E newspaper12182015

Battle of Biggies

Friday, December 18 2015 | Vol. 34, No. 51

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Indo American erican News

Bajirao Mastani vs Dilwale Friday, December 18

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Lives Devoted to Helping the Ill are Appreciated by Their Peers

BY JAWAHAR MALHOTRA

STAFFORD: So much time has

passed by since they started their selfless deeds that many of the original people who were there by their side have passed on or moved along and cannot tell their part of the story.

But a few still remain. And they aimed to make sure that the impact of the dedicated and visionary work of the doctors who worked to cure people because they saw no other choice to ease their consciences - and the people who stood beside them – was not forgotten in the sands of Time.

Kishore C. Mehta – KC to most – wanted to ensure that, once again, people understood the humble beginnings and huge impact that the Indian Doctors Charity Clinic has had on the needy and uninsured people of the Bayou City.

“We see people from every country – Ethiopia, Congo, Mexico, India, Pakistan - you name it.

It doesn’t matter to us,” exclaimed Dr. Kirti T. Shah (known affectionately as KT) from the wheelchair to which he has been confined for almost a year due to the progressive effects of Parkinson’s Disease.

Each Saturday, for four hours, the Clinic located across from Bellaire General Hospital near Chimney Rock and South Rice in Bellaire opens to a long line that snakes through the corridor, people sitting on the floor or portable chairs they bring in, first come, first served.

About 40 people are lucky enough to see an Indian doctor for no cost.

If they need more diagnostics, they are referred to the diagnostic clinic run by Dr. Lucky Chopra, also for free.

Most Saturdays for the past ten years, they have been seen by Dr. Shah, who, despite his reduced mobility, still goes to work at the clinic. He is man molded from the old tradition of disciplinarians who came out of an India that built that trait into your character.

He minces no words or modulates his tone with patients and friends alike, but he has always been focused on serving the public.

“When I see my patients, I forge all my difficulties,” Shah said with a smile and a matter-of-fact look on his face.

Shah was simply following the

Dr. K.T. Shah with, from left, KC Mehta, Gopal Rana, and Dr. Suresh Moonat.

Generous donors Raju and Anjali Patel with Dr. Shah

Dr. Kiran Gandhi (left) receives a bouquet

Drs. Suresh and Sunita Moonat receive a plaque from Dr. Satish Jhingran.

Dr. K.T. Shah with standing from left, KC Mehta, Nanda Vura, President-Elect IACF and Dr. Manish Gandhi, President-Elect IDA

legacy that Drs. Sunita and Suresh Moonat – a husband and wife team – had started off in 1997 when they no longer could bear to see people being without treatment because of no insurance or lack of money.

It touched them so much that they reached out to the Boards of the groups they belonged to – the Indian Doctors Club and the Indo American Charity Foundation – to help with financing the start of an absolutely free health clinic.

It was located off Bellaire and Tarnef in Southwest Houston, in a small office that was virtually rent free. With the help of Dr. Satish Jhingran and Gopal Rana, a mar-

keting executive in an oil and gas company, they cajoled drug companies and other doctors for free samples of medicine and supplies and what they couldn’t get, they managed to raise money amongst themselves and others who believed in them, to buy and give away. The Moonats drove each Saturday from their homes in The Woodlands and Rana and Jhingran came from Sugar Land.

Since then, the clinic has moved to its present location and it has survived on two fundraisers and a couple of letter-writing campaigns

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Jaz Creates the Ambiance for Beautiful Models, Fashions and People

BY JAWAHAR MALHOTRA

HOUSTON: You’d have to be

a neophyte in the desi community to not have come across the person who created a stir in the fashion business last Friday night, December 11. Over the past decade, she has managed to become a go-to person if you wanted to create waves in music and dance and later in fusing the two into a choreographed fashion show.

Jasmeeta Singh has shown that she could meld young kids into a group who sang geets at Sikh religious functions at gurdwaras and the Sikh National Center events; or direct young and older groups to produce bhangra competitions at the annual Vaisakhi program held at the Cullen Auditorium at the University of Houston. An artist trained in classical Kathak and vocal music, she gave dance classes, and directed the cultural portions of the Republic and Independence Day events organized by the India Culture Center, of which she was a Director. And as a Past Director of the Interfaith Ministries of Houston, along with her husband, businessman and engineer Bobby Singh, she helped produce its annual Tapestry Ball and interfaith dialogues on Sikhism.

Now, for close to a year, the beautiful dynamo has ventured into the world of haute couture fashion, conducting classes for those who are interested in pursuing a career in modeling. Her company, Jaz Creationz is a unique modeling agency and dancing school that wants to create diversity in the modeling world by merging dance of different cultures together to form a common ground to build bridges between communities as well as learning poise and public speaking skills.

Classes for her next 4 and 8 week sessions start on January 9.

Her company, Jaz Creationz, held its inaugural fashion and dance event this past Friday, December 11 at the Millennium Hall, the banquet conference center of Preet Hotel at the corner of the Southwest Freeway and Belt 8 South and its parking lot was overwhelmingly packed. The show celebrated the beauty and fashion diversity of Indo Ameri-

Photos: Jasleen Kaur & Murali Santhana

can culture through fashion, music and dance drama.

“I want to expose the talents of diverse creative fashion divas and promote an understanding and awareness of different cultures,” said an excited Jasmeeta before the show, “I want to educate, engage and empower the fashion industry.

This show reflects our diverse cultural heritage.”

Guests arrived for the VIP social hour in half of the hall which was partitioned off into a photo shoot studio where they could mingle with fashion designers and Jasmeeta to have their pictures taken by a bank of photographers

against a white backdrop bearing the JC brand and logo. Most of the Board of the ICC were there as well as the CEO Of Interfaith Ministries, Martin Cominsky and his wife Maria; Robert Hopkins, Asst. Regional Director, Dept of State, Office of Foreign Missions along with Yeliz and Eric Smith; the Consul General of Turkey, Ferhat Alkan and his wife Ozlem Alkan, the Consul General of India, Parvathaneni Harish and wife Nandita; the Consul General of France Sujiro Seam and his wife Jane and the Honorary Consul General of Sri Lanka Wijay Bandula.

After the shoot, the serious and more entertaining side of the event – the fashion show down a decorated and lit ramp with and invigorating music beat – was held in the other half of the hall, with the guests packed into chairs on either side. There were gasps of excitement and applause at the creativity of the designs as well as the poise, style and stunning looks of the models. Eight local designers and boutiques showed off their line of clothes and jewelry from a cross section of styles, reflecting their cultures, from evening wear gowns, to Middle Eastern and Indian origins and Latino and pure

American styles.

The designers were Anil Rana (Atelier Collection); Abdulrizak Abdulle (Hamza Designs); McGwen Davis (Alexander Lee Collection); Sapna Boutique; Afsheen Tejani (Tezaria’s High Couture); Xoxo Collection by Luv Fashion; Kiran Khurana (Silks & Satins) and Meru Merus (Cactus & Bloom).

The entire show lasted over three hours and each line was interspersed by dance performances by the Jaz Creationz Team as well as two songs by American Idol Finalist Vincent Powell. In appreciation of their work in the show, Jasmeeta presented awards to Powell, her organizing team and her sponsors.

The event was organized by Jasmeeta Singh( CEO of Jaz Creationz); Aslam Jivani and Abdul of Deco Art; Arpit Duggal of Touch Of Color; Anil Rana of Envy Couture by Anil; Jasleen Kaur Photography; DJIMPACT of Dbi Dholbeat and Linda Scott, Ramona,Tiffany and Lisa Savage of 1426 Fashion Week.

The sponsors were: Photography by Jasleen Kaur (JKPhotography) and Murali Santhana (MSan Photo); Videographer by Arpit Duggal (Touch of Color); HumTum Radio 106.1FM; Masala Radio ; TV Asia; WAA TV; Word Press; Cynthia Gutierrez- Hair, and Make-up by Faces By Priya (Priya Sane) and Dani B.

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

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COMMUNITY

Indo-Americans Invited to Governors’ Mansion for Holiday Reception

AUSTIN: Texas Governor Greg Abbott

and his wife Cecilia welcomed a small group of Indo-Americans from Houston and Dallas to a holiday reception at the governor’s mansion in Austin on Saturday, December 12.

