E-newspaper02142014

Friday, February 14 2014 | Vol. 33, No. 07

$1

Indo American erican News

www.indoamerican-news.com Published weekly from Houston, TX

7457 Harwin Dr, Suite 262, Houston, TX 77036 713.789.NEWS (6397) • Fax: 713.789.6399 • indoamericannews@yahoo.com

Partnered & Syndicated with Times of India, Sulekha.com, Google, Yahoo & Bing

P16

Puzzles / Recipe

P24

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2014 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

P5

2

February 14, 2014

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2014 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

COMMUNITY

February 14, 2014

3

Shraddhanjali, a Memorial Service for Mahatma Gandhi

BY DR. MANISH WANI HOUSTON: Mahatma Gandhi who spread the message of non-violence, truth and global peace, died on January 30, 1948.

Mahatma Gandhi Library in collaboration with Unity Houston commemorated Shraddhanjali, a memorial service, on Saturday, February 8 at Unity Houston, 2929 Unity Dr. Mahatma Gandhi said “I shall conquer untruth by truth. And in resisting untruth, I shall put up with all suffering.� He was never afraid of death.

Currently, the world is encountering several challenges including intolerance, impatience, and terrorism. Hence, it is essential to follow the ideas and principles of Mahatma Gandhi, especially truth and non-violence, not only to achieve international peace and prosperity, but the same within one’s own heart.

The mission of the Mahatma Gandhi Library is to promote the universal values of peace, non-violence, truth and love. The library was started almost twelve years ago by the vision and dedication of Atulbhai Kothari and today, with many dedicated volunteers, their worthy efforts continue.

The Shraddhanjali program started sharply at 3:30 pm with a wonderful garlanding and lamp lighting ceremony by the Board of

Trustees of the library followed by Invocation from Reverend Mindy Lawrence of Unity Houston.

Sam Merchant, on behalf of Honorable Congressman Al Green, presented Mahatma Gandhi Library with an official certificate of recognition from the Congressman’s office.

The program continued with a beautiful rendition of the bhajans

XXX DUEBJSGBSF DPN ctdiscounttravel@gmail.com

Vaishnav Janato and Dedhi Hume Azaadi by the dazzling voice of Jamunaben Murali, accompanied

by Suchetaben Karandikar, Arun Sabhapa on Tabla, and Dr Mahendra Gohi on harmonium.

Dr. Sitaben Kapadia, member of the reading group at the Mahatma Gandhi Library, and Professor Emeritus of English Language and Literature, University of New

York, then gave her insightful perspective of Mahatma Gandhi. She is one of the few still alive that has actually seen Mahatma Gandhi in person.

DAV Montessori School and DAV Sanskirti School, both from Arya Samaj Houston, presented their adorable and talented students on stage singing beautiful bhajans which were favorites of Gandhiji’s.

Daksh Kapoor, sophomore from Austin High School, presented his awe-inspiring 1st place winning iTribute multimedia presentation entitled “history of non-violence.�

Smriti Ahuja, sophomore from Seven Lakes High School delighted the audience with her winning speech, “Is pen mightier than the sword.�

Dr. Phuc Luu, instructor in the department of religion at Houston Baptist University, then gave us a Christian perspective on Gandhiji.

The program continued with an moving skit performed by 4 children, ages 8-12, directed by Bhooma Parvananthy and Mary Gore, titled Impact of Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy on the world.

Reverend Ron Lister of Unity Houston gave an inspiring and profound tribute to Nelson Mandela, a devoted follower of Mahatma Gandhi, who spent his entire life advocating human rights

$5 %JTDPVOU 5SBWFM

and recently died on December 5, 2013.

The program concluded with a vote of thanks by Jayesh Shah, Board member of the Mahatma Gandhi Library and chair of the program. The crowd was encouraged to visit the Gandhi Darshan Exhibit on display and the MGL booth. The event culminated with beautiful instrumental music in the background while all present enjoyed refreshments.

The Shraddhanjali program at Unity Houston commemorating Mahatma Gandhi’s life was truly inspirational and proved to keep the legacy of peace, truth, non-violence and love alive, penetrating the hearts of all in attendance.

XPSL DFMM

* We will beat any of competitors airfare on any Airlines to any city in India and any other world wide destinations * Call us for Discounted Tours on Cosmos, Globus to any world wide destinations and Carnival cruise, Royal Caribbean Cruise and Norwegian cruise line * We offer Teachers and student airfare on qatarairways

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2014 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

4

February 14, 2014

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2014 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

COMMUNITY - Valentine’s Day

February 14, 2014

5

How Do I Love Thee, My Valentine? Let Me Count the Ways …

COMPILED BY MANU SHAH HOUSTON: On the occasion of their Golden Jubilee, a Gujarati husband in Houston was asked the secret of his happy married life. His answer was short and simple. He had taken his wife to Mumbai for their 25th wedding anniversary. So did he have anything special planned for his 50th wedding anniversary? Apparently he did. He planned to go and get her back!

While we don’t recommend such a farfetched recipe for a blissful married life, we suggest that this Valentine, and in fact the whole year, do something special, thoughtful and romantic for each other. Here’s how some Houston couples have remembered their Valentine – and some do it all year long. Read on!

Puneet Friebott: In almost 18 years of marriage, Eric has always done small things like starting up my car and warming my seat on cold mornings so I am not cold when I get in the car and he doesn’t let me carry grocery bags. However the most romantic thing he has ever done is getting my name tattooed on his arm a few years ago without even telling me. He researched and asked my mom and friends to help him get the Hindi spelling of my name right and got it done!!

Indo American News (ISSN 887-5936) is published weekly every Friday (for a subscription of $40 per year) by IndoAmerican News Inc., 7457 Harwin Dr., Suite 262, Houston, TX 77036., tel: 713-789-6397, fax:713-789-6399, email: indoamericannews@yahoo.com.

Periodical postage paid at Houston, Texas. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Indo American News,7457 Harwin Dr., Suite 262, Houston, TX 77036

Veena Kaul: I really don’t have a story to share! During the first few years of marriage we gave gifts to each other, but after a few years we started realizing that this was just another day for us, nothing special. For us small gestures in our daily life mean more than celebrating Valentine’s Day.

Leena Shah: On my first Valentine’s Day, Ash gave me this GIGANTIC V-Day card (when I say “gigantic” it was about 3 feet x 2 feet) along with flowers, candies, gifts, poem, wine, dinner, etc. but to be honest, as years passed by, the charm, romance and novelty of Valentine’s Day did diminish somewhat. The romantic poem was the first to go, followed by flowers, followed by candies. The gift and dinner will ALWAYS continue between us and IF I don’t get a gift and dinner on this special day – ASH KNOWS HE WILL BE IN TROUBLE! Our little boys do join us for Valentine’s dinner and we actually like that, as we believe that we are setting an example to do the same for their future significant other!!

Sangeeta Pasrija: During our courtship days, I told Arun to make my birthday special for me. Since then for the past 28 years, I’ve received the ‘most’ beautiful birthday card with the sweetest sentimental message. Another endearing thing he does is sing a song he picked up in Chinmaya Mission. Jane kya jaadoo bhara hua bhagwan tumhari Geeta mein’ since my pet name is Geeta. The most sacrificing action he does for me is become Darth Vader at night….puts on his sleep apnea machine, so I can sleep!

CONTINUED ON PAGE

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2014 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

9

6

February 14, 2014

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2014 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

February 14, 2014

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2014 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

7

8

February 14, 2014

LAW OFFICES OF ZAINAB K. RIZVI DEDICATED DEPENDABLE & PERSONAL ATTENTION IMMIGRATION LAW Non Immigration and Immigrant Visa, Family & Employment Immigration.

Citizenship/Naturalization, Asylum,VAWA

WILLS/TRUSTS

Power of Attorney, Estate Planning

BUSINESS FORMATION Partnerships, LLC, LLP

WE ALSO SPEAK URDU & HINDI CALL TODAY FOR FREE CONSULTATION

713-297-9131 www.zkrlaw.com

2425 WEST LOOP SOUTH SUITE 200, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77027 Principal office located in Houston, Texas

MITRA / CAMDEN TRAVEL Consolidators for Turkish Airlines and Asiana Airlines

We have completed 20 successful years 12375 Bissonnet, Ste. B Houston, TX 77099

WHOLESALER FOR S MAJOR AIR CARRIER es irat • Em • Gulf Airways • Kingfisher • Singapore Airlines • Jet Airways • Sahara Airlines • Indian Airlines • Eva Airlines We have • Asiana Airlines special low • Qatar Airways • PIA fares on • Air India Jet Airways • Royal Jordanian • China Airlines

Announcement

281-530-3000 1-888-811-LESS Please call us to get these special fares WHOLESALE CONSOLIDATOR OF QATAR & EMIRATES AIRLINES Call us for competitive and confirmed seats on all major cities in Texas to any city in India.Call us for Summer and December seats now

Last minute fares to Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Bangalore, Calcutta and many more...

For December fares please call us now.

Special Student and Teacher discounts www.faregurus.com/ camdentravel@aol.com

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2014 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

Indo-American News © 2013

COMMUNITY - Valentine’s Day

February 14, 2014

How Do I Love Thee, My Valentine? Let Me Count the Ways …

CONTINUED FROM PAGE

5

Ekta Taneja: Sanjay does not do anything special on Valentine Day but his little gestures like making vegetable juice for me every morning when I wake up and helping me with the dishes and cleaning after dinner mean more to me. His most romantic gesture I think is when he watched a show he doesn’t like just to keep me company.

