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Indo American News • Friday, January 07, 2011

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Friday, January 07 2011 | Vol. 30, No. 1

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Indian Bollywood Actress Rani Mukherjee poses as she arrives at the 38.3FM radio station in Mumbai, as part of the promotion for the Hindi movie, No One Killed Jessica.

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TThis his Week WeekInside: inside

15th North American Zarathushti Convention Held in Houston

Zoroastrian congress retraces community’s rich Past

By Jawahar Malhotra

mts welcomes w 2011 with Great splendor

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3 Palms Hotels and r resorts expanding to India 6 I-9 compliance: what w e every employer needs n to be w wary of!

8 w weekly Horoscope

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Amar chitra Katha comics New Feature!

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openly, slowly shrank as a group and migrated from the 10th century onwards to the salt deserts, in particular Yazd and Kerman which are still centers of Iranian Zoroastrians, and other lands, notably Gujarat, in order to survive as a distinct religious group. It depicted how Zoroastrianism spread into northern China, with some

temples remaining till the 12th century, influencing elements of Buddhism, before fading there.

“We have been preparing for this event for the past year and a half,” said Roshan Sethna, cochair of the organizing committee of the 15th North American Zarathushti Congress which took place from December 29 to 31 as

the other co-chair, Jasmine Mistry nodded in agreement. “All the kids who performed are from the Houston Zoroastrian community,” Mistry added, which is an amazing statistic when you consider that the local community includes continued on page

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Indian Physicians Picked chiefs of staff at Local Hospitals

can you y r really empower plight of Rural m The me?

22 Women in India enjoy every Bit of Living!

The 15th North American Zoroastrian Congress, held in Houston on December 29 to 31 opened with a grand stage production called The Silk Road Road, depicting important historical events.

Dr. Anil Dara and Dr. Periyan Vaduganathan to Head Memorial Hermann Hospitals

Top movies in 2010 20 Questions for 2011

HOUSTON: It was a spectacle of light, color and movement that unfolded onstage as the fifty actors walked through their steps and captivated an engrossed audience in the huge ball room of the Intercontinental Hotel on the West Loop .

For the uninitiated, the spectacle was a history lesson that covered a time over the millennia that spanned the birth of one of the world’s oldest religions, the vast spread of the Zoroastrian Achaemenid Empire by 480 BC from Eygpt to Greece to the Hindu Kush mountains, with their ceremonial capital in magnificent Persepolis and the rise of the Zoroastrian religion and culture in pre-Islamic Iran with, its zenith in the reign of Darius I. As the voice of Kaemerz Dotiwala boomed overhead in clipped British accent in mighty narration of The Silk Road Road, the vast vistas onstage showed how the Zoroastrians, under pressure and harassment from the Islamic rulers of Iran to convert and not practice

HOUSTON: Dr. Periyanan Vaduganathan and Dr. Anil Dara have assumed two-year positions as Chiefs of Staff at Memorial Hermann Southeast and Northeast hospitals, respectively beginning Jan 1, 2011. Memorial Hermann, a not-for-profit, communityowned healthcare system located throughout the Greater Houston area, consists of a total of 11 hospitals. They will also serve on the Memorial Hermann Hospital System Board which oversees the operations of all of the Memorial Hermann Hospital System.

Dr. Vaduganathan is a Board certified cardiologist practicing in southeast Houston since 1996.

He did his cardiology fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. He is a member of the Royal College of Physicians of England and is also a Fellow of

Dr. Anil Dara (left) and Dr. Periyanan Vaduganathan have assumed positions as Chiefs of Staff at Memorial Hermann Northeast and Southeast hospitals, respectively beginning Jan 1, 2011.

the American College of Cardiology. He has a number of peerreviewed publications and has received several awards/honors throughout his career. He and his wife, Nach, are active community

members and have served on Sri Meenakshi Temple Board. Dr. Dara is a Board Certified Internal Medicine, Primary Care Specialist in Private Practice in the Humble, Kingwood area. He completed

his Internal Medicine training in Rochester ,N.Y. Before moving to the US he trained as a General Surgeon in the U.K. and is a Fellow of The Royal College Of Surgeons of Edinburgh. His wife Bina is a Board Certified Anesthesiologist at the VA Hospital in Houston.

They both are passionate about patient advocacy, quality of care and community outreach. Both are highly accomplished physicians and active community leaders.

They met and worked together in England in the early 1990’s and moved to the United States to begin their medical careers. Twenty years later, they are close friends and work well together. In today’s ever-changing and uncertain climate in the healthcare system they are experienced and confident to embark on a challenging, but fulfilling journey ahead.

Indo AmerIcAn news • FrIdAy, Ay, JAnUAry 07 , 2011 • Online editiOn: A On: www.indOamerican-news.cOm O

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Indo American News • Friday, January 07, 2011

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A Tiny community retraces Its rich Past to Flourish in the Future continued from page

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about 500 people. The rehearsals were held in the Zarathutsri Heritage and Culture Center on West Bellfort on the southwest side.

The entertainment committee that produced the stage show, as well as the Mini Congress for the youth, was headed by Varishta Kaikobad, a local school teacher who teaches dance and is also a Docent at the Museum of Fine Arts . In total, six committees worked diligently over 18 months to pull off the NAZC for which the Zoroastrian Association of Houston formally bid on. The previous Congress was held in Toronto in 2008 and the next one will be in New York City in 2012.

Almost 550 people registered for this year’s Congress, of which 60% were from cities other than Houston . Even though the communities in southern California and New York are larger, “ Houston is one of the most active,” said Sethna who also helped organize the 2000 World Congress held in the Bayou City, “and is well known for its hospitality.”

With a meticulous eye, the Congress had a packed program the entire three days, with activities, speeches, lectures, demonstrations, dances, a fashion show, exhibits, vendor booths and a Parsi Gujarati play, Vari Baanna Paachhal Thi (written by Nozer Buchla) presented on the night December 30. The closing ceremony culminated in a New Year’s Eve dinner and dance. Each attendee received a canvas shoulder bag with the NAZC’s emblem and literature inside, including a beautiful, color, spiral-bound souvenir booklet of the event, the participants and the numerous advertisers who supported it.

The second floor exhibit room featured ancient (some 200 years old) cultural artifacts, books and embroidered textiles lent for the event by members of the local Zoroastrian community. Just outside of it, along the spiral staircase landing, about a dozen vendors lined up their booths, offering services,

jewelry, framing and artwork.

But the crux of the Congress was summarized by the messages presented by the speakers and the tone was set by the Keynote Speaker, Dr. Niaz Kasravi, a Zoroastrian from Iran who spoke about Zoroastrianism of the future: Preserve, Perfect, Progress. A Phd in Criminology from the University of California , Irvine , the petite Kasravi came to the US when she was 10 and currently works as a Senior Manager for Law Enforcement Accountability at the NAACP in Baltimore . She is very passionate about issues that influence the Zoroastrian community and for her the philosophy of life is not just about strict rules.

“We need to be open and accepting as a global community,” she told the audience. Clockwise from top left: Vendor Homi Davier with his paintings; Behroze Daruwalla cooridinated the spectacular artifacts “If we choose to exhibit; the Youth wing was led by (from left) Jim Engineer, Zeeba Kayani and Eric Engineer; and (from left) Jasmine be exclusive, it Mistry, co-chair of the organizing committee with the other co-chair, Roshan Sethna.

Photos: Jawahar Malhotra will hurt us.”

Among them were Zeeba Kay- was so wrong about it,” recalled Kasravi views intermarriage with family in India . However, even as other groups as the only way for they grow in these areas, literature ani, the Youth Chair for the NAZC; Jim. “I was quickly hustled off and the arts, like the late rock sing- Eric Engineer, who led the Youth stage. Now, this notion isn’t raisthe community to survive.

It was a recurring theme er Freddy Mercury, the conductor Career Connect session and Jim ing the same objections.”

Still, a lot of work needs to be throughout the Congress as the Zubin Mehta and renowned chef Engineer a co-chair of the WZCC done to mingle the Iranian and Inspeakers spoke about Zoroas- Jehangir Mehta (who spoke at the Chicago Chapter and heads his dian branches, believes Kasravi, own public relations company.

World Zoroastrian Chamber of trian identity, food, contributions, history, the current situation in Commerce meeting that preceded Eric is a Dallas-based venture cap- although much inroads have been Iran , the challenges facing the the Convention the day before), italist and is chair of the WZCC in made. Part of this may be cultural, Diaspora. By their own estimates, the topic that was foremost on the Dallas . “I moved to Houston in as differences have grown over the about 100,000 Zoroastrians live minds of the Conventioneers was 1991 and my mom was a single centuries, but certainly part of it is parent,” Kayani explained. “Since a struggle for which direction the across the globe, the bulk in India how to make their numbers grow.

And they fall back to nurturing we spent so much time at the Cen- community heads into, according (60,000), mostly in Bombay ; another 15,000 in Iran and then the their younger generations through ter, in a sense the community has to Jim. Regardless of the outcome, it was apparent and heartening to rest spread over North America, immersion in Zoroastrian values raised me.”

For these three, they accept that see the single-mindedness, disAustralasia, the Far East, UK and and beliefs as well as promotPakistan (2,000), mainly Karachi . ing them forward into leadership the future of their community will cipline and sense of purpose that “Many of them are migrating from roles, which they can attain at a be for them to move forward and pervaded the NAZ Congress, from Bombay now,” said Sethna, so the fairly young age, like Kasravi or their pride in the religion, culture young to old. community once again in its his- Mehta, and become mentors and and beliefs was very apparent, If you receive your paper more role models for those that follow. even as some expressed a more tory is becoming scattered. than four days after the dateline, Of course, the economic power, Bearing that in mind, the daily secular view. But they realize that please file a complaint with your the community’s existence will Mini-Congress was geared to this and with it some political clout, post office or call the USPS Conof the Zoroastrian community wide demographic (teens to 40) depend on its flexibility. “Several sumer Affairs Office at 713far eclipses its sheer numbers, a and nearly 260 youths participated years ago, I raised the whole issue 226-3442 of inter marriage and asked what foremost example being the Tata in one way or the other.

