activist dubbed by many as local Jhansi Ki Rani, "it was a quality program worth going miles to attend." This was the result of a joint effort of ASF faculty and students under the guidance of Dr. Birendra Sinha, ASF President and a great promoter of Indian dance and music.

Next mega production of ASF is based on universal issue Global Warming "6th Element".

Cont’d on page 22

Maharashtra has a very bright future: Kapadia Cont’d from page 17

Projects with global standards that have been operating in Maharashtra have also been the contributing factor in the progress of the State. Thus, Maharashtra is the most progressive state in India today. "In addition to natural resources, the biggest asset of Maharashtra is that it has the highest population in the age group- of 25-35", according to Digvijay Kapadia.

MACCIA is an eighty year old apex body working for the trade and industrial growth and the betterment of the community in Maharashtra. Maharashtra is the only state in India with 38% population of budding entrepreneurs. "Also, one of the biggest advantages of Maharashtra is that the young generation here is far more educated then those in the other parts of the country," states Kapadia. The development in infrastructure is growing rapidly and in Maharashtra. And in spite of certain disadvantages in terms of power shortage, the state is ready to buy power from the other states.

Kapadia also points out at the developments in transportation in Maharashtra, informing about majority of districts in the State having four- lane highways and thirteen out of eighteen district places having

air routes. Since Maharashtra was less blessed with rains last year, Kapadia believes that with irrigation facilities and new irrigation techniques developed in collaboration with Israel Agricultural Department, conservation of rain waters will be better this year.

Agricultural production is low in Maharashtra, contributing hardly 2.3% in the GDP which is against the 11.9% GDP

According to Kapadia, to be competitive worldwide, the government will have to reduce tax bases, increase banking facilities and also increase the transportation facilities in the country. Maharashtra is the third largest producer of vegetables and flowers, second largest producer of rice in the country and one of the best Industrial states in India. It has as many as seventeen headquarters of different banks in Mumbai, the

Maharashtra is the only state in India with 38% population of budding entrepreneurs. ‘Also, one of the biggest advantages of Maharashtra is that the young generation here is far more educated then those in the other parts of the country’ rate in terms of the industrial development of the State, despite 58 to 60% population of Maharashtra being dependent on agriculture. Kapadia informs that Maharashtra government is now giving importance to the 'Agri- business' and 'Food processing Industry'. "We have wine-table grape that was sold for Rs.40/kg in retail markets, and now it is fetching Rs.158-160/kg. There are 23 wineries in Nasik alone," states Kapadia.

financial capital of Maharashtra. However, Kapadia disapproves various government schemes that do not reach the far flung villages and towns and about the few training programs for agriculture. Also the subsidizing of agricultural loans and the waiving of rate of interest upsets Kapadia as he considers these the pitfalls in the development of Maharashtra.

"MCCAI is trying its level best through

systematic training programs to reach the interiors of the State. It holds and hosts various kinds of agricultural exhibitions as well," stated Kapadia.

He is of the opinion that Maharashtra has a very bright future and that the infrastructural facilities are definitely developed more than the reasonable space. "We have to reach for a 100mt run and not a marathon," said he. "Maharashtra will surely have new strides and the new power generating projects and new automobile projects coming from FDI, will be the feather on the cap," comments Kapadia.

According to Kapadia, there is a very heavy flow of FDI in Maharashtra from Europe; however, he feels that USA has not been able to fully explore the potential of Maharashtra as yet. Thus, appealing to the Americans as well as the Indian-Americans residing in the US, he states, "Today, Maharashtra is very much capable and those who wish to invest in this state will be welcomed with open arms and will be provided with the necessary support."

Although the road ahead needs a carefully chalked vision and support, Maharashtra is already progressing and despite being just a state in India, it will soon be compared to the other developing countries, he felt.

Community Across America

June 18, 2010

India Post

19

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Etihad 'care' for passengers at O'Hare A.Q. SIDDIQUI India Post News Service

CHICAGO: Etihad Airways, winner of 2010 Skytrax Award as the world's Best Airline First Class, seems to be making great efforts living up to the high standard of cultivating its customers at all levels.

This was revealed in a media presentation at O'Hare airport. A cheerful agent behind the checkin-counter briefly advised a Hyderabad-bound passenger that his two pieces of luggage are forwarded directly to Hyderabad and he gets down at transit Abu Dhabi airport with his hand bag and notebook bag only. At another counter, the Etihad agent was seen looking for the choicest seat for the customer.

Etihad Airways is now connecting passengers directly to all destinations in India and Pakistan from Chicago. Now a favorite airline for Hyderabad bound passengers, Etihad is all set to win customer approval from check-in to in-flight and ground services.

Many cheerful and satisfied customers at check-in counter were more than an indication that Etihad is way ahead of others in winning approval from customers.

Etihad Counter taking care of passengers with great courtesy

Earlier, the Etihad team or rather the customer servicing agents at O'Hare airport checking counter were called in for a quick briefing

by Etihad Chicago Manager Denis Harvil along with Sales Executive Mohammed Anwar, airport supervisor Waqas and other airport officials. Etihad's well-trained team answered few questions to media and explained check-in procedures for customer information.

Etihad airways allow two pieces of luggage 50lbs or 23kgs each for each passenger adult or child. In addition, a passenger can carry a hand bag up to 15lbs or 8kg and a notebook case or lady's purse. A

A look at the peak season crowd over Etihad counter and smooth handling of passengers only indicated that the check-in staff were well trained and customer- service oriented

CRY Walk 2010 launched across the US India Post News Service

NEW YORK: The CRY Walk for Child Rights series launched on June 5, at Hartford, Connecticut, with similar walks being organized in support of children's rights across 20 cities across the US. CRY Walk for Child Rights is an initiative organized annually by Child Rights and You America Inc. (CRY America) as a means to raise awareness and funds in support of underprivileged children, especially in India.

CRY Walk for Child Rights, in its seventh year is being organized by 20 Volunteer Chapters of CRY America. Walk events in July include Denver, Alabama, Minneapolis, and the Bay Area. August events include Detroit, Boston, Frankfort (KY). September events include NY, Chicago and Pittsburgh.

A variety of skill levels are invited to participate in this year's CRY Walk event, including a non -competitive walk for families

across all 20 cities, a 5k competitive Run for sports enthusiasts in some cities, children's fun activities in some cities and snacks and refreshing drinks for all participants. All participants will receive an attractive CRY T-shirt and top finishers of the run will receive special recognition. Participants are encouraged to register in teams of 10 and each team's logo will be printed on the Walk T-shirts.

Shefali Sunderlal, President, CRY America, emphasized the need for people to come together through such events to change the situation of underprivileged children.

She said, "Illiteracy, child labor, malnutrition, and preventable diseases are injustices faced by millions of children on a daily basis. But not for long we hope. Because no matter how long or difficult the journey if each one of us believes in doing what's right, then all children will have their right to live, learn, grow and play!"

Youth Camp by BSS SURESH SHAH

CHICAGO: Bharat Sevashram Sangha (BSS) a no profit socio-religious organization in Chicagoland, has announced organizing full day Youth Summer Camp from July12 -16 for kids from age 6-16yrs. The camp will be held at its Aurora premise on Garfield Avenue.

BSS is dedicated to creating an environment favorable to moral and spiritual growth for our children. Guru Purnima puja will be celebrated on July 25 from 4:00pm -8:00pm.

Etihad team in Chicago

family with infant is allowed an additional small piece of luggage up to 20lbs or 10kgs for check-in.

Extra care is taken for families with infant and small kids. For passengers with infant, it is necessary that they advise the date of birth of accompanying infant. If the infant is less than six months old, a basinet seat can be requested in advance. Passengers are also advised to check their travel agents for booking seats in advance.

Most passengers seek bulkhead seats near the exit row. The bulkhead seats are assigned at airport as first come first serve basis only.

A bulkhead seat is not assigned

for passengers with infants.

Wheel chair passengers are given extra attention. The chairs are however, to be booked in advance. Etihad offers delicious cuisine on board. Vegetarian, Hindu or Muslim or any special meal request can be made in advance.

Etihad also offers a rewarding frequent flyer program. Passengers may register for this program ahead of their travel dates.

A look at the peak season crowd over Etihad counter and smooth handling of passengers only indicated that the check-in staff were well trained and customer- service oriented.

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Community Across America

June 18, 2010

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PIA Chicago 'Re-launch' celebrations

Durbin meets with Ambassador to India

A.Q. SIDDIQUI India Post News Service

CHICAGO: The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) resumed its flights to Pakistan from Chicago on June 2. And the "Re-launch" event was celebrated with a gala dinner at Meadows Club next day with great fanfare and enthusiasm in the presence of prominent Pakistani community leaders, travel agents, elites, activists and business persons.

The Pakistan Consul General in Chicago DrAman Rashid and his secretary Ambereen Husain and other staff members together with a delegation of politicians from Pakistan were among the VIPs at the event.

Present also were business persons like Munir Chaudhry of Rani Enterprises, Sabri's Wahed Butt, owners and staff of PIA consolidators RK Travel, Bestway Travel, Pleasant Travel, MI Travel, Evia Travel and others. Abdullah Hussain Haroon, Pak permanent representative to United Nations was invited as the Chief Guest.

The gala dinner ceremony itself was a grand presentation com-

India Post News Service

Pakistan Airlines Re-launch from Chicago celebrated with a gala dinner and cake cutting ceremony

General Manager of PIA Captain Mohammed Ajaiz Haroon announced the re-launch bonanza $10 insurance for all PIA passengers traveling to Pakistan

bined with an entertainment program lasting midnight. The program was emceed by popular singer Fakhir Ali. A beaming General Manager of PIA Captain Mohammed Ajaiz Haroon greeted Chicago community from the podium and announced the re-launch bonanza $10 insurance for all PIA passengers traveling to Pakistan.

Cont’d on page 23

WASHINGTON, D.C: Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) met with Timothy Roemer, the United States Ambassador to India - the most populous democracy in the world and a key ally - to discuss the relationship between the U.S. and India. This is the first time Durbin has met with Roemer in his capacity as Ambassador.

"Over the last year, Ambassador Roemer has worked to strengthen the already strong friendship between the United States and India," said Durbin. "It was interesting to hear his thoughts on the future of

our relationship and continued cooperation."

Roemer was sworn in as the 21st U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of India on July 23, 2009.

Prior to that, Roemer was President of the Center for National Policy (CNP), a moderate think-tank dedicated to sparking bipartisan dialogue and encouraging solutions to America's national security challenges. From 1991 to 2003, he represented the 3rd District of Indiana for six terms in the House of Representatives. While serving in Congress, Roemer served on the Intelligence, Education and Workforce and Science committees.

Community/California

June 18, 2010

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Saldef holds its annual civil rights banquet

Michael Singh

Jasjit Singh

Birpal Kaur

Whilst the overall mood was festive the shadow of June and Nov 1984 loomed large. "Hindus CERRITOS: The Sikh American are our friends but how come no Legal Defense and Education senior Hindu community leader Fund (Saldef) held its annual Civil has spoken up for us" said Rights banquet at the Cerritos Kanwarbir Singh a resident of OrSheraton June 6. It was a sold out ange County.

As a witness to and a survivor event attended by over 400 people. of the 1984 genocide the photo exhibition brought back my worst nightmares. I was an impressionable young man, all of 24 years old and I witnessed it all in Delhi. Yes, senior congress leaders were involved and I still vividly remember stories of Kamal Nath leading a mob in the Rakab Ganj area. I can still hear the wails of the frenzied mobs and the stench of the hundreds of fires raging across Delhi.

Kavneet Singh Accepting a Check from South And it was not just Asian Bar Association Delhi, but a number This was the third annual banquet of cities all over India.

The exhibition featured gruehere in Los Angeles in a row.

The evening began with a so- some pictures of Sikhs being burnt cial hour where the guests got to alive, dead bodies, grieving widsee an exhibition of Bicky Singh's ows, sisters and daughters, and private collection of pictures of horror of horrors, a picture of a dog Operation Bluestar of June 1984 eating a dead Sikh. The leg was and that of the Oct/Nov 1984 Sikh totally devoid of flesh and the bone lay bare. Almost the entire genocide. flesh had been June 6 was the 26th anniversary body's of the government ordered military eaten‌‌all this in the "World's assault of 35 gurdwaras in Punjab, Biggest Democracy."

These photos should be shown including the Sanctum Santorum, to the international media so that Sri Harmandir Sahib.

JS BEDI

India Post News Service

Keynote Speaker Nitasha Kaur Sawhney

the world knows what actually happened in India 26 years ago.

This is one genocide that has still not made it to the history books and neither have the perpetuators been brought to justice. For the past quarter century the Indian Government has been successful in keeping a lid on the blackest chapter of its post independence history.

The program of events commenced after the social hour with Bhangra performances by school kids. Bhupinder Kaur was the emcee of the evening and she did an awesome job.

There was a minute's silence in memory of those who perished in the unfortunate events of 1984.

Kavneet Singh in his speech spoke on current issues regarding Sikh civil rights. He also spoke on the turban issue in France.

Kavneet announced the opening of a Saldef office in So Cal and was presented a check of $4000 by the South Asian Bar Association as

A packed Hall

Comedian Rajiv Satyal

Bicky Singh with his photo collection of the 1984 genocide

their contribution to Saldef.

Keynote Speaker Nitasha Kaur Sawhney spoke on current issues including those that we shy from domestic violence, alcoholism etc.

She also emphasized the need to join the mainstream. "Stop being guests, become hosts" she

Bhangra

said.

Jasjit Singh, amongst other issues also gave a brief on the Oregon Teachers issue.

Rajeev Satyal is a comedian par excellence and he had the audience in splits with his comedy.

Film maker Michael Singh is half Sikh and half American. Winner of the Creative Ideas Award at the Sikh Film Festival, Michael has made several documentaries including Rebel Queen, a documentary on Maharani Jind Kaur of Punjab. In his address he urged the community to encourage Sikh film makers to create media awareness and tell America about the Sikhs and the Sikh way of life.

Birpal Kaur of So Cal Saldef spoke about Saldef's plans for So Cal. There was also a silent auction of paintings and other artifacts. The evening ended with a sumptuous dinner catered by Manohars Delhi Palace.

Emcee Bhupinder Kaur

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June 18, 2010

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World Kannada Summit in LA July 2-4 India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: The North America Vishwa Kannada Association (Navika), a global organization founded to promote and enrich cultural heritage of Karnataka, will be hosting the Navika First World Kannada Sum-

More than 2,000 people from across the world, including Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa, leading actors (such as Shivaraj Kumar, Ganesh, Ramesh Arvind, Meghana) and artists, sports personalities (such as G.R. Vishwanath) and business leaders will be participating in this

More than 2,000 people from across the world, including Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa, leading actors (such as Shivaraj Kumar, Ganesh, Ramesh Arvind, Meghana) and artists, sports personalities (such as G.R. Vishwanath) and business leaders will be participating in this landmark event mit at the Pasadena Convention Center July 2-4. This is the first such global event to be held in western United States.

landmark event. A grand procession, featuring the various wedding themes of Karnataka, will kick off the program. There will be non-

India Sweets & Spices opens Artesia branch

Mayor Tony Lima cuts the Ribbon

JS BEDI India Post News Service

ARTESIA: Grocery king India Sweets and Spices opened its new outlet in Artesia. City Mayor Tony Lima cut the ribbon to officially open the store. The Grand Opening was attended by a large cross section of the community.

Owner Kumar Jawa and his family and staff stood by to welcome the guests. Kumar is an icon of hospitality and all the visitors were treated to a sumptuous lunch.

India Sweets and Spices is So Cal's largest grocery chain with branches all over Los Angeles area and also in San Diego and Fresno.

Here in Artesia, India Sweets and Spices returns after over a decade's hiatus. The earlier branch

was in the Pink Plaza and that had to be shut down due to unforeseen circumstances. However, bet-

Owner Kumar Jawa and his family and staff stood by to welcome the guests.

Kumar is an icon of hospitality and all the visitors were treated to a sumptuous lunch ter late than never -folks will not have to go far to shop at their favorite store.