Arzan Gonda: I once threw my husband a surprise birthday party. I left the front door open earlier in the morning and at 6:30am we had around 25 people run into our bedroom and SURPRISE him...he almost had a heart attack...but that was one of the most memorable birthdays ever. This was possible because a good friend and neighbor had everyone gather at her house at 6.00 am and since we had planned all the meals the day before - we partied all day.

Jasmeeta Singh: We usually celebrate Valentine with family and friends. Red roses worked for 1520 years but after that we give each other white roses since “Pyar se zyada Ghar mein shanti ki zarurat hoti hai”. The other difference is first I could eat chocolates on Valentine but now I can’t “swad se zyada sehat ki zarurat hoti hai…Eat healthy stay healthy”. This year we complete 25 years of marriage and we just pray to god to keep us safe and healthy so we can keep on serving the community.

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2014 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

9

10 February 14, 2014 HOUSTON: This past weekend, on February 8, Texas Lunar Festival was celebrated at the Amity Park. Over 10,000 people from various communities attended the event, along with Congressman Al Green, State Representatives, Houston City Council members, Consul General from various countries and people from different communities attended and enjoyed the event.

Wea H. Lee, chairman of the Texas Lunar Festival, co-chair Rahman Moton were few of the people behind this well organized and successful event. The morning session included the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and the grand opening of the Microfilm Festival.

In the afternoon Moton and his team presented a culturally rich South-Asian performance. Moton has helped promote the South

FOR ADVERTISEMENT

Texas Lunar Festival Celebrated at Amity Park

CALL: 713-789-6397

COMMUNITY

Asian culture for the past five years in the Lunar Festival.

Khidki The story of two sisters in a slum with dreams of a better life, and how a window changes their destiny

A Dance ncce-drama p presentation showcasingg the he exquisite xq xq classical dance form f Kathak ak accompanied p with th Dholak akk

and ndd Tabla la la Tickets: $15 at http://tickets2events.com/ Info: http://shivanginiclasses.com INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2014 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

COMMUNITY

February 14, 2014

11

Thai Sukravara Deepa Puja Celebrated at Sri Meenakshi Temple

Experienced Threaders

Wanted

Beautifully decorated lamps symbolizing Goddess Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswathi at Sri MTS during the Thai Sukravara Puja.

Photo: Luckmi Pawa

PEARLAND: It was a cold and crisp evening with the wind chill making it feel colder than the forty degree temperature on Friday, February 7. Inside the main sannadhi of the Sri Meenakshi Temple, Pearland, the devotee’s heart were warmed to the serene atmosphere created by the “Villaku� (Deepa or Lamp) puja, worshipping the Goddesses, Sri Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswathi, invoked in the form of “Jyothi swaroopa� (form of light), as symbolized by the three silver Kuthuvalaku (lamps). The annual Deepa puja is performed for Sri Meenakshi during the Tamil month of Thai on a Friday evening. After the invocatory prayer, the lamps

were lit and the Kumkum archana for the Lamps started with the recitation of Lalitha Saharanamavali. Sri Manickasundara Bhattar led the beautiful chanting along with SriPawan Kumar and Sri Kalyanasundaram with the devotees accompanying them, thus creating a beautiful reverberation of the sacred sloka. At the end of the Namavali, Devi stuthi was recited, followed by Deeparaadhanai.

Flowers, Prasadam and fruits were brought by the devotee to offer the Goddess. Nearly 50 ladies partook in the deepa puja and archana, all resplendent in fine attire braving the cool weather and keen on

getting blessing of the Almighty Goddess. The event concluded with the distribution of Kum kum and flowers to the devotees. Mala Gopal, Cultural committee lead from MTS board coordinated the wonderfully organized event. The devotees left to go home late night content in partaking in the auspicious puja, and happy in getting blessing of Goddess Sri Meenakshi.

Seva Beauty is the nation’s fastest growing Spa Company and we are looking for talented threaders to join our Dallas & McKinney, TX team. Competitive pay, PAID insurance, & service discounts available.

Apply online at sevabeauty.com/careers Advanced training in eyelash extensions, threading, and brow tinting available on sevaacademy.com.

For Advertising Call 713-789-6397 INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2014 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

12 February 14, 2014 HOUSTON: Cougars Cricket club won the TCC Taped Ball Winter 2013 tournament defeating Grady Cricket Club(GCC) by 13 runs in a great low scoring final.

Cougars became Champions for the second consecutive tournament there by becoming the first team in TCC Taped ball history to defend a title. It was a highly competitive tournament involving 12 teams.

On February 8, a day with good weather for playing cricket, Cougars won the toss and elected to bat first. They had a bad start as they lost their inform batsman George in the second over to Sushil. After that Rajesh and Cougars Captain Ashwin steadied the innings with a 60 runs second wicket partnership. After 11 overs Cougars were looking very strong at 67 – 1 and a big total looked on the cards but Sushil stuck twice in the 12th over removing both the set batsmen to put breaks on Cougars run scoring.

Grady’s bowlers bowled very tight line and lengths after that to restrict Cougars for 112 – 7 in 20 overs. Rajesh (30), Ashwin (25) and Karthik (22*) were the main scorers.

Sushil was the pick of the bowlers with his spell of 4-0-25-3, supported by Aveg with 2 wickets.

Chasing a relatively small total, Grady started attacking from the first ball scoring 14 runs in the first over and were 20 -0 after two overs. A brilliant catch by Kalesh of the bowling of Pavan got Cougars their first wicket but Grady batsmen kept attacking and were 44 – 2 after 7 overs. Swaroop stuck with his first ball of the spell by removing Grady’s key batsmen Vipul with a great yorker and by the 10 over break Cougars had pulled the game back by restricting Grady to 52 – 4 . With 61 required of last ten overs Grady started second half cautiously. Cougars capitalized the situation

TCC Taped Ball Tournament Winter 2013 Cougars Winners, Grady Runners Up

COMMUNITY

TCC Winter 2013: the winning team Cougars with the Cheif Guest, Venky Rao.

hishek bowled a great 16th over in power play giving only 1 run and taking one wicket. The same over had Asim run out for 21 which more or less ended any chances Grady had of winning.

Grady were all out for 99 in 20 overs when Pavan took the last wicket starting wild celebrations amongst the Cougars team TCC Winter 2013: the runner up team Grady with the Chief who became TCC champions for second time in Guest, Venky Rao. last 5 months .The game had high quality umpiring with some tight bowling and great fielding as the asking rate kept increasing to 9+. Ab- from Ketan and Sai from Strikers.

The game was followed by a well-organized prize distribution ceremony arranged by TCC and attended by number of friends and family members who had come to support the teams. The presentation party had Venky Rao, founder member and member of Board of Directors of TCC as Chief Guest, TCC Vice President Krishna Shikaram, TCC President Nanda Kumar, member of Board of Directors Surya Saladi and TCC cricket team member Kiran. Jagadish Biradar, organizer of TCC Taped Ball tournament coordinated the presentation ceremony. Venky Rao was presented with a plaque by Surya Saladi for his contribution to cricket in Houston.

Ashwin, the captain of Cougars was presented with the championship trophy and Aveg, the captain of Grady was presented with the runners up trophy. The players of the winners and runners up received individual trophies. Man of the match for the finals was Rajesh from Cougars for a match winning all round performance scoring 30 runs and bowling figures of 4-0-15-2.

Ashwin from Cougars won the Best Batsman trophy for second successive time with 258 runs. Aveg from Grady won the Best Bowler trophy with 14 wickets and Yesu (200 runs and 13 wickets) from HJCC and Vinit (187 runs and 14 wickets) from Chargers Gladiators were declared joint best allrounders.

Trophies were also given to the man of the match for Semi Finals and Quarter Finals. Karthik from Cougars and Vipul from Grady were the recipients of the man of the match for Semi Finals. Swaroop from Cougars, Satish from HJCC, Aveg from Grady and Subodh from Chargers Gladiators were the recipients of the man of the match for Quarter Finals.

Maha Shivratri Celebration at Sanatan Shiv Shakti Mandir of Houston The First Jyotir Lingam, a Replica of GOD Somnath & Maa Shri Ambaji, in Houston.

Thursday, February 27, 2014 Please Come with your family and Friends and pray at Our New Temple.

Mahapuja at 5:00 PM. Arati 7:00 pm.

Four-Praharpooja will continue till 6:00 a.m. on Feb 28 List your name for Pooja with the Priest.

Mrutyunjaya Japa Yajna will continue for the whole day.

For Mahapooja, a donation of $201.00 is appreciated; For Abhishek during daytime a donation of $21.00 is appreciated, and Milk for Abhishek & Prasad is welcome.

New Temple is located at: 6640 Harwin Drive • Houston, TX 77036 For more information or to participate as Yajman, call Pandit Virat Mehta 713-784-5500 or Hardik Raval 361-243-6539 Temple Tel: 713-278-9099

Maha Pooja – 5:00 pm To 7:00 pm First Prahar pooja – 9:00 To 12:00 am Second Prahar pooja – 12:00 To 2:00 am Third Prahar pooja – 2:30 To 4:00 am Fourth Prahar Maha Arati - 4:30 to 6:30 am

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2014 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

February 14, 2014

13

India House Gala “Our Mission. Our Journey. Our Health.”

