The Observer Vol 18 Edition 24

Page 1

Happy Holi

An IIJNM Publication

Vol 18 Issue 24

Thursday, March 21, 2019

PUBG game addiction prevents youngsters from concentrating on their studies| P3

Folk dances in Karnataka suffer lack of exposure as youngsters prefer western forms | P2

High H-1B visa rejections put techies in a fix

Trump’s stance makes it hard to get onsite jobs Shrabona Ghosh

A

reduction in H-1B visas available for Indian IT companies is giving its employees a tough time to apply for onsite jobs. It has forced these employees to avoiding applying for onsite jobs in the US market. Krishnendu Paul, a Wipro employee, said: “The rejection rate is so high that it is difficult to secure an onsite job. I have been trying for an onsite location for two years but my application is always rejected.” Randeep K, an IT professional from a leading IT services company, said: “People generally opt for IT firms because they provide great scope for going abroad. The best remuneration packages are available for onsite relations, but due to the restrictions in the visa application process, I have not been selected. It is a tough time.” Employers who want to send their employees for on-site positions face difficulties due to the changes brought in the H-1B visa application process and a hardened stance by the US administration in accepting applications. According to a report on Forbes.com, the ‘Buy American,

Hire American’ executive order signed by President Trump in April 2018 directed the Department of Homeland Security to issue H-1B visas to only the most-skilled foreigners or highest-paid beneficiaries. According to new data acquired by the National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP), the United States Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) has begun to increase H-1B visa denials and the number of Requests for Evidence issued to H-1B visa applicants. The report quotes an NFAP source as saying: “Employers report the time lost due to the increase in denials and Requests for Evidence has cost millions of dollars in project delays and contract penalties, while aiding competitors that operate exclusively outside the United States.” The H1B visa is a popular nonimmigrant work visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialist roles. American technology companies have long depended on it to hire highly skilled employees from countries like India and China. Bengaluru-based Infosys had 2,042 rejections, followed by TCS at 1,744. Cognizant, a company headquartered in the US but which has a majority of its workforce in India, saw 3,548 rejections. The numbers were put out by the Centre for Immigration Studies. Continued on Page 3

The festival is celebrated as a symbol of friendship where even enemies forgive each other and enjoy together | Credit: Ileena Dutta

Some Bengalureans love to splurge at Holi parties Ileena Dutta

T

he Festival of Colours witnessed several parties, including pool and lounge parties, at Bengaluru’s malls and hotels. Organizers reportedly spent up to Rs 10 lakh on an average on such events. “We have arranged music and DJ along with Holi celebration. Gujias, bhaang, colour balls and rainbow colours are there. This time we have kept a pool splash session for our guests for half an hour keeping water conservation in mind,” said Mukesh Punia at Royal Orchid Suites, a luxury hotel. Holi signifies the start of spring and the harvesting season for farmers. Nowadays Bengalureans play

Holi irrespective of caste, creed and culture. Bengaluru has a large number of migrants from other parts of the country. Marwaris, Gujaratis and Bengalis spend huge amounts on celebration. “We organize events and people spend money to come to such parties and enjoy the day,” said Rahul Sharma, a member of the event management team at Hyatt, a five-star hotel People dig into sumptuous food and beverages on this day with their friends and families. This boosts food and beverages businesses. “We prepare special juices and shakes which are colourful and attractive for the guests on this day,” said Rasif, owner of Rainbow Juices and Shakes.

Holi celebrates the death of Holika, sister of Hiranyakashipu. According to Hindu mythology, Hiranyakashipu’s son was a devotee of Lord Vishnu, Hiranyakashipu’s enemy. He decided to kill his son by making him sit on Holika’s lap, who was resistant to fire. When they sat on a pyre of fire, the son was saved but Holika died, signifying the victory of good over evil. The use of colours came from the mythology of Lord Krishna. He is said to have celebrated Holi with colours. The festival is also celebrated as a symbol of friendship where even enemies forgive each other and celebrate the festival together. ileena.d@iijnm.org


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.
The Observer Vol 18 Edition 24 by IIJNM Bangalore - Issuu