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Friday, September 21 2012 | Vol. 31, No. 38

Indo American erican News

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

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Happy Ganesh Chaturthi

Fundraiser for Judge Ravi Sandill’s Re-election Campaign

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See details on page 23

Ganapati Bappa Morya!!

It’s here – the festival of celebrations, the festival of prosperity, the festival of faith and belief – it’s the festival of Lord Ganesha. He is there at your home. He is there on your car dashboard. He is there in your purse or wallet. He is there in your mind – protecting you, nurturing you, blessing you.

For details about the Ganeshotsav celebrations in Houston, See page 8 and 12

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September 21, 2012

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COMMUNITY

September 21, 2012

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Ram Leela 2012: “The Journey of Lord Rama” by IACH Foundation

HOUSTON: Houstonians are in for a double treat this year as preparations are in full swing for another Ram Leela to be performed on Saturday, November 3 at the University of Houston’s Cullen Performance Hall from 6 to 9pm.

The victory of good over evil is a universal truth and one of the best depictions of this truth can be found in Sage Valmiki’s Ramayana. This is not just the story of Lord Rama’s rescue of Sita from the clutches of the demon king Ravana but is a telling saga of filial devotion, courage, loyalty and sacrifice. Bringing this story to life for Houstonians and devotees of Lord Rama is Kusum Sharma’s Shri Natraj School of Dance and the Indian American Culture & Heritage Foundation (IACHF).

Kusum Sharma has several notable achievements to her credit and needs no introduction. As Director of the Shri Natraj School of Dance, she is an acclaimed dancer and teacher and has also presented many cultural and dance shows for the past 15 years. She has also been the creative muse of the Ram Leela production since 2005 which gradually evolved into a Broadway-style theatrical play when it was staged in 2010. An overwhelming response from the community encouraged Kusum Sharma to invest the show with several special effects such as the “Flying Hanuman” and pyro displays in the 2011 production.

Joining hands this year with Kusum Sharma to produce the Ram Leela is IACHF, a nonprofit organization co-founded by Sachin Sharma, Sukhi Kohli and Vipin Sharma. The aim of this organiza-

tion is to promote India’s rich cultural heritage and keep it alive and interesting for the younger generation. The complete involvement and participation of these three in the previous two Ram Leela’s has given these directors a wealth of

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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experience on stage as well as behind the scenes in understanding the complexities of the script and its perfect execution.

Taking their cues from Kusum Sharma is a cast of over a 100 volunteers. Most of the main characters remain unchanged from the last two years, with the role of Sita being portrayed by Kusum Sharma herself, Vipin Sharma as Shri Ram, Sachin Sharma as Lakshman and Arun Kumar as the arrogant Ravana. The directors, the cast, and behind the scenes staff of Arun

Kumar, Dhaval Mistry and Ketan Mistry of Mandap Creations are working tirelessly to create dazzling props. Rehearsals are feverishly underway at the Shri Radha Krishna temple every weekend.

So what’s new in this year’s enactment of the Ram Leela? The directors say that apart from the “Flying Hanuman” and the pyro display, there will be other awe inspiring dramatics that will thrill and entertain the audience. Masala Radio host Sunil Thakkar will emcee the program with his usual lively commentary and witty humor.

Putting together a show of this magnitude is no small task but supporting it whole heartedly as Grand Sponsors are several community stalwarts, such as Jugal Malani, Tilak Agarwal and Subhash Gupta, organizations like the Hindus of Greater Houston, Shri Radha Krishna Temple and an anonymous sponsor.

The tickets are priced at $10, $20, $30 and $50 and include a box dinner, courtesy of Madras Pavilion. A 10% discount is also being offered if the tickets are purchased

this month. Tickets are available at Parivar Grocers on Hillcroft; Bombay Grocers in Katy; Raj Grocers in Clearlake; Alings Hakka Chinese in Sugarland and Himalayan Grocers in northwest Houston For more information, visit www. shrinatraj.com or www.iachf.org.

CG P. Harish’s Message on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi On the joyous occasion of Vinayaka Chaturthi, I offer my heartiest greetings and good wishes to the Indian Community of Texas and eight other states of USA served by the Consulate General of India, Houston.

Ganesh Chaturthi marks the celebration of birthday of Lord Ganesha, who is widely worshipped as the God of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune and traditionally invoked for the auspicious beginning of any new venture.

May the festival usher in joy, peace and prosperity to all.

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2012 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

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September 21, 2012

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RELIGION

September 21, 2012

w w w. d i n o d i a . c o m

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Tidbits About Ganesha

Ganesha Chaturthi Ganesha Chaturthi Honoring the Lord of Beginnings

Honoring the Lord of Beginnings

Ganesha Chaturthi

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clay image of Ganesha that the family makes or obtains. At uring Ganesha Chaturthi, a ten-day festival in Hindu temples in parade, te puja elabora ber,end /Septem August in the of ten days, ceremo Hindusnies join are in aheld grand called August/September, elaborate puja ceremonies are festival ten-day a hi, Chaturt a Ganesh During shrines, home of s million In es.

Obstacl of Lord t-faced elephan lent, a, the held in Hindu temples around thebenevo world honoring visarjana in Sanskrit, to a river, temple tank, lake or seaHonoring the Lord of Beginnings g Ganesh honorin world the around join days, Hindus end of tenimmersed, . Atis the obtains or His makes that the family shore, where image ceremonially symGanesha, the offered benevolent, Lord ofaObstacles. clay image of Ganesh to a elephant-faced is also worship nially ceremo is image His where e, seashor or tank, lake to a river, a in Sanskri Ganesha’s merging into universal consciousness. millions of home shrines, worship is alsot,offered to atemplebolizing visarjan called parade, in aIngrand clay image of Ganesha thata’s themerging family makes or obtains.

Atal consciousness. uring Ganesha Chaturthi, a ten-day festival in ed, symbol univers into Ganesh izing immers

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Perennially happy, playful, unperturbed and thisAugustSeptember. is essentially birthday rotund Deity removesItobstacles to goodaendeavand obstructsGanesha’s negative ventures, guiding and wise, this rotund Deity removes obstacles to orscelebrating divinethus appearance.

Who is Ganesha? protecting thepeople lives ofdo devotees.

He is the patron of good endeavors andhappy, obstructs negative What do on Ganesha Chaturthi?

Perennially playful, unperturbed and wise, art and science, the God inhabiting all entryways, the this rotund Deity removes obstacles to good endeavventures,orsthus guiding and protecting gatekeeper Devotees oftenall fashion purchase who blesses beginnings.orWhen initiat- a and obstructs negative ventures, thus guiding and the lives of the devotees.

HeHeisis the thepatron statue out of unbaked Many protecting lives of devotees. of ingGanesha anything—whether learning, business,clay. weddings, art and science, the God inhabiting all entryways, the patron of art and science, the travel, sculpt Him of a special mixture building andout more—Hindus seek His grace for of gatekeeper who blesses all beginnings. When initiatsuccess.

He is undoubtedly most endearing, poping anything—whether learning, business, weddings, God inhabiting all entryways, turmeric, sandalwoodthepaste, cow dung, soil travel, building and more—Hindus seek His grace forand widely worshiped of all the Hindu Deities. ular the gatekeeper who blesses all from an anthill and palm sugar.

The Deity success. He is undoubtedly the most endearing, popGanesha Chaturthi (also called Vinayaka Chaturthi) ular and widely worshiped all the Hindu Deities. beginnings.

Whenofinitiating image is placed in the home shrine amongst falls on the fourth day in the waxing fortnight of Ganesha Chaturthi (also called Vinayaka Chaturthi) anything—whether ecorations. riteHindu of worship falls on the fourth day in thelearning, waxing fortnight of thetraditional month of Bhadrapada in the A sacred lunar the month of Bhadrapada in the sacred Hindu lunar business, weddings,travel, and prayer, called puja, is conducted daily, calendar, which translates to a certain day in Augustcalendar, which translates to a certain day in AugustSeptember. is essentially birthday celebrating Gabuilding more—Hindus invokingIt the energiesaof the Deity and inviting September. Itand is essentially a birthday celebrating Ganesha’s appearance. appearance. seek Hisdivine grace for success. He is nesha’s Himdivine to reside in the clay image. Mantras are undoubtedly the most endearing, chanted and offerings are made throughout What do people do on Ganesha Chaturthi?

Devotees often fashion or purchase a Ganesha What statue do people do on Ganesha Chaturthi? popularout and widely worshiped of all the puja, incense,lighted lamps, of unbaked clay. Many sculpt Him out of a special Devotees oftenincluding fashion or purchase a Ganesha statue of turmeric, sandalwood paste, cowout dung, the Hindumixture Deities.

Ganesha Chaturthi cooked food fruits, grass, of unbaked clay.(naivedya), Many sculpt Him outdurva of a special soil from an anthill and palm sugar. The Deity image (also called Vinayaka Chaturthi) falls on mixture tulasiofand pomegranate leaves—and owers, turmeric, sandalwood paste, cowfldung, from an anthill palm sugar.

The Deityaimage the fourth day in the waxing fortnight of the soilespecially red and ones.

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the end of ten days, Hindus join in a grand parade, called August/September, elaborate puja ceremonies are held in Hindu temples around the world honoring visarjana in Sanskrit, to a river, temple tank, lake or seaWho is Ganesha?

Ganesha, the benevolent, elephant-faced Lord of Obstacles. shore, where His image is ceremonially immersed, symWho bolizing is Ganesha? calendar,happy, whichplayful, translates to a certain day in Perennially unperturbed and wise, Ganesha’s merging into universal consciousness.

In millions of home shrines, worship is also offered to a

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•Where is this festival most popular?

Nowhere is Ganesha Chaturthi observed with more creativity and enthusiasm than in Mumbai, India. The city virtually shuts own as millions of Hindus celebrate.

•Why is He Ganesha worshiped first?

Lord Brahma declared that any worship conducted without seeking Ganesha’s blessings would be fruitless.

He is considered a loving, playful, protective Deity whose blessings would grace any endeavor. He is therefore ceremonially invoked before weddings, housewarmings, taking an important exam, starting a new business and other important events.

• What is His mystical work?

Lord Ganesha s the God Hindus pray to when changes occur in their lives as they move rom old established patterns into new ones. He is always there to steady the minds of devotees and open the proper doors as they evolve and progress.

•What makes Him distinctive?

Aside from His unique and endearing elephant head, Ganesha carries an elephant goad to prod us along the right path. He holds a noose to lasso foes of dharma and to draw devotees close when they venture off the spiritual path. His mount is a mouse. His big belly is said to contain the fullness of the cosmos. In His hand is a modaka, fruit or other sweet, symbolic of enlightened attainments.

for a formal departure (visarjana). Often entire communities, from dozens to tens of thousands of devotees, gather each year for this fi nal day of ceremony. The icons are carried on an ornate metal tray—larger images are borne on a palanquin by several strong men—to a lake, a river or the sea. There Ganesha is consigned to the water after removing non-degradable paraphernalia.

What foods are off ered?

Sumptuous foods are specially prepared for Ganesha, keeping in mind His elephantine nature and prodigious appetite. People offer several varieties of fruits such as mangos, bananas and sugarcane. Sweets are the elephant-headed Deity’s delight, so to express their love families take great pains to make special tasty treats. Each family has its recipes.

a p r i l / m ay / j u n e , 2 0 1 0

Modaka Sweets These rich, deep fried, fl uffy, sweet dollops are the Mangalorean equivalent of the Tamil kollukattai. It is the all-time favorite of Lord Ganesha, who is described as Modaka Hasta, one with the modaka in His hand.

Preparation time: 10 minutes.

Cooking time: 30 minutes Makes 20 pieces Cooking equipment: A wok or deep saucepan,

a perforated ladle, a lined colander to drain excess oil, a mixing bowl and serving plate.

Ingredients 4 cups thin beaten rice (poha); 1 cup semolina (rava) fl our, 1 cup rice fl our, 1 cup slightly over-ripe bananas, mashed, 1 cup powdered jaggery (or brown sugar), 1/8 tsp salt oil to deep fry

Method 1. Mix all the ingredients together except the oil.

2. Add a little water and knead the mixture gently into a thick paste.

3. Heat the oil in the wok.

4. Drop tablespoonfuls of the batter into moderately hot oil and fry till rich brown.

Drain and cool, then enjoy!

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September 21, 2012 Rahul Reddy

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Ganapati Bappa Morya!

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GANESHOTSAV 2012 Date: SEPTEMBER 29TH, 2012 Venue: Shri Meenakshi Temple, Pearland, TX Samuhik Pooja: 1 – 3 pm Ganapati Procession: 3:45 – 4 pm Entertainment (Music, Dance, Lezim): 4 – 6 pm Atharvashirsha, Arati and Darshan: 6 - 7 pm Dinner: 7 pm onwards

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COMMUNITY

September 21, 2012

HMM to Celebrate Ganeshotsav on September 29 HOUSTON: Houston Maharashtra Mandal (HMM) is a Houston based non-profit organization established in 1976 to benefit the people of Maharashtrian heritage.

HMM works to promote goodwill, understanding and appreciation of Maharashtrian culture and provides a platform for the local community to pursue artistic endeavors for expression of ideas, values and entertainment. Houston Maharashtra Mandal will be celebrating the annual Ganapati Festival called,” Ganeshotsav” on September 29 at Meenakshi Temple in Pearland.

Traditional stories tell that Lord Ganesha was created by goddess Parvati out of

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sandalwood paste that she used for her bath and breathed life into the figure. She then set him to stand guard at her door while she bathed. Lord Shiva returned and, as Ganesha didn’t know him, he didn’t allow him to enter. Lord Shiva became enraged, severed the head of the child and entered his house.

After realizing that he had beheaded his own son, Lord Shiva placed the head of an elephant in place of Ganesha’s head. This is why Lord Ganesha is portrayed as the elephant-headed God. His festival is observed in the Hindu calendar month of Bhaadrapada, and typically lasts ten days.

It is not known when and how Ganeshotsav was first celebrated. We know it was being celebrated as a public event in Pune since the times of Raja Shivaji in 1600s.

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The Peshwas, encouraged the same celebrations in their administrative seat in Pune till early 1800s. With the fall of the Peshwas, Ganeshotsav lost state patronage and became a private family celebration till its revival by Indian freedom fighter and social reformer Lokmanya Tilak in the early 1900s.

Tilak transformed the annual domestic festival into a large, well-organized public event. Tilak recognized the wide appeal of the deity Ganesha as “the God for everybody”, and popularized Ganeshotsav “to bridge the gap between Brahmins and ‘non-Brahmins’, to find a context in which to build a new grassroots unity between them”, and to generate nationalistic fervor among people in Maharashtra against the British colonial rule. Tilak was the first to install large public images of Ganesh in pavilions.

The festival facilitated community participation and involvement in the form of intellectual discourses, poetry recitals, performances of plays, musical concerts, and folk dances. It served as a meeting ground for people of all castes and communities in times when, in order to exercise control over the population, the British discouraged social and political gatherings.

Following this tradition, the local Maharashtrian community in Houston also celebrates an abbreviated one day version of Ganeshotsav. This year, the annual Ganeshotsav will be celebrated on September 29 at Shri Meenakshi temple. There will be group worship, procession with familiar cheers of “Ganapati Bappa Morya”, an entertainment program including the lost traditional art of Lezim, and a musical presentation based on Ganapati, by a group of artists from Austin, followed by a delicious traditional dinner.

To purchase tickets, visit hmmhouston. org RSVP by September 25 to qualify for a lower rate.

For more information, see HMM ad on page 6

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COMMUNITY

September 21, 2012

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Fundraiser for Judge Ravi Sandill’s Re-election Campaign

BY JAWAHAR MALHOTRA HOUSTON: The after-work crowd that came together on Thursday, September 13 at Roots restaurant in Montrose heard not only from the candidate they made financial contributions to support but also discovered a cozy place to eat that made delectable food.

They chowed down on eggplant and zucchini appetizers and slices of vegetarian pizza in the wine room of the restaurant which is known as much for its emphasis on organic food as for its urbane atmosphere.

Most didn’t know that the restaurant, Roots on 507 Westheimer, down the street from Katz’s, across from Indika and a stone’s throw from The Alliance Française and Pacifica Radio was owned by Ash Shah, better known for the other businesses that he owns and the causes he supports – like the R. K. Sandill Campaign - than for food.

“I got into this business about two years ago,” said Shah with a shy smile, “It was kind of a back-ofthe-napkin business proposition.”

But there was nothing shy about his endorsement – along with the other hosts for the evening Sanjay Ram, Susman Godfrey LLP, Sherly Thomas Philip, Nomaan Husain and Ashish Mahendru for the fundraiser for the re-election of Judge R.K. Sandill to the 127th Civil District Court in Harris County for another four year term. Sandill is the incumbent Democrat running against Republican challenger Russell Lloyd in the November 6

Judge Sandill with supporters at his re-election fundraiser on Thursday, September 13.

Judge Sandill with Roots restaurant owner Ash Shah and attorney Sherly Thomas Philip

General Election.

Sandill was elected in November 2008 and became the first South Asian to be elected county-wide, as well as the first South Asian to be elected to the District Court Bench in Texas. He won the 2008 election by receiving 554,882 votes or 50.50% to beat Republican Sharolyn Wood who received 543,959 votes or 49.50%.

Shah was brief and to the point in welcoming the guests, many from the law profession, to the fundraiser in which most of them already knew Sandill well. Ashish Mahendru, an attorney and who

had also competed unsuccessfully in 2008 for the seat of Judge of the 334th District Court spoke of his experience in presenting cases in Judge Sandill’s court. “I have been impressed at his total involvement, fairness and impartiality,” said Mahendru of the experience.

“He doesn’t brush aside cases,

and even though I have lost some cases in his court, I am impressed by his integrity.” Mahendru noted Sandill fortitude as a Cancer survivor and involvement in numerous cancer related charities around the Houston area.

Sandill offered up how he handled the cases that come before him, saying he understood the impact of his decisions on both parties and so was determined to be impartial

and judicious. He recalled how he grew up with his family, moving often for his Dad’s job in the US Air Force, from which he retired as Lt. Colonel after 28 years. He attributed his values to his Indian heritage and what he learnt from his family. Sandill reaffirmed his commitment, dedication and engagement with the diverse population base in Houston from which he derived much of his support.

Judge R. K. Sandill explains his style of handling cases that came to his court as Ash Shah (left) and Ashish Mahendru (right) look on.

Photos: Jawahar Malhotra

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Run For A Reason this Fall with Team Asha HOUSTON: According to the Wall Street Journal, for the first time ever, the number of runners crossing the marathon finish line annually in the U.S. passed the half-million mark in 2010. If you add half-marathons, 10Ks and 5Ks, you will then find that almost every third person you meet has run at least one of these distances – pretty incredible!

Fall marks the start of the official running season for Texas. Each Fall, thousands of Houstonians embark on a challenging journey that will see them logging long hours and training mileage, culminating with the Chevron Houston Marathon in January.

Almost 25,000 runners sign up annually for the Chevron Houston Marathon and Half-Marathon.

And for the last four years, several of these runners have trained hard, not only to conquer the challenge of completing a distance race, but also to raise funds and awareness, for the education of underprivileged children in India as part of Team Asha.

Asha for Education, established in 1991, is a global network of volunteers with a mission to catalyze socio-economic change in India through the education of underprivileged children. Asha for Education is a federally tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization. Since our inception in 1998, the Houston chapter of Asha for Education has supported several projects in India, providing basic education to numerous children from various regions, abilities and economic strata.

Funds are primarily raised through individual contributions and the Strides of Hope running program. The program which was initiated in 2009 in Houston has helped raised more than $50,000 for Asha’s projects. Participants of the program train to run a fullmarathon, half-marathon, or a 5K, with the support of the Strides of

For the 4th consecutive year, Asha Houston is one of the official charities of the Chevron Houston Marathon’s Run for a Reason Charity Program.

Hope crew. In return, participants tap their network of contacts and raise funds and awareness for the projects. Through the program, more than 100 runners, 70% of them first timers, have been able to reach new endurance levels and take on bigger challenges.

For the 4th consecutive year, Asha Houston is one of the official charities of the Chevron Houston Marathon’s Run for a Reason Charity Program. Founded in 1995, the program links thousands of runners with participating nonprofits and provides a platform for charities to raise awareness and funds as well as educate others about their cause.

In the program’s 18-year history, nearly 15 million dollars have been raised by runners and donors. In just 2011, with help from thousands of runners, fundraisers and donors, the Run for a Reason charity program set a new fundraising record, raising more than $2.3 million to benefit 57 charities.

With the open registration slots sold out for the race, interested runners have the unique option of participating via a charity slot.

Team Asha offers guaranteed entry

to the race via the “HERO” registration and “Fundraising for Registration” options. The “HERO” entry enables runners to make an up-front, direct donation, plus the cost of registration, to secure a spot in the race. The “Fundraising for Registration” program gives runners the opportunity to fundraise for Asha and receive a marathon or half marathon race entry in exchange.

Any company or business can also partner with the Run for a Reason Charity Program by becoming a Sidewalk Squad Corporate Charity Sponsor and help raise funds for Asha Houston.

Many runners have found their love for running by joining Team Asha. And many continue to return each year, not just to push themselves beyond their physical and mental limits, but also to truly make a difference to the life of a child.

Team Asha is currently accepting participants and sponsors for its Fall program. To learn more, email houston@ashanet.org.

For more information about Asha Foundation, visit www.ashanet.org/houston.