Vijay Kotrappa, Dr Iyengar and Basavraj Banapur

stop world-class entertainment throughout the event. Focused programs include the Business Forum featuring leading technologists, entrepreneurs, and government leaders, a women's forum focused on balance, clarity and

health issues, a spiritual forum, literary forum featuring leading Sahithis, Kannada Kali (learning/ teaching Kannada) and a singles' meet.

Several businesses (such as jewelry, clothing, real estate, food)

and non-profit organizations are actively participating as exhibitors and sponsors. Of course, there will be sumptuous, authentic Karnataka cuisine.

Dr. Sri Iyengar, a Cardio-Thoracic Surgeon and President of Navika said, "We are elated by the level of excitement, enthusiasm and support shown by Karnataka in sending a delegation of 80 artists and business/government leaders to bridge to Kannada community across the world". He added, "We are looking forward to welcoming them and our guests to showcase the rich culture and heritage of Karnataka".

The Convention team of over 150 has been planning this event over the past one year with the support of the Karnataka Cultural Association of Southern California and the various Kannada Sanghas across the United States.

Scholarship program for Diaspora children India Post News Service

SAN FRANCISCO: India's Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs has launched a scheme called the "Scholarship Program for Diaspora Children" (SPDC) in 2006-07, to assist children/wards of Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and Non-Resident Indian (NRIs) in pursuing undergraduate courses in several disciplines in India. A press release issued by the Consulate General of India here said that under this scheme, over 290 PIO/NRI students have benefited during the last four academic years.

The press release listed the highlights of the SPDC-2010-11 as follows: • 100 scholarships are being offered for undergraduate courses in several disciplines including Engineering/Architecture/Technology, Humanities/Liberal Arts, Commerce, Management - BBA/ BBM, Journalism, Hotel Management, Agriculture/Animal Husbandry, Science, Law etc.

• The program is open only to PIOs/NRIs from the specified 40 countries having a larger concentration of Indian Diaspora.

• 50 % of the scholarship slots would be reserved for PIOs. However, in the event of the non-avail-

ability of suitable PIO candidates, the unfilled slots could be assigned to NRI candidates.

• NRI candidates would be eligible for the grant of the scholarship only if their total family income per month does not exceed an amount equivalent to US $ 2,250 (US dollars two thousand two hundred and fifty only)

Candidates would be selected on the basis of their performance in the qualifying examination (equivalent to plus 2 stage in India) which decides the eligibility to apply for the scholarship scheme • Children of NRIs should have pursued at least three years of education, inclusive of 11th & 12th or equivalent (not beyond), in a foreign country during the last six years, and should have passed the qualifying examination abroad.

• The last date for receipt of duly filled-in application forms in the prescribed format by Ed.CIL is 18th June 2010.

• PIO/NRI Students already studying in India on a self-financing basis or under any other arrangement will not be eligible under this scheme, which is open only for fresh admissions in the first semester/year of undergraduate courses.

• Candidates would be selected on the basis of their performance in the qualifying examination (equivalent to plus 2 stage in India) which decides the eligibility to apply for the scholarship scheme. The candidates would also have to fulfill all the criteria prescribed for the purpose.

• The amount of scholarship admissible would be 75 % of the total Institutional Economic Cost (IEC) or US $ 3,600 (US dollars three thousand six hundred) per annum, whichever is less. IEC includes Tuition fee, Hostel fee & other institutional charges.

• Admission may be sought in one of the institutes/colleges/universities given in Appendix 'C' of the information booklet.

• However the procedure for admission in NITs will be notified separately on the ministry's website after the ongoing review of the DASA scheme by the Ministry of Human Resources Development (MHRD) is completed.

ASF presents Rang Rangili Holi Cont’d from page 18

This is schedule for October 2 and 3, 2010 at the North Shore Center for Performing Arts in Skokie. Anila Sinha Foundation for the promotion of arts and culture of India, a not-for-profit organization was created in memory of

Mrs. Anila Sinha, a Kathak dancer herself who whole-heartedly devoted her life to teaching and promoting classical music and dances of North India mainly Kathak. In keeping with its mission ASF has established an Academy of Kathak Dance, Kathak Nrityakala Kendra, affiliated with Prayag Sangit

Samiti, Allahabad, India with several centers in the Chicago land area. ASF has continually organized Kathak dance programs, workshops and lecture demonstrations by master artists from India. The programs of ASF are partially supported by funds from the Illinois Arts Council.

June 18, 2010

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A

fter having spent a good part of our lives in the East ern culture, when we try to establish ourselves in the West, it is but natural that some among us will find themselves to be in a relatively better position to comprehend the differences between the two styles of lives.

Back home, at least in the years past, there didn't exist much of a divergence between a weekend and weekdays even among the people in the working age group whether they had jobs or owned their own businesses. The weekends, if at all there were such a thing, were primarily limited to Sundays only.

Over remaining work days of the week, despite being busy in their respective jobs or businesses, people met one another in between and relaxed, attended social or religious events and did other chores of the household, if they so wished or needed. Just because it was weekday evening, it didn't make people stop their other usual social or religious activities.

Getting late to work as a consequence of inability to wake up in time, though an unhealthy and a wrong practice in itself; didn't seem to create such an enormous tension as to make life miserable.

And then, entering the work place on a given day didn't necessarily bring to a standstill everything else in life. Understandably, no work happens to be stress free anywhere, yet the working environments were such that one could easily interrupt it, if one had to, without paying too much of a price for.

When weekend arrived, that primarily was limited to Sunday only in most of the circumstances; it often tended to merge imperceptibly in the preceding and the following days of

Life shuttles between Weekends and Weekdays DR. JASWANT SINGH SACHDEV

the week. As a result, one didn't perceive weekend separately from the weekdays for neither of them had an independent existence. The routine didn't change drastically as happens to be the case in the West most of the times.

In the Western culture, on the other hand, there is a clear cut cleavage between the weekdays and weekends in term of how we spend them and what we do. It is all too well known that during the work days, especially during working hours, most but not all the people of the West actually transform themselves into, or they are made to turn into machines, oftentimes against their own will.

In a stark contrast to what happened in Eastern culture, where lots of ancillary chores were taken care of prior to departing for the job, all working individuals in the West get painfully concerned, albeit for the right reason, in making sure that they are not late for the work.

Every minute and every moment of the morning gets occupied by the impending departure for work. Both mind and the soul become totally engrossed in trying to throw the mortal body out of the door hurriedly for it to reach the place of work. The morning chores prior to departure therefore, don't cut much ice here and are put on the back burner even by those who might have been deeply involved in them earlier.

This may also include religious rites, whose performance in Indian subcontinent was not only preferred but rather considered essential in the morning hours for this time has been considered auspicious in

PIA Chicago 'Re-launch' celebrations Cont’d from page 20

The insurance will provide coverage of 1.5 million rupees to Pakistani Americans throughout their stay in Pakistan. Captain Ajaz, who himself flew the PIA brand new 777 aircraft from Karachi to Chicago via Barcelona, said that the resumption of PIA from Chicago is a decision by demand. There were hurdles, but finally it came through.

PIA has also added one more flight from New York. The choice of Barcelona as a technical stop will make the operations smoother.

At present PIA will operate weekly two flights from Chicago via Barcelona to Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad.

Among other speakers Chicago Manager Shahid Jamal Nizami and Pakistan Consul General Dr Aman Rashid also congratulated the Pakistani community for PIA service resumption. A cake for the celebration was jointly cut by Managing Director Ajaiz, a lady parliamentarian from Islamabad, Dr Murtuza Arain and others. A draw was held and six free tickets were distributed to lucky winners, followed by a music and entertainment program.

all the Dharmic faiths having their roots in India.

Such is not the case among the males only. One often finds that the women folks are equally if not more entrapped in their routines than their hubbies.

They may not even have enough time to put on their make-ups prior to leaving the homes for their work.

It is not unusual to find many of them driving with one hand while the other is busy in completing the make-up through rear-view mirrors of the cars.

This is an accepted cultural phe-

Both mind and the soul become totally engrossed in trying to throw the mortal body out of the door hurriedly for it to reach the place of work nomenon in the West and no one looks adversely towards a woman putting on her make-up openly out in the public. To a newly arrived soul from a remote corner of Indian subcontinent, it may simply appear awkward for they had not seen such kind of a liberated act being performed in front of their eyes in their mother countries, at least in the times past.

With the passage of time a gradual metamorphosis takes place.

The immigrants, both men and women, from other cultures over period of time end up behaving like the people around and follow the same pattern as others do, there being no choice.

Furthermore, many among the Western culture may not have enough time in the weekday morning to take a shower or a bath, something very essential in the Eastern faiths or at least it was, at one time, when I checked last!

In fact, among the people of the Eastern faiths, taking a shower in the morning had been considered a 'sine qua non' for the morning es-

sentials. The unique philosophy among many cultures of the East mostly taught that the cleanliness of the body and cleanliness of the soul must go hand in hand. As one starts assimilating in the culture of one's adopted residence, it is not unnatural or uncommon to pick up the habits of the local natives, good or bad, as water must flow to the path of least resistance. At times, these new habits may be hygienically less than adequate but reducing physical efforts and saving time in the morning is all that matters in the modern culture of the West.

Once at work, every minute of time is measured in dollars and cents.

If the job entails hourly wages which happens to be fairly common in this culture - two opposing pulls start to come into play.

While the employer wishes to squeeze out every moment he has to pay for, the worker on the other hand tries to prolong and delay the work by taking it easy and slowing down. One would say that this is merely our human nature, not a specific cultural artifact. The fact remains though, when time unit for wages shifts from a month to an hour, the minutes start to matter more.

The time for lunch and other breaks is often well-defined and limited in the West. It is usually not enough to go home and have lunch with the family as many did back home, at least in small town and villages.

Likewise the mid day nap, the siesta hour, as was common in the India of the past, isn't written into the culture of the West or at least in North America. Of course, bigger Indian metros back home now a-days are gradually turning into the replica of their Western counterparts.

As people or workers here in the West have to work continuously during work days, their minds start looking forward to the weekends for relaxation.

Come Wednesday, the most common phrase in the offices and other work places shifts into 'already on the top of hill' and 'the weekend is

around the corner.' Thursday is spent in anticipation of Friday and Friday as it sets in, makes the employees look solely towards the feasibilities of various activities of relaxation related to the weekend. It seems that a heavy and invisible load of burden has been suddenly lifted off the shoulders.

One would find many among the fair sex pulling out their makeup paraphernalia from their purses in an attempt to freshen themselves up for the upcoming dinner with their hubbies, boyfriends or families, whatever the case might be.

Come weekend, the work and work related talk becomes a taboo.

Many individuals wouldn't even try to pass the route that leads to their work places, at least those, who are salaried or on hourly wages. It is time to hit the road to the recreational sites, movies, ball games, eveningsocial parties or attend to household chores - the honey dos'. A few among the crowd, hoping to improve their next life, may start to turn their directions to their religious places, especially on Sundays.

By Sunday evening, provided it is not a long weekend, the apprehension for Monday - the most frightening day of the week - starts taking over the thoughts of each working Tom Dick and Harriet.

Sleepless nights may start once again. And finally, as soon as one arrives at work, the longing for the next weekend appears to build over, the cycle starts once again and it keeps on repeating.

Thus the life in the West transforms into a shuttle that is repeatedly flipped between weekdays and weekends. At times, it even doesn't let one take a pause to think that with each passing day of the week, one gets a step closer to the final destination, perhaps faster than what it did back home. But that is the way it is and that is life!

Dr. Jaswant Singh Sachdev is author of a recently published book, 'Square Pegs, Round Holes.'

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June 18, 2010

'Talent' returns to Colors with judges Kirron, Sonali, Sajid

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June 18, 2010

India's Got Talent Khoj 2 judges (Sonali Bendre, Sajid Khan and Kirron Kher) Details on page 28

RUCHIT DESAI

NEW YORK: Raajneeti had its worldwide premiere at the AMC Empire 25 Theater in New York June 2, giving a first look at veteran director Prakash Jha's highly anticipated political thriller. Lokesh Dhar from UTV Motion Pictures proudly introduced the film stating, "Anyone with an understanding of Mahabharata will surely enjoy the picture," as that is the source of its inspiration.

While the film is certainly not restricted to only those familiar with Vyasa's epic saga, prior knowledge of the timeless classic does make it easier to follow.

Raajneeti, as the title implies, explores the world of "politics…and beyond" and encompasses the complexities inherent in the age-old pursuit of power. The film begins on the brink of the status quo changing when the leader of the prevailing political party in India and patriarch of the Pratap family is suddenly taken out of the picture, leaving brother versus brother struggling for power by any means necessary.

Arjun Rampal plays the role of Prithiviraj Pratap with Ranbir Kapoor portraying younger brother Samar, both loose representations of the Pandava banner as Yudhistir and Arjun, respectively. Ranbir's role as a tweaking of Arjun (which effectively reveals the young actor's versatility) becomes most apparent when seen in relation to Nana Patekar's character of Brij Gopal, the mentor and tactician behind

Prithivaj's party.

The name Gopal itself being a clear indication of his likeness to Krishna.

Patekar skillfully shows the restraint and cool headedness possessed by the master politician throughout the film as his character guides Samar through innumerable difficulties.

Despite the fall out with director Prakash Jha and his desire not to have any affilia-

who aims to take over the party which he sees as his birthright.

The ambition and Machiavellian scheming his character portrays demonstrate a frightening facet of the dark side of human nature that is drawn out by politics, and Bajpai does a stellar job in bringing these demons out onscreen.

And of course where there is Duryodhana, Karna is sure to follow -

Ranbir's role as a tweaking of Arjun (which effectively reveals the young actor's versatility) becomes most apparent when seen in relation to Nana Patekar's character of Brij Gopal, the mentor and tactician behind Prithivaj's party tion with the picture, Patekar's onscreen brilliance reflects the dedication and skill that this veteran actor always delivers.

Katrina Kaif also gives one of her best performances yet as Indu Pratap, who later takes charge as matriarch of the party. This is a character that really grows right on celluloid as one can see her slow transformation from a young girl to a strong woman in power.

And the Kaurava camp? Manoj Bajpai plays the role of cousin Veerendra Pratap, modeled after the great villain Duryodhana,

Ajay Devgan shines as the impoverished incendiary Sooraj Kumar, fittingly named after Karna's close association with the sun god Surya Dev. Devgan's poignant portrayal of the conflicted character who has inherited only misfortune and injustice is right on par with the inner turmoil experienced by Karna as he straddles the line between his own birthright and obligations.

The ensuing events tell a harrowing tale of manipulation, sacrifice, and tragedy that make it nothing less than an absolutely

gripping thriller. The aesthetic qualities of the film further help to distinguish it with sweeping views capturing huge roaring crowds, their screaming and chanting properly showcasing the raw power politicians possess.

Aadesh Shrivastava's 'Mora Piya' accompanies the film perfectly as the strangely soothing yet unsettling track helps to set just the right mood.

Seemingly, the biggest challenge in creating a film with so many characters is juggling them from scene to scene to make sure each is equipped with enough depth and development.

Jha manages to spend just enough time on each of the characters so that we as an audience actually get a sense of who each of them truly is.

While using the Mahabharata as a basis for the film does greatly help in terms of framing the characters and the narrative that it offers, it also does some damage as many points of the movie become entirely too predictable.

Still, Jha manages to keep it fresh by adapting and incorporating enough twists to revamp the tale. Ultimately, the film exudes tremendous talent by both the ensemble cast and crew that will make for a very thrilling ride for moviegoers.

Raajneeti released in theaters everywhere on June 4.

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June 18, 2010 www.indiapost.com

Sukhwinder makes amends with late show SIRISHA CHANDRARAJU India Post News Service

SANTA CLARA: The night sky and the chilly air contrasted with the bright colors and warmth of Indian clothes and food last Sunday as the Bay Area Desi community gathered to enjoy the Sukhwinder Singh concert at Great America's Redwood Amphitheater. With its decorations and performers glittering in gold, the Santa Clara, CA venue hosted Singh's final appearance for his Jai Ho American tour.

The event showcased some of Bay Area's talent as it presented

singers and dancers of all ages to perform their art and awarded them for their hard work and dedication.

The Jai Ho Idol participants and the various dance groups which performed after were energetic and the perfect warm up for the main acts.

Furthermore, by providing a platform for these performers, the organizers have found a way to encourage young Indian Americans to take an active part in their culture.

The audience, though appreciative of the talent of the acts on stage, became restless and frustrated as evening turned to night without any sign of Sukhwinder

The Jai Ho Idol participants and the various dance groups which performed after were energetic and the perfect warm up for the main acts Singh. An appearance by Bollywood actress, Tanushree Dutta, only appeased them for so long before the chants for

Sukhwinder Singh started again.

Singh and his crew had missed their flight out of Washington, D.C. that morning, after they had performed a long show the night before.

Despite the audience's disapproval, the presenters and the performers endeavored to make the event a positive experience for all those still there to enjoy the night.

Kicking off the vocal performances for the night was the supremely talented Satvinder Satti.

Satti, who recently won a PTC award, sang lively Punjabi songs that had many concert goers clapping and dancing.

Despite other members of the audience who were clearly only waiting for Sukhwinder Singh's entrance, Satti sang and danced with zeal and made many good hearted attempts to involve the audience. Following Satti was a member of Singh's crew - Suny V. Donning a gold jacket with his name stylishly sewn on the back, Suny got the audience in the groove by singing a few select Bollywood numbers. A standout moment of his performance was perhaps during his rendition of "Jumma chumma de de," when he invited a few members of the audience to dance on stage with him.

After Suny V, Pawni Pande of Little Champs took the stage and wowed members of the audience with her performance of "Mayya Mayya" from the hit film, Guru.

While somewhat nervous about the impatience of the crowd, Pawni nonetheless gave a vocally impressive performance.

Around 10pm, Sukhwinder Singh came on stage with a bang, after which much of the audience forgot that they had been irritated by the timing issues.

Singh is truly a performer, moving around the stage with ease as he hit every note effortlessly. He added wit in between and during songs, sometimes changing the lyrics to incorporate the audience into the performance.

He made the audience his priority, guiding the lights onto them and making as much small talk as possible without cutting down on his singing. He even tried to jump off stage into the audience, but unluckily for the audience who were urging him on, venue security stopped him before he could take the leap.

Cont’d on page 27

June 18, 2010

India Post www.indiapost.com

Sukhwinder makes amends with late show

Cont’d from page 26

Throughout his performances, he brought back some of his opening acts to again sing a duet with him--"Beedi Jalai le" with Pawni being a highlight. Singh continued his act with some popular songs, which included "Aaj Mera Jee Karda" from Monsoon Wedding and "Dhan ta naa" from Kaminey before concluding with the title song of the tour, "Jai Ho" from Slumdog Millionaire.

It is undeniable that Singh is an experienced performer, who has incredible vocals to back up his on stage charm. He was respectful of the audience and of his fellow performers, who showed him the same regard that he gave them.

His crew must be applauded for their quickness in catching on to some of the minute changes he kept making mid performance to make the concert more interactive. All in all, despite some of the difficulties, the Bay Area got a concert full of talent and energy.

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India Post

June 18, 2010 www.indiapost.com

Rahman concert will 'stay true to its roots' for many American acts, also making the show culturally diverse.

Hoping to appeal to different audiences, he said that the "idea of having India's best music is intriguing" for all audiences.

ISHA PATNAIK India Post News Service

MILPITAS, CA: On June 5, reporters gathered at 8 p.m. at India Community Center in Milpitas, California to videoconference with world-renowned composer A.R. Rahman and performers on the upcoming tour: "A R Rahman Jai Ho Concert: The Journey Home World Tour." Rahman answered questions about the forthcoming tour and his inspiration.

"This show is about India," he said to broadly describe the muchanticipated tour. Though it is "constructed in a very different way," Rahman sees the show as one that stays true to its roots. He also mentioned that there is going to be some cultural diffusion within

When asked about what inspired him to score Slumdog Millionaire, he said, ‘I fell for the movie. That's why I did the music’ The video conference

the show in order to showcase the global performers.

With fifty performers from the United States and forty-seven

from India, the show will be diverse in all of its glory. Rahman is also going to be working with Amy Tinkham, who has staged shows

He also spoke about the new directions he was heading in like fusion, but he said that he would revisit his old classics. "Without 'Chaiyya, Chaiyya,' there would be no show," said Rahman. He will

also present works from his internationally known score, the one from Slumdog Millionaire. He also mentioned that this tour is the most challenging idea he has worked on.

When asked about what inspired him to score Slumdog Millionaire, he said, "I fell for the movie.

That's why I did the music." Not only did the movie receive eight Academy Awards, Rahman received two of those awards for "Best Original Score" and "Best Original Song" for "Jai Ho." This sparked the tour, which will be traveling from the U.S. to Europe. Fans are edging toward the end of their seats in anticipation for the surprise filled, spectacular event that will start on June 11 in Uniondale, New York.

'Talent' returns to Colors with judges Kirron, Sonali, Sajid India Post News Service

MUMBAI: After a rags to riches first season, where the Prince group from Orissa that was comprised of daily-wagers, won the award for creating the most entertaining act in India, the show that changed the history of talent hunt in the country - Maruti Suzuki presents India's Got Talent returns to Colors, India's entertainment destination, with a new and intense search for some ordinary people with astonishingly extraordinary talent.

The show, along with getting much grander this season has also just gotten more interesting with Jury members Kirron Kher and Sonali Bendre making a glamorous comeback on the show. The two lovely ladies will be accompanied by none other than multi-talented writer, director and performer Sajid Khan who joins them on the podium to give his verdict on who makes the best entertainer in India.

Aptly named 'Khoj 2', India's Got Talent is not pulling any stops and is willing to dig way deeper than last season to retrieve those hidden gems from the depths of our country.

The show that traveled to Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Ahmedabad last year will also travel to destinations like Ludhiana, Lucknow, Muzaffarpur, Jodhpur, Guwahati, Shillong, Gwalior, Nagpur, Thrissur, and Srinagar this year to find that individual or group, who's talent is, in a word, mind-blowing!

While the rules of the game remain the same, the game itself changes as this season will see an exponential growth in participation and subsequently in the kind of acts

one is welcome to participate. And as far as the talent goes, it's not about who does it best, it's all about is the act entertaining enough.

Like last season, this season will also see acts ranging from the common forms of entertainment of singing, dancing, acting to the interesting forms of art that include magic, mimicry to the daring performance arts which may include martial arts or even kushti, to something totally mind boggling and utterly bizarre.

Describing this season's production and concept, Siddhartha Basu, Head of BIG Synergy said,

ment that will delight the viewers."

India's Got Talent Khoj 2 will hit the Colors screen later this year, while the call for auditions has already been sent out. Combing the country for hidden talents, this season is going to be way bigger than the first as the country will get to see a lot of new talent and some mind boggling acts.

With Jury member Kirron, Sonali and Sajid keeping a keen vigil for the unique talent, the charming hosts Nikhil Chinappa and Ayushman will return as Jai and Veeru to pep up spirits. The

Hosts of India's Got Talent Khoj 2, Ayushmann Khurana and Nikhil Chinnappa

that will be performed. Keeping this in mind, the production of the show has been scaled up and viewers will get to see a bigger and a much grander India's Got Talent platform.

Articulating the excitement surrounding the show, Ashvini Yardi, Programming Head of Colors said, "After a very successful first sea-

us go 'a-ha'.” The scale hence, is much bigger than last season.

“Also this season, we have Sajid as one of the judges who brings with him years of experience as a performer, writer and a director and who knows what clicks when it comes to entertainment. The audiences are in for a rocking season

‘We are traveling to over fourteen cities to audition everyday regular people who have some interesting talent in them. We are looking for something that makes us go 'a-ha' son, we knew the second season of India's Got Talent had to be something much much bigger. This season, we're not only going to be the most unique talent hunt show, but we plan to outdo ourselves.

“We are traveling to over fourteen cities to audition everyday regular people who have some interesting talent in them. We are looking for something that makes

with India's Got Talent Khoj 2."

What the audiences got to see last season could be called merely the tip of the ice berg. This season, will see contestants from remote towns and villages coming on for auditions with their unique talents.

What's more? As the format of the show goes, anybody who may be six years old or even sixty, tall, short, fat, thin, anyone and every-

Prince dance group (winners of IGT season 1) performing at the India's Got Talent Khoj 2

"Last year India's Got Talent went beyond standard filmy entertainment to unearth exceptional talent, from a spectacularly sensuous salsa to kanjivaram clad saxophone sisters, from Nallasopara hip hop to silver painted modern mythmakers, from ventriloquism with political comment to mindblowing mallkhamb.

“The diversity and richness of talent was breathtaking. This year the Khoj goes further, reaching out for any form of outstanding entertain-

search for the most entertaining act of India has begun and the result is sure to be nothing short of spectacular.

Conceptualized by Simon Cowell's Syco TV Production Company and UK's FremantleMedia, the producers of shows like American Idol and many other big ticket reality shows, India's Got Talent Khoj 2 is a multi-performance highentertainment variety show. In India, the magnum opus is produced

by Big Synergy for Colors.

June 18, 2010

India Post 29

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1 Khili Re - Raavan

6 Bekarar - Paathshaala

2 Ghum Suhm Ghum Suhm - IAWA

7 Ranjha Ranjha - Raavan

3 Dont Know What To Do - Housefull

8

4 Mein Tenu Samjjawan - Virsa

9 Rang De - Bumm Bumm Bole

5 Chaska - Badmaash Company

10 Ankahi Si - Chase

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June 18, 2010

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Yaadan - Virsa

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areena Kapoor feels that she has now entered a much more mature stage of her career. The news of Mani Ratnam reviving his film Lajjo, which was earlier shelved have surfaced recently.

The buzz is that Kareena and Aamir Khan will be playing the lead roles in this movie.

Apparently, Kareena will be one of the happiest persons if Lajjo is made.

She claims that she would rather do challenging roles than the 'Barbie Doll' ones. She has come to realize that she enjoys doing diverse roles as an actor now.

Bebo feels that she can no longer do the singing and dancing kind of girlie roles which she had essayed earlier. And she believes that these roles fail to bring out the actor in her.

She has been able to win the hearts of many with her uniqueness in Kurbaan, Jab We Met, Omkara and others.

Currently, Kareena has quite a few promising roles in her kitty. She will be playing the role of a mother in Ra. One.

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ne more Caucasian beauty is all set to try her luck in Bollywood. Sarah Thompson who plays Ranbir Kapoor's American girlfriend in Raajneeti, seems completely smitten by him.

She says that she's all set to make her move from the US to Bollywood. And has hired herself a Hindi tutor. "When I started working on Raajneeti I knew no Hindi. That was okay. I had to play a girl who doesn't know any Hindi and all I had to do was mutter a smattering of bad Hindi."

But now Sarah has got herself a Hindi teacher. "I want to make a career in Bollywood. For that I need to know the language.

So I got myself a teacher. Ab mujhe Hindi bolne aati hai."

She gushes, "I love India and Indian films.

Mumbai reminds me of New York. The same energy and bustle and now I want to be part of it."

This is Sarah's third visit to India.

"I came for the first time to shoot in Bhopal for Raajneeti and then I came to dub for the film. Now I'm back for the release and I'm nervous and anxious, yeah! I want to do more Bollywood films, and yes I am shifting to Mumbai." ○

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F Hussain, who made Gaja Gamini especially for Madhuri Dixit, now wishes to work with the southern beauty Vidya Balan, who the painter/director is all praise for after having seen Ishqiya.

Reveals a source "MF Hussain is currently working on a script for Vidya. He was blown away with her performance in Ishqiya and has made up his mind to work with her ever since. He thinks she's the quintessential Indian beauty not to mention a powerhouse of talent" Vidya Balan, we hear, though immensely flattered, wishes to complete her prior commitments before taking on other projects. Currently she is shooting for Rajkumar Gupta's No One Killed Jessica which is based on the murder of model Jessica Lall.

MF's

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agreed to be a part of this innovative project. Apart from Kat playing Big and Salman as Jaya, another deviation of the film is that there will be no dialogues and Amar Singh has decided to incorporate recordings of phone taps for the background score.

It a unique project and hopefully, Kat and Salllu will come together in reel if not in real.

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t may sound odd but it is true Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif has been offered a role to play Jaya Bachchan and Amitabh Bachchan on-screen. The idea that Salman to enact Jaya and Katrina as Big B has been given by politician Amar Singh. When Amar Singh disclosed the plotline to Katrina, she was awestruck and immediately

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K

areena Kapoor and Bipasha Basu are friends again. The two had a bitter past after they engaged into some mud-slinging in public not that long ago.

But, recently at the IIFA awards, the two top Bollywood ladies decided to bury the hatchet. Actually, it seems it was Kareena who made the first move.

Apparently, Kareena invited Bipasha over to her suite and the two bonded like they had never faced problems with each other ever.

With Bipasha and Kareena joining hands, it must ring alarm bells for their competitors who have enjoyed the cold war between the two beauties till now.

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GREAT

FRIENDSHIP T

he friendship between Arshad Warsi and Sanjay Dutt spills over the big screen. Such is the bonding between the two that Arshad Warsi at times misses bonding with Sanjay Dutt, especially after the two earned some great popularity in their Munnabhai series.

Says the actor, "Sanjay and me are great friends. And after our bonding in films like Munnabhai, we have cemented on a different tangent. I really miss working with Baba. At the same time I am aware that there are many filmmakers who are smitten by the casting combination of us and would like to feature us together. But, honestly I surely miss working with Baba."

It must be mentioned that that the third installment of Munnabhai series - Munnabhai Chale Amreeka is something whose fate is still not clear. So, it might be sometime before Arshad Warsi realizes his dream.

32 India Post

K

ullu is located in the charm ing Kullu valley and is set amongst the backdrop of the mighty Himalayas. This town is famous for its temples and the annual Dussehra festival, both of which attract thousands of tourists. It is also known for its handicrafts.

Kullu lies in the central part of the state of Himachal Pradesh in the northern region of India. It is located amidst the Himalayas at an altitude of 1200 m above sea level at the confluence of Beas and Sarvari rivers. It is 240 km north of Shimla. The weather in Kullu is al-

pine. Summers (April-June) are mild and winters are cold (November-February). It experiences southwestern monsoon rains in July-September.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Kullu is in summers, between April and June. It is also visited in October during the Dussehra festival.

Formerly, the Kullu valley was known as Kulanthapitha, meaning the end of the habitable world. The earliest recorded information of this area goes back to 1st century AD, when this valley began to be inhabited. In the medieval period,

This town is famous for its temples and the annual Dussehra festival, both of which attract thousands of tourists. It is also known for its handicrafts

www.indiapost.com

Kullu and the area around it was ruled by a number of local rulers. The Kullu valley was isolated from other parts of the country for many centuries until it came under British rule.

Tourist attractions: Kullu is famous for its temples and festivals. The main tourist attraction of Kullu is the Raghunath Temple, dedicated to Lord Ram, who is one of the principal deities of the Hindu religious pantheon and the patron deity of the entire Kullu valley. Raja Jagat Singh, the erstwhile ruler of Kullu, built this temple in 1660 to atone for his wrongdoings. He obtained a statue of Lord Ram from Ayodhya and established it within this temple.

Jagannathi Devi Temple or the Bekhli temple is 3 km from Kullu and is located in the village of Bekhli. It is a stiff 1½hour climb to reach this temple,

June 18, 2010

but it provides a panoramic view of Kullu. The Bijli Mahadev Temple is located on a spur at a height of 2460 m. True to its name, the temple is often stuck by lightning (bijli, lightning).

Places around There are a number of shrines around Kullu. The Basheshwar Mahadev Temple at Bajura (15 km) from Kullu is famous for its exquisite carvings. The Vaishno Devi Temple (4 km) and the Vishnu Temple at Dayar (12 km) are other important shrines worth visiting.

There are a number of tourist spots as well. The small town of Manikaran (45 km) is famous for its hot sulphur springs. It is located at an altitude of 1737 m in the Parvati River valley. These hot springs are famous for their healing powers. This place is both revered by the Hindus and the Sikhs.

Cont’d on page 34

June 18, 2010

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Baby Babirusa and Markhor debut at LA Zoo India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: The Los Angeles Zoo celebrated the birth of two babirusas and two pair of Tadjik markhors. On May 10, two babirusas, a species of the pig family, were born. One of the piglets needed special care and is being hand reared in the nursery. The other is with its parents.

