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Friday, March 30 2012 | Vol. 31, No. 13

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Betterment through Balanced Living

Contributing to the worldwide commemoration of the 101st International Women’s Day, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha celebrated its fifth annual Women’s Conference focusing on the ancient Hindu teachings of the four purusharths (goals of life), which resonated with women within the Indian-American community who work hard to balance various aspects of their personal, career, and social lives.

In the picture above are: Sonal Bhuchar, Anita Patel, Pratiksha Amin, Jaya Desai, Dr. Sundara Kulkarni, Nidhika Mehta, Dr. Heena Thakkar, Juuhi Ahuja, Mohini Ahuja Page 5

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Daya Empowering Women to Take Ownership of their Lives $78,000 Raised at Fundraiser Luncheon Gala

BY KALYANI GIRI HOUSTON: Daya, the organization promoting healthy family relationships in the South Asian community, hosted its 16th annual gala/fundraiser Taking Ownership at the Sweetwater Country Club on March 25, 2012. The luncheon event that drew 250 guests, garnered $78,000 for the organization’s multifarious endeavors to help victims of domestic abuse to survive and thrive to live violence-free lives. Adding an element of poignancy to the afternoon, were the truelife survivors of domestic abuse who courageously stepped up on stage and told of their harrowing experiences and their journeys to personal empowerment and fulfillment. This week also marked a significant milestone in Daya’s own odyssey when the mortgage on the $220,000 transitional fourbedroom housing, Harmony House that opened in September 2010, was paid up in full with funds from individual donors, the Indo American Charity Foundation (IACF), and with a lead donation from the Houston Endowment Fund. The house offers up to six months accommodation to Daya’s clients as they reconfigure their lives.

“As the theme of this gala suggests, we are taking ownership of the transitional house,” said Dr. Padmini Ranganathan, President of Daya. “It symbolizes the growth of Daya, that we’re moving forward. But our work only intensifies with the acquisition as we still have to establish emergency funds for repairs and maintenance, increase resources for children’s education while they are at the house, and explore ways to maximize utility of the home for our clients,” added Dr. Ranganathan.

She acknowledged special guests at the event that included US Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Sam Merchant (representing Congressman Al Green), City of Sugar Land Councilman Thomas Abraham, Fort Bend County District Attorney John

Daya Board, Staff and Volunteers

Healey, State Representative District 26 Candidate Sonal Bhuchar, IACF President David Raj, and Houston Police Officer and Daya supporter Muzzafar Siddiqi.

Congresswoman Jackson Lee told of her struggle to reauthorize the Violence Against Women’s Act (VAWA) in congress and urged guests to encourage the members of congress to reinstate the legislation that sought to improve criminal justice and communitybased responses to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking in the United States.

“Sixteen years ago, Daya began helping women to understand that domestic violence is not a respecter of anyone’s wealth, or status, or background,” said Jackson Lee. “You own the idea that domestic violence can be openly spoken about and you don’t stigmatize those who have experienced this.

Daya deserves the resources that VAWA can provide if reinstated,” she added.

Jackson Lee and Congressman Green’s

Photo: Vishwanath Bhaskaran

representative Sam Merchant presented Daya with Congressional Certificates of Special Recognition.

Indrani Goradia, a prolific motivational leader who has helped Daya’s clients, served as Mistress of Ceremonies for the afternoon. She introduced the two survivors of domestic violence who spoke at the event. The first, Naseema (surname undisclosed for privacy), in a pale green saree, said that her 29 years of marriage had left her “unrecognizable” in her lack of selfesteem. Her husband had anger issues that damaging. Naseema’s daughter urged her to seek Daya’s help and she moved into the transitional home and got counseling, gained more confidence, and became financially independent. Seeing the changes, her husband took anger management classes, and the couple resolved to attend marriage counseling together. The marriage is working out and Naseema now helps younger clients at Daya.

The other survivor Kavita was married into an educated family. One day, her husband sent her to India to visit her father on a one-way ticket, promising to bring her back to the US. When he didn’t, she returned to the US with her father’s help, only to be turned away at the door and denied access to her two young children.

“I felt like I was in the ocean without knowing how to swim. My life was shattered,” said Kavita. She consulted Daya and they moved her to a safe house and procured legal aid to navigate the channels to get her children back.

“I didn’t want them growing up in an abusive home,” said Kavita. Today she works as a teacher and enjoys her children in a safe and loving environment. Both women credit Daya for helping them overcome their struggles.

Daya’s statistics for 2011 are as follows: Daya received 5000 client calls on the hotline and helped 269 clients. In collaboration with ESCAPE family Resource Center, Daya provided parenting classes to 12 adults; 16 children participated. Daya hosted a motivational workshop Live a Better Life

by Indrani Goradia, and seven clients attended. Daya clients were privy to the Rice University SIFE program on banking basics and managing money. Daya increased its visibility through 25 outreach presentations.

Through the Daya legal clinic, 409 clients received legal help. The legal clinic has expanded from 8 attorneys to 33 attorneys in Houston and 4 in Dallas. Transitional housing was provided for 22 clients over a total of 2,600 client days since 2007.

Co-Treasurer of Daya, Sesh Bala, gave gatherees at the luncheon an overview of Daya’s role in trying to combat domestic violence and the organization’s accomplishments. A study out of Boston states that 2 out of 5 South Asian women have experienced

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March 30, 2012

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March 30, 2012

BAPS Women’s Conference on Balanced Living

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Pratiksha Amin

Nidhika Mehta

Juuhi Ahuja

Dr. Sundara Kulkarni

Anita Patel

STAFFORD: Contributing to the worldwide commemoration of the 101st International Women’s Day, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha celebrated its fifth annual Women’s Conference on Saturday, March 24. This year’s focus was on the ancient Hindu teachings of the four purusharths (goals of life), which resonated with women within the Indian-American community who work hard to balance various aspects of their personal, career, and social lives. BAPS hosted an engaging conference with panelists who shared pragmatic applications of the purusharth teachings.

Many Hindu scriptures, including the Bhagvad Gita and Upanishads, speak of discovering a point of equilibrium and balance while making progress through different phases of one’s life. The conference presented the perfect opportunity for Indian-American women to coalesce these ageless values with practical scenarios from the 21st century.

Following the theme of “Purusharth – Balanced Living,” the dynamic speakers, ranging from business leaders to healthcare professionals led outstanding discussions on the four purusharths, Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha. Each speaker brought their own experiences and expertise to help make these life goals more relatable and applicable to the greater audience. Chief guest,Nidhika Mehta started the conference with

a keynote address highlighting some essential practices women can imbibe in their lives to perpetuate a more balanced life. As a truly active member of many Houston organizations, Mehta gave exceptionally applicable advice based on her own extensive experience.

In presenting the Dharma purusharth, Dr. Sundara Kulkarni emphasized all that is encompassed within Dharma. She noted Dharma’s importance in providing duty, purpose, structure, and order in our lives. She helped the audience understand that dharma is a fundamental purusharth on which the other purusharths are built.

Juuhi Ahuja talk focused on the Artha purusharth. She highlighted, “Hinduism does not ostracize financial and monetary achievements. It encourages us to reach for the skies while providing guidance to maintain equilibrium in other aspects of our lives.” With her extensive background in business, Ahuja used her expertise to give the audience realistic advise.

Aspects of the Kama purusharth, pertaining to balancing fulfillment of desires and observance of self-control as well as the Moksha purusharth, focusing on the true definition of what it means to be liberated were the last two speech topics. Speakers Anita Patel and Pratiksha Amin both presented the topics in such a manner that the purusharths became not only relatable, but even attainable with

effort and focus. When asked how she felt about speaking at the event, Patel said, “Being involved in BAPS activities for many years, this was just another way for me to get involved again. I also liked the theme of this year’s conference and wanted to be a part of it.”

With over 500 women in attendance, the conference brought together women from many different backgrounds and ages. Even with such a diverse audience, the conference allowed for each person in attendance to walk away with a new sense of direction and a renewed inspiration about how to live a more balanced life. Dr. Neha Patel from Houston echoed the sentiment expressed by a number of professionals in attendance.

In conveying her thoughts, she said, “Having conferences such as this one, helps foster our culture and open dialogue of Hinduism.”

Other attendees were also inspired to use spirituality to bring more balance to their lives.

While many may consider the purusharths something of our scriptures, each of the knowledgeable speakers made the topic relevant and pertinent to life for women of all ages. Expressing her thoughts regarding the focus of the conference, Women’s Confer-

ence Lead Shailaja Thakkar said, “It was wonderful to see so many women in attendance from many different backgrounds to come together to discuss the practical aspects of spirituality to help balanced living.”

The conference concluded with a traditional Hindu prayer for peace as well as an opportunity to network and socialize with one another during a post-conference reception. Attendees were impressed with the participation of young women in organizing the event and expressed the importance of holding such forums to address issues impacting women.

Many women also felt enriched and inspired by the talks and conveyed their motivation to share the message with their families and friends.

About BAPS The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a worldwide sociospiritual organization in Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, is dedicated to community service, peace and harmony.

Motivated by Hindu principles, BAPS strives to care for the world by caring for societies, families and individuals. Through a number of social and spiritual activi-

ties, BAPS endeavors to produce better citizens of tomorrow who have a high esteem for their roots their rich Hindu culture. Its 3,300 international centers support these activities of character-building.

Under the guidance and leadership of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, BAPS aspires to build a community that is morally, ethically and spiritually pure, and free of addictions.

About Pramukh Swami Maharaj His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the fifth spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, has inspired millions of people across the world to lead a Godcentered, morally pure life. As the present leader of BAPS, Pramukh Swami Maharaj travels from village to village, continent to continent, emphasizing the importance of family harmony, community service and spiritual progress. He embodies the essence of Hindu life. His compassion for humanity, universal wisdom and striking simplicity have touched many world religious and national leaders.

For more information, visit www. baps.org

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Daya Luncheon Gala 2012

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domestic violence. Some barriers faced by South Asian women include language and cultural issues, lack of a support system, lack of knowledge of their rights, fear of intimidation, economic dependence, unresolved immigration status, and the myth that life in the US is abuse-free. Bala said that Daya’s future plans includes continued growth of the existing services, organizational process improvements through Alice software and helpline volunteer training, more outreach through a national conference of domestic violence organizations arranged for later this year or early 2013, teen and young adult initiatives and enhanced fundraising to meet new initiatives. Bala recognized and lauded Daya board members, advisory board, volunteers, partner-

ing organizations, and community donors for their ongoing support.

He also applauded Daya’s current staff Vyoma Majmudar (principal counselor), Nusrat Ameen (Client Advocate and Transitional Home Cordinator), and Abhilasha Vineet (Community Development Coordinator – Education and Outreach) for their efficiency in helping women and children through Daya. The staff also organized the gala luncheon event.

During a lunch buffet prepared by the Sweetwater Country Club’s chef and staff, guests enjoyed musical entertainment by Rice University’s A cappella group, Basmati Beats.

For more information on Daya, visit www.dayahouston.org. Or call 713-981-7645 or email contact@dayahouston.org.

Rice University Acapella Group with Abhilasha Vineet (Outreach Coordinator) and Padmini R. Nathan(President) Photo: Rohan Ramchand

Texas A&M University Celebrates Thyagraja Uthsavam

BY THARA NARASIMHAN Around Easter time, we are getting into the swing of listening to Carnatic music in the University Auditoriums and Temple Halls of North America. This generally continues through the spring and SPICMACAY at Texas A&M University recently hosted their fourth Annual Thyagaraja Aradhana at the Omkarnath Temple in Navasota on March 24. Thyagaraja, deemed as being one among the Carnatic music trinity, was a prolific composer and highly influential in the development of the South Indian classical music tradition.

Thyagaraja Aradhana is held every year in the month of March where musicians from in and around College station gather to pay homage to this 18th century saint-composer’s memory through his music. The festivities were led by renowned vocalist Rajarajeshwari Bhat and her talented group of students from Houston. The Aradhana began on an auspicious note with morning “aarthi”, the prayer was followed by individual recitals of Thyagaraja’s compositions by the attending artists from College Station, Austin and Houston some of them including Sriranjani Darbha, Harsha Nagarajan, Dr.Srividya Ramasubramainiam, Vishaal Sapuram, Prasanna Rao, Shilpa Sadagopan, Kruthi Bhat, and several others. They were accompanied by Manjula Rao on the

violin, Mayavaram Siva on the Mridangam and S. Ganesh on the Kanjira. The celebrations culminated with an enchanting grouprendition of Thyagaraja’s “Ghana Raga Pancharatna Kritis” or “Five Jewels” - a collection of five of his most outstanding compositions.

The event was greatly successful in bringing artists and connoisseurs of Indian Classical Music together to commemorate the vibrant and melodious musical legacy left behind by Sri Thyagaraja.

About SPICMACAY TAMU: Society for Promotion of Indian

Classical Music And Culture Amongst Youth (SPICMACAY) is a non-profit student organization at Texas A&M University committed to the cause of sensitizing the youth to the rich and diverse cultural legacy of India.

Since its inception in 1989, the SPICMACAY chapter has been actively involved in organizing a kaleidoscope of events from Indian Classical Music and Dance concerts, lecture-demonstrations, to yoga workshops on campus every year. Their events are free and open to all.

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Village School Students Rally to Eradicate Hunger and Promote Education for Peers in India

HOUSTON: “What better way to serve humanity than to contribute to the largest democracy in the world?” says 10th grader and Houston resident, Aarti Jaggi. With this mindset of servitude, Jaggi has raised $1,400 to provide an astounding 23,333 meals to the deserving children served by the Akshaya Patra Foundation. She attributes this accomplishment to the support of students and faculty at The Village School

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The Akshaya Patra Foundation’s mission is that no child in India shall be deprived of education because of hunger.

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Started modestly in Bangalore, feeding 1500 children in 5 schools, the Akshaya Patra Foundation, one of the world’s largest NGO-run midday meal programs, is currently feeding 1.3 million children daily in over 9,000 government run schools from 21

kitchens in 10 states of India. A public-private partnership, Akshaya Patra combines good management, innovative technology and smart engineering to deliver school lunch at a fraction of the cost of similar programs in other parts of the world. It costs Akshaya Patra only $15 to feed a child for an entire year. This meal gives these children an incentive to come to school, stay in school and provides them with the necessary nutrients they need to develop their cognitive abilities to focus on learning.

With the support of school administrators, teachers, and community members, Jaggi has held several successful fundraising initiatives during “Akshaya Patra Week” within The Village School. Selling bindis, samosas and chickpeas during lunch hours not only raised money for the cause but also introduced the students to part of the Indian culture. Initially, Jaggi was challenged with spreading the word of Akshaya Patra across the high school and engaging students. Today, most students wear wristbands with the words “I fed a child today” engraved on them and the walls of the high school are plastered with catchy posters in support of eradicating hunger and promoting education for deserving children in India. Jaggi explains, “Students are excited that they can feed a child for a year for fifteen dollars. “ President and CEO of Akshaya Patra USA, Madhu Sridhar, remarked, “Youth initiatives, like Akshaya Patra Week at The Village School, are crucial to spreading the word about Akshaya Patra’s mission.

Youth have historically been at the forefront of innovative social movements that have changed the world. It is heartwarming to see Tuesday, Wednesday and youngsters working selflessly to raise funds for their deserving counterparts in India.” Thursday Only Present coupon to redeem. One cupon per visit.

Seeing the success of this initiative, Jaggi hopes Akshaya Patra week becomes a Village School tradition. “I intend to pass the responsibility on to a freshman when I graduate” she says. I look forward to helping the charity through my school every year, and planning new events for Akshaya Patra week.”

Akshaya Patra, a grassroots organization, is continuously working on building support in communities all across USA through Akshaya Patra chapters.

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AUSTIN: Sanjiv Arora, Consul General of India in Houston called on the Honorable Rick Perry, Governor of Texas at the State Capitol in Austin on March 14. They had a very cordial and useful exchange of views on a wide range of issues related to cooperation between India and the State of Texas.

Consul General thanked Governor Perry for his steadfast commitment to promoting friendship and cooperation between India and Texas. They shared the view that there was vast potential for expanding collaborations in business, education, research, healthcare and other areas.

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March 30, 2012

Neerja Aggarwal Receives Numerous Awards at SEFH

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HOUSTON: Neerja Aggarwal, a senior at Hightower High School, received outstanding recognition and numerous awards at the 53rd Science Engineering Fair of Houston (SEFH) held at the George R. Brown Convention Center from March 1-3, 2012.

SEFH is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the understanding and appreciation of scientific research in youth today. Neerja has been working for over a year in the Barron Group Research Lab at Rice University under Dr. Andrew Barron and Alvin Orbaek studying the structure and synthesis of multi-walled carbon nanotubes.

Her project titled Carbon Nanotube Synthesis and Characterization II, a continuation from last year, competed among more than a 1,000 projects at the Regional fair and was judged by several professionals from around the Houston area.

Neerja placed 1st in Senior Division Chemistry and won six special awards from: American Chemical Society, American Institute for Chemical Engineers, Engineering Science & Technology Council of Houston, Krisen Foundation for Arts and Sciences, United States Army and the newly created Larry Spears Special Award in honor of the former fair executive director. In addition, Neerja won the Senior Physical Sciences

Neerja Aggarwal won the Grand Prize for her chemistry project at the Houston Regional Science Fair

Grand Award qualifying her to compete in the Intel International Science & Engineering Fair to be held in Pittsburgh in May for the second year in a row. She continues to spend her after-school hours at Rice, where she’s co-authoring a paper with her mentor in preparation for publication.

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WASHINGTON (TOI): Indian Americans numbering 3.2 million is the third largest Asian American community in US after Chinese Americans (3.8 million) and Filipinos (3. 4 million).

As per the details released by US Census Bureau for the year 2010, Asian American communities have emerged as the fastest growing ethnic communities in the last one decade.

The total US population grew by 9.7%, from 281.4 million in 2000 to 308.7 million in 2010.

However, the Asian population increased more than four times faster than the total US population, growing by 43% from 10.2 million to 14.7 million, it said.

As a result, the Asian alone-or-in-combination population represented 57% of the total population in Hawaii.

California had the next highest proportion at 15%, followed by New Jersey (nine per cent), Nevada (nine per cent), Washington

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(nine per cent), and New York (eight per cent).

The same six states had the highest proportions of the Asian alone population.

The 2010 Census showed that New York, had the largest Asian alone-or-in-combination population, with 1.1 million, followed by Los Angeles (484,000), and San Jose (327,000).

Three other places, Francisco and San Diego in California and Urban Honolulu in Hawaii had Asian alone-or-incombination populations of over 200,000 people.

As per the figures, the Bhutanese population experienced the fastest growth from 2000 to 2010, growing from about 200 in 2000 to about 19,000 in 2010.

Census Bureau said of all the detailed Asian alone-or-in-any combination groups that had a population of one million or more, the Indian American population grew the fastest, by 68%, followed by the Filipino (44%), Vietnamese (42%), Korean (39%), and Chinese (40%) populations.

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March 30, 2012

Ramayan: An English Screenplay by Dr. Nik Nikam

Priya: Dr. Nik, you just published your third book. Is it another one on cardiology?

Nik: No, this book is an English screenplay of the Ramayan.

Priya: An English screenplay on Ramayan! Fascinating!

Nik: I had a lot of fun writing this, but I had to take a crash course in screenplay writing to complete this project.

Priya: What inspired you to write it?

Nik: In 2011, I was involved with the Ram Leela, a three-hour stage-play in Hindi, organized by Dr. Arun Verma, in Houston. I realized that there are more than 500 million Indians across the world who speak English (Indian English) and do not necessarily follow the intricate dialogues written in Hindi or Sanskrit by scholars such as Valmiki, Tulsidas, Ramanand Sagar, and others. So, I ventured into writing an English screenplay which will enable everyone to appreciate the philosophy behind the Ramayan.

Also, during my research for this project I discovered on YouTube, several videos of cultural organizations and school children performing short segments from the Ramayan in English. I thought, if I write a complete Ramayan screen-

play in English, people across the globe will have a ready-made script. They can choose segments from the book and focus only on the presentation.

Priya: Why the screenplay format?

Nik: I asked myself, how I could write the Ramayan in a manner that is easy to understand, educational, entertaining, and will involve every member of the family.

The best way to accomplish that is to write a screenplay.

The screenplay is a unique form of story telling; it lets the reader empathize with any character,

even if the character is not the most favored one, like in the case of Kaikeyi or Manthara.

Priya: Is this your first screenplay? How long is it?

Nik: Yes it is my first and it will be a three-hour play.

Priya: What according to you is the purpose of this book?

Nik: My primary objective is to spread the story of Ram and Sita and the philosophy behind this great Indian epic to the next generation of English-speaking Indians.

Also, I want them to realize how they can apply some of the principles from the Ramayan in their own lives when they face similar trials and tribulations.

Priya: What did you like most about writing this book?

Nik: Staring at the computer screen for six to eight hours in one go! Writing a screenplay was a very new experience. I have enjoyed it fully. I loved the idea of a screenplay which tells the story directly without any fluff. There is no rambling or endless author interpretations and interjections.

The action and dialogue speak for themselves.

Priya: What was the most difficult part?

Nik: Formatting the screenplay to a book, and an e-book, were

the most challenging parts of writing this play. There is software for writing a screenplay but converting that to the format of a book involved so many iterations before it came together.

Priya: Which part of the Ramayan do you like best?

Nik: When Ayodhya awaits the crowning of Shri Ram, the intriguing dialogue that ensues the previous day, between Kaikeyi and her old maid, Manthara changes the entire course of the Ramayan.

That turning point in the story defines the very purpose of Vishnu’s incarnation as Ram on Earth and appeals to the story teller in me.

Priya: Anything that resonates with you from the story?

Nik: One thing that got my attention the most was the life of Ram. Except for two occasions, (his marriage to Sita, and his coronation as the King of Ayodhya, after killing Ravan), the majority of his life is a series of misfortunes. The most interesting part is how he deals with every situation in a positive and uplifting matter.

Priya: How does this book differ from your other books?

Nik: The first book I wrote was on stress management. There are some similarities in that stress is universal and even God is not

9

exempt from that. But, how Ram deals with challenging stressful situations sheds a lot of light on how we can learn to live despite some distressing challenges in our own lives. Even though this epic is supposed to have happened thousands of years ago, its guiding principles hold true even to this day.

Priya: This story doesn’t have all the modern day films’ chemistry, magic, action, comedy, betrayal...

Nik: Once you read this book, you will be convinced how much human drama, action, magic, power, greed, selfishness, sacrifice, steadfast determination, defection, war plans, mass destruction, is packed in this great epic. Engineering a bridge across the ocean, raising kids as a single parent... name it and its there!

Priya: I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of this book.

Where can I get one?

Nik: If you want a printed copy you can get it from major books stores like Amazon or Barnes and Noble. For an electronic copy, there is a Kindle edition and an iBook version which you can read on your iPad. Dr. Nikam can be reached via phone at 281-265-7567 or via email at drniknikam@gmail.com

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10 March 30, 2012

BY MIKA RAO KALAPATAPU HOUSTON: The Indian American Cancer Network (IACAN) held its first fundraising gala on Friday, March 23 at Sweetwater Country Club in Sugar Land. The non-profit 501(c)(3) organization was founded in 2009 with a mission to promote cancer awareness in the Indian community and to support those Indian Americans who are going through the cancer journey.

The ballroom of the Sweetwater Country Club was filled with over 300 supporters who enjoyed appetizers and dinner. While guests mingled at the cocktail hour, they had the opportunity to bid on original artwork, golf packages and other specialty items. The evening launched with a musical band performance by David Raj and group. IACAN Treasurer Alpa Shah served as the mistress of ceremonies for the evening and introduced the chief guest, Lorenzo Cohen, Ph.D., Professor and Director, Integrative Medicine Program at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.

Dr. Cohen, who frequently travels to India, spoke about the increased prevalence of cancer among Indians in America, as compared to Indians in the subcontinent. He described some of the dietary and environmental factors that can influence the development of cancer.

Next, the crowd listened with

COMMUNITY

IACAN “Celebrates Life” at Gala

husbands/caregivers. This group had never before performed, but demonstrated joy, courage and teamwork while dancing to Jai Ho and other popular songs. The kathak dance performed by students of Natya Upasana Dance Academy drew rave reviews.

IACAN members were pleased that the first gala had so much support. “The success of the organization cannot be attributed to any one individual,” shared Gayathri Kongovi, IACAN President. “In-

IACAN board with gala co-chairs Sanjay and savita rao Photos: Bijay Dixit

ties. Not only did he survive the disease, but successfully ran for elected office just months after completing treatment. He congratulated IACAN on its work on behalf of the community.

The evening continued with presentations and performances featuring cancer survivors and caregivers. The theme of the gala - “celebrating life” - was apparent.

Many shared personal account of the ways in which IACAN’s support played a pivotal role in their recovery process. Others spoke of the ongoing need for community resources to assist those in need.

The highlight of the night was a dance performance by a group of four cancer survivors and their

Gala Chief guest Dr. Lorenzo Cohen

rapt attention to keynote presenter, Judge Ravi Sandill. Sandill is the Judge of the 127th District Court in Harris County and the first South Asian to be elected to the District Court Bench in Texas. He described being diagnosed with lymphoma while still in his twen-

stead, it is the result of a community coming together to turn the tide against this deadly disease.”

She briefed the audience on strides made by this young organization and outlined the programs.

IACAN recognized the gala cochairs Sanjay and Savita Rao who, as diamond sponsors, were instrumental in making the evening successful.

To learn more about IACAN, obtain help, or to become a volunteer, visit www.iacannetwork.org

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March 30, 2012

Swami Pratyagbodhananda Saraswati Enthralls Houston’s Hindu Youth

BY DR. JAYAKUMAR SRINIVASAN In his address to the youth, titled, “Role of Youth in the Future of Hindu Dharma” at the Sri Guruvayurappan temple, Swami Pratyagbodhananda of Arsha Vidya Gurukulam said that though children of Indian origin are born in the US, their roots go back to the ancient Indian civilizations of the Indus, Saraswati and beyond.

A holistic understanding of that heritage enables them to have a strong Hindu identity.

Covering topics pertaining to the Hindu religion, including the multiplicity of Gods, idol worship, and daily customs such as wearing tilak, Sawmiji answered the very interesting and often asked question, “Do we worship idols or Gods?” - Hindus worship Gods who personify ideals and are in the form of idols, clarified Swamiji.

According to Swamiji, when we salute a flag, we are not saluting a piece of cloth; we are saluting everything that it epitomizes - a collective history, the will, pride and aspirations of an entire nation!

Likewise, Hindus worship idols which are not just ordinary statuettes, but icons which have come to possess a sanctified and sacred status over several millennia.

During interactions with the youth, Swamiji defined culture

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Swamiji with youth after addressing them on their role in the future of Hindu Dharma at the Guruvayurappan Temple.

as encompassing of language, customs, dress, music, worship, festival, history and worldviews. Stressing on respect for all cultures, he said that no culture should be obliterated. According to Swamiji, the Hindu Dharma is exclusive in that if religion is removed from Indian culture, there will be no culture left. He touched upon the history of ongoing attempts by Abrahamic religions to convert Hindus, and categorically stated that “Conversion is violence against humanity”, drawing applause from the audience.

America is unique in that independent religious identities are encouraged and respected. Here, the Hindu Youth have the op-

portunity to develop and express their religious identities in creative ways. Swamiji urged Hindu organizations to establish a solid Vedic Heritage curriculum for children and to develop leadership programs.

During the week Swamiji presented a series of discourses on Uddhava Gita, a dialogue between Lord Krishna and Uddhava.

Swamiji also spoke at the Hindu Temple of Woodlands and at the Meenakshi Temple.

The program was organized by Arsha Vidya Satsanga, Houston.

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From Exile to Everywhere

BY LAURA M. HOLSON (NYT) AT 8pm on a rainy Tuesday last month, Salman Rushdie strode into Junoon, a Flatiron district restaurant where 90 people awaited his arrival, some sipping chamomile-infused vodka cocktails. Rushdie, the Indian-born British author, was the guest of honor at a dinner sponsored by Dom Pérignon and Booktrack, the maker of an app that synchronizes music to e-books.

It was the second party that night for Rushdie, 64, who earlier in the evening could be found chatting with Diane Von Furstenberg at a downtown show for the artist Ouattara Watts, hosted by Vladimir Restoin Roitfeld, one of his gallerists.

At Junoon, after plates of baby eggplant and lamb were scraped clean, Rushdie grabbed an iPad and read aloud his short story “In the South,” which appeared in The New Yorker in 2009 and which Booktrack had scored to original music played by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. After he finished, Rushdie approached a long-legged, slim brunet woman sitting at the end of a long table.

“How did I do?” Rushdie asked.

She cooed over the recitation, and he thanked her for coming. As he walked away, she turned to a fellow partygoer. “It’s nice to see him out, isn’t it?” she said.

Perhaps a more apt question would be: where haven’t New Yorkers seen Rushdie lately?

Nearly 25 years after the publication of “The Satanic Verses,” which forced Rushdie into hiding for a decade after Iran’s Ayatollah Khomeini condemned the novel and issued a fatwa calling for his death, Rushdie has emerged as an indefatigable presence on the New York night-life scene.

In January he was spotted with Francesco Clemente, the painter and a close friend, at an art opening in Chelsea for the artist Victor Matthews. Weeks earlier, Rushdie hosted a book event at Vermilion, an Indian-Latin restaurant he invested in, and where, in January, the flash-sales Web site Gilt City offered a $95 six-course dinner promotion that included a signed copy of one of Rushdie’s books.

Rushdie, the author of 16 books who has lived mostly near Union Square for 12 years, has himself begun writing a script for a series for Showtime that will be set in contemporary New York. “I think he enjoys the speed of New York,” said David Nevins, Showtime’s president for entertainment.

Rushdie is hardly the first famous author to revel in the city’s night life. From Truman Capote in the 1950s and ’60s, to Norman Mailer in the ’70s and ’80s, mingling with members of high society has long been an integral part of literary celebrity.

But Rushdie’s relentless public presence is notable not only because it flouts the edict against

Rushdie with his then-wife Padma Lakshmi.

Photo: Diane Bondareff

him from more restrictive parts of the world, but also because it occurs precisely at a moment when many of New York’s most successful writers appear to lead lives of domestic tranquillity in Brooklyn.

“The day of the writer as public character is greatly diminished,” said Mort Janklow, the veteran literary agent. “Writers are more professional. You don’t hear about feuds. You don’t see the most prolific writers out.”

Like Mailer, who had six wives, Rushdie, who has married four times (most recently to the “Top Chef” host Padma Lakshmi, whom he was divorced from in 2007), has developed something of a reputation as a ladies’ man.

“Anytime you see him he is with two or three beautiful women,” said Graydon Carter, a friend and the editor in chief of Vanity Fair, who owns the Waverly Inn restaurant, which Rushdie frequents.

“He’s one of my best customers.

You wouldn’t think a writer would be my best customer.”

Rushdie’s first marriage, in 1976, to the literary agent Clarissa Luard, ended in 1987. His next two wives were also involved in the book world; Marianne Wiggins is an author, and Rushdie’s third wife, Elizabeth West, was a book editor. But perhaps his most scrutinized relationship was with Lakshmi, a former model and sometime actress to whom he was married for four years. Since their split, he has been linked to a number of attractive young women.

Friends say he once dated Michelle Barish, the socialite and former wife of the nightclub promoter Chris Barish. The actress Pia Glenn has spoken publicly of a relationship with Rushdie. And last November, Devorah Rose, an aspiring reality television actress and magazine editor who chronicles society in the Hamptons, posted a photograph on Twitter of her and the author at dinner. “Great times w @SalmanRushdie,” Rose tweeted.

What followed between Rose and Rushdie was catnip for gossips. Rushdie told The Post that Rose was a casual acquaintance.

Rose shot back that Rushdie pursued her romantically, and provided messages he sent her on Facebook for publication on the gossip Web site Scallywagandvagabond. com, according to the site.

Deepika Bahri, a friend and an associate professor of English at Emory University in Atlanta, where Rushdie is a distinguished writer in residence, said that Rushdie was game for interacting online with any person or subject, highbrow or low. “I don’t think it really matters to him,” Bahri said, when asked how such behavior might affect public perception.

To Rushdie, such platforms are not just new ways to show his talents, but offer liberation of a sort, friends said. “He talks about being reborn digitally,” Bahri said.

When Rushdie was asked about his interest in social media at Junoon in February, he said: “I like reaching a new audience. The dialogue is invigorating.”

Certainly, whatever social gyrations occur in cyberspace or on the town, Rushdie has clung to his literary cachet, no small feat, as Janklow, the agent, pointed out: “It’s hard to be a great social figure and a great writer.”

The author is still very much in demand as a speaker at conferences. In January, he canceled a trip to India to talk at the Jaipur Literature Festival because potential threats left him worried about his safety. But Rushdie returned to India this month to attend the India Today Conclave in New Delhi.

And his memoirs are highly anticipated; he is expected to chronicle his years in hiding after the fatwa was issued.

“Salman is still in the mix and part of culture and conversation,” said Carter of Vanity Fair.

Page-Green courted Rushdie years ago to join the advisory board of the Lunchbox Fund. She said she asked him to host last Wednesday’s book fair and fundraiser because he not only would create awareness for her charity, but would also invite his famous friends.

Brooke Geahan, vice president of publishing for Booktrack, met Rushdie seven years ago at a poetry reading. Geahan, who has held many splashy parties for writers as founder of the Accompanied Literary Society, approached the author about using a story of his for Booktrack and, later, asked him to read at Junoon. “He’s very generous,” Geahan said.

Booktrack executives said they hoped that Rushdie’s participation (and the publicity surrounding it) would attract other esteemed contemporary authors; thus far, their Web site offers only 14 titles.

That didn’t seem to matter, though, at Junoon, where guests offered Rushdie their congratulations and bravos, inquiring where they might hear him read again.

Rushdie beamed. He was one of the last to leave the party.

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 2012 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

March 30, 2012

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COMMUNITY

16 March 30, 2012

Arathi School of Indian Dance Celebrates 30 Years of Service

SAN ANTONIO: Arathi School of Indian Dance in San Antonio celebrated the 30 year anniversary of the school on February 4. The book titled ‘Arathi: Thirty Years of Service to the Arts and the Community is the first book to be published in the US that outlines the history of development of dance in the Indian Diaspora. It was realeased at the celebration by Dr. Daniel Gelo, Dean of the college of Liberal and Fine Arts. Indeed they did capture the 30 years in many well planned activities. An exhibit of backdrops and stage props created by Stephen Montolvo, a local artist was curated and presented

by Ambika Natarajan and her team. Steven created palaces, arches, temples pillars and many more on canvas, wood and Styrofoam to bring the ambiance necessary for the productions. Steven was recognized with a gift, a ticket to India to visit the places that he had so perfectly visualized in his mind’s eye.

Next, they devoted an entire session for second generation teachers to showcase their choreography. The production, ‘Maa’ by the Indic Dance group from Dallas was brilliant and a testimonial to the creativity of dancers trained in the US, now teaching in the US and who resonate to the sensibility of the local audience. ‘Maa’ told the story of the many shades of motherhood. Guru Revathi Satyu’s presence was an inspiration as she was the principle guru for the school when it was started in 1981 and taught for 18 years. Guru’s, Shila Mehta from Mumbai, Prasanna Kasturi from St Louis, Ratna Kumar from Houston and Vinitha Subramaniam gave lecture demonstrations on Choreography, use of space and importance of preserving the art.

Four women who had pioneered the pre-

Rajam Ramamurthy flanked by Jahnavi Rajagopal and Deepa Thankavel was given the lifetime achievement Award for her dedicated service to Dance.

sentation of Asian dances and music in San Antonio were honored. Nelda Drury at age 94 was brilliant in her comments about the importance of Diversity in the arts. Jo Ann Andera the Director of the Folk Life Festival and the Asian New Year Festival and May Lam and Evelyn Crow the other two honorees started the Asian New year festival. Deidre LaCour a brilliant performer of African dance and Michelle Garza Rodriguez with Flamenco dance were honored for the years of collaborative work they have done. Guru’s Bana Ramanath, Sreedhara Akkibebbalu, Vinitha Subramaniam were recognized.

Ammu Devasthali, Philanthropist, artist and arts connoisseur of Las Cruces New Mexico gave the award to Kavi Thankavel, Chair of the Board of Arathi school for her years of

service to the school. Kausi Subramaniam, Jahnavi Rajagopal and Deepa Thankavel, former students now involved in teaching were recognized.

The highlight of the awards segment was recognition of the five women who founded the School in 1981. They are fondly called the ‘Golden Girls of San Antonio’.Lalithamma Kumara, a founder member was a driving force in its early development. Lalithamma died in 2002 and her memory was honored. Kamala Rao’s passion for dance drives her still and she regularly participates in the productions of the school. Madhu Mehta, Malathi Koli and Rajam Ramamurthy have been the backbone of the school since its inception and continue to sustain and nurture the school. Rajam Ramamur-

thy was given the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ for her dedicated service to dance.

Following the awards ceremony and dinner, fifteen dance ballets produced by the school in the past 30 years were show cased in video and live reproductions. Students of the other three Bharathanatyam schools in San Antonio, Natyanjali Center for Performing Arts, Kaveri Natya Yoga and Kalalaya school for performing Arts helped produce the show. The majority of the productions were handled by Priya Jagadeeswaran of Arathi School whose meticulous training of the students was apparent as each ballet unfolded. The future looks promising in the hands of the second generation of students like Priya Jagadeeswaran who has shown maturity, patience and has enormous talent and stamina, Nancy satsangi who was associate Editor of the book.

The book that was released chronicles the evolution of Indian dance and the part it played in the growth of a community. Rajam Ramamurthy editor of the book says “This book took shape in my head after the passing of a dear friend and remarks from her family about the enormity of dealing with the bulk of photographs, videos and music cassettes that she had collected. I had five times the volume of such material, as I, by default, became the keeper of memories for the school.

The planning of the 30 year anniversary was complete in my vision many years back.

It was time to transition and ‘Arathi’s 30 years would be captured in print, a legacy that might kindle the imagination of a curious dance student down the road.”

The book may be purchased by contacting arathi.dance@gmail.com.

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 2012 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

COMMUNITY

March 30, 2012

17

IIM Alumni Inaugurate Texas Chapter with a High-Powered Conference

BY ASHIMA JAIN HOUSTON: The Indian Institute of Management USA’s inaugural Texas conference – IIMpulse 2012 – was a testament to the institutions the attendees graduated from. With over 75 IIM-IIT alumni and associates in attendance, a great speaker line-up and excellent food and drinks, the conference an astounding success.

Conference attendees from different industries, different points in their careers and from across the cultural spectrum came from California, Atlanta, Dallas, Austin, and the Greater Houston area on a pleasant Saturday, March 17 from noon till 6pm at the Cameron School of Business at the University of St. Thomas. Old friends caught up with each other, new friends and business acquaintances were made and the organizers had a hard time closing the conference at the appointed time. Indian Consul General Sanjiv Arora inaugurated the conference and said that the IIMs represented some of the best business schools globally.

The conference started off with a sumptuous Indian lunch. Dr. Beena George, IIM USA’s Greater Houston chapter leader welcomed the delegates. She said that it had been her dream since 2005 to have an IIM USA conference in Houston and she was thrilled that a chance meeting with an IIM USA member in Mexico had made this conference a reality.

Ashima Jain, founding president of IIM USA, described how IIM USA was founded, what its objectives were

Mohan Natrajan, IIM USA Houston Chapter Leader Debjani Biswas, Panelist Anurag Kumar, Panelist Vasu Vijay, Panelist Pradeep Anand, Panelist Ashima Jain, IIM USA Founding President Consul General Sanjiv Arora, Inaugural Speaker Beena George, IIM USA Houston Chapter Leader Dr. Beheruz N. Sethna, Panelist Swati Biswas, Keynote Speaker Kirk Coburn

and how the organization had grown and now represented more than 6,000 IIM alumni in the Americas with chapters in San Francisco/Bay Area, Los Angeles, Seattle, Chicago, New York/New Jersey, Washington DC, Toronto, Boston and now Houston.

Ashima encouraged the attendees to do more as a group and promote the contribution of the IIM alumni to the community, network more and find ways to work with each other and promote the IIM brand.

The theme of IIMpulse 2011 was “Blazing New Trails”. Keynote speaker, Kirk Coburn, co-founder and managing director of SURGE Accelerator, held the audience spellbound as he shared his experiences.

Using his iPhone to flip through his presentation, Kirk’s perspective was that the world’s energy problems

could be solved using software and that his current passion was to incubate entrepreneurs who had novel and elegant solutions to address the energy related issues.

After a short tea break, a panel discussion on “Trail Blazing” was moderated by Swati Biswas, IIM alum with five panelists. Anurag Kumar, Vistage CEO Executive Coach and CEO of ITexico, kicked off the discussion by urging everyone to explore their trailblazing instincts by “doing something” and “taking the risk”. “If it is not now, then when? If not you, then who?”, he asked, and added “Jo dar gaya, samjho mar gaya”.

Dr. Beheruz N. Sethna, President, University of West Georgia, followed by suggesting that risk taking is what trailblazers do. He talked about some risky decisions he took which turned

out to be quite successful and emphasized the need to focus and think of quantum leap changes, not small incremental ones.

Debjani Biswas, Director, Pepsico (Frito Lay) emphasized the need to leverage diversity and challenged everyone to build their personal brand perhaps using the Johari window as a tool to one’s open area, blind area, hidden area and the unknown area. She urged using one’s strengths versus focusing on one’s weaknesses, her formula being Passion + Strength = Impact Pradeep Anand, President and Founder of Seeta Resources, emphasized that tenacity is critical to success. He shared stories of some of his trail-blazing buddies when they were not so famous and honed in on a key point – being first in a disruptive op-

portunity / paradigm leads to trailblazing. He talked about his mother who was unique in many ways a trailblazer in her own right, as a working woman in the 1950s.

After a brief break, Vasu Vijay, CTO, 360 Training, suggested that trailblazing could be about ideas.

“Mahatma Gandhi”, he said “was a trailblazer. “If you do not achieve success, you would not be considered a trailblazer, no matter how interesting, how life changing, how impactful the idea could be or could have been”.

An animated question and answer session then followed and led into the happy hour where over cool drinks and spicy snacks, the conference attendees talked about how wonderful it was that IIM USA had provided a forum for active minds to connect and communicate.

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, MARCH 30 , 2012 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

18 March 30, 2012

Maturity & Generosity

It is heartening to see institutions in the Indian community in Houston grow to a mature stage. The latest example is Daya Houston, which held its 16th gala last Sunday afternoon. The organization is now fielding cup to 5,000 phone calls per year from South Asian families in crisis. Daya now has a transitional house, called Harmony Home, to give their clients in distress a place to stay and recover for up to six months.

Daya’s success is due to the hard work of its staff, board members and numerous volunteers. Noteworthy is the support the organization has been receiving from within the community as well as mainstream supporters. Daya started 16 years ago with seed money from the IndoAmerican Charity Foundation. A dedicated group of donors in the South Asian community are contributing funds each year. Lately, Daya has received funding from mainstream organizations such as the Houston Endowment, Siemens Foundation, and the George Foundation of Fort Bend County. This is truly how we should be assimilating in the American community at large and the Houston community in particular.

Pramod Kulkarni

Telling Off Tehran

The bomb attack on an Israeli diplomat’s car in New Delhi last month was disturbing for two reasons. As Israel promptly accused Iran and Iran issued its denial, India found itself at the unenviable diplomatic discomfort of being caught between two mutually hostile friends. Yet, although Delhi was careful not to blame anybody immediately and resisted the Israeli request to support a UN Security Council resolution condemning Iran for the near simultaneous incidents in Delhi, Bangkok and Tbilisi, it was imperative for India to solve the case quickly and bring the plotters to book. Since then, the Delhi police claim to have identified the conspirators, with help from Thai authorities and the interrogation of Syed Mohammed Ahmad Kazmi, the Indian journalist who allegedly provided logistical support to the suspects and is in custody.

The investigations appear to have identified three individuals — Syed Ali Sadr Mahdian, Houshang Afshar Irani and Abolghasemi Mohammad Reza — against whom Interpol has issued Red Corner notices, along with one against Masoud Sedaghatzadeh, arrested by the Malaysian police on the CBI’s request and suspected to be the head of the module. All four are Iranians. Even as Delhi walks the diplomatic tightrope, it has to wake up to the expanding concentric circles of the Middle East’s conflicts, compounded now by three faultlines: West-Iran, Israel-Iran, Arab-Iran. India’s western security perimeter has extended into the Middle East, and the February attack was its first proof. As Iran faces sanctions for its nuclear programme, India has been a friend much to the discomfort of its Western allies. So now that there is evidence that those who were part of the alleged plot had Iranian passports, New Delhi may not be able to sit on the fence. If DMK pressure got India to censure Sri Lanka on human rights, surely this is a fit case for clearly telling Tehran to exercise more vigilance of its own.

Indian Express

EDITORIAL

How Not to Disinvest

BY ILA PATNAIK Gearing up for the budget, the government attempted to keep the fiscal deficit for the current year under control through ONGC disinvestment.

The auction did not go well. The events that unfolded only pointed to inherent weaknesses in the implementation capacity of the government.

The ONGC disinvestment process ended up with public sector financial institutions, such as LIC, buying up the bulk of shares on offer. The auction was implemented through an initial change in the auction design, one that seems less transparent than the standard auction, something that would likely not have been allowed for a private company. Later, it was reported that concessions were given by exchanges and the stock market regulator to handle system glitches that arose because of the last-minute load at the time of closing the auction. The disinvestment design also raises issues about the price, which was above the secondary market price and, therefore, enough to turn off most investors. Further, it raises questions about whether public sector financial institutions should have large exposure to public sector enterprises, and what signals such disinvestment gives to international investors and creditrating agencies who are presumably among the intended targets, looking at disinvestment as a positive signal about the Indian economy.

A reduction in fiscal deficit through disinvestment planned at the beginning of the year should have been rolled out throughout the year. The argument that the market did not look good is flawed as it is circular. Sentiments in the market, apart from being influenced by uncertainty in international markets, are strongly influenced by government actions and policies. If the government had steadily sold shares of PSUs through the year, investor confidence would presumably have been higher and if markets had been upbeat about the economy, disinvestment proceeds would have been larger.

In terms of ownership and governance of companies, the right path is to slowly and steadily transform PSUs into dispersed shareholding companies. Companies like L&T, ITC and Infosys have no family in charge.

The Indian economy is reeling from a wave of pessimism. In a few years, we have gone from universal optimism about India to universal pessimism. The misrule of recent years has persuaded private and foreign investors that Indian governance cannot be trusted.

There is a dispersed shareholding across a large number of shareholders — both local and foreign. The shareholders elect a board of directors and the board recruits the top management team. We can achieve this with PSUs by steadily selling off shares to the public at large.

This, however, requires continuous work through the year. The Department of Disinvestment needs to be reorganised so as to efficiently sell shares all the time. It is not difficult to use the exchange pre-opening auction system to sell 0.05 per cent of every PSU every day, so that 12.5 per cent of shareholding is sold off every year.

This can be run in a smooth and efficient manner every single day.

Once DoD had failed on the disinvestment programme, the right thing for the government to have done, in February, is to admit failure and promise to do better next year. Instead, the finance ministry succumbed to the temptation of using its control of financial regulation and financial firms to try to raise money through disinvestment.

From a fiscal point of view, it is hard to see what would be gained in moving shares of ONGC from the Govern-

ment of India to LIC, which is 100 per cent owned by the government, at a price above the market price. Did the government think credit-rating agencies would be fooled by this dexterity in fiscal jugglery? The government needs to worry that fiscal dexterity raises the sceptre of Greece, which fudged its public accounts.

Another proposal is for publicsector banks to lend to SUUTI which will then buy PSU shares. Government owns the banks, SUUTI and PSUs whose shares will be sold. So things will move around from one hand of the government to another. Is this genuine disinvestment? The only sensible course is to sell off everything that SUUTI owns and to close it down. That may bring the results that are desired.

The Indian economy is reeling from a wave of pessimism. In a few years, we have gone from universal optimism about India to universal pessimism. The misrule of recent years has persuaded private and foreign investors that Indian governance cannot be trusted. The fracas about disinvestment, and the surrounding damage to institutional quality in the financial system, has done further damage. These events send out a signal to private and foreign investors that economic policy formulation and execution in India is suspect. This will further damage the outlook for investment. It will exacerbate the business cycle downturn, and damage long-run growth potential.

In Budget 2012-13, estimates for fiscal deficit are likely to be high. It is also likely then that disinvestment will again be a means through which the government will try to keep the deficit under control. The lesson from ONGC should not be forgotten. The disinvestment programme should be slowly rolled out, in small parcels throughout the year, regardless of market conditions. It is not for the government to try to time the market and then make a rush for it in the weeks before the budget. The government needs to embark on a genuine path of disinvestment rather than merely trying to make it appear that it is doing so.

The writer is a professor at the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy, Delhi.

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EDITOR: PRAMOD KULKARNI BUSINESS MANAGER: JAWAHAR MALHOTRA MANAGING PARTNER: KRISHNA GIRI COMMUNITY REPORTER: KALYANI GIRI COMMUNITY EDITOR: MANASI GOKHALE ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER: VANSHIKA VIPIN GRAPHIC DESIGN: SAQIB RANA CORRESPONDENTS CHICAGO: NAND KAPOOR, UK: ASEEM KULKARNI 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

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, MARCH 30 , 2012 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

COMMUNITY

March 30, 2012 income tax

Democratic Party Favors K. P. George in Race

HOUSTON (NYT): Both candidates seeking the Democratic nomination for the Congressional seat held for two decades by Tom DeLay, the former House majority leader, are unusual.

One of them, K. P. George, has a background that makes him an improbable candidate — he was born in a village in India that still has no electricity or running water. For his opponent, Kesha Rogers, it is her political positions that stand out — she is best known for demanding President Obama’s impeachment.

In light of Rogers’s candidacy, the Fort Bend County Democratic Party’s executive committee has issued a rare primary endorsement, backing George in the 22nd District.

“If I can figure out what that silver bullet is to make sure that she is not on my slate after May, then I’ll definitely do that,” said Steve Brown, chairman of the Fort Bend Democratic Party.

“I don’t think the endorsement alone is going to do it. It’s going to take work.”

Party officials worry that if Rogers

K. P. George, is running on a more establishment-friendly platform.

Photo: Michael Stravato

prevails, Democrats will not be able to encourage voters to cast straightticket ballots for their party in the general election — already an uphill battle in the Houston suburbs. But Rogers, a follower of the controversial activist Lyndon H. LaRouche Jr., says she is in the race “to restore the principles of Franklin Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy to the Democratic Party.”

She was soundly defeated in the

general election by the incumbent, Pete Olson of Sugar Land, and she received no organizational support from the Democratic Party. The state party’s executive committee even approved a resolution releasing party officers from having to back a LaRouche-affiliated candidate. That resolution remains in effect.

“It’s my burden now to make sure voters in Fort Bend County know clear and well that Kesha is no Democrat,” Brown said.

George, who is running on a more establishment-friendly platform of investing in education and protecting Medicare and Social Security, said he is not taking Rogers lightly. He even agrees that financing needs to be restored for manned space exploration, saying it is the one issue on which he strongly differs from Obama.

It is a safe stance to take in the district that, until recent the recent redistricting, included NASA’s Johnson Space Center. Still, he said, “I’d rather worry about how I can get a job for you before I go and try to colonize Mars.”

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Over 50 Actors to Stage “EK”, a Play on Shridi Sai Baba HOUSTON: Ek, a unique musical production on the life and times of Shri Shirdi Sai Baba features over 40 actors, dancers and crew members. The play had a sold-out performance in Austin on February 14, and will finally making its debut in the Bayou City on Sunday, May 6 at the Old Stafford Civic Centre.

Ek has been brought to the stage

by Devaguptapu Babu, who also stars in it. The vision, script, and lyrics were written by poet Usha

Akella in only 35 days, and Ek, her third book, was recently released

by Sterling Publishers, New Delhi.

The score and songs were composed by artist and critic Suchitra Lata of Bangalore, and choreographed by Vinitha Subramanian, director of the Natyalaya School of Dance.

Ek tells the story of a mysterious man who made his home in the town of Shirdi in 1858. Strange and withdrawn, Baba dressed simply, lived for years only under the shade of a neem

tree, and preached acceptance of all, regardless of religion or caste.

Considered to be the first English language musical on Shirdi Sai Baba, Ek features all original music in a blend of Broadway and Bollywood. Ek captures the tense Muslim-Hindu dynamics of the 19th century and depicts why Shirdi Sai Baba remains a religious icon for millions even decades after transforming the lives of those in one small village.

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India Takes up Visa Rejection Issue with US

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NEW DELHI (SI): India expressed concern over the rise in rejection of US visa to its professionals, and asked American authorities not to resort to such protectionist tendencies.

Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma took up the visa rejection issue during his meeting with US Commerce Secretary John Bryson.

“All issues of concern from both the sides were raised, particularly from our side the movement of professionals,” Sharma told reporters after the bilateral meeting.

Bryson, accompanied by representatives from 16 US infrastructure firms and senior government officials, is on a six-day official visit to India. This is Bryson’s first visit to India as commerce secretary.

Sharma said India was concerned over the high rejection of visa application by the US authorities.

“There have been concerns over the high rate of rejection. Last year visas declined by 28 percent. We had a very frank discussion, including some of the issues on which US has concerns,” Sharma said.

The commerce and industry minister said India was concerned over the rejection of visas in both H1B and L1 categories.

H1B is work permit for temporary workers, while L1 visa refers to intracompany transfer. It allows companies to relocate qualified employees to US offices.

Rate of rejection of visa application of Indian professional in L1 category rose to 28 percent in 2011 as compared to 2.8 percent in 2008. There was a sharp increase in rejection in H1B category as well.

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COMMUNITY BUSINESS INDIA

Tomas Ernberg: The Discreet Charm of Selling Luxe The new managing director of Volvo Auto India on driving the sales of luxury cars

BY RUDRANEIL SENGUPTA (Mint) On the crisp and sunny February day we meet, Tomas Ernberg has a lot on his plate. It’s been less than eight months since the 41-yearold managing director of Volvo Auto India took over the top post in the Swedish car maker’s India operations, and he is lining up a series of new announcements and initiatives, including Later in the day, Ernberg unveiled the D3 variant of three Volvo models available in India. The smaller engine is the only concession in Volvo cars being sold in India. Everything else, including their signature laserdriven “city safety” feature, will be in place. In this feature, the car’s sensors activate the brakes automatically if they sense that a collision is imminent but the driver is not reacting.

“It’s only available in Volvo cars, and it came about after a big survey done in Europe a couple of years back found that almost 70% of car accidents in Europe happen at lower than 30 kmph (kilometres per hour), and 50% of the time, it’s because the driver has not reacted,” Ernberg says.

“We also have lane departure warning, so if you leave your correct lane, the car gives you a warning. In India, you’ll have to switch that feature off, of course,” he adds, smiling.

Ernberg says that by January, Volvo will also launch a new car simultaneously in India and Europe, putting the two markets symbolically on a par—“though I can’t talk about the car yet”.

The other Herculean task Ernberg and Volvo face in India is to make their brand’s presence felt in the luxury car segment, and again, the approach is neither conventional nor head-on. “We are looking to get away from traditional advertising,” Ernberg says. “It is difficult to gauge what results advertising in newspapers or magazines have. So we want to directly reach the high net-worth individuals, around 250,000 people in India, who can afford a Volvo easily, a lot of one-to-one customer relationship management.”

It’s a model Ernberg understands intimately. He began his career in Volvo with the responsibility of selling tax-free cars to diplomats and embassies in Turkey. But his reason for joining Volvo was not a love for cars, but love for a woman.

In 1994, after finishing his economics degree from the Middle East Technical University in Ankara, Turkey, Ernberg’s priority was to find a job that would keep him in the country, because he had a Turkish girlfriend he had no intention of parting with. “I applied to the 25 Swedish companies which were established in Istanbul, and one of the first positive responses I got was from Volvo. So I grabbed the chance and began working there the same year,” he says.

In 1998, he married Shubnam, his Turkish girlfriend, and the couple now have two daughters.

Ernberg, who has three brothers, makes an annual trip to his parents’ home in Båstad, an idyllic town bor-

Ernberg is fluent in four languages, and conversant in a fifth dering a sheltered bay, 250km from Gothenburg (where Volvo’s headquarters are located), Sweden. This is where the entire family comes together.

“My brothers all married different nationalities—Spanish, Argentine and Ecuadorian,” Ernberg says.

“So it’s a babble of languages and cuisines. We love coming together in the kitchen to cook elaborate meals.

Every year we do this, and it’s very special.” the launch of new variants of their cars, a couple of hours after the interview. They will be his first salvo at getting Volvo a bit of traction in the luxury car segment in the country, where it is still a fringe player, more than four years after it entered the market.

“In 2010, we sold 130 cars, in 2011 we sold 320,” Ernberg says. “We almost tripled the volumes and ended up with zero cars in stock. This year, we are more ambitious, and we want to sell 800 cars.”

Over coffee at The Oberoi hotel in New Delhi, Ernberg, tall, athletic and immaculate in his tailored suit, quickly lays out his plans, both shortand long-term, all aimed at one objective— breaking the stranglehold of BMW, Mercedes and Audi, the trinity of German auto giants that has become synonymous with luxury cars in India. BMW, for example, sold 972 cars in September 2011 alone, the latest period for which figures are available, more than three times what Volvo sold in the entire year (Mercedes notched up 745 units and Audi 555 in the same month).

Ernberg won’t be rushing headlong into the fight though. His approach is more measured, more geared for the long haul.

“Our expansion will happen in a controlled way,” he says. “India’s growth potential for luxury cars is

huge. In that context, the German car makers are only still tapping the surface. In 2007, the penetration of luxury cars was 0.2% of total car sales.

Last year, there were around 20,000 cars sold, a penetration of almost 1%.

So it’s grown 10 times.

By 2020, we are talking 150,000 luxury cars being sold.” By that time, Ernberg reckons, Volvo will be selling 20,000 cars per year, with around 50% of the market share in luxury cars in India.

The first move was to bring prices down.

“We figured that a lot of the volume that Germans had got was for competitive pricing,” says Ernberg. “We had cars with bigger engines and we started at higher prices. So we got a smaller 2-litre diesel engine called D3, with a high torque, and now our cheapest model, the S60, will come for Rs. 24 lakh.” The original entry-level D5 variant of the S60 saloon, with a 2.5-litre engine, costs Rs. 27 lakh.

Ernberg, a polyglot, is fluent in Swedish, English, Spanish and Turkish and has a passing knowledge of Arabic—a result of his globetrotting childhood. Ernberg’s father is a retired diplomat, so Ernberg, who was born in Spain, went to junior school in Lagos, Nigeria, and Buenos Aires, Argentina; middle school in Malaysia; and high school in Sweden. And, finally, college in Ankara, Turkey— “my most exciting years. Ankara has a lot of students, lots and lots of cafés, an active nightlife, and during long weekends, we would go skiing, and of course, I met my love there.”

Though the thrills and romance of such a country-hopping childhood were considerable, there were some serious drawbacks too. “You go to school, make friends and settle down.

Then your dad comes and tells you OK, get up and pack, we’re leaving in a couple of months, and you lose all your friends,” Ernberg says. But now he is discovering a new, happier side to this. “With the help of social media, I’m finding so many old friends from many years back,” he says. “I’m finding friends with whom I never thought I’ll be able to make contact again—just a few days back, I reconnected with an old friend in Argentina on Facebook. It’s thrilling and entirely unexpected.”

Ernberg spends a lot of his free time playing sports—volleyball, tennis and golf. Soon, he’ll be seen on the greens with increasing regularity.

Volvo has been hosting the Volvo World Golf Challenge for 24 years now. This year, the championship will also come to India, in partnership with the Professional Golf Tour of India.

“Volvo and golf fit well,” Ernberg says, “and it’s a lovely way of making people conscious of the brand.”

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, MARCH 30 , 2012 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

INDIA

March 30, 2012

India Eyes Muslims Left Behind by Quota System

BY JIM YARDLEY MUZAFFARNAGAR (NYT): Along the narrow lane known as Khadar Wallah, Muslims and low-caste Hindus have lived side by side for years, bound by poverty, if not religion. Yet recently, Muslims like Murtaza Mansuri have noticed a change. Their neighbors have become better off.

Many of the Dalits, the low-caste Hindus once known as untouchables, have gotten government jobs, or slots in public universities, opportunities that have meant stable salaries and nicer homes. And to Mansuri the reason is clear: the affirmative action quotas for low-caste Hindus, a policy known in India as reservation, which is not explicitly available to Muslims.

“We are way behind them,” Mansuri, who repairs rickshaws for a living, said on a recent afternoon. “Reservation is essential for Muslims. If we don’t get education, we will remain backward, while others move forward and forward.”

For decades, the issue of affirmative action for Muslims has been a politically fractious one in India. Many opponents, including right-wing Hindu groups, have long argued that affirmative action policies based on religion violate India’s Constitution and run counter to the country’s secular identity. Quotas, they said, should be strictly reserved for groups that have suffered centuries of caste-based discrimination.

But these arguments have been steadily countered by an undeniable and worrisome byproduct of India’s democratic development: Muslims, as a group, have fallen badly behind, in education, employment and economic status, partly because of persistent discrimination in a Hindu-majority nation. Muslims are more likely to live in villages without schools or medical facilities, a landmark government report found in 2006, and less likely to qualify for bank loans.

Now, the issue of Muslim quotas has bubbled to the surface in the recent election in the state of Uttar Pradesh, where the winner, the regional Samajwadi Party, has promised to carve out a quota of jobs and educational slots for Muslims, an idea first raised by the Indian National Congress Party. Legal and political obstacles remain, and some Muslims are skeptical that leaders will muster the political will to push through a quota, even as many consider such preferences justified and long overdue.

“We also fought against the British for Indian independence,” said Hafiz Aftab, president of theAll-India Muttahida Mahaz, an organization that has led protests on behalf of Muslim preferences. “We lost so many of our brightest people.

But after freedom, the government didn’t make any efforts to uplift Muslims.”

In Uttar Pradesh, the country’s poorest and most populous state, all of India’s caste and religious demarcations are on vivid display. It

Murtaza Mansuri, a Muslim rickshaw repairman, says India’s Muslims need quotas to get ahead Photo: Manpreet Romana

ruling class. This is the result of 64 years of reservation.”

India’s original reservation policies were codified during the drafting of the national Constitution as quotas for Scheduled Castes and tribal groups. Over the years, other Hindu castes were added at both the state and national level, as different groups agitated for inclusion and politicians saw opportunities to carve out new vote banks. India’s modernization, rather than erasing caste, Tanveer Ahmed, a Muslim, repairs a tape recorder in his was codifying it. shop.

“In India, the deepening of was here that one of India’s most searing acts democracy will not happen by erasing all casteof religious violence occurred in 1992, when an community boundaries,” said Yogendra Yadav, ancient mosque was destroyed by right-wing a leading political scientist in New Delhi. “I see Hindu activists who claimed that it had been it as the next stage of social justice in India.”

Most Muslims in India are the descendants built on the site of the birthplace of Ram, the of low-caste Hindus who converted over the Hindu deity.

Indians in Uttar Pradesh have also witnessed centuries, often to escape the deprived status to the political rise of the Scheduled Castes, as the which Dalits were consigned. Yet those caste afDalits and other “backward” caste Hindus are filiations never fully disappeared, meaning that legally called. Before losing the recent elec- a hierarchy lingered among Muslims in India. tion, Mayawati, the state’s powerful Dalit chief Two government commissions sought to inminister (who uses one name), dominated Uttar clude “backward” Muslims in the quota system Pradesh and used her position to reward many by using their former Hindu caste identity, along of her supporters with jobs, housing and other with educational and economic indicators.

India’s four southern states have managed benefits. Dalits still remain overwhelmingly poor and marginalized in many parts of India, to extend some affirmative action benefits to but Mayawati’s extensive use of the reservation Muslims, if not explicitly along religious lines, quota system and other preferential policies in but elsewhere Muslims have largely been exUttar Pradesh provided opportunity to many cluded. The 2006 report, known as the Sachar Committee report, found that Muslims who Dalits.

“These Scheduled Castes were the most should have qualified for affirmative action deprived people socially and economically were not getting it, even though they were living in Uttar Pradesh,” said Aftab in an interview in greater poverty than some groups that were before the state elections. “Now they are the getting the benefit.

21

“Our Constitution says we should not provide reservation on the grounds of religion,” said Mufti Julfiquar Ali, a Muslim leader in Uttar Pradesh. “But basically, reservation was given on the grounds of religion. A Muslim washerman got no reservation, but a Hindu washerman got one. Hindu carpenters will get reservation, but the Muslim carpenter will not.”

Along the lane of Khadar Wallah, Muslims and Dalits last month voiced starkly different opinions about the need for creating a quota to benefit Muslims. Some Muslims had doubts about whether political leaders would fulfill the pledge and whether such a policy could be tailored to truly help them.

But Badruddin, an older Muslim man who uses one name, wanted the benefit. He said affirmative action had enabled many lowercaste Hindus to secure government jobs that provided stability so that their children could remain in school. In many Muslim families, he argued, children must often drop out of school to earn money.

“The Scheduled Castes are better off than we are because they are in government jobs,” he said. “Once you have a government job, you will be uplifted.”

Several Hindus said quotas for Muslims were unnecessary and would dilute already scarce opportunities for lower-caste Hindus. “Without reservation, we would not have progressed very much because of discrimination,” said Boharan Lal, 71, a Dalit, adding: “I do not believe that Muslims are more backward. They are doing better.”

Mansuri, the rickshaw repairman, dropped out of school in the eighth grade, but is still the most educated person in his extended family. “Our only source of income was from my father,” he said, explaining why he went to work.

He has watched as his Dalit neighbors have gotten jobs, or college slots, through quotas that, over time, brought better jobs and salaries. He pointed to the renovated homes of some lowcaste Hindus as evidence of what affirmative action can bring, and what Muslim families struggle to afford. He said Muslims were also to blame because for too long they did not push their children to stay in school. But that has changed, he said.

His own house was recently refurbished, with smooth concrete walls painted bright green, and is easily as nice as the homes on the alley owned

by Dalit families. Asked about it, Mansuri explained that the house was an example of how his family had benefited from preferential treatment: An agent had contacted him saying that banks were seeking to loan money to Muslims after the 2006 Sachar Committee report detailed discrimination in banking.

“Earlier, if we had applied,” Mansuri said, “we would not have gotten a loan.”

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, MARCH 30 , 2012 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

22 March 30, 2012

9.00 AM-01.00 PM Vishwaksena Aaradhana, Vasudeva Punyahavachanam Puja Bhajans, Kirthans , Lunch Prasad 4.30 PM-08.30 PM Deepa Prajwalana, Anugyan Vishwaksena Aaradhana,Puja, Vaastu Puja and Homam, Mritsamgrahanam, Ankuraarpanam, Raksha Bandhanam, Bhajans/Kirtans/Cultural Program 9 PM-9:30pm Dinner Prasad, Shayyadhivasam

Saturday, Apr 7th 2012 6.00 AM-1.00 PM Viswaksena Aradhana Kalasha Puja and Sthapana, Go(Cow) Puja Vimana Kalasha Sthapana Netra Unmeelanam, Lunch Prasad 1:30 PM-5.00 PM Ratnadhivasam, Yantra Sthapana Bimba Sthapana, Ashta Bandhana ( Murti Sthapana) 6.00 PM-9.00 PM Deepa Sthapanam, Maha Lakshmi Puja Shodhashanyaasam, Dinner Prasad 9.30 PM-Midnight DANDIYA RAAS

Sunday, Apr 8th 2012

Our Hindu community’s efforts to build a temple are culminating on April 6th - Apr 8th 2012. The murties of Sri Radha Krishna and Sri Lakshmi will be installed using Hindu rituals, as prescribed in the ancient Agama Shastras. We request your enthusiastic participation in this once in a lifetime opportunity. To view the schedule of events, and to RSVP please go to www.woodlandshindutemple.org

6.00 AM-8.30 AM Vishwaksena Aaradhana Puja 8.30 AM-2.00 PM

PRANA PRATISHTA

Friday, April 6th 2012

Vimana Kalasha Yatra and Kumbhabhishekam Prana Pratishta Homam, Prana Pratishta for Murthies, Maha Poornahuthi

Program Highlights

Pradhana Kumbha Yatraa Daanam, Maha Abhishekam for Murthies Maha Prokshanam, Kumbhabhishekam



at 5:00 PM. Tickets available at India Grocers and Kirti Jewelers)

Alankaram to deities Bhajans/kirtans/Chanting



Lunch Prasad 

4:00 PM - 7:00 PM



Kalyan Uthsavam

Raffle featuring a Brand New 2012 Honda Accord. (Drawing April 8th Cultural Program featuring local talent Dandiya Raas on Apr 7th Games and Festivities for Children and much much more...

Three Day Festival Apr 6th Ganesha Puja Apr 7th Kalasha Sthapana Apr 8th Kumbhabhishekam

Hindu Temple of the Woodlands 7601S. ForestGate Drive The Woodlands, TX 77382

Cultural Program, Dinner Prasad

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, MARCH 30 , 2012 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

HOROSCOPE

(Sun Sign)

www.GaneshaSpeaks.com Visit us Online www.indoamerican-news.com ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 20: will help you move ahead tirelessly. At the same You will be enthusiastic, and time, you will be keen to invite your friends and will willingly take up new chal- relatives, and strengthen family ties. However, lenges that life may throw at plenty of assignments and projects will barely you during this week. You may leave any time for you to organise such activibe keen to explore your poten- ties. Also, you may feel a deep need to relax and tial, and for that, you will continue to work at unwind. Take up spirituality, meditate and visit full throttle. Needless to say, rewards will keep temples to attain mental peace, if need be.

SCORPIO Oct 24 - Nov pouring in as stars favor you. At home, you 22: It will be a perfect time will be highly compatible with your partner, and for you to explore new opporshall enjoy romantic moments. tunities. Work will be just fine, US Apr 21 - May 21 the way you always wanted The problems that you may it to be. Matters related to have faced during past few finance will take the forefront. weeks will get resolved now.

And once again, you will be Loans, funds, buying and selling of assets, lease your happy-go-lucky self. You and joint finances will be the issues you will will be surrounded by family, friends and want to discuss with your confidants. Romantic relatives throughout the week. You will be so encounters may dominate your mind during this engrossed in family activities that you will phase. You may even get involved in a relationbarely have time for work-related issues. Ro- ship. You will be active in party and social cirmantic dates, candle-lit dinners, sumptuous cuits. This may be the best time to relieve your meals and shopping may take up most of your tensions and let go of your worries.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 time. This truly is a fascinating phase, live it to - Dec 22: You will strive to the fullest. make your family’s future GEMINI May 22 - Jun secure. Even if you have to 21: You may have been on put in extra hours at work for your toes for weeks together, it, you will not mind. Your sometimes due to personal reasons and most of the times due health and fitness too, will remain one of the to professional reasons. This priorities this week. You will try to get in shape week you may take a break ? a well-deserved by working out or by practising yoga. Gradubreak from the hectic schedule. You may be in ally, you may also make changes in your eating an introspective mood, and may want to analyse habits, and include healthy and nutritious food your past deeds. You will want one chance to in your diet. However, certain unexpected exrectify your mistakes, and live life in a better penses may create a pressure on your pockets. way. But, don’t be upset, as better opportuni- Plan your finances beforehand to avoid shortage ties may take their time to come. There’s a long of money.

CAPRICORN Dec 23 way to go, but you will manage. Plan your life Jan 20: A brand new week systematically. will give you new hopes.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 23: This is one of Your career goals will be the the important phases of your highlight of the week. Aclife, and the events that will take cording to you, depending place now are likely to leave a long lasting impact on your life. upon your hard work is more practical than relyAvoid being over-emotional, ing upon your luck. Implement these thoughts, try to take decisions practically. and success is bound to follow you!. Financial The clashes between you and your family mem- matters too, will be taken care of. Now, that evbers are likely to continue. Discuss and sort out erything seems to be in place, you may long for the conflicting matters. Lack of communication your family’s warmth and love, and those roars will only lead to misunderstandings. Profes- of laughter and joyful moments with your loved sionally, you may want to carve a niche for ones. So, you will make conscious efforts to be with your loved ones, and take yourself, so you are likely to channelise your them on a short holiday. energies in the right direction.

AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb LEO July 24 - Aug 23: This phase will give 19: Your planets are powerful you immense joy as you may enough to convert this phase be surrounded by your near into a ‘phase of gains’. You and dear ones. Your optimistic approach towards life is likely will be delighted to meet people from differto reflect in your attitude. Meet- ent walks of life. They will not only help you ing old pals, bonding with close professionally, but also share a great equation at relatives and organising family reunions may personal level. At work, you will be able to cope keep you on your toes. For those of you who up with the pressures and meet the deadline. have children may enjoy a moment of pride You will try your best not to let your family life this week, as your kids are likely to achieve suffer due to your hectic work schedule. Hence, spending time with your spouse, and taking kids great heights.

VIRGO Aug 24 - Sep 23: This is a perfect on a drive will be a part of your routine. This truly is a wonderful phase time to start afresh, and let the for you. bygones be bygones. Now that PISCES Feb 20 - Mar you are free from all the worries, 20: The pressure of work will you may think bigger and plan only increase during this pebetter. No wonder your busiriod. It will be good if you ness may grow by leaps and bounds. After going through hardships during learn the art of saying ‘no’ to your bosses for the past few weeks, you have become a much overloading you with new projects and assignstronger person. And, you may be willing to ments. Pause for a moment and do a quick recap take risks in every sphere of life, in general - when was the last time you sat and chatted and business in particular. But practice caution with your family? It was long ago. So, you may decide to spend some quality time with your wherever necessary.

LIBRA Sep 24 - Oct 23: parents, spouse and kids. You may also help the Good times will continue for underprivileged of the society by giving them you this week. Although your emotional and financial support. A feeling of work may be demanding and happiness and contentment may surround you schedules hectic, your undi- after meeting family’s demands and fulfilling vided focus on your career your own wishes.

March 30, 2012

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INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, MARCH 30 , 2012 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

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24 March 30, 2012

BY MONALI SHARMA (The Hindu) I have always wanted to write something about this, something to liberate the millions among us who are caught in the hullabaloo over looking good. But somehow it just didn’t happen. Not until I spotted a bizarre piece of news on the internet on a sharp spike in the number of women visiting the cosmetologist’s cabin as Valentine’s Day approached.

From Botox to Juvederm, forehead to chin, ear to ear, these miracle

Beauty in the Times of Botox

OPINION OPINION

makers promise you a skin you wore 20 years ago, never mind the love.

Self-grooming and a desire to look good probably predate Narcissus and there is nothing wrong with wanting a few appreciative nods your way. But freezing your facial expressions with those needles and using scalpels to thin that ‘bulbous’nose to a size never satisfying are a different desire altogether, one that is nudging us closer to the approval of an elusive pseudo-self far removed from reality.

And the surgery craze is just an example. Look around you and the chances are very good that you will find people trying to ‘fight’ their very basic constitutional make-up in every possible way. The dark-skinned wants to be fair, the fair wants to be fair-er, the fair-est wants to be marks-free, the marks-free wants to be perfect skinned, the perfect skinned wants something that can’t be figured out and faithfully awaits a beauty brand to invent some new flaw and dedicate a range for removing it, the straight-haired wants to go noodled, the noodled wants a tame, size 2 wants a size 0, size 0 wants to maintain it. The illustrations can be more comical and perhaps neverending.

When did this happen? When did we allow ourselves to set insatiable standards of physical beauty while wanting to just look a ‘little good’?

Who reinforces this constant act of degrading thyself? Look around again and the answer shouldn’t be far off. The aunty who always insists that you wear heels to dwarf your four-foot sad story, the leggy model on the TV screen who feels that marks look better on a Dalmatian than your face, the cousin who just dumped her “matrimony prospects minimising” glasses post a visit to the laser clinic, and many more people with innovative ideas to belittle the most normal aspects of your being, they are all a part of this silent conspiracy against yourself.

Everything in our living world is contaminated with a certain definition of beauty. Even the kids’ nursery rhymes aren’t spared. Puzzled?

“Chubby cheeks and dimpled chin” are ok but why the colour is “very fair,” and “eyes are blue.” Very interestingly in our country, the genesis

of this idea precedes a child’s birth itself with ‘kesar milk’ drinking advice from relatives, and continues on matrimonial pages as ‘Wanted Fair and good looking bride/groom…’ and even beyond. It is that unavoidable, the peril of beauty.

Most of the history has seen beauty as being a female psyche-specific burden but not anymore. The ‘metrosexual male’ and fairness creams for men have shown how this onslaught has transgressed conventional boundaries. But really, when we are talking of ‘designer babies’ that license gene shopping, this seems passé in comparison.

Can we tackle this Frankenstein’s monster? Is there hope for our shedding the myth of beauty and wearing our ages on our faces and stories in our marks? Perhaps there is, but a lot depends on whether we really want that. With the beauty business boom, the high stakes for the companies involved and millions under their spell, there aren’t going to be many takers for this change. The change, however, doesn’t mean that the ideal is a ‘beauty-rejection’ culture; it should rather be an ‘all inclusive beauty acceptance’ culture where stereotyping beauty and torturing yourself under knives and chemicals are not encouraged. It should teach how a person’s colour is just a colour and the real self lies much deeper. It should teach us to take pride in how god made us and to look for beauty in the correct places.

Only then can we redeem ourselves.

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“Keepaaahealthy healthymouth, mouth,Live LiveaaaHealthy HealthyLife” Life” “Keep “Keep healthy mouth, Live Healthy Life” INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, MARCH 30 , 2012 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

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HOLY DAYS THAT AMERICA’S HINDUS CELEBRATE

March 30, 2012

25

Tidbits about Lord Rama

Rama Navami

• What is the story of Rama?

A tale of love and separation, the Ramayana has moved the hearts of millions of Hindus over the ages.

To honor a promise made by his father, King Dasaratha, prince Rama abandons His claim to the throne and spends 14 years in exile. Wife Sita and brother Lakshmana join him in exile, a time of perils and tribulations.

Sita is abducted by Ravana, the of Lanka. After a long and organizations. They make buttermilk andmonarch a arduous search, Rama discovers lime drink called panaka, serving them to thewhereabouts, with the help Sita’s n incarnation of God, an ideal man, dutiful son and just king: public without charge. Some temples make of Hanuman. A colossal war ensues these are just a few ways to describe Lord Rama, an exemplar of khoa, a sweet made from thickened milk.against This Ravana’s armies. In a duel of majestic proportions, powerful honor, reverence, self-control and duty. He fought battles, became festival is especially popular in Uttar Pradesh, and magical beings wield mighty where Rama’s kingdom of Ayodhya is located. king, married a Goddess, traveled far and befriended exotic beings who weaponry in formidable battles.

Rama slays Ravana and liberates Sita. were steadfast in their loyalty and courage. Rama Navami is the celIs the festival observed at temples? Having completed His exile, Rama ebration of His birthday, when Hindus honor and remember Him with Many temples hold grand celebrations onreturns this to be crowned king, loved by one devotional singing, dramatic performance and non-stop recitation of day, especially those with shrines for Lord and all.

• Who wrote the epic?

Rama, His wife Sita, His brother Lakshmana His remarkable life story, the Ramayana.

Some 25 centuries ago, a sage and His loyal friend Hanuman, Lord of Monordered a thief to sit under a tree and chant “ma-ra” until he returned. keys. Panaka and garlands of the sacred Years passed, and an ant-hill covered organizations. They make buttermilk and a W h birth e n i scelebrated?

R a m a ’s b i r t h thoseplant withareshrines Lord pray hen is Rama’s tulsi offeredfor as families lime drink called panaka, serving them to the the man, who had lost himself to the n incarnation of God, an ideal man, dutiful son and just king: celebrated?

Rama, His wife Sita,a time His brother public without charge. Some temples make ma was born on navami, the ninth for “Rama-Rajya,” when dharma these are just a few ways to describe Lord Rama, an exemplar of chant. The sage returned and broke khoa, a sweet made from thickened milk. This Rama was born on navami, the Lakshmana and His loyal friend honor, in reverence, y of the waxing moon, the In-self-control and duty. He fought battles, became will once again be upheld in the world. festival is especially popular in Uttar Pradesh, the anthill, naming the thief Valmiki, where Rama’s kingdom of Ayodhya is located. king, a Goddess, traveled far and befriended exotic beings who daymarried of the waxing moon, Hanuman, Lord of Monkeys. an monthninth of were Chaitra (late or in In South India, the day is celebrated as “from an anthill.” Inspired meaning steadfast inMarch their loyalty and courage. Rama Navami is the celIndian month Chaitra Panaka and garlands of the sacred Is the festival observed at temples? by his expanded awareness, ValmikiLimeaide ebration of His birthday, when rly April).theSometimes theof festival is(lateHindus honor and remember Him with the marriage anniversary of Rama and Sweet Indian Many temples hold grand celebrations on this March or earlysinging, April). dramatic Sometimes tulsi plant are offered as families immortalized Rama devotional performance and non-stop recitation of day, especially those with shrines for Lord by composing served for nine days before or after Sita.

A ceremonial wedding is held at Rama, His wife Sita, His brother Lakshmana His remarkable life story, Ramayana. the festival is observed forthe nine pray for “Rama-Rajya,” a time the Ramayana, a work unmatched in and His loyal friend Hanuman, Lord of Monvami. days before or after navami. temples with will greatonce fanfare. keys. Panaka and garlands of the sacred when dharma again be poetic excellence Ingredients and longevity. Shri When is Rama’s birth celebrated? tulsi plant are offered as families pray ½Tulsidas cup ofinjaggery How doborn Hindus observe Ramcharitmanas by Hindi or brow upheld in the world.

Rama was on navami, the ninth for “Rama-Rajya,” a time when dharma day ofobserve the waxing moon, in the Inwill once again be upheld in the world. ow do Hindus Why is Rama so popular? and the Kamba Ramayanam by the 4 cups water, juice of on Rama Navami?

In South India, the day is Panaka dian month of Chaitra (late March or In South India, the day is celebrated as poet Kambar in Tamil stand alongside early April). Sometimes theonly festival is or the marriage anniversary of Rama and Sweetis Indian Limeaide ma Navami?

Rama one of the ten avatars or incarDevotees fast or eat fruit celebrated as the marriage 1½ tsp of grated fresh gi observed for nine days before or after Sita. A ceremonial wedding is held at Valmiki’s epic in or Sanskrit. special food offerings anniversary of Rama andHeSita. navami. temples with great fanfare.

Ingredients votees fast or eat only fruit prepared or spe- for of Lord Vishnu. is revered nations oil, a pinch of cardam • Who was Sita? cup of jaggery or brown sugar, theHow day.doThey participate non-stop A 4½ ceremonial wedding heldruler, at who l food offerings prepared for in the day. as the husband Hindus observe Why is Rama so popular? cupsperfect water, juice of one lime, is and Sita was a powerful, Methodgifted, Navami?

Rama Rama is one of the ten avatars or incar1½ tsp of grated fresh ginger, 1 tsp ghee reading the 24,000-verse epic temples with fanfare. ey participate inoffast non-stop reading held duty toofgreat king and country above Devotees or eat only fruit or spenations of Lord Vishnu. He is revered or oil, a pinch cardamom powder beautiful woman, utterly devoted and ser Mix ingredients cial food offerings prepared forathe day. as the perfect husband and ruler, who Ramayana, at home or in temple. popular?

Method to her husband. Found in the fields the 24,000-verse epic allWhy else. is HeRama heldso strong to his ideals They participate in Ramayana, non-stop reading at held duty to king and country above Mix ingredients and serve cold.

Images or statuesepic ofRamayana, baby Rama is one of the ten avatars or as a baby by King Janaka, Sita was of the 24,000-verse at all else. He held strong to his ideals me or in a temple. or or statues in Rama the face of tremendous trials, inor in aImages temple. Images statues in the face of tremendous trials, inarehome placed in cradles and rocked incarnations of Lord Vishnu. He raised a princess. When abducted by of baby Rama are placed in cradles and cluding exile from His kingdom and Spicy Buttermilk baby Rama are placed in cradles and cluding exile from His kingdom rocked by devotees.

Homes resound with separation from His beloved wife, bywith devotees.

Homes resound is revered as the perfect husband and Ravana, she was unshakeable in her Ingredients singing. In the evening, crowds Sita, herself an embodiment of virtue cked by devotees.

Homes resound separation from His beloved wife,faith that her husband would rescue 2 cups buttermilk yoghurt), singing.

In the in evening, crowds and ruler, who (or held duty to king attend Ramalila, which storytellers and truth. He is honored and glori2 cups water, 3 curry leaves, chopped and troupescrowds depict the ed for His unshakable adherence to Ingredients th singing.attend In dance-drama the evening, Sita, herself an embodiment of virtue her. She walked through fi re to prove in which andcoriander country above all else. leaves (cilantro), 1 nelyHe held Ramayana. Ramalila, It is common to remain dharma, righteousness. The story of chopped green chilli, 1½ tsp ginger awake the whole night, engaged in deRama is deeply in uential and popular 2 cups buttermilk (or yo her purity.

To prevent further slander, end Ramalila, in which storytellers and truth.

He is honored and gloristorytellers and dance-drama strong to his ideals in the face of powder, 1 tsp mustard seeds, 1 pinch votional practices. Devotees contribute in the societies of the Indian subconRama sent her away to the forest. asafoetida, salt to taste 2 cups water, 3 curry lea generously to temples and charitable tinent and across Southeast Asia. troupes troupes depict the Ramayana. d dance-drama depict the tremendous ed for His trials, unshakable adherence to including exile Method She patiently bore separation leaves from (cilantr coriander It is common to remain awake from His kingdom and separation mayana. It is common to remain dharma, The storyher of husband a second time and bore Heat oil inrighteousness. saucepan and add allowwife, it to splutter, mustard the whole engaged from His beloved Sita, herself twins named Lavchopped wake the whole night,night, engaged in de-in Rama is seeds; deeply in uential then add curry leaves, ginger, green and popular and Kush.green When chilli, 1½ chilies and asafoetida, stirring and truth. devotional practices.

Devotees an embodiment of virtue powder, 1 tsp mustard s tional practices. Devotees contribute in vigorously. the societies the Indian subconthey were reunited with their father, Mix withof remaining by his expanded awareness, Valmiki immorthe story of Rama?

A tale of longevity. Shri Ramcharitmanas by Tulsidas in  What isgenerously contribute to temples He is honored glorifi ed for His ingredients and and beat until smooth. she commanded Mother Earth to to taste asafoetida, salt nerously tolove temples andthecharitable tinent and across Southeast Asia. talized Rama by composing the Ramayana, and separation, Ramayana has moved Hindi and the Kamba Ramayanam by the poet andthecharitable organizations. unshakable adherence to dharma, swallow her. The Earth split open and a work unmatched in poetic excellence and Kambar in Tamil stand alonghearts of millions of Hindus overThey the ages. epic in Sanskrit.

To honor a promise made by his father, King the festival observed at righteousness. The story of Rama is Sita disappeared. Method make buttermilk and a lime drink from thickened milk. This festival is sideIsValmiki’s Dasaratha, prince Rama abandons His claim to

Birthday of Rama, the Ideal Man

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Rama Navami Birthday of Rama, the Ideal Man

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www.dinodia.com

Panaka

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Spicy Butte

Tidbits About Lord Rama

the throne and spends 14 years in exile. Wife called panaka, serving them to especially popular in Uttar Pradesh, Sita and brother Lakshmana join him in exile, a of Ayodhya T:6” thetime public without charge.

Some of perils and tribulations.

Sita is abducted where Rama’s kingdom

by Ravana, the monarch of Lanka. After a long is located. temples make khoa, a sweet made and arduous search, Rama discovers Sita’s

 Who was Sita? Sita was temples?

Fact &uential Fiction deeply infl and popular in the a powerful, gifted, beautiful woman, utterly devoted to her Many temples hold grand societies of the Indian subcontinent FACT: Hinduism has more than one sacred scriphusband. Found in the elds as ture, with several books considered revered or holy. celebrations on this a babe by King Janaka, Sita day, was especially and across Southeast Asia.

Heat oil in saucepan and This year Rammustard Navami will be allow it t seeds; celebrated on March 31/ April 1 leaves, g then add curry While all Hindus revere the sanctity of the primordial Vedas, distinct sects recognize scripture that is chilies and asafoetida, st most aligned with their theological beliefs, but not universal to all Hindus. Examples are the Agamas, vigorously. Mix with rem Ramayana, Puranas and Mahabharata.

Shri Ramcharitmanas

by Tulsidas in longevity. ingredients and beat un FICTION: Some deride Hinduism as primiHindi andcertain the Kamba Ramayanam by the poet tive because of its Deities have animal most religions share this Kafeatures. mbarActually, in Tamil stand alongcharacteristic. The Greek God Pan and the Egyptian Deities Anubis and Horus examples. In side Valmiki’s epic in are Sanskrit.

Christianity and Judaism, the biblical prophet

Tidbits About Lord Rama

whereabouts, with the help of Hanuman. A colossal war ensues against Ravana’s armies.

In a duel of majestic proportions, powerful and magical beings wield mighty weaponry in formidable battles. Rama slays Ravana and liberates Sita. Having completed His exile, Rama returns to be crowned king, loved by one and all.

raised a princess. She walked alongside Rama in exile. When abducted by Ravana, she was unshakeable in her faith that her husband would rescue her. She walked through re to prove her purity. To prevent further slander, Rama sent her away to the forest. She patiently bore separation from her husband a second time and bore twins named Lav and Kush. When they were reunited with their father, she commanded Mother Earth to swallow her.

The Earth split open and Sita disappeared.

Indo American News Fact & Fict

by his expanded awareness, Valmiki immor What is the story of Rama? A tale of talized Rama by composing the Ramayana, ve and separation, the Ramayana has moved a work unmatched in poetic excellence and e hearts of millions of Hindus over the ages.  Who wrote the epic? Some 25 centuries ago, a sage made ordered aby thiefhis to sitfather, under a tree honor a promise King and chant “ma-ra” until he returned. Years passed, and an ant-hill covered theHis man,claim who saratha, prince Rama abandons to Ezekiel describes the angels known as cherubim Who Sita?

Sita was had lost himself to the chant. The sage re as having thewas faces of a lion, an ox, an eagle and e throne and spends 14the years in exile.

Wife turned andTexas broke anthill, naming the thief This Lottery Commission Scratch-Off game will close on April 9, 2012. You have until October 6, 2012, toa powerful, a man, with the feet of a calf and four wings. gifted, beautiful Valmiki, meaning “from an anthill.” Inspired any tickets forhim this game: a and brotherredeem Lakshmana join in exile, a woman, utterly devoted to her educational poster is part of Hindu Festival a collaboration between Sanatana Dharma Foundation of Texas and H T magazine in Hawaii. Additional resources may be found at www.hinduismtoday.com/••estival••. me of perilsThis and tribulations.

Sita is abducted FACT: Hinduism has more than one Game #1343Soumya Monthly Bonus Outreach, ($5) Overall Odds are 1 in 4.94 husband. Found in the elds as Sitaraman and Usha Kris, respectively author and photographer of Follow the Hindu Moon, generously contributed text and graphics (hindumoon.com).

Ravana, the monarch of Lanka. After a long Company expansion seeks ture, with several books considered a babe by King Janaka, Sita was This Texas Lottery Commission d arduous search, Rama discovers Sita’sScratch-Off game will close on April 30, 2012. You have until October 27, 2012,raised a princess. She walked While all Hindus to redeem any tickets for this game: Editorial and revere the sanctity hereabouts, with the help of Hanuman.

A dial Vedas, distinct sects recognize s alongside Rama in exile. When ossal war ensues Ravana’s armies.

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You have until November 26, Part-Time, to all Hindus. Examples are d magical beings wield mighty weaponry in husband would rescue her. She 2012, to redeem any tickets for these games: Ramayana, Puranas and Mahabhara midable battles. Rama slays Ravana and libFull-Time walked through  re to prove her Game #1293 Double Blackjack ($2) Overall Odds are 1 in 4.85 FICTION: Some deride Hinduism as ates Sita. Having completed His exile, Rama purity. To prevent further slander, Game #1370 Silver Bellsby ($5) Overall Odds are 1 in 3.86 Flexible Hours urns to be crowned king, loved one and tive because certain of its Deities ha Rama sent her away to the forGame #1378 Instant Cash Five® ($1) Overall Odds are 1 in 2.63 features. Actually, most religions sha est. She patiently bore separation Interested Candidates, characteristic. The Greek God Pan an from her husband a second time  Who wrote the epic? Some 25 centuries tian Deities o, a sage ordered a thief to sit under a tree and bore twins named Lav and Krishna Call GiriAnubis and Horus are ex For detailed odds and game information, visit txlottery.org or call 1-800-37LOTTO. Must be 18 or older to d chant “ma-ra” until heTexas returned.

Years Christianity and Judaism, the biblica Kush. When they were reunited purchase a ticket. The Lottery supports Texas Education. © 2012 Texas Lottery Commission. All rights reserved. ssed, and an ant-hill covered the man, who with their father, she commandEzekiel describes the angels known d lost himself to the chant. The sage reed Mother Earth to swallow her.

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, MARCH 30 , 2012 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM as having the faces of a lion, an ox, a rned and broke the anthill, naming the thief The Earth split open and Sita disa man, with the feet of a calf and fou lmiki, meaning “from an anthill.” Inspired appeared. www.dinodia.com

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INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, MARCH 30 , 2012 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

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March 30, 2012

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Business IndoAmerican News

STOCKS • FINANCE • SOUTH ASIAN MARKETS • TECHNOLOGY

‘High Tariff Walls could Harm India-US Trade Relations’ “It would be a miss, if I would not mention about the barriers which still exist in building our economic relationships. There are tariffs on American products which are still too high,” US Commerce Secretary

NEW DELHI (Mint) The US on Monday asked India to lower import duties on various items including capital goods and fruits, saying high tariff walls could “harm” trade relations between the two countries.

“It would be a miss, if I would not mention about the barriers which still exist in building our economic relationships. There are tariffs on American products which are still too high,” US Commerce Secretary John Bryson said at a Ficci luncheon meeting here. He further said, “Our progress (in absence of India lowering duties)... will slowdown in the long-term or would cause meaningful harm”. Bryson, who is leading a 16-member business delegation, will also visit Jaipur and Mumbai.

America has been asking India to ease restrictions on imports of products like capital goods and medical products in recognition of stronger economic ties between the two countries.

Pointing out that India’s high import duties on the US products are impacting American businesses, Bryson said, “Capital goods such as

power generation equipment faces a basic duty of 7.5% and effective rate of 22%. Grapes, citrus fruits and other fruits face a 30% duty.”

He said India’s sourcing decisions in sectors like IT, electronics and solar energy are also tough.

“This makes it harder to invest in India, if India is not able to readily accept the US products...,” the US Commerce Secretary said.

India, Bryson demanded, should provide a more level- playing field for US businesses. It also needs to build on its effort to support more accountability, transparency and integrity in its commercial actions.

Besides, he said, India should join the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Government Procurement Agreement (GPA).

“Allow more competition by joining WTO agreement on government procurement”, he said. India is an observer of the GPA which deals with the issues relating to government purchases. In 2010-11, the bilateral trade stood at $45.6 billion. During April-January (2011-12), the US invested $913 million in India.

China Warns India against Oil Exploration in South China Sea

BY MANASH PRATIM BHUYAN BEIJING (Mint): Terming the South China Sea as a disputed region, China has warned India to refrain from undertaking oil exploration in the resource-rich Vietnamese blocks in order to ensure “peace and stability” in the area.

“The area is disputed one. So we do not think that it would be good for India to do (explore oil) that,” deputy director general of Asian department in ministry of foreign affairs Sun Weidong said.

Asking New Delhi not to get involved in the “disputes”, the top Chinese foreign ministry official said the sovereignty of the islands in the region was a major issue and India should not carry out oil exploration till resolution of the vexed issue.

“We want common development in the region. We hope Indian side is not involved in those disputes. We hope India would do more to ensure peace and security in the region,” Sun told a group of visiting Indian journalists here.

When reminded about commercial nature of India’s oil exploration in the region having huge oil and gas reserves, Sun said the issue was “very complicated” and China was trying its best to find a peaceful solution to the problem.

Asked why China was objecting to India’s exploration projects in the Vietnamese oil blocs when Chinese companies were involved in carrying out infrastructure projects in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), the top official in-charge of India affairs said both the issues are “totally different”.

“These are totally different issues.

As far as Kashmir is concerned, we always said it was a bilateral issue and

The sovereignty of the islands in the region was a major issue and India should not carry out oil exploration till resolution of the vexed issue both India and Pakistan must resolve it bilaterally,” Sun said.

Noting that Chinese companies working in PoK are only focusing on developing the local economy of the area, Sun said there was no change in China’s policy towards resolution of the Kashmir issue. “I think they (the Chinese companies) are only focused on development of the local economy (in PoK). I do not think it is against anybody. The issue of South China Sea is a very complicated one as many parties are involved in it,” he said.

127

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 2012 • WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

China has been objecting any activity in South China Sea region including Indian oil exploration as it has territorial disputes with some Asean countries, including Vietnam and the Philippines.

Unfazed by Chinese objections, India in October last year had inked an agreement with Vietnam to expand and promote oil exploration in South China Sea. The pact between the Indian and Vietnamese state-owned oil companies includes new investments and the exploration and supply of oil and gas to the two countries.

The Chinese claim on the South China Sea has been rejected by both India and Vietnam, saying as per the UN, the blocks belong to Vietnam.

India has said that its state-owned firm would continue to explore in the South China Sea. India has already made it clear that the entire Indian Ocean region stretching from East African coast to South China Sea remains crucial to its foreign trade, energy and national security.

28

March 30, 2012

The case of 140 million-rupee bribe offer

INDIA

Army Chief and Defense Minister took no Action for 18 Months

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versely on the ‘goings on’ in the corridors of the defense ministry in the matter of the purchases for the armed forces. It has been a known fact that ‘Indian agents’ of foreign arms’ manufacturers have been actively operating in the precincts of both the Army Headquarters and at the defense ministry despite ‘paper’ ban on them. Long before Bofors’ guns scandal had come into limelight, the Indian agents had been proactive and much of their tribe comprised retired officers from armed forces. Even as back as 40 years, a retired colonel had built up an empire on selling arms, ammunitions, artillery, fighter planes and many other such products to the armed forces; among his employees

were some generals also.

Both the defense minister as well as the chief of the army staff is equally to be blamed for taking lightly such a serious matter.

The incident happened sometime in the last quarter of 2010 and now nearly 18 months later, the army chief thought it fit or even prudent to go public with this offer of bribery. His excuse that he thought that he had done his prescribed duty by informing the defense minister does not cut much ice. The general was not an innocent babe in the woods not to have realized the gravity of this incident.

According to some experts, the chief of the army staff should have at that very point not only reported the matter to the minister (which he did) but should also have sent a demi-official letter to him confirming all that what he had verbally told him. His next step should have been to send for the relevant files of the case recording therein that he was offered a bribe by a retired general and which he had ignored. He should have further ordered that the said general be denied a security pass. He did none of that and

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retrospect that the defense minister Antony did not at that time take any further action on the information of bribery attempt communicated to him by the army chief. However, he announced in the Parliament Monday that he had now handed over the investigation to Central Bureau of Investigations (CBI). It is learnt that the CBI has already started a proper enquiry into the allegation of bribery and the army chief will be the first one whose statement the CBI will record.

The controversy raises many points and throws several darts at the incompetency and serious dereliction of duty both by the defense minister as also the army chief. It also reflects ad-

Saturday, April 21, 2012

it showed how naïve was he.

The defense minister on his part too took the incident very lightly and absolutely kept quiet about it as if it was a routine daily happening in the defense ministry and the army headquarters. According to the same expert, the defense minister should have put a formal note in the relevant file giving the details of the incident reported to him by the COAS and ordering the defense secretary to make the necessary report to CBI. The defense minister unfortunately did not take any such action which, to say the least, is a matter of serious dereliction of duty.

It would appear that the current COAS has acquired a knack of creating one controversy after another. But this case is far more serious than the simple matter of date of birth. This could even make the army chief liable for criminal prosecution for having not reported a cognizable offence which is what ‘the offer of bribe’ amounts to. Similarly, the defense minister too could be hauled up for his failure in not reporting a criminal offence.

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BY RAJ KANWAR IAN INDIA CORRESPONDENT After his date of birth controversy that had created a disconnect of sorts between the Army Chief and Adjutant General branch on one hand and the Ministry of Defense and the Military Secretary branch on the other, the army chief of the staff Gen. VK Singh has now thrown a bombshell by publically revealing that he was offered a bribe of 140 million rupees (14 crores) just to approve the purchase of 600 army trucks of a particular make. The offer of the bribe was made nearly six months after he had taken over as the chief of the army staff on 31 March 2010 by a then just retired lieutenant general.

The disclosure made in an interview given to an online news service and first published in The Hindu shook the entire establishment and brought both the houses of the Parliament to a noisy adjournment after opposition parties took the government to task for sitting for a long time over such a serious issue. It was again a game of one-upmanship. While the opposition blamed the government and the defense minister for their ‘inaction’, the Congress benches castigated the army chief for not having taken an appropriate action at that very time.

Gen. Singh told the interviewer that he had then personally conveyed this information to the defense minister AK Antony. It now appears in

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MPs from many Parties Criticize Anna

BY RAJ KANWAR IAN INDIA CORRESPONDENT After a short welcome respite, Team Anna again returned to ‘action’ with a day-long fast by Anna himself at the historic Jantar Mantar compound in New Delhi’s Parliament Street. A fairly goodly crowd had gathered at the venue of the fast that began at 11 a.m. and ended at 6 p.m. This was the first public foray by Team Anna after its inglorious fiasco last year in Mumbai where Anna’s fast had evoked a damp response. It would appear that the Anna and his core team seemed determined to rejuvenate their fading campaign against corruption and wanted to keep the pot of its agitation boiling. Unfortunately, it floundered in its eagerness.

Interestingly, the day-long program virtually turned into a Sunday picnic for many in the crowd, with several food and snacks vendors doing roaring business. What surprised many onlookers and those like me who watched this tamasha live on news channels was the listless response from the gathering to the slogans such as ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ which Anna raised from time to time. Another spectacle was Kiran Bedi waving a large National flag in a manner that looked as if she was fanning Anna on this hot Delhi afternoon.

Its desperate attempt to appear neutral towards various political parties virtually boomeranged when Team Anna used vituperative and abusive language against all politicians and parliamentarians sparing none, and that shocked all and sundry including those of us who were glued to their TV screens. In short, the Anna Team speakers roundly criticized the entire political class as such for its numerous acts of commission and omission. In an innovative feature, video clips of speeches made by many MPs during the last debates on the Lokpal Bill were shown. Sharad Yadav and Lalu Prasad, who had opposed the Bill in the Lok Sabha, were singularly targeted by a member of the Core Committee. Team Anna member Arvind Kejriwal alleged that 165 parliament members were corrupt and rapists. He also charged 14 union ministers including P Chidambaram, Farooq Abdullah, Kamal Nath, Sharad Pawar, SM Krishna, Praful Patel et al for acts of corruption and asked the government to

Fast or Farce! Is Anna a Media Creation?

Parliament Vs. Anna

investigate their misdemeanors. Additionally, ministers in some of the states too were named and inquiries demanded against them.

But what happened in the Lok Sabha on Monday came certainly as a total surprise. Parliamentarians cutting across party lines led by the leader of opposition Sushma Swaraj condemned in no uncertain terms the abusive and unparliamentary language used against members of the Parliament by Anna and his team at Sunday’s fast. Swaraj said that Anna Hazare should have remained within limits. Sharad Yadav supported Sushma and in one of his angriest speeches ever took Anna Hazare and his team to task and added that ‘Anna is against democracy as he is attacking the Parliament. We have fought against corruption for past 30 years and for the rights of the poor and the farmers.’ Congress MP Sanjay Nirupam wondered how Anna Team that called itself ‘civil society’ should be using such an ‘uncivil’ language.

He also demanded a inquiry into the activities of this anti-corruption movement. Even CPI (M) leader Basudeb Acharia called Team Anna’s allegations ‘condemnable’.

A motion on the breach of privileges of the Parliament is being moved in the Lok Sabha Tuesday afternoon and it is expected to receive nearly unanimous support from all the political parties. But that is not going to deter people like Arvind Kejriwal who, it seems, is bent upon getting arrested and achieving a ‘martyrdom’ of sorts.

But by its wild and indiscriminate criticism and by tarring all parliamentarians with the same brush, Team Anna now appears to have lost the support of political parties even other than the Congress that was its original

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target and still is. This movement against corruption has failed to impact the results of the recent elections in the five Indian states. Regional political parties no less known for their corruption and maladministration won in Uttar Pradesh and the Punjab. In Uttarakhand too, it was the Congress against which Team Anna had launched a campaign of sorts that edged past the ruling BJP. Incidentally, the Congress government headed by Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna successfully crossed its first hurdle on Monday when its candidate was elected the speaker by a margin of eight votes.

What has dismayed this writer was the blatant and unprofessional manner in which news channels went out of their way to telecast the “fast” as if no other newsworthy event happened in India last Sunday and that the fast was the only event of importance. Several hackneyed sound bites which Anna Hazare had stated on umpteenth occasions in the past were repeatedly shown on ticker tape for nearly half an hour on one of the most popular news channels that I regularly watch. Worse, the news of the fast was continuously given for more than an hour as ‘breaking news’, as if it takes that long to ‘break’ news.

The repetition was so boring and nauseating that I was compelled to switch to other channels, but there too found the same story being telecast ad nauseam. It was disgusting display of ‘news sense’.

Since the beginning of this campaign by Anna Hazare’s “India Against Corruption”, I have had a nagging feeling that Anna was nothing but a media creation. Look at the coverage given to the 7-hour fast that Anna so demonstrably and with a flourish undertook. Most of us,

including many working men and women in the US, do not as a rule eat anything between breakfast and supper, and our fasts last much longer than seven hours. Thus it was no big deal for Anna to undertake a 7-hour fast and call it as a beginning of a new campaign against corruption. In short, Anna not only made a mockery of the spiritual importance of a fast but also indirectly ridiculed Gandhi who undertook fasts for cleansing his inner self; Gandhi never even once used vituperative language against the British. By converting the venue of his 7-hour fast into an arena of abuse and hatred, Anna and his teammates lost whatever little moral fiber or political sympathy they may have had.

However, in this game of political chess and one-upmanship, BJP may yet change its colors and return to support Anna’s so-called anti-corruption crusade primarily against the Central government. Yet, this otherwise nonevent got live coverage virtually on all news channels.

This brings me to the question of what is the news and how the media, in most parts of the world, twist and turn it to suit their respective view points. Here is an instance of how simple news was twisted and presented.

A Harley biker is riding by the zoo in Washington, DC when he sees a little girl leaning into the lion’s cage.

Suddenly, the lion grabs her by the cuff of her jacket and tries to pull her inside to slaughter her, under the eyes of her screaming parents.

The biker jumps off his Harley, runs to the cage and hits the lion square on the nose with a powerful punch.

Whimpering from the pain the lion jumps back letting go of the girl, and the biker brings her to her terrified parents, who thank him endlessly.

A reporter has watched the whole event. The reporter addressing the Harley rider says, ‘Sir, this was the most gallant and brave thing I’ve seen a man do in my whole life.’

The Harley rider replies, ‘Why, it was nothing, really, the lion was behind bars. I just saw this little kid in danger and acted as I felt right.’

The reporter says, ‘Well, I’ll make sure this won’t go unnoticed. I’m a journalist, and tomorrow’s paper will have this story on the front page...

So, what do you do for a living and what political affiliation do you have?’

The biker replies, ‘I’m a U.S. Marine and a Republican.’

The journalist leaves.

The following morning the biker buys the paper to see news of his actions, and reads, on the front page: U.S. Marine Assaults African Immigrant and steals his lunch That pretty much sums up the media’s approach to the news these days.