Saturday, February 15, 2014 6:30pm to 11:00pm Hilton Post Oak Galleria Gala Chairpersons Mr. & Mrs. Vik (Chrisha) Agrawal Keynote Speaker Honorable Nikki Haley, Governor of South Carolina Contact India House to sponsor the Gala Event: Fax: 713-772-9015 Phone: 713-929-1905 or 713-929-1906 email: yolanda@indiahouseinc.org Sponsor India House Today Sponsors Platinum

Attendees

$50,000—2 VIP center tables

Palladium $25,000—1 VIP center table

Couples $500—Seating for Two Individual $275—Seating for One

Benefactor $10,000—1 VIP table Grand Patron $5,000— 1 Prominent table Patron $2,500— I Table Sponsor $1,000— VIP Seating for Two

Platinum Level

Benefactor Level

Patron Level

Brij and Sunita Agrawal Jugal and Raj Malani

Suresh and Krishna Agrawal Rakesh and Shonali Agrawal

Kul Bhushan and Suman Uppal Sam Merchant

Durga and Sushila Agrawal

Kewalram and Shanti Khetpal

Virendra and Nalini Mathur

Grand Patron

Sewa and Kuldip Legha

Amit and Arpita Bhandari

Devi Prasad and Saroj Rungta

Pramukh Patel

Chowdary and Angela Yalamanchili

Vijay and Marie Goradia

Col. Raj P and Kanwal Bhalla

Bal and Rita Sareen

Vik and Chrisha Agrawal

Vijay and Sushma Pallod

Palladium Level

Pankaj and Avnie Malani

Sponsor Level

Nagraj and Shila Eleswarapu

Vishnu and Kanta Gupta

Rajinder and Meera Soni Sandeep Soni Ravinder and Aruna Goel Surinder and Lalita Trehan INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2014 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

14 February 14, 2014

BY MANU SHAH HOUSTON: For the first time perhaps, Indians seem to have lost all patience with the rampant corruption, rising crime and high prices witnessed during the Congress regime and are demanding a party that will deliver and bring some degree of honesty in its functioning.

With Congress ratings taking a nosedive, there are two choices voters appear to have – the newly formed Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). With its almost defiant win in Delhi, the AAP has taken everyone by surprise but voters still seem wary of giving it national government status. The contender for the top slot appears to be the BJP and its prime ministerial candidate – Narendra Modi. While AAP leader – Arvind Kejriwal comes like a breath of fresh air with a squeaky clean image and good intentions, Narendra Modi brings with him a proven track record of good governance and an ability to energize the masses with his sharp sense of humor and oratory skills.

Houston isn’t immune to the election fever hotting up in India.

During the ICC Republic Day celebrations at the Stafford Civic Center on February 1, political organizations like the BJP, the AAP and the Overseas Volunteer for a Better India (a movement launched by Sri Sri Ravishankar of the Art of Living) put up booths

COMMUNITY BJP Leads in Informal Survey Conducted in Houston

in a drive to encourage volunteer signup. The Congress party didn’t put up a booth this year as their main party worker George Abraham was in India on that day. An informal survey was conducted to find out what Houstonians think of the outcome of the coming elections. The survey was set up at the ICC booth to ensure credibility and conducted by two youngsters.

174 people participated and the results are as follows: The BJP emerged as the clear choice of a political party (77.0%) with Narendra Modi as the ideal candidate for the post of Prime Minister (85.7%) followed by Rahul Gandhi (6.3%), Arvind Kejriwal (5.7%) and regional leaders (2.3%).

The three most important issues that people thought would dominate the elections was cor-

ruption (28.9%), stability of incoming government (19.4%) and price control and inflation stability (14.3%). Issues like job creation, GDP growth and others accounted for the remaining percentage. The AAP did score a victory of sorts coming out marginally ahead of the Congress on the question of supporting a political party with AAP at 10.3% and INC at 7.5%.

In a further breakdown 73.0% of those surveyed were men while 27.0% were women. 82.0% of the men and 63.0% of the women were in favor of BJP. It was also interesting to see that only 3.1% of the men were in favor of the Congress and 19.6% of the women were for the Congress. 9.4% men supported the AAP while 13.0% of the women were in favor of AAP. Many women also commented that the safety of women should

be a priority of the incoming government.

1.7% of those surveyed were less than 20 years old, 39.7% were in the age group 20-40, 28.7% in 40-60 and 29.9% in the 6o plus category. 73.8% of the men in the age group 20-40, 80.5% in the age group 40-60 and a whopping 90.7% in the 60 plus group supported the BJP. 50.0% of the women in the 20-40 group, 77.8% in the 40-60 group and 90.0% in the 60-80 age group supported the BJP. 13.1% thought the current economic and administrative condition in India ranged from excellent to good while the majority thought it was average (35.8%), poor (25.0%) and very poor (26.1%).

One gentleman obviously didn’t

agree with any of the above choices and wrote WORST in big block letters!

When asked how AAP would fare in the LS polls, a supporter thought the party stood a good chance of winning 20-30 seats which is a good start while Gitesh Desai from the BJP camp believes “the Modi wave that is currently surging across India could bring the BJP/NDA tally to more than 272 seats and in the worst case scenario possibly 220 seats”. George Abraham from the Congress was equally confident that the Congress would win the elections.

It’s finally a matter of waiting and watching, for in a matter of months the debate will be settled one way or the other.

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2014 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

February 14, 2014

Sri Saumyakasi Sivalaya MAHASIVARATRI

Come, celebrate and receive Lord Siva’s grace and blessings Thursday & Friday, Feb 27 & 28th 2014 Thursday, Feb 27

Friday, Feb 28

Ksirabhiseka Seva by Devotees 9:00 am - 9:45 pm

Ksirabhiseka Seva by Devotees 9:00 am - noon & 5:00pm - 9:45 pm

Mahanyasa Purvaka Rudrabhiseka 9:00 am - 11:30 am

Rudrabhiseka 9:30 am - 11:30 am

Laghunyasa Ekadasa Rudrabhiseka 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Mahanyasa Purvaka Rudrabhiseka 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Arati & Prasada 10:00 pm - 10:30 pm

Arati & Prasada 9:30 pm - 10:00 pm

Meditation & Midnight Arati 10:30 pm - 12:00 am Utsava Yajamana: $25,001 Puja Yajamana: $10,001 Arati Yajamana: $5,001 (Puja Sponsorship with Ksirabhiseka: $21 per family)

Sunday, March 2nd 2014

( Temple Hours 8:30 am – 2:00 pm & 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm )

Maha Mrtyunjaya Homa 8:35 am - 10:30 am 11:20 am - 1:00 pm

CMH Session1 CMH Session2

( In Chinmaya Smrti Building — Homa sponsorship: $21)

Chinmaya Mission Houston 10353 Synott Road Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-568-1690

www.saumyakasi.org Contact: Jay Deshmukh 832-541-0059 Bharati Sutaria 281-933-0233

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2014 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

15

16 February 14, 2014

COMMUNITY

Great American Cookies and Pretzel Maker Locations Raise Money to Benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society SUGAR LAND: Sugarland Mayor James Thompson presented a check of $50,385.40 to Rachele Ferraro and Misty Hughes of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) on February 4 at a small ceremony held at the Great American Cookies store located inside the First Colony Mall.

Global Franchise Group (GFG), the Franchisor of Great American Cookies and Pretzel Maker, partnered with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) as a Special Friend in the fight against cancer in 2013.

The funds were raised by the employees of Sugarland based VKC Refreshment LP d/b/a Great American Cookies, and Pretzel Maker in the Greater Houston area. Funds were raised by selling paper balloons for small donations and through various other fund raising events leading up to the inspirational and memorable 14th annual Light The Night (LTN) walk at Discovery Green in Houston and at Market Street in The Woodlands. At the LTN participants carried illuminated balloons; white for survivors, red in support and gold in memory of a lost loved one.

VKC Refreshment LP employees also formed a team called VKC Get Fresh Crew to fundraise online. VKC ran contests between the stores and had prizes for top fundraiser and top store. This was a great way to build team morale and educate the community about LLS while having a fun competition and helping to save lives.

From left: Sven Verbeet, Siju Tom, Biju George, Misty Hughes, Harish Jajoo, Rachele Ferraro, Donna Molho, Rajiv Grover, Brij Agrawal, Joseph Bailey, Mayor James Thompson, Sam Agrawal, Angel Magana, Maureen Collins, and Tim Linderman.

This team was also present at both walks, passing out cookie cake slices to participants and their families.

In 2013, LTN teams (including VKC Get Fresh Crew) raised $56 million worldwide for blood cancer research. Locally, the Walk raised over $1.1 million. Through LTN, anyone young and old can have maximum impact on the LLS mission to find cures and improve the quality of life for blood cancer patients and their families. As there is no means of preventing or early screening for blood cancer, funding research is critical.

“As one of the proud sponsors of this fund raising event, the

VKC Refreshment team is honored to invite Mayor Thompson to come and present the check of $50,385.40 to the LLS”, said Rajiv Grover of VKC Refreshment LP. This is a great cause that benefits the cancer research and helps support the cancer patients, said Brij Agrawal of VKC Refreshment LP. “The funds raised by VKC Refreshment LP will help save lives”, said Mayor Thompson.