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society

Indo American News • Friday, January 07, 2011

Sri Meenakshi Temple Welcomes 2011 with Great Splendor

By Chittoor Ramachandran

PEARLAND: It was an unusually crowded New Year’s Eve at sunset on Friday, as I drove down a narrow street in Pearland to reach Sri Meenakshi Temple, to arrive there just before the last abhishekam of the year. My mind was reflecting on the numerous festivals and religious days we celebrated during the last twelve months.

The temple premises were buzzing with a flurry of activities. The parking lots were packed with cars, primarily belonging to volunteers who were busy with lastminute preparations to welcome several thousands of devotees expected the next day. The local vegetarian restaurants hopeful for a great reap were setting up their stalls. The organizer of the event, the Joint Secretary Sri Rajendra Mikkilineni and the board member Sri Prasadaroa Meka had major agendas prepared as they were standing in one of the huge tents raised for this mega event (one of few) of the temple. Administrator Sri Sasi Pillai and priest Manicka Bhattar appeared to be in high spirits. The favorable weather promised a large number of visitors. The doors of the main temple

Mahesh Iyer of Pranavam School of Arts with his students.

opened to greet us with a rare and melodious varnam in raga Varamu in praise of Sri Meenakshi. The familiar talents Keerthana and Krithi Bhat were offering their musical prayers.

As early as the sunrise on the New Year, the vaishnavite priests sanctified the sannidhi of the Lord with blissful chanting of Andal’s Tiruppavai, a tradition during margazhi masam. Entering the temple premises listening to this meaningladen composition was highly pleasing, especially on the first day of the year.

Even before the temple was open to the public, all deities were decorated with kavachams. It was a refreshing experience at the start of the day to bow before each deity.

As the gigantic doors of the visitor center opened, the silver ratham glittered in the rising sun and greeted the morning devotees.

The events started with Ganap-

athi homam and a series of special poojas at different sannidhis at regular intervals providing a spiritual ambience throughout the day.

The spectacular alankarams and kavachams glorified each deity and demonstrated the immeasurable ways to adore them. A steady flow of thousands of families continued throughout the day who sought blessings from their ishta devathas. Opportunities for social interaction over delicious food were also available on site.

Visiting MTS for the first time, many devotees from distant places were awed by the facilities like Vedic Heritage School, the library, and the Kalyana Mandapam. The spectacular decorations inside the main sannidhi were pleasing to the eyes. Several dedicated unsung hero volunteers were helping the priests and in many other areas.

The classy cultural program put together by the Houston commu-

nity featured many young talented musicians and dancers in their best form. In the session of music, the students of Pranavam School of Arts rendered a brief but meritorious violin recital. The director Sri Mahesh Iyer joined his students in presenting an excellent opening piece. Swaralaya’s students rendered several compositions, proving their virtuosity in the art and preserving their high repute.

The session on classical dances was independently put together by several dance schools. The brilliant performances enthralled the nearly 400 people in the auditorium. Sri Venugopal Joysula of Anjali Center deserves credit for managing this magnificent show.

The dance presentation was a tribute to Lord of dance on this auspicious day of Sani pradosham.

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After sunset, there was an elaborate ritual of pradosha pooja. The spiritually uplifting chanting of Veda manthrams and melodious Shiva Sthuthis filled the main temple. The utsavamoorthy was taken out on a decorated vahanam for a procession. Hundreds of visitors witnessed the rituals.

Both as a social event and as a day of worship, a visit to Sri Meenakshi Temple on New Year’s Day is a worthwhile way to cross this milestone in everybody’s life.

The availability of a variety of food attracts families to have an enjoyable time. People also make use of this opportunity to leisurely socialize and renew friendships.

Devotees left with a sense of satisfaction of beginning the New Year with an auspicious spiritual experience at MTS.

Giant tents were crowded with visitors of MTS devotees.

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Indo American News • Friday, January 07, 2011

Osmania University Receives Gift of $50K from Alumnus Living Abroad

Prof. Tirupati Rao, Vice-Chancellor of the Osmania Universty, presenting a momento honoring Dr Krishnam Raju. Also seen in the picture are Harinath Medi, President of Osmania Univesity Alumni Association of America (OUAA), Buchanna Gajula of OUAA board and Prof. Laxman Rao of Osmania faculty.

HYDERABAD: Former alumnus of the storied Osmania University, Dr Krishnam Raju, donated $50,000 to his alma mater to build a much needed seminar hall in the Osmania Science College where he did his M.S. and Ph D (1976-80). Dr Raju is a science specialist at Research Center of Saudi Aramco in Dhahran. He was a post doctoral Research Associate at University of Oklahoma for over six years. He has over 50 publications and presentations.

Osmania University has the distinction of being one of the oldest and largest premier universities in India, imparting the finest and most diversified state-of-the-art education. The institution has completed nine decades of dedicated service and crossed several milestones of glory, eminence and success. Osmania has produced many

graduates who went on to contribute immensely to the society and their chosen professions. Osmania also produced some rare gems like India’s former prime minister P. V. Narasimha Rao. The Osmania Alumni Association was formed in the year 2000 and started spearheading some projects and programs for their alma mater from gifts contributed by alumnae in the U.S. A. The computer Center was built in the magnificently iconic Osmania Arts College in 2009 with a generous donation from Dr Aziz Jamaluddin of Houstion. Few scholarships were also instituted by some alumnae from U.S. An Alumni Centre and a crucially needed hostel project are in the planning stage and will start in in the early part of year 2011, said Harinath Medi, the president of the association.

Paul McCartney Appeals for Meat-Free Day in India LONDON (Agencies): Well, lets just borrow a John Lennon song, ‘Give peace a chance’ and apply it to our fellow species on the planet.

By George! Harrison of course, will sing ‘My sweet lord’ at the prospect.

Whatever.

Former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney has asked Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh if he would make 12 January, the anniversary of the founding of the Indian branch of animal welfare charity PETA, a meat-free day.

He has written to Singh asking him to declare a national day to “celebrate vegetarianism and compassion towards animals,” reports the Scotsman.

“Would you please think about declaring one day every year - perhaps on the anniver-

sary of PETA India’s founding to celebrate vegetarianism and compassion towards animals? “Such a declaration would save countless animals, reduce the environmental devastation caused by the meat industry and help participants clear their arteries and their consciences. It would be a celebration of life - all life.”

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3 Palms Hotels and resorts expanding to Indian market

The upscale “3 Palms” brand of hotels and resorts will soon debut in India, with the signing by Atlanta-based America’s Best Franchising Incorporated of its first master license agreement for portions of the world’s second most populous country and the seventh largest by geographical area.

SRM Spa and Resorts Pvt Ltd., headquartered in Mumbai, intends to open seven “3 Palms Hotel and Resort” properties in the six Indian states of Maharashtra, Goa, Delhi, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Rajasthan. The first properties are scheduled to open in 2012.

“India is growing dramatically every year as a destination for both leisure and business travel – and each of our country’s regions charms travelers with distinctive culture, heritage, and language,” explains Saumya M. Sharma, Chief Development Officer of SRM Spa & Resorts. “Now each 3 Palms location will capture and celebrate this rich diversity in its own special, authentic way.”

According to Ms. Sharma, the 3 Palms brand in India is intended for full-service independent hotels with a 5-star rating or higher that are located near beaches, tourist sites, and other high-traffic destination locations. For example, one 3 Palms resort may be a converted historical or heritage property while another may be an oceanside estate.

“3 Palms is a unique network of accommodations options that allows guests to enjoy the Indian experience a little differently at each property, but always with luxury and always with elegance,” adds Ms. Sharma.

“The result is enhanced satisfaction for

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travelers – and enhanced profitability for hoteliers.”

The 3 Palms concept offers independent hoteliers the immediate benefits of affiliating with an exciting brand and a proven support system, while still maintaining the flexibility to do business based on what the customer demands rather than what the franchiser mandates.

Sharma heads a team of investors who have extensive experience operating hotels

in both India and the United States.

“Putting the 3 Palms name on properties in India will give travelers the confidence of knowing they have chosen a hotel that provides the most modern amenities in an ultra comfortable setting yet at an attractive price,” says Doug Collins, Chairman and CEO of America’s Best Franchising. “And it will give owners the opportunity to improve their bottom line.”

America’s Best Franchising operates more than 250 properties in the United States under its upscale 3 Palms brand and its four upper economy brands – America’s Best Inns & Suites, Budgetel Inns & Suites, Country Hearth Inns & Suites, and Vagabond Inns & Suites. The company also operates one property in Canada, two properties in Argentina, plus has several properties under development in Nigeria.

• When slicing hard-boiled eggs, the yolk will not crumble if you first dip your knife or egg slicer in cold water.

• Store eggs with large end up to maintain quality.

• You can tell whether an egg is fresh or not by putting it in a pan of cool salted water. If the egg sinks to the bottom, it’s fresh. If it rises to the surface, it’s not.

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I-9 compliance: what w every e employer n needs to be wary w of! o

By ashiMa arora We all hear about increased enforcement of immigration laws but are under the impression that one need only worry about immigration laws if one employs aliens. This is a MYTH. In September 2010, Abercombie & Fitch was fined $1,047,110.00 for their technology related deficiencies in I-9 verification system. It’s not just about hiring unauthorized employees/workers knowingly or unknowingly but proper identification, completion, re-verification and retention of I-9 forms for all employees is imperative. I-9 compliance is required for every employee Citizen or non-citizen.

So what is I-9 and what steps must employer take to comply with I-9?

I-9 is a one page form1 divided into three sections requiring employee to show work authorization and identity and employer to verify the same.

Section 1 should be completed and signed by new employee no later than the first day of employment, regardless of his or her immigration status.

Section 2 of I-9 form must be completed by Employers signed and dated within 3 business days of the employee’s first day of employment. If the employment relationship will last less than 3 days, then the employer must verify work authorization and complete Section 2 no later than the first day of employment. Employer must physically examine the documents.

If an employee is unable to present required document(s) within 3 business days, the employee must produce a receipt showing that he/ she has applied for the replacement document. In addition, the employee must present the actual document within 90 days of the hire AND the employee must have indicated that he/she is already eligible to be employed in the United States by checking the appropriate box in Section 1.

Section 3 of I-9 form must be periodically updated and re-verified by employer for employees who are not permanently authorized to work in United States.

There are three lists of documents: List A 2 documents establish both identity and authorization to work in the United States. The applicant may show any one of these documents to complete the I-9 Form. If the applicant does not provide one of the documents specified in List A, the person may show a document described in List B and a document described in List C. List B3 documents only establish identity.

List C4 documents only establish employment eligibility, meaning the person is authorized to work in the United States.

If the employee cannot produce the required documents within the requisite time that employee should be terminated immediately.

Retention Period

Employers must fill out and keep a Form I-9 for every employee hired on or after November 6, 1986. Employers must do an I-9 form for every employee, and not just non-citizens. In the case of former employees, retention of Forms I-9 are required for a period of at least three years from the date of hire or for one year after the employee is no longer employed, whichever is longer.

Exceptions I-9 compliance is not required for below employees: i. Hired before November 7, 1986, who are continuing in their employment and have a reasonable expectation of employment at all times; ii. Employed for casual domestic work in a private home on a sporadic, irregular, or intermittent basis; iii. Independent contractors; or iv. Providing labor to you who are employed by a contractor providing contract services; v. Not physically working on U.S.soil.

Penalties The Law provides for penalties from $100 to $1,000 for each incorrect or missing I-9. The number of criminal prosecutions of employers found to be in violation of I-9 employment eligibility verification has also risen steadily over the past few years. The employer is required to verify documents for both identity and authorization to work in the United States. Persons or entities who are convicted of having engaged in a pattern or practice of knowingly hiring unauthorized aliens (or continuing to employ aliens knowing that they are or have become unauthorized to work in the United States) after November 6, 1986, may face fines of up to $3,000 per employee and/or 6 months imprisonment.

Persons who use fraudulent identification or employment authorization documents or documents that were lawfully issued to another person, or who make a false statement or attestation to satisfy the employment eligibility verification requirements, may be fined, or imprisoned for up to 5 years, or both.

The violations can be by hiring unauthorized workers, paperwork violations of I-9, lack of verification of documents presented, asking more documents than necessary which can lead to discrimination lawsuits1. Proper completion of I-9 forms is one of the best ways to avoid legal penalties.

Federal contractors and subcontractors are required to use E-Verify as of September 8, 2009. E-Verify is an Internet-based system that allows an employer, using information reported on an employee’s Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to determine the eligibility of that employee to work in the United States. For most employers, the use of E-Verify is voluntary and limited to determining the employment eligibility of new hires only. The law also obliges

U.S. employers not to discriminate against individuals on the basis of national origin or citizenship, or require different documents from an individual. Thus it is imperative to comply with I-9 after making a decision to hire and not to request different or more documents than is necessary to avoid claims of discrimination and document abuse.

Let’s begin this year by proper compliance of I-9 forms and emplacing a mechanism of internal self-audits of I-9 forms to avoid unwanted fines later.

Attorney Ashima Arora is licensed in Texas, California (inactive), Solicitor (non-practicing) in England & Wales. For questions email at ashima@ashimachockashima@ashimachock law.com or call at: 713.595.6657 or mail: P.O. Box 940543, Houston, TX 77094-7543. The information in this column is not intended as legal advice but to provide a general understanding of the law.

2 List A Documents 1. U.S. Passport (unexpired or expired) 2. Certificate of U.S. Citizenship (INS Form N-560 or N-561) 3. Certificate of Naturalization (INS Form N-550 or N-570) 4. Unexpired foreign passport, with I-551 stamp or attached INS Form I-94 indicating unexpired employment authorization 5. Alien Registration Receipt Card with photograph (INS Form I-151 or I-551) 6. Unexpired Temporary Resident Card (INS Form I-688) 7. Unexpired Employment Authorization Card (INS Form I-688A) 8. Unexpired Reentry Permit (INS Form I-327) 9. Unexpired Refugee Travel Document (INS Form I-571) 10. Unexpired Employment Authorization Document issued by the INS which contains a photograph (INS Form I-688B) 3 List B Documents These documents establish identity. Unless the person has provided a document from List A (above), the applicant must show a document in both List B and List C to complete the I-9 Form.

1. Driver’s license or ID card issued by a state or outlying possession of the United States provided it contains a photograph or information such as name, date of birth, sex, height, eye color, and address; 2. ID card issued by federal, state or local government agencies or entities provided it contains a photograph or information such as name, date of birth, sex, height, eye color, and address; 3. School ID card with a photograph; 4. Voter’s registration card; 5. U.S. Military card or draft record; 6. Military dependent’s ID card; 7. U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Card; 8. Native American tribal document; 9. Driver’s license issued by a Canadian government authority.

For persons under age 18 who are unable to present a document listed above: 10. School record or report card 11. Clinic, doctor, or hospital record 12. Day-care or nursery school record .

4 List C Documents These documents establish employment eligibility.

1. U.S. social security card issued by the Social Security Administration (other than a card stating it is not valid for employment) 2. Certification of Birth Abroad issued by the Department of State (Form FS-545 or Form DS-1350) 3. Original or certified copy of a birth certificate issued by a state, county, municipal authority or outlying possession of the United States bearing an official seal 4. Native American tribal document 5. U.S. Citizen ID Card (INS Form I-197) 6. ID Card for use of Resident Citizen in the United States (INS Form I-179) 7. Unexpired employment authorization document issued by the INS (other than those listed under List A) 5 On December 29, 2010, Department of Justice in its news release reported a fine and settlement imposed on Collins Management Group for refusing to accept valid Drivers license and unrestricted social security card and instead insisting on producing an unexpired green card.

“The INA’s anti-discrimination provision protects all authorized workers from unfair documentary requests during the Form I-9 process,” said Thomas E. Perez, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division.

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society

Indo American News • Friday, January 07, 2011

community Building and outreach o

by Arya samaj of Greater Houston

By shveta arora HOUSTON: Arya Samaj, founded by Swami Dayanand Saraswati in 1875, was a Hindu reform movement started with the objective of reviving the core values of Hinduism, as embodied in Vedas, in practice of religion and conduct of life. In alignment with its objective, is the tenet of ‘social well being for all’. Arya Samaj, since its inception has been at the forefront of several social reform movements across India, such as the abrogation of the caste system, child marriage, practice of Sati to name a few. To this day all Arya Samajs across the globe undertake significant community service projects in addition to spiritual and moral education programs.

In keeping with these core values, Arya Samaj of Greater Houston (ASGH) constantly engages in social initiatives to serve the larger community of Houston and the year 2010 was no different.

When an earthquake devastated Haiti in January 2010, ASGH community swung into action and raised $6,300 in donations for Haiti relief funds. This was then combined with other funds raised

by Arya Pratinidhi Sabha America (APSA – a Congress of Arya Samajs in North America) and a total of over $11,500 was delivered to “Partners in Health” to support their Haiti relief activities.

Earlier this year, when some of the Bhutanese refugee families from Nepal, that are being resettled across the USA by the US Government, arrived in Houston, ASGH adopted 15 of those families with the aim of undertaking complete responsibility for their settlement in the US. ASGH members provided support in the form of donations ranging from money, clothes, furniture and other household supplies. Children from these families were helped with their school admissions and school supplies.

In addition, at least one adult in each family was hooked up with a requisite job. ASGH members provided guidance to these families and donated seven bicycles for Bhutanese children. Through these committed efforts, these 15 Bhutanese families are now well

Top fundraisers and readers_DAVSS_Readathon_2010

settled.

Another successful social & community service project supported by ASGH is an annual fund raiser for Jeevan Prabhat, Pondicherry. After the Boxed Day Tsunami in 2004, ASGH community and leader galvanized fundraising efforts to provide for and construction of a child care facility for those orphaned in the Tsunami.

DAV Sanskriti School children of ASGH lead the annual Read-aThon in a drive to raise funds that support Jeevan Prabhat Pondicherry, in the process learning the values of “giving & sharing”. In the last four years, the children at ASGH have raised about $45,000 towards this noble cause, $13,000 of which was raised in 2010 – a record year. Jeevan Prabhat’s objective is to provide care for the underprivileged children, in a manner one would provide care for one’s own children at home.

This includes housing, nutritious food and the best of education.

The youth wing of ASGH – the Arya Youth Mandal (AYM) – ran a campaign for ‘Green Earth’ for several months through the year.

The AYM made several presentations during the weekly Satsang

educating the members on the ill effects of global warming and other issues concerning the larger sustainability of our planet. The presentations encouraged the community members to practice recycling, reducing & reusing wastes.

Reuseable grocery bags were sold at the Samaj to be used in place of plastic bags. In an effort to further educate and inculcate sustainable practices in households - the AYM also ran a drive for several months to collect recycle waste from community members.

During November & December 2010, ASGH conducted an extremely successful food drive to support & contribute towards the local community building through the efforts of the Houston Food Bank. The food drive amongst the ASGH and DAV School community resulted in a pick-up full load of canned and other non-perishables food items that were collected and delivered to the Houston Food Bank on Dec 22nd, 2010.

These and other ongoing initiatives of ASGH clearly evidence the stellar role played by the organization in shaping a Noble Society (‘Arya Samaj’) in the Houston community.

Babulbhai ASGH leaders giving pointers to Bhutani families.

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mandala Pooja Performed at sri Guruvayurappan Temple s

By Chittoor raMaChandran HOUSTON: In Hindu belief, Lord Ayyappa or Dharma Shastha symbolizes a combination of divine supremacy represented by Sriman Narayana (Mahavishnu), the power that protects the universe and Lord Shiva, the power that periodically re-absorbs the expressions in reality. Lord Ayyappa therefore is a manifestation of these two aspects of Brahman. Sri Dharma Shastha has been mentioned as the authority of righteousness in ancient Hindu literature. He is believed to have taken birth in this world as Sri Ayyappa as a protector of His devotees in the present Kali Yuga. Lord Ayyappa reinstated the moral values in society that were degraded during Kali Yuga. When the purpose of his incarnation was over, Sri Ayyappa merged with Sri Dharma Shastha.

Sri Ayyappa is worshipped by Hindus worldwide, although all legends associated with Sri Ayyappa center around His abode at Sabarimala in the Western Ghats (Kerala). Millions of devotees take pilgrimage to the holy shrine of Ayyappa at Sabarimala annually. Enacting the ritualistic pilgrimage to Sabarimala is also practiced by the devotees living in faraway places. Sri Ayyappa shrine in Sri Guruvayurappan Temple at Houston provided facilities to the devotees for this ritual during the auspicious season of mandalam.

During the mandalam season which lasts for 41 days, the dedicated devotees take up the lifestyle of an ascetic with strict adherence of austerity (Ayyappa Deeksha).

Many devotees who had taken the pledge of Ayyappa Deeksha assembled at Sri Guruvayurappan Temple every evening as a part of their routine. The distinctive devotional Sharana ghosham reverberated in the temple premises. Many people, especially children, were attracted to Ayyappa bhajans and even memorized them with great interest. Weekend evenings had special bhajans with the involvement of many professional musicians and instrumentalists. The culminating days of mandalam were especially attractive to the visiting families.

One of the characteristics of Ayyappa worship is distinct from any typical Hindu pooja sessions. The term coined ‘padi pooja’ symbolizes a great message of Hinduism in a subtle way. Represented by 18 ascending steps in front of the idol, it talks about the need for conquering the human mind that can be influenced by the mortal human body’s senses and feelings (like lust, ego and ignorance) to realize God. In other words, one has to submit himself before the Lord as the Vaishnavite tradition of sarana-

gathi promulgates.

Several dozens of devotees who prepared themselves spiritually to make the yatra to pay their respect to Sri Ayyappa performed the kettu nirakkal on Friday, December 24.

Kettu nirakkal is a formal ritual prior to the journey to Sabarimala which is a word in Malayalam meaning the formal packing of the travel essentials and the items to make the offerings to Sri Ayyappa when the destination is reached. One should be aware that it used to be an incredible barefoot uphill journey in wilderness which lasted more than a month. The Guruswami (the experienced leader of the group) guides the rest of the devotees who are expected to concentrate their mind on the Lord. Particularly interesting is the concept of ‘mudra’, a term that is used for the coconut that is filled with ghee (clarified butter) which is ardently filled in this ritual. This is carried to the destination, where the coconut is broken to take the ghee out to use and anoint (abhishekam) the Lord, and the coconut is burned in a pyre. The mudra symbolically represents human body with all the vulnerabilities associated with it. The ghee symbolizes the soul that is willfully (a wishful action) offered to merge with God. The Ayyappa shrine at Guruvayurappan was imagined as Sabarimala. The series of rituals to adorn the Lord with sandalwood paste and flowers took place during December 25-27. Several hundreds of visitors were fed sumptuous meals almost every day during the season. Hindus who visited the temple during these days were amazed to see the cooperative efforts of the volunteers to conduct this festival so meticulously.

When asked about this perfection, Sri Madhavan Pillai said, “We are fortunate to have many young men who got their hands-on experience at Sabarimala for this tradition. We would not have been able to accomplish this without them.”

The soothing tradition of singing Harivarasanam in the raga Madhyamavathi as a concluding anthem every night reminded all of His bountiful mercy.

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WEEKLY HOROSCOPE ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 20: Money is the buzzword for this week. It is time for new beginnings. You will juggle financial matters like loans, stock market, etc. Your personal income is likely to rise. You can look forward to a harmonious atmosphere at home, and truly exciting times with your spouse. It will be a great start to the year for you.

TAURUS Apr 21 - May 21: Ganesha blesses you with the twin themes of Money and Honey. This is a good period to lay foundations for some sustained hard work to achieve your goals. You do not mind putting in extra hours to achieve financial security. You will welcome new opportunities for increasing your savings. It is a good time for family ties and romantic relationships. You need to guard your health in your bid to achieve your goals.

GEMINI May 22 - Jun 21: You will focus upon shoring up your already secure financial position further. Your prospects can be enhanced by contacts living abroad, but you would do well to keep all deals a secret before they actually materialize. You will need a little bit of a luck to tide over some serious issues at the work-place. Health issues for your spouse are likely to crop up, on the whole, happy times lie ahead.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 23: The year gets off to an enthusiastic start, brimming with the knowledge that there are things to learn, change, achieve and discover. You enter a phase of self-discovery and be able to throw off the attitudes, ego hassles and false notions that were holding you back from discovering your true potential. Personal issues, property, real estate and inheritances will now grab your attention. Improvement of your family life will now become almost a crusade for you LEO July 24 - Aug 23: You launch into the year with all the energy of a sky-rocketing cannonball! You know no boundaries, and will boldly tread into uncharted territories as you test and explore your limits. Be Positive will be your motto, as you enthusiastically tear into new schemes and plans, overhaul your financial set up. Diplomacy works. Your outlook towards life changes as you redefine your needs and goals VIRGO Aug 24 - Sep 23: You now begin to make preparations in financial matters.

Your insecurities do give you sleepless nights, and money is an effective balm for it. Do not get so caught up in inspecting the trees that you are unable to see the forest.

GaneshaSpeaks.com

Learn to delegate, and compromise. There are many pleasant moments with loved ones to ensure that you have an enjoyable year ahead LIBRA Sep 24 - Oct 23: A rollicking start to the new year lies ahead. Work and money will be your top priority. You will be looking at tapping into the maximum potential of every little income stream. There could result in some misunderstandings with your loved ones. Your focus upon improving your lifestyle is steady. You will need to find ways of maintaining a balance between work and home SCORPIO Oct 24 - Nov 22: A Scorpio is never backs away from a fight. You will fight with all zeal and enthusiasm to achieve recognition for yourself. Power, prestige, money, and status are things on your mind.

Others may consider you to be ruthless and merciless when it comes to dealing with obstacles in your path to progress. You will have to make a choice between the achievements that are coming your way.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 22: You will make substantial gains this year. You are entering a phase in your life where you have begun to have a feel for relating better to people. This is a welcome change as you are keen on expanding your horizons. However, do not get trapped into revealing your opinions at an inopportune time. There is a possibility of travel for business purposes.

Family life and health remain stable.

CAPRICORN Dec 23 - Jan 20: You will be forced to step out of your comfort zone and interact with many people. You are beginning to develop a knack for socializing.

New businesses, career opportunities, promotions, substantial pay hikes are all likely.

Even your personal relationships will be a source of income for you, with your partner or spouse likely to chip in. You are clear and want to be at the TOP this year.

AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb 19: Unkonwn vistas will continue this year as well. You will be meeting people from all walks of life. A tremendous interchange of ideas and energy will take place. You may suffer from heavy mood swings. You will be ahead of your times, and people will find it difficult to understand you. Trust in the Almighty to see you through the turbulent times PISCES Feb 20 - Mar 20: You wake up to a harsh reality check during this year. You are pragmatic about money. It is a good time for relationships. Family and finances are important for you and are top priorities.

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Did you Know?

Why Do We Worship Tulasi?

In Sanskrit, tulanaa naasti athaiva tulasi - that which is incomparable (in its qualities) is the tulasi For Indians it is one of the most sacred plants. In fact it is known to be the only thing used in worship, which, once used, can be washed and reused in pooja - as it is regarded so selfpurifying.

As one story goes, Tulasi was the devoted wife of Shankhachuda, a celestial being. She believed that Lord Krishna tricked her into sinning. So she cursed Him to become a stone (shaaligraama).

Seeing her devotion and adhered to righteousness, the Lord blessed her saying that she would become

the worshipped plant, tulasi that would adorn His head.

Also that all offerings would be incomplete without the tulasi leaf hence the worship of tulasi.

She also symbolises Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu.

Those who wish to be righteous and have a happy family life worship the tulasi.

Tulasi is married to the Lord with all pomp and show as in any wedding.

This is because according to another legend, the Lord blessed her to be His consort. Satyabhama once weighed Lord Krishna against all her legendary wealth.

religion The scales did not balance till a single tulasi leaf was placed along with the wealth on the scale by Rukmini with devotion. Thus the tulasi played the vital role of demonstrating to the world that even a small object offered with devotion means more to the Lord than all the wealth in the world. The tulasi leaf has great medicinal value and is used to cure various ailments, including the common cold.

Yanmule sarvatirhaani Yannagre sarvadevataa Yanmadhye sarvavedaascha Tulasi taam namaamyaham I bow down to the tulasi, At whose base are all the holy places, At whose top reside all the deities and In whose middle are all the Vedas.- Hindu Rituals and Routines

Indo American News • Friday, January 07, 2011

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Why Do We Regard Trees and Plants as Sacred?

The Lord, the life in us, pervades all living beings, be they plants or animals. Hence, they are all regarded as sacred. Human life on earth depends on plants and trees.

They give us the vital factors that make life possible on earth: food, oxygen, clothing, shelter, medicines etc.

Hence, in India, we are taught to regard trees and plants as sacred.

Indians scriptures tell us to plant ten trees if, for any reason, we have to cut one. We are advised

to use parts of trees and plants only as much as is needed for food, fuel, shelter etc. we are also urged to apologies to a plant or tree before cutting it to avoid incurring a specific sin named soona. Certain trees and plants like tulasi, peepal etc., which have tremendous beneficial qualities, are worshipped till today. It is believed that divine beings manifest as trees and plants, and many people worship them to fulfill their desires or to please the Lord.

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Passport Surrender to Dampen Pravasi Divas

tificate. However, PIOs are protesting against a penalty of $250 charged by consulates if a person has held an Indian passport which expired after January 1, 2005, and the passport remained uncancelled for a period of three years after the acquisition of the foreign nationality.

Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GIPIO) founder president Thomas Abraham said, “We have been getting feedback from the community on the difficulties and nightmares they go through to get the surrender certificate from Shri Vayalar Ravi, Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs, has Indian missions abroad defended passport renunciation regulations on security and in the issuance of entry visas.” In fact, grounds.

PIOs have been going on

By Himanshi Dhawan NEW DELHI (TNN): The government’s dharnas and conducting protest marches. In May 2010 guideline that stipulates compul- Houston, several members of the Indiansory surrender of old and expired passports American community even went on a fast to has cast a shadow on the Pravasi Bharatiya protest against the “high penalty charges”.

PIOs have also complained about deDiwas (PBD) to be held from January 7-9 with many people of the Indian origin from lays in issuance of visas. People have also the US, Canada and Europe complaining blogged in anger giving up plans to visit Inthat visa issuance was being delayed and a dia because of delay by consulates in giving “retention fee” charged by the consulates. visas. Overseas minister Vayalar Ravi said, This has in turn delayed their plans to travel “We have received complaints. We have asked embassies to be as helpful as possible to India to attend the PBD. According to the guidelines issued by the but rules have to be complied with as there foreign ministry in May 2010, overseas In- are huge security concerns.” PBD is a bigdians who acquired foreign citizenship on ticket annual event organized by the MOIA, or before May 31, 2010, have to pay $20 which brings approximately 1,500 members but no penalties to obtain surrender cer- of the Indian diaspora.

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Turn the Page on Innovation Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s call at the 98th Indian Science Congress to have universities that are free from the shackles of bureaucracy and more open to fostering creativity emphasises the dearth in quality research and innovation at Indian institutions.

India produces an average of four lakh engineering graduates and three lakh computer science graduates every year, but only 20,000 master’s degree holders and fewer than 1,000 PhDs in the corresponding stream. According to a 2007-08 survey by the University Grants Commission across 47 universities, vacancy levels in research were as high as 51%.

The statistics are indeed glaring and an unfortunate comment on the strength of Indian research. While some of the best minds working on cutting-edge research across the world are Indian, it’s a pity we can incentivise so few of them to work at Indian institutions. The poor domestic research output is attributable to a lack of quality research facilities and a conducive environment for innovation. Contrary to the prime minister’s well-intentioned suggestion, there is little incentive to think out of the box. The blame for this lies squarely with the archaic policies of the government that has, barring a few honourable exceptions, treated institutes of higher education as factories for producing graduates and scientific research labs as sinecures.

India is having greater success establishing itself as a global research and development (R&D) hub. Global companies whose businesses depend on cutting-edge R&D have already set up establishments in India, and more are coming. Nor are some Indian companies lagging behind in spending on R&D, for example in the automotive and pharmaceutical fields. Nevertheless, the scale of Indian ambition in fostering innovation hardly matches China’s. The 21st century belongs to those who can harness the power of a knowledge economy. It is this realisation that is behind China’s recent push to create an innovation-based economy and increase the number of patents filed annually.

If India is to keep pace, it must overhaul its approach to higher academics and research. Human resource development minister Kapil Sibal’s plan to set up ‘navratna’ universities in India is a step in the right direction. However, setting up such universities can be expensive, when school education is also a priority. Such universities, therefore, should be conceived as seeding lar Research clusters, perhaps even research townships where public and private sector entities can establish their R&D facilities, while private sector universities can also enjoy the same financial and academic autonomy that will be offered to the navratna universities. It’s only when a vibrant public sector competes with a vibrant private sector that we can transform from a country of degree holders to one of innovators.

Times of India

editorial

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Munni-Sheila Sisterhood

By Nikhat Kazmi 2010: The year when men might have truly been on Mars. For, when it came to grabbing headlines, it was women all the way, all the year through. Be it politics, business, sport or entertainment, it was She-La ki Kahani that had the twists and turns, despite all the brouhaha about Dabangg He-men making old-fashioned comebacks.

They may be branded as mere item numbers but Munni Badnaam Hui and Sheila Ki Jawani have become the exultant cry of a breed of post-feminism femme fatales who are determined to celebrate woman power like never before. If a risqui Munni saw nothing wrong in becoming a Zandu balm, or an item that’s aam - in short, totally badnaam - for her paramour, then Sheila seemed to be totally self-sufficient with her uber sexuality.

In a blatant display of narcissism, she declares she wants to hug and hold herself: Ab dil karta hai haule haule se, main toh khud ko gale lagaun. Kisi aur ki mujhko zaroorat kya, main toh khud se pyaar jataun...Read between the lines and see how the traditional stereotype of the woman gets busted with something as simple as Bollywood lyrics. Enter the new singleton who doesn’t necessarily need a husband, a boyfriend, to define herself. On the contrary, like Krishna Verma (Vidya Balan), the spirited and unencumbered protagonist of Ishqiya, she prefers a world where options exist and the straitjacket of conventional morality has been blown apart.

On television too, the ‘newsmaker of the year’award would definitely go to the biggest hell-raiser of them all: Dolly Bindra and her incessant bad behaviour have set a new benchmark for topping TRPs. The loudmouth participant of a reality TV show, with her liberal sprinkling of bad words and her brattish tantrums, easily overshadowed all the male stars of desi TV. If the world of cinema and TV belonged to the bindaas woman, then the real world too saw women creating most of the ripples. The

Munni Badnaam Hui and Sheila Ki Jawani have become the exultant cry of a breed of post-feminism femme fatales. mysterious Niira Radia has not only given the Indian corporate and political world a whole new term in ‘lobbyist’, she has also added zest - and jest - to the media. Currently, there is a whole new litmus test in journalistic circles to sift happening journos from the non-happening ones. And that’s the make-government, breakgovernment Radia call to power brokers in the fourth estate. Needless to say, those she never called are feeling mighty miffed at their powerlessness!

(Just joking!) So what if her alliance may have created a dent in the image of another woman who made news by trying to come clean through a public confessional on television.

Remember Barkha Dutt and her ‘justan-error-of-judgment’ soap opera?

Another woman who caused an upheaval was Sunanda Pushkar with her loaded love story that may have had a happy ending. But only after forcing the exit of one of India’s most articulate netas from the ministerial arena. For the good news story too, it was the girlie brigade that hogged the limelight. She-girl Saina Nehwal with her umpteen international titles, the Golden Girls of track and field - India’s 4x400m relay team at Guangzhou comprising Ashwini Chidanand Akkunji, Mandeep Kaur, Manjeet Kaur, Sini Jose and many more women sports heroes - gave India so much to smile about despite

the scurrilous scams in the Commonwealth Games.

On the international front too, it was a woman who created a buzz and new buzzwords too. Sarah Palin made more news than Prez Obama with her i-will, i-won’t on the bid for the US presidency in 2012 apart from giving the global lexicon a new word like ‘refudiate’ and a bunch of Palinisms. Hard to forget her reference to North Korea: We gotta stand by our North Korea allies! A slip of the tongue or an abysmal lack of geopolitical knowledge on the part of the Tea Party’s most happening icon...It doesn’t matter. Palin’s popularity keeps rising, even as columnists like Maureen Dowd say she proudly brandishes her ignorance.

And the She-story isn’t going to end soon. For close on the heels of Sheila comes Susannah and her seven husbands...Watch out for Priyanka Chopra’s rendition of Ruskin Bond’s love-lorn femme fatale in Saat Khoon Maaf. Gut feeling says this no-holdsbarred assassin is undoubtedly going to be the toast of the town in the new year.

As for the state of the nation, it’s going to be a similar woman-oriented story all over again. India’s political circus will continue to be stage-managed by that familiar Lara Croft-like ringmaster who silently cracks the whip backstage whenever the chess board markers - knights and bishops all - make the wrong moves. Yes, the enigmatic Mrs G will carry on her Mother Superior management mantra in desi politics’ school for scandal.

By all measures, 2011 is going to end up as the year of Lisbeth Salander and her gothic girl gang. Steig Larsson’s super smart, sociopathic computer hacker who dons dragon tattoos, kicks butt and emerges as a taser gun-wielding terror for the corrupt and the criminally inclined is fast replacing the male superhero bastion as a female Wolverine. Truly, the messed up maidens are going to end up as the new age messiahs of a messed up world which is ready to sidestep tried, tested and failed machismo. TOI

IndoAmerican News Founder: Dr. K.L. Sindwani Editor: Pramod Kulkarni Business Manager: Jawahar Malhotra Marketing Manager: Krishna Giri Community Reporter: Kalyani Giri Community Editor: Manasi Gokhale Administrative Manager: Vanshika Vipin Marketing & Food Reporter: Jacob David Production Manager: Hussain Mandviwala correspondents Chicago: Nand Kapoor ®All rights reserved. No material herein or portions thereof may be published without the written consent of the publisher. The deadline for advertising and articles is 5 pm on Monday of each week. Please include self-addressed, stamped envelope for return of all unsolicited material. Published at 7457 Harwin Drive, Suite 262, Houston, Texas 77036. Tel: 713-789-NEWS or 6397 Fax: 713-789-6399, email: indoamericannews@yahoo.com, website: indoamerican-news.com

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Advertorial

Disability Facts that Might Surprise You

By Jimmy Abraham In times like these, good decisions matter. And when it comes to protecting a portion of your income from disability risks, it’s important to base your decision on the facts. In the case of disability, some of those facts might surprise you.

For example, almost one-third of Americans entering the work force today (3 in 10) will become disabled before they retire.1 And if you are covered by a group disability income policy through your employer, you might not know about the likely gap between your policy’s benefits and

your family’s actual needs.

To start with, the typical group plan only covers 50-70% of income.

And benefits are often taxable, have maximum limits, and don’t cover bonuses, commissions or 401(k) contributions. In some cases, worker’s compensation helps bridge the gap, but most disabilities are caused by illness,2 and only 10% of disabling accidents are work related.3 If you run a business, your insurance protection should help cover its operating costs, possibly provide the funds for a partnership buyout, and protect a portion of lost earnings – either yours or your employees’.

The most common way to close the gap between existing coverage and actual needs is to obtain a supplemental individual disability income insurance policy. Because you own it, you can take it with you throughout your career.

And the best way to make a good decision about that policy is to work with a trusted, trained financial professional. No surprise there.

Jimmy Abraham is a financial representative with Strategic Financial Group, LLP, a MassMutual

agency who represents Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) and other companies, courtesy of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) © 2010 Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company.

1 Social Security Administration, Fact Sheet Jan 31, 2007 2 Source: The 2008 CDA Longterm Disability Claims Review 3 National Safety Council, Injury Facts 2008 Ed. Disability income insurance products issued by Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, Springfield MA 01111-0001. These polices have exclusions and limitations. For costs and complete details of coverage, please call me at 713-398-1968.

The information provided is not written or intended as specific tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalties. MassMutual, its employees and representatives are not authorized to give tax or legal advice. Individuals are encouraged to seek advice from their own tax or legal counsel.

CRN201112-129059

Western Union Announces 50 Days of Giving Campaign Winner

ENGLEWOOD, COLORADO: The Western Union Company (NYSE:WU), a leader in global payments, announced that Mercy Corps is the charity that received the most votes during Western Union’s 50 Days of Giving holiday campaign.

Right in time for the New Year, Mercy Corps will receive a total of $170,000 in grant funds from Western Union’s 50 Days of Giving campaign, which six-time Grammy-Award winning recording artist John Legend helped launch with a private performance in New York City on November 9.

Western Union kicked-off the 50 Days of Giving campaign in November to help raise charitable-giving awareness during the holiday season. Western Union announced an initial total of $100,000 in grants to benefit five non-government organizations: Boys & Girls Clubs of America, CARE USA, Mercy Corps, Save the Children and The U.S. Fund for UNICEF. Western Union and John Legend also unveiled www.50daysofgiving.com – an online voting site that encouraged consumers to take an active role in

supporting one of the five charities this holiday season. Mercy Corps received the most online votes during the voting period, which ended on December 25, and as a result, they will receive an additional $150,000 grant from Western Union.

“We are thrilled to have won 50 Days of Giving,” said Jeremy Barnicle, Chief Development Officer for Mercy Corps. “We are very thankful to Western Union for offering people this opportunity to mobilize in support of our work. This is a great victory for people in need around the world.”

“Giving back is part of Western Union’s commitment to the communities it serves. 50 Days of Giving offered consumers the opportunity to decide where that support went this holiday season,” said Stewart A. Stockdale, President, The Americas and EVP Global Cards and Global Key Accounts, Western Union. “We are proud that we engaged consumers and more than 92,000 votes in an effort to generate awareness for charitable giving this holiday season.”

According to a Western Union

survey conducted by Wakefield Research, 66 percent of consumers plan to give to charities this holiday, while 36 percent believe it’s their duty to donate to philanthropic causes regardless of their personal financial situation. The survey also revealed 50 percent believe that businesses, regardless of their financial health, are obligated to give to charity.

With the New Year just around the corner and the holiday season closing to an end, consumers should not be dwelling on unpaid bills or stressing about late payments. Unfortunately though, more than 1 in 10 (12%) of consumers were late in paying their bills last holiday season, but Western Union can help consumers send ontime bill payments. All that is needed is to visit any participating Western Union® Agent location, go online to www.WesternUnion.com, or call by phone to pay bills quickly and avoid late charges and penalties.

For more information on how to send the gift of cash to friends and family or pay holiday bills, visit www.

WesternUnion.com.

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Indo American News • Friday, January 07, 2011

entertainment

online edition: www.indoamerican-news.com

Top Movies That Sizzled in 2010: The Year of Masala

Dabangg: Masala potboilers were back with a vengeance in 2010, grabbing attention and dominating the box office.

The quintessential Salman starrer took to every formula in the book.

The actor’s turn as Robinhood Pandey dominated the scene, with his one-liners and bravado, while newcomer Sonakshi Sinha and director Abhinav Bindra got their dream debut on screen.

The film became an instant hit, earning Rs 14.5 crores through packed halls on its release day. By some estimates, it has made over Rs 212 crores till now.

Golmaal 3: The feel-good comic caper by Rohit Shetty surpassed expectations created by its earlier editions Golmaal and Golmaal Returns.

A multi-starrer, which saw the combined talents of Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor, Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor, Shreyas Talpade, Kunal Khemu, Mithun Chakraborty and Johnny Lever, Golmaal 3 grossed 107 crores in its first four weeks.

Raajneeti: A political thriller from Prakash Jha, not only turned into a blockbuster, but also proved wrong beliefs that a political themed film did not make money.

With a strong cast and themed around the Mahabharat, the film explored the games those in power play to maintain their might.

Recording an opening of Rs 10.50 crores on its first day, the film grossed over Rs 92 crores in

India alone.

My Name Is Khan: Tugging at hearts, Shah Rukh Khan’s movie from the Dharma Productions stable, highlighted the Asperger’s syndrome, a mild form of autism and an identity crisis -- of a follower of Islam in post 9/11 USA. It however, remained entrenched in the NRI cinema formula built by Karan Johar and Yash Raj films over the late nineties and first decade of 2000.

Upon its release, My Name Is Khan grossed over Rs 72 crores in India and Rs 110 crores overseas.

Housefull: Directed by Sajid Khan, the summer comedy from the Nadiadwala stable had Akshay Kumar in the lead. The comic caper revolved around the funny situations and mix-ups that followed the jinxed Akshay Kumar and the lies he has to cover up.

An instant hit with the audiences, the film bagged Rs 31 crore on the day of its release, raising it to Rs 72 crores in India.

Enthiran: Resting on the lofty shoulders of Rajinikanth, the tri-language release was the ultimate masala caper of the year.

Call it the sheer magic of Rajni’s presence or director Shankar’s neatly packed action-sequences, the movie transcended language barriers to emerge the highest grosser of the year.

While the Hindi version, Robot was an average grosser, the tri-film project shelled out Rs 62 crores in its opening weekend, rising to over

Rs 250 crores worldwide.

OnceUponATimeInMumbaai: The Balaji production turned the clock on Mumbai, sending it to the seventies, where it clocked the power of an underworld don and the rise of his successor.

While Ajay Devgn played a loosely inspired Haji Mastan, Emraan Hashmi portrayed a younger Dawood Ibrahim in the Milan Luthria film.

After a slow start, the film found audience appreciation, churning over Rs 58 crores in India.

E-mail us which was your favorite movie for 2010 at: indoamericannews@yahoo.com.

2010 Movies

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opinion

Indo American News • Friday, January 07, 2011

19

Patience is a Virtue, Impatience a Vice

By ilaN la go PoNNus NN NNus wami

CHENNAI (Hindu): A few years ago, on a return flight from Frankfurt to Chennai (almost fully loaded with Indians and people of Indian-origin), I observed a strange thing happening. As the huge aircraft was about to touch down, many passengers got up from their seats and tried to open the overhead luggage cabins and take their belongings out, even as the crew kept announcing over the PA system that all passengers were requested remain seated with their seatbelts fastened until the aircraft came to a complete halt.

By the time the plane landed and started taxiing, almost all passengers queued up as if it was an emergency evacuation plan and they were all ready to jump off the plane.

To my utter dismay, my next seat passenger opened the luggage cabin while the aircraft was still in motion and dropped his suitcase right on my head (thank god, it was soft luggage) and, adding fuel to the fire, he did not even apologise but rather gave me just a sheepish smile which infuriated me even more.

Somewhere I had read an article where the author says ‘India is a land of impatient people’ and goes on to give a detailed analysis of why the Indian psyche is like that. According to that anonymous author, Indians have always had to struggle to get what they need, be it their rations or a seat in the bus or train, or getting a cinema ticket or even such a simple mundane thing as getting a packet of milk early in the morning.

Answers.com defines impatience as a quality which makes people unable to wait patiently or tolerate delay; restless, unable to endure irritation or opposition; intolerant: impatient

of criticism, expressing or produced by impatience: an impatient scowl, restively eager or desirous; anxious: impatient to begin. Christine Egan, in her post on Blisstree says ‘I have no patience for impatient people. The chronically impatient like to waste their time and energy (and everyone else’s) on situations that are of absolutely no consequence. Impatient people are those idiots who simply cannot fathom why it might take five entire minutes for them to receive their latte, even though the reason for this unacceptable wrongdoing is obvious’.

She goes on to ask, ‘Are impatient people as serious a problem as the earthquake in Haiti, the BP oil spill, the Chilean mine collapse, or the recent deadly flooding in Pakistan? Of course not. But these tragic, real-life events are precisely why perennially impatient people need to get a serious grip on their problems’.

Patienceisavirtue.Impatientpeople are a vice. One big, bad, consequence is that impatience can be destructive.

By D.B.N. murthy CHENNAI (Hindu): While in the advanced countries the use of horn is an exception, we appear to drive on the horn and brakes. Drivers have developed a habit of using the horn whether needed or not. “Horn if you want side” is painted on some vehicles, which means they won’t budge unless compelled to do so by a loud sound. The concept that slower vehicles should keep left and give way to faster vehicles is not known to our drivers. The result is a mindless cacophony of noise that is disturbing.

The urban noise level is high mostly because of ill-maintained engines and use of the horn. Despite the fact that some areas are designated as “No horn” zones, this is observed more in the breach than practice.

Visitors from overseas wonder how we put up with such noise that is ear-splitting. The fact is that the traf traf-

fic police themselves are not setting examples to others. They should take interest in advising drivers to use the horn sparingly, if at all. It is often used to scare others or get the right of way.

Indiscipline is the root cause of such

For example, if you pick fruits and vegetables before they’re ripe, you lose in two ways. You’ll never get the finished, completely finished ver version and you won’t be able to eat what you have picked.

In today’s world, I find that the virtue of patience is not taught right from early childhood. I remember the time when I was a schoolboy and when I wanted to have a bicycle, however much I pestered my father and tried all frantic efforts, I had to wait endlessly before my desire could be fulfilled.

But, today, parents cannot digest the idea of making their child wait for anything ranging from a chocolate to clothing, vehicle or even a car. Most parents do not understand the important psychological principle of ‘delayed gratification’ these days because they themselves are a generation of ‘impatient people’. Impatience will cost you. It can cost you money, friendships, pain and suffering or any number of consequences simply because impatience is often followed by bad decisions.

Children have a shorter attention span than adults, commonly making then seem impatient. The best way to teach your children to be patient is to set an example and be patient in your actions. It also helps to give them something to do while they wait, and pay attention to them when you can so there is a balance between having patience and also having their needs met, suggests clinical social worker Bette Freedson in her article “Teaching Kids Patience,” published by the National Association of Social Workers (USA). Finally, as Solomon ben Yehuda ibn Gabirol says, “The test of good manners is to be patient with bad ones.”

Horn is Not Okay, Please

rash driving using the power of one’s shrill horn. For the urban noise level to come down, there is no alternative to curbing the use of horn strictly. Fines should be imposed on those who use the horn unnecessarily.

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india

Indo American News • Friday, January 07, 2011

online edition: www.indoamerican-news.com

20 Questions for 2011: Indian Experts Gaze into the Crystal Ball 1. Will the Left be booted out would be among subtlety with which it put its message across. of power in Bengal? the favourites. In- This film could make us proud at the Oscars.

Aparna Sen, filmmaker, says 17. Will food prices come down? dia has batsmen Yes. I think the electorate of West Jay Shankar, chief economist, Religare, says who can do it for Bengal has lost faith in the Left Quite unlikely. Unless investment in agriculthem, though the Front after 30 years of rule with team’s bowling is ture and r&d is not increased significantly over a little to show for it!*** long enough period to augment food production a big concern.

2. What surprises do you ex15. Will the in tandem with changing income and consumppect from 2011 Census?

Indian Express tion patterns, all monetary measures would be Prasanta Ray, emeritus professor set courts on fire compromising on the growth potential of the at Presidency College, says economy. again?

The biggest revelation of Census 18. Will Kashmir interlocutors make any J a i d e e p 2011 will be the new numbers of sc/ Mukherjea, for- headway? st/obcs in our country. My guess is Kanwal Sibal, former Indian foreign secremer player and that they could amount to as much Davis Cup cap- tary, says as 50 per cent of the population.

The interlocutors have done much damage. tain, says If this is true, then it may trigger, Yes, it’s pos- I wish they make no headway because any via politics and ngos, a whole new sible, even if both headway they make will only be in the wrong demand politics and even localised are approaching direction. caste wars.

19. What will be the biggest book of the the end of their 3. Will BJP finally find a leader careers. They new year? in Nitin Gadkari?

Chiki Sarkar, publisher, says continue to be top Govindacharya, former BJP Prakash Padukone feels Saina Nehwal is close to reaching her potential in doubles players, 2011 will be the year of big follow-ups. The ideologue, says ranked among two most anticipated will be Amitav Ghosh’s 2011 by becoming the world chamion in badminton.

The BJP has already found a the top-six in follow-up to Sea of Poppies and the next Adiga 10. Will Jairam Ramesh’s green drive doubles. The only hindrance could be fitness novel. leader who will take its downward slide to a finality in 2011. Socially sensitive leaders like continue?

20. Will Rahul Gandhi get married in or injury-related problems. At this stage of their Claude Alvares, environmental activist , careers, it’s easier to get injured and more dif- 2011?

Dr Bhai Mahaveer and Deen Dayal Upadhyay were symbols of simple living. The grand man- says Ravi Shankar Prasad, BJP spokesperson, says ficult to recover.

Why only in the new year? I’m convinced he ner in which Gadkari’s son’s marriage was held 16. Will Peepli [Live] win an Oscar in The decision to marry will have to be entirely recently goes against all of this. Having Gadkari will mean business with his strict enforcement 2011?

Mr Gandhi’s. But we do hope that he will get as a leader will complete the Congressification of environmental regulations till the end of his married in 2011. Hope is after all is the essence Anushka Sharma, actress, says term. The rules he is enforcing have not been of the BJP. I hope Peepli [Live] does win—I loved the of life. Outlook 4. Will Parliament logjam go on when it passed by him but by Parliament. The real question is not about Jairam’s seriousness, but the reopens?

Neerja Chowdhary, political commentator, prime minister’s narrow economic mindset.

11. Will all Radia tapes see the light of day says Parliament is likely to function in the Budget in 2011?

Prashant Bhushan, lawyer, says session. The Left is realising that the logjam is We certainly hope so, this is the first time not going down too well with people. With a divided opposition, it would be difficult to stall people are getting a ringside vew of how capitalParliament. Also, the Congress has gone on ists and others run the country.

12. Will anybody be convicted in the 2G the offensive, with the PM agreeing to appear before a pac, the SC-monitored probe and the scam case?

Nilotpal Basu, CPI(M) leader, says interrogation of Radia and Raja by the CBI. Very difficult to expect any conviction given 5. What will be the next big WikiLeaks the CBI.rsquo;s abysmal track record as a disclosures?

K.C. Singh, former secretary in the MEA, prosecuting agency. Secondly, though it is an open-and-shut case in which anybody would says Candid assessments of Indian political lead- expect conviction, much depends on the interers, the Gandhi-Vadra underbelly and disso- pretation of whether the allocation of spectrum nance in what our politico-bureaucratic elite in 2008 can be done at the 2001 prices. This is say in private to the US, as distinct from their essentially a policy question, for which Raja alone is not responsible. public stances.

13. Will the Sensex tank in 2011?

6. Will Saina Nehwal become world numDhirendra Kumar, CEO, Value Research, ber 1?

Prakash Padukone, former badminton cham- says Any global reversal can sink the market. pion, says I think so. She has the potential, this we’ve India is a big beneficiary of global inflows and always known. Now she’s very near that mark, foreign institutional investor (FII) money is and I think it’s only a matter of time before she driving the market. If they pull out, it will be very bad actually becomes No. 1.

7. Who will be the next big Bollywood star and the steepness of the fall could be very scary. The on TV? drivers that can push up the Karan Johar, film-maker, says • Green Cards • US Citizenship • Appeals One person I’d like to see host a TV show is market—earning surprises Aamir Khan, primarily because he is otherwise (from companies)—are not • H-1B, L-1 Visas • Deportation Defense so inaccessible. Since he has an academic bent there. Companies are not * of mind it would be great to see him host a full- doing very well. Gains in the market are unlikely. fledged, serious show on cinema. *(Restrictions Apply) 14. Will India win the 8. Is the rupee going to rise further in 2011 cricket World Cup? 2011?

We offer compassionate representation Kapil Dev, former Indian Vikram Murarka, currency strategist, says and our fees are very reasonable.

It may not rise beyond Rs 44 or Rs 43.5 to the captain, says India can win the World dollar in the new year and instead may surprise by weakening to Rs 47-plus as the dollar is Cup, but will it? I can only say that a team that plays expected to rise globally.

(Attorney at Law) 9. Will peace talks with Pakistan be back truly like a team will win it. Now that Australia is no on track? longer the dominant team Lalit Mansingh, ex-foreign secretary, says Unlikely, or at least, not during 2011. There in the world, it’s the most 4151 SW Freeway, Ste:600, Houston, TX 77027 is no basis for real understanding with Pakistan open World Cup after the *Licensed by the Supreme Court of New York and admitted to practice before the US Court of Appeals. and, therefore, meetings might take place but 1990s. On home condiNot certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization tions, India and Sri Lanka there is unlikely to be any real progress.

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technology

Indo American News • Friday, January 07, 2011

21

Top 10 Must-Have Apps for Your Android Handset

By kukil Bora BANGALORE (SI): Ever since its announcement in August 2008, Android Market, the official online app store for Android devices has shown an impressive growth rate in terms of applications available for download. Its open nature is another selling point of Android. Third party app developers can make apps without any kind of governance. Apart from the apps from Android marketplace, users can also install third party apps on their Android handsets.

Take a look at ten popularAndroid apps that are the must-haves in your Android.

Astro File Manager Astro File Manager alal lows users to navigate files on either the SD card or acac cessible internal memory.

It allows users to access .zip files from their Android phone itself. The user can copy paste file in different folders and can download any file extension via the browser. The app also has its own built-in task killer, backs up applications, and is capable of sending files as email attachments.

App Protector Pro App Protector Pro is one of the best Android apps for maintaining and protecting privacy. It provides a solid line of defense against possible privacy infractions. This app allows the user to set passwords protection for virtually any app on your Android phone. Even the user can set passwords to his photo gallery, SMS, Gmail and so on.

Google Voice Using this app, the user can take control of his handset by creating a new number. He can also

route calls to various paths and take advantage interesting features such as voicemail transcription, free texting, cheap international calling, and so on.

Kindle Kindle allows users to read Kindle books on an easy-to-use interface. In the Kindle Store users can access to over 7,50,000 books. It also includes popular new releases and New York Times Best Sellers from $9.99. Apart from books, users can also read free ebooks and over 100 newspanewspapers & magazines.

Barcode Scanner Information regarding any bar code or the related app can be easily got using Barcode ScanScan ner. The app is really is fast and scan the bar codes of most of the apps. It allows you to scan most product bar codes in 1D and 2D formats to search Google for product results. Users can also scan Data Matrix and QR Codes containing URLs, contact info, etc.

SwiftKey In most of the cases, the stock virtual keyboard on Android doesn’t predict words correctly.

This is the reason; phone makers like HTC are opting for having their own QWERTY keyboard. But for those people buying phones with the default Android keyboard, SwiftKey can be a better option. The best part of SwiftKey is its word prediction. It learns from the way the user types. It also goes through users’ messages and stores words that he’d commonly use.

Google shopper Want to know better price for a particular product? Google shopper can be the ideal app you want in this situation. It takes a picture of the object from your phone’s camera and then searches for the latest prices on the Internet. The

app recognizes products by cover art, barcode scanning, voice and text search. Google shopper finds local and online prices, reviews, specs, and more.

Google map Google map offers naviganaviga tion through every turn. The latest features of Goggle map in Android 2.0+ devices inin cludes 3D buildings, 3D tilting & rotation plus better map cachcach ing. Users can change the views of Google maps, obtain the latitude and longitude of locations and add markers to Google maps.

eBuddy Messenger eBuddy Messenger allows users to chat with friends on MSN, Yahoo, AIM, ICQ, GTalk, MySpace and Facebook accounts. This powerful instant messenger is free. Another key feature of this app is that the user can be online with multiple accounts at the same time.

Where is MyDroid What if you lost your Android phone one day? This app called Where is MyDroid can a helpful app then. Though it cannot find the stolen mobile, it can be very useful for you to find your phone if somebody hides it or you have misplaced it by yourself. It can even ring when the mobile is in silent mode.

American Companies Eyeing India for Hiring

NEW YORK (SI): American companies are on a hiring spree across their shores, specially in countries like India, China and Brazil.

The reason for this is, it is in these countries that sales are growing and more orders are being placed.

Case in point can be the companies Caterpillar and UPS, both of which have hired in huge numbers from overseas. Both companies are registering higher international sales than domestic ones. The trend of hiring from over overseas is spelling hordes of unemployed people in U.S. In fact the unemployment rate in the country has reached 9.8 percent despite the fact that 96 percent of top 500 U.S. companies have reported profits this year.

According to the The Economic Policy Institute, a Washington think tank, 1.4 million jobs have been created this year in overseas while in the U.S. less than one million jobs were created. Had the 1.4 million jobs been created in the U.S. the unemployment rate would have come down to 8.9 percent.

Also the products that are made outside

are sold there itself. Demands have grown in countries like India, China and Brazil. The opposite is true fr the U.S. consumer, whose needs have subdued. Americans are spending 3 percent less on clothing than they did before recession and 10 percent less on jewelry, fur furniture, electronics, and big appliances; as per MasterCard’s SpendingPulse.

So it is logical for companies to move where the market is present. Says Jeffrey Sachs, Globalization Expert and Economist at Columbia University, “Companies will go where there are fast-growing markets and big profits.

What’s changed is that companies today are getting top talent in emerging economies, and the U.S. has to really watch out.’’

Since the future promises are shown by these emerging markets, companies are shifting their sight. David Wyss, Chief Economist at Standard & Poor’s says, “There is a shift in economic power that’s going on and will continue.” He also adds that half of revenue for companies in Standard & Poor’s 500 has come from outside in the last few years.

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Indo American News • Friday, January 07, 2011

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Can You Really Empower Me?

Only when we think of providing the basic necessities to the millions of poor women around India will empowerment mean anything for them

By r r. BalasuB alasu ramaN ramaNiam Niam ( IT) It was early 1992. We were just toying with the idea of getting the local women or organised into small groups. The intent then was to just get them together to talk about issues that were important for them. Later on, in 1993, after Mamatha had joined us at Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement, we expanded the agenda to include micro-credit and savings.

Women in Brahmagiri would usually get together every Monday and meet for an hour or so. I had no exposure to any of the issues that concerned them, so I would just use the oppor opportunity to stay connected and talk. The topics of discussion usually revolved around their health, their children, their husband’s drunkenness, or the problems they faced with the forest department. Many times, these were just occasions for some local gossip. I would always try my best to attend all these meetings, and they were possibly my best learning experiences.

The group was dominated by the presence of three very vocal Kadukuruba women - Selli, Sarasu and Somi. Shivamma, another Kadukuruba lady would attend but not speak much in the initial days. We must have been meeting regularly for nearly 6 months, when I started noticing that Shivamma was conspicuous by her absence. When you have only one group to work with and just 15-16 members attending, one does notice who is present and who is not.

Shivamma was not present for more than 4 weeks in a row, and her absenteeism became the subject of discussion. The women were quite vocal in criticising her for this, and saw no reason why she was not coming.

All of them seemed to agree that they all faced similar problems and attending these meetings did not come without a price for each of them.

Finally, they felt that I needed to intervene and

“Empowerment is not just weekly meetings and discussions; not just about laws, demanding rights and entitlements. For a woman, it is also about providing the physical, emotional and the intellectual space and freedom for allowing all these things to happen in a conducive environment.”

talk to her and her family and convince her that her presence was as important as her support in spirit.

A few days later, Shivamma came to the hospital with her youngest child who was sick.

All her three boys attended our school, and Ganesha, her oldest was part of our first batch of 28 students. I met her just as she was returning home, and spoke to her about why she was now distancing herself from the Sangha. I explained to her how ‘empowerment’ meant certain sacrifices had to be made, and coming together was more than symbolic. I tried telling her that only through dialogue and discussion could each of us understand the problems on hand and think through a workable solution. More importantly, the collective could thrive only on the strength of its members, and the group needed every

member’s presence to make it work.

She gave me a patient hearing and casually mentioned that I would never understand her position. She told me it was possibly much easier for me to attend these weekly meetings than it was for her. Seeing my puzzled look, she politely challenged me to spend a day with her and her family and then decide if she could attend these meetings. This was the first time that someone was testing my commitment and asking me to experience first-hand the issues that the community faced each day. I took up the gauntlet and decided that I would spend the whole of the next day shadowing her.

What an experience it was! I walked up to her house early in the morning at around 6 AM. Her day had just begun, and she was up and waking her family.

She spent the two or three hours fetching water from the tube well nearby, and must have made at least 10 trips. Then she quickly gathered up some firewood and lit the hearth. The morning breakfast was the left-over dinner from the previous evening - ragi balls with ‘chutney’ made of chilies and onions. She seemed to be constantly busy with fetching water, cooking and getting her family ready for their day.

Once she made sure that all her 3 children were ready and off to school, she and her husband walked to the forest nearby. Here they spent most of the morning fetching firewood and bamboo. The Kadukuruba’s life revolves around bamboo they use it from cooking to house construction to making small articles of daily use. She returned early with a head load of dry firewood

and was happy that she could find fallen and dead wood that would keep the fires lit for the next 2-3 days. Her husband returned a couple of hours later with enough bamboo for them to work on for the next few days.

Before I could even say ‘rest’, she was off to the Kabini river - to wash clothes and bathe. Af After her return, she and her husband sat together and started splitting the bamboo and making them into strips that they could work on. As they worked, they also chatted and seemed to enjoy each other’s company. I realized that amidst all this activity, there was no lunch thrown in. Being hungry myself, I could not but help notice that they did not seemed to be troubled at all. Their entire life revolved around ragi balls in the night and the same thing for breakfast in the morning, and that was it.

It was now around 5 PM, and the children were back from school. This was the indication for her to start preparations for dinner. From chopping the firewood, to cleaning the utensils, to fetching water to preparing dinner - she seemed to be fully immersed in these activities.

Before I could even have a decent conversation with her, I realised that it was nightfall and the day had ended. Amidst all this, she still maintained her calm, and was always cheerful.

I was tired and wanted to desperately hit the bed. She would not let me go so easily. After the dinner that she served lovingly, she politely asked me if I understood why she could not attend the Sangha meetings. I could now see, what seemed such an ordinary task of making an hour for meeting each week was indeed so demanding and expensive for these women.

There are things that we take for granted, and presume communities will oblige us in doing. I had seen the Sangha from my point of view - as a tool for empowerment, and did not stop to ask myself what it could mean to these tribal women without whose participation the Sanghas meant nothing. It was not just an issue of time and intent. There are deeper dynamics that determine the process. I could now see all these women through a new lens and my respect and admiration for them went up many fold.

Shivamma then politely told me something that rings in my ears even now. She told me that empowerment was not just weekly meetings and discussions; it was not just about laws, demanding our rights, and seeking out our entitlements. She said for a woman, it was also about providing the physical, emotional and the intellectual space and freedom for allowing all these things to happen in a conducive environment. She said this in her own simple way.

It was about ensuring that she had piped water at her house, fuel that did not demand going to the forest each day and spending hours chopping it; an livelihood with a steady income and finally the security that a good school and hospital that is accessible, affordable and available to her and her family. Only when all this happens, she felt that she would have the time and the freedom to fully and effectively participate in the Sanghas. And only when we think of providing these basic necessities to the millions of Shivammas around India will empowerment mean anything for them.

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Indo American News • Friday, January 07, 2011

online edition: www.indoamerican-news.com

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 07 , 2011 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM