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Friday, February 15 2013 | Vol. 32, No. 7

Indo American erican News

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Metabolic Syndrome Symposium at India House

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Pandit Ravi Shankar Wins Two Posthumous Grammys

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Guests after dinner at the home of Mahinder and HardipSouthwestern Singh.

P13 From left: Well known local RJ and funny guy Sunil Thakkar, Aaron Aryanpur, Paul Varghese, Dr. Raj Bhalla and Subodh Bhuchar after the Komedy ka Kamal show.

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National Bank Welcomes Lunar New Year

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COMMUNITY

February 15, 2013

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Petroleum Minister’s Visit Highlights Indian Energy Quest

BY JAWAHAR MALHOTRA HOUSTON: Indian Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister M. Veerappa Moily visited Houston this past week as part of a trip to the US to meet with oil and gas companies regarding their interest in drilling in India and also to close of an agreement for LNG exports from Texas. He was accompanied by officials from the state-owned Natural gas processing and distribution company Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) led by its Chief Managing Director B.C. Tripathi along with General Manager Sanjiv Datta and Deputy General Manager A.Kaviraj.

Moily was in Texas for five days to visit with several oilfield companies and also flew off for an afternoon visit to a gas fracking operation in the Eagle Ford formation area around San Antonio. He returned for a reception that was held at the Indian Consul General P. Harish’s residence the evening of Wednesday, February 6 where he met with

oil and gas and energy which would result in a steady reduction of production by 2030 oil imports through 2030. Oil production and has been taking investment has reached over Rs. 1,000 cr aggressive steps to ($185m) and on the agenda at the moment achieve that, including was the bidding for 7 blocks of sites within a acquiring stakes in oil month and another 32 within 3 months. and gas field exploraThe emphasis would be on announcing tion operations around shale gas policy in a month and continue to the world. Recently, it concentrate on coal bed methane (CBM) by has been reported that offering seven blocks located in Jharkhand, the Oil and Natural Gas Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and West BenCorporation of India gal. He added that in the last 10 years, In(ONGC) is planning dia has already laid out 35,000 km of gas to set up a full-fledged pipeline. office in Houston to “We are also encouraging public-private explore opportunities sector initiatives,” explained Moily “as well Indian Consul General P. Harish (left) and Cheniere for oil equity, technol- as international projects like the TAPI projEnergy’s Vice President, Commercial Operations Grant E. McCracken (right) flank the Indian Union Petroleum & ogy transfers and other ect to bring oil from Turkmenestan to India Natural Gas Minister Dr. M. Veerappa Moily at a reception collaborations. via Afghanistan and Pakistan”. The main held in his honor at the CG’s residence last Wednesday, Moily said that his thrust of all these efforts is to make India February 6. Photo: Jawahar Malhotra ministry had developed self-sufficient in electricity production and business leaders from the local Indian com- a road map through a committee headed by provide feedstock for its petrochemical inmunity and others from the O&G industry. the Prime Minister to achieve self reliance dustry.

Earlier, Moily had heard a presentaIndo American News (ISSN 887-5936) is published weekly every Friday (for a subscription of $40 per year) by IndoAmerican News Inc., tion by Halliburton 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. and also met with POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Indo American News,7457 Harwin Dr., Suite 262, Houston, TX 77036 Cheniere Energy which has entered into a long-term agreement to provide India with LNG from the new facility that Cheniere is building at Sabine Pass on the Gulf.

India has anChief Managing Director of GAIL, B.C. Tripathi (left), Indian nounced that it Union Petroleum & Natural Gas Minister Dr. M. Veerappa Moily intends to attain self-suffiency in and Indian Consul General P. Harish Photo: Rajeev Gadgil

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COMMUNITY

February 15, 2013

The Deadliest Killer Remains Silent Too Long Among South Asians

BY JAWAHAR MALHOTRA HOUSTON: The cartoon graphic projected on the screen depicted a middle-aged South Asian man with a protruding stomach, showing the four types of fat that line his body. “That represents the fat topography which plays a key role in developing Type 2 diabetes,” declared Dr. Mandeep Bajaj as he warmed up to explaining the dangers of obesity in general, and the awful toll they take in South Asians in particular.

With the most recent data at their disposal, Baja and his group of five other presenters were able to zero in on the propensity of South Asians to develop a fatty liver “which results in a double whammy of insulin resistance and inadequate insulin production,” added Bajaj. The presenters included Dr. Ashok Balasubramanyam, Dr. Bincy Abraham, Dr. Vijay Nambi and Dr. Sridevi Devaraj all of the Baylor College of Medicine as well as the keynote speaker, Dr. Karmeen Kulkarni from Salt Lake City and the former president of the American Diabetes Association’s Healthcare Education program, who spoke about diet among South Asians.

Using statistical analysis and some in-depth research conducted

by Dr. Ranjita Misra (who had conducted some trial studies in Houston some ten years ago while she was at Texas A&M University), the presenters were able to show that South Asians are genetically and hereditarily much more susceptible to developing all the symptoms that precede the emergence of Type 2 diabetes and gave suggestions on how diet and exercise could help retard or control it.

These scientific and medical presentations were geared for the medical community, allowing many physicians there to get CME credits for the afternoon long courses. The Metabolic Syndrome Symposium was held last Satur-

Dr. Mandeep Bajaj opened the Metabolic Syndrome professional seminar at India House last Saturday, February 9 which he helped organize with Dr. Virendra K. Mathur (left).

Dr. Joel Kneitz spoke to the public in a presentation about carbohydrates.

day, February 9 at India House in the main meeting room, while on the other side from the building, in a large classroom, a similar presentation was being made to the general public by Dr. Manish Rungta and other doctors and medical students from UT-Houston. Dr. Joel Kneitz, Dr. Nitin Kapur, Smitha G. Mallaiah and Cathy Chen and her students assisted with the lively presentation which saw many audience members rush to suggest ways to enhance their exercise and diet regimens.

The dual presentations were

sion care through an outreach van from the University of Houston.

The emphasis on Metabolic Syndrome is an outgrowth of educating the public and medical community on the dangers of what is known as the Silent Killer since it can lead to hypertension, kidney failure and heart disease.

Mathur revealed that within the coming few months, India House will be able to report that it will become a satellite clinic for the Harris County Hospital District. “This means that we can offer the same services as Ben Taub Hospital and the patient will pay according to their family income,” explained Mathur. “We have clearance from the County and State and are only waiting on the go ahead from Washington, DC.” Also at hand that Saturday afternoon was Dr. Simon Bott, a professor of Chemistry and the Director of the newly formed 3/4 BSMD program at the University

of Houston. He announced that UH will start offering the new program in partnership with UTHouston and UTMB Galveston that would allow students to do three years of pre-medical work and then finish their final year in a medical college leading directly to medical school. The program will start in the Fall of 2013 and UH is actively recruiting for the ten student slots that would be available.

“This is a step in the right direction to keep healthcare costs down by training in a more cost effective manner,” said Agrawal, who has served for the past 3 years on the nine-member Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

“There are plans for UH to even offer a PhD program in Nursing to help in this direction by offloading physicians from their routine workloads.” The THECB oversees all 50 community colleges and approves new programs that are being offered.

made possible by the efforts of Drs. Bajaj, Virendra K. Mathur and Durga Das Agarwal (the latter two are Trustees of India House).

“We worked for over a year to bring this together,” explained Mathur, “and Dr. Agrawal’s office and staff were really instrumental in organizing the event and calling the people to attend.”

Normally CME courses cost $100 or more to register, “but we were able to get the Texas Heart Institute to provide this all for free,” added a delighted Mathur.

Mathur and Agrawal have been keen on getting more usage out of the facilities at India House, and have been instrumental in forming the Medical UT-Houston medical students watch as a participant in the symposium related Clinic on the prem- how she worked out as Dr. Manish Rungta (left) amusedly looks on. ises and offering vi- Photos: Jawahar Malhotra

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February 15, 2013

COMMUNITY

Grammy 2013

Pandit Ravi Shankar Receives Lifetime Achievement Award Posthumously

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Norah Jones (left) and Anoushka Shankar accept a Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of their father, the late Ravi Shankar.

The Beatles mentor died on December 11, a week after he was informed about the lifetime achievement award

Pandit Ravi Shankar is fondly remembered for making Indian classical music known to the West. And this year, exactly 60 days after his death, the sitar maestro went on to win two more Grammy Awards.

“We know he was very excited to be receiving this award. We really miss him. He lived and breathed music. We are very happy to accept the award for him,” singer-song writer Norah Jones said while accepting the award.

Anoushka Shankar, who was equally overwhelmed by it, said, “It was 60 days ago today that he passed away. It’s kind of difficult to be standing up here, like Norah said, I am thrilled that he knew about this award before he passed away at least. But I wish we weren’t standing up here for him.”

Anoushka also thanked her mom, Sukanya Rajan, for being by her dad’s side till the end. “I want to say thanks to my mom… He did his last performance just a few weeks before he died and I believe she was the reason he was able to be as healthy and strong as he was. I am eternally grateful to her for that,” the sitarist’s daughter said.

Panditji also received the Best World Music Award for The Living Room Sessions Part 1.

Announcement INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

COMMUNITY

February 15, 2013

Second Vedic Fair 2013: Get Ready for a Fun and Flamboyant Evening

KATY: The Second Ashirwad Vedic Fair 2013, A free event for all, will be held on Saturday Feb. 23 from 4-10pm at Cinco Ranch High School in Katy. On a high level, second vedic fair is categorized into learning and entertainment. In the learning category, more than 75 heritage presentations on a multitude of topics will be happening live simultaneously along with sattvik cooking competition live, Authentic “How 2 do workshops” consisting of Yoga, Meditation by Shriram Sarvotham, Raas Garba Dance by Daksha Nagar, Rangoli Art by Sangita Bhutada, Ayurvedic Tips for daily living

by Ushadevi Pillai, Wear Saree Styles by Radhika Kaparaju, Pagdi

by Jigyasa Anand & Dhoti by Ravi Sethuraman. In the entertainment category prime time shows include “Vedic Walk” a show case of Mahabharat icons & Arjun – The Chosen a play by Geetha Ravula, along with the Highlight “Neon Raas Garba” with live band & DJ.