Hailing from the moist, swampy forests and thickets of tropical rain forests on the Sulawesi, Togian and Baru Islands of Indonesia, babirusas are swift runners and good swimmers.

Preferring to live near bodies of water, they’ve been known to swim across rivers and seas to reach small islands. The natives say that the tusks are like the antlers of a deer, hence the name babirusa, which means “hog-deer” in Malay.

The males’ lower tusks are used to fight rivals for females and territory. The upper tusks appear to have little use as weapons, but instead serve as protection for their eyes by deflecting the blows

markhors, a male and female were born at the L.A. Zoo. Less than a week later, on May 29, a second pair of markhors, also a brother and sister, were born. Visitors can see these boisterous markhors, an endangered species of wild goat native to Asia, alongside their parents in the markhor exhibit.

The most distinct characteristic of the Tadjik markhor is their horns. The male’s tightly curled, corkscrew-like horns may reach up to 57 inches. Females’ horns twist in the same manner, though they are thinner and flatter and only reach eight to 10 inches in length.

Living at elevations of 1,900 to Markhor Mom with Twins

The most distinct characteristic of the Tadjik markhor is their horns.

The male’s tightly curled, corkscrew-like horns may reach up to 57 inches

of the opponent.

Unlike other wild pigs, the babirusas’ litter size is small. Measuring six to eight inches at birth, the piglets are a solid gray or brown gray, not striped like most wild pigs when they’re born. Hunting, habitat loss and commercial logging have posed a threat to this vulnerable species.

On May 24, the first Tadjik

TN launches eco tourism policy CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu Government has launched an eco tourism policy which would facilitate conservation and preservation of the state's natural resources.

The policy, formally released by Deputy Chief Minister M K Stalin, provides strategic direction to engage local communities, tourists, forest officials, government and other stake holders in promoting effective eco tourism activities resulting in conservation and preservation of natural resources.

According to the policy note, the government shall endeavor to promote eco tourism and its activities by pursuing various objectives including identification and promotion of lesser known areas having eco tourism potential in addition to popular destinations and create awareness on education and conservation techniques among tourists and local communities.

Only activities and facilities which would have least impact on natural resources and local culture would be permitted, it said.

Since hotels play a major role in promoting eco tourism, the policy note said the government would help the sector to set up hotels in potential eco tourism spots, out-

12,000 feet, markhors are adept rock climbers from the start. Boasting stocky legs, robust forequarters and broad hooves that provide traction, these wild goats are built for the rocky terrain they inhabit.

Native to the arid Himalaya M o u n t a i n s o f n o r t h e r n Afghanistan and southern Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, this species is critically endangered. Markhors are threatened because of habitat loss resulting from competition with humans, degradation of habitat by livestock and aggressive hunting.

According to the policy note, the government shall endeavor to promote eco tourism and its activities by pursuing various objectives including identification and promotion of lesser known areas having eco tourism potential in addition to popular destinations

side the wilderness/protected areas.

Priority would be given to the development of places, which were closer to existing popular destinations so that development of infrastructure was kept at bare minimum.

"Once the destination is finalized, the development and management of the same will be preferably done by the forest department, involving the local community".

It (policy) said an affective monitoring and evaluation criterion must be ensured to ascertain that the activities are conducted in accordance with the guidelines and policies prescribed. -PTI

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June 18, 2010

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China to throw open Brahmaputra Canyon to tourists BEIJING: China will throw open the Brahmaputra grand canyon, regarded as the best scenic spot in Tibetan valley, to international tourists, amid speculation that it plans to build the world's biggest hydro-power project on the transborder river.

The Tibetan autonomous government will work with local tourist companies to further develop the tourist area into a world-class tourist spot, a report in the official media here said.

Interestingly, while a number of official websites used the name Brahmaputra canyon as it is known in India and the world, the ruling communist party organ, Peoples Daily on its website called it the

Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon, the Tibetan name by which the river Brahmaputra was always referred to in official Chinese media.

In recent years, the government and tourism companies of Tibet Autonomous Region have invested heavily in the construction and development of The Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon Scenic Spot, the world's largest canyon, the report in the Peoples Daily said.

"It has now become one of the most attractive tourist spots in Tibet. Tourists can see spectacular snow-capped mountains and enjoy the fun of walking through gorges and white-water rafting," it said.

Located in Tibet's Linzhi

(Nyingchi) area, the Canyon is 504.6 kilometers long and ranks first in many aspects such as length, depth, hydropower resources and biodiversity.

T h e Brahmaputra River passes the world's 15th highest peak Mt Namjagbarwa at the eastern end of the Himalayas and forms a horseshoe shape along the mountain.

Incidentally this is was the location where Chinese government

has reportedly received proposals to build world's biggest dam to generate over 22000 mw of power.

The Chinese government has

not reacted to the reports published in the British media recently.

The canyon has an average depth

of 5,000 meters and is only 35 meters wide at its narrowest point.

The rapid changes in elevation and the vertical distribution of climate have made the canyon a perfect place for almost all types of biological communities such as those inhabiting cold zones, temperate zones, subtropical zones and tropical zones.

Traveling through the canyon, hiking enthusiasts can have a panoramic view of the magnificent scenery of the great canyon, and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Mt Namjagbarwa and Tsangpo Badong Waterfall," said Qi Wei, deputy general manager of Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon Tourism Development Company.-PTI

Home-like B&Bs hope to cash-in on Games influx NEW DELHI: Hoping to attract a large share of foreign tourists who are expected to flock the country for the Commonwealth Games, owners of bed-and-breakfast establishments are offering an Indian home experience that the tourists may not get during a hotel stay.

"I would rather call it a home stay rather than a Bed and Breakfast. It's not only about the commercial aspect. I give a lot of personal time including tips for

sightseeing, shopping," says Shalini Shamnath, the owner of a gold-starred B&B at Civil Lines.

She expects the Games to be the "cherry on the cake".

"I am sure that during the Games we will get better business. Occupancy rate might even be 100 per cent during that time. We do expect better rates from what we normally charge," she says.

Introduced in Delhi in 2007, the B&B concept aims at providing tourists a taste of authentic Indian

culture in a clean and affordable setting.

There are around 1,230 'Gold' and 'Silver' starred rooms registered as on May 23, 2010 in Delhi while the Union Tourism Ministry estimates that there could be around 3,000 such units available for the Games.

Majority of them are located in the posh areas of Golf Links, Defense Colony, Nizamuddin, Jor Bagh, Vasant Kunj and Chanakyapuri. -PTI

Kullu: Famous for temples and annual Dussehra festival Cont’d from page 32

Travelers can visit the Shri Ramchandra Temple and the Shri Guru Nanak Devji Gurdwara in Manikaran. Manikaran offers hiking and trekking facilities to the tourists.

Kaisdhar (15 km) and Kasol (42 km), the latter located amidst pine forest, are important picnic spots.

Shoja (69 km), at an altitude of 2692 m, offers the traveler a breathtaking view of the entire Kullu valley.

Raisom (13 km), on the banks of river Beas, is a good site for trekking. The town of Naggar (23 km) was the erstwhile capital of the state of Kullu for more than 1,400 years. There are number of historic monuments and temples in this town.

Kullu attracts the adventureseeking tourist by offering trekking and hiking trails in and around the valley. Stretches of River Beas are also used for white-water rafting.

Fairs & festivals: The festival

Dussehra procession at Kullu

of Dussehra, which marks the victory of good over evil, is celebrated all over India in the month of October. However, Dussehra in Kullu valley is special. It begins when Dussehra festivities in other parts of the country are over. The main event of this festival is taking out of Lord Raghunath's (local version of Lord Ram) idol through the streets on a palanquin carried by

pilgrims. The procession also has villagers dancing in traditional attire.

How to reach: The nearest airport is at Bhuntar, which is 10 km south of Kullu. The nearest railhead is at Jogindernagar (95 km).

Kullu has a good road link with Shimla, Delhi, Chandigarh, Mandi, Manali, Manikaran, Naggar, Bajura, and Dharamshala.

June 18, 2010

India Post 35 www.indiapost.com

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Health

Line

Board approves sale of 2 Chicago area hospitals

SPRINGFIELD, Ill.: A for-profit Tennessee-based company has gained approval for its plan to buy two suburban Chicago hospitals from a large Catholic health system.

The Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board voted to allow the deal to purchase West Suburban Medical Center in Oak Park and Westlake Hospital in Melrose Park.

Nashville, Tenn.-based Vanguard Health Systems Inc. plans to buy the hospitals for $40 million from Resurrection Health Care.

Vanguard officials have pledged to spend $15 million to improve the hospitals and to continue running them for at least three years.

They also agreed to report annually to the state attorney general's office on the amount of free and discounted care it provides to needy patients. -AP

Fla. posting 1st signs warning swimmers about oil PENSACOLA BEACH, Fla: Officials in Florida's western Panhandle are posting signs warning beachgoers not to swim or fish off a six-mile stretch of oil-fouled beaches near the Alabama and Florida state line.

The Escambia County Health Department decided to post the signs after heavier tar balls and a tarry-mouse substance were reported along the beach.

It is the first time swimming and fishing has been restricted on Florida beaches because of the massive spill that began with the April 20 rig blowout. Tar began rolling up on Escambia County beaches last week. -AP

Dems want special session on KidCare JUNEAU, Alaska: Four Senate Democrats want Alaska Gov. Sean Parnell to call a special session so lawmakers can again pass legislation expanding a health insurance program for low-income families.

But a Parnell spokeswoman said that won't happen.

Parnell said he'd veto the bill because he recently found out the program pays for abortions.

Sens. Hollis French, Bettye Davis, Johnny Ellis and Bill Wielechowski called for the special session, saying the veto will hurt families. By one estimate, the bill would have covered an additional 218 pregnant women and 1,277 children. -AP

Health Science 37

India Post

www.indiapost.com

June 18, 2010

SC GOP voters: 'Yes' on primary ballot questions COLUMBIA, S.C.: Voters in South Carolina's Republican primary voiced their anger over the new federal health care law and high state government spending.

Details on page 38

Indian-American scientist develops vaccine for Chikungunya India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Dr. Karuppiah Muthumani of Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine at University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia and his team are closer to developing a DNA vaccine against Chikungunya virus.

Chikungunya virus is a mosquito-borne emerging pathogen that has a major health impact in humans and causes fever, severe joint pain, headache, rash, nausea and vomiting.

Indigenous to tropical Africa, recent large outbreaks have been reported in parts of South East Asia including India and several of its neighboring islands and in Europe.

Positive cases have been confirmed in the United States in travelers returning from known outbreak areas.

Currently, there is no vaccine or antiviral treatment. Its transmission to humans is mainly via mosquitoes.

The emergence of a pesticide resistant mosquito vector for CHIKV transmission has raised grave concerns in the world health community regarding the potential of a Chikungunya epidemic. There is no specific treatment for Chikungunya virus and there is no vaccine currently available.

"In our research study, we isolated Chikungunya virus from an acutely infected patient and developed a synthetic DNA vaccine that expresses the component of the CHIKV envelope protein based on the patient information, with several genetic modifications," Dr.

duced in infected patients as well as cleared patient sera.

"These results have important implications for the continued development of plasmid DNA based vaccines for the prevention of Chikungunya virus infection and we believe that our novel CHIKV CHIKV DNA vaccine will induce

The emergence of a pesticide resistant mosquito vector for CHIKV transmission has raised grave concerns in the world health community regarding the potential of a Chikungunya epidemic Dr. Karuppiah Muthumani, PhD

Muthumani said.

The team in collaboration with Prof. David B. Weiner, one of the pioneers of the DNA vaccine field of the same research institution assessed the efficacy of this vaccine in mice and monkey and observed higher immunity with strong neutralizing antibody responses titers necessary for viral clearance in the body, which mimicked those in-

protective responses, hopefully leading to eventual protective CHIKV DNA vaccines in humans."

The DNA vaccine platform has been under successful investigation over the past 15 years and has undergone several improvements since its inception. DNA vaccines have been shown to be safe and tolerable in animal models, and have been exploited to investigate their preventive and treatment efficacy

BAPS Fair promotes healthy living, educates public

India Post News Service

CHINO HILLS, CA: Periodic health check-ups are an essential ingredient to promoting a healthier lifestyle, as they allow

for earlier detection as well as necessary intervention to ensure the well-being of the patient. With the increasing diagnoses of conditions such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, it is impera-

tive for people to be educated about their health through physical check-ups a few times a year.

Recognizing the importance of this awareness, BAPS Charities hosted a Health Fair on Sunday, May 23 in Chino Hills, CA. The Health Fair saw participation from 89 health care professionals, including pharmacists, dentists, nurses, physicians, chiropractors, and specialists in the fields of Ayurveda and herbal medicine, yoga, cardiology, ophthalmology, pediatrics, physical fitness, gynecology, psychology, and psychiatry.

Cont’d on page 39

therapeutic and preventive potential against several infectious diseases including HIV/AIDS. Several DNA therapies have been licensed for commercial use against West Nile Virus and Melanoma in mammals, and many more have shown appreciable success in human clinical trials. The most recent example is the RV-144 HIV vaccine trial (Thailand HIV vaccine trail), which was based on a prime-boost regimen including a DNA vaccine.

This human clinical trial conducted by the US Army in Thailand with over 16,000 volunteer recruits, showed a statistical efficacy of 31.3 percent. According to Dr. Muthumani, there has been evidence testifying the safety and superior properties of DNA-based vaccines.

He said recent developments in vaccine delivery techniques such as in vivo electroporation and the use of molecular adjuvants to boost immune responsesogenicity have endorsed further improvements, thus forecasting its potential expansion into therapeutic/curative use against other infectious diseases such as Chikungunya and Dengue.

Owing to its several superior qualities, Dr. Muthumani said, "Our study has also implied a DNA based vaccine, targeting Chikungunya viral envelope protein."

This construct, which was developed in-house, underwent several sophisticated optimization steps to boost its intended actions. Several intricate pre-clinical studies performed in monkey models have shown promising results. "Our study revealed conducive tolerance by the animal to the vaccine. Most importantly, a several fold increase in the immune response by the animal was seen," he said.

After careful evaluation by prominent scientists in this field, these promising results have beckoned further investigation of this vaccine in human clinical trials. "We propose to conduct an initial smallscale study involving human volunteers to test our vaccine candidate. We have supporting scientific evidence to believe that our hypothesis could potentially lead to a successful vaccine against Chikungunya and thus rid the world of this debilitating malady," he said.

38

Health Science Post

India Post

June 18, 2010

www.indiapost.com

QIAGEN provides cervical cancer screening in India India Post News Service

WASHINGTON: QIAGEN has announced a key allocation from the company's "one million test" donation program to increase access to HPV screening for cervical cancer prevention among women in low-resource regions of the world.

Approximately 26,000 human papillomavirus (HPV) tests will go to the Nargis Dutt Memorial Cancer Hospital for cervical cancer screening, the company said at the Women Deliver global advocacy conference in Washington DC, which is focused on promoting global maternal health solutions.

"We are hopeful that by demonstrating the potential of HPV testing, and by making our stateof-the-art screening technologies more accessible in underserved areas, we can play a role in reducing the global burden of cervical cancer," said QIAGEN Chief Executive Officer Peer Schatz.

QIAGEN is planning future donation allocations and is currently collaborating with globally-regarded researchers, NGOs and Ministries of Health to provide HPV test donations for large-scale demonstration programs in Asia, India, Africa and other regions with high disease burden. HPV testing identifies women with high-risk HPV DNA infections that can cause cervical cancer, enabling diagnosis and treatment to be put in place before

cervical cancer develops.

The Nargis Dutt Memorial Cancer Hospital in Barshi, Maharashtra, India counsels, screens and treats women as part of a landmark International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)-led study in 130,000 women. The study demonstrated that, in low-resource settings, a single round of HPV testing significantly reduced the numbers of advanced cervical cancers and

The Nargis Dutt Memorial Cancer Hospital in Barshi, Maharashtra, India counsels, screens and treats women as part of a landmark International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)-led study in 130,000 women deaths, compared with Pap (cytology) testing or visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA).

The IARC trial, led by Dr. Rengaswamy Sankaranarayanan, was designed to assess the effectiveness of various cervical cancer screening technologies in reducing cervical cancer incidence and death rates.

Following the April 2009 publication of study results in The New England Journal of Medicine, QIAGEN announced a donation of

one million HPV tests to low-income countries over five years. The control group in the study had no screening, which is the standard of care in many parts of India.

With the donated tests from QIAGEN, the women in the control group will now be able to access the best-performing cervical cancer prevention tool in the trial - QIAGEN's digene HPV test (also known as the Hybrid Capture 2 HPV DNA Test).

"India bears one-fifth of global cervical cancer burden, with approximately 134,000 new cases a year. In fact, the disease is reported to be responsible for almost 25 percent of all female cancer deaths here - and the burden is highest in our rural areas," said Dr. B.M. Nene, Chairman of the Tata Memorial Centre Rural Cancer Project at Nargis Dutt Memorial Cancer Hospital.

"The IARC study that our hospital participated in demonstrated that the incidence of advanced cervical cancer and deaths are actually reduced - and hence lives saved - when HPV DNA screening is used. With this donation, the women in the control arm who were not screened - as is the 'standard of care' in much of India - will now have the opportunity to be screened for cervical cancer with QIAGEN's donated HPV tests, which was shown in the trial to most significantly reduce cervical cancer incidence and mortality."

SC GOP voters: 'Yes' on primary ballot questions COLUMBIA, S.C.: Voters in South Carolina's Republican primary voiced their anger over the new federal health care law and high state government spending.

They overwhelmingly answered ``yes'' to two ballot questions asking state lawmakers to take a stand against both issues.

The first ballot question asked if legislators should make it illegal

to force South Carolina residents to buy health insurance or participate in any health care plan against their will. The second asked if legislators should pass bills that limit spending growth by linking it to average income increases or gains in population and inflation.

Republican voters overwhelmingly said they should. The out-

come was expected by state GOP leaders.

South Carolina GOP executive director Joel Sawyer said the questions had two purposes: to prompt action from legislators and to increase primary turnout by giving Republicans another reason to vote. He said the party hopes to identify new primary voters and keep them informed. -AP

HMSA, Queen's team up on new payment plan HONOLULU: The Hawaii Medical Service Association and The Queen's Health Systems have announced an agreement they say will transform the way health care is delivered.

HMSA, Hawaii's largest health insurer, and Queen's, which runs The

Queen's Medical Center, said that they are working on a new payment system. It rewards hospitals and physicians for working together to coordinate care that produces positive results while controlling costs.

HMSA and Queen's say the new payment system is funda-

mentally different from current systems that primarily pay for the quantity of services performed and not the quality of care.

Queen's President and CEO Art Ushijima says the outcome-based reimbursement model is gaining acceptance across the country. -AP

71 spill-related medical complaints NEW ORLEANS: Twenty-nine workers hired for oil spill recovery tasks have complained along with 42 others of diverse ailments including nausea, vomiting and flulike symptoms since May 2, state health officials reported.

Several of those complaining of problems were treated and released and others quickly felt better, Louisiana's Health Department reported.

The health department said workers reporting medical complaints included nine with unspecified cleanup duties, seven breaking up sheen, four in offshore work, two burning oil and three deploying boom.

Another 21 people complained of ailments while working on oil rigs - 16 on one rig and five on another - and told doctors they were exposed to dispersants, according to the Department of Health and Hospitals.

The remaining 21, including 13 who called poison control centers but apparently did not see doctors said they were on shore - 20 of them at home - and felt ill after smelling oil or chemicals.

Doctors could not verify the exposures reported, according to the study posted on the DHH website.

A news release said the department has asked doctors and medical facilities to report all illnesses and injuries believed related to the oil spill so public health workers can investigate. It also used information from seven hospital emergency rooms in the metro New Orleans area.

It said no medical complaints were reported the week of the spill or the week after that. The first six were reported during the second week after the spill that began May 2.

The week after that brought

another 31, including all 21 rig workers.

Sixteen workers on one rig suffered nausea, vomiting and flu-like symptoms on May 13, the report said. It said most of the rig workers were feeling better by the time they got to a clinic in Plaquemines Parish; all were treated and released.

Another five rig workers were treated and released May 15 at a Lafayette clinic after complaining of ``irritative symptoms.'' The report did not give details, but skin, eye and lung irritation are common symptoms of chemical exposure.

The health department said workers reporting medical complaints included nine with unspecified cleanup duties, seven breaking up sheen, four in offshore work The seven workers who had been ``busting oil sheen for two weeks'' were admitted May 26 at West Jefferson Hospital _ the only hospital identified in the report.

The hospital, in suburban New Orleans, has said it has treated four others, including two who had been burning oil offshore.

Of the 21 people who neither worked offshore or in the cleanup, 10 were from New Orleans, four from St. Tammany Parish, three from Plaquemines Parish and two each from Terrebonne and St. Bernard parishes.

The report also says that the percentage of asthma and upper respiratory complaints in the metroarea emergency departments is the lowest in four years. -AP

State looks at cancer cases in Grand Forks County GRAND FORKS, N.D.: State health officials will look into reports of a possible ``cancer cluster'' in Grand Forks County.

Staff with the North Dakota health department and the Statewide Cancer Registry plan to meet next month with parents of cancer-stricken children.

Epidemiologist Alice Musumba says the number of cases of childhood cancer in Grand Forks County between 1997 and 2006 were on par with the rest of the state and the nation, but there were more cases than expected in 2007.

Advocates have identified at least nine children diagnosed with leukemia in Grand Forks County She says the rise could be attributed to chance, but also could indicate common risk factors.

Advocates have identified at least nine children diagnosed with leukemia in Grand Forks County in recent years. Two of the children have died. -AP

June 18, 2010

Health Science Post

India Post

39

www.indiapost.com

BAPS Fair promotes healthy living, educates public Cont’d from page 37

These professionals devoted their time and expertise by providing educational seminars, free personal consultations, and basic examinations. Mobile units provided glaucoma and vision testing as well as blood donation services. Over 480 people attended and benefited

"I was so impressed at how well organized everything was and how smooth the day went. The volunteers were definitely a huge asset and made our job so much easier. Everyone worked as a team and made the day very successful," spoke Andy Williams, a student of the USC School of Pharmacy, of the event.

cer, supported the BAPS Charities Health Fair by providing information about the various types of screenings for breast and cervical cancer. The female attendees were able to utilize services such as these as well as the testing of bone density, to further educate themselves about their health.

of diverse groups, in humanitarian efforts which are rooted in universal good-will for others. The BAPS Charities Health Fair allowed for such groups to educate and raise awareness of various health issues, and by doing so, benefiting many individuals.

Notable physician, Dr. Singhvi,

tion to seek the screenings and assistance they need.

BAPS Charities hosted similar community Health Fairs at over 30 locations nationwide over the months of April and May, 2010.

Shouldered on the belief of service to mankind, BAPS Charities has been sincerely serving the glo-

the president elect of American Physicians of Indian Origin, an organization of Indian-American doctors, lent a helping hand at the annual health fair and encouraged health promotion and disease prevention to all attendees. He mentioned that due to the economic situation in our nation, many individuals lack health insurance and are not able to receive the medical care they require. For them, this health fair was an opportunity for all those who desire medical atten-

bal community since its inception through its numerous humanitarian activities. Managing 9 charitable hospitals and 11 mobile medical vans in India, BAPS Charities has treated over 2 million patients and regularly provides treatment to villagers living in remote areas. Through various activities such as, bone marrow and blood drives, nationwide walkathons, and disaster relief operations, BAPS Charities sincerely serves the world by caring for individuals, families, and communities.

'The one on one interaction with doctors is great. It was setup so that it's personalized for each patient," said Monique Perez' from this event. Blood testing was also available on May 16th and 278 individuals took advantage of this free service.

This event promoted collaboration between BAPS Charities and community partners, such as student volunteers and local health awareness organizations.

Students from the University of Southern California as well as physical fitness experts from the community provided their services to the attendees.

Representatives from the American Diabetes Association as well as the American Cancer Society were available to educate the attendees about the resources available to the community for individuals who may be at risk or diagnosed with these health conditions.

They also provided information prevention strategies and information about the diseases. Volunteers from "Every Women Counts", an organization which raises awareness about breast and cervical can-

The success of the event served as a testimony to the positive impact such services can have upon the community -as health awareness is an important issue for every individual, regardless of race, gender, or religion.

"The one on one interaction with doctors is great. It was setup so that it's personalized for each patient," said Monique Perez, a representative of the University of Phoenix, who attended the event.

Such events promote the unity

Tech News Honda shuts down 2 China plants due to strikes BEIJING: The Japanese carmaker Honda's travails in China continued despite announcing wage hike as two more plans were shut down after employees continued to their tools-down agitation and declining to accept the modest pay hike announced earlier.

The Honda factories were paralyzed as strike in supplier units continued, state run Xinhuna news agency reported.

Two factories of Honda's joint venture Guangqi Honda in Huangpu district and Zengcheng City in Guangzhou which is the capital of Guangdong province, had to suspend production due to the strike at Foshan Fengfu Autoparts Company (Fengfu), a parts supplier, said Honda spokesman Zhu Linjie. -PTI

Nikon to strengthen brand value in India

N

ikon, major camera manufac turing brand holds plans of investing Rs.62 crores this year in order to strengthen the value of its name in the Indian market. The company is all set to spend this amount on promotional and brand building activities.

To enhance the visibility of brand, the company is going to start exclusive Coolpix zones across the nation. These stores not only help the target customers in knowing the brand better but also provide them easy accessibility to the product of their choice. Nikon India Private Limited had recently launched its first exclusive Coolpix Zone.

Apple offers iPhone 4 to US gadget freaks

W

ith modifications in terms of design, battery durability and resolution, Apple has unveiled next version of its wonder gadget. iPhone 4 has been launched by CEO Steve Jobs during annual conference of Apple for software developers in San Fransisco. iPhone 3G, the popular device from the stable of Apple which debuted last year had compelled users to go mad at its fascinating features and astute technology.

Now this improvised model iPhone 4 will be available from June 24th.

The costs of this new device have been set at $199 and $299 for 16GB and 32GB respectively.

TechBiz 40 India Post

www.indiapost.com

June 18, 2010

Canada to get new Discovery channels

A

fter Sri Lanka, Canada will also receive digital TV channels from the stable of Discovery Brands. The company holds plan of rebranding of two other channels by the end of this year. Discovery World HD, a rebranding of Discovery HD, will launch on August 2nd, Investigation Discovery (ID), a new channel to Canada will launch on August 30th and Discovery Science, a rebranding of Discovery Civilization will launch on September 27th.

Investigation Discovery by the name suggests is a crime revelation related channel that will includes program content like crime documentaries, criminal investigations etc. Programs of this new channel will include 'Prison Wives', 'On the case with Paula Zahn' etc.

ITC's Deveshwar receives Global Leadership Award India Post News Service

NEW YORK: The US-India Business Council (USIBC) presented its Award for Global Leadership to ITC Limited's Chairman and CEO, Y.C. "Yogi" Deveshwar, citing his exemplary commitment to empowering India's rural agricultural community as well as the measures he has led to conserve natural resources and protect the environment.

The award will establish a new learning library in New Delhi in Y. C. Deveshwar's name through the international literacy organization, Room to Read, as well as provide in ITC's name three-years of associated teacher training, books, and learning materials, including monitoring support. The learning library will be established by the end of 2010 in honor of Deveshwar's contribution to these fields.

Over 400 senior business and government leaders from the United States and India assembled on the eve of the US-India strategic dialogue to attend USIBC's 35th Anniversary Summit, and lauded Deveshwar for the responsible corporate conduct that he

has demonstrated during his stewardship of one of India's largest agricultural and hotel conglomerates.

Under Deveshwar's leadership, ITC Ltd. has invested in rural initiatives across India, while embracing environmentally-friendly

The award will establish a new learning library in New Delhi in Y. C. Deveshwar's name through the international literacy organization, Room to Read, as well as provide in ITC's name three-years of associated teacher training practices at its headquarters and field offices, including equipping all of its ITC-Welcomgroup Hotels, Palaces and Resorts with cuttingedge green building technologies.

ITC-Welcomgroup is India's second largest hotel chain and ITC

Ltd. is one of India's top agricultural exporters, and is ranked as one of the Forbes Global 2000.

ITC Ltd. gained prominence for empowering India's vast farming community by providing computer generated instant pricing, weather, and commodities informa-

Y.C. "Yogi" Deveshwar

tion throughout rural India via its innovative e-Choupal Initiative, reaching more than 4 million farmers across eight Indian states.

Deveshwar joined ITC in 1968.

He was appointed as a director on the Board of the company in 1984

and became the chief executive and chairman of the Board on January 1, 1996.

United Technologies Corporation, known for Otis Elevators, Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Engines, and aerospace giant Sikorsky Helicopters, as well as its commitment to "green" buildings and environmental technologies, feted the ITC chairman with the prestigious USIBC Global Leadership Award, which has previously been bestowed upon Ratan Tata, Mukesh Ambani, Azim Premji, and Sunil Bharti Mittal. UTC India's Jothi Purushotaman presented the award.

The U.S.-India Business Council, formed in 1975 at the request of the Government of India and the U.S. Government to advance commercial ties between the world's two largest free-market democracies, is hosted under the aegis of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region. The U.S.-India Business Council celebrated its 35th Anniversary on June 2, 2010 in Washington, D.C.

SEBI fines Adlabs' Manmohan Shetty Rs 1 cr MUMBAI: Film producer and founder Chairman of Adlabs, a company acquired by Anil Ambani group, was imposed a penalty of Rs one crore by market regulator SEBI for insider trading.

Hearing charges of insiders trading, SEBI adjudicating officer P K Bindlish said in an order, "I hereby impose a monetary penalty of Rs 1,00,00,000 on Manmohan Shetty."

The charges are related to sale of company's shares on the day it informed demerger of the FM Radio business from Adlabs in April 2006, nearly a year after an Anil Ambani group firm acquired 51 per cent stake for Rs 360 crore.

When contacted, Shetty told PTI from Mumbai on phone that "I was ignorant about the law relating to insider trading. I did not

know that no shares could be transacted 24 hours before any such announcement.

"I told (SEBI) about my ignorance... Now I will explore legal option and appeal against the order." No comments could be ob-

ing Director, was accused of selling shares of the company on the day the company informed stock exchanges about demerger of the FM Radio Business from Adlabs, which is against insider trading norms.

Shetty said, ‘I told (SEBI) about my ignorance... Now I will explore legal option and appeal against the order.’ No comments could be obtained immediately from Anil Ambani group firm tained immediately from Anil Ambani group firm.

Shetty, who at that time had about 20 per cent stake in the company and was responsible for running it as Chairman and Manag-

Adlabs was renamed as Reliance Mediaworks in September 2009. Two years before this, Shetty and his daughter Pooja quit Adlabs and as per information filed with stock exchanges for Decem-

ber 2009 quarter, he has 4.7 per cent stake in the company.

According to SEBI order, Shetty sold 10 lakh shares of Adlabs Films on April 24 through a bulk deal, even as the entertainment entrepreneur said that this was not for profit booking and there was not much movement either.

During the course of hearing, Shetty contested allegation saying the sale of shares on April 24, 2006, was well after information had been widely disseminated and the market had enough time to absorb the news and its impact.

In a written submission, Shetty said the company had communicated the decision on the demerger on April 23 itself.

However, SEBI refuted the claims by Shetty and imposed the fine. -PTI

TechBiz Post

June 18, 2010

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Edison to install smart meters in South Bay India Post News Service

ROSEMEAD, CA: Southern California Edison (SCE) will start installing smart electric meters throughout South Bay communities in Los Angeles County as part of the Edison SmartConnect program. SCE customers in those communities are receiving new meters till the end of July, and soon will be able to take advantage of new programs and services enabled by the meters.

According to a press release, communities in the upcoming installation phase include: El Segundo, Gardena, Hawthorne, Hermosa Beach, Inglewood, Lawndale, Lomita, Manhattan Beach, Rancho Palos Verdes, Redondo Beach, San Pedro and Torrance.

Edison SmartConnect meters are digital, secure, two-way communicating devices that will replace traditional mechanical meters and provide a key step in transforming the electric system to a smart grid. Smart meters measure electricity usage up-to-the minute and, later this year, customers will be able to view their energy usage from a computer, cell phone, or other electronic device to track how much they use and how much it costs.

"Over the past several years, we have focused on developing an industry-leading smart meter program, including extensive

testing of our smart meters and associated systems to ensure their quality and performance," said Ken Devore, director of SCE's Edison SmartConnect program. "Smart meters will empower our customers to become better managers of their electricity usage through new tools, programs and services that will help them save energy, money, and the environment."

The press release said, "Within the next

Edison SmartConnect meters are digital, secure, two-way communicating devices that will replace traditional mechanical meters year, SCE will introduce new pricing plans, programs and services that will empower customers to make better-informed decisions about their energy use. In the second half of 2010 and beyond, once the advanced features are fully activated, the meters will be enabled to communicate with the next generation of smart thermostats, appliances and other devices."

DesiYou wins best business plan award India Post News Service

indiapost.com

IRVINE: DesiYou (www.desiyou.com) was awarded a $10,000 1st prize for best "Digital Media Company" business plan at the 2010 Irvine Entrepreneur Forum (IEF) held on June 1st 2010.

The IEF was established by the Irvine Chamber of Commerce and made possible by the Orange County Workforce Investment Board to bring together local entrepreneurs with angel, venture and private equity investors. The Forum featured 15

high-quality investor presentations from start-up and/or second-stage companies, along with poster presentations from an additional 25 companies looking for advice, strategic partners or other resources.

Ash Kumra, DesiYou Chief Executive Officer, said, "We help content creators make money, get exposure, and provide users the best quality original content on Indian culture worldwide.

The mentors and prize money we received from IEF helps further accelerate these goals."

Delhi court summons Citi chief Pandit in credit card case NEW DELHI: Vikram Pandit, credited for wife for non-payment of dues of Rs 53,048 resurrecting US-based Citigroup, has been towards the usage of credit cards which issued a summons by a court here for the have already been cancelled at his request. bank's alleged demand of Rs 53,000 from a The court took note of his submissions customer for a credit card cancelled six years that over 40 SMSes giving details of the ago. Hearing a complaint from a doctor, a credit cards' usage were sent by the bank local court ordered on May 31 that a sum- officials even after accepting his request for mons be issued against canceling them.

Pandit, who was appointed "The complainant was CEO of the troubled bank shocked when he knew (sic) nearly three years ago, and that somebody from the bank posted the matter for hearpaid his Airtel post paid bill ing on December 24. through Internet. It is perti"Issue summons against nent to mention that the comthe accused (Pandit) for Deplainant never made any idencember 24, the next date of tity or account page, whatsohearing," Metropolitan ever, with the mobile phone Magistrate Saurabh Pratap company," the complaint Singh Laler said. said. The surgeon had never Incidentally, Pandit, who used the credit cards before Vikram Pandit was tasked with the onus of for making payment to the reviving the financial group, mobile company, it said. had announced last year that he would take The amount paid through the credit toonly USD 1 as salary till the group turned wards the telephone bill were debited from profitable which it did in the first quarter of the separate loan account of the surgeon 2010. with the bank, it said. Bharti CMD and CEO The court order came on the complaint Sunil Mittal was also named in the comof Rakesh Srivastava, an Associate Profes- plaint. The court did not issue summons sor and Senior Plastic Surgeon with the to him after it was submitted that the moSafdarjung Hospital, alleging the officials bile company had no role in the alleged of Citi Bank had been harassing him and his offence. -PTI

In Brief Bill would make jailers determine immigrant status NASHVILLE, Tenn.: A bill that would require Tennessee jailers to determine whether inmates are in the country illegally and deport them if they are would offer an easy way to fight illegal immigration in the state, the sponsors of the legislation say. ``It's one of those things that is so simple, it's almost elegant in its simplicity,'' Sen. Dolores Gresham said.

But some sheriffs consider the bill an unfunded mandate and an invitation to lawsuits.

Sheriff Norman Lewis was able to have Montgomery County excluded from the bill. It is one of several counties that could be exempted from the provisions by a special amendment. -AP

Change proposed to Utah's food stamp program SALT LAKE CITY: A proposed change to Utah's food stamp rules would count income made by a household's undocumented members, meaning some families could get less help to buy food or none at all.

Until now, income made by undocumented members of a household hasn't been fully counted.

That means a house with undocumented immigrant members might qualify for food stamps while a house with the same income and all U.S. citizens might not.

The practice of not fully counting undocumented household members' income ``was the most simple and least error-prone to implement,'' Kathy Link, who oversees Utah's administration of its food stamp program, wrote in a memo. -AP

Defense lawyers scramble after immigration ruling NASHVILLE, Tenn.: He had a Southern accent and went by ``Bubba,'' but it turned out he wasn't from the South.

His ``good old boy'' credentials meant nothing to an immigration judge, who ordered Bubba deported to his native Australia after drug convictions several years ago. ``He was very Southern. He'd been here since he was like 3 years old,'' Nashville immigration attorney Charla Haas said. She declined to identify Bubba by his real name, citing attorney-client privilege.

The U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled that defense attorneys must warn immigrants if pleading guilty to a crime could lead to their deportation. -AP

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June 18, 2010

Mediator request rejected in profiling lawsuit PHOENIX: A federal judge has denied a request to appoint a mediator in an attempt to resolve a lawsuit alleging that Maricopa County sheriff's deputies racially profiled Latinos in their immigration sweeps. -AP

Skilled professionals lobby lawmakers for immigration reform SRIREKHA CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Around 150 highskilled Indian American professionals including scientists, engineers and doctors converged in Washington DC June 7-8, to meet with the nation's lawmakers on the Capitol Hill to advocate fixing the long Green Card backlogs and the urgent need for Comprehensive Immigration Reform.

The intent of this wide-ranging two day advocacy event, organized by national grass-roots organization Immigration Voice, was to highlight the plight of about a million highskilled professionals and their families who are unable to obtain permanent residence or green card due to a broken immigration system.

Immigration Voice lists out the important reasons for the urgent need for legal immigration reform for highly skilled technology/science workers: Impact on Economy Acclaimed researchers and economist have found that the flawed immigration system has

created an application backlog of over a million skilled workers because the system takes anywhere between 6-25 years to grant Green Cards. This backlog has started causing a sizeable "reverse braindrain" of talent from the US to other countries and has already started impacting US technological competitiveness. This fact is even more

neering Education reports that in 2006, 40% of engineering masters and 62% of engineering doctoral degrees in the US were awarded to foreign nationals. Not fixing the broken immigration system makes it extremely difficult for American companies to hire from this huge pool of talent.

Impact on American Innovation The stagnation of the legal im-

The purpose was to highlight the plight of about a million high- skilled professionals and their families who are unable to obtain permanent residence or green card due to a broken immigration system significant considering that * Immigrants were the CEOs or lead technologists in one of every four tech and engineering companies started in the United States from 1995 to 2005 and in 52 percent of Silicon Valley startups. * Immigrant-founded companies employed 450,000 workers and generated $52 billion in revenue in 2006.

Impact on Employers The American Society of Engi-

migration system for more than a decade, without any action from Congress, is seriously eroding the drive to innovate.

These large numbers of about a million highly skilled professionals are forcibly distracted from contributing to innovation and new technologies by a seemingly never-ending immigration process and a stagnant application queue that is currently backlogged with hundreds of thousands of employ-

ment-based immigrant applications. In addition, such a system prevents the workers from pursuing promotions and career growth for the long time period it takes to process their applications.

Impact on families The emotional trauma and psychological impact on the families of high-skilled workers cannot be stressed enough. Despite having the required employer support and qualifications, high-skilled workers and their families have to wait for years in queue to obtain permanent residence. These families own homes in the US, their children attend schools here and they are all active members of their respective communities all over the country. And yet, they continue to be forced to wait for many years to become permanent residents or green card holders.

The discriminatory per-country limits that aspiring immigrants from India, China, Mexico or Philippines are subject to, further exacerbates an already serious backlog problem.

India backs down but policy still in place CYRUS D. MEHTA

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s a result of pressure from the overseas Indian community, the Indian government has backed down on the steep fines that it had imposed retroactively on Indians who had acquired another citizenship but failed to surrender the passport renounce Indian citizenship. The guidance available on the Indian Consulate's website in San Francisco, http:// www.cgisf.org/.

Latest News: In supercession of previous rules, Government of India has decided the following: • "All naturalized US citizens of Indian descent, who have already acquired foreign citizenship voluntarily in the past shall cease to be Indian citizens upon their acquiring foreign citizenship. However, such persons are required to renounce their Indian citizenship and to obtain surrender certificate for their Indian

passports, whether valid or expired, so that the passport is not misused.

If you have a 'passport cancelled on acquisition of US(foreign) nationality' stamp on your passport, there is no requirement of acquiring "surrender certificate".

• For those persons of Indian origin who have already acquired foreign citizenship till 31 May 2010,

formly applied to those concerned and the information will be put on our website when available.

Meanwhile no email/phone queries will be entertained."

While we applaud the Indian government for backing down and reducing the fines and fees, the fact still remains that people may have to surrender lost passports

The fact still remains that people may have to surrender lost passports of many years, even decades ago, and this will still cause hardship the fee is $ 20. For those, who acquire foreign citizenship on or after 1 June 2010, the fee is $175.

• The issue of refund of any part of renunciation fee already paid by applicants till 31 May 2010, if applicable, has been taken up with the Government of India. The decision when received will be uni-

of many years, even decades ago, and this will still cause hardship.

Unless there is a surrender of the Indian passport as well as a renunciation of Indian citizenship, a new visa or other service will still not be provided by the Indian consulate. Also, one still questions how one can renounce Indian citizen-

ship when it has ceased to exist.

While there may be a legal justification for surrendering the Indian passport, one fails to understand how one who has automatically lost citizenship, after taking up the citizenship of another country, must renounce Indian citizenship.

By requiring renunciation of Indian citizenship, even though Section 9 of the Indian Citizenship Act, 1955, automatically terminates the Indian citizenship, the Indian government is impliedly suggesting that the automatic termination provision is ineffective unless there is a formal renunciation of Indian citizenship. It is of course good news for those people who can produce an Indian passport that shows that it was cancelled on acquisition of US nationality, then a surrender certificate will not be Cont’d on page 43

Immigration Post

June 18, 2010

www.indiapost.com

Companies, groups sue over foreign hiring rules WASHINGTON: Three information technology companies and two trade groups want a federal judge to stop the government from enforcing rules that they say deny visas to firms that find foreign professional workers for American businesses.

The plaintiffs -Broadgate Inc., Logic Planet Inc., DVR Softek Inc., TechServ Alliance and the American Staffing Association _ want to prevent the Homeland Security Department from enforcing the rules regarding H-1B visas given to foreigners working high-skilled jobs in the U.S. The lawsuit in U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia says a Jan. 8 memo issued by Citizenship and Immigration Services wrongly declares staffing companies that hire the workers for companies are not U.S. employers. ``The government by decree reversed a long-standing policy that allowed IT staffing firms access to the H-1B program,'' said Mark Roberts, chief executive of TechServ Alliance, an IT industry group. The plaintiffs also say that the rules were written without comment from the public, which is required under federal laws.

Immigration officials declined comment. Citizenship and Immigration Services has previously defended the memo as clarifying existing rules, not creating new ones.

The agency has met with affected industries since the memo was issued, but has not gone through a formal process of posting the rules as a proposal, collecting comment and adjusting the proposed rules if needed, as re-

quired for new regulations.

Each year, 65,000 H-1B visas are available for companies wanting to hire foreign workers with specialized skills. Another 20,000 are reserved for foreigners with certain advanced degrees who graduate from U.S. institutions. The visas are good for up to three years and are renewable for another three.

The lawsuit says a Jan. 8 memo issued

by Citizenship and Immigration Services wrongly declares staffing companies that hire the workers for companies are not U.S. employers

and share responsibility with the companies on the workers' duties.

Staffing companies are considered employers in other parts of federal law such as anti-discrimination laws, the Americans With Disabilities Act and others, the plaintiffs said in their lawsuit.

There have been instances of fraud in the staffing industry, but Roberts said existing laws can be enforced to deal with that. ``They are sort of trying to throw the baby out with the bathwater,'' Roberts said. ``It is an attack on the business model and an entire industry.'' AP

India backs down but policy still in place Cont’d from page 42

Many companies have a rotating need for certain skills. IT staffing firms are able to deploy hightech talent to many of those companies on a just-in-time basis, Roberts said. But H-1B visas take months to get. Staffing firms recruit and manage the H-1B workers and ensure companies have the workers when needed, Roberts said.

The memo says staffing firms _ which also are used heavily to hire doctors, physical therapists, nurses and other health-care workers _ are not U.S. employers because they don't exercise control over the H-1B workers they deploy.

The plaintiffs argue that staffing companies hire, fire, pay and supervise the H-1B visa worker

required.

Finally, naturalized citizens who were formerly Indian citizens will be granted an Entry Visa rather than a tourist visa. The Entry Visa will only have a validity of 5 years as opposed to 10 years for the tourist visa. This visa will cost $223 while a tourist visa will cost less $175. On the other hand, the holder of an Entry Visa will not be subject to the 60 days restriction, which applies to a holder of a tourist visa who leaves India and is not allowed to return for 60 days unless he or she applies for an emergency visa. * Cyrus D Mehta, may be contacted at 212-425-0555 or info@cyrusmehta.com

India Post

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Immigration Post

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June 18, 2010

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Immigration law supporters rally at Ariz. Capitol

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a very large population of immigrants, legal and illegal,'' she said. ``It's those people's jobs that are in jeopardy.''

Colbert and her mother, 53year-old Pattie Sheahan of Phoenix, said they strongly support the new law, which requires police conducting traffic stops or ques-

‘For them to come here when it's over 100 degrees and stand in the heat - it's awesome,’' said 32-yearold Stephanie Colbert of Glendale tioning people about possible legal violations to ask about their immigration status if there is ``reasonable suspicion'' they're in the country illegally. ``Everybody needs to obey the same laws,'' Sheahan said. ``If you want to come here, there's ways to do it. Do it the right way.''

The law, which goes into effect July 29, will also make it a state crime to be in the country illegally or to impede traffic while hiring day laborers, regardless of the

worker's immigration status. It would become a crime for illegal immigrants to solicit work.

Critics have said the law, known as S.B. 1070, will invite racial profiling, while supporters have said it will help fight illegal immigration.

Bill Savage of Phoenix wore a T-shirt that read ``Viva los 1070.''

He said he attended the rally to support Gov. Jan Brewer. ``We didn't do anything new.

We didn't write a new law,'' the 41year-old said. ``We simply stated what is supposed to be the federal law, and said we're going to enforce it at the state level.''

Brewer has ordered a state police training board to prepare training standards to prevent racial profiling in enforcing the law.

Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, perhaps best known for his efforts targeting illegal immigrants, drew loud chants of ``Joe, Joe, Joe!'' when he spoke to the audience at the rally.

One man yelled to him: ``We've got your back, Joe!'' Arpaio praised lawmakers for passing the law and reiterated that he'll lock up as many illegal immigrants as his deputies can arrest. -AP

Student immigrants launch Mass. Statehouse vigil

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PHOENIX: Hundreds of people supporting Arizona's new law cracking down on illegal immigration rallied near the state Capitol in soaring temperatures.

Hundreds of motorcycle riders kicked off the downtown Phoenix rally by riding in a procession around the Capitol. Supporters waved American flags and some carried signs that read ``What part of illegal don't they understand?''

The rally's turnout fell far short of the march organized by opponents of the law last weekend, when an estimated 20,000 people gathered.

Demonstrators sweated as temperatures reached 105 degrees.

Some shaded themselves with umbrellas and clamored to buy cold water and ice cream from vendors. ``For them to come here when it's over 100 degrees and stand in the heat - it's awesome,'' said 32-yearold Stephanie Colbert of Glendale.

Colbert, who works in a restaurant, said those who disagree with the law and boycott Arizona are misguided because they hurt the immigrant community they aim to support. ``The hospitality industry has

BOSTON: A group of undocumented students and their advocates have launched a round-theclock vigil outside the Massachusetts Statehouse in protest of a state Senate budget amendment calling for stricter measures aimed at illegal immigrants.

Holding signs and placing candles along the Statehouse steps, members of The Student Immigrant Movement vowed to sleep under the shadow of the Statehouse - through bad weather and the threat of arrest - until the Senate withdraws the amendment or Gov. Deval Patrick vetoes it.

Andres Del Castillo, 19, of Bos-

ton, said the students had no choice but to stage a civil disobedience protest against a measure that he said would discriminate against Latinos and other immigrant groups. ``This law is actually allowing the public to racially profile,'' said Del Castillo, a Suffolk University student who was born in Massachusetts. ``This is going to create ... an unsafe community where I'm not going to trust my neighbor because I think he might call immigration on me.''

The measure, passed in the Senate last month by a 28-10 vote, would require companies doing business with the state to verify

their workers are in the country legally. It also would create a tollfree phone number to report suspected illegal immigrant workers and bar children of illegal immigrants from obtaining the same in-state tuition rates to public colleges as legal Massachusetts residents.

Supporters say the measure would help curtail illegal immigration to Massachusetts and save taxpayer money, although no senator could show how it would cut costs. Still, Democratic Sen. Steve Baddour, who backed the measure after pressure from Senate Republicans, called the passage a bipartisan compromise. -AP

Horoscope

June 18, 2010

India Post

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www.indiapost.com

ARIES Mar 21-Apr 20 You will buy some beautiful and expensive item for the house. Letter you write to a governmnet agency will be given immediate attention and reply will come in positive only. You will feel very energetic and take initiative in making a short trip to a new and beautiful place.

You will lay your hands on some easy money this week.

LEO Jul 23-Aug 22 Most of your plans will go through.

Raja yoga Karka planet Mars will fill you with energy and help you overcome all difficulties of the past. Money spent on legal process will get the job done soon. Your image will improve in social circle and you will be in demand at the party too. People in business will be happy with progress.

SAGITTARIUS

June 18 to June 24

Nov 23-Dec 22 Relationship can become permanent now. You may finally make an offer on a nice property and wait for response.

Some one will bring nice gifts for you.

You may be getting ready for the long distance trip now. Money wise you will keep moving towards positive and with less bills. You may also visit a holy place with family.

TAURUS Apr 21-May 20 Mind will be slightly restless as you will have too many things on your plate this week. One of your cars will need to be taken to a auto shop. You will be signing some important papers most probably related to a property. Some of you may even take few days off from work to go on a vacation. Connections you make will be helpful later.

GEMINI May 21-Jun 20 You will take an important and sound decision this week. Results will come quick. Some of you may quickly jump on an offer recently received and decide to make a smooth switch in career. You may plan to have some major work done in and around your home. Venus in second will give you the midas touch in almost all money matters.

VIRGO Aug 23-Sept 22 Efforts made in the past will get results this week. Chances are that you will be signing more than one big contract. Financially it will be a lot better week for all. You will be assigned an important project by the boss with all the help you need to finish it on time.

Park your car at proper place and drive within limit.

Venus in first will help you enjoy life to extremes. Business will shoot up suddenly and the loan application will also go through without any hassles. You may develop taste for hot and spicy food. Some of you may go for an eyes exam also. Time spent on phone will be well worth it. A big family reunion will take place during the week.

LIBRA Sept 23-Oct 22 Some of you may take up an assignment far away from home. Financially looks like a rewarding week. Speculation and lottery will be profitable. You may make some plans with colleagues at work also. Trip will be exciting and fill everybody with energy. Some one you discarded from your life in the past will try to make peace with you.

CAPRICORN Dec 23-Jan 19 You may take off from work for few days to make it a long weekend and travel to a nice but hot place with family. Bachelors will come across a nice and good looking person and quickly become friends. Some anxiety about career will come to an end and you will feel better. You may buy or replace some eletric gadget at home.

CANCER Jun 21-Jul 22

SCORPIO Oct 23-Nov 22 There will be lots of activities at work and you may be in line for moving to next level. You will be torn between right and wrong but will ultimately end up taking the correct decision on an important issue not involving career.

Business trips will be specially fruitful. Strong chance of an addition in the family.

PISCES Feb 19-Mar 20

AQUARIUS Jan 20-Feb 18 You may finally get out of a relationship not working out so well lately. Planets will help those who are seeking job for first time or looking for a change.

Past efforts will pay off and your product will be appreciated and start selling. You will be helping one of your child with application to different coleges.

Relationship will keep getting stronger.

Some of you will be taking a trip in direction East with family this week. It will be an expensive week and you may end up spending slight more than bugdet. You may ask boss to move you to another place. It will be better to dispose off recently bought and money making stocks and wait.

Readers Write... www.indiapost.com

Harry Sidhu thanks supporters

I

want to take this opportunity to thank my wonderful family, hardworking campaign staff, dedicated volunteers, loyal friends, and all of you who supported and voted for me in my bid for the open Orange County Board of Supervisors, 4th District, seat. Your trust, meaningful assistance, and encouragement have been so greatly appreciated.

It has been, and continues to be, an honor to give back to this great country and those who have given me so much, through public service. Please know that I will continue to do my best to serve and make a difference for all through strong, conservative, common sense leadership.

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

Realty Tidbits

Realty firms under CCI scanner

Real Estate

T

he Competition Commission of India (CCI) has decided to investigate if various developers are misleading the buyers, apart from looking into specific complaints against the market leader, DLF in an attempt to check the rampant malpractices in the realty sector.

CCI has also decided to look into complaints of misleading advertisements, after taking note of the general complaint of delayed possession, change in terms and conditions of sale agreements and developers making it almost impossible for a customer to opt out.

Firms put SEZ plans on backburner

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round 41 proposals will be considered for withdrawal or extension of formal approval by the Board of Approval (BoA) for Special Economic Zones (SEZ).

The reasons cited include economic slowdown, poor demand for space, uncertainty regarding continuity of fiscal concessions under the Direct Taxes Code (DTC) regime, and land dispute.

Formal approval is given to proposals meeting the minimum land requirements, but it can be extended or withdrawn. A notified SEZ can be partially de-notified subject to minimum area rules.

Base rate to help old home loan borrowers

W

ith the base rate era setting in from 1st July 2010, the old home loan borrowers might receive a chance to negotiate for a lower interest rate as it is believed that various banks would be re fixing their lending rates once the base rate sets in.

RBI has already stated that the current customers should be offered an alternative between continuing with their old home loan rates or move to new rates decided by the base rate system.

46 India Post

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June 18, 2010

Lodha plans 117-storey residential tower

M

umbai Indian real estate firm Lodha Developers plans to invest 20 billion rupees ($426 million) to build a 117-storey residential tower in central Mumbai, its managing director said.

The company, which plans to launch a $650 million initial public offering (IPO) later this year, will start bookings by end of this month and expects to complete the project, called World One, by 2014, Abhisheck Lodha told reporters.

Hyatt to debut its 'Andaz' hotel brand in India BOSTON: Global hospitality major Hyatt has announced plans to set up three new properties, including one in India, under its 'Andaz' brand of hotels as it seeks to expand presence in key markets.

A Hyatt subsidiary and Juniper Hotels Pvt Ltd have signed management agreements to build 'Andaz Delhi', a 323-room hotel with an additional 118 Andazbranded apartments.

Slated to open in 2013, the project would be the first Andaz property planned in India.

Hyatt has already announced plans to expand into 15 new Indian markets over the next five years, with properties coming up in Goa, Kolkata and Mumbai.

The Andaz brand is being introduced in India as part of Hyatt's plan to grow in one of the world's leading emerging markets, senior

vice president of real estate and development for Hyatt Hotels & Resorts in South Asia Ratnesh Verma said in a statement.

Targeted at the international leisure and business traveler, the project "is consistent with our development strategy of expand-

portfolio of properties in London and the US. "The Andaz brand is quickly taking hold in the lifestyle hospitality category and is a key component of Hyatt's strategy of increasing our presence in key markets around the world where we

Hyatt has already announced plans to expand into 15 new Indian markets over the next five years, with properties coming up in Goa, Kolkata and Mumbai ing the presence of our preferred brands in key markets with strong and experienced developers and owners," he added.

Andaz Delhi, which will feature amenities like lounge, theme bar, restaurants, spa and fitness center, will join the existing Andaz

see growth potential," Global head of real estate and development at US-based Hyatt Hotels, Steve Haggerty said.

The other two properties are a 183-room hotel in Sanya Sunny Bay, China, and 170-room hotel in Providenciales, in Turks and

Caicos islands, a British overseas territory.

The Andaz brand debuted three years ago and has 11 properties open or under development in six countries.

Juniper Hotels is a hotel investment company co-owned by Two Seas Holdings Ltd and Saraf Holdings.

JHPL owns Grand Hyatt Mumbai and Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad, scheduled to open in 2013.

Hyatt Hotels' subsidiaries manage, franchise, own and develop hotels and resorts under the Hyatt, Park Hyatt, Andaz, Grand Hyatt, Hyatt Regency, Hyatt Place and Hyatt Summerfield Suites brand names.

As of March 2010, the company's worldwide portfolio consisted of 434 properties. -PTI

Dubai property prices likely to drop another 20%

D

ubai house prices, which halved since mid-2008, may drop another 15 per cent to 20 per cent this year on an increase in supply as more real estate projects are completed, Credit Suisse Group said.

"We expect residential prices to decline by another 15-20 per cent in Dubai as the oversupply gap peaks in 2011," Dubai- based analyst Ahmed Badr wrote in a report.

"We expect Abu Dhabi's residential prices to come under pressure as new supply comes online, thus narrowing the price gap with Dubai despite the continued supply shortage and the strong replacement demand."

Residential rents in Dubai are set to fall further in 2010 due to increased supply, while vacancy rates in Abu Dhabi's office market are ex-

pected to rise to as much as 10 per cent in 2011, according to another report earlier this week. Real estate services company CB Richard Eliis (CBRE) said it expects 31,194 new homes in 2010, 29,388 in 2011 and 21,870 in 2012. However house

House Price Index also found that average prices rose four percent since the last quarter of 2009, the third consecutive quarter to register positive growth. The average house price for Q1 2010 was around AED1,061 ($288.85) per square

‘We expect Abu Dhabi's residential prices to come under pressure as new supply comes online, thus narrowing the price gap with Dubai despite the continued supply shortage and the strong replacement demand’ prices in Dubai rose on average by two percent in the first quarter of 2010 compared to the same period last year, according to the latest house price index released by Colliers International in May. Colliers International's Q1 2010

foot, compared to AED 1,022 ($278.23) in the fourth quarter of 2009. Meanwhile, Sorouh Real Estate, Abu Dhabi's second-biggest property developer by market value, was lowered to "neutral" from "outperform" at Credit Suisse

Group, citing concern about funding and low project visibility, according to a Bloomberg report.

The 12-month share-price estimate was cut to 2.33 dirhams from 3.43 dirhams, the newswire said.

The company's estimated 2 billion dirhams ($545 million) of gross cash may be used by the end of this year and it will have to raise between 3 billion dirhams and 4 billion dirhams from debt sales to finance existing projects, Dubaibased analysts Ahmed Badr and Hans Zayed wrote in an e-mailed note. "The market is almost pricing in the value of all projects under construction and hence we believe the stock to be fairly valued at this stage given current financing concerns that we believe have put pressure on future development projects," they wrote.

DLF to restart Kolkata SEZ project NEW DELHI: The government has given the nod for the country's largest real estate developer, DLF, to revive its plan for a special economic zone (SEZ) in Kolkata. "The Board of Approval has allowed re-notification of DLF's SEZ in Kolkata," Commerce Ministry Additional Secretary D K Mittal told reporters here after a meeting of the Board of Approval, the nodal body for SEZ-related matters.

The Kolkata SEZ was one of DLF's four SEZ projects notified in June, 2008.

However, the tax-free enclave in Kolkata, which was to be developed in a small area of 10.48 hectares, was de-notified along with the other three SEZs in February, 2009, on account of demand shrinkage for commercial space.

With the improved sentiment in the real estate sector, DLF had approached the Commerce Minis-

try for reviving this IT/ITeS taxfree zone. In its application for restarting the project, the company said demand for IT/ITES leasing space is showing signs of improvement.

However, DLF's three other projects in Gujarat, Haryana and Orissa remain de-notified.

In all, about 12 developers had pulled out their SEZ projects due to a slowdown in the commercial space segment last year. -PTI

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Datebook

India Post

June 18, 2010

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NEW YORK

ILLINOIS

NEW JERSEY

WASHINGTON DC

Upcoming

Upcoming

Upcoming

Upcoming

Every Sunday

Sat June 26

• Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan host Satsang, Bhajan & Meditation Program

• Baltimore Rathyatra, Festival of India

Venue: Woodbridge township ambulance and Rescue squad, 77 Queen Road, 3rd Floor, Iselin, NJ 08830 Time: 10:30am to 1pm Contact: (732) 485-0647 Highlights: Lecture by close disciple of Shree Ashutosh Ji Maharaj, Bhajans, free meditation and Mahaprasad.

Sun Jun 20 • Beauty Pageants - Mommy & Me, Teen Star, Pre-Teen Diva, Little Miss Diva

Fri Jun 18

Venue: Holiday Inn, 3050 Woodbridge Ave, Edison, New Jersey, 08837 Time: 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM Contact: Jayesh Mehta, Phone: 732 763 0118

Venue: Holiday Inn, 3050 Woodbridge Ave, Edison, New Jersey, 08837 Time: 9:00pm Contact: Musik Waves, Phone: 732-277-6687

Bollywood Dance Party

Venue: Ganesh Temple Auditorium, 143-09 Holly Ave, Flushing, New York Time: 8:00pm Contact: 718-639-9200

Sun June 27 • Indian Wedding Exhibit Presents The Grand Bridal Fair Venue: Greater Richmond Convention Center, 403 North 3rd Street, Virginia Time: 6pm Contact: 2024553413

Sun July 4 • DC Rathyatra & Festival of India

Fri June 25 • Sathvaro Shri Radhe Shyamno

Venue: Baltimore Inner Harbor, Pratt Street and Light Street, Baltimore, Maryland, WDC Time: 12pm to 7pm Contact: 443-762-2524

Venue: National Mall, 4th Street & Madison Ave, Washington, DC Time: 10am to 9pm Contact: 301-299-2100

Fri June 18 • A R Rahman Jai Ho The Journey Home World Tour 2010 Venue: Sears Centre, 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates, Illinois Time: 9pm Contact: 847-770-1088

Sat June 26 • Bollywood Wedding

Sat July 10

Venue: The Nuyorican Poets Cafe, 236 East 3rd St. (bet.

Avenue B and Avenue C), New York City, New York Time: 7pm to 9pm Contact: (212) 505-8183

• Dealmaas 2010 USTAD AMJAD ALI KHAN

Sat Jul 3

Fri July 23

• Ghulam Ali Live in Concert - New York

• Single Gujarati Find your Perfect Match at Matri 2010

Venue: Hindu Auditorium, 143-09 Holly Ave, Flushing, New York, 11355 Time: 8:00pm Contact: Balwinder Bajwa, Phone: 516-852-2222

Venue: North Shore Center For Performing Art, Skokie, Illinois Time: 7:30pm to 9pm Contact: 414-336-5982

Venue: Ramada Inn, 999 Rt. I S, North Brunswick Time: 8pm Contact: 2010@matri.org

Sun Jun 20 • Aavishkar Dance Competition - 2010 Venue: Ukranian Cultural Center Hall, Somerset, New Jersey, 08873 Time: 4:00pm to 8:00pm Contact: Lia Mukherjee, Phone: 7323065755

Fri July 9 • Amma's North American Tour Summer 2010 - Washington DC

Sum July 4 • Manav Prem Venue: Knights of Columbus Hall, 116 Grand St., Iselin, New Jersey Time: 10am to 11:30am Contact: 732-207-7592

Venue: Hilton Alexandria Mark Center, 5000 Seminary Road, Alexandria, Virginia, 22311 Time: 10am to Jul 11 7:30pm Contact: 240-696-1927

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Upcoming

Upcoming Every Sat (start from Sat Aug 8) • Gurukul Classes for Children Venue: Sindhu Center, South California Time: 2pm to 4pm Contact: 818-541-1754 & 909-576-1114 Highlights: Children between the ages of 5 and 18. Children will be taught the Fundamentals of Hinduism, Prayers, Shlokas, Bhajans and Values of our culture.