Jagdip Ahluwalia, executive director of IACCGH was joined by Dr. Suneeta Gorrela, Dayakar Moparty and Sujeeth Drak-

sharam from Houston. From Dallas IACCGH founding Chairman Ashok Mago and Past Chair Sunil Maini were joined by Dr. Deepak V. Chavda.

The first lady and the Governor were very gracious hosts; The Governor reiterated his desire to lead a meaningful trade mission to India in 2016.

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From Left: Jagdip Ahluwalia, Dayakar Moparty, Dr. Suneeta Gorrela, Ashok Mago, Sunil Maini INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2015 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

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Indians to Celebrate 8th Hamara Desi Christmas

HOUSTON: The Houston Indian

Fellowship (HIF), a group of Indians from across the metropolitan Houston area, annually conducts a program called Hamara Desi Christmas. This voluntary organization in addition to conducting this event also conducts a winter cricket championships and painting competition for children to bring the community together for a time of fun and provides free health care to the needy through Red Oaks Hospital.

Hamara Desi Christmas is the only Desi Christmas celebration in the Houston area. The celebration includes traditional and nontraditional programs ranging from skits, dances and songs. Hamara Desi Christmas Celebration is intended to celebrate Christmas with people of different religions, faiths and beliefs. The celebration is nondenominational and usually the audience members are a varied group of families with origins from various continents around the world from Asia to South America. The admission for the event is free followed by free dinner catered by the acclaimed Annam Indian Cuisine.

HIF by hosting this event and providing free health care to the needy strives to bring Christmas cheer to people from different faiths and regions of India.

Boisterous MCs have planned to make this event an entertaining one. Santa Claus is determined to

bring cheer to the Children. US Congressman Steve Stockman, will be the chief guest of the event.

Deepak Israel member of HIF proudly stated, “This event is growing ecstatically every year bringing the community together in celebrating a fun filled Christmas!”.

“We are going to fill the Old Stafford Civic Center to maximum occupancy this year!” said Reuben Joseph the lead coordinator of HIF. Dr. Robello Samuel, integral member of HIF, said “Seeing the joy of Christmas on the faces of the audience gives me great satisfaction as that is what the whole idea behind the celebration is!”

The event is sponsored by Red Oaks Hospital, Annam Indian Cuisine, Confidant Realty Advisors and other individuals.

University of Houston students along with other families and friends are helping behind the scenes.

Houston Indian Fellowship would also like to invite anyone interested in performing or helping at the 8th annual Hamara Desi Christmas event to please contact Dr. Robello Samuel at 832-275-8810 or Deepak Israel at 832-419-0967 or Reuben Joseph 713 480 0473

December 18, 2015

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TCCL’s Annual Banquet

Judge Ed Emmett with Kids

HOUSTON: Triggers Cricket

Colts League (TCCL) hosted the 2015 Annual Banquet at KISD center on 12-DEC to conclude the second successful year. The Banquet was well attended by over two hundred members. The event had the warmth of a family gathering and the event master Malay Vyas provided the professional touch to the compering of the event.

Anita Vyas (NACH Houston) opened the event with an electrifying performance of interactive Bollywood dance with enthusiastic participants. Later, TCCL kids entertained the gathering with multiple talent shows such as reciting Piano, Violin, Tabla and Hindustani vocal.

TCCL Director Surya Saladi presented the league status report with future roadmap with a pledge to make 2016 a bigger and better platform for the youth players.

TCCL Clubs leaders Sudheer Kanatha & Dhaval Patel (KYC), Bhaskar Saripella & Krishna

Sikharam (ECC), Bhavesh Patel & Vamshi Kathyam (SLYC) and Visu Manohar (NWCC) reported progress made by their respective clubs and laid out plans for 2016.

Honorable Harris County Judge Ed Emmett graced the event with his kind presence along with other sponsors and presented achievement awards.

Judge Emmett spoke with passion on his interest in improving the game of cricket. He wanted TCCL to take cricket further into community working with school

districts. He compared cricket with soccer from 25 years back to suggest cricket can become a true American game if it is promoted at the grassroots level. He further pledged to donate for TCCL cause in 2016.

All the youth players present at the event presented a signed bat to judge Emmett along with an appreciation plaque to thank his support.

Special Guests Sakhi Mohamed (Smart Choice Auto Group), Jesal Patel (Financial Consultant) and Mangesh Gatto (KP IT) spoke on the occasion expressing their support to the youth cricket program.

Nanda Kumar, President of TCC concluded the event with his vote of thanks to the attendees and requested support to spread the word about cricket at local schools.

All the guests were treated to a sumptuous and delicious dinner.

TCCL conveys special thanks to all the wonderful volunteers who assisted in planning & executing various tasks resulting in a banquet with great success. TCCL is looking forward to having this banquet again next year and hoping that it will be even bigger and better.

TCCL wishes everyone wonderful holidays and happy New Year!!!

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Like Father Like Son: Imran Mehdi Hasan Enthralls the Audiences with his Mesmerizing Voice

Emcee Irfan Ali with Rizwan Ali and Ahsan Qureshi.

Imran being presented with the bouquet

BY AHSAN QURESHI

HOUSTON: In an enthralling

performance marked by superb command over various ragas compsosed by his dad, young vocalist and ghazalist Imran Mehdi Hasan rendered Ghazals and Nazms with remarkable aplomb at a concert organized by Desiwindows.com on Saturday December 12, at the Village Banquet Hall, Sugarland. A scion of the redoubtable Jaipur Rajhasthan Gharana Imran Mehdi Hasan learnt music first from his father Ustad Mehdi Hasan Khan Saheb and later also learnt tabla from Ustad tari Khan.

Born in Karachi, Imran Mehdi Hasan now lives in Chicago, IL USA, and has taken part in nu-

merous concerts, music festivals in Pakistan and abroad accompanying his father as a tabla player then as an exponent of ghazal.

Imran prefaced his performance with a rendition of the evergreen composition sung by his father ‘Ranjish Hi sahi’ in Raag Aiman.

(Every inch a purist, he called it Raag Yaman). Aiman is the first raag of the Kalyan thaath and, being a Sampooran raag, contains all seven notes in its aarohi and avrohi.

The vadi sur of this raag is tivar Ga and the sumvadi sur is tivar Ni. While many connoisseurs among the audience had listened to his father render the same raag with great elan- incidentally, the same asthai “Ranjish hi sahi” — they were equally impressed with Imran

Hasan’s scintillating performance and the effortless dexterity with which he employed “meendh” and “soot”. They also gave him full marks for his “taiyaari”.

Imran Hasan was accompanied by his 16 yr old son Muhammad Hasan on tabla and some of the finest musicians of this age: Ustad Ishrat Alladitta on the acoustic guitar, Atif Syed on Keyboards and Romeo Chidanand Singh on Dholak.

While the young tabla prodigy Muhammad Hasan played his percussion instrument with his usual skill and in a stolid manner –- as a rule, he smiles feebly only when the instrumentalist loses his “taal”. His Solo was mesmerizing and hard to believe that a feeble looking young 16 yr old boy who looks 12 can perform various taals and druts and lehras with suxh virtuosity. Imran changed the mood with qateel shifaee’s famous nazm “zindagi mein to sabhi pyar kiya karte hain” This is composed in Raag Bhimplasi which is again an evening raag. Imran showed a lot of maturity in this rendition and justified the komal notes with equal ease. Chote Ustad Muhammad Hasan also changed gears as being required and demanded by the compositions.

Imran Hasan rendered various “bandishain” from popular flims, which also belongs to various ragas. His “koshish” to maintain the mood of the raag and justify its usage by his illustrious father was exemplary. He never sang any thumri though it was being anticipated by the audiences.

The second part of the performance saw Imran Hasan render the ever famous “Mohabat Karne wale Kam na hongey” in Khamaj, the hallmark of his family’s style of music. He ended the performance with the Mili Naghma which his father sang.

His style bore a striking similarity to his father Ustad Mehdi Hasan, who immortalized this form of gayaki “GHAZAL”.