Guests present at the Ceremony were Sugarland Council Member Harish Jajoo, First Colony Mall Manager Donna Molho, VP Franchise Development Global Franchise Group (GFG) Tim Linderman.

The VKC Refreshment LP Team was represented by Brij Agrawal, Rajiv Grover, Sam Agrawal, Biju George, Siju Tom, Sven Verbeet, Joseph Baily, Angel Magana, and the proud employees of the Great American Cookies store located inside the First Colony Mall. The VKC Refreshment LP employees successfully demonstrated that even small change in the form of pennies and dollar bills can add up to make big change in the area of blood cancer research.

For further information, visit

From left: Misty Hughes, Rachele Ferraro, Mayor James Thompson, and Brij Agrawal.

www.LightTheNight.org/txg and www.vkcgrp.com.

About VKC Refreshment LP The VKC Refreshment LP operates 28 stores in the Great Houston area doing business as Great American Cookies, Pretzel Maker, and TCBY. These stores are located inside of the various Shopping Malls in and around Houston.

About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is the world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to curing blood cancer. The

LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services for patients and their loved ones. To date, thanks to nationwide participation in these walks and other donations, LLS has been able to invest more than $875 million in research to advance breakthrough cancer treatments that are saving lives today.

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2014 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

February 14, 2014

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2014 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

17

18 February 14, 2014 The Unbanning of Modi It will be some months before the US government can be expected to get an opportunity to issue a visa to Gujarat chief minister and BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi. He is in no hurry to apply for a visa and there is a reasonable chance Mr Modi may become prime minister before he travels the next time overseas — in which case the visa ban is irrelevant. Washington gains few points for this entire rigmarole.

If the US government genuinely believes that Mr Modi was guilty of quasi-genocide then it should decline to have anything to do with him — even if he becomes prime minister. If it does not, when the rest of the Western governments rolled back their visa isolation of Mr Modi, the US should have followed suit. It could easily have cited the Supreme Court of India’s ruling to explain a change in policy. Instead, the US policy fell between two stools, earning no praise even from Mr Modi’s detractors.

India, collectively and individually, has been at the receiving end of sanctions, boycotts and overseas acts of isolation since Independence. Most have had minimal impact, though it would be untrue to claim that in the republic’s early days they did not influence policy-making. Today, when the Indian economy has been elevated to a higher plane, such attempts are laughable.

The Indo-US nuclear deal, ending decades of nuclear-related sanctions, was a testament to this new reality. Foreign government and activists cannot be stopped from trying to influence behaviour in India and elsewhere through boycotts. New Delhi, after all, has tried the same tactic against other regimes. But they should realise that when targeting a large and well-established democracy like India, they would be better off using the country’s own domestic institutions to achieve their policy ends — especially if they seek moral or ethical opprobrium. Mr Modi’s legitimacy ultimately lay in his success on election day. He was cleansed of criminal charges by the ballots he collected. Only the Indian voter and the Indian judiciary could have held him accountable for 2002.

It would probably help if India’s chattering classes had a consensus view on such things. The contrast between the emotions stirred against the US over the arrest of diplomat Devyani Khobragade and the divided muted response to the visa ban on Mr Modi is a reminder that in such things many miss the underlying principle and let themselves be swayed by their own biases.

Declaring an Indian an ethical pariah is something best done through the country’s own institutions and by its own people, with the outside world providing at best a supporting role.

Hindustan Times

EDITORIAL

The Silencing of Liberal India

BY PRATAP BHANU MEHTA Courts, publishers, educators and professional offence mongers are to blame.

Yet another book withdrawn and pulped by the publisher under pressure. The “pulping” of Wendy Doniger’s book, The Hindus: An Alternative History, is the pulping of liberal India. The agreement by the publisher to withdraw it is like putting a contract out on free expression. In India you publish at your peril. It is in a shockingly long line of books and art withdrawn from free circulation one way or the other, sometimes against the law, sometimes in the garb of law.

India is a democracy, but its reputation as a bastion of liberal values is dimming by the day. The argumentative Indian is being replaced by the offended Indian, the tolerant Indian by the intolerant mob, the reflective citizen by the hurt communal mobiliser, the courageous Indian by the cowardly thug who needs the state to protect it against every argument, the pious Indian by the ultimate blasphemer who thinks he needs to protect the gods rather than the gods being there to protect him. Whether this is a tiny minority or represents the majority is beside the point. The point is that the assault on free expression is winning. How is liberal India being silenced?

Liberal India is being silenced because its joy at exposing hypocrisy is far greater than its commitment to defending freedom. Every time a book is under assault, the same tiresome argument breaks out. “Oh, you did not speak when so and so was banned. You did not speak when Taslima Nasreen was the target, or when Jitender Bhargava was ordered to withdraw his book on Air India.” Or there is the partisan division: you did not object to what the Congress did to Salman Rushdie, or the CPM in West Bengal.

The point is that we spend all our psychic energies in exposing each other, not in defending values. If freedom is to survive, we have to set aside this debate on hypocrisy.

It devours all energy. But it also legitimises the disposition that is at the heart of banning books: a fragile ego that takes joy in revenge, rather than taking pride in freedom. Let us get on with the task of defending the core values.

Liberal India has been silenced because it never understood that toleration does not, to use Govind Ranade’s phrase, come in halves.

You cannot pick and choose when to be tolerant. You cannot choose to be tolerant along partisan lines.

Neither can you choose to be tolerant based on what you think are distinctions between good and bad scholarship, serious and scurrilous books. These distinctions are a good basis for criticism; they are not the best basis for deciding whom the law will protect. And R.V. Bhasin, author of a banned book on Islam, will be protected as much as Wendy Doniger. And so it should be. If you want a hundred flowers to bloom, a few weeds will grow as well.

Liberal India has been silenced because the one institution that needs to protect it constantly fails: the courts. Civil society and politics have a lot to answer for. But the incentives to mobilise around the banning of books have largely been created by the laws and by the convoluted jurisprudence of the courts. A law that signals that it is open to banning books will incite mobilisations to ban books. If the state gives the category of taking easy “offence” such aid and succour, offence will be easily taken.

In the case of Doniger’s book, there seems to have been no threat of the book provoking large-scale violence. Despite protest and criticism, the book has been in circulation. But more importantly, the courts have sown the seeds of further confusion. For example, the Bombay High Court judgment on the Bhasin case upheld the idea that it is “no defence that the writing contains a truthful account of past events or is supported by good authority.” Courts uphold the idea that the criticism of religion must only be “academic”, whatever that means. Lampooing is part of le-

gitimate criticism.

While banning the novel, Dharamkaarana, they showed no regard for the artistic integrity of the work. Courts should be the bully pulpit of constitutional values. They should draw strong lines protecting freedom. No wonder liberals worry that the court will not rescue them. No wonder the mere threat of litigation is a dampener on free expression.

Liberal India has been silenced by professional offence-mongers.

Those who now claim to speak on behalf of communities use every trick they can to silence. There is often the threat of violence. The use of law is not, in this instance, an exercise of citizens’ rights. It is the use of law as a tactic of intimidation. Often, these groups have the implicit backing of political parties. No political party in Maharashtra stood up for the rights of scholars. As a result of the James Laine episode, most publishers do not want to even touch books on Shivaji.

The BJP’s relationship with groups that initiate these mobilisations has often been one of plausible deniability. It gives aid and succour to vicious offence mongering, it legitimises this contrived narrative of Hindu hurt. All it needs to do to overcome these suspicions is come clean and emphatically state that it does not support the “withdrawal” of books. We do not need political parties that take on the garb of liberalism by avoiding issues; we need political parties that actually defend liberal values.

Liberal India has been let down by its publishers. If major presses like Oxford University Press (OUP) and Penguin cave in to the threat of litigation so easily and fail to take matters up to the Supreme Court, it will become easier for people to intimidate. Recall OUP’s conduct in the case of the Calcutta High Court banning a scholarly monograph by Hans Dembowski on the judiciary.

The writer is president, Centre for Policy Research, Delhi, and a contributing editor for ‘The Indian Express’

Indo American News FOUNDER: DR. K.L. SINDWANI PUBLISHER: JAWAHAR MALHOTRA EDITOR: PRAMOD KULKARNI BUSINESS & PRODUCTION MANAGER: VANSHIKA VIPIN GRAPHIC DESIGN: AMITHA DEVIKRUPA CORRESPONDENTS

HOUSTON: MALAY VYAS, MANU SHAH CHICAGO: NAND KAPOOR, INDIA: RAJ KANWAR ®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 4 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

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2014 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

COMMUNITY

February 14, 2014

19

Don’t Rely Solely on ‘Uncle Sam’s’ Help for Retirement

Homi Davier LUTCF, CLTC

Twenty years ago, retirement was a time to look forward to and savor.

But, today, we live in uncertain times.

So, for most working adults, retirement has become very complex— requiring years of planning, a wellthought-out strategy, and a phase to be put off as much as possible.

We’re living more years in retirement.

Why? Company-sponsored pensions have all but become extinct.

