Desi Talk NY/NJ

NY FRONT PAGE May 18_Layout 1 5/15/2012 8:46 PM Page 1

New York Student Killed in Costa Rica Celebrity chef Vikas Khanna features Himalayan cuisine at the Obama fundraiser in New York City

A Presidential Spread PAGE 6

PAGE 6

Narendra Modi’s Gujarat Day Address to be Webcast

Music for Charity PAGE 4

$80,000 Pledged at Ekal Vidyalaya Fundraiser

PAGE 4

Judi Dench-Dev Patel starrer ‘Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’ climbs to U.S. Top Ten despite limited release

Box Office Marigold PAGE 18

We dd ing

May 18, 2012 New York, NY Vol. XVI, No. 20 www.desitalk.com

®

Sp ec ial

Published by

Parikh Worldwide Media, LLC.

community colors IN NEW YORK

March on Trenton PAGE 10

Hundreds of Indian-Americans turned up at the New Jersey statehouse demanding justice for Dharun Ravi, who is awaiting sentencing in the bias intimidation case

Yogesh Mehta

We Cater All Cuisines 4941 Shelton Road South Plainfield NJ 908-561-6085

Indoor & Outdoor Catering Available

Chinese Thai & Indian (Some Locations)

PRIVATE PARTY ROOM AVAILABLE Planners Available for Indoor & Outdoor Catering

1538 Parkway Plaza Oak Tree Road Iselin NJ 732-549-7788

www.Nankingrestaurants.com

101 Hudson Street Jersey City 201-333-6500

2056 Hillside Ave New Hyde Park 516-352-0009

72-23 37th Ave. Jackson Heights NY 718-NANKING

Broadway and 50th New York City 212-586-3100

1900 Pacific Ave, 6th Floor Atlantic City, NJ 609-340-1100

Coming soon 134-07 Rockaway Boulevard South Ozone Park NY 11420

4

CITY VIEWS

May 18, 2012

Ekal Vidyalaya Fundraiser Raises $80,000 for Education Programs

By Ela Dutt

M

ore than 250 people showed up for the Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation fundraiser where they enjoyed a concert and donated to their favorite charity. The May 13 event at the Performing Arts Center in Middlesex County College in Edison, N.J., raised over $80,000, organizers told Desi Talk.

For more than three hours, the audience was regaled by Deepali Somaiya, the 2009 winner of “Sa Re Ga Ma Pa,” and Bollywood playback singer Samir Date. The two sang favorites by Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhonsle, Kishore Kumar and Mohammad Rafi. Their repertoire included numbers in Hindi, Gujarati, Punjabi and Marathi, and the rousing patriotic song, “Aye Mere Watan Ke Logon.”

The program was compered by Apoorva Shukla of the Radio Dil station. As people trouped in to take their seats, a DVD showing Ekal’s work in India played on screens. After the first round of the concert, which went on for more than an hour-and-a-half, Prajna Khisti, president of the Central Jersey chapter of Ekal, gave a PowerPoint presentation about Ekal’s literacy project. This was followed by an appeal for donations led by Jyotindra Patel, president of the Indian Cultural Society in Wayne, N.J. The concert resumed for another hour-and-ahalf.

During the appeals for donation, Brahm Sharma, an Ekal volunteer, spoke about the organiza-

The Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation honored two families for being role models for selfless service. Above, Makarand and Suniti Abhyankar receive a plaque from Dr. Umesh Shukla, regional president of Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation, Midatlantic region. Below, Dr. Shukla presents a plaque to Drs. Shubhangi and Jagadish Thakur.

G

ujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, who has been denied a visa to visit the United States, will address nearly 10,000 Gujaratis through a live video conference on May 19 as part of Gujarat Day celebrations in Secaucus, N.J. This will be the third consecutive time that Modi will reach out to the expatriate community via video link, organizers said. Apart from the main event, organized by the Swaminarayan Temple in Secaucus, N.J., the telecast will also be seen in major cities like New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Phoenix, Columbus, Orlando and Houston.

“Narendra Modi is the state’s leader after Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel who has made Gujarat famous across the world through his work,” Suresh Jani, one of the main organizers, told Desi Talk. He added that even though Modi has been denied visa, events such as the video con-

Suniti Abhyankar, who have worked with Ekal for a decade; and Drs. Shubhangi and Jagadish Thakur.

“I cannot imagine considering any program or event without the Abhyankars. And the Thakurs have given their all to Ekal – money, physical presence, time,” Waghmare said.

This is the fourth year that Ekal has honored two families. “Our goal is also to bring in more younger people,” said Waghmare, adding that many had joined the New Jersey chapter and rejuvenated it over the last six years.

Ekal’s total take from three concerts held in New Jersey over the last three months, including this latest one, was $300,000, he added. A March 18 event at Florham Park, N.J., brought in some $140,000, and the one on May 12 in Cherry Hill, N.J., collected another $80,000, Waghmare said.

American India Foundation Raises $1.35 Million at Spring Gala tion and also complimented Dr. Sudhir Parikh, publisher of Desi Talk, who was there with his wife Dr. Sudha Parikh. Calling Parikh a “well-known philanthropist who has supported numerous humanitarian causes,” Sharma said the doctor had very humble beginnings and was now a “media mogul” and drew attention to the awards he has received, including the Padma Shri from the Indian government.

“Ekal Vidyalaya was launched at my home in 2001, when Sri Sri Ravi Shankar of the Art of Living Foundation was there, as was Mohan Mittal, father of (steel magnate) Lakshmi Mittal, B.K. Modi of the Modi Group, and Bishma Agnihotri, India’s ambassador-at-large then, and Consul General Pramathesh Rath,” Parikh told Desi Talk.

Ekal helps operate some 40,000 schools in underserved and eco-

Narendra Modi to Address Overseas Gujaratis via Video Link

By Bhargavi Kulkarni

nomically depressed areas in India. The nonprofit says on its website that it is dedicated to education and village development in rural India and is the largest grassroots, nongovernmental education movement in India. Ekal-USA raises enough funds to sponsor some 8,000 schools in India every year, according to the organization. It estimates that about $365 is needed to operate one school of 30-40 students for one year.

“The surrounding community gives a matching amount because we do not want it to be like a handout to the community,” Prakash Waghmare, senior adviser to Ekal who organized fundraiser, told Desi Talk. Ekal also has chapters in the United Kingdom, South Africa, Canada, Australia, Hong Kong and New Zealand, with support groups in Muscat and Dubai.

Two families were honored at the event for being role models for selfless service: Makarand and

ference emphasize that the chief minister is still close to the Gujarati community in the U.S. Last month, the Obama administration ended speculation surrounding the visa and indicated that there is unlikely to be any change in the State Department’s policy to refuse Modi a visa to visit the U.S. The statement was issued April 26 after Rep. Joe Walsh, R-Ill., launched a campaign to prevail upon the administration to grant a diplomatic visa to Modi.

According to information on his website, Modi was first denied a visa in 2005 when he had planned to travel to Florida to address the Asian American Hotel Owners convention. Then, the State Department said it could not issue him a diplomatic visa because of its Immigration and Nationality Act that says “any foreign government official responsible for serious violation of reli-

gious freedom is ineligible for a visa.” An earlier visa that had been issued to him in 1998 was also revoked. The denial of visa is linked to the 2002 Godhra sectarian riots that took place under his watch.

Modi has previously addressed the World Gujarati Conference in Edison, N.J., in 2008 and a similar conference in Bartlett, Ill. Modi was featured on the cover of the March 26 South Pacific edition of Time magazine . While he was praised for the development of the state he has been ruling for over a decade, the magazine asked the question, “Modi means business but can he lead India?”

In the article titled “Boy from the backyard,” the magazine described Modi as a “controversial, ambitious and shrewd politician” and mentioned his series of daylong Sadbhavana fasts to reach out to the people of the state.

By Bhargavi Kulkarni – NEW YORK he American India Foundation raised over $1.35 million at its annual Spring Awards Gala at the Sheraton New York on May 10. Chanda Kochhar, the managing director and CEO of ICICI Bank from India, and John B. Veihmeyer, chairman and CEO of KPMG LLP from the United States, were honored at the gala for their service to the community, a press release from the foundation said.

The event was chaired by Frits Van Paasschen, CEO of Starwood Hotels; journalist Sribala Subramanian and Arvind Raghunathan, CEO of Roc Capital Management LP. Guests were treated to video speeches by key AIF leaders such as President Bill Clinton, who serves as the honorary chair. The AIF William J. Clinton Fellowship for Service in India was showcased at the gala.

“I am honored that AIF chose to rename its Service Corps Fellowship the William J. Clinton Fellowship for Service in India,” the release quoted Clinton as saying.

“This program has always been especially meaningful to me, as it blends my passion for India with my belief in citizen service. The alumni of the program are shining examples of how we all have the ability to make a difference.”

Former AIF Fellows spoke about how the program

T

www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know

changed their lives, describing the transformations they went through and recounting the lessons they learned. The fellowship aims to create a community of socially engaged global citizens.

Attendees mingled at the reception while being entertained by magician Mathew Furman.

Seema Mody, a CNBC reporter and anchor, compered the ceremonies that kicked off with a fashion show by contemporary fashion designer Soigne K. Guests got an opportunity to shop her collection with 30 percent of proceeds going to AIF, the release said.

Later in the evening, Sandhya Jain Patel, specialist on Indian and Southeast Asian Art at Christie’s, led a live auction during which guests bid on items such as VIP tickets for a Kolkata Knight Riders game and a cricket bat autographed by Shah Rukh Khan, co-owner of the team; roundtrip first class tickets from New York to London donated by luxury travel boutique Spotnana; and VIP seats to the premiere of Deepa Mehta’s upcoming film “Midnight’s Children” plus dinner with the cast.

Since its founding in 2001, AIF has raised and deployed over $70 million to support its programs in the areas of education, livelihood and public health, the press release said.

While President Clinton serves as honorary chair, Nobel laureate Amartya Sen chairs the advisory council.

6

CITY VIEWS

May 18, 2012

8 Indian-Americans Receive 2012 Ellis Island Medal

By Bhargavi Kulkarni

E

ight Indian-Americans who were among this year’s Ellis Island Medal of Honor recipients were felicitated May 12 at a ceremony on the island in New York.

Peter Bheddah, Ravishankar Bhooplapur, Dr. Sanjiv Chopra, Dr. Leena N. Doshi, Dr. Surendra V. Jain, Hasu P. Shah, Rajendra Singh and Dr. John P. Thomas were among more than 100 immigrants honored for their community service, according to a press release issued by the National

N.Y. College Student Drowns in Costa Rica

By Bhargavi Kulkarni

A

funeral was held May 4 for a college student from New York drowned in the Pacific Ocean off Costa Rica last month.

Ravi Thackurdeen, who studied at Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania, had been reported missing on April 29 after being pulled out to sea while swimming off Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, according to midhudsonnews.com. His body was found May 1.

Family and friends attended the funeral in San Jose, Costa Rica.

Thackurdeen’s instructors and sister spoke at the service, which was conducted in accordance with Hindu traditions.

A candlelight vigil was held at Swarthmore May 1, and a memorial service is planned for family and friends his hometown. Thackurdeen, who lived in Newburgh, N.Y., was valedictorian of his Marlboro High School class in 2010.

According to The Daily Gazette, the Swarthmore newspaper, Thackurdeen was a 2012 Rubins Scholar interested in public health, preventative medicine and ethnomedicine. While at Swarthmore, he worked the Fire and Protective Association and was a member of the Pre-Med Society, Pemón Health and the Global Health Forum.

A chemistry major, he also tutored students in math, science and English through Chester Eastside Ministries.

Ethnic Coalition of Organizations that presents the medal to recognize the contributions made by immigrants. Beddah, a resident of Port Washington, N.Y., came to the United States in 1960 from Kutch, Gujarat.

In 1972, he founded IDC Marketing Corp., dealing in wholesale electronics. In 1994, he began assisting the less fortunate through the India Association of Long Island and the Interfaith Nutrition Network.

Bhooplapur is president of Xavier University School of Medicine and founder and chairman of Gift of Life, India, the release said. He contributes to several humanitarian causes.

Chopra is a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and a senior consultant in hepatology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston.

He has five books to his credit, including “The Ten Tenets of Leadership” to be published this

From top left, Peter Bheddah, Ravishankar Bhooplapur, Dr. Sanjiv Chopra, Dr. Leena N. Doshi, Dr. Surendra V. Jain, Hasu P. Shah, Rajendra Singh and Dr. John P. Thomas.

year. Mumbai-born Doshi has a medical degree from Bombay University. After completing her residency in radiology at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York, she started a radiology practice in 1985.

Today, her family runs a number of radiology centers in the New York metro area and Florida.

Jain is founding partner and chief medical officer of Buena Park, Calif.-based AppleCare Medical Management LLC, a medical management services organization that manages AppleCare Medical Group and AppleCare Hospitalists Group.

Shah is founder of the Philadelphia-based Hersha

President Obama Enjoys ‘Himalayan’ Meal, Emphasizes Values at New York City Fundraiser

By Ela Dutt

P

resident Obama enjoyed a Himalayan-inspired meal prepared by renowned Indian-American chef Vikas Khanna at a high-profile fundraiser held May 14 at the Rubin Museum of Art in New York City.

Some of the city’s hoi polloi paid more than $35,000 for the multicourse meal that Khanna told Desi Talk, was inspired by the values the President espouses.

The event hosted by Obama for America, the President’s campaign arm, was co-chaired by Indian-American political power couple, former Kansas state lawmaker Raj Goyle and his wife Monica Arora as well as Rubin Museum owners Donald and Shelley Rubin.

“I served more than 240 meals last night and I haven’t slept,” Khanna told Desi Talk the next day while at a Time magazine event celebrating Asia. Khanna said he was so engrossed in orchestrating the multi-course dinner which included “lots and lots of very unique appetizers,” that he did not get an opportunity to interact much with the President. “But he did claim again for the second time, that he makes better keema than me. I said that’s fine with me. But honestly, one of these days, I’m going to take him up on that.”

The main dish, Ema Dashi, prepared by Khanna was a hit, another source at the event who did not wish to be named, told Desi Talk, adding, “Vikas’ food was fantastic.”

Ema Dashi, a vegetarian dish, is the national delicacy of Bhutan containing hot green chillies and

Recipe for the main dish prepared for the fundraiser Mushroom Ema Dashi Serves 4 to 6 people Ingredients: 3 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 pound chanterelle mushrooms, cleaned and coarsely chopped ½ cup fresh hot green chilies such as Thai bird or serranos, stemmed and coarsely chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup water 16 ounces blue cheese, preferably Maytag blue, crumbled ½ teaspoon salt, or more, to taste Procedure: In a medium, heavy bottom skillet, heat the oil over medium heat.

Add the mushrooms, chilies and garlic and cook, stirring until the mixture is well-combined and the mushrooms are cooked through, about 5 to 8 minutes.

Add 1 cup water, bring it to a boil.

Reduce the heat to low and add the blue cheese and salt, stirring continuously until the flavors are well combined, about 2 to 3 minutes.

feta cheese, which is served with fresh bread or rice. Khanna’s version uses blue cheese. In preparing the foods, Khanna was assisted by another Indian- American chef Ali Loukzada of Buddakan restaurant in New York City.

“The food was designed to honor what the president stands for. He has high regard for naturalization of America. And he has high regard for India. He wants to make sure everybody gets the same opportunity to achieve the American Dream,” Khanna said.

During a talk show on New York 1 channel on Mother’s Day, Khanna was asked how it felt to be cooking for the President. He said, “The most important meal that I prepare is for my Mother, and then rest everybody is equal. For me, everyone is a President in their own right.” He reiterated this to Desi Talk, adding, “Presidents come and go, but a mother is just one.”

While cooking for the President, Khanna said, “I imagined that I am cooking for a person who puts great value on human beings and that I was supporting the values and not the position.” The cost per plate of Khanna’s delectable offerings ranged from $5,000 to $35,800.

Those paying the large sums got to interact with the President at a private cocktail reception and a photo-op. The special guest at the event was Ricky Martin, who applauded the president for recognizing same-sex marriage.

The President in his speech emphasized that the November election was more about values than anything else. Goyle, a long time Democratic Party activist, introduced the president at the beginning of the event.

www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know

Hospitality Trust, a co-founder and current president of the India Heritage Research Foundation and a founder of Hindu American Religious Institute.

Singh is chairman and CEO of Telcom Ventures and plays a leading role in the development and deployment of emerging wireless technologies. Kerala-born Thomas is the founder of Operation H.O.P.E. (Healing Outreach to People Everywhere).

Thomas is a general surgeon in Lubbock, Texas, specializing in laparoscopic surgery. He has done volunteer work in India, Bolivia, Kenya, Haiti, Honduras, Iraq and other countries.

Business Group Announces India Day Parade Plans By a Staff Writer

T

he Indian Business Association organized a kick-off meeting May 10 at Chowpatty restaurant in Iselin, N.J., to outline plans for the India Day parade.

Prominent community members and representatives from several Indian-American organizations and senior citizens’ associations attended the event, a press release from the organizers said.

The eighth annual New Jersey India Day Parade will be held Aug. 12 on Oak Tree Road, the release said.

The celebration will be led by the Kapil Shah, the recently elected president of the business association, with the support of past organizers like Mahesh Shah, Manher C. Shah and Chandrakant Patel.

Past president Mahesh Shah introduced Kapil Shah at the meeting. Kapil Shah expressed his gratitude to senior members and colleagues for their confidence in him.

He said he would work to unite the community and appealed to all prospective sponsors to help make the parade successful.

Kapil Shah, the newly elected president of the Indian Business Association.

8

CITY VIEWS

May 18, 2012

$100,000 Raised to Support Tribal Education in Andhra Pradesh Jonnadula, treasurer of the organization, presented an overview of the group’s activities and accomplishments.

She highlighted the accomplishments of youth volunteers and introduced the some of them to the audience.

She shared the vision and inspirational message of VT Seva CEO and Founder Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swami.

Bharani Puskur, recipient of the President’s Volunteer Service award for his volunteering with VT Seva, shared his summer volunteering experience at College for the Blind in Hyderabad.