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COMMUNITY

Miss/Mrs/Teen India USA Texas 2015

D.J Sage and Abiya with Fuzon the Band at MIUT 2015

HOUSTON: Sage Productions is an

event management company in Houston. They specialize in Sound and Light Set Ups but, have expanded their horizon by becoming the Franchise owners for Miss/Teen/Mrs India USA Texas. On October 17, Abiya Malhotra and Sajawal Dass (D.J. Sage) of Sage Productions organized Miss/ Mrs/Teen India USA Texas 2015, at the Crown Plaza Hotel. The show was a huge success with over 500 people in attendance and Fuzon the Band playing live for the audience. This was a great successful effort to bring both Pakistani and Indian Communities together. The dynamic duo was rec-

ognized for their contribution to the South Asian Community by the City of Houston and also by the Congress.

The judging panel was composed of American, Pakistani and Indian dignitaries, entrepreneurs and beauty pageant queens. The beautiful stage set up and hall decor was by Aisha Khan of Kas Inspirations and the contestants were transformed into glamorous queens by the team of Hooked on Henna. Parinaz a Boutique, Bareeka, Ladds Corp and Amedia Marketing were Platinum Sponsors. The contestants were given a platform to express themselves and to share their experiences with women of the South Asian

From Left to: Neha, Aradhana, Sandhya at MIUT 2015 Mrs Category Winners

Community and the opening dance was choreographed by Mahesh Mahabubani of Naach Houston. Grand Prize included a $50,000 annual salary Job Offer with Riceland Healthcare for the Winners, with an option for internships for all other contestants. The results were as follows: Miss India USA Texas 2015: 1.Sandhya Chettri (Winner) 2.Tanisha Hirani (1st Runner Up) 3.Mona Deo (2nd Runner Up) 4.Akhila Kumar (3rd Runner Up) 5.Akhila Kumar (Best Talent) Mrs India USA Texas 2015: 1.Aradhana Thawani Padilla (Win ner)

2.Neha Tailor Shukla (1st Runner Up) 3.Sandhya Ayyar (2nd Runner Up) 4.Pavana Gadde (3rd Runner Up) 5.Neha Tailor Shukla (Best Talent) Teen India USA Texas 2015: 1.Mahita Nuthalapati (Winner) 2.Rushali Sarkar (1st Runner Up) 3.Manjot Gahunia (2nd Runner Up) 4.Iman Siddiqi (3rd Runner Up) 5.Mahita Nuthalapati (Best Talent) The Winners were provided with an opportunity to represent Texas at Miss/ Teen/Mrs India USA 2015 on December 4, at the Royal Albert Palace in New Jersey. The following people

participated in the Nationals: Aradhana Thawani Padilla, Sandhya Ayyar, Pavana Gadde from the Mrs Category; Tanisha Hirani from the Miss Category; Mahita Nuthalapti and Manjot Gahunia from the Teen Category. The contestants from Texas were joined by 55 other contestants from all across the USA and the winners will go on to represent USA at Miss India Worldwide. The contestants from Texas shined like stars on that dazzling stage and Aradhana Thawani Padilla placed as the 2nd Runner Up for Mrs India USA 2015, along with winning the Mrs Photogenic 2015 award as well.

Pavana Gadde won the Mrs Social Media award and all other contestants from Texas were recognized for their friendly, respectful and professional attitude throughout the contest. The ethnic wear outfits were sponsored by Ashuman Garg of Parinaz a Boutique for the contestants. The team of Sage Productions was there through out to support the contestants of Texas and were proud of all of them for putting on such an amazing show and making Texas proud. Sage Productions includes: Sajawal Dass (D.J. Sage), Abiya Malhotra, Adil Dass and Raman Jain. The vibrant team of Sage Productions is now preparing for Miss/Teen/Mrs India USA 2016 to be held early next year.

For more information on the pageant and Sage Productions, log onto www.sageproductions.biz or call (832) 576-3382.

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2015 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

COMMUNITY

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Governor Abbott Appoints Richards and Shah to Manufactured Housing Board

AUSTIN: Governor Greg Abbott has ap-

pointed Ronald M. “Ronnie” Richards for a term set to expire January 31, 2017 and Kiran Shah for a term set to expire January 31, 2019 to the Manufactured Housing Board. The Manufactured Housing Board regulates the manufactured housing industry in Texas.

Ronnie Richards of Clear Lake Shores is co-owner of Butler’s Courtyard, a wedding and reception venue in League City’s Historic District. Richards retired after a 45 year career as vice president of marketing for American Homestar Corporation. He is

Kiran Shah

president of the Clear Lake Shores Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors and serves on the League City Hotel Occupancy Tax Advisory Board. Additionally, he is active in the League City Regional Chamber of Commerce and is past president of the League City Historical Society. Richards received a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Houston.

Kiran Shah of Richmond is an independent owner and operator of multiple national hotel franchises. He is a member of the Hotel and Lodging Association of

Houston and former member of the Texas Board of Licensure for Professional Medical Physicists. He is a former ambassador of the Asian American Hotel Owners’ Association and former commissioner of the Houston Clean City Commission. Additionally, he is the past vice chair of the Sardar Patel Cultural Club and past secretary of the Gujarati Samaj of Houston. Shah received a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the M.S. University of Baroda, India and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Gujarat, India.

Lives Devoted to Helping the Ill are Appreciated by Their Peers CONTINUED FROM PAGE

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by Dr. Shah. It has brought forward some generous donors, like Raju and Anjali Patel who donate $5,000 each year.

But as Time flies by, the need of donations and volunteer doctors to assist – and eventually take over from – Dr. Shah have become acute. Drs. Kiran Gandhi and Manish Gandhi has stepped forward to volunteer each Saturday and the IDCC Board – Mehta, Gandhi (President-Elect of the Indian Doctors Association), Dr. Subodh Chauhan (Past-President of IDA), Dr. Jay Raman, the Moonats, Jhnigran and Kiran Gandhi - is developing a plan for the future.

But on this rainy Sunday afternoon, on December 13, at the VIP Dining room of the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple, Mehta and others organizers brought together community leaders, the media and other supporters to make sure that they remembered the pioneers and workers, especially Dr. Shah, who characteristically did not seek the praise or glow. The Moonats spoke about their efforts to start the Clinic and Rana was surprised but delighted at the recognition. After the satisfying vegetarian Indian lunch that the Temple volunteers had made and served, Shah, the Moonats, Jhingran and Rana got the praise anyway, with proclamations, bouquets and a chance to speak their vision and express their dedication.

And they also got a chance to smile broadly – Rana, Moonats, Dr. Raman (who volunteers at the clinic), the Patels and Drs. Gandhi - as they accepted the plaques from the IDA (and one from the IACF that helped launch them) – for their role in making the Bayou City feel the generosity of no-cost Indian medical care.

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16 December 18, 2015 The Power of Passion

BY SHARAT KALAGA

HOUSTON: Passion is a term commonly

used in today’s society. But what truly is passion? How does it correlate to success?

In the Youth Leadership Development Program (YLDP) session at India House, my class and I learned from a proven leader what passion is, and how it can benefit a whole community.

On November 14, the YLDP class of 2016 was honored to have Vijay Goradia, founder of Vinmar International, speak to us about his success and the attributes required to become a regarded leader. Vinmar, a global distributor of petrochemical products, has

had phenomenal growth and profitability with annual revenue in excess of 4 billion dollars and markets in over 100 countries.

Listening to Goradia, the point that really stood out to me was his PASSION. Coming to America with a desire to become the best, Goradia said he worked countless hours and made sure all his customers were always satisfied, a feature that was driven by his passion.

Today, Goradia, a highly accomplished entrepreneur, passionately dedicates his time and wealth for education and entrepreneurship through avenues like Pratham, an organization providing remediation education to millions of children in India. Goradia, who is the founder of the organization,

COMMUNITY

spoke vividly of his personal experiences with the under privileged and how his passion to spread education has caused those around him to benefit in a positive manner.

The YLDP class of 2016 cherished Goradia’s inspirational session as it carried a strong message to us, that passion and desire to be the best is the first step to being great.