Thanks to medical advances and healthier lifestyles, people are living longer. In the early 20th century, life expectancy was 47.3 years vs. today’s life span of nearly 79 years.1 According to data from the Social Security Administration, a man who lives to 65 will live on average to age 84, while women of the same age should live to age 86.2 Or course, this is good news; but we need to be

prepared for it.

The truth about Social Security.

And if you believe that Social Security will be there to support you, think again. For retirees in 2013, if you retire at the full age of 66, your maximum monthly benefit is $2,5333—not enough for many of you to live comfortably.

While there are no easy solutions, life insurance can guarantee4 the protection of your loved ones and also supplement your retirement savings5 if the death benefit is no longer needed.

Leaving a legacy.

Life insurance’s primary purpose is to deliver death benefit protection, which can provide a generally tax-free legacy to your loved ones.

But permanent life insurance also carries “living” benefits. Your policy earns cash value that accumulates tax deferred. This means you do not pay taxes on any of the accumulation within the policy. Additionally, you can access that money generally tax-free through policy loans.5 This cash value can be used to fund college expenses, a small business loan, or any other anticipated or unexpected

event.

In addition to the death benefit protection, the cash value of permanent life insurance can also be used to supplement your retirement income.

As such, it can be a vital piece of the complex puzzle of retirement planning.

This educational third-party article is provided as a courtesy by Homi Davier, Agent, New York Life Insurance Company. To learn more about the information or topics discussed, please contact Homi Davier at 832-428-4285 1.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Deaths: Preliminary Data for 2011,” Donna L. Hoyert, PhD, and Jiaquan Xu, MD, October 10, 2012.

2.http://www.ssa.gov/planners/ lifeexpectancy.htm.

3. U.S. Social Security Administration, “Maximum Social Security Retirement Benefit,” March 9, 2012.

4. Guarantees backed by the claimspaying ability of the issuer.

5. Loans against your policy accrue interest and decrease the death benefit and cash value by the amount of the outstanding loan and interest.

Become a fan!

Keywords: Indo American News

Follow us on facebook!

ALEXANDER P. MATHEWS, CPA For Services In:

INDIVIDUAL & BUSINESS TAXES • BUSINESS TAX CONSULTATION INCORPORATION, FORMATION OF LLC CERTIFIED QUICK BOOK ADVISOR AVAILABLE

25 Years in Public Accounting 11104 West Airport, Ste 114, Stafford, TX 77477

(281) 564-9500

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2014 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

20 February 14, 2014 Job Posting:

News/Programming Intern

Job Posting:

Broadcast Technology/Engineering Intern

KTRK-TV, the ABC Owned station located in Houston, TX is accepting applications for a paid NEWS or PROGRAMMING INTERNSHIP for the upcoming semester.

Internships are available to undergrads currently enrolled college students in their junior or senior year pursuing careers in the television/media field and must receive college credit for the internship. The internship program is designed to provide students with an on-site educational experience that complements their academic studies. Interns will have an opportunity to observe and participate in the daily work and operations of a major market, television station.

KTRK-TV, the ABC Owned station located in Houston, TX is accepting applications for a paid BROADCAST TECHNOLOGY/ENGINEERING INTERNSHIP for the upcoming semester. Internships are available to currently enrolled undergrad college students in their junior or senior year pursuing careers in the television/media field and must receive college credit for the internship. The internship program is designed to provide students with an on-site educational experience that complements their academic studies. Interns will have an opportunity to observe and participate in the daily work and operations of a major market, television station.

As an intern you will attend production meetings, assist the assignment desk, research news topics, view and log tapes, transcribe interviews and edit video along with other duties. Interns also will also have an opportunity to, on occasion, travel with reporters and field crews for stories and live remotes. Applicants must be currently enrolled in college and supply written verification of eligibility to receive academic credit for the internship at the start of the internship. Additionally, applicants must be able to work at least one day per week and the hours may vary depending on scheduling and will include some weekend and early morning and evening hours.

As an intern you will gain firsthand experience in a broadcast technical environment.

You will gain experience in networking and computer hardware/software troubleshooting and support as well as learning how to maintain broadcast systems such as automation, news editing systems and live news vans. Applicants must be currently enrolled in college and supply written verification of eligibility to receive academic credit for the internship at the start of the internship. Additionally, applicants must be able to work at least one day per week and the hours may vary depending on scheduling and may include some weekend and early morning and evening hours.

All interested applicants must apply online at www.disneycareers.com, Job Req 163791BR. Please upload a cover letter, your resume outlining other internships, degrees earned, work experience, related clubs and organizations, current major course of study, expected graduation date and extracurricular activities. No phone calls please. Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V/D

All interested applicants must apply online at www.disneycareers.com, Job Req #163963BR. Please upload a cover letter, your resume outlining other internships, degrees earned, work experience, related clubs and organizations, current major course of study, expected graduation date and extracurricular activities. No phone calls please. Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V/D

KTRK-TV is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V.

KTRK-TV is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V.

Job Posting:

Weather Department Intern

KTRK-TV, the ABC Owned station located in Houston, TX is accepting applications for a paid WEATHER DEPARTMENT INTERNSHIP for the summer semester. Internships are available to currently enrolled undergrad college students in their junior or senior year pursuing a career in meteorology or related field with intent on pursuing a career in broadcast meteorology. Student must receive college credit for the internship. The internship program is designed to provide students with an on-site educational experience that complements their academic studies. Interns track severe weather and developing tropical cyclones, monitor social media and interact with the public under the direction of the weather department.

As an intern you will gain introductory hands-on experience with state-of-the-art weather technology, such as WSI MAX Storm weather graphics system and Baron Services Fastrac/VIPIR radar displays. Additionally, will obtain thorough knowledge of duties and responsibilities of a broadcast meteorologist and have an opportunity to tape mock weathercasts for future resume tape.

Applicants must be currently enrolled in college and supply written verification of eligibility to receive academic credit for the internship at the start of the internship.

Additionally, applicants must be able to work at least two days per week and the hours may vary depending on scheduling and may include some weekend and early morning and evening hours.

All interested applicants must apply online at www.disneycareers.com, Job Req #139315BR. Please upload a cover letter, your resume outlining other internships, degrees earned, work experience, related clubs and organizations, current major course of study, expected graduation date and extracurricular activities. No phone calls please. Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V/D KTRK-TV is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V.

For advertising

Job Posting:

Community Affairs Intern

KTRK-TV, the ABC Owned station located in Houston, TX is accepting applications for a paid COMMUNITY AFFAIRS INTERNSHIP for the upcoming semester.

Internships are available to currently enrolled undergraduate college students in their junior or senior year pursuing careers in the television/media field and must receive college credit for the internship. The internship program is designed to provide students with an on-site educational experience that complements their academic studies. Interns will have an opportunity to observe and participate in the daily work and operations of a major market, television station.

As an intern you will attend help in the production of community affairs shows, including scheduling of guests, help gathering and editing video, assist with community drives, forums and outreach. Each area requires significant planning, scheduling and execution. Applicants must be currently enrolled in college and supply written verification of eligibility to receive academic credit for the internship at the start of the internship. Additionally, applicants must be able to work at least one day per week and the hours may vary depending on scheduling and may include some weekend and early morning and evening hours.

All interested applicants must apply online at www.disneycareers.com, Job Req #163789BR. Please upload a cover letter, your resume outlining other internships, degrees earned, work experience, related clubs and organizations, current major course of study, expected graduation date and extracurricular activities. No phone calls please. Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V/D KTRK-TV is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V.

Call : 713-789-6397

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2014 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

COMMUNITY

February 14, 2014

21

A Musical Tribute to the Legendary Telugu Actors dressed by RajaRajeswari Kalaga initiated a social cause, for which the chief invitees of this event like, Pinnapureddy, past president, Ramesh Akarapu, Uma Medi have honored and participated by conveying their best wishes to Navagaramalika and the social cause behind it. They have also offered their full support for its future achievements. The audience

also had the opportunity to speak and share their remarkable memories with ANR and Anjali Devi, and they all thoroughly enjoyed the musical night. The musical nite lasted with many of the melodious renditions from the golden hits of ANR and Anjali devi’s movies with spellbound audience.

Raja Rajeswari Kalaga, founder of “Navaragamalika”

From left: Maruthi reddy, Krishna Keerti, Siva Bodagala, Mahendra Korivi, Ravi Tamirisa, Bangar Reddy, and Uma Medi.

HOUSTON: A musical tribute to the legendary actors, ANR and Anjali Devi was hosted by Navaragamalika on behalf of Vagdevi Indian School of Music on February 8, at Mayuri Indian Restaurant. This event was held

to honor the late legendary actors, Dr. Akkineni Nageswara Rao who was entitled with the prestigious Dadasaheb Falke Award and Padmavibhusan, and the Telugu Sita, Anjali Devi with a three hour non-stop melodious

11000 Richmond Ave, Ste 300 Houston, TX 77042

songs sung by RajaRajeswari Kalaga (Founder of Navaragamalika, a nonprofit organization) and other few talented singers like Mahendra Korivi, Krishna Kirthi, Siva Bodagala.

The Navagamalika event ad-

13100 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, TX 77478

www.testmasters.com

281-564-7700

15950 N Dallas Pkwy, Ste 400 Dallas, TX 75248

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2014 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

22 February 14, 2014

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2014 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

COMMUNITY

February 14, 2014

Sewa Hosts College Career Day

College Career Day speakers, from left : Cesar Espinosa, Waleed Elostaz, Karen Abrego, Thuylieu Aligo, Kiran Bhatia, Lizzette Diaz, and Roland Gramajo.

