IndiaPost_june-25-2010 by Ghanshyam Bisht

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Warren Anderson

Bhopal activists in NY try to serve warrant on Warren Details on page 9

Andhra student found dead in Texas lake Details on page 17

Indian youth killed in road accident

VOL 15, No. 824

June 25, 2010

50¢

Periodical Postage

INDIA INC. CREATES 50,000 JOBS IN U.S.

SRIREKHA CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service

try (FICCI), released June 15in Washington D.C., shows that during 2004-2009, 239 Indian companies made 372 acquisitions in the United States. The deal value for only 267 of these transactions was $21 billion, or $78.7 million per acquisition. During the same period, 90 Indian companies made 127 greenfield investments worth $5.5 billion, and created 16,576 jobs in the United States. The top three destination states for greenfield investments were Minnesota, Virginia, and Texas, in that order. However, the top three states in terms of jobs created were Ohio, Texas, and California.

Indian MPs at Yale leadership program Details on page 8

IT firm sues Feds for changing H1B policy Details on page 45

Kean University launches Hindi, India programs Details on page 13

Details on page 6

Chicago FIA welcomes & thanks AAHOA

Details on page 17

Details on page 14

US distributor sues Mahindra & Mahindra Details on page 42

Rahman hits home with sold out concert

NRIs investing in India in a big way

Details on page 25 Barry Bhangoo (India born US citizen, on right) being dragged out of his car and beaten in this video grab from CCTV installed in the GK-II market, Delhi

‘Anderson was assured 'safe passage' by govt’

California-based CEO attacked in Delhi Police trying to protect highly connected culprits

Details on page 42

CONTENTS Bollywood ---------------------- 40-41 Classifieds ------------------------- 51 Community Post -------------- 13-23

Details on page 44

KRISHAN SHARMA & VINOD DHAWAN India Post News Service

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

Should Barry Bhangoo continue his fight for justice? Last week’s result

Are Andhra students more accident prone? YES 73%

NO 27%

many bloggers and the support for his single-handed fight is growing. Forty-five year old US citizen Barry runs software company Oystersoft (http://www.oystersoft.com) from Berkeley, CA. These days he is running it from Delhi as he is visiting his mother after his father expired a few years ago. Barry says his attackers from a group of 10 revelers were led by Maninder Singh, owner of Siroco Club in Vasant Vihar and Jeevesh Sabharwal, owner of Shivam Estates who also has shares in 5 Star Hotels, including Radisson. Details on page 7

Date Book -------------------------- 50 Edit Page --------------------------- 53 HealthScience Post --------- 37-39 Horoscope ------------------------- 48 Immigration Post ------------- 45-47 India ---------------------------------- 44 Life Style ----------------------- 25-31 Philosophy ------------------------- 52 Publisherís Diary ------------------ 4 Real Estate ------------------------ 49 TechBiz Post ------------------- 42-43 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 32-34

Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”

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fter what could only have been a haggling with the Obama administration, British Petroleum has agreed to set aside a $20 billion fund to compensate the oil spill affected people on the American gulf coast. And that is besides the compensation the company has announced for those who lost jobs on the oil rig, the amount it would be spending to clean up the mess and the cost of capping the leak itself. People, of course, say it is not enough. And knowingly, President Obama has said that those figures are not necessarily full or final while stressing that more than anything else this was all about accountability. So, now we know what a foreign company doing business in the US is likely to face if it causes trouble. Check back now to Dow Chemicals - the company that has taken over Union Carbide, which caused the death of over 10,000 people in Bhopal when toxic gases leaked out of its plant 26 years ago and continue to cause severe health effects in the people of the city even today. Over 10 years after the disaster, the company paid some $400 odd millions to the Indian government in compensation before washing its hands off any further responsibility. For a company that is the second largest chemical manufacturer in the world - posting a revenue of $44.8 billion last year and having total assets worth $65.9 billion as of the same year - its sense of accountability monetary and otherwise, towards the affected Indians, was practically zilch. Obviously, the rules of accountability vary depending who one is answerable to, which makes me ask what has perhaps been asked by many before - Are lives of people in the Third World really cheap as compared to lives of people in the First World? So we all know it to be true; but what makes it really depressing is the fact that the negligibly low value placed on those lives is by none other than the established systems in their own country and not necessarily by any First World entities.

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HIGHLIGHTS Bollywood: Hottest stuff Ranbir Kapoor is the hottest stuff in town, with his natural good looks and overflowing talent.

Cover Story: Creating jobs Contrary to popular perception, India Inc. has created more than 50,000 jobs in the US apart from large investments.

Community: Hindi program

A Hindi learning and Indian culture learning program was organized by Kean University in Union, NJ.

India: Safe passage The Home Ministry, under Narasimha Rao, had assured "safe passage" to Union Carbide Chief Warren Anderson.

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Life Style: Breathtaking concert A.R. Rahman provides a breathtaking concert at New Jersey's famous Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall.

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Travel: Kausani At the hill resort of Kausani the mountains rise so dramatically as if to reach the heavens.

June 25, 2010

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India Inc. creates 50,000 jobs in US SRIREKHA CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Debunking the popular perception that India is taking away American jobs, a new study shows that India Inc. has made $21 billion worth of acquisitions and $5.5 billion worth of greenfield investment in the US creating more than 50,000 jobs in this country in the last five years. The report of a latest study undertaken by the India-US World Affairs Institute, in association with the Robert H. Smith School of Business, University of Maryland, and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), released June 15in Washington D.C., shows that during 2004-2009, 239 Indian companies made 372 acquisitions in the United States. The deal value for only 267 of these transactions was $21 billion, or $78.7 million per acquisition. During the same period, 90 Indian companies made 127 greenfield investments worth $5.5 billion, and created 16,576 jobs in the United States. The top three destination states for greenfield investments were Minnesota, Virginia, and Texas, in that order. However, the top three states in terms of jobs created were Ohio, Texas, and California. Of the 267 acquisitions, the study obtained the numbers of jobs created/saved for only 85 transactions, which came to over 40,000 jobs. (The total number of jobs created or saved by all 372 transactions must be much higher). Study authors Vinod K. Jain and Kamlesh Jain state that: "While popular perception has it that the companies of India Inc. are taking jobs away from Americans and adding little value to the US economy, nothing could be further from the truth. Indian companies have been investing steadily in the U.S. for decades, and with the rise of India Inc. the magnitude and impact of such investments have increased." "This study challenges the received wisdom, the old paradigm, of international economic engagement between developed and developing nations, using India and the United States as a case in point. The study shows how major multinationals from India are now making significant acquisitions and greenfield investments, and creating jobs, in the United States." Greenfield investments The five US industrial sectors that received the most greenfield investment from India were Metals; Software & IT Services; Leisure & Entertainment; industrial machinery, equipment & tools; and financial services, accounting for

almost 80% of total greenfield investment in the United States. It is noteworthy that the software and IT services sector received less than 15% of total investment, and

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;While popular perception has it that the companies of India Inc. are taking jobs away from Americans and adding little value to the US economy, nothing could be further from the truth. Indian companies have been investing steadily in the U.S. for decadesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; the bulk of investments went into mining, manufacturing, and other industries. Ten Indian companies made more than 70% of the total $5.5 billion dollars of greenfield investments in the United States: - Essar Steel (Minnesota): $1,600 million - JSW Steel (N/A): $1,000 million - Tata Consultancy Services (California, Michigan, New York, Ohio): $273.4 million - Welspun Group (Arkansas; Texas): $246 million - Reliance Adlabs (Illinois): $161 million - Indage Group (Virginia): $160.5 million - HCL Group (New Jersey): $148.7 million - Flag Telecom, Reliance (N/A): $124.1 million - Tata Communications (Virginia): $102.7 million - PSL (Mississippi): $100 million Mergers & Acquisitions Five states that attracted the

most M&A investments from Indian companies accounted for 75% of total deal value: Georgia, New Jersey, Michigan, California, and Texas. The five leading US sectors receiving M&A investments from India were: Manufacturing; IT & IT Enabled Services; Biotech, Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals; Automotive; and Telecom - for a total of 83% of total deal value. The bulk of M&A investments by India Inc. in the United States were in manufacturing and other industrial sectors, rather than in services for which India is well known. US Exports to India The US-India goods trade tripled during 2004-2008. For the period 2004-2009, US exports to India grew by a total of 269 percent, while India's exports to the United States grew by 136 percent. US manufactured exports to India were linked to 96,000 manufacturing and non-manufacturing jobs in the US in 2009. Ten states (California, Washington, Texas, Illinois, New York, Utah, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Florida, and Georgia) accounted for only 62 percent of all US jobs linked to exports to India in 2009, indicating that the benefits of exporting to India are

The five leading US sectors receiving M&A investments from India were: Manufacturing; IT & IT Enabled Services; Biotech, Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals; Automotive; and Telecom for a total of 83% of total deal value. The bulk of investments India Inc. in the United States were in manufacturing, rather than in services for which India is well known

wide spread throughout the nation. These numbers do not include agricultural, mining, and services exports, which will have their own implications for jobs in the United

All in all, the study shows how America benefits from economic engagement with India and with people of Indian origin. It has highlighted only the financial and employment benefits of such engagement to the United States States. Entrepreneurs, Professionals and Students from India The 2.57 million Indian Americans contribute to the US economy and society in numerous ways. A 2007 joint Duke UniversityUC Berkeley study found that Indian immigrant entrepreneurs had founded more engineering and technology companies during 1995-2005 than immigrants from Britain, China, Japan, and Taiwan combined. A 2007 study by the National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) found that India was the most common place of birth for foreign-born founders of venture capital-backed public companies, followed by Britain, China, Iran, and France. The list of major companies whose founders or co-founders are of Indian heritage include Akamai (1,750 employees), Bose Corporation (8,000 employees), iGate (6,910 employees), Kanbay International (6,900 employees), Sun

Microsystems (29,000 employees), and Syntel (13,600 employees). Dozens of such companies in the United States have created tens of thousands of jobs. There are currently almost 10,000 Indian American owners of hotels/motels in the United States, who together own over 21,000 hotels with 1.8 million guest rooms and property valued at $129 billion. They employ 578,600 workers. There are about 50,000 physicians (and 15,000 medical students) of Indian heritage in the United States, serving in cities, rural, and peripheral areas throughout the country. Education is one of America's finest exports. The expenses incurred by foreign students in the United States are treated as "deemed exports," with implications for thousands of jobs linked to such exports. India has had the largest number of foreign students in the United States among all countries of origin for eight years in a row. In 2008, there were 94,563 students from India whose net contribution to the U.S. economy was $2.39 billion. All in all, the study shows how America benefits from economic engagement with India and with people of Indian origin. It has highlighted only the financial and employment benefits of such engagement to the United States, which of course are the biggest issues facing the United States today. However, the non-financial benefits of engaging with India are equally significant - cultural, social, regional security, and political advantages to name just a few. The study is based on a variety of published information, information from world-class sources such as the Financial Times, Thompson SDC Database, the US Department of Commerce, and Reserve Bank of India, among others. The authors conducted their own interviews with several Indian companies in the United States to further explore areas of the study.

US objection to China-Pak nuke deal welcomed India Post News Service

NEW YORK: US India Political Action Committee (USINPAC) welcomed the Obama administration's decision to object to a nuclear deal between China and Pakistan that would lead to the construction of two more nuclear reactors in Chasma, Pakistan. USINPAC had earlier raised concern over

the Obama administration's delay in denouncing the China-Pakistan deal, and asked the administration and the Congress to act against this attempt at nuclear proliferation. The deal would be a direct violation of China's NSG and NPT obligations under which it is forbidden to supply nuclear materials to a non-NPT member like Pakistan. The deal could severely

affect the security and stability of South Asia, particularly the volatile Af-Pak region. According to State Department spokesman Gordon DuGuid, the US government "has reiterated to the Chinese government that the United States expects Beijing to cooperate with Pakistan in ways consistent with Chinese nonproliferation obligations." The deal is expected to be discussed during

next week's NSG meeting. Sanjay Puri, Chairman of USINPAC said, "The US objection to the China-Pakistan nuclear reactor deal reiterates its commitment and leadership to the global non-proliferation regime. This decision could ensure that the China-Pakistan deal does not get a NSG approval, which requires consensus."

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California-based CEO attacked in Delhi Police trying to protect highly connected culprits KRISHAN SHARMA & VINOD DHAWAN India Post News Service

NEW DELHI: Beaten up nearly to death by a group of highly-connected youths, Barry Bhangoo, CEO of a US-based software company now visiting India, has taken up the fight against the system in India at great risk to his own life and that of his family. Barry received a hemorrhage and a slip disc in the assault and doctors said it might have led to paralysis. The incident in Greater Kailash-II, a South Delhi market, has drawn the ire of many bloggers and the support for his single-handed fight is growing. Forty-five year old US citizen Barry runs software company Oystersoft (http:// www.oystersoft.com) from Berkeley, CA. These days he is running it from Delhi as he is visiting his mother after his father expired a few years ago. Barry says his attackers from a group of 10 revelers were led by Maninder Singh, owner of Siroco Club in Vasant Vihar and Jeevesh Sabharwal, owner of Shivam Estates who also has shares in 5 Star Hotels, including Radisson. As a software person, he himself collected footage from CCTV cameras installed in the Great Kailash-II market and presented to the police as evidence against the persons who attacked him but the Police is dragging its feet and even after nearly a month of the incident, it has taken no action against the culprits who are highly connected and have been constantly threatening Bhangoo. He alleged that instead the police are trying to frame him in false cases of being drunk and trying to molest girls in the attackers' group. In his complaint and FIR lodged with the police, Bhangoo says on the midnight of May 21, he was returning to a restaurant in GK-II market after dropping his wife and son at home, where they had gone earlier in the evening to celebrate their son's first birthday. "I saw a group of boys and girls, apparently drunk, stepping out of Swagat Restaurant and blocking the road. They stopped right in front of my car, and I had to hit the brakes quite hard. This startled one of the girls in the car.'' At this he apologized. As he tried to drive away, someone from the group flung a stone at his window. ''One of them came over to the car, dragged me out and hit me on the head before

flinging me headfirst to the ground,'' Barry added, who received a hemorrhage and a slip disc due to the assault. Barry said, "I was attacked by a group of 10 people. Their images were caught on CCTV but the footage is not clear. I have identified two of them, but the police have not done anything to identify the rest." Nearly two weeks after the assault, the police arrested one Columbian national Henry Wilfredo Senior Vega, who runs a music band and came to Delhi three months ago. He was granted bail after two days. He was arrested on the basis of the description provided by Barry in his complaint. The arrest came after media reports about how the cops were dragging their feet on the incident. The police claim that only this one person had assaulted him, but Barry has alleged that at least two more people were involved and he had given their names to the police, but since they are rich and influential, they are not being touched. Meanwhile, he has filed more complaints after allegedly receiving threats from these people.

Henry Wilfredo Senior Vega

The police claim that only this one person had assaulted him, but Barry has alleged that at least two more people were involved and he had given their names to the police, but since they are rich and influential, they are not being touched

Maninder, Jeevesh and Surge with friend

Bhangoo said, "The arrest of Henry is an eyewash. There were two more people involved in the incident. Their identity has been established and I have been receiving threats from these people. I have filed a complaint with the police but no charges have been pressed against them. The CCTV footage is grainy but cops should be able to identify the accused." His complaint described one of the attackers as stout, of medium height and a foreigner. He had lifted him and thrown him on the road. This man was identified as Henry. He has alleged the group, headed by Maninder Singh and Jeevesh Sabharwal, threatened

him after the incident. Barry says he was called to Chittaranjan Park Police Station on a couple of occasions. Barry and his brother, who was with him, were surprised to find that the offenders had also been called to the police station and all witnesses were being interrogated by both the police and the offenders' group. "We were very surprised by this procedure of making every witness face the person against who they were testifying. It seems to me that it can easily lead to intimidation of the witnesses. To me it would seem a fair investigation is when the police questions both the

Maninder Singh In SHO Office. Pics by Barry Bhangoo

alleger, the defender, independent neutral witnesses reports their investigation. We were also very surprised by the fact that witnesses were being investigated before even a case has been registered." On one occasion Barry was confronted by the two culprits Maninder Singh and Jeevesh Shabharwal at the police station who used threatening language right in front of the SHO. Maninder Singh said, "I swear to

Congress President Sonia Gandhi. Barry says he went to the US Embassy in Delhi and met two officers to explain his case. According to him, "They were very surprised to see the mix of the group - a Columbian national, four Russian girls, a French girl, a French boy, 4-5 Indian girls and 4-5 Indian boys They are going to also investigate this through US agencies." Asked by India Post if he was aware he had touched powerful

Maninder and Surge. Pic from Zee News

God, I'll show you what I will do to you. You don't know who all I am connected to." Asked by the SHO, Maninder said, "My father flies for Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi." Barry has been doing his research to find out the "high" connections of these individuals. Barry said according to his source, Maninder Singh's father Capt. Amarjit Singh, originally from Bhatinda, Punjab runs an air service called ATS in partnership with Satish Sharma, MP. His friends include Tirlochan Singh (MP), DCP Dhaliwal and the IAS lobby. He also knows Mr. Ahmed Patel, political secretary to

people and there could be consequences, he said, "Yes I am aware, sure I am frightened, not as much for myself but more for my family. However, I would not be able to live with myself if I let wrong happen to me and I do not even complaint. I feel that is part of the problem with India. Most of the time people do not even take the time to complain. When my case started and I saw how badly the system is broken, I got determined to push as hard as I can to help shake it. Sure I am very small and I may get crushed but at least I will be able to live with myself knowing that I tried. I am answerable to me first!"

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Indian parliamentarians attend Yale leadership program India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Global politicaleconomic affairs and the challenges of leadership are the focus of the fourth India-Yale Parliamentary Leadership Program being held at Yale University campus, June 9 to 19. Yale University launched the India-Yale Parliamentary Leadership Program in 2007, in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and the India-US Forum of Parliamentarians. In total, nearly fifty members of India's parliament have participated since the program was created. The 2010 cohort of Indian parliamentarians is at the Yale University campus in New Haven, Connecticut for the seven-day leadership program with Yale faculty complemented by a three-day program of meetings, discussions and interactions with US politicians, policy analysts and senior US government officials in New York City and in Washington, D.C. Among the 2010 participants are Abhishek Manu Singhvi, the national spokesperson of the Indian National Congress party; Ajay Maken, Minister of State for Home Affairs; and Agatha Sangma, Minister of State for Rural Development. Minister Sangma is presently the youngest minister of state in the Council of Ministers. Underscoring the program's emphasis on fostering discussion and dialogue across party lines, the 2010 participants are drawn from seven different

political parties. Yale President Richard C. Levin said: "The Program underscores Yale's longstanding commitment to educating our students for service and leadership. We have now gone a step further to include emerging and mid-career leaders.

oversight amongst the parliamentarians. It is designed to provide the parliamentarians capacity building and skill development and greater engagement in public policy discussions. The program is aimed at making an important contribution to their leadership

partisan nature of the multiparty delegation; in the unusual blend of the vibrant young and the experienced vets comprising the delegation; and, in the intense, disciplined and highly structured mix of academics and policy planning at our Yale and Washington,

Indian Parliamentarians pose at Yale University

The program will provide the parliamentarians with opportunities to critically think about the challenges of leadership and to explore freely, away from the legislative arena, the issues facing India." FICCI Secretary General Amit Mitra said: "The Program encourages greater understanding of public leadership, accountability, transparency and parliamentary

capabilities to prevent and manage challenges through effective parliamentary governance." Abhishek Manu Singhvi, the Chairman of the India-US Forum of Parliamentarians, said: "The India-Yale Parliamentary Leadership Program is pioneering in the amazing diversity of topics explored; in the outstanding, cutting edge quality of the world-renowned lecturers; in the truly bi-

D.C. interactions. Most important, and perhaps most unquantifiable but clearly tangible, is the remarkable bonding between the members of the delegation over the course of the program - something not found easily even after years in Parliament!" Faculty for the program is drawn from experts at Yale, as well as research institutes, government offices, and the private

sector. The participating 2010 parliamentarians are Anto Antony (Indian National Congress - Kerala); Harsimrat Kaur Badal (Shiromani Akali Dal - Punjab); Jyoti Dhurve (Bharatiya Janata Party - Madhya Pradesh); Gaddam Vivekanand (Indian National Congress - Andhra Pradesh); Bhartruhari Mahtab (Biju Janata Dal - Orissa); Ajay Maken (Indian National Congress - Minister of State for Home Affairs); Pradeep Majhi (Indian National Congress - Orissa); Asaduddin Owaisi (All India Majlis-e Ittihad al-Muslimin - Andhra Pradesh); Agatha Sangma (Nationalist Congress Party - Meghalaya, and Minister of State for Rural Development); Neeraj Shekhar (Samajwadi Party - Uttar Pradesh); Abhishek Manu Singhvi (Rajya Sabha - Indian National Congress - Rajasthan); and Janardhana Swamy (Bharatiya Janata Party Karnataka). The India-US Forum of Parliamentarians is a body of leading Indian parliamentarians representing the broad political spectrum of India from both Houses of Parliament. The Forum was formed six years ago with the support of FICCI. The Forum, constituted on the lines of "Senate Friends of India" Group and the "India Caucus" in the United States Congress, today, has more than 130 lawmakers cutting across party lines, with many of its members heading or serving in vital policy planning parliamentary committees.

'India assured US that Anderson will not face any action' WASHINGTON: India had assured the US that the then Union Carbide chief Warren Anderson would not be subjected to "any actions" during his visit to Bhopal after the deadly 1984 gas leakage incident, a former top American diplomat said here. Gordon Streeb, who was the deputy chief of the American mission in New Delhi in 1984, also said he never met the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi or the Foreign Minister on the issue. He said the US' request to the Indian Government to allow Anderson into the country and his safe return was a "one time affair" and there was no similar request or assistance sought for any future legal action against him. "It (the request) was strictly for this visit. I think, what I am beginning to get a sense of from some of the questions that I am being

asked and few of the reports that I have seen is that people are trying to mix together this particular visit and the assurances that he would be allowed to leave to go back home and any future legal action," Streeb told PTI in an interview. "We did not; I did not get into any discussion with any Indian officials about anything down the road. It would have been totally improper for us to get into discussion about the future," he said. Streeb said as far as he could recollect the Union Carbide contacted the US Embassy in New Delhi and said that Anderson would like to come to India to assess the situation and to show Union Carbide's concerns at the highest levels for the victims. He said he got in touch with the External Affairs Ministry and the then Foreign Secretary M K Rasgotra and told them about

Union Carbide's interest and the US' concerns that Anderson be assured that he would be able to come and move about freely and be able to leave again without any difficulty.

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Foreign Ministry got back to me and said that the Government of India agreed that it would be a good idea for Anderson to come there and that they assured that he would not be subjected to any actions then. So, on that basis, we told him to come aheadâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

"The Foreign Ministry got back to me and said that the Government of India agreed that it would be a good idea for Anderson to come there and that they assured that he would not be subjected to any actions then. So, on that basis, we told him to come ahead," Streeb said. "...But, we are all very cautious for people coming in the situations like that because the legal environment is very unpredictable, especially how different levels of authority between the federal authorities and the local authorities are going to react. "Neither we know that the Union Carbide wanted to get into a situation where Anderson would be exposed to the risk of being detained or arrested while he was in India. That is the precaution, we thought, we all needed to be taken," Streeb, now visiting Professor at Emory University and

also a member of the India, China, America Institute's advisory board, said. . Streeb said once Anderson got to Madhya Pradesh, local authorities took their own actions recollecting the events of December 7 when Anderson was detained for a few hours by the local police in Bhopal. "Once, we found out that (of his arrest) --- we were told that Anderson was under house arrest, this is the way it was put, I believe that there was a Union Carbide guest house in Bhopal where he was staying in and he was then told that he would not be allowed to leave the premises," the former Deputy Chief of Mission said. Streeb said then he got in touch with the Foreign Ministry and said that we needed the government of India to intervene in consistence with the "agreement that we had reached about then.â&#x20AC;?-PTI

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Bhopal activists in NY try to serve warrant on Anderson SRIREKHA CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service

NEW YORK: On June 14, a motley group of about 10 people stood outside a midtown Manhattan high-rise, a warrant and charge sheet in hand for Union Carbide's former US chief Warren Anderson. Among them were siblings, 15-year-old Gautama and 12year-old Akash Mehta (sons of noted author-writer Suketu Mehta). Three weeks after an Indian court delivered a verdict in the deadly Bhopal gas leak case that has in the course of 25 years resulted in the death of more than 25,000 people and continues to poison people on a day-to-day basis, the outrage against the ridiculously lenient sentences against the accused company executives continues to rage within and outside India. So last week, in New York, the group comprising members of the International Campaign for Justice in Bhopal (ICJB) - a coalition led by four survivor organizations and Kids for a Better Future (KBF) attempted to hand-deliver copies of a warrant and criminal charges against Union Carbide Corporation and against its former CEO Warren Anderson (who remains in hiding), to the offices of their attorneys, Kelly, Drye & Warren in connection with the criminal case against them. Akash and Gautama, who attempted to enter the building, were, however, turned away by the security guards at the plaza on Park Avenue. According to the gathered group, although the District Court in Bhopal handed down a slap on the wrist to the executives and managers of Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL), the criminal charges against the American parent company and its CEO remain outstanding. After 19 years of criminal proceedings, seven UCIL executives were found guilty of "death by negligence" (the legal equivalent of responsibility for an auto accident), sentenced to just two years' imprisonment and fined the equivalent of a $2,000 per defendant, they said. Brian J. Mooney, a cultural anthropologist and Clinical Associate Professor of Social Sciences, New York University who was among the group has been studying the activism in Bhopal since 1995. Ironically, his association with Bhopal started with him working for the law firm that represented Union Carbide at that time. "In 1984, fresh out of law school, I happened to begin work-

ing for the law firm that was representing Union Carbide at that time," he told India Post. "Like most young novice attorneys at that firm, I was called on for low level legal assignments on the case and began to get familiar with it that way, including working in New Delhi on the case for a few weeks. I have since seen the case from the standpoint of the survivors and the equities of the case could not be more clear: the survivors have met with a gross injustice and continue to do so." Prof. Mooney points out that just one year ago, after the US

‘The entire time the Union Carbide Bhopal plant was in operation until 1984, it was generating liquid toxic waste on a daily basis which was dumped on the factory grounds in pits and on adjacent land in ‘solar evaporation ponds’ Department of State flatly refused to take action on a duly-issued extradition warrant against Anderson and UCC, the Chief Judicial Magistrate for Bhopal re-issued a new arrest warrant to address American objections. Efforts are ongoing by Bhopal survivors in India to demand ac-

tion by the Government of India on that warrant. Prof. Mooney told India Post they were now trying to think of other ways to confront Union Carbide/Dow with its ongoing responsibility for the disaster in Bhopal. "As we speak, there are many thousands of people suffering from the health consequences of the gas exposure in 1984 and no significant medical research is being done to address their health issues," he said. "Meanwhile, the entire time the Union Carbide Bhopal plant was in operation until 1984, it was generating liquid toxic waste on a daily basis which Union Carbide dumped on the factory grounds in pits and later on adjacent land in "solar evaporation ponds". This contaminated the groundwater for thousands of slum dwellers who have been poisoned and suffer more health effects." Union Carbide was aware of this toxic legacy as of 1989 and now Dow Chemical (which acquired Union Carbide as a whollyowned subsidiary in 2001) refuses to take responsibility. Various civil lawsuits against Dow Chemical in New York have been pending now in the US District Court in Manhattan for nearly ten years and remain in litigation as Dow flatly refuses to accept responsibility. Prof. Mooney further said, "A new generation of Bhopalis is being born with horrific birth defects and research must be conducted into whether this is due to their parents' exposure to the gas and/ or to the contaminated water. Lawsuits concerning the ground-

water have been pending in the US and in India for nearly 10 years now. Our goal in drawing attention to UCC and Warren Anderson's criminal responsibility is to not only find answers to the outstanding questions about the gas disaster, but to focus attention on Dow's current refusal to take any responsibility for the water contamination." In 1992, both Union Carbide Corporation and Warren Anderson were declared absconders from justice by the Chief Judicial Magistrate of Bhopal. Internal documents from the United States

Bhopal must serve as a precedent for holding multinational corporations to account . They seem to be everywhere at once when it is time to take profits but nowhere to be found when it is time to take responsibility Department of State indicate that the Department of State has peremptorily declared Anderson innocent of all charges and, in a political decision, stated that extradition of an American CEO would have a chilling effect on American multinationals seeking to do business overseas.

The ICJB says that as the United States faces the British Petroleum Deepwater Horizon disaster, the American people will surely demand-and deserve-that that all responsible parties be held to account, even the CEO and parent corporation of a multinational entity like BP. Prof. Mooney argues, "The point is that Bhopal is not a disaster that happened over 25 years ago and is over with. It is ongoing and it is still essential to know the responsibility of the American corporate parent for the gas disaster and for the water disaster. Bhopal must serve as a precedent for holding multinational corporations to account for their actions. They seem to be everywhere at once when it is time to take profits but nowhere to be found when it is time to take responsibility. That is the case as well for BP. Americans will surely demand that BP be held to account from the top down for that multinational; Bhopalis deserve no less." The ICJB says survivors in Bhopal will not relent from their 25year long struggle for justice and will pursue extradition against UCC and Anderson to secure their appearance to stand trial for their criminal responsibility for the 1984 disaster. "After nearly 25,000 people have died as a result of exposure to Union Carbide's deadly methylisocyanate gas, after over 100,000 people have suffered a host of debilitating medical problems, and as a new generation is being born with horrible birth defects, it is imperative to hold all responsible parties to account in this disaster," the group says.

GIANT WAVE: A police vehicle patrols along the promenade as a large wave breaks during high tide near the landmark Gateway of India monument in Mumbai on June 16. Indiaís monsoon, the annual downpour crucial to farmers and national economic growth, hit the western Indian city of Mumbai this week with hopes high for better rains than last year

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MAF team tells success story FM may not meet Dow Chemicals officials in US of US troops in Iraq BAGHDAD, Iraq: The protroop group Move America Forward has revealed that spokesperson Debbie Lee and a team of MAF representatives is in Iraq observing and collecting interviews and film for a full report on the progress and success of US troops in Iraq. Debbie Lee is the mother of the first US Navy SEAL to be killed in the war in Iraq. Her son Marc Alan Lee was killed in Ramadi, Iraq, in 2006 and was posthumously awarded a Silver Star for valor. Debbie Lee visited Baghdad and Ramadi in 2007 with Move America Forward and became the first known Gold-Star parent to travel to the battle zone where their son or daughter made the ultimate sacrifice.

"In Marc's last letter home he said 'It will take longer than most think but we will get Iraq to stand on its own two feet.' Success any-

Also traveling with the group is special guest Matt Sanchez, who has visited Iraq several times before as a blogger and Fox News correspondent where has a cost but to know the personal cost our family has paid and see firsthand that it is giving

Iraqis freedoms and ridding this world of terrorism brings me great comfort." said Debbie Lee, in an e-mail later posted to the group's blog on their homepage (www.moveamericaforward.org). The delegation sent to Iraq consists of Debbie Lee, Gold Star mom and Move America Forward spokesperson, Mary Pearson official tour photographer for MAF and other groups, and Christian Hartsock, cameraman. Also traveling with the group is special guest Matt Sanchez, who has visited Iraq several times before as a blogger and Fox News correspondent. Matt is helping the team navigate the ropes in Iraq and assisting in the reporting and filming of all materials and is a welcomed addition to the team.

Oz teenager charged with murder in Nitin Garg's killing MELBOURNE: A 15-year-old Australian boy has been charged with the murder of Indian student Nitin Garg, with the police saying there was no racial motive in the killing, which had sent shock waves back home. The breakthrough in the highprofile case, which threatened to derail India-Australia ties, came when the homicide detectives knocked on the doors of the boy's Melbourne home early this morning. The teenager who cannot be named was produced before a Children's Court after his arrest in a Melbourne suburb and was remanded to be held in custody till October. He will now be produced in court on July 8. Garg, 21, was stabbed to death while walking to work through a park on January 2, and the incident was one in a series of violent attacks against Indians in Australia. The crime which came in for strong condemnation both in New Delhi and Canberra, with External Affairs Minister S M Krishna describing it as a "heinous crime on humanity" and "an uncivilized brutal attack on innocent Indians." However, the Victorian police, who made the arrest, said there were no racial motive found in the killing of Garg investigation so far. "In our inquiries at this stage we don't believe (Garg's death) was racially motivated," Detective Inspector handling the case, Bernie Edwards said. "It's relatively clear why it happened and how it happened but I

won't speculate on the motive," he said. He further said there was no evidence of gang involvement in Garg's death. Victorian police have not identified the 15-year-old suspect and haven't disclosed the details of the crime because of legal issues in dealing with a juvenile. Edwards admitted that homicide detectives had felt the pres-

Victorian police have not identified the 15year-old suspect and haven't disclosed the details of the crime because of legal issues in dealing with a juvenile sure of solving the murder after the Indian government had claimed it was racially-motivated. "Like any homicide we will keep going until we solve it, however there was a lot of pressure and I congratulate Senior Sergeant Dave Snare and his team in their investigation," Edwards said. "We are extremely pleased for Nitin Garg's family and the Indian community here in Australia," he said. The teenager responded "okay" after the magistrate outlined the schedule of dates for his

case. His parents were also present in the court and the mother was seen weeping as the teenager was remanded to custody after a brief appearance. Edwards said police was also questioning a number of other people in connection with the killing but did not say if further charges were expected. Fifteen detectives were involved in the investigation, he said. . The 21-year-old accountancy student from Punjab was stabbed in a local park at Footscray West in January as he walked to work at a fast food restaurant. Earlier this morning, the police questioned the 15-year-old after arresting him at Yarraville, a statement from the Victorian police said. Garg suffered stab wounds to his upper body while walking to the Hungry Jack's restaurant where he worked, on the corner of Geelong and Somerville roads, about 9.30 pm on January 2 this year. He stumbled into the restaurant, bleeding in front of his workmates, before he died at the scene. The weapon used in the attack has not been found. Garg was a resident of Newport suburb and was employed in a fast food outlet of Hungry Jack. The breakthrough in the case came as Minister for Oversees Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi is touring Australia and discussed problems faced by the community with Australian leaders.-PTI

NEW DELHI: Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee may not meet officials of Dow Chemicals, the new owners of Union Carbide that caused the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy, during his visit to the US next week. "I am not aware that this issue is on the agenda in any way," Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia told reporters to a query if Mukherjee would be meeting with Dow Chemicals chief Andrew Liveris. In 2001, Dow Chemicals took Union Carbide Corporation, whose Indian arm was behind one of the world's worst industrial disaster that claimed over 15,000 lives in 1984. "No, absolutely not. I mean let's be clear about it. We are the government delegation led by the Finance Minister (and) will have a meeting with the US government people on a wide range of issues.

"We are also invited to join for a couple of hours, the meeting of the US-India CEO Forum," Ahluwalia said when asked about reports that Mukherjee would raise the Bhopal tragedy with Liveris. The Indian officials will attend the US-India CEO Forum meeting on June 22. A local court on June 7 convicted seven people, including Union Carbide India's Chairman Keshub Mahindra, to two years imprisonment holding them responsible for the gas leak that killed over 15,000 people in 1984. Union Carbide's then CEO Warren Anderson was not tried, while another accused passed away. Following fierce protests from civil rights activists and political parties, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on June 14 ordered a group of ministers to look into the issue afresh and report back in 10 days. -PTI

'Shakira ready to make Bollywood debut' NEW DELHI: Columbian pop sensation, Shakira, who made waves recently with her FIFA World Cup song 'Waka Waka', may soon make a debut in Bollywood. The 33-year-old star is in talks with Bollywood music composers Salim-Sulaiman to sing in a yetto-be-titled film. Shakira may follow in the footsteps of Australian pop star Kylie Minogue who sang for Oscarwinner A R Rahman in Akshay Kumar starrer 'Blue' last year. Salim-Sulaiman, who collaborated with South African singers in Shakira's World Cup song 'Waka Waka', are in touch with her and says that 'Hips Don't Lie' singer is very willing. "We are in talks with her management. She seems to be really willing to collaborate and we are hoping a positive response in 5-6 days," Salim Merchant of the duo told PTI. And if everything goes right Salim-Suleman will be recording with Shakira in a month's time. The song would be a Cabaret number with Latin influence in it. The film will be helmed by Prakash Chadha who last di-

rected Himesh Reshammiya's 'Aap Ka Suroor'. It will mark the acting debut of entrepreneur Sachin Joshi who is also the producer of the film. Shakira, would be the latest foreign import after Mexican star Barbara Mori seen with Hrithik Roshan in 'Kites'. Hollywood action star Sylvester Stallone and former Bond Girl Denise Richards also made their Bollywood debut in Akshay-Kareena's Kambakkht Ishq last year. -PTI

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Pak for concrete steps to bridge trust deficit ISLAMABAD: Pakistan wants to firm up Confidence Building Measures at the upcoming foreign secretary level talks with India as a top official said Islamabad was looking for concrete steps to bridge the trust deficit. With hardly a week to go for talks to be held here, an official spokesman said Pakistan was "keenly looking" forward to the dialogue and lessening of tension. "Pakistan has always been promoting the cause of peace and stability in South Asia and we are keenly looking forward to our engagement with India with a view to promoting this cause in the interest of peace and prosperity in our region," Foreign Office spokesman Abdul Basit told a weekly briefing. "We hope that this engagement should be a sustained and purposeful engagement (and it) should address all these issues so that we bridge this trust deficit," he said. Pakistan is approaching the "resumed engagement with a positive mindset" with the "hope that this leads to results which are in our mutual interest and result in long-term benefits to the people of Pakistan and India," Basit said. His comments came as diplomatic sources said that Islamabad had broadly classified the issues to be raised during the meeting of

the two Foreign Secretaries in Islamabad on June 24. These include Kashmir issue, humanitarian matters like the release of prisoners and fishermen, terrorism and trade and commerce. An inter-ministerial meeting chaired by the Foreign Minister was held here and another session is in the offing to formulate recommendations for the Paki-

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Pakistan is approaching the "resumed engagement with a positive mindset" with the "hope that this leads to results which are in our mutual interest and result in long-term benefits to the people of Pakistan and India,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Basit said stani leadership. Representatives of the military establishment, including the InterServices Intelligence agency, attended the meeting. The sources said there are indications that the Pakistani side could ask for the withdrawal of the

Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act and the release of political prisoners to improve the ground situation in Jammu and Kashmir when Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir meets his Indian counterpart Nirupama Rao. The sources also said there is a realization at the highest levels of the Foreign Office of the need to lower tensions in the region while at the same time preventing any further deterioration of bilateral relations. In this regard, the two sides are expected to discuss ways to improve cooperation in countering terrorism. Islamabad also wants to upgrade the existing Joint AntiTerrorism Mechanism (JATM), which was set up in 2006. Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani spoke of the need to reactivate the JATM earlier this month and Pakistani officials now believe intelligence agencies should be represented in this body, the sources said. However, the Foreign Office appears to be undecided on how to respond to India's call for firm action against anti-India groups like Lashker-e-Taiba and Jaish-eMohammed and militant leaders like LeT founder and Jamaat-udDawah chief Hafiz Muhammad Saeed. Despite several dossiers provided by India on Saeed, Pakistani

leaders like Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Interior Minister Rehman Malik have contended there isn't enough evidence to act against the JuD chief. In the run-up to the meeting of the Foreign Secretaries, the government has been given the goahead by parliament's standing committee on national security to take "difficult decisions" to normalize ties with India, the Dawn

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani spoke of the need to reactivate the JATM earlier this month and Pakistani officials now believe intelligence agencies should be represented in this body, the sources said newspaper reported. The advice from the parliamentary panel was part of eight recommendations made by it for the forthcoming meetings of the Foreign Secretaries, Interior Ministers and Foreign Ministers. Home Minister P Chidambram

will meet Interior Minister Rahman Malik on the sidelines of a SAARC minister's meeting in Islamabad on June 26 while a meeting of Foreign Ministers is slated for July 15. The standing committee on national security said tough decisions are necessitated due to the changing global scenario. However, it said all such decisions should be in conformity with Pakistan's long-standing stance on issues like Kashmir, Siachen, Sir Creek and sharing of river waters. The committee asked the Foreign Office to rethink policies for relations with India and to dovetail them with Pakistan's long-term strategic objectives. Gilani and his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh, during their meeting on the sidelines of the SAARC summit in April, tasked the Foreign Secretaries to find ways to bridge the trust deficit between the two countries and to finalize the agenda for the meeting of the Foreign Ministers. Foreign Minister Qureshi had chaired an inter-ministerial meeting at the Foreign Office to prepare for the meeting of the Foreign Secretaries. The meeting was also attended by representatives of the military establishment, including the InterServices Intelligence. -PTI

Pak says will welcome India joining pipeline project NEW DELHI: A day after sealing final pacts with Iran on a longtalked gas pipeline, Pakistan has said it will welcome India joining the project and will guarantee safe delivery of the fuel. With New Delhi boycotting talks on Iran-Pakistan-India pipeline over pricing and security concerns, Iran and Pakistan have signed government guarantees the last of a series of agreements that commits the Islamic republic to supply its eastern neighbor with natural gas from 2014. "We have kept open the option of India joining the project (at a later date). We will welcome India (in the project)," Muhammad Ejaz Chaudhry, Additional Secretary in Pakistan's Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources, told PTI from Islamabad. India fears terrorists may hold the pipeline hostage to their demands and even cut supplies by blowing it to hurt the interest of world's second fastest growing economy. Also, it is upset with frequent changes in pricing of gas by Iran and has boycotted talks for almost three years now. New Delhi has now proposed

talks with Iran to sort out impediments but the two are yet to agree on mutually acceptable dates. "We have signed government guarantees, letters of comfort and condition precedents for the project," Chaudhry said. Pakistan had in July last year signed a gas sale and purchase agreement and in March signed among other pacts a gas transportation agreement (GTA). The GTA, which has been notarized in Paris, provides for internationally acceptable transit arrangement for gas to be supplied to India. "We will stand guarantee for safe delivery of gas (at PakistanIndia border)," Chaudhry said. Of the 1,035-km length of the pipeline in Pakistan, only 100-odd km would be exclusively for carrying gas to India while the rest would be transporting fuel for both Pakistan and India, he said, pointing that it was in Pakistan's own interest to protect the pipeline. Iran will supply 21.5 million cubic meters a day of gas to Pakistan for 25 years. The deal can be extended by five years and the volume may be increased to 30

million cubic meters on Pakistan's request. The Persian Gulf nation has so far constructed 907-km of the pipeline from the industrial hub Assaluyeh in southern Iran. It will now start the second leg of the

pipeline toward Pakistan, about 300-km in length, that will carry natural gas from Iran's South Pars field. South Pars, which extends from Qatar's North Field, forms the largest known gas deposit in the

world. . Chaudhry said Pakistan will now start work on the pipeline from Iran-Pakistan border to its consumption centers. "We expect first gas (from Iran) to flow by December 2014," he said.-PTI

CHESS MASTER: India's Gujarat state Chief Minister Narendra Modi (L) plays a game of chess with Indian chess champion Vishwanathan Anand at the Town Hall in Gandhinagar, some 30 kms. from Ahmedabad, on June 16

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Pak trying to act as bridge between Karzai, Haqqani network ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is trying to mediate for a rapprochement between Afghanistan's dreaded Haqqani network and the Hamid Karzai government, in an apparent effort to have a major say in the country's set up after the American troops withdraw in 2011. Pakistan has entered the reconciliation process in Afghanistan by taking on the task of acting as a bridge between the network of militant commander Sirajuddin Haqqani and the government in Kabul, a media report said today. "Preliminary contacts have been established with Siraj Haqqani and other leaders of his group through intermediaries in a bid to engineer a rapprochement with the Karzai administration," an unnamed senior Pakistani security official was quoted as saying by the Dawn newspaper. Intermediaries have presented a roadmap for a political settlement between Kabul and the

Haqqanis, the official said. If the plan is accepted by the two sides, it could bring peace to the war-torn country, government officials claimed. The Al Qaeda-linked Haqqani group is considered the most potent militant faction in Afghanistan and is viewed as a serious threat by the regime of President Hamid Karzai and American troops.

‘Preliminary contacts have been established with Siraj Haqqani and other leaders of his group through intermediaries in a bid to engineer a rapprochement with the Karzai administration’ "Although the future of the initiative is unclear at the moment, the initial signs are encouraging

because the leadership of the militant group appears to be willing (to talk)," the security official said. However, the daily reported that Pakistani officials were reluctant to discuss the matter at length and few details were available about the talks. The initiative on the part of the Pakistan government follows overtures from the Afghan government. Analysts noted that there had been a change in President Karzai's attitude towards Pakistan in recent weeks. Karzai's hostile statements against Pakistan have apparently stopped and he acknowledged Pakistan's role in the Afghan reconciliation process during his visit to Islamabad in March. In addition, the resignation of Afghan intelligence chief Amrullah Saleh and Interior Minister Hanif Atmar is likely to help improve relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan.-PTI

Pak Punjab govt gave Rs 82.77 million to JuD in 2009 LAHORE: The government of Pakistan's Punjab province provided Rs 82.77 million to Jamaatud-Dawah and its allied institutions during the last fiscal year, according to official documents. The supplementary budget for the past fiscal tabled in the Punjab assembly for approval revealed that the PML-N-led provincial government made a grant of over Rs 79 million to the Markaz-eTayyaba, the JuD headquarters in Muridke near Lahore. Another Rs 3 million was given as grants to schools run by the JuD in different districts of Punjab, according to the official documents. Provincial Law Minister Rana

Sanaullah, under a cloud for his links to banned groups like the Sipah-e-Sahaba, admitted that the money had been given to the JuD. He told a TV news channel yesterday that the money was given to these institutions after the JuD was "banned" in the wake of the 2008 Mumbai attacks and the Punjab government appointed an administrator for the organisation. The purpose of giving these grants was to continue welfare services provided by JuD's schools, dispensaries and hospitals, Sanaullah said. The UN Security Council declared the JuD a front for the banned Lashker-e-Taiba shortly after the Mumbai attacks.

Despite claims by Pakistani leaders that the JuD has been "banned," no formal notification has been issued by the federal government to proscribe the organisation. Meanwhile, a Punjab government spokesman has contended that the grants for the JuD had been given to the administrator for continuing welfare services. A syllabus approved by the government had been adopted in the JuD's educational institutions, the spokesman said in a statement. JuD spokesman Yahya Mujahid claimed his organisation had not received any money from the provincial government.-PTI

Buffett, Gates ask rich Americans to donate half their wealth NEW YORK: Warren Buffett and Bill Gates, two of the wealthiest people in the world, are urging rich Americans to pledge at least half of their wealth to charities. Legendary investor Buffett along with Microsoft founder Bill

Warren Buffett

Buffett said he has already distributed about 20 per cent of his Berkshire shares and would continue to ‘annually distribute about 4 per cent the shares I retain’ Gates and his wife Melinda Gates are leading an initiative asking wealthy Americans to commit majority of their wealth for philanthropy. "Now, Bill and Melinda Gates and I are asking hundreds of rich Americans to pledge at least 50 per cent of their wealth to charity," Buffett has written in a letter titled 'My Philanthropic Pledge'. The letter was posted on the website of 'The Giving Pledge' initiative, being led by the three of them. The US has more than 400 billionaires, according to the Forbes magazine. Well known for his wise investment decisions, the 79-year-old Buffett is the chairman of conglomerate Berkshire Hathaway that has invested in diverse companies. "More than 99 per cent of my wealth will go to philanthropy during my lifetime or at death.

Measured by dollars, this commitment is large. In a comparative sense, though, many individuals give more to others every day," the billionaire investor said. In 2006, Buffett had pledged to give all the stocks he owns in Berkshire Hathaway to philanthropic foundations. Buffett said he has already distributed about 20 per cent of his Berkshire shares and would continue to "annually distribute about 4 per cent the shares I retain". "At the latest, the proceeds from all of my Berkshire shares will be expended for philanthropic purposes by 10 years after my estate is settled. "Nothing will go to endowments; I want the money spent on current needs," the letter noted. This year, Gates and Buffett were ranked as the world's second and third richest people, respectively, by the Forbes, which pegged Gates' wealth at USD 53 billion and Buffett's at

Bill Gates

USD 47 billion. Buffett said the pledge to donate wealth would not affect his and his children's lives. "They (children) have already received significant sums for their personal use and will receive more in the future....I will continue to live in a manner that gives me everything that I could possibly want in life," he wrote in the letter. -PTI

Sikhs petition Canadian Parliament on 'Genocide'

petition requesting the Ca nadian Parliament to recognize the massacre of Sikhs in November 1984 as "Genocide" as defined in U.N. Convention was presented in Parliament of Canada on June 10, a day after the petition was blocked by the Conservative government. On June 9, a commemorative ceremony took place on the front lawn of parliament which was attended by more than thousand members of Sikh community, and where many

Members of Parliament voiced their support, including: Andrew Kania, Sukh Dhaliwal, Bob Rae (Toronto Centre), Rob Oliphant (Don Valley West), Bonnie Crombie (Mississauga South), Kirsty Duncan (Etobicoke North), Dan McTeague (PickeringScarborough East), Mark Holland (Ajax Pickering) and Jean Dorion (Longueuil -Pierre Boucher). NDP leader Jack Layton has also voiced his support in a statement.

Desi News Ramakrishna Mission swami on US tour GIRISH PARIKH

Nine-day Ram Charit Manas recitation JODH SINGH RAWAT

CHICAGO: Sri Upsana, a noprofit socio religious body in Illinois aiming to integrate spirituality with ritualism, has slated a nine-day of recitation of Ram Charit Manas at Manav Seva Mandir in Bensenville, a north side Chicago suburb, beginning Friday, June 25 from 5 to 9 pm. The Manas recitation will be by a great devotee of Lord Hanuman, Shri Ajaybhai Yagnik accompanied by Bede Bhaiyya Virednra Yagnik. Smita Khapekar. Details on page 17

Remembering heroics of Savarkar on his centenary ANURUPA CINAR

uly 8 will mark the centenary of the daring escape by Indian freedom fighter Veer Savarkar from the ship Morea, belonging to British rulers. This event is celebrated by Indians across the world with reverence to the hero Savarkar and freedom fighters in general. The daring escape and the subsequent trail in the International Court is recapped here. Details on page 18

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA

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Recycling contest launched in Fremont & Dublin

June 25, 2010

Details on page 19

Kean University launches Hindi and India programs India Post News Service

NEW JERSEY: June 5 was a day of celebration for 21 students and professionals, who participated in the first ever Hindi learning and Indian culture learning program organized by Kean University in Union, NJ. The 10-day program ran from May 24 to June 5. "The program was designed to immerse the participants into the fascinating world of Indian

Dr. Searson emphasized the importance of learning a foreign language in today's competitive world. ‘We feel very encouraged by the success of Startalk Hindi Program and plan to introduce similar programs for other languages, such as, Chinese and Arabic’ culture and Hindi language during which they watched Bollywood movies, danced to popular tunes and interacted with their friends on social networking site, Orkut," said Dr. Michael Searson, Director of School for Global Education and Innovation at Kean University. "They also played cricket in the athletic field and made a trip to Indian business district in Iselin, NJ where they bargained

Dr. Farahi and Mr. Chivukula at Kean Startalk Hindi

for better prices for Indian goods and costumes." Dr. Searson emphasized the importance of learning a foreign language in today's competitive world. He said that Startalk program was the first among many that are being launched by the School for Global education. "We feel very encouraged by the success of Startalk Hindi Program and plan to introduce similar programs for other languages, such as, Chinese and Arabic." Dr. Searson announced that a 'Travelearn India' program will be launched in winter this year, which will be followed by 'Hindi

in the Himalayas' program in summer 2011. Addressing the students and guests at the concluding day event, Dr. Dawood Farahi, President of Kean University, highlighted the increasing role that India was playing as an emerging market in the world economy. He said that learning about India and its culture was important for Americans because that would help us succeed in International business. He underscored Kean University's commitment to producing global citizens with a diverse range of education.

Dr. Farahi distributed certificates of completion to all 21 students and joined them in a group dance based on Bollywood tunes. New Jersey Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula, who attended the celebration, assured continued support of the IndianAmerican community of New Jersey in promoting Hindi and the Indian culture in academic institutions of the state. Dean Susan Polirstock, Dean of Education, Kean University pointed out that teaching a foreign language was the need of the day. Cont’d on page 17

Community Across America

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June 25, 2010

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Chicago FIA welcomes & thanks AAHOA SURESH BODIWALA

CHICAGO: 'Thank you and welcome to Chicago' was the theme of a dinner reception that the Federation of Indian Associa-

Gabhawala emphasized the tie that existed between AHHOA and needs to be further cemented for the good of the community at large. He acknowledged the moral and material support that AHHOA has been extending to FIA Illinois tion (FIA) headed by Sunny Gabhawala and National Republic Bank headed by Hiren Patel held at India House Banquet Hall in Chicago downtown last week to welcome the AHHOA members and office bearers who have come

(R-L) Dinesh Gandhi, Sunny Gabhawala and a guest (pics courtesy Asian Community News Services)

to Chicago to attend its annual convention here. Gabhawala in his address emphasized the tie that existed between AHHOA and needs to be further cemented for the good of the community at large. He ac-

knowledged the moral and material support that AHHOA has been extending to the FIA Illinois for the past many years and hoped that this support would only increase in coming years. He profusely thanked the AAHOA team

FIA NR Bank Group that hosted the event (R-L) FIA President Sunny Gabhawala, former FIA chief Babu Marsha, NRB Commercial lending chief Dinesh Gandhi and AHHOA guests

and recognized the incoming president CJ Patel, incoming vice president Hemant Patel and incoming treasurer Alpesh Patel who were part of 22 strong AAHOA team that attended the event.

The ball was started with Kirti Ravori welcoming the guests. Babu Marsha Patel proposed a vote of thanks. From NRB, Dinesh Gandhi, president commercial lending, was present and was all praise for AAHOA and FIA.

India Fest for enhancing trade through culture SURESH BODIWALA

to India in Mid January 2011and India Fest 2011 at the Millennium Park, Chicago in the summer of 2011. The Mission Statement as elucidated by Bedi and Shah, touches upon the following: • To foster and promote trade relationships between the people of the India and United State • To showcase India's Heritage and culture around the world • To promote cultural heritage and expand

Rajinder Singh Bedi

CHICAGO: It is a start and it may be a small start. But still it is a start in welcome direction. India Fest International, a newly established agency concerned with promoting trade and culture between USA and India, hosted a launch dinner on Tuesday, June 15 at the at prestigious Yacht Club in Chicago downtown inviting media and elite of Chicagoland. Hosts, Eric Shah and Rajinder Singh Bedi briefed all those present - close to 50 distinguished guests - about the objectives and mission of the IFI and fielded questions on

Eric Shah (Pics Asian Community News Services)

the modus operandi to achieve these objectives. "The concept of India Fest International is now a reality," said Bedi, a community activist, and one of the promoters of the IIF. "The purpose of this organization is to promote and foster trade and cultural ties between the people of India, USA and the rest of the world," he added. "My vision is to provide advice, information and solutions to address critical business issues that make a positive difference in our community; a commitment to excellence and to consistently exceeding

expectations. My firm belief is that integrity, dedication and perspective are the keys to ensuring individual and community's enduring prosperity," Bedi said. "In all fairness, this idea is based upon our vision, drive and enthusiasm about India and its' impact on the rest of the world," observed Eric Shah. "My belief is that before you know where you want to go, you must know where you came from. Awareness of cultural heritage is the foundation of future success," he said. Some of the programs in the offing are: Banquet in September 2010, Trade Mission

‘In all fairness, this idea is based upon our vision, drive and enthusiasm about India and its' impact on the rest of the world,’ observed Eric Shah. ‘My belief is that before you know where you want to go, you must know where you came from. Awareness of cultural heritage is the foundation of future success,’ he said trade relations among the Indian Diaspora around the world. I.I.F. will be formally inaugurated on September 12 at Navy Pier in Chicago. The event will feature highlights of India's cultural heritage mixed with the glimpse of modern India's high culture and entertainment. Cont’d on page 15

Community Across America

June 25, 2010

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Ramakrishna Mission swami on US tour GIRISH PARIKH

CHICAGO: Swami Nikhileswarananda, head of Vadodara (Gujarat state, India) center of Ramakrishna Mission would be on tour of the U.S. from June 18 to August 3. In his first lap of schedule, he will meet devotees of Ramakrishna and seekers of spiritual bliss in New York on June 22, 7 pm at Vedanta Society of New York. The theme of the talk is 'Practical Spirituality.' He will present discourses at following places: June 25 7 pm, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, New York, Topic 'Unity in Diversity;' June 27 10 am Veerayatan International, New Jersey, Topic 'Nurturing Relationship and the art of sharing and caring;' June 27 7 pm Sanatan Mandir, New Jersey Topic 'Adhunik Manav Shanti ki Khoj me' (in Hindi). Swami Ji will come to Chicago on July 2 and he will have a talk at Vivekananda Vedanta Society, Chicago, at 7-30 pm. The subject covered will be 'Time Management for spiritual aspirants'. Subsequent talks in Chicago will be: July 4, 11 am Vivekananda Vedanta Society on 'Swami Vivekananda -

"I want to follow the footsteps of Swami Vivekananda." Ramakrishna Mission was started by Swami Vivekananda more than a hundred years ago. It has its Headquarters at Belur Math (near Kolkata) and has 173 branches all over the world. Swami Nikhileswarananda

ings, and three colonies in Porbandar district as part of an earthquake rehabilitation project; and in starting Vivekananda Institute of Value Education & Culture (VIVEC) which was inaugurated by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, the President of India on January12, 2006. He has participated in many in-

The Swami would also visit the holy places in different cities associated with Swami Vivekananda who visited the US in the 1890s. The cities include New York, Thousand Island Park (New York State), Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Detroit Swami Nikhileswarananda with former Indian President APJ Abdul Kalam

A universal Personality'. He will come to California after that and will have a talk on July 11 at Vedanta Society, Hollywood at 11 am on 'Memoirs of Holy Association'. On July 14, he will talk at Vedanta Society, Sacramento, 7 p.m. on 'Happiness and Peace in Everyday life' and then go to Boston. Here he will be speaking at the Nineteenth International Congress of Vedanta at Massachusetts University, Dartmouth, MA'

(to be held from July 28 to July 31) on 'Practical Vedanta for Happiness and Peace in everyday life' (Plenary Session) The Swami would also visit the holy places in different cities associated with Swami Vivekananda who visited the US in the 1890s. The cities include New York, Thousand Island Park (New York State), Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Detroit. The Swami said to this writer,

graduated in Chemical Engineering (with honors) in 1970, and post graduated in Industrial Engineering in 1972. After working for a short period as a Management Consultant, he renounced the world and joined Ramakrishna Order at its Headquarter at Belur Math in 1976. Before coming to Vadodara he was the Head of Porbandar center for eight years. He was instrumental in constructing 37 school build-

ter-faith conferences. He was one among the few selected Hindu leaders invited to participate in the Hindu-Catholic dialog which took place in Mumbai on June 12, 2009 at the instance of the Pontifical Council for Inter-Religious dialog headed by Cardinal Tauran, the representative of the Pope from Vatican. His presentation after the inter-faith prayer service at the Holy Name Cathedral on June 12, 2009 was very much appreciated.

TNF to invest in school infrastructure in Tamil Nadu India Post News Service

NEW YORK: In a significant step that could boost government resources for upgrading school facilities in the state of Tamil Nadu in southern India, the US-based Tamil Nadu Foundation (TNF) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the government of Tamil Nadu for school infrastructure in the state. As per the MoU, the foundation will be regularly investing funds into school infrastructure

projects in numerous districts, building on the 35-plus years of experience that it has in this field. The understanding comes in the wake of the Government of Tamil Nadu opening up a new vista for financing much-needed school infrastructure in the state through public-private partnerships with domestic and overseas institutions. At the signing of the MoU on June 12, M. Kutralingam, Principal Secretary to the School Education Department, Tamil Nadu, said, "Government schools still

Thangam Thennarasu, Minister for School Education, said, "I am very glad that TNF has decided to undertake school education in Tamil Nadu as its Focus Project

have a lot of requirements in terms of infrastructure - additional classrooms, toilet facilities, water facilities, furniture and compound walls, for example." In a statement Thangam Thennarasu, Minister for School Education, said, "I am very glad that TNF has decided to undertake school education in Tamil Nadu as its Focus Project. The Government of Tamil Nadu is grateful to the American Tamil community for their support to TNF's Focus Project. We are looking for-

ward to working with TNF in strengthening the state's school education system." In an interview prior to the signing of the MoU, Kutralingam said that the Government of Tamil Nadu and TNF had formulated a publicprivate partnership framework under which "anybody can adopt a school for these purposes - that is to provide furniture, computers, lab facilities, library facilities, compound wall, and classroom facilities." Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 18

India Fest for enhancing trade through culture Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 14

The IIF initiative first involves organizing trade mission to India from January 15, 2011 to January 30, 2011.The mission will entail visiting major financial, political and IT centers in India like Mumbai, Bangalore, Ahmedabad and New Delhi. Highlights of planned activities: 1) Facilitate meetings between trading counterparts to explore supply chain management, channel distribution, market segmentation, economies of scale, operational efficiencies, etc. 2) Explore competitive advantages between US and Indian companies to promote mutual cooperation. 3) Tour prominent establishments that exhibit best practices in various sectors.

4) Visit research and educational institutions to explore commercial potential of new and existing intellectual properties. 5) Collaborate with members and heads

The second step in this direction will be to host an international trade conference in Chicago in mid-2011 in cooperation with US India Trade Council. The event will educate

The fourth initiative will be to organize Pride of India Awards on October 2011, to recognize outstanding IndoAmerican businesses and individuals for their commitment and contribution in areas of trade and education in India and United States of trade associations. 6) Interact with state and federal leaders. 7) Attend India Republic Day Parade on January 26, 2011 to celebrate the birth anniversary of the Indian Republic.

and explore upcoming global trends in trade and commerce. Participants will include seven governors from Midwestern states and Union and State leaders from India. The third step would be to hold

IndiaFest 2011 in Grant Park, Chicago. This two days "Taste of India" fest will highlight richness and diversity of Indian culture. The activities will range from culinary events, conferences, film screenings to exhibitions. Star packed entertainment will feature the best of Indian music and performing arts. The fourth initiative will be to organize Pride of India Awards on October 2011, to recognize outstanding Indo-American businesses and individuals for their commitment and contribution in areas of trade and education in India and United States. The fifth initiative would be hosting India Film Festival 2012 Awards night recognizing prominent Hollywood, Bollywood and regional film talents. The event will feature entertainment from Indian film industry.

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June 25, 2010

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Nine-day Ram Charit Manas recitation JODH SINGH RAWAT

CHICAGO: Sri Upsana, a noprofit socio religious body in Illinois aiming to integrate spirituality with ritualism, has slated a nineday of recitation of Ram Charit Manas at Manav Seva Mandir in Bensenville, a north side Chicago suburb, beginning Friday, June 25 from 5 to 9 pm. The Manas recitation will be by a great devotee of Lord Hanuman, Shri

wrote Ram Charit Manas in local language Avadhi to spread its message among the general people in 1600 AD, about 400 years back. As Valmiki Ramayan is in Sanskrit, very few people are able to read and understand it. Also 400 years back, India needed to keep up its religion and culture during the onslaught of foreign rule of Muslims. To awaken people's lost

Goswami Tulsidas - an orphan boy who surrendered to Sri Ram and Hanuman and became a famous saint - was able to write "Ram Charit Manas" in non-Sanskrit local Avadhi language under the guidance and blessings of Hanuman Ajaybhai Yagnik accompanied by Bede Bhaiyya Virednra Yagnik. Smita Khapekar, one of the organizers, said that the program is free for all but an early registration is required for attendance. There will be special celebrations for Shiv Vivah, Ram Janam, SitaRam vivah and Ram-Bharat milap with Rajya-Abhishek as the events happen in Ram Charit Manas. Long time after Valmiki wrote "Ramayan", Goswami Tulsidas

Lord Ram, Lord Hanuman and Ajaybhai Yagnik

ognize this Ramayan, but with Lord Shiva's blessing they had to oblige to give due respect Manas, it being such a wonderful devotional spiritual script. Although it was in Avadhi - an eastern Hindi local language of Ayodhya (Shri Ram's birth place) - it soon crossed the language and place barrier to reach people from different states. Ram Charit Manas has been interwoven with Shloka, Doha (couplet-two liner), Choupai (four liner) and Soratha (a special four liner).

confidence, to inculcate the principles in everyday life, a medium to reach widespread Indian community was needed. Goswami Tulsidas - an orphan boy who surrendered to Sri Ram and Hanuman and became a famous saint - was able to write "Ram Charit Manas" in non-Sanskrit local Avadhi language under the guidance and blessings of Hanuman. At first Pandits from Kashi refused to rec-

Fulbright scholarship for Shreya Trivedi

Ram Charit Manas delivers the message to all strata of society from simple laborer to royal rulers of community. It is a manuscript for maintaining family relations, friendly relations and teacher-pupil (GuruShishya) relations and relations with God to reach salvation. Many devotees recite Manas individually as well as in group. Manas is so poetic that devotees enjoy to sing it with melodious tune with music. Sri Upasana is very happy and excited to do Manas Parayan with

Ajaybhai Yagnik for benefit of Chicago devotees. Ajaybhai is a wellknown devotional singer from Delhi -India. Being a staunch Lord Ram-Hanuman devotee he recites Sundarkand - fifth chapter from Manas. He has visited almost all India and many countries like USA, UK, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Philippines, Middle East and African countries in his quest to spread Lord's name. He has been felicitated by many temples, communities, saints and also President of Mauritius.

Sikhs to participate in the Smithsonian Festival

SUDHIR VYAS

NEW JERSEY: Five members of Pennsylvania Villanova University's 2010 graduating class, along with one upperclassman, have been chosen to receive nationally-recognized awards including Fulbright Teaching Assistantships, National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships and an Udall Scholarship. Among them Indian American Shreya Trivedi has been awarded a Fulbright ETA to South Korea for one year. Trivedi is a Villanova University Presidential Scholar and a Villanova Undergraduate Research Fellow whose work on uterine tissue remodeling has been published and presented at national conferences. Shreya will be flying to South Korea on July 2 where she will be teaching English and volunteering at a medical clinic in an underprivileged village She recently graduated as a Biology and

India Post News Service

Shreya Trivedi with her parents.

Honors majors with a minor in Philosophy. At graduation, she received two medallions for Honors Science and the Gregor Mendel Award for Excellence in Science. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 21

WASHINGTON: Smithsonian Institution is celebrating the Asian Pacific Americans in its Folk life Festival from June 24- July 5. Guru Gobind Singh Foundation is participating on behalf of the Sikhs in many activities. This is attended by over 100,000 American tourists in Washington, DC throughout the day at the National Mall. It will showcase the Sikh spiritual and cultural traditions. There will be turban tying on July 1st from 11 am - 5.30 pm. In addition, Sikh

Kirtani Jatha of GGSF will be performing kirtan twice on July 1 in a tent at the National Mall from 11 am - 12 pm and 2 pm 3.30 pm. Many other communities from Asia and South Asia are part of this festival. June 24th, on the opening evening, will also feature several Punjabi folk dances for two hours starting at 5 pm. July 1st will also feature Mehndi (henna), Punjabi cooking, traditional Punjabi clothing and panel discussion on Punjabi language.

June 25, 2010

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Indian student found dead in Texas lake DALLAS, TX: Adarsh Johnson, 22, graduate student of University of Mary Hardin Baylor (UMHB), Belton City, Texas was found dead on Saturday June 12 in a lake at the University Campus. Adarsh hailed from Tandur, Ranga Reddy

play in this drowning accident. Dallas County Chief Medical Examiners are performing the autopsy to find out more details of the accident. As per the family wishes, Telugu Association of North America (TANA) is making arrangements with a local funeral home and Consulate office in Houston to send the body to Hyderabad," said Prasad Thotakura, TANA

Adarsh hailed from Tandur, Ranga Reddy District, Andhra Pradesh enrolled in Masters in Information Systems at UMHB in Jan, 2009 and was supposed to graduate next month. Adarsh is survived by parents Don Bosco and Jasintha and a brother

Adarsh Johnson

District, Andhra Pradesh enrolled in Masters in Information Systems at UMHB in Jan, 2009 and was supposed to graduate next month. Adarsh is survived by parents Don Bosco and Jasintha and a brother. "As per Benton Police Department's initial report there is no indication of any foul

Kean University launches Hindi and India programs Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 13

Kean Startalk Hindi program participants represented a diverse group of students from Kean and Rutgers universities as well as professionals from health, travel and education fields. All of them had a common goal - to learn to communicate in Hindi in a native setting. They captured samples of their achievements using iPods and flip video cameras and created pod casts that were screened at the valedictory day event. All participants performed Bollywood dance numbers under the direction of Smita Miki Patel, a well known Bollywood dance instructor. Melda Yildiz of School for Global Education and Innovation conducted the proceedings of the day. The program ended with students promising to continue learning Hindi and share their progress at a reunion meeting in the fall.

Executive Vice President. Mohan Nannapaneni, TANA Secretary thanked all Team Square volunteers and Sukumar Selvam, cousin of Adarsh who lives in Atlanta, Dr. YV Rao, a community leader from Temple City, Murali Vennam, TANA Southwest Regional Director and Ram Yalamanchili, TANA Treasurer and friends of Adarsh Ajay, Jag and Sunny who are helping in this case. Jayaram Komati, TANA President expressed deep condolences to the Johnson family on behalf of TANA members.

Indian youth killed in road accident ASHWIN PATEL

ST. LOUIS: Hirenkumar M. Patel, 27, of Glen Carbon, was killed Sunday June 13 when the car he was driving skidded off southbound Interstate 255 near Caseyville during a rain storm and struck a guardrail. The wreck happened shortly after 5:30

Officials say the driver was pronounced dead at the crash scene by Deputy Coroner John Crump. A passenger in the vehicle; 29-year-old Bhavinkumar of Maryville, was not hurt in the accident. State Police say both men were wearing seat beats at the time of the crash. The pas-

The wreck happened shortly after 5:30 pm. Investigators say Patel lost control of his 2009 Audi at the 20-mile marker and ran off the pavement into the median. The car continued off the road and slammed into a guardrail protecting the southbound lanes, before the car spun around and then crashed into the northbound barrier Hiren Patel (Banty)

pm. Investigators say Patel lost control of his 2009 Audi at the 20-mile marker and ran off the pavement into the median. The car continued off the road and slammed into a guardrail protecting the southbound lanes, before the car spun around and then crashed into the northbound barrier.

senger Bhavin was Hiren's cousin. Hiren nicknamed Banty was cremated at Granite City crematorium. His father Mahendra Kumar Patel said that he was devastated at the death of his son who had a promising career ahead. They hail from a small town in Baroda, Gujarat.

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June 25, 2010

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Guru Purnima at Bharat Sevashram

Remembering heroics of Savarkar on his centenary

DR BAKUL BANERJEE

Bharat Seva Ashram Sangha in Chicagoland

CHICAGO: The Bharat Sevashram Sangha of North America (BSSNA) has announced celebrating Guru Purnima at its Aurora (in the western suburb of Chicago), Illinois, location on July 25 at 4 pm. Swami Purnatmananda, the head of the monastery, has pitched for a larger community participation in the event. Swami Parameshwarananda from New York, Swami Amarnathnanda from New Jersey and Swami Pushkarananda from Canada will take part in this celebra-

tion and give blessings to all. Consul General Ashok Kumar Attri from Consulate General of India, Chicago will also be coming to the ashram on that day. Guru Puja, Havan, Bhajans, along with short discourses will be performed followed by Prasad distribution. The full moon day in the Hindu month of Ashar (July-August) is observed as the auspicious day of Guru Purnima, a day memorializing the great sage Krishnadwaipayana Vyasa. It is said that

Vyasa, the supreme teacher or Guru of Hindu Dharma, was born on this day. He classified the Vedas, wrote the eighteen Puranas and the Mahabharata. On this day, the Guru is worshipped by all Hindus who are considered to be his disciples. Over time, the original name of Vyasa Purnima changed to Guru Purnima. In Sanskrit, "gu" means darkness, and "ru" means one who removes it. So, a guru is one who removes the darkness, that is, darkness of ignorance in us. Due to ignorance, we identify ourselves to our ever-changing bodies. Once this ignorance is removed by the Guru, we realize that we are changeless and blissful souls. Bharat Sevashram Sangha is a vibrant place for Hindu worship and spiritual education. Classes for languages, dance and music are held for both children and adults. The Sangha is seeking sponsorships from the community to enhance young personalities. With its international headquartered in Kolkata, BSSNA is a philanthropic and charitable organization with a non-sectarian, noncommunal, and non-political character and outlook.

ANURUPA CINAR

uly 8 will mark the centenary of the daring escape by Indian freedom fighter Veer Savarkar

Freedom fighter Veer Savarkar

from the ship Morea, belonging to British rulers. This event is celebrated by Indians across the world with reverence to the hero Savarkar and freedom fighters in general. The daring escape and the subsequent trail in the International Court is recapped here. The car was speeding down the road, heading towards the harbor

in Marseilles, France, as if on wings. It was early morning of July 8, 1910. Madam Bhikaji Cama, a gracious, refined middle-aged lady, a towering Nationalist personality of the Indian Revolutionary Movement, watched the passing scenery with anxious eyes. Every so often she muttered to herself, we must reach, O, we really must! Why, O why had their car broken down? Precious minutes were lost in fixing it. Now, they were racing against time. And Savarkar…! Savarkar, where are you? Are you safe? Have you escaped from the S.S. Morea? Will we make it to the harbor in time? All unanswerable questions! She closed her eyes and leaned her head against the window, hand clasped to her bosom. The atmosphere in the car was thick with tension and urgency. The French driver, ever the romantic, whistled sentimental songs under his breath. Madam Cama sucked her breath in sharply, "Driver! Driver, please hurry up! We are late, very late!" Cont’d on page 22

TNF to invest in school infrastructure in Tamil Nadu Cont’d from page 15

As per the MoU the areas to which investments will be channeled include: provision of uniforms, notebooks and stationery; provision of computers and furniture including the costs of a computer skills teacher; provision of educational aid and play materials; support for English language classes; construction and renovation of school toilets; provision of water supply; and counseling for students to ensure continuation of schooling and bringing back drop-outs. The MoU would be valid for a period of five years. After reviewing the results of the partnership and mutual consent the MoU could be renewed for a further period of two years at a time. Kutralingam noted that the local Chief Education Officer (CEO) would be the person in charge of this process and "any company or any individual who wants to enter into a MoU can deal with the CEO." TNF already had experience in this area from its adoption of schools located in Maduranthakam taluk, where they had provided furniture, built classrooms and so forth, he said. He added that the Government of Tamil Nadu would be working with them to extend the Maduranthakam experience to at least two districts, to begin with. Later on they would extend this to other districts, he said. The MoU would, however, be applicable

to the entire State, paving the way for further investments from both TNF as well as other overseas entities that wished to partner with the State government. On the motivation for the project Kutralingam said that for corporations this

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June 25, 2010

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Recycling contest launched in Fremont & Dublin India Post News Service

OAKLAND, CA: Recycling just got more rewarding in Fremont and Dublin, where StopWaste.Org announced the start of a recycling contest that gives residents a chance to win prizes for keeping their trash free of recyclables and compostables. During regular garbage collection days from June 21 - July 31, the prize crew will select random garbage carts and separate the contents into three categories: recyclables, compostables and garbage. Five households in each city with the least amount of recyclables and compostables in their garbage relative to the whole cart will be declared the winners. They will receive their choice of $50 in cash or gift vouchers for BART or Safeway, with the best of the group in

each city being named the grand prize winner. A grand prize winner from Dublin and Fremont with the least amount of recyclables and compostables in their garbage overall will each receive an addi-

says Brian Matthews, Senior Program Manager at StopWaste.Org. "With 93 percent of our residents reporting that they recycle regularly, we're proud to say that we're some of the best recyclers in the country.

‘Ready, Set, Recycle is a fun way to encourage residents to do their part by sorting their recyclables and organics,’ says Mathews. "We hope that selected participants will share their recycling tips with friends and neighbors and encourage each other to properly sort their waste every day’ tional $250 in cash and the title of being their city's best recycler. "Alameda County has already reduced the amount of materials it sends to the landfill by approximately one third since 2000,"

Hinduism training at Claremont School of Theology

"Our goal is to divert 75 percent of waste by the end of the year, and residents participating in the Ready, Set, Recycle contest will help their communities make strides in achieving our goal."

All Dublin and Fremont residents can make an online pledge to recycle and compost on www.ReadySetRecycleContest.Org and enter to win a $15 gift card to Starbucks, BART or movie theaters of their choice. "Ready, Set, Recycle is a fun way to encourage residents to do their part by sorting their recyclables and organics," says Mathews. "We hope that selected participants will share their recycling tips with friends and neighbors and encourage each other to properly sort their waste every day. Reducing waste from the landfills benefits everyone in the community and the environment." The winners will be announced in midAugust and recognized again at the first city council meeting in each city following the summer recess (scheduled for September 7 both Fremont and Dublin).

Shankaracharya named Riverside Temple family member VICTORIA TRUVER

Nand Kapur India Post News Service

CLAREMONT, CA: School of Theology (CST) at Claremont in California (USA) plans to train "religious leaders for a variety of religious traditions", including Hinduism. Indians across the country, especially Hindus, have welcomed this move on the part of the school. Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA), said that "religion was the most powerful, complex and farreaching force in our society, so we must take it seriously. And we all knew that religion comprised much more than our own particular tradition/experience." Nand Kapur, a former head of Association of Indian in America AIA, said "this move could lead to a better understanding of Sanatan Dharma and its traditions. It should spark a more serious interest among Westerners to learn more about ancient Indian religions, that would include Buddhism, Jainism and also Sikhisim," he said in a talk to this paper in Chicago. Rajan Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism,

Rajan Zed

pointed out that in our shared pursuit for the truth, we could learn from one another and thus could arrive nearer to the truth. As dialogue brought us reciprocal enrichment, we would be spiritually richer than before the contact. The CST website says: "…we will graduate religious leaders who

It should spark a more serious interest among Westerners to learn more about ancient Indian religions, that would include Buddhism, Jainism and also Sikhisim are well-prepared to recognize and cooperate with other religious traditions that can play important roles in addressing the needs of our contemporary world". Claremont School of Theology, a graduate school of The United Methodist Church, has functioned as a Methodist theological school since its foundation in 1885. Jerry D. Campbell is the President.

RIVERSIDE: Members of Riverside's Shri Lakshmi Mandir were blessed by the presence of His Holiness Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Divyanand Teerth who shared his immense knowledge during a week-long Shreemad Bhagawad Katha. Devotees, who attended last year's Shiva Purana Katha by Swamiji, filled the Mandir every day to listen to one of the most revered spiritual leaders of our time. When the Jagadguru arrived, everyone rushed to the Mandir entrance to greet the Shankaracharya and offer their pranams. In a procession led by Pandit Shukavak Dasa with gong, Mandir children carried colorful pennants, devotees blew conches and devotees took turns carrying the Holy Book on their heads. Everyone present joined in the procession to welcome Swami Ji to the Mandir and accompanied him to his seat on the mandap. Mandir President Bhoodev Tiwari

Swami Divyanand Teerth focused on four slokas, found in the second skanda, which are its essence and are the most important. Swami Ji explained these extremely well

introduced Swamiji and explained he is the 11th Shankaracharya of Bhanpur Peeth. In 1984 he was initiated into sanyas by His Holiness Swami Harishwaranand Teerth at Chitrakot. A devotee, Lopa Patel, who attended every evening of the Katha explained that although there are 18,000 slokas in the Bhagavatam, Swami Divyanand Teerth focused on four slokas, found in the second skanda, which are its essence and are the most important. Swami Ji explained these extremely well and gave advice on how to use these teachings for our benefit during this Kali Yuga. On Friday, the main focus of the Katha was the Gopi Geet. The Shankaracharya spoke about the life of Krishna and emphasized how His relationship with the gopis was not at all sensual, it was of purely spiritual nature. Cont’d on page 20

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Grand re-opening of Shankaracharya named Riverside Nithyananda Vedic Temple Temple family member Cont’d from page 19

Every story from the life of Krishna has special meaning to it and we should learn from them to benefit in our lives. One important point explained that Krishna as Paramatma is the main Atma and we are all rays of the same atma. Two spiritual giants graced the Mandir on Saturday night. Worldfamous Jagraan musician, Narendra Chanchal, gave a concert on very short notice. The moment Chanchal arrived he hurried to offer pranams to the Shankaracharya. While Narendra Chanchal and his musicians were seated on one side of the Mandir, Swamiji with his entourage was enthroned on the opposite side. Swamiji later commented that he very much enjoyed the musical

performance. The Geeta Rahasya lecture was in English on Sunday and attracted a new audience. Head Priest Dr. Shukavak Dasa introduced Swamiji and explained that he is the Shankaracharya of Bhapur

Peeth. Swamiji travels worldwide performing hundreds of kathas and has devoted his life to the upliftment of humanity and Sanatan Dharma. He has made a charitable hospital and an ashram at Chapkauli Village. He is the

land Empire. The main sponsors who were responsible for arranging the program included Mandir President Bhoodev Tiwari, Board of Directors Chairman Surendra Sharma as well as Ratan Lal Tiwari, Girdhari Purohit, and Harilal

founder patron of Swami Divyanand College of Polytechnic at Mulana, in Ambala, district of Haryana. The Katha program was sponsored by Shri Lakshmi Narayan Mandir and Hindu Society of In-

Shivashankar. Past-Chairman Akshaya Sheth introduced the Jagadguru with, "Swamiji is part of the Mandir family now." After the Katha he gave blessings and held babies. Yes. He is definitely Mandir family now.

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India Post News Service

MONTCLAIR, CA: The Nithyananda Vedic Temple, Montclair celebrated its grand reopening to the public on Saturday, June 12 after two months of internal re-structuring. The festive all-day event began in the morning with a Purna Kumbha procession for founder and enlightened Master Paramahamsa Nithyananda, who

joyed a session of Nithya Yoga, followed by meditation, which concluded with Guru Puja and Maha arathi. Sattvic breakfast, lunch and dinner were served to attendees by numerous volunteers, who also extended their seva to Temple activities. When addressing attendees, Sachitananda Swami conveyed thanks to devotees for their unfailing support during the past two months, and many in attendance

was represented by senior disciple, Sri Nithya Sachitananda Swami. This was followed by Ganesha Puja and Guru Puja. Abhishekam for Lord Venkateshwara, Lord Anandeshwara and Devi Anandeshwari was then performed, including an alankaram by volunteers. In the evening, devotees en-

were happy to hear that the Temple programs and seva activities are back in full swing. "My wife and I are so happy to see the temple up and running again. We missed the vibrant deities, the people, the programs and the beautiful energy of the temple. Whenever we come, we find it so hard to leave,"said one devotee.

Community/California

June 25, 2010

India Post 21

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Move to suspend Muslim body condemned India Post News Service

IRVINE: The Muslim Students' Association National has condemned the recommendation for a one-year suspension of the University of California, Irvine Muslim Student Union (MSU) made by the Senior Executive Director of Student Housing due to allegations that the MSU violated sections of the University policy. The allegations come from a UC Irvine-sponsored event in February featuring Israeli Ambassador Michael Oren. Several UC Irvine students stood up and protested during the event regard-

ing Israeli policies toward Palestine. The University alleges these students acted alongside the MSU, but the MSU repeatedly denies these claims, reiterating that the students acted on their own accord. The MSU denied news reports that it has already been suspended. It claims the Jewish Federation of Orange County inaccurately leaked information pertaining to the Office of Student Conduct's recommendation to put the MSU on one-year probation. According to University policy, the Office of Student Conduct cannot make a unilateral informal

Fulbright scholarship for Shreya Trivedi Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 16

In addition, she was also presented with the Lawrence C. Gallen Award that recognizes academic performance combined with service to the Department of Biology. She was also a honorable mention for the Goldwater Scholarship and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa as a junior, which is a rare honor as only three students in the university were inducted as juniors. It was her hard work that earned her the award. Besides studies she also took part in extracurricular activities, most notable ones being the President of her key club and the Peer Education Chairman and Community Service Chairman of the Red Cross Northwest NJ Youth Council. She dedicated a lot of time to these two activities and or-

When she matriculated into Villanova, she became involved right away as the Freshman representative of the University's South Asian cultural club (SAMOSA) ganized many activities in these clubs. When she matriculated into Villanova, she became involved right away as the Freshman representative of the University's South Asian cultural club (SAMOSA). She then became the activities chair of the club and never settled in what she could do with the organization. Shreya planned many new events, such as a Holi day, Garba night and a Gandhi Day of Service. During the annual Diwali show, she was also the master of ceremony for three years and entertained the crowd of 1,200 people. Shreya eventually became co-chair of SAMOSA and left her mark on the organization. She is also a certified Emergency Medical Technician and has volunteered with the Villanova EMS and Lafayette EMS squads She owes much of her success to her father, Paresh Trivedi, who taught her how to be fearless in life, no matter what obstacles may come.

The MSU denied news reports that it has already been suspended. It claims the Jewish Federation of Orange County inaccurately leaked information pertaining to the Office of Student Conduct's recommendation to put the MSU on one-year probation

decision to suspend an on-campus student organization. The MSU has made an appeal to the University following the recommendation. The MSU says in a statement, "While MSA National agrees that dissenting views must be given the respect to be heard, we are concerned with the implications that a suspension of the MSU would have on the rights and freedoms of Muslims on UC Irvine's campus. The MSU is currently the only student group at UC Irvine that represents Muslim interests and includes over 100 active students and approximately 250 registered

student members. Such an action would be unprecedented, unwarranted, and unjust to the larger Muslim community that the MSU serves on campus. We call on the university to reject the proposed recommendation and allow Muslims on campus to preserve their rights to fair representation, free speech, free exercise of religion, and the right to peaceably assemble." It said "The MSU at UC Irvine provides space for Muslim students on campus and serves their spiritual, educational, and social needs alongside other student groups."

Community/California

India Post

June 25, 2010

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Remembering heroics of Savarkar on his centenary Cont’d from page 18

"Madame! The car, is she a bird that she fly?" he reproached, leaving the steering wheel and gesticulating wildly, "We reach, soon we reach! Is it that you want the car to breakdown again? Oui? Oui?" "Madamji, leave him alone," said Shyamji Krishnavarma, Editor of the Indian Sociologist and a staunch patriot of India, from the front seat, "We do not want any more complications." "Shyamji, the British are out to wipe out the Savarkar family! Babarao, the eldest brother is sent to Andaman islands, Narayanrao, the youngest, is rotting in jail awaiting trial---and now they have got their claws on Savarkar! Why did we let him leave Paris?" Madamji wailed. "Let him leave…!" exclaimed 'Rishi' V. V. S. Aiyer, Savarkar's right hand man, from her right, "He just left on that Sunday, March 13, when we were all away, leaving behind a note. A note…! Do you think I would not have physically stopped him from returning to London, if I was there?" "It is always duty first with Savarkar! He insisted that as a leader he must set an example and face the music. Little did he know that they would scheme to extradite him to India. O, my Dear boy, I hope they have not used you roughly." "Madamji," said Aiyer ominously, his beard twitching angrily,"If they hurt a hair on his head, it will not be good for them! Was I not going to shoot that one, that Mr. Palmer who drew blood by hitting Savarkar on the head? Savarkar stopped me, or else…." "Rishi, Rishi," said Shyamji, "We must stay calm! Losing our heads won't help anyone. Hopefully, Savarkar has escaped from the ship. Though how he will do it, I can't say! It is an impossible task!" "Nothing is impossible for that brave, brilliant boy!" said Madamji, very proudly, "I have utter faith in him. Did he not very cleverly send us a subtle message through Rishi? Even fate is with us, so far. The British diverted the route of the Morea away from Marseilles, and yet--yet, the ship was forced to dock there for repairs! It must mean something, right?" What else could they do but hope? Madamji closed her eyes once more. Pictures of Savarkar, working to save Mother India with his passionate devoted energy, floated before her eyes. With what dedication they had designed the National Flag of India. He had insisted on the symbols

of Muslims, Sikhs and the other Hindus---freedom with national unity---that was his goal! She had proudly unfurled the flag in Stuttgart, Germany. Even the Kai-

Freedom fighter Madam Cama

ser himself had declared that that absolute political independence of India was one of the indispensable conditions of world peace! That was a major step forward in international politics for India, indeed! Who but, Savarkar, was capable of researching, in secret, material from the British library and writing it in such a short space of time as an inspiring history of the revolution of 1857. Only he could have come up with that national, patriotic title! His 'O, Martyrs' speech had stirred up a storm. No wonder the British were hounding him. He was truly a threat to their empire and well

We're here!" Aiyer exclaimed excitedly. "What is that crowd?" Madamji wondered, "Shyamji! That ship there…is it the Morea? It is leaving the dock! Stop! Driver, stop the car. Come on, let us get out!" They hardly waited for the car to come to a halt, before they rushed out to the crowd. "What happened here? Someone please tell us what happened here?!" cried Madamji. At once several men and women gabbled excitedly in the best Gallic fashion. "You there! Tell me, quickly!" Madamji pointed to a man, who looked as if he could make some sense of this. "Madame, a half naked man a thief, escaped from that ship. Ooh! We were sooo scared! That Gendarme there was questioning him. But the British police came and caught him by the neck and dragged him off back to the ship." "Dragged him off…!" Madamji went white as a sheet, "Shyamji, Shyamji, what is this man saying? Savarkar escaped, reached French soil and still they took him away! What about the Right to Asylum, by the decree of the International Law?" "Let us talk to the Gendarme," said Shyamji purposefully. The Gendarme quailed a bit, faced with three aggravated individuals. Aiyer demanded, "Gendarme, did you allow the British guards to take the escaped man back?" "But, Monsieur, why the anger? It is the law---all deserter sailors must be returned to the ship. And that one was a thief, too." "Thief! Thief…!! You dare…." Aiyer burst out. Shyamji, gripping his arm warningly, said,

British ship S.S. Morea that Savarkar jumped from

they knew it. Vinayak Savarkar, an Indian hero---perhaps the greatest one of them all! And now they were shipping him to India in the S.S. Morea. At Marseilles was his last chance of escape, of saving himself from the horrors of British Jail brutality in India or even the gallows. A quite tear rolled down her cheek. "Madamji, Madamji, wake up!

"Gendarme that was no deserter! He is a political prisoner, Vinayak Savarkar. He had the right to asylum. You should have taken him to the Magistrate!" "But, how is this? The British did not inform us of the presence of a political prisoner---they should have, n'est ce pas? Mon Dieu! Mon Dieu! What now?" "Let us go to the Magistrate.

Now!" said Shyamji and they all hastened to the car. At the Magistrate's they registered their report of this grave irregularity, this catastrophe that had occurred. Back in the car, they discussed their next actions. "We have to take some strong action here," cried Madamji, "The French truly believe in Liberty. That the British should bend the law like this to trap a patriot fighting desperately for his country's freedom will have them up in arms! They will fight for Savarkar's right with us, I am positive. We need to publicize this, get their support." "First, let us go to M. Jaures, as the Socialist Leader of France and Mayor of Marseilles, he will be of enormous help," said Shyamji, "Let us form an organization devoted to bring justice to Savarkar. We will also contact M. Jean Langue, grandson of Karl Marx. I am sure we can convince him to head this organization." "M. Francis De Pressense, president of League of Man's Rights, is also one who will take

six-articled agreement on October 25, 1910 agreeing to refer the Savarkar case to the International Court in Hague. But, did Britain wait for the verdict? Of course not! They tried Savarkar in the Special Tribunal Court in India---no jury, no appeals! Savarkar stated he would take no part in the proceedings as he was under the protection of France and he objected to the jurisdiction of the Special Tribunal Court. Nevertheless, he was found guilty of his crimes. A hefty sentence of two consecutive 25 year life sentences spent in transportation in the Andaman Islands with forfeiture of property was slapped upon him. This would surely crush this dare-devil---So, mistakenly, believed the British Government. On February 24, 1911, The International Hague Tribunal judgment was declared in favor of the British Government. Incredibly, it had sanctioned this gross aberration of justice! Freedom-loving minds

‘With what dedication they had designed the National Flag of India. He had insisted on the symbols of Muslims, Sikhs and the other Hindus--freedom with national unity---that was his goal! She had proudly unfurled the flag in Stuttgart, Germany’ up this cause." Aiyer put in, "We will involve all the French national papers---L'Eclaire, Le Temps, Le Matin, L'humanite----let them all declare the same thing, that the arrest of Savarkar on French soil by foreign police is an international scandal and an absolute violation of the Right of Asylum. Let them all scream for his return." "Don't forget we have international contacts. Worldwide this issue is to be discussed! Let accounts be published of Savarkar's extraordinary heroism at Marseilles, his career, his political exploits in England and India." Madamji's eyes glowed with the passion of emotions. "Savarkar shall be rescued. I don't put it past the British to hang on to him, regardless of the law. In India they are a law unto themselves!" So, hue and cry was raised. The topic was discussed in embassies all over the world. No stone was left unturned in the effort to bring Savarkar back to France. Britain found herself in an embarrassing diplomatic conflict with her valued neighbor, France over a desperate act of heroism by her most dangerous political prisoner, Savarkar. Ultimately, Sir Edward Grey, Foreign Secretary of the British Government was compelled to sign a

all over the world were shocked! International press condemned the Hague judgment. Briand, the French Premier had to resign only three days after this verdict. The die was cast! Savarkar was thrown into the torture chamber, the Cellular jail and the daily grind of breaking his spirit was ruthlessly carried out. In Paris, his friends were heart broken. Madamji said, "Yes. Savarkar's life has been sacrificed to international politics! Britain needs France and France needs Britain---with Germany sniffing around their heels and a potential war brewing on the horizon," she broke down, "What care they for that brave, valiant man? I must take care of his family, send some money each month. The government has thrown them on the street, confiscated all their property and wealth!" Aiyer said, gnashing his teeth, "Madamji! Let us not waste time in tears! We have to carry out our next plans. Does Britain think that we will give up the Movement because they have trapped our leader? They do not know our powers, we shall still communicate with Savarkar, we have our ways." Cont’d on page 23

June 25, 2010

Community/California

India Post

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Religious leaders offer condolences at Turkish Consulate India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: Representatives from the Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) and other faith-based groups visited the Turkish Consulate in Los Angeles to offer condolences from the American people to the Turkish people and government for their recent losses

desire to bring an end to the brutal Israeli siege of Gaza and its occupation of Palestinian territories. CAIR-LA Executive Director Hussam Ayloush stated: "We also want to offer support and praises for the efforts and leadership the Turkish people and their elected government have been playing to end the inhumane and illegal siege on Gaza's over 1.5 million residents. We wanted them to know

The delegation featured leading Southern California Muslim, Jewish and Christian leaders who met with Turkish Consul General R. Hakan Tekin. They part in the meeting expressed a strong desire to bring an end to the brutal Israeli siege of Gaza of innocent lives at the hands of the Israeli soldiers. The delegation visit follows Israel's May 31 attack on a Gaza flotilla of ships that was delivering much-needed humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. The delegation featured leading Southern California Muslim, Jewish and Christian leaders who met with Turkish Consul General R. Hakan Tekin. Those taking part in the meeting expressed a strong

Remembering heroics of Savarkar on his centenary Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 22

Madamji stiffened her back and declared with renewed fervor, "You are so right, Rishi. We shall not let his work be in vain. We shall continue the revolutionary work abroad, and bring about the revolutionary war that Savarkar aimed for. You carry on to Pondicherry. Take care of Ashe there," she looked at him meaning fully. "Har Dayal can consolidate the Movement in America. We each have our specific task! Let us all clasp hands and renew our vow. Vande Mataram!" Footnote: A prominent personality of the Indian Nationalist Movement, Bhikaiji Rustom Cama was born as on 24th September, 1861 to a Parsi family in Bombay (now Mumbai). On August 22, 1907, she raised the flag for India's Independence at the International Socialist Conference in Stuttgart, Germany. While Madam Cama was in London, she served as the private secretary to Dadabhai Naoroji, who was the first Asian to be elected to the British House of Commons. When Bhikaji Cama was in Paris, she happened to come across a number of notable leaders of the Indian Nationalist Movement, including Veer Savarkar.

that while our government might not have been supportive, many Americans, including Muslims, Christians and Jews, are very supportive." Rick Chertoff of LA Jews for Peace spoke of Turkey's historical role in protecting the rights of Jewish people, including during the Spanish Inquisition and Nazi rule in Germany. He also said that Israel's actions do not speak for the many Jewish and Israeli people who do not condone the state's collective punishment of the Palestinians and its disregard for international law. Ahmad Azam, West Coast MAS Freedom leader, praised the Turkish people's leadership in standing up for justice and human rights and expressed the organization's determination to end the embargo, which has

caused horrific suffering for Gazans. Consul General Takin said: "This has been a great tragedy for us. The brutal reaction by the Israeli Defense Forces on a civilian group of people was never expected. . .Such a needless use of force, the timing, and the place, being in international waters and under darkness, and with serious reports that Israelis fired first, have made us call for an independent investigation. We are disappointed with the U.S. reaction. It was not unexpected, but it was disappointing that the U.S. is not consistent and holds different standards for Israel." Those participating in the visit

were Hussam Ayloush, CAIRGreater Los Angeles Area; Rev. Jerry Stinson, 1st Congregational Church of Long Beach; Shakeel Syed, Islamic Shura Council of Southern California; Sana Ibrahim, Palestinian American Women's

Association; Ahmed Azam, MAS Freedom - LA; Marcy Winograd, Progressive Democrats of America - LA chapter; and representatives of LA Jews for Peace Rick Chertoff, Lillian Laskin, Dick Platkin, and Jeff Warner.

24 India Post

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June 25, 2010

RUCHIT DESAI

ATLANTIC CITY: At New Jersey's famous Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall this past weekend, an almost electric feeling of excitement swept through the entire establishment, as devout followers of A.R. Rahman made a mad rush to experience the maestro's 'journey home'. It was the Jai Ho: The Journey Home World Tour 2010 (presented by Rushhi Majik) with Rahman. The concert started a bit late, with the crowd periodically erupting in anticipation as they screamed out for the Mozart of Madras to regale them with the hits he's consistently been churning out for the last 18 years. At long last, the show began with two gigantic, virtual golden doors swinging open and revealing a talented young boy - whose eponymous journey home we would share - dancing about the stage. Suddenly, a figure representing a running Rahman racing against a montage of his past collaborations and experiences appeared followed by the maestro himself emerging at the top of the stage to deafening applause. If the vocals of the night were of A.R. Rahman's stature, then surely the visual aesthetic would match that caliber. And this is one aspect of the show that was truly captivating - a huge, high resolu-

tion backdrop, a breakthrough new display of projection mapping, and a dizzying array of lights certainly served to set the concert apart from the rest. One of the first numbers of the nearly three hour concert, Swades' Yeh Jo Des Hai Tera perfectly represented the veteran composer's flair for creating evocative music. The lush, verdant backdrop with huge kites looming in the air complemented the nostalgic nature of the song, beautifully depicting the idyllic home the boy wished to reach. Later on, the stage shifted from a rich green to a brilliant blue as Guru's Barso Re resounded throughout the hall. An

India Post

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June 25, 2010

Pics Gunjesh Desai/Masalajunction.com

One of the first numbers of the nearly three hour concert, Swades' Yeh Jo Des Hai Tera perfectly represented the veteran composer's flair for creating evocative music. The lush, verdant backdrop with huge kites looming in the air complemented the nostalgic nature of the song, beautifully depicting the idyllic home the boy wished to reach intense showcase of the tremendously talented musicians followed as the tabla player, violinist, and flutist each used their respective instruments to compete, commune, and create a unique presentation of the aforemen-

tioned track. One of the most popular segments of the evening was Dil Se's titular track represented by a powerful lightning storm, its thunder only trumped by the thunderous applause

of excited fans. The incredibly high notes Rahman was hitting coupled with the magnificent backdrop (which was just shy of raindrops) made it quite a memorable number. Staying true to his roots, the maestro even went on to tickle the ivories for his "different and funky" Hello Mister Edirkatchi, a blend of jazz and classical Indian music, from the Tamil film Iruvar. Throughout the night, Rahman also played tribute to Michael Jackson, Lata Mangeshkar (through an impressive duet recorded specially for the show), Mohandas Gandhi, and even Islam and Hindu religions. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 28

26 India Post

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June 25, 2010

India Post

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Not the Ramayana, it is Raavanaya! RUCHIT DESAI

NEW YORK: For an inside look at Mani Ratnam's highly anticipated Raavan, the star cast and Ratnam himself joined press all over the world through a special, first ever teleconference provided by Cisco Systems. With Abhishek and Aishwarya live from Mumbai and Ratnam and Vikram in Chennai, the team behind the film brought a behind the scenes look into the world of Raavan to journalists in New Delhi, Dubai, and New York on June 11. Based on the classic character from Valmiki's Ramayana saga, Ratnam attempts to paint his own version of the tyrannical Raavan through Beera played by Abhishek Bachchan. "What's unique about this movie is that the audience gets to judge what is right and what is wrong," Bachchan commented. Ratnam has framed the film from Beera's perspective, allowing an opportunity to explore other dimensions of the character traditionally depicted as pure evil. To keep it short and sweet, Bachchan asserted, "It is not the Ramayana, it is the Raavanaya." While shooting the movie, an array of swimming snakes and leeches, rugged filming terrain, and the occasional leap off a cliff all served to take quite a toll on the actors. In one particular scene, AB Jr. struggled to single-handedly hold onto fel-

A scene from the Raavan movie

low star Vikram (who was dangling from a bridge high in the air) only to be asked to do the entire scene all over again and again. "But, out of love and respect for Mani, we do it with a smile on our face." Acknowledging the fact that every actor wants to work with Ratnam, Bachchan dismissed the aches and bruises and reflected upon his own fortune to be selected as the lead. The star recounted the experience by describing Beera as "all my previous roles put into one, then amplified by one hundred -

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;What's unique about this movie is that the audience gets to judge what is right and what is wrong,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Bachchan commented it's the most challenging that I've ever taken on." Ratnam attested this fact saying the role offered Bachchan "aspects he has not

done before" and jokingly claimed, "I didn't know there was a monster inside!" in reference to the wild character coming so naturally to the star. Already having collaborated on Yuva (2004) and Guru (2007), the duo hopes to capture the same magic with Raavan, fittingly releasing three years later. Aishwarya Rai, reminiscing about her debut film Iruvar (1997), described the "immense creative satisfaction" that can only be attained by working with Mani Ratnam at the helm of a project. The actress also chimed in on the

difficulty of simultaneously creating a film in two different languages as she reprises her role in the Tamil version of the film. When asked about the specific differences between the Hindi and Tamil versions, Ratnam claimed that although they are essentially the same film, each is presented with a slightly different slant, perhaps stemming from the fact that Bachchan and Vikram (who plays Veera in the Tamil version) are approaching the roles differently. Nevertheless, the two actors continually consulted each other on how to best portray this complex character. In reference to what points they exactly discussed, Bachchan stated, "there wasn't any one point, there was every point" as he stressed the constant feedback, constructive criticism, and support they provided each other during filming. About A.R. Rahman's music in the film, Ratnam mentioned that working with the world-renowned musician was as easy and as difficult as it was for their first collaboration on the hit film Roja (1992). When asked about what viewers can take away from the film, AB Jr. jokingly mentioned that aside from their trash - fond memories and a certain impact that Ratnam intended are sure to leave with them. Indeed audiences will soon see if the film lives up to its high expectations.

Trailing authors, books, festivals; Tourism goes literary Fair which attracts about 2 million people on an average," says Nikhil Ganju, Director, Marketing, Tripadvisor, India. In Himachal Pradesh there is a proposal to consider developing

Jaipur Festival Directors Namita Gokhale and William Dalrymple

NEW DELHI: Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal, Rajasthan... a new breed of tourists are trailing their favorite authors to discover locales set in novels or film adaptations of books, or simply turning into literary junketeers hopping from one festival to another. The annual Jaipur literature festival is already a must-visit on the itinerary of book-lovers and with Kerala set to host the first

edition of the international Hay festival in November this year, India is gearing up for a place on the map of enthusiasts who are combining their love for literature with wanderlust. "There are far too few literary events in India. Around 20,000 people, including foreign visitors turn up at the Jaipur literature festival every year. Another major event in India is the Kolkata Book

In Himachal Pradesh there is a proposal to consider developing sites along the Hindustan-Tibet road, where noted author Rudyard Kipling had stayed sites along the Hindustan-Tibet road, where noted author Rudyard Kipling had stayed and penned novels such as the classic "Kim." "We had proposed to call it the Kipling trail after the famous author who is said to have stayed at various places along the ShimlaKinnaur route," says Avay Shukla who was additional chief secretary,

Bhutan Literary Festival

forest department of Himachal Pradesh when he forwarded the proposal in 2008. Also Shimla and surrounding places like Dharmashala and Mussourie attract a lot of foreigners especially British tourists who come to trace their roots. "What attracts them is that their forefathers, great grandfathers etc lived here and died here," says Shukla.

Historian Raja Bhasin who has conducted guided tours for tourists in Himachal Pradesh says," I handle a fair amount of groups from overseas. Some groups have specific interest in Rudyard Kipling and we did readings from his book at places where we thought the author would have stayed or passed through." Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 30

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June 25, 2010 www.indiapost.com

Breathtaking show bye AR Rahman

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Notable side acts included Hariharan's tribute to India, the mellifluous voice of Shweta Pandit, Benny Dayal, and crowd favorite Vijay Prakash. But, while the compendium of singers did manage to bring diversity to the evening, Rahman's raw talent showed why he is the star of the show and the recipient of two Oscars (among many other awards). Now, when thinking of the myriad songs Rahman has under his belt, the mammoth task of selecting exactly which ones to best exemplify his musical canon seems nearly impossible. Still, the concert offered many popular songs including Pappu Can't Dance, Urvashi, Hai Rama, Chaiya Chaiya, Ringna, Khwaja Mere Khwaja, and Humma just to name a few. The night concluded with a jokey Rahman abruptly remarking, "that's it...bye!" as all the lights around the stage went out. After a few moments, though, the distinct beginning of the well known Jai Ho galvanized the crowd and served as a perfect finale to the event. Ending as it began, the large golden doors closed on Rahman and the young boy - who finally found his way home - perched high up on the platform. The Jai Ho: The Journey Home World Tour 2010 continues on to Chicago, Toronto, LA, Houston, Dallas, and many more cities in the US and abroad.

June 25, 2010

India Post www.indiapost.com

Star Plus unveils Ruby Star logo India Post News Service

MUMBAI: Star India has unveiled a refreshed Star Plus with the tagline 'Rishta Wahi, Soch Nayi (Old relationship, New thinking)' to further deepen its bond with viewers. It debuted on June 13 with the Star Parivaar Awards 2010. The channel refresh now features a new Star Plus logo, the Ruby star.

lives. "The ruby star is the beating heart of the channel, the heart of India - feminine, strong, full of energy and life. The white hot swoosh, lit from within, represents inner strength and quest for fulfillment. A key component of the Star Plus identity is the color red. Nothing epitomizes India better than the color red. Red is the color of prosperity, optimism, weddings, celebration, hope, desire, purity, passion, love and holiness. The Star Plus logo is the traditional

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The ruby star is the beating heart of the channel, the heart of India - feminine, strong, full of energy and life. The white hot swoosh, lit from within, represents inner strength and quest for fulfillment The Channel said the 'nayi soch' on Star Plus is manifest in the shows currently on air demonstrated in strong characters who reflect the fresh thinking on the channel. "The woman of Star Plus brings in 'nayi soch' either quietly, staying in the background or leading from the front. All content created on Star Plus will continue to reinforce the brand promise - 'nayi soch' - the new perspective on life and relationships." It said the new logo is a ruby star which beckons viewers to enter the crystal world of Star Plus, making it come alive in their

and familiar star emblem infused with a very modern, fresh and energetic expression." Uday Shankar, CEO, Star India Pvt. Ltd. said, "India has always been a land of new thinking, which was perhaps been forgotten with our preoccupation with development, and Star Plus aims to revive convention through the refreshed brand promise of 'rishta wahi, soch nayi', We are committed to entertaining our viewers with content that propels them in a new direction and setting the agenda for entertainment on Hindi GECs.'

India Post

June 25, 2010 www.indiapost.com

Savvy, smart cross-cultural Guide to America PREM KISHORE

ankee go home - but take me with you! Much of the world indulges in America bashing but given the opportunity a good many people would like to get the all important visa to share the American Dream. So reflects Raj Gadasalli and to turn the dream into a reality he has provided direction and practical tools to newcomers to America in three perceptive books. Let's Explore America, Let's Speak American English, and Let's Master American soft skills. Gadasalli defines his book as the book "tailored to meet the needs of the students, H1B Visa holders, immigrants and visitors." The first guide will be reviewed this week and the other two in the following weeks. Getting to know America and enjoying the process is the key to this manual of instruction. It's about mastering the fundamentals, the basics and a practical framework to help one to enjoy the quality of life in America. Making friends, working with colleagues, dining out, shopping, using verbal skills, all come together in this welcome manual Let's Explore America. In the US, one has to work with different cultures and behaviors and to get things done effectively, one must understand and respect intercultural differences in order to resolve situations and avoid miscommunication. The secret to cross cultural integration is to decipher as much as you can about the country you find yourself in and Gadasalli seems to have cracked the code. The book throws up surprising facts about living in America with 216 pages chock full of invaluable details about making the

transition non- traumatic. Fascinating nuggets of interest are sprinkled through the pages. Did you know that Americans use 2000 words, phrases and sentences over and over again in their day-to-day activities in greetings, goodbyes and everyday small talk?

even gives the words of The Star Spangled Banner, the Gettysburg Address and America the Beautiful! The book explores the land, society, culture, education, economy, immigration, income tax, social security, citizenship, diplomatic missions and even inaugural addresses of Presidents George W Bush and Obama.

Fascinating nuggets of interest are sprinkled through the pages. Did you know that Americans use 2000 words, phrases and sentences over and over again in their day-to-day activities in greetings, goodbyes and everyday small talk? The diverse, engrossing chapters range from Crime in America with tips on protecting oneself to dealing with impolite language used by Americans. "Bullshit, bitch, screw you" are mild words, he cautions and tells you not to wince at the offensive words. Back home, your mother and teacher

Next week: Let's Speak American English. The books are published by Vipra Books Inc There are pages on Asian Indian v American pronunciation for example: Comments - Kamments (the Indian pronunciation) and the right way of saying it Calm-ents. Gadasalli traces the history of America briskly, and entertainingly, as he informs us of the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and

would frown on such crudity. In action paced, frenetic God's country, don't sweat the small stuff! But you do not have to use the explosive words! In the etiquette section he stresses on good manners particularly about shoving, belching, yawning, spitting, littering and even urinating. Another important tip, the

necessity of not talking in your language within earshot distance of someone who does not speak it. There are lists of Graduate Schools, Spanish for Beginners, Native American proverbs, information on states, rivers and mountains, and names of popular cities and states with the correct pronunciation .Armed with this information you will easily enter the mainstream and feel at home right away. The style is crisp, lively and analytical. Lots of do's and don'ts infused with diligent research. The author is also a storyteller giving us snapshots of his life in America laced with wry witticisms. Gadasalli's vision and goal is to encourage the newcomer to improve personal skills and face America with a positive approach and reach full potential. Gadasalli traces his interest and passion for America to the early 1940s when his cousin Nagaraja Rao arrived in Chicago to pursue higher studies. Since then the Gadasalli clan have a cumulative experience of over 700 years in the USA. Gadasalli, a native of Bangalore, India and an electrical engineer by training and an international marketing executive with an MBA from Iowa State, has lived in the USA for 30 years and now commutes between India and the US writing books on America. His latest book is called His Utopia, Her Utopia - an Indo American vignette written to promote cross cultural understanding. Gadasalli is unafraid to talk of the ridiculous but so necessary stuff that must be spoken about. He tells us things about ourselves which we are not aware of! A Must Read book for anyone who is ready to take on America!

Trailing authors, books, festivals; Tourism goes literary Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 27

"There are places that captured his imagination. The cave where the lama stayed in said to exist even today in the Spiti mountains. Similarly within Shimla Kipling had set many stories and said to have stayed at various forest guest houses some of them which are present today," says Bhasin. The Mumbai-born author had spent a lot of time in the United States and is of also of literary importance to travelers from there, says the historian. A veteran Canada based tourism professional Stephen Burnett says, "Often we discover that literature tourism is one of the supporting branches of cultural tourism and depending on how robust the program is it can also be the dominant motivating factor in the consumer's travel decision." Burnett points out traditionally the UK attracts a lot of tourists with a taste for literature. "Emily Bronte's writing turned Haworth, a grimly north Yorkshire village into a literati Mecca for followers of "Wuthering Heights". The homes of Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth have attracted legions of loyal followers of Peter Rabbit and Britain's Poet Laureate," says Burnett. A survey released by travel portal Tripadvisor has listed London, the inspira-

tion for Charles Dickens, on top of ten literary destinations worldwide. In Canada's tiny Prince Edward Island the writing of Lucy Maud Montgomery continues to capture the imagination of millions of schoolgirls the world over, with her story "Ann of Green Gables." Visitors from Japan are perhaps the most loyal followers of the marvelous heart warming tale. In Kenya the

Literary festival in Kerala

writing of Baroness Karen Blixen regenerated an entire African Safari business with her novel "Out of Africa." Meanwhile, Lyndy Cooke, executive director, Hay Festival says," We are very excited to celebrate the Hay Festival in India and Kerala became the obvious choice for its high literacy rate and popular tourist destinations. The Festival will also create a plat-

form to present Indian writing to an international audience." "Literature can be linked to tourism. At Hay on Wye, we sell almost 200,000 tickets every year and 80 per cent of the crowd are visitors who come to Wales. They live in hotels, bed and breakfast lodges, in a 100km radius of the lush hamlet," says Cooke. According to official estimates foreign

Lyndy Cooke, executive director, Hay Festival says," We are very excited to celebrate the Hay Festival in India and Kerala became the obvious choice for its high literacy rate and popular tourist destinations tourist arrivals in India jumped by over 15 per cent in May against the same period as the figure touched 3.45 lakh. In May last year, 2.99 lakh foreign tourists visited India which was lower than 3.04 lakh in the same month in 2008. "Touristy places also help to attract people to literary festivals," says Binno K John who organizes the Kovalam Litera-

ture Festival in Kerala which in its third edition this October will host celebrated Pakistani authors Fatima Bhutto, Mohammed Hanif and H M Naqvi among other international literary giants. Agrees Sanjoy K Roy, Teamworks which has worked to bring Hay to Kerala. "It is easier to sell Kerala as a destination because it is well known." "With the Hay festival we hope to create a literary event in south India that we hope becomes a magnet for people to come into India," he says. . Earlier this year Indian writers like Gulzar, Chetan Bhagat, Bulbul Sharma and Omair Ahmad were joined by international names like British author Patrick French as well as local writers and poets from Bhutan for a threeday festival "Mountain Echoes" in Thimphu. "Obliquely the festival which has a separate segment on travel writing has focused on literary tourism which has become a new genre of tourism," says Mita Kapur, Siyahi, which organized the event in May. Author and co-founder director of Jaipur Literary festival Namita Gokhale says, "Jaipur has been a huge inspiration for other models. If you are open to the literary expression it helps you understand the people and culture of a place in a deeper way. Otherwise it is just a virtual holiday. -PTI

June 25, 2010

India Post www.indiapost.com

Leading radio exec joins HumDesi Radio India Post News Service

NEW YORK: WorldBand Media Inc. (WBM,) the company that pioneered Ethnic Radio through the launch of its HumDesi Radio Network across the US, has appointed Manav Dhanda as Head of Network Programming and Business Strategy. With Dhanda, HumDesi radio plans to revitalize its programming line up as well as offer a more enriching experience to its existing listeners. Dhanda brings over 15 years of experience in creative content, operations and business strategy & management with some of India's biggest and most recognized radio & television networks. As Senior VP and National Head of

HumDesi Radio is North America's largest South Asian radio network. It currently broadcasts around the clock in New York/New Jersey, Washington DC, Chicago, and Los Angeles Programming, Business Head - West, for Reliance Big 92.7 FM, India's largest radio network, he launched over 45 radio stations across India and Singapore. He held the position of Senior Creative Director at Midi Tech, one of India's largest television production companies with a repertoire of shows like Indian Idol and Deal or No Deal. Additionally, he served as VP & Programming Head Mumbai for Radio Mirchi, ENIL, India's foremost radio network and an associate company of India's No.1 English daily, The Times of India. HumDesi Radio is North America's largest South Asian radio network. It currently broadcasts around the clock in New York/ New Jersey, Washington DC, Chicago, and Los Angeles, with plans to expand to another six markets across the United States.

Sukhwinder Singh at his concert in Santa Clara

t the hill resort of Kausani the mountains rise so dra matically as if to reach the heavens. In fact not just Kausani but the entire Kumaon Hills have been known for their idyllic beauty with the huge mountains silhouetted against the sky. Kausani was originally called Valna. Situated at an altitude of 1890 m above sea level, it offers the magic of deep pine forests and the majestic mountains. It is the birthplace of famed poet Sumitra Nandan Pant and is often referred to as the 'Switzerland of India' owing to its natural bounty. Best time to visit: Kausani ex-

32 India Post

www.indiapost.com

Kausani was originally called Valna. Situated at an altitude of 1890 m above sea level, it offers the magic of deep pine forests and the majestic mountains. It is the birthplace of famed poet Sumitra Nandan Pant periences snowfall during the months of December and January, thus these two months may be avoided. The hill resort is a retreat in the summer months and may be visited during April-June and September-November. Tourist attractions: The major attraction at Kausani is that is offers wondrous vistas of the Kumaon Himalayas. You may enjoy the endless stretch of famous

peaks like the Nanda Devi, Trishul, and the Nandakot. You may move to various vintagepoints in order to capture the spectacular sights of the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas that are spread majestically across the 300 km range. The sunrise and the sunset are the special moments for nature lovers and photographers alike. Then there is the Anashakti Ashram a landmark of Kausani. The Anashakti Ashram is renowned for its association with Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 34

June 25, 2010

Travel & Hospitality Post

June 25, 2010

India Post

www.indiapost.com

Massage in spa; yoga in 'stilts villa' PREETI VERMA LAL

At Vabbinfaru, I was oscillating between peace of mind and energy. Did I need a Perfect Energizer which begins with Podi Kishi or warm herbal pouch treatment that concludes with an Ayurveda massage and a Marma Face Massage that focuses on the marma (energy) centers of the face to rebalance the internal body system, relieving the body of stress? As if these were not enough, there's the Yoga Massage, a 90minute dry massage that is done

ness would be vanquished in the 150-minute session. That moment I forgave the delayed flight and the choppy sea. That night curled up in the four-poster bed, I dreamt I was on the seaplane to Velavaru Island where at the absolutely luxurious InOcean Villas I was relearning yoga on the terrace of Angsana villas that stand on stilts in the middle of the ocean. Two days later, that yoga dream came true at Angsana/Velavaru. Next time when grime piles on

through a combination of thumb and palm pressure and light stretching. As Fikki, the therapist, applied that first drop of oil, I knew in the faraway Vabbinfaru island tired-

my body and soul, I know where to go. A thousand miles away to Banyan Tree/Vabbinfaru and Angsana/Velavaru. Where else? (www.deepblueink.com)

Ocean Villas in Velavaru

n the middle of the night, Maldives, a country of 1,199 islands, looked like a hurried scribble - I could hear the swish of the palm fronds and the fury of an irate ocean; I could see the white waves lacing the emerald green waters and the white speed boat prepped to take me to the Vabbinfaru island that sits smug in the North Male Atoll, roughly 30minutes from Male. The sea was choppy, the night inky and the speed boat complete with silk bolsters and green umbrellas. The boat hooted on arrival and beyond the long, wooden jetty, silken sand and the whiff of the salty sea, stood my villa in Ban-

yearned not for rest but a massage that could slough off 'flighty' tiredness. As a high-end destination, Maldives is cluttered with spas; each resort flaunting its spa as the USP. Thai, Indonesian, Balinese, Swedish massages… You get them all in Maldives. But that night, I was not seeking just any massage, what I needed was a rejuvenating Ayurveda massage. Stretched imagination? I consoled myself. In the far off island, a spa with Ayurveda massage seemed such an anomalous dream. Surprisingly, that early monsoon morning I found one such spa in Banyan Tree, Vabbinfaru. At the Banyan Tree Spa, what

Yoga in Angsana Velavaru (Pics: Preeti Verma Lal)

yan Tree Resort with hibiscus petals on the bed and a stuffed turtle on the window sill. After the long flight, my wobbly knees and creaking bones

waited was not just the flicker of a candle in a votive lamp, honey and rice grains in a stone leaf, but also a handcrafted copper bathtub with a green patina. Ayurveda within

concrete structures look utterly discordant, but here Nature seemed everywhere. The treatment rooms with high ceilings are shaped like a tepee and stacked with coconut leaves, the walls are made of bamboo, natural drinks are replete with vitamins and antioxidants and cooler than the summer breeze and footwash laden with the goodness of orange peel. A stray champa flower added that dainty effect on the green linen. The 150-minute Restful Balance massage looked tempting. For this combination of massages and a shirodhara, special oil is used that has a very calming effect and then one is literally embalmed with a concoction called the Lepanam which is washed off with steam bath. At Banyan Tree, the options were many and I was not sure whether to opt for Peace of Mind or Perfect Energizer, both 150-minute sessions. For that muchneeded peace of mind, I could get scrubbed with dry powder and then revel in the Banyan Tree signature Rain Mist Steam Bath, a treat for the senses topped with Avocado Splash and a shirodhara.

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Nepal has 'world's tallest' Shiva statue KATHMANDU: The world's largest Shiva statue, built at the cost of Rs 7 crore near Kathmandu, will be inaugurated on June 21. Kailashnath Mahadev statue (143 feet) complex at Sanga, located 20-km east of Kathmandu, is spread in 400,000 sq feet area and houses a 16 deluxe room resort, spa, yoga, health club and meditation centre. It will also include a children's park, physiotherapy, steam and sauna bath facilities. The statue, which is made of cement, concrete and iron is coated with zinc and copper. It depicts Lord Shiva carrying a trishul in his hand while a snake is resting on his shoulder.

Swami Madhav Ashramji Maharaj, the Shankaracharya of Badridham in India, will be present at the inaugural function, accord-

It will also include a children's park, physiotherapy, steam and sauna bath facilities ing to the organizers. They hope it will give a boost to tourism, the mainstay of Nepal's economy. -PTI

June 25, 2010

www.indiapost.com

Kausani: Wondrous view of Nanda Devi, Trishul, Nandakot peaks Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 32

Till date the Ashram acts as a resting place for weary tourists to Kausani. You will be able to catch some scintillating spectacles of the Himalayan peaks from the Anashakti Ashram. The magnificent library of the Ashram is worth visiting too. For the adventure seekers Kausani offers interesting treks like the Adi Kailash Trek, Bageshwar Sundardhunga Trek and the Base Kausani Trek. Places around: Hill resorts of Nainital, Almora and Ranikhet are easily accessible from Kausani. They also offer wondrous vistas of the Himalayas and make excellent excursion options. Then there are the temple towns of Baijnath and Bageshwar that attract several pilgrims and tourists every year and are in close proximity to Kausani.

The nature lovers may even go on an excursion to Binsar from Kausani. Binsar boasts of a bird sanctuary that is worth visiting and the panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi. How to reach Air - The airport nearest to Kausani is Pantnagar, at a distance

180 km. Rail - The railway station at Kathgodam is the nearest railhead at a distance of 142 km. Road - Kausani is well connected with other hill resorts like Almora, Ranikhet, Pithoragarh, Gwaldam and Nainital through road routes

ADB to fund tourism projects in Himachal SHIMLA: Asian Development Bank (ADB) has agreed in principle to fund tourism, power transmission and urban development projects in Himachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal has said. Dhumal, who held a meeting with high level delegation of ADB headed by Xiaoyu Zhao, Vice President and Hun Kim, Country Director, Indian Resident Mission and Bank, welcomed the proposal of Bank authorities to fund tourism, transmission line laying and urban development projects besides additional funding of other ongoing projects. Dhumal said the State has vast hydel potential of over 23,000 MW which was being harnessed in

conformity with prescribed ecological safeguards and a number

Dhumal welcomed the proposal of Bank authorities to fund tourism, transmission line laying and urban development projects besides additional funding of other ongoing projects of hydel projects were under execution in public and private sec-

tors. He said that need had arisen to have valley-wise single dedicated transmission line for evacuation of power to main grid and with ADB funding, work on power transmission projects would be expedited. The chief minister apprised the delegation that state had achieved 100 percent electrification two decades ago and was providing cheapest power to domestic consumers. Xiaoyu Zhao, Vice President of ADB, expressed satisfaction over the progress of different projects being funded by ADB in the state and said the Bank would be happy in funding tourism, transmission line laying and urban development projects in the state. -PTI

Sindhu Darshan festival in Leh SRINAGAR: In an attempt to promote the Indus river as an icon of communal harmony, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah inaugurated the threeday long Sindhu Darshan festival at Leh region of Ladakh. Sindhu Darshan, which was first organised in 1997, is a threeday festival celebrated on the full moon day (Guru Poornima) in the month of June every year. Following the ritual, a large number of people from different parts of the country participated in the festival by bringing water

Sindhu Darshan, which was first organised in 1997, is a three-day festival celebrated on the full moon day (Guru Poornima) in the month of June every year from the rivers of their own states in earthen pots and immersed

these pots into the Sindhu river thereby symbolizing the multi-dimensional cultural identity of India. Among others present were state minister for Tourism and Culture, Nawang Rigzin Jora, Minister of State for Tourism, Nasir Aslam Wani and Chief Executive Officer, Ladakh Hill Development Council, Tsering Dorji. A folk music program was organized by the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages on the occasion. -PTI

June 25, 2010

India Post 35 www.indiapost.com

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Health

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Health overhaul to force changes in employer plans

WASHINGTON: Republicans are pointing to a leaked administration document as evidence President Barack Obama has broken his promise that Americans who like their health plans can keep them under his new overhaul law. An early draft of an Obama administration regulation says that many employers will be forced to make changes to their health plans under the new law. The draft says in just three years, a majority of workers 51 percent will be in plans subject to new federal requirements. Employers say it's another sign that the law will drive up costs. Republicans say Obama did not keep his word. But some experts believe the increased regulation will lead to improved benefits for consumers. -AP

Lawsuit: Deaf patients didn't get interpreters JACKSONVILLE, Fla.: Seven hearing-impaired emergency room patients are suing Baptist Health Systems for allegedly failing to provide qualified sign language interpreters. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Jacksonville, claims the health care provider violated the Americans with Disabilities Act. One patient said she was given a stuffed monkey instead of a sign language interpreter. Another couldn't hear when her name was called by emergency workers. A Baptist spokeswoman says it's hospital policy to comply with all applicable laws and regulations relating to those who are deaf or hard of hearing. She says they are committed to effective patient communication. -AP

Sebelius stumps for anti-childhood obesity plan OKLAHOMA CITY: Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius says the Obama administration is calling on mayors to help in the fight against childhood obesity. Sebelius touted first lady Michelle Obama's anti-obesity campaign at the annual U.S. Conference of Mayors. Sebelius told about 400 mayors and members of their staffs that the ``Let's Move'' campaign won't work ``unless it's engaged in by communities.'' -AP

Health Science 37

India Post

June 25, 2010

www.indiapost.com

Indian American convicted for Medicare fraud India Post News Service

NEW YORK: An Indian American physical therapist from Farmington Hills, Mich., Baskaran Thangarasan, was sentenced June 11 to 57 months in prison for his participation in a fraudulent physical therapy scheme, announced the Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services (HHS). US District Court Judge Sean Cox in the Eastern District of Michigan sentenced Thangarasan to three years of supervised release following his prison term and ordered Thangarasan to pay $2.3 million in restitution, jointly with co-defendants. Thangarasan pleaded guilty on Dec. 9, 2009, to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud. According to information contained in plea documents, Thangarasan, a licensed physical therapist, admitted that he began working in approximately February 2003 as a contract therapist for a co-conspirator who owned and controlled several companies operating in the Detroit area that purported to provide physical and

occupational therapy services to Medicare beneficiaries. According to his plea documents, Thangarasan admitted that he, his co-conspirator and others created fictitious therapy files appearing to document physical and occupational therapy services provided to Medicare beneficiaries, when in fact no such services had been provided. According to

was paid approximately $50 for each file that he falsified. Thangarasan also admitted that between approximately September 2003 and May 2006, he falsified physical therapy files that supported claims to the Medicare program totaling approximately $5 million. Medicare paid approximately $2.3 million on those claims. Thangarasan admitted that,

Thangarasan also admitted that during the course of the scheme, he signed approximately 1,011 fictitious physical therapy files indicating that he had provided physical therapy services to Medicare beneficiaries, when in fact he had not court documents, the fictitious services reflected in the files were billed to Medicare through sham Medicare providers controlled by co-conspirators. Thangarasan also admitted that during the course of the scheme, he signed approximately 1,011 fictitious physical therapy files indicating that he had provided physical therapy services to Medicare beneficiaries, when in fact he had not. Thangarasan admitted that he

throughout the conspiracy, he was fully aware that Medicare was being billed for physical therapy services that he falsely indicated he had performed. The sentencing was announced by Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan Barbara L. McQuade; Special Agent in Charge Andrew G. Arena of the FBI's Detroit Field Office;

and Special Agent in Charge Lamont Pugh III of the HHS Office of Inspector General's (HHSOIG) Chicago Regional Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant Chief John K. Neal and Trial Attorneys Gejaa T. Gobena and Stephanie Hays of the Criminal Division's Fraud Section as well as former Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas W. Beimers. The case was investigated by the FBI and HHS-OIG, and was brought as part of the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, supervised by the Criminal Division's Fraud Section and the US Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Michigan. Since their inception in March 2007, Medicare Fraud Strike Force operations in seven districts have obtained indictments of more than 585 individuals who collectively have falsely billed the Medicare program for approximately $1.3 billion. In addition, HHS's Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the HHS-OIG, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.

Public & private sector should jointly fight TB BABS VERBLACKT

n Asia, partnerships between public and private healthcare providers are especially relevant in the fight against tuberculosis (TB). "These partnerships can help guarantee quality of care and improve information on the national TB situations," says Giuliano Gargioni, Team Leader, Partnering and Social Mobilization at the Stop TB Partnership. In the global response to tuberculosis, all care providers need to be engaged, Gargioni stresses. "In countries like India, you see that the state sector alone will find it very challenging to reach all people, even because many persons choose to consult first with private practitioners," he says. "The private sector with nongovernmental and faith based organizations can join efforts with

the national programs to implement TB control plans. And national programs can help mobilize resources to support initiatives of public utility that come from the non-state sector. This is the basic concept of national Stop TB partnerships."

search and development of new tuberculosis vaccines" in Zaragoza, Spain (June 3-4). "It is important to recognize this specific situation when addressing tuberculosis issues: this means availing proper diagnosis and care based on international

The International standards for Tuberculosis (TB) Care and certifications for private practitioners who follow them give some guarantee about the quality of their work These partnerships may be especially relevant in Asia, particularly "in places where there is even some stigma attached to the public sector and people think going there is something only the poor do," Gargioni illustrated at the sideline of the international symposium "Re-

standards wherever people will decide to seek medical attention." The International standards for Tuberculosis (TB) Care and certifications for private practitioners who follow them give some guarantee about the quality of their work and of their collaboration with national TB programs,

Gargioni adds. "Moreover, WHO (World Health Organization) tuberculosis epidemiological data come from case reporting by public health systems and, unless they also includes information of the private sector, might then not fully reflect the situation." The establishment of (more) public-private partnerships can play an important role in facing these challenges, Gargioni says. "We're looking at the private sector not as a problem, but as a resource," he stresses. "If the private and public sector establish partnerships this can improve access to diagnosis for thousands of sufferers, ensure quality of care and make the data we have on the global tuberculosis epidemic more accurate." Cont’d on page 39

Health Science Post

India Post

June 25, 2010

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Experts seeing rise in tick population, disease MACON, Ga.: Perched atop blades of grass or taller vegetation, ticks wait for a feast to walk by. Standing on their back legs with their front legs outstretched, the blood-thirsty critters are ready to latch on at the first hint of carbon dioxide or heat alert from their infrared sensors. Mercer associate professor of biology Alan Smith actively seeks out ticks for research. In recent weeks, he has been teaching seventh-grade students at the Amerson Water Works Park on the Ocmulgee River about all forms of wildlife. ``I picked up a lot of ticks there without even trying,'' Smith said. ``I think the populations are pretty abundant.'' Last year, Smith struggled to pick up samples for his research but recently collected 100 of them from around Lake Tobesofkee. He blames the wet spring and an abundance of deer and mice, he said. ``Data shows when the deer and especially the mouse populations are up, then the tick populations goes up,'' Smith said. Mice are crucial to the tick's two-year life cycle. After hatching from eggs, the tiny arachnids must

feast on a blood meal to carry them through each stage of development from larva to nymph and adult. Most ticks cut their baby teeth on mice, which are close to the ground. The bloated little bulb you might discover dining away on your DNA is likely an adult enjoying her last meal. Left alone to gorge, she will eventually fall off in about a week. As the female tick nears the end of her life, she may lay 3,000 eggs that hatch on the ground. Larva, which are about the size of the period at end of this sentence, don't pose a threat as they have yet to come in contact with an animal that may be carrying a strain of disease. It's when they reach the nymph stage, or the size of a tiny freckle, that they pose the biggest danger to humans. Because the ticks are so small, they may go undetected for days, giving ample time to pass along bacteria to their host. Smith says if people can get a tick off of their body within 24 hours, they're fairly safe. Liz Schmitz, director of the Georgia Lyme Disease Association, warns that may not be the case if a tick is improperly removed.

Squeezing a tick's midsection can actually pump more bacteria into your body and increase the risk of illness, she said. The proper way to remove a tick is to use tweezers as close to the skin as possible and pull straight back without twisting. Schmitz said she acquired Lyme disease from a tick that was attached to her for just four hours. Her husband removed it by using

But Schmitz had always been healthy and couldn't understand how she could have gotten so sick. Then she remembered the tick bite a hot match stick immediately after the flame was blown out. The heat caused the tick to spit bacteria into her that gradually began to make her sick. About a month after the bite, she began to feel dizzy and shrugged it off as a sinus infection. Next, her elbow felt as though it was bruised, and she was diag-

nosed with cellulitis of an unknown origin. When she began to experience tingling sensations up and down her arms, suffer joint and muscle aches and was unable to get out of bed some mornings, doctors decided it was probably multiple sclerosis. But Schmitz had always been healthy and couldn't understand how she could have gotten so sick. Then she remembered the tick bite. Now 20 years later, she is still fighting to raise awareness about tick-borne illnesses. Many health professionals believe Lyme disease is only prevalent in the northeastern United States and ignore the threat in Georgia, she said. Part of the problem is that the test for Lyme disease is based on a northern strain of the disease associated with the deer tick and not enough research is being done on Georgia's very aggressive Lone Star tick, Schmitz said. ``It just warrants investigation here,'' she said. ``I got this 20 years ago, and it's still not funded. This is something that is huge that can potentially explain a lot of different diseases on our planet.'' Only in recent years have Centers for Disease Control and Pre-

vention scientists been classifying southern tick-associated rash illness, which they say is similar to Lyme disease. But no one has identified the bacteria that causes it, Smith said. A rash may develop within a week of a bite and expand out three inches or more. The skin inflammation may be accompanied by fatigue, fever, headache, muscle and joint pains. Unlike Lyme disease, southern tick-associated rash illness has not been linked to any arthritic, neurological or chronic symptoms, according to the CDC Web site. But Schmitz and Smith aren't so sure, due to the lack of research. Plus, a Georgia Southern University expert has discovered similarities in the northern deer tick and the southern Lone Star, Smith said. ``If any of my students go out in the field and show sign of a rash, I tell them to get the antibiotic,'' Smith said. ``I don't want to be an alarmist, but it makes you wonder how many people have these kinds of arthritic or rheumatoid conditions that are really undiagnosed Lyme disease.'' -AP

Michelle Obama vows to help Neb. woman recalls years of struggling with cancer Camp Pendleton troops CAMP PENDLETON, Calif.: After meeting with wounded Marines, first lady Michelle Obama told thousands of troops and their families that she is launching a national challenge for every American to find ways to make life easier for those fighting U.S. wars. Since her husband took office, Obama has been visiting bases across the country as part of her mission to help military families. She called Camp Pendleton and the surrounding Southern California cities a model for community support of troops. But California Republicans called the event a publicity stunt to help Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxer, who is running for a fourth term and has been criticized by opponents for not doing enough to support troops. President Barack Obama has flown to California twice in recent months to help the imperiled incumbent's fundraising efforts. Boxer and U.S. Rep. Susan Davis, D-Calif. accompanied Obama during her visit to the San Diego-area base on a sunny afternoon. The first lady paid tribute to the five Camp Pendleton Marines killed in the last week in Afghanistan. She told the crowd of 3,500 troops and their families that she came to the

Michelle Obama

California Republicans called the event a publicity stunt to help Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxer, who is running for a fourth term and has been criticized by opponents for not doing enough to support troops base for a simple reason: ``To help the rest of our country better understand and appreciate the incredible service of you and your families, and to make sure your voices are heard back in Washington and that your needs are met.'' Obama began focusing on the needs of military families during the 2008 presidential campaign as

the country fought two wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and service members and their loved ones endured multiple deployments to the combat zones. President Obama has proposed millions of dollars more for counseling, support services and military child care in his 2011 budget. Aides justified the spending on military families by saying their welfare is an important part of U.S. national security. Marine Sgt. Keyonna Adkins, a single mother, said she could use the help. The 23-year-old has struggled to find day care for her 3-year-old son. The base had such a long waiting list for its day care center, she finally went to a private one in nearby Oceanside, where she pays high rates. ``It's good there are a lot of programs, but we need day care,'' Adkins said. Obama praised nearby Fallbrook, whose chamber of commerce offers Marines the chance at an all-expense paid wedding package, and also lauded Oceanside, which has an ``Appreciation Day'' for troops. She said many cities in the area adopt Marine units and send the troops care packages. -AP

FREMONT, Neb.: Sept. 30, 1998, was supposed to be a festive day for Carol Zakovec and her family. On the day Zakovec's son, Jacob, was to be celebrating his seventh birthday, Zakovec was diagnosed with breast cancer. The Cedar Bluffs woman had gone to her doctor for a routine checkup when she was sent to have a mammogram and ultrasound. That's when Zakovec was told that she had a very rare type of breast cancer one that affects only 2 percent of all breast cancer patients. ``It was very difficult to find and diagnose,'' Zakovec said. Zakovec was scheduled for surgery just two weeks later, and was contemplating her options. ``Because it was such a rare type and so aggressive and so difficult to diagnose, we pinned down the doctor and finally said, 'If it was your wife, what would you do?''' Zakovec said. ``He said bilateral radical mastectomy.'' The tissue that was removed was sent to California for testing, and a second tumor was found. Zakovec was told that because the second tumor was quite a bit smaller and harder to find, she likely would not have lived five years without the surgery.

``That'll knock the wind out of you,'' she said. The real ordeal for Zakovec, though, was only beginning. She began radiation and chemotherapy treatments, which caused her to lose all of her hair. Zakovec's husband, Doug, was working full time and the couple's youngest children - Kayla and Jake - were in second and first grade, respectively. ``I was not feeling well enough to cope with it all,'' Zakovec said. ``When I had a treatment I would be OK for 10 or 12 hours, but then I was extremely sick, very tired and had a lot of trouble coping.'' Zakovec and her husband, Doug, lived in an old farmhouse at the time that had no insulation in the winter, so Zakovec lived from late December until the end of May with her sister, Joyce Sidlar, in Colorado. Sidlar would bring Zakovec back to Nebraska each month for chemotherapy. Zakovec originally was scheduled for six chemo treatments, but ended up having to do nine. During that time, Zakovec's oldest daughter - Staci Jensen - found out she was pregnant. Zakovec's granddaughter was born in October 1999, something that helped motivate Zakovec in her recovery. -AP

Health Science Post

June 25, 2010

India Post

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Public & private sector should jointly fight TB Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 37

Not only health care providers, also communities have to get more involved. "Communities could and should play a decisive role, particularly in tuberculosis detection by referring to health facilities people with chronic respiratory symptoms and supporting patients during their treatment," Gargioni says. "But communities are often completely unaware of the TB problem and not involved in a dialogue to shape successful strategies at grassroots level." In a presentation at the symposium in Zaragoza, Gargioni presented an overview of the global achievements and challenges in TB control and research. Incidence rates are highest in Africa. "But in terms of absolute number of cases, more than half are in the Southeast Asian and Western Pacific region," he said. Of special concern in the Asian region are drug-resistant forms of tuberculosis, which are even more difficult to treat. "Multidrug-resistant (MDR) TB is a serious problem in China and in countries of

the former Soviet Union. The Indian subcontinent also shows an important role in the estimated absolute numbers of MDR cases," Gargioni stressed. "Extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB) has unfortunately been detected in all countries where public health officials have looked for it."

Thanks to the implementation of the DOTS (directly observed treatment, short course) and Stop TB Strategy 36 million people have been successfully treated from 1995 to 2008 Weak health systems are a major challenge in efforts to control tuberculosis in general, and MDR-TB in particular. "Problem number one is the crisis in the health work force. There are not enough people on the ground, to be close to where the TB patients live and make care accessible,"

Gargioni said, adding that more laboratories, improved infection control and more financial resources are needed as well. "If we concentrate the efforts to control MDR-TB in India, China and the Russian Federation, we can make a significant difference." Thanks to the implementation of the DOTS (directly observed treatment, short course) and Stop TB Strategy 36 million people have been successfully treated from 1995 to 2008 and more than 6 million deaths have been averted, according to WHO. But the challenges ahead remain huge. The latest WHO data show there are 9.4 million new TB cases and almost 2 million people deaths in 2008. Worldwide, almost 1,5 million people are TB/ HIV co-infected, of which almost 0.5 million die every year. In 2008, there were 440,000 new MDR-TB cases and 150,000 MDR-TB related deaths. The two day symposium (June 3-4) was organized by the University of Zaragoza, the foundation Ramon Areces and TuBerculosis Vaccine Initiative (TBVI).-CNS

Obama faces rare defeat on health help for jobless WASHINGTON: If Chuck Lacasse had gotten his pink slip four days earlier, Uncle Sam would have covered most of his family's health insurance while he looked for a new job. But Congress allowed emergency health care assistance for unemployed workers to expire May 31, and seems unwilling to renew it despite pleas from President Barack Obama. Not three months after lawmakers passed his $1 trillion insurance overhaul, Obama is facing a rare defeat on health care at the hands of his own divided Democrats. Moderates have rebelled against adding billions more to the deficit in a treacherous election year. ``The same Congress that spent all this political capital trying to get people health insurance is going to take a crucial benefit away from unemployed people,'' said Andrew Stettner, deputy director of the National Employment Law Project, which advocates for the unemployed. On June 4, Lacasse lost his job as advertising director for a company that makes nutritional supplements. He'll soon have to

pay the entire $1,500 monthly premium to keep his family covered under his former employer's health insurance plan. Until May 31, under Obama's economic stimulus law, the government provided a 65 percent subsidy. That would have lowered his cost to $525. ``This really isn't about welfare,'' said Lacasse, 40. ``It's about buying people some time. In a position as specialized as mine, it would have been nice to know that I had some time to look for the right job.'' He lives near Green Bay, Wis., with his wife and two children. Democratic Sens. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania and Sherrod Brown of Ohio have introduced a measure that would allow the program to continue helping people who get laid off through Nov. 30. That would cover Lacasse. The lawmakers want to attach their nearly $7 billion provision to must-pass legislation that would extend unemployment benefits and make changes in dozens of federal programs. But a similar proposal was dropped from the House-passed bill, and Senate Democratic leaders also omitted it from their version. -AP

1 Khili Re - Raavan

6 Bekarar - Paathshaala

2 Ghum Suhm Ghum Suhm - IAWA

7 Ranjha Ranjha - Raavan

3 Dont Know What To Do - Housefull

4 Mein Tenu Samjjawan - Virsa

9 Rang De - Bumm Bumm Bole

5 Chaska - Badmaash Company

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India Post

anjay Dutt is flying high these days. The beloved Munnabhai is going to be a proud father of twin babies in the beginning of 2011. Confirming the news, Dutt said, 'God has listened to our prayers, I am very happy.' This is going to be a double bonanza for Sanjay, who already has a daughter named Trishala from his first marriage to Richa Sharma. Manyata Dutt is reported to be three months pregnant. Dutt is very much excited to have twin babies but he is worried about the health of his wife as he needs to be out of India for two weeks in June. He will be traveling the interiors of Morocco, Istanbul and Turkey for his home production, Rascals, which also stars Ajay Devgan. However, he has assured that all his friends and family members will take good care of the would-be mother in his absence.

anbir Kapoor is the hottest stuff in town, with his natural good looks and overflowing talent. His latest film Raajneeti stunned the audiences and critics alike. Now he has made a comfy spot for himself as a leading and the most sought after actor of tinsel town. With his busy life, an endless number of scripts coming his way and few more firmly under his belt, Ranbir is just like any normal lad. Only 28, he has high aspirations to settle down by the time he is 32, and would also like to have a child by then. But currently single, he is enjoying every moment of it. Ranbir, who broke up with the very sexy Deepika Padukone after two years of dating, has no regrets and is concentrating fully on his expanding career. He also spends his time hanging out with buddies and playing the guitar. In short, his life is just perfect at the moment.

areena Kapoor feels she shares a strange connection with her Hollywood counterpart, Julia Roberts. Here's why. A popular film magazine recently polled for India's Most Beautiful Woman and Kareena Kapoor emerged on top of the list. In the US, Julia Roberts has won the poll as the Most Beautiful Woman In The World. Bebo is thrilled to be in the same league as Julia. This is her third 'link' with the Hollywood actress. Kareena plays Roberts' role in the remake of Stepmom. And had an opportunity to meet the Pretty Woman, who stayed at Pataudi on her last trip to India. Kareena says, "There's a strange connect between us. It's weird that I happened to be essaying Julia's role at same time and we both feature as the most beautiful women together in a magazine. I have watched all of Julia's films and it's a big high to essay the same role that she did. I am inspired by her. I have always admired and tried to do the kind of woman-centric roles Julia essays like Erin Brockovich and Pretty Woman." She continues, "I feel our personalities are also similar. She has a natural smile and the choices she makes, stand out." About being voted the Most Beautiful Woman in the country, she says, "Having perfect features doesn't mean beauty. Juila is so happy and fulfilled that it shows. I am like that too."

Yaadan - Virsa

10 Ankahi Si - Chase

June 25, 2010

Bollywood

June 25, 2010

India Post

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he did it, but without prompting. Aishwarya Rai featuring in the Hindi as well as Tamil versions of 'Raavan,' says she didn't use any prompting for either and relied on memory for her dialogues in both the languages. "I can't take prompting. First of all, I don't know the art of someone holding a placard and me reading it," Aishwarya said in an interview. "I tried it once, but it was such a flop because I was in the water and they were holding the placard behind the camera and suddenly Vikram enters the frame and he started acting his bit. Then I had to bank on my memory because Vikram came in front, blocking the placard. "I don't know how to go with these cheating tactics. So prompting doesn't work. I tried, but it didn't work because of the waterfall. You can't hear a thing. So I literally had to rely on memory," she said. Aishwarya plays the female protagonist in both versions of Mani Ratnam's much-awaited movie that is titled "Raavan" in Hindi and "Raavanan" in Tamil. For the Hindi version, she has teamed up with southern star Vikram, who plays her husband, and her real life partner Abhishek, who is seen as her tormentor.

bhishek Bachchan, is perhaps the only star in the Indian film industry, creating, unique historical records with his film's promotions. Last year, his whirlwind promotional tour for his film Delhi 6, across seven cities was a world record for public appearances by a film star, at different cities in 12 hours. The Junior Bachchan has now achieved yet another exceptional feat. For his film Raavan's promotions he created history by chatting with over 50,000 fans online at the office of Zapak. Tremendous excitement by his fans, eventually lead to a system crash. However, it was restored immediately. This is the first time that a star has encountered such an enormous fan following for an online chat. Recently Hrithik Roshan, had managed to get a good number, of around 27,000 plus online fans for a chat while promoting Kites. But Abhishek has surpassed them all. The very fact that the actor is being followed by hoards of fans on the streets wherever he is promoting his movie also proves that Abhishek is finally is a star on his own right today.

ollywood's hunk Salman Khan is addicted to Twitter these days. He is hooked to this net working site so much that he ends up spending considerable time on the same. And guess what? Salman chats only with his close buddies. Actor Imran Khan is one of them. These days, Salman and Imran's bonding on the net is becoming the much talked about affair in tinsel town. Reportedly, Salman has even promised Imran Khan that he would watch his film I Hate Luv Storys as soon as its first draft is ready to be screened.

HOLLY H FOLLY

ollywood has always been the ultimate goal for many of our Bollywood actors. Some of the big names in Bollywood have tried their hands in Hollywood films but none could not it very big so far. Akshay Kumar, the Bollywood superstar, has made his mark, both in the comic and action genre, is considered to be a good pick for Hollywood. But, our Akki seems to be satisfied with the tag of the highest paid actor of Bollywood now. The actor is receiving several roles, both small and big, from Hollywood but chose not to go for them yet. Akshay thinks he is not going to fit well in Hollywood and is not willing to desert his fans here in India. Speaking to the media in London the 'Khiladi' of Bollywood said, "I am happy and satisfied with the Bollywood offers. Here, I have a huge fan group to entertain and I am not going to fit in to Hollywood so I keep refusing to do projects there." In his next film Khatta Meetha, Akshay will don the role of a Marathi manoos 'Sachin Tichkule', a struggling road construction contractor. It is his fifth film with filmmaker Priyadarshan. It is going to be yet another addition to his comedy films.

Tech News Revised tax move not to eat into revenue NEW DELHI: Having proposed tax exemptions on retirement and long-term savings schemes in the second draft of the Direct Taxes Code (DTC), the Finance Ministry has said the move will not entail any revenue loss. "EEE (exemptexempt-exempt) is only for the limited number of saving instruments. It (recommendation) is balanced," Revenue Secretary Sunil Mitra told PTI when asked about the rationale for discarding the original proposal of taxing retirement schemes at the time of withdrawal. The revised draft favors continuance of the EEE (exempt-exempt-exempt) mode for provident funds and pension schemes. Under the EEE mode, the tax exemption is enjoyed at all the three stages--investment, accumulation and withdrawal.-PTI

Air India to open engineering base in Dubai DUBAI: Air India is set to open an engineering base in Dubai to help streamline the airline's operations in the Gulf sector, its chairman and managing director Arvind Jadhav has said. Jadhav said the airline proposes to put five aircraft on standby in Dubai to solve emergency technical snags. The base is likely to be set up either in Dubai or Sharjah depending on the cost factor, he told media persons here. The national carrier, Jadhav said, will also lease out five new aircraft besides opening a 24-hour toll free call centre to disseminate information, Jadhav said, adding that there is a potential to add 200 flights in this region.-PTI

TechBiz 42 India Post

www.indiapost.com

June 25, 2010

&B ministry Secretary Raghu Menon has said that no new applica tions for TV channels will be entertained by the government until the TRAI will produce its recommendations on Foreign Direct Investment issue in the broadcasting space. However, the ministry has reinitiated the processing of license issuing for new TV channels. "Trai is working on some points we referred to them on the FDI policy. Meanwhile, we thought it is not fair to keep the applicants waiting," Menon said. In the recent past, citing the shortage of radio waves, the government was not considering the applications regarding the launch of new television channels.

Fear of recession in Europe draws NRI investment in India

ndian expatriates have started investing in their home coun try in a big way. Increasing job security in Gulf countries, coupled with fears of recession in Europe and North America, are prompting NRIs to repatriate their savings to Indian assets, the most favored being real estate, closely followed by equities and highcoupon debt. According to Capitaline database, NRI shareholding in companies like Rajesh Exports, Uttam Galva, Tanla Solutions, Graphite India and Carborundum Universal, among several other smaller companies, has gone up over the past one year. A look at BSE scrolls reveals that NRIs have been net buyers of Indian shares since February, with April being the best month when Indian expats invested over Rs 20 crore at the net level in Indian shares. In February, March and May, NRIs invested Rs 10 crore, Rs 10 crore and Rs 13 crore,

respectively; June is poised to be even better as the Diaspora has invested close to Rs 17 crore in the first ten days of the month. "NRI investments back home are showing a healthy trend. Confidence level of investors is high; they are buying shares at every fall," said Krishnan

vesting in Indian shares. Most of them prefer to trade in mid-cap stocks these days; they sell these stocks on gaining 5-10%," Mr Ramachandran added. NRIs from the Gulf region account for nearly 25% of the total inflow of remittances. Apart from investments through Indian bro-

‘NRI investments back home are showing a healthy trend. Confidence level of investors is high; they are buying shares at every fall,’ said Krishnan Ramachandran, chief executive officer, Barjeel Geojit Securities Ramachandran, chief executive officer, Barjeel Geojit Securities, a Dubai-based brokerage, servicing Indian clients. According to Mr Ramachandran, Gulf-based investors have become a bit more bolder after fears of job losses subsided. "There is a change in the way Gulf-based NRIs are in-

kers, affluent investors also invest in India indirectly through participatory notes (PNs). Such investments do not disclose the name of the investor or the benefactor. Many of those who invest through PNs are based out of Europe and the US, say brokers with operations overseas. Several Gulf-based investors

had redeemed or sold their investments during the Dubai credit crisis last year. The current flow of money to Indian shares can be seen as Gulf-based investors reversing those transactions, according to investment experts. While Gulf-based NRIs are trying to benefit from investing in home markets, the Indian expats in Europe and North America are sending back their savings to preserve it in Indian assets. "The monetary crisis in Europe and America is forcing wealthy Indians to send their savings back to their home country. This trend may continue for some time, unless there is a dramatic recovery in the West," said Saurabh Mukherjea, head of Indian equities, Execution Noble Group, a London headquartered money manager. "Rich Indians living in Europe and America are investing in Indian equities, Indian real estate and Indian fixed deposits," Mr Mukherjea added.-PTI

Mahindra's American distributor sues over delay in US launch

BP agrees to finance USD 20 billion fund WASHINGTON: BP has agreed to finance a USD 20 billion fund to pay the claims of people whose jobs and way of life have been damaged by the devastating oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, President Barack Obama has said. The USD 20 billion will provide substantial assurance that legitimate claims made by people and businesses in the Gulf will be honored, Obama said. The president, speaking alone in the State Dining Room of the White House, also announced that BP had voluntarily agreed to establish a USD 100 million fund to compensate laid-off oil right workers affected by his six-month drilling moratorium. -PTI

New applications for TV channels not accepted

"Mahindra & Mahindra has learned that GV has filed a lawsuit in the US. GV has also initiated a separate arbitration proceedings. Mahindra firmly believes these legal actions to be without merit and will vigorously contest these actions."

Pawan Goenka (left), President, Automotive and farm equipment sector, Mahindra & Mahindra at a press conference

WASHINGTON: With Indian conglomerate Mahindra & Mahindra missing two deadlines since 2009 to launch its pick-up truck in the US, the automaker's exclusive American distributor has slapped a lawsuit against the company. The company has set a revised target of entering the US market

by end of 2010. Atlanta-based distributor Global Vehicles (GV), in the lawsuit filed before an Atlanta District Court, alleged that there has been inordinate delay in the launch of the truck, based on M&M's Sports Utility Vehicle Scorpio platform. Reacting to the development, an M&M spokesperson said:

In its lawsuit filed on June 14, GV said that it spent close to USD 35 million in preparation for the launch of the Mahindra vehicles in the US and had signed with as many as 360 dealers nationwide. This also includes an initial distribution appointment fee of USD

M&M and GV entered into a pact in September 2006 and Mahindra proposed to launch the pick-up truck in 2009. However, this got delayed over regulatory clearances M&M and GV entered into a pact in September 2006 and Mahindra proposed to launch the pick-up truck in 2009. However, this got delayed over regulatory clearances and it revised the entry deadline to beginning of this fiscal year, which too was missed.

8.5 million. GV also said that the US dealers have spent more than USD 60 million in franchisee fees for the right to sell Mahindra vehicles. It has also initiated arbitration proceedings against M&M. Cont’d on page 43

June 25, 2010

TechBiz Post

India Post

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Defaults by listed companies may be disclosed

committee comprising senior government officials and financial regu lators has proposed mandatory disclosure of loan defaults by listed companies, a move aimed at protecting shareholders' interest and boosting investor's confidence. The proposal was discussed at the May 24 meeting of the High-Level Coordination Committee on Financial Markets, said a senior finance ministry official. Market regulator Securities & Exchange Board of India (Sebi) will examine the practical aspects of the proposal. "Sebi may consider making changes in the listing norms so that whenever a company defaults on any payment obligation, it would trigger a public announcement," the official said, requesting anonymity. The meeting of the coordination committee was chaired by Reserve Bank of India (RBI) governor D Subbarao. Finance secretary Ashok Chawla, department of financial services secretary R Gopalan, chief economic advisor Kaushik Basu, Sebi chairman CB Bhave, Insurance Regulatory & Development Authority (IRDA) chairman J Hari Narayan and senior officials of the Pension Fund Regulatory & Development Authority (PFRDA)

attended the meeting. At present, information on loan defaults is available only to the lenders, RBI and credit information companies such as CIBIL. As per the current practice, banks disclose a list of defaulters to RBI on a quarterly basis. A copy of this report is forwarded to Sebi and CIBIL. Globally, there were a number of corporate loan defaults in 2009, after some of the world's largest economies were hit by the worst financial crisis since 1930s. India also felt the tremors of the crisis, leading to a few high-profile default cases. Several companies in the worst-hit sectors such as retail and real estate had a tough time servicing their loans. Institutional lender IDBI recalled a loan to a private airline recently after it failed to meet its repayment obligations. Industry officials and policymakers are of the opinion that disclosure on loan defaults will promote transparency and strengthen corporate governance. "Sebi should not have any problem. There are already laws in place making it mandatory for promoters to disclose information about shares pledged," a finance ministry official said. -Agencies

Mahindra's American distributor sues over delay in US launch Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 42

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On whether the lawsuit will further delay launch of its vehicle in the US, the M&M spokesperson said: "Mahindra remains committed to launching its products in the US market." She, however, did not elaborate stating "this matter is now under litigation, Mahindra would not like to comment further at this stage on these unfortunate developments." GV has also asked the court to prevent M&M from selling its vehicles through any other dealer or distributor. Earlier, explaining the delay in the launch of the product, M&M President (Automo-

tive and Farm Equipment) Pawan Goenka had said it was because of changes made to the vehicle to conform to US regulations and meet American tastes. "We wanted to give the best product to the American consumer and thereby wanted to be absolutely sure on all parameters before its launch," he had said. He had stated that M&M expected to get certification from the US Environmental Protection Agency by July this year and would begin production in India in mid-September and the trucks would arrive in US showrooms by late December. -PTI

Firm launches anti-piracy initiative India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Databazaar Media Ventures (DMV), the media wing of Databazaar.com, that has been acquiring the latest Bengali films for distribution in North America has initiated an "unprecedented drive" to stop piracy of Bengali films in the US. "We have adopted a zero tolerance policy towards unscrupulous businessmen and individuals who have no respect for "intellectual property rights," stated Oney Seal, Chairman of the Databazaar Group of Companies. "We have initiated the process and are confident that we will be able to effectively counter "piracy of movies" and ensure that producers are not deprived of their rightful profit." Under the legal framework of this historic drive initiated by DMV, all retail outlets in North America will be issued legal notices well in advance by attorneys of DMV to desist from stocking and selling pirated versions of the films for which DMV holds the intellectual property rights. "If these retail outlets continue with this practice then legal action will be taken against the infringement parties. Legal action will also be taken against those who violate digital rights of these movies," added Seal. DMV will also be sending a similar no-

tice to the organizers of the North American Bengali Conference to be held this July, 2010, informing them of the intention to enforce "intellectual property rights" as in the past some vendors were seen selling pirated versions of Bengali movies to unsuspecting and trusting customers."

Under the legal framework of this historic drive initiated by DMV, all retail outlets in North America will be issued legal notices well in advance by attorneys of DMV to desist from stocking and selling pirated versions Welcoming this initiative undertaken by DMV, House Majority Leader, State of Maryland, Delegate Kumar Barve said, "This is the right move in the right direction. I have always believed in enforcement of "intellectual property rights" and I am glad that Databazaar Media Ventures is taking the requisite legal steps to enforce this. This will also help the economy."

Briefs

CBI had sought dilution of charge against Anderson BHOPAL: In the midst of the political storm over the Bhopal gas case verdict, the records of the trial court show that the CBI had sought dilution of the stringent charge against UCC CEO Warren Anderson on the lines of the relief given by the Supreme Court in the case against the Indian accused. In 2002, the CBI had filed an application in the court seeking that the charge under section 304 II of IPC (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) against Anderson be changed to section 304 (A) (causing death by negligence). While 304 II entails a maximum of 10 years imprisonment, 304 provides for two years jail term. -PTI

Govt to buy air tickets for stranded Indians in Kyrgyzstan NEW DELHI: India has said it has offered to buy air tickets for return of its 105 nationals lodged in Kyrgyzstan capital Bishkek after they were evacuated from violence-hit southern Kyrgz towns. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Vishnu Prakash told reporters here that the offer was made to all the Indians evacuated from Osh and Jalal-Abad, though some of them wanted to remain in Bishkek. "In accordance with established consular procedures, the Indian Mission in Bishkek has offered to buy tickets for those students who may be facing temporary financial difficulties," Prakash said, replying to reporters' queries on the ethnic violence in the Central Asian nation that has claimed over 120 lives. -PTI

Nuke liability bill to safeguard US interests: Karat NEW DELHI: Maintaining that the Bhopal verdict was of "direct relevance" to the Nuclear Liability Bill, the CPI(M) has said the legislation bore the "handiwork" of US nuclear industrial lobby as it would exempt them from any liability in case of an accident. The bill is "meant to safeguard the interests of the US companies who will supply reactors to India. In the event of a nuclear accident, they are to be exempted from any liability to pay compensation for the damages caused," party General Secretary Prakash Karat said. -PTI

India News 44

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June 25, 2010

La Marts refuse to sack principal for caning KOLKATA: The authorities of La Martiniere for Boys' School have refused to sack its principal for caning a student who allegedly committed suicide four days later last February. "There is no question of sacking the principal. He is innocent unless proved guilty," secretary of the school Supriyo Dhar said. -PTI

Anderson was assured 'safe passage' by govt: Rasgotra NEW DELHI: The Home Ministry, under P V Narasimha Rao, had assured "safe passage" to Union Carbide Chief Warren Anderson before he came to India in the aftermath of the deadly 1984 Bhopal gas leakage, the then Foreign Secretary M K Rasgotra said here. He said the then Prime Minister late Rajiv Gandhi was subsequently told about granting Anderson a safe passage, to which he did not object and had concurred. "Rajiv Gandhi was not in Delhi and I felt that really the Home Ministry was concerned and they will do the needful, which they did," Rasgotra said when asked why he did not consult the late Prime Minister, who was holding the Foreign Ministry portfolio too. "Obviously, he (Rajiv) concurred with that decision but that was after the event," he said. Anderson had requested a "safe passage" through the US Embassy, Rasgotra told Karan Thapar in an interview for CNNIBN channel. "He (Gordon Streeb, the then deputy chief of the US mission here) said Anderson wanted to come here. There was a tragic situation and he wanted to see things himself, wanted to offer his condolences but he would come only if granted safe passage," Rasgotra said. "I said, I cannot assure of safe

Activists from the Communist Party of India-Marxist-Leninist Liberation (CPI-ML) shout anti-Congress-led UPA government and anti-Bhopal Gas tragedy verdict slogans as they demand the extradition of Union Carbide CEO Warren Anderson and prepare to burn his effigy during a demonstration in New Delhi

passage. I would have to consult concerned authorities and I will get back to you...I got in touch with the Home Ministry

Rasgotra also maintained that he got the instructions the "same day". Terming the request for safe

Terming the request for safe passage by Anderson as 'understandable', Rasgotra also described his arrest as 'wrong.' 'It was quite understandable request. This man wanted to come, express his condolences and sorrow' and I got in touch with the Cabinet Secretary. I told them what Streeb had asked for and I waited for the instructions," the former diplomat said.

passage by Anderson as "understandable", Rasgotra also described his arrest as "wrong." "It was quite understandable request. This man wanted to come,

express his condolences and sorrow. I thought it was quite understandable and if he wanted to come, we should let him come...He was given safe passage and the arrest was wrong. And the authorities, I think, realized that was a bad thing to do and they released him," he said. Asked if then chief minister of Madhya Pradesh Arjun Singh was unaware of the safe passage which resulted in Anderson's brief arrest in Bhopal, Rasgotra said "Did Arjun Singh really arrest him or the administrative authorities or police arrested. I cannot say.-PTI

Blood donation drive in Navsari NIDHI SOPARAWALA

MUMBAI: Gandhi World Peace Mission and Syed Dargahwala Foundation joined hands to organize a blood donation drive recently at Navsari with twin objectives of collecting blood for Blood Bank in the area as also to promote unity and brotherhood among different communities. The successful event helped collect 35 bottles of blood. Sahid

The successful event helped collect 35 bottles of blood. Sahid Syed of the Foundation said that but for the marriage season being in full swing, there could have been a larger number of donors coming forward to donate blood Syed of the Foundation said that but for the marriage season being in full swing, there could have been a larger number of donors coming forward to donate blood.

"However, we are satisfied with our efforts in the sense that we have focused on the need of blood donation and helped promote brotherhood among all communi-

ties here," he said Vishnu Mehta of Gandhi Peace Mission and Sahid Syed of the Foundation then distributed certificates to all those donating blood. Deepak Rawal of National Blind foundation was the first to donate blood. Community activists like Raju Joshi, Rupi Thakore, Chiman Tibedia and Pradeep Vinayak were among those giving time and energy organizing this drive, said Vishnubhai.

In Brief Calif island in storm of immigration debate AVALON, Calif.: An island off the Los Angeles coast reluctantly finds itself in the middle of an international tussle over illegal immigration. And some leaders are blaming their own congressman for putting them there. Rep. Dana Rohrabacher earlier this month confronted a Mexican official who was distributing identity cards that nationals use in the U.S. to cash checks. The GOP congressman said the IDs only help illegal immigrants get a foothold in the US. Many island residents saw his visit as grandstanding, portraying their community as a haven for illegal immigrants and unnecessarily drawing them into a raging immigration debate that could harm their tourist-dependent economy. They say they've received emails with people threatening to take their business elsewhere. -AP

Arizona seeks dismissal of lawsuit over new law PHOENIX: Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer and Attorney General Terry Goddard have asked a judge to dismiss a lawsuit that seeks to overturn the state's new immigration law. Lawyers for both officials say the lawsuit by Washington-based researcher Roberto Frisancho should be thrown out because his claim is based on his speculation that, as a U.S.-born Hispanic, he will be asked for immigration papers as a result of the law. The law requires police, while enforcing other laws, to question a person's immigration status if officers have a reasonable suspicion that the person is in the country illegally. -AP

Ohio immigrant denies torture claim from Somalia COLUMBUS, Ohio: A former Somalia military colonel who lives in Ohio is rejecting the claims of a lawyer who says the colonel ordered his detention and torture in Somalia in 1988. Abdi Aden Magan of Columbus says he's immune from prosecution in the United States and his accuser waited too long to sue him. Magan also said in a federal court filing that the complaint should have been brought in the country of Somaliland or Kenya, which could hear cases arising from Somalia. Magan says he faced his own ordeal in Somalia and had to flee in 1991 after falling out of favor with the government. -AP

Immigration 45

India Post

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June 25, 2010

IT staffing firm sues Feds for changing H1B policy India Post News Service

NEW YORK: TechServe Alliance, the national trade association representing the IT services industry, filed a lawsuit on June 8 in US District Court in and for the District of Columbia against federal agencies for altering policy that allowed IT staffing firms to obtain H-1B visas on the same basis as other companies. The suit has been filed against the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Alejandro Mayorkas, Director of USCIS, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and Janet Napolitano, Secretary of Homeland Security. The five count complaint charges that the government improperly and without any valid legal basis altered long-standing policy that has allowed IT staffing firms to obtain H-1B visas on the same basis as other companies. In an abrupt reversal of its policy without any notice or opportunity for comment and con-

trary to well settled law, the government now erroneously contends IT staffing firms are not "US employers" and are therefore ineligible to serve as petitioners for H1B visas, and since implementing this new policy, the agency has been improperly denying petitions of IT staffing firms on that basis, the company said in a press release.

TechServe Alliance. In a Memorandum dated January 8, by Donald Neufeld, Associate Director of Service Center Operations at USCIS ("Neufeld Memo"), USCIS reversed well settled policy, determining that IT staffing firms are not "US employers" under US immigration law and are therefore ineligible to access

The suit has been filed against the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Alejandro Mayorkas, Director of USCIS, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and Janet Napolitano, Secretary of Homeland Security Along with the complaint, TechServe Alliance filed a motion seeking entry of a preliminary injunction barring the agency from continuing to enforce this policy as it was adopted in violation of law. "USCIS's actions are a thinly veiled attack on the IT staffing industry and its business model," observed Mark Roberts, CEO of

the H-1B visa program. TechServe says USCIS arrived at this erroneous determination by arguing that IT staffing firms fail to exercise control over their consultants; summarily concluding there is no employer-employee relationship - an element of the definition of US employer. In doing so, USCIS ignores the fact that IT staffing firms hire, fire, pay and super-

vise; activities which the applicable regulation as well as other areas of law have long recognized as establishing an employer-employee relationship, it says. In Count I of the Complaint, TechServe Alliance contends the Neufeld Memo amends an existing legislative rule allowing the Secretary of Homeland Security to issue the rule only after a noticeand-comment rulemaking process has been properly conducted in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). The APA requires federal agencies to provide notice and an opportunity for interested parties to comment and have those comments considered prior to issuing final rules and regulations. Because USCIS failed to conduct such a process in accordance with the APA, TechServe Alliance seeks entry of a preliminary injunction barring the agency from enforcing its rule and vacating the Neufeld Memo. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 46

Feds proposing new round of immigration fee hikes WASHINGTON: The cost of the first step toward becoming a U.S. citizen _ getting a green card - may be going up. But the Obama administration won't be raising the price to apply for full-fledged citizenship. The administration has proposed increasing the application fee for a green card - given to foreigners with permission to live and work in the U.S. permanently -from $930 to $985. The fee for required fingerprinting also would go up $5 to $85, for a total of $1,070. Foreigners wanting to become a U.S. citizen must have held a green card for five years before they are eligible to apply for citizenship, which costs $595 plus the fingerprinting fee. The administration is not proposing an increase in the citizenship application fee even though an administration study found the fee should be increased as much as $60 an application -to cover the full cost of processing those ap-

plications. ``Requesting and obtaining U.S. citizenship deserves special consideration,'' said Ali Mayorkas, director of Citizenship and Immigration Services, part of the Homeland Security Department. The increases are being proposed as Congress has put off over-

of the revenue gap. Mayorkas also is asking for $248 million from Congress for the 2011 fiscal year that begins in October and additional money to cover naturalizations of military personnel. The agency is largely funded by fee revenue and is required by law to study the fees every two years and adjust them

Foreigners wanting to become a US citizen must have held a green card for five years before they are eligible to apply for citizenship, which costs $595 plus the fingerprinting fee hauling immigration laws that President Barack Obama promised would be done in his first year in office. Mayorkas said the increases are needed because his agency is facing $2.3 billion in estimated costs to process immigration-related applications. The agency expects just $2.1 billion in revenue this fiscal year to cover those costs. The fee increases, if approved, are only expected to make up some

based on costs and revenue. Mayorkas said the administration has been ``mindful of the effect of a fee increase on the communities we serve'' and has made budget cuts to limit the size of the increases. The agency hiked fees in the summer of 2007, helping to trigger a flood of citizenship applications that were filed in advance of the increases. But since then, applications for citizenship

and other immigration benefits have slowed. The agency proposed to charge fees for three other programs that previously had no charge, including a new $6,230 fee for investor visas, known as EB5. The visas are given to foreign investors who pledge at least $500,000 to a project that creates jobs. The visa is popular with Vermont Democratic Senator Patrick Leahy, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee that oversees immigration issues. Fees would drop for five applications, including petitions to legally bring a fiance or fiancee or an orphan to the U.S. Obama had promised during his campaign to work on the citizenship system to make it cheaper and faster. As a senator, he sponsored legislation with Illinois Democratic Rep. Luis Gutierrez calling for more oversight of immigration application fees. The bill stalled. -AP

Immigration Post

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June 25, 2010

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Deadline nears for Haitians' deportation reprieve

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MIAMI: With their homeland ravaged by an earthquake, more than 50,000 Haitians have applied to legally stay and work in the U.S. and immigration advocates are urging others not to miss their chance. The deadline to apply for temporary protected status is July 20. Only Haitians who were already living in the U.S. illegally when the earthquake struck Jan. 12 are eligible. Temporary protected status, or TPS, allows immigrants from countries experiencing armed conflict or environmental disasters to stay and work in the U.S. for 18 months. As of June 4, 51,881 applications have been processed, more than half of them in Florida, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. About 11 percent have been rejected for being incomplete or lacking the proper fee. Federal officials initially said they expected about 100,000 to 200,000 Haitians to apply for temporary protected status. The government now says that's actually the number of applications they can handle. They expect about 70,000 applications by mid-July. Immigration advocates say some Haitians who are eligible

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The Haitian community center Sant La in Miami offers small loans to some applicants. Others have been trying to save up the money before the deadline this is something that will help you deal with the situation.'' The Haitian community center Sant La in Miami offers small loans to some applicants. Others have been trying to save up the money before the deadline, instead of asking immigration officials for a fee waiver. Executive Director Gepsie Metellus said some Haitians regard the offer of temporary protected status warily, believing the documentation just makes it easier

to deport them later. They don't see it leading to better paying jobs that can support their families in the U.S. and in Haiti. ``All we can do is debunk the myths that are out there,'' Metellus said. ``We encourage people to apply and point out that the government knows where you are now, and they've got bigger fish to fry.'' Manouse Jean of Miami said temporary protected status will be a relief from years of frequent relocations to elude immigration authorities after her appeal for asylum was denied. She fled Haiti's political instability in 1999. ``I used to be afraid to work, to go walking in the streets. To catch the bus, my heart would be beating so fast,'' the 33-year-old said after dropping off documents for her TPS application at the Archdiocese of Miami's Catholic Legal Services. She joined hundreds of people who packed a Haitian neighborhood church in January for information about temporary protected status. She hopes TPS also will allow her to pursue training for licensed practical nurses so she can find work caring for earthquake survivors if she eventually is deported to Haiti. -AP

IT staffing firm sues Feds for changing H1B policy Cont’d from page 45

Call: NEERAJ

won't apply because they don't have $470 for application fees, or because they fear stepping forward will only lead to trouble and deportation to Haiti. ``We understand this community is going through incredible hardship,'' CIS spokeswoman Ana Santiago said. ``We're urging people to please register, because

Count II sets forth a claim under the Regulatory Flexibility Act in light of the government's failure to conduct the required analysis of the rule's impact on small entities, Count III sets forth a claim that the regulations exceeds USCIS's statutory and regulatory authority, and Counts IV & V assert the Neufeld Memo is arbitrary and capricious and not authorized by law. "IT staffing is a lawful business model that greatly benefits the US economy, US businesses and US workers. The government should not be allowed to attack the industry by circumventing the

rulemaking process and reversing longstanding policy by decree," stated Roberts. "Because of their vast power to destroy lives and businesses, government institutions should be required to rigorously comply with applicable law and process. USCIS, DHS and its leadership failed to meet the most minimal standards of compliance with the law. Despite wide spread objection and outrage over the policy enunciated in the Neufeld Memo on both substantive and procedural grounds, USCIS and DHS have failed to rescind this policy. Accordingly, we were left with no choice but to defend the industry against these unfair, ill-conceived, and un-

authorized actions and seek equitable relief from the Courts." Alongside TechServe Alliance, the American Staffing Association and IT staffing firms Broadgate, Inc. Logic Planet, Inc. and DVR Softek Inc. are also plaintiffs in the action. TechServe Alliance is a collaboration of IT services firms, clients, consultants and suppliers dedicated to advancing excellence and ethics within the IT services industry. Hundreds of IT staffing, IT solutions and IT consulting firms and tens of thousands of affiliated professionals, count on TechServe Alliance to keep their leadership informed, engaged and connected, claims the company.

Immigration Post

June 25, 2010

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Texas GOP ousts chair, wants Ariz. immigration law DALLAS: Fired-up Republican activists in no mood for compromises threw out their party chairwoman then bucked Texas Gov. Rick Perry by pushing for a crackdown on illegal immigration similar to Arizona's new law. Some delegates at the Republican state convention also called for a nonbinding resolution calling on House Republicans to oust their own speaker, Rep. Joe Straus of San Antonio, considered too moderate for many of the bedrock conservatives meeting in Dallas. Convention organizers ruled the Straus resolution out of order. While the convention began with scripted unity and Democrat-bashing speeches, its final hours were marked by division and heated debates over GOP policy priorities. In a sometimes chaotic and raucous roll-call vote, delegates overwhelmingly decided to ditch their firebrand leader, conservative activist Cathie Adams, in favor of Houston businessman Steve Munisteri. Munisteri had focused his campaign on the party's $500,000 debt, saying Republicans should be in better financial shape since they control both houses of the Legislature and all statewide offices. The immigration proposal, a hard-line approach that Perry has said isn't right for Texas, was one of several initiatives debated as delegates wrapped up the two-day convention. The Republican Party platform is a blueprint of the policies that GOP activists want elected offi-

cials to pursue. Delegates voted to include a plank advocating for a state law that would bar illegal immigrants from ``intentionally or knowingly'' living in Texas. Similar to Arizona's strict law that has sparked nationwide debate, the proposal would require local police to verify U.S. residency when making arrests.

The main guest speaker, Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, told delegates that the stakes in the 2010 elections were ‘higher than any midterm election in my lifetime.’ Barbour urged activists to focus their ire not on each other but on the Democrats who had engineered the ‘biggest lurch to the left in American history’ Perry has said the Arizona law, if adopted in Texas, would unduly burden police. Another potentially controversial plank advocates an ``open carry'' law, which would allow residents to openly carry firearms in public without a concealed weapons permit. The convention brought more than 8,000 delegates to Dallas to debate the party platform, select party leaders, train volunteers and adopt rules to guide the

nomination process. Held every other year, it's mostly designed as a giant pep rally to fire up Republicans ahead of the November elections. The choreographed convention began with prayers, video tributes and speeches by top Republican leaders, including Perry. The main guest speaker, Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, told delegates that the stakes in the 2010 elections were ``higher than any midterm election in my lifetime.'' Barbour urged activists to focus their ire not on each other but on the Democrats who had engineered the ``biggest lurch to the left in American history.'' Barbour warned the delegates not to engage in divisive internal battles or demand a ``purity'' test of Republican leaders who may not agree with them on every single issue. ``We cannot forget unity because some people will let purity be the enemy of unity,'' Barbour said. ``It's a big party and we need everybody who is on our side.'' That didn't stop conservatives from criticizing their moderate speaker. A resolution circulating on the floor of the Dallas Convention Center called for Republicans to ``remove and replace'' Straus, who came to power in 2009 with the help of House Democrats. Straus spokeswoman Tracy Young said the speaker remained focused on increasing the House Republican majority. He had no comment on the resolution, she said. -AP

India Post

Horoscope

India Post

June 25, 2010

www.indiapost.com

ARIES Mar 21-Apr 20 You will finally hear the much awaited news about your child. Guests will bring some nice gifts. Business will improve and things will get more relaxing at work. You will be calling overseas more frequently. You may be calling a government agency to seek some favors. You may also go on a short trip to a nice place with family.

LEO Jul 23-Aug 22 You may win ongoing legal case in a big way. Business will be better and new vendors will be easier to deal with. Avoid any suspicion and take your chance when it comes to matter of heart. You will take a trip to a real nice and warm area. Child will get admission far away from home but in the university of his or her choice.

SAGITTARIUS

June 25 to July 1

Nov 23-Dec 22 You will hear from other side and make a counter offer. You may replace one of your vehicle with a newer and luxury model. Affairs related to a child will come to a pleasant end and everybody will be happy. You will be working on a great project that requires specialized skills and can take you to totally different level.

TAURUS Apr 21-May 20 Avoid making an rash decisions and seek explanation as facts could be just opposite to what you are thinking. Trip will be somewhat tiring of all. Bachelors will be introduced to a nice person by another friend. Little diplomacy can make life easier and get the job done quickly. It will be better to dispose off money making stocks.

VIRGO Aug 23-Sept 22 Dream job or assignment is within your reach and you can start planning accordingly. Package will be better than expectations. You will be introduced to a person who is not only intelligent but far sighted. Some of you will be getting ready for an overseas trip also. You will receive help and encouraging words from your sibling.

CAPRICORN Dec 23-Jan 19 Determination to do something will take you closer to your goals. Planets will continue to help those looking for a change or first time job seekers. You will hear some encouraging news from distant places. You may misplace some important item but quickly find it. You will be invited to a big party by an old acquaintance.

GEMINI May 21-Jun 20 Planets make you more popular in social as well as professional circle. Money wise you will be comfortable as liability will come down a lot. Some of you may accept a short term assignment as a teacher or consultant. You may be getting ready for an upcoming big move. Prompt actions by you will get quick response from other side too.

LIBRA Sept 23-Oct 22 You will receive call from an old and almost forgotten friend this week. Be careful as someone will try to drag your name in unnecessary litigation. You will be spending lots of money on a child. You may attend a religious ceremony at friends place with family. You will enjoy the company of a new colleague at work place.

AQUARIUS Jan 20-Feb 18 You will do all the work and some one else will try to take credit, so watch out. You will try to control your sugar intake. Keep working on your ideas as ultimate success just around the corner. You will have less worries about a child from now and on. It will be better to stay away from people who are not completely trustworthy.

CANCER Jun 21-Jul 22 You will attend a religious ceremony. It will be an expensive week but money will go on good things. You are really going to enjoy this week with family and friends. Professionally expect big improvement and you will step by step march towards your goals. Eye sight may give trouble and you may need new prescription for glasses.

SCORPIO Oct 23-Nov 22 Gambling and speculation will be profitable. Some of you will take exceptional steps to get out of rat race and will see immediate success. You may be able to finally dispose off a property with mediocre gains. Your expertise will help many needy persons. Family will be excited and getting ready for an upcoming long distance trip.

PISCES Feb 19-Mar 20 Your advice will change some one's life. Lady luck is on your side so try your hands at lottery. You will beat the competition and will be selected for the job. Money wise things should start looking up from now and on. A close relative will call from out of state and inform you the date of their arrival for a short vacation.

UK inquiry into misuse of India education aid LONDON: Britain has launched an inquiry into reports that millions of pounds of aid for education and the 'Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan' in India has disappeared into the depths of corruption without any benefit to the poor children the aid was intended for. Shocked by reports based on findings by the Ministry of Human Resources Development, Andrew Mitchell, Secretary of State for International Development, said: "These are shocking allegations. "I have launched an immediate inquiry to ensure British aid money has not been misused. The new British Government will have a zero tolerance policy to corruption". Reports in the British media about the corruption mentioned a figure of 340 million pounds in aid to a schools project for children under the age of 14. One audit of money earmarked for the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan project found that 70 million

pounds had reportedly vanished. Mitchell said: "When I took up this job a month ago I made a pledge to taxpayers that they must know that for every pound of their money, we will get 100 pence of value". "Now I'm reviewing every single one of the Department for International Development's country programs to ensure we are giving aid to where it's most needed - to help the world's poorest people". 'The News of the World' quoted a report by India's Auditor General that almost 14 million pounds had been spent on items and luxuries that had nothing to do with schools. The newspaper's investigation said: "Cash meant for kids' education has been blown on luxuries."We discovered that officials throughout the country had used it to buy new cars and in one instance aid cash was spent on four luxury beds costing a total of 17,754 pounds as well as a 3,803 pounds computer". -PTI

Realty Tidbits

Tata's luxury housing project in Kolkata

Real Estate

ata Housing Development Company has announced the launch of Eden Court-Primo', a luxury housing project at New Town, Rajarhat in Kolkata. The project consists of two high rise towers with sky garden offering premium apartments (with three and four bedrooms), starting at Rs 3,950 per sq ft with a minimum size of 1,719 sq ft. "We have received an overwhelming response to the Eden Court project from our consumers," said Brotin Banerjee, managing director and chief executive officer of Tata Housing. The company claims that Eden Court-Primo will offer maximum views and ventilation and has a swimming pool, clubhouse, open community space, children's playground, table tennis room, jogging track, and landscaped gardens.

RBI revises norms for housing loans

eserve Bank of India has revised the norms for urban cooperative banks for giving loans to the housing and real estate (RE) segment. Working capital loans to small contractors against hypothecation of construction material are exempted from the existing norms that allows UCBs to use 15 per cent of the total deposits for giving loans for housing and commercial real estate, RBI said. In a communication to chief executive officers of UCBs, RBI said it has fine-tuned the rule for aggregate limit for housing finance. Now, urban banks can use up to 15 per cent of deposits to provide housing, real estate and CRE loans.

Godrej may transfer land to another Co NEW DELHI: Business conglomerate Godrej may transfer some of the landholdings held by its subsidiary Godrej Agrovet to another group firm for developing real estate projects. "Yes, there is a possibility of more land from Godrej Agrovet being available for development," Godrej Group Chairman Adi Godrej said on a conference call with analysts. Godrej Agrovet (GAVL) is a diversified agribusiness company with interests in animal feed, oil palm plantations, agrochemicals and poultry.

49 India Post

www.indiapost.com

Regaliaa Realty plans new projects

hennai-based Regaliaa Realty Ltd is planning to invest around Rs 65 crore in various hospitality and residential projects. The company, which is currently promoting mid and high-end residential projects, would also look at foraying into low-end housing projects. The company has set up 11 services apartments under the brand Homcourt at Nugambakkam and is planning to add five more in the same location.

June 25, 2010

RBI asks companies to restructure deals with foreign investors

bout a dozen companies, mostly in the real estate sector, have been told by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to restructure the deals they have cut with foreign investors. These local firms have recently brought in foreign direct investment (FDI) by selling convertible papers - notes that will convert into shares after a date - to offshore funds and strategic players. A customary practice among foreign private equity funds and overseas investors is to link the number of shares on conversion to the performance of companies in which they invest. A company which does well has to convert less shares than one which misses performance milestones. In other words, promoters of firms that have performed badly will suffer a significant dilution in their holdings. This sliding rule mechanism has

now been questioned, thanks to changes in the FDI guidelines and the new method for calculation of floor price at which local companies and existing shareholders can sell their stocks to foreign investors. "In the last three weeks, RBI has written to several companies, asking them to spell out the exact

nior industry source familiar with the development told ET. The central bank's letters are in response to the standard forms submitted by companies a month after issuing securities to non-resident investors. Companies receiving foreign investment have to spell out transaction details like

‘In the last three weeks, RBI has written to several companies, asking them to spell out the exact number of shares against convertibles they have issued. These firms are in a spot because the money from foreign investors has already come in’ number of shares against convertibles they have issued. These firms are in a spot because the money from foreign investors has already come in. Now, they will try to convince the central bank, failing which they will have to rework the transaction structure," a se-

identity of investors, size of the investment, and conversion terms in these forms, known as FC-GPR filings. "Since these investments are in sectors in which FDI is allowed through the automatic route, it's like a post facto intimation to RBI. "

"I feel RBI may not question those investments in which the FCGPR forms have already been processed. But in many companies, investments have happened a little before or around May, when the new FDI norms and pricing were announced," said the investment banker. "Perhaps, they should have been more careful," he added. Interestingly, some of the local firms are taking refuge in the new guidelines to avert a significant dilution in the promoter holdings. "These companies, mostly property firms, have not delivered and according to the terms, they have to accept a high conversion ratio in favor of the foreign investors. But they are trying to wriggle out of their commitment by simply citing the new pricing rule," said a legal advisor to one of the foreign investors.

Bengaluru new real estate hotspot

angalore or Bengaluru has gained popularity as an ideal place to settle, during one's working years and postretirement, not just due to it's consistent and pleasant climate, but also because it has over the years', thrown up immense opportunities for world-class education, work, etc. Today there are a significant number of non-Bangaloreans who have made this city their own. From a humble city with greenery

real estate market, residential and commercial. Bangalore is the fastest growing major metropolis in India. This "Silicon Valley of India" is prime destination for multiple IT companies which contribute over 33% of India's IT exports. The city is home for HNWIs and is home to over 10,000 dollar millionaires and about 60,000 superrich people who have an investible surplus of Rs. 4.5 crore and Rs. 50 lakh respectively.

Today there are a significant number of nonBangaloreans who have made this city their own. From a humble city with greenery and tranquility, to a city buzzing with business, dreams and hope, Bangalore has come a long way and tranquility, to a city buzzing with business, dreams and hope, Bangalore has come a long way. It has been able to carve a niche for itself as the most preferred one with ITES/BPO and other tech companies. They find the right talent and co-operative authorities, infrastructure may, however, not be the best in class. These factors have proved to be a great boost to the

So much going for the city, it comes as a little surprise that it commands a significant premium value on rentals and capital for both residential and commercial properties. The supply is growing in line with the revived commercial real estate demand. Latest report from Cushman & Wakefield suggests that the total projected supply for the year is 12.42 million sq ft of office space, more than

double the supply delivered in 2009. Demand recorded at approximately 2.54 million sq ft, comprising pre-commitments of 546,000 sq ft during Q1 2010, which is in fact a high from over two years. Residential market has seen some significant action with many developers like Sobha, Prestige and Sunil Mantri rolling out new projects in micro markets. Some of the key areas in Bangalore, where the residential demand has picked up, are Jayanagar, Whitefield and Sarjapur Road, Doddakanenahalli. There has been a paradigm

shift since the 2008 meltdown when the real estate market saw a tough phase, this in fact proved to be a wave which rationalized prices significantly. A survey conducted by MT commissioned Indian Market Research Bureau (IMRB) among five cities, amongst individuals aged between 25 to 39 years, stated that Bangalore and Mumbai emerged as the most preferred places to live. Some of the parameters that they evaluated are as suggested in the below table. Clearly, it provides the best quality of life and of course the most courteous people!

Datebook

India Post

June 25, 2010

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NEW YORK

Upcoming

ILLINOIS

NEW JERSEY

WASHINGTON DC

Upcoming

Fri June 25

Sat June 26

Every Sunday

Sat June 26

• Sathvaro Shri Radhe Shyamno

• Shreya Ghoshals concert

• Baltimore Rathyatra, Festival of India

Venue: Ganesh Temple Auditorium, 143-09 Holly Ave, Flushing, New York Time: 8:00pm Contact: 718-639-9200

Venue: Palace Theatre, Coulmbus, Ohio Time: 6:30pm to 10:30pm Contact: 614-596-6842

• Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan host Satsang, Bhajan & Meditation Program

Sat June 26 • Bollywood Wedding 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

Fri July 2 • Ariz Presents Atif Aslam Live In Ny Venue: Colden Center, Queens, NY, 65-30 Kissena Boulevard, Queens, New York Time: 8:30pm to 11:30pm Contact: 646-452-3424

Wed June 30 • Amma's North American Tour Summer 2010 - Chicago Venue: Westin Lombard Yorktown Center, 70 Yorktown Center, Lombard, Illinois Contact: 630-468-2320

Sat July 10 • The 2010 South Asian Spelling Bee in Chicago Venue: Harper College, 1200 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine, Illinois Contact: 848-248-4199

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.

Fri June 25 • Bollywood Night with Special Guest Shweta Tiwari Venue: Zin Banquet, 1150 Paterson Plank Rd, Secaucus, New Jersey Time: 10pm to 2am Contact: 551-998-1507

Sat June 26 • Ghulam Ali Live in Concert - New Jersey

Sat Jul 3

Sat July 10

• Ghulam Ali Live in Concert - New York

• Dealmaas 2010 USTAD AMJAD ALI KHAN

Venue: Hindu Auditorium, 143-09 Holly Ave, Flushing, NY Time: 8:00pm Contact: Balwinder Bajwa, Phone: 516-852-2222

Venue: North Shore Center For Performing Art, Skokie, Ill Time: 7:30pm to 9pm Contact: 414-336-5982

Venue: Holiday Inn, 3050 Woodbridge Ave, Edison, New Jersey Time: 8pm Contact: 732-277-6687

Thur July 1

Sun July 11

Sat June 26

• The Infamous NYC Lock & Key Party

• Yoga-Meditation Sessions & Spiritual Talks By Swami Mukundananda

• Chamunda Swamiji Presents Tathaastu - Spiritual Conference

Venue: Holiday Inn, 3405 Algonquin, Rolling Meadows, Ill Time: 10:30am to 9pm Contact: (630)-915-1281

Venue: Holiday Inn, 3050 Woodbridge Ave, Edison, NJ Time: 11:30am to 4:30pm Contact: 732-653-5353

Sun July 4

Fri July 23

Sum July 4

• Amma's North American Tour Summer 2010 - New York

• Single Gujarati Find your Perfect Match at Matri 2010

• Manav Prem

Venue: TBD, TBD, New York Time: 10am to 7:30pm Contact: 212-714-5445

Venue: Ramada Inn, 999 Rt. I S, North Brunswick Time: 8pm Contact: 2010@matri.org

Venue: Kush, 191 Chrystie Street (Between Stanton & Rivington Street, New York Time: 6:45pm to 4pm Contact: 4420-7112-2280

Venue: Baltimore Inner Harbor, Pratt Street and Light Street, Baltimore, Maryland, WDC Time: 12pm to 7pm Contact: 443-762-2524

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 Venue: National Mall, 4th Street & Madison Ave, Washington, DC Time: 10am to 9pm Contact: 301-299-2100

Fri July 9 • Amma's North American Tour Summer 2010 - Washington DC

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

Sun Jun 26

Every Sat (start from Sat Aug 8)

• Arangetram by Neha Shekhar

• Gurukul Classes for Children

Venue: Mexican Heritage Plaza, 1700 Alum Rock Ave, San José, California, 95116 Time: 6:00pm Contact: sugandaiyer@comcast.net

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 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

Sun July 4 • Transformation through Meditation Venue: San Ramon Marriott, 2600 Bishop Drive, San Ramon, California Time: 2:30pm to 4pm Contact: 888-248-3962

Thurs July 8 • Art of Living Course Venue: Sierra 2 Center, 2791 24th Street, Sacramento, California Time: 7pm to 5pm Contact: 916-529-7800

Sat Jun 26 • Singh Entertainment Presents Jai Ho - AR Rahman The Journey World Tour 2010 Venue: Oracle Arena, 7000 Colisium Way, Oakland, California Time: 7:30pm Contact: Paul Singh, Phone: 209-604-2543

Fri July 2 • NAVIKA 2010 World Kannada Summit Venue: Pasadena Convention Center (Los Angeles), 300 E Green Street, Pasadena, California Time: 2pm to 11:35pm Contact: 949-415-2125

Sat July 10

Sun July 11

• Mehta Entertainment presents Aatif Aslam Live In Concert

• AATIF ASLAM Live in Concert "IMPACT"

Venue: Oracle Arena, 7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland, California Time: 8pm Contact: 925-980-9297

Venue: Long Beach Terrace Theatre, 300 East Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, California Time: 6pm Contact: 562-436-3661

Sun July 11 • Solo Recital by Divya Vetturi Venue: Jewish Community Center, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto, California Time: 4pm to 6pm Contact: sugandaiyer@comcast.net

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

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Philosophy

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June 25, 2010

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There is a Secret One inside us KABIR

I have been thinking ... I have been thinking of the difference between water and the waves on it. Rising, water's still water, falling back, it is water, will you give me a hint how to tell them apart? Because someone has made up the word "wave," do I have to distinguish it from water? There is a Secret One inside us; the planets in all the galaxies pass through his hands like beads. That is a string of beads one should look at with luminous eyes.

Man is condemned to be free JEAN PAUL SARTRE

hen we speak of for lornness, a term Heidegger was fond of, we mean only that God does not exist and that we have to face all the consequences of this. The existentialist is strongly opposed to a certain kind of secular ethics which would like to abolish God with the least possible expense. About 1880, some French teachers tried to set up a secular ethics which went something like this: God is a useless and costly hypothesis; we are discarding it; but, meanwhile, in order for there to be an ethics, a society, a civilization, it is essential that certain values be taken seriously and they be considered as having an a priori existence. It must be obligatory, a priori, to be honest, not to lie, not to

Are you looking for me? Are you looking for me? I am in the next seat. My shoulder is against yours. you will not find me in the stupas, not in Indian shrine rooms, nor in synagogues, nor in cathedrals: not in masses, nor kirtans, not in legs winding around your own neck, nor in eating nothing but vegetables. When you really look for me, you will see me instantly -you will find me in the tiniest house of time. Kabir says: Student, tell me, what is God? He is the breath inside the breath.

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;If God didn't exist, everything would be possible.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; That is the

The Bhakti path... The bhakti path winds in a delicate way. On this path there is no asking and no not asking. The ego simply disappears the moment you touch him. The joy of looking for him is so immense that you just dive in, and coast around like a fish in the water. If anyone needs a head, the lover leaps up to offer his. The 570th birth anniversary of Kabir will be celebrated on June 26

The mullah says that Ahmad went to the heavens Sarmad says that the heavens were inside Ahmad! -Sarmad A donkey with a load of holy books is still a donkey. -Traditional Sufism Whatever you have in your mind - forget it; Whatever you have in your hand - give it; Whatever is to be your fate - face it! -Abu Sa'id

very starting point of existentialism

There's a moon in my body There's a moon in my body, but I can't see it! A moon and a sun. A drum never touched by hands, beating, and I can't hear it! As long as a human being worries about when he will die, and what he has that is his, all of his works are zero. When affection for the I-creature and what it owns is dead, then the work of the Teacher is over. The purpose of labor is to learn; when you know it, the labor is over. The apple blossom exists to create fruit; when that comes, the petal falls. The musk is inside the deer, but the deer does not look for it: it wanders around looking for grass.

Good exists, that we must be honest, that we must not lie; because the fact is we are on a plane where there are only men. Dostoievsky [sic] said, "If God didn't exist, everything would be possible." That is the very starting point of existentialism. Indeed, everything is permissible if God does not exist, and as a result man is forlorn, because neither within him nor without does he find anything to cling to. He can't start making excuses for himself. If existence really does precede essence, there is no explaining things away by reference to a fixed and given human nature. In other words, there is no determinism, man is free, man is freedom. On the other hand, if God does not exist, we find no values or commands to turn to which legitimize our conduct. So, in the bright realm of values, we have no excuse behind

Jean Paul Sartre

beat your wife, to have children, etc., etc. So we're going to try a little device which will make it possible to show that values exist all the same, inscribed in a heaven of ideas, though otherwise God does not exist. In other words--and this, I believe, is the tendency of everything call reformism in France-nothing will be changed if God does not exist. We shall find ourselves with the same norms of honesty, progress, and humanism, and we shall have made a God an outdated hypothesis which will peacefully die off by itself. The existentialist, on the contrary, thinks it very distressing that God does not exist, because all possibility of finding values in a heaven of ideas disappears along with Him; there can no longer be an a priori Good, since there is no infinite and perfect consciousness to think it. Nowhere is it written that the

us, nor justification before us. We are alone, with no excuses. That is the idea I shall try to convey when I say that man is condemned to be free. Condemned, because he did not create himself, yet, in other respects is free; because, once thrown into the world, he is responsible for everything he does. The existentialist does not believe in the power of passion. He will never agree that a sweeping passion is a ravaging torrent which fatally leads a man to certain acts and is therefore an excuse. He thinks that man is responsible for his passion. The existentialist does not think that man is going to help himself by finding in the world some omen by which to orient himself. Because he thinks that man will interpret the omen to suit himself. Therefore, he thinks that man, with no support and no aid, is condemned every moment to invent man. Excerpted from the essay Existentialism is a Humanism The 105th birth anniversary of Jean Paul Sartre was observed on June 21

IF words come out of the heart, they will enter the heart, but if they come from the tongue, they will not pass beyond the ears. -Al-Suhrawardi Enlightenment must come little by little-otherwise it would overwhelm. -Idries Shah For every sin but the killing of Time there is forgiveness. -Essential Sufism If someone remarks: "What an excellent man you are!" and this pleases you more than his saying, "What a bad man you are!" know that you are still a bad man. -Sufyan

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Nuclear terrorism overlooked at NPT Revcon JASBIR RAKHRA

he PanAm jet bombing in 1988 over Lockerbie in Scotland; the Tokyo subway sarin gas attacks in 1997 by Aum Shinrikyo; the World Trade Centre and Pentagon attacks in 2001 and the Madrid train attacks in 2004, along with the 2008 Mumbai attacks have shown the tenacity of terrorist organizations and their methodology of using terror tactics. Today, the greatest fear hovers around the ability of these organizations to acquire nuclear materials for use as a dirty bomb or a crude nuclear explosive. Keeping in view the dangers posed by nuclear terrorism, President Obama hosted a Nuclear Security Summit in April 2010 in which 47 nations participated and committed to advancing nuclear security goals and combat the threat of nuclear terrorism.

ism'. To the disappointment of many States, the final draft does not make any reference to the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism. In the present context where terrorism is the primary threat to nation states; where the world has witnessed new methods of terror attacks, it is regrettable that its importance was not appreciated at such an important world forum. If we take an in-depth look at the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, nuclear terrorism is not an issue that the treaty has specifically addressed, but it has a bearing on this issue; especially while issuing statements regarding particular States. The NPT RevCon commended and 'encouraged' (according to paragraph 65 of the final document) the States to become party to the 2007 Interna-

Karachi Nuclear Power Complex

A more comprehensive discussion was expected during the NPT RevCon 2010, which concluded a month later. Unfortunately this was not on the primary agenda of the Conference. Out of 78 working papers presented during the 2007 PrepCom for the 2010 Revcon, only one was devoted to nuclear terrorism. The issues of nuclear terrorism, prevention of black market supply networks and acquisition of nuclear weapons by non-state actors drew attention to the importance of implementing UNSC Resolutions 1540, 1673 and 1810. On this particular issue, only the 2007 International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism was mentioned in the RevCon. The issue of nuclear terrorism is also absent from the draft reports of Main Committee II and Main Committee III. In the first draft report of Main Committee II, paragraph 50 welcomed the establishment of the 'Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terror-

tional Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism which at present has 115 signatories. 66 States have ratified the Convention, including India. Considering the case of India and Pakistan, paragraph 108 of the NPT RevCon's draft final document stated that "The conference urges India and Pakistan to accede to the Non-Proliferation Treaty as non-nuclear-weapon States and to place all their nuclear facilities under comprehensive Agency safeguards without conditions and promptly. The Conference urges both States "to strengthen their nonproliferation export control measures over technologies, material and equipment that can be used for the production of nuclear weapons and their delivery systems." As far as the security of nuclear material and equipment or prevention of nuclear terrorism is concerned, India is abiding by international norms and best practices. India acceded to the Convention on Physical Protection of Nuclear

Material (CPPNM) in 2002; ratified the 2005 CPPNM Amendment in 2007 and ratified the Nuclear Terrorism Convention in 2006. The NPT RevCon failed to mention, however, the role of states like Pakistan in the context of terrorism which is not a party to the Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism; has acceded to but not ratified the CPPNM. Moreover, it is quite evident that the proliferation record of Pakistan, notably the AQ Khan network, and the current situation in Pakistan where its nuclear facilities seem to be vulnerable to terrorist outfits poses the greatest danger. The 2010 NPT RevCon failed to address these alarming issues and it also failed to encourage states of the concern to abide by international norms to prevent nuclear terrorism. The 2010 NPT RevCon noted the

AQ Khan

importance of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and international safeguards on many occasions but failed to recognize the warnings issued by former Director General, Mohamed ElBaradei. In September 2008, he described nuclear terrorism as the number one threat to world security. On several occasions he repeatedly pointed out that terrorist organizations are seeking nuclear materials. The IAEA released data from its illicit Trafficking Database which confirms fifteen cases of nuclear trafficking in 2008 alone. The IAEA has also reported 1266 incidents of illicit trafficking over the last 12 years. These incidents involved 99 countries and included 18 incidents involving highly enriched uranium (HEU) or plutonium trafficking. The importance of nuclear terrorism cannot be ignored. Nuclear terrorism is the most immediate and extreme threat to global security. The writer is Research Officer, IPCS

India Post Bhopal furor

wenty six years too late but a furor is happening over callous attitudes of governments, corporations, courts and even the media over the deaths of thousands of poor people in Bhopal from the leak of poisonous gas from the plant of Union Carbide, an American Company. Nothing is more symptomatic of this indifference than the statements of some responsible people who were expected to behave with some sympathy. India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is considered a decent, responsible man. According to a Bhopal NGO leader, he told them in 2006, "Bhopals will happen, but the country has to progress." It is hard to believe but India's top leader is not unwilling to base the country's progress on the graves of people he was elected to serve. What will be the credibility of the great schemes for the poor that his ruling Congress party proudly proclaims? It is again revealing that the Congress party has gone into overdrive on this issue not because of a rediscovered concern for the affected poor victims of the Bhopal tragedy but because the name of their late leader Rajiv Gandhi has been dragged into it. Union Carbide's former Chairman Warren Anderson was arrested in Bhopal for the neglect of safety standards which caused the tragedy. He was let off and escorted in the then Chief Minister's plane to Delhi and finally allowed to leave for the US. It is being insinuated that this could not have happened without the concurrence of the then Prime Minister of India, Rajiv Gandhi. The suggestion has not been liked by Sonia Gandhi, the widow of Rajiv and now the supreme leader of the Congress. A cover-up has been organized in which all leaders have been told not to speak on this issue. An official statement of the party says Rajiv was not responsible and all those making such allegations are "unpatriotic." Another statement almost justifies the release of Anderson on the grounds that the law and order situation was explosive and it was the duty of the government to protect Anderson, a US national. Americans are often accused of double standards where lives of those others than Americans are concerned. And they place very little value on lives of Indians. After the Bhopal disaster, Union Carbide was taken over by Dow Chemicals, another US company. Defending the low compensation for Bhopal victims which the Indian government had accepted, a Dow official was reported to have remarked, "$500 is plenty good for an Indian to cover a full year of medical care in India." This comes in stark contrast to the compensation being asked for those affected by the British Petroleum oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico. The behavior of Indian corporations is no better when the question of social responsibility comes up. Says FICCI president Rajan Bharti Mittal ''Just because you are in a train accident does not mean you will not take a train ever again.'' This sounds so much like Manmohan Singh's remark. Indeed, there is evident a politician-big business nexus in running the affairs of the country. Not that this is a new discovery. It has always been so. What is different this time is that the Indian people have grown up and they are not taking it all lying down. They are demanding accountability. Why now? Ordinary Indians are so used to being brutalized by death and disaster that Bhopal seems only to be a part of the pattern. Vir Sanghvi of Hindustan Times says part of the answer lies in the role of the media (television in particular) which is more aggressive than ever before, more willing to remind people of injustices and more liable to demand accountability. There is also a growing assertion of Indian pride. The younger generation wants revenge for decades of being treated badly.

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