We learned that having passion in any field and “wanting to go the extra mile” is what creates success. We also learned that having a passion to be the best can ultimately improve the lives of others, affect the society around us in a positive manner, and lead us to creating a better community. Passion is the absolute love for something and the strong desire to be the best. Goradia exem-

plified this meaning and gave us the desire to pursue our passion.

For advertising contact: Vanshika Vipin at 713.789.6397

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2015 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

COMMUNITY

December 18, 2015

17

Gita Jayanti : Advent of Srimad Bhagavad Gita

HOUSTON: About 5,000 years

ago, in the battlefield of Kurukshetra, Lord Krishna spoke the BhagavadGita, to his dear friend and disciple Arjuna. Bhagavad-Gita, whose literal translation is ‘Song of God’, comprises of 18 chapters and 700 verses in ancient Sanskrit language.

Bhagavad-Gita discusses the system of yoga (connection with the Supreme Lord) which is the essence of moksa (spiritual emancipation).

Bhagavad-Gita sheds light on the three main yoga systems: karma-

yoga (yoga of selfless action), jnanayoga (yoga of spiritual knowledge) and bhakti-yoga (yoga of devotional service). In the course of giving Arjuna all manner of spiritual and material advice, Krishna explains the Self, the Supreme Self, difference between our self and our material body, karma, purpose of yoga, how our environment affects our consciousness and how to attain the perfection of life.

This year marks the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Founder-acharya of the International Society for

Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and celebrated author of “BhagavadGita As It Is”, Srila Prabhupada’s arrival in the US, where he started a worldwide movement to disseminate this universal and non-sectarian knowledge.

ISKCON of Houston located @ 1320 W. 34th Street, Houston TX 77018 (www.iskconhouston.org) is celebrating the advent of BhagavadGita with a two day festival later this week. Festivities starting @ 2.00 PM on Sunday, December 20, include congregational chanting of Bhagavad-Gita verses and translations in Sanskrit and English, chapter summaries & classes by senior devotees, culminating in yajña (fire sacrifice) and prasadam dinner. Day 2 activities starting @ 4.00 PM on Monday, December 21, will include chanting of Bhagavad-Gita verses followed by lecture by HH Giriraj Swami, a direct disciple of Srila Prabhupada, ending with prasadam dinner.

Please join in this joyous festival, which is free of charge and open to all, to reconnect with the Lord and His Message!

Sewa International at the Forefront of Tamil Nadu Relief Operations Sewa International USA has raised over $100,000

HOUSTON: The rains and ac-

companying floods in Tamil Nadu have thrown the normal life into a disarray in various parts of Tamil Nadu. But Chennai, Cuddalore and Puducherry have taken the brunt of it.

Apart from over 500 deaths reported thus far, hundreds of thousands have been rendered homeless. 1.5 million people have been evacuated and another 2.5 million have been displaced.

Most of these flood victims have lost everything and their homes have been rendered worthless. The current reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts are pegged at almost 20 times what was needed for New Orleans.

The task is enormous! Amonumental response is needed for rescue, relief and rehabilitation.

Sewa International and its sister organizations (including Seva Bharathi) have risen to the challenge with 93 teams with more than 5,000 dedicated volunteers working round the clock.Astrong team of 50 doctors and 12 medical and pharmacy students from various parts of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka have landed in Chennai to offer their help. A total of 10 medical teams have so far conducted 40 camps in various parts of Chennai where more than one lakh (100,000) flood victims were examined. Volunteers from all over Tamil Nadu and neighboring states are lending

a helping hand by bringing supplies and essentials and then distributing it. At many places our volunteers reached before NDRF / Army.

Sewa is putting together a kit of essential supplies (mats, blankets, cooking utensils, school supplies, basic medicines, etc) so that families can start their lives again.

Sewa volunteers in the US are offering 24x7 backroom support to coordinate these army of volunteers.

They use social media extensively to send help where it is needed.

Sewa International has already reached $100,000 in just six (6) days.

We have set a goal of $500,000 for Tamil Nadu Flood Relief.

For latest updates, please visit https://www.facebook.com/sewausa/ Help us help Tamil Nadu in this hour of need by donating at https:// www.sewausa.org/donate

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18 December 18, 2015 Odd-Even, Men vs. Women

When Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejirwal mentioned ex-

empting single women drivers from his odd-even scheme, some men misunderstood and got very excited. They started fantasising about being with one girlfriend with an even numbered car one day and then the next day with another girlfriend with an odd numbered car. As the song goes, mauja hi mauja.

But once the Kejriwal message really got through, there has been a big outcry from the men’s rights movement. They are yelling gender discrimination. They are asking, what about single men? Honestly, they also feel scared walking home in the dark. Why doesn’t the government care about their safety too? Or is there some secret study that shows PM2.5 emissions automatically wind down when a woman gets behind the wheel?

Some men are just in a state of shock. For them driving is basically an extension of masculinity, and women drivers more a ha-ha matter. Like wife says, car’s in trouble, there’s water in the carburettor. Husband says, that’s ridiculous, you don’t even know what a carburettor is, where’s the car? Wife says, in the swimming pool. Ha ha.

These jokers have been trying really hard to figure out why Kejriwal would safeguard women drivers and in typical MCP style they’ve decided it’s because women are bad at maths, and would have a hard time tracking odd against even days. These chauvinists need to hear about Khushboo Saxena of Mainpuri – the bride who chased her groom away after he flunked the math quiz she gave him. Maybe that’s the real AAP agenda – to teach aam admi never to underestimate the power of aam aurat.

Of course this is not just a man versus woman matter because it’s also pitting men against men. For example, unlike the men in cars, it seems the men in trucks will get a free run on both odd and even days, which can seem jolly unfair when you consider how much more PM2.5 trucks contribute among vehicles – up to 46% by one estimate! Looks like just another case of big guy lording it over small fry. Or more steel getting the better deal.

The only truck drivers who are feeling bad are the ones with a closet fondness for crossdressing. Because you know it’s only the guys with the cars who’ve just won a free pass to get their eyebrows threaded, put on lipstick and hairspray, and then throw on a pretty dupatta, all to pull a fast one on the odd-even police. Punters are predicting a big boom in the wig industry.

To anyone who can’t imagine how badass truckwalas can pull off pretty dresses, take a look at Dara Singh pulling off silky legs, ghagra-choli and thumkas in the song ‘Patli kamar nazuk umar … Mujhe lag jayegi najar’. If that He-Man wrestler who once twirled an almost 200 kg King Kong of Australia over his head could doll up, so can an odd truckwala or two if only he got the even kind of encouragement. Listen up, Mr Kejriwal.

Times of India

EDITORIAL/COMMENTARY Alleviating India’s Poverty

BY C. RANGARAJAN AND S. MAHENDRA DEV

A recent World Bank (WB) report

brought out poverty ratios across countries. According to these estimates, poverty in India in 2011-12 could be as low as 12.4 per cent if we use “modified mixed reference period” (MMRP), in which there are three recall periods depending on the nature of items. This contrasts with the Rangarajan committee estimates of 29.5 per cent.

The poverty line (PL) used by the Rangarajan committee for India was around Rs 1,105 per capita per month. That translates to $2.44 per capita per day, in terms of purchasing power parity. As such, the WB’s PL of $1.90 per capita per day is only about 78 per cent of the PL used by the Rangarajan committee. The lower PL is the reason for the lower poverty ratio estimated by the WB. However, the WB report also talks about the depth of poverty in terms of person-equivalent headcounts. According to the report, the depth elasticity at the global level between 1990 and 2012 was 1.18. In other words, the reductions in traditional head count ratios were accompanied by even larger reductions in person-equivalent poverty ratios. This is true in the regions where the bulk of the poor reside, such as South Asia.

Here, we examine the depth of poverty in India in a different way — by looking at the poverty ratios using different cut-offs of the PL. The first issue is whether the poverty ratios with lowered PL cut-offs are declining as fast as those with raised PL cut-offs.

The second issue is the location of the poor, that is, whether the poor are located much below the PL or around the PL. One conclusion is that even if we raise the PL to 125 per cent of what it is, the reduction in the poverty ratio was 9 percentage points between 2009-10 and 201112 (Table 1). This is also true for the poverty ratio based on 115 per cent of the PL. In the case of 85

per cent and 75 per cent of the PL, the percentage point decline was lower than those with the raised PL. But if we adjust for base poverty ratio, its decline was faster for 85 per cent of the PL and 75 per cent of the PL as compared to those between the PL and 125 per cent of the PL. Headcount ratio is often criticised on the ground that it does not measure the “depth” of poverty. It is seen, however, that more than 50 per cent of the poor lie between the PL and 75 per cent of the PL. This is true for both 2009-10 and 2011-12. In fact, 65 per cent of the rural poor and 61 per cent total poor lie between the PL and 75 per cent of the PL in 2011-12. It may also be noted that many of the non-poor also live just above the PL between 115 per cent of the PL and the PL or between 125 per cent of the PL and the PL. Another point is that there is a negligible population below 50 per cent of the PL — less than 2 per cent in 2011-12.

We also looked at the poverty ratios with different cut-offs of PLs for two relatively poorer states — Bihar and Odisha — and two developed states —Tamil Nadu and Gujarat (Table 2). In Bihar and Odisha, the rate of decline in poverty is lower for the raised PL of 125% and 115%, as compared to the PL and the lower cut-offs of 85 of the PL and 75% of the PL. The decline is even faster for these two states at lower cut-offs if we take into account the base poverty ratio. The raised PLs for Odisha reveal only a marginal decline for both 125 per cent of the PL and 115 per cent of the PL. In the case of Gujarat, the decline in percentage points is higher for the raised

cut-offs compared to the lowered cut-offs. If we take into account the base effect, the rate of decline is higher for the lowered cut-offs.

As far as Tamil Nadu is concerned, the decline in percentage points in poverty was higher for the raised PL compared to those of the lowered PLs. However, if we take the base effect, the rate of change is more or less similar.

As far as a concentration of poverty is concerned, it is clear that in all the four states the bulk of the poor lie between the PL and 75 per cent of the PL. In the case of two advanced states, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, the concentration is even higher. In 2011-12, in Gujarat, 71.5 per cent of the poor were within these limits. In Tamil Nadu, the percentage of the poor falling within these limits is 63 per cent.

The proportions are, however, much lower in the case of Bihar and Odisha. In both Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, the percentage of the poor falling between these limits has increased between 2009-10 and 2011-12, indicating a faster decline in the depth of poverty.

There are three conclusions from the all-India and state-wise analysis. First, the rate of decline in poverty ratios for the lowered cut-off is similar or more than those for the PL or the raised PL. Second, poverty is concentrated around the PL. Third, the percentage of population below 50% of the PL is negligible at all-India and state levels.

The bunching of poverty around the poverty line in India renders the problem of reducing poverty more manageable. The pace and pattern of growth have a significant impact on reducing poverty ratios. But as we have emphasised, policymakers must pursue a two-fold strategy of letting the economy grow fast and attacking poverty through poverty alleviation programs.

Rangarajan is chairman, Madras School of Economics, Chennai and Dev is director, Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research, Mumbai.

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20 December 18, 2015

COMMUNITY

In Praise, Not Dread, of Media and Its Contributions to the Chamber

BY JAWAHAR MALHOTRA

HOUSTON: It’s not often that the

media gets to be the center of attention, so when it does, then they get a chance to let loose and drop their usual skeptical and cynical view of events and life. Especially if you belong in the minor leagues of news but are still a major player serving up niche community news which can be a time consuming job.

Interestingly enough, most community activists, groups and organizations have become very accustomed to seeking out the media to spread their message and often call them out. This year once again, the Indo American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston reached out to the media they have dealt with over the years and feted them to dinner and awards at Mayuri restaurant on Westheimer on Sunday, December 13.

Many, but not all, of the news organizations came with their spouses or guests, as well as one columnist, by special request, Shakuntla Malhotra, whose Punjabi recipes in Indo American News have become a runaway hit with readers and Bijay Dixit, who is the regular photographer for Chamber events. The awards presentations were a hoot as all the others joined in to boisterously egg them on. A lively media crowd that didn’t mince its words, indeed!

FIS Receives 2015 MLK Grand Marshal's Award ALEXANDER P. MATHEWS, CPA For Services In:

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From Left: Krishna Vavilala, Chairman; Dr. Narayana Ponada, Sita Mutyala,Event Chair, Raghavender Nednur, Charles Stamps, Chairman and CEO of MLK Events-Midtown, Dr. Sarita Mehta, Alpa Patel, Community Outreach Coordinator for Houston City Council woman Brenda Stardig and Sashidhar Nair. Sitting: Sanjay Ghakar.

HOUSTON: The MLK Grand

Marshall Award citation letter read: “This Is to Inform You the Foundation for India Studies (FIS) Has Been Selected to Receive Our Organization’s Highest Award.

The MLK Grand Marshal’s Award is Presented To Those Organizations And Individuals That Have Demonstrated The Doctrines And Principles Of Gandhi And King Through Their Daily Activities And Life Styles, And For Embracing Cultural Diversity As A Means Of Social Change.

Accordingly, The Foundation For India Studies Being One Of Several Organizations That Were Considered, Was Selected To Receive The 2015 MLK Grand Marshal’s Award For Its Outstanding And Consistent Participation In The MLK Grande Parade Houston”

The Award was sponsored by Mr.Ben Hall, the Grand Marshal of the event who was also a contestant in the recently held Mayoral elections.

While presenting the Award, Mr. Charles Stamps, President and CEO of MLK Events-Midtown Houston,in his address to FIS Board members on December 5th.at Hamni Bank, stated that he was amazed to see Mahatma Gandhi’s early work and influence in South Africa during his recent visit to that country. He said the MLK Grande Parade contributes about $36 million to Houston’s economy.

By participating in the Annual MLK Parades, Foundation for India Studies (FIS) seeks to connect the Indian community with main street America at the grass roots level since Martin Luther King Jr. had followed principles of Non-Violence cham-

pioned by India's icon, Mahatma Gandhi.

“IT TAKES A VILLAGE” is the theme of 2016 MLK Grande Parade which will take place in downtown on January 18, 2016, which is a declared public holiday to observe Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday.

The parade will originate at San Jacinto street and Elgin Street and starts at 10.00AM. More details are available on website: http://www. mlkgrandeparade.org/.

All are welcome to join in the parade. Please contact the Event Chair, Raghavender Nednur 713927-8126 / email: raghu4asie@ gmail.com. The first 50 participants reaching the venue will receive FREE T-shirts sponsored by METLIFE Insurance Co.

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24 December 18, 2015

SUDOKU

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

PUZZLES/RECIPES

Mama’s Punjabi Recipes

Lima Bean Di Kurri (Lima Bean Curry)

Send us the correct answer before December 22, 2015.

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

Win free tickets for Shen Yun. See page 30

(for first three entrees only & 1 submission per month).

Solution Next Week

India is truly a vegetarian’s delight,

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L��� W���’� SUDOKU W������ 1) Abhimanyu Kohli 2) Meena Ishwar 3) Rimsha Kapoor

Solve Sudoku and Win Free Tickets

as you never have to search the menu at a restaurant for something meatless to order. Thanks to warm weather, in India you can find most types of tropical vegetables and fruits that are common all across Asia, except for a few items like the interesting looking dragon fruit, green bok choy or foul smelling but sweet durian. To this you could add the simple lima bean, which I have seldom seen in markets in North India.

Lima beans are commonly found in the US where they are also called butter beans, for their starchy yet buttery texture, and come in small and large sizes. They are another vegetable that came from the New World – like tomatoes and corn – and have their origin in the Andes of South America.

The broad, large beans came from the north of Peru and so are called ‘Lima Beans” after the capital.

Lima beans are a high source of dietary fiber and are a virtually fat-free source of high-quality protein. They contain soluble fiber which helps regulate blood sugar level so that it does not rise too rapidly after eating the beans, and lowers cholesterol. Lima beans also contain insoluble fiber which aids in the digestive process and preventing constipation. They also contain folate and magnesium which help reduce heart problems.

I had no idea that lima beans were so beneficial and when I made a curry with them, I was surprised that they also taste good. You can easily find frozen bags of lima beans in grocery stores and so the basic curry recipe is quick and easy to make. Don’t confuse the large lima beans with fava beans which have a hard skin and are eaten either roasted or cooked in a sauce. Just make sure that the consistency of the turri should not be too thick and especially not thin like water.

Ingredients : 1 small bag lima beans (large or

small size; frozen- do not thaw) 2 medium piyaaz (onion) – peeled and finely chopped 1 tbsp tamater paste (tomato paste) 2 cloves of lasan (garlic) – peeled and finely chopped 1 tablespoon adrak (ginger) – peeled and finely chopped 2 tablespoons of vegetable or olive oil 2 cups of water Spices (to taste): namak (salt), mirch (red pepper), haldi (turmeric), dhania (coriander), garam masala Directions: 1. In a medium saucepan prepare the masala in a medium frying pan.

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat, then add the onions, ginger, garlic and tomato paste. Stir well to make sure it doesn’t stick to the bottom. When the mixture is slightly brown, add the haldi and red pepper to bring out the color; add the rest of the spices and stir well.

2. Pour the frozen lima beans out of the bag and into the masala and stir

fry for 5 minutes.

3. When the beans look slightly roasted, add two cups of warm water and cover the pot and bring the curry to a boil for 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and cook for five minutes.

Do not overcook the beans as they need to be solid, not smashed.

4. Before serving, sprinkle with garam masala. The dish is ready to eat, usually with roti, rice or any variety of bread.

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.

MAMA’S TIP OF THE WEEK ADD MILK, NOT WATER, TO THIN OUT DAHIN (YOGURT)

Most Indian meals, at least for large gatherings and parties, have a side dish of raita, which is just thinned down dahin (yogurt) with some additional condiments like piyaaz (onions), tamater (tomatoes), pudina (mint) or boondi (fried chickpea flour drops), with some spices. Raita can help cut down the effect of over spiced dishes and also aids in digestion.

But the process of making raita requires a little consideration for what the final consistency and taste should be. If you add water – especially cold water – the raita will become watery and will separate after a little while, the water rising to the top. It is better to use some milk to thin out the yogurt: it adds more flavor and doesn’t separate out so easily.

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2015 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

December 18, 2015

ENTERTAINMENT:REVIEWS/NEWS ENTERTAINMENT:REVIEWS/NEWS Wonderful: Farhan Akhtar on Recording ‘Atrangi Yaari’ with Amitabh Bachchan

25

Asking Rekha About Amitabh Bachchan was Easy

Salman Khan to Get a Bride from Deepika on 50th Birthday

When asked Simi Garewal if quizzing Rekha about Amitabh Bachchan was difficult?, Simi said, "It was easy asking her the question about Amitabh."

NEW DELHI: What do you get MUMBAI: Actor-filmmaker Far-

han Akhtar says it was a “wonderful” experience recording a duet titled “Atrangi Yaari” hinging on the bond of friendship with his “Wazir” co-star Amitabh Bachchan.

Farhan along with Big B recorded the track about unusual friendships here last week.

It is the first time that the Bollywood stars, known for musical prowess as well, have given their voice for a song together. The track has been composed by Rochak Kohli and penned by Gurpreet Saini and Deepak Ramola.

“Performing a song for such a film (‘Wazir’), with such wonderful people… which has been composed beautifully by Rochak has been fun and it feels wonderful,” Farhan said in a statement.

In some of the photographs that were shared by Amitabh last week, the duo can be seen having fun while recording the track. Farhan is also seen holding a guitar while singing.

“Atrangi yaari”, which forms the

crux of the Bejoy Nambiar directorial, depicts the unusual friendship between the characters played by Amitabh and Farhan.

Explaining the origin of the song, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, who has produced the film, shared that “I was searching for a song since the last six months. I heard around 100 to 200 songs and I had almost given up before I came across this song.”

Big B flew down from Kolkata to record the song. He said: “I was shooting in Kolkata at night, he (Chopra) called me and said this is the song, you have to sing it, we have to shoot this and this has to happen very soon.

So, here I am.”

“Wazir” will present Farhan as an ATS officer, while Big B will be seen essaying the role of a physically disabled man with a sharp brain. Aditi Rao Hydari will be seen as Farhan’s love interest.

The film will release on January 8 next year.

-IndianExpress

a Bollywood superstar who has everything? Salman Khan is soon going to turn 50 and his friends and well wishers must be pondering over the question.

However, it is Bajirao Mastani star Deepika Padukone who has come up with the right answer.

While interacting with media recently, she was asked what would she like to gift Salman and Deepika had her answer ready, “I would like to gift him a bride.”

The Bajrangi Bhaijaan star’s legal cases were reportedly the reason behind him not getting married. Now that the 2002 hit-and-run case has gone in his favour, there is speculation that we may see him tie the knot soon.Salman and Deepika are probably among the biggest stars in Bollywood right now and both have had a super 2015. While Salman’s Bajrangi Bhaijaan and Prem Ratan Dhan Payo are both blockbusters, Deepika has tasted success with Piku and Tamasha, and is awaiting the release of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Bajirao Mastani opposite Ranveer Singh -HindustanTimes

M

UMBAI: Simi Garewal was well-known for getting B-town celebs to talk and divulge things about their personal lives hitherto spoken about on her chat show, Rendezvous with Simi Garewal. One such celebrity who Simi got to open up on her show was her good friend Rekha. Her question to Rekha about Amitabh Bachchan and if she ever loved him became much talked about in tinsel town. Rekha was also quite forthcoming in her response.

Today when Rekha was announced as the winner of the third National Yash Chopra memorial award, we asked Simi if quizzing the diva about Amitabh was difficult?

Without batting an eyelid, Simi said, “It was easy asking her the

question about Amitabh. If I can ask Jayalalitha if she was ever loved MGR, asking Rekha about Amitabh was much easier. A lot of people ask me how I got her to open up. I didn’t know if I did anything special. I don’t want to analyse it. I just chatted as good friends. Rekha and I go back a long way.”

When asked if it was unfortunate Amitabh and Rekha never worked together again, Simi said, “After all that controversy, I don’t think it was an easy thing to happen. He is a married man with children and grand children. So much hungama happened that we couldn’t expect that to happen again but I do agree they make a lovely pair onscreen.”

-IndianExpress

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STOCKS • FINANCE • SOUTH ASIAN MARKETS • TECHNOLOGY

Cairn India to Roll out Largest Enhanced Oil Recovery Plan As part of the plan, Cairn India will complete 100 exploration and appraisal wells and 350 development wells in 2016

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EW DELHI: Cairn India Ltd is set to launch the world’s largest enhanced oil recovery programme, investing about $760 million in the site where its first oil was discovered

in the Thar desert of Rajasthan.

As part of the plan, the company will complete 100 exploration and appraisal wells and 350 development wells in 2016, Cairn India chief

executive Mayank Ashar told PTI. The enhanced oil recovery (EOR) spending spans over Mangala and Bhagyam oil fields in the Rajasthan block to help arrest the natural decline and maintain production.

Almost two decades ago, the company struck success in its 14th attempt, discovering Mangala oil field.

Since then, exploration success has meant Rajasthan today accounts for about 23% of India’s domestic crude production. Oil production from the block started in 2009 and crossed a cumulative production of 300 million barrels of oil equivalent (mmboe) in the second quarter of 2015.

“Leveraging the latest technologies has been the prime mover behind Cairn being able to unlock the poten-

tial of the Rajasthan block. Enhanced oil recovery (EOR) is one of these,” Ashar said. EOR through polymer flooding is used for improving oil recovery—particularly in older and declining oil wells and reservoirs The addition of polymers to water allows a better displacement of oil and improves the recovery factor.

The successful polymer flood pilot in Mangala has produced incremental oil of nearly 11% in the pilot, he said. “The injection ramp-up plan is on track and the impact of polymer injection on production has been seen, quite in line with the company’s expectations,” he said.

Current polymer injection rates and production performance have reduced the risks significantly, from

both the perspective of surface facilities and reservoir. Similarly at the Bhagyam EOR, the Front End Engineering Design contract has been awarded and is at an advanced stage. Tendering for rig, drilling and completion long lead items has also started while field development plan (FDP) approval is awaited from the joint venture partner, ONGC. “An additional recovery of 40-50 million barrels of unswept oil still in-ground at the Bhagyam field is expected. The company estimates a capital cost for the Bhagyam EOR project at USD 260 million, resulting in a development cost of USD 5-6 per barrel,” he said.

-Livemint.com

India Behind Just Korea, Taiwan in FII Outflows as Fed Rate Hike Looms

BY IRA DUGAL AND RAVINDRA SONAVANE

MUMBAI: Foreign institutional

investors (FIIs) have been aggressively selling their emerging market (EM) holdings on expectations the US Federal Reserve will increase interest rates at its meeting this week, and India is among top three EMs seeing maximum selling.

Since October-end, when FIIs started paring EM investments, South Korea, Taiwan and India have seen the largest outflows, data from Bloomberg shows.

Since 1 November, FIIs have sold over $3 billion in the South Korean markets and just under $2 billion in Taiwan. India follows the two nations with outflows of over $1.6 billion.

Over this period, South Korea’s

benchmark Kospi index fell 4%, Taiwan’s Stock Exchange Capitalization Weighted Index is down 5% and India’s benchmark Sensex has dropped 6%.

FIIs have been net sellers of Indian equities in 24 of the 26 sessions since 30 October, data show. The selling pressure, however, is not entirely India-specific and ties in to outflows from EM funds due to their poor performance.

“The outflows from EMs (EM funds, in other words) reflect the poor performance of the EM markets over the past few years now. The MSCI EM Index is down 30% in US dollar terms over the past five years while the MSCI World (developed market) Index is up 30% over the same period,” said Sanjeev Prasad, senior executive director and co-head of Kotak Institutional Equities, adding that sharp currency depreciation in

some of these economies has been partly responsible for the weak performance of the markets.

“India is already overweight in the portfolios of FIIs. Thus, any outflow from EM funds leads to outflows from India too,” said Prasad.

India-dedicated funds saw redemptions of $0.5 billion in November, according to an 8 December fund tracker report from Kotak Institutional Equities. The total listed fund outflows from India amounted to $0.8 billion in November, it said.

Samir Arora, founder and fund manager at Helios Capital, attributed the higher selling in select markets to their size. “These outflows may be higher because these would be the biggest markets in the region (ex China),” said Arora.

In a 1 December report, the Institute of International Finance, a global association of financial institutions,

estimated that EMs have seen net non-resident portfolio outflows of $3.5 billion in November, marking the fourth month of outflows during the last five months. They attributed this selling to the rising prospects of a Fed rate lift-off in December and an “upward shift” in the expected path of Fed tightening.

Most economists now believe that the Fed will raise rates at its 15-16 December meeting, but views differ on how steep the rate hike trajectory would be. Goldman Sachs, in its outlook report released last week, predicts a rate hike by 100 basis points in 2016. One basis point is onehundredth of a percentage point.

The Fed’s own communication suggests that rates would remain low for an extended period of time even after the lift-off.

The impending Fed rate hike may not be the only reason for the EM sell-

off. Oil prices may have something to do with it too. While lower oil prices are good for importing economies like India, a second-round impact of low prices comes in the form of outflows of sovereign wealth funds of the Middle East. These once cash-rich funds are now seeing pressure due to lower earning from oil sales and are liquidating some of their holdings across asset markets.

“The FII selling is just a reflection of redemption pressure on EM funds. Partly because of the changing fundamentals of some of these EMs (Brazil, South Africa, Turkey, Russia are going through acute demand destruction through currency devaluation to adjust for the losses from lower prices of commodities that they export).

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2015 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

-Livemint.com

28 December 18, 2015 IPL 2016: Pune Pick Dhoni, Rajkot Go for Raina

MUMBAI

(ESPN Cricinfo): MS Dhoni was the first pick for the new Pune franchise, owned

by New Rising, and his Chennai Super Kings team-mate Suresh Raina was the first player chosen

by Rajkot, owned by Intex, at the IPL player draft held in Mumbai.

The other four players chosen

by Pune were Ajinkya Rahane, R Ashwin, Steven Smith and Faf du Plessis. Rajkot’s other choices were: Ravindra Jadeja, Brendon McCullum, James Faulkner, Dwayne Bravo. Both franchises will lose INR 39 crore from their auction purse, and will have INR 27 crore to spend at the auction in Bangalore to make up the rest of their squad.

All the other Super Kings and Royals players not picked in the draft will go into the main player auction in February.

This player draft was necessary with the addition of two new teams for IPLs 2016 and 2017 to make up for the suspended Super Kings and Royals franchises. New Rising and Intex won ownership at the franchise auction earlier in

Suresh Raina (left) and M.S. Dhoni were team-mates in the Chennai Super Kings. Now they are in opposing teams in IPL 2016.

December, and Pune having made the most successful bid got the first pick in the draft today.

Order of players picked Pune: 1 MS Dhoni, 2 Ajinkya Rahane, 3 R Ashwin, 4 Steven

Smith, 5 Faf du Plessis Rajkot: 1 Suresh Raina, 2 Ravindra Jadeja, 3 Brendon McCullum, 4 James Faulkner, 5 Dwayne Bravo.

There were very little surprises

in terms of selection. Both teams went for Indian players and international heavyweights, although Shane Watson’s exclusion seemed notable considering there was a rush for batsmen and allrounders. Ashwin was the only specialist bowler picked by either team.

There were no fast bowlers chosen.

Fifty players went into the draft and the two franchises could pick anyone they wanted and ask for them. The first player set them back INR 12.5 crores ($1.86m), the next 9.5 crore ($1.42m), third Rs 7.5 crore ($1.12m). fourth Rs 5.5 crore ($0.82m) and the fifth Rs 4 crore ($0.60m).

These figures do not necessarily indicate the player’s full salary. It is only the amount deducted from Pune and Rajkot’s purse. All 10 men picked today will be paid the amount they were originally contracted for by the Super Kings or Royals.

Pune and Rajkot used up all of their allotment of five picks - seven players from Super Kings and three from Royals were chosen.

U19: Pant, Bowlers Hand India Third Win vs. England

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OLOMBO: India U-19s 261 (Pant 71, Rana 50) beat England U-19s 241 (Bartlett 70, Batham 3-24, Dagar 3-27) by 20 runs India sealed a 20-run win over England in Colombo, their third consecutive win of the triangular U-19s tournament guaranteeing them a place in the final.

After choosing to bat, captain Rishabh Pant led India’s batting effort with a brisk 71 at the start.

He put on a 113-run opening stand with Himanshu Rana, who also scored a fifty. Nos. 3 and 4 Ricky Bhui and Virat Singh then added a 52-run partnership after the openers were dismissed. India faltered in their death overs, as they were bowled out for 261 from the last ball of the innings, having been 209 for 4 after 40 overs.

Dan Lawrence gave a strong start to the England chase, smashing nine fours in his 51-ball 55.

George Bartlett and Max Holden

Rishabh Pant top-scored for India with 71.

added 63 for the sixth wicket after England lost three quick wickets in the middle overs.

England’s chase went downhill soon after Bartlett fell for 70 in the 44th over, as Rahul Batham and Mayank Dagar wrapped up England’s innings for 241, picking up three wickets apiece.

England have now lost three in a row at the competition and must hope for India to beat Sri Lanka in their next match to retain slim hopes of reaching the final.

Earlier, a century from Amandeep Khare laid the platform for India Under-19s to wrap up a fourrun D/L win over Sri Lanka Un-

der-19s at the Premadasa Stadium.

Khare, who came in to bat after a 77-run opening stand between Washington Sundar and Ishan Kishan, made 102 off 98 balls, with nine fours and a six.

He added 107 with Washington, who was out for 77, and a further 82 with Virat Singh (30) to take India to 266 for 2 with 3.1 overs remaining.

Sri Lanka struck back, taking five wickets and conceding only 18 runs off the last 19 balls of India’s innings to limit them to 284 for 7.

Set a revised target of 255 in 47 overs, Sri Lanka began well, with Avishka Fernando (75, 89b, 4x4) adding 60 for the first wicket with Salindu Ushan and 94 with Charith Asalanka (74, 86b, 7x4) for the second wicket.

When Fernando was run out in the 31st over, Sri Lanka needed 101 from 99 balls.

SPORTS

Bopanna Wins in Dubai, Awaits Sania’s Rio Choice

DUBAI: DUBAI: Rohan Bo-

panna won his singles as well as doubles match as Indian Aces extended their domination in the Indian Premier Tennis League (IPTL), winning the contest against Philippine Marvericks comfortably 30-17, here on Tuesday.

In a surprise move, Bopanna was fielded in the legends singles and he came out all gun blazing by blanking American James Blake 6-0.Agnieszka was her usual fighting self and she edged Ajla Tomlajanovic 6-4 to help Indian Aces consolidate their lead.

The defending champions changed their mixed doubles pairing as Sania Mirza combined with Ivan Dodig instead of Bopanna and they prevailed 6-4 against Edouard Roger-Vasselin and Jarmila Gajdosova.Bopanna came back to action for the men’s doubles with Dodig and they faced stiff resistance from Roger-Vasselin and Treat Huey before wining via shoot out. The Indian team won the shootout 7-2.

The defending champions had sealed the tie and the men’s singles was rendered inconsequential. But Bernard Tomic closed the contest for the Indian team on a winning note with a 6-4 victory over bigserving Ivo Karlovic.

With less than a year to go for the Rio Olympics, the tennis contingent is waiting to see if Sania Mirza, now the world No. 1 in women’s doubles, gets her choice of mixed-doubles partner for the Games this time around.

In 2012, controversy erupted when Leander Paes threatened to pull out if he was not paired with Sania Mirza in the mixed doubles for the London Olympics. The developments had followed the All India Tennis Association’s decision to send two men’s doubles teams to the London Olympics, pairing Mahesh Bhupathi with Rohan Bopanna and Leander Paes with low-ranked Vishnu Vardhan.

The world No. 13 in men’s doubles, Rohan Bopanna, feels this time it should be Sania’s call to decide her mixed doubles partner. “Apart from Leander and me there is nobody who qualifies for the doubles.”

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2015 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

December 18, 2015

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Why Delhiites Must Make an ‘Odd-Even’ Rule Work

BY SANJOY NARAYAN

NEW DELHI: In ancient Rome, in

45 BC, Julius Caesar is said to have banned wheeled traffic in the city centre during the daytime because of traffic congestion, a diktat that was also imposed by Roman emperors in later years such as in the first century AD, when Hadrian put a limit on the number of vehicles that could enter Rome. In a fascinating book titled Traffic and Congestion in the Roman Empire, Cornelis van Tilburg, a researcher of ancient infrastructure, studies the traffic system of that era: road networks; toll points; and the different measures taken to regulate traffic. Traffic congestion in cities is not, therefore, a modern malaise; it has been there since ancient times. But JC and the emperors who succeeded him had it way easier than today’s administrators; given that vehicles in their time were animal-drawn, they may have had to tackle traffic jams but not pollution.

Today’s city administrators, as Delhi’s chief minister Arvind Kejriwal is realising, have it much tougher.

Growing urban traffic can result in

congestion but also, as Delhiites are discovering, alarming levels of pollution, which has adverse implications for the health of citizens. In winter, as a widely quoted IIT Kanpur study has found, 60% of the causes of poor air quality in Delhi is on account of vehicular emission and secondary particulates; in summer, it is 25%. Besides, in both seasons, waste burning, construction and road dust add considerably to pollution levels, which are on most days (measured by the concentration of suspended particulate matter of different dimensions) much higher than permissible

limits.

Kejriwal’s government has declared Delhi’s air quality situation as an emergency. (HT Photo) Mr Kejriwal’s government has declared Delhi’s air quality situation as an emergency: it will shut down coal ash-spewing thermal power plants on Delhi’s fringe; it will crack down on the practice of burning garbage; and from next spring deploy powerful vacuum cleaners to rid Delhi’s roads of dust. But the most contentious of the proposals has been the decision to try and halve the number of cars that ply on Delhi’s roads by allow-

ing only those with odd-numbered licence plates on one day and evennumbered ones on the next. It’s a practice that has been followed by many cities around the world. Beijing tried it during the 2008 Olympics to reduce air pollution and again more recently but it has been prevalent in Latin American cities for decades. In Brazil’s São Paulo metropolitan area, where there are 6.2 million cars for a population of nearly 20 million, road space rationing has been in vogue since 1996. In comparison Delhi has a car population of around 2.8 million and according to a four-year-old census, a quarter of its workforce goes to work using private vehicles.

Much of the consternation that Mr Kejriwal’s proposal to ration road space has given rise to is on account of the fact that Delhi’s public transport system is either messy, inadequate or both. The city’s Metro network is used by 2.6 million commuters daily but during peak hours the 220 trains that run come up short, resulting in over-crowding and long waits; and although 3.5 million people commute by bus, the 4,500-strong fleet needs to be more than doubled to match demand. The other issue raised about

the ‘odd-even’ proposal is how it will be enforced in a city-state where the track record of motorists obeying traffic rules isn’t exemplary.

The good news is that there are plans to augment the number of trains on the six metro lines and add more coaches to trains; and Mr Kejriwal’s government says it will buy 5,000 new buses. But it’s the second issue that needs more attention. The only way the road space rationing system will work is if Delhiites allow it to.

That can happen if instead of trying to hoodwink the law and find ‘jugaad’ solutions, communities think positively. Offices could stagger their staff’s work timings so that fewer cars ply in any given time band; or operate small feeder services to and from metro stations; and reward employees who car pool or take public transport. You can think of a dozen more ways to make it work.

Tilburg’s book on Rome’s traffic also mentions how some of the measures to de-congest the ancient city failed — because of disinterest of politicians and citizens. Let’s hope that’s not repeated in Delhi centuries later.

-HindustanTimes

Tamil Nadu Seeks Rs 4,500 Crore from Urban Development Ministry Govt seeks special package of Rs. 4,500 crore to take up restoration work in the urban local bodies severely affected due to last week’s torrential rains

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HENNAI: The Tamil Nadu government has asked the urban development ministry to provide a special package of Rs.4,500 crore to take up restoration work in the urban local bodies severely affected due to last week’s torrential rains.

Union urban development minister M. Venkaiah Naidu, who is on a two-day visit to Chennai to get a first hand account on the impact of floods, called on chief minister J. Jayalalithaa at the Secretariat in Chennai. Jayalalithaa drew his atten-

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tion on the extensive damage caused to roads, drinking water, sewerage and storm water drainage systems in flood-affected urban local bodies, an official release said.

“The urban local bodies, including Chennai Corporation would require substantial assistance for restoration. Preliminary estimates of the requirement exceed Rs 4,500 crore”, Jayalalithaa was quoted as saying in the release. Observing that the local bodies cannot rely on “own source of tax revenue” for taking up restoration work, she urged Naidu to grant a Rs.4,500 crore special package of assistance.

Jayalalithaa pointed out that the slum dwellers living on the city’s waterways in Adyar, Cooum, Buck-

ingham Canal have lost homes and belongings in the floods. “They are all currently housed in relief centres.

Chief Minister emphasised that rehabilitating the slum dwellers is the highest priority of the government”, the release said.

Jayalalithaa said a special project to construct alternative housing for the 50,000 families who lost their houses, was being prepared that require a funding of Rs.5,000 crore. She requested the ministry of housing and urban poverty alleviation to provide financial assistance by way of special grant for the “massive” housing project as a special scheme considering the magnitude of the devastation.

For those families that have lost huts due to heavy rainfall, Jayalail-

thaa requested Naidu a special package of Rs.750 crore for construction of 50,000 tenements under the Central government’s ‘Housing for All’ scheme. The chief minister requested Naidu for speedy approval of the Rs.3,770 crore Metrorail Phase-I project running from Washernment to Thiruvottiyur.

Naidu in his response said the project was approved by the ministry of urban development and has been sent to Public Investment Board in the finance ministry seeking its “clearance”. He assured all support from the Centre to the people of Chennai in this need of hour.

-Livemint.com

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