Back row from left: Cindy Cantor, Teresa Corbett, Waleed Elostaz, Thuylieu Aligo, Lizzette Diaz, Roland Gramajo, Aneel Bhimani.

Second row from left: Alexis Angelo, Cesar Espinosa, Karen Abrego, Kiran Bhatia Front row from left: Laura Frye, Li Shi.

HOUSTON: On Friday, January 31, Sewa International AmeriCorps VISTAs helped plan, coordinate and facilitate a College Career Day for immigrant and refugee ninth graders at the Alief Independent School District Language Institute for Newcomers (LINC) program at the Hastings Annex. Sewa partnered with the AISD LINC program to make this event possible.

Eight speakers from the community came out to speak to over 150

LINC students who have been in the United States for less than two years and speak a collective seventeen different languages. Speakers, from various ethnic and professional backgrounds, spoke to students about staying in school, working hard, going to college, and doing well in society.

Speakers encouraged students to start actively thinking about their future goals and provided support for students to achieve the steps to

reach these goals. This diverse group of bilingual speakers opened student minds to future professional and academic options. Many speakers explained their own personal and professional paths and the struggles they encountered, sharing stories that many students related to.

Some of the community members joining Sewa International as speakers at this event were: Kiran Bhatia, retired psychologist and Sewa Houston board member; Lizzette Diaz, Sales and Marketing Manager at Penta Communications; Waleed Elostaz, General Manager at Gillman Subaru SW; Cesar Espinosa, Executive Director of FIEL Houston; and Roland Gramajo, Guatemalan Community Organizer.

Elostaz, a previous graduate from Alief stated “As a refugee myself I am very thankful for a program like LINC and am looking forward to working with this program in the future.” Abrego, a recent graduate from Alief, said “It is a blessing from God to be helping all of these students and I feel blessed! I want all these students to achieve their dreams and to be good examples for others, examples of success!”

Espinosa commented “It is important for young people to see role models that they can relate to out in the community. That way they too can see that there are many things they can achieve.”

This event, the first of its kind for Sewa to offer, was considered successful by the speakers, LINC staff, and Sewa VISTAs. Sewa International plans to hold similar events in the future to further serve this community of immigrant and refugee high school students.

Sewa engages the Alief LINC students weekly through afterschool tutorials. To get involved with Sewa and programs impacting Alief LINC students contact vista@sewausa. org.

LEARN TO DRIVE TODAY!

Ganesh Anand Catering Services Pure Vegetarian South & North Indian Dishes.

Chaat & Snacks Contact Babulbhai: 832-891-1421 13180 West Park Dr. @ Synott Houston, TX 77082

It’s your moment.

No matter your passion, HCC can help turn your dreams into reality. If you’re just getting started, or starting a new chapter, we have the skills and knowledge that meet your goals and your schedule. HCC has convenient locations and hundreds of programs and degree plans. What are you waiting for? Go get it. It’s yours.

Your journey begins here.

Register today at hccs.edu Learn about our advanced manufacturing program, and many more at HCC.

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2014 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM Its your future Indo American News Spring 2014.indd 2

12/16/13 9:21 AM

23

24 February 14, 2014

SUDOKU

Place a Number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down and each 9-box square contains all of the numbers from one to nine.

Send us the correct answer before February 19, 2014.

Email us at indoamericannews@yahoo.com or mail to 7457 Harwin Drive, Suite 262, Houston, TX 77036.

Send us your picture and we will publish it if you are a winner (for first three entrees only).

Solution Next Week

L��� W���’� SUDOKU S�������

L��� W���’� SUDOKU W������

Open 7 days a week

1) Shyamsundar Ananthaswamy 2) Pratima Banik 3) Praveen Shukla

PUZZLES / RECIPES

Mama’s Punjabi Recipes

Punjabi Namkeen Matthi (Punjabi Salted Fried Crackers) The beauty of the Indian marketplace is that there are so many types of snacks – both sweet and salty – that you can never get tired of eating all of them, although you could certainly put on lots of weight if you did! There are almost as many types of sweet snacks – sweetmeats as they are called in India – as there are salty and spicy ones.

Matthis or fried crackers have been around from ancient times, but are now available in ready-made packs, like potato chips all across India and the globe. When we were little, there would be twig-baskets full of matthis in our rasoi or kitchen during the cold months. In the Punjab, there are several varieties of matthis. At the halwai’s (confectioner’s) shop, you can find the super large, thin ones with little salt and the tiny bite sized ones which are thick; then there are the ones with kali mirch (black peppercorns) and others with jeera (cumin seeds).

Usually there is a huge demand for matthis during the winter months when people will eat them over hot tea, sitting in the sun. The large ones thinner and crispier and are usually taste especially good when eaten with just the saunf (fennel seed), mustard oil and spices masala from the amb da achar (green mango pickle) jar.

But these taste just as well with mittha achar (sweet and sour vegetable pickle) too.

The matthis made at home, though, are so much better than the ones you can buy in the markets which have a lot of salt, oil and bajra in them. You can easily make them out of wheat flour at home. If you prefer using maida (self-rising flour), just replace the atta with it in the recipe.

Ingredients: • 5 cups atta (whole wheat flour) • 1 cup barikh suji (fine semolina) • 1 cup garam dahi (whole milk plain yogurt – warm, room temperature) • 1 cup tael (oil: sunflower or canola is best) • 1 cup pani (water) • 1 tsp namak (salt) • 2 tsp ajawain (carom seeds)

Directions: 1. In a large bowl, pour in the atta and suji and mix well.

6. Take out of the oil and let the matthis rest on some paper towels to soak up any excess oil.

2. Pour in the oil and warm yogurt and continue to mix well. Add the salt, ajawain and knead the mixture with your hands. Don’t use the yogurt directly from the refrigerator as the matthis will not puff up.

7. Once the matthis are cooled down, you can store them in a container with a tight lid. They will keep for many weeks.

3. Add some warm water to make the dough a little hard.

4. Take each ball and flatten it with a rolling pin till it is about 2.5 inches round. Contnue to flatten the rest of the balls.

5. In a kadai or wok, warm some oil over medium heat. When warm, gently slip the round patties into the oil and fry till they are golden but not very brown.

MAMA’S TIP OF THE WEEK

KEEPING HOT ROTI, NAAN FRESH

Too many times, I have noticed how people will pack hot rotis or naan in aluminum foil, especially when they get it from restaurants.

When they open the foil to reuse them, the breads are soggy and sticky.

This is because the condensing vapors from the heat will wet the breads. The best way to avoid this is to pack the breads either in a clean paundna (muslin cloth) or between paper towels and them place cover them in the foil. The cloth or paper will soak up the vapor away from the bread and leave the bread fresh and not soggy.

BOMBAY SWEETS & Pure Vegetarian Restaurant Mouth watering Indian dishes & Chats Catering available for all occasions 100+ varities of sweets

Shakuntla Malhotra is a skilled cook of Punjabi dishes made in the old-fashioned style that she learnt as a young woman in her ancestral home in Lyallpur, India before it became part of Pakistan after the Partition in 1947. People have often admired her cooking for its simplicity and taste that comes with each mouthful. Even in her mid-eighties, she continues to cook daily and agreed to share some of her delectable Punjabi recipes.

Need Kitchen & Cashier Help The Only Branch in Houston

ner Buffet in D & h c n Lu cold items 21 Hot & ou can eat ll y available Ays a week 7 da

$6.99

Dosas & Snacks PH:713-780-4453 Samosas & Chats 5827 Hillcroft, Houston Texas 77036

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2014 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

ENTERTAINMENT

February 14, 2014

Movie Review: Hasee Toh Phasee

BY MEENA IYER Story: Straight-forward boy and eccentric girl are drawn to each other. Wait, they’re not the ones in a relationship. Will their love fructify?

Review: Hasee Toh Phasee is for the romantics who like their martinis stirred not shaken. Debutant direc-

tor Vinil Mathew’s straight-forward approach is smart and fresh; his characters are lovable. Nikhil(Sidharth Malhotra) is an optimist, who believes once committed, there’s no straying. Meeta( Parineeti Chopra) is a non-conformist; she’s a go-getter in her personal and professional space.

Naturally Nikhil and Meeta’s ide-

ologies don’t match. But there’s an under-current in their equation that keeps the audience hoping they that they will seek each other out.

Ok, so why aren’t these two together in the first place? Is it only because they are poles apart as people? No, it’s because Nikhil is engaged to be married to Meeta’s elder sister Karishma. And, Meeta herself has been missing from the family scene for seven long years chasing her professional dream.

It is only when the prodigal returns, does she realise that there’s an emotional void in her life. Besides her father who dotes on her, she also feels the need for a companion like Nikhil who can put her topsy-turvy life into perspective.

This romantic comedy mirrors the quirks in human nature subtly and provides humour in everyday situations; in the family and amongst friends. Parineeti’s relationship with her father(Manoj Joshi, in fine form) strikes the right emotional chord.

The songs--Shake It like Shammi and the Punjabi Wedding Song add zing to an otherwise simple narrative.

Parineeti who has come to represent the power-house performer passes with flying colours. And, Sidharth, whose good-looks distract, shows a definitive growth in his second outing as an actor after Student of the Year.