Do I need to say anything more?

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(HT) Cash-strapped Kingfisher Airlines owed over Rs 5,600 crore to public sector banks as on February this year, the government has said. The consortium of 13 PSU banks, including State Bank of India, have an exposure of Rs 5,608.07 crore to Kingfisher Airlines (KFA) as on February 2012, minister of state for finance Namo Narain Meena said in a written reply in Lok Sabha.

Replying to a query on whether SBI has any proposal to extend a financial lifeline to Kingfisher, Meena said,” State Bank of India, leader of the consortium of lenders, has informed that no such lifeline has been extended to Kingfisher Airlines Ltd by them during the current financial year.”

SBI alone has an exposure of Rs 1,408.45 crore to KFA. The airline, which has a debt of Rs 7,000 crore and an accumulated loss of over Rs 6,000 crore, has been operating only 16 of its 64 aircrafts since last month. It has quit Kolkata and Hyderabad routes completely.

It also wound up international operations last week.

Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aviation Ministry have threatened to cancel the 7-year-old airline’s licence if it is unable to come up with an operational schedule next week.

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31

The Bandit Orchestra

The river is synonymous with outlawhood. It also supports a hardy, varied wildlife.

BY NEHA BHATT (Outlook) “Chambal? You mean the dacoit haunt? What’s to see there?

Is it safe?” are likely responses from friends if you mention a holiday in the notorious ravines of Paan Singh Tomar country. Turns out that dodgy reputation has bred a kind of happy exclusivity for serious birders and photographers, who’re perhaps the few people party to Chambal’s unspoilt wildlife fest. The river safari on

a meditative holiday. Here, you’re in the company of resident hares, nilgai, wild cats, hyenas and hundreds of tweeting birds.

But come afternoon, you’d want to be by the river, when the birds, the gharial and the muggur are likely to be sunbathing in full view. After driving about 20 km towards the river, we’re engulfed by ravines bathed in the golden afternoon light, a maze of intertwining, striated mud cliffs

A bevy of red-beaked skimmers. (Photograph by Tribhuvan Tiwari)

the Chambal, such a departure from regular jeep safaris, is the main draw in this national sanctuary. In season, gliding over the clear blue river, you sight dwindling species of the Skimmer bird, the gharial, the muggur (or crocodile), the red-crowned roof turtle and even the Gangetic dolphin if you’re lucky.

Even so, few have realised Chambal’s potential as a tourist magnet, with its unusual landscape of stunning ravines and rare wildlife that includes Saras cranes and blackbuck.

Chambal Safari Lodge, in village Jarar, is pretty much the only place to stay on the Uttar Pradesh side of the river (20 km away), unless you consider Agra as an option, about 90 km from the river. But if you’re not on a tight budget, this sprawling, 120-acre plantation of old trees and extensive farmland, with rustic, eco-friendly cottages does well for

formed by centuries of soil erosion caused by floods. Climb one of the ravines for a full view of the rest of this dramatic landscape—the ravines stretch far beyond what the eyes can see, larger-than-life, intimidating, unreal. They are not as barren as they seem, and are dotted with birds, many of which you can spot on a nature walk.

You slowly reach a sandy beach, where a sturdy blue (Manesar-built) fibreglass motorboat awaits us, the only set of boats this side of the river which can be used for tourism at the moment. Cross the narrow river and you’re in Madhya Pradesh. The river, in fact, is considered unholy, and legend has it that Chambal came to be after a yagna in which thousands of cows were sacrificed, and their blood formed the stream. But the ‘unholiness’ of the Chambal is perhaps why it still runs so clean.

We set off upstream. Even as we pass a crowd of ruddy shelducks and grey herons taking in the cool breeze and sunshine, we’re aiming for the little island up ahead, which is really the hotspot for fauna, a sort of afternoon hangout where the river residents create quite an orchestra, and pause once in a while for a quick drink of water. Sure enough, they’re all there this afternoon. We park ourselves in the middle of the river and become silent spectators to this jamboree. True to their name, numerous red-beaked skimmers, with their shiny whiteand-black-tipped feathers skim the surface of the water, and settle on the island for a break. They stare at us awhile, comfortable at a distance of about 10 feet, but when we try and move in for close-up shots, they flutter about, skim the water again, form intricate geometric patterns in the air, and fly away. Far above them, a group of flamingos puts up an even better show of symmetry. Oblivious to all the activity around them, a couple of muggurs bask in the sunshine just where the skimmers were a moment ago, and after a little while, slide their ungainly bodies into the water ever so slightly to cool off. A beautiful white spoonbill hops around, joined by a number of other birds, like the painted stork, the lapwing and the curvaceous grey heron, the blue waters sparkling, the ravines rising behind.

And there, at a distance, we spot the impossibly long, angled snout of the endangered gharial. They’ve picked their own little private island in the middle of the river to sunbathe, and seem unperturbed by our advances, proudly showing off their rather menacing set of teeth. Alas, the sun sets too early, even before we can catch the Gangetic dolphins in action. That can be fixed with a repeat visit, we console ourselves—any excuse to be back on this river! But for the rest of the weekend here, there’s more chasing to do: the blackbucks in the mustard fields, the Saras cranes in the wetlands. By the time we leave the ravines, the badlands have created a whole new reputation for themselves, a well-kept secret that has a way of charming even the most sceptical city-dweller.

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OPINION SPORTS

March 30, 2012

Pakistan Wins Asia Cup Title after 12 Years

BY NASIR QURESHI DHAKA (The News Tribe): Pakistan cricket team has won theAsia’s biggest title after twelve years as pace bowler Aizaz Cheema grabbed three wickets at key moments to help Green Shirts beat Bangladesh by two runs in a thrilling final at the Shere Bangla Cricket Stadium.

The tears were rolling down the cheeks of the Bangladeshi players, and the fans as they fought well against a team which was rather better than them.

Shakaib Al Hasan who scored 68 runs re-

mained the top-scorer from Bangladeshi side accompanied by Tamim Iqbal 60 and Nasir Hossain 28 who helped them to fight well against a world class team. Other Bangladeshi batsmen failed to cross 20’s.

Shahid Afridi was awarded Man of the Match.

Aizaz Cheema who took three wickets remained the highest wicket-taker from Pakistani side along with Umar Gul and Saeed Ajmal who shared two wickets while Shahid Afridi took one wicket.

Earlier Pakistan set a target of 236 runs due to

the sensible batting by wicket-keeper Sarfaraz Ahmed who scored 46 runs.

While talking to Rameez Raja in Presentation Cermony, Bangladeshi skipper Mushfiqur said; “Before the tournament, we had great preparation but the boys stuck to the plans.”

“We played good in the tournament I thought.

The wicket is a bit slowish, it’s not easy to score runs, Tamim and Shakib played well. We gave away some runs in the last over, that was crucial,” he added.

“It’s been a great tournament for Shakib, Tamim, Mashrafe, Razzak and Nasir. We fought in all the games and we achieved a lot in this tournament. Shakib and Tamim were both set batsmen and their wickets were the turning point.”

The Pakistani Captain Misbah-ul-Haq expressed his joy by saying ,”Wonderful victory, well fought by all guys, the youngsters came in and contributed well. Sarfraz’s innings was a vital one for us.”

“This wicket was a little different from the other ones, it was slow. We were hoping that around 225-230 would be a fighting a score.

The spinners bowled very well, the pacers did well in the end. Bangladesh played wonderfully well, this is really a new Bangladesh team and they are really the winners,” he added.

Pakistani fans who were full of joy after the victory of Asia Cup came onto the streets and celebrated the win of their team by dancing and cheering on the roads. Some people also celebrated the victory by resorting to aerial firing.

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 2012 • WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

SPORTS

March 30, 2012

India’s Cricket Present and Future: Sachin & Virat

Herculean effort where he didn’t hit a CHENNAI: Praising batting ace single cover drive till he reached 200.

Sachin Tendulkar, Selection ComThe 100 against Pakistan and the 155 mittee Chairman Krishnamachari against Australia (both in Chennai) where Srikkanth on Saturday described his Shane Warne was bowling from round the achievement of hundred internationwicket were some of the knocks I would al tons as something superhuman and never forget.” cited him as a classic example for “The brilliant thing about Sachin is his “thriving in an imbalanced world.” adaptibility. He could quickly adapt in any Srikkanth, an ardent admirer of given condition. That’s the hallmark of a Tendulkar, was addressing a semigreat player,” Kumble said. nar on ‘Thriving in an Imbalanced For someone, who has close to 1000 World’ organised by CII (Confederainternational wickets, (619 Tests and 337 tion of Indian Industry). in ODIs) the longer version still remains Lauding Tendulkar on his historic a priority. feat, he said, “A classic example “If you are able to consistently perform for thriving in imbalanced world is in longer version, that performance would Sachin Tendulkar. In 1989, when I was the captain, he was just 16 India’s cricketing great ponders retirement amidst the help you do well in T20s and One-days emergence of new stars such as Virat Kohli. but it’s never the other way round,” he years old..... making a debut in Pakiexplained. Talking about young leggie stan against Pakistan. And there was Rahul Sharma , who has travelled with the Imran Khan, Wasim Akram.... You call that a tional cricket and for a 23-year-old to do that is phenomenal. He has a Test hundred in Australia Indian team for last six months having played balanced world?”

“In his first match, he gets it on his mouth, and I believe he has the right game to fit in at only five games (3 ODIs and 2 T20s), Kumble bleeds through his mouth. He does not go back. No 3,” the former Indian captain told PTI in an said it wasa tricky situation.

“It’s again the ‘chicken and egg’ theory. You Then, he continues to play. Then, he continues, interview here today.

“However, there is no one who can replace need to bowl lot of overs in matches but again continues, continues and (is still) continuing!” he said. Describing the challenges Tendulkar Rahul Dravid. He has been an achiever for you need to pick your best squad. Ideally, it had to go through, Srikkanth said he had scored past 16 years and it’s certainly not easy to score would have been great had Rahul played a few first-class matches but problem nowadays is against Australia, South Africa, England and 23,000 international runs,” Kumble added.

Kumble paid tribute to Sachin Tendulkar lack of tour games. When I went to England in West Indies under various conditions,” all imbalanced conditions” ranging from turning for achieving the historic feat of scoring 100 1990, we had nine first-class tour games apart wickets in India, seaming and bouncy tracks international centuries, saying he could quickly from 2 ODIs and 3 Tests. Everyone got a chance in England and Australia besides West Indian adapt to different conditions which was the which is not the case now. hallmark of a great player.

“Thankfully, the players during international fast bowlers.

“I have been a witness to 80 of those 100 matches at home are released to play Ranji TroTendulkar’s record is something superhuman, he said. On India’s recent disastrous tour hundreds and atleast on 20 occasions, I have phy. That’s how likes of Ajinkya (Rahane) and down under, he defended his decision to play been at the other end. I would invariably arrive Rohit (Sharma) got to play for Mumbai.”

Kumble was reluctant to about his brief oneVirat Kohli in the test matches. He said after when he would be in his 80’s and the second Sydney, people were saying Kohli was not fit new-ball would be due. My job on each and year stint as the chairman of National Cricket every occasion was to ensure that I don’t give Academy in Bangalore. He resigned from the for test cricket. “..but what happened later? the next match he my wicket easily which would help him to get post in December last year “I don’t want to talk about that phase. I wanted got 75, next Test he got a 100,” Srikkanth said, his hundred.”

Tendulkar after completing his 100th ton had to do a few things but we were not on the same adding, he became the highest run-getter in the series. He also became the highest run-getter in recollected a funny incident during his highest page but NCA has done a lot of good for Indian Test score of 248 in Bangladesh involving him cricket. It’s because of NCA that we have brilthe one-dayers, he added.

Observing that the game had such large and Kumble when both had some horrible liant fielders like Virat, Suresh Raina, Manoj Tiwary to name a few.” following in the country, Srikkanth said each mix-ups.

“Don’t talk about it. I still get embarrassed The BCCI wants Ranji Trophy matches to be one (in the hall) was thinking they are like Tendulkar, captain, and chairman of selectors. when I watch the footage of that match,” he played at neutral venues but Kumble for one “That is the problem. That is why the game will smiled. For Kumble, one memorable incident wants cricket to be shifted to smaller centres was Tendulkar’s maiden Test hundred at Old which will produce good competitive wickets. never die in India.

“Recently during a one-day match Goa and Former captain Anil Kumble reckons that Trafford in 1990 which was incidentally his Karnataka, I entered the stadium at around 11:30 Virat Kohli has the “right game” to fit in at the debut Test.

“I was made to stand at the Old Trafford bal- and saw 55 for two on board. I thought match crucial number 3 slot in the Indian Test team cony for more than three hours as it was Kiran must have started late and then realised it was even though it will be impossible for anyone to More’s diktat. Since Sachin was scoring runs over. Just because it was a bit more challenging step into Rahul Dravid’s shoes. and we were playing to save the Test, everyone surface, batsmen couldn’t cope with it.

“I have followed Virat closely since his India got superstitious.

It was difficult standing there “Now if you produce a turning track and U-19 days and he has matured a lot. I am imfor two hours, but I was instructed by Kiran to match is over within two days, people raise pressed in the manner he has improved in the past one year in terms of game, discipline and stand at the same position for hours. Only dur- questions. But what about the batsmen’s ability ing tea break did I get a chance to sit,” he said. to face quality spinners on turning tracks,” he overall fitness”, Kumble said.

“Obviously, the 242 at Sydney was another concluded.

“He has quickly adapted to rigours of interna-

33

Afridi in Scuffle at Airport KARACHI: It was a not a very happy homecoming for Shahid Afridi after Pakistan’s Asia Cup triumph as he got into a scuffle with a fan at the airport, claiming that he reacted angrily only when his three-year-old daughter was pushed to the ground by eager admirers. Later, Afridi apologised for hitting a fan at Karachi airport, saying he lost his temper when he saw his little daughter getting almost trampled by enthusiastic autograph seekers.

“I know what I did was wrong. I should have controlled myself. But I couldn’t take it when my daughter was pushed to the ground,” Afridi told ‘Dawn News’. Afridi, who was adjudged Man of the Match in the Asia Cup final against Bangladesh that Pakistan won by just two runs, insisted that he had lot of love and respect for his fans and always tried to be pleasant with them.

“But when my daughter who was waiting for me near my car got pushed by fans trying to get near me I lost my temper,” he said.

Two Golds in Asian Boxing NEW DELHI: “Agar woh World Champion hai to mein bhi World Champion hun. (If she is world champion, then I am also world champion). It’s going to be an easy final,” MC Mary Kom had told TOI on Saturday, ahead of Sunday’s Asian Women’s Boxing Championship final against her Chinese opponent, Ren Cancan. The five-times world champion lived up to her words and comfortably won the gold medal as India finished the event a creditable second in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. India bagged two gold, four silver and two bronze medals, their best performance in the event so far, to finish runners-up behind China.

The other gold for the country was annexed by former world champion L Sarita Devi.

This was the sixth edition of the continental championship. Mary Kom was up against an opponent who had beaten her in the early stages of the Guangzhou Asian Games on way to winning the gold. With revenge on her mind, Mary Kom never allowed her opponent to settle down and won the 51kg final 14-8.

Sarita, too, convincingly beat Tajkistan’s Chorieva Mavzuna16-9 in the 60kg category.

The good thing for India is that the gold medals came in weight categories which will feature in the London Olympics.

Sarita, who registered her fifth consecutive win at the Asian Championship, participated in the 60kg category for the first time. “It was a proud moment when the national anthem played for the fifth time in Asia due to my victory. So far I have dominated Asia, and beating opponents from China has given me a lot more confidence ahead of the Olympic qualifiers,” Sarita added.

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 2012 • WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

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