All in all second vedic fair management is assuring a fun and flamboyant evening for all. For regular updates visit facebook event Vedic Fair 2013.

Dhiraj Manu- Kirti Balaji presenting Lord Sri Krishna and konda (12) one Janmastami in Vedic Fair 2012 of the presenter at first vedic fair shared his first said “last year, I had the honor to vedic fair 2012 experience, “I be a presenter in Ashirwad’s very presented the Powerful “Gayatri first Vedic Fair. I presented “Lord Mantra” at first Vedic Fair 2012. Sri Krishna and Janmastami”, The Gayatri Mantra is considered the day Lord Krishna was born. as Vedasara --”The essence of the I talked about Sri Krishna telling Vedas.” The first Vedic Fair 2012 Arjuna, in the Bhagavad Gita that was a very educational experience even though his family and friends for me. In Vedic Fair I learnt not are on the opposing side they still only about my presentation, but were doing injustice and needed other things about Hinduism, In- to be fought. I think first Vedic dian and our Indian culture. The Fair was a fun, educational, and Vedic Fair is useful for our gen- enjoyable experience. It is imporeration because in my generation tant to our generation because it we don’t know much about Indian teaches us about Indian heritage in Culture, but if we par- a unique format. I benefited from ticipate in events such as participating in the first Vedic Fair this we will learn about by learning new things.

For more information, visit India and importance of our culture. I benefited ashirwadablessing.org from the first Vedic Fair and learned different aspects of Indian culture, various Gods, and great leaders of India. I am very excited and looking forward for second vedic fair 2013 because I am going to learn more new things this year.

Kirti Balaji (12) who was a presenter in Dhiraj Manukonda presented Gayatri first vedic fair 2012, Mantra in Vedic Fair 2012

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India House Houston Gala Saturday, February 23, 2013 7:00pm to 11:00pm Hilton Post Oak Galleria 2001 Post Oak Blvd., Houston Texas 77056 Gala Chairpersons: Mr. Paul and Mrs. Stephanie Madan Keynote Speaker: Judge Ed Emmett, Harris County Contact India House to sponsor the Gala Event: email: yolanda@indiahouseinc.org Phone: 713-929-1905 Fax: 713-772-9015 Sponsor India House Today Sponsors Attendees Platinum $50,000—2 VIP center tables Couples $500—Seating for Two Palladium $25,000—1 VIP center table Individual $275—Seating for One Benefactor $10,000—1 VIP center table Grand Patron $5,000— 1 Full Table Patron $2,500—VIP Seating for Four Sponsor $1,000— VIP Seating for Two Platinum Level Brij and Sunita Agrawal Jugal and Raj Malani Durga and Sushila Agrawal Virendra and Nalini Mathur Bal and Rita Sareen Chowdary and Angela Yalamanchili

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INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

COMMUNITY

February 15, 2013

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Unique Spring Workshop on Mysteries from Ancient India

SUGAR LAND: Traditional Treasures Spring Workshop 2013, a unique one-day program for middle school and high school youngsters, will be conducted by Global Organization for Divinity at Lost Creek Park Conference Center in Sugar Land on March 11. The conference center is located in Lost Creek Park at 3703 Lost Creek Blvd., Sugar Land, TX 77479.

The all-day workshop will go from 9am-4pm and will focus on three intriguing topics from ancient Indian civilization: Science, Technology and Medicine in Ancient India, The Legend of Dwaraka and River Saraswathi, and Past Life & Rebirth – Myth or Truth?.

All proceeds from this workshop will benefit non-profit causes, with part of it going towards Vedic studies and research in India.

The session on science and medicine will give a rare glimpse into various modern mathematical, astronomical, scientific and technological concepts that were in use in ancient India, and also dwell on India’s medical heritage including the holistic Ayurvedic system.

Next the participants will explore the legend of the lost city of Dwaraka, which according to ancient Indian texts was submerged under the sea approximately 5000

Artifacts found in the submerged city of Dwarka, amongst them a copper bell.Carbon dating shows that its about 5000 years old.

According to srimad Bhagavatam & other sciptures, Dwarka submerged in year 3102 B.C (which is approx 5100 years)

years ago; and of the missing river Saraswathi, which is spoken of widely in ancient Indian texts as a thriving center of civilization, but today is conspicuous only by its absence.

Finally, the third session will focus on the concept of rebirth and reincarnation as set forth in the age-old texts, and evolving western research and concepts in the study of past lives and past life regression.

Students from all cultural backgrounds are welcome to participate in the program. The cost for the workshop is $70 if registered

online before Feb 28, and $90 thereafter. A vegetarian lunch, snacks and beverages are included. Free after-care is available for up to 1 hour.

Space is limited. Register online at http://2013gktt.eventbrite.com.

For more information, call Sriram at 832-515-1251 or email houston. god@godivinity.org.

Global Organization for Divinity is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is engaged in a variety of non-profit programs in the Houston area and across the world, all aimed at promoting universal brotherhood and harmony.

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COMMUNITY

What Can You Do to Better Position Yourself to Take Advantage of the Immigration Reforms

BY RAHUL REDDY Comprehensive immigration reform seems to be imminent. In the past few weeks, the legislative and executive branches of government introduced promising proposals for critical immigration reforms.

Understandably, foreign nationals in this country who have eagerly awaited immigration relief on the sidelines are hopeful yet anxious.

We recommend that foreign nationals who want to benefit from any of the coming immigration bills take steps now to preserve evidence that might bolster their case in the future. It is very important that you and your family be able to prove your presence in the U.S. for the entire time you have lived here.

We recommend that people who want to take advantage of the coming laws try to preserve the following documents: • Valid AND / OR Expired Passport, Visa, I-94, any Receipt from USCIS. • Any Identification Card (Such as Driver License, Identification Card, School ID, etc.).

• School Records (Such as Transcripts, report Card, etc.) (We can also include these documents from children, if they have any).

• Medical Records from hospital or doctor visits.

• Lease Agreement (evidence of receipt of cash payment with your name on it is particularly useful).

• Utilities Bill (such as phone, electricity, gas, cable, internet, etc.).

• Official Records from Religious entity in the USA, such as records of baptisms, weddings, etc.

• Travel Records such as transportation tickets, hotel receipts, etc.

• Money order receipts, vehicle registration, insurance policies, etc.

• Any receipts from Western Union.

• Traffic Tickets.

• Any major purchases like furniture or car repairs.

• Bus and air tickets from travel within the U.S. • Any mail that you received while you have lived in the U.S. • Hotel stay invoices • Records from county or city libraries.

• School Records of children with the names of their parents on them.

• Any other document that you think proves your presence in the U.S. The above list is not intended to limit the list of documents you may have to prove your eligibil-

ity but more to give you an idea of the types of documents you should start preserving now.

For more information, call Rahul Reddy at 713-395-4371 or email rahul@rnlawgroup.com.

Indians Among 18 Charged in Global USD 200 Mn Credit Card Scam NEW YORK (TOI): At least five Indian-origin men are among 18 others charged here for running a whopping USD 200 million global credit card fraud under which they used thousands of fake identities to dupe businesses and financial firms and wired millions of dollars to Pakistan and India. In one of the largest credit card fraud schemes ever charged by the US Department of Justice, the men fabricated identities to obtain credits cards and doctored credit reports to pump up the spending and borrowing power associated with the cards.

They would then borrow or spend as much as they could based on their fraudulently obtained credit history and not repay the debts, looting businesses and financial institutions of more than USD 200 million in confirmed losses, US Attorney Paul Fishman said. Law enforcement officers from the FBI arrested 13 men and searched locations in

New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Connecticut. Among those charged with bank fraud are Babar Quereshi 59, Ijaz Butt 53, Raghbir Singh 57, Mohammad Khan 48, Sat Verma 60, Vijay Verma 45, Tarsem Lal 74 and Vinod Dadlani 49. Each faces a maximum potential penalty of 30 years in prison and a million dollar fine.

“The criminal activity highlights an extensive, sophisticated, organized scheme, executed against US financial institutions, which, in turn, affects every citizen of the US,” Acting Special Agent in Charge David Velazquez said.

“This elaborate network utilised thousands of false identities, fraudulent bank accounts, fake companies and collusive merchants to defraud financial institutions of hundreds of millions of dollars in order to facilitate extravagant lifestyles they could otherwise not afford,” he said.

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COMMUNITY

February 15, 2013

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When You’ve Got to Get it Off Your Chest, Who Do You Call? These Radio Guys!

BY JAWAHAR MALHOTRA HOUSTON: Paul Varghese was stuck on stage against a column, one arm up, hand open and one leg likewise, shoe sticking up. “So when the lights come back on,” he said, looking impishly at the audience, “the lizards all freeze on the walls, half-way upto the ceiling!”

Everyone laughed at his mimicking what happens when Paul visits the home of his relatives in his ancestral Trivandrum, India after the lights go out “from 6 to 8 every evening.”

“The lizards are tired of it,” he continued, “so when they see the Geico Insurance commercial they say ‘Oh, yeah!! Look how good it’s in America!!” as his eyes shifted sideways.

The audience lapped it up at the Komedy ka Kamal show that was held in India House last Friday evening, February 8 to support the Open Forum radio show that has been on the air (currently every Saturday, from 4-6pm on 1480AM) since 1999 with a little hiatus from January 2011 to April 2012. It remains very popular on the radio dial for people to call in and vent on the issue de jour.

“It’s really a labor of love for us,” chuckled Dr. Subodh Bhuchar who is youngest of the three hosts of Open Forum and has a penchant for comedy, showmanship and has an easy swagger as he is seen around town wearing an arrowhead string-tie from his large collection of Southwestern ties.

The tall, jocular Jagat Kamdar is the intense firebrand with the local political connections and Dinkar Chedda is the calm one with the collected demeanor who runs the studio’s control console.

Three years ago the three held a similar function, a comedy club show featuring national comedians with a growing international

Comedians Aaron Aryanpur (left) and Paul Varghese (right) flank Open Forum’s Jagat Kamdar (center left) and Subodh Bhuchar.

Open Forum’s hosts (from left) Jagat Kamdar, Dinkar Chedda and Subodh Bhuchar welcoming the about 200 guests to the Komedy ka Kamal night at India House.

following - Paul Vargehese, Aaron Aryanpur and Raj Sharma - and local talent to tickle the community’s funny bone and raise money

for their radio program. “It was a novel idea then and so we decided to go for it again,” explained Bhuchar, “as the show doesn’t

Houstonian Malay Vyaz, an amateur comedian warmed up the show.

Photos: Jawahar Malhotra

ever make a profit and in fact every year we write checks from our own pockets to keep it running.”

So they decided to go asked Aaron and Paul again, both of whom recently came back from the MidEast, to headline the show. Local amateurs with a funny bone for humor Mayal Vyaz and Dr. Raj Bhalla warmed up the crowd with their witticisms, with Subodh, who has never been shy of trying his hand at standup comedy, playing the gleeful emcee. Houston’s own Sunil “Tee” Thakkar, the radio jock with a resume of delightfully funny capers (movies, stage shows, TV spots) displayed his flamboyant personality and versatility with antics and funny observations, often calling out to friends and faces in the nearly 300 people in the audience.

The seasoned comedians came on stage, with Aaron leading the way. Born of Israeli and Iranian parents, he made colorful references to his background, his cross-cultural marriage and his two children, keeping the audi-

ence in titters. The conservatively dressed (waistcoat, white shirt, tie and black shoes) Vargehese was a far cry from the tee-shirt and jeans guy of three years ago but his humor stayed true to the second-generation Indian tone that he had set then. His funniest lines were about his mom, dad and grandmother and he cut everyone up with his South Indian Kerela accent in English.

The Signature Sponsors of Open Forum this year are Memorial Hermann Hospital Sugar Land and Kindred Hospital System. H-M’s CEO Greg Harleson and COO Malisha Patel, the youngest COO in the entire M-H system as well as KHS’ CEO Loren Perona, were at hand for the show. Appetizers and a buffet dinner were catered

by Dawat Catering with owner Mahesh Shah making sure things went smoothly. Suresh Shenoy, the owner of Kirti Jewelers and an avid audio buff, volunteered his services on the sound control console and even offered two silver coins to add to the three items that were raffled off on stage.

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INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

14 February 15, 2013

Sri Saumyakasi Sivalaya MAHASIVARATRI

Come, celebrate and receive Lord Siva’s grace and blessings Saturday, March 9th 2013

( Temple Hours 8:30 am – 2:00 pm & 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm ) 9:00 am - 10:15 am Maha Mrtyunjaya Homa ( In Chinmaya Smrti Building — Homa sponsorship: $21)

Sunday, March 10th 2013 ( Temple Hours 8:00 am to Midnight )

Special Pravacana (for adults) on Siva Manasa Puja

by Acarya Sri Gaurang Nanavaty

8:35 am - 10:30 am AND 11:20 am - 1:00 pm

Puja Schedule 9:00 am - 9:45 pm Ksirabhiseka to Utsava Murti of Lord Siva 9:00 am - 11:30 am Mahanyasa purvaka Rudrabhiseka 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm Laghunyasa purvaka Ekadasa Rudrabhiseka 10:00 pm - 10:30 pm Arati & Prasada 10:30 pm - 11:45 pm Meditation followed by midnight Arati ( Rudrabhiseka puja sponsorship with Ksirabhiseka Seva: $21 per family ) 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

Om Namah Sivaya INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

February 15, 2013

15

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16 February 15, 2013

COMMUNITY

IACCGH Holds Second Annual Seminar on American Tax Laws

HOUSTON: Saturday, Feb 2 2013 saw a full house at India House to attend the second annual seminar on American Tax Laws and how they apply to NRIs, co-hosted by the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston (IACCGH) and the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO). The event was chaired by Swapan Dhairyawan CPA and Moderated

by IACCGH Immediate Past President Ajit Thakur CPA who both stressed on the need to comply with the tax laws and said the event was an effort to continue educating the community.

GOPIO President Mahesh Shah and IACCGH President Pankaj Dhume welcomed the guests and thanked the panelists for volunteering their time to educate the community.

The panelists were, Mahesh Desai(CPA) , Kershaw Khumbatta(CPA) , Rimple Mashruwala(CPA), Swapan Dhairyawan(CPA) and Umesh “Mike� Jain (CPA).

IACCGH Executive Director Jagdip Ahluwalia made the opening remarks and GOPIO Vice President Chad Patel proposed the vote of thanks. The presentation was followed by Q&A which was a very interactive and informative session for the entire audience In his opening remarks IACCGH Past President Ajit Thakur CPA read out the Top Ten Reasons why you handover your money to the IRS. (See box) Program Chair Swapan Dhairyawan emphasized “When you file your personal tax return this year, make sure you pay extra attention to new regulations and new “Form

Top 10 Reasons why you handover your money to IRS 10. You cannot count your money and you trust IRS can.

9. You do not have large enough refrigerators to stash your cash.

8. You are fed up with your kids and want to leave nothing for them.

7. You would rather give it to IRS than giving to your Ex. 6. You would loose your money on taxes than on Apple & RIM stocks.

5.You hate your partners and shareholders.

4. You want to keep your estate below 5M to avoid death taxes.

3. You do not have any friends whom you can give holiday gifts.

2. Your brother in law has told IRS where you are hiding your cash.

1. You do not have a smart accountant.

8938 - Statement of Specified Foreign Financial Assets� to avoid penalty.

Also familiarize with FBAR and OVDI to avoid problems. You still have chance to declare your foreign bank account and income reporting if you missed it in the past. You may want to retain CPA who is familiar in the area to help in navigating through new rules.�

Rimple Mashruwala covered the topic “Reporting Indian Income on US Tax Returns.� Covering the agenda Who is it applicable to?, Various different Incomes.,

Seated, from left: Panelists: Kershaw K Khumbatta, CPA; Mahesh Desai CPA; Rimple Mashruwala CPA; Umesh “Mike� Jain CPA; Swapan Dhairyawan, CPA who also chaired the event.

Standing, from left: Chad Patel, VP GOPIO; Mahesh Shah, President, GOPIO; Ajit Thakur CPA(Moderator); Pankaj Dhume , President, IACCGH and Jagdip Ahluwalia, Executive Director, IACCGH. Photo: Bijay Dixit, Unique Photo Images

and Differences in taxation in India & US Foreign tax credit. She stressed the need for women to become more involved in understanding their finances and the tax laws’ Kershaw Khumbatta talked about the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 and its impact on US taxpayer. He also talked about the open ended IRS offshore voluntary disclosure program offering the opportunity for people account for any undisclosed overseas income to IRS. .Umesh “Mike� Jain covered the American Tax Relief Act, Pateient Protection and Affordabale care act and features of the Alternative Minimum Tax. Mahesh Desai discussed Form 8938 and encouraged the audience to find a good

CPA. The Speakers PowerPoint presentations will be available on the Chamber website at www.iaccgh.com IACCGH will be hosting a webinar on Tuesday March 5th 2013 on the “The 2013 Indian Budget and its impact on American investors and businesses�. The webinar will be conducted by Mumbai India based Ernst & Young Partners Sanjay Grover (Tax Partner & National Leader of the Oil & Gas Tax Services, Ernst & Young ) & Heetesh Veera (Tax Partner, Ernst & Young ) who heads the Indirect Tax Practice (West) of EY in India.

Email info@iaccgh.com if you are interested in joining the webinar.

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INDO AMERICAN NEWS â&#x20AC;˘ FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013 â&#x20AC;˘ ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

February 15, 2013

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18

EDITORIAL

February 15, 2013

Two Ideas of India

A fortuitous coincidence caused me to hear Amartya Sen talk about what he believed was wrong with the Indian development model in the same week that Narendra Modi expounded his economic ideas before students of Delhi University. And, it was for me as if I had accidentally come upon a two-sided mirror that reflected two completely opposite images of India. The image that Dr. Sen conjured up at the Kolkata Literary Festival was bleak, old, sad and hopeless. The one that Gujarat’s Chief Minister conjured up for the gathering of students was vibrant with hope, dreams and possibilities.

Dr. Sen was not wrong in what he said. He pointed out the horrors of half of Indian households not having toilets and of half of India’s children being malnourished. And, he talked of the need for drastic improvements in public healthcare and education. It is Dr. Sen’s ideas that have prevailed ever since Nehruvian socialism became the Indian state’s economic ideology. It has been a return to ‘socialist’ economic policies in the past four years, and big government spending on supposed poverty alleviation that have brought us down to 5% GDP growth which is the virtual equivalent of the old ‘Hindu rate of growth’.And, it is schemes like MNREGA that have revived the ‘maibaap sarkar’ mentality.

Narendra Modi took the opposite view to Dr. Sen. He talked of how India could become the most prosperous country in the world simply by using her resources better. He talked of how having the youngest population of any country could be turned into a huge asset by skills training. He talked of Adivasi people in his state exporting bananas to Finland and coming to him with a request that he improve their roads so that their produce could be transported with less damage. He talked of how if you ate tomatoes in Afghanistan or drank milk in Thailand, it was likely to have come from Gujarat and he explained that this new vitality in agriculture had happened because of concerted reforms.