If you’re looking to rediscover the magic of goofy love around Valentines, give HTP a shot.

-Times of India

SAB TV Adds Another Key ‘Free-to-Air’ Market with San Francisco Sony MSM Network is proud to announce the addition of San Francisco as the next key free-to-air territory for SAB TV through its tie-up with KFTL TV28. SAB TV will be available on Channel 28.10.

SAB TV a 24/7 South Asian television channel in the United States and India’s premier family comedy channel is already available on channel 23.4 in USA’s largest Designated Market Area (DMA) of the New York metro area and channel 44.4 in the fifth largest DMA of Dallas/Fortworth, TX, with a combined reach of over 10 million households.

San Francisco, USA’s sixth largest DMA adds another 1.7 million households including key ethnic groups in the Bay Area. This new digital initiative makes SAB TV the first free-toair South Asian channel with the largest reach in North America.

Viewers can now enjoy SAB TV programs for free within the NYC, DFW and the Bay Area areas with no monthly subscription or fees. To access this free-to-air channel, viewers in the coverage area will need a low-cost UHF antenna hooked to their television sets that are DTV-capable.

UHF antennae are available at most electronic retail stores.

SAB TV reinforces its brand message ‘Asli Mazaa SAB ke

Saath Hai’ with a current programming line-up that includes a host of popular shows such as ‘Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah’’, ‘Baal Veer’, ‘Chidiya Ghar’, ‘Jeannie Aur Juju’, ‘Lapataganj’, ‘FIR’, “Pritam Pyaare Aur Woh, and other popular comedy shows. This light-hearted fare makes for an enjoyable family-viewing experience.

KFTL’s General Manager, Ian Milne commented, “SAB TV is a strong addition to KFTL’s high quality line-up of programming reflecting the cultural diversity of the San Francisco / Oakland / San Jose community that we are so proud to serve.”

Jaideep Janakiram, SVP International Business-Head of North America, said, “With the success of SAB TV’s free-to-air model in New York and Dallas and in line with our strategy to be a forerunner in distributing our programming to the widest audience possible, it gives us great pleasure to bring the best in entertainment – SAB TV to the people of San Francisco who reside in the KFTL coverage area and to local advertisers who can now target the expanding South Asian audience in these markets”.

For further information log onto www.setasia.tv

Specializing in Small Business Commercial Loans

Commercial Real Estate Loans, Construction Loans, Equipment Loans, Working Capital Loans, International Trade Finance and more...

Jack Kuo Lending Officer, V.P. 713-995-3201

Winston Nguyen Lending Officer, V.P. 713-995-3226

Sally Li Lending Officer, V.P. 713-272-5027

Catherine Liang Lending Officer, V.P. 713-995-3210

25

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2014 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

26 February 14, 2014

TA X E S

www. sarangs.us

Stop wandering ; instead Stop by at

Any service concerning Federal, All 50 US States & Overseas tax reporting

GET THE RIGHT ADVICE AT THE RIGHT TIME EXPERIENCE…. MAKES THE DIFFERENCE....

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2014 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

4 Friday, June 4, 2012011 s.com 110, ruary w b e F y an-ne Frida meric a o d n i www.

www.indoamerican-news.com

February 14, 2014

27

IndoAmerican News

Business IndoAmerican News

STOCKS • FINANCE • SOUTH ASIAN MARKETS • TECHNOLOGY

India, US Trade in Goods Touch an All-time High in 2013

WASHINGTON: India-US trade reached an all-time high of over $63.7 billion in 2013, with a nearly $20 billion balance in favour of India, official figures released for the year disclosed on Friday.

This record India-US trade in goods was registered in a year in which there was a lot of hue and cry in the United States, including the Obama administration, American businesses and the Congresses, ruing on Indian trade policies.

According to the figures released by the US Census Bureau, in 2013 the US exported $21.87 billion worth of goods to India, while imported $41.82 billion worth of goods, with the over trade being a record $63.7 billion, an increase of 1.7% from the previous year of 2012.

The India-US trade has jumped multiple times in the last one decade.

In 2003, the US had exported goods worth $4.9 billion to India and had imported goods worth $13 billion, making a total of nearly $18 billion, according to figures.

The US India Business Council, the

premier advocacy group for American businesses in India, believes that the two sides have a potential to significantly increase this trade further.

The report came as an Indian delegation led by Prabhat Kumar Mishra, Joint Secretary (Investment), resume talks here for a US and India Bilateral Investment Protection and Promotion Agreement with their US government counterparts.

“A quality agreement would propel US-India commercial relations to a new level. We hope to encourage the talks and hear from the joint secretary as to what progress has been made and what industry can do to help bring us across the finish line,” USIBC said.

In recent years, the two countries have developed several dialogue mechanisms to strengthen bilateral engagement on economic and trade issues, including a Ministerial Trade Policy Forum (TPF) and a Ministerial Economic and Financial Partnership.

The last Meeting of India-US Financial and Economic Partnership was held in New Delhi in October 2012.

The areas covered under the dialogue include macro-economic policy, financial sector reforms and infrastructure finance, anti moneylaundering/combating financing of terror (AML/ CFT) and taxation.

India and US are now negotiating the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT).

As part of the Economic Dialogue, a separate Commercial Dialogue has been set up to cover (a) Trade Defense Measures (b) Small and Medium Enterprises and (c) capacity building on Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs).

For greater involvement of private sector in discussion on issues involving trade and investment the bilateral India-US CEO’s Forum was reconstituted in 2009. The last round of the reconstituted CEOs’ Forum was held in July 2013 here.

Separately a private sector advisory group has also been created consisting of prominent Indian and international trade experts to provide strategic recommendations and insights to the US-India Trade Policy Forum.

-www.hindustantimes.com

US Challenges India’s Solar Export Restrictions WASHINGTON: The US on Monday announced it was going to the World Trade Organisation seeking consultations with India on its “domestic content requirement” for solar panels.

This has been an ongoing trade issue between the two countries, with the US first taking it to WTO in February 2013. The rules have changed since, but not enough from the US point of view.

“These unfair requirements are against the WTO rules, and we are standing up today for the rights of American workers and businesses,” said US trade representative Mike Froman.

Under the “domestic content requirement” rule, India expects foreign suppliers to use specified locally sourced components such as cells and thin-films used in solar panels.

“Consultation” is the first stage in WTO’s dispute settlement process that allows countries to resolve the matter bilaterally through negotiation within 60 days.

Failure can lead to adjudication by a panel. India and the US have had 14 past or current WTO disputes.

US officials insisted the timing of the current action had nothing

to do with the state of bilateral ties recovering from the Devyani Khobragade imbroglio, the worst point since 1998.

Officials also insisted they did not see it as the start or continuation of a trade war. These things happen in a “mature” trade relationship, said an official on background.

US businesses have in recent days brought on unprecedented pressure on their government and lawmakers to force India to yield on trade issues they find discriminatory.

Their main grouse is India’s patent regime. On solar panels, the US contends that India’s “domestic content requirements” of solar panel components discriminate against American companies, which together employ 10,000 people.

US exports of solar panels to India in 2011, before the start of the domestic content requirements, were worth $119 million, not a great sum when bilateral trade is $67.3 billion a year.

The size of the current Indian market, therefore, is not as much a worry as where it’s going: the Indian solar power generation industry is expected to grow 20 times.

-Hindustantimes.com

127

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2014 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

28 February 14, 2014 Thrilling Win for NZ Seamers, Lost Chance for India

BY DEVASHISH FULORIA the ball flew past his AUCKLAND (ESPN left. He then launched Cricinfo): New Zealand Boult over long off for 503 (McCullum 224, another six.

Williamson 113, Ishant MS Dhoni was 6-134) and 105 (Ishant playing shots of his 3-28) beat India 202 own. He smashed (Rohit 72, Wagner 4-64) four boundaries off and 366 (Dhawan 115, Boult and the partWagner 4-62, Southee nership between the 3-81) by 40 runs two bulged to 54 in The New Zealand 34 balls, bringing the seamers kept their wits target down to 83. against an Indian side From what seemed that was hell-bent on like a boxer throwing achieving the tallest blind jabs, upper cuts, chase in the country and hooks and crosses at secured a thrilling 40an opponent while gorun win in Auckland. A ing down, India were fourth-innings century managing to do some from Shikhar Dhawan, serious damage. a solid 126-run stand Jadeja’s brief stay between him and Virat ended the way it had Kohli and an unexpectlasted as he failed ed counter from Ravinto clear mid-on. In dra Jadeja kept the game response, Dhoni alive. But Neil Wagner, shunned his aggresmenacing in every spell sion. Zaheer Khan, he bowled, picked up though, threw the bat four wickets, includwhenever the bowlers ing Dhawan, Kohli and allowed him to free MS Dhoni, to help New his arms and hit a six Zealand take a see-saw and a four in the point Test and hand India region. their 10th overseas deWagner, in his first feat in 11 Tests. dig with the new ball, India had come withmade Zaheer hop with in 139 runs of a record a short of length dewin with six wickets in livery that the batshand when the second man could only edge new ball was taken. to first slip. An over What transpired in the later, Dhoni chopped Shikhar Dhawan was judicious against the short ball, until he was next 16.3 overs was less faced with a ripper on 115. a slower bouncer from of cricket and more of the same bowler on to a boxing match, with the stumps, effectively Jadeja had not done much wrong both teams throwing punches and in the Test and he continued in the ending the match. Boult just procounter-punches to knock each same vein with the bat. The first vided the final push that brought other out. ball he faced was punched down India crashing down.