He encouraged others to volunteer at VT Seva outreach projects.

Sirikonda delivered the vote of thanks and stressed the fact that the organization is able to support all its service activities both in India and the United States because of the active support from the community.

By Bhargavi Kulkarni

M

ore than 1,200 people attended a fundraiser hosted by VT Seva (Volunteering Together for Seva) in Somerset, N.J., on April 28.

“Vasantham,” the annual celebration of music, dance and food, raised $100,000 for tribal students in Andhra Pradesh, Dr. Purnachander Sirikonda, president of VT Seva, told Desi Talk.

Dancers from schools in the tristate area and accomplished local singers participated in the event, a press release from VT Seva said. Performances included folk, classical and contemporary songs and dances on the theme of “Vasantham.”

More than 150 young volunteers contributed in making the event a success and were ably supported by more than 50 adult volunteers, Sirikonda said. The proceeds will support the educa-

Above, members of VT Seva (Volunteering Together for Seva) at the Vasantham event, held April 28 in Somerset, N.J.

tion and empowerment of 172 tribal students in the Adilabad District of Andhra Pradesh, he said. This year, the New Jersey chapter of VT Seva aims to raise funds to support 300 students from tribal communities, he added.

New Jersey Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula was the chief guest, and presented the group’s executive members with a resolution passed by the state Senate and Assembly appreciating the services of VT Seva.

The evening began with a peace prayer and the Indian and American national anthems.

Pradyumna Dingari, youth director, welcomed the audience and introduced VT Seva as an organization that is devoted to service.

“We believe that by doing what we do, we not only help others, but also ourselves, Dingari was quoted in the release as saying.

“We are paving the way for a better world by shaping the worldviews of tomorrow’s citizens and leaders of the world.”

This was followed by a lamplighting ceremony by distinguished guests, including Dr. Sudhir M. Parikh, publisher of Desi Talk; Dinesh Khosla; and board members Ravinder Thota, Padma Jonnadula and Sirikonda.

A souvenir book was released by key dignitaries. Parikh appreciated the group’s relief efforts during the Gujarat earthquake and the tsunami, as well as other service activities. He recognized the organization’s vision of empowering youth to volunteer.

By Ela Dutt

M

ore than 100 IndianAmericans showed up at a meeting in Jackson Heights, Queens, N.Y. presided over by Democratic Congressman Joseph Crowley, on May 2, to meet India’s ambassador to the United States.

It was a memorable meeting between Ambassador Nirupama Rao and the American Congressman’s Indian-American constituents, Rep. Crowley told Desi Talk. The 7th Congressional District that he represents has one of the most diverse populations in the country. Stretching from Coop City to Elmhurst, it includes some of the nation’s largest Korean-, Colombian- and IndianAmerican communities.

“Their meeting with the ambassador went incredibly well.

Over 100 Indian-Americans were present at the Jackson Heights event,” Crowley said in a telephone interview. The meeting was hosted by the community, according to a release from the Indian Embassy. “The reason for the meeting was to make real what happens in Washington to my constituents, and their homeland in India,” Crowley told Desi Talk.

Ambassador Rao thanked the organizers for the welcome and praised the contribution of the Indian American community in promoting India-U.S. relations.

Congressman Crowley said he believed that India-U.S. partnership was one of the most significant partnerships for the U.S. in the 21st century and expressed his commitment to work with Ambassador Rao to take it to higher levels.

“There was a profound respect for the Ambassador. This was not

Macy’s Celebrates Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month

T

he unique influence of Asian-Pacific Americans will be celebrated this month at select Macy’s locations nationwide in honor of Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month. Their culture will be highlighted in nine markets through culinary demonstrations and samplings offered by local and national chefs, as well as through dance and music performances.

Each city will host local performers, chefs and special tastings that speak to a variety of Asian-Pacific American cultures and cuisines. After the enriching performances and culinary

demonstrations, guests are welcomed to shop the latest trends with a special 15 percent off one-day community discount and will receive a commemorative Macy’s Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month apron with any purchase of $50 or more made on the day of the event.

Macy’s Asian-Pacific Heritage Month event locations: Macy’s First Colony, Houston, Texas, May 26 at 1 p.m.

Macy’s Flushing, Queens, N.Y., May 26 at 1 p.m.

For more information, visit www.macys.com/celebrate.

Yogesh Mehta

Indian Envoy’s Community Outreach in Jackson Heights

Ambassador Nirupama Rao speaks at a community meeting in Jackson Heights, N.Y., May 2, as Congressman Joseph Crowley, center, looks on.

a forum to bring your local problems,” said Crowley who is considered a staunch supporter of U.S.-India relations, visited India this January and believes whatever hurdles exist can be overcome between the two democracies.

Ambassador Rao put Delaware and New York on her agenda May 1 and 2 at the invitation of U.S. Senator, Chris Coons, a Democrat from Delaware and Crowley from New York, according to a release from the Indian embassy.

She met several high-level officials, addressed public events and interacted with the Indian American community.

“The friendship between the United States and India, the world’s two largest democracies, is deep and unshakeable,” Sen. Coons told Desi Talk via email, adding, “Ambassador Rao’s visit to Delaware was a terrific opportunity to highlight our strong economic, political, military and social ties. I was proud to welcome her to our state and introduce her to the Indian-American community, as well as students at the University of Delaware, and business representatives from across the state.”

Sen. Coons is a member of the Senate India Caucus and the Senate Foreign Relations

Committee and its Subcommittee on Near Eastern and South Central Affairs, which deals with U.S. relations with India.

Rao gave a keynote speech at the University of Delaware, Newark. The university has more than 20 active collaborative endeavors with Indian counterparts in agriculture, drinking water, health and clean energy.

Coons also introduced Rao to

a group of agriculturists, poultry farmers and business representatives of Delaware, with whom she discussed opportunities to expand business linkages, including technology transfer and capacity building in agro-industry, and poultry, the embassy release said.

Delaware Gov. Jack Markell also met Ambassador Rao at the state capital Dover May 1. Markell is leading a delegation to India later this year and expressed keen interest in building a robust engagement with India.

Among those present at the meeting were U.S. Sen. Tom Carper and Delaware’s Secretary of State Jeffery Bullock. Senator Carper recalled his visit to India in April last year as part of a Congressional delegation.

Secretary Bullock, who had just returned from an exploratory visit to India talked of the “immense potential” for cooperation.

Community to Hold Fundraiser to Support Chivukula for Congress

T

he Indian-American community will support the ‘Upendra Chivukula for Congress’ campaign at a gala fundraiser on Sunday, May 20, at the Royal Albert Palace in Fords, N.J., according to a press release issued by Chivukula’s office.

Chivukula has served in the New Jersey General Assembly for 10 years and previously as mayor, deputy mayor and councilman of Franklin Township, Somerset County. He is challenging two-term incumbent U.S. Rep. Leonard Lance, a Republican in New Jersey’s

www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know

Congressional District 7.

The only Indian-American lawmaker in the 120-member state legislature, he has been a strong advocate for issues and concerns of the entire community.

He also serves as deputy speaker of the New Jersey General Assembly and chairs the Assembly Telecom and Utilities Committee, is vice chair of the Homeland Security and State Preparedness Committee and a member of the Transportation, Public Works and Independent Authorities Committee.

10

COVER STORY

May 18, 2012

March on Trenton

Yogesh Mehta

The Indian-American community rallied outside the New Jersey statehouse to show support for Dharun Ravi, a week before he is to be sentenced on bias intimidation charges, Bhargavi Kulkarni writes

Anil Kappa, a family friend and business associate of Ravi’s father, addresses a rally outside the State House in Trenton, N.J., May 14. Community members showed up in large numbers to show support for Dharun Ravi, a week before his sentencing. Below, a participant comforts Ravi’s parents at the rally.

– TRENTON, N.J. mid chants of “Free Dharun Ravi” and “We Want Justice,” more than 200 people gathered outside the statehouse here May 14 to show their support for Dharun Ravi, the former Rutgers University student convicted of bias intimidation for spying on his gay roommate Tyler Clementi.

Ravi is scheduled to be sentenced May 21 and faces 10 years in prison and possible deportation to India. Protesters demanded he receive no prison time even as they sought to highlight what they feel are problems with the state’s bias intimidation law.

Carrying Indian and American flags and placards, the protesters, led by restaurateur Satish Mehtani and businessman Pradeep “Peter” Kothari, joined Ravi’s parents in demanding “justice not vengeance” and “bail pending appeal” for the 20-year-old from Plainsboro, N.J. Some carried placards saying “Don’t make Ravi a scapegoat,” referring to former New Jersey Gov. Jim McGreevy’s April 29 opinion piece in The StarLedger. “We do not serve justice by locking up Ravi as a scapegoat,” McGreevy wrote.

“If this kid ends up in jail ... my faith will be shaken in this country,” Sandeep Sharma, one of the organizers of the rally and a family friend and business associate of Ravi’s father, Ravi Pahzani, told the crowd.

Ravi was convicted March 16 on 15 charges including invasion of privacy, witness tampering and bias intimidation.

Yogesh Mehta

A

While the defense team has filed an appeal and has sought to have him free on probation, prosecutors have requested the judge to sentence him to prison. Ravi was earlier offered a plea bargain that required him to do community service, and he rejected that offer.

Organizers said the rally was unprecedented for the community and acknowledged it was high time Indian-Americans came together to voice their opinion.

Calling the verdict “a wake-up call,” they urged the supporters – a vast group including businessmen, students, mothers, working professionals, senior citizens and members of the LGBT community – to demand justice and correct the muddled justice system and the hate crime laws.

“When I look at him, I do not see any arrogance or attitude, but only remorse”

“The very law that some members of our community have asked and fought to be signed into law in the past has now been put against somebody wrongfully to ruin his life and his family’s life,” Kothari said, while addressing the rally.

“We understand that the Clementi family has pain and suffering for a life lost. But that does not mean another life should be ruined.”

Referring to previous crimes targeting Indian-Americans, Kothari highlighted the lack of hate crime convictions in those cases. “We are a passive community,” he told the gathering. “But we are not stupid.”

Echoing the community’s sentiment that something has gone terribly wrong, Kothari told Desi

www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know

Talk, “I strongly believe they should not have gone for a hate crime.” Thanking attendees for their support and attendance on a rainy morning, Kothari said people can relate to the case as a similar injustice could happen to their children.

That was a sentiment echoed by the many mothers who participated in the rally.

“We are here, not because we know the boy or the family, but because we feel the pain,” Payal Kapoor on Plainsboro told Desi Talk. She admitted that what Ravi did was stupid, but feels it was blown out of proportion. “We humbly plead not to send him jail time,” her friend Vandana Sehgal , also of Plainsboro, told Desi Talk.

Many who attended said they sympathize with Ravi’s family.

“This could happen to anyone,” Maya Patel, a senior citizen from Edison, N.J., told Desi Talk. “He did not do anything wrong,” she said, adding that he should be freed.

Several were of the opinion that he has already paid the price for what he did and will continue to do so, with or without jail time.

“When I look at him, I do not see any arrogance or attitude, but only remorse,” Mona Ved of Colonia, N.J., told Desi Talk.

She said her heart goes out to Ravi’s mother, Sabitha, who also addressed the rally. Thanking the crowd for its support, she requested members of the media who attended the trial to bring to attention the injustice done to her son.

Continued on page 12

12

COVER STORY

May 18, 2012

Yogesh Mehta

March on Trenton

Continued from page 10

Yogesh Mehta

Attorney Poonam Bhuchar speaks at the rally.

“It’s so malleable, what counts as a threat?” asked Marc Poirier, a Seton Hall University law professor who has been studying hate crime laws. Poirier also addressed the crowd along with Bill Dobbs, a New York City civil libertarian and

Yogesh Mehta

“You know he didn’t get a fair trial, please wake up and then write something … and bring some justice for Dharun.”

Along with the support for Ravi and his family, the rally also highlighted discrepancies in the state’s hate crime laws.

On one bias intimidation charge, the jury found that Ravi did not knowingly or intentionally intimidate Clementi or the other man, identified in court only by the initials M.B. But the jury found Clementi reasonably believed that Ravi targeted him because he was gay. On the three other bias-intimidation charges, jurors found that Ravi knowingly or intentionally intimidated his roommate.

gay rights activist.

Poirier’s opinion that the hate crime charge brought against Ravi was inappropriate was included as part of the defense’s sentencing memo to the judge.

Poirier told Desi Talk he believes that the precursor to hate crimes typically involves some kind of violence, a threat of violence or hateful speech – which was absent in this case.

According to Dobbs, the case has also sparked an array of gay and lesbian skeptics – which is quite unusual.

Along the sidelines of the rally, Sharma and others met with legislative aides and lawmakers to discuss the bias intimidation statute. Poonam Bhuchar, a lawyer from Princeton, N.J., who accompanied Sharma to the meetings, said, “They all understand the issues and are sympathetic to what is going on, but everyone has said it’s a very sensitive case.” She said the lawmakers noted that they have to take into consideration the media and the fact that there are no laws applicable to social media.

They emphasized that laws covering social media are needed, she said.

Sharma said that while he didn’t believe the meetings would help in terms of Ravi’s upcoming sentencing, they could change provisions of the bias law.

Left, Pradeep “Peter” Kothari addresses the media. Above, restaurateur Satish Mehtani speaks at the rally.

www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know

14

INDIA

May 18, 2012

Nepal Plane Crash Kills 15, Including 13 Indians

By Gopal Sharma – KATHMANDU small plane owned by a private company crashed in northwest Nepal on May 14, killing 15 people including 13 Indians, an official said.

The Dornier aircraft owned by private Agni Air company was carrying 18 passengers and a crew of three on a flight from the resort town of Pokhara to Jomsom when it crashed while landing at the mountain airstrip.

“Among those killed are 13 Indians and two Nepalis,”

A

Kathmandu airport official Mahesh Shrestha said.

Six survivors had been taken to a hospital in Pokhara and the condition of at least one of them is critical, he said.

Two Danish tourists were among those rescued.

Jomsom, about 125 km (79 miles) northwest of Kathmandu, is a gateway for trekking in the region where Mount Annapurna, the world’s 10th highest mountain, is located.

In September last year, 19 people returning after viewing Mount Everest were killed when their plane crashed in bad weather

Nepalese army personnel carry the body of one of the victims retrieved from the plane crash site, into an ambulance in Kathmandu, May 14.

near Kathmandu.

It was not immediately clear what caused May 14’s crash.

Nepal is home to eight of the world’s 14 highest mountain peaks, including Mount Everest.

Tens of thousands of hikers and foreign tourists go to Mount Everest and other trekking routes to see the lofty Himalayan peaks every year.

Tourism, a key source of earning for impoverished Nepal, accounts for nearly four percent of the gross domestic product and employs tens of thousands of people.

– Reuters

India Will Cut Oil Imports from Iran Following U.S. Pressure

By Rama Lakshmi – NEW DELHI week after Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urged New Delhi to reduce its engagement with Tehran, India said it would cut Iranian oil imports by 11 percent in the coming year.

The promised cut could constitute a significant step for India towards securing a waiver from U.S. sanctions before a June deadline — although officials here denied that they were motivated

by U.S. pressure and some analysts questioned whether the move would be enough to satisfy Washington.

The United States has already granted sanction waivers to Japan and 10 European countries after they announced cuts, but has not yet included India or China, two of the biggest importers of Iranian oil.

Deputy oil minister R. P. N. Singh told parliament on May 15 that imports from Iran would be reduced to 113.6 million barrels in the financial year ending next March, down from 127.8 million tons the previous year.

In the past few months, New Delhi has come under enormous pressure from Washington to join international sanctions aimed at forcing Iran to stop its military nuclear program. But India’s historical ties with Iran, and especially its reliance on Iranian oil, have posed a severe foreign policy dilemma here.

Fiercely independent in its foreign policy making, and wary of angering its huge Muslim population, India says it will only respect sanctions agreed to by the United Nations. Officials would never publicly admit that any reduction in oil imports from Iran has come as a result of U.S. pressure.

“In order to reduce its dependence on any particular region of the world, India has been consciously trying to diversify its sources of crude oil imports to strengthen the country’s energy security,” Singh told lawmakers in a written statement on May 15.

A

A foreign ministry official sought to underplay the announcement by saying that it was dictated by the market conditions.

“The cut is a direct result of constraints faced by financial institutions to channelize payments for Iranian oil,” said a foreign ministry official. “These constraints are bound to have an impact, regardless of what the governments decide. There is no intention on our part to seek a waiver from the U.S.” India imports 80 percent of its oil, from over 30 countries. Iran

accounts for almost 12 per cent of its total imports.

Indian officials privately say that it is difficult to restrain India’s growing appetite for energy, which is desperately needed to fuel industrial expansion and economic growth. But U.S.-led sanctions have already made it much harder for India to ship and pay for Iranian oil.

A U.S. special envoy, Carlos Pascual, met officials in New Delhi on May 15 to follow up on Clinton’s discussions with Indian officials. The foreign ministry official said the discussion with the

envoy was about India’s long-term energy needs and “included the Iran issue, but it was not the primary focus today.”

“We have already scaled back imports because we have been facing difficulties in paying for the oil and having trouble finding enough tankers to lift the oil,” said Singh, a retired diplomat who was India’s ambassador to Tehran.

“Today’s announcement may be okay for the time being, but I suspect that Americans would want us to do more. India has to do a tough balancing act between Iran and America. We have to ensure

that our strategic engagement with the U.S. continues.”

Under pressure from the U.S. Treasury, India withdrew in December 2010 from the Asian Clearing Union, a mechanism set up a few years ago to make payments from the South Asian region to Iran. But Iran continued to supply oil on credit, with debts ballooning to $3 billion earlier this year.

In March, Iran agreed to receive part of the payment in Indian rupees, through Indian banks.

– The Washington Post

Superbugs Spread to 40 Nations, Threaten India’s Medical Tourism

By Jason Gale and Adi Narayan – MUMBAI ill-Karin Skaret, a 67-yearold grandmother from Namsos, Norway, was traveling to a lakeside vacation villa near India’s port city of Kochi in March 2010 when her car collided with a truck. She was rushed to the Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, her right leg broken and her artificial hip so damaged that replacing it required 12 hours of surgery.

Three weeks later and walking with the aid of crutches, Skaret was relieved to be home.

Then her doctor gave her upsetting news. Mutant germs that most antibiotics can’t kill had entered her bladder, probably from a contaminated hospital catheter in India. She risked a life-threatening infection if the bacteria invaded her bloodstream — a waiting game over which she had limited control.

“I got a call from my doctor who told me they found this bug in me and I had to take precautions,” Skaret remembers. “I was very afraid.”

Skaret was lucky. Eventually, her body rid itself of the bacteria, and she escaped harm from a new type of superbug that sci-

L

entists warn is spreading faster, further and in more alarming ways than any they’ve encountered. Researchers say the epicenter is India, where drugs created to fight disease have taken a perverse turn by making many ailments harder to treat.

India’s $12.4 billion pharmaceutical industry manufactures almost a third of the world’s antibiotics, and people use them so liberally that relatively benign and beneficial bacteria are becoming drug immune in a pool of resistance that thwarts even high-powered antibiotics, the so-called remedies of last resort.

Poor hygiene has spread resistant germs into India’s drains, sewers and drinking water, putting millions at risk of drug-defying infections.

Antibiotic residues from drug manufacturing, livestock treatment and medical waste have entered water and sanitation systems, exacerbating the problem.

As the superbacteria take up residence in hospitals, they’re compromising patient care and tarnishing India’s image as a medical tourism destination.

“There isn’t anything you could take with you traveling that would be useful against

these superbugs,” says Robert Moellering Jr., a professor of medical research at Harvard Medical School in Boston.

The germs — and the gene that confers their heightened powers — are jumping beyond India. More than 40 countries have discovered the genetically altered superbugs in blood, urine and other patient specimens.

Canada, France, Italy, Kosovo and South Africa have found them in people with no travel links, suggesting the bugs have taken hold there.

Drug resistance of all sorts is bringing the planet closer to what the World Health Organization calls a post-antibiotic era.

“Things as common as strep throat or a child’s scratched knee could once again kill,” WHO Director-General Margaret Chan said at a March medical meeting in Copenhagen. “Hip replacements, organ transplants, cancer chemotherapy and care of preterm infants would become far more difficult or even too dangerous to undertake.”

Already, current varieties of resistant bacteria kill more than 25,000 people in Europe annually, the WHO said in March.

The toll means at least 1.5 bil-

www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know

lion euros ($2 billion) in extra medical costs and productivity losses each year.

“If this latest bug becomes entrenched in our hospitals, there is really nothing we can turn to,” says Donald E. Low, head of Ontario’s public health lab in Toronto. “Its potential is to be probably greater than any other organism.”

The new superbugs are multiplying so successfully because of a gene dubbed NDM-1. That’s short for New Delhi metallobeta- lactamase-1, a reference to the city where a Swedish man was hospitalized in 2007 with an infection that resisted standard antibiotic treatments.

The superbugs are proving to be not only wily but also highly sexed. The NDM-1 gene is carried on mobile loops of DNA called plasmids that transfer easily among and across many types of bacteria through a form of microbial mating. This means that unlike previous germ-altering genes, NDM-1 can infiltrate dozens of bacterial species.

Intestine-dwelling E. coli, the most common bacterium that people encounter, soil-inhabiting microbes and water-loving cholera bugs can all be fortified by the gene.

– Bloomberg news

16

CUISINE

May 18, 2012

Tulsi’s $65 Menu Features Boar Chop, Chili Granita

By Ryan Sutton – NEW YORK ulsi, one of New York’s best Indian restaurants, serves a bargain tasting menu at

T

$65.

Along with being affordable, Tulsi is a stark counterpoint to Sparks across the street. Hindus generally abstain from beef, so there’s no steak. But there is spinach.

Popeye would be proud of the nutra nugget tikki, a tiny green cake that looks like an edible science experiment. It concentrates the leafy greens instead of diluting them, steakhouse-style, with cream.

Guests find peaceful restraint in Tulsi’s cushioned chairs, white tablecloths, soybean sprout hors d’oeuvres and palate cleansing apple-chili granita intermezzos.

We’re accustomed to paying more for American, European and Japanese fare, less for African, Latin American and South Asian cuisines.

We hit up Per Se with our expense accounts then swing by Curry in a Hurry for a late night snack after. Maybe Tulsi isn’t expensive enough?

Chef Hemant Mathur’s Galauati Lamb Burger with tomato chutney and mint raita on a naan bun. Eggplant relish and yam chaat on the side.

This is no small matter. Tabla once tried the prix-fixe- only approach to Indian, with meals easily exceeding $100 per person.

It’s the only Danny Meyer restaurant ever to have closed.

And then there was Devi, whose priciest wine-paired menu topped out at $130 per person. It shuttered in early April.

Chef Hemant Mathur earned Devi the first ever Michelin star

for an Indian restaurant in the United States.

Now at his year-old Tulsi, Mathur has won his Michelin star back.

And although the chef considers himself a master of the tandoor, the superhot clay oven that makes medium-rare anything unlikely, Mathur’s magic lies in his fluency with vegetables.

Seven-course tastings ($65 for regular or vegetarian) begin with rasam, a sharp tomato and lentil soup spiced with curry leaves,

mustard seeds and whole red chilis. The vegetarian menu follows up with soft slices of pumpkin bathed in coconut-curry sauce.

If you’re ordering a la carte, begin with khasta kachori ($8), a dish so light its rich ingredients – fried lentil dumplings are topped with chickpeas, rice crisps and the triple punch of tamarind, yogurt and mint chutneys – seem to defy gravity.

Okra is sliced thin and tossed with onions like shoestring potatoes. And Tulsi’s “plain” rice is a sublime study in cardamom and cumin.

This spicy, fragrant food should be consumed with Ommegang Witte beer ($7), Piper-Heidsieck Champagne ($22) or aromatic whites.

Tuli’s cellar boasts a number of affordable off-the-beaten track selections, including a lean, mean Vintage Vielh De Lapeyre Jurancon Sec ($52); its austere dryness is the right foil for the sweet heat of Balchao shrimp

A

By Ravleen Kaur

made in the 16th century, have found their way to markets as commodity for trading in the new capitalistic world. We play on the systemic idea of food, creating artificial hunger markets,” artist Ruchika Negi told IANS. Studies say fortified biscuits with iodine and iron have improved the health of rural children in developing countries and sparked virulent politics over brand placements, pricing and policies.

Performance and installation artist Shweta Bhattad uses food and performance to address issues of wastage. Her new multimedia performance art, “Three Course Meal and Dessert of Vomit”, paints a macabre portrait of gluttons drowning in their own “vomit”.

Italian conceptual artist Alfonso Borrogain has been engaging with street food vendors in the capital with his concept of fluorescent food - lighting them up with phosphorus or colored phosphorescent lamps.

– LEH t 73, Ama Sonam Dolma is a successful entrepreneur. She grows the seeds of exotic vegetables and herbs which we buy at a handsome price to spice our pasta, soups and salads. The only difference: the seeds of her broccoli, lettuce, bok choy and leek are very much Indian unlike the European varieties in the market.

Staying in Upper Tukcha, a village about a kilometre from Leh town in Ladakh, Ama (Mother) Dolma got into this business at age 58 when most people retire. Her seeds instantly became a hit with the foreign tourists.

“My seeds are kept in the local products’ shop of the Women’s Alliance, an NGO. Most foreigners like the seeds as they are organic,” she said.

Seeds in Ladakh are increasingly becoming a lucrative business, thanks to the region’s cold and dry climate. With a minimum investment of Rs.2,000 ($37.15), those like Ama Dolma are earning about Rs.30,000 ($557.21) annually from seeds.

“Seeds, like that of leek for instance, are imported from Europe. They cannot be produced anywhere in India but Ladakh. Other seeds like beetroot, knol khol, celery and zucchini can also be easily grown

A

– IANS

IANS

– NEW DELHI plate of food and wine on the table is no longer mere gastronomy. It is high art of flavor, color, textures, concepts, cultures, science and politics – everything that contemporary art has been experimenting with for the last decade.

Food in conceptual art seeks to connect the visual with the cerebral and the visceral, says Indonesian contemporary Julian Abraham, who is working on the concept of fermentation, wine, prohibition and faith with installations.

His new work, “Karma Wine: Kapitan Biopunk”, a multimedia installation on display in the national capital recently, relates to the art and science of wine-making.

A sculpture, resembling Abraham, responds to viewers’ repeated entreaties for wine over a microphone on the basis of sonic waves.

Once the sound connection is made and the circuit established, the figure lowers its head and pours wine as benediction from its mouth into the devotee’s waiting cup.

The installation is accompanied by texts “about the history of fermentation, its religious and scientific significance and analogies”.

The wine is tamarind water fermented over two weeks by the artist.

“I have used the concept of a religious rite wherein the worshipper prays to the guru expecting a good life and probably a good afterlife. The wine is a salute while the viewers’ prayer is a rite,” Abraham told IANS. The artist began working with fermentation in 2010 after the Indonesian government increased excise duty to check alcoholism.

“But it did not work out that way – people tried to brew their own alcohol with methanol or wood alcohol...I wanted to explore its implications and outlooks across cultures,” Abraham said.

The humble fortified biscuit designed to enhance nutrition level – is a subject of food aid politics in young artists Ruchika Negi and Amit Mahanti’s new video installation, “The Idea of The Biscuit” – featuring a biscuit advertisement and a man masticating food.

“Our installation is a political take on food and the politics over fortified biscuit in the hunger market for food relief. Fortified (double baked) biscuits, first

– Bloomberg News

Want to Buy Exotic Veggies? Head to Ladakh!

Food in Art: Artists Play with Dynamics of Gastronomy

By Madhusree Chatterjee

($12), though a puckery glass of Brauneberger Juffer German riesling ($13) is a fine choice as well.

Surf-and-turfers will find slightly overcooked boar chops ($32) or lamb chops ($36) to pair with a lobster tail ($36).

But the better call is one of Mathur’s infinite takes on fowl.

Chicken thighs perfumed with onions and fennel are supremely flavorful, while achari tikka smells gratifyingly of cilantro and garlic.

Long before goat became the hip plaid-shirt of meats, the Mughals were cooking up rogan josh.

Tulsi simmers the cabrito in cinnamon, cardamom and Kashmiri chili powder ($26). The incendiary results are to be scooped up with bread. Prepare to sweat.

You will not have room for dessert.

Order it anyway. Kulfi ($8), ice cream made with condensed milk, is so thick you have to cut it with a knife.

An installation of fluorescent food by Italian artist Alfonso Borrogain working in India.

www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know

in Ladakh because the region enjoys long daylight hours, which means high light intensity,” said Dorjay Anghcuk, a scientist at the Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR) in Leh that works under the Defence Research and Development Organisation.

“This, combined with very low humidity, makes Ladakh quite congenial for the production of seeds,” he said. “These also fetch a good price.”

Added Shashi Bala Singh, a former director of DIHAR: “Because of the weather, vegetables transform from vegetative to reproductive state, which is when they breed seeds. Also, their size grows bigger than normal. The flowers are also bigger and more in number, which means more seeds.”

Surprised tourists stop to buy the unusually fat zucchini and cauliflower (sometimes weighing more than two kg) in the Leh market where many a women sit selling their extraordinary stuff.

In one acre of her field, Ama Dolma has a treasure trove of parsley, celery, Swiss Chard, the German Knol khol, beetroot and zucchini apart from carrot, radish, cabbage, cauliflower, onion and a variety of spinach seeds which would be any chef’s delight.

All her seeds are certified by the National Seeds Corp of India.

– IANS

18

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

May 18, 2012

Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’ Reaches U.S. Top 10 By a Staff Writer

T

he Best Exotic Marigold Hotel,” a film set in Rajasthan, climbed to the top 10 at the U.S. box office during the weekend of May 11-13 despite playing in only a limited number of theaters.

Starring renowned British actress Judi Dench and Dev Patel

I was Nervous About ‘The Best Exotic...’

Weighty Cast: Dev Patel – LONDON ctor Dev Patel, who is gearing up for the release of his forthcoming India-based film “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel”, says initially he was nervous with the experienced heavy-weights in the filmcast.

The movie, which is coming out May 18, features Dame Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Bill Nighy and Tom Wilkinson along with Indian actors Lillette Dubey and Tena Desae. “It was phenomenal - and that’s an understatement. It was amazing for me just to watch them. I was nervous with this weighty cast, of course, but John gave me the confidence to be free. Even the smallest scenes were great lessons for me,” said Dev in a statement.

Dev, known for his character in Danny Boyle’s “Slumdog Millionaire”, has a personal connect with the film “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel”.

“My mother has actually worked as a caretaker for the elderly and I was enticed by how vivid these characters are, by their sarcasm and their wisdom. I fell in love with the script because every character shines in his or her own different way and you believe in each of them,” he added.

Directed by John Madden, the movie revolves around a hotel in Rajasthan, advertised as India’s answer for Britain’s retired people.

A

– IANS

cities across North America on May 18.

The ensemble hit, which was named a Critics’ Pick by The New York Times, also debuts in India on May 18, the release said.

Based on the novel “These Foolish Things” by Deborah Moggach and directed by John Madden, the film follows a group of British retirees who decide to “outsource” their retirement to

of “Slumdog Millionaire” fame, the critically acclaimed film, reached the number eight position and grossed an estimated $2.65 million from 178 theaters, while most films that made the list of most popular films were playing in more than 1,500 theaters each, a press release said.

The film grossed $3.7 million after its second weekend of release and will open in additional

Sridevi Makes Special Appearance on Aamir’s Show – NEW DELHI amir Khan brought up the issue of child sex abuse in the second episode of “Satyamev Jayate” May 13.

Yesteryears screen diva Sridevi made a special appearance on the show, her first appearance with Bollywood’s Mr. Perfectionist.

The 48-year-old came to meet Harish Aiyer, one of the victims of child abuse who told Aamir that he was abused by a man for 11 years. He also said that when he tried to tell his mother, she didn’t take him seriously.

At that time his only support was his dog and Bollywood movies, especially the ones starring Sridevi.

And that is why the actress was invited on the show.

Harish was excited when he received a gift from his favorite star. On the show, Aamir spoke to several other victims who narrated their horrific experiences of being molested, sodomized and threatened by their tormentors.

Cinderella Prakash, another victim, said how she was abused by a 55-year-old man when she was just 12.

According to a survey, 53 percent children who went through child sexual abuse were boys.

less expensive and seemingly exotic India, according to a synopsis on the film’s website.

Enticed by advertisements for the newly restored Marigold Hotel and bolstered with visions of a life of leisure, they arrive to find the palace a shell of its former self.

Though the new environment is less luxurious than imagined, they are forever transformed by their shared experiences.

Sonam to Walk Cannes Red Carpet

to give me sometime off, but that’s not happening. But doesn’t matter, one day I would go to Cannes with one of my films,” Kalki told IANS The actress has begun shooting for Vishal Bhardwaj’s “Ek Thi Dayan” with Konkona Sen Sharma and Emraan Hashmi.

Kashyap is ecstatic after three of his films have been selected for the 12-day festival to be held in the French Riviera.

– NEW DELHI ollywood actress Sonam Kapoor will walk the red carpet at the 65th edition of the Cannes International Film Festival, which is starting May 16.

Sonam, brand ambassador of L’Oreal Paris, will represent the cosmetic giant at the fest for the second consecutive year, reports a statement.

“The Cannes film festival is the oldest and most prestigious film festival where the best in cinema gets showcased. I am excited to be at the closing ceremony where the best films will get awarded,” said Sonam.

The brand will complete 15 years as the official makeup partner for the fest this year and to celebrate the occasion, the 26-year-old will walk the red carpet at the closing ceremony May 27.

She would be joined by approximately 35 other representatives of L’Oreal Paris including Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Freida Pinto, Eva Longoria, Jane Fonda and Bianca Balti.

– IANS

– IANS

B

A

No Cannes for Kalki Koechlin – NEW DELHI hile filmmaker Anurag Kashyap is all geared up to attend the 65th Cannes International Film Festival, his actress wife Kalki Koechlin won’t be accompanying him but is hopeful that one day she would attend the gala.

“I wouldn’t be able to attend Cannes festival as I would be busy shooting for my film. I have been begging my director

W

– IANS

Rohit Bal Casts Arjun in Princely Look for Cannes – NEW DELHI ohit Bal and Arjun Rampal are known for their strong bonding, both on and off the ramp. Now the designer has created a special outfit for the actor to give him a princely look for his maiden appearance at the forthcoming Cannes International Film Festival red carpet.

Confirming the news, Bal told IANS: “I can’t disclose the design, but yes it will be an Indian look. He is going to be seen like a prince with no bling in the attire. The design will be super chic and I am confident that people will be amazed to see

R

INDIA • PAKISTAN

1

Arjun in Cannes this time.”

Arjun, 39, will walk the red carpet at the 65th edition of the festival as the brand ambassador for Chivas, official partner of the event. He will be accompanied by wife Mehr, a former supermodel.

Asked if he too would attend the cinematic extravaganza, the ace designer said: “No, I will not accompany him as I am doing four different projects, which is keeping me busy nowadays. Arjun is there with my designs, so that’s Ok.” Bal is a name to reckon with in

the Indian fashion industry.

Known for mixing traditional and modern themes, he showcased his creations at global platforms in New York, Paris, and Singapore.

He also took care of Amitabh Bachchan’s wardrobe for the fifth season of “Kaun Banega Crorepati” and for the upcoming edition of the game show.

“It’s an honor to be felicitated with so many reputed names, both nationally and internationally. Mr. Bachchan has an aura, which is difficult to match and I am thankful that my clothes are justifying him completely,” said the 54-year-old.

– IANS

Clear Voice Quality • Best Connection • Lowest Rates • 24 x 7 Customer Service

$

10 $ 20

1000 Mints 2000 Mints No Pin No. No Connection Fee. No Monthly Contract. No Auto Charge

20

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

May 18, 2012

Oscar Nod no Boost in India, Ashvin Kumar Says

By Shilpa Jamkhandikar – MUMBAI inning accolades at international film festivals and being nominated at the Oscars didn’t make it any easier for Ashvin Kumar to release his film in India.

The 39-year-old film-maker waited for six years to release his debut feature “The Forest”, and says being nominated for an

W

Oscar (for his 2004 short film “Little Terrorist”) didn’t help.

“It makes no difference. If it did, do you think I’d be running around arranging finances for my next film and trying to get this one released?” Kumar said.

“The Forest” has been ready since 2006, but the film-maker said its release was stuck for several reasons, including a fallout with a producer.

The film, about a couple on a jungle holiday which goes horri-

bly wrong, opens in cinemas under the PVR banner on Friday.

“It’s easier if you are backed by a big studio, that way you don’t have to worry about the money and can concentrate on making the film, but that doesn’t always happen,” Kumar told Reuters.

“The Forest”, starring Nandana Sen and Jaaved Jafferi, is the filmmaker’s way of bringing the sinister world of the forest into the urban moviegoer’s life.

“A lot of urban dwellers aren’t

as exposed to the forest as we were as kids. And I want them to know that it’s a beautiful place, but also a scary one, and you have to look after yourself there,” Kumar said.

– Reuters

Shahid Signs Bejoy Nambiar’s Next – NEW DELHI fter the success of “Shaitaan”, director Bejoy Nambiar is in no mood to relax, it seems.

While still working on his second directorial venture “David”, he has already roped in Shahid Kapoor for his next untitled project.

“Yes, Shahid and I are working on something. We will start working on the film once I am done with ‘David’,” Bejoy told IANS. The director was reluctant to reveal the theme of his film and said: “I am nowhere close to the project right now. I am only focusing on ‘David’.

I can’t reveal the genre of the film.

Nothing has been decided yet.”

“David” features Neil Nitin Mukesh, Vikram, Vinay Virmani, Tabu, Monica Dogra and Isha Sharvani.

When asked Shahid about the project, he confirmed it saying, “Yes I am doing Bejoy’s film. The film will go on floors by the end of this year.”

© 2012 Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc. Ad: UniWorld Group, Inc. Photos: Anthony Barboza

A

with Con Edison “ Partnering has exposed my business to new opportunities. ” Sairam Consultants, Naresh Lalla’s company, provides staffing and engineering services to Con Edison. Our eight-year partnership has produced vital services for Con Edison and vital opportunities for Sairam Consultants.

Since entering our Supplier Diversity Program, Sairam Consultants expanded its client base and its roster of top-flight employees.

At Con Edison, we supply more than electricity, gas and steam. Our Supplier Diversity Program helps grow businesses like Sairam Consultants and the communities they serve.

Find out if your business is ready to grow with us. Visit ConEd.com/supplierdiversity or call 212-460-3076.

– IANS

Bips Asks Fans for New DVD Title – NEW DELHI ipasha Basu is in search of a suitable title for her second fitness DVD – and she has asked her fans to send in their suggestions.

“Pondering over names for my next fitness DVD! Just not getting it!

Last one was ‘Fit & Fabulous You’!

Suggestions? It has to be an extension to Love Yourself,” tweeted Bipasha.

“It should sound energetic, inspirational and fun,” she added.

Bipasha’s first DVD, released in 2010, was titled “BB-Love Yourself”. She had earlier said that the second DVD will be something fresh.

“It’ll be a completely different routine. It’s not going to be like the first one, which was a 60-day routine for weight loss,” said the actress, fit and fab at 33.

B

NARESH LALLA OWNER, SAIRAM CONSULTANTS

– IANS

22

SPORTS

May 18, 2012

Government, Association at Loggerheads Over South Asian Games

By Sudipto Ganguly – MUMBAI he Indian Olympic Association (IOA) wants Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to overturn the government’s decision to defer the hosting of the South Asian Games in Delhi to late 2014.

The sports ministry has said

T

India will not be able to host the Games before the second half of 2014 due to assembly elections in Delhi in 2013 and general elections in the first half of 2014.

While terming the sports ministry’s reasons as “flimsy”, IOA acting president Vijay Kumar Malhotra said the event, which India is to host by rotation, will be shifted to Nepal if not held in January/February next year.

Indian Men Win Bronze at Junior Asia Cup Hockey – MALACAA ndia beat South Korea 2-1 courtesy a golden goal to win a bronze medal in the seventh Junior Men’s Asia Cup Hockey at MBM Stadium here May 13.

Tied 1-1 at the end of the final hooter, Indian skipper Akashdeep Singh scored the golden goal to give the Indian team the medal.

I

India and South Korea both played a defensive game, but Korea took the lead thanks to You Seungji in the 47th minute through a penalty corner. In an attempt to level the score, India started pressing and made some good penetrations into the circle and seven minutes later Lokesh Thimmana scored the leveller.

– IANS

“The executive committee of South Asian Olympic Council in its meeting has decided that in case Games are not held in India in 2013, they will be allotted to Kathmandu,” Malhotra wrote in a letter to Singh.

“Once these are moved out of the country it will be difficult for India to conduct them in near future, given the rotational basis on which Games are allotted.”

The South Asian Games, formerly known as South Asian Federation Games, is a multisport event held every two years among athletes from eight South

Supreme Court Dismisses Petition Against Tendulkar’s Rajya Sabha Nomination – DELHI he Supreme Court May 14 declined to entertain a petition challenging the nomination of cricketing icon Sachin Tendulkar to the Rajya Sabha.

An apex court bench headed

by Justice Deepak Verma dismissed as withdrawn the petition by one Ram Gopal Singh Sisodia contending that Tendulkar’s nomination to the upper house of the Indian constitution was contrary to the provisions of the constitution.

The court asked the petitioner

T

Mary Kom Moves Closer to Olympic Berth Nick Catlin of Great Britain is tackled by Manpreet Singh of India during the 3rd vs. 4th place match in the Visa International Invitational Hockey Tournament – LOCOG Test Event for London 2012 at Riverbank Arena – Hockey Centre in London on May 6.

Negi youngest to Win Asian Chess Championship – MUMBAI ndia’s newly-crowned Asian chess champion Primarjan Negi has become the youngest to win the continental title.

The 19-year-old Negi, who won the Asian title in the Vietnamese capital Ho Chi Minh City May 13, will now represent Asia in the World Cup series of events of FIDE from where players advance to the World Championship cycle.

Negi is also the third Indian after Krishnan Sasikaran (2003), Surya Sekhar Ganguly (2009) and Pendyala Harikishna (2011) to win the Asian title.

During the Asian Championship, Negi led most of the while. He lost two games, rounds two and nine. He drew the final round but was declared champion on tie-break.

Negi has smoothly moved into

I

higher gear and is now reaching new and higher peaks. His current rating is 2640 and would be settling above the 2650-mark soon.

That is an important number since he will walk into any Indian team if he is above that rating mark.

Negi has won a number of events and in 2010 was the Indian national champion. He won major events like the Philadelphia International in 2008 and the Politiken Cup in Copenhagen in 2009.

Negi’s achievements came when he was young. At 13 years, 4 months and 22 days, he became the second youngest Grand Master ever after Sergey Karjakin of Ukraine. Negi remains a feared Grand Master around the world for his deep preparation and research in the opening phase.

– IANS

Asian countries.

India hosted the Commonwealth Games in Delhi in 2010, a $6-billion event billed as the country’s answer to the 2008 Beijing Olympics but it descended into rows over leaking stadiums, filthy athletes’ rooms and corruption scandals.

Some members of the organizing committee, including IOA chief Suresh Kalmadi, were arrested on charges of inflating tenders worth millions of dollars for equipment used during the Delhi Games.

Sports Minister Ajay Maken

– QINHUANGDAO, China ndia’s boxer M.C. Mary Kom (51kg) moved a step closer to booking a berth in the London Olympics by beating Norway’s Marielle Hansen 18-6 in the pre-quarters of the women’s World Boxing Championship here May 15.

Mary Kom moved into the last eight of the qualifying event. Women’s boxing will make its Olympic debut in London in three categories – 51kg, 60kg and 75kg.

The Manipuri boxer’s category has two spots available for Asia from among a total of eight. Three Asian boxers have made it to the quarterfinals including the Indian, the other two being Ren Cancan and North Korea’s Hye Kim. If either of the two lose in the quarters May 16, and Mary Kom wins her bout against world No.2 Nicola Adams of England, the Indian will get the Olympic spot.

Sarita Devi though could not replicate her compatriot’s feat as she went down 22-25 to England’s Natasha Jonas in the 60kg category.

I

– IANS

said it was difficult for the government to trust the IOA after the corruption charges surrounding the Commonwealth Games.

“Under the current scenario, the IOA is facing flak and has been unsuccessful in removing Suresh Kalmadi even after facing such serious corruption charges,” Maken told reporters in Delhi last week.

“It is not possible to trust the IOA and they do not seem competent to hold another big Games where hundreds of millions of rupees will be spent again.”

– Reuters

Pakistan Keen to Renew India Ties After T20 League Offer – KARACHI akistan cricket officials were hopeful of renewing bilateral ties with India after the Indian governing board (BCCI) invited their neighbors to send a team for this year’s Champions League T20 tournament.

The Champions League is an offshoot of the lucrative Indian Premier League and is contested by the domestic T20 champions of test-playing nations.

Pakistan had not been invited to the first three editions of the event by the BCCI due to strained relations between the two countries.

“We are happy that the BCCI decided our national champions should take part in the Champions League,” Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief operating officer Subhan Ahmed told Reuters.

“Hopefully this would be the first step towards reviving bilateral cricket ties between the two countries.”

BCCI president Narayanaswami Srinivasan said Pakistani team Sialkot Stallions’ participation in the T20 tournament will have to be approved by the governing council of the Champions League that includes Australia and South Africa.

“We are delighted that finally some ice has been broken. Hopefully we can now move forward from here,” he said.

India have frozen all bilateral cricket ties with Pakistan since 166 people were killed during a three-day siege in Mumbai in 2008. The only gunman arrested following the attacks was a Pakistani national.

P

to move the appropriate high court to raise his contention.

The petitioner contended that the Article 80(3) of the constitution provides for nomination of eminent people from the field of literature, science, art and social services. He contended that there is no provision for the nomination of an individual to the Rajya Sabha from the sports category.

Tendulkar, who was also given the honorary rank of group captain in the Indian Air Force in 2010, was nominated by the government for a seat in the upper house of parliament April 26 alongside actress Rekha and industrialist Anu Aga.

– IANS

Daredevils Win by Five Wickets, Qualify for Playoffs – NEW DELHI elhi Daredevils qualified for the playoffs with a scrappy five-wicket win over Kings XI Punjab in the Indian Premier League (IPl) at the Ferozeshah Kotla here May 15.

Mahela Jayawardene (56 not out) and Irfan Pathan (19 not out) bailed the Daredevils out from a precarious position and helped them chase down Kings XI’s score of 136 for eight with an over to spare.

D

www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know

– IANS

– Reuters

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

May 18, 2012

31

n Arts: Galleries & Museums

The Metropolitan Museum of Art presents ‘Lyrical Visions’ – Paintings from North India Bose Pacia presents ‘Transparent Studio: Pooneh Maghazehe’ Current artist-in-residence Maghazehe traces the background of specific objects and anthropomorphizes reactions to emotions that are inherent in the objects of comfort, through June 23.

n Cinema

12th annual New York Indian Film Festival

Gallery hours are by appointment only: Tuesday through Friday from 11 to 6 pm and Saturday 12 to 6.

There will be an open studio event with the artist on 7 June from 6 to 9 pm.

For more information, visit

May 18 to June 23 at 35 Great Jones Street , New York.

For more information, visit

www.bosepacia.com

newyork@aicongallery.com

Council. For more information, call Rajeshwar Prasad (631) 698-0512.

n Dance

Rhythm 2012

May 23 to 27 at various locations in New York City.

Presented by the IndoAmerican Arts Council.

Opening Night Red Carpet: Screening of Bedabrata Pain's “Chittagong,” May 23, 6:00 p.m. at Paris Theatre, W 58th Street, New York.

Center piece: “Chitrangada,” directed by Rituparno Ghosh, May 25, 6:00 p.m. at Tribeca Cinemas, Varick Street, New York.

Closing Night red carpet: Screening of Anurag Kashyap's “Gangs of Wasseypur” followed by the awards ceremony, May 27, 6:00 p.m. at Skirball Center for the Arts, 566 La Guardia Place New York.

Also featuring: ‘A Tribute to Shyam Benegal: A Trilogy Based on Khalid Mohammed's Stories’ – “Mammo”, “Sardari Begum” and “Zubeida.”

For more information, visit

www.iaac.us/NYIFF2012 The National Indo-American Association for Senior Citizens (NIAASC) to hold its 23rd conference on seniors In collaboration with the Indian American Kerala Cultural and Civic Center, June 1, 3:00 p.m. at 1 World Fair Marina, Queens, New York. from 10:00 a.m to 3:00 p.m.

Subject: Aging in Place by Edward O’Connor, chairman of the Long Island Chapter of National Aging in Place

Watch dance teams compete, enjoy live music and food, June 2, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Crossroads Middle School South, 195 Major Road, Monmouth Junction, New Jersey.

To Support Organization in for Kids in Need (SOFKIN).

For more information, visit

www.sofkin.org Share and Care Foundation presents dance-drama ‘Ekatva-Oneness’

Aicon Gallery presents ‘Mapmakers: The Evolution of Contemporary Indian Art’

n Heritage

Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano and the Asian-American Advisory Council to host Asian-American Heritage Month celebration May 18, 6:00 p.m. at Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building, Legislative Chamber, 1550 Franklin Ave, Mineola, New York.

For more information, call Zahid Syed, chairman, Nassau County Commission on Human Rights (516) 572-0386 or email ZSyed@Nassaucoun-

tyny.gov Ethnic attire welcome.

n Music

Musik Waves presents ‘Yaadon ki Baarat’

Kickoff event to celebrate Share and Care’s 30th anniversary, May 20, 3:30 p.m. at Memorial Auditorium of Montclair State University, 1 Normal Avenue, Montclair, New Jersey.

For more information, visit

www.shareandcare.org

n Gala

5th annual gala of the Young Professionals chapter of the American India Foundation May 19, 7:00 p.m. at the Metropolitan Pavillion, 125 W 18th St # 804 New York.

For more information, visit

http://www.aifyoungprofessionals.org/newyork/5th-annualgala

With Indian Idol winner Abhijeet Sawant, Deepali Sathe of “Sa Re Ga Ma Pa” fame and a host of singers, May 27, 6:00 p.m. at North Brunswick High School, 98 Raider Boulevard, North Brunswick, New Jersey.

For more information, call Azim (732) 277-6687.

Indu Gajwani presents ‘Sunhari Yadein’ June 22, 8:00 p.m. at Hindu Temple Auditorium, 143-09 Holly Avenue, Flushing, New York.

For tickets or more information, call Indu (646) 541-5859 or Rita (516) 6522633.

Musik Waves presents ‘Koi Deewana Kehta Hai & Beyond’ With iconic poet Dr. Kumar Vishvas with Ramesh Muskaan, May 26, 7:30 p.m. at Hindu Temple Auditorium, 143-09 Holly Avenue, Flushing, New York.

Through July 8 at 1000 Fifth Avenue New York.

For more information, visit

Paintings produced in the north Indian regional courts of Malwa, Mewar, Bundi, Sirohi, Marwar, Agra, and Gujarat from the 15th to the 17th century, through May 28 at 1000 Fifth Avenue New York.

For more information, visit

www.metmuseum.org

www.metmuseum.org

The Metropolitan Museum of Art presents ‘Byzantium and Islam Age of Transition’

For more information, call Azim (732) 277-6687.

Indo-American Arts Council presents Sitar Maestro Ustad Shujaat Husain Khan With Pandit Samir Chatterjee on the tabla, on Friday, May 18 at 7 p.m. at Symphony Space (2537 Broadway, between 94 and 95 Streets).

For more information, visit

www.iaac.us.

Bharat Jotwani and Victor Khubai present Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan Live June 2, 8:00 p.m. at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

For more information, visit

www.poojanka.com

n Nightlife An Evening of Glamour and Glitz With Desi Girls May 18, 7:00 p.m. at Chutney Mary , 3793, Route 1 South, South Brunswick, New Jersey.

For more information, call (732) 754-6414.

n Shopping India Star Plus presents ‘Oak Tree Shopping Festival’ May 26-27. Big discounts on jewelry and clothing. Meet Pratigya and Jigar of Star Plus.

For more information, visit

www.OakTreeShoppingFestival.com

n Spirituality

2012 USA Open Sadhna Satsang Conducted by Param Pujya Dr. Vishwamitterji Maharaj, May 17, 6:00 a.m. to May 20, 7:00 a.m. at Arsha Vidya Gurukulam, 651 Route 115, Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania.

For more information, visit

www.shreeramsharnam.org

n Theater

New York Tamil Sangam to host Y Gee Mahendra's full length comedy play ‘Venkata 3’ Guaranteed non-stop laughter with Y Gee M in three roles, May 18, 7:00 p.m. at Saraswati Hall, opposite Maha Vallabha Ganapathi temple, Bowne Street, Flushing, New York.

Chief guest: Thiru R. Seetharaman, CEO Doha Bank, Qatar. For more information, call Prakash (917) 353-4545, Vijay (917) 257-4763 or Gayathri (631) 470-7331.

Those Indian Guys take D'Arranged Marriage to Queens 2 nights only – May 19 and 20 at Moka Nightclub & Lounge 130-35 91 Avenue, Queens, New York.

n Yoga

Hatha Yoga Classes by Keshava Radha Yoga The 90-minutes classes include: Vinyasa (flow), Asanas (postures), Pranayama (breathing exercises) and relaxation, First class is free.

Studios are located at 255 West 36 Street Suite 1006 (between 7 & 8 Avenues), New York.

For more information and schedule, visit

www.keshavaradhayoga.com

Desi Talk publishes the listings under the Directory of Events free of charge as a service to our readers. Organizers are welcome to send details of programs and these should reach us at least two weeks in advance of the date of publication.

Readers are advised to reconfirm the events with the organizers.

www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know