It is his bad luck that some of his colleagues in the BJP and the Sangh parivar are unlikely to rally behind his new economic vision for India. They remain so blind to India’s new realities that the BJP president did not notice as he washed his sins in the Kumbh Mela that he should have said something about the horribly polluted rivers he was dipping himself in. The head of the RSS meanwhile tried to stir up old passions for that temple in Ayodhya without noticing that not even the gathering of ascetics and ‘saints’ he addressed was seriously impressed. Young Indian voters lost interest long ago.

The campaign to malign Modi is so powerful that it is possible that he may never become prime minister. So let us at least hope that the next general election throws up a leader who can commit to moving India towards an idea of development that involves the active participation of the people. The old idea of the beneficent welfare state is now definitely defunct. And, if it is not, then it should be because it is founded on the principle that there must always be poverty to ‘alleviate’.

Tavleen Singh in Indian Express

Defining Love This Valentine’s Week

BY FARIDA HASANALI It’s Valentine’s week, so it’s fitting that I should write something about love. A simple four-letter word that can be so complex, so desired, and yet, so elusive at times that it becomes the only thing we can focus on.

The word love comes from a derivation of some of the oldest known languages: “lufu” in old English, “luba” in Old High German, “lubo” in Gothic and “lebet” in Latin. You get the idea; all of them were intended to convey a pleasing emotion or desire.

What is intriguing about this concept of love is how many different forms of it we go through as we move through the phases of life and how we use the term loosely when we refer to emotions like love.

As kids, the “love” we feel for our parents is actually reverence. We look up to them and we are in awe of their knowledge (for a short time). Most of us born in South Asia respect our parents. Our love is based primarily on a physical dependency for shelter, food and clothing and secondarily on companionship. As we grow up, our reverence for our parents’ declines with the declining need for them, and in most cases, the “wow” factor moves to teachers or class mates. Of course we still “love” our parents but I don’t think we really know why.

It’s something we are supposed to do or say!

As young adults, our parents seem inadequate and all our focus moves to our peers, even teachers seem to fade away though a few kids do get infatuated by their teachers because they are in awe of all the knowledge they have and they want to be like them. That’s when you hear the sad stories of teacher-student relationships, which no matter what anyone says, are just wrong. The teacher in this case needs to be the adult.

On the other hand, the peer group becomes our most important family and we may start experiencing “love” Bollywood style. Our emotions are polarized. We love…we hate…we desire…everything is so dramatic, and life is difficult, the roads are twisted and we just can’t understand why things don’t work the way we want them to. I remember my 14-year-old infatuations. I pined for

It is an absolutely exhilarating and freeing feeling of knowing you are complete by yourself, your whole self. If it so happens that along the way, in this complete life that you are already living, somebody compatible comes along, then let them come along too for your crazy journey. my neighbor’s attention. “If only he would turn and look at me once, my whole life would feel complete.” Two years later, I fell in “love” with a guy on my street who rode a motorcycle.

Every time I heard the bike revving, I felt a deep pull at my heart strings as I lamented for his look. Do you remember those days? Looking back, I marvel at the innocence of the whole thing. It truly is a good thing that we have no idea of the complexity of emotions to come, that cute, innocent love is so pure.

In our late twenties, something big happens. All of a sudden, there is this intense desire to find someone, and to get settled. This is the period of the most intense: Bollywood style love.

The romantic gestures, the exotic trips, the extravagant weddings are all part of this “angst” phase. If we could visualize this emotional shift in a physical form, it might look like a swarm of fruit flies buzzing over ripe fruit. This is the time most people end up getting married and starting families.

And then comes parental love! Not yours toward your parents but yours toward your children. This is the first time in your life you learn to love unconditionally. Your children look up to you in reverence for a short while (remember you did the same thing when you were a child) while you nurture them and provide for them.

Now I am going to make a rather bold statement here, and I am sure many men won’t agree with me. I am just not sure that men know how to love unconditionally. Now I am not saying all men, I am saying most

men. The reason for this is because men don’t carry children, they don’t get that intense hormonal change that women get during pregnancy and birth that makes them forget everything but their child. I am sure some men may learn to love unconditionally, but a woman doesn’t really have to learn, it just kind of happens. On the flip side to be fair, I have known many women who have no idea how to love even when they have children, let alone love unconditionally.

We’ve covered many types of love, but there is another angle we haven’t discussed yet. That is how our concept of love changes as we get older and/ or become more experienced. Let’s start with angst of love. During this time, both partners are trying to fulfil each other’s desires equally. Little annoyances are irrelevant or cute and brushed aside. There is a sense of togetherness as the couple begins their life journey. A very common example of that is when one of the partners has a friend you find really annoying.

During the angst phase of love, you think it’s very noble of him or her to maintain friendships with people no matter what. After marriage, that sentiment changes. Suddenly, we start seeing the friend as really annoying and arguments are centered on when “we” the couple are going to dump that friend. Suddenly the love haze starts fading and we start seeing the flaws. His impatience to see you, which you thought was so romantic is now converted to impatience in dealing with the kids, or blowing up at little things and no matter what, that is just not cute anymore. Typically, if the couple makes it through this tumultuous phase of getting to truly know each other, of raising the kids and they make it through the first 10 years or so, chances are they will figure out the rest of the journey.

Unfortunately there are lots of us, I included, who don’t figure it out and we have to start over again. That experience of re-finding love is probably the most excruciating journey one can embark on. Now you have the sense to know what works and what doesn’t. If you take a little time to figure out who you truly are and what you want out of life, then you CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

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COMMUNITY

February 15, 2013

19

Classmate Admits to Killing Friend’s Mother

BY BRIAN ROGERS (Houston Chronicle) Danish Moazzam Minhas and Nur Mohamed were classmates at Lee High School when Minhas’mother was found stabbed to death at her home in November 2009.

In court this past Thursday, Mohamed admitted that he agreed to take $4,000 to kill the 43-year-old woman and then promised to testify against the person he said hired him: her son.

If the 21-year-old testifies truthfully against Minhas, he can expect to be sentenced to 40 years in prison for murder. He will have to serve at least half of that before he is eligible for parole.

Minhas said he found the body CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18 are not willing to settle for someone who will only get you halfway there.

Lots of people say things like we can’t get everything we want. True!

But do you want to spend the other half of your life with only half of what you want? There is a happy medium somewhere. During this stage, I notice people searching for “like-minded” or rather “like-experienced” people. For instance, if you are a divorced parent with kids, a single and never married potential partner may not understand the time commitment you have to make to your kids, whereas someone who has kids of their own will understand. We look for people who have

out all night, he said, first on a date, then driving around Galveston.

When police examined the grisly scene, they found a bloody handprint on the doorknob.

Mohamed later Danish Moazzam Minhas, 17, (foreground) said he had worn and Nur J. Mohamed, 18, (background) appear in the 263rd State District Court at rubber gloves, but the Harris County Criminal Courthouse, they had been sliced Thursday, Jan. 7, 2010. in the struggle. AfPhoto: Karen Warren ter he was arrested of his mother, Tabassum Khan, and for drugs at school called authorities. It was two days be- weeks after the slaying, police were fore Thanksgiving and he had stayed

Defining Love...

gone through the same struggle as us, felt the same pain, worked through similar issues and have learned from them. At least one would hope that other divorced people have learned from their experiences and decided to change things in their next relationships, but I know even that doesn’t happen often.

For now, for all of us, young and old, seeking love, I say, know who you truly are on the inside, know what fundamentally makes you happy, what you can and cannot deal with and live with or without and then be happy just being you. It is an absolutely exhilarating and freeing feeling of knowing you are complete by yourself, your whole self. If it

able to match the prints. Confronted with the bloody evidence, he admitted his part, police said. On the witness stand in Thursday, Mohamed said Minhas picked him up and took him to the apartment. He said Minhas went in to check that his mother was there, then left the door open and signaled him. After the stabbing, Minhas took Mohamed home.

“Did Danish Minhas show any remorse?” prosecutor Angela Weltin asked. “No,” Mohamed said. “He just smiled.” Minhas faces five years to life in prison if convicted of murder.

He is expected to go to trial in April.

“That was a violent episode, in that apartment,” said Gerald Bourque, Mohamed’s attorney. “He was such a nice young man, I can hardly believe he was involved in all this.”

so happens that along the way, in this complete life that you are already living, somebody compatible comes along, then let them come along too for your crazy journey.

Farida Hasanali is a free lance writer for several Indo American community publications.

In her day job, Hasanali works as a Knowledge & Program Manager for BP’s Remediation Management Division.

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

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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 20, 2013.

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

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Vimal Engineer

Mama’s Punjabi Recipes Dum Aloo (STEAMED POTATOES IN CURRY) This is a classic North Indian dish that is a comfort food which is easy to make.

It can be eaten with naan, chapatti or rice and brings back the aromas and experience of the Punjab when eaten alone, or together with some dahi (yogurt) or dal (lentils).

Dum means to cook under pressure or to infuse the potatoes with the ingredients in the curry. This dish can be made with a lot of curry, or just a little bit, as desired. There are several ways to make dum aloo and each region adds its own spices and variations, like the stuffed potatoes of the Kashmiri style, or the Amritsari style with mustard seed oil or the Bengali style.

My recipe is what my family has made for generations when we had our own farmlands in Lyallpur. It is a simple and inexpensive recipe that comes in handy when you want to come up with a tasty dish fast. The secret to my recipe is NOT to stir the ingredients while they are cooking so that the curry taste infuses properly into the potatoes. For best results use baby white potatoes; avoid any variety that will crumble in the curry.

Ingredients: 500gm chotte aloo (baby potatoes, small size is best) 1 cup dahi (plain yogurt) 2 medium pyaaz (onion) 2 cloves of lassan (garlic) 1 clump of adrak (ginger) 1 tbsp olive oil (or vegetable oil) To taste: namak (salt), mirch (red pepper), haldi (turmeric powder), garam masala

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February 15, 2013

• Place the whole baby potatoes in the pot and pour the yogurt over them. Sprinkle the turmeric, salt and pepper over the yogurt and cover the pot with a tight lid. There is no need to add any water as the potatoes must cook in their own steam. Do not open the lid often and do not stir with a ladle either.

• After 10 minutes, reduce the flame to simmer. Open the lid and poke the potatoes with a knife to see if they are tender.

• If the potatoes are tender, then you can stir gently with a ladle making sure not to break the potatoes.

• Sprinkle with garam masala.

Your dum aloo are ready to eat!!

Directions: • Wash the baby potatoes and set them aside. Do not peel them.

• Peel the onions and chop into small pieces. Peel and cut the ginger and garlic cloves into small pieces.

• Heat the oil in a medium sized pot and place the onions, ginger and garlic in it and do NOT stir.

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COMMUNITY

February 15, 2013

21

New Executive Team Aims to Widen HSA Reach in America

From left: Sanjay Gulati, National CFO; Sagar Vira, National CTO; Ramya Ravi, National President; Varun Mehta, Member of Board of Directors; Ruchita Naik, National Vice President; Saumya Saran, National Secretary and Raja Venkateswaran, National Executive Branch President from Dallas.

BY SAUMYA SARAN The new executive team of Hindu Students Association (HSA), which has assumed office recently, aims to widen the reach of the organization in the United States and create a broader platform where more young adults can discover Hinduism and interact on faith-based issues.

“Our predecessors have laid a great foundation for HSA to excel in America,” said Ramya Ravi, the new National President. “My goal with the help of my team is to grow this platform to more campuses and also focus on Hindu representation at corporations by developing a unified alumni base.

“The young professional group remains untapped by traditional religious organizations. HSA aims to bridge that gap by creating a space in their respective cities to meet and discuss faith and issues that affect Hindus all over America,”she said.

To achieve its aims, the new HSA team is looking beyond traditional venues, such as temples, religious “meet-up” groups, and family. It hopes to move forward and make HSA a loud voice on the Internet and create a place where young adults can listen to Sanskrit verses, engage in meaningful debates online, and meet like-minded people interested in learning more about Hinduism.

The new leadership plans on creating more opportunities for young adults to interact with Hinduism, in the form of meetings, lectures, camps, videos, and much more.

“It is so exciting to see the new leadership of HSA,” said Varun Mehta, past National President and Co-founder of HSA. “Ramya Ravi has been a strong leader in the founding national team and brings, along with other officers, a firm belief in what their Dharma is as officers of one of the only platforms for young Hindu adults in the United States.

Not only do I wish them success, but I urge others to step in financially and support their efforts.”

Ramya Ravi is the previous CFO and one of the three founding members and is deeply responsible for the success of HSA today. A Biomedical Engineering graduate of Texas A&M University, Ramya was instrumental in raising the capital needed to sustain the operations of HSA over the last two years. Currently a Field Clini-

cal Engineer for Cyberonic, Inc in Houston, Texas, Ramya has a team of dedicated officers that includes both students and young professionals from around the country.

Supporting her is Vice President, Ruchita Naik. Ruchita currently a Hotel Management major at the University of Houston. Ruchita also serves as the branch president at the University of Houston where she has, and continues to, exhibit exemplary leadership skills and devotion to HSA’s mission.

Sanjay Gulati, the newly elected Chief Financial Officer, is an Investment Banker at MHT Partners in Dallas, TX. Sanjay is deeply committed to the concept of seva and spent a year abroad volunteering for an organization that promotes education. He has also previously served as CFO for a non-profit organization and was a District Officer for HSA before accepting the position as CFO. The Chief Technology Officer, Sagar Vira, has been instrumental in raising awareness for HSA through social media and was the lead organizer for Gateway 2013. Residing in Georgia, Sagar currently studies Finance and Economics at Emory University.

Saumya Saran, the new Secretary, is a young professional based in Dallas who works as a Software Engineer for Cisco Systems. He graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas with a double major in Computer Engineering and Busi-

ness Administration. Saumya served as an officer at the UTD branch for 2 years and is keen on learning Sanskrit.

HSA has accomplished some truly astonishing feats since its inception.

For the past 3 years, HSA has represented the voice of Hindu students in the Interfaith Youth Leadership Institute in Washington DC. This is an event that is organized by the White House and the Inter Faith Youth Core (IFYC) and is a major platform to raise awareness about the needs of the young Hindu community today. Furthermore, the organization has engaged a wide number of Hindus and non-Hindus alike with the creation and publishing of various Hindu-related materials on the web.

For instance, a YouTube video titled “What is Yoga?” produced by HSA has garnered more than 45 thousand views since it was uploaded in June of 2011.

At inception, the founders envisioned creating an organization that would serve as a home for a new emerging voice. This voice belongs to young individuals who are curious about their faith, who want to learn more about the teachings of Hinduism, and who strive to incorporate the gained knowledge into their daily lives. Now, two and a half years later, the steep trajectory of HSA’s growth bears witness to the fact that the organization is successful in catering to a widely overlooked demographic: the young Hindu adult.

Indian Origin Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Commit Fraud

NEW YORK (TOI): An Indianorigin man has pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit fraud under which he used a call centre in India to defraud hundreds of individuals across the US. Baljit Singh, 47 of California would be sentenced on April 8 and could also be slapped with a $500,000 fine, US Attorney Benjamin Wagner said. He faces 20 years in prison.

According to Singh’s plea agreement, between 2010 and 2011, Singh and co-defendant Sharanjit Kaur, 36, owned and operated several companies based in California for the purpose of defrauding hundreds of customers located throughout the US. The two falselySingh promised that the Rajnath

companies offered debt consolidation services like low-interest loans for customers, assist in avoiding lawsuits, lower car payments and replace high-interest credit cards with low-interest ones. The two used a call center in India from which individuals would call customers under fake names. After luring customers into using these services, Singh and his agents instructed customers to send in monthly payments of over $500.

The US Attorney’s Office has also initiated separate civil actions to recover funds wired by the defendants to India. Kaur had pleaded guilty to the charges last month and is scheduled to be sentenced on the same day as Singh.

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BY HAIDER KAZIM HOUSTON: Southwestern National Bank welcomed the Year of the Snake with traditional festivities on Monday. The bank’s headquarters at 6901 Corporate Drive was transformed by a spirit of gaiety. A colorful dragon dance and warm hospitality greeted the assembled guests. They were offered snacks and lunch.

This past Sunday, February 10, marked the advent of the Chinese Lunar New Year celebrated with raucous celebrations across Asia and other parts of the world. The Snake is one of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac and this year is also associated with water which makes 2013 the Year of the Water Snake.

Southwestern National Bank has

held a traditional Lunar New Year party at its headquarters emphasizing its strong links with the Asian communities in Texas. SWNB Chairman C.K. Lee, President Gary Owens, Director Hasu Patel and other officials wished a happy Lunar New year to all bank clients and reassured them of their commitment to serve the community.

With total assets of about $360 million, Southwestern National Bank is a leading local bank serving the Asian communities. Besides Houston, the bank has branches in Sugar Land, Plano, Richardson and Austin in Texas.

Since its establishment in 1997, the bank has grown remarkably by understanding that customers have

individual needs that can best be served in a customized and personalized way. The bank staff also attends to individual needs of its Asian businessmen.

The bank offers a wide range of banking services which include interest bearing and non-interest bearing accounts. It also offers money market accounts, CDs, IRA, HAS, safety deposit boxes and other services.

The bank offers competitive rates and terms on its commercial loans, consumer, residential mortgage loans, credit line facility, real estate loans, and international trade finance.

It also offers international banking services and can help connect Texas businesses with several countries all over the globe.

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International Celebrity Numerologist Sanjay B Jumaani Makes It A Hat-Trick of Success MUMBAI: Numerologist extraordinaire Sanjay B Jumaani has made it a hat-trick of success by correctly predicting that Bigg Boss contestant Urvashi Dholakia would win series 6 of the show, which was announced officially to the world via Colors TV on January 12. What made Sanjay’s hat-trick even more amazing was the fact that all of the three winners he predicted over three consecutive seasons of Bigg Boss (2011, 2012 and 2013) were his first choices.

For 2013, Sanjay has predicted that it will be the year for the entertainment industry and women to shine, proven by his forecast of this year’s Bigg Boss 6 winner. The key elements of the year belong to the planet of entertainment, Venus, since the numerics 2013 equate to the number 6 and as the saying goes, women are from Venus! Another lady was correctly predicted to win five Crores in India’s answer to Who Wants To Be A Millionaire (Kaun Banega Crorepati) in the first fortnight of the New Year.

Sanjay’s unparalleled numerology skills, the science of predicting the outcome of various situations and scenarios through the reading of numbers and their alignment to the universe were showcased to the world during series 4 of Bigg Boss when he stated that Shweta Tiwary, chosen by him from 10 contestants, would be the eventual winner of the show. He then went on to repeat his fantastical feat the following year when he accurately picked Juhi Parmar as the winner several hours before Juhi was crowned. His phenomenal scientific calculations were based on the fact that Juhi Parmar was contestant number five, participating in series 5, her age of 32 added up to the number five and the year was 2012, which adds up to five. And now Sanjay’s amazing talent has shone through again for a third time with his accurate forecast that Urvashi would win the current series. What’s more, numerical influence was at full force during this year’s predictions, as Sanjay B Jumaani is a number 3, he shot for Bigg Boss on the 30th {3} and the finals were on the 12th {3}.

Having honed their skills and natural talent over several years, Sanjay and his sister Swetta Jumaani are renowned and well-respected practitioners of Numerology and a guiding

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force when it comes to predicting and enhancing the future, fate and fortunes of not only the rich and famous, but also of the common man.

Sanjay successfully predicted actor Akshay Kumar’s comeback despite a three-year lean period just before Akshay’s triple 100 Crore box office score and Shahrukh Khan’s comeback with Don 2, Jab Tak Hai Jaan and win at the 2012 IPL. Sanjay had made recommendations to Shahrukh for him to change the team’s IPL shirt colour from black to purple and to remove the skull logo, following which the team was victorious after four lean IPL seasons.

Sanjay’s other predictions have seen leading Indian TV stars and almost 90% of the top viewed serials benefitting from his numerological forecasts that they should change the spelling of their personal names and that of show and film titles, as well as their signatures. Some of the beneficiaries include film and television producer Ekta Kapoor and all of the Balaji Telefilms titles. Bollywood A-listers, producers and directors Ajay Devgn, Irrfan Khan, Emraan Hashmi, Rakesh Roshan, Arbaaz Khan and Vipul Shah have also all seen tremendous career and life successes since changing the spelling of their names as per Sanjay’s recommendation. The late Yash Chopra and Karan Johar have also benefited from the science of Numerology as has Salman Khan who has tasted considerable success by adding an extra ‘G’

to Dabangg and the extra ‘G’ in Bigg Boss at Sanjay Jumaani’s behest.

Sanjay’s rise to the top of the Numerology summit came via a unique yet calculated set of actions that mirror the complex hand of fate that is personified in the practice of Numerology. After 17 years of struggle in his marketing and sales job, Sanjay decided to consult his eminent father, the late Bansilal M Jumaani, who founded the Jumaani Numerology company and was himself an accomplished numerologist. The late Bansilal M Jumaani is credited with reviving the 5000 year-old tradition of Numerology and bringing the practice in a more modern form to the masses. His father simply advised him to change his name to Sanjay B Jumaani instead of Sanjay Jumani.

What followed in the next six months was a roller-coaster change, as the vibrations of his new name encouraged him to change his career and thus to begin a new phase of sustained success in his life.

Sanjay and Swetta Jumaani are today the most sought after numerologists and have garnered themselves a huge following globally, including international celebrities, Bollywood royalty, sports stars, politicians and industry leaders. The Jumaani siblings regularly contribute to leading radio and TV shows and newspaper columns.

For more information about Sanjay and Swetta Jumaani, visit www. jumaani.com

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Sri Ashtalakashmi Temple, JET USA Houston Chapter invites you to the Grand Celebrations of Deepavali, Acharya Thirunakshatram, Sri Rama Kratuvu, and Sahasra Kalasa Abhishekam from October 26th to October 31st, 2011. Please join us in celebrating this Historic 6-day Event in the Divine presence of His Holiness Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji.

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February 15, 2013

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Local Sisters Earn Girl Scout Gold Awards

SUGAR LAND (Yourfortbendnews): Ambassador Girl Scout Poonam Vaidya (Rainbow Stars Service Unit – Troop 721) and Senior Girl Scout Kalpana Vaidya of New Territory (Rainbow Stars Service Unit- Troop 724) completed their Girl Scout GoldAwards - the highest achievement a Girl Scout can earn, symbolizing outstanding accomplishments in the areas of leadership, community service and advocacy.

The Girl Scout Gold Award involves more than a year of work, including a minimum of 80 hours of planning and leading a project that benefits the community and will have a longterm impact on the girl’s community.

The issue Poonam addressed was research indicated that the performing arts can provide people who have support needs with a sense of value and a sense of community. Through Dances around the World camp, the participants at the Texana Learning Center were taught life skills while at the same time experienced dances from around the world as an expressive art form.

These benefits continue as Mahesh Mahubhani from Naach Houston, Inc teaches Bollywood Class at the Texana Learning Center as part of Naach’s Community Outreach Program.

Tracey Shaw, Director of Development and Community Relations at Texana, had this to say about the camp, “It was a great learning experience, as well as being a lot of fun. We consider ourselves extremely lucky that Miss P. Vaidya chose our center for this project, the clients learned a lot and gained several new friends in the process.”

The issue Kalpana addressed was science education needs to be transformed from dull to exciting to lure more students into the field.

Vaidya believed that hands-on investigative learning was an ideal way to do this and The World of Science was created. In one night, the over 300 participants learned about rocks and geology (ExxonMobil), sound waves (AHS Science Club), and chemistry (HMNS-Sugar Land) through interactive demonstrations, made a paper airline, handled a baby alligator and saw the Moon and Jupiter. By hosting “The World of Science”, students and parents worked together to enjoy inquiry-based science activities. “Science is such an important subject. I felt the need to get families involved. I hope this event will start conversations about scientific concepts at home,” said Vaidya, organizer of this event.

Job Posting:

Kalpana Vaidya holding a snake at the Baytown Nature Center exhibit

Nationwide, only four of every 100 girls, in grades 9-12, is a Girl Scout. Of these, only 5.4% ever complete the Girl Scout Gold Award. The award is recognized as an indication of character and community service by scholarship grantors, college and university admissions offices, and fraternal organizations honoring outstanding teenagers.

Poonam- junior and Kalpana - freshman at Stephen F. Austin High School are the daughters of Shekhar and Asha Vaidya. Mrs. Asha Vaidya is also an active adult member of Girl Scouting.

Girl Scouts of the USA is the world’s preeminent organization for girls, with a membership of more than 3.2 million girls and adults. Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council is the second largest Girl Scout council in the country serving girl and adults in 26 southeast Texas counties. As part of San Jacinto the Rainbow Stars Service Unit serves nearly 800 registered girls and adults in New Territory- Sugar Land, Texas.

If you are interested in joining the fun in Girl Scouting in New Territory, contact Bernadette Harris at bmharris@windstream.net.

Programming Photographer/Editor - Temporary

KTRK-TV, the ABC/Disney owned station located in Houston, TX has an immediate opening for a Temporary Programming Department Photographer who can do it all. (Shoot, edit, produce) Responsibilities will include working on a variety of innovative station programming projects both long and short form. Qualified candidates must be detail-oriented with the creative knack for compelling storytelling through sound and pictures. Must have a valid driver’s license and be flexible to working any shift assigned. All interested candidates should send a video sample of your best work to be considered.

Candidates must apply on-line at www.disneycareers.com by uploading a resume file. Please Reference Job ID: 91566BR on all materials submitted. Send non-returnable DVD or VHS resume tape to the attention of Human Resources, KTRK-TV, 3310 Bissonnet; Houston, TX 77005 and include the job reference ID. No phone calls please.

Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V.

Row 1: Poonam Vaidya, Sidney Thomas; Row 2: Rachel Terraza ,Wayne Heitmann, Darrell Richard, Surrendra Swaminathan, Rafika Milledge; Row 3: Jillian Palacios, Tye Martinez, Chanta Burton, Wendy Doyle; Row 4: Chris Williams, Tyrone Frederick, Alberto Gonzales, Chance Geary

Job Posting:

ASSOCIATE PRODUCER TRAINEE

KTRK-TV, the ABC O&O located in Houston, TX is accepting applications for an ASSOCIATE PRODUCER TRAINEE. This is a one-year training position. The AP Trainee will gain valuable experience in writing, graphic development and other aspects of producing a television newscast.

Candidates must be willing to work overnights and weekends. College degree preferred. Preference will be given to those with previous television news experience and those with a strong desire to pursue a career as a television newscast producer.

Being a journalist is not just a job, it is a way of life.

Only serious candidates should apply.

This is a one year training position. There is no guarantee that the trainee will be promoted to a full time staff position at the end of the training program.

For consideration all interested applicants must apply on-line at: www.disneycareers.com. Applicants must upload cover letter, resume and references. In addition, please send writing samples to: Human Resources, KTRK-TV, 3310 Bissonnet, Houston, TX 77005. Please Reference Job ID: 91250BR on ALL materials submitted. No phone calls please, and no third parties.

Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V.

Job Posting:

News Photographer/Live Truck Operator - Temporary

KTRK-TV, the ABC O&O located in Houston, TX, has an opening for a temporary News Photographer/Live Truck Operator. Candidates should have a minimum three years experience in all facets of television news photography including lighting, audio and editing, and show exceptional knowledge and creativity in these areas. Applicants should have a good eye for news photography, be able to work in the field unsupervised or with various reporters and be able to work in deadline situations. The ideal candidate will have experience or be able to operate a microwave live truck and must be able to lift and carry 30 lbs. of equipment.

All interested applicants must apply on-line at www.disneycareers.com by uploading a resume file, cover letter and list of references. Interested applicants should also send a resume tape sample of your news related work to: Human Resources, KTRKTV, 3310 Bissonnet, Houston, TX 77005. Please Reference Job ID: 91567BR on all materials submitted. No phone calls please, and no third parties.

Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V.

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Business IndoAmerican News

STOCKS • FINANCE • SOUTH ASIAN MARKETS • TECHNOLOGY

Economic Growth in India to Fall to 5 Percent

BY NEHA THIRANI BAGRI India’s gross domestic product is expected to drop significantly to 5 percent for the fiscal year ending in March, according to advance estimates released by India’s Central Statistics Office on Thursday, declining from the 6.2 percent growth rate seen in fiscal year 2012.

The estimate by the Central Statistics Office represents a marked drop from earlier projections. In January, the central bank projected G.D.P. growth of 5.5 percent for the current fiscal year, a decline from an earlier estimate of 5.8 percent.

The provisional estimates are contingent upon the “anticipated level of agricultural and industrial production, analysis of budget estimates of government expenditure and performance of key sectors like, railways, transport other than railways, communication, banking and insurance, available so far,” the report said.

According to Thursday’s data, national income registered a growth rate of 4.2 percent in the current fiscal year, compared with 6.1 percent in the previous year, and per capita income grew at a rate of 2.9 percent, compared with 4.7 percent growth last year. Meanwhile, capital investment in the country is expected to drop to 2.48 percent from 4.39 percent in the previous year.

Slow growth may be attributed to the sluggish performance in the manufacturing, agriculture and services sectors. The manufacturing sector is expected to grow by 1.9 percent this year, while India’s farm sector is projected to grow at an estimated 1.8 percent.

The services sector saw a decline in its growth rate from previous years, expanding by 6.6 percent, the lowest in over a decade. Other sectors that are

A decline in manufacturing activity has added to fears about the health on the Indian economy.

expected to have performed relatively poorly include electricity, gas and water supply (4.9 percent growth) and mining and quarrying (0.4 percent growth).

Sectors that have performed relatively well with a growth rate of over 5 percent are construction; the trade, hotels, transport and communication sector; the financing, insurance, real estate and business services sector; and the community, social and personal services sector.

As India prepares for a national election in 2014, slowing economic growth is putting pressure on the current government to push for reform.

The projection of 5 percent G.D.P. growth is the lowest figure since 2002-2003, when the G.D.P. grew at 4 percent, after which the Indian economy grew at an average of 6 percent each year.

This year, the government has taken measures to rein in the deficit to 5.3 percent of G.D.P., has raised the price of fertilizer and diesel, and has allowed further foreign investment in the retail sector by opening up the insurance, pension and aviation sec-

tors for foreign investment. On Jan. 29, India’s central bank lowered its benchmark interest rate for the first time in nine months to fuel higher growth.

If India continues on the reform path, analysts believe that strong growth will resume in the coming year.

“The government’s advance estimates for real G.D.P. growth at 4.9 percent is disappointing, especially coming on the back of a downward revision in growth for fiscal year 2012 from 6.5 percent to 6.2 percent,” said Bhupali Gursale, an economist at Angel Broking. “On a positive note, though, with the government pushing ahead its reform agenda, the outlook for growth in fiscal year 2014 is likely to improve.”

Shell to Challenge $1 bn Tax Demand

NEW DELHI (The Hindu): Shell India described as “absurd” the demand for USD 1 billion in taxes on a USD 160 million equity infusion done by the Anglo-Dutch oil major four years ago, saying it tantamounted to tax on FDI. Anglo-Dutch oil major Royal Dutch Shell Plc’s India unit head Yasmine Hilton said the company will challenge the notice that alleged tax evasion by under-pricing share transfer between member firms.

“We never comment in public about our tax affairs. The only reasons, and absolutely the only reasons, we commented on the issue was because it was reported that Shell was evading taxes. I cannot have our reputation tarnished that way. Shell does not evade taxes. At Shell, we have the highest business principles,” she said.

Hilton said the tax authorities have raised a tax demand of USD 1 billion (about Rs 5,400 crore) on an equity infusion of USD 160 million (about Rs 870 crore). “To service the downstream business, which is not making money, we needed an equity injection in 2008 of USD 160 million. We have (now) received a tax request of USD 1 billion on this equity injection of USD 160 million. Somebody needs to explain (this) because I do not understand,” she said.

Income tax department has charged Shell India of under— pricing a share transfer within the group by Rs 15,220 crore, and consequently evading taxes. The order relates to the issue of 8.7 crore shares by Shell India to an overseas company Shell Gas BV in March 2009. She said in order to pay USD 1 billion in taxes, the company will need another equity infusion as the downstream fuel retailing business is loss making. And on that equity infusion, the company may get a

USD 3 billion tax demand.

“Just think about the absurdity about it,” she said. To attract global giants, India needs to send right signals that it has a stable fiscal, legal and tax regime. “Lets have a robust investor friendly framework. Do not create waves of fear amongst your investors by unreasonable tax demands or unreasonable statements.

What signal does it send,” Hilton said. Shell, she said, will review all its options. It is taking tax and legal advice on the issue, she said but refused to say at what forum would it challenge the tax demand.

“It is effectively a tax on FDI,” she said. “We do need the right signal that India is going to be stable fiscal, legal, tax regime. We are not going to have surprises along the way.”

Last week, Shell in a statement vowed to challenge what it saw as a transfer pricing order that is “based on an incorrect interpretation of the Indian tax regulations and is bad in law,” arguing that the move is a capital receipt on which income tax cannot be levied.

At the centre is a 2009 equity injection involving Shell India and parent Shell Gas in which around Rs 870 crore worth of shares were issued at a value of Rs 10 per share, stock which taxmen now claim was in fact worth Rs 183 per share.

“Taxing the money received by Shell India is in effect a tax on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), which is contrary not only to law but also to the spirit of the recent global trip by the Finance Minister to attract further FDI into India,” Hilton was quoted in last week’s statement as saying.The statement said Royal Dutch Shell group has over the last few years made significant investments in India. Equity injection was used to finance these investments and to fund the ordinary business activities of Shell India.

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February 15, 2013

Harbhajan In, Gambhir Out for Tests vs. Australia MUMBAI (ESPN Cricinfo): Gautam Gambhir has been dropped for the first two Tests against Australia.

Delhi’s Shikhar Dhawan replaced him in the squad, which retained Tamil Nadu’s M Vijay. Harbhajan Singh replaced Piyush Chawla, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar earned a first Test call-up ahead of Parvinder Awana as the third change to the XV that played the Nagpur Test against England. Ravindra Jadeja and Ajinkya Rahane retained their places.

Both Vijay and Dhawan opened the innings for Rest of India in the ongoing Irani Cup match. Vijay scored a century, and Dhawan scored 63.

Mumbai opener Wasim Jaffer scored centuries in two Ranji Trophy knockout matches and in Irani Cup to become a late contender, but Dhawan pipped him.

Dhawan has scored 833 first-class runs this season at an average of 55.53, including four hundreds and three fifties. He started with backto-back hundreds in the quarter-final and semi-final of the Duleep Trophy.

In eight Ranji Trophy matches, he scored 524 runs, averaging 47.63 with two hundreds and two fifties.

He also scored 110 for Delhi against England XI in the warm-up fixture before the ODI series.

Gambhir replaced Dhawan in the India A side, and will lead the them in a three-day game against the Australians from February 16. Since his last Test century, more than three years ago, Gambhir has averaged 30.2 over 26 Tests. “No sympathies plz,” he tweeted. “Lookin forward to training n then d india a game. Chin up guys, its time to show some steel.

Come on.

“Had my bak to d wall in d past 2, dis is no difrent. Will fight. Very hapy 4 vijay n shikhar. Want India to win @ all costs, wid or widou me” Harbhajan, who was dropped from India’s Test squad for the fourth match against England, has taken 16 Ranji wickets for Punjab at 32.23. In the Irani Cup, he took three wickets in the first innings, and two in the second.

“Relieved at getting selected,” Harbhajan said after Rest of India won the Irani Cup on first-innings lead.

“This was a big match. I bowled really well. And got the opportunity to play against Australia, my favourite team.”

1st Test: India v Australia at Chennai Feb 22-26, 2013, 22:00 CST 2nd Test: India v Australia at Hyderabad (Deccan) Mar 2-6, 2013, 22:00 CST 3rd Test: India v Australia at Mohali Mar 14-18, 2013, 23:00 CDT India squad for first two Australia Tests MS Dhoni (capt.), Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Shikhar Dhawan, M Vijay, Ajinkya Rahane, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ravindra Jadeja, Harbhajan Singh, Ishant Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, R Ashwin, Pragyan Ojha, Ashok Dinda In: Shikhar Dhawan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Harbhajan Singh Out: Gautam Gambhir, Piyush Chawla, Parvinder Awana Bhuvneshwar seems to have benefited from his impressive run in the limited-overs formats against Pakistan and England. Ishant Sharma and Ashok Dinda are the other two pace-bowling options.

Haywire scheduling, key retirements and a stubbornly stiff right hamstring. Even before the vagaries of the subcontinent could be considered, Michael Clarke departed for India with the palpable sense that he is embarking upon the most difficult task of his captaincy so far.

Clarke was at pains to keep his selection options as open as possible before setting off to join the squad assembling in Chennai. The loss of Michael Hussey so soon after Ricky Ponting and the redefinition of Shane Watson have left the batting in particular with a whiff of the uncertain.

Add to this Clarke’s hamstring trouble, which may yet rule him out of the full squad’s only warm-up match, and there was every reason to believe the captain’s pronouncement that he has not stared down a greater challenge than those to come over the four Tests.

For a reminder of the difficulty, Clarke needed only to look back at the 2010 visit, a tour hurriedly upgraded from ODIs to Tests by the BCCI and finishing in a 2-0 defeat for the team then captained by Ponting. Clarke cobbled 35 runs in four innings, his torpor summed up by a Bangalore stumping in which he did not realise his foot had dragged beyond the crease line.

“Touring India is as tough a challenge as I’ve had in my career,” Clarke said in Sydney. “Every time I’ve been there on a Test tour it’s been extremely difficult, hence the Australian team hasn’t won that much over there. So it’s a huge challenge, the players know that.

“That’s partly why we’re trying to prepare as well as we can by sending players early to get them used to conditions, to give ourselves the best chance. We know it’s going to be tough, we know how good India is, but we look forward to it.”

The Australian team’s calendar for 2013 is so congested that this tour is the first to start before the home international program had finished.

While Clarke is somewhere in the air between Sydney and Chennai, 11 members of his squad will be commencing a two-day warm-up match.

After Clarke has arrived, the coach Mickey Arthur will still be minding a severely weakened Twenty20 team in a match against the West

Indies in Brisbane. Given the jarring adjustment from Australian climes and surfaces to those that may be found in India, it is hardly the ideal way to prepare. And preparation has always been one of Clarke’s favourite buzzwords.

“What I’ve learned in the past is how important preparation is for my personal performance,” Clarke said when asked about his dire 2010 tour.

“I need to make sure I’ve done all my training to give myself the best chance of scoring runs.

“That’s what I’m looking forward to over the next few days. Getting into the Indian conditions, batting on those wickets, facing a lot of reverse swing, a lot of spin bowling, and making sure when that first ball’s bowled in that first Test that I’ll be as well prepared as I was for this summer.

“I’d really like to play that threedayer. I’ll be advised by Alex [Kountouris] the physio once I land in India but at this stage my plan is to play that three-dayer. There is so much time I don’t think there is any doubt I’ll be fit for the first Test.

“In my mind cricket-wise I feel like I need that game to spend some time in the middle in Indian conditions both batting and bowling, but also with my captaincy as well because India is such a different place to Australia. But I’ll listen to the expert and see what he has to say.”

Among the players who have a headstart on Clarke by way of acclimatisation time are the allrounders Glenn Maxwell and Moises Henriques, plus the young batsman and sometime legspinner Steve Smith.

One of the trio is likely to be chosen in the Tests as No. 6 or 7 batsman and fifth bowling option, now Watson can no longer provide it.

“It’s very open, hence we’ve sent 17 players in three different stages to get over there as soon as possible to prepare and get used to conditions,” Clarke said. “Runs and wickets will certainly play a big part in these practice games.”

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Women’s Cup Final

MUMBAI (EspnCricinfo): West Indies will have their chance of qualifying for their maiden World Cup final when they face Australia, who are unbeaten in the tournament, in the crucial Super Six tie at the MIG Ground in Mumbai. Offspinner Anisa Mohammed, was upbeat about her team’s positive showing tomorrow.

“We are very confident of defeating Australia tomorrow,” she said.

“We are one win away from a final, we have waited for years for this opportunity and we are set and ready to go into the finals.”

West Indies are currently second in the points table with six points, two more than England and New Zea-

West Indies’ Anisa Mohammed is confident of reaching the finals.

land. If they put a halt to Australia’s unbeaten run, they will qualify for the finals. A loss, on the other hand, will bring them at par with the winner of the other Super Six fixture in Mumbai, between England and New Zealand, and it will be down to their net run-rates.

“If we stick to our basics and keep supporting each other, everything will fall into place. Last time we played Sri Lanka here we posted a big total batting first. We also played Australia at the same venue, in a warm-up match, so we have a feel of the ground and the pitch here. We are just going to go out there tomorrow and do our best.”

West Indies have never beaten Australia in ODIs, having played only three times since their first match in the 1993 World Cup. Anisa said they would like to change that.

“They are the only team we haven’t defeated in the world. But I can guarantee you that that is going to change tomorrow. They have beaten all the teams so far, but tomorrow it will be their day to lose.”

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February 15, 2013

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Narendra Modi Gets an Early Start in Prime Ministerial Race

BY RAJ KANWAR IAN INDIA CORRESPONDENT We Indians easily become besotted with political gossip-mongering and idle speculation as if it is our birthright. Who will become India’s next Prime Minister after the 2014 general elections is the ongoing flavor of the season, and has already consumed reams of newsprint and hours of news channels’ time discussing ad infinitum and threadbare the plus and minus points of two prime ministerial candidates Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi, currently believed to be in the race. Everyone who is somebody and even nobody have an opinion to proffer. It is one thing if the Panelists in news channel discussions freely and wildly voice their opinion since they are on the panel for this specific purpose but it becomes hectoring of sorts when the anchor himself tries to monopolize the discussion and thrusts his opinionated views down their throats.

Even though Modi has not formally announced in so many words his candidature for the top Indian job, it is obvious that this move has his covert blessings. His name came to the fore soon after his impressive victory in the Gujarat state general elections, even though it was a foregone conclusion. Some political analysts believe that Modi has set his heart on the prime ministerial slot, and will use every trick in the political business to emerge as a consensus prime ministerial candidate for the non-Congress and non-Left parties. He is also carefully planning a strategy, with the help of some of his core advisors, to project a pan-India image of him.

Thus his choice of making a special appearance outside Gujarat at Delhi’s elite Sri Ram College of Commerce was a calculated move and his speech there drafted with an eye on presenting him as a “man of action”. One could say with confidence that it was Modi’s ‘coming out party’ of sorts on the national political stage.

That the media had gone bananas over his speech was proof enough of Modi’s skills in media management.

His speech was warmly received and heartily applauded both by print and news channels. Some of the mainstream newspapers wrote panegyrical editorials making Modi look like a new colossus on the national

Rahul Gandhi

Narendra Modi

landscape.

For no particular reason, or perhaps for some reasons unknown to us, Modi seems to have become the darling of India’s industrialists. At every forum, industrialists cutting across regional divide sing Modi’s paeans and laud what is deemed to be his inherited ability to govern. At times, the praises showered on Modi by some of the industrialists look somewhat contrived. The unmitigated praise

by Ambanis, Adnanis and Ruias is certainly expected since they are largely Gujarat-based industrialists and of Gujarati origin. But the high decibel praise that the likes of Ratan Tata, Sunil Mittal and others of their ilk seems like an overdone steak.

Be that as it may, the new love affair and bonhomie that has developed between Modi and the ambassadors from the USA and the European Union is somewhat surprising. Until very recently, Modi had been a persona non grata for these very countries in general and the USA in particular. The latter, in fact, had even denied a visa to Modi many years ago when he wanted to visit the USA. It was the Americans who first broke the ice and reestablished contact with Modi; the European Union envoys then picked up the thread and developed a special rapport with Modi and embraced him. The German envoy to India Michael Steiner had even hosted a lunch on January 7 to Modi that was attended by envoys from most other European countries. But for unknown reasons, the luncheon was a well-kept secret for no rhyme or reason. In the Indian Federal scheme of things, a state has no direct right for conducting any kind of foreign affairs but the growing interest that these American and European envoys have of late been evincing in becoming friendly with Modi is indicative of something deeper. The only reason for this new friendliness could be that these western countries possibly

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believe that Modi could be India’s next prime minister.

Modi is not the lone aspirant in the BJP for the prime ministerial post.

BJP stalwart LK Adwani has always been prime minister-in-waiting and it will be a pity if his ambitions remain unfulfilled for reasons of age or whatever. Muppavarupu Venkaiah Naidu, a former BJP president, believes that there are more than half a dozen capable prime ministerial candidates including him in the BJP. Arun Jaitley, Sushma Swaraj, Jaswant Singh

and even Yashwant Sinha also nurse prime ministerial ambitions but by a quirk of fate, Narendra Modi has forged far ahead of these BJP hopefuls in this race.

It doesn’t mean that BJP with or without its NDA allies is all set to win the next general elections. For the party, Delhi abhi badi door hai.

There will be general elections to 10 states this year which will indicate the way the wind is blowing. Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) in Bihar is the largest partner in the current NDA and Modi is Kumar’s bête noire. Thus it is too early to jump to Modi’s band wagon.

There are going to be many twists and turns and no one knows which way the dice will go.

Even though no one in the Congress had formally declared Rahul Gandhi as its prime ministerial candidate, there have been statements from many senior Congress leaders about Rahul

being their prime candidate. Either this endorsement of Rahul could be due to sycophancy or possibly other hopefuls in the Congress are wary of publically indicating their ambitions for the top slot. Interestingly, there are at least two or three trusted senior Congress leaders who could easily be projected to lead the party in the 2014 general elections. I would put Kamal Nath and P Chidambaram in this category. The two not only have rich and proven ministerial experience but they also enjoy impeccable credentials. Rahul Gandhi on the other hand is still untested and believed to lack the maturity necessary for such a high position.

At this point of time, Rahul Gandhi looks a light weight contestant against Modi, and the Congress will face a Herculean task in making Rahul look larger than he is.

Afzal Guru Hanged in Secrecy, Buried in Tihar Jail NEW DELHI: Afzal Guru, the key collaborator of the Pakistani jihadis who attacked Parliament on December 13, 2001, was hanged at 8am on Saturday, February 9 bringing a sense of closure to the audacious terror attack that could have wiped out a section of India’s top political leadership and brought the two nations to war.

The terror attack, in which a group of five Pakistanis from Maulana Masood Azhar’s Jaish e Mohammed managed to enter Parliament premises, resulted in nine deaths. But its impact went far beyond: it brought India and Pakistan to an eyeballtoeyeball confrontation as a seething Vajpayee government ordered the country’s biggest military mobilization, Operation Parakram.

The Pakistan jihadis had planned to kill as many Indian parliamentarians as they could and take the rest hostage. They were planning to emulate fellow Jaish jihadis who had earlier secured the release of their leader, Masood Azhar, and Daniel Pearl’s killer, Omar Sheikh, by hijacking an Indian Airlines plane to Kandahar in December 1999.

Coming just after the 9/11 attack in New York, the Parliament attack also vividly brought home the enormity of India’s terror challenge, leading to the enactment of special anti-terror law,

On February 9, the 2001 Parliament attack case convict Mohammed Afzal Guru was hanged and buried inside the Tihar jail complex

POTA, and a new era of heightened security typified by a fortification of Parliament and modernization of India’s security apparatus.

Guru, who helped plot the attack and arranged logistics for the Pakistani attackers, was not informed until around 5 am Saturday morning about his impending death, although he had sensed something was afoot when jail authorities vacated the cells next to his. The terrorist looked tense and skipped his dinner on Friday and was stunned when the death warrant was read out on Saturday morning.

According to jail sources, Guru was looking dazed when he was asked to sign certain documents. He bathed and offered namaz before six jail warders marched him to the scaffold.

He was handed to the executioner at around 7.30am and was pronounced

dead at 8am.

Given the far-reaching changes brought about by his actions, Afzal’s hanging — the second in three months for sensational terror attacks after Ajmal Kasab’s on November 21, 2012 — the hanging was kept an ultra-secret affair in order to avert repercussions in J&K and dodge lastminute legal challenges. The Centre informed J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah about the execution just 12 hours before the hanging.

The decision to bury Guru inside Tihar’s Jail No. 3 in the maximum security prison complex, just like another Kashmiri terrorist Maqbool Butt who was hanged in 1984, was aimed to preventing the grave from becoming a rallying point for proPakistan secessionists from J&K. Guru’s family member and counsel claimed that they had been kept in the dark about the execution and insisted that the body should have been handed over to them.

Guru’s hanging, 11 years after the attack by ISI-backed JeM and seven years after Supreme Court confirmed the death sentence awarded to him was preceded by a wrenching and highly politicized debate on the long delay in carrying out this capital punishment. But the government moved swiftly once it made up its mind.

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