Sun June 20 • Pan-IIT, SoCal Chapter Annual Picnic

Fri Jun 18 • Amjad Sabri Live & Direct In Sacramento Venue: Burbank High School, 3500 Florin Rd, Sacramento, California, 95823 Time: 7:00pm Contact: 916-613-0732

Venue: Cerritos Park East Shelter 1, 13234 166th St Cerritos, California Time: 12 noon to 5pm (12:00 noon to 12:45 pm: Registration and network, network, network, network, 12:45 pm to 1:30 pm: Games/Entertainment for all + snacks + Network, 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm: Catered lunch : General music and hungama + Network, 2:30 pm to 3:45 pm: More Games/Inter IIT Antakshari + Raffles, 3:45 pm to 4:30 pm: Chai / Soap Box / Game Prizes, 4:30 pm to 5:00 pm: Wrap-up, Clean-up and promises to meet soon) Contact: 818-209-0172

Sun Jun 26 • Arangetram by Neha Shekhar

Sat Jun 26

Venue: Mexican Heritage Plaza, 1700 Alum Rock Ave, San José, California, 95116 Time: 6:00pm Contact: sugandaiyer@comcast.net

• Singh Entertainment Presents Jai Ho - AR Rahman The Journey World Tour 2010

Sun June 27 • Guru Parampara Venue: Visual and Performing Arts Center, De Anza College, 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino, California Contact: (408) 871-5959

Mon June 28 • Mahatma Moses Comedy Tour San Francisco Venue: Punch Line Comedy Club, 444 Battery Street, San Francisco, California Time: 8pm to 9:30pm Contact: 415-676-1371

Thurs July 8 • Art of Living Course Venue: Sierra 2 Center, 2791 24th Street, Sacramento, California Time: 7pm to 5pm Contact: 916-529-7800

Venue: Oracle Arena, 7000 Colisium Way, Oakland, California Time: 7:30pm Contact: Paul Singh, Phone: 209-604-2543

Sun Jul 31 • Arangetram by Sneha Jayaprakash Venue: Cubberley Theater, 4000 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, California Time: 4:00pm to 6:00pm Hosted By: Jayendra Kalakendra

Philosophy

June 18, 2010

India Post

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(Oskar Ernst Bernhardt) ne of the principal mistakes so many people make is that they only judge according to gross matter, regarding themselves as the centre therein, and taking into consideration one earth-life, whereas in reality they already have several earth-lives behind them.

These, as well as the intervening times in the Ethereal World, are equal to one uniform existence, through which the threads are tightly stretched without breaking, so that in the effects of a particular earthly existence only a small part of these threads therefore become visible.

Hence it is a great mistake to believe that at birth an absolutely new life begins, that a child is thus 'innocent,' and that all happenings can be accounted for in only the short life on earth.

If this were true, then the existing justice would naturally require the combined causes, effects and reactions to take place within the span of one earth-life.

Turn away from this error. You will then soon discover in everything that happens the logic and justice which at present are so often missed!

For spiritually free human beings procreation should be nothing but the proof of their willingness to take a strange human spirit

O

HAZRAT INAYAT KHAN

I

t is most difficult to forget what one has once learned.

Learning is one thing; and unlearning is another. The process of spiritual attainment is through unlearning. People consider their belief to be their religion. In reality belief is a steppingstone to religion.

Besides, if I were to picture belief, it is just like a staircase that leads on to a higher realization. But instead of going up the staircase people stand on it.

It is just like running water that does not flow anymore.

People have made their belief rigid, and therefore instead of being benefited by their belief they are going backwards.

If it were not so one would have thought that all the believers in God, in truth, and the hereafter would be better than the unbelievers. But what happens is that they are worse, because they have nailed their own feet to their belief.

Spiritual attainment, from beginning to end, is unlearning what one has learnt. But how does one unlearn? What one has learnt is in oneself. One can do it by becoming wiser.

The wiser one becomes, the more one is able to contradict

into the family as a permanent guest, offering it the opportunity on earth to atone and to mature!

Only when both sides have the fervent wish to achieve this purpose should the opportunity for procreation be sought!

On Death It happens that the soul must separate from a body which has

tween two species which only unite at an exactly corresponding degree of heat through the radiation simultaneously produced, but which can never blend, and which fall apart again when one of the two different species can no longer fulfill the condition laid upon it.

The Spirit "Spirit is not wit, and not intel-

est part of Creation.‌ Spirit has nothing to do with the earthly intellect, only with the quality that is described as 'deep inner feeling'. To be rich in spirit, therefore, is the same as 'having deep inner feelings', but not the same as being highly intellectual.

On karma or Fate If a person has cultivated within

One earthly existence is small part of continuity

Abd-ru-shin

Spirit has nothing to do with the earthly intellect, only with the quality that is described as ‘deep inner feeling'. To be rich in spirit, therefore, is the same as 'having deep inner feelings'

been forcibly destroyed, ruined by disease or weakened by old age, at the very moment when this body, owing to its changed condition, can no longer produce that strength of radiation which brings about such a magnetic power of attraction as is necessary to play its part in the firm union between soul and body!

This results in earthly death, or the falling back, the falling away of the gross material body from the ethereal covering of the spirit, thus in separation. This is a process which takes place, in accordance with firmly-established Laws, be-

lect! Nor is spirit acquired knowledge. It is erroneous, therefore to call a person 'rich in spirit' because he has studied, read and observed much and knows how to converse well about it. Or because his brilliance expresses itself through original ideas and intellectual wit.

Spirit is something entirely different. It is an independent consistency, coming from the world of its homogeneous species, which is different from the part to which the earth and thus the physical body belong. The spiritual world lies higher, it forms the upper and light-

himself an honest good volition, it follows that also the layer surrounding him will be of a like nature.

Returning reciprocal actions of an evil nature, dating from former times, are now held up by this layer opposing them, and diverted or absorbed and disintegrated before they are able to strike the person himself; they are thus either completely eliminated or at least considerably weakened, so that through his earnest good volition he has thereby received forgiveness for the former evil.

one's own ideas. The less wisdom one has, the more one holds to one's own ideas. In the wisest person there is willingness to submit to others. And the most foolish person is always ready to stand firm to support his own ideas.

The reason is that the wise person can easily give up his thought; the foolish holds on to it. That is why he does not become wise because he sticks to his own ideas.

ery point of view is all right.

If one is able to expand oneself to the consciousness of another person, one's consciousness becomes as large as two persons. And so it can be as large as a thousand persons when one accustoms oneself to try and see what others think.

The next step in mental purification is to be able to see the right of the wrong and the wrong of the right, and the evil of the good and

does not see the loss or that one does not see the gain. If one recognizes the right, one does not recognize the wrong.

Mental purification means that impressions such as good and bad, wrong and right, gain and loss, and pleasure and pain, these opposites which block the mind, must be cleared out by seeing the opposite of these things. Then one can see the

Every point of view is one's own point of view The wiser one becomes, the more one is able to contradict one's own ideas. The less wisdom one has, the more one holds to one's own ideas That is why he does not progress.

Mental purification therefore is the only method by which one can reach the spiritual goal. In order to accomplish this one has to look at another person's point of view.

For in reality every point of view is one's own point of view.

The vaster one becomes, the greater the realization that comes to one, the more one sees that ev-

the good of the evil. It is a difficult task, but once one has accomplished this, one rises above good and evil.

One must be able to see the pain in pleasure and the pleasure in pain; the gain in the loss and the loss in the gain. What generally happens is that one is blunted to one thing and that one's eyes are open to another thing; that one

Hazrat Inayat Khan

enemy in the friend and the friend in the enemy.

When one can recognize poison in nectar and nectar in poison, that is the time when death and life become one too.

Opposites no more remain opposites before one. That is called mental purification. And those who come to this stage are the living sages.

Life has no meaning in itself,but only in the meaning we give it. Like the clay in the artists hands, we may convert it into a divine form or merely into a vessel of temporary utility.

-Lama Anagarika Govinda When you're deluded, every statement is an ulcer; when you're enlightened, every word is wisdom -Zen Ordinary riches can be stolen, real riches cannot. In your soul are infinitely precious things that cannot be taken from you.

-Oscar Wilde If you have an apple and I have an apple and we exchange these apples then you and I will still each have one apple.

But if you have an idea and I have an idea and we exchange these ideas, then each of us will have two ideas.

-George Bernard Shaw Each player must accept the cards life deals him or her: but once they are in hand, he or she alone must decide how to play the cards in order to win the game.

-Voltaire Courage is the discovery that you may not win, and trying when you know you can lose.

-Tom Krause

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June 18, 2010

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Spotlight on dark & shadowy tribal areas of Pakistan ABHISHEK MUKHERJEE

T

he September 11 attacks in the heart of America were more than a demonstration of how security of even the world's greatest power could be breached. Having learnt the hard way, President Bush took strong measures to ensure the annihilation of terrorism which could affect any society or nation. Yet in the aftermath of the attacks, the dangerous terrorist outfits have become stronger and much more motivated - made possible by Pakistan's tribal areas.

Pakistani journalist Imtiaz Gul in his book 'The Most Dangerous Place' explains with lucid details and first hand experience how it happened and how the situation is so complex that arriving at a solution for the betterment of Pakistani society and peace of the world is an uphill task.

It all started with the US led anti-Soviet jihad for the purpose of defeating the Soviet Union which had invaded Afghanistan in 1979 to expand their influence. Pakistan, then under General Zia's repressive rule produced and nurtured in their tribal areas the Mujahideen, the group which gave such a tough fight to the Soviets that they had to leave Afghanistan a decade later, humiliated.

The seeds were laid. In late 2001, with America unleashing the 'Global War on Terror', most of the terrorist outfits, including the Arab, Uzbek, Uighur and Chechen fighters sought the shelter of North and South Waziristan and Bajaur regions in the complex FATA area, not directly ruled

by Pakistan government.

They took refuge in the homes of the locals, whose ethics hold that come what may, their clan surrender their guests only over their dead bodies. Moreover, these foreigners, mostly the Arabs, provided them with a lot of money for being put up. Steadily, these groups became stronger and stronger.

In June, 2004 the Pakistan army captured a village close to Wana in South Waziristan, and to their surprise discovered a massive cave under the tree covered mountains inhabited by Arabs, Europeans, Uzbeks and Chechens "speaking all languages‌from different countries" in the words of a local. The cave complex, high

in the mountains, served as a training camp for Al Qaeda fighters, revealed by an Al Qaeda militant himself to a Waziri when wounded in a military operation.

Why is it so difficult to catch these foreigners? Apart from the unstinting support of the locals, the FATA region not being directly under Pakistan rule is also a factor. These areas had their own governance and received financial aid from time to time by the government as a legacy of British rule.

Thus being largely ignored before the launch of the anti-Soviet jihad in early 1980s and devoid of basic infrastructure, all types of criminal activities took place

BOOK REVIEW

here, including smuggling, drug peddling, kidnapping and illegal cross-border transactions.

Moreover, the draconian existing set of laws for the place, called the Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR) is a major reason for the popularity of successive Islamic movements in the tribal areas, majority of which propagate the conservative Islamic concept Sharia.

According to the author, 'the search for a fair justice system and the craving for equal citizenship have come to be synonymous with Sharia.'

Also, under the Durand Agreement, same tribes living on either side of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border are freely allowed into each other's areas. Militants cross the

border using fake permits that show them to be members of the divided tribes.

The author also emphasizes the role played by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence or the ISI, which is known have double standards.

It is known to have protected the Al Qaeda operatives in Pakistan, revealed by an incident in which the ISI had betrayed Egyptian investigators over Ahmed alKhadir, a close associate of Osama Bin Laden. Khadir, responsible for bombing of Egyptian embassy in Islamabad, was tracked down by Egyptian authorities to a safe house in Peshawar, and the ISI were notified.

Khadir was smuggled over the Khyber Pass to Afghanistan and Egyptians were informed the next day that "The man gave us a slip".

USA also suspected the ISI, evident by a document that the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) had compiled in 1999 to place for public scrutiny in 2002. It shows that they knew that the ISI was sponsoring the Taliban and the Al Qaeda. The ISI is even known to train militants for infiltration into Kashmir.

As far as the funding is concerned, it is no big deal for these motivated fighters, livid over issues such as deployment of troops in Afghanistan and many plotting downfall of India "with territories like Kashmir, Junagarh and Hyderabad." Money is derived from poppy cultivation, the timber mafia, Islamic charities, corruption of paramilitary forces and, not the least, Saudi Arabia.

The author suggests that to improve the situation, first and foremost FATA has to be integrated properly into Pakistan. He calls for introspection from its civilian and military ruling elite. From his experience, it is evident that more than the militants, it is the millions that look up to them that should be a big cause of worry for the entire world.

Imtiaz Gul takes you to the heart of the dark and shadowy world of the epicenter of terrorism. It is a must read for those who want to get close to comprehending the hard-hitting reality.

India Post Kashmir problem

O

n the face of it Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's recent visit to Kashmir was disappointing. There were expectations that he would announce some measure to modify the Armed Forces Special Powers Act and also invite the separatists to talks. He did neither. The atmosphere on the eve of the visit was also not conducive in view of a fake encounter in which the Army killed three civilians. The Kashmir Valley, as expected was shut down and professional protestors had a great time. The Prime Minister announced a package of Rs 1000 crores for Kashmir's development but skeptics said it would not solve the "Kashmir problem."

What is the Kashmir problem? Instigated by Pakistan, some sections in the Kashmir valley want "independence" from India. There would have been no Kashmir problem if Pakistan had not made it a policy to send armed militants on missions of murder and mayhem to destabilize Kashmir. When India organized its army to deal with these infiltrating terrorists, Pakistan said the Indian army was suppressing the "freedom" movement. It demanded a plebiscite to determine what the people of Kashmir wanted. Pakistan thought that if a plebiscite is held, the Kashmiris will vote to join Pakistan. But that sentiment has long since evaporated as evidenced in survey after survey.

The latest survey, conducted by British academic Robert Bradnock, says only two percent Kashmiris want to join Pakistan. Though an overwhelming number in the valley voted for "independence" the overall percentage in the state came to only 43 percent. Interestingly, 44 percent of people in Pakistani occupied Kashmir also favored independence. Why did they do that? If they were happy and as fellow Muslims they should have preferred to stay with Pakistan. If their own people are not willing to stay with them, what has Pakistan gained by coveting foreign territory? Left alone by Pakistan the people of Kashmir would be living normal and prosperous lives.

The separatist parties like Hurriyat were expecting some initiative, some olive branch, from the Prime Minister's side. But he just ignored Hurriyat. He offered to talk to "all those people who are against terror and violence," thus shifting the goalpost further away. Earlier the Center's position on dialogue was without any precondition for the separatist Hurriyat. The latest survey seems to have hardened the PM's position. The separatists want that the Army must be withdrawn from Jammu & Kashmir and the PM must also talk to Kashmiris who wield the gun. This untenable position the Prime Minister has obviously rejected.

There were occasions when the moderate section of the Hurriyat tried to have talks with the Center but were duly frightened by murders of some of their leaders at the instance of Pakistan. The warning was heeded and now both the Center and the Hurriyat are back to square one.

Hurriyat's moderate leader Maulvi Farooq says Kashmiris must have a place at the table when India and Pakistan discuss Kashmir.

Who does Farooq represent? A small section of vociferous Srinagar citizens who are in the pay of Pakistan and some Gulf countries? How can some people survive throughout the year merely on protests and bandhs? What do they do for a living? Obviously someone pays for their upkeep.

Since Farooq also represents Pakistan, and India has restarted the dialogue with his masters, he should have no complaint. Representatives of Kashmir who do not follow the violent line advocated by Pakistan have all met the Prime Minister this time. If the Hurriyat stayed away out of ego problems, it is their loss.

Like people in the rest of the country, the Kashmiris also seek development, employment and a reasonably good life. As long as Pakistan favors violence as a means to conduct its politics, there will be no peace in Kashmir or in Pakistan.

June 18, 2010

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June 18, 2010