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Friday, June 05 2015 | Vol. 34, No. 23

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Indo American erican News New Perspectives,Young Minds www.indoamerican-news.com Published weekly from Houston, TX

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P5 YLDP graduating class of 2015 with Congressman Al Green, and Indian Consul General Parvathaneni Harish and his wife Nandita

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COMMUNITY

June 05, 2015

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Spelling Bee: Indian-American Kids Dominate Again; 25 of them in Final 49 WASHINGTON: They are not alpha-nerds steeped only in words, their parents do not lock them up and starve them till they have learned the whole dictionary by rote, and they don’t bandy words such as rescissible and faineancy in everyday conversation.

In fact, outside of the few days when they are absorbed in the Scripps National Spelling Bee championship that got underway here on Wednesday, they are allrounders who perform jazz, dance, watch movies, climb mountains, play sports and do everything regular kids do - and usually they do it better.

The impression that young wordmeisters are obsessed in little else other than learning obscure words by rote to win the national spelling bee crown (usually claimed by an Indian kid) gained currency through a suspenseful 2002 documentary called Spellbound. The NRI family of one of the eight characters the film chronicles is so consumed with winning that they hire special tutors to coach him and conduct special pujas in India for his success - in vain.

But Nupur Lala, who won the Bee title the year the documentary trailed eight participants is today a cancer researcher in Houston, on track after her childhood ambition to go medical school. An accomplished violinist, she joked in a 2013 AP interview that the Bee competition can actually be distracting for a career because “there are so many interesting things in the dictionary to study.” At the same time it also focuses the mind, she said, remembering how she had an edge over other competitors when she took the GRE because she had studied the vocabulary component for the Spelling Bee. On Thursday, as it became highly likely that an Indian-origin kid might win the title for the eighth year in succession (25 of 49 final-

Vanya Shivashankar, left, 13, and Gokul Venkatachalam, 14, hold up the championship trophy as co-champions of the Scripps National Spelling Bee on Thursday

ists remaining at the time of writing are Indian-Americans; “Desi” kids have won the title 12 of the last 15 years), past winners were dredged out to check what they have been doing and why kids of Indian extract seem so proficient in spelling.

“I was certainly not locked in a room. I participated in other activities and played sports and there was a balanced lifestyle growing up,” Balu Natarajan, the first Indian-American winner going back to 1985 told a local TV station in Chicago, where is a successful sports medicine practitioner. Competing in Spelling Bee, he said, taught him the importance of family (his backed him in everything he did) and the importance of perseverance, because he failed to win in his first two attempts before nailing the title at the third shot.

“The attention to detail that comes with stress on spelling... that serves me in everything I do including being a physician,” Natarajan said.

According to Natarajan, the reason why the Spelling Bee is so overwhelming today is because of the overwhelming coverage. Not only are the finals broadcast live

on ESPN, but most of the kids are sponsored by local newspapers across the United States, which give extensive coverage to their local heroes, particularly if they win.

But with success has also come envy and resentment. Racist trolls derided Indian-American winners last year with one baiter suggesting that participation be restricted to Americans. The attacks have worried the organizers so much that they addressed the issue at a briefing ahead of the competition this week, with Indian-Americans kids already dominating the field.

“I look forward to the day, as do I think many of our South Asian participants, when they are called what they want to be called - Americans,” bee director Paige Kimble, the 1981 champion, said Wednesday. “The bee is one of the truest forms of meritocracy, and we support every kid no matter where they come from.” WASHINGTON: They are not alphanerds steeped only in words, their parents do not lock them up and starve them till they have learned the whole dictionary by rote, and they don't bandy words such as rescissible and faineancy in ev-

eryday conversation.

In fact, outside of the few days when they are absorbed in the Scripps National Spelling Bee championship that got underway here on Wednesday, they are allrounders who perform jazz, dance, watch movies, climb mountains, play sports and do everything regular kids do - and usually they do it better.

The impression that young wordmeisters are obsessed in little else other than learning obscure words by rote to win the national spelling bee crown (usually claimed by an Indian kid) gained currency through a suspenseful 2002 documentary called Spellbound. The NRI family of one of the eight characters the film chronicles is so consumed with winning that they hire special tutors to coach him and conduct special pujas in India for his success - in vain.

But Nupur Lala, who won the Bee title the year the documentary trailed eight participants is today a cancer researcher in Houston, on track after her childhood ambition to go medical school. An accomplished violinist, she joked in a 2013 AP interview that the Bee competition can actually be distracting for a career because "there are so many interesting things in the dictionary to study." At the same time it also focuses the mind, she said, remembering how she had an edge over other competitors when she took the GRE because she had studied the vocabulary component for the Spelling Bee. On Thursday, as it became highly likely that an Indian-origin kid might win the title for the eighth year in succession (25 of 49 finalists remaining at the time of writing are Indian-Americans; "Desi" kids have won the title 12 of the last 15 years), past winners were dredged out to check what they have been doing and why kids of Indian extract seem so proficient

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2015 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

in spelling.

"I was certainly not locked in a room. I participated in other activities and played sports and there was a balanced lifestyle growing up," Balu Natarajan, the first Indian-American winner going back to 1985 told a local TV station in Chicago, where is a successful sports medicine practitioner. Competing in Spelling Bee, he said, taught him the importance of family (his backed him in everything he did) and the importance of perseverance, because he failed to win in his first two attempts before nailing the title at the third shot.

"The attention to detail that comes with stress on spelling... that serves me in everything I do including being a physician," Natarajan said.

According to Natarajan, the reason why the Spelling Bee is so overwhelming today is because of the overwhelming coverage. Not only are the finals broadcast live on ESPN, but most of the kids are sponsored by local newspapers across the United States, which give extensive coverage to their local heroes, particularly if they win.

But with success has also come envy and resentment. Racist trolls derided Indian-American winners last year with one baiter suggesting that participation be restricted to Americans. The attacks have worried the organizers so much that they addressed the issue at a briefing ahead of the competition this week, with Indian-Americans kids already dominating the field.

"I look forward to the day, as do I think many of our South Asian participants, when they are called what they want to be called - Americans," bee director Paige Kimble, the 1981 champion, said Wednesday. "The bee is one of the truest forms of meritocracy, and we support every kid no matter where they come from."

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COMMUNITY

June 05, 2015

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New YLDP Graduates Dissect Each Topic From All the Angles

BY JAWAHAR MALHOTRA

HOUSTON: The year had literally flown by and the once-a-month meetings where they had been mentored and had a chance to rub shoulders with leaders of commerce, politics, charity and law had made an impression on their growing young minds. Now came the time for these young high school seniors to use what they had assimilated in their responses to challenging questions thrown at them.

The graduation ceremonies for the Youth Leadership Development Program have usually leaned toward showing the mental agility and presence of mind, speaking in front of an audience and the 2015 event held this past Sunday, May 31 at India House was no different.

The 31 college-bound students had to break out into six teams and tackle one topic apiece that had previously been assigned to them and present their viewpoints and conclusions in front of their peers, mentors, parents and friends and a few invited guests, about 150 people in total.

The range of topics was from contemporary life and current affairs – biotechnology, ISIS, energy, elections, income and privacy and each member of the team had to express a point of view or respond to a list of related questions provided them by the YLDP teachers.

Though this reporter was allowed one rebuttal question to the first team which dealt with biotechnology, the rest of the hour-long team presentations went without further questions at the organizers’ request.

The teams showed a that they had done their research well, and each member presented their findings; some did so collaboratively, supplementing each other’s positions; but most had an individualistic approach, each presenting his or her own mini-essay. While most

One team responds to the topic it was presented

teens showed an open-minded and liberal approach, a few leaned to the conservative side; especially when it came to elections, civil rights and income disparity.

One young man, Sudeep Swanapuri, chose to be his team’s last presenter and amused the audience with his outspokenness about income, claiming he was a Social Darwinist and “the income gap exists for a reason”. Anirudh Suresh tried to explain the rise of ISIS by the Nash Equilibrium theory which is fresh in the public’s mind after the tragic death of its inventor, the genius mathematician John Nash.

On the subject of privacy, nearly most team members focused on the growing lack of personal space in the internet age dominated by Google, Facebook, Twitter and GPS, while a couple related it back to the recriminations of the McCarthy era, wiretapping of the Nixon years and data collection due to the Patriot Act and Edward Snowden’s role in exposing its abuse.

The event began with YLDP Board Director Nat Krishnamurthy speaking about his admiration at the way the young minds had absorbed the concepts thrown at them and matured before his eyes.

US Congressman Al Green addresses the 2015 graduating class of YLDP

Honored guest Indian Consul General Parvathaneni Harish rejoiced in the diversity that these kids presented and reminded them that they came from a land of the parents which is naturally very diverse. Featured speaker was US Congressman Al Green (D-9th Dist.) who related how he overcame his own personal difficulties in early life to rise to an important position in the community. He recited a beautiful poem that tugged at the heartstrings and then fielded questions from the students; closing by adding that he looked forward to seeing the first InIndo American News (ISSN 887-5936) is published weekly every dian-American President of the US. Harish and Friday (for a subscription of $40 per year) by Green assisted IndoAmerican News Inc., 7457 Harwin Dr., Suite 262, Houston, TX in handing over the awards and 77036., tel: 713-789-6397, certificates to the students befax:713-789-6399, email: indoamericannews@yahoo.com. fore breaking snacks as the Periodical postage paid at Houston, Texas. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to for event closed.

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The Graduation Teams BIOTECH: Amrutha Immadi, Sashank Krothapally, Shravya Prabhu, Sanjana Balachandran, Nidhi Wunnava, Krishnaveni Sigireddi, Rajeev Pishori ENERGY: Sayali Shelke , Pavan Pinnamaneni, Kirthan Reddy, Kiran Bhat, Rohan Chaudhry, Sidhant Ahuja, Tanmaya Shrivasta, Samhit Punukula ISIS: Anirudh Suresh, Ragini Konde, Vibhav Joopeli, Mira Sankhavaram, Pranay Tamminayana, Rohan Kripalli, Smriti Ahuja ELECTIONS: Yalliniyal Sivaprakash, Shruti Arantsa, Viren Joopeli, Keetyhana Chakka, Ria Rao, Rohan Balaji, Sneha Peri INCOME: Saiesh Kalva, Kaushiki Tewary, Sudeep Swanapuri, Amrit Kathuria, Pratika Selvan, Richa Patel, Roshini Saravanakuma, Sahiti Rudravajhala PRIVACY: Siddharth Goratla, Smriti Ashok, Varsha Ranganath, Amrutha Immadi, Kartik Talwar, Kundan Rapolu, Shravya Arra, Sahiti Rudravajhala

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Career Insights into Management Consulting HOUSTON: The forty professionals and students at the IITAGH event, “Career Insights – Management Consulting,” had gathered on Saturday, May 23, to listen to industry professionals answer questions about the industry. This was another Career Insights series event hosted by the IIT Alumni of Greater Houston to help its members understand more about various careers, what it takes to move into the industry, and the skills required to succeed.

Hari Govindahari from The Boston Consulting Group, Nikhil Ati from McKinsey & Co. and Harsh Kumar with Strategy& (part of the PwC network) were part of the panel discussion that was moderated by Sundy Srinivasan. The event was kicked off by Pratish Kanani, President of IITAGH. Dean K. Ramesh with the Jones School of Business at Rice University then welcomed the panel and highlighted key areas where the university is making tremendous progress and has a great MBA program.

Over the next two hours, the audience

asked the panel various questions ranging from “Does one need an MBA to join a management consulting firm?” (Not necessarily – BCG, for example, has an active PhD recruiting) to “What type of work do you do as a management consultant?” All three panelists had a background in engineering that they leveraged to move into the Management Consulting space. Many of the audience members stayed on after the event to talk to the panelists and get their questions answered directly.

At the event closing, Kanani encouraged the group to visit the IITAGH website and sign up for upcoming events including the next in the series “Career Insights – Investment Banking & Private Equity” that will be held on August 22.

IIT Alumni of Greater Houston (IITAGH) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. We help our members connect, develop, and give back to the local community. For more information, please visit www.iitagh.org

From Left Nikhil Ati, Sundy Srinivasan, Pratish Kanani, Hari Govindahari, Harsh Kumar

Dean K. Ramesh addressing the audience

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June 05, 2015

Sri Meenakshi Temple Annual Banquet Celebration

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DR P. VADUGANATHAN PEARLAND: “Padmanjali", the annual banquet at Sri Meenakshi Temple took place on Sunday May 31. It certainly touched everyone who attended, and the event will be long remembered.

The décor (by Nalini Kannan) was awe inspiring with elephants greeting outside the Kalyana Mandapam, Goddess Lakshmi shining high in the stage on a Lotus flower, flanked by two white elephants on either side of the stage with a stunning backdrop.

The whole program was crisp and finished on time with talented youngsters Haripriya and Chandana doing the MC, along with Secretary Srikanth who did a wonderful job.

The world renowned singer Padmashree Dr. Shobana Raju sang Mahalshmi Sthuti with Partha accompanying on the key board was a fitting tribute to the event.

The skit “ The Return of the Sundara Pandian” written and directed by Vaduganathan and acted by Padma Iyer ( Auvai Patti) Ramsunder, Srikanth, Padma Golla, Mala Gopal , Maya Iyer, Bhavani Iyer, Sheila and Sriram and Vaduganathan, was hilarious and had a very good message.

The sit down dinner catered by Madras Pavilion was a special treat and the over 500 attendees were very appreciative. The beautiful Lotus flowers specially ordered for the event added to the thematic ambience.

Singers Sarada Akunuri, Ganesh Rajamani and Siva Bodogala provided post dinner entertainment with their melodious music and Akash Srikanth also joined them.

The silent action was handled silently but very efficiently with many interesting offerings donated by devotees and it brought in a good 10 k in the end. Thanks to Shelia, Sriram, Chitra and Kumar Bashyam.

Honorable Mayor Tom Reid and Council General Hon. Parvathaneni Harish and his wife were the guests of honor.

One of the highlights was the presentation of MTS Scholarships to the graduating seniors from High School. This year there were seventeen Scholarships awarded, in-

Photo credit: Srini Sundarrajan

cluding two to local Schools Pearland High and Turner College and Career High. The two Scholarhsip Sponsors were Dr and Mrs. Jay Raman and Dr. Nat and Dr (Mrs). Annamali. The awardees included Abhinaya Govindan, Aditya Prasad, Advaith Ram, Annapoorani (Anu) Narayanan, Harshini Ganesh, Karun Salvady, Ketan Sinha. Nakul Rao, Neelesh Choudary Mutyala, Rakesh Kumar Vijayakumar, Sanchita Mahoorkar, Sreesh Shenoy, Sohan Gadkari, Swetha Rajagopalan and Halie Calles, Samantha Schultz, Vibha Sripadam. All accomplished students attending Universities shortly and had volunteered at the temple and in the larger community.

Chairman Dr Vaduganathan shared the information that with all the donations towards the Main Temple Renovation Project (MTRP) has ensured the MTRP project is fully funded with planned Kumbabhishekam in November 2015. Last but not the least thanks to the MTS staff for making all the arrangements. Goddess Meenakshi’s blessings made it possible for all to enjoy a very rewarding and fulfilling evening at MTS.

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2015 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

COMMUNITY OCC Celebrates Snana Purnima

HOUSTON: Orissa Culture Center (OCC) in association with Shree Sitaram Foundation and Shree Shiva Shakti Temple Foundation has celebrated the bathing ceremony of the Lord Jagannath at the Shiv Shakti Mandir, 6640 Harwin Drive, Houston TX 77036 on June 31. “Deva Snana Purnima” or the bathing ceremony of the Lord Jagannath, His elder brother Balabhadra, sister Devi Subhadra and The Sudrsana Chakra is an ancient yearly ritual conducted at the Puri Shree Jagannath Temple on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Jyestha. This ritual of the Lords is a precursor to the grand chariot festival of the Lords which will be celebrated by OCC with cooperation from many religious organizations on Saturday, July 18, at the VPSS Haveli, 11715 Bellfort Village Drive, Houston, TX, 77031.

At the core of this ritual, lies the belief system that even if the “Purusottama” or “Jagannatha” or the divine force manifests Himself on earth in the form of Avatara or reincarnation, He goes through the worldly chores such as this and the cycle of Birth and Death. The bathing ceremony is one of the few celebrations for the Lords when the Lords come out of His “Ratna Singhasana” or the golden throne to outside the temple premises for public viewing. It is said that

the devotees who witness the Lords on the Bathing Pedestal or the “Snana Mandapa” will be cleansed of all sins.

The bathing ceremony of the Lords was conducted by the priest of the Minakshi Temple Sri K.V. Doriaswamy Bhatter. In conducting this ceremony, he was assisted by Dr. Debananda Pati, President of OCC and Srimanta Dash. Following the decoration of the Lords on the bathing pedestal, the worship of Sri Ganesha, Sri Varuna and Nabagraha was conducted. This was followed with the “Havan” or the ancient Vedic ritual of fire worship. Following the fire worship, the assembled devotees were allowed to carry water filled pots and pour on their beloved Lords on the pedestal.

Following the bathing, the Lords were provided with what is called the “Hathi Besha” or the “Elephant Attire”. The elephant attire is one of many types of attire that the Lords are decorated with during different yearly festivals at the Puri temple. At the end “Maha Arati” for the Lords was conducted by the assembled devotees and finally all devotees were served with the Mahaprasad. At the end, Virta Bhai of Shiv Shakti temple blessed all assembled devotees and offered the holy saffron cloths of Lord Mahavev to OCC

June 05, 2015

members and other devotees.

While we conclude the “Snana Purnima”, we cordially invite everyone from Houston and surrounding cities to the grand celebration of the Chariot Festival to be conducted on Saturday, July 18, at the VPSS Haveli, 11715 Bellfort Village Drive, Houston, TX, 77031.

The sole objective of this yearly festival by OCC and other participating organizations is to spread the “Jagannatha Philosophy” of universal brotherhood and religious tolerance.

For further information, contact/ visit the following, houstonrathyatra.org or call 832-225-2376 or email at rathyatra.hou@gmail.com.

You may connect on https://facebook.com/HoustonRathYatra Jai Jagannath Orissa Culture Center (http:// orissaculturecenter.org/) and Shri Sitaram Foundation (http://shrisitaram.org/)

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June 05, 2015

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Sikh Community Appreciates Adrian Garcia with a Fundraiser

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Leaders of the Sikh community with Mayoral candidate, former Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia and his wife Monica at the fundraiser held in the home of organizer Seema and Gurmit Singh Bhatia (to Garcia’s right). Co-organizer and community activist Bobby Singh and his wife Jasmeeta are on the extreme left.

BY JAWAHAR MALHOTRA HOUSTON: In a hastily organized event for a late Sunday afternoon, about 50 key members of the local Sikh community came together for a fundraiser for former Harris County Sheriff and City of Houston Mayoral candidate Adrian Garcia at the near northwest home of Seema and Gurmit Singh Bhatia.

Bhatia, a local businessman in medical equipment sales said the city needed “a wonderful CEO, passionate and committed to the community” adding that Garcia had “delivered on every one of our demands as Sheriff”.

Garcia had been instrumental in investigating the bungled arrest of a local Sikh woman who had called to report a burglary at her home only to be taken in for wearing an article of Sikh faith, a small ceremonial kirpan (dagger). Garcia made amends by visiting the gurdwara on Prairie Road. This past February, Garcia made national history by allowing a Sikh constable, Sandeep Dhaliwal, to wear his articles of faith in the line of duty as a Harris County officer (see IAN dated Feb. 13, 2015).

Garcia arrived with his wife Monica to meet with the people who were waiting for him this past Sunday, May 31 and lingered to try the appetizers which were catered by Indika restaurant. He cheerfully tried his hand at a few words of Punjabi, introducing his “patni” (wife) and bidding a Sat Sri Akal at the end.

He said that his announcement

for running for mayor did not happen overnight but was 35 years in the making. He had been with the Houston Police Department as an officer for 23 years, then spent five years on City Council representing District H before being elected Sheriff of Harris County, a post he served in for six years, getting the highest number of votes in 175 years in the County.

Garcia said that the HCSO was under controversy and distrust when he first became Sheriff and this was felt by the community. Even though there are a hundred languages spoken in this city, he felt that the Sheriff’s office “wasn’t there yet and had to learn how to have an open mind, how to be inclusive and respectful.”

He recalled the “tragic interaction with the kirpan, “so I went to meet the community at the gurdwara to say I needed their help. A young man listened that day,” he added referring to Dhaliwal who, unbeknownst to Garcia, sold his business and joined at the basic level in detention.

Garcia proudly spoke of the policy of religious accommodation that his office had crafted and said he was “proud to call Dhaliwal his little brother” and that he “put his life on the line in the line of duty for the people of Harris County.” He then outlined his recent achievements as Sheriff; running a department with 5,000 employees, 9,000 inmates and helping to reduce over $200 million in jail operations alone.

Continuing on, Garcia said he announced his run for mayor to “serve all neighborhoods where people lived, earned a living and started a business,” adding that “we have an incredible mosaic of people, we are One Houston”, the term which is his campaign’s rallying cry. “One Hous-

ton knows its best days are still in front of us!”

A key organizer of the fundraiser, community activist Bobby Singh acknowledged Garcia’s concern for the Sikh community as he “aspires to become Mayor and then Governor of Texas”.

He asked the community for their generous support to help Garcia reach a peak of contributions that have to be formally reported on June 30; encouraging them to hold similar fundraisers on their own. He was grateful for Garcia’s help in passing the HCSO’s religious accommodation policy which was “news as far away as Canada and Switzerland the next day.” Singh said Garcia had 70 per cent name recognition and quipped that “unlike the other candidates, has no job to go back to in case he doesn’t make it.”

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12 June 05, 2015 AUSTIN,TX: Radha Madhav Dham’s 2015 Summer Family Camp is approaching fast. More than 250 families from all over the country and even world, come to this idyllic and scenic ashram situated in the Hill Country of Austin Texas, to attend this family camp.

Many kids, instead of going to soccer camp, sleep-away camp, traveling or playing video games choose to come here sometimes forcing their parents to make this happen! What is so extraordinary about this camp that makes kids want to come back again and again to a camp organized by a temple?

Kids have more fun than they can imagine, an extraordinary kind of fun that they don’t expect – and, its not just because of activities organized at camp its because of everything they gain when they are here…. they never want to leave this place once they get here.

The two weeks spent at the camp gives youth a deeper sense of their own self, they understand their roots, their culture & heritage and start feeling a sense of pride and confidence in who they are, an Indian and a Hindu. It bonds them with the temple community since this place lets them be who they are - they don't have to pretend, they can just be! They also have fun being together with so many other like-minded kids, the bonding among them becomes special… they recognize these kids as heir own brother and sisters they can count on in their lives which

COMMUNITY

Summer Youth Camp 2015 at Radha Madhav Dham Join this Extraordinary Family Camp from Jun 27 to July 11, 2015 they know is not possible in the external world.

Adults participate in their own way, with people of their own ages in interactive sessions with preachers, workshopping the difficulties they have in raising children as Hindus in a Western world, challenges in understanding Hinduism or learning how to develop their own spiritual practice. They get an opportunity to do their own electives - learning to play musical instruments, learning to chant and listening to spiritual discourses.

The best part for them is that they don't have to worry about taking care of their kids… they can spend the entire time on their own self learning, developing and having fun. It’s a preciously sweet time for everyone there… and truly an inspiring thing to see.

There is an incredible community of devoted volunteers, teachers and staff who put together a truly memorable experience for children of all ages and in parallel for participating adults. Your family will have the opportunity to: Learn about Hinduism through interactive discussions, debates & fun learning sessions. It will clarify your questions on Hinduism Explore the wonders of Indian culture by participating in

Pracharak Teaching

Family Camp

your choice of electives such as dance, music, harmonium, dholak, stage performances, prasad making, philosophy, debate & logic, robotics, special projects

Make lifelong friends with other children who share similar interests and create lifetime bonds so they can become your devotional support

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2015 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

Have their spiritual questions answered by the Camp’s experienced teachers so you can build an understanding of your Hindu heritage.

Build a relationship with God by learning simple, practical and easy ways to build a sweet devotional relationship with and come close to God “I've been going to family camp for a long time, and if there is one thing I know, it's that it gets better with each year, you create connection with them that lasts a lifetime.

The bonds that are forged over the course of the camp are unlike anything else” says Vyasar a long time camp attendee who has this year chosen to take on the responsibility of running the camp and inspire other kids.

Your family too can immerse in learning about the wonders of Indian culture, heritage and spirituality by attending this extraordinary Hindu Family Camp at Radha Madhav Dham. Just come and experience it for yourself.

Experience the joy of home at Radha Madhav Dham. Register today. Registration for the Camp is free. Book your overnight accommodations by visiting www. radhamadhavdham.org or calling 512-288-7180.

COMMUNITY Houston Durga Bari

June 05, 2015

Photos: Nirmalya Roy

HOUSTON: Dr. Bishnupada Goswami, head priest at Houston Durga Bari conducted a special havan on Sunday, May 31 in memory of the earthquake victims in Nepal and adjoining Indian states. Dr. Amit Achari and Jayanta Bandyopadhyay assisted him in conducting the special havan.

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14 June 05, 2015

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COMMUNITY

June 05, 2015

ASIE Presents Young Engineer of the Year Award Two ASIE Members appointed for a prestigious position

BY DINESH SHAH, MBA, PE HOUSTON: AMERICAN SOCIETY OF INDIAN ENGINEERS & ARCHITECTS (ASIE) is a Houston, Texas based nonprofit organization established in 1994 for engineers, architects, designers and technicians of Indian origin. Under the leadership of current ASIE President Raj Basavaraju, the vision of ASIE is to expand and provide benefits of the experienced and well established present generation to the new, young and dynamic generation of the future by supporting initiatives in engineering and architecture. In addition to providing technical community service, every year ASIE presents awards for the Science and Engineering Fair and offers scholarships to students pursuing engineering degrees from public universities in the Houston area.

Since 1999, ASIE began the Young Engineer/Architect of the Year Award and from 2011 ASIE Engineer/Architect of the Year Award for the members, who have excelled in the field of engineering. From this year during the Engineer’s Week another award has been added – “Indian Engineers Engineering the Future”.

After earning a recognition by ASIE member and current Vice President Naresh Kolli as a “Young Engineer of the Year”, just recently two ASIE senior members are recognized for the prestigious position. Sanjay Ram, the former President of ASIE and current President of IACC – Indo American Chamber of Commerce is appointed as a METRO board member by Mayor of City of Houston. Second, Showri Nandagiri, current Advisory Council Member and former Vice President of ASIE has been selected

by American Water Works Association (AWWA) to work with India, since they established their first International Community called AWWAINDIA. This type of solid foundation has been laid for the future, and now ASIE has decided to take the organization to the next level and focusing on Building the Future together with the younger generation. Raj, the current President, a Senior Project Manager at HTNB Corp. says, “I would like to see this organization evolve to promote events across various engineering/architecture disciplines ………..

I would like to see us as an organization that mentors the generation who are the future of this profession – young students with a passion for engineering and architecture.”

ASIE consistently strives to promote professional development by organizing events monthly and annually for networking and mentoring the members and non-members.

Just recently on May 11, ASIE organized their significant luncheon event at Texas

Ballroom of Hess Club. The event was supported by sponsorships from ASIE Corporate members, many large engineering

companies of Houston and individuals. The event surpassed the goal for the attendance, and by providing additional sitting arrange-

15

ments, the attendance over 210 engineers and architects made the event a magnificent success.

The event started with social networking and self-serve buffet lunch. Raj, ASIE President presented the opening remarks with brief information of ASIE and slide presentation. Naresh Kolli introduced the keynote speaker, Dale Rudick. He currently serves as a Director of Public Works and Engineering of City of Houston. The current data and projections show that the population in Greater Houston Area will increase by 42% from the current 5.8 Million to 8.2 Million in the year 2030. The speaker in his remarkable speech discussed on the current projects, future plans and visions of public works in the Houston Area to address the needs of the population growth. After the speech, the speaker was honored with a plaque for the token of appreciation by Showri Nandagiri.

The program was concluded with vote of thanks by ASIE Secretary Sai Gowthami.

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16 June 05, 2015 COMMUNITY North Houston Sai Center Hosts A Unique Unity Event HOUSTON: The North Houston Sai Center hosted a very special event on the evening of Sunday, May 31st titled ‘Unity- a tribute to Eshwarama and all Mothers.’

Over 125 guests enjoyed the two hour long program which was presented by the Sai Spiritual Education (SSE) children.

The President of the North Houston Sai Center, Sanjay Gupta, welcomed the guests and congratulated them for being present to encourage the children. The program opened with a unique presentation of Multi-faith prayers by the children ranging in the agegroup of 5 to 18. Prayers included Hindu prayer, Buddhist prayer, Christian prayer, Islam prayer and a Judaism prayer. Sathya Sai Baba laid stress on Unity of all religions and faiths. He once said, “Let the different faiths exist, let them flourish, and let the glory of God be sung in all the languages and a variety of tunes. That should be the ideal. Respect the differences between the faiths and recognize them as valid as long as they do not extinguish the flame of unity.”

After the prayers, children made excellent presentations on the subjects of Unity, Team-Work and Cooperation, which were interspersed with stories, personal examples and quotes from inspiring

leaders. These presentations were followed by a very beautiful dance on the song ‘God’s love is so wonderful’, which was performed by the youngest of the lot and stole the hearts of one and all.

Group III students ranging in the age-group of 14 to 16 performed a humorous skit, which emphasized the importance of Sai Spiritual Education Classes (SSE). The audience did not have a choice, but to laugh during their performance.

Next, three beautiful girls presented an Indian Classical dance on the song ‘Janaki Jaane’. It was about the devotion towards Lord Rama.

The Regional Service Article Coordinator and Journalist lead, Mrs. Seema Gupta, made a presentation on SLIA thereafter.

SLIA which stands for Sai Love In Action, is a website (www.sailoveinaction.org) dedicated to the personal transformations of volunteers through service projects being undertaken by the Sathya Sai Organization on a global scale.

She informed about the various outreach initiatives that are being undertaken by the SLIA team to inspire one and all.

MC of the event Ms. Anvi Nandish introduced Mr. Vinod Patel, the Sai Region 10 Vice Presi-

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dent. He was the Chief Guest on the occasion. He is the founder member of the Sathya Sai Centers

of Houston and has been a part of the Sathya Sai Organization for the last 50 years. He spoke about

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the contribution of mothers in society in regards to unity. After his speech he honored the graduating class students and presented graduation certificates. The students shared their spiritual journey through the Sai Spiritual Education classes (SSE) which led them inwards and helped them in every sphere of their life.

The day’s program closed with melodious devotional group singing, prayers for peace in our universe and a sumptuous dinner for all. Mr. Siva Velaswami, vicepresident of the North Houston Sai Center gave the closing remarks and thanked one and all for taking the time to attend the program and offer their support.

COMMUNITY

June 05, 2015

17

Gandhi in South Africa - Part 3

Great Summer Project For children! Enter Mahatma Gandhi Week 2015 Essay, I-Tribute, Poster and Speech contests. Visit gandhilibrary.org for registration and more information. All school going children can participate! These contests are being organized to create higher awareness of the inspiring life and work of Mahatma Gandhi to promote universal values of Truth, Non-Violence, Love and Service.

The story thus far: Gandhi, having studied well and completed his law degree in England, returns to India.

He misses England but is happy to be reunited with his family. He begins practicing law in Rajkot.

Upon return to India, Gandhi started to practice law in Rajkot, but he was soon deeply disgusted at the greed and dishonesty of many of his fellow professionals.After some time, he got an offer to work in South Africa from Dada Abdulla & Co who owned big business concerns there. He was to be a legal adviser to the firm that had filed a lawsuit against another company seeking damages of 400,000 dollars. They hired Gandhi for his fluency in the English language and his knowledge of English law. He was contracted for one year and was promised a substantial salary and first class passage to South Africa.

The lure of seeing a different country and meeting new people piqued Gandhi’s interest. He accepted the offer, even though it was difficult to be apart from his wife and young son. In April 1893 he left Bombay for South Africa. He reached the port of Natal at the end of May 1893. In South Africa, he noticed that Indians were treated with little respect. They were called “coolies”, a derogatory term. Within a week of his arrival, he visited the court with Abdulla Seth of Dada Abdulla & Co. No sooner had he sat down that the magistrate pointed his plump finger at him and said “You must remove your turban”.

Gandhi was surprised. He looked around. There were several Muslim and Parsi men wearing turbans. He could not understand why he was being singled out.

“I see no reason why I should remove my turban. I refuse to do so,” said Gandhi. When the magistrate insisted that he remove his turban, Gandhi walked out of the court. Abdulla Seth ran after him and caught

him by the arm.

“You don’t understand,” said Seth.

“These white people consider Indians inferior and address them as coolie or sami. Parsis and Muslims are allowed to wear turbans as the turban is thought to have religious significance,” added Seth.

“The magistrate insulted me,” Gandhi said angrily. “Any such rule is an insult to a free man. I shall write at once to the Durban Press to protest such insulting rules.”

And Gandhi did write. The letter was published and it led to unex-

pected debate and discussion. At the same time, some other papers described Gandhi as a troublemaker and unwelcome visitor.

After a week in Durban, he left for Pretoria to attend to the case for which he was engaged. With a first class ticket, he boarded the train. At the next stop, an Englishman got into the compartment. He was traveling to Pretoria too, in the first class compartment. He looked at Gandhi with contempt and called the conductor.

“Take this coolie out and put him in a lower class!” he ordered.

The conductor turned to Gandhi and said, “Hey Sami, come along with me to the next compartment.”

Insulted, Gandhi refused to move saying that he had purchased a first class seat and was entitled to be there.

The conductor called a policeman who pushed him off the train with his bag and baggage. The train left and Gandhi spent the night shivering in the cold.

This incident changed the whole course of his life. He decided to fight all such injustices. He sent a note of protest to the general manager of the railways, but the official only supported the rail employees. More trouble was in store for him. The next morning, he went to Charlestown by train. He had now to travel by a stagecoach to Johannesburg, but he was not allowed to sit inside the coach with white passengers. To avoid confrontation Gandhi sat outside on the coach-box behind the coachman.

After some time the conductor asked him to sit on a dirty sack on the step below. Gandhi refused. The conductor began to pull him down and beat him. At this time, some of the passengers came to Gandhi’s rescue and he was allowed to sit with them.

Gandhi reached Johannesburg the next night, quite shaken by the experiences on the way. He had the address of a Muslim merchant’s house, where he spent the night. The next day he bought a first class ticket and continued his train journey to Pretoria. The only other passenger in the compartment was a well-dressed Englishman. A little later, a conductor entered and Gandhi quickly showed him the ticket. “Your ticket does not matter,” growled the conductor. “Go to the third class compartment at once!”

Before Gandhi could reply, the Englishman said, “Why are you harassing this gentleman? His ticket gives him a right to be here.”

And then turning to Gandhi, he told him to make himself comfortable. Thanking him warmly, Gandhi settled down with a book. It was late in the evening when the train pulled into Pretoria. He stayed at a hotel that night and moved into a lodge the next day. There he began to study the Abdulla lawsuit. Even while he was working on it, he found time to call a meeting of the Indians in Pretoria.

To Be Continued...

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18 June 05, 2015 The Deadly Wave

EDITORIAL/COMMENTARY Amma Knows Best

BY CHANAKYA

Over 2,000 deaths due to the heat wave have been reported across the country, most of them from the states ofAndhra Pradesh and Telangana, where summer has peaked with temperatures rising four to five degrees above normal. Many of these deaths could have been avoided if the state governments had contingency plans to face the summer heat. Barring Ahmedabad, no Indian city — or state — has a heat wave action plan (HWAP), or a system of protocols and procedures to initiate administrative action in the event of a heat wave as well as to facilitate long-term planning.

Most heat wave deaths are a result of direct and sustained exposure to the sun and hot winds and the resultant dehydration.

Taking basic precautions during heat wave conditions — keeping away from the sun and drinking water or liquids like butter milk — and ORS treatment in the event of a crisis, would help. But a more organised effort may be needed to reach out to vulnerable groups, mostly the elderly, the malnourished, children and manual labourers. After an unprecedented heat wave in 2003 caught Europe by surprise and resulted in thousands of deaths — 15,000 people died in France alone — most European countries have worked out HWAPs to ensure that warnings go out early and the administration is prepared to deal with the consequences. Though HWAPs vary according to local conditions, they focus on three aspects: building public awareness and community outreach, initiating early warning systems and training healthcare workers to deal with emergencies. In India, the Met department releases advance data on weather, but in the absence of an action plan, the import of the data is lost. Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, where over 1,300 died, did not have a plan.

Public announcements must be made on radio, TV, newspapers and social networking sites as soon as the Met department predicts the onset of a heat wave. Police patrols and hospitals must be put on alert to handle emergencies. Long-term planning aimed at mitigating the impact of climate change by building green belts, better designed buildings and transport policies should be worked on.

In the interim, high risk areas should be mapped and monitored, and uninterrupted power and water provided to sensitive zones like hospitals. Indian Express

Our iron ladies of politics seem to inspire a devotion rarely seen when it comes to their male counterparts. But the one who takes the cake, the plate and the trimmings is the Empress of Poes Garden, J Jayalalithaa, whose devotees are so over the top as to almost beggar belief. During her recent incarceration, posters sprang up asking whether a mortal (a judge) could punish a god. A poster, the likes of which I have truly never seen, depicted a child crying piteously for its mother.

She is now back for her fifth stint as chief minister but not before her Cabinet variously rolled in the mud, wept bitterly outside the jail premises and her followers formed human chains.

Her chosen successor, O Panneerselvam, refused to sit in her chair, and I am reliably informed, never smiled until she was released to show his sorrow. As she glided in to take oath, the faithful stood eyes downcast, hands folded, trembling with emotion. She looked past them imperiously, barely exchanging a word with the man who kept the seat warm for her.

I find it hard to believe that the politics we see today in Tamil Nadu could have had the approval of a man all the state’s politicos pay lip service to — Periyar EV Ramasamy. He founded the rationalist movement, he promoted self-respect, empowerment and the eradication of caste prejudice. He did not even use his caste name Naicker. I cannot see a shred of self-respect in people mutilating themselves and senior politicians weeping at the sight of their leader facing the due process of law.

I am not singling out Jayalalithaa.

The politics of Tamil Nadu is based on a culture of freebies. Nowhere do I see real empowerment for the people. It is true that the lower strata have benefited but it also seems to have robbed them of reason when it comes to their leaders.

The DMK had institutionalised the handing out of caste-based quotas for education and jobs. Its scriptwriterturned-politician and head of a political dynasty has for much of his career been locked in a political feud, first with MG Ramachandran of the

AIADMK and now with Jayalalithaa.

Kalaigar, as he is fondly known, has also been instrumental in handing out ceiling fans and televisions. But when it comes to largesse, no one beats Jayalalithaa. Almost every scheme in the state bears her name.

So there are low-cost nutritious Amma meals, there is Amma bottled drinking water, Amma buses, Amma cement, the list goes on. There is the 20 kg per month free rice, bicycles and laptops for poor schoolchildren, mixies, grinders, table fans and one rupee idlis for the poor. Livestock is also on offer for free for the needy.

Apart from these goodies are four grams of gold for girls’ marriages and the state taking over unwanted girl babies.

Part of the worship of MGR, Karunanidhi and Jayalalithaa originates in their film star credentials. In no other state in India have I seen such an overpowering effect of films on the public.

Of course, there are the crazed fans of the Khan superstars in Mumbai.

But in Tamil Nadu, films and real life seem to blend seamlessly for many.

Once, on my way from Tirunelveli to Madurai, I had the singular misfortune of sitting behind two animated young men in a state transport bus. No sooner did our journey start, the two began an animated discussion on the meaning of the dialogue in a particular film starring uber star Rajnikath.

In the film, he apparently refers to a woman who will ruin the land. The two debated long and loud whether this woman referred to Jayalalithaa, in those days not quite the awesome figure that she is today, or Indira Gandhi. This conversation kept up its momentum even as the bus stopped in various places and I hopped on and off to eat vadas and drink coffee.

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But the Jayalalithaa phenomenon goes beyond her cine star status.

She has created a political culture in which people seem fearful to function without her. She is not a touchy feely politician, she is, in fact, quite distant, the masses thronging to see her from the window of her vehicle in her impressive SUV-led cavalcade. She keeps her personal life completely out of bounds and even her ministers cannot call on her at home. So I can only conclude that the steady drip irrigation of freebies and goodies from both the Dravidian parties has created an electorate that is more depoliticised than in many other states.

A dependency syndrome has been created, which seems to be intensifying as the years go by.

Jayalalithaa too has understood this power. She will rarely call on prime ministers. They call on her.

Her faithful feel even more proud of their puraitchi thalaivi (revolutionary leader) when they see this spectacle.

And Jaya TV is there to ensure that they do not miss any move that their beloved leader makes. She says little but when she does, she can also be famously cutting as many a veteran journalist and political opponent has found out.

The problem that the AIADMK faces is that it has no second rung of leadership, no one would even dare to suggest such a prospect. For after all, is the leader not immortal, a goddess whom no human being can replace? She has been written off before, but her comebacks have always been thunderous. The scores with those who turned their back on her are deftly settled by her followers as has happened this time again. And the political opponents are given short shrift by a vengeful goddess.

For all the veneration surrounding her, she is perhaps the least-known quantity in Indian politics. She is a great lover of books, we gather, but her life is certainly no open book. But for the faithful, just her bountiful presence is enough. It guarantees a quality of life that many in India would envy, it guarantees a feeling of psychological wellbeing that as long as Amma is around, all is well with their world.

Hindustan Times.

June 05, 2015

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20 June 05, 2015

COMMUNITY

Rasaanubhava’15: Abhinaya School Student Showcase

daughter of the dance Guru Karnataka Kalathilaka Smt.Radha Sridhar of Bangalore. Indrani has to her credit more than 150 solo performances and has been a performer in India, UAE and USA and has been a part of her mother’s dance drama productions.

Indrani established the Abhinaya School of Performing Arts in 2001 which is originally based in Katy has now has grown and has branches in Cypress and Pearland.

The annual recital began part one featuring with the junior student performances – Nrithya Namaskaram.

Anupama Nagasimha, teacher, welcomed the guests and introduced the dances. The junior students then presented a neatly synchronized performance maintaining their lines and formations. Besides performing classical portions dances they had learnt over the year they also performed dances specially choreographed to popular folk and fusion numbers.

The students performed with fervor and confidence in their coordinated

HOUSTON: Colors, patterns and the joy for dancing was evident of Rasaanubhava’15, the annual student showcase of Abhinaya School of Performing Arts, at the Kaplan Theater,JCC Houston on May 17,

2015.

The artistic director and teacher Indrani Parthasarathy, is well versed in the Pandanallur style of Bharathanatyam and also trained in Kuchipudi style of dancing.She is the

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Photo Credits: Murali Santana

costumes.

The senior segment Nrithya Nivedanam - a tribute to deities began 4:30 pm. Emceed by B.Sheshadrivasan from Bangalore, India, the senior recital had an array of beautifully choreographed traditional classical dances like Mallari, Shabdam, Varnam, Jathiswaram,Bhajan Keerthanams, Devaranama, Abhang and Thillana.

This was followed by dances choreographed to Indian contemporary musical pieces like Malhar, Dhirana, A piece for peace and Amruthavarshini.

The finale was a presentation called Rangoli which featured dances choreographed to popular semi-classical and folk movie songs carefully selected to suit the classical theme of the performance. The joy for dancing was evident on the faces of the students as they performed. The recital ended with a happy note about the student performances by Artistic director Indrani Parthasarathy.

For further details visit www.abhinayaschool.org

June 05, 2015

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22 June 05, 2015

COMMUNITY

Three of the Largest Vocational & Higher Education College Systems from Texas to Help India Inc. in its “Skill India” Mission

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role not only in meeting local but global workforce needs in coming years given the aging population in many European countries” said Jiten Agarwal, CEO of Cambridge Education Development.

“The partnership with Cambridge Education Development and some of the best & the largest vocational & higher education institutions in USA such as Kelley School of Business, Indiana University, Houston Community College, Alamo Colleges, Lone Star and others will help provide the best quality vocational training to trainers as well as to youth in India” said Dilip Chenoy, CEO, NSDC. NSDC delegation led by Dilip Chenoy signed the agreements and MoUs in Houston in April, 2015.

The delegation was a part of PM Modi team to Germany & Canada.

Community colleges in USA enroll more than 6 million students and are growing rapidly and are the Alamo Chancellor Dr. Bruce Leslie and Expedien CEO Jiten Agarwal largest part of the nation’s higher & vocational education system. Houston Community College, Alamo and Lone Star colleges are among 10 largest college systems in USA. Kelley School of Business, Indiana University has been ranked #1 several years in a row in students ROI, student as well as academic quality among US institutions. It has been on forefront of developing employability skills programs for higher education graduates.

“India is a classic example of what is HCC Chancellor Dr. Cesar Maldonado, NSDC CEO & MD Dilip Chenoy and Expedien happening not only in CEO Jiten Agarwal.

Houston and across the country, but in many nations,” said Dr. Cesar MalHOUSTON: Three of the largest face "a demographic nightmare". community college systems from The 2015 Budget announcement of donado, chancellor at HCC. “WellTexas signed a Memorandum of a National Skill Mission and the Rs trained, quality workers in the midUnderstanding with National Skills 15,000-crore budget targeted at skill- dle skills areas such as construction, Development Corporation (NSDC), ing rural youth will address this huge manufacturing, energy, and health a “Ministry of Skills Development & unmet need. These initiatives aimed care are in short supply. HCC is wellEntrepreneurship” enterprise in India at skilling the youth of India will go suited to provide the education to fill and Cambridge Education Develop- a long way in kick-starting 'Skill in those gaps.”

“Alamo College is very proud to be ment, a Houston based firm to make India', which is a critical enabler for millions of people in India ready for 'Make in India' as per the Finance a part of the skilling initiative in India.

We have the right expertise, programs workforce globally.

Minister of Government of India.

With 356 million 15-24 year-olds, “Millions are graduating every and international experience to assist India has the world's largest youth year in India without learning how in Skill India mission” said Dr. Bruce population despite having a smaller to get things done, without knowing Leslie, chancellor at Alamo.

“I am proud that Texas vocational population than China as per the UN how to put their theoretical educareport from November 2014. With tion into practice, without problem- & higher education colleges took the 54 per cent of India's population be- solving skills, and without right at- lead in forming the first and the larging 25 or below, India can reap the titude. Higher education institutions est partnership from USA with India demographic dividend through right in India don’t teach what is needed to help with “Skill India” mission. skilling. Unfortunately, currently less in Industry and hence creating a I want to thank Neeta Sane, trustee than 5 per cent of our potential work- wide gap between academia and HCC, and Harish Jajoo, Member force gets formal skill training to be Industry needed skills. India could City council and Mayor Pro-Tem, employable. In a report last year, be capable of realizing major demo- Sugar Land, TX for their help in the Finance Ministry said that if that graphic dividends if people have the facilitating the partnership” said Jiten growing workforce does not develop right skills. Workforce ready people Agarwal. skills soon, the country could instead from India can play a very important

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2015 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

COMMUNITY

June 05, 2015

23

Presidents Award for Export to American Completion Tools

Job Posting:

TEMPORARY NEWS REPORTER

KTRK-TV, the ABC owned station located in Houston, TX, has an opening for a full time temporary News Reporter.

HOUSTON: In just four years, American Completion Tools was awarded the prestigious Presidents Award for Export. There were two other companies in Texas who achieved this level.

T.J. Sinha, V.P attributed this achievement to teamwork and credibility of the products sold by American Completion Tools. Prabhat Kumar,

CEO is very excited about the new plant in Houston which will serve as a launching pad for expansion.

During this period American Completion Tools, Europe was established in Germany and a new stocking facility in Denmark to better cover the European market.

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Candidates should have experience in general assignment reporting, including live breaking news. Applicants must be able to develop contacts, enterprise good, hard news stories, and respond well to spot news. Candidates must have outstanding writing skills for both broadcast and digital platforms.

Must be willing to work evenings and weekends.

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 video tape samples of your news related work to: Human Resources, KTRK-TV, 3310 Bissonnet, Houston, TX 77005.

Please Reference Job ID: 276077BR on all materials submitted.

No Telephone Calls KTRK-TV is an Equal Opportunity Employer Female/Minority/Veteran/Disability

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24 June 05, 2015

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PUZZLES/RECIPES

Mama’s Punjabi Recipes Bharre Hue Toast (Toast Sandwich) Indians love to nibble and crave snacks that are just as spicy and crispy as the dishes that they regularly eat, but with a slight twist.

This is what makes snacks like pakore (fried fritters), samosas (fried stuffed dumplings) and potato cutlets such sought after appetizers.

But there is a category of minimeals that is in-between a snack and lunch or dinner; and sometimes, these become the whole meal by itself. These can be as common as pani-puri (water puff balls), chaats (fried bread mixes) or dahi vada. But these require a lot of ingredients and preparation to come out right and be truly appreciated.

On the other hand, since Punjabi food is cooked in large enough quantities for a meal or two, there are usually plenty of leftovers which can come in handy a day or two later, especially if these are vegetarian dishes. It is not uncommon to find an Indian fridge stacked with leftover dishes just waiting to be re-heated.

This particular recipe takes the dry leftover dishes – those without curries – and two pieces of ordinary bread to make a minimeal that is easy and fast to make and just as delicious as the original setting. In fact, when they are made a little crispy on the edges, these toasted sandwiches will leave you craving for more.

What makes this mini-meal possible is a hinged sandwich maker which can hold two pieces of bread. The manual type (about $3 in India) are the best, since you can cook them over a gas or electric stove; but there are more sophisticated electric ones (costing $15 in India) which require very little supervision.

These used to be my children’s favorites when they were little,

but even now they enjoy them; they taste best when served hot and with a little chutney or ketchup. These are so popular in New Delhi that they are even served by street vendors, with your choice of vegetables!

Ingredients: Leftover sabzi (cooked vegetables) 2 slices bread – preferably white, sandwich 2 tsp vegetable oil for coating toaster Directions:

4. Carefully close the toaster and then place over the gas or electric stove. If it is an electric toaster, simply close it and turn it on.

1. Open the toaster and coat each side with some vegetable oil so that the bread won’t stick. You won’t need the oil with some newer toasters which are Teflon coated, but use it anyway as the oil helps the bread to get crispier around the edges when toasted.

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

2. Place a slice of bread on each side, making sure it is firmly inside the rim of the toaster so it won’t burn.

3. Scoop in two or three tablespoons of cooked leftover vegetables, just enough so that bread won’t tear open.

5. After 2 minutes, flip the toaster over so that the other side will get done. After 2 minutes, flip over again and open to check if the toast is slightly brown; if not, then repeat toasting each side. Be careful that they do not become dark brown.

6. Take them out and are serve hot with some tomato ketchup or chutney.

MAMA’S TIP OF THE WEEK TURN DAYS-OLD VEGGIES AND DAALS INTO TASTY FRESH PARANTHAS

Depending on your point of view, one of the best parts of Indian food is that there are plenty of leftovers; though there are enough finicky people who swear they only eat fresh and won’t even look at day-old food left in the fridge! Some foods just taste much better when they have been left for a day; like rajma (red kidney beans); bhartha (grilled eggplants), manh chole di daal (urad and channa lentils) or chole (chickpeas).

But when the leftovers are two or three days old, and you want to freshen them up, try rolling them into some atta (wheat flour dough) and making stuffed paranthas (skillet fried bread). They taste really great and can be eaten with acchars (pickles), dahi (yogurt) or other curries for a satisfying meal in themselves.

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June 05, 2015

ENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT

Movie Review: Welcome 2 Karachi

BY MOHAR BASU Ex-navy officer Shammi (Arshad Warsi) and his three-times-US-Visarejected friend Kedar (Jackky Bhagnani)helpthelatter’sfather in his business of organising wedding events on boats. On one such tryst, the duo’s boat is capsized mid-sea and they land on the beaches of Karachi. Is it possible for two Indians to get out of Karachi without their passports? Staying alive is a challenge in such grinding situations.

The cardinal rule of films like Welcome 2 Karachi is to not to take it too seriously. Keeping true to its publicity of being a random comedy, the film is successful in making you laugh intermittently on its cliched gags at places that are all shades of 'Dumb and Dumber', yet don't cease to be fun. Jackky Bhagnani on ‘Welcome...

The flaw of the film, however, lies in its lazy writing. Depending heavily on its low-brow humour and the plot's inherent tenacity, there is hardly any effort to build it beyond what it was on paper. The rampant India-Pakistan jokes have a visible mean streak, that

if taken with a pinch of salt, can come across as warm repartee.

Director Ashish Mohan's ambitious premise loses spark in the superfluities he engages in. There is an

ridiculous, offensive and still outright hilarious fun. But the thick jokes become sparse in the second half and the film's contrived plotline ends in a climax that cannot be a testament

25

AR Rahman Documentary ‘Jai Ho’ Screened at White House The film, directed by Umesh Aggarwal, traces the journey of the Oscar, Grammy winning music composer’s professional and personal life

The musician also performed at a concert in Wolftrap, a performing arts centre located in Vienna, near Washington

absolutely unnecessary scene where the people of different nationalities break open fire on each other as a pre-emptive strike for no apparent reason. In hindsight , you can gauge the significance of it vis-a-vis the workings of global politics, but it still comes across as nothing more than sheer noise, lacking impact.

From fart jokes, to 'f***er' jokes, the film is replete with absolutely

to logic.

Arshad Warsi's screen presence, and his strong sense of comic timing works. Jackky Bhagnani's earnest performance matches his co-actor's and his impeccable Gujju diction deserves thumbs up. Lauren Gottlieb is left unused for most part of the film.

It's an average fare which could've been far better had its meanderings been trimmed.

-TimesofIndia

WASHINGTON: Jai Ho, a documentary based on music maestro AR Rahman’s life, was screened at the White House.

The film, directed by Umesh Aggarwal, traces the journey of the Oscar and Grammy winning music composer’s professional and personal life. It explores the evolution of his style of fusion of Eastern sensibilities and Western technology.

“On the way to the White House for

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a screening of Jai Ho,” Rahman, 48, posted on twitter.

The musician also performed at a concert in Wolftrap, a performing arts centre located in Vienna, near Washington. “Dear fans and music lovers from DC - Together we have set a new record in the history of Wolftrap, Vienna with our concert being the highest grosser ever!” Rahman wrote on Facebook.

-Livemint.com

26 June 05, 2015

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Friday, June 10, 5 2011 m 5, 201 ws.co June 0 y a id an-ne Fr c i r e m indoa www.

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June 05, 2015

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Business IndoAmerican News

STOCKS • FINANCE • SOUTH ASIAN MARKETS • TECHNOLOGY

Reliance Industries Limited Leads India Inc as the Highest Profit Earner MUMBAI: With the results season for 2014-15 drawing to a close, oil refining-to-retail major Reliance Industries Limited has emerged as the top Indian corporate to earn the highest net profit, followed by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and the state-owned Oil and Gas Corporation (ONGC).

The Mukesh Ambani led-conglomerate reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 23,566 crore for 2014-15.

The consolidated net profit for the full financial year was up 4.8 per cent from Rs 22,493 crore in 2013-14.

Reliance Industries profitability has also sustained its chairman Ambani's stature as the world's richest Indian

with a net worth of $19.6 billion, according to US business magazine Forbes.

The second in line for earning the highest net profits for 2014-15 was the IT major TCS, whose net profit stood at Rs 19,852 crore. The net profit grew by 3.59 per cent from Rs 19,163.87 crore.

The state-run ONGC came was in the third position by earning a net profit of Rs 18,334 crore. However, the company's net profit fell by 30.83 per cent from Rs 26,506.53 crore during 2013-14.

The other major corporate earners include State Bank of India (SBI), whose net profit stood at Rs 16,994

crore, Tata Motors at Rs 13,986 crore, and Coal India at Rs 13,727 crore.

Even on the fourth quarter of 201415 results basis, the Ambani ledconglomerate topped the list for the highest net profit earners.

The net profit for the fourth quarter

of 2014-15 stood at Rs 6,381 (over $1 billion), thanks to a jump in refining margins to $10.1 per barrel, this also beat market expectations.

The company's net profit for the corresponding period of 2013-14 stood at Rs 5,631 crore.

Reliance was followed by Coal India, whose net profit stood at Rs 4,239 crore, however, this was a decline of 4.4 per cent from Rs 4,434.18 crore in the corresponding time frame in 2014.

IT major TCS came in at third spot, with net profit at Rs 3,713 crore.

However, the net profit was down by 30.69 per cent at Rs 5,357.61 crore.

TCS was followed by Infosys with

a net profit of Rs 3,097. It grew by 3.5 per cent from Rs 2,883 crore.

On stand-alone basis state-run oil refiner and marketer Indian Oil was the highest quarterly net profit earner this season.

It stood at Rs 6,285 crore. However, the net profit was down 33 per cent from Rs 9,389 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal.

IOC was followed by ONGC, whose stand-alone net profit stood at Rs 3,935 crore and SBI whose net profit stood at Rs 3,742 crore.

-TimesofIndia

Owner of Collapsed Bangladesh Factory to Face Murder Charges DHAKA: Bangladesh police said they will press murder charges on Sunday against the owner of a garment factory that collapsed and killed more than 1,100 people in 2013, the worst industrial disaster in the country's history.

Sohel Rana, owner of the Rana Plaza factory complex on the outskirts of the capital Dhaka, was among those who were expected to be formally charged over the disaster, lead investigator Bijoy Krishna Kar said.

“We are going to press murder charges against 41 people including the owners of the building, Sohel Rana and his parents, later today,” Kar told AFP, adding that if convicted all could be sentenced to death.

“It was a mass killing. All 41 of those charged have a collective responsibility for the tragedy,” he said.

Police announced last year they were set to charge Rana, who was arrested on the western border with

India as he tried to flee the country days after the April 24, 2013 factory collapse.

But the process was held up after police needed government approval to frame charges against a dozen government officials included in the 41, a standard requirement in Bangladesh.

Police will later Sunday submit charge sheets to Dhaka's chief judicial magistrates court, which is expected to officially accept the charges and set a date for a trial.

Rana became Bangladesh's public enemy number one after survivors recounted how thousands of them were forced to enter the compound at the start of the working day despite complaints about cracks appearing in the walls.

“They (Rana and the factory owners) discussed and decided to keep the factory open. They sent the workers to their deaths with cool heads,”

Kar said.

Rana and others will also be charged with violating the building code, for illegally extending the sixstorey building, which was initially approved as a shopping centre, into a nine-storey factory complex.

“That illegal extension violating all construction (regulations) was the seed of this massive disaster,” Kar said.

Among the others expected to be charged are seven owners of the garment factories and three government engineers who approved the extensions to the building.

The mayor of Savar industrial town, where the factory was located, along with a local councillor, also face murder charges for ignoring breaches of building and factory laws.

The disaster highlighted appalling safety problems in Bangladesh's $25 billion garment industry, the world's second largest after China's.

A host of Western retailers had clothing made at Rana Plaza, including Italy's Benetton, Spain's Mango and the British low-cost chain Primark.

127

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The disaster prompted sweeping reforms including new safety inspections and higher wages in the industry which employs around four million workers.

-Dawn.com

28 June 05, 2015 India vs. Bangla: Harbhajan Returns for Tests emotional angles, emotional MUMBAI (ESPN Cricinfo): attachments” while picking the Offspinner Harbhajan Singh squads. “We look for the perhas returned to India’s Test formances, the fitness and the squad for the first time in two combination - whether a bowler years after he was picked for or batsman fits in that combinathe only Test in Bangladesh tion. Last two years we have from June 10 to 14. The sebeen trying … we have made lection committee, which met some mistakes, and may be, we in Mumbai on Wednesday, will make some more mistakes retained the majority of the but we have to learn from the squad that toured Australia in mistakes. Indian cricket has 2014-15 with the exception gone through transition period of left-arm spinner Ravindra and we are just trying to settle Jadeja. down.”

Fast bowler Mohammed A day before the selection Shami was not picked because meeting, Mumbai Indians had of the knee injury he suffered beaten Chennai Super Kings during the World Cup that also to qualify for the IPL final, ruled him out of the IPL. No and Harbhajan had spoken of first-choice players had rea “burning desire” to make an quested rest despite having international comeback. played the World Cup and the He last played Test cricket in IPL back to back and so the 2013, when he was picked for selectors were able to pick the final two matches of the full-strength squads for both home series against Australia formats. that India won 4-0. Harbhajan Sandeep Patil, India’s chairtook only five wickets in those man of selectors, said consideration had been given to the “A fresh begining.” -- off-spinner games at an average of 40.80, compared to R Ashwin and number of left-handers in the Harbhajan Singh.

Ravindra Jadeja whose 29 and Bangladesh Test squad before 24 wickets in four Tests came fresh beginning”, and said he was the decision to pick a second at 20.10 and 17.45 apiece. Subready to play for another four-five offspinner was made. However, sequently the selectors and team Harbhajan played only three first- years.

“It feels like a fresh beginning management under the captain class matches in last season’s Ranji Trophy - six wickets with a best of for me,” the offspinner said. “It’s MS Dhoni and Duncan Fletcher 3 for 51 - but has been in impres- a new innings which I want to start retained Ashwin and Jadeja, and sive form for Mumbai Indians this on a confident note and make the dropped Harbhajan, who had IPL season, picking up 16 wickets best possible use of the chance that played 101 Tests.

Harbhajan’s decline had beI have got. in 14 matches. gun on the 2011 tour of England, “For me, there is nothing more “The Bangladesh batting order has six left-handers, keeping that precious than the India jersey. For where an injury forced him to rein mind, we discussed with the the past two years, I have been turn home after the first two Tests. captain and we felt it was neces- working hard for this day. Not for He had taken just two wickets in sary to have a second offspinner,” a single day, nor for a single mo- the 70 overs he bowled at an averPatil said. “I also want to point ment, did I have a feeling that I age of 143.

Test squad: Virat Kohli (capt), out we not only discussed Harb- won’t play for India again.

“At this point of time, I am ready M Vijay, Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahajan. We also discussed other youngsters and considered them. to play for another four to five hul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma, WriddhiUltimately the selection commit- years.”

Addressing his first press con- man Saha, R Ashwin, Harbhajan tee and the captain felt this was the right choice for this particular ference after becoming the head Singh, Karn Sharma, Bhuvneshof India’s selection panel in Octo- war Kumar, Umesh Yadav, Varun tour.”

Patil said Harbhajan had not been ber 2012, Patil did not say which Aaron, Ishant Sharma ODI squad: MS Dhoni (capt), picked in the ODI squad because players had been discussed at the the selection panel felt “chopping selection meeting. “It will be diffi- Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, and changing or disturbing the cult for me to say who all would be Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, combination” of the team that had discussed. Those who we felt - the Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, R reached the World Cup semi-finals selection committee and captain Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar felt - were discussed. There was no Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Umwas unnecessary. esh Yadav, Mohit Sharma, Stuart In an interview with PTI, Harb- discussion about Yuvraj Singh.”

Patil said there had been “no Binny, Dhawal Kulkarni hajan described his recall as “a

SPORTS Craig, Williamson Spin Kiwis to Win

BY ALAN GARDNER HEADINGLY (ESPN Cricinfo): New Zealand 350 (Ronchi 88, Latham 84, Broad 5-109) and 454 for 8 dec (Watling 120, Guptill 70, Craig 58*, McCullum 55) beat England 350 (Lyth 107, Cook 75, Southee 4-83) and 255 (Buttler 73, Cook 56, Williamson 3-15) by 199 runs Hearts and minds are one thing but what New Zealand really wanted to win was this Test. At Headingley, the ground where they first claimed a Test victory in England more than 30 years ago, they had to battle the weather, which took almost a day out of the game, and an England side still swaggering from their heroics at Lord’s last week.

They overcame both with time to spare, having scored 804 runs at almost five an over and twice rattled through England with pace, swing and, on the final day, spin.

Every member of the side contributed to their victory in the second Investec Test, one which levelled the series and preserved a twoyear unbeaten run. In 54 Tests against England in England, it was only New Zealand’s fifth victory and their first of the 21st century.

Mark Craig followed some lower-order slugging and immaculate slip catching with three wickets on a wearing surface, finishing England’s resistance by having Jos Buttler lbw without playing a shot.

Kane Williamson also picked up three-for with his part-time offspin, after Trent Boult, the jointleading wicket-taker on either side, had struck twice early on to set New Zealand on their way.

That England extended the game into the final session was chiefly down to dogged half-centuries from Buttler and Alastair Cook.

Obdurate crease occupation is Cook’s greatest strength and he absorbed 171 balls in making 56, bowing his head over the bat like a monk at prayer. Buttler showed a different side to his game by playing with admirable restraint during his lengthiest Test innings, in terms of balls faced.

England had gone to lunch five down, any bravado about attempting to chase 455 scattered to the far corners of the Yorkshire Ridings. Cook was their chief hope of

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saving the game but he fell shortly after having become the youngest man to record 9000 Test runs - when he failed in an attempt to reverse his lbw decision against Williamson, who struck in the first over of a spell for the second time, Brendon McCullum knew things were going his way.

Buttler made it through to tea, surviving a review for caught down the leg side off Tim Southee and a working over by Matt Henry, who followed a throat ball with one that took the outside edge and fell short of slip.

Buttler also required treatment after a length delivery from Henry leapt to strike him a vicious blow on the hand. He was later doubled up by the same bowler, winded by a blow to the stomach. It was an apt representation of England’s pummelling.

New Zealand had enjoyed a perfect morning, Boult and Craig taking two wickets apiece in the first hour to help New Zealand once again seize the initiative.

Only a scattering of spectators had braved another icy day - despite reduced ticket prices - as the people of Yorkshire wisely decided England were not worth the investment. This was a working Tuesday, after all, and England did not get close to replicating the final-day drama served up against Sri Lanka at Headingley a year ago, never mind their Auckland rescue act against McCullum’s New Zealand in 2013.

Still, for the couple of thousand in attendance as well as those watching on television screens around the world, there was much to admire in the way New Zealand went about their business, each wicket celebrated with joyous collective abandon.

McCullum’s side have not lost a Test series since their last visit to England and they have won many more admirers besides for the spirit in which they approach a challenge.

Root had declared on the fourth evening that England still had a chance of chasing 455 but a slim chance had become no chance by the time he was the fourth batsman out inside the first hour.

England attempted the talk but it was New Zealand who walked it.

June 05, 2015

29

PM in Amazing Hurry to Grab Land from Poor Farmers at Any Cost: Rahul NEW DELHI: Rahul Gandhi on Saturday made a blistering attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi accusing him of being in an "amazing hurry" to "grab" land from poor farmers by deciding to repromulgate the land ordinance for the third time.

"Modi ji in an amazing hurry to grab land from poor farmers at any cost. A 3rd attempt at pushing the anti farmer Land Ordinance!"

"Congress Party will continue to fight for the rights of the kisan and mazdoor against this #suitbootkisarkar", the Congress vice-president said in tweets.

The reaction of Gandhi, who has led the Congress campaign against the land bill, came hours after the Union cabinet at a meeting decided to recommend repromulgation of the controversial ordinance for the third time.

The 2013 land bill passed during the UPA regime was the brainchild of Rahul.

Party leader Jairam Ramesh, who was the rural development minister during UPA rule, said the Modi government has made a "mockery" of the exercise to go into the measure by the joint committee which had held its first meeting only on Friday.

The "black" ordinance would dilute the importance of the Committee, he said condemning the decision.

Government has "insulted" Parliament by the move, he said demanding that it should give it up. The message that has gone from the move is that Modi government believes in NAMO (No Act Make Ordinance).

Replying to questions, Ramesh said that the party will consider the suggestion to approach President Pranab Mukherjee again on the issue in the wake of the new development.

Speaking separately, party's communication department in-charge Randeep Surjewala dubbed the move as a "travesty of justice" and an "affront to Parliament".

"It is an affront to Parliament which refused to put its stamp of approval.

Duplicity of prime minister stands exposed as he had only yesterday

(Friday) said that his government is open to reviewing the anti-farmer land ordinance", he said.

He demanded that the government

desist from the move and "apologise to the nation for its subversive designs".

-HIndustanTimes

More than 2,200 Dead as Heatwave Continues, Rain Relief for Some Areas NEW DELHI: A scorching heatwave swept large parts of the country on Sunday as the death toll in the past three weeks crossed 2,200, though rain and thunderstorms brought some respite to isolated areas with the southwest monsoon missing its due date.

Southern neighbours Andhra Pradesh and Telangana continued to bake in a budding El Nino year with officials saying harsh temperatures will persist for at least another day.

Experts say an El Nino, a weather anomaly that leads to warming of sea-surface temperatures in the Pacific, often sparks blazing heat across Asia and drags down India’s JuneSeptember monsoon.

Authorities in Andhra, which has recorded over 1,600 deaths, cancelled doctors’ leaves and advised people not to venture outside in the middle of the day to avoid the worst of the heat, but intermittent power cuts needled those who remained indoors.

Rajasthan continued to reel as the mercury headed north with Kota recording a maximum temperature of 45 degrees Celsius, while oppressive conditions were likely to prevail in

many parts.

West Bengal was set to get some relief following a string of hot and humid days, with the weather office predicting rain and thunderstorms in the next 24 hours.

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“Rain or thundershowers are likely to occur at isolated places in the Gangetic plains. The northern districts of Darjeeling, Cooch Behar, and Jalpaiguri are also expected to

get rain in the next 24 hours,” a Met official said.

Blistering heat scorched isolated places in Uttar Pradesh with Banda district recording a maximum tem-

perature of 46.4 degrees Celsius.

"We can't bear this heat. The situation is worsened by frequent power outages,” said Rekha Tiwari, a housewife in state capital Lucknow.

Authorities say most of those killed by the sweltering conditions are construction workers, the elderly or the homeless, exposing the vulnerability of millions of Indians who work outside in extreme temperatures that meteorologists say are increasingly common.

Light showers lashed parts of Haryana and Punjab with the mercury taking a slight dip after hovering in the range of 40-44 degrees Celsius over the past fortnight.

The monsoon that was expected to hit the Indian mainland last weekend will be delayed by four to five days and is likely to arrive in Kerala in the first week of June, said the India Meteorological Department.

“Conditions are developing. There is a change in the wind and in the coming days, it will become more stable and monsoon will arrive soon in Kerala,” said IMD director BP Yadav.

-HindustanTimes.com

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30 June 05, 2015 Let’s Make Happiness Contagious for Children the World Over

COMMUNITY

New Rules in India for Overseas Account Disclosures

BY RAJESH H. DHRUVA

The founder of Happy Children Happy World, Jacob David (right) with Board Director Van Ly at the launch event at the Hilton Garden Inn in Pearland

BY JAWAHAR MALHOTRA PEARLAND: A new charity was born in August last year and this past Sunday, May 31, was its christening, you might say, as it launched its first coming out function at the Hilton Garden Inn near Hwy 288 in Pearland. And though the turnout was thin, the founder and organizer Jacob David couldn’t have been more proud.

“All good things have humble beginnings,” said David from the podium as he explained what had drove him to start the 501(c)(3) non-profit Happy Children Happy World. A few years ago in India, he saw a restaurant throw out food and dogs started to eat it. When he saw a young child fight with the dogs for the food, David

was appalled. Later, he saw a child scoop up water from a dirty puddle and drink it.

The images stuck with him and he decided to act last year, raising $3,500 which he then used to buy needed items and donate them to three groups in India – Baby Sara’s Home in Pondicherry; Divine Mercy in Bangalore and Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity in Pondicherry. Since then, David’s passion to help little kids escape child labor, trafficking and poverty has only grown as he sets his sights to helping them in the US and Asia. David presented a slideshow of the terrible conditions many kids have to endure growing up poor and then outlined his goals.

His co-founder is this effort is Van Trong Ly, who came to the US as

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a refugee from Vietnam and now works as a Team Leader of Inventory Control at Sysco Foods. Van recalled how he had to suffer pangs of hunger growing up as a poor child in Saigon; which has prompted him to work with David on this charity.

Jacob David has been in the US for about 20 years and is a known figure among the South Asian community in the Metroplex; having worked with this newspaper and the Voice of Asia, as a graphic artist, journalist and in marketing. He is also a realtor with Champions Real Estate Group.

The function was generously supported by the Hilton Garden Inn; piano music by Scott Graham and photography by Harsh Mahadeshwar and Sayani Bhat.

Now that Indian Central Govt.

Cabinet has approved signing of the Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) with the US; almost 680 Indian financial institutions including all leading banks like SBI Bank, ICICI Bank, Bank of Baroda, Bank of India, HDFC Bank, HSBC Bank, Axis Bank etc., and mutual funds like ICICIPru, HDFCMF, Birla Sunlife, DSPBlackrock, L & T, UTI MF and others have applied for USA Global Intermediary Identification Number (GIIN) under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA).

It is a matter of time that Indian banks, mutual fund houses, insurance companies and brokerage houses shall start to report accounts showing US citizenship, US address, US POA, or US phone numbers if the balance in such account exceeded US$ 50,000 on June 30, 2014 or all accounts including accounts closed in 2014 as unfortunately an option is given to report ALL accounts if the banks, MF houses etc. choose to do so.

Of course, appreciating the possi-

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INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2015 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

bilities of ignorance and negligence of tax payers, US Tax Authorities offered Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedure (SFCP) -a very liberal scheme for declaration of Indian income and financial assets not shown earlier in Fed Tax Form 1040 or FBAR returns for a penalty of only 5% of highest value of overseas Indian financial assets over the previous 6 year ends and requires revision of last 3 years Fed Tax Returns & FBAR returns for last 6 years.

But for sure this should be the last opportunity, as a failure to opt for SFCP can result in penal action by the IRS and in quite some time the IRS will send the details of the USA NRI account holders accounts by all Indian banks, MFs, insurance companies and stock brokers.

Rajesh H. Dhruva is a well-known Chartered Accountant and Financial Adviser from Rajkot, Gujarat.

He has visited the US four times between 2011 and 2014, addressing associations of physicians, dental surgeons, diamond merchants, Jain Centre members and other groups in New York, New Jersey, San Francisco, Los Angeles and at an NRI meeting organized by the State Bank of India in Chicago on the subject of " IRS requirements for Indian income, assets, investment regulations and opportunities for NRIs in India". He will be visiting again later this month, with a stop in Houston on July 8.

June 05, 2015

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