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INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2012 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM Indo American News Fall 2012.indd 1

8/2/12 2:37 PM

COMMUNITY

September 21, 2012

Spirit Airlines Partners with Krisbi Travel for Promotional Giveaway

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It turned out to be a promotion that any company would like to have. Spirit Travel, the ultra-low cost airline was promoting their new service from Houston Bush Airport to Dallas-Ft. worth Airport twice a day starting Thursday, September 20. Barry Biffle, Ex-

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Marketing Officer was besides By the end of the lunch hour, a himself in delight at the crowd. happy Biffle and his team which “We planned to give away 1,000 included Misty Pinson, the Direcvouchers good for 20,000 bonus tor of Corporate Communications miles today at this site,” and others from Spirit’s local ofhe said as he busily fice had given away all 1,000 handed out vouchers to vouchers. The whole promotion the moving line, “which will give away 60,000,000 miles is where our partner of vouchers over the promotion in travel agency, Krisbi the Houston area.

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12 September 21, 2012

COMMUNITY

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s Ed ^hWWKZd z >> /E / E h>dhZ >͕ ^K / > E Z >/'/Kh^ KZ' E/ d/KE^ INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2012 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

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13

14 September 21, 2012

COMMUNITY

The Extraordinary Life and Times of Mahatma Gandhi

Born more than 130 years ago, the life and times of the man who would grow up to be universally known as The Mahatma, still resonates until today. Mohandas Gandhi, a loved and pampered son of very ordinary parents, had an ordinary childhood in Porbandar, on the coast of Kathiawad in the western state of Gujarat. He grew up to inspire legions of people globally by his fearless ideology that uprooted an empire, to bring freedom to the land of his birth. With his message of non-violence, he roused the nation - and the world - and earned the title of Great Soul.

For the next several weeks, Indo American News will bring you his life story, and of how he continues to be an inspiration to the world and mostly to millions of oppressed people everywhere.

Born on October 2, 1869, to Karamchand Gandhi and his wife Putlibai, Young Mohandas hailed from a family highly regarded for the moral ethics and strength of character. His grandfather, Uttamchand, belonged to a humble family of merchants, but rose in the ranks to become the Dewan of Porbander. His son Karamchand, who had very little education, succeeded him but was a fine administrator.

Putlibai, Karamchand Gandhi’s wife, was a deeply religious woman and strong-willed woman. She was widely respected for her wisdom and good sense. People often sought her advice on various matters. Mohandas was the youngest of the six children of Karamchand and Putlibai Gandhi. He was the favorite child of the family and was called Moniya by his parents and their friends. Moniya adored

A carefree and happy childhood in Porbandar

A young Gandhi in Porbandar

his mother. He loved his father too, but he was a little afraid of him. As a child, Moniya seldom liked to stay at home. He would go home for his meals and then run away again to play outside. Moniya was just seven years old when his father left Porbandar to become the Dewan of Rajkot, taking the family along. At Rajkot he was sent to a primary school. He was shy and did not mix easily with the other children. Every morning he went to school in time, and ran back home as soon as school was over.

His books were his sole companions and he spent all his free time alone reading.

He had one friend, however; a boy named Uka. Uka was a sweeper boy and an untouchable.

One day Moniya was given some sweets. He ran at once to Uka to share them with him. But Uka told Moniya not to go near him as he was an untouchable. It was the first time that Mohandas encountered India’s cataclysmic social divide.

Stunned by the revelation that in India one was identified by one’s caste, he took hold of Uka’s hands and filled them with sweets. His mother, watching from a window, ordered Moniya in the house. She told him that high caste Hindus did

not touch “untouchables”. When her son questioned her, she responded that Hindu customs forbid it. When Moniya disagreed, his mother had no answer but was angry with him.

Karamchand Gandhi loved all his sons, but he was especially fond of the youngest. He often advised him to study well and take up a profession. Moniya worked hard, and did his lessons carefully.

But he did not enjoy memorizing and was therefore weak in SanThe Extraordinary Life and Times of Mahatma Gandhi is brought to you courtesy Mahatma Gandhi Library. www.gandhilibrary.org

skrit. Geometry was his favorite subject because it involved reasoning.

Moniya had a friend named Sheikh. He was tall and strong.

Sheik was a meat-eater and he often told Mohandas that if he ate meat he would also grow tall and strong. There was also at that time a reform movement for a change in the orthodox beliefs and practices of Hindus. Mohandas himself had heard that many well todo people had started eating meat, so he, too, tried meat. He did not like the taste of meat but as time went on, he started to like meat curries. Whenever Mohandas had a meat meal outside, he had to give his mother some excuse for not eating his dinner. He knew that his parents would not forgive him.

This feeling was gnawing at his heart and finally he decided not to touch meat again. Mohandas had also taken to smoking with Sheik,

his brother, and another relative.

He had to pilfer small amounts of money to buy cigarettes.

One day, in order to pay off a debt which his brother had incurred, Mohandas stole a piece of gold jewelry. Stealing was a great sin. He knew that he had committed a great crime. He resolved never in his life to steal again. He wrote down a confession of his crime and handed the paper to his ailing father. Karamchand Gandhi read the confession. He tore up the

paper without saying a word. The bits of paper fell to the floor. He sank back on his bed with a sigh.

Mohandas left the room, tears streaming down his face. From that day on, Mohandas loved his father more and more. Every day he hurried home from school to wait on him. His father’s condition grew worse and at length he died.

The house was filled with sorrow.

Mohandas was only sixteen when his father died.

To be continued

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ENTERTAINMENT

September 21, 2012

‘Barfi’ Will Leave You Speechless

BY GAURAV MALANI (TOI) Director: Anurag Basu Cast: Ranbir Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, Ileana DCruz The title lead of the movie is deaf and mute but not for a moment in the movie do you bemoan that Barfi can’t speak. Ranbir Kapoor skillfully makes up for the deficiency with his animated expressions and endless energy. And while director Anurag Basu subtracts some significant senses from his protagonist, he adds much more than he takes away.

Barfi is ‘visually’ stunning, ‘smells’ of freshness in every frame, ‘touches’ your heart every second and is so ‘tastefully’ treated that its excellence ‘speaks’ for itself.

Barfi has the potential to make the stonehearted go soggy-eyed with its sheer sensitivity and the capability to make even cynics open up to its warmth. Without a single line to mouth, Ranbir Kapoor expresses much more than any average actor could even dream of. The actor oozes of such continual charm that you can’t help but fall in love with him.

Such is the uniqueness of the film that it starts with the protagonist on deathbed, goes in flashback mode and despite the imminent tragic tone, still ends on a happy note. The protagonist derives its name from the popular radio brand of 70s - Murphy, but ironically can’t speak or hear. Fondly called Barfi (Ranbir Kapoor), the film traces his journey as he grows up in the quaint hill-station of Darjeeling, falls in love with a tourist Shruti (Ileana DCruz), is left heartbroken and then forms another tender bond with his childhood friend, an autistic girl Jhilmil (Priyanka Chopra).

To start with, Barfi is not a film about the trials and tribulations of a deaf and mute human in this supposed normal world. The idea is never to seek sympathy towards the protagonist. Rather Barfi comes across as a perfectly normal guy and exudes more life than any all-right mortal. In fact his natural joie de vivre attitude, notwithstanding the deficit, imparts distinctiveness to his blithe biopic.

If you analyze the film technically, it doesn’t rely on a very inventive storyline. However it’s Anurag Basu’s

delicate handling of the narrative that takes the film to an altogether different level. The love story between Barfi and Shruti is confined within the age old rich-girl-poor-boy syndrome.

But not for a moment does the track seem cliched. Rather then resorting to melodrama, Basu shows restrain esp. in the scene where Shruti’s mother (resourcefully played by Roopa Ganguly) puts across the dilemma to her daughter with her similar love story in the past.

The subsequent bonding between Barfi and the autistic Jhilmil faintly reminds of Kamal Haasan-Sridevi’s masterpiece Sadma. What adds individuality to this episode is the fact that while Barfi is sane, he can’t express wholly and while Jhilmil can express she is not completely stable.

The simple story is also largely augmented by Basu’s non-linear storytelling pattern. Not only does the narrative keep changing tracks between three different time periods, it also keeps oscillating through smaller subplots in each timeline. The chapters are beautifully interwoven with each other and such layered storystructure brings in a connect-the-dots

gratifying feel with it. Add to it, such storytelling circumvents any predictability from seeping into the plot and invites the constant contemplation of what would happen next.

Secondly, Basu frequently makes use of short scenes and montage sequences to take the story forward.

And the director invests his complete creativity in coming up with some imaginative and inspiring moments through such montages. For a pleasant change you also enjoy slapstick in a film since it’s employed in purest form. So the Chaplinesque humour doesn’t pain since the mute Barfi’s actions speak louder than words (like in the silentera movies for which slapstick was originally designed). Unlike most recent slapstick comedies, this doesn’t end up being deafening and maddening.

The pacing is slow but it never hurts. Pritam’s melodious music is skillfully integrated with the narrative and never interrupts the flow. The background score is packed with that extra impact to make up for loss of two leads (RanbirPriyanka) who have no lines to mouth. Sanjeev Dutta’s dialogues are effective.

With its fractured storytelling pattern, editing seems an arduous task but Akiv Ali’s work is impeccable.

However its Ravi Varma’s cinematography that deserves extra points for bringing out the splendour of the toy-train city of Darjeeling or the old-world charm of Kolkata with adroitness.

Every performance in the film is accomplished. Ranbir Kapoor is simply superlative with his career-best act.

From his innocence, expressions, liveliness, pathos and ceaseless charm - he is outstanding in every aspect and wins your heart unconditionally.

Playing an autistic character is a dicey zone but Priyanka Chopra is excellent in her portrayal and never goes overboard. Her mannerisms, body language or the naivety that she brings to her character is brilliant.

Ileana DCruz is gorgeous, has solid screen presence and makes a graceful debut. She is as much compelling in her act. Saurabh Shukla has a meaty role as the roly-poly investigating cop and does justice to it. Ashish Vidyarthi, after a hiatus, is seen in a strong character role. Roopa Ganguly, Akash Khurana and Haradhan Bandopadhyay are good in their respective roles.

The simplicity and sweetness of this Barfi will often leave a lump in your throat. And its superiority will leave you speechless!

17

‘Kahaani’ Team Back with a Kerala Thriller

BY SATADRU OJHA (TOI) Their last outing together broke records, brought them national fame and showed that Kolkata’s streets could be the canvas of a racy mystery. Now, Sujoy Ghosh and Parambrata Chatterjee are coming together again for a thriller after Kahaani — only, this time it is set in Kerala.

Sujoy is currently working on the script of the film, which is titled Kerala. “It’s a three-hero project and Parambrata is one of them. We will probably cast Bollywood actors for the other two roles. But no names have

been finalised yet; it’s still too early.

The backdrop of the film is Kerala and shooting should start next year.”

The director, who’s already working on two mega projects — Badla, possibly with Naseeruddin Shah and Amitabh Bachchan, and Kahaani 2, with Parambrata and Vidya Balan — has his plate quite full.

So will he be directing Kerala as well? “No, there are no such plans. I’ll just be a back-end tea boy on the sets,” Sujoy jokes. “But seriously, the film has got me very excited. If we can pull it off, it will be one of the best projects of my career.”

Casanova Ranbir Has No Time for Love!

Ranbir Kapoor who is the heartthrob of many young gals and the future superstar of Bollywood has no time for love as he his diary is jam-packed with work and only work. He has not free time to move around beautiful women. Back to back movies, promotions are keeping the rockstar actor busy.

During the promotional event held in Delhi, Ranbir shared his relationship status with the people. “I’m as single as I was. In fact I’m single to the extent of embarrassment. But I don’t have the time to date a woman now because I’m too busy with my career,” says the 29 year old actor.

The actor also candidly accepted that he is ready for a live-in relationship.

Adds Ranbir, “It’s a progressive world and I’d like to experience a live-in relationship. What’s the harm in that, as long as the girl and her parents agree? It might even translate into marriage!”

Ranbir has dated Deepika Padukone, Katrina Kaif in the past and he was also rumored to have dated Nargis Fakhri.

- Bollywood Mantra

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2012 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

18

September 21, 2012

United Against Reform On FDI in retail, BJP and CPM positions range from inconsistent to obstructionist.

The responses of the major political formations to economic reform seem to be situational. They champion investments and market-friendly measures when they are in office. When in the opposition, they take to the streets to oppose it. Shaken and stirred by the big bang of Manmohanomics 2.0, the Left and the Right plan to launch protests on the very same day. It may be recalled that the push for FDI, now a major component of the reforms agenda, was kicked off by the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government.

Though it is in denial mode now, the BJP had actively considered FDI in retail, and NDA minister Murasoli Maran had proposed 100 per cent FDI. The Left has consistently opposed FDI in retail but it had pulled out all the stops in moribund West Bengal to attract foreign investment. Before he became the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Somnath Chatterjee was commissioned to reach out to investors overseas. And former chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya travelled across Southeast Asia in search of investment.

Now, the Left and the Right are loudly opposing reform in order to posture to their core constituencies — the working class, the peasantry and the trading community. But while they are at it, instead of being merely obstructionist, could they also propose alternatives? The process of reform is famously irreversible. It must move forward by some means. If the opposition parties have arguably arrived at a better idea than the prime minister on how the ship should be steered, they should put it on the table, and preferably in Parliament, which the BJP in particular paralysed not so long ago. The fact is that parties of all hues have been in office at the Centre and in the states, and yet farm to fork logistics in India remain primitive. Procurement and public distribution policies are still maladjusted, resulting in the criminal wastage of food stock.

Reform is never painless but it delivers real benefits. Manmohanomics 1.0 accelerated development for two long decades.

Its pace had begun to flag even before a spate of scams, real and alleged, put policy-making in cold storage. Now, the government has provided a stimulus by delivering on its promise of FDI in retail and moving towards a rational position on diesel pricing.

The opposition to reform is political, and may vanish the moment anti-FDI parties win office.

- Indian Express

EDITORIAL

Sound and Fury For all its procrastination and woo- for the upgrade and construction of ziness before taking last week’s eco- rural roads in Bengal, will be more nomic reforms bungee jump, one difficult to come by if the Trinamool thing that the UPA 2 can take credit decides to stop playing wolf and pulls for is its immense capacity to be po- out of the government. The UPAlite. Politeness, of course, is a key Mamata Banerjee relationship may virtue to possess for a leading party of be a matter of national politics for a ruling alliance as loud and amoeba- the government at the Centre. For the like in its multi-directionness as the government in Kolkata, it’s a matter UPA. But to bear the tantrums of West of existential survival.

Like its Left Front predecessor, Bengal chief minister and Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee is the Trinamool Congress survives a test that has, over the months, re- overwhelmingly not on the promise quired heavy grinding of teeth under of making West Bengal and it people more prosperous, but on guaranteeing a smiling surface.

Banerjee, with her 19 TMC MPs stability — sold for the last 35 years in in the Lok Sabha and six central the very digestable forms of ‘providministers, has been cheer-led from ing dignity’ and staving off bogeythe sides by the BJP, with voices in men who apparently want to leech the Opposition encouraging her to the people dry of their livelihoods. jump the UPA ship as “no ally can For this purpose, re-industrialisation bear to continue with such Congress of the state, whether by homegrown arrogance”. Many Congress voices, too, won’t mind seeing her off to the station — much helped by the fact that this may vacate six ministerial posts rather than result in a withdrawal of Trinamool support.

The Trinamool needs the UPA At loggerheads: Mamata vs. Manmohan much more than the UPA needs the Trinamool. So the spine shown by the enthusiasts or by non-’anti-people’ Manmohan Singh-led government to outsiders (the distinction between finally push for foreign direct invest- ‘pro-people’ and ‘anti-people’ indusment (FDI) reforms and reduction of tries deliberately kept undefined) is subsidies (with an in-built concession not even required. All that is needed to rollback the cap on LPG subsidies is to ensure that people can be sold and thereby providing the Trinamool ‘stability’ in the form of government, a face-saver) is the kind of “arro- or government-affiliated, jobs in exgance” that Banerjee, a specialist in change of their electoral support.

Water seeks its own level, and in pushing one’s agenda, can now learn Bengal where the CPI(M) tradition to deal with.

Even if she knows that the de- of all spheres of activities — schools, mand for a three-year moratorium colleges, hospitals, transportation on interest accumulated on debts for bodies etc — being politicised, there West Bengal amounting to about Rs. is little demand for anything else but 30,000 crore cannot be made — for the guarantee of small-scale but reguboth political and financial reasons lar livelihood. One of the most-asked — Banerjee still needs a Centre- questions in a phone-in television assisted dole to keep not only her astrology show on a Bengali channel state afloat but also to have her Project is whether the caller or his son or Paribartan running. Central-funded daughter will get a ‘sarkari chakri’ grants, such as the Rs. 4,000 crore (government job).

It’s not as if the Congress has been itching to lose a difficult ally. Politics — as one saw in its most fantastical form when Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav and Banerjee conducted a confusing interlude prior to the presidential elections — is about holding on to assets even when they seem to have turned into liabilities. The UPA doesn’t have the luxury of numbers. So having a kitty of bothersome partners is still having numbers shored up for a rainy day.

But while a state like Uttar Pradesh hopes to depend on various sources of (legit or ill-gotten) income, and not only on central largesse that doubles as a key political tool, West Bengal has virtually no engine of revenuegeneration and doesn’t seem intent on installing one. Apart from holding on to the ministry of railways, a public sector institution that provides employment to the largest number of people in the country — not to mention providing an artery for ‘ancillary’ industries such as coal that has its epicentre in the Jharkhand-Bengal region — what has been Banerjee’s 16-month government’s plans to attract investment and becoming less dependent on charity dressed up as demands?

Earlier this year in April, Didi had sat down again with experts to discuss her ‘Kolkata beautification plan’. This time, she was keen that giant, ugly hoardings lining VIP Road in the east of the city and along the Eastern Bypass be removed. Someone who attended the meeting explained to me Didi’s logic: foreign dignitaries and businessmen coming to Kolkata pass through these routes when driving from the airport to their hotels in the city. By taking these ugly structures down, they are far more likely to bring investments in West Bengal.

Until such an aesthetically-driven fund-raising spree happens, Banerjee and her party will have to depend on a polite ally at the Centre. And on an electorate fed on scenarios in which without Didi’s protection, ‘foreigners’ — whether from Delhi or farther away — will leave everyone in Bengal jobless, landless and hopeless.

- HT

Indo American News FOUNDER: DR. K.L. SINDWANI PUBLISHER: JAWAHAR MALHOTRA EDITOR: PRAMOD KULKARNI PARTNER: KRISHNA GIRI MANAGING EDITOR: MANASI GOKHALE ADVERTISING & ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER: VANSHIKA VIPIN CORRESPONDENTS HOUSTON: PARTH DWIVEDI, SOWMYA NANDKUMAR, CHETNA SAMAL CHICAGO: NAND KAPOOR, INDIA: RAJ KANWAR ®All rights reserved. No material herein or portions thereof may be published without the written consent of the publisher. The deadline for advertising and articles is 5 pm on Monday of each week. Please include self-addressed, stamped envelope for return of all unsolicited material. Published at 7457 Harwin Drive, Suite 262, Houston, Texas 77036. Tel: 713-789-NEWS or 6397 Fax: 713-789-6399, email: indoamericannews@yahoo.com, website: indoamerican-news.com

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COMMUNITY

September 21, 2012

Dave Chokshi Named White House Fellow

(IW) President Barack Obama has appointed Dave Chokshi to the 201213 class of White House Fellows.

Chokshi recently completed an internal medicine residency at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. He graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Duke University with a double-major in chemistry and public policy.

The 2002 Rhodes Scholar also served as chairman of Duke’s Honor Council and as editor-in-chief of the science magazine Vertices; and was a Howard Hughes Research Fellow in molecular immunology while at Duke.

This year’s crop of 30 White House Fellowship finalists had included two other Indian Americans — Darshak Sanghavi, M.D., chief of pediatric cardiology at the University of Massachusetts; and Shireen Santosham, a senior associate with McKinsey and Company in Baltimore, Md.

Chokshi recently completed an internal medicine residency at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston

The White House Fellow Program was founded in 1964 by President Lyndon B. Johnson. The White

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Pratip Chaudhuri: The Last-Mile Challenge

BY TAMAL BANDYOPADHYAY (Mint) In April, Aditi Chaudhuri, a probationary officer (PO) at India’s largest lender by assets, State Bank of India (SBI), was on cloud nine when she learnt that her first posting would be at Faridabad in Haryana. It would be just a 40-minute drive from her Chittaranjan Park home in Delhi. But her father played spoilsport. “Why should she get preferential treatment while all other officers work at locations far away from their homes?” he asked. So Aditi had to report at the bank’s Doiwala branch, some 22km from Dehradun in Uttarakhand.

Her father happens to be the chairman of the bank, Pratip Chaudhuri.

The current SBI boss is a man of impeccable integrity. His colleagues say each time his family uses the office car, he sends a cheque to the administration department.

When I mention this to him, an embarrassed Chaudhuri says he doesn’t want any credit for such things as they are “natural” and have nothing to do with ethics and integrity. We are at The Belvedere at The Oberoi in Mumbai.

Originally from Kolkata, the Chaudhuri family shifted to Delhi in the 1960s when his father, from the Indian Economic Service cadre, joined the Planning Commission.

Chaudhuri studied chemistry at St Stephen’s College and followed it up with an MBA in finance and marketing from Panjab University.

He couldn’t take the civil services examination because he was less than 21 years of age in August 1974; so he opted for SBI. The bank had relaxed the entry age for POs to 20 that year. His first meeting with R.K. Talwar, the legendary SBI chairman, at the Jalandhar branch in August 1974 fired his idealism, Chaudhuri says, holding his small 30-year-old Talisker, diluted with water. I am drinking it on the rocks.

Chaudhuri’s batchmates Diwakar Gupta and Hemant Contractor, and one-year junior A. Krishna Kumar—all three are now managing directors—fought for the top job in December 2010. Technically, Contractor was senior to Chaudhuri as he became a deputy managing director ahead of him.

The clincher was possibly Chaudhuri’s candid answer to Reserve Bank of India (RBI) deputy governor Shyamala Gopinath’s query on why SBI was so aggressive in disbursing home loans. She was unhappy with the bank’s so-called teaser loans, in which a borrower pays a relatively lower fixed interest rate for the initial couple of years and a market-determined rate thereafter. Many borrowers were rushing for SBI’s home loans, enticed by the initial low rate, but the bank was carrying the risk of default. Chaudhuri’s answer was diplomatic: “One way of looking at this is that an artist has fallen in love with his own creation; the other way is, it’s difficult to get off a tiger.”

He took over as chairman in April 2011, but the journey to the corner room was not smooth. His tough-

many hearts— and the merger was completed within the stipulated time, despite a few strikes. This time, Chaudhuri got his reward— he was made head of the international banking group, the most glamorous portfolio in SBI. As chairman, his first task was to improve the relationship with RBI, which had touched its nadir Pratip Chaudhuri, chairman of State Bank of during his predeIndia. Photo: Abhijit Bhatlekar/Mint cessor’s time. He also cleaned up est assignment was in Chennai as a the balance sheet by setting aside a chief general manager after he con- hefty amount for employee pension vinced then managing director Ashok liabilities, something that should have Kini that he knew who Anna (C.N. been done earlier. Now, he faces the Annadurai, founder of the Dravida challenge of rising bad loans; invesMunnetra Kazhagam political party tors are punishing the bank hard for and the first non-Congress leader to this. SBI is no longer India’s biggest form a government in independent bank in market capitalisation.

India) and Periyar (Periyar Erode His term will end in September Venkata Ramasamy, a social activist 2013. Does he have enough time to who started the Self-Respect Move- change the 206-year-old bank for ment) were. the better? In the June quarter, its In Chennai, Chaudhuri followed net profit was Rs.3,752 crore, and some smart ideas. He learnt rudi- Chaudhuri says about Rs.4,000 crore mentary Tamil. Dialling the six-digit net profit is the “new normal” for SBI. numbers on the IP phone from his Here is his arithmetic: On a Rs.8,500 room, he used to greet branch man- crore quarterly operating profit, the agers: “Yepdi irkinge ? (How are bank will keep aside Rs.2,500 crore you ?)”. All branch managers were for loan losses. This will bring down given mobile phone handsets and the the pre-tax profit to Rs.6,000 crore; bank reimbursed their monthly bills after paying about Rs.2,000 crore tax, up to Rs.1,000. In a hot and humid the net profit will be around Rs.4,000 Tamil Nadu, most branches were air- crore. “In terms of net profit, we will conditioned. be next to ONGC (Oil and Natural Chaudhuri went all out for gold Gas Corp. Ltd),” he says. But it can loans, a big business for non-banking happen only if he is able to contain financial companies (NBFCs) in the the bad loans. southern state, by rewarding people Except for technology, Chaudhuri is for achieving their targets. This was thorough with almost every aspect of combined with innovative marketing banking. That’s his greatest strength ideas. For instance, instead of saying and also a weakness, as some of his 9% interest rate on gold loans, the colleagues dub him a micromanager. bank sold the concept of 75 paise At the same time, they say, he is a monthly interest for a Rs.100 loan complete team man. while NBFCs were charging Rs.2-3.

We order rasmalai for dessert afPosters advertising gold loans were ter eating tandoori roti with methipasted at the back of the driver’s seat chicken and rice with Malabar shrimp in buses and next to the posters of curry. Chaudhuri says he needs to popular Tamil movies. Banners were look after the last mile when bad asput up at bus terminals in Chennai and sets are growing. “Do you know we loans were given in 10 minutes flat lost Rs.1,000 crore because our dealbecause borrowers coming from rural ers weren’t judicious while investing Tamil Nadu couldn’t afford to lose a in stocks? We have made a rule that day’s wage chasing the bank. investments can be done only in The Chennai circle topped the per- Nifty 50 firms,” he says. The bank formance chart on many business now gives Rs.100 crore each to four parameters, but Chaudhuri wasn’t dealers for investing in the market. At promoted. Instead, he was sent to the end of every month, the worst peroversee the integration of State Bank former loses 20% of his investment of Saurashtra, an associate bank, with kitty to the best performer.

SBI in 2008, as an officer on special As we prepare to leave, I notice duty. He galvanized the employees the rings on four fingers of his right (there were 6,500 of them) by nar- hand. While one is made of iron, three rating how Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel others carry stones—ruby, coral and unified Bhavnagar, a princely state in emerald. His wife made him wear Gujarat, with independent India—the these when he was sent to State Bank first such state to do so. He ate lunch of Saurashtra. Have they worked? with his subordinates and air-condi- “Look at where I am today,” Chaudtioned the bank branches, winning huri says with a disarming smile.

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2012 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

INDIA

September 21, 2012

21

Tragic Early Death of World’s Smallest Bodybuilder

BY AMY OLIVER (Daily Mail) The world’s smallest bodybuilder died on the morning of September 13. Aditya “Romeo” Dev, 23, who stood 2’ 9” and weighed a mere 21 pounds, had collapsed the evening before his death.

The family of Aditya ‘Romeo’Dev, who was 2ft 9ins tall and weighed just 10kg, said he had been ‘absolutely fine’ before he collapsed last night.

Romeo Dev was diagnosed with the aneurism in 2008 and had been warned it could burst at any time

Dev was born a primordial dwarf, a form of dwarfism that results in a smaller body that is in proportion

He was rushed to Satyam Hospital in Punjab, India, where doctors fought to save him. Sadly he died at 4am this morning.

Dev was diagnosed with a brain aneurism in 2008. U.S. doctors also diagnosed Moyamoya syndrome, a disease where certain arteries in the brain are constricted causing blood clots.

Doctors had warned Dev that his aneurism could burst without warning at any time, leading to a fatal

stroke.

Today Dev’s father Anil Dev Sharma, 53, and his mother Rakesh Bala, 49, spoke of their devastation at their son’s death.

Sharma said: ‘He was absolutely fine until last night when he suddenly fell unconscious. We rushed him to the hospital and he fell into a coma, he was unconscious all night. Doctors said the nerve supplying blood to his brain had ruptured, causing his death.

‘It’s a huge loss for our family, we will be grieving his death for the rest of our life. We were told by doctors many years ago that he may die at an early age. All these years we prayed for his long life.’

Doctor Neeraj Chandan, one of the doctors treating Romeo all night at Satyam Hospital, said: ‘He was brought to the hospital in an unconscious state. It was due to massive bleeding which had caused brain damage or aneurism bleeding. There were very rare chances of him surviving.’

Dev’s best friend, Maninder Singh, 19, used to go to the gym together. He said: ‘His death was a shocking moment, I just can’t believe he’s died. We never thought this day would come so soon. His small bat, his bikes and his bedroom at his home are only memories of him now.’

Dev was born a primordial dwarf, a form of dwarfism that results in a smaller body that is in proportion.

However he did not let his disability stop him from becoming a star.

Despite his overall 9kg body weight, Dev could lift 1.5kg dumbbells and had worked hard on his defined, muscular body.

Determined Dev hoped to have an entertainment career after performing in many local TV shows and went into the Guinness Book of World Records in 2008.

He said at the time: ‘I earn good money through my dance and bodybuilding shows but being rich doesn’t interest me.

‘My dream is to travel a lot - I want to perform in London with my idol, Jazzy-B.’ Dev will be cremated in a traditional Hindu ceremony at 5pm India time today in Phagwara, Punjab.

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22

COMMUNITY HOROSCOPE

September 21, 2012

The Perfect Launch: Curry Digest Series with Street Foods of India

Open 7 days a week

HOUSTON: It was a perfect evening for Indian street food and chai as the weather reminded everyone of Mumbai’s monsoons as guests gathered at the Kiran’s Restaurant for the launch of Houston’s South Asian Lifestyle Society Magazine, ‘Lights Camera Action’ Curry Digest, a series by the digital magazine’s founder and editor, Ruchi Mukherjee, in which she will immerse viewers in Indian cuisine.

A kick start to the cool weather with some spice in our life as the series will be an informative segment taking everyone on a journey to India’s diverse kitchen. Indian cuisine is not just limited to chicken tikka masala, samosas or saag paneer. It’s cuisine is as rich as its culture.

The Curry Digest Series will talk about various types of Indian food, spices, restaurants and try to help solve the dilemma ‘What to order when I am at Hillcroft?’. We will help you tell us your favorite Indian street food spots, biryani, chicken curries and so on. We will interview foodies, prominent Indian Americans and dig out secrets and tips to help guide you into the curry land. We will let you know whether ‘It’s Hot or Not’. Medical studies have shown that curry has many health benefits so let’s get started with Curry Digest Series.

The launch of Curry Digest Series was successfully hosted by Chef Kiran Verma at her chic restaurant

ICC Welcomes CG P. Hairsh to Houston

Consul General P. Harish (in black suit) with ICC Board, Trustees & the Affiliate organization Directors Ruchi Mukherjee (left) with Chef Kiran

with a fabulous display of Street Foods of India, heena tattoos, Bollywood chic attire and Dhol beats.

Guests were mesmerized by the elaborate spread of street food such as pani pooris, pav bhaji, gulab jamuns, samosas, lamb kababs, gazar ka halwa and the list can go on.

The event was also to celebrate Houston’s Metro Cooking Show and undoubtedly Lights Camera Action’s Curry Digest Series launch was the talk of the town as ABC 13 featured

them for the Hometown segment show providing Kirans’ the perfect spotlight for her culinary expertise.

Amongst the media celebrities were FOX Anchor Rita Garcia, Culturemap’s Food Writers Sarah Rufca, Devon Hatchett, Alvin Wright, Channel 2 producer Amber Wills, and many others.

For more information about Lights Camera Action, visit www.houstonsocietynews.com.

HOUSTON: India Culture Center Houston (ICC) held its official welcome reception to the New Consul General Hon P Harish, his wife Nandita Harish and daughter Amani on Monday, September 17t.

The event was a Meet and Greet Event with the ICC Board, Trustees & the Affiliate organization Directors. The event was held in the new Banquet Hall of Great Wakana Café at Stafford.

The evening was marked by a welcome speech by the ICC Chief Trustee Shobana Muratee and was followed by a brief speech by the ICC President Rajiv Bhavsar. The Consul General drew a parallel between the ICC motto of “ Serving the Community since 1973” to the role of the Consulate General office which he has reconfigured upon his arrival to serve the citizens of India and People

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of Indian origin. He appreciated the long years of work done by ICC and stated that his office would strive to alleviate the community concerns raised. He further stated that the elevator inconvenience being faced

by Seniors to get into the Consulate would be redressed within three to four weeks.

Thereafter Rajiv Bhavsar presented a plaque to the Consul General and bestowed a shawl to his wife Nandita Harish.

The evening also marked, on the spur talent singing by ICC Directors Mahesh Wadhwa, Jasmeeta Singh, Manisha Mehta, Sarada Akunuri and Trustee Vale Subramaniam. The pure vegetarian food catered by Wakana Café was appreciated by one and all.

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OPINION HEALTH

September 21, 2012

McDonald’s to Open its First Vegetarian-Only Restaurant in India

BY CHARLIE WELLS (Nydailynews) McDonald’s is going vegetarian — in India, at least.

America’s fast food giant announced it will open its first vegetarian-only restaurant in the world in India next year, catering to the tastes of a country where nearly half of the population is vegetarian.

The home of the golden arches will open its first vegetarian restaurant near the Golden Temple, a Sikh holy site in northern India that is the country’s second busiest spot for pilgrimages, according to the Financial Times.

“A vegetarian store makes absolute sense in the places which are famous as pilgrimage sites,” Rajesh Kumar Maini, a spokesman for McDonald’s India, told the Times.

The world’s s e c o n d - l a rg e s t fast food chain has 271 restaurants in the c o u n t r y.

The menus in these restaurants already offer many vegetarian options, including the fried potato-based McAloo Tikki burger.

“A vegetarian store makes absolute sense in the places which are famous as pilgrimage sites,” says Rajesh Kumar Maini, a spokesman for McDonald’s India.

Even the meat items, like the chicken-only Maharaja Mac, cater to the eating habits of the country’s two Even though McDonald’s already accommodates many of these prohibitions in India, the chain seems interested in growing in a nation of 1.2 billion people in an uncertain economic age.

“When you look at the potential of the country, it’s one of the top priority countries and we’re laying the groundwork for capturing the market,” Maini told AFP, adding that McDonald’s hopes to have over 500 restaurants in the country within the next three years.

After opening its first vegetarian-only restaurant near the Gold Temple, McDonald’s plans to open another near the Hindu site of Vaishno Devi cave in Indian Kashmir, according to the AFP. Expanding economically, India has been said to be in the “grip of an obesity epidemic” by the Times of India. One in five men and one in six men is overweight in the country, and the problem is especially grave in urban areas.

23

SUDOKU Complete the grid so that every row, column and every three-by-three row contains the digits 1 to 9. Solve the puzzle by logic and reasoning alone, there is no maths involved.

Email or mail us the correct answer to win four complimentary tickets to Texas Renaissance Festival. Email us at indoamericannews@yahoo. com or send it to 7457 Harwin Drive, Ste. 262, Houston, TX 77036.

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24

OPINION

September 21, 2012

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It’s Time to Bring Saragarhi into Public Consciousness

BY BHUPINDER SINGH (Sikhchic) Reading a promising news item about a move by the veteran film actor, Sanjay Dutt, to make a movie on the historical battle of Saragarhi has made me want to share with the readers my thoughts on the issue of the proper commemoration of the great battle.

The Battle at Saragarhi is one of eight stories of the greatest examples of collective bravery in world history, as identified by UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization).

It has been cited as one of the five most significant events of its kind in the world, yet when we read history and text books prescribed in India for schools and colleges; we find no mention of this important historical event. For some unknown reason this significant piece of history has been completely overlooked and has been reduced to a non-event.

Thus the plan to make a movie and thereby make people aware of it is an effort truly worth applauding.

Historical Perspective This battle of Saragarhi has been compared to the Battle of Thermopylae, where a small Greek force faced a large Persian army of Xerxes in the year 480 BC. It is important to note that during the Battle of Saragarhi, the British did not manage to get relief to the unit under siege until after the 21 soldiers had fought to their death.

Interestingly, there is one significant difference, that a medizing traitor named Ephialtes led the Persians around the pass running behind the Greek army, thereby squashing any remote chance of Greek victory.

In the case of Saragarhi, there was no traitor, but all of them were valiant heroes who set an example of sterling courage and supreme sacrifice.

The movie “300” has captured the heroism of the valiant 300 Spartans, and it is my sincere hope that the movie on Sargarhi does justice to the bravery of these 21 soldiers. History books have become a mere repertoire of chronological events of the past rulers and significant events. However, history has to be interesting, inspiring, and relevant to us and to our lives, by connecting us to the past and instilling pride in us. The Battle of Saragarhi is such a historical event, as the 21

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soldiers set a uniqiue example of bravery, courage, determination and patriotism. Though their sacrifices remain unmatched, the battle’s significance has been completely marginalized.

Brief History Let us first briefly understand this significant event before discussing how to make it relevant today.

The Battle of Saragarhi was fought during the Tirah Campaign on September 12, 1897 between 21 (twentyone) Sikhs of the 4th Battalion (then, the “36th Sikhs”) of the Sikh Regiment of British India, defending an army post against 15 to 20 thousand Afghan and Orakzai tribesmen in a last stand.

Saragarhi is a small village in the border district of Kohat, situated on the Samana Range, now part of Pakistan. In August 1897, five companies of the 36th Sikhs under Lt. Col. John Haughton were sent to the North West Frontier Province, and stationed at Samana Hills, Kurag, Sangar, Sahtop Dhar and Saragarhi.

These series of forts, originally constructed by the Sikh Emperor Ranjit Singh were consolidated by the British as the frontier outposts to defend against attacks from Afghanistan.

Two of the forts were Fort Lockhart and Fort Gulistan which were situated a few miles apart. Due to the forts not being visible to each other, Saragarhi was created midway, as a mere communication post.

The Saragarhi post, situated on a rocky ridge, consisted of a small block house with loop-holed ramparts and a signaling tower. A contingent of the twenty-one (21) Sikhs led by Havildar Ishar Singh was stationed at Saragarhi. When the Afghans and Orakzai tribesmen picked it as a soft target, being a communication post, and ideal to be overrun, these brave men chose to fight to death in defending it.

Details of the Battle of Saraghari as available to us today are considered fairly accurate, due to Signalman Gurmukh Singh signaling events to Fort Lockhart as they occurred, starting around 9:00 am on that fateful day.

Colonel Haughton said that no reinforcements were available as he himself was under siege. The soldiers

decided to fight to their last, to prevent the enemy reaching the Fort Gulistan.

The repeated thrust of the attacking forces was repulsed by these brave men who inflicted heavy losses on them. The enemy broke a portion of the wall of the picket and hand to hand combat ensued. The battle raged on ferociously and the 20 soldiers gave their lives there. Finally, the Signalman Gurmukh Singh, who was in constant communication with Col. Haughton, providing the updates, was the sole defender left. He communicated his last message to the colonel as follows: “This is my last signal. Picking up the gun to fight …” and requested permission to fight.

This young signalman, 19 years of age, is said to have killed over 20 Afghans before he succumbed to the injuries sustained in hand-to-hand combat.

Finally, when the relief party sent

by Col. Haughton arrived, they found over 800 bodies lying around the ruined post. All the 21 Sikhs were posthumously awarded the Indian Order of Merit, the highest gallantry award at that time which an Indian soldier could receive at the hands of the British Crown. The British Parliament gave a standing ovation to the heroics of these brave hearts and acknowledged their sacrifices.

Their homage included reading the names of each of the twenty-one in the British Parliament and their acknowledgement. Sadly, in their own country their gallantry remains unacknowledged.

Saragarhi Commemoration This significant event is celebrated with great pride by Sikh military personnel in their respective regimental centers and also by Sikh civilians in Ferozepur to commemorate this battle every year on September 12, as Saragarhi Day. It is about time that this truly inspirational act of bravery receives the worldwide recognition it deserves.

Every generation needs its own inspirational connection, saga of courage and determination, but we still have not laid our claim to it. This is the time to do it by making it our national heritage, a heritage that we can be proud of and have it serve as our national inspiration.

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RECIPE CORNER

September 21, 2012

Chilli Mushroom

Ingredients: • 1 Large Green Bell Pepper (Washed, Seed Removed and chopped into Thin Strips) • 1 Cup Button Mushrooms (Washed and chopped into medium size pieces) • 1 Small Onion ( Chopped long and thin) • 1 Small Tomato ( Chopped into thin long slices) • 1 Tsp White Vinegar or Chili Vinegar • 2 Tsp Green Chili Sauce (I used Chings) • 2 Tsp Red Chilli Sauce (I used Chings) • 1 Tsp Soy Sauce • Red Crushed Pepper (Per Taste) • Salt (Per Taste. You would need to put little salt as all the sauces we are going to add contains salt too) • 1 Tbsp Corn Starch dissolved in 1/4 Cup Water • 2 Tbsp Olive Oil

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Crispy Bread Rolls Ingredients: 5 White Bread Slices 2 Potatoes boiled and mashed 1/2 Onion- finely chopped 2 Green Chillies- Chopped 1 Tbsp- Chopped Coriander leaves 1 Tsp- Mango Powder 1/2 Tsp- Garam Masala Salt and Red Chilli Powder- To taste Oil- For frying Method 1. In the bowl of mashed potatoes, add chopped green chillies,onions, chopped coriander leaves and mix.

2. Add in all the spices (masala) and mix nicely.

Taste for season-

Method: 1. Heat Oil in a pan. Add Onions. Fry until Translucent.

2. Add Mushrooms and Green Bell Pepper. Stir fry until they are a little tender. Add the tomatoes and stir fry some more.

3. Add salt, red crushed pepper and

all the sauces. Mix well.

4. Add Vinegar. Add the dissolved corn starch and mix. It will start to form thick and silky/shiny gravy.

5. Turn off the gas and immediately serve with Fried Rice or Chowmein/Noodles. garnish with some Spring Onion Greens

Both Recipes by Vaishali Sharma Visit www.zestyflavors.com or visit https://www. facebook.com/ pages/ZestyflavorsAdding-Zest-toyour-Cooking/145518712165348 Also “Like” Zestyflavors on Facebook

ing and adjust according to your taste.

3. To make the bread soft, dip each slice of bread in water and take out quickly and carefully.

4. Gently squeeze the bread between your palms and squeeze out water.

5. Take a heap of potato mixture in the center of each slice and roll it from the sides to cover the mixture. You can either make oblong rolls or bring all the four corners to the center and cover the mixture.

6. Let the rolls sit out on the counter for about 10 minutes. Meanwhile you can start heating up your oil for frying at medium low flame.

7. Once the oil is ready, deep fry the rolls until browned from both sides and look crispy.

8. Bread Rolls are ready! SERVE Hot with Green Chutney or Tomato Ketchup and Hot Tea.

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Govt Announces Allows FDI in Aviation, Multi-Brand Retail NEW DELHI (HT): Opting for bigbang reforms, the government on Friday, September 14 allowed 51% FDI in multi-brand retail, 49% investment by foreign airlines in aviation sector and sale of equity in four PSUs. Battling perceptions of policy paralysis, the government announced the surprise decisions after meetings of the Union Cabinet as well as the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), prompting angry reactions from its key ally Trinamool Congress as well as BJP and Left parties.

The slew of reforms decided upon include raising FDI cap in broadcasting from 49% to 74% and allowing foreign investment in power exchanges.

The UPA government had first made an attempt to introduce FDI in multi-brand in November last year but kept the decision in abeyance following stiff opposition from TMC, Samajwadi Party as well as opposition parties.

It has now decided to take the plunge within days of the conclusion of recent session of Parliament which was disrupted over coal scam.

The decisions come on top of Thursday’s hike in diesel prices and capping of supply of subsidised LPG to cut oil subsidises which has already invited protests from allies and opposition.

“Let us not confuse consensus with unanimity. For unanimity we will have to wait in eternity. This (today’s decision) has consensus,” Commerce minister Anand Sharma told a press conference in New Delhi clearly conveying the message that the Centre has decided to go ahead with the reforms despite opposition.

Sharma said they respected West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s position on multi-brand retailing. “It is her prerogative to implement or not. It is equally our

Government announces foreign direct investment in multi-brand retail.

prerogative to implement in the other states (which are keen on it)”.

The Cabinet also diluted local sourcing norms for 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) in single brand retail by dropping the provision of 30% compulsory sourcing from small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

For multi-brand retailing, a minimum investment of USD 100 million has been fixed, half of which necessarily has to be in creating storage and warehousing facilities in rural areas.

Front end retail stores would be allowed to be set up only in cities with a minimum of one million population.

However, this norm has been diluted for hilly states which have been authorised to decide on criteria for choosing big cities.

While the government had previously permitted 49% in aviation sector, the Cabinet today allowed foreign carriers to investment in domestic airlines. The move would help cashstrapped carriers like Kingfisher and SpiceJet to bring in strategic partners Permission has now been granted to foreign airlines to invest under the government approval route in Indian

carriers operating scheduled and nonscheduled transport services.

A scheduled operator’s permit can be granted only to a company that is registered and has its principal place of business in India with its Chairman and at least two-third of directors who are Indians.

Substantial ownership and effective control should be vested with Indian nationals.

The companies which will divest their equities are Hindustan Copper Ltd (9.59%), Nalco (12.15%), Oil India Ltd (10%) and MMTC (9%).

The sale of shares is likely to fetch in about Rs. 15,000 crore, half of the budgetary disinvestment target set for the current fiscal year.

Another major decision covers the broadcasting sector by enhancing foreign investment that is expected to expand the reach of broadcasting services.

Under this decision, teleports, DTH and cable network services can attract foreign investment up to 74% over the present limit of 49%, which will be through the automatic route.

Beyond 49% would come through

the government route.

At present, there is no specific dispensation under FDI for mobile TV. It has now been decided to permit FDI up top 74%.

However, the existing limit of 74% foreign investment in the Headendin-the Sky Broadcasting Service would continue.

The CCEA also decided to permit foreign investment up to 49% (FDI 26% and FII 23%) in power trading exchanges.

FII investment would be permitted under the automatic route and FDI under the government approval route.

Replying to questions, Sharma said the 10-month period between November last year when the government decided to first allow FDI multibrand retailing was used for extensive consultations with all stakeholders.

“There was never a decision to rollback the decision. It was only suspended because of reservations from some states. This is an enabling step. States which want to implement are free to implement, those who do

not want need not,” he said.

Dismissing the charge of policy paralysis which he said was a media creation, he said the government did take decisions after consultations in the interest of people.

While acknowledging that opposition from Left parties was due to their ideological blinkers, he accused the BJP of practising partisan politics to oppose the decisions.

In fact when they were in power, BJP-led NDA had prepared a Cabinet note for allowing 100% FDI in multi-brand retailing without any conditions, he said.

He said the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion would come out with notifications detailing rules for all the decisions without any delay.

Eights states including Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Assam, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttrakhand, Haryana and Manipur have supported FDI in multi-brand retailing while Bihar, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Tripura and Odisha have expressed reservations.

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SPORTS

September 21, 2012

India Bank on ‘Home’ Conditions in Sri Lanka

BY SIDDHARTH MONGA cold storage - and it’s (Cricinfo) When Innot a barb at the Engdia didn’t take the forlish weather - when mat seriously at all, they he was called up for won the inaugural World World T20 more than Twenty20. Ever since a year after he was India have turned the dropped from interformat into the biggest national cricket. There business the game has have been questions ever seen, they have not about what he has done won a single game in to earn the recall, but the second round of the when in a scrap you subsequent events, prowant this man on your gression to which often side. depends on beating an Weakness Associate or an Affiliate.

Bowling and fieldThat’s six losses and no ing. Harbhajan, a diswins against serious opcard until now, is the position when the preshighest-ranked Indian sure is on. It’s this record in the ICC T20 ratings, India will be fighting at No. 21. R Ashwin is against once they have the only Indian among beaten Afghanistan in the top 32 ODI bowltheir group game. ers. There is just no The two disappointing telling how many runs showings came on the Indian bowlers can heels of the IPL. After leak at the death of any they failed to defend limited-overs internatheir crown in 2009, tional. In a warm-up their coach Gary Kirsten Can they bounce back? After being bounced out game, despite playing spoke of the IPL fatigue. from the two previous editions, India will hope for a five specialist bowlers, In the lead-up to the next better showing in familiar conditions this time © AFP they failed to defend event, in 2010, they were 185 after having Pakithe only side to not play stan down at 91 for 5. a single warm-up game because the fielding somehow come together in It doesn’t help that seven of the 15 IPL finished five days before their Twenty20, you don’t have to sustain fielders in the squad are past the age first match. This time, though, the it for too long. India should know: of 30 (five of them are certain starttiming of the tournament means they have done it once before. ers), and this group doesn’t include At any rate, the bouncer is not R Ashwin. If India make it past the they have had enough time off, and enough time in Sri Lanka. Not that likely to be nearly as effective in Sri Super Eights, either their bowlers they need any acclimatising: the Lanka as it was in England and in and fielders will have shown a great running joke is that the Indian play- the West Indies. improvement or their batsmen will ers never throw away their local Sri have put in a superhuman effort to Key player Lankan sim cards because they keep compensate.

MS Dhoni: Twenty20 is the only playing there ever so often anyway.

World T20 history India will bank on this familiarity format where the openers have it They stunned the world with an with their home away from home, easier than the middle order. It’s inspirational showing in the first and their batting, like they did in often those batting after No. 3 who World Twenty20, but have since the 50-over world event last year. It win or lose the close games. In- failed to make any impression in the is a tournament without favourites dia’s talisman in the middle, Yuvraj Super Eights in the two subsequent if the identity of the winners of the Singh, is back from his fight with tournaments. three previous editions has taught cancer, but India’s reliance on him Recent form us anything. If you were to wager cannot be the same now. Someone They have won two and lost three still, you wouldn’t like the look of else in the middle order, somebody matches in 2012, including their India’s bowling and some of their who handles pressure well, will have latest. These numbers should hardly fielding, but then again would you to be the key. Not a bad time for the count for anything because there want to bet against batsmen who man with the reputation of being one has been no continuity in the side at play more international cricket at R of the best under pressure in ODIs to all. Irfan Pathan is the only quick to Premadasa Stadium than they do at correct a statistical aberration: not a have played more than one of their their respective home grounds? An- single fifty in T20 internationals. last three matches. Their last four Surprise package other reason why India shouldn’t be matches have featured four different Harbhajan Singh was out in the opening combinations with the bat. ruled out is that once the bowling and

The Mendises Script Big Win for Sri Lanka

HAMBANTOTA (Cricinfo): Ajantha Mendis marked his return to Sri Lanka’s national side by achieving the best figures in T20 internationals. He puzzled and prised out the Zimbabwe batsmen to contribute to a comprehensive victory in the tournament opener. After Sri Lanka posted an imposing total, Ajantha tore through Zimbabwe. He took three wickets in his first spell to kill off any thoughts of a chase and returned to take three more to end Zimbabwe’s limp challenge. Mendis served up deliveries that held their line, those that turned in, the carrom ball and the googly from the back of the hand, leaving Zimbabwe with a sour taste in their mouths and befuddlement in their minds. Another Mendis, Jeevan, too was major weapon in the home side’s armoury. He starred in a 94run fourth-wicket stand with Kumar Sangakkara and took three wickets.

Together, the two Mendises dominated an overawed and outplayed Zimbabwe.

Despite not bowling badly, a shoddy showing in the field and being completely at sea with the bat left Zimbabwe looking like the underdogs they were labelled as. They conceded heavily in the second half of the Sri Lankan innings when Sangakkara and Jeevan asserted their authority over an attack whose spinners held their own while the seamers fell apart.

Kyle Jarvis found swing and bowled an impressive two-over spell upfront, after he loosened up with a full-toss.

He should have had an early wicket, too. Debutant Dilshan Munaweera hoicked a delivery to midwicket and Malcolm Waller could only grasp humid air. Jarvis’ opening partner, Brian Vitori, suffered the same fate.

Tillakaratne Dilshan got a leading edge over Brendan Taylor’s head and even though the wicketkeeper moved quickly, he could not get to it in time to take the catch.

Sri Lanka’s opening pair flirted with danger twice more in their 54run stand. Dilshan escaped a run-out when he stole a single to point and Munaweera was dropped a second time by Waller. Along with risk, came reward. Munaweera went on to glance Mpofu’s low full-toss to the boundary after Dilshan brought out his scoop to make things worse

for the bowler. Luck finally went Zimbabwe’s way in the seventh over when Munaweera was run out, after he dropped his bat in search of a run that was not there. As luck came, it went. Graeme Cremer had Mahela Jayawardene given out lbw of a backfoot no-ball. But, two balls later, Dilshan tried to cut Cremer and was caught behind.

Zimbabwe hauled Sri Lanka in temporarily. The hosts went 27 deliveries without scoring a boundary but Zimbabwe could not build on the pressure they created. Jeevan, who was moved up the order, broke the boundary drought when he drove down the ground off Mpofu, who was too slow to get down in his follow-through. The ball sliced between the long-on and long-off who both tried but failed to cut it off and Zimbabwe’s morale had been dented.

Jeevan picked Cremer better than his predecessors and hit him for back-toback fours to bring up the Sri Lankan 100. He also sunk his teeth into Elton Chigumbura who bowled a poor over, giving away the first six of the match. Zimbabwe unravelled in the last quarter while Sangakkara kept a cool head and collected runs in twos and threes, along with a gorgeous drive over point, which went for four. Their lapses would cost them, as they faced a tall target and Ajantha ensured they were never in a position to reach it.

Hamilton Masakadza and Vusi Sibanda put on 37 for the first wicket, with Masakadza even having the gumption to take on Lasith Malinga.

When Ajantha came on in the seventh over, he ended Zimbabwe’s hopes of running their own race of achieving a decent score or ending the match without being bowled out.

A magic box of tricks came from Ajantha’s hands: the ball that held its line to bowl Sibanda, the carrom ball that had Brendan Taylor stumped and the googly to bowl Masakadza. With their top three dismissed, Zimbabwe needed fighters but Craig Ervine and Waller succumbed to Jeevan’s googly. After 10 overs, Zimbabwe were 59 for 5 and Ajantha could return to play some more. Zimbabwe reached three-figures but no more, as Mpofu spooned an easy catch to mid-off off Malinga to end the game.

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September 21, 2012

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Trinamool Congress Pulls out of UPA, Mamata Accuses Congress of Acting Unilaterally NEW DELHI (HT): Trinamool Congress, the second biggest constituent of the UPA, today dealt a major blow to the Manmohan Singh government when it decided to withdraw its support on the issue of petroleum price hike, FDI in retail and corruption. “We are withdrawing our support. Our ministers will go to Delhi, meet the Prime Minister and tender their resignations at 3 PM on Friday,” TMC chief and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee announced after a meeting of party MPs, top leaders and office bearers.

However, Banerjee added a caveat saying if the Centre rolls back the decision on FDI in multi-brand retail, raises the cap on supply of subsidised LPG to 12 cylinders and reduces diesel price hike from Rs.5 to Rs.3 or Rs.4, then the party would reconsider the decision to withdraw support.

She said the Central government was not not a one-party rule.

“The government depends on the support of others. But in Bengal, we have a majority of our own and we are not dependant on others,” she said.

Banerjee ruled out supporting the government from outside saying her decision was “not half-hearted”.

Widening the attack on Congress, she brought in issues like coal block allocation scam, black money and fertiliser price rise.

“The FDI decision was taken to suppress the coalgate issue,” the West Bengal Chief Minister said.

Accusing the Congress of indulging in “blackmail politics”, she said whenever it has trouble with any of its allies, it goes to the other.

“When it has problem with Mayawati, it goes to Mulayam. When it has problems with Mulayam, it goes to Nitish (Kumar of JD-U) and it is like that,” Banerjee said.

Referring to the FDI decision, she said there are 50 million people in unorganised retail sector. “Where will these people go? There will be disaster. It has not been sustainable even in the West.”

While accusing Congress of indulging in “blackmail” politics, the Trinamool chief said, “somebody has to bell the cat.”

She revealed that she had conveyed her opposition to FDI decisions directly to Congress President Sonia

TMC Chief Mamata Banerjee

Gandhi but it did not work.

Banerjee also criticised Finance Minister P Chidambaram’s statement yesterday ruling out rollback on FDI. She said after all these steps, the Congress would now allow even Pension Bill and vowed to oppose it tooth and nail in Parliament.

“If we don’t take a decision, they will even allow foreign players in pension sector. We can’t tolerate,” she said.

“We will not tolerate any anti-people decisions and we will oppose everything,” she said.

She said her party would not be responsible if the country was forced to go for a mid-term poll.

“This government can stay for three months or six months, I don’t know.

They have lost the credibility. And if they cannot maintain friendship with us, then they cannot maintain friendship with anybody,” Banerjee said.

She also raked up the blackmoney issue, questioning why the government has not taken steps to bring it back.

PM had revealed mind on FDI to Mamata Weeks before the “big bang” decisions on economic reforms, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had made clear to Mamata Banerjee about the intention to allow FDI in retail and called her to inform just before the Friday’s cabinet meeting but she did not receive the call.

The Prime Minister had even want-

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ed to talk to Banerjee and a call was made to her by his office which has not been returned yet, sources said.

Separately, through back-channels, some Congress leaders have left messages for Banerjee to talk to Singh which also have not been entertained, the sources said.

Rejecting Banerjee’s contention that she was kept in the dark over

the decisions on FDI, sources said the Prime Minister had revealed his mind at the UPA Coordination Committee meeting on August 22 which was attended by the Trinamool Congress leader and West Bengal chief minister.

We are relieved: Trinamool minister Soon after Trinamool Congress decided to pull out of UPA, its minister in the union government Sultan Ahmed said the party was feeling “free and relieved”.

“We are free now and we will go alone across the country. We will go under our leader Mamata Banerjee,” the Minister of State for Tourism said here.

He said that by continuing in the government, Trinamool Congress was being accused of being “partners of looters” as there were so many scams during UPA rule.

Cong-led govt responsible for situation: SP Samajwadi Party, a key outside supporter of UPA, today termed the decision of Trinamool Congress to pull out of the ruling dispensation

as a “serious” issue and accused the Congress-led government’s attitude of being responsible for the situation.

“The Congress government is behaving as if it enjoys complete majority. It is taking decisions without consulting alliees,” SP General Secretary Ram Gopal Yadav told reporters in Delhi.

Mamata still a valuable ally: Cong Congress has not lost all hopes on ties with Trinamool Congress which announced the decision on Tuesday to withdraw from UPA, saying it still considers her a “valuable ally” and will discuss the concerns raised by Banerjee with the government.

“We have always considered Trinamool Congress our valuable ally.

Even after all that Mamata Banerjee has said, we still consider her our valuable ally till a final result comes out,” Congress general secretary Janardan Dwivedi told reporters in Delhi.

According to sources, Congress president Sonia Gandhi is expected to take up issues raised by Mamata Banerjee with the UPA government.

Pak Blocks Over 700 Anti-Islam YouTube Links ISLAMABAD (Newsbullet): Pakistan Monday blocked over 700 links to an anti-Islam film on YouTube that has triggered anti-US protests across the Muslim world, including Pakistan, officials said. The decision was taken after the Supreme Court issued orders to the state-owned Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to block links to the movie, reported Xinhua. Chief JusticeIftikharMohammad Chaudhry directed the PTA to take down all sacrilegious material that disrespects Islam or Prophet Mohammad in any way. He asked the PTA chief to submit a report about the action he will take following the directives. The PTA director general told the apex court that almost 100 new clips

of the anti-Islam film proliferated on YouTube every day. He said that the PTA had written a letter to YouTube, requesting the removal of such clips, but the video-sharing website replied

that it does not have any such agreement with the government of Pakistan. Justice Chaudhry directed the Pakistan Electronic Media Regularity Authority to set up “standards of modesty” and submit a reply in this

regard within two weeks. The government earlier had claimed that the PTA and the information technology ministry had blocked 122 anti-Islamic websites over the past few days. The authorities had also told the public that any blasphemous material that comes to their attention must be reported immediately to the PTA through phone or email. The government clarified that it was not blocking popular websites YouTube and Facebook, but only anti-Islamic material would be blocked. Officials say that obscene material will be blocked on case-to-case basis. Links to the anti-Islam movie were blocked amid series of protests across Pakistan over the past few days. One person was killed and dozens were injured in clashes between the police and protestors in Karachi Sunday after the demonstrators pelted stones at the US consulate in the city.

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30

INDIA

September 21, 2012

mPowering Tackles Poverty in India with Mobile Technology

BY NAOMI CANTON (CNN) In Juanga, India, a village of less than 3,000 inhabitants, the adults typically work as farmers on small plots of land earning less than $2 a day. They live in extended families in two or three roomed bamboo thatched mud huts, surviving on rice and dahl.

Unable to see the value of education, the parents typically take their children out of school before they turn 16 to earn money. Women frequently deny themselves trips to health clinics and they lack knowledge of basic preventative healthcare measures.

They also lack basics such as drinking water,

and incentives.

Despite some of the villagers having never used a phone, they quickly learned how it worked. Sharing one smartphone per family, the children earn points for attending school and mothers for attending preventative healthcare classes. The families then pool the points and redeem them for food, clothing and medicine each month. Local Indians scan the barcodes on their smartphones when they attend the classes. mPowering has provided phone chargers at schools since many families do not have electricity.

Jeff Martin, who founded the non-profit,

The global number of cell phones users surpassed six billion at the end of 2011, according to estimates by Wireless Inteligence and International Telecommunication Union.

Despite some of the villagers having never used a phone, they quickly learned how it worked. Pictured is a family who have participated in the program.

electricity, food, healthcare and infrastructure, but cell phone towers are often ubiquitous.

One American non-profit organization is using this proliferation of phone masts to bring empowering mobile technology to these destitute villagers. mPowering, headquartered in San Francisco, has joined forces with Citta, a charity working in Orissa, one of the poorest states in India, which has a population of 37 million, roughly the same size as California.

According to UNICEF, Orissa has the most people living below the poverty line of any state in India and one of the highest infant and maternal mortality rates of all the states in India. Many people are from illiterate tribal communities and the region is also frequently hit by droughts, floods and cyclones. Nearly half the children leave school at 14 years and are not vaccinated against common childhood diseases. mPowering is exploiting the large number of cell towers, low cost of WiFi and GSM connectivity, falling rates of mobile subscriptions and of phones in India to bring generations out of poverty.

Citta, a charity registered in the U.S. and UK, built a school in Juanga in 2001 and a hospital in 1996. It also runs a women’s center which provides pre- and postnatal healthcare and gives seminars to mothers on nutrition and hygiene.

The school began with 140 pupils and now has about 400. The hospital, which has five doctors and 10 nurses, is currently the only hospital in the region, serving a community of approximately 100,000 people within a 15 mile (25km) radius.

According to mPowering, 46 per cent of people in Juanga live below the poverty line and 41 per cent of children suffer from malnutrition.

Read related: In India, more cell phones than toilets mPowering started working with Citta in 2010, handing 56 families in Juanga a smartphone loaded with culturally customized mobile apps and location analytics (similar to Foursquare) built around the concept of rewards

spent ten years as a senior executive at Apple, six of which he was head of music, entertainment, and marketing, reporting directly to Steve Jobs. He is also the Founder and CEO of Tribal Brands and of Tribal Technologies and has used the technology from those companies at mPowering.

He traveled to India extensively during his career at Apple, he says. “I chose Orissa because it is where the poorest of the poor live. The best way to improve lives in rural areas and change centuries’old traditions is using mobile technology and rewarding people,” he said.

His next plan is to track the art work of the children. “Through the art work we will be able to see if they are becoming more optimistic,” he said. “Fundamentally we are showing connections. We always knew that if kids ate well their grades would improve.”

But now he is able to prove it. Donors will be able to see realtime the impact of their donations -- pictures of the children’s art work or their grades could be sent to the donors’ mobiles for example.

Read related: How mobile broadband can transform Africa A future plan is to give points to mothers when they take their children to health clinics which can be redeemed for medicines.

He also aims to give out Lifestraws (portable water filters) to villagers if they watch videos installed on their smartphones about contamination of water, since most water supplies are polluted by the villagers.

“We want more charities to use us,” Martin said. “Charities don’t currently have a way to measure their own results. But we believe in measurement. No one makes money in Silicon Valley without measurement. I have got various funders behind me and a lot of them feel like I do, that charities need to be measured and mobile analytics is the answer.

“I am not a big believer in micro loans as they create a pressure to pay back a loan. Many people don’t want to give money to charities if they don’t know how it is being spent. We can

actually prove we are changing behaviors.”

“Tribal does the same thing but commercially -- such as changing the way people buy music on their mobile phones and giving them rewards,” he said.

The project has had a measurable impact, mPowering says. The number of reported diseases in the village has reduced from 119 last year down to 52. There were 125 clinic visits this year compared to 98 last year, according to their figures.

Seventy-one per cent of children attend school,

compared to 52 per cent last year. “This year every student in the middle school passed the state level exams we were very excited to say the least,” said Michael Daube, founder and executive director of Citta.

“We have monitored the progress from the start of the project and find almost a 25 per cent increase in enrolment because of the mPowering initiative,” Daube said. “mPowering’s mission is the perfect extension to increase more efficient support to any poverty-stricken region,” he added.

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September 21, 2012

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