New Zealand jabbed first. Trent the ground with a shot that oozed The frantic finish was in contrast Boult trapped Ajinkya Rahane lbw class. He even held the pose for a with the slow build both teams had with the first delivery he bowled considerable time, appreciating the gone through in the first two seswith the new ball and Tim Southee shot. But that was the only classi- sions. The conditions on the fourth lured Rohit Sharma with a perfect cal shot he played before shifting day were markedly different from outswinger in his first. Rahane into Twenty20 mode. the third, with the air much drier. It had a reason to be peeved with Jadeja drove a length delivery meant that the swing that created the decision - there was a thick from Southee over mid-on for problems for the batsmen on the inside edge involved - but within his second boundary, then came third morning didn’t make an apthe space of seven balls, New Zea- the upper-cut in the same over for pearance for most parts of the day. land had control of the match back his third. In Southee’s next over, The only time it did, it was when after a long hard toil. However, In- he charged down the pitch and Southee was in operation. dia were not going down without flat-batted a length ball down the Southee stuck to impeccable a fight. ground. The umpire was lucky that lines and managed to extract just

enough movement to put doubts in the batsmen’s mind. The one ball that did something extra fetched him the wicket of Cheteshwar Pujara in the fifth over of the morning. Bowling from wide of the crease, Southee got the second ball of his third over to lift and seam away appreciably from a length.

Pujara, playing from the crease, could only edge it to the wicketkeeper.

Southee then ensured Kohli didn’t get an easy start as he bowled 28 consecutive deliveries at the batsman giving away just nine runs.

Meanwhile, Wagner kept the typically aggressive Dhawan quiet at the other end. Dhawan was content on defending everything in line of stumps and left most of the wider deliveries. Only 34 runs were scored in the 14 overs in the first hour of the play. It was almost a case of who would blink first.

The second hour though proved to be a release for the batsmen as Southee, after a spell of 7-3-11-1, tired out. Kohli broke the stalemate with consecutive boundaries off Wagner - a check drive that raced through extra cover followed by a pull on a short delivery that lacked zing. He reached his half-century off 80 balls. Together with Dhawan, Kohli added 126 to bring the target under 200, but had a lapse in concentration as he attempted a pull at a wide Wagner delivery.

Wagner, in a tireless 10-over spell with the old ball, made the big strike when he removed Dhawan with a sharp bouncer from round the wicket.

Dhawan had shown remarkable discipline in the morning session and had made slow progress to move into the nineties. Ish Sodhi didn’t pose the same threat as the New Zealand seamers and Dhawan used the chance to race to his second century with a six and a four. However, New Zealand chances surged once Dhawan was dismissed. The new ball hastened New Zealand’s rush to their first Test win against India in 12 years.

Devashish Fuloria is a sub-editor at ESPNcricinfo

SPORTS

IPL Owners Ready for Biggest Player Auction BANGALORE: The flags of all eight teams fluttered on a muggy Tuesday as franchise owners, heads and officials, former India captains and international coaches slipped in with big smiles to reacquaint themselves with their friends in the IPL fraternity.

The celebrity factor came when Preity Zinta (one of the owners at Kings XI Punjab) crossed paths with fellow Bollywood star Juhi Chawla, wife of Jay Mehta, the coowner of Knight Riders.

There was whispered speculation over whether an injured Shah Rukh Khan would make it for the auction. International media, specifically from the UK, were curious as to what kind of interest franchises had in Kevin Pietersen.

In that respect the build-up to what has become one of the most watched events on TV was no different to previous years.

But as far as the auction goes there are quite e few differences compared to the last big auction, which happened in 2011. Then there were 10 teams, compared to eight now. Then the squads were bigger than the maximum size, enforced this season, of 27.

Another change that will impact the way teams plan their auction strategy is the depletion in the pool for quality capped Indian players in the wake of retentions by teams.

“In 2011 the total number of players retained was 12.

This time it is 24,” the franchise head of an IPL-winning franchise said. “More players have been retained and most of them happened to be top-class (Indian) players.

The net effect of all this, just by virtue of supply and demand, means there is always a challenge for Indian capped players.”

After managing a team for six years, franchise officials say they have learned it isn’t always necessary to chase a big name.

“Franchises have also become a lot more mature,” the franchise head said. “You can always form a team with a talent supporting cast.

Teams like Rajasthan, Punjab and Hyderabad have shown you can be competitive without really having a huge name in the team.”

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2014 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

February 14, 2014

Govt, TTP Negotiators Chart Roadmap for Peace Talks

ISLAMABAD: Negotiators for the Pakistani government and the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) met Thursday for a first round of peace talks aimed at ending the militants’ bloody seven-year insurgency.

The two sides gathered at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House in Islamabad for a preliminary meeting to chart a “roadmap” for future discussions, amid deep scepticism over whether dialogue can yield a lasting peace deal.

Following the meeting which lasted almost four hours, Maulana Samiul Haq read out a joint statement to the media.

According to the press release, the two sides met under a cordial environment.

The government committee demanded that talks be held within the framework of the constitution, and that the scope of the peace talks be limited to only the insurgencyaffected areas of Pakistan.

The government committee also said that all activities which may affect peace efforts should immediately be stopped, and that talks should be smoothly concluded in a short timeframe.

Referring to the 10-member Taliban monitoring committee, the gov-

ernment negotiators sought clarification regarding scope and authority of both TTP teams.

On the other hand, the Pakistani Taliban committee urged the government to clarify the mandate and level of authority of its four member committee, and its ability to implement a peace pact.

The Taliban team also demanded that their meetings be held with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, the army chief and the DG ISI. Journalists were not allowed to ask questions following the joint press release.

The government’s negotiators include Irfan Siddiqui, special assistant to the prime minister and coordinator of the committee, Rustam Shah Mohmand, a former Pakistan ambassador to Afghanistan, Peshawar-based journalist Rahimullah Yousufzai and retired Major Amir Khan.

Negotiators from the TTP’s side include Maulana Samiul Haq, Maulana Abdul Aziz and Professor Mohammad Ibrahim.

Initial peace talks failed to get under way Tuesday when the government delegation refused to meet the militants’ negotiators, citing confusion about the make-up of their team.

The TTP had initially also nomi-

Job Opportunity

Capricorn Travel Requires Full Time Experienced Travel Agent.

For Appointment: Please Call: 713-339-2222

nated Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan and former Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F) lawmaker Mufti Kifayatullah in their committee. However, both later refused to be part of the committee.

In a statement Tuesday, the TTP spokesman Shahidullah Shahid said that Mualana Samiul Haq and his two colleagues had their blessing to go ahead with the negotiations without Khan or Kifayatullah.

“The three-member committee is final now and we have our full confidence in it to hold talks,” he had said.

The Taliban committee is now expected to travel to Waziristan to convey the progress of the negotiations to the TTP leadership.

-Dawn.com

For advertising Call 713-789-6397

29

Sushil Koirala is the New Nepal Prime Minister, Says Constitution His Priority

BY YUBARAJ GHIMIRE Nepali Congress Chairman Sushil Koirala was on Monday elected Prime Minister of the country – fifth in as many years of political instability.

Koirala, the only candidate who filed his nomination in the Parliament secretariat, secured 405 votes – constituting more than two-third, out of total 553 present.

He was backed by his own party, the Nepali Congress, Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist and others.

However, the Unified Communist Party of Nepal-Maoists and the pro-monarchy Rastriya Prajatantra Party-Nepal, and most of the Madhes

centric parties voted against Koirala.

In his brief address, Koirala said while having a constitution delivered within a year with good governance would be his government’s priority, he will also make every attempt to strengthen Nepal’s relations with two immediate neighbours India, China and other members of the international community.

Koirala’s election brings to end the rule by government of retired bureaucrats headed by the incumbent chief justice of the Supreme Court that was formed to hold election to the second constituent assembly-cum legislature.

-Indianexpress

First Ever

24 Hour

Telugu Radio in Houston

Online at www.radiohungama.net & Every Sunday 12 PM to 3 PM CST On

KCHN AM 1050 Contact: Sridhar Dadi at

281-217-9736

houstonradio@yahoo.com

Award Winning Customer Service & Best Rates in Town Proudly Serving For Best Rates to: India, Europe, Cruises & Vacation Packages South Asian Community Toll Free: 1-866-956-0758 - Tel:713-339-2222 for Past 3939 Hillcroft Ave, Suite# 110, Houston, TX 77057 30 Years

CAPRICORN TRAVEL

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2014 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

30 February 14, 2014

“IT HAPPENS ONLY IN INDIA”

Stay tuned every Sunday,

HIREN JOSHI

to from 2.30pm to 3.30pm

832-646-2116

hjoshi7@hotmail.com

www.shobajoshi.com

SHOBA JOSHI

ON AM 1320 Geetanjali Radio Sat & Sun 2-6 PM For your business ads

Tel:281-909-0825 - 713-545-4749 Cell:832-878-4338 shobajoshi999@gmail.com INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2014 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

February 14, 2014

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2014 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

31 3

32 February 14, 2014

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2014 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM