June 24 Pages 1-26

Friday, June 24 2011 | Vol. 30, No. 25

Indo American News

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iaccGH Honors injured HPd officer nash Patel

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Hindu Temple of the Woodlands Priests getting ready for the Vimana Sthapana Yatra

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Among the w woods, a n new ew Temple and Focal Point for the northern suburbs s

By Jawahar Malhotra HOUSTON: Intense preparations were still underway last Friday, even as the much anticipated day to install the deities in their abodes in the new temple was fast approaching. Devotees were busily, carefully and lovingly, unwrapping the deities from the round metal tubs that were used for cleansing, first by water and then by wheat grain.

Over the next two days, during the ritualistic Prana Prathishta, the deities Ganesha, Vanketeshwaran, and the Navagrahas were installed in the niches in the new temple nestled behind the tree-lined boulevards in The Woodlands. About 1,500 people took part in the pro-

ceedings over the three-day event and special guest, Indian Consul General Sanjeev Arora said it was “heartwarming to see a Hindu place of worship that combined the diversity of religious practices throughout the Indian subcontinent under one roof”. The deities Lakshmi and Radha Krishna will be installed early next year when the auspicious time arrives.

A team of five priests (a few from other area temples like the Meenakshi in Pearland) in saffron dhotis and bare torsos, sat lined up on the floor of the main sanctuary. Led by the new temple’s head priest, Pandit M. M. Chakrapani Bhattacharya, they chanted shlokas and prayers as many devotees sat and watched in the still unfinished hall. The priests moved to the outdoor altars under tents in the parking lot to sanctify the vimana (steeples) with holy water.

The finishes of the main building - ceiling, flooring, lighting, paint-

ing and other interior building elements – have still to be completed, but this didn’t deter the installation of the deities over the Father’s Day weekend.

Over the past decade, as The Woodlands has become home to many corporations, the Indian population has grown to about 1,200.

With the recent announcement by ExxonMobil that it will relocate its area operations in a new campus setting under construction in The Woodlands, this population is expected to grow even further even as it grows by 20 to 25 families annually now.

For the growing Hindu community in the northern suburbs, the new Hindu Temple of the Wood-

lands represents the culmination of a dream that began six years ago to have their own place of worship and a place for the community to congregate for special functions.

Until now, they had to hold religious ceremonies and classes for their children, or other functions in large halls at nearby Montgomery College or other facilities.

The much awaited temple has a congregation that is keen on not just helping their own community but also working on issues that can help the larger mainstream community. “We hope to be able to extend a helping hand to those in need,” said temple Chairman, Nimish Dhuldhoya.

The temple sits on an 8.5 acre lot that cost $900,000 and was earmarked as a church site at the corner of Woodlands Parkway and Forestgate Road, a 10-minute drive west of I-45 North but central to Conroe to the north, Spring to the Southeast, Tomball to the

Arvind Bhandari; Sanjay Joshi, President, Hindu Temple of The Woodlands; a volunteer; Lata Joshi; Alka Mittal; Salil Gopinath, HTW Board Member; Suveena Guglani; Shashi Bellur,l HTW Founding Board Member; Ragini Gandhi; Hema Pillutla; Hema Chudasama; two young volunteers Photos: Jawahar Malhotra, Vijay Pallod, Anil Adoni & Yogesh Mittal

southwest and Magnolia to the west. By sheer coincidence, the temple is just a short 10-minute walk for one of the stalwarts of the Hindu community, Beth Kulkarni and her husband, Sharad.

The 10,000 square-foot, $3 million temple designed by the wellknown firm Kirksey Architects was built by Gopal Reddy Engineering and Construction, which is still finishing the final stages.

Along with the funds generated by those who sponsored one of the special pujas over the three-days and others who have pledged their support, the temple still seeks more financial and volunteer support in completing the construction and extensive landscaping of the large property as well as for the ongoing maintenance.

To show her devotion and support, during the event lunch, which was served under huge tents in the parking lot, was sponsored by Vinitha Ramaswamy, mother of Sheila, a recent graduate and Salutatorian of the Academy of Science and Technology. “I can think of no better way to honor her daughter’s accomplishments than by sponsoring a meal for the hundreds of devotees in attendance’, said a delighted Vinitha.

Beth Kulkarni, Board Secretary and one of the temple founders, honored her husband Sharad on his eightieth birthday by cosponsoring Sunday’s mid-day prasadam. “As my husband and I have been active in the IndianAmerican and Hindu-American community in Greater Houston for many years, we are appreciative of now having a Hindu Temple with-

in walking distance of our home,” said Beth. “We are blessed to have family and a new “extended family” surrounds us in this stage of our lives.”

Over the three days a diverse cultural program was also performed consisting of devotional Indian songs and classical dances as well as dandiya raas, a popular dance form Gujarat, all assembled

by Pranita Suraiya. Devotional kirtans were performed by a youth from ISKCON, including Gaura Klein who just last week won a Youth Recognition award from the

Sharad and Beth Kulkarni participating in HTW opening ceremony puja.

Hindus of Greater Houston. Pandit Suman Ghosh, who is known throughout the city for his classical singing, was so inspired by the event that he performed a special song for the occasion.

The Hindu Temple of The Wood Woodlands is open from 5:30 am to 7:30am and 7 pm to 9 pm on week weekdays, with an expanded schedule on the weekends. It is located at 7601 S. Forestgate, The Woodlands, TX 77382. For more information or to view upcoming events, please visit www.woodlandshindutemple.org.

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Indo American News • Friday, June 24, 2011

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Afternoon Chai at IAPAC’s Annise Parker Fundraiser

By Jawahar Malhotra HOUSTON: Over the past two years, starting before the last election, Mayor Annise Parker has become familiar with many people in the Indo-American community, calling some out by name, as she did last Saturday, June 18 at the home of Sanjay Ram and his wife Vidya Iyer on the west side.

Parker, who is running for reelection this Fall, had come for a fundraiser arranged by the Indo American Political Action Committee and easily mixed with the 40 or so people who had a chance to meet her up close and personal.

As she did, she recognized and called out Ramesh Anand, the past President of IAPAC, Randhir Sahni, a previous Councilman in Piney Point and Harish Jajoo, the newly elected Councilman in Sugar Land, and Mini Timmaraju, the the current President of IAPAC. The amicability was mutual as the event went on and Timmaraju welcomed the assembled guests, and also recognized two City Fellows Program volunteers who were working on the campaign, Maneeza Kabir and Mosum Shah.

“Make sure that you get out with two or more friends and vote this November,” Timmaraju said as she handed off the mike to Sanjay Ram. “Mayor Parker gets the job done,” said Ram as he spoke of

Parker’s accomplishments. “She has done more in 18 months than many other previous mayors. She is good for Houston today and in the future.”

Parker also recognized the two Fellows and also Sanjay Boppat who was very active in her last campaign and whom she wanted to keep on. “But as the City faced tough economic times, I felt compelled to set an example of trimming back by firing my own staff first,” she said, “and had to let Sanjay go.”

She then spoke with fluency about the things that have been key ingredients of her first 18 months: reducing spending, trimming back staff; increasing efficiencies; the

Houston Mayor Annise Parker met with community leaders at a fundraiser held last Saturday, June 18 by the Indo-American Political Action Committee at the home of the IAPAC Secretary Sanjay Ram (standing next to his wife Vidya Iyer) and was welcomed by IAPAC President Mini Timmaraju. Photos: Jawahar Malhotra

anticipated vote of Fire Fighter’s Union (which later in the evening came in favor of the compromise proposal); infrastructure; water pipe breaks due to the hot weather; red light cameras and the drainage fee. She also reiterated her desire to position Houston strongly as a

true global city.

Parker was obviously comfortable with her lead in the re-election race against HFD Deputy Chief Fernando Herrera and Kevin Simms, a former volunteer intern in Councilman Jarvis Johnson’s office. The nominations close in September but Parker, who has run in seven previous campaigns (for City Council and Comptroller) so far, knows not to get complacent and was raising funds before the reporting deadline on June 30. The IAPAC raised about $35,000 for her in this fundraiser.

“However, the turnout last election was low,” she lamented and hoped that more people would get interested and vote this time around.

After her remarks, Parker answered questions about the impact, if any, that the complaints against Council members Jolanda Jones and Al Hoang would have on her campaign; the federal judge’s recent ruling on the red light cameras and the fewer number of women than men in public office.

And then she continued to mingle easily with the eager crowd.

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s m sam merchant to Lead India House council

Indo American News • Friday, June 24, 2011

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Inaugural Auction for Houston Premier c cricket League

New India House Council Chair Sam Merchant (center) with exofficio directors Showri Nandagiri (left), Paul Mehta, Mahesh Vadhwa, Ramesh Cherivirala (secretary), Virinder Bhansal (vice chair), Ravi Arora, Surinder Trehan and Nagraj Eleswarapu.

HOUSTON: Sam Merchant was elected chair of the India House Council at an election held Saturday, June 18. Merchant, who previously served as the vice chair, defeated Meera Kapoor, who has been active with numerous community organizations in Houston.

The council consists of 126 members who have contributed $2,500 or more to India House. The election was held with 26 members attending. Virinder Bansal was elected vice chair and Ramesh Cherivirala elected secretary without any opponents. Seven ex-officio directors were elected by acclamation: Ravi Arora, Nagraj Eleswarapu, Ravi Goel (absent), Paul Mehta, Showri Nandagiri, Surinder Trehan and Mahesh Vadhwa. Neveen Agarwal served as the election of officer.

The Council elected officials and the ex-officio directors will represent the Council at the India House Board of Directors meetings.

The board members consist of donor who have contributed $25,000 or more.

Bhaskar Konwar, owner, Rangers; Baig Mohammed and Amir Adam, owners, Gators; Azam Zakaria, owner, Texans; Fuad Cochinwala and Mustafa Cochinwala, owners, Arc Gladiators proudly display their team jerzees

By JacoB DaviD HOUSTON: It was certainly the dawn of a new era in the chapter of Houston’s game of Cricket.

So far several teams have been meeting quietly at India House and several other venues to play each other in serious and friendly matches, mostly on weekends.

Houston Premier Cricket League Auctions Four Cricket teams Indo-American News (ISSN 887-5936) is published weekly every Friday (for a subscription of $30 per year)

by Indo-American 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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Behind the scenes, statistics for each player were being marked meticulously. On Tuesday, June 21, the Houston Premier League auctioned its bank of 94 cricket players and their performance statistics to the owners of four cricket teams at the Mezban restaurant at Hillcroft. These teams will now organize matches under the banner of HPL, Houston.

Each team will have 15 members.

The 34 remaining players will engage in more matches, hone their skills and get more statistics to be auctioned off next year.

The four cricket teams that have been initiated by Mustafa Hemani, Commissioner of Houston Premier League are: Gators, Rangers, Texans, and Arc Gladiators. The teams were purchased at $2,000 each to the highest bidder.

All proceeds go to the Houston Premier League to enable cricket be played as a leisure and commercial sport here in the years to come. Baig Mohammed and Amir Adam own the Gators. Nathaniel Uba and Bhaskar Konwar own the Rangers. Azam Zakaria owns the Texans. Fuad Cochinwala and Mustafa Cochinwala (uncle and nephew pair) own the Arc Gladi-

ators. The owners are entitled to keep their teams for a period of 1 year. Then the teams will be up for auction again.

The first cricket match is set to play on July 10th. Two matches will be played every Sunday. HPL promises seven weeks of competitive cricket. The four teams will play a total of 12 round games.

The winning team will get $3,000.

The Most Valuable Player award will be $500 with a round trip to Las Vegas. A $300 prize each will be given to the Best Batsman, Best Bowler and Best Fielder.

Houston Premier League’s Commissioner, Mustafa Hemani brainstormed this idea last year to bring the love of cricket to the Indian community here in Houston. He sent out an invite to investors and local business people, community leaders to bid on the teams. The remaining players will be kept on reserve. For those interested to join the HPL Cricket league, please send an e-mail to Mustafa Hemani’s attention, to: Hpl@Houstoncricket.org or visit their website at: www.houstonpremierleague.com For updates on cricket matches, visit www. houstoncricket.org

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IAccGH Honors Undercover Injured HP HPd officer o nash Patel

Nash’s parents Shirish & Bharti Patel with his command officer Asst. Chief John Trevino Photo: Bijay Dixit

HOUSTON: At the IACCGH sponsored event to meet HPD Chief Charles A. McClelland, Jr., on June 15 at Rotunda of City Hall, a special ceremony was to honor undercover officer Nash Patel who was seriously injured and is still recuperating from his wounds.

This year, on February, Nash and his squad assembled at 8:30 am, to execute a Narcotics Search Warrant with Nash leading the charge by forcing in the door.

Nash’s squad began receiving fire from one of the two suspects in the house. During the ensuing firefight, Nash was struck by

three rounds; one striking his left elbow, one in his left hip, and the third in his left side, where the bullet still remains.

Nash’s Commanding Officer, Assistant Chief John Trevino honored him by recognizing his heroism in the line of duty. “Patel is often the first individual exposed to drug traffickers during raids and the dangers that follow,” Trevino said. “Fortunately, he has recovered and is back on the job. If there is one lesson we can take from this chapter in Nash’s life”, the Assistant Chief added, “It would be to continue performing our individual du-

ties”.

Since Nash is an undercover of officer he did not attend the event and his parents Shirish and Bharti Patel accepted the plaque on his behalf. The plaque was presented

by IACCGH Past President Brij Kathuria and IACCGH Treasurer Ashok Garg.

Officer Nainash (Nash) S. Patel was born on January 7, 1972, in Uganda, Africa. Later that year, he and his family fled the brutal dictatorship of Idi Amin and relocated to Calgary, Canada for a few years before moving to Houston in1977..

Nash is a graduate of Dulles High School, in Fort Bend County and attended the University of Houston-Downtown for about a year, before joining the United States Army, where he served as an Infantryman for four years. In 1994, Nash left the Army and returned to Houston and to the University of Houston for two more years.

He joined the Houston Police Department in July 1996 and worked patrol in the Eastside Division for almost 10 years until he transferred to the Narcotics Division in 2006, where he still faithfully serves today as an undercover officer.

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FI s FIs sponsors Indian Artist om o soorya s

By rachel hecker HOUSTON: Om Soorya, one of the brightest stars on India’s booming contemporary art scene, was invited by the University of Houston School of Art to participate in the school’s Visiting Artist Program.

Om Soorya is an internationally acclaimed artist who hails form his home state, Kerala and works from his studio in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh.

Soorya spent several days

of Art Press, a publishing entity that will work with artists to create new print editions.

The project was funded by the Foundation for India Studies (FIS), a community based nonprofit organization that brings India closer to America through higher education. Additional support was provided by Dr. Rahul Mitra.

A signed copy of the original painting created by Soorya will be made available for pub-

UH Master Printmaker Patrick Masterson; Krishna Vavilala, Chairman, Fondation for India Studies; Parul Fernandes, Director of International Studies,UH; Visiting artist from India OM Soorya; Rachel Hecker,Associate Professor,UH School of Art.

working with UH Master Printmaker Patrick Masterson in one of the school’s studios to develop the image for an edition of prints that the school will publish. This print project was Soorya’s first opportunity to work with a master printmaker who introduced the visiting artist to new materials and methodologies.

Soorya’s print project is the first initiative of the UH School

lic viewing and auctioned to the highest bidder at the upcoming fund raising event of FIS during it’s 5th Anniversary celebration on August 19 at the Jr. League facility. Proceeds will go towards the award of scholarships in the India Studies program at the university.

Rachel Hecker is a Associate Professor at University of Houston School of Art

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NY Scam Artists

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Indian American Couple Charged with $460 Million Fraud NEW YORK: In a “jaw-dropping” and “epic” case, an IndianAmerican couple here has been charged with raking in over $460 million in crooked cash through a record-setting corruption scam.

Reddy Allen and Dr Padma Allen have been indicted on federal fraud and kickback charges in relation to the scandals surround ing Mayor Michael Bloomberg administration’s CityTime project, intended to modernise the municipal payroll system.

A grand jury said yesterday that more than $600 million of the project’s bloated budget is “tainted” by fraud. The couple secured a lucrative, no-bid subcontract for the CityTime that made it look like their firm, TechnoDyne, was “a successful and fast-growing company,” the New York Post reported.

But the “engine of its growth” was actually an overbilling scam in which the Allens paid out more than $15 million in kickbacks and hired a bevy of crooked subcontractors, according to the indictment unsealed in Manhattan feder-

al court. Authorities say the brazen corruption was part of a “massive and elaborate scheme” involving high-ranking executives at prime contractor Science Applications International Corp who pocketed $5 for every hour worked by 300plus consultants.

India’s Oldest Inmate Convicted for Murder Freed at 108 After Serving 34 Years LUCKNOW (AFP): A convicted murderer, who was India’s oldest inmate, has been released from prison at the age of 108.

Brij Bihari Pandey, a Hindu priest, was serving a life sentence for the murder of four people in 1987, when he was 84.

Officials at Gorakhpur jail in Uttar Pradesh state say Mr Bihari, who requires regular Brij Bihari Pandey took revenge on a rival who hospital visits, was freed on was made chief priest of a temple humanitarian grounds.

As he is unable to walk, relatives carried him from prison to a waiting car. “It was getting difficult to take care of a 108-year-old prisoner,” said jail Supt SK Sharma.

“We moved an application for his release and the court accepted it.”

In 1987, Mr Bihari and 15 others - many of them his nephews and family members - killed four people over the appointment of a rival as chief priest of a Hindu temple.

After a trial lasting more than two decades he was sentenced in 2009 but had to be frequently rushed to hospital and was mostly bed-ridden.

As he was carried from the jail, Mr Bihari hugged fellow inmates, who placed a garland of flowers on him. Prison officials said he received the garland with a broad smile and said: “God is great. Thank you.”

Announcement I, Sathyan E.S. at 13010 Frances St. Stafford TX USA 77477, hereby inviting to the notice of the Public that my mark list of B. Tech. (Engineering) Sixth Semester examination May 1991 with Reg. No. 7197 of University of Calicut, has been irrevocably lost during travel and as such I intend to apply for the duplicate mark list. If anybody happens to get the originals may kindly send the same or intimate the undersigned or the University.

Indo American News • Friday, JUNE 24, 2011 • Online Edition: www.indoamerican-news.com

CityTime was initially budgeted at $63 million, but has cost taxpayers more than $720 million to date. Manhattan US Attorney Preet Bharara called the alleged scam “truly jaw-dropping” and “epic in duration, magnitude and scope.”

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Houston’s sewa International Hosts Free Immunization drives for children c

Doctor providing vaccination to child

HOUSTON: Sewa International Houston, a local service-based nonprofit organization, collaborated with the Mobile Clinic of the Texas Children’s Hospital to host two free immunization drives for children of low-income families. The first drive took place on Thursday, June 9, at the St. Cloud apartment complex and the second one on Monday, June 13, at the Los Arcos apartment complex in Southwest Houston. In total, 42 children received free immunization and many of their family members got a medical check-up.

One of the children treated during the drive was 14 years old Hannah Syungo. Her family immigrated to the US one and a half

families who have benefited from this drive are immigrants and refugees from countries like Bhutan, Nepal, Kenya, Somalia, Mexico and Colombia. Most of them don’t speak English which is why volunteer translators essentially contributed to the immunization drive’s success.

Suryansh Purwar, the Houston Chapter Coordinator of Sewa International, emphasized the need to reach out to low-income families in Houston, across ethnic and linguistic boundaries. “We believe that every child should have access to resources to live healthy irrespective of nationality, gender, religion or financial status. This is our second year of organizing an immunization drive for kids of low-income families.

Hopefully our effort was able to improve the living conditions of some of these refugees”, Purwar said. Manju Gupta, President of Sewa International Houston, spoke about her experience with the immunization drive: “It is actually very exhilarating to see so many people who want to get immunization for their children and Sewa International is very happy to assist them and give them

Team of Sewa International volunteers with kids at Immunization Drive Photos: Ajay Sarpeshkar

Announcement

years ago from Kenya. Hannah goes to 9th grade at Westbury High School and speaks flawless English. She could even help the Mobile Clinic workers as an interpreter for other patients. Hannah and her mother were very grateful that she and her younger sisters Kesia and Naomi got free immunizations during the drive.

The management of St. Cloud and Los Arcos kindly provided rooms for volunteers to fill out the patients’ paperwork, conduct blood pressure tests, sugar tests and medical consultation for adults, and offer clothing donations. The greatest challenge for the Mobile Clinic workers and volunteers was communicating with the patients. The

medical advice.”

The free immunization drives were part of Sewa International’s work on a massive humanitarian support operation, “Bhutanese Refugee Empowerment”, in order to help refugees from Bhutan become acclimated to their new surroundings in the United States. Sewa International is looking for high school seniors and college students who would like to volunteer and spend time with refugee children, educating and mentoring them.

If you want to get involved and help people and communities in need within the greater Houston area, visit www.houston.sewausa. org or email Houston@sewausa.org.

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Attorney w willy: “Are There Less contracting opportunities for Asian American Firms?

HOUSTON: George R. Willy currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Asian American Justice Center (AAJC).

The AAJC works to advance the human and civil rights of Asian Americans, and build and promote a fair and equitable society for all. The organization is one of the nation’s leading experts on issues of importance to the Asian American community including:

ity, barriers to entry and discrimination in the business world, and that we should continue to be included in minority contracting programs.

affirmative action, anti-Asian violence prevention/race relations, census, immigrant rights, immigration, language access, television diversity and voting rights.

Willy recently attended the Board of Directors meeting in Chicago , in which one of their new initiatives was discussed and he is asking for your help to get the word out. Please see the details below from the AAJC about their story collection campaign and help spread the news.

We Want To Hear From You! The Asian American Justice Center (AAJC) is launching a story collection campaign to highlight Asian American business owners and their experiences in government and corporate contracting through our Asian American Contractor Empowerment Project (AACEP). AACEP is building a record with real stories to illustrate the necessity and effectiveness of minority contracting programs. Ultimately, this will yield greater empowerment of Asian American businesses across the United States .

We need your stories to show government officials, corporations and the public that Asian Americans continue to face inequal-

• Little or no opportunity to bid compared to non-minority contractors • Seemingly unfair contract awards to non-minority contractors • Unequal access to bonding, credit or financing • Exclusion from events, organizations or business networks where contracting opportunities are discussed among successful non-minority companies • Stereotypical attitudes about competence, capacity and quality of work I am currently successful, but in the past have faced: • Challenges or obstacles in the contracting process • Stereotypical attitudes about my abilities or discrimination by prime contractors, suppliers or the contracting entity itself Sharing your story is easy! You simply start by writing about your background, what happened to you, how it made you feel and what happened afterwards.

Stories can be Anonymous. Contact AAJC staff attorney Jeanette Lee at: jlee@ advancingequality.org or call 202-296-2300 x114

Types of Experiences We Are Interested In: I attempted to get into contracting with government or corporations, but faced:

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Astavakra Gita - A Unique Jnana y yajna by chinmaya’s Pujya s c swami Tejomayananda

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By PaDMashree rao HOUSTON: It will be the great privilege of Chinmaya Prabha, Houston, to welcome everyone to the weeklong Jnana yajna conducted by His Holiness Swami Tejomayananda, the spiritual leader of worldwide Chinmaya Mission. The series of discourses begin on June 27 and end on July 4 and the topic is the sublime text of Astavakra Gita.

Pujya Guruji, as Swami Tejomayananda is addressed lovingly in Chinmaya Mission, has tirelessly travelled around the world to spread the ancient Vedic wisdom eloquently taught by his Guru.

Also, he has overseen the global expansion of many projects inspired by the Chinmaya vision.

Over 300 centers in the world with activities and projects spanning spirituality, culture, education, and social service draw inspiration from his meaningful leadership.

Apart from his superb organizational skills, Pujya Guruji is a spiritual master, with a unique ability to bring the highest truth in Vedanta within the understanding of every listener. He has written commentaries on great texts like Ramana Maharsi’s Upadesa Saram, Adi Sankara’s Drg-Drasya Viveka and Yoga Vasistha. Pujya Guruji has also authored Vedantic texts like Bhakti Sudha, Jnana Sarah, Manah Sodhanam, Dhya-

nasvarupam and Jivanasutrani.

His book ‘Hindu Culture: An Introduction’ has served as an academic gateway to Indian culture in some American schools.

While Pujya Guruji is an accomplished speaker and writer in languages like Hindi, Marathi, English, and Sanskrit, he also wins the hearts of all who listen to him with his soulful musical talent. Listeners will be moved by the melody of his devotional compositions as much as transported into the epic realms of Ramayana and Srimad Bhagavatam with his delightful story-telling.

It is this rare combination of Guruji’s skills that will make the coming Yajna on the topic Astavakra Gita, a sacred opportunity for the Houston audience. Astavakra Gita

is a systematic text on Advaita Vedanta, presented as a clear dialogue between the teenager sage Astavakra and his royal disciple, the King-seer Janaka. Both Sage Astavakra and King Janaka are highly interesting in themselves.

The young sage is physically deformed and he explains the most sublime Vedic philosophy to a famous king who could live like a liberated ascetic in his own palace.

Astavakra Gita shows the path to the Universal Self and along the way, one learns about true bliss, peace, silence, and Knowledge.

It is a text of deep meditation and true discovery, something that can bring direction to our lives in this modern, rushed world.

Pujya Guruji has a way of making the deepest texts in Vedanta most friendly to listeners of all backgrounds with his gentle and crystal clear words. His joyful wit drives home a point with a hearty laugh and his approachable nature endears him to listeners of all ages.

So, Chinmaya Mission, Houston, invites all to bask in the holy presence of such a unique text and special Master.

For program details and more information on Chinmaya Mission Houston and its activities visit www.chinmayahouston.org or call Jay Deshmukh at 832-541-0059 or Bharati Sutaria at 281-933-0233

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HOUSTON: The seventh session of Youth Leadership Development Program focusing on Art and Culture was held at the Kiva Hall, University of Houston. During this session, the YLDP students had the pleasure of meeting two prominent members of the Indian community, Rathna Kumar and best-selling author Chitra Divakaruni, who are known for their immense talent and success. They spoke to the students about their enchanting journeys.

One of the speakers of the session, Rathna Kumar spoke about her journey as a dancer, a teacher, and most of all a student of the school of life. She recited a quote, “The only way to find the limits of the possible is to go beyond in the impossible.” The quote inspired students to reach for the highest and discover life in unlimited ways. She said, “Every great person’s journey consists of trials and tribulations and no path is ever smooth.” Dedication and determination in trying to accomplish what you love are extremely vital in your journey. She advised the students that in order to succeed in the field you love, you have to set goals and always keep your mind on what you believe in, no matter what hardships or obstacles come in your way. If you want to excel at singing, dancing, painting, writing, or any other kind of cultural art form, it is necessary to stay motivated and strong throughout the long haul and never give up.

Following Kumar, the best-selling author and University of Houston Creative Writing professor, Chitra Divakaruni, shared her thoughts. Divakaruni recounts her time as a child in India and listening to her grandfather’s stories which influenced her writing to a large extent. Intending to be a professor during her graduate program at University of California Berkeley, she decided to write after an impactful event in her life.

Like Mrs. Rathna Kumar, Mrs. Divakaruni is an example of a passionate woman who worked to reach her goals. Divakaruni told students to keep working towards one’s passion and improve on mistakes to become stronger. She also read few passages from her latest book, One Amazing Thing. Later, each student was given one of her books and Mrs. Divakaruni very lovingly autographed the books and wished the students best in their lives. These strong, passionate women of the Indian community have marked their places at a large scope and inspired the YLDP students to achieve the same. For enrolling for the coming academic year please visit www.yldphouston.org or contact Nimmi Vale at nimmivale@gmail.com

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Pratham U Us sA r sA receives $250,000 deloitte LLP 21 c challenge hallenge Grant

WASHINGTON, DC: Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (DTTL) announced Pratham USA is the recipient of a $250,000 grant as part of the Deloitte21 Challenge. Deloitte21 is a Deloitte organizationwide global initiative aimed at helping underserved young people acquire the education and skills needed to thrive in the 21st-century economy. Punit Renjen, Chairman of Deloitte LLP in the United States, and Sangita Karra, VP of Development of Pratham USA, accepted a certif certificate representing the $250,000 grant at the 2011 Deloitte World Meetings at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Washington, DC. Presiding at the ceremony, Ainar Aijala, Chief Corporate Development Officer of DTTL, commented, “It is said that if you educate a man you educate an individual, but if you educate a woman you educate a nation” quoting Ghanaian scholar Dr. James Emmanuel Kwegyir Aggrey.

Pratham USA’s new achievement centers will enable hundreds of underprivileged young women to acquire secondary school certifications and develop vocational skills to help them be self-sufficient and gain employment when they return to their local villages.

The first residential centers will

open in July 2011. The students will receive training that emphasizes technology, leadership, entrepreneurship, creativity, and problem solving. They will also receive assistance in looking for jobs and will be encouraged to start their own enterprises. Finally, in addition to learning new skills, the students will also learn how to

impart their skills to others so they can help improve the livelihoods of those in their local villages.

“Pratham USA is delighted to join hands with Deloitte United States in launching this important new initiative focusing specifically on young women, a particularly underserved and in-need population in India,” says President of Pratham USA, Atul Varadhachary.

“The achievement centers are a unique effort that not only leverages 15+ years of ground experience that Pratham’s field staff has, but also the professional skills and management expertise of Deloitte United States’s volunteers. With

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the benefit of this partnership, thousands of young women will be afforded an unprecedented opportunity to advance their education and also transfer their learnings to future generations.”

About Pratham Pratham, which means “first” in Sanskrit was founded in the slums of Mumbai in 1994 with UNICEF support.

Today, Pratham’s direct urban programs, including pre-schools, community libraries and remedial learning programs reach hundreds of thousands of children every year. In 2007, with the support of the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, Pratham launched the Read India campaign, an innovative, low-cost effort to reach the ~100 million children in India who cannot read, write or do basic match. With an annual budget of less than $15 million, Pratham combines largescale impact with an extremely ef efficient use of funds. Pratham USA (www.PrathamUSA.org), a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization with a four-star rating (the highest possible) from Charity Navigator, accepts tax deductible contributions from U.S. donors.

monster Launches Job Portal for nrIs nr

NEW DELHI (SI): Looking to provide an online platform for non-resident Indians seeking employment in their home country, Monster.com launched a new job portal.

Monster.com is a leading online employment portal with an extensive global footprint.

The new website, Return2Home, would be mainly for NRI job seekers from the US, UK, Canada, Gulf and South East Asia, who are looking for employment opportunities in In-

dia.

Monster.com’s internal research found there was about 65 per cent

growth in the traffic of job-seekers from outside India between January and December, 2010.

(Around) 74 per cent of the respondents were planning to return to India eventually or have already

done so, indicating the rising interest of NRIs in their homeland,it said in a statement today.

The Monster.com Managing Director (India, Middle East & South East Asia), Mr Sanjay Modi, said that corporate India is witnessing reverse brain drain, with many experienced and skilled global job-seekers looking at India.

He noted that Return2Homewould be a unique platform to engage with both employers and job seekers.

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India culture c center Holds 5th Annual Leaders’ conference c

HOUSTON: India Culture Center Houston (ICC) held its Fifth Annual Leaders’ conference on Saturday June 11 at India House.

This year, Falguni Gandhi chaired the event and the theme of the conference was “Mind and Body – A Holistic Approach”.

In the absence of Consul General Sanjiv Arora, who had to rush to India due to bereavement in the family, Consul Anil Matta, was the Chief Guest of the event.

The Conference began with a live Skype link up with Dr. Vasant Lad, Director of the Ayurvedic Institute at Albuquerque, NM who is a leading expert in this field in the US. Dr. Lad’s enlightening talk emphasized the oneness of mind, body and the spirit. He underscored the importance and need of both Ayurveda and Modern Medicine.

A panel of six experts comprising From left: Sonal Bhuchar, Pam Johnson, Vatsala Bhaskaran, Sudha Rajan, Consul Anil Matta, Shalin Shah, Falguni Gandhi, Dr Sen Pathak & Col Raj Bhalla of Dr Sen Pathak, as Lead Panelist, Dr. Sudha Rajan, Dr Vatsala physician, a certified Yoga teacher and the the subject “Mind & Body” in the modern Bhaskaran, Dr Shalin Shah, Pam Johnson president of SVYASA USA, gave a presen- world. and Falguni Gandhi represented the art and tation on “Mind, Body & Prans, Intellect Pam Johnson, a Yoga Teacher presented science of Yoga, Cancer and Psychiatry. and Bliss” She gave an amazing insight a meditation technique to tap into body Dr. Sen Pathak, professor of Cellular Ge- into the principles of Ayurveda and Yoga energy through breathing and focusing the netics at MD Anderson Cancer Center, pre- which reflected her deep knowledge of the mind in order to achieve peace and release sented an interesting insight into the ageing subject. stress. process at cellular level and occurrence of Dr Shalin Shah, an Oncologist presented Falguni Gandhi, a trained Ayurveda Phycancer even in younger children. He said “The role of holistic care in cancer patients” sician said that Ayurveda is more than a the spiritual science was very much needed and emphasized the importance of diet, ex- healing system. She asked the leaders to today to answer the philosophical questions ercise and meditation and yoga in prevent- spread the awareness of health as related to as to “who am I” and “What is the purpose ing the recurrence of the disease in cancer of life”. He said the frozen glories of Vedas patients. should be thawed and brought to the WestDr Vatsala Bhaskaran, a well-known psyern world. chiatrist, discussed how the emotions affect Dr Sudha Rajan, a practicing family the physical health and the importance of

mind and body since that is indeed the Health.

The presentations were absorbing and stimulating as evidenced by the question/answer session. Sonal Bhuchar moderated the proceedings with excellent precision.

A question was raised as to the relevance of the subject “Mind and Body – A Holistic Approach” to Leaders Conference. The time has come for the ICC to address issues and concerns faced by the “Leadership” and not limiting them to only inter-organizational community matters particularly when we involve community from the main stream in such discussions. Both moderators, Sonal Bhuchar and Raj Bhalla, President ICC; spoke about the importance of sound mind and body to ensure effective leadership. Even most of our community leaders are stressed with carrying out multiple commitments related to work/business, family, community, and society. Today, addressing stress management of leaders in non-profits and in business world is a priority initiative.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks

by Swapan Dhairyawan, Immediate Past President of ICC. The panelists were presented with plaques by Consul Anil Matta and Raj Bhalla as a token of thanks for their participation in the Conference. The conference was attended by approximately 90 community leaders & invitees.

Indian culture c c center expands Its s services to the communities

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HOUSTON: The growth of Indo-American organizations in the Greater Houston areas continues to rise; so also the community wide organizations which are in operation. Current economic recession is taking a heavy toll on charitable and nonprofit organizations. But among those that have managed to be consistent is the India Culture Center, (ICC) Houston. The ICC is an organization of over 38 years that has been promoting India’s culture and traditions through events like India Fair and India Fest, two signature events celebrating India’s spirit of freedom, independence & democratic setup. Other events the organization observes independently or in collaboration with partnering organizations are: Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti, Deepawali, Holi and other festivities.

In the last five years, the ICC has expanded the scope of its services tremendously supporting education, language, youth leadership, promoting art and talent from India, commerce and even political awareness in the community. The ICC has always projected its ideology as an aspiring umbrella organization that would remain and render supportive role to any non-profit organization striving to promote India’s cultural and traditional values. It is the only organization that partners with over 20 other local organizations of diverse regional back ground but serving the same cause and the same community; that is “the people of India origin”.

Since taking on its new challenges, the ICC has made tremendous strides over the past few years like: Installation of the Mahatma Gandhi statue at the Hermann Memorial Park, creating a Mahatma Gandhi District at Hillcroft, one of the busiest

business locales in Houston, establishing the Youth Development Leadership Program, hosting the Hindi Hasya Kavi Sammellan (assembly of humor poets), Leadership Conference and Spelling Bee Contests each year. These programs continue to grow in popularity and stature with increasing number of participants each year. To support these programs and the activities of partnering organizations, the ICC hosts a robust website, a community radio program on dial 1110AM, event oriented souvenir magazine and finally an Electronic newsletter to its Members so as to be connected and engaged with the Community at Large.

On Saturday, August 20, 2011 the ICC Houston along with the Consulate General of India in Houston and other major Indo-American organizations is hosting the India-Fest 2011 celebrating India’s 65th Independence Day celebrations. This year’s theme is “Amazing India at 65” The day-long celebrations include a grand cultural segment highlighting “Ekta ki Awaz” being choreographed by Sangeet Natak Akademi winner Rathna Kumar. The celebrations will also have a formal flag honoring ceremony by the Chief Guest Hon. Consul General Sanjiv Arora’ who will give his Independence Day message, YLDP graduation ceremony, an elaborate commercial Bazaar, International Food Court and the Award Ceremony. Admission to the event at the George R. Brown Convention Center is nominal and all information can be found on www.icchouston.org For more information, call Event Chair Harshad Patel at 832-2592178 or Col Raj Bhalla, President ICC at 281-2654650

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“MASALA WOK IS HOT. IT’S COOL, IT’S WOW” Dallas Morning News

“THIS WOK ROCKS WITH INDIAN AND CHINESE FLAVORS” SAYS THE GUIDE

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Little India Merchants Meet HPD Chief McClelland at IACCGH Event

By Jawahar Malhotra HOUSTON: As Little India grows and prospers, it has come into the eyes of criminals who view many businesses there as targets. In the past few years, several well-known businesses have been broken into, most notably Karat 22 Jewelers earlier this year, and other merchants report petty break-ins in some parking lots.

With an eye to airing their concerns, the Indo American Chamber of Commerce held a third in a series of programs focused on small business issues, to kick off a Hillcroft-Harwin Small Business Networking Initiative. “We have found that apart from security,” said Executive Director Jagdip Ahluwalia in his opening remarks, “drainage is a big concern to the merchants in Little India.”.

Towards this end, the Chamber held a function this past Wednesday, June 15 to allow the merchants, other members and community leaders to meet with HPD Chief Charles A. McClelland, Jr., in the Rotunda of City Hall as well as City Councilman C. O. Bradford, a former HPD Chief and several officers and civilian staff. The Chamber was able to arrange this event thanks to the efforts of Assistant Police Chief John Chen. Udipi Café, Hillcroft catered the appetizers for the almost 60 people who attended.

Hillcroft-Harwin merchant community leaders pose with Chief Charles A. McClelland, Jr. Photo: Bijay Dixit

Chamber President Mona Parikh welcomed the guests and Chamber Secretary Sanjay Ram introduced the Chief. Parikh commented on the economic setbacks of the recent financial crisis and the resultant scenario for criminal activity, yet recognized the relatively low crime rate in Houston due to the dedicated work of the HPD. McClelland, who became Chief in April 2010, addressed small businesses’ concerns for safety by focusing on three major goals

of his administration. First, enhanced police-community relationship to build “trust and confidence” in HPD. Second, increased internal communication within the HPD so that good ideas to improve the effectiveness of the organization have avenues to reach him. Last, improved efficiency within the organization by better use of technology.

The Chief noted that crime decreased in nearly all categories last year and the positive trend has continued for the first quar-

ter of this year mainly due to the hard work and dedication of officers and the partnerships HPD has formed with communities.

Though crime has decreased in the Greater Houston area, the Chief was quick to observe that ‘Crime does not rest’ and his force must remain ever vigilant.

He remains confident that the organization can meet a financial environment in which it “must do more with less, and… must do it better.” The Police Chief cautioned that crime is always high

Indo American News • Friday, JUNE 24 , 2011 • Online Edition: www.indoamerican-news.com

during the summer and that we, as citizens, need to be vigilant and extra careful at all times.

During a follow-up Q&A session, in response to whether HPD would consider putting a storefront in at Little India, McClelland revealed that the HPD had cut back on the number of hours that HPD offers at storefronts from 1600 hours to 900 hours per week, leaving the door open to having a storefront in the area provided someone donated the lease space, which is the usual practice. He also said that he was OK with the concealed handgun law, but not with the rule extending it to some institutions, such as universities and schools. He ducked a question on integrating HPD departments in smaller cities like West University and Southside Place into a regional police force, saying it was “above his pay grade.”

The event was sponsored by Aku Patel of Karat 22 Jewelers, Jasbir Singh Bawa of Bawa Jewelers, Narayan and Gobind Kamnani of India Jewelers and Raman Das of Palace Inns, Hillcroft-Harwin.

To learn more about the IndoAmerican Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston visit www. iaccgh.com.

- Other sources: IACCGH Press release

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Three days with c civil Activist Anna Hazare

By savitha GautaM There have been many life-altering moments in the life of Swaminatha Sarma, now known as Sarma Sastrigal. But one that he cherishes most is his meeting with Anna Hazare, anti-graft crusader who is making headlines these days. Writer, social activist and a practising priest, Sastrigal’s calm face suddenly lights up and his excitement is palpable as he recalls in minute detail the three days he spent with Hazare at Ralegan Siddhi, way back in 1989.

Sastrigal used to spearhead VIGIL, a public opinion forum, during the 1980s. He had heard about Hazare and his splendid work in turning around an arid and unsafe village in Maharashtra into a model one. “I wanted him to come to Chennai to present the Swami Chidbhavananda Memorial lecture, which was an annual feature of VIGIL.” That is what led Sastrigal to Ralegan Siddhi and its most famous resident. “I still remember the first time I set eyes on him. Fraillooking, humble and soft spoken, Hazare believed in letting his work speak for him,” remembers Sastrigal, sitting in his modest dwelling in West Mambalam, Chennai.

“That trip made a deep impact on my outlook to life.”

Ideal village Sastrigal gushes, “My impression of Ralegan will remain in

memory for ever. Green fields, water bodies everywhere, smiling and courteous people and a sense of peace… it was magical.

To think that this little hamlet was once arid, poverty-stricken, hit by drought and plagued by illicit liquor trade. In fact, any theft in the neighbouring villages, and the culprits would invariably be caught in Ralegan. Such was its reputation!”

He goes on… “Actually, you have to see the place to believe it! The houses do not have locks, and shops do not sell cigarettes or beedis. Agriculture, education, religion and philosophy… every aspect is tackled with dogged determination and the people seem content.”

Sastrigal managed to convince Anna Hazare to visit Chennai. The activist stayed for three days during September 1989, and gave a lecture on the importance of service to mankind and social responsibility. Dr. M.S. Swaminathan chaired the event. Hazare also spoke at other fora. He even visited a few villages nearby and met the residents. A press meet was organised, but hardly anybody was present.

“Nobody knew or cared those days. Well, see how the times have changed. Now just mention Hazare, and reporters scramble for a byte,” laughs Sastrigal.

Social cause

Anna Hazare, Dr. M.S. Swaminthan and Swaminatha Sarma at the VIGIL meeting in September 1989.

Hailing from a family of practising priests, Sastrigal is an RSS advocate. His pastime includes reading ‘Letters to The Editor’ columns in newspapers.

“I got so involved that often I would get the addresses of the writers and cycle to their homes to meet them. I did so for nearly eight months. That was when I felt that it would be beneficial if these like-minded people met under one platform. VIGIL is the result of such meetings.”

But circumstances pushed him towards the path of religion and rituals.

“Being a full-time priest means less time for social work. But I hope to get back to it some day,”

he says with a smile. Writing the book ‘The Great Hindu Tradition’ is an extension of his profession, a “rewarding experience,” as he puts it.

Sastrigal cannot stop talking about Hazare, the visionary (though in recent times, Hazare’s comments on Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi have left Sastrigal a little disenchanted with him) and Ralegan Siddhi. He wonders why this model has not been adopted in other villages. “If Ralegan can do it, why not others?” he muses.

“Truly, this is the India we all want, don’t we?” Indeed, a point to ponder!

- The Hindu

Indo AmerIcAn news • FrIdAy, Ay, JUne 24 , 2011 • Online editiOn: A On: www.indOamerican-news.cOm O

c china to divert Brahmaputra?

NEW DELHI (SI): In the wake of reports that China may divert Brahmaputra waters said it has sought a report from its mission in Beijing and would take appropriate diplomatic steps after assessing the situation.

“We are trying to get more details both from the government and our mission and then depending upon the report that we get, we will be able to make an assessment and then take appropriate diplomatic steps,” External Affairs Minister S M Krishna told reporters. He was commenting on reports that China is considering plans to divert Brahmaputra waters from the Himalayas and this would affect India.

“These reports are of real concern to India. Since the last two years there are reports that China wants to divert Brahmaputra waters from the Himalayas. If it is diverted we will have terrible environmental, ecological and real problems which will affect the economy of the whole region,” BJP spokesperson Prakash Javadekar said.

The BJP MP had raised the issue in Rajya Sabha last year.

“Government had said it has taken up this issue with the Chinese authorities.... If there is fresh evidence (of China diverting the waters) then we must immediately take up this issue with China,” Javadekar said.

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Wedding bells for

Saifeena?

MUMBAI (TOI): Kareena can thank Salman for adjusting his dates for “Bodyguard” so that she could join Saif in London for a holiday next week.

Rubbishing rumours of a rift between Saif and Kareena, sources close to the actress inform us that she has made up her mind to tie the knot with Saif next year.

A source close to the couple says that both feel this is the right time to take the plunge. “Saif is absolutely comfortable with Kareena’s family.

Kareena has also finally found a comfort level with Saif’s children. This was the biggest stumbling block in the marriage,” says a source.

Says Kareena’s close friend, “Saif has been keen to marry Bebo for ages now. He wanted to make it official soon after he met and fell in love with her. But the couple agreed that such an early marriage would affect her career negatively.

But Kareena is now at a stage where her marital status would make no

difference to her career.”

Stories about a rift in their relationship have shocked Kareena and Saif “deeply”. Says Kareena’s close friend, “Bebo told us that there can never be any issues between them because they are devoted to building a life together.

Whether people like it or not, Bebo and Saif are in this relationship for keeps.” It is being said that the couple is not able to spend time together.

Kareena’s friend refutes the claim, “Kareena has been trying to wrap up her work as soon as possible in Mumbai, to join Saif in London. From there, they proceed to her favourite city, Paris.”

Adds Kareena’s friend, “Bebo has been shooting non-stop with Salman.

So where is the question of making Aamir Khan her confidante? Bebo has shot for just four days with Aamir for Reema Kagti’s film two months ago.”

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Indo American News • Friday, June 24, 2011

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James Bond in Mumbai!

NDTV Mumbai: There is some great news for Bond fans in India and more so in Mumbai. Nearly 28 years after Octopussy released in 1983, the only time a James Bond film was shot in India, the world’s most famous spy is all set to return to the subcontinent. This time however, closer to Mumbai, in the sprawling Big ND Studio

located in Karjat. After months of speculation about the 23rd 007 flick being filmed in the country, it seems everything has just been finalised. Reportedly, Sam Mendes, the Oscar Award winning director who’s helming the new Bond film and production designer Terry Bamber had visited India some time this April for a recce.

It is learnt that the opening sequences of Daniel Craig’s third outing as James Bond will be filmed in a three-week spell at the expansive studio founded by veteran art director Nitin Desai, this November. A reliable source revealed that the Hollywood movie would start off with an explosive chase scene set in South Mumbai.

Shaan Coming to Houston, Show to Feature Aishwarya and Shadab HOUSTON: Shaan Se, a concert is to be hosted at the Cullen Performance Hall in the University of Houston Campus on July 1, Friday, by Star Promotions.

Shaan is a well known playback singer named Shantanu Mukherjee .

He was a host for the popular show Sa Re Ga Ma Pa from 2000-2006 and also for Sa Re Ga Ma Pa L’il Champs.

As a child, Shaan began his career by singing ad jingles. He soon began to sing remixes and cover versions.

In the 1989 movie Parinda, when he was only 15 years of age, Shaan sang a singular line in the song, Kitni Hai Pyari Pyari Dosti Hamari’.

His career began in 1995 with his first release, the remix album called Q-funk.

In 2000 he won the MTV Asia Music Award for ‘best solo alubum’ for his album Tanha Dil. Three years later Shaan launched his album Aksar which was again hugely successful.

The album contained songs featuring international stars such

as Blue, Mel C and Samira Said.

Shaan displayed his great talents by singing, composing and writing the lyrics of his songs.

Shaan has sung playback vocals for various Bollywood films, including Pyaar Mein Kabhi Kabhi, Bas Itna Sa Khwab Hai , Lakshya, Dil Chahta Hai, Kal Ho Na Ho, Hum Tum, Dhoom, Dus, Salaam Namaste, Fight Club, Don - The Chase Begins Again, Fanaa, Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, and Om Shanti Om. Popular songs by Shaan include his first hit, “Musu Musu”, as well as “Tanha Dil” and “Bhool Ja” from his albums and the very popular songs “Chand Sifarish” from the movie Fanaa and ‘Jab se tere naina’from the movie Saawariya.

This long haired sensation made his appearance in the song ‘Q - Funk’ from the album ‘Oorja’The track from his second album Tanha Dil, “Bhool Ja”, catapulted to the charts within days of its release!

Shaan loves to sing in English too. “Singing in Mumbai Matinee

and Valentine’s Day gave me confidence. I have no training in classical music but I can pull off a semi-classical bandish,” says Shaan.

From an aspiring desk – top publisher to a pop singer Shaan surely has come a long way.

Aishwarya Majmudar (born October 5, 1993) is a singer from Ahmedabad, India. She is notable for winning the 2008 musical reality show Amul STAR Voice of India Shadab Faridi belongs to the Saharanpur Gharana of music, He learned singing from his early childhood. He sang a bandish at the age of 6 and has been learning music ever since.

His father is a Sufi singer. Shadab has accompanied his father for many performances and has learnt a lot from him.

An ardent fan of Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Shadab loves to sing Sufi songs.

For information, call Rajender at (281) 222-4500 or visit www. starpromotioninc.com

Shaan was born into a Bengali family on 30th September 1972.

He is the son of the late music director Manas Mukherjee and brother of singer Sagarika. He is married to Radhika and has two sons, Soham and Shubh.

He is the grandson of Jahar Mukherjee.

Shah Rukh Set to perform at IIFA awards The spectacular threeday event features the IIFA Film Festival, IIFA World Premiere presented

by Infiniti, the FICCI Global Business Forum, IIFA Music Workshop, IIFA Rocks presented

by The Bay and the Floriana IIFA Awards.

T h i s e x t r a o rd i n a r y celebration of Indian Cinema and culture is hosted by Government of Ontario and presented

by CIBC

(TOI) Superstar Shah Rukh Khan is all set to perform at the 12th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) in Toronto in Canada.

“Nursing knee injury to get ready for iifa. wish toronto was closer to bandra. shiamk team making the dance steps easier for me...,” Shah Rukh said on microblogging site Twitter.

There were reports that Shah Rukh may skip the awards ceremony that begins from June 23, due to his knee injury.

The IIFA event will also see performances by the Deol family - Dharmendra, Sunny and Bobby, Priyanka Chopra, Dia Mirza, Mallika

Sherawat, Neha Dhupia and the cast of ‘’Double Dhamaal’’. ‘’Double Dhamaal’’, a sequel to 2007 movie ‘’Dhamaal’’ starring Riteish Deshmukh, Sanjay Dutt, Kangana Ranaut, Mallika Sherawat, Arshad Warsi, Jaaved Jaaferi and Aashish Chaudhary, will be premiered at the event.

A major highlight of the IIFA awards is that Jermaine Jackson, elder brother of Michael Jackson, will team up with Sonu Nigam to pay tributes to his brother and the late ‘’King of Pop’’.

The event will be hosted by filmmaker Karan Johar and actress Anushka Sharma.

Indo American News • Friday, june 24 , 2011 • Online Edition: www.indoamerican-news.com

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Indo American News • Friday, June 24, 2011

India House’s many Fathers There is a popular expression: Success has many fathers, but failure is an orphan. Judged by this criterion, India House is a great success. During the recent India House Council elections, many of the candidates were proud to proclaim their association with the project since its inception. If the project had been judged to be a failure, many of the same people would have shied away, saying the project was undertaken without consideration of their misgivings.

India House is now an active place with cricket being played every weekend on the grounds and a variety of meetings, workshops and after-school activities taking place in the building complex.

One time, I heard a gospel group performing during a Sunday church service. Last Saturday, as the India House Council meeting was taking place, a decorator was placing finishing touches on an upcoming wedding.

This was, indeed, how the founding fathers had envisioned India House would function. There would be many local community events taking place during the day and the Indian community would take over for functions in the evening and on weekends.

The one major task remains is to make India House viable from revenues to cover the monthly expenses. It is a formidable task, but at least there is a new India House Council leadership in place to work with the Board of Directors to take the project further in the direction of financial viability.

Pramod Kulkarni

Going down the drain Far away from the dust and bustle of India’s tropical existence are pristine paradises like Portland, Oregon. Life there is lived differently: the climate is salubrious, the environs immaculate.

Cleanliness is a serious matter, so if you are a young man inebriated enough to mistake the city’s drinking water reservoir as a sewage treatment plant to pee into it, rest assured that your pissadventure would be duly recorded on a security camera.

If you are a Portland resident, you can skip the trepidation while turning the tap on in the morning, as your civic authorities have already drained out the 8 million gallons of urine-tainted lake water, restoring you to the state before the big leak, sorry, lapse.

Rather than remonstrating with the Portland authorities, a better idea would be to bring them to India. They would discover that our tanks, rivers and lakes exist solely as a vehicle into which others can disgorge the unclean. Not only do all kinds of human offal, household waste and industrial effluents make their way to bodies that also supply drinking water, a significant number among us take dips to wash away our sins in the flow.

Hindustan Times

editorial

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nothing c civil About It

By Suhel Seth Over the last few months, we have seen a culture of ‘fasts’ develop in India. From social activists who have now renamed themselves ‘civil society’ to godmen who want to politicise everything including their own illegalities, the development is something that does not augur well for any democracy and certainly not ours.

We are nurturing a demon that will continue to devour every edifice left of some of our institutions. What saddens me most is the level of discourse that is now part of the public domain.

I cannot fathom how an Arvind Kejriwal speaks the way he does. He is not the arbiter of all morality in India.

How can he make statements that are not just abusive but damning about a society that he represents and hopes to change?

By alleging falsehoods on both the people and the process that is responsible for creating the lokpal bill, we are allowing these people to hijack what must be a governmental agenda.

I am tired of being told by these socalled ‘civil society’ members that it is their business to get things done if the government doesn’t. Illogical and farcical. We are all part of a system that allows us to choose our representatives. On top of that, we have a vibrant and free media. So what prevents the ‘people’ as it were, from taking up issues through these channels?

India has been in existence as a nation since 1947. Haven’t we had bills passed before or are we awakening to a new dawn? I was aghast at the manner in which Ramdev held Delhi hostage. I kept wondering, when I gave him the right to represent me?

What angered me even more was why my government was negotiating with self-styled representatives of the people? Is corruption new to India? Is it unique to us a nation? And will one bill change all that? Will the municipal worker stop asking for a bribe?

Will we never need to pay cops just so they do their duty? Will there be no delays as far as the legal machinery is concerned? What is it that we are talking about?

Enough has been said about black-

This country has to be run

by India’s Parliament, not by a motley crew that assembles periodically either at jantar mantar or the ramlila maidan. we w are not some loose confederation of states run by independent warlords.

mail and how the government has been held to ransom. Equally distressing was the role that the BJP and the RSS played — political opportunists to the hilt. Is this going to be the new way of defining an Opposition in India? To my mind, the personal remarks against Sonia Gandhi by Nitin Gadkari belonged to the gutter and not to someone who claims to head a political party. We have become so indecent that almost anything goes and no individual or institution is sacred.

This cynicism and abuse will destroy India quicker than we can imagine.

The tremors of this self-hatred are being felt abroad. In the many meetings with global editors, the first question I am asked is: ‘Why is India so selfdestructive?’ Just when everything was going right for us, foreign direct investment has slowed down and investor confidence has waned.

I have always maintained that the role of civil society is to flag issues and then build sustainable pressure for governments to act. Blackmail is not a tool that helps countries legislate. It only opens doors to dubious people as we saw in the case of Ramdev. The Kejriwals of this world need to know that unless elected, they are mere citizens and not law-makers.

This distinction cannot be blurred the way it has been over the past few weeks. What is worse is the intoler intolerance. Over the last many days, I have gone against the popular sentiment and been pilloried for it. I have been called a government stooge and a Congress agent. What I have found

IndoAmerican News Founder: dr. K.L. Sindwani editor: Pramod KuLKarni LK BuSineSS manager: Jawahar maLhotra managing Partner: KriShna giri Community rePorter: KaLyani L giri Community editor: manaSi goKhaLe adminiStrative manager: vanShiKa K viPin Ka BuSineSS & reCreation: JaCoB david graPhiC deSign: SaqiB rana correspondents chicago: nand Kapoor, UK: aseem KUlKarni K Karni new delhi: 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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shocking is that very few in the media are analysing this ridiculous situation or taking a contrarian view. I hope they realise that sensationalism and populism do not make for sustainable legislation.

This country has to be run by India’s Parliament, not by a motley crew that assembles periodically either at Jantar Mantar or the Ramlila Maidan.

We are not some loose confederation of states run by independent warlords. We are a nation governed by a constitution. If we could lock up Binayak Sen for sedition, why are we silent on some of these civil society blokes who are causing even greater harm?

Suhel Seth is the CEO of Counselage, a Delhi-based brand and marketing consultancy. The views ex expressed by the author are personal.

Feedback

When the elected representatives for get their duties and wait for another election to come and be elected, what is way ahead for the people of India? Do you have any other way to get their grievances redressed? You only know how to comment on Anna Hazare’s Team and do not have any solution. You speak in the tone of the Congress. You should stop uttering words against Civil Society and start getting the Public Voice heard in a better way.

Prem Agarwal Mr. Seth has said the right things. let this country not to be hijacked by losers, mullah and Taliban like figures. Iran is a good example where peolpe’s anger was misused by fundamentalists and it is obvious where Iran is now. The so called civil society members do not represent the major majority and just threatening to go on fast will only feed fodder to the idiots supporting these groups.

The govt has realized the corruption problem and let them tackle this within the parliamentary democracy. Let the intellectuals like P.Chidambaram and Kabil Sibal, Nandan Nilekeni et al sort this out and they need time R. Sundara Raman

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19

u unsung, This Baba s starves to death to Protect the Ganga from Pollution rejected the petition on May 26 and we immediately ordered closure of all mining activities in the Kumbh region,” Mr. Sundaram said.

Meanwhile, Swami Shivanand, founder of Matri Sadan here, has sought a CBI probe into the death of Swami Nigamanand at the Himalayan Institute Hospital Trust (HIHT) hospital at Jolly Grant in Dehra Dun district.

Doctors at HIHT said the Swami was brought in a state of coma on May 2. He was immediately put on ventilator. He was, however, ‘brain dead’ in a few days. Even then, they tried their very best to revive him until he was finally declared dead on June 13, the doctors said.

“Matri Sadan has given a complaint of alleged poisoning of Swami

at Matri Sadan for public darshan for three days and then he will be given samadhi in on the ashram campus itself, it was told.

The post-mortem report has revealed that Nigamananda’s death was caused by coma, septicaemia and degenerative brain disorder, R.K. Pant, Chief Medical Officer, Dehra Dun, said. The viscera was being sent to a laboratory in Agra for a forensic examination, he said.

Swami Shivanand, however, rejected the report and wanted a second post-mortem by doctors of the AIIMS. To the accusation that the Swami had been poisoned in the Haridwar district hospital, the doctors said that although the truth would come out in police investigation and the postmortem report, it was a fact that the cholinesterase enzyme level of the swami was found to be very low.

This enzyme level can go down either in case of acute starvation due to fasting or by poison. The HIHT doctors said that no indication of poisoning came out in the MRI and other tests.

Senior Congressman and Leader of the Opposition Harak Singh Rawat said the death of the fasting yogi had brought out the double face of the State government as well as the BJP. “The entire BJP top brass raised a hue and cry over the Ramdev Swami Nigmanand, who was fasting for stopping illegal mining along the issue but remained silent Ganga, in a hospital in Dehra Dun on Monday. He died later. Photo: Virender on the issue of Swami Singh Negi Nigamanand fasting since February 19. Why? Just because Ramdev was their the Ganga in the Kumbh area. The Nigamanand at the district hospital man while Swami Nigamanand and district administration admitted him and the police are investigating,” the Matri Sadan were silently crusading to the Haridwar District Hospital District Magistrate said. for saving the holy Ganga without after his condition deteriorated on “It was at the Haridwar district political connections.”

April 27. hospital that Swami Nigamanand Mr Rawat wondered why Sushma District Magistrate Meenakshi was given a poisonous injection af af- Swaraj rushed to meet Ramdev but Sundaram said the Uttarakhand ter which his condition deteriorated never even enquired about Nigagovernment had issued two orders further and he was shifted to HIHT,” manand. banning all mining activity in the Shivanand said, adding only a CBI Ramdev expressed grief over the kumbh region as sought by the probe would reveal the nexus be- death of Nigamanand. A large numfasting seer. These orders were chal- tween corrupt officials, politicians ber of holy men went to Matri Sadan lenged in the High Court at Nainital and the mining mafia. to pay homage to the departed soul. by a stone crusher owner. “The court Nigamanand’s body will be kept The Hindu

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By C.K. ChandraMohan They may worship the same gods and cite the same scripture but all babas — and their fasts — are clearly not equal.

Lionised by politicians and the media, Baba Ramdev fasted for a few days before he ended his protest. At the first sign of weakness, BJP leader Sushma Swaraj rushed to pay him a visit. However, Swami Nigamanand, who went on a hunger strike in February to save the Ganga, paid the ultimate price for his beliefs, dying in hospital on June 13 with netas and journalists alike oblivious to his cause or sacrifice.

Nigamanand, 36, a founder-member of Matri Sadan, went on an indefinite fast on February 19 seeking a ban on quarrying in and around

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Indo American News • Friday, June 24, 2011

t tracing o r our roots in india i Government of India had launched a scheme called “Tracing the Roots” in October 2008 to facilitate PIOs in tracing their roots in India. Major guidelines of the scheme are as follows :1. The programme was designed by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA); to assist Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) in tracing their roots. Guidelines and application form are available at MOIA’s website (http://moia.gov.in).

2. Persons of Indian Origin desir desirous of tracing their roots in India would be required to fill up the prescribed application form and deposit it with the concerned Indian Mission/Post located in the country of their residence along with a fee of Rs 30,000/- (Rupees thirty thousand) in equivalent US $, Euro or any other foreign currency acceptable to the Indian Mission/Post.

All useful information/documents that could be of help in tracing the roots may be submitted along with the application.

3. The Mission, after checking and accepting the application, will forward it to the MOIA for initiating action on the application.

4. The details of roots in India (where traceable) i.e. name of close surviving relative(s), details of the place of origin of their forefathers (paternal and maternal side) and a possible family tree will be made available to the applicant at the earliest.

5. The information collected, including details of family tree, would then be sent to the concerned Indian Mission/Post at the earliest for onward transmission to the applicant.

6. In case of any doubt about the genuineness of the ‘roots’, the decision of the Ministry, taken in consultation with the applicant and concerned authorities involved in tracing the particular roots, will be final and binding.

7. An advance of Rs.10,000/- (Rupees ten thousand only) will be paid to the organisation/ firm which is entrusted with the job of tracing roots, in each case. In case of successfully tracing the roots, the balance Rs.20,000/- (Rupees Twenty thousand only) will be released by the Ministry to the concerned or organisation/firm. In case the attempt is not successful, the Indian Mission/ Post will be authorized to refund foreign currency equivalent to Rs 20,000/- (Rupees Twenty thousand only ) to the applicant at the official rate of exchange, as determined by the Government of India, applicable on the date of the refund.

8. The programme provides for gathering information relating to the ancestors of the applicant and does not have any provision or arrangement for a visit by the applicant to his/her ancestral place(s). In case the applicant wishes to visit these places, the Ministry/organisation/ firm concerned would facilitate such visits at the applicant’s cost .

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India r ranked 4th as world’s w most dangerous angerous countries for women w

BANGALORE: Increasing human trafficking and continuous presence of female foeticide, infanticide has placed India as the world’s fourth most dangerous place for women, as per a survey conducted by Thomson Reuters’ Trustlaw Women, a hub of legal information and legal support for women’s rights . Trust Law contacted 213 gender experts from five continents to rank countries by analyzing six risks.

The risks were health threats, sexual violence, non-sexual violence, cultural or religious factors, lack of access to resources and trafficking.

In India, a whole gamut of human trafficking is run whereby women and girls are trafficked within and into India since they are most vulnerable into the sex trade. The enormous bulk of traf trafficked women and girls are poor, some belong to landless families, and most come from dalit, adivasi or other low caste communities.

In 2009, India’s then-Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta estimated that 100 million people, mostly women and girls, were involved in trafficking in India that year. In 2009 it was estimated by India’s Central Bureau of Investigation that about 90 percent of trafficking took place within the country and that there were some 3 million prostitutes, of which about 40 percent were children.

The purposes for human trafficking in India are numerous such as

forced prostitution, marriage, domestic labour, bonded labour, agricultural labour, industrial labour, entertainment, begging, adoption, drug smuggling and peddling and organ transplants.

The 2007 U.S. Trafficking in Per Persons report identified that the lack of co-ordinated national action undermines attempts to combat human traf trafficking.

It recommends the urgent necessity to establish an effective nationallevel body to enforce the law strictly as these problems are made worse by the reported complicity of law enforcement officials in trafficking and related criminal activity.

As far as female infanticide and foeticide in India is concerned up to 50 million girls are thought to be “missing” over the past century due to female infanticide and foeticide according to the U.N. Population Fund. According to the report this problem is creating gender imbalances and other serious problems that experts say will have far reaching consequences for years to come.

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Experts in India who have analyzed the National Family Health Survey 2 (NFHS2) estimate that about 300,000 girls go “missing” in India each year.

Other studies have put the number between 150,000 and 500,000.

In India, where the child sex ratio is calculated as the number of girls per 1,000 boys in the 0-6 years age group, the problem is severe. The 2001 Census shows there are only 927 girls per 1,000 boys, representing a sharp decline from 1961 when that number was 976. In certain parts of the country there are now fewer than 800 girls for every 1,000 boys.

Apart from India, Afghanistan has been placed as the world’s most dangerous country for women and Congo has been placed second due to the horrific levels of rape dominant there.

Pakistan grabbed the third place for its increasing domestic abuse and economic discrimination and Somalia ranked fifth respectively due to its genital mutilation and acid attacks.

But if India wants to make its country worth living for women it will need to cover lot of aspects as far as security is concern. According to police records, over 400 rape cases have been reported in the capital in the year 2010 alone. According to the data, 18,359 rape cases were registered in India in the first three quarters of this 2010; hence, we need to provide an environment of safety and security to our women with strict implementation of the female centric laws that’s in theory in our books.- SI

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“India Likely to be Largest economy by 2050”

KOLKATA: U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Robert O. Blake on Friday said the future of Indian economy seems very bright and the country is likely to become the world’s third largest economy by 2030, and the largest by 2050.

He added, “The incredible growth of India’s economy has resulted in positive spill-over effect for the U.S. between 2002-2009, U.S. goods exports to India quadrupled, growing from $4.1 billion to more than $16.4 billion in 2009.”

“U.S. services exports to India more than tripled from $3.2 billion to $9.9 billion during the period,” he said.

Last year, U.S.-India trade in goods broke a record with U.S. exports increasing by 17 per cent and U.S. imports from India rising by 40 per cent, he said during a seminar, ‘West Bengal and Beyond: U.S.-India business links and prospects” in Kolkata.

“This surge of nearly 30 per cent to a high of $48.8 billion in goods trade moved India up two notches to become our 12th largest goods trading partner. This positive trend continues, with two-way trade up 19 per cent in the first quarter of 2011, over the same period last year,” he said.

Blake said U.S. trade with India was very much a two-way exchange with mutual benefits to both the countries.

“Robust two-way trade means citizens from Kolkata to Kansas will see the benefits of our trade agreement,” he said.

Blake added that India is also a

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Robert Blake meets children at Kalighat in Kolkata on Friday. India’s growth resulted in a positive spill-over effect for the U.S. between 2002-2009, he said.

Photo: Sushanta Patronobish

growing source of foreign direct investment into the U.S. “The total stock of FDI from India stood at almost $5.5 billion at the end of 2009.

It has grown at a compound annual growth rate of 35 per cent during 2004-2009, making India the seventh fastest-growing source of investment in U.S.” Indian companies invest heavily in many U.S. industries such as energy

and IT, he said, adding that “We expect their investments to increase.”

Blake added the Indian market offers tremendous opportunity to U.S. exporters of goods and ser services. “India has a market of 1.2 billion of world’s consumers,” he said.

He said U.S. companies wanted to provide the goods and services needed to upgrade and build India’s railroads, airports, power plants and fibre optic cables.

He added, “India will need to invest $143 billion in healthcare, $392 billion in transportation infrastructure and $1.25 trillion in energy production by 2030, to support its rapidly expanding population.”

Quoting a McKinsey report, he said in 2030, the country would have 68 different cities housing one million plus people

each.

“India will have to construct as much as 900 million square metres of commercial and residential space each year to keep pace with growing demand,” he said.

Blake added that India’s military and civil aviation modernisations, priced at around $35 billion, are already slated for some of the world’s largest purchases in the next decade.

The Hindu

98 Kg Gold Found in sathya s sai Baba’s room s r

PUTTAPARTHI: A huge amount of gold and silver along with crores of rupees in cash were found on Friday inside Yajurveda Mandiram, the personal residence of the late Sathya Sai Baba at Prashanti Nilayam in Puttaparthi.

The find, which amounted to 98 kg of gold, 307 kg of silver and Rs. 11.56 crore in cash, came to light on Friday after the Sathya Sai Seva Trust members took an inventory of the things stored inside Yajurveda Mandiram — which was opened on Thursday — in the presence of retired Supreme Court judge A.P. Mishra and retired Karnataka High Court judge Vaidyanatha.

An assessor approved by the Income Tax Department was also present to assist in evaluating the gold, jewellery and silver, according to Trust member and Sai Baba’s nephew R.J. Ratnakar.

“The cash found at Yajur Mandir has been deposited in the account of the Trust in State Bank of India, Prasanthi Nilayam,” Mr. Ratnakar told report-

ers in Puttaparthi.

Yajurveda Mandiram or Yajur Mandir, the personal chamber of Sai Baba, had remained closed ever since he was hospitalised on March 28. He died on April 24 following multi-organ failure.

The chamber was opened on Thursday in the presence of Trust member and former Chief Justice P.N. Bhagwati, secretary K. Chakravarthi, other members Indulal Shah, V. Srinivasan, and Satyajit, caretaker and disciple of Sai Baba.

The Hindu

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Indo American News • Friday, June 24, 2011

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Indian Americans Plan Agitation Against Police Brutality with 6/25 Silent Protest HOUSTON: Indian American organizations across North America are mobilizing for a day of silent protest at Indian Embassy and Consulates on June 25th, 2011. Thouands have signed a petition to the President of India against police brutality and beating of sleeping, fasting protesters on post midnight June 4 in New Delhi. Online forums, social networking sites and emails of Indian Americans have been abuzz with pictures of sleeping protestors against corruption Satyagraha led by Swami Ramdev who were roused with kicking, baton beating and tear gas on June 4.

There is widespread consternation and anger among Indian Americans who have taken pride among American migrants as representatives of a peaceful and democratic country in a time of violent uprising, dictatorships and extremism. Support for Swami Ramdev cuts across religious and regional lines of Indian Americans as hundreds of community centers, temples, Gurudwaras from Texas to Michigan and California to New York held vigils during his fast. Now the anger is spilling out. “I feel a sense of shame for the first time in my 25 years in America at what Indian government did at the night of June 4. How can we hold our head high as a nation of peace and nonviolence when our democratic government attacks peaceful fasting people without warning with such brutality?” said Durgashankar of Orlando That sentiment is echoed by Dynanoba

Kendre of Harrisburg, PA who said, “Now, hundreds are preparing to present signed petitions after silent protests to Indian Embassy in Washington DC and to Consulates in cities New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and Houston.”

“It will be a silent protest, like the silent protest of hunger of thousands of old people, women and children who were attacked by Indian police,” says organizer Mr. Shekhar Agrawal, General Secretary of Bharat Swabhiman Overseas.

Organizing committees from five cities –Washington DC, New York, San Francisco, Houston and Chicago are reporting large numbers of people registering for the protests that will be held at 11am local times on June 25.

People are traveling long distances to join the protests. “We have people from Tampa, Jacksonville, Kansas city, San Antonio, from every corner of United States coming for the protests,” says organizer Mrs. Indra Singhal “Indian Americans have a highly awakened sense of human rights and civil disobedience.

They have always been seen as representatives of the land of Mahatma Gandhi whose methods inspired American civil rights movement,” said Mr. Ajay Goyal from Washington DC. “Now they are hurt and ashamed, and they want to give this message to their fellow Americans and Indian government that such brutal and barbaric action against peaceful protesters will not be tolerated by Indians.”

Mind Over Matter

By Kamala Thiagarajan If there is one thing that can travel faster than the speed of light, it is the human mind.

From dawn to dusk, a jumble of chaotic thoughts crowd our subconscious, demanding our time and attention. This can affect the health and peace of mind.

Promoting healing In simplistic terms, meditation is a kind of conscious relaxation—an inner journey towards calmness and tranquillity. According to information released by the Meditation Society of America, regular sessions can improve one’s I.Q., foster creativity and imagination; reduce blood pressure while promoting clear thinking and healing emotional scars and balance.

Meditation does not have to have spiritual or religious implications, nor even any rigid rules. Though there are different techniques, the American Journal of Health Promotion hails transcendental meditation as the most effective, since it can provide a unique combination of physical comfort and mental peace.

A study conducted by the journal Psychosomatic Medicine examined the health insurance statistics of over 2,000 people practising Transcendental Meditation over five years. It was established that those who had practiced this technique needed much less medical treatment during this time than others. This form of meditation is simple to master, requires no fancy props and can be performed with instant results from practically anywhere. This is probably the reason for its immense popularity across the globe, with nearly 10 million practitioners in 50 countries.

Fostering ‘Prana’, the life force Dr. Alzak Amlani, a clinical psychologist in Palo Alto and San Francisco, CA, offers a general guide. “One must first calm the body by sitting still,” he says. “It is important to rest

comfortably and with a posture that supports alertness. This begins to enhance the natural flow of “prana” or life force through your body. As your breathing becomes deep and steady, your oxygen intake increases and the result is instant relaxation of both mind and spirit.”

This relaxation, Dr. Amlani explains, makes some people drowsy, which is often a sign that they are not getting enough rest and require deeper sleep. Ordinarily, a 20 minute session should leave one feeling energized and fresh. When you first attempt to meditate, niggling thoughts may distract you.

One of the foremost principles of transcendental meditation is to allow these thoughts to flood your body without resistance.

You can choose a particular word or mantra to chant repeatedly, but do not try to concentrate on images it evokes. Just let your mind wander as it empties itself of the debris of the day.

Like ripples in a pond, the object is to maintain the calm once everything settles.

Transcending the physical plane As you become more adept at practising meditation, you will experience the ability to transcend the tedious rhythm of life and enter a state where all thoughts and external influences will cease to exist. There is only stillness and deep peace. Even Fortune 500 companies now require their CEO’s to take frequent “no thinking” breaks to rid themselves of trivial worries that can sap their productivity. Other form of meditation require intense concentration. You may be asked to visualize a peaceful scene or re-live a joyous moment. In Samantha or one-point meditation, one must draw the energy inwards by focusing on breathing. Whichever way you go about it, meditation rejuvenates the jaded body and soul, overwhelming you with inner bliss.

The Hindu

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I a m O p inion N e w s

Does Your Profession Complement Your Marriage Profile for Indian Mate?

BANGALORE: Choosing a correct life partner is not an easy task, but various matrimony sites are there to help people to find out there right life partner. Different individual have different choices over selecting there better half. In today’s competitive world, more than choosing the life partner, we can see that it’s more of choosing the right professional person.

However, the study on men’s choice shows that 30 percent of men preffered non working women as their wife. Alike the women, 24 percent men preferred finance profession.

According to the survey, men are more particular about their partners compared to women.

The survey revealed that women decline to marry IT guys and at the same time the men

With the changing trend many people feel that profession plays an important role for a successful marriage.

Recently, the matrimony site, Bharat Matrimony has conducted a survey to know the most wanted professionals among Indian men and women. They have interviewed around 5000 individuals and have gathered various amusing opinions.

The study found that 50 percent of Indian women preferred finance professionals whereas only 20 percent goes for software and medical professionals. Only a 10 percent of women opted for the marketing professionals.

do not preferred to marry teachers or professionals in education segments. Only 8 percent of men were seen affirmative about marrying teachers.

Along with the profession, women expected good salary from their spouse. The study says 70 percent women expect from their spouse to earn between 50,000 and 1 lakh per month. 20 percent women want to marry a man earning more than 1 lakh per month.

So are you also looking for the right person?

Do keep your priorities checked and right, you will definitely land up with the right person.

- SI

Indo American News • Friday, June 24, 2011

Are Our IITs World-Class Anymore?

BANGALORE: India is at a very critical phase now where it needs to produce a large number of quality engineers to keep the competitive edge it has in technology.

However, a NASSCOM survey revealed that only 25 percent of Indian engineering college graduates are immediately employable in the IT industry.

It’s here the importance of the iconic Indian Institutes of Technology comes to play. India’s top rated institutes have been come under serious criticisms recently both from politicians as well as academics. There were mixed reactions to Jairam Ramesh who slammed the faculty of the prestigious IITs and IIMs, saying these educational institutions are “not world class” but are “excellent” because of the quality of students. The Union Environment Minister who himself is an alumni of IIT-Mumbai said, “There is hardly any worthwhile research from our IITs. The faculty in the IIT is not world class. It is the students in IITs who are world class. So the IITs and IIMs are excellent because of the quality of students not because of quality of research or faculty.”

However, HRD Minister Kapil Sibal chose to differ with Ramesh and said the faculties of these institutions are world class.

Many feel that the ITTs and IIMs seem to have an unjustified aura around them. They involve in very less research work when compared to similar institutions in U.S. and UK and they do appear to be a production house of engineers tailor-made for software companies.

In the top 200 QS Asian university rankings, IIT-Bombay again had a poor show by slipping two positions down to be ranked at 38.

While IIT-B kept it downward spiral for the third consecutive year, IIT Guwahati fell from 66 to 82 this year. The ranking, based on the assessment of many aspects such as research and

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teaching qualities, graduate employability and internationalization, had no Indian institute in the top 35. The seven institutes that churn out hundreds of engineers who are considered to be among the best ones in the world, has been in news for being criticized for its faculty.

Critics often term the students as brilliant but the institutes not world-class. The research and post-graduate studies in ITTs are way behind in quality when compared to the standards of some of the foreign institutes like MIT. The Anil Kakodkar committee set up for providing a roadmap for autonomy and future of IITs revealed that the seven institutes hand about 1,000 PhDs a year suggested that the present strength of faculty which is around 4,000 be raised to 16,000 in the next 10 years.

It’s high time that the government take adequate measures to facilitate quality research and development initiatives. According to Kapil Sibal, India spends $8 billion annually on research while U.S. spends $250 billion and China $60 billion. Kakodkar Committee finding goes well with this fact that while India produces only about 1,000 PhDs in engineering and technology every year, U.S. and China generate more than 8000-9000 PhDs annually.

Finally and most importantly, the committee strongly suggested the government to design a plan to bring out at least 10,000 quality engineers annually.

According to the analysis, each IIT faculty member on an average publishes one research paper a year as compared with 6 per faculty member at MIT. The number of PhDs produced by IITs a year is about 1/7th of top Chinese institutions. What we need is a reframed policy on the functioning of these prestigious institutes with the government providing its strong support by adequate investments to develop world class faculty and infrastructure.

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Now The Indian Village Headman Has a College Degree

By Debarshi Dasgupta Standing in a scorched, barren field in Rajasthan, rain would seem like welcome relief. But as we rush for the plush comfort of his air-conditioned car, Bhoopendra Singh Rathore, sarpanch of Shergarh panchayat in Ajmer district, corrects us. “Farmers don’t wish for rain now but for the harsh sun so that pests are killed and the soil thirsts when it is time to sow during the monsoon,” he says. If there were ever any doubts about how well this city-dweller would fit in as sarpanch of one of Rajasthan’s poorest panchayats, they are immediately dispelled, not unlike the searing heat washed away in the unseasonal rain.

Rathore, who gave up a 20-year-old career as journalist (he was last with Rajasthan Patrika) to return to his village Arwar near Ajmer, successfully contested the panchayat elections in May last year. He has become part of a larger trend in rural India where people, after having moved to the cities on the lookout for better fortunes, are now making the journey back, giving up the comforts of the city for the toil and uncertainty of villagelevel panchayat politics. Women are joining this march too, whether it is MBA student Reshma Kadam in Lagadwadi in Maharashtra’s Satara district or Chhavi Rajawat, again an MBA, in Rajasthan’s Soda panchayat in Tonk district.

The trend reinforced itself in the recent Jammu and Kashmir panchayat polls too. Winners here include Raja Parvez Ali Mir, a Mumbai-based model who returned to Lachipora in Kupwara district to be elected as sarpanch; Gurmeet Singh Bajwa, an MBA sarpanch in Jammu district’s Kang village; and Ghulam Nabi Ambar, a history post-graduate from Kashmir University, a successful businessman and now the head of Asham-B panchayat in Bandipora district. Ambar’s move, as with the other two, was largely inspired by their desire to realise in the villages the basic living standards they took for granted in the cities. “You can’t send 60-year-olds to study in universities but you can tell them that things have moved ahead and that it’s time they changed their vision,” he says.

Meanwhile, in Bihar, a 22-year-old sociology graduate, Kajal Kumari, has been elected the mukhiya of Khirhar panchayat in Madhubani and Sharad Kumari, a social worker

with a PhD, narrowly missed a victory (by just 19 votes) in Darbhanga’s Jale panchayat. And in Uttarakhand, Archana Rawat, a history post-graduate and a bureaucrat’s wife, is changing the face of her remote Thana panchayat about 80 kilometres away from Dehradun.

This reverse migration has changed the manner in which local officials deal with sarpanches. “When I was reporting, I would often see how disparagingly sarpanches and villagers were treated by the officers,” says Rathore, who drives to his panchayat from his home in Ajmer. His urban, journalist background has transformed the way local babus now engage with villagers. This new breed of sarpanches has resulted in a more equilibrated relationship between the pradhan and the government representative, which is yielding benefits on the ground.

Take, for instance, Munna Das, a poor SC tailor in Archana Rawat’s panchayat, who should have been on the BPL list. Omitted, he missed out on government assistance like the Rs 38,000 grant for BPL families to help them construct a house. Rawat asked the local officials what could be done and was promptly told that Munna had to be on the BPL list to receive assistance. She then enquired if there was any other scheme that would cover his family. It turned out there was—a grant under Uttarakhand’s Atal Awas Yojana. Today, as his house nears completion, Munna is delighted at the prospect of finally having a roof over his head to call his own: “Had it been an illiterate pradhan, he or she would not have dared to ask the officer twice,” he says. Another villager, Sultan Singh Rawat, agrees, “Educated pradhans are familiar with how things work in the cities, they aren’t cowed down by government officers.” Kamlesh Parikh, a resident of Arwar, can think of other benefits too. “If the sarpanch is poor and illiterate, he is more worried about filling his coffers with the panchayat money. He first thinks of feeding his family...if anything’s left, then the panchayat benefits,” he says.

Education and an awareness of how governance works (painstaking paperwork included) is helping these sarpanches bring state assistance closer. Rawat, for instance, took the initiative to photograph people

Bhoopendra Singh Rathore Panchayat Shergarh District Ajmer State Rajasthan. A journalism post-graduate, Rathore believes a successful term as sarpanch will kickstart his political career and hopes to contest future assembly elections. “The road ahead will be paved here,” he says. Photo: Narendra Bisht

who deserved pension but weren’t getting any and filled out their forms and submitted them in Dehradun, where she lives. Earlier sarpanches didn’t bother, overwhelmed by the paperwork it entailed. “Since then, over 75 villagers have been added to the pension list,” she says. Similar reluctance to jump into the labyrinthine legalities prevented sarpanches in Shergarh from handing out property ownership certificates. But Rathore claims he has already issued over 300 of them.

An urban outlook is also helping bring newer ideas and technology to panchayats, like a website that solicits help from outsiders and planned solar energy for the Soda panchayat, or an aloe vera plantation programme in Shergarh to generate extra income for the panchayat. Similarly, Reshma Kadam of Lagadwadi, Satara district, who has worked with a private firm in Mumbai, wants to teach villagers how to use the internet so that communication with the world outside becomes easier. Farther away in Tamil Nadu’s Melathure panchayat in Pudukkottai district, K.S. Saravanan, who’s nearing the end of his second consecutive sarpanch term, has helped introduce low-cost construction alternatives with the expertise he gained working as a mechanical engineer in Tiruchirappalli.

Honestly, there are a few in this business of village governance solely for altruistic reasons. An upright sarpanch makes little money, with salaries ranging from Rs 3,000 to as

low as Rs 600 per month. Most live off their businesses in the city and off their fields. Then there are people like Rajawat, who have had family members who have been pradhans earlier and feel the need to follow them, keeping alive the tradition and the respect in which the family is held locally. Which logically takes us to those who feel gram-level politics is a springboard to something bigger, like a party ticket to contest the state assembly elections.

And it’s not all positive either. For all the good they are doing in their villages, pradhans who live in cities have

brought about one major concern.

“Some of them have families and homes to look after in cities. Are they giving adequate time to the welfare of villagers?” asks Rekha Pundhir, who works with panchayat leaders for Rural Litigation and Entitlement Kendra, a Dehradun-based NGO. D.P. Mishra, a professor at the Institute of Rural Management in Anand, Gujarat, says the reach of even these urban mukhiyas will be limited when faced with lower-level officialdom. “They may be given a seat, offered a glass of water but beyond the perfunctory courtesy there’ll be little help.”

There are other cautionary tales too.

Not everybody who heads back to the villages has a happily-ever-after story. O.P.K. Pillai, a retired army brigadier, was the sarpanch in Kulashekarapuram, Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu. He served out his five-year term, but left disappointed at how little he could achieve, circumscribed by higher authorities and overwhelmed by the corruption around him. “The bureaucrats aren’t keen to see panchayati raj succeed,” he says, stressing how unenthusiastic they are in devolving powers to the panchayat. Obstacles may abound but for now that isn’t stopping a growing number of city-dwellers from hoping they can take over local governance, turn the tide and blur the divide between cities and villages.

Outlook

Ghulam Ambar Panchayat Asham-B District Bandipora State J&K While associates handle his business in Srinagar, Ambar is focusing on how best to help keep villagers in sync with progress in the cities.

Photograph by Waseem Andrabi

Indo American News • Friday, june 24 , 2011 • Online Edition: www.indoamerican-news.com

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cally and tactfully with others. Also, don’t confuse selfrespect with ego. You’ll need to be softer so that you can gel with the people more easily.

You become conscious about your lifestyle, achievements, and persona. Right now, everything is going in the right direction for you but don’t let this get to your head. Getting yourself a new wardrobe, working out for a lean body, and improving every aspect of your personality will keep you busy the whole week.

SCORPIO Oct 24 - Nov 22: You’ve successfully passed through the difficult times. The road is smooth again. You’ll now spend time doing what you like. Your hobbies, outings with friends will soothe your mind. You’ll enjoy meeting new people from different walks of life. Art and craft will grab your attentions, you spend lavishly on artefacts and luxuries. The thrill of going out on shopping sprees, grooming yourself and making up for the time spent balancing the demands of life are the rewards you will receive for your hard-work.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 22: You like to be surrounded by people, especially by those important you. Trying too many things at one time is one of your characteristics.

Sure, it does give you variety and thrill, but many of the times it doesn’t work in your favor. You desire appreciation for the projects you undertake. The sound of applause is like music to your ears. The urge to do every thing makes you lose focus. The Archers are known for their concentration, and it’s high time you be objective and re-evaluate your attitude.

CAPRICORN Dec 23 - Jan 20: You’re like a live wire! With an attitude to grab the bull by its horns, you put body and soul into your efforts to deal with every challenge you come across. Certainly, a sign of a winner! Work while you work and play while you play, they say. You believe in this religiously. You’ve aimed for the stars and you’ll reach them, too. You’ve earned more than enough and now you’ll splurge. However, you evaluate your purchases before buying and they will have a lasting value.

AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb 19:You continue to progress with zeal and zest. You have worked too hard to achieve your goals. To reach a great height, the person needs to have a great depth. Your positive attitude, confidence, dreams, willpower and concentration level are providing such a depth to your character.

You’ve no confusion about the fact that you’re on target. You pay equal attention to financial matters, and do everything that is needed to be done for a faster progress. Meeting up with friends and family members is on the cards for the Water Carrier this week.

PISCES Feb 20 - Mar 20: You’ve been fir firing on all cylinders. As a result, success is now within striking distance. Travelling for work as well as leisure is on the cards for the Fish. Health problems of family members may divert your attention. Being emotional and considerate you are, it may even slow down your progress. Your support system - friends and family, gives you strength to deal with such challenges. Otherwise a cool and calm headed person, you tend to lose your temper these days.

It’s because you see things from your perspective. Learn to be open-minded and flexible, and half the problems will resolve automatically.

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ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 20: The moon is in your sign, and it makes you crave for fame. You want to shine like a diamond.

You strive to be the best at your workplace, the most beloved in your relationships, and you will want to be the cynosure of all eyes. There are people who wish to emulate you, and how you love it!

You try to project the persona of a strong and successful personality. Money is the medium through which your relationships are made sweeter, and you enjoy immense happiness on the domestic front.

TAURUS Apr 21 - Lady Luck will continue to smile down upon you, and you will continue to indulge in speculative trade, which will indeed lead to large profits. But beware! Don’t ride your luck too far. In a bid to increase the financial security of your loved ones, you will continue to develop your material assets, fixed deposits, etc. You will be rewarded for your sustained efforts. If you are married, the bonding with your partner will increase, and if you are single, there could be romance which will eventually lead to your tying the knot. Your loved ones will gain and adore your attention.

GEMINI May 22 - Jun 21: You have a helpful nature, which will stand you in good stead not just in your career related friendships but also in your personal life. Keep up the good work! To counter the inflationary trends, you will have to become thrifty and invest only in blue chip securities. This will give your balance sheet a healthy look.

There is even some inheritance on the cards.

So, sit back and enjoy watching the good times unfold. A romantic encounter could be the icing on the cake.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 23: You feel extremely energized and work with renewed zest.

If you have been wondering about the right time to make a fresh, new start in life, it is now.

This is a smooth-sailing phase in which you will be able to cross all hurdles that pop up in your path, even as you take off on new projects and ventures. You are in an enthusiastic mood, and there is practically nothing that can possibly pin you down now. Take adequate safety measures because of the break-neck speed at which you are working. With luck favoring you, there’s nothing much to worry about.

LEO July 24 - Aug 23: You are in a very enterprising mood. Soon you will be able to delegate most of your responsibilities to other people in important positions, so that you can pay more attention to business expansion plans. You will get more support from family, there will be more bonhomie at the dining table. There will be more monetary outflow and work-related travel. The health of an elderly member of the family could cause concern.

Certain things beyond your control could bog you down. But you will manage well.

VIRGO Aug 24 - Sep 23:This is a beneficial period for you as monetary inflows continue and you win the kudos of your colleagues and people of the society you move in. You make steady progress and become more positive minded, cheer cheerful, and creative at work. You make the best of this prosperous phase. You tend to read between the lines so as to avoid litigations and unpleasant situations resulting from your new projects. You will have to carefully analyze the role of your team members.

Beware of dishonest people, lies, deceit and back-stabbing.

LIBRA Sep 24 - Oct 23: Act